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Home , Bilal Zafar (comedian), Chris Ramsey (comedian), Clive Mantle, Coopers Square, DanceX, Deaf Havana

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LAURA MVULA - Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands INTERVIEW INSIDE WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 376 APRIL 2017 ’

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onwolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk APRIL 2017 inside:

Your 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

ENGLISH presentsTOURING two classic OPERA works

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP in Wolverhampton

StrictlyPASHA star KOVALEVbrings the romance of the rumba to the Midlands TWITTER@WHATSONWOLVES WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK

celebratingDISNEY 100 ON years ICE of magic at the Genting Arena

TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S SMASH HIT MUSICAL AT THE GRAND Contents April Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:10 Page 1

Birmingham@WHATSONBRUM Wolverhampton @WHATSONWOLVES Shropshire @WHATSONSHROPS staffordshire @WHATSONSTAFFS Worcestershire @WHATSONWORCS warwickshire @WHATSONWARWICKS Contents April Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 21:16 Page 2

April 2017

Contents

Russell Brand - contemplates the responsibilities of parenting at Victoria Hall, Stoke more on page 25

Laura Whitmore New Model Army La Cage aux Folles the list

stars in brand new thriller at Yorkshire rock band bring John Partridge talks about his Your 16-page Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn Winter to Bilston role in the hit West End musical week by week listings guide Interview page 8 page 17 Interview page 26 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 16. Music 24. Comedy 28. Theatre 39. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 MAGAZINE GROUP Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word April Wolves_Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 16:12 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Shrewsbury theatre to stage first in-house show Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn is this month presenting its first ever in-house production, with former Casualty and Strictly Come Danc- ing favourite Patrick Robinson taking the lead role. Patrick will star as Macbeth in a brand new version of the Shakespeare tragedy. The show will be directed by Loveday Ingram, a recent collaborator with the Royal Shake- speare Company. Commenting on his involvement, Patrick said: “Playing the title role in Theatre Severn’s first in-house production means that we’re part of making history, and that’s very exciting!'” Macbeth shows in Theatre Severn’s Walker Theatre from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 April. For ticket enquiries, phone 01743 281281 or visit theatresevern.co.uk.

making a welcome return to the venue after Wolves council releases Route confirmed for new starring in last year’s panto production of Al- Vélo Birmingham bike ride addin. artist’s impression of new Full details of the Vélo Birmingham 100-mile Jack And The Beanstalk shows at the Grand £55million development from Saturday 9 December to Sunday 14 Jan- fully closed cycling road route have been an- An artist's impression of Wolverhampton’s uary. Tickets are already on sale and can be nounced. soon-to-be-built £55million Westside devel- booked in person, by phone on 01902 429212 The autumn event, taking place on Sunday opment has been released by the city’s coun- or online at grandtheatre.co.uk. 24 September and starting on the city’s Broad cil. Street, will take 15,000 cyclists on a ‘breath- The leisure-led mixed-use development will taking journey’ from city to country, passing Clare Balding to kickstart feature a multiplex 12-screen cinema, 50,000 through Dudley, Herefordshire, Sandwell, Shrewsbury Bookfest square feet of additional leisure space, new Staffordshire and Worcestershire. restaurants covering 40,000 square feet, a To find out more, visit vélobirmingham.com Award-winning broadcaster, journalist and multi-storey car author Clare Balding kickstarts this month’s park, 300 new Shrewsbury Bookfest. city-centre Casting announced for Clare appears at the town’s Prestfelde School homes and Jack And The Beanstalk on Friday 28 April to talk about her children’s 50,000 square book, The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop. feet of retail Other festival highlights include an interac- and leisure tive celebration of Harry Potter, a live draw- space. ing session with Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown and the chance to make your New book tells the story of own Gromit model, courtesy of workshops run by Wallace & Gromit creators Aardman popular Stourbridge park Animations. A book exploring the proud heritage of Stour- The Shrewsbury Bookfest takes place at vari- bridge’s best-loved open space is now on ous venues around the town from Friday 28 sale. to Sunday 30 April. A final event, CBeebies’ Beauty For Everyone: The Story Of Mary One-time Pop Idol star Gareth Gates is taking Ben Faulks’ Watch Out For Muddy Puddles, Stevens Park explores the history of the park the lead role in Wolverhampton Grand The- has been rescheduled to Sunday 7 May. Tick- and features a number of rarely seen images atre’s 2017 pantomime production of Jack ets for all events are available via shrews- of the area. The book is available, priced And The Beanstalk. burybookfest.co.uk or by phoning 0333 666 £7.99, from Mary Stevens Coffee Lounge and Gareth will be joined by Lisa Riley, Ian 3366. Oldswinford Coffee Lounge No92. Adams, Adam C Booth and Black Country favourite Doreen Tipton, all of whom will be 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word April Wolves_Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 16:12 Page 2

First Word

Sign-language Folk festival launches family musical in Room For All project Wolverhampton Shrewsbury Folk Festival has launched a proj- The world premiere of the first ever ect to celebrate cultural diversity and high- sign-language musical for families light the plight of refugees. takes place at Wolverhampton’s The initiative has been made possible by a Arena Theatre this month (Friday 7 & Saturday 8 April). £95,000 investment from Arts Council Eng- Oliver In The Overworld has been land. The new project, Room For All, will in- created for three to six-year-olds and clude a music commission featuring refugee features hand-crafted puppets, song, musicians and a programme of education and dance and fully integrated sign lan- outreach work in the county. guage. Commenting on the project, Festival Director The show is being presented by the well-established Krazy Kat Theatre Alan Surtees said: “We felt so despondent at Company and tackles the subjects of the division, negativity and prejudice that old age, its associated loss of mental surfaced during the Brexit campaign that we facilities and children’s abilities to decided to try and bring some decency and assist in the resolution of conflict. optimism to the plight of refugees.” To book tickets, call 01902 321321 or This year’s festival runs from Friday 25 to visit wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre Monday 28 August at the West Mid Show- ground. Tickets are available at shrewsbury- An ‘open sesame’ folkfestival.co.uk. to more Potteries panto magic One of the Potteries’ favourite sons From past pupil is once again making a welcome return to the region to star in pan- to present-day tomime. performer Baddeley Green-born Jonathan Wilkes will be making his 12th Re- gent Theatre panto appearance when he takes the title role in a 3D- enhanced production of Aladdin this Christmas. Jonathan will be joined by Christian New Shrewsbury show tells the Patterson (as Widow Twankey), story of Ursula, the ‘Naga Queen’ who’ll be appearing in his eighth Regent pantomime. A new one-woman show, telling the true story of a Kensington The show runs from Friday 15 De- debutante who ended up living amongst the head-hunting cember to Sunday 7 January. Tickets Naga natives of North East India, is being presented at are on sale now and can be pur- Talented musician Galin Shrewsbury’s Wightman Theatre next month. chased by calling 0844 871 7649 or Ganchev will this month re- Ursula, Queen Of The Jungle has been written by local author visiting atgtickets.com/stoke turn to his old stamping Chris Eldon Lee and stars Joanna Purslow (pictured below), ground of Shrewsbury who appeared at the Wightman venue last year in a hugely School to perform a piano successful production of Shakespeare’s Will. recital. “Ursula went out East to do a little anthropology,” explains Galin, a former pupil at the Chris, “but ended up organising the Nagas to ward off the school and a ‘veteran’ of threat of a Japanese invasion of India. Thus, she became the more than 70 concerts in the only combatant female officer in the British Army. This was UK, Bulgaria and Italy, will not the ‘done thing’ of course, so she’s been lost in army perform on Friday 28 April. records ever since as a ‘typist’. And so the legend of the ‘Naga The £15 ticket price includes Queen’ was born - a legend which be- a donation towards the pi- came a strip cartoon in Girl Magazine.” anist’s continuing studies at The production, which is being pre- the Royal Academy of miered in Shrewsbury prior to featuring Music. Tickets can be pur- in this summer’s Edinburgh Festival, chased via shows at the Wightman from Wednesday ticketsource.co.uk/shrews- 3 to Saturday 6 May. buryschool or by ringing Tickets can be booked online at we- 01743 280812. gottickets.com or thewightman.co.uk

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Put a Spring in your step

After what’s felt like an eternal winter, warmer days are finally on the horizon. With that in mind, What’s On has put together a list of its favourite spring walks in and around Shropshire, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. Breathe in the fresh air, bask in the sunshine and revel in the beauty of the lush, green landscape...

Shugborough Park Severn Valley Country Park Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre The park provides four miles of walking and This is a 126-acre park consisting of The Shropshire Way passes right by the joins onto the Staffordshire Way. With the woodland, meadows and riverside banks Discovery Centre, with one of its routes from option of exploring the 900-acre National with views over the River Severn. The park the venue leading to the beautiful bluebell Trust Shugborough Estate, with its mansion has numerous walks, starting out from the woodland of Sallow Coppice. There are four house and delightful gardens, this is a great visitor centre and the river. With a picnic site waymarked circular walks, allowing for family day out. You’re also on the edge of the nearby, this is a great day out for all the exploration of the surrounding countryside Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural family. and ranging in distance from two to 10 miles. Beauty (AONB), complete with miles of trails Chapel Lane, Alveley, Bridgnorth, Frequent guided walks also start out from the to explore. WV15 6NG Centre. Great Haywood, Stafford, ST17 0XB School Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS Attingham Park Cannock Chase Country Park The 8,000-acre Attingham Park is home to an Carding Mill Valley This huge park has 3,000 acres for walking, 18th century mansion. There are walking Situated in Church Stretton, Carding Mill cycling and running. Starting from the park’s trails to suit everyone and an organic walled Valley is an outdoor oasis. Starting from the cycle-hire centre, the walking routes take you garden to explore. Along the way, spot the National Trust’s visitor centre, there are to Brindley Heath. Cannock Chase boasts a deer and take some time to chill out and many signposted routes on offer. There’s also good variety of wildlife, including 800 fallow relax while surrounded by delightful scenery. a reservoir and waterfall walk. Fantastic deer, and is a designated AONB. Attingham, Atcham, SY4 4TP views are available from the Long Mynd and Cannock, Stafford, ST19 5DT hills such as Caer Caradoc. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG Wolverhampton Ring Apedale Country Park This urban circuit, encompassing the city of This 450-acre park, situated in Newcastle- Wolverhampton, is a hidden gem and runs Hawkstone Park under-Lyme, has a number of for 29 miles along tracks, pavements, old Situated eight miles north of Shrewsbury, well-maintained footpaths leading to railway lines and canal tow paths. A pleasant this spectacular park covers 100 acres and meadows, quiet woodland and silent pools. walk with not too many stiles or hills. There includes labyrinth-style pathways with The Newcastle Way also passes through the are cafes and pubs along the way too, as well ravines, arches, bridges, towering cliffs and park. The Silverdale Country Park is adjacent as easy access by bus if you want a shorter follies, providing magnificent views of the and a good option if you fancy extending walk. Shropshire countryside. Other attractions your outing. Northycote Farm, Bushbury, WV10 7JF include numerous atmospheric caves to High Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, explore, the remains of the Red Castle and ST5 6AX the alluring Hawk Lake. Weston-under-Redcastle, SY4 5UY

whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Laura Whitmore DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:26 Page 1

FEATURE

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Laura Whitmore DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:26 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

LAURA WHITMORE talks about sinking her teeth into playing the lead in Peter James’ Not Dead Enough...

What persuaded you to appear in this Cleo is very strong. I feel she's got a lot to being a sponge and trying to absorb as world premiere production of Peter prove, and she's in love with a guy who is much as I can. There's no better way to James’ Not Dead Enough, Laura? probably not the best guy to be in love learn. with. She's also quite headstrong and I wanted to get back into acting. It was Will going home to Dublin be a special doesn't like to show vulnerability, which I about finding the right team and the right stop on the tour? don't either. There are a few times in the role; something that had a bit of depth to play where something happens and she Absolutely - and it's a beautiful theatre. I it and which would be a challenge. I met doesn't want him to know because she'd moved to London eight years ago and I Peter, Ian (Talbot, the director) and Joshua rather deal with it herself. I quite like that. don't get home often. I’m really excited to (Andrews, the producer), and I just knew She's very stubborn, and I guess I am too. have the opportunity to perform this play it was a team I wanted to work with. I fell to a home crowd in Dublin. And to be able in love with the script and Peter's books. You trained in drama, so what’s it like to have my mum and dad come to see it I've read a few of them, and it felt like the revisiting that discipline after doing will be great. right thing to do. Plus, Cleo, my character, presenting work? is a bit feisty - a strong woman. It’s a role I Do you have any pre- or post-show It's been ages since I did theatre, since I can sink my teeth into. routines or superstitions? won a competition to be an MTV presenter The first two Peter James stage plays about eight years ago. I did a few local Pre-show and before doing live TV, I just have been huge hits. Why do you think productions in Dublin, and it's something like five minutes of time to myself. There's audiences are so enthralled by his I wanted to get back into. I suppose so much hustle and bustle, especially with stories? presenting is acting, in a way. And in live television, that it's nice to just doing Strictly Come Dancing, I found that disappear for a few minutes. They're based on reality. Everything Peter I really enjoyed becoming a character for does is researched so well and based on those few minutes while doing a dance. I So you can act and dance - what's the some sort of truth. found the acting part helped me get one skill you don’t have but wish that you did? Were you familiar with Peter's work through the dancing. Growing up, I was before this? obsessed with theatre and that ‘live’ I wish I could play an instrument well. I feeling. Even more so than going to the play guitar badly, but I wish I was that I know his books from airports. I fly so movies, I loved watching live theatre, and person who could just pick up a guitar at a much for work, and I'll go, “I must pick up I was very lucky that that was my little party and play any song. a new book, what's in the top ten?” - and treat from my dad. My parents weren't there's always one of his there, right at the together and once a week my dad would Peter's stories are very scary. What are top! take me to see a play. you scared of in real life? Explain a little bit about Cleo... Any nerves? I'm scared of showing vulnerability because in this industry you have to be She wants a commitment from Roy More butterflies - but if you don't get quite strong. (played by Bill Ward), who’s the wrong butterflies, there's no point doing it. man to want a commitment from. I think it's hard for a woman when there's an ex- What are you enjoying most about the wife or a past relationship, and there's so tour? Not Dead Enough plays at Theatre much uncertainty here. When is this Severn, Shrewsbury from Monday 8th The routine and the structure of it. When woman going to come back? Is she dead? until Saturday 13th May getting back into acting, the best thing How do you deal with someone who's a you can do is theatre. I love working with ghost but is also real? It's not the easiest of a great team and a great director, and times.

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Food

New addition to Shrewsbury’s ever-expanding restaurant scene The latest addition to Shrewsbury’s ever-expanding culinary scene is Harvey’s Of Fish Street. The recently opened restaurant, which specialises in ‘sea- sonal, locally sourced and fresh food’, prides itself on providing an internationally inspired menu using ‘the very best of British ingredients’. The eatery offers a lunch choice menu and a snack menu throughout the afternoon, with a la carte dining featuring every evening and tasting menus on Fridays and Saturdays.

well seasoned and beautifully chocolate sorbet. flavoured. The fritter and the Both dishes showcased great hash brown tasted great too, al- flavours and were a welcome end though I’d happily have swapped to the evening. them for extra Wellington, given In terms of service, we were for- the option. gotten about a few times. Luckily The other elements of the dish we’re relaxed diners, so it didn’t worked nicely, helping to bring bother us too much, and cer- everything together. tainly didn’t hinder our enjoy- From the other side of the table ment of the evening in any way. came the comment, ‘This is the The restaurant was very busy, as nicest liver I’ve ever tasted’. was the packed bar area, which We swapped plates and I excit- was playing host to the weekly edly tucked into my half, only to quiz night. This resulted in the find that my partner had acci- friendly waitresses being rushed dentally eaten all the liver and off their feet throughout the du- left me with kidney. As the menu ration of our stay. didn’t state that the dish also contained kidney, he’d assumed All in all, Plume Of Feathers that all six pieces he could see - serves simple, well-executed hidden underneath the thick and dishes, is great value for money REVIEW: Plume Of Feathers rather delicious gravy - were and boasts a relaxed dining at- Potteries pub grub well worth savouring liver, so he’d quickly devoured mosphere. his three! A children’s menu is available on Actor Neil Morrissey’s recently and was the nicest I’ve tasted in I like kidney, so it wasn’t an request, making it a perfect place refurbished Plume Of Feathers quite a while. The oatcakes and issue. However, I’d be lying if I for families and groups of friends pub is located alongside the the spring rolls were tasty too - said I wasn’t slightly disap- alike. Trent & Mersey canal in Barlas- basic dishes that were executed pointed that I didn’t get to try the If pub grub is your thing, be sure ton, Stoke-on-Trent. well. exceptional liver. to check it out. Lauren Foster We were greeted with a smile For our mains we decided to The dish was served with a and politely shown to our table. share the Three Little Pigs, from creamy, cheesy mash, bacon Food: nnnnn To start, we opted for the Three the chef’s recommendations sec- strands and salad. Service: nnnnn Birds On The Board sharing plat- tion of the menu, and the braised We also shared some perfectly Ambience: nnnnn ter, which consisted of chicken lamb liver special. cooked onion rings - a pub clas- Overall value nnnnn liver pate with red onion chutney I started with the Three Little sic! OVERALL nnnnn and garlic bread, chicken, hal- Pigs, which comprised a pork fil- Although both feeling suitably loumi and green chilli spring let Wellington, a BBQ pulled full, we managed to squeeze in rolls and shredded Gressingham pork fritter, a black pudding dessert. I chose the New York- Plume Of Feathers Station Road duck oatcakes served with hoisin hash brown, cider gravy, hispi style baked vanilla cheesecake sauce, cucumber and spring cabbage and quince pickle. Barlaston served with a poached pear com- Stoke-on- onion. The pork fillet Wellington was to- Trent pote. My partner opted for the ST12 9DH die-for and by far the highlight of The pâté was delicious. It show- soft chocolate fudge cake with Tel: 01782 373100 cased a lovely creamy texture the evening. The pork was soft, crème Anglaise and a white whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food April Shropshire - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 19:46 Page 3 Food April Shropshire - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 19:46 Page 4

Food

Cheese & Ale Festival All-vegan eatery open for returns to Stafford business in Brum This year’s Stafford Cheese & Ale Fes- A new all-vegan eatery has opened in Birming- tival takes place on Friday 16 and Sat- ham. urday 17 June. Natural Healthy Foods’ new café on Suffolk The popular event last year attracted Street, Queensway, offers visitors a selection of more than 45,000 people, with a simi- gluten-free, hot and raw food and organic vegan larly impressive footfall expected for options. the 2017 edition of the show. Located The new venue seats 54 people and stocks more in the town’s Market Square, the festi- than 1,500 products. val features more than 40 food and drink exhibitors, a cookery theatre, al- fresco bar and live entertainment. For more information, visit stafford- Thai restaurant opens in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace towncentre.co.uk/cheeseandale A new Thai restaurant has opened in Birmingham city centre. Siamais (pronounced Siam-aze) serves modern Thai food with a twist. The eatery is the brainchild of young businessman Nishil Nathwani, who also owns Aluna Cocktail Bar by the water’s edge at It’s all about the gin in The Mailbox. Stoke-on-Trent “Aluna has been a huge success as a ‘mixology’ specialist The UK’s biggest touring gin festival is cocktail bar,” says Nishil. “There, we combined sumptuous this summer stopping off in Stoke-on- interiors, experimental cocktails and lively music, all de- Trent for the first time. signed to appeal to young professionals. And as a second- Gin Festival Stoke, taking place at Vic- ary offering, you can also choose from our Thai-inspired toria Hall in Hanley on Friday 23 and food menu. With Siamais, we’ve reversed the concept and Saturday 24 June, will offer visitors the created a magical restaurant as the primary offering. opportunity to sample over 100 differ- There’s a completely curtained off, separate bar - with a ent varieties of gin, learn about the choice of up to 60 cocktails - to complement the food.” history of ‘Britain's favourite spirit’, meet industry experts and enjoy live music. International acclaim for talented Midlands bartender “We absolutely love gin,” says Jym Harris, who founded the festival with A talented Birmingham bartender is in celebratory mood after winning a prestigious international wife Marie, “so we started these events competition. because we thought other people Toby Heap, who works at The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge, scored his success in would want the same as us. We’ve the jazz pop category of the Ysabel Regina Fusion Competition, a contest that focuses on the imagi- been overwhelmed by the positive re- native bringing together of drinks and music. Toby’s winning drink, which he called Love In Vain, ception, and it’s been fantastic to see was inspired by Eric Clapton’s Layla, Unplugged. so many people rediscover this amazing drink.” For more information, visit ginfesti- val.com New monthly tour explores Brum city centre’s culinary hotspots Little Dessert Shop A monthly ‘food tour’ has been launched in Birmingham. opens in Telford Described as ‘a relaxed, guided walk with gastronomical flavour’, the tour provides participants with the chance Wolverhampton’s Little Dessert Shop to sample offerings from the city's local independent is opening a branch in Telford this restaurants, cafes and street food providers. month. Commenting on the new initiative, its founder and host, The popular dessert parlour, which Rhiannon Simpson, said: “The tour is like a lazy, grazing also has premises in Bloxwich, lunch with sites, facts and fun along the way. My aim is Wednesfield and West Bromwich, sells to engage guests, share stories about this fantastic city more than 60 different dishes. and promote the best local, independent food busi- Scoops of ice cream are available from nesses.” £1.60 and cakes from £2.95. The food tour's up-and-coming dates are Saturday 8 The new Telford Shopping Centre April and Saturday 6 May. Both tours take place in the branch will have room to seat approxi- city centre from midday to 4pm. To book a place, visit mately 65 people. birminghamfoodtour.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Readers' Awards Wolves etc Davina DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:18 Page 1

Readers’ What’sOn Awards WINNERS announced... With over 45,000+ votes cast in the What’s OnReaders’ Awards 2017 - we are delighted to announce your winners...

Midlands Large Theatre Best Kids Show Best Midlands Arts/ WINNER WINNER Disney On Ice presents Frozen Cultural Festival Birmingham RUNNER-UP Gangsta Granny WINNER Birmingham Comedy Festival Hippodrome RUNNER-UP Best Amateur Wolverhampton Dramatic/Operatic Group Grand Theatre WINNER Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company (MUSCOM) Midlands Arts Centre RUNNER-UP Old Joint Stock Musical WINNER mac, Birmingham Theatre Co. RUNNER-UP Warwick Arts Centre Best Amateur Production Best Touring Musical WINNER Legally Blonde - WINNER Mamma Mia! Stourbridge Amateur Operatic Society RUNNER-UP Mary Poppins RUNNER-UP Jekyll & Hyde - Bournville Musical Theatre Company Best Touring Play Best Dance Production WINNER The Full Monty RUNNER-UP International Dance WINNER Birmingham Royal Ballet’s RUNNER-UP Of Mice & Men Festival Birmingham The Nutcracker Best Home-Produced Show In The RUNNER-UP Matthew Bourne’s Best Exhibition Midlands Sleeping Beauty WINNER Wildlife Photographer of the WINNER Gangsta Granny - Birmingham Year 2016 - Wolverhampton Art Gallery Stage Company RUNNER-UP Inspire 16 - Birmingham RUNNER-UP The Wind In The Willows - Museum & Art Gallery The Old Rep Best Independent Best Pantomime Cinema In The Midlands 2016/17 WINNER Electric WINNER Aladdin - Wolverhampton Cinema - Birmingham Grand Theatre RUNNER-UP Light RUNNER-UP Dick Whittington - House Media Centre - Birmingham Hippodrome Wolverhampton Best Classical Production inc Opera Best Midlands Comedian WINNER WNO - Sweeney Todd WINNER Greg Davies RUNNER-UP Birmingham Opera RUNNER-UP Joe Lycett Company - Dido ‘n’ Aeneas Best Midlands Best Orchestra/Choir Comedy WINNER CBSO Break-through RUNNER-UP Birmingham Philharmonic WINNER Orchestra Sarah Johnson RUNNER-UP Tom Christian

14 whatsonlive.co.uk Readers' Awards Wolves etc Davina DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:18 Page 2

Readers’ Awards

Best Midlands Comedy Night Best Midlands Musician Best Midlands Street Food Vendor WINNER Comedy Carousel at The Glee WINNER Laura Mvula WINNER Buddha Belly Club, Birmingham RUNNER-UP Libby Gliksman RUNNER-UP Vegan Grindhouse RUNNER-UP Comedy at Henry Tudor Best Midlands Live Band House, Shrewsbury WINNER The Twang Best Midlands Retail RUNNER-UP Ned’s Atomic Dustbin Shopping Centre Best Midlands Music Venue WINNER Bullring - Birmingham WINNER Symphony Hall - Birmingham Best Midlands Chef RUNNER-UP intu Merry Hill - RUNNER-UP O2 Academy - Birmingham WINNER Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Bham) Brierley Hill RUNNER-UP Adam Stokes (Adams, Best Midlands Music Festival Birmingham) Midlands Entertainment WINNER Shrewsbury Folk Festival Personality of the Year Award RUNNER-UP Moseley Folk Festival Best Midlands WINNER Doreen Tipton Food Festival RUNNER-UP Julie Walters WINNER Ludlow Food Festival RUNNER-UP Great British Food Festival - Shug- borough

And the winners in your region...

Wolverhampton & Best Festival Staffordshire Black Country WINNER Shrewsbury Food Festival Best Visitor Attraction Best Arts/Theatre Venue Best Arts/Theatre Venue WINNER Ironbridge Museums WINNER Lichfield Garrick WINNER Grand Theatre Best Event Best Live Music Venue Best Music Venue WINNER Shrewsbury Flower Show WINNER Lichfield Guildhall WINNER The Civic Hall Best Gallery/Exhibition Venue Best Festival Best Visitor Attraction WINNER Shrewsbury Museum WINNER Lichfield Festival WINNER Black Country Living Museum & Art Gallery Best Visitor Attraction Best Event Best Nightclub WINNER Alton Towers WINNER Cosford Air Show WINNER The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Best Event Best Gallery/Exhibition Venue Best Independent Retailer WINNER Lichfield Lumiere WINNER Wolverhampton Art Gallery WINNER Battlefield 1403, Shrewsbury Best Independent Restaurant N.Staffs Best Independent Restaurant Best Independent Cafe WINNER La Terraza Ristorante Italiano, WINNER Mad O’Rourkes - Dudley WINNER The Bird’s Nest Cafe, Shrewsbury Rugeley Best Independent Cafe Best Independent Restaurant - WINNER The Old School Rooms Shrewsbury WINNER Csons Best Independent Restaurant - Shropshire North Shropshire WINNER Townhouse, Oswestry Best Arts/Theatre Venue WINNER Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Best Independent Restaurant - South Shropshire Best Live Music Venue WINNER The Kings Head, Bridgnorth Best Independent Restaurant S.Staffs WINNER Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury WINNER Olive Tree, Lichfield

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Classical

Murray Perahia: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 5 April Murray Perahia is here reunited with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields for a concert that forms part of the American pianist’s 70th birthday celebrations. The all-Beethoven programme features the composer’s First Symphony and his Ro- mance for violin and orchestra No1. But it’s undoubtedly the Emperor concerto (his final piano concerto, written between 1809 and 1811) that will be the highlight of the evening.

English Touring Opera Birmingham Bach Choir: Handel’s Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 10 & Tues 11 April Messiah English Touring Opera travels to more regions and plays a greater number of venues than any other English opera company, presenting in excess of 100 performances every year. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 14 April The company’s stated aim is to make opera an accessible-to-everyone artform, an ambition it once again achieves with these two Wolverhampton shows. One of the city's oldest musical groups Famous Puccini melodrama Tosca is directed by the award-winning Blanche McIntyre. here gets its collective teeth into the chal- Gilbert & Sullivan light opera Patience, meanwhile, comes complete with ‘willowy poets, lenge of performing Handel’s magnificent sighing maidens, hearty milkmaids and burly officers galore’. choral masterpiece, a work which tells the story of Christ's Nativity, Passion, Resur- rection and As- Saint-Saens’ Organ Ex Cathedra: cension. Symphony Bach’s St John Passion Unquestionably the best-known Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 7 April Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 14 April section of the A favourite at Eastertide, Bach’s St John Pas- work is the rous- sion - a re-telling of Christ’s betrayal and ing Hallelujah death - continues to be one of classical Chorus, one of the music’s most profound experiences. most famous Performed by the Ex Cathedra Consort and pieces of Baroque Baroque Orchestra under the direction of choral music ever conductor Jeffrey Skidmore, the work is on written. this occasion framed in its liturgical context, the concert also including congregational hymns, organ works, readings and two British Police One of French music’s greatest living in- motets. Symphony Orchestra: terpreters, Yan-Pascal Tortelier (pic- A Spanish Inspiration tured), picks up the baton to conduct the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s perform- Shrewsbury Abbey, Sat 8 April ance of this powerful piece of music. Members of the British Police Symphony The work is considered to be an example Orchestra (BPSO) take a night off from of Saint-Saens at the very peak of his feeling collars to perform the latest con- powers, and is presented on this occa- cert in the Shropshire Music Season. sion with Jonathan Scott on the venue’s An amateur orchestra drawing its players world-famous organ. from the UK’s 44 police forces - and fea- The concert also features a performance turing members from locations as far of a second epic French masterpiece, apart as the Outer Hebrides and the Scilly Roussel’s sumptuous Evocations, a piece Isles - the BPSO are here presenting a pro- inspired by the composer’s experience of gramme that celebrates the music of Eastern culture. Spain.

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Gigs

New Model Army The Robin, Bilston, Sat 1 April Last year saw the release of Winter, New Model Army’s first full studio album since their acclaimed long-player, Between Dog And Wolf, in 2013. “Winter has a really strong identity,” says lead singer Justin Sullivan. “It’s very much the sound of people in difficult places, something that so many of us can relate to at the moment on a lot of different levels. It’s much more of a band album than Between Dog And Wolf. We made a deliberate choice in mixing it to sound more aggressive and a little less polished.”

Nell Bryden attention of many an artist - Gary Barlow, Jools Holland and Counting Crows among Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, them. Thurs 20 April Nell has since become a Radio Two listeners' In 2012, Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter favourite, gaining plenty of acclaim for her Nell Bryden released Sirens - a song based powerful, soaring vocals and accomplished on her experiences of living in New York in songwriting. the aftermath of 9/11. The track caught the

Martin Stephenson Morris Hall, Shrewsbury, Sat 1 April The Bootleg Beatles Bruno Mars Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Founder of The Daintees, Martin Stephenson Sat 8 April Mon 24 - Tues 25 April has been singing and songwriting for more than 30 years, during which time he’s also Formed in 1980 from the cast of the musical Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, toured relentlessly. Beatlemania, the Bootleg Beatles remain record producer, voice actor and choreogra- He visits Shrewsbury this month as part of one of the most popular tribute acts in the pher Bruno Mars became recognised as a 2017’s The Big Busk. All proceeds from his country, despite the emergence of numerous solo artist after his vocals featured on show will be donated to Shrewsbury Ark, a rivals. Their ongoing success is down to the B.o.B’s Nothin’ On You and Travie McCoy’s homeless shelter located in the town centre. accuracy of their portrayals, not only man- Billionaire. Mars is one of the best-selling aging to look artists of all time, having sold in excess of uncannily like 100 million singles and albums worldwide. the Fab Four His three albums to date are Doo-Wops & but also Hooligans, Unorthodox Jukebox and the sounding in- hugely anticipated 24K Magic. credibly au- thentic.

Rat Boy The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 28 April Jordan Cardy - or Rat Boy, as he’s better known - blends hip-hop, indie, punk, big- beat and electro-pop to create an anarchic live show. Away from his music, Cardy has a clothing line, SCUM, which mixes ’70s gang- ster chic with in-vogue skatewear.

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Festivals

SUMMER FESTIVAL GUIDE As another summer approaches, we're already looking forward to the warm weekends of the 2017 festival season, promising pop par- ties, metal mayhem, indie extravaganzas and some folking good fun, along with (mostly) jazz, funk and blues. Over the winter, we asked you to vote for the best venues and events across the region - and now that the polls have closed, we can officially reveal a hand- ful of the finalists. Here are your favourite music festivals, plus a few more to watch out for in the coming months.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival Swingamajig Shrewsbury Folk Festival Various venues, Wed 26 April - Mon 1 May The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury, This six-day celebration ranks among the Sun 30 April Fri 25 - Mon 28 August country's best-loved jazz events, attracting in Voted the Midlands' Best Music Festival by excess of 20,000 visitors each year. you, our readers, Shrewsbury Folk has long Taking place in the centre of Cheltenham, the been a firm fixture in any folkie's calendar. festival brings together up-and-coming UK Some of the finest folk acts from across the talent with international icons of the highest UK and further afield gather here each year calibre. Previous star contributors have in- to share songs and stories, dancing and cluded Eartha Kitt, Van Morrison, Stephane drinks. Steeped in history, Shrewsbury is the Grappelli and Ornette Coleman. perfect setting for this celebration of cen- And it's not just for die-hard jazz enthusiasts turies-old tradition, yet it’s far from stuffy. either. With its friendly atmosphere, diverse Vintage glamour meets 21st century electron- With an emphasis on collaboration and a acts and mix of free and paid concerts, Chel- ica in a show like no other, curated by Birm- growing move towards inventive fusion tenham Jazz is a great way to introduce the ingham's very own Electric Swing Circus. styles, the folk scene is where you'll find uninitiated to what the genre has to offer. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Dig- some of the most interesting and original 2017 line-up includes: Laura Mvula, Gregory beth's railway arches in the city's old indus- artists performing in Britain today. Porter, Jack Savoretti, Will Young, Paul Car- trial heartland, Swingamajig fuses 1920s 2017 line-up includes: Chris Difford, Jim rack, Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum, Rick Wake- decadence with jungle, hip-hop, gypsy jazz Moray, Jon Boden, The Unthanks, Sam man, Mica Paris & Booker T Jones and pounding electrobeats. Expect circus Carter, Oysterband, The Young'uns, Loudon and cabaret, toe-tapping dance classes, spec- Wainwright III, Le Vent du Nord, The Rheni- tacular showmanship, an extensive vintage gan Sisters and The Transports market, well-dressed punters and an eclectic, off-the-wall array of sights and sounds. Music line-up includes: The Correspon- dents, Featurecast, Electric Swing Circus, Freestylers & Sir Real, Sam & The Womp, Rhino & The Ranters, Dutty Moonshine, Mr Switch and C@ in the H@ Cabaret line-up includes: Miss Betsy Rose, Florian Brooks, Vicky Butterfly, The Flaming Feathers, Joe Black, Dr A Szydlo and Missy Malone

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Festivals

V Festival Godiva Festival The Acoustic Weston Park, Staffordshire, War Memorial Park, Festival Of Sat 19 - Sun 20 August Coventry, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Great Britain Bringing together the Among Coventry's claims Uttoxeter Racecourse, biggest artists from across to fame is being home to Fri 2 - Sun 4 June all genres, Virgin's V Festi- the UK's biggest and best Standing out from the val has, over the last 20 free music festival. crowd of ever-louder elec- years, blossomed into one of the UK's “We’ve always been proud of the Godiva tronic festivals, The Acoustic Festival of biggest and best-known music events. Festival,” Councillor Abdul Khan told the Great Britain marks a welcome return to the Born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Coventry Telegraph. “It brings a massive basics of good quality music. Cocker put forward the idea of playing in profile to Coventry as a city." Stripped back, unplugged performances are two outdoor venues over two days, V Festi- Over the years, the festival’s hosted an array the focus of this relaxed, friendly event: be- val is unique in taking place in two separate of big-name acts, from The Happy Mondays yond that, it's open to music of all genres. locations simultaneously. Chart-topping to Mercury Rev, The Enemy to Echo & The With a five-star-rated camping infrastruc- acts take to stages in Staffordshire and Bunnymen and Buzzcocks to The Boomtown ture, glamping options, seated food tents Chelmsford, visiting one on Saturday and Rats. With Coventry having now entered its and kids' play areas, it's the perfect way to the other on Sunday. City of Culture bid, expect a festival that's spend a lazy weekend with the family. bigger and better than ever, with markets, a 2017 line-up includes: P!nk, Jay Z, Rudi- 2017 line-up includes: Fairport Convention, mental, Pete Tong, Craig David, Ellie Gould- funfair, and family-friendly shows and activities in addition to a fabulous music line-up. Wishbone Ash, Nell Bryden, Hoosiers, Nick ing, Jess Glynne, Stormzy, George Ezra, Harper, Seize The Day, Boy On A Dolphin, Emeli Sandé, Jason Derulo, Madness and 2017 line-up includes: The Darkness, Tom Ed Tudor-Pole, Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Dizzee Rascal Clarke (The Enemy) and The Stranglers Doonican

Moseley Folk Festival Slam Dunk Birmingham Pride Moseley Park, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 27 May Birmingham Gay Village, Sat 27 - Sun 28 May Fri 1 - Sun 3 September It’s 20 years since Birmingham Pride took a Tucked away behind the busy streets of first tentative step onto the city’s events cal- Birmingham, Moseley Park is one of the endar. city's many hidden gems. Each year, as the Plenty has changed since 1997’s debut bash, festival season draws to a close, it's trans- not only with regard to the festival itself but formed into an enchanting escape by one of also in terms of the LGBT community’s na- the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. tional profile. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend As usual, this year’s event has plenty of seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psyche- great entertainment on offer. The line-up in- delia and indie favourites against a magical cludes popular music acts performing on the backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush fo- main stage, the Manchester Airport-spon- liage and a beautiful lake. The perfect way to sored cabaret marquee, a dance arena, a see out the summer. women’s arena and a host of community 2017 line-up includes: Laura Marling (pic- Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, stalls. A Saturday lunchtime carnival parade tured), Jose Gonzalez, Amy MacDonald, Kate punk and ska, this three-stop touring festi- through the city streets provides a lively and Rusby, Shovels & Rope, Courtney Marie An- val last year moved its Midlands date from colourful curtain-raiser to a weekend of fun drews and John Moreland Wolverhampton to the NEC, allowing for and partying. easy access from across the country. 2017 line-up includes: Dua Lipa, Basement Linked to the Leeds-based club nights and Jaxx, Gabrielle (pictured), Sophie Ellis-Bex- indie record label of the same name, Slam tor, Jonas Blue, Jamelia, Louisa Johnson, Dunk takes place over the May bank holiday Saara Aalto, M.O. weekend and boasts more than 40 acts over multiple stages, as well as DJ sets, exclusive signings and a riotous afterparty to round things off. 2017 line-up includes: Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Bowling For Soup, Neckdeep, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Deaf Havana, Beartooth, Tonight Alive and We Are The Ocean

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals April NEW.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:29 Page 4 Laura Mvula DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:06 Page 1

INTERVIEW

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Laura Mvula DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:06 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

LauraVoted Best Midlands Musician in the What’s On Readers’ AwardsMvula 2017, Laura Mvula’s road to soul-singing stardom started with the a capella group Black Voices. A Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, she started writing music while working as a supply teacher, and has recently written the score for the Royal Shakespeare Company's latest production of Antony And Cleopatra. Laura took time out from her busy schedule to big up her Brummie roots...

What’s your earliest musical memory the critics say, as I know it’s just a longer, but it was such a special of performing, Laura? sublime production and I’m super proud experience for me. My brother and sister It happens to be at the Midlands Arts of the music. The RSC has been such a joy were playing in the orchestra also. As far Centre. When I was 11, I entered a to work with, and it’s all been a superb as my career goes, that will remain one of competition where I gave my first piano learning curve for me. Off the back of this, my highlights. I’d love to do more in theatre. recital, playing Gypsy Tango. What’s your favourite memory of being Equipped with the experience you’ve How did your involvement in the a Birmingham Conservatoire student? gained over the past 12 years as a project come about? I would say meeting my ex-husband. I professional musician, what advice The director, Iqbal Khan, was set on to my remember the day I met him. We had to would you give to your younger self as first album by his fiance, Kim, who’s also sing in the chorus - the whole year group. an undergraduate at Birmingham a director. Iqbal just decided that he’d like I would also say my final recital. That was Conservatoire? to work with me, so I met up with him at the first time I gave a singing I would say, be yourself, work really hard Shoreditch House in London and he performance. and exercise more. I would’ve encouraged asked me whether I’d consider writing the Do you have any plans to visit the new myself to have gotten better sleeping music for Antony And Cleopatra. Of venue when it opens this summer? course I jumped at the opportunity. He habits too. Yeah, I’d love to, if I get the invite. It was interested in my writing style and my would be amazing to play there as well! If What’s surprised you most on your philosophy that there are no rules - or if I ever have children, I’d love them to go journey from Black Voices to where you do have rules in writing, then just there too. you are today? break them. Being able to perform to lots of people What are you most proud of as a You’re up for Soul Artist Of The Year in throughout the year and still feel Brummie? the Jazz FM Awards. How important passionate each time. I’m impressed with are such nominations and, hopefully, My schools, my Brummie accent, Cannon the progress in my voice. I’m not as subsequent award wins? Hill Park and Aston Villa. nervous as a performer these days. I used to hate talking, full stop - both in between Awards kind of mean everything and So is Birmingham still home? songs and in interviews - but now I quite nothing at the same time. I try to be Not any longer. I live in London out of like it. appreciative of any acknowledgement, peer pressure, but my mum still lives in but at the same time, I’ve sort of given up Birmingham. Is there a single artist who’s been your chasing awards. I realised that the most biggest inspiration? important thing for me is writing music Finally, what would you like to say to At the moment my biggest inspiration is that connects with people. As long as I the readers of What’s On who voted my younger brother, James. I went to see see evidence of that, which I do every day, you Midlands Musician 2017? then I’m okay. his first gig with his string quartet, Dixit, I just want to say a really big, genuine last Saturday. They totally blew me away. Amongst your many collaborations, is thank you. It means so much to even be I bought their music on iTunes and I’ve there one which remains the most considered. Big up Birmingham! been listening to it ever since. memorable? Tell us about writing the score for I think my collaboration with The Antony And Cleopatra at the RSC... Laura plays Cheltenham Jazz Festival Metropole Orkest, which was directed by on Wednesday 26 April. It’s my very first composer gig - and so far, Jules Buckley, the conductor. We recorded For more information and tickets, so good. We have opening night on an album together at Abbey Road which is head to cheltenhamfestivals.com Thursday [23 March], so I guess that will basically an orchestral version of my first be judgement day. I don’t really care what album. I think we did two days, or maybe

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy April NEW MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 14:45 Page 1

Angela Barnes Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffordshire, Thurs 6 April; The Comedy Loft, B’ham, Fri 14 - Sat 15 April

When her inspirational dad died in 2008, Angela Barnes decided to follow the advice he’d given her and launch a career in stand-up comedy. And judging by the success which has followed, she certainly made the right decision. A BBC New Comedy Awards winner, An- Andy Parsons: Peak Bullsh*t gela recently took over as the host of Radio Four Extra's topical sketch show, Evesham Arts Centre, Fri 7 April; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 8 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 27 April; The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 13 May; Newsjack. “As a self-confessed lifelong Huntington Hall, Worcester, Fri 19 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 May radio comedy nerd,” she said of her new With complimentary reviews including such observations as 'what he lacks in hair, he more role when it was announced in December, than makes up for in originality', Andy Parsons is a sharp and topical comedian who's well “I don't think 'dream job' is too strong a known from TV show Mock The Week and topical monthly podcast, The Slacktivist Action phrase. Hopefully there'll be some inter- Group. esting stories to get stuck into - heaven “If I have to summarise the new show,” he says of Peak Bullsh*t, which tours to the Mid- knows 2016 was a bit of a slow burner on lands in the coming months, “it's asking, has the world gone mad, what it means to be the news front..." British in 2017, what it means to be a patriot - and is it true that we only like immigrants if they can win us gold medals at the Olympics?” Andy’s big bag of jokes includes: “If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in Rob tonight’s episode of EastEnders, they must have been acting better than they usually do.” Deering Henry Tudor House, Marcel Lucont’s Whine List Shrewsbury, Wed 26 April The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 6 April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 27 April Rob Deering has Marcel Lucont’s current touring show is de- successfully scribed by the French flaneur’s publicist as “a built on the ben- kind of self-help group where everyone poten- efit of having a tially leaves more depressed. Expect louche mus- face that was ings, deadpan wit and Gallic superiority.” made for comedy by turning himself into It’s a description which will undoubtedly chime a rather splendid example of a profes- with people when they go to see the show - al- sional comedian. He’s been described as a though leaving at the end of the evening feeling man with ‘clownish physicality’ and ‘easy ‘more depressed’ really isn’t an option; Lucont is charm’ - and it’s on the back of such qual- way too amusing for that. ities that he’s nurtured a small army of British comedian Alexis Dubus is the man behind hugely dedicated fans, all of whom are ut- Marcel, and has been performing as the wine- terly addicted to the pleasures of an drinking, sexist philosopher for many a year now. evening in the company of his razor-sharp Not surprisingly given that fact, he wears the wit. Jokes include: “I used to be in a very character like a comfy old slipper. tidy rock band. OC/DC.” 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy April NEW MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 14:45 Page 2

Comedy

Rob Auton: The Sleep Show Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 23 April Although Rob Auton recognises he’s been lucky in life, he nonetheless finds day-today living a bit of a struggle. “I find it really hard to look at the news because it has such a bad effect on me,” he explains. “That’s why my shows tend to be about topics where my judgment hasn’t been clouded.” The topics he’s chosen so far have been ‘yellow’, ‘the sky’, ‘faces’, ‘water’, and now, sleep’. This one-subject-per-show approach distinguishes Auton from other stand-ups, many of whom tend to prefer a more scatter- gun strategy when it comes to the business of being funny.

Russell Brand: Re:Birth grows up to be like me or, worse, date someone like me?...” Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs Bursting onto the scene via Big Brother’s Rich Hall’s Hoedown 13 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 9 May ‘Big Mouth’ spin-off show, Brand has had no Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, trouble finding a spotlight in which to stand This new touring show is Russell Brand’s Wed 19 April; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, over the last few years. Sat 22 April; Stourbridge Town Hall, Fri 19 first since becoming a dad. “How do we His more high-profile exploits have included May; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 26 May make sense of the madness of our lives once an ill-starred marriage to Katy Perry, an of- His official biogra- we become parents?” he asks, in explaining fensive voicemail call to the Fawlty Towers phy somewhat less his motivation for Re:Birth. “What am I actor Andrew Sachs and his controversial than modestly de- going to tell my daughter about conformity decision to urge people not to vote in the scribes American and responsibility? What happens if she 2015 general election. funnyman Rich Hall as ‘a comic genius’ - albeit a ‘grouchy, deadpan’ one. With much of his Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Age comedy focusing on Stourbridge Town Hall, Sun 30 April making fun of life This man's official publicity blurb has included the following: across the pond in his homeland, Rich is “Love. Race. Politics. Class. Strap in for some super-speed sun- best known for his creation of Otis Lee Cren- derings and inconvenient sociology in an hour of self-soiling shaw, a bourbon-swilling redneck jailbird merriment that will leave you with rickets.” from Tennessee whose many wives have all In short, Russell Kane is a very funny man - and it’s not just his been named Brenda. publicist who thinks so. Kane’s been drawing a crowd since Publicity for this latest touring show - ‘a bursting onto the scene way back in 2004, serving up liberal mash-up of music, comedy and gratuitous doses of high-quality humour in an act which also features coloration’ - reveals the following: ‘Perform- some considerably weighty and thought-provoking material. ing will be Rich’s regular band of talented His latest touring show, Right Man, Wrong Age, is described as and chronically unemployable urchins. The ‘a performance about growing up, growing down, and why farts floor will reek of liquor and spent dreams.’ will always be funny’. whatsonlive.co.uk 25 John Partridge DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:13 Page 1

FEATURE

I am what I am! John Partridge talks about the message behind La Cage aux Folles which returns to the Midlands next month...

La Cage aux Folles is coming to Birmingham and Wolverhampton as part of it’s first ever tour of the UK. Presented by Bill Kenwright, the lavish new production of the award-winning musical extravaganza stars John Partridge as Albin/Zaza, Adrian Zmed as Georges and Marti Webb as Jacqueline. What’s On caught up with John in rehearsals to talk about his role as the lead in the highly anticipated hit Broadway musical.

You’ve starred in La Cage aux Folles What would you say the true message from a man into a woman which is all since early January. How has it been of the show is? done by illusion really because I already going and what has the crowd reaction have all of the make up on from the start. That you can be whoever you want to be been like? I just unveil myself more and more as the no matter what race, religion, or sexuality show goes on. I have to shave everywhere It’s been going fantastically. Even though you are. We all have to learn to accept, because, as a lady, you cant have any of it’s never toured before, we’ve had the celebrate, acknowledge and respect each the unwanted hair that seems to be all most amazing response to the show and it other’s differences. We need to realise over my body. This is a real female just feels so wonderful. that we are all individuals living together illusion so I have three pairs of tights, so we have to all get along. With the current rise of right-wing spanks, padding and gaffer tape for conservatism and extremism in both What is it like singing the iconic song ‘I tucking. In the first half alone I have 14 Europe and the United States, do you Am What I Am’? costume changes, some of which are only think the story of La Cage is 90 seconds long. The costumes are For an actor like me, getting to stand up particularly relevant right now. There’s completely out of this world - it’s such an on stage and share that moment with the a strong comparison to be made opulent and fabulous show. audience is completely life-affirming and between Anne’s father in the show, a the response that I’ve had has been Have you always been a fan of the right-wing politician, and Donald absolutely wonderful. show? Trump? There must be quite a lot of I first saw the show in 1987 at the London Yes, it’s definitely very topical. The story preparation involved for your role as a Palladium when I was 14 and it became of La Cage aux Folles is just as relevant as drag queen. What is it like playing the soundtrack to my youth. I never it was when it was first performed on Albin/Zaza? thought in a million years that I’d be able Broadway in the 80s as it is now, if not to be a part of this wonderful show. It’s an more so. We haven't had one show where It’s exhausting for want of a better word! I honour to sing these songs and bring this there hasn't been a standing ovation and have to get to the theatre a good two show to life. When we took the show to that’s because they’re applauding the hours before the show starts to start Wimbledon, 10 of the original cast message and the essence of the show. putting on my make up. After a song members came to watch us which was That’s why it is just so heartwarming for called ‘A Little More Mascara’ I transform just wonderful. It felt like a real La Cage us.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk John Partridge DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:13 Page 2

by Lauren Cox

aux Folles family and it’s great to be a absolutely can not wait to get Zaza into part of that. the Hippodrome to have some fun with the Brummie crowd because I know they You did a lot of musical theatre before will be really receptive to it. you starred as the lovable Christian in Eastenders. Does it feel good to really You were also in Birmingham over be getting back in to it? Christmas performing in Chicago. How do the roles differ? Yes, it’s all about progression for me. It’s about learning and continuing to grow They are very different shows but in and develop as an actor whether that be some ways they aren't that on television, in musical theatre, dissimilar. Billy Flynn and Zaza performing in a one man band, singing in are both showmen, or rather one concerts or through any other medium showman and one showgirl. within the arts. Right now I’m learning a Billy is quite the consummate lot about being a lady! That’s not showman so I’m sure if something I ever thought I’d say. anyone could give Zaza a run for her money it would be Do you have a preference between Billy. In fact, I think they're a television and theatre? match made in heaven. Zaza They’re both very different. With theatre Flynn, who knows? you get an instant reaction from an Are you looking forward audience so you know straight away to coming back to Brum whether or not they’re enjoying it. There’s in May? nothing better than holding an audience in the palm of your hand and being able Yes, I love being in to hear a pin drop followed by an Birmingham. I’m from applause. It’s an instant buzz. Television the North West so it’s is different because you’re not necessarily close enough to my sure how it’s going to be received and home that I get to see sometimes you have to wait as long as my family and my mum, eight months before you even see it, but I who is suffering with like and respect both platforms and dementia. I have lots of friends in mediums. and around Birmingham now too so it’s great that I can catch up with Musical theatre must get pretty them, even though with eight shows exhausting doing up to eight shows a a week I barely get any time week for months on end. How do you off. I love performing at the make each show as exciting as the Hippodrome because it’s a first? great venue to play. It's a You have to be disciplined. It’s very tiring beautiful theatre so I'm to give your all that many times a week really looking forward to but your training and professionalism getting back and performing guide you through. I trained at the Royal there again. Ballet School from the age of nine to 16 La Cage aux Folles and that really helps. You also have to plays at work a little bit harder for some audiences Birmingham because they all vary from city to city. So, Hippodrome in a way, you have to adjust your from Tuesday performance to fit those venues and 16 to Saturday cultures. 20 May and You’ve performed in Birmingham a Wolverhampton number of times with CATS, Miss Grand Theatre, Saigon and in panto. What is the Tues 27 June to Birmingham audience like? Saturday 1 July The audience in Birmingham is always great, warm, and very much up for it. I Bubbly Black Girl DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:36 Page 1

FEATURE

Bubbly Black Girl...

Kirsten Childs’ intelligent, quirky and hugely entertaining comedy this month heads to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre

On 15 September 1963, four girls were Partly, this is down to background and dolls of different colours and asked which murdered in an infamous Ku Klux Klan protective parenting. As a middle-class they preferred. There are recordings of terror attack in Birmingham, Alabama. girl living in LA, Viveca doesn't witness these kids speaking really openly about it The bombing marked a major turning the kind of direct violence that would and it's quite shocking.” point in American racial politics, have been a daily reality for many in the Known as the Clark Test, this experiment contributing to the passing of the Civil ’60s. Yet throughout her life, she's still was initially run in the late 1930s by Rights Act the following year. subtly undermined by stereotyping and psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark. discrimination. Rather than confronting But not everyone was au fait with the Regardless of their own race or this head-on, however, her father movement at the time. A combination of background, the vast majority of children encourages her to keep smiling and try to fear, denial and internalised racism expressed a preference for the white doll, ignore what's happening. Her mother, on prevented many from reacting, at least selecting it as “good” and “pretty” while the other hand, is not convinced that's openly, to the event. Among them is the black doll was picked out as “bad” healthy. Kirsten Childs' semi-autobiographical and “ugly”. The evidence this provided of heroine Viveca Stanton, the title character “That conflict creates a dichotomy within internalised racism came to be used in the in her Offie Award-nominated musical, the child,” explains Trevor A Toussaint, landmark 1954 Civil Rights case Brown v The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her who plays Daddy. “She starts wondering, Board of Education, credited with ending Chameleon Skin. Fully aware that any one 'Who am I? What's wrong with me segregation in American schools. Yet of those dead girls might have been her, aspiring to be like a white person? Why more than half a century later, repeat Viveca decides that she'll protect herself are black people telling me that I'm experiments have continued to show by ‘being white’. Assuming the wrong?' I think the reason this show similar results, and not only in the US. unthreatening nickname ‘Bubbly’, she really resonates with people is because it's In Act Two, meanwhile, Viveca's internal restyles herself as a giggling optimist about that whole question of, 'Am I good conflict is physically depicted when Jack, floating through life, shielded from its enough?'” who plays her as a child and teenager, harsh realities by relentlessly positive In Act One, this dichotomy is represented joins the adult Viveca - as played by thinking. through Viveca's conversations with her Mackay - on stage, representing the Following a run at London's Theatre Royal Chitty Chatty - a talking, white-skinned character's unspoken inner thoughts. Stratford East, this intelligent, quirky and doll in a frilly dress with bright blue eyes This isn't the only way Viveca changes hugely entertaining comedy heads for and flowing blonde hair, which she over time. Spanning four decades of Coventry's Belgrade Theatre this month. favours over her short-haired black doll, history, the show sees her try on multiple dressed in a pair of red dungarees. “I think at a young age, Viveca is very guises, from taking tips from her Black sheltered,” says Karis Jack, who plays her, “As a young girl, Viveca aspires to be like Panther schoolmate to hanging out with a sharing the role with co-star Sophia Chitty Chatty,” says Jessica Pardoe, who crowd of hippies, and from working as a Mackay. “She’s not necessarily aware of brings the doll to life on stage. “It's typist to giving big-shot directors what she all the things that some of her school actually based on a test that was done thinks they want in dance auditions. And friends are aware of.” with children where they were given two then there are the desperately Bubbly Black Girl DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:36 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

inappropriate boyfriends... neighbour Gregory. “Everyone is a bit of a adds Gove, “and I think maybe someone chameleon - you're different when you're who wrote music wouldn't have written “My character is a very different sort of with your friends to when you're at work. them like that. It's quite challenging - person than Viveca has ever met before,” We all put up these fronts to be accepted.” sometimes every line could almost be a says Llandyll Gove, who plays the separate song.” magnificently named Cosmic Rainbow. “It “It's very much about identity,” agrees doesn't really matter to him who she is or Matt Dempsey, who plays the young Above all, though, this is a show that's what colour she is. But there's a really Viveca's unconsciously racist old ballet thoroughly good fun, underlined by a cringeworthy scene where he meets her teacher, as well as the slightly creepy wicked sense of humour which emerges mum. I suppose in his head, he's trying to Broadway doyen, Director Bob. “Yes, race partly from the musical theatre be on their level and say the things that he is a very deep-rooted theme, and it’s conventions which Viveca's artificial thinks they would want to hear.” Kirsten writing about what she felt, but cheeriness simultaneously exploits and that struggle with identity is something subverts. It's also a classic coming-of-age “Lucas believes he is a sexy, smooth, that we can all relate to.” tale, with all the usual comically clumsy charismatic guy who will get any lady he awkwardness of adolescence. wants if he does his chat-up lines, and it It's not just Viveca who changes with the works for him with Viveca,” says Ashley times either. The show also features a “Despite the fact that it's so layered, and Joseph, who plays the self-styled lothario. fabulous and totally unique score that that's the beautiful thing about it, it still is “It's all based on something that his echoes pop trends through the decades, a really fun night out,” says Williams. grandma told him when he was a kid, from ’60s Motown to ’80s power ballads. “There are some great numbers, great which he probably didn't fully understand singing, and at the evening shows, we can “It's really interesting and not like at the time.” hear the audiences laughing all the way anything I've ever done before, especially through. People are going away having In many respects, Lucas functions as a in terms of how it was put together,” says had an amazing time, and that's really warped mirror image of Viveca, breezing Shelley Williams, who plays Viveca's important to us.” through life responsibility-free, having lighter-skinned ballet classmate Yolanda, constructed a persona that protects him as well as Lucas' “evil” Granny. “Kirsten from worrying about the world around didn't write notated music, so she The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her him. This realisation is a big step towards recorded herself singing each line of the Chameleon Skin shows at the Belgrade Viveca’s eventual awakening. harmonies on different tape recorders, Theatre, Coventry, from Wednesday 5 and then put them all together.” “The important part of the title is that she to Saturday 15 April sheds her chameleon skin,” says Jay “People who know their music will be able Marsh, who plays her nice-guy next-door to hear how complex the harmonies are,” Gary Delaney DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:35 Page 1

FEATURE

Gary Delaney

Solihull’s king of the one-liner talks Twitterati, visualisation, and why Midlands audiences are amongst the best...

In a meme-dominated era, half the Solihull's own king of the one-liner is comics thought I was mad for giving away country seems to fancy themselves among those who've made the most of the material for free,” explains Gary. “But I comedians on the internet. But though new medium, ideally suited to the pithy, very quickly built up a decent base on Twitter offers users the possibility of well-formed jokes he favours. But there there, and when I did my first Edinburgh fleeting fame for one good gag, social are difficulties, too. Ahead of his show in 2010, about a quarter of the media stars fall as quickly as they rise. forthcoming stand-up show at the Old tickets were sold to people who had seen And as the pros like Gary Delaney will tell Rep Theatre, we spoke to Delaney about my stuff online. Now everybody puts you, sustaining that success is where the the internet, memory palaces and how to jokes on Twitter, it's nowhere near as real hard graft comes in, from slogging craft the perfect show. effective.” through the touring admin to making sure “When I started on Twitter back in 2008, Being drowned out by Twitterati vying for he writes enough to use online and in live nobody was putting jokes on it, and other attention isn't the only pitfall for a sets. Gary Delaney DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2017 11:35 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

creative on social media today. As Twitter another two-thirds. So it's roughly the you can flesh out with additional use has expanded and his followers have best third of the best third that actually material. Some crowds are a bit more arty swelled in number to more than 60,000, end up in the show.” and prefer things more subtle and Delaney's had to be more circumspect highbrow; others like things a bit ruder Writing them is one thing, but about what he shares, so as not to spoil and darker. Personally I like to have a bit remembering 200 unconnected jokes material for his gigs. Moreover, he's had of both because it gives texture to the while up on stage without a prompt is run-ins with other websites publishing his show, but often I'll lean a bit more one quite another. For comedians who tell jokes without consent and failing to credit way or the other. The biggest laughs come stories or deal with themes or issues, at him as the original author. when an audience finds you 'cheeky', and least one thought will follow naturally that's not always going to be the same “Many years ago a comic would have 20 from another. But for a one-liner point.” minutes of killer jokes that would serve specialist like Delaney, the pressure's them for their career. Unless they did even greater. Of course, when you're trying to edit them on Saturday night telly, they could down, it helps to be married to a “I don't actually have a great natural carry on using them in the clubs for years successful comedy colleague. In 2013, memory, but I knew a few comics had and nobody would know or mind because Delaney married Sarah Millican, and explored this before, and I read up on audiences changed so much. Now your while testing material out on loved ones is memory systems, mainly in a book called best stuff gets burnt really quickly a “wearying” rookie error, having Moonwalking with Einstein. You know because even if you've never shared it someone to come along with you to new- how on Sherlock he has his 'Memory publicly yourself, other people will put it material nights and give constructive Palace'? Well, it's exaggerated in that, but online. It's frustrating, but I think on criticism is a definite bonus. they're actually a real thing. It's what the balance I've probably gained more in Greeks and the Romans used to use “Generally you already know whether marketing than I've lost in material, and before printing, when academics had to something has worked or not anyway, so ultimately something that forces you to learn these huge amounts of data. the most useful notes are suggestions for keep writing a junkload of new material how you might fix something that didn't helps make you a better writer.” “It's all based on visualisation. The quite work, or even just noticing that the human brain is still a caveman's brain, In the case of a comic who trades on reason a certain joke didn't land was which is why it's much easier for us to quickfire wordplay, “junkload” might well because somebody opened a door at the learn locations than numbers and words. be an understatement. Each new show back of the room and nobody heard the So you take what you already know, and contains around 200 jokes sifted out from punchline.” you map what you want to learn onto it. literally thousands of discarded ideas. When I do a show, every joke is stored in Originally hailing from near Birmingham, “It takes me about three years to write a my head as a mental image of different and having performed his first new show, so I don't feel any shame in points around my house, beginning with professional gig in Moseley, it's perhaps trying to squeeze two years out of a tour! when I wake up in bed in the morning, not surprising that the West Midlands I'm basically always trying to write jokes, and ending with when I walk out of my (along with his wife's native North East) is though I do it a bit more attentively when front door. I'm pretty sure every one-liner among his favourite places to tour. I've got to get a new show together. The comic uses some variation on this. It “Comics always say their favourite crowds jokes themselves just come from things I probably takes me about five hours to are whoever they're trying to sell tickets hear - I used to carry a notebook around fully memorise a show, but once you've to, but I do genuinely look forward to but now I just jot things down in my got it, you have a bit of freedom to move Brum, Coventry, Newcastle and phone. around within that.” Sunderland because they're really fun “Every week or two, I'll book myself into a This flexibility is crucial for a stand-up, and up for it. Nobody's so up their own new-material night somewhere - often the particularly in terms of playing to bottom that they take things seriously and Birmingham Glee or the Manchester different sorts of audiences. Delaney is a get offended, but they're still sharp Comedy Store. Then I'll take my list of firm believer in the idea that a good enough to get something that's a little bit ideas, pick maybe 20 or 30 that I think comedian should be able to perform to subtler, so that gives you more variety in have legs, write them up into proper jokes different crowds in different sorts of the sort of jokes you can do.” and read them out on the night to find the venues. best ones. From there, I'll get it down to “For me, there's a certain core of about 70 about the best third, which I'll start Gary Delaney plays the Old Rep to 80% of a set that always works and is dropping in at the beginning of current Theatre, Birmingham, on there for everyone, like a skeleton that tour shows, and then I'll probably lose Thursday 6 May Theatre April MM - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 15:09 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Absolutely electrifying!’ - READ THE ★★★★★ REVIEW AT WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK ‘ Billy Elliot ing the Midlands as part of its first ever UK tour. “Billy Elliot tells two different stories about trying to overcome adver- Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 29 April sity,” says Scott Garnham, who plays Billy's older brother and local Based on the hit movie of the same name, Billy Elliot is set in the strike ringleader, Tony. “One is about a little boy trying to escape his north east of England against the backdrop of the historic 1980s min- environment, the other is about the strike. And where one succeeds, ers' strike. the other fails spectacularly. Billy wants to be a dancer but feels that he must keep his ambition se- “When we take the show to places near mining communities, I feel cret, to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family... like they really get what we're trying to say with our story. In Sunder- The award-winning show - it’s bagged 10 Tonys and five Olivier land, you could see fully-grown men crying in the audience when we Awards - features the iconic music of Sir Elton John and is here visit- talked about how there'd be no pits left in 10 years’ time.”

To Sir, With Love to make a difference in a rough East End Noise school. Lulu co-starred as one of the students The REP, Birmingham, and enjoyed a massive hit with the movie’s The Old Rep, Tues 25 April - Sat 6 May Birmingham, title track. Adapted for the stage by East Is Thurs 13 - ER Braithwaite’s novel is best known from its East playwright Ayub Khan-Din, the play is Sat 15 April 1967 film version, which saw Hollywood here being presented by The Young REP. “Noise discusses heavyweight Sidney Poitier crossing the At- topics in the lantic to star as a black rookie teacher trying The Testament Of Mary LGBTQ community and emphasises Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, the importance for Wed 12 - Sat 15 April communication and connection,” explains Three-time Booker Prize nominee Colm its writer, Thomas Moran. “It follows the Tóibín’s 2013 novella is here adapted for the story of two young boys who, in the midst of stage and presented by the production team the madness of their first year at university, behind the venue’s immersive promenade begin a relationship. It’s a heart warming show, A Passion For Birmingham. story of love, loss and togetherness.” Years after Christ’s death, his mother Mary is Moran has turned to crowdfunding to help under pressure to support the claim that her get this particular show on the road. son was the Messiah. But Mary is grieving for Noise follows on from his previous project, a her loss, and can’t bring herself to believe short film funded by O2 which he wrote, di- that the child she bore was actually the Son rected, filmed and edited himself. of God...

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Out Of Order New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 10 - Sat 15 April Take a cast of familiar television faces and a storyline that involves a government min- ister, a dead body and some truly delightful lingerie, and what do you get?... A Ray Cooney farce, that’s what. Cooney’s best-known work is long-running West Ender Run For Your Wife, the success of which has led to the 84-year-old playwright being labelled ‘the master of farce’. Shaun Williamson (EastEnders, Extras) and Sue Holderness (Only Fools & Horses, Green Green Grass) top the bill in this reti- tled revival of the 1980 show, Whose Wife Is It Anyway?

Private Lives Julius Caesar Jack is intent on leading a quiet life... One-time Likely Lad and New Tricks favourite Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, James Bolam stars alongside Last Tango In Tues 25 - Sat 29 April Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 9 September Halifax’s Anne Reid. Written in 1930 with all of his humourous This bloody story of conspiracy and murder, élan, Private Lives is one of Noel Coward’s noble intentions and ignoble actions begins sharpest comedies. It tells of a divorced cou- the RSC’s Rome season. ple - Amanda and Elyot - who meet each When Caesar is assassinated by a group of other again on their second honeymoons in prominent senators, one of his staunchest Deauville, and begin to consider dumping supporters, Mark Antony, manages not only their new loves to try and rekindle their rela- to turn the crowd against the conspirators tionship. but also to defeat them in battle... Typically replete with Coward one-liners, Pri- Angus Jackson returns to the directorial chair vate Lives is a cynical portrayal of married following his sell-out RSC productions of Op- life, infidelity, selfishness and insecurity. penheimer (2014) and last year’s Don Quixote. Ready Or Not mac, Birmingham, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 April Kali Theatre further enhance their reputation for championing groundbreaking new stage- The Underground Man work by South Asian women with this tour- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, ing production of Naylah Ahmed’s pacy Fri 21 - Sat 22 April political thriller. Telling the story of a retired Mick Jackson’s 1997 Booker-shortlisted novel and tormented teacher who takes hostage an is here adapted by Nick Wood. It tells the idealistic young Muslim, the show contem- story of William John Cavendish Scott- plates the way in which feelings of fear and Bentinck, an eccentric English aristocrat well paranoia are known both for his nowadays en- reclusive behaviour hanced by Fracked! and his curious de- the distorted Malvern Theatre, Mon 24 - Sat 29 April velopment projects. version of re- Political satirist Alistair Beaton makes a wel- It was one such proj- ality pre- ect - an extensive sented in come return with this provocative new comedy. Retired academic Elizabeth decides it’s network of under- blogs, chat- ground tunnels - that rooms and time to take action when the idyllic English village in which she lives is threatened by an inspired the title via the 24- shared by the origi- hour global energy company intent on drilling for shale gas. By comparison, Elizabeth’s husband nal novel and this news cycle. subsequent play.

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Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

Mamma Mia! Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 18 - Sat 29 April 2017; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 6 - Sat 24 February 2018 This legendary show is of course a nicely con- trived vehicle for the chart-topping music of 1970s Super Troupers Abba. The Swedish Fab Four scored mega-hit after mega-hit with catchy numbers including Wa- terloo, Dancing Queen, The Name Of The Game, The Winner Takes It All and Take A Chance On Me, all of which are present and correct in this blockbuster offering. A 2008 movie version of the show received a thumbs up from many if not most of Mamma Mia!’s adoring fans - despite former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan having rather un- wisely been given a Licence to Sing...

Sunny Afternoon The Emperor’s The half-hour comedy show was originally screened in the late 1960s and saw Howerd - The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, New Clothes Tues 18 - Sat 22 April in the guise of his character, a slave named Lichfield Garrick, Tues 11 April Lurcio - regularly breaking the fourth wall Stuff And Nonsense Theatre Company pride and speaking directly to the audience. themselves on presenting shows that are ‘en- The stage show contains adult humour that ergetic, thought-provoking and playfully mis- may not be suitable for young children, so chievous’. parental discretion is advised. Their adaptation of this much-loved caution- ary tale certainly ticks all of those boxes. The Verdict When a clothes-loving emperor declares he hasn’t a stitch to wear - despite owning a Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 18 - Sat 22 April; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 2 - wardrobe ‘the size of Paris’ - two 'designers' Sat 6 May create an outfit that will see him making Barry Reed’s novel scored such a hit that it quite a spectacle of himself... The show is This clever homage to Swinging ’60s super- was made into an Oscar-nominated movie a suitable for children aged three-plus. stars The Kinks has been wowing audiences mere two years after being published. Paul and critics in equal measure since opening in Newman and James Mason starred. the West End in 2014 - so much so, in fact, Dial M For Murder When washed-up lawyer Frank Galvin takes that it won the Laurence Olivier Award for on a medical malpractice case that nobody New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Best New Musical. Fri 28 April - Sat 20 May thinks he can win, he finds unexpected sal- Adapted from Joe Penhall’s book, with an Frederick Knott’s erotic tale of betrayal, pas- vation from the addiction to drink that’s ruin- original story by Kinks guitarist, vocalist and ing his life... songwriter Ray Davies, it features plenty of sion and murder is best known from its 1954 Alfred Hitchcock-directed film version star- Well-known television actors Clive Mantle the band’s best-known tunes, including (Casualty) and Jack Shepherd (Wycliffe) take iconic tracks You Really Got Me, Waterloo ring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly. When Tony becomes convinced that wife top billing in this Middle Ground Theatre Sunset, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, All Company adaptation of the book. Day And All Of The Night and Lola. Sheila is having an affair, he devises a means of having her murdered while at the same time ensuring he has a watertight alibi. But not everything goes according to plan...

Up Pompei Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 April Ambient Night Productions make a welcome return with this stage adaptation of the cult television series starring Frankie Howerd.

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Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region Theatre

Lori Hopkins: The Explorer mac, Birmingham, Wed 12 April The Explorer of the title is a hand- carved string puppet who, having crash-landed on an unusual island inhabited by wild beasts, finds herself involved in all manner of adventures - one of which sees her experiencing a rather bumpy elephant ride! Puppeteer Lori Hopkins is the woman pulling the strings in a show that’s followed by an interactive question- and-answer session for youngsters aged between three and eight.

Winnie And Wilbur Monstersaurus Elmer The REP, Birmingham, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Tues 11 April mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Thurs 20 April Fri 31 March - Sat 22 April Having created a whole world of whacky in- Suitable for children aged three-plus, this There’s magic aplenty to enjoy in this brand ventions and incredible monsters, young in- lively production tells the story of a patch- new show. And why wouldn’t there be, given ventor Monty doesn’t know what to do with work elephant who determines to hide his that one of its two lead characters is a spell- them all... ‘true colours’ in an effort to blend in, only to casting witch? Winnie’s her name and wav- The creators of Aliens Love Underpants make find that he feels happiest when he’s simply ing a magic wand is her game - as is wearing a welcome return with this brand new and being himself. The faith-based Riverside Per- bright stripy tights, eating pumpkin soup and ‘monster-ously good show’, which comes forming Arts ensemble is the company be- adoring her big black cat, Wilbur... complete with original music and plenty of hind this latest stage presentation of David Bringing to life the picture-book characters audience participation. McKee's much-loved creation created by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul, Mike Kenny’s stage show features songs, The Little Mermaid The Tap Dancing Mermaid laughs and slapstick fun for children aged three and older. The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Malvern Theatre, Wed 5 Apr; Stafford Gate- Mon 10 April house Theatre, Sat 15 April ‘A brand new musical pantomime adventure’ Puppets, original live music and (of course) is how this stage adaptation of the famous tap dancing all feature in this critically ac- Hans Christian Andersen story is being de- claimed touring production for youngsters scribed. It’s presented by the globe-trotting aged three and older. A one-woman show Panto Company, visiting the Midlands after originated by Tessa Bide, it sees the Moon re- recently completing a sell-out tour of China. counting the story of a tap dancer shuffling Expect ‘stunning’ scenery, ‘eye-catching’ cos- and stomping on the boardwalk to the tumes, ‘fantastic’ songs and loads of audi- sounds of the sea. But one moonlit night, the ence participation. dancer meets a mysterious boy swimming in the ocean, and her life is changed forever... The Very Hungry Fantastic Mr Fox Caterpillar Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, The Core, Solihull, Thurs 13 April Tues 18 - Sat 22 April Eric Carle’s 1969 story of The Very Hungry Roald Dahl's much-loved story follows the Caterpillar has been translated into more desperate efforts of three ‘greedy, smelly, hor- than 60 languages, selling in excess of 52 mil- rid’ farmers to do away with the fox who reg- lion copies. ularly steals food from their farms. This stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale But Boggis, Bunce and Bean have bitten off is presented alongside three other popular more than they can chew in trying to outwit children’s stories by the same author - The the fantastic Mr Fox... Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister Sea- The show is suitable for children aged five- horse and The Very Lonely Firefly. The show plus. features no fewer than 75 ‘lovable’ puppets.

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

April 2017 20th - Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa 21st - The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury May 2017 4th - Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock 5th - The Swan Theatre, Worcester June 2017 1st - The Core, Solihull 3rd - The Palace Theatre, Redditch www.BalletTheatreUK.com

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Pasha Kovalev Lichfield Garrick, Sun 2 April Grand Theatre, W’hampton, Sun 9 April Royal Spa Centre, Thurs 13 April Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 17 April Prince Of Wales Centre, Wed 19 April Malvern Theatre, Fri 19 May The Core, Solihull, Tues 23 - Wed 24 May Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 25 May The romance of the rumba, the joy of the jive and the power of the paso doble are brilliantly exemplified by Strictly star Pasha Kovalev in this brand new touring show. Pasha is joined by four talented dancers and his long-time dance partner Anya Garnis, herself a former Strictly star, for an evening that sees the much-loved performer bringing together ‘experiences in dance with those in life’.

Alice In Wonderland Albany Theatre, Coventry, Fri 7 April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington, Thurs 20 April Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 21 April; Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thur 4 May; The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Fri 5 May; The Core, Soli- hull, Thurs 1 June; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 3 June Leicestershire-based Ballet Theatre UK have built their impressive reputation on producing accessible stage- work inspired by classical dance, theatre, popular culture and literature. The company’s currently touring take on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s book is brimming with wit, humour and charm. And as you’d expect, it also comes complete with the story’s familiar cast of out-of-this- world characters, including the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

Out Of This World Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 25 - Wed 26 April A ‘woozy descent into the depths of a Rosalind medically induced coma’ is chronicled DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, in this genre-defying piece from Mark Birmingham Hippodrome, Murphy. The acclaimed writer and direc- Thurs 6 - Fri 7 April tor once again brings to bear his trade- Winner of the inaugural New Adventures mark blend of original text, special Choreographer Award in 2011, James effects and aerial choreography to pay Cousins’ ensemble visit the region with a an action-packed visit into the dark re- show created in collaboration with Korean cesses of the human mind. dancers and artists. The piece follows its Described as ‘both intense psychologi- eponymous central character - a courageous cal thriller and heartrending medical woman modelled on the headstrong hero- drama’, the 80-minute show is per- ine of Shakespeare’s As You Like It - as she formed without an interval by Murphy’s embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a critically acclaimed V-TOL company. modern-day metropolis.

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Film

Guardians Of The Galaxy CRITIC’S CHOICE Vol. 2 CERT tbc Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, with the voices of Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Kurt Russell, Karen Gillan, Eliza- beth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone, Glenn Close Directed by James Gunn (USA) The fifteenth film in the so-called Marvel Cin- ematic Universe, this tongue-in-cheek inter- galactic joyride continues where the last one left off. Cosmic cop Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still trying to sort out his genealogy, along with the irascible racoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and the walking tree ‘Baby Groot’ that sounds like Vin Diesel. It’s different. The first film was a blast of fresh air and will be a hard act to follow, but at least the original writer-director, James Gunn, is back at the helm. Gunn was hoping to talk David Bowie into a cameo, but that was not to be. Released Fri 28 April

Film highlights released in April...

City Of Tiny Lights CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Riz Ahmed, James Floyd, Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo, Roshan Seth Directed by Pete Travis (UK) The city in question is London, a teem- ing multicultural metropolis and the beat of Asian private eye Tommy Akhtar (Ahmed). When a prostitute goes missing, it leads Tommy into a very dangerous world of religious fanaticism. Based on the 2005 novel by Patrick Neate. Released Fri 7 April

The Boss Baby CERT U (97 mins) Going In Style CERT 12a (96 mins) With the voices of Alec Baldwin, Miles Bakshi, Starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Arkin, Joey King, Matt Dillon, Ann-Margret Tobey Maguire Directed by Tom McGrath (USA) Directed by Zach Braff (USA) Like policemen, animated characters just Bearing in mind the age of the septuagenar- seem to get younger and younger. The protag- ian thieves who broke into the jewellery vault onist of this cartoon is a baby in a suit with a in London’s Hatton Garden in 2015, this grey- briefcase. But can he stop the shenanigans of haired heist comedy is not so far-fetched. The the CEO of Puppy Co. from undermining the actor Zach Braff previously directed Garden primal force of love? Based on the picture State and Wish I Was Here. book by Marla Frazee. Released Fri 7 April Released Fri 7 April

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Film highlights released in April...

Fast & Furious 8 world of crime by a mysterious woman and is forced to betray those closest to him – CERT tbc and all off the back of his honeymoon with Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). Who would Chris Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Kurt Rus- have thought that Dom could be so weak? sell, Scott Eastwood, Charlize Theron, Helen The new director is F. Gary Gray, the force Mirren Directed by F. Gary Gray (USA) behind the critically applauded Straight It’s hard to imagine how Universal Pictures Outta Compton, and locations include Ice- could have upped the ante of Furious 7, but land, Cuba, Atlanta, Cleveland and New they’ve had a go. Here, they’ve thrown a York City. The last film, Fast & Furious 7, is couple of Oscar-winning actresses into the now the sixth highest-grossing movie of all mix and made Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) time. a bad boy. The latter is seduced into a Released Fri 14 April

CRITIC’S CHOICE

I Am Not Your Negro CERT tbc Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson Directed by Raoul Peck (USA/France) Nominated for the Oscar for best documentary, Raoul Peck’s film traces the history of racism in modern America through the recol- lections of the civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The words are provided by the late, great James Baldwin, adapted from his unfinished memoir Remember This House. Released Fri 7 April

A Quiet Passion Table 19 CERT 12a (87 mins) CERT 12a (128 mins) Starring Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, June Squibb, Lisa Kudrow, Stephen Merchant Di- Starring Cynthia Nixon, Jennifer Ehle, Duncan rected by Jeffrey Blitz (USA) Duff, Emma Bell, Keith Carradine, Jodhi May Directed by Terence Davies (UK/Belgium) Eloise McGarry (Anna Kendrick) was to be Britain’s critically favoured filmmaker Ter- the maid of honour at her friend’s wedding ence Davies now turns his attention to the when the best man changed his mind. She’s life of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), the reclu- then relegated to Table 19 at the reception, sive American poet. The reviews so far have along with all the other outsiders that the been extremely positive. happy couple hoped wouldn’t turn up. The romcom did not receive kind reviews from Released Fri 7 April the American press. Raw CERT 18 (88 mins) Released Fri 7 April Starring Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, Rabah Naït Oufella, Laurent Lucas, Joana Preiss Directed by Julia Ducournau (France/Belgium) At veterinary college, a vegetarian is forced to undergo a carnivorous hazing ritual. After- wards, she discovers that she has developed a liking for human flesh… An award-winner at both the Cannes and London film festivals, Raw nevertheless caused a rumpus when it screened in Toronto. Paramedics were called out to treat a couple of more sensitive view- ers. Released Fri 7 April

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Film

Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience CERT U (73 mins) With the voices of Harley Bird, Macey Dan- ger, Morwenna Banks, David Mitchell, Jo Brand Directed by Mark Baker (UK) Peppa does get around. Here, the peri- patetic pig visits London and meets the Queen and also pops down to Australia to catch up with her old friend Kylie Kanga- roo. Not so much a cinematic experience as nine short episodes strung together. Ex- pect a few nursery rhymes. Released Fri 7 April

together to make a propaganda picture in Their Finest CERT 12a (117 mins) the hope of boosting British morale. Based Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, Bill on Lissa Evans' 2009 novel Their Finest Nighy, Jack Huston, Helen McCrory, Eddie Marsan, Richard E. Grant Hour and a Half. From the director of An Ed- Directed by Lone Scherfig (UK) ucation, One Day and The Riot Club. In the early 1940s, a team of filmmakers get Released Fri 21 April Unforgettable CERT 15 (100 mins) Starring Katherine Heigl, Rosario Dawson, Rules Don’t Apply Lady Macbeth CERT tbc Geoff Stults, Isabella Rice, Cheryl Ladd Directed by Denise Di Novi (USA) CERT 12a (127 mins) Starring Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Starring Warren Beatty, Lily Collins, Alden Hilton, Naomi Ackie, Christopher Fairbank Mentally unstable, recent divorcee Tessa Ehrenreich, Annette Bening, Alec Baldwin, Directed by William Oldroyd (UK) Connover (Katherine Heigl) sets out to Matthew Broderick, Candice Bergen Directed by In nineteenth-century Northern England, a Warren Beatty (USA) make the life of her former husband and young woman is sold into marriage with a his new fiancée absolute hell. Expect some Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty) applies strict middle-aged man. Subjected to a subordinate pretty strong sex. rules to his staff: nobody in his employ is al- role in the household, and not subjected to Released Fri 21 April lowed to dally with an ac- any carnal pleasure, young Katherine finds tress. But then Hughes’ driver her thoughts turning to murder… This is not The Sense Of An Ending Frank (Alden Ehrenreich) the first film adapted from meets the gorgeous Baptist Nikolai Leskov's 1865 CERT 15 (108 mins) virgin Marla Mabrey (Lily novella, but it is the first in Starring Jim Broadbent, Harriet Walter, Collins) who is on the brink English. And the critics Michelle Dockery, Emily Mortimer, Matthew of appearing in the movies… Goode, Charlotte Rampling have liked it enormously. Directed by Ritesh Batra (UK/USA) Released Fri 21 April Released Fri 28 April A man facing old age looks back on his past and braces himself for the permuta- Heal The Living CERT 12a (133 mins) tions of what has gone before… Based on The Promise CERT 12a (104 mins) Starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, Chris- the critically acclaimed novel by Julian tian Bale, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Shohreh Agh- Barnes. Starring Tahar Rahim, Emmanuelle Seigner, Anne Dorval, Bouli Lanners dashloo, Tom Hollander Released Fri 14 April Directed by Katell Quillévéré (France/Belgium) Directed by Terry George (Spain/USA) In 1914, during the final days of the Ottoman Accidents will happen. Here, the victim of a Empire, a love triangle plays out between an car crash draws different people together over Armenian medical student (Oscar Isaac), an the prospect of an organ Armenian-born woman raised in France transplant. Based on the (Charlotte Le Bon) and an American journalist award-winning 2014 (Christian Bale). From the director of Some novel by Maylis de Mother’s Son, Hotel Rwanda and Reservation Kerangal. Road. Released Fri 28 April Released Fri 28 April

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

Works Of Mercy Wildly British The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, 1 April - 2 July Fri 7 April - Sun 21 May Lauren van Helmond often utilises uncon- Italian-born Birmingham-based photogra- ventional materials when creating her art- pher Attilio Fiumarella has used a 17th cen- work. She takes her inspiration from visits tury painting by Caravaggio as his starting to Heritage sites and the decorative objects point for this thought-provoking exhibi- she observes during museum visits. tion. This latest exhibition sees Lauren taking Caravaggio’s depiction of the seven corpo- the viewer for ‘a surreal wander through ral acts of mercy in traditional Catholic be- the British wilderness’. She does so via a lief has inspired Fiumarella to create a series of paintings, 2D and 3D illustrations series of dramatic images. and a number of embellished sculptural His 14 photographs depict homeless peo- creations. ple and prostitutes from the streets of Por- tugal’s second city, Porto. Revealing the constant interplay of light and dark, body and spirit, male and female, life and death, Fiumarella uses his subjects’ nakedness or semi-nakedness to highlight their vulnerability. In so doing, he encourages the viewer both to feel com- passion for the individuals and to reflect on the values of contemporary society.

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Visual Arts

I Want! I Want!: Art & Technology Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 1 April - Sat 30 September The contribution of artists to the social, cultural and technological revolution of the last 20 years is the subject matter of this curated selection of works from the Arts Council Collection. Taking its title from a print of the same name by visionary artist William Blake, the exhibition includes work by Rachel Maclean, Julian Opie, Ed Atkins, Rose Finn-Kelcey, Thomson and Craighead. Key loans from other major collections are also featured in the show, which contains adult themes.

Ann Sutton: On The Grid Brick Wonders The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 27 August 7 April - 4 July Developing a reputation Although for most people Lego bricks are for producing cutting-edge simply a toy with which to keep small chil- work back in the 1960s dren entertained, for some - including and ’70s, Stoke-born tex- Brick Wonders’ exhibitor Warren Elsmore - tile artist Ann Sutton re- they’re an enjoyable modelling medium. mains at the forefront of The versatility of the bricks is much in evi- her craft. dence in Warren’s new exhibition, which This touring exhibition features models of the Seven Wonders of sees her using the grid as the Ancient World. a starting point from Modern constructions and natural won- which to create three-dimensional drawings - ders - including the Great Barrier Reef - are or ‘spacial drawings’, as she calls them. also featured in a show that boasts in ex- “The two-dimensional qualities of drawing cess of 70 hugely impressive models. were there to be challenged,” Ann explains. “Why shouldn’t the lines lift off the surface and work with each other, and against each other? The viewer is needed: the slightest Oliver Beer ated with the involvement of 2,500 Birming- movement, even of the eyes alone, results in ham children - ranging in age from early changing imagery.” Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 4 June years to 13 - each of whom drew a single film still. These were then put in order according to the children’s ages, meaning that the ani- Rhyme Around The World mation becomes increasingly ‘grown up’ as it Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, proceeds. until Sun 7 May Thirty-one-year-old Seven Stories, The National Centre for Chil- Beer has developed dren’s Books, is the organisation behind this an international rep- new touring exhibition for pre-school kids. utation through his The display explores verse gathered from use of film and across the globe - with a particular focus on sculpture - mediums nursery rhymes, the most familiar form of via which he ex- children’s literature - and provides lots of op- A ‘re-animation’ of a scene from Walt Dis- plores his preoccu- portunities for youngsters to play and learn. ney’s The Jungle Book takes pride of place in pation with both the There’s plenty of delightful artwork to enjoy this most-comprehensive-to-date exhibition physical properties too, including contributions from Axel Schef- of work by British artist Oliver Beer. and emotional value fler, who’s best known for his numerous Reanimation (I Wanna Be Like You) was cre- of objects. book collaborations with Julia Donaldson.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 12 - Sun 16 April Get your skates on for the return of Dis- ney’s ever-popular ice spectacular, complete with high-energy music, glittering sets and dramatic choreography. This particular theatrical extravaganza features over 50 of the Mouse House’s most popular stars, including Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and Olaf, and characters from Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio. Disney/Pixar favourites from Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story also take a spin on the ice, in a show that pays homage to a century’s-worth of storytelling magic.

Animal-themed Easter Who Do You Think Holiday Activities You Are? Live NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 April Across various Ironbridge Gorge Museums sites, Sat 8 - Sun 23 April The world’s largest event of its kind brings There’s plenty of ‘animal magic’ for together some of the country’s most Easter visitors to enjoy at Ironbridge renowned experts in family history, all of Gorge Museums. whom will be on hand to help visitors with Themed family activities include Enginu- ongoing research or offer advice about how ity workshops to make ‘sticky critters’ to start an investigation into a family tree. and build ‘wicked wings’, egg dancing Other attractions at this latest edition of and an Easter bonnet parade at Blists Hill the popular show include the chance to Victorian Town (where visitors can also catch up with Casualty and Strictly Come meet working horses and learn about Dancing favourite Sunetra Sarker, and to pigs), and animal-themed workshops at go behind the scenes of hit BBC Two series the Jackfield Tile and Coalport China mu- The Victorian Slum. seums. There’s also an exotic zoo to visit, complete with snakes, spiders, iguanas and MotorFest other creepy crawlies. Weston Park, Staffordshire, Check out Ironbridge Gorge’s website for Sun 16 - Mon 17 April the full programme of activities. Up to 1,000 vehicles, including American classics, classic tractors and stationary engines, feature in this 29th edition of the popular Mid- lands motor event. Other attractions at the 2017 show include trader and autojumble stalls, a special Easter egg hunt for youngsters, and an interactive arena timetable featuring vehicles from the 1940s to the 1980s. Vintage music specialists The Glamophones and five-piece rock and soul band The Quik Beats perform live, and there’s also the ever- popular Decibel Duel to enjoy, a competition aiming to find the loudest vehicle at the event. Ear plugs at the ready...

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Events previews from around the region Events

Spring Horse Trials Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 8 - Sun 9 April A well-established element of We- ston Park’s annual events calendar, the horse trials take place twice a year, in spring and autumn, and incorporate dressage, cross country and show jumping. Commenting on this month’s event, joint organiser Janet Plant said: “We’ve been very lucky with the weather and, between wet days, have put out Weston's courses. The team is really enthu- siastic about the April event, and we’ve had such fun putting 59 portable fences out. It’s a real buzz and privilege to design on such a fabulous estate.”

The Antiques For Everyone Spring Fair Shropshire Scale NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Sun 9 April Modellers’ Show The 90-year-old English Ceramic Circle pro- items ranging in price from as little as £10 RAF Museum Cosford, Shropshire, Sun 2 April vides the feature exhibition at this latest edi- right up to £100,000, the four-day fair offers tion of Antiques For Everyone, presenting a the perfect opportunity to mix the antique The well-established Shropshire display of diverse ceramics from 1640 to 1970. with the modern by picking up some unusual Scale Modellers return to Cosford The ever-popular event features more than gifts. this month for their annual show, 200 dealers showcasing their wares. With laying out their intricately detailed models of aircraft, cars, bikes and trucks in the spaces between the venue’s on-display collection of aircraft and military vehicles. The Harlem Globetrotters Insomnia60 The 2017 event has more than 100 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 14 April NEC, Birmingham, Fri 14 - Mon 17 April modelling clubs and traders in at- tendance, and provides a wide The Harlem Globetrotters have been playing ex- range of materials and kits for en- hibition basketball games for the best part of a thusiasts of all ages and abilities. century, participating in more than 20,000 matches in 100-plus countries. This year’s touring show boasts a star-studded roster (subject to change) featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm. Female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson also take part. The UK’s biggest gaming festival has recently re- Slam-dunkin' fun is a guarantee. located to Birmingham’s NEC, having outgrown its previous home at the Ricoh Arena in Coven- try. Insomnia60 is a four-day event combining ‘all the best bits of video-gaming’. The show features LAN gaming halls, a huge exhibition hall, special guests ‘doing cool interactive content’, large-scale eSports tournaments and a wide selection of activities tailored to gamers of all ages. Live music on this occasion comes from Years & Years, Chase and Status, Wretch32, Jaguar Skills and Disciples.

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Events previews from around the region Events

St George’s Day Celebrations Tamworth Castle, Staffs, Sat 22 April There’s an interesting job opportunity for animal lovers at this year’s St George’s Day event - the chance to incubate a dragon egg! The egg belongs to the new-for-2017 interactive dragon, a highlight among highlights at the ever-popular annual get-together. The 2017 line-up of entertainment also includes joust- ing, archery, a living history camp, water and land zorbing and bungee trampolines. There’s a dedicated ‘children’s zone’ too, complete with a Robin Hood nerf shootout and an eight-foot inflatable jester. Walkabout characters, a medieval fashion show, children’s pottery-making workshops and a puppet show telling the story of the dragon-slaying Beowulf also feature.

Festival Of Power jabi community. Other festival attractions include top DJs, live Shakespeare’s Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire, music, performances by dhol drummers and Fri 14 - Sun 16 April Bollywood dancers, free face-painting, Birthday: Knights And Promising a memorable weekend for families henna tattoo artists, ’80s retro film screen- Nymphs Garden Party and dyed-in-the-wool drag racing fans, Santa ings, a fancy-dress competition, ‘bonkers’ Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon, Pod’s three-day Easter celebration boasts a game shows like Bhangra Bingo and Play Sat 22 April bumper package of entertainment. As well as Your Uncle Ji’s Cards Right and a mini Indian Tales of birthday boy William Shake- enjoying spectacular racing by two and four- street-food bazaar. speare are recounted by a Tudor sto- wheeled vehicles, visitors to the event can ryteller at this unusual garden party, also look on as a huge array of cars and mo- an event which younger visitors are torcycles hit the national championship trail. Egg-citing Easter invited to attend dressed either as a Off-track programming includes monster knight or a nymph. trucks and stunt displays, funfair rides and a Activities Family fun including face painting family circus. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, and a ‘delicious’ barbecue also fea- Sat 8 - Sun 23 April ture in this lively celebration of the As usual the Black Country Living Museum Stratford bard’s 453rd birthday. is, er, eggs-tending its programme of entertainment for the Easter holiday period. As well as all the usual attractions, including Play In The Place the chance to experience life in an 1850s coal Burton Market Place, Burton-upon- mine and attend a Victorian school lesson, Trent, Staffordshire, Sat 15 April the venue is also hosting an Easter egg hunt This one-day event is the highlight across its 26-acre site. of the Brewhouse’s three-week Bur- Traditional egg-rolling contests, a selection of ton Children’s Easter Festival, an eggy craft activities, an Easter quiz, street event which brings together theatre, games and the chance to grab a freshly baked workshops and numerous activities. hot cross bun from the bakery also feature. Included in the Play In The Place line-up is family-friendly street the- The Holi Rave Festival atre, a ‘giant balloon’ show, a per- No21 Digbeth, Birmingham, formance by comedy duo Floggit & Sat 15 April Skarper, workshops for pre-school- The chance to chase friends and strangers age children and the chance to expe- with coloured powder is the top attraction at rience the topsy-turvey delights of this popular festival. an anti-gravity box. The two-day event is now in its third year. There’s a special show for three to Signifying the Hindu victory of good over eight-year-olds to enjoy too, as Egg evil, the end of winter and the arrival of Box Theatre present an interactive spring, the Holi festival is celebrated as a adventure about the moon. thanksgiving for a good harvest by the Pun-

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Your week by week listings guide April 2017 thelist

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre - Friday 21 April

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more! What’s On Sat 1 to Sun 9 April Mon 10 to Sun 16 April Mon 17 to Sun 23 April Mon 24 to Sun 30 April

The Amazing Bubble Man at Russell Brand at Victoria Hall, Spring Into The Park at Telford Raymond Froggatt at the Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Hanley Town Park Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Sun 9 April Thurs 13 April Sat 22 April Sun 30 April

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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April & Hounds, B’ham REBECCA NASH ATLAS THROUGHOUT APRIL Gigs HANNAH PEEL Mon 3 Fri 7 Apr, Symphony Apr, The Sunflower Hall, Birmingham dinary automata, until Sun 21 May Lounge, Birmingham MY BABY Fri 7 Apr, The FIRES THAT DIVIDE Sat 1 Sunflower Lounge, Visual Arts BACK TO BLACK An exhibition of art- Apr, The Slade GAVIN JAMES Mon 3 Birmingham work by contemporary Black British Rooms, W’hampton Apr, The Glee Club, artists for Black History Month, until Birmingham DIRTY WHITE BOYZ Sat Bilston Craft Gallery JORJA SMITH Sat 1 Apr, Sun 31 Dec 8 Apr, Eleven, Stoke- NEW DISCOVER DINOSAURS A new fam- O2 Academy, B’ham HAVOK, WARBRINGER, GOROD & EXMORTUS on-Trent ily-friendly exhibition exploring the 80S PARTY NIGHT WITH Other VISUAL ARTS Mon 3 Apr, The Rain- TAKEN Sat 8 Apr, Hare prehistoric world of the dinosaurs, JOHNNY 2 BAD Sat 1 bow Venues, B’ham & Hounds, B’ham Sat 8 Apr - Sun 13 Aug SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION Apr, The Place, Oak- Showcasing the work of Karen and engates Theatre, BILLY OCEAN Mon 3 HIS WAY Sat 8 Apr, Newcastle Borough Museum Barry Lowe, until Sat 1 Apr, St Mary's Shropshire Apr, Symphony Hall, Theatre Severn, Church, Shrewsbury Birmingham Shrewsbury & Art Gallery MARTIN STEPHENSON WORKS BY BAMBER HAWES Bamber is NEW OPEN ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION Sat 1 Apr, Morris Hall, GREG RUSSELL & CIA- THE SHOWHAWK DUO an idiosyncratic abstract artist pro- 2017 Featuring artwork from both pro- Shrewsbury RAN ALGAR Mon 3 Apr, Sat 8 Apr, Hare & ducing work via many different fessional and non-professional Stafford Gatehouse Hounds, Birmingham media, until Sat 1 Apr, VAN Gallery, THE GRAND THEATRE'S artists. Prizes will be presented to se- Theatre MOOMIN Sat 8 Apr, Shrewsbury GREAT GATSBY NIGHT lected artists, and visitors will get to Sat 1 Apr, Wolver- ATTILA Tues 4 Apr, O2 Hare & Hounds, Birm- vote for their favourite piece of art- TIME AND THE BYWAYS An exhibition hampton Grand The- Academy, Birmingham ingham of drawings and paintings by Simon work, Sat 1 Apr - Sun 4 June atre KING NO ONE Tues 4 THE ANNUAL MAYORAL Dorrell, until Sat 1 Apr, Silk Top Hat Apr, Hare & Hounds, CHARITY ROCK FESTIVAL Gallery, Ludlow NEW MODEL ARMY Sat New Art Gallery - Walsall 1 Apr, The Robin, Bil- Birmingham Sat 8 Apr, The Slade NEW THE BIRMINGHAM WATERCOLOUR IDRIS KHAN This major survey exhibi- ston BLAENAVON Wed 5 Apr, Rooms, W’hampton SOCIETY Exhibition of work by Society tion by Walsall artist Idris Khan draws Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE USUAL SUSPECTS members, Sat 1 - Thurs 27 Apr, We- GHOST Sat 1 Apr, O2 on a range of interests, including Academy, Birmingham ingham Sat 8 Apr, The River classical music, the history of art, lit- ston Park, Nr Shifnal THE GOOD SINNERS Rooms, Stourbridge erature, philosophy and religion, until NEW A TIME IT WAS BY PHIL LOACH CREEPER Sat 1 Apr, O2 Wed 5 Apr, Eleven, NIBBS & EDDY Sat 8 Sun 7 May Nostalgic photographic exhibition by Institute, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Apr, Havana Republic Phil Loach, a staff photographer for a SYNERGY Sat 1 Apr, Bar and Restaurant, range of local weekly newspapers, Havana Republic Bar DANNY BRYANT Wed 5 Potteries Museum & Art Shropshire Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent Sat 1 Apr - Sun 11 June, Himley Hall and Restaurant, Apr, The Robin, Bilston & Park, Dudley Shrewsbury BERNIE TORME Thurs 6 ELKIE BROOKS Sat 8 ARNOLD BENNETT: IN LIFE AND ART Dip- Apr, Lichfield Garrick ping into the museum’s world-class NEW COSTUME & KIT... A STEP BACK IN CULT FICTION & MOTLEY Apr, The Robin, Bilston Arnold Bennett collections of artwork, TIME A display of costumes and CRUDE Sat 1 Apr, TOSELAND Thurs 6 Apr, THE STUMBLE Sat 8 personal possessions and clothing, equipment from the world of re-en- Route 44, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Apr, Lichfield Guildhall actment, Sat 1 Apr - Sun 25 June, photographs, documents and CHRIS QUINN Sat 1 Apr, NE-YO Thurs 6 Apr, O2 TOM HILL'S 70'S JAZZ Himley Hall & Park, Dudley ephemera, this exhibition provides Theatre On The Steps, Academy, Birmingham FUNK MACHINE Sat 8 new perspectives on the man and his NEW ABSTRACT PAINTINGS: MARTIN Bridgnorth, South Apr, The Hive Shrews- FEMI TEMOWO Thurs 6 life, until Sun 2 July LEWIS A solo exhibition will feature a Shropshire bury Apr, Symphony Hall, selection of Martin's most recent ABBAMANIA Sat 1 Apr, Birmingham RAY PRINCE GOSPEL Shrewsbury Museum & Art works,Thurs 6 Apr - Mon 8 May, Prince Of Wales Cen- BAND AND SURGE OR- SEVEN DRUNKEN Gallery Qube Gallery, Oswestry tre, Cannock, Staffs CHESTRA Sat 8 Apr, NIGHTS Fri 7 Apr, The NEW ANGELA HARDING Showcase of mac, Birmingham RHYME AROUND THE WORLD Featuring CARO EMERALD Sat 1 - Place, Oakengates new work by artist Angela Harding, artwork by much-loved, bestselling Sun 2 Apr, Symphony Theatre, Telford, JOHN MAYER'S INDO Sat 8 Apr - Sat 13 May, Twenty and acclaimed illustrators, including Hall, Birmingham Shropshire JAZZ FUSION Sat 8 Apr, Robert Ingpen, Shirley Hughes, Axel Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock mac, Birmingham GOODNIGHT LENIN Sun THE KINGS OV LEON Fri Scheffler, Emily Gravett, Mini Grey, NEW LOST IN WONDER BY ROBERT 2 Apr, Hare & Hounds, 7 Apr, Eleven, Stoke- THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Jessica Ahlberg and Polly Dunbar, BRIDGSTOCK Exhibition by oil painter Birmingham on-Trent Sat 8 Apr, Victoria Hall, until Sun 7 May Robert, whose work often depicts an- Stoke-on-Trent imals, Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Museum of TEMPLES Sun 2 Apr, STONEBRIDGE Fri 7 Apr, THE SOUNDS OF THE The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Cannock Chase O2 Institute, B’ham Hare & Hounds, Birm- GLENN MILLER ERA Sun Burton-upon-Trent MAGENTA Sun 2 Apr, ingham NEW HENRO JAPANESE ART EXHIBITION 9 Apr, Lichfield Garrick NEW CROCHET CLUB: BURTON YARN Sat 22 Apr, Chirk Castle, Wrexham The Robin, Bilston CHINA TANKS Fri 7 Apr, The Sugarmill, Stoke- FRET AND FIDDLE Sun 9 FESTIVAL Local crochet and knit de- NEW TWO VIEWPOINTS Exhibition of AT LAST THE ETTA on-Trent Apr, Lichfield Guildhall signer Tilley Bancroft, aka Lime work by equestrian artists Alison Wil- JAMES STORY A two- THE MUFFIN MEN Sun 9 Green Lady, is working with her son and Glynis Mills, Sat 29 Apr - hour narrative concert BROKEN WITT REBELS Apr, The Robin, Bilston award-winning group of crocheter's Tues 30 May, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal starring Vika Bull, Sun Fri 7 Apr, O2 Institute, from Burton-upon-Trent to create a 2 Apr, Birmingham Birmingham MELANIE C Sun 9 Apr, yarn version of the town, Sat 8 - Sat NEW TRENT VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHIC SO- Town Hall BLACKBERRY SMOKE Fri O2 Institute, B’ham 29 Apr CIETY EXHIBITION 2017 A new collection of members' photographs, taken THE KYLE GASS BAND 7 Apr, O2 Academy, during the past year and incorporat- Mon 3 Apr, The Asy- Birmingham Wolverhampton Art Gallery lum, Birmingham ing a wide range of subjects, includ- FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 7 GUY SHERWIN: LIGHT AND PAINT 2017 ing wildlife, landscapes and portraits, IDLES Mon 3 Apr, The Apr, The Robin, Biltson Experience colours, shapes and Sat 29 Apr - Sun 18 June, Museum of Sugarmill, Stoke-on- HANNAH & BRIAN Fri 7 movement in this latest work by film- Cannock Chase Trent Apr, Havana Republic maker and artist Guy Sherwin, until NEW TOTALLY SWEDISH Exhibition by NO PETTICOATS HERE Bar and Restaurant, Sun 2 Apr Swedish artist Lena Jarl Churm, Sun Mon 3 Apr, Crescent Shropshire A CURIOUS TURN Moving mechanical 30 Apr - Sat 13 May, The Bear Steps Theatre, Birmingham SSEX PISTOLSS Fri 7 sculpture is brought to life in an exhi- Gallery, Shrewsbury MONA Mon 3 Apr, Hare Apr, Route 44, B’ham bition featuring 30 pieces of extraor- 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Shrops 1 - 9 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:25 Page 2

Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April

turns to the RSC to direct Shake- OUT EVEN TRYING Birmingham Ormis- Classical Music Comedy speare’s tragedy of love and power, ton Academy’s Year 13 Musical The- until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shake- atre students present their version of speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Frank Loesser's satire, which looks at LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS The IVO GRAHAM, GEOFF NORCOTT, BOBBY the rise and rise of J Pierrepont, who Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orches- MAIR & KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN Sat 1 ONE LOVE: THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL uses a little handbook to climb the tra present Mendelssohn's great ora- Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Premiere of a new musical focusing corporate ladder from lowly window torio based on the biblical account of on a defining period in the life and JOJO SMITH, EDD HEDGES & DAVID LON- washer to high-powered executive, the prophet Elijah, a work that has career of Bob Marley, until Sat 15 Apr, GLEY Sat 1 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, The Old been popular since its premiere in The REP, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Rep Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham in 1846, Sat 1 Apr, LIch- BILLY ELLIOT The smash-hit West End STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE field Cathedral Sat 1 musical stops off in Birmingham as LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN Oscar Apr, mac, Birmingham Wilde’s sparkling and witty assault on RUISI QUARTET Programme includes part of its first UK tour, until Sat 29 prejudice and hypocrisy, Fri 31 Mar - works by Haydn, Janacek, Wolf & De- ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 1 Apr, The Apr, Birmingham Hippodrome Sat 8 Apr, Hall Green Little Theatre, bussy, Sat 1 Apr, Ludlow Assembly Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent JULIUS CAESAR Angus Jackson di- Birmingham Rooms, South Shropshire SEANN WALSH Sat 1 Apr, Foxlowe Arts rects Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, as WINNIE AND WILBUR A new play based BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- Centre, Leek, Staffs the politics of spin and betrayal turn on the bestselling picture books cre- ETY Featuring David Wynne (conduc- KEITH FARNAN, MIKE NEWALL, FUNMBI bloody and brutal, until Sat 9 Sept, ated by Valerie Thomas and Korky tor) & Kevin Gill (piano). Programme OMOTAYO & DARRELL MARTIN Sat 1 Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- Paul, Fri 31 Mar - Sat 22 Apr, The includes works by Chopin, Pearsall, Apr, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ford-upon-Avon REP, Birmingham Brahms, Elgar, Faure, Parry, NICK DOODY, MIKE WILMOT & COMEDY THE EMPTY NESTERS’ CLUB John God- MR DARCY LOSES THE PLOT Comedy Whitacre, Tavener & Joubert, Sat 1 CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON ber’s story of empty bedrooms, duo Lipservice explore the world of Apr, Ladywood ARC, St John’s & St Thurs 6 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham fresher’s flu, boyfriends, long good- Peter’s Church, Birmingham byes, motorway service stations and women writers amid the domestic IVAN BRACKENBURY, NATHAN CATON, hustle and bustle of taking tea, HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA: NEW WORLDS trips to Ikea, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, ROLAND GENT & TOM GLOVER Thurs 6 choosing chintz and an attack of the Featuring Andrew Birdsall (leader) & New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- Apr, The George Hotel, Lichfield vapours, Sat 1 Apr, Theatre Severn, Thomas Jarvis (conductor). Pro- Lyme ANGELA BARNES, TUDUR OWEN, BOBBY Shrewsbury gramme includes works by Dvorak & BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY MURDOCK, ROLAND GENT & DAVE Rimsky-Korsakov, Sat 1 Apr, Corn- Award-winning musical which tells THE GRAND THEATRE'S GREAT GATSBY WILLIAMS Thurs 6 Apr, Foxlowe Arts bow Hall, Halesowen the story of how Buddy Holly NIGHT A party night of razzle dazzle, Centre, Leek, Staffs featuring some of the greatest dance CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET Featuring changed the face of popular music music from the golden jazz era, Sat 1 Julian Bliss (clarinet). Programme in- KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs forever, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, New Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre cludes works by Beethoven, Weber & 6 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Mozart, Sun 2 Apr, The Lion Hotel, BRIAN CONLEY Thurs 6 Apr, Lichfield MADE IN DAGENHAM Sutton Coldfield THE KING LEAR Shifting Sands Theatre Shrewsbury Garrick Musical Theatre Company present an fuse improvisation, physical comedy and vibrant storytelling in a unique MURRAY PERAHIA Programme com- MARCEL LUCONT Thurs 6 Apr, The amateur staging of the West End mu- and humorous take on Shake- prises Beethoven’s Emperor Con- Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton sical, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Lich- speare’s classic tragedy, Sat 1 Apr, certo, Wed 5 Apr, Symphony Hall, field Garrick MICKEY SHARMA, TANYALEE DAVIS & Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Birmingham JOHNNY SORROW Fri 7 Apr, Katie FUNNY GIRL Touring production of the Shropshire SENIOR CITIZENS ORCHESTRA CONCERT Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge much-loved musical, which brought global fame to Barbra Streisand 50 MMORPG Fusion of improvised com- Thurs 6 Apr, Forest Arts Centre, Wal- LAURA LEXX, ADDY VAN DER BORGH & years ago and boasts some of the edy with table-top gaming in ‘an epic, sall RUSSELL HICKS Fri 7 Apr, Jongleurs most iconic songs in film and theatre sprawling, open-world, entirely- CBSO PERFORM RACHMANINOV’S THIRD Comedy Club, Birmingham history, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Re- made-up fantasy quest of the audi- Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (con- MARCEL LUCONT Fri 7 Apr, The Glee gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ences own devising’, Sat 1 Apr, Old ductor) & Oliver Janes (clarinet).ė Pro- Club, Birmingham Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham gramme also includes works by JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- SUZI RUFFELL, KEVIN GILDA, RAY PEA- MEET FRED Hijink Theatre tell the story Weinberg & Copland, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 COLOR DREAMCOAT Featuring Joe COCK & MICHAEL FABBRI Fri 7 - Sat 8 of Fred, a regular guy who just wants Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham McElderry in the lead role, Tues 28 Apr, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Theatre Severn, to get on in life. The only problem is THE LEO QUARTET With Liz Larner Fea- NICK DOODY, MIKE WILMOT, JONNIE Shrewsbury that Fred’s a puppet, and that’s turing Liz Larner (guitar), Byron PRICE & COMIC TBC Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr, where the dependency issues start, Parish & Elizabeth Golding (violins), THE ADDAMS FAMILY Presented by stu- The Glee Club, Birmingham Mon 3 Apr, The Place, Oakengates Amy Fawcet (viola) & Kate Setterfield dents and staff from the Music & Dra- Theatre, Telford, Shropshire (cello). Programme comprises Ivor LAURA LEXX, RUSSELL HICKS & COMIC matic Arts team at Shrewsbury Sixth McGregor's Guitar Quintet, Fri 7 Apr, TBC Sat 8 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Form College, Wed 29 Mar - Sat 1 CBSO Centre, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Apr, Shrewsbury Sixth Form College BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featur- ROB BECKETT Sat 8 Apr, Birmingham SHROPSHIRE DRAMA FESTIVAL Show- ing Yan Pascal Torterlier (conductor), Town Hall casing ‘the best theatrical talent from Jonathan Scott (organ) & the CBSO ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 8 Apr, The around the county’ and featuring nu- Chorus. Programme includes works Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent merous one-act plays each evening, by Roussel & Saint-Saëns, Fri 7 Apr, Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, The Belfrey ANDY PARSONS Sat 8 Apr, Ludlow As- Symphony Hall, Birmingham Theatre, Wellington sembly Rooms, South Shropshire MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES: THE EASTER CYMBELINE Amateur production pre- SPECTACULAR Sat 8 Apr, St Matthew’s sented by Lichfield Garrick Youth BROKE: THE MUSICAL An original musi- Church, Walsall Theatre, Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, cal, written by Level 5 Musical The- Lichfield Garrick atre students, that follows a New York BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA community of bankers, office workers Featuring Richard Jenkinson (con- DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE All & Sundry Theatre and society misfits, set against the ductor). Programme includes works present David Edgar’s dramatic backdrop of the 1929 Wall Street by Ravel, Rimsky-Korsakov, Falla, adaptation of Robert Louis Steven- TALES AND TONIC Opportunity to pre- Crash, Mon 3 Apr, Arena Theatre, Saint-Saens & Chabrier, Sat 8 Apr, son’s classic horror story, Thurs 30 view the work-in-progress being pro- Wolverhampton Shrewsbury Abbey Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Crescent Theatre, duced by The REP's brightest new Birmingham THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty OPERA BOYS Sun 9 Apr, Prince of talent, until Fri 7 Apr, The REP, B’ham Towers meets Noises Off in this Wales Centre, Cannock HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITH- ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Iqbal Khan re- award-winning comedy, Mon 3 - Sat whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Shrops 1 - 9 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:25 Page 3

thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 9 April 8 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Apr, Stafford Gate- ARANGETRUM: CONFESSIONS OF A - Thurs 6 Apr BUCKET LIST Powerful story of one house Theatre COCKNEY TEMPLE DANCER An autobio- MOMMY (15) Drama. Starring Anne Mexican woman’s fight for justice, SLEUTH Amateur staging of Anthony graphical performance in which Dorval, Antoine-Olivier Pilon. Foreign Tues 4 Apr, The Brewhouse Arts Cen- Shaffer’s murder-mystery, Thurs 6 - Shane Shambhu plays with the ways language, subtitled. The Blue Orange tre, Burton-on-Trent Thurs 13 Apr, Oldbury Rep - Barlow in which race, language, identity and Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 2 Apr Theatre, Dudley culture are perceived, Wed 5 Apr, A PICTURE OF YOU The Young Rep Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton WHO'S GONNA LOVE ME NOW? (15) Doc- Seniors present Morgan Sproxton's SHEILA'S MHS Qualified counsellor umentary. Starring Saar Maoz, Alon. drama, which centres around the Sheila returns with a one-woman ROSALIND Presented by James Foreign language, subtitled. Followed 17th birthday party of Ashley Smith - show that takes a look at why life is Cousins Company and created in by post-film live stream Q&A, hosted an occasion that Ashley would’ve too serious to be taken seriously, Fri collaboration with Korean dancers by Julian Clary. Ludlow Assembly loved had he not died in Year 7, Tues 7 Apr, Lichfield Garrick and artists, this choreographed piece Rooms, South Shropshire, Sun 2 Apr 4 - Thurs 6 Apr, The REP, Birmingham takes Rosalind’s passion and elo- MYRA DUBOIS Rotherham’s least cele- quence beyond words, to some- CASABLANCA (U) Drama/Romance. ALL OR NOTHING: THE MOD MUSICAL brated daughter presents an evening where only movement can transport Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Following in the footsteps of other of acid-tongued conversation, razor- you, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 Apr, DanceX- Bergman. The Electric Cinema, Birm- ’60s jukebox musicals about The sharp observation, song and dance... change, The Patrick Centre, Birming- ingham, Sun 2 Apr Beatles and The Kinks, All Or Nothing Fri 7 Apr, mac, Birmingham ham Hippodrome THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) tells the story of mod favourites The PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE Drama/Mystery. Starring Emily Blunt, Small Faces, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Apr, New Haley Bennett. Edge Arts Centre, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly Come Dancing star, his spectacular Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE The Repertory dancers and special guest Anya Gar- Mon 3 Apr Players present an amateur staging nis, Sun 9 Apr, Wolverhampton SOME LIKE IT HOT (15) Comedy/Ro- of Joseph Kesselring’s classic Ameri- Grand Theatre mance. Starring Marilyn Monroe, can comedy, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Apr, Tony Curtis. Wem Town Hall, North Stoke Repertory Theatre REMEMBERING FRED Strictly’s Alijaz and Janette perform steps and turns Shropshire, Mon 3 Apr INVINCIBLE Torben Betts’ abrasive from the golden age of Hollywood’s JACKIE (15) Drama. Starring Natalie comedy about the class divide, Tues OLIVER IN THE OVERWORLD Family mu- most celebrated dance routines, Sun Portman, Peter Sarsgaard. Stoke Film 4 - Sat 15 Apr, New Vic Theatre, New- 9 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Theatre, Mon 3 Apr castle-under-Lyme sical which tells the tale of a little deaf boy who travels to the Overworld, the THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12a) ONE NIGHT ONLY The Viv Kelly Chil- Land of Machinery, seeking the parts Drama/Romance. Starring Michael dren’s and Youth Theatre Groups join to mend the memory of his best Fassbender, Alicia Vikander. Stour- with the adult dancers of the Viv Kelly friend Oliver the Grandfather Clock, bridge Town Hall, Mon 3 Apr School of Dance & Theatre to present Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr, Arena Theatre, Film MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- a celebration of music, dance and Wolverhampton theatre, Wed 5 Apr, Theatre Severn, hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Ludlow As- Shrewsbury HYSTERIA London Classic Theatre INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: sembly Rooms, Shropshire, Mon 3 & present Terry Johnson’s ‘hilarious’ Wed 5 Apr; Old Market Hall, Shrews- READY OR NOT Kali Theatre present farce, which explores the fallout when LION (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring bury, Shropshire, Fri 7 - Thurs 13 Apr Naylah Ahmed’s story about a retired two of the 20th century’s most bril- Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel. Light A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) teacher who takes an idealistic young liant and original minds collide, Fri 7 - House Media Centre, Wolverhampton man hostage and embarks on a dan- Biography/Drama. Starring David Sun 9 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrews- until Tues 4 Apr Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Foxlowe gerous game of hide and seek with bury the truth, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 Apr, mac, FREE FIRE (15) Action/Comedy. Star- Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 4 Apr Birmingham THE DAY WAR BROKE OUT World pre- ring Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy. The TO CATCH A THIEF (PG) Crime/Mystery. miere of a new musical revue by Paul Electric Cinema, Birmingham, until THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Starring Cary Grant, Grace Kelly. Brammer, featuring songs, dances Thurs 6 Apr Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Staffs, Shropshire Youth Theatre present an and sketches from WWII, Fri 7 - Sun 9 amateur staging of Oscar Wilde’s THE VICEROY’S HOUSE (12a) Tues 4 Apr Apr, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- Drama/History. Starring Gillian Ander- classic comedy, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 Apr, Trent FENCES (12a) Drama. Starring Denzel Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury son, Michael Gambon. Old Market Washington and Viola Davis. The NAOMI'S WILD & SCARY Naomi is Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, until Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 4 Apr BRIAN CONLEY - THE GREATEST ENTER- joined live on stage by some scary Thurs 6 Apr TAINER (IN HIS PRICE RANGE) Comedy, creatures, including a carpet python, HOMELANDS (U) Documentary. Star- sketches, songs and material from GHOST IN THE SHELL (15) Action/Crime. ring MC Saskilla, Terri Walker. Fol- an alligator snapping turtle, a giant Starring Scarlett Johansson, Michael the screen and onstage, Thurs 6 Apr, centipede and a tarantula! Up-close lowed by Q&A. mac, Birmingham, Lichfield Garrick Pitt. The Electric Cinema, Birming- Wed 5 Apr handy cam action, a giant screen and ham, until Thurs 6 Apr THE VISIT OF THE OLD LADY Newman loads of interaction, Sat 8 April, Birm- MERCHANTS OF DOUBT (12a) Documen- University Drama Department present ingham Town Hall HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) tary. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s exploration of THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN Louis Pearl, Staffs, Wed 5 Apr justice, morality and just how much Henson, Octavia Spencer. Stoke Film aka The Amazing Bubble Man, fuses Theatre, Sat 1 Apr; Ludlow Assembly AMÉLIE (15) Comedy/Romance. Star- money can buy, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 Apr, comedy and artistry with live music, ring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kasso- mac, Birmingham Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 7, Mon audience participation and ‘spellbind- 10 - Tues 11 Apr vitz. Brewhouse Arts Centre, UP POMPEII! Ambient Night Produc- ing’ tricks... Sun 9 Apr, Theatre Sev- Burton-upon-Trent, Staffs, Thurs 6 tions present a ‘hilarious’ romp ern, Shrewsbury FIFTY SHADES DARKER (18) Drama. Apr Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dor- through Pompeii, based on the popu- SELMA (12) Drama/History. Starring lar TV series starring Frankie Howerd, nan. Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Sat 1 Apr David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo. The Thurs 6 - Fri 7 Apr, Prince of Wales Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield, Centre, Cannock TRESPASS AGAINST US (12A) Thurs 6 Apr WHEN WE WERE MARRIED Amateur Crime/Drama. Starring Michael Fass- Dance bender, Brendan Gleeson. Light IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD (15) staging of JB Priestley’s comic farce, Drama. Starring Nathalie Baye, Vin- Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Apr, The Little Theatre House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE ton, Sat 1 - Thurs 6 Apr cent Cassel. Ludlow Assembly Donnington, Telford, Shropshire NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 4 - THE DOMINO EFFECT Stafford Gate- Come Dancing star, his spectacular ELLE (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Is- Wed 5 Apr; The Stoke Film Theatre, house Youth Theatre bring Finn dancers and special guest Anya Gar- abelle Huppert, Anna Consigny. For- Thurs 6 Apr Kennedy’s modern classic to life, nis, Sun 2 Apr, Lichfield Garrick eign language, subtitled. Light House Media Centre, Wolverahmpton, Sat 1 PATRIOTS DAY (15) Drama/History. 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Shrops 1 - 9 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:25 Page 4

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Starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle through fossils, skulls (including the Monaghan. Festival Drayton Centre, sabre tooth) and insects, Sat 8 Apr, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 7 Apr Stoke-on-Trent THE FITS (12a) Drama. Starring Roy- ART DECO PAINTING WORKSHOP Learn alty Hightower, Alexis Neblett. Lud- more about the art deco style of low Assembly Rooms, South painting famously used by artists Shropshire, Fri 7 Apr such as Susie Cooper and Clarice Tuesday 18th April MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- Cliff. Paint your own decorative plate THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Stoke Film to take home, Sat 8 Apr, Gladstone Theatre, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Apr Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent Time: 7.30pm SING (U) Animation/Comedy. With SPRING HORSE TRIALS Incorporating the voices of Matthew Mc- dressage, cross country and show jumping, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Apr, Weston Conaughey, Reese Witherspoon. Friday 21st April Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Fri 7 - Park, Shropshire Mon 10 Apr; Old Market Hall, NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the MICHAEL ENGLISH Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Sat 8 - Nimrod and learn about its intelli- Time: 7.30pm Thurs 13 Apr gence-gathering role in the Royal Air Force, Sat 8 - Thurs 13 Apr, RAF Cosford, Shropshire EASTER CASTLE EGG HUNT Ruby the Wednesday 3rd May Tamworth Castle Dragon has mis- HORRIBLE HISTORIES Events placed her eggs - join the hunt to find them, Sat 8 - Fri 21 Apr, Tam- Time: 2.00pm & 7.00pm worth Castle CSI - THE SCIENCE OF THE GREAT WAR A series of hands-on activities where ANIMAL THEMED HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES visitors can learn about trench ar- Two weeks of fun animal-themed ac- Thursday 4th May chaeology, the chemical develop- tivities, workshops and demos THE SIMON AND ment of poison gas and have a go across the museum sites, Sat 8 - GARFUNKEL STORY at making their own periscopes, Sat Sun 23 Apr, Ironbridge Gorge Mu- 1 Apr, The Potteries Museum & Art seum, Shropshire Time: 7.30pm Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Hop on over to the Black Country Living BLUEBELL WATCH See the woodlands Friday 5th May spring into colour as you look for Museum, where a ‘cracking’ pro- 18+ the first bluebell to raise its head this gramme of Easter fun is ready and PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS April. Will you spot the first one? Sat waiting, Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Black 1 - Sun 30 Apr, Attingham Park, Country Living Museum, Dudley Time: 8.00pm Shropshire EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy live SPRING LAMBING DAY Every year shows from the resident magicians, there’s a new arrival on the day itself ventriloquists and more, with gig- Tuesday 9th May for those lucky enough to be in the gles and games for the whole family, right place at the right time, Sun 2 Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Cadbury World, MIKE DENVER Apr, Walford Campus, Shropshire Bournville, Birmingham Time: 7.30pm SHROPSHIRE SCALE MODEL SHOW EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Sat 8 - Sun Around 70 model clubs are in atten- 23 Apr, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry dance, plus some 40 traders selling EGGS-ELLENT EASTER Fun for all the Thursday 11th May everything needed to build the per- family, Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Drayton NEIL SANDS' MUSIC fect model, whether it be a tank, car Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire AND MEMORIES or boat, Sun 2 Apr, RAF Cosford, EXPLORERS QUEST Collect your ex- Time: 2.00pm Shropshire plorers map and enjoy adventures MINI BLACKSMITH EXPERIENCE Dis- on the estate. Complete all the chal- cover your hidden talents as a lenges and receive a medal at the Blacksmith by taking part in this free end, Sat 8 - Sun 23 Apr, Shugbor- Friday 12th May 18+ mini workshop, Wed 5 Apr, The ough Historic Working Estate, ROY CHUBBY BROWN British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry Stafford WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE EASTER HOLIDAYS AT WEDGWOOD Play Time: 7.30pm The world’s largest family history with clay, decorate a Wedgwood show, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Apr, NEC, Easter rabbit or take part in the egg Birmingham hunt around Hem Heath Woods, Sat Thursday 18th May ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR 8 - Sun 23 Apr, World of Wedgwood, Refresh your home with stylish an- Stoke-on-Trent KING OF POP tiques and collectables, Thurs 6 - MEET THE BEEKEEPER Meet the resi- Time: 7.30pm Sun 9 Apr, NEC, Birmingham dent beekeeper and find out how PHOTO SAFARI Individually or as a she looks after the colony of bees team, complete challenges linked to that live on the estate, Sun 9 Apr, the Evolution Explored exhibition in Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth Shrewsbury, Sat 8 Apr, The Hive DOUGIE MAC 5K RUN/WALK Fundrais- Shrewsbury ing event to support the work of Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Sun 9 JAW WARS How did we get our jaw TWC GP 01218 and what do humans have in com- Apr, World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on- mon with an ancient fish? Find out Trent

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thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 April Apr, Stafford Gate- house Theatre Classical Music Comedy THE RED LEMONS Fri 14 - Sat 15 Apr The Jam PATIENCE English Touring Opera poke ANNETTE FAGON, MAUREEN YOUNGER House, Birmingham fun at the eccentric affections of Wed 12 Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, FRENCH MONTANA Sat barely-disguised Victorian celebrities, Birmingham 15 Apr, O2 Academy, including Oscar Wilde and his follow- CHRIS RAMSEY Wed 12 Apr, Theatre Birmingham ers, Mon 10 Apr, Wolverhampton Severn, Shrewsbury, Shropshire LES MCKEOWN'S BAY Grand Theatre RUSSELL BRAND Thurs 13 Apr, Victo- CITY ROLLERS Sat 15 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Apr, Theatre Severn, THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- British Sea Power - O2 Academy, Birmingham Shrewsbury cludes works by Howells, Bach, SUZI RUFFELL, GARETH EDWARDS & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- CARDI B Sat 15 Apr, O2 Mascagni, Wagner & Dupre, Mon 10 STEVE GIBBONS Thurs SON Thurs 13 Apr, The Glee Club, Institute, Birmingham Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Gigs 13 Apr, The Robin, Birmingham Wolverhampton STANTON WARRIORS Sat TOSCA English Touring Opera present Puccini's visceral depiction of love in BILAL ZAFAR Fri 14 Apr, Stafford Gate- SMOKIN PILCHARDS 15 Apr, Hare & Hounds, MÉLANIE PAIN Mon 10 the midst of a war-torn Rome, Tues house Theatre Thurs 13 Apr, Katie Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, 11 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand The- CHARLIE BAKER Fri 14 Apr, The Glee Fitzgerald's, Stour- E3UK LIVE Sat 15 Apr, Birmingham atre Club, Birmingham bridge Barclaycard Arena, YOU ME AT SIX Mon 10 ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN WITH LAURA SUZI RUFFELL, GARETH EDWARDS, SOL BRITISH SEA POWER Birmingham Apr, O2 Academy, VAN DER HEIJDEN Also featuring Julian BERNSTEIN & DAVE JOHNS Fri 14 - Sat Thurs 13 Apr, O2 Acad- NEIL DIAMOND ROCKS Birmingham Lloyd Webber (conductor). Pro- 15 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham emy, Birmingham Sat 15 Apr, Wolver- TWELFTH DAY & EMILY gramme includes works by Mozart & ANGELA BARNES, MIKE WILMOT, MATT JOHN MCCUSKER BAND hampton Grand The- MAE WINTERS Tues 11 Tchaikovsky, Wed 12 Apr, Birming- WELCOME & STEVE HARRIS Fri 14 - Sat Thurs 13 Apr, mac, atre Apr, Kitchen Garden ham Town Hall 15 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Birmingham THE COUNTERFEIT Cafe, Birmingham MARLON DAVIS, TOM LUCY, JELLYBEAN THE SEARCHERS IN CON- STONES Sat 15 Apr, The STORMZY Tues 11 Apr, MARTINEZ & DAMION LARKIN Sat 15 CERT Thurs 13 Apr, Robin, Bilston O2 Academy, B’ham Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Stafford Gatehouse IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC DR JOHN COOPER Theatre ROCK NIGHT Sat 15 Apr, ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 15 Apr, The CLARKE Tues 11 Apr, Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent JANIS JOPLIN AND Route 44, Birmingham The Wightman Theatre, FRIENDS Fri 14 - Sat 15 SLADE UK Sat 15 Apr, ANDREW LAWRENCE Sat 15 Apr, mac, Shrewsbury Apr, Theatre On The Eleven, Staffordshire Birmingham CLASSIC ROCK USA Wed Steps, Bridgnorth, BORN IN THE EIGHTIES ALLYSON SMITH, JOE BOR & LIAM WITH- 12 Apr, The Place, Oak- South Shropshire Sat 15 Apr, The River NAIL Sat 15 Jongleurs Comedy club, engates Theatre, OVER ATLANTIC Fri 14 Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham Telford, Shropshire CBSO: MAHLER’S FIFTH Featuring Ed- Apr, O2 Institute, B’ham CHAPTER XIII FESTIVAL DANNY CANNON & THE ward Gardner (conductor) & Jean- WONK UNIT Fri 14 Apr, Sat 15 Apr, The Rain- RAMRODS Wed 12 Apr, Guihen Queyras (cello). Programme Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent bow Venues, B’ham The Robin, Bilston includes works by Haydn & Mahler, PETER MYLETT Fri 14 PAT BRESLIN Sat 15 Apr, Thurs 13 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birm- THE GOOD SINNERS Wed Apr, Irish Centre, B’ham Irish Centre, B’ham ingham Theatre 12 Apr, Eleven, Stoke- on-Trent BURY TOMORROW Fri 14 DANNI G BAND Sat 15 EX CATHEDRA: GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST Apr, O2 Institute, B’ham Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, JOHN PASSION Featuring Ex Cathedra THE LITTLE MERMAID The Panto Com- GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed Choir & Baroque Orchestra, the Ex pany present a brand new staging of DIZZY LIZZY Fri 14 Apr, Stourbridge 12 Apr, The Jam Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, Hans Christian Andersen’s story House, Birmingham The Roadhouse, B’ham EARL Sat 15 - Sun 16 about a young girl who believes a Apr, Symphony Hall, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Jerry THE WHO Wed 12 Apr, HOT 8 BRASS BAND Fri better life awaits her out of the water, Birmingham Budd (Evangelist), James Geidt Barclaycard Arena, 14 Apr, O2 Institute, (Jesus), Greg Skidmore (Pilate), An- Mon 10 Apr, The Place, Oakengates Birmingham Birmingham RICK ASTLEY Sat 15 - gela Hicks & Katie Trethewey (sopra- Theatre, Telford, Shropshire Sun 16 Apr, Symphony MARIE CLAIRE BERREEN QUARTZ Fri 14 Apr, nos), Martha McLorinan (alto) & OUT OF ORDER Shaun Williamson, Sue Hall, Birmingham Wed 12 Apr, The Red Route 44, Birmingham Bradley Smith (tenor), Fri 14 Apr, Holderness, Andrew Hall, James Symphony Hall, Birmingham Lion Folk Club, B’ham MERCURY Fri 14 Apr, GIGGS Sun 16 Apr, O2 Holmes & Arthur Bostrum star in a Institute, Birmingham new staging of Ray Cooney’s Olivier 10CC Wed 12 Apr, Sym- Lichfield Garrick BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: HANDEL'S MESSIAH Award-winning comedy, Mon 10 - Sat phony Hall, B’ham ANDREW BROWNING AS MURIEL O CONNOR Sun Featuring the Baroque 16 Apr, Irish Centre, Chamber Orchestra & Paul Spicer 15 April, New Alexandra Theatre, HORSEBEACH Thurs 13 GEORGE MICHAEL Fri 14 Birmingham (conductor) Fri 14 Apr, Wolverhamp- Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, The Robin, Bilston ton Grand Theatre DREAMCOATS AND PETTICOATS West Birmingham THE LIQUOR AND POKER DEFINITELY MIGHT BE & ADORED Sun 16 Apr, THE STAFFORDSHIRE BAND: ST End sensation featuring rock’n’roll PWR BTTM Thurs 13 BAND Fri 14 Apr, The The Robin, Bilston GEORGE’S DAY CONCERT Fri 21 Apr, classics from Roy Orbison, The Apr, Hare & Hounds, River Rooms, Stour- Shadows, Billy Fury and more... Mon THE QUINPHONIC FESTI- Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Birmingham bridge 10 - Sat 15 Apr, Regent Theatre, VAL 4 Sun 16 Apr, The A SCHUBERTIADE: AN EVENING WITH DAVE BUSBY Fri 14 Apr, Stoke-on-Trent THE ED SHEERAN EXPERI- SCHUBERT & FRIENDS Featuring Claire Havana Republic Bar Roadhouse, B’ham ENCE Thurs 13 Apr, The Prewer (soprano), Benjamin Frith and Restaurant, CHRIS QUINN Sun 16 River Rooms, Stour- (piano) & Richard Jenkinson (cello), bridge Shrewsbury Apr, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Sat 22 Apr, Festival Drayton Centre, LEAH MCFALL Thurs 13 BAD COMPANY UK Fri 14 Market Drayton, North Shropshire Apr, Hare & Hounds, THIS IS ENGLAND OFFI- Apr, The Sunflower MOZART CLARINET QUINTET & CRUSELL Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham CIAL CLUB NIGHT WITH SHAUN AND GADGET Sun QUARTET Sun 23 Apr, Lichfield Garrick TWELVE FOOT NINJA RUBIO Fri 14 Apr, Katie 16 - Mon 17 Apr, Hare Thurs 13 Apr, The Flap- Fitzgerald's, Stoubridge & Hounds, Birmingham per, Birmingham SOUL LEGENDS Fri 14 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW SHROPS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:23 Page 2

Monday 10 - Sunday 16 April

THE CHRIS & PUI SHOW Interactive fam- how we choose whether or not to ily show featuring songs, comedy cope, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Apr, The Old sketches and a dash of magic... Tues Rep Theatre, Birmingham 11 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING Scamp THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES Stuff Theatre present a heartwarming And Nonsense Theatre Company adaptation of Julie Donaldson and present an inventive romp through Axel Scheffler's bestselling book. the classic tale of an Emperor who Suitable for ages three-plus, Fri 14 - loves clothes more than anything, Sat 15 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Tues 11 Apr, Lichfield Garrick THE EASTER PRODUCTION Musical pro- THREE A retelling of fairytales and for- duction telling the story of Jesus’ gotten fables for children, Tues 11 death and resurrection through the Apr, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- eyes of those who experienced it, Fri upon-Trent 14 - Sat 15 Apr, Dudley Town Hall HANSEL AND GRETEL Courtyard Pro- THE TAP DANCING MERMAID Pigtails ductions fuse interactive puppetry, Productions present Tessa Bide's original song and humour to bring mystical story about a tippetty-tap the classic children’s tale to life,Tues dancer and her encounter with a 'wa- 11 - Sat 15 Apr, Theatre Severn, tery' boy named Leo, Sat 15 Apr, Shrewsbury Stafford Gatehouse Theatre TRES TRES CABARET Regular bur- lesque & cabaret show, Sat 15 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE MOON & ME Interactive adventure for children aged between three and eight, Sat 15 Apr, Brewhouse Arts Circus Du Hilarious - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Centre, Burton-upon-Trent ELMER Adapted from the well-loved Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, children’s book by David McKee, Sat Film Shropshire, Wed 12 Apr 15 - Thurs 20 Apr, mac, Birmingham STORKS (U) Animation/Adventure. HAYWIRE Lichfield Players present an CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS Circus, slap- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: With the voices of Andy Samberg amateur staging of Eric Chappell’s stick, comedy and magic from Clive and Jennifer Anniston. Forest Arts farce,Tues 11 - Sat 15 Apr, Lichfield Webb and Danny Adams, Sun 16 Centre, Walsall, Wed 12 Apr Garrick Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE (U) Anima- T2 TRAINSPOTTING (18) Drama. Star- tion/Adventure. With the voices of DICK & DOM LIVE A show of madcap ring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner. Ray Romano, Denis Leary. Forest challenges and audience-participa- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shrop- Arts Centre, Walsall, Mon 10 Apr tion games, Wed 12 Apr, Lichfield shire, Wed 12 - Thurs 13 Apr Garrick MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- THE BFG (PG) Adventure/Fantasy. Star- hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Festival THE EXPLORER New marionette show Dance ring Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill. Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, performed by puppeteer, Lori Hop- Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Staffs; North Shropshire, Mon 10 Apr kins, Wed 12 Apr, mac, Birmingham REMEMBERING FRED Strictly’s Alijaz Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Thurs 13 SING (U) Animation/Comedy. With the Apr THE TESTAMENT OF MARY Piecing to- and Janette perform steps and turns voices of Matthew McConaughey, gether memories of Jesus’ last days, from the golden age of Hollywood’s THE VICEROY’S HOUSE (12a) Reese Witherspoon. Ludlow Assem- Mary brings a mother’s powerful per- most celebrated dance routines, Sun Drama/History. Starring Gillian Ander- bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon spective to a very complex and 9 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham son, Michael Gambon. Stoke Film 10, Wed 12 - Thurs 13 Apr human story of turmoil and sacrifice, BODY OF LIGHT Darren Pritchard Theatre, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Apr; Lud- Wed 12 - Sat 15 Apr, The Old Joint Dance fuse dance and projection ef- FINDING DORY (U) Animation/Adven- low Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Fri Stock Theatre, Birmingham fects in ‘a beautiful little show for tiny ture. With the voices of Ellen De- 14 - Sat 15 & Mon 17 Apr Generes, Albert Brooks. Forest Arts NOISE Little Arden Theatre Company people and big people too’, Thurs 13 HARRY POTTER & THE PRISONER OF Centre, Walsall, Tues 11 Apr and Mr Millerman present Thomas Apr, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- AZKABAN (PG) Adventure/Fantasy. Moran's 'frenetic' production about upon-Trent THE JUNGLE BOOK (U) Animation/Ad- Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Wat- venture. With the voices of Phil Har- son. The Electric Cinema, Birming- ris, Sebastian Cabot. Ludlow ham, Thurs 13 & Sat 15 Apr Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (U) Tues 11 Apr Drama/Romance. Starring Cary THE STUDENT (15) Drama. Starring Grant, Deborah Kerr. The Electric Cin- Yuliya Aug, Viktoriya Isakova. Foreign ema, Birmingham, Fri 14 Apr language, subtitled. Stoke Film The- THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (U) Anima- atre, Tues 11 Apr tion/Action. With the voices of Will Ar- DENIAL (12a) Drama. Starring Rachel nett, Michael Cera. Wem Town Hall, Weisz, Tom Wilkinson. Wem Town Shropshire, Fri 14 Apr; Old Market Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 11 & Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri 14 - Thurs 13 Apr Sun 23 Apr; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Sat 15, Mon 17 THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (12) & Thurs 20 Apr Crime/Drama. Starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters. The Elec- THE SPACE BETWEEN US (PG) Adven- tric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 12 ture/Drama. Starring Gary Oldman, Apr Asa Butterfield. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 14 - HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Sat 15 Apr Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. The Scarecrows Wedding - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Henson, Octavia Spencer. Festival THE FOUNDER (12a) Biography/Drama. whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW SHROPS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:24 Page 3

WHAT’S ON AT THEATRE SEVERN...

FRI 7 - SUN 9 APR TUE 11 - SAT 15 APR

London Classic Theatre presents HANSEL AND GRETEL

“A custard pie of comic brilliance” TIME OUT

This Olivier Award-winning comedy and Two children go on a journey of hilarious farce explores the fallout bravery and discovery to an when the brilliant minds of Sigmund enchanted forest, where all is Freud and Salvador Dali collide. not quite as it seems...

TUE 11 APR FRI 21 OCT

CBeebies’ favourite double act is coming to town! This musical journey intertwines some of Incy Wincy, Twinkle, Old MacDonald, the greatest songs ever written including Humpty, Granny Humpty and many I Feel The Earth Move, Will You Still Love Me more of your favourite characters will be Tomorrow, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), dropping in along with the toys - Tom, Fire & Rain, You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Momo, Teddington, Stuffy and Miss Woman) and the beautiful You’ve Got A Friend. Mouse. Bring your own toy along too!

SAT 15 APR TUE 18 - SAT 22 APR

LES McKeown’s

Performing all the hits as well as introducing new songs from the upcoming new album

C H E C K T H E W E B S I T E F O R F U L L L I S T I N G S

BOX OFFICE 01743 281 281 BOOK ONLINE WWW.THEATRESEVERN.CO.UK THEATRE SEVERN, FRANKWELL QUAY, SHREWSBURY SY3 8FT

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW SHROPS 10 - 16 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:24 Page 4

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 April Starring Michael Keaton, Nick Offer- Fordhall Organic Farm, Market Dray- man. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, ton, North Shropshire Shropshire, Fri 14 - Thurs 20 Apr EASTER ACTIVITIES Take along an old THE HANDMAIDEN (18) Drama/Mystery. sock and transform it into an Easter Starring Min-hee Kim, Jung-woo Ha. Bunny, Tues 11 Apr, Carding Mill Val- Foreign language, subtitled. The ley & The Shropshire Hills Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 14 - WILD TIMES: BACK TO NATURE Leave Thurs 20 Apr the screens and technology behind NEVER ENDING STORY (U) and join the Wildlife Survival School Adventure/Drama. Starring Noah for fun around the campfire, Tues 11 Hathaway, Barret Oliver. The Mock- Apr, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 15 ANGLO-SAXON SEASONS AND FESTIVALS Apr Discover some of the Anglo-Saxon WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (U) Ani- Festivals of Mercia in the period 600 mation/Adventure. Starring Bob to 700AD, Tues 11 Apr, The Potteries Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd. The Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, GO CANOEING! Canoe on the man- Sat 15 Apr made river behind the mansion and BACK TO THE FUTURE (PG) see the gardens from a new perspec- Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Michael J. tive, Tues 11 Apr, Shugborough His- Fox, Christopher Lloyd. The Mocking- toric Working Estate, Staffordshire Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 15 Apr CRAFT ACTIVITY - SPRINGTIME HAT KUBO & THE TWO STRINGS (U) Anima- Make your own Spring garden hat to Various dates from Sat 8 - Tues 18 April at Attingham Park, Shrews- tion/Adventure. With the voices of wear, Tues 11 - Thurs 13 Apr, The bury; Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton; Chirk Castle, Wrexham; Erd- Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson. mac, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, dig Hall, Wrexham; Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton; Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool; Sunnycroft, Wellington; Wightwick Manor, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Apr Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton and Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth HARVEY (U) Comedy/Drama. Starring EASTER CRAFT: MAKE YOUR OWN SUN- Jimmy Stewart. The Electric Cinema, CATCHERS Use a variety of craft mate- Who better to organise an Easter egg hunt (or several) than those Birmingham, Sun 16 Apr rials to create your own lovely people at Cadbury? The chocolate-making Birmingham com- Easter-themed suncatchers, Tues 11 - pany are this Easter coordinating more than 250 hunts at National Tues 18 Apr, Blakesley Hall, B’ham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Trust properties across the UK. And there’s plenty more besides for GET GEOCACHING Explore Attingham egg-seeking families to enjoy on their fun-filled day out, from fight- Released from Fri 14 Apr, showing at as you hunt for hidden geocaches ing fiery dragons and solving mysteries to helping friendly animals selected cinemas around the grounds, Wed 12 Apr, At- FAST & FURIOUS 8 (tbc) tingham Park, Shrewsbury throw a carnival. And what’s more, all participants will be rewarded with a sure-to-be-delicious Cadbury treat at the end of each com- THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) SPRING CRAFTS Wed 12 Apr, Dudmas- pleted hunt. Please check with individual venues for dates. THE HANDMAIDEN (18) ton Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire MULHOLLAND DRIVE (15) TALL TALES - CINDERELLA FAMILY STORY TOUR AND CRAFT An interactive telling of Cinderella, Wed 12 Apr, Aston Hall, EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA With daily MOTORFEST Featuring classic cars, Birmingham bonnet competitions plus an Easter motorcycles, military 4x4s, perform- DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS egg hunt around the venue, Fri 14 - ance cars, classic commercials, trac- Events OF MAGIC Be charmed by a cast of Mon 17 Apr, Cadbury World, tors and stationary engines, Sun 16 - over 50 Disney characters, Wed 12 - Bournville, Birmingham Mon 17 Apr, Weston Park, Stafford- Sun 16 Apr, Genting Arena, B’ham EASTER AT EASTNOR Easter Treasure shire ANIMAL MAGIC MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT Featuring a magic EASTER CRAFT: POMPOM PRINTING Use Hunt around the castle and grounds. Medieval show, arty fun, animals and animal pegs, paints & pompoms to make Chocolate for everyone who takes music, dancing and talented re-enac- crafts, an animal treasure hunt and printed Easter-themed cards, Thurs part and a chance to win an enor- tors demonstrating the arts of archery animal-themed films, Mon 10 Apr, 13 - Thurs 20 Apr, Blakesley Hall, mous Easter egg, Fri 14 - Mon 17 and cookery in the Middle Ages, Sun Manor House Museum, West Birmingham Apr, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Here- 16 - Mon 17 Apr, Harvington Hall, Kid- Bromwich fordshire derminster EASTER EGGS-TRAVAGANZA Follow the EASTER FUN INSOMNIA60 EASTER FAMILY FUN WEEKEND Arts and crafts, bug hunt- Easter trail around the meadows, de- Featuring the latest and Sun 16 - ing and spring activities for little ones, sign an Easter bonnet, make a 3-D greatest in games, interactive zones, Mon 17 Apr, National Brewery Centre, Mon 10 Apr, Birmingham Botanical Easter egg, decorate a blossoming music and live stage shows, Fri 14 - Burton-on-Trent Gardens tree and lots more, Fri 14 Apr, Shrop- Mon 17 Apr, NEC, Birmingham ART FOR A LIFETIME: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN shire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven EASTER CHICK ENCOUNTER Join the TOMB SCENES AND FUNERARY GOODS Arms, South Shropshire farmers as they care for the newly Mon 10 Apr, Linden House, Wolver- THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Featur- hatched Easter chicks, Fri 14 - Mon hampton ing a star-studded roster that in- 17 Apr, Shugborough Historic Work- SPRING CRAFTS Mon 10 Apr, Dudmas- cludes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, ing Estate, Staffordshire ton Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law & Bull GO CANOEING! Canoe on the man- PASSPORT INTO SPRING TRAIL Travel Bullard, Fri 14 Apr, Barclaycard made river behind the mansion and from the dark days of winter into the Arena, Birmingham see the gardens from a new perspec- new season of growth and revival, BCA CHEER AND DANCE BRITISH CHAM- tive, Sat 15 Apr, Shugborough His- Mon 10 - Thurs 13 Apr, Dudmaston PIONSHIPS Featuring the British toric Working Estate, Staffordshire Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Cheerleading Association, Fri 14 - HOLI RAVE Spectacular party of EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Woodland Sun 16 Apr, Telford International Cen- colours where friends and strangers adventures, bushcraft activities, pond tre, Shropshire chase each other with coloured pow- dipping, raft racing, Easter egg rolling EASTER EGG HUNT Fri 14 - Mon 17 Apr, der, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Apr, No21 Dig- beth, Birmingham and gardening, Mon 10 - Fri 21 Apr, Benthall Hall, Broseley, Shropshire Holi Rave - Digbeth, Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW SHROPS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:21 Page 1

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April 21 Apr, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Classical Music Theatre South Shropshire 51 STONE Fri 21 Apr, THE STAFFORDSHIRE BAND: ST BUCKET LIST Powerful story of one Route 44, Birmingham GEORGE’S DAY CONCERT Fri 21 Apr, Mexican woman's fight for justice, GAZ BROOKFIELD Fri 21 Forest Arts Centre, Walsall told through physical storytelling, live Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, A SCHUBERTIADE: AN EVENING WITH instrumental music and song, Tues Stourbridge SCHUBERT & FRIENDS Featuring Claire 18 - Thurs 20 Apr, The REP, B’ham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Prewer (soprano), Benjamin Frith THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK Cabaret Fri 21 - Sat 22 Apr, The (piano) & Richard Jenkinson (cello), show featuring 16 of Thailand’s most Jam House, B’ham Sat 22 Apr, Festival Drayton Centre, stunning Lady Boys, Tues 18 Apr, BLUES TRILOGY WEEK- Market Drayton, North Shropshire The Place, Oakengates Theatre, ENDER Fri 21 - Sat 22 MOZART CLARINET QUINTET & CRUSELL Telford Apr, Eleven, Stoke-on- QUARTET Sun 23 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Trent ALEXIS TAYLOR - PRINCE TRIBUTE Sat 22 Apr, Hare & Hounds, B’ham THE MOTHERS EARTH EX- Comedy Richard Ashcroft - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham PERIMENT Sat 22 Apr, The Sunflower Lounge, Wrexham TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 17 Apr, Birmingham NELL BRYDEN Thurs 20 The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Gigs THE ORIELLES Sat 22 Apr, Henry Tudor LAUGH OFF - COMEDY BATTLE Tues 18 Apr, The Sugarmill, House, Shrewsbury Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON Les Pe- PUMAROSA Mon 17 Apr, Stoke-on-Trent tits Theatre Company present a stag- THE SHIMMER BAND MICK FERRY, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN & Hare & Hounds, B’ham I Q, Sat 22 Apr, The ing of David Walliams' space Thurs 20 Apr, O2 Insti- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- THE SOLID SILVER 60S Robin, Bilston adventure for children aged three- tute, Birmingham SON Thurs 20 Apr, The Glee Club, SHOW Mon 17 Apr, LICHFIELD GARRICK plus, Tues 18 Apr, mac, Birmingham JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall CHOIR CONCERT Sat 22 MORGAN & WEST’S UTTERLY SPIFFING WALKER Thurs 20 Apr, DANNY BAKER Thurs 20 Apr, New DREAM THEATER Tues 18 Apr, Lichfield Garrick SPECTACULAR Magic show for kids The Glee Club, B’ham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Apr, Symphony Hall, TALON - THE BEST OF EA- which mixes brain-boggling illusion FRANKIE VALLI AND THE LUISA OMIELAN, SIMON EMANUAL & Birmingham GLES Sat 22 Apr, Birm- and good old-fashioned tomfoolery, FOUR SEASONS Thurs 20 IGNACIO LOPEZ Fri 21 Apr, Lichfield Tues 18 Apr, Ludlow Assembly PALACE Tues 18 Apr, O2 ingham Town Hall Apr, Genting Arena, Garrick Rooms, South Shropshire Institute, Birmingham THE DECADES BAND Sat Birmingham SEAN PERCIVAL, TOM LUCY, LUKE TOUL- MUSICAL MEDLEY Get Your Wigle On’s COAST TO COAST, BETTER 22 Apr, The River RICHARD ASHCROFT SON & CAIMH MCDONNELL Fri 21 - Sat young performers are back with an THAN NEVER, PINE & Rooms, Stourbridge Thurs 20 Apr, Barclay- 22 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham evening packed full of entertainment, LUKE RAINSFORD Tues REBEL REBEL (DAVID card Arena, B’ham MICK FERRY, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, GUZ Tues 18 - Wed 19 Apr, Theatre Sev- 18 Apr, The Asylum, BOWIE) Sat 22 Apr, 80S PARTY NIGHT WITH KHAN & ANDRE VINCENT Fri 21 - Sat 22 ern, Shrewsbury Birmingham Route 44, Birmingham JOHNNY 2 BAD Fri 21 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham ANNIE Amateur production presented BLOOD RED THRONE Tues Apr, The Robin, Bilston THE KOOKS Sat 22 Apr, by Lichfield Operatic Society, Tues 18 18 Apr, The Rainbow COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 22 Apr, O2 Academy, B’ham - Sat 22 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Venues, Birmingham MICHAEL ENGLISH Fri 21 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Apr, The Place, Oaken- ANDY MILLS Sat 22 Apr, SUNNY AFTERNOON Olivier Award-win- MUSICAL MEDLEY Tues ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 22 Apr, The gates Theatre, Telford, Havana Republic Bar ning musical telling the story of one 18 - Wed 19 Apr, The- Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent Shropshire and Restaurant, of Britain's greatest-ever bands, The atre Severn, Shrews- CHRIS RAMSEY Sat 22 Apr, William Shrewsbury Kinks, Tues 18 - Sat 22 Apr, Wolver- bury BAD GIRLFRIEND & BRY- Aston Hall, Wrexham ONY WILLIAMS WITH ARRANGING SONGS FOR hampton Grand Theatre CIGARETTES AFTER SEX REGINALD D HUNTER Sat 22 Apr, Lud- SLEEP TERMINAL & LYCIO PERFORMANCE - WITH THE VERDICT Clive Mantle and Jack Wed 19 Apr, Hare & low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- Fri 21 Apr, The Sun- GREG RUSSELL & CIARAN Shepherd star in a new staging of Hounds, Birmingham shire flower Lounge, B’ham ALGAR Sat 22 Apr, The Barry Reed’s courtroom thriller, Tues THE GOOD SINNERS Wed Hive, Shrewsbury THE STAFFORDSHIRE 18 - Sat 22 Apr, Theatre Severn, 19 Apr, Eleven, Stoke- BAND - ST GEORGE'S DAY WHALEBONE IN CONCERT Shrewsbury on-Trent CONCERT Fri 21 Apr, For- Sat 22 Apr, Wem Town MAMMA MIA! The Abba-inspired feel- PHOENIX RISING Wed 19 est Arts Centre, Walsall Hall, North Shropshire good musical returns to the Mid- Apr, The Robin, Wolver- TAX THE HEAT Fri 21 Apr, THE TOWN Sat 22 Apr, lands... Tues 18 - Sat 29 Apr, Regent hampton The Slade Rooms, Newhampton Arts Cen- Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent JOHNNY LLOYD Wed 19 Wolverhampton tre, Wolverhampton MR BLOOM’S NURSERY - LIVE! Theatre Apr, The Sunflower SKABUCKS Fri 21 Apr, GREG RUSSELL & CIARAN for younger audiences, featuring Lounge, Birmingham The Roadhouse, B’ham ALGAR Sat 22 Apr, The song, play and plenty of interaction, SPLASHH Thurs 20 Apr, Hive, Shrewsbury Wed 19 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, THE BEE GEES STORY - Hare & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham NIGHTS ON BROADWAY LA VILLA STRANGIATO - CHAINSKA BRASSIKA'S Fri 21 Apr, New Alexan- THE SPIRIT OF RUSH Sun TEECHERS Stage2 presents an ama- REGGAE CARNIVAL Thurs dra Theatre, B’ham 23 Apr, The Robin, Bil- teur production of John Godber’s 20 Apr, Hare & Hounds, ston take on life at a modern comprehen- WHITE TYGER Fri 21 Apr, Birmingham sive, Wed 19 - Sat 22 Apr, The Cres- The River Rooms, LAURENCE JONES Sun KEN DODD Sat 22 Apr, New Alexandra cent Theatre, Birmingham THE ORIELLES Thurs 20 Stourbridge 23 Apr, Lichfield Guild- Theatre, Birmingham Apr, The Sunflower hall CHRIS & PUI Songs, comedy and REJJIE SNOW Fri 21 Apr, Lounge, Birmingham DANA ALEXANDER, GLEN MOORE & sketches for children from CBeebies’ O2 Institute, B’ham BRUM BANDS UNITE Sun WINDSOR Sat 22 Apr, Jongleurs Com- favourite double act, Thurs 20 Apr, THE UNTHANKS Thurs 20 23 Apr, Bilston Town INTO THE SHADOWS Fri edy Club, Birmingham Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock Apr, William Aston Hall, Hall 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW SHROPS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:21 Page 2

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC 2017 Direct PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE from a hit season in London’s West NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly APRIL HIGHLIGHTS End, the world-class illusionists re- Come Dancing star, his spectacu- THU 30 MAR - SAT 1 turn with 'a spectacular night of lar dancers and special guest Anya APR, 7.45PM, mystery', Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Apr, The Garnis, Wed 19 Apr, Prince of Lichﬁeld Garrick Youth Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Wales Centre, Cannock SPRING 2017 Theatre presents WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT A LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS CYMBELINE vivid and noisy staging of Michael GAMES With all the precision and 24 March, 7.30pm A wild, giddy and immersive Rosen’s award-winning book, Fri thrills of the original, Lord of the GA GA production full of m 21 - Sun 23 Apr, Stafford Gate- Dance: Dangerous Games features isunderstandings, intimacies, betrayals and battles with house Theatre new staging, cutting edge technol- Tickets: £13.50 heart-stopping poetry, ogy, new costumes and choreog- £15, £12 Students electrifying live music and characteristic madness. raphy, world champion acrobats and 40 of the world’s most out- 28 - 29 March, 7pm SUN 9 APR, 7.30PM standing young performers all di- The Brewhouse Youth rected by Michael Flatley, Wed 19 - Platform THE SOUNDS OF THE GLENN Sun 23 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birm- Tickets: £7, £5 (Conc) ingham MILLER ERA Recapture the sounds of a ALICE IN WONDERLAND Ballet The- 4 & 5 April, 7pm bygone era with an atre UK fuse captivating choreog- unmissable evening of Theatre Ad Infinitum: music and song... raphy, wit, humour and charm to Bucket List present a unique take on Lewis TAMBURLAINE Yellow Earth presents Carroll’s most famous tale, Thurs Tickets: £12 plus ‘bring a friend for free’ £22.50 Christopher Marlowe’s story of a 20 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leam- lowly shepherd who rises to power ington Spa TUE 11 APR, 3.00PM 7 April 7pm and conquers half the world DIVERSITY: GENESIS The 2009 THE EMPEROR'S through sheer brutality and self-be- At Burton Town Hall Britain’s Got Talent winners present Bee Gees Fever NEW CLOTHES lief, Fri 21 Apr, Old Rep Theatre, the concluding part of their fantasy Tickets: £18 (Adv), £20 (OTD) An inventive romp through Birmingham epic, which featured the much-ac- the classic tale of an Emperor who loves clothes 13 THE MUSICAL Amateur produc- claimed Limitless: The Reboot, Sat more than anything. tion from Get Your Wigle On, Fri 21 22 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Birm- 8 - 22 April, - Sat 22 Apr, Theatre Severn, ingham Throughout Burton Town Centre 3+ Shrewsbury Burton Children’s £10.50, £9.50 Child Easter Festival THE GIRL FROM MARS The Martian invasion is moving to Birmingham WED 12 APR, with the arrival of ‘the ultimate Brit- 11.00AM & 2.00PM pop musical’, Sat 22 April, The Talks 18 - 22 April, 7.30pm 2.30pm Thu & Sat Mat Crescent Theatre, Birmingham DICK & DOM LTC Youth LIVE THE WIZARD OF OZ Click your heels, Les Miserables AN EVENING WITH GEOFFREY BOY- Schools Edition Children’s TV legends, Dick clap your hands and journey over COTT Boycott’s 100th Hundred - and Dom will be unleashed Tickets: £12, £10 (Conc. & Mat) with a show that promises the rainbow, Sun 23 Apr, William The 40th Anniversary Tour, Thurs to get the whole family on Aston Hall, Wrexham 20 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre their feet. 27 April, 8pm £13.50, £11.50 Child, WARNING - You may get POETS, PRATTLERS AND PANDEMONI- £41.50 Family, messy ALISTS An evening of poetry like Shappi Khorsandi ‘Oh My Country!’ you’ve never seen before. May Tickets: £15, £13 (Conc) contain strong language, Fri 21 SAT 23 APR, 3.00PM Dance Apr, Arena Theatre, W’hampton MOZART CLARINET QUINTET & CRUSELL ONLY CONNECT WITH EMMA GANNON 29 April, 2pm & 7pm PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE QUARTET & OLIVIA SUDJIC Lively and thought- All-England Theatre NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly Jane Booth is an ful conversation about how we Festival – Quarter Finals internationally renowned Come Dancing star, his spectacu- connect in the digital age, Fri 21 performer and musicologist, lar dancers and special guest Anya Tickets: £10, £15 both sessions working with the Academy Apr, The Studio, Library of B’ham of Ancient Music, the OAE Garnis, Mon 17 Apr, Theatre Sev- and Tafelmusik. HONOUR AMONG THEBES Writer, ern, Shrewsbury £20, £15 Students 5 May 8pm Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders WED 10 1.30PM & 3+ 4.30PM THU 11 MAY, Tickets: £20 10.30AM & 1.30PM THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA - LIVE ON STAGE Box ofﬁce: A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, 01283 508100 based on the book by Ju- dith Kerr. BOOK ONLINE AT £14, £11.50 Groups Direct from a SMASH-HIT www.brewhouse.co.uk WEST END season Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Staffordshire DE14 1AA www.lichfieldgarrick.com LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR Diversity: Genesis - Barclaycard arena, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW SHROPS 17 - 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:21 Page 3

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 April broadcaster & comedian Natalie Nixon, Jennifer Ehle. Warwick Arts 19 Apr NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Haynes presents a humorous history Centre, Coventry, Mon 17 - Wed 19 THE LOVE WITCH (15) Comedy/Horror. Released from Fri 21 Apr, showing at of Ancient Greece, Sat 22 Apr, The Apr; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri Starring Samantha Robinson, Jeffrey selected cinemas Studio, Cannon Street, B’ham 21 - Thurs 27 Apr Vincent Parise. Stoke Film Theatre, FINDING FATIMA (tbc) EVERYWOMAN Yardley MP Jess THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (U) Anima- Thurs 20 Apr THEIR FINEST (12a) Phillips tells the truth about speaking tion/Action. With the voices of Will Ar- IVAN'S CHILDHOOD (PG) Drama/War. the truth, Sat 22 Apr, The Studio, Li- nett, Michael Cera. Festival Drayton Starring Nikolay Burlyaev, Valentin RULES DON’T APPLY (12a) brary of Birmingham Centre, Market Drayton, Shropshire, Zubkov. Foreign language, subtitled. THE BELKO EXPERIMENT (tbc) BEETLE QUEEN WITH MG LEONARD Join Tues 18 Apr The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri THE TRANSFIGURATION (tbc) the Waterstones-shortlisted author THE SALESMAN (12a) Drama/Thriller. 21 Apr UNFORGETTABLE (15) and poet as she talks about her Starring Shahab Hosseini, Taraneh THE VICEROY’S HOUSE (12a) books and her infectious enthusiasm Alidoosti. Foreign language, subti- Drama/History. Starring Gillian Ander- for beetles, Sat 23 Apr, Thinktank, tled. Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 18 Apr son, Michael Gambon. Festival Dray- Birmingham FENCES (12a) Drama. Starring Denzel ton Centre, Market Drayton, North BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL FI- Washington and Viola Davis. Ludlow Shropshire, Fri 21 Apr Events NALE We Need To Talk About Kevin Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, CINEMA PARADISO (PG) Drama. Star- author Lionel Shriver looks at an Tues 18 - Wed 19 Apr ring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale. EASTER POTTERY Make nests com- America that’s changing faster than MOANA (PG) Animation/Adventure. Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- plete with birds, eggs and maybe a fiction can imagine, Sat 23 Apr, Stu- With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, ton, North Shropshire, Sat 22 Apr worm. Admission to parents & carers dio Theatre, Library of Birmingham is free, materials and firing costs in- Auli'i Cravalho. Mitchell Arts Centre, SEVEN SAMURAI (PG) cluded, Tues 18 Apr, The Hive Hanley, Staffs, Wed 19 Apr Adventure/Drama. Starring Toshirô Shrewsbury ELLE (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring Is- Mifune, Takashi Shimura. Foreign lan- abelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte. For- guage, subtitled. The Electric Cin- WILD TIMES: BACK TO NATURE Join the eign language, subtitled. Stoke Film ema, Birmingham, Sun 23 Apr Wildlife Survival School for fun around the campfire, Tues 18 Apr, At- Film Theatre, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Apr EASTER PARADE (U) Musical/Romance. tingham Park, Shrewsbury SWORD ART ONLINE THE MOVIE: ORDI- Starring Judy Garland, Fred Astaire. INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: NAL SCALE (15) Animation/Action. mac, Birmingham, Sun 23 Apr EASTER ACTIVITIES Take along an old Starring Rina Hidaka, Hiroaki Hirata. sock and transform it into an Easter Foreign language, subtitled. The Bunny, Tues 18 Apr, Carding Mill Val- A QUIET PASSION (U) Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed ley & The Shropshire Hills Biography/Drama. Starring Cynthia

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PASSPORT INTO SPRING TRAIL Travel Apr, The Hive, Shrewsbury from the dark days of winter into SPRING INTO MUSIC CLASS A musical the new season of growth and re- adventure using songs and sounds vival, Tues 18 - Thurs 20 Apr, Dud- inspired by spring, Fri 21 Apr, The maston Estate, Shropshire Hive, Shrewsbury NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the 'ALL ABOARD' DANCE Dance session 8 - 22 April, All Day Nimrod and learn about its intelli- Burton Yarn Trent to get you moving, Fri 21 Apr, The Exhibition gence-gathering role in the Royal Hive, Shrewsbury Air Force, Tues 18 - Sun 23 Apr, Free Event RAF Cosford Museum, Stafford- STORYBOARDS, COMICS AND FLICK shire BOOKS Write a script, make a story- board, animate it into a flick book, 8 - 22 April, All Day ANIMATION WORKSHOP Learn and then make a comic, Fri 21 Apr, develop stop-frame animation tech- Easter Egg Trail Manor House Museum, West through Burton niques to create an animation in a Bromwich day, Wed 19 Apr, The Hive, Shrews- Free Event bury THE BIG TREE CLIMB The Great Big Tree Climbing Company demon- MINECRAFT MAGIC WORKSHOP Show strate how to safely climb an oak 10 - 22 April, All Day off your best Minecraft skill. Friends tree, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Apr, Shugbor- Giant Easter Egg Display and family are invited to view the ough Historic Working Estate, at The Octagon last 30 minutes of the session, Wed Staffordshire Free Event 19 Apr, The Hive, Shrewsbury BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL: TALL TALES - SLEEPING BEAUTY FAM- THE SPRING EDITION Featuring an ILY STORY TOUR AND CRAFT Join the eclectic range of talks, perform- 11 April, 11.30am & 2.30pm king and queen for Aurora’s Chris- ances & workshops. Guest artists Half Moon presents a Wrongsemble tening party, Wed 19 Apr, Aston include best-selling American nov- production Hall, Birmingham Three elist Lionel Shriver & nature writer Tickets: £6, £20 family of 4 GET GEOCACHING Explore Attingham Jess Phillips, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Apr, as you hunt for hidden geocaches various Birmingham locations in- around the grounds, Wed 19 Apr, cluding the Library Of Birmingham, 11 & 18 April, 11am - 4pm Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Centrala Gallery & Birmingham SnapperJaxx Kids Club SPRING CRAFTS Wed 19 Apr, Dud- REP at Coopers’ Square maston Estate, Bridgnorth, Shrop- YARDLEY ARTS DAY A day of arts & Free Event shire craft activities, Sat 22 Apr, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID Make the Blakesley Hall, Birmingham tools to write your own diary, then GET READY FOR ST GEORGE’S DAY 12 April, 10.30am - 3pm write a funny diary story and enter Make a hat, flag and bunting, Sat Stop Motion Workshop – The Egg-Scape the event competition to win a 22 Apr, Manor House Museum, prize, Wed 19 Apr, Manor House Wolverhampton Tickets: £18, £30 for two siblings Museum, West Bromwich ST. GEORGE'S DAY Medieval living BIRDS IN A BOX WITH ZOE NEEDLE history in the castle, re-enactments Create a decorative aviary box, in the castle grounds, Sat 22 Apr, 13 April, 11.30am & 2.30pm Thurs 20 Apr, The Hive, Shrews- Tamworth Castle bury Darren Pritchard Dance ZIGZAG ENSEMBLE Composing and Body of Light SCULPTURAL BIRD CREATIONS Mould, improvising group for 12 to 18-year- Tickets: £6, £20 family of 4 sculpt, paint and explore paper olds, Sun 23 Apr, CBSO Centre, techniques using found papers and Birmingham old books to create 3D sculptural MUSIC MAZE Creative, participatory 15 April, 11am - 4pm birds, Thurs 20 Apr, The Hive, workshops for children aged be- Face Painting Shrewsbury tween eight and 11, Sun 23 Apr, at The Octagon ACORNS FIREWALK Evening of fun, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Free Event fire and fundraising, Thurs 20 Apr, ST GEORGE’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Me- Black Country Living Museum, dieval re-enactment, children’s en- Dudley tertainers, face painting and crafts 15 April, 10am - 4pm SPRING CRAFTS Thurs 20 Apr, Atting- in the 11th century castle court- Play in the Place ham Park, Shrewsbury yard, Sun 23 Apr, Dudley Zoologi- @ Burton Market CREATIVE WRITING NATURE RAMBLE cal Gardens Free Event Children take part in a nature ram- SPRING FAIR Lambs, chicks, exotic ble before penning their own sto- animals, welly wanging, craft activi- ries or poems inspired by the ties, a hay bale tunnel, tractor rides, things they've seen and collected, games and stalls, Sun 23 Apr, Ford- Box ofﬁce: Thurs 20 Apr, Dudmaston Estate, hall Organic Farm, Market Drayton, 01283 508100 Bridgnorth, Shropshire North Shropshire GO CANOEING! Canoe on the man- DRIVE-IT DAY Motoring heritage cel- BOOK ONLINE AT made river behind the mansion and ebration, including a wide display www.brewhouse.co.uk see the gardens from a new per- of classic vehicles, Sun 23 Apr, Na- spective, Thurs 20 Apr, Shugbor- tional Memorial Arboretum, Staffs Brewhouse Arts Centre, ough Historic Working Estate, Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, EASTER CHICK ENCOUNTER Join the Staffordshire DE14 1AA Staffordshire farmers as they care for the newly YOUNG DANCE MAKERS Learn the ba- hatched Easter chicks, Sun 23 Apr, sics of contemporary dance, create Shugborough Historic Working Es- choreography and have fun, Fri 21 tate, Staffordshire

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64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW SHROPS 24 - 30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:22 Page 2

thelist Monday 24 - Sunday 30 April 27 Apr, The Rainbow Apr, O2 Institute, B’ham MIKE GUNN, ANDRE VINCENT Thurs 27 Venues, Birmingham Gigs MORETALLICA Sat 29 Classical Music Apr, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield PÖRK Fri 28 Apr, The Apr, Route 44, B’ham STEVE BEST & TOM APPLETON Fri 28 Slade Rooms, Wolver- RATIONALE Mon 24 Apr, CAMERON FORREST Sat LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre hampton THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- Hare & Hounds, B’ham 29 Apr, Havana Repub- GEOFF BOYZ, LEAH SHAND, RYAN MC- MAGIC AND THE MUSE Fri lic Bar and Restaurant, cludes works by J.S Bach, C. Pe- DONNELL & GEORGE RIGDEN Fri 28 Apr, MY GIRL THE RIVER Mon pusch, Elgar, A. Hollins & 28 Apr, Crescent The- Shrewsbury National Brewery Centre, Burton- 24 Apr, Kitchen Garden Mendelssohn, Mon 24 Apr, B’ham atre, Birmingham PINK FLOYDIAN Sat 29 upon-Trent Cafe, Birmingham Town Hall THE QUIREBOYS Fri 28 Apr, The Slade Rooms, MIKE WILMOT, BRENNAN REECE & PAUL CHRIS DE BURGH Mon KRISTIINA ROKASHEVICH PIANO RECITAL Apr, The Asylum, Birm- Wolverhampton MYREHAUG & MANDY KNIGHT Fri 28 - 24 Apr, Symphony Hall, Programme includes works by Schu- ingham CHRIS HELME Sat 29 Sat 29 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Birmingham bert, Debussy & Bartok, Mon 24 Apr, FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 28 Apr, Lichfield Guildhall RAG'N'BONE MAN Mon Birmingham Town Hall STEVE WILLIAMS, ANGELA BARNES, Apr, The Robin, Bilston GAZ MAYALL Sat 29 Apr, JAKE LAMBERT & ANDREW STANLEY Fri 24 Apr, O2 Academy, CHOPIN PIANO CONCERTO WITH LOUIS KEYWEST Fri 28 Apr, O2 Newhampton Arts Cen- 28 - Sat 29 Apr, The Glee Club, Birm- Birmingham SCHWIZGEBEL Also featuring Fabien Institute, Birmingham tre, Wolverhampton ingham LYNNE HANSON AND THE Gabel (piano) & the City of Birming- GOOD INTENTIONS Mon NIBBS & EDDY Fri 28 SAX IN THE CITY: THE ham Symphony Orchesta. Pro- RUDI LICKWOOD, JARLATH REGAN, SAM 24 Apr, Stafford Gate- Apr, Havana Republic NOTEBENDERS Sat 29 gramme includes works by Berlioz, AVERY Fri 28 - Sat 29 Apr, Jongleurs house Theatre Bar and Restaurant, Apr, Symphony Hall, Chopin & Franck, Wed 26 Apr, Sym- Comedy Club, Birmingham Shrewsbury Birmingham BRUNO MARS Mon 24 - phony Hall, Birmingham SARA PASCOE Sat 29 Apr, The Old Tues 25 Apr, Barclay- ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? LYNNE HANSON AND THE BOCCHERINI STRING QUARTETS Featur- Rep Theatre, Birmingham card Arena, B’ham Fri 28 Apr, The Road- GOOD INTENTIONS Sat 29 ing Gabriel Dyker & Amanda Lake house, Birmingham Apr, The Hive, Shrews- MEAT WAVE Tues 25 Apr, (violins), Amy Thomas (viola), David bury The Flapper, B’ham RAT BOY Fri 28 Apr, The Powell (cello) & Sally Morgan (dou- Sugarmill, Stoke-on- DANIEL O'DONNELL Sat ble bass). Programme comprises PETERS & DOG & Trent 29 Apr, Victoria Hall, Boccherini's Three String Quintets, DANIELLE CAWDELL Tues Op.39, Thurs 27 Apr, CBSO Centre, LOBSTER SHACK Fri 28 Stoke-on-Trent 25 Apr, Kitchen Garden Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, DEMENTIA AWARE FEST Birmingham 2017 Sat 29 - Sun 30 CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: BRITISH THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS BLOCKBUSTERS Featuring Nicholas MIKE SKINNER & MURK- Apr, The Roadhouse, Tues 25 Apr, The Jam Dodd (conductor) & Mark Kermode AGE PRESENT TONGA Fri Birmingham House, Birmingham (presenter), Fri 28 Apr, Symphony 28 Apr, Hare & Hounds, RAYMOND FROGGATT LED ZEPPELIN MASTERS Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Sun 30 Apr, The Slade Tues 25 Apr, Symphony GALIN GANCHEV PIANO RECITAL Fri 28 IN2MINDS Fri 28 Apr, Rooms, Wolverhamp- Hall, Birmingham Apr, Alington Hall, Shrewsbury Route 44, Birmingham ton SPECTRES Tues 25 - School THE SELECTER & THE DAVID RODIGAN & Wed 26 Apr, Hare & AN EVENING OF MUSIC & DANCE WITH BEAT FEAT. RANKING MIGHTY CROWN Sun 30 Hounds, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET Featuring ROGER Fri 28 Apr, O2 In- Apr, O2 Academy, CHAIN OF FLOWERS Wed the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and with stitute, Birmingham Birmingham 26 Apr, Hare & Hounds, David Bintley as compere, Sat 29 SEAMUS MOORE Sun 30 Birmingham INTO THE SHADOWS Fri Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ROFL COMEDY CLUB Sat 29 Apr, The 28 Apr, Forest Arts Cen- Apr, Irish Centre, Birm- THE GOOD SINNERS Wed MARK PADMORE AND PAUL LEWIS Per- Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent tre, Walsall ingham 26 Apr, Eleven, Stoke- form Schubert’s Die Schöne Müllerin, JERSEY 4 Sun 30 Apr, RUSSELL KANE Sun 30 Apr, Stour- on-Trent PET SHOP BOYS TRIBUTE Sun 30 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall bridge Town Hall Fri 28 Apr, Theatre On The River Rooms, THE UNTHANKS Wed 26 The Steps, Bridgnorth, Stourbridge Apr, The Glee Club, South Shropshire JAKE ISAAC Sun 30 Apr, Birmingham THE BEST OF BOY BANDS O2 Institute, B’ham HAPPYNESS Wed 26 Fri 28 Apr, The Belfry, HOUSE OF JEALOUS Apr, Hare & Hounds, Comedy Sutton Coldfield LOVERS Sun 30 Apr, Theatre Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham JAYWALKERS Fri 28 Apr, ROB DEERING, JENNY COLLIER & MARK LAURENCE JONES Wed THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE FAMILY Lichfield Guildhall SAM BROOKES Sun 30 OLVER Wed 26 Apr, Henry Tudor 26 Apr, The Robin, Bil- Join writer-performer and UK poetry Apr, The Rainbow Ven- House, Shrewsbury, Shropshire ston ED SHEERAN Fri 28 - Sat slam champion Ben Norris as he bat- 29 Apr, Barclaycard ues, Birmingham KATHRYN ROBERTS AND STEVE WILLIAMS, ANGELA BARNES & tles against the country's most notori- Arena, Birmingham THE SOLID SILVER 60S SEAN LAKEMAN Wed 26 COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- ous service stations and the perils of SHOW Sun 30 Apr, Apr, The Red Lion Folk GROUPER Fri 28 - Sat 29 SON Thurs 27 Apr, The Glee Club, lower-league football in search of the Wolverhampton Grand Club, Birmingham Apr, The Jam House, Birmingham man who became his father, Mon 24 Birmingham Theatre Apr, The REP, Birmingham HMLTD Thurs 27 Apr, TEZ ILYAS Thurs 27 Apr, mac, B’ham THE NEW GRASS CUT- The Sunflower Lounge, TENPOLE TUDOR Sat 29 DOREEN’S GRAND NIGHT OUT Evening TERS Sun 30 Apr, Birmingham Apr, The Flapper, Birm- of satirical stand-up, music and ingham Stafford Gatehouse sketches, Mon 24 - Tues 25 Apr, BENT LIFE Thurs 27 Apr, Theatre Stourbridge Town Hall The Flapper, B’ham MOTHER POPCORN Sat 29 Apr, Irish Centre, MOJO FESTIVAL Sun 30 SEMI DETACHED Tower Players pres- DEL CAMINO Thurs 27 Birmingham Apr - Mon 1 May, The ents David Turner’s domestic com- Apr, The Jam House, Crown and Anchor edy, Tues 25 - Thurs 27 Apr, Prince Birmingham ULTRA 90'S Sat 29 Apr, Vaults, Bishops Castle, The River Rooms, Of Wales Centre, Cannock BEYOND THE BARRICADE South Shropshire Stourbridge MACBETH Loveday Ingram directs a Thurs 27 Apr, New new staging of Shakespeare’s fa- Alexandra Theatre, KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 29 mous tragedy. Patrick Robinson Birmingham Apr, The Robin, Bilston stars, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, Theatre BLACK SPIDERS Thurs WARD THOMAS Sat 29 Severn, Shrewsbury whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW SHROPS 24 - 30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:23 Page 3

thelist Monday 24 - Sunday 30 April LEGALLY BLONDE The award-winning gence, belief and invention, commu- Lichfield Garrick Youth Theatre pres- nication and space travel, Sat 29 Apr, ent the West End and Broadway mac, Birmingham smash-hit musical comedy, Tues 25 - DON'T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON Musical Sat 29 Apr, Lichfield Garrick adventure about growing up and the ROCK OF AGES West Bromwich Oper- importance of family, based on the atic Society present an amateur pro- new book by Steven Lee and featur- duction of the hit West End musical. ing magic designed by the legendary Contains some sexual references and Paul Daniels, Sat 29 Apr, Arena The- mild swearing, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, atre, Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CALL MR ROBESON - A LIFE WITH SONGS PRIVATE LIVES Noel Coward’s comedy A rollercoaster journey through actor, of manners, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Apr, The singer and activist Paul Robeson’s re- Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham markable life, Sat 29 Apr, Chelmarsh TO SIR, WITH LOVE New staging of ER Village Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, Shrop- Braithwaite's powerful story, adapted shire for the stage by the writer of East Is THE GIN CHRONICLES Vintage radio- East, Ayub Khan-Din, Tues 25 Apr - style comedy which sees amateur Sat 6 May, The REP, Birmingham detective John Jobling enlisting his STREETS PAVED WITH GOLD BY VICTOR housemaid to help him uncover the RICHARDS A short one-man play set in whereabouts of missing gin magnate the present and exploring recent his- Cornelius Juniper, Sat 29 - Sun 30 Imbalance By Joli Vyann Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham tory from the 1950s onwards, Wed 26 DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham ALL SHOOK UP The Arts Centre Telford Wed 26 - Thurs 27 April DOREEN’S GRAND NIGHT OUT (TACT) presents an American juke- Evening Former stunt man and circus artist Jan Patzke and ex-gymnast and of satirical stand-up, music and box musical featuring the songs of sketches, Wed 26 Apr, The Crescent Elvis Presley, Sat 29 - Sun 30 Apr, dancer Olivia Quayle form Joli Vyann, a company whose new fusion Theatre, Birmingham The Place, Oakengates Theatre, style blurs the boundaries between dance and circus skills. Real-life Telford, Shropshire ANYTHING GOES MAD COW present an couple Jan and Olivia here present the story of a relationship made amateur staging of Noel Coward’s ex- DON'T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON Musical dysfunctional by the impact of digital-age technology, in the process adventure about growing up and the uberant musical comedy, Thurs 27 - contemplating what people’s obsessive dependence on their smart importance of family, based on the Sat 29 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrews- phones may be costing them in terms of human interaction. bury new book by Steven Lee and featuring magic designed by the legendary THE THEATRICAL NEWTON David Titley Paul Daniels, Sun 30 Apr, Theatre stars as David Garrick, one of 18th Severn, Shrewsbury century England’s most celebrated men of the theatre, Fri 28 Apr, Lich- Hall, Shropshire, Tues 25 & Thurs 27 field Garrick Apr Events SCORCHED Open Sky fuse new writ- CERTAIN WOMEN (12a) Drama. Starring ing, visual physical theatre and pe- Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart. Dance Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 25 & Thurs BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS The riod music to create ‘the workings of world’s top darts stars compete for a mind sinking into the sands of 27 Apr IMBALANCE BY JOLI VYANN Combining the prestigious title, Thurs 27 Apr, time’, Fri 28 Apr, Old Joint Stock The- GODZILLA (18) Drama/Horror. Starring Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham atre, Birmingham acrobatic skills and athletic dance, Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata. For- this energetic, thought-provoking per- eign language, subtitled. The Electric DO IT YOURSELF Make your own bath formance explores our obsessive de- Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 27 Apr bombs and body scrub, Thurs 27 pendence on technology, asking Apr, Manor House Museum, West whether our lives are ‘in’ or ‘out’ of EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Biography/Com- Bromwich edy. Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh balance?, Wed 26 - Thurs 27 Apr, DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL One of DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Jackman. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Thurs 27 Apr Europe's biggest historic motorsport Birmingham Hippodrome festivals, attracting hundreds of price- PERSONAL SHOPPER (15) Drama/Mys- less machines dating as far back as tery. Starring Kristen Stewart, Lars Ei- the 1920s, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Apr, Don- dinger. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 28 - ington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Sat 29 Apr THE VINTAGE NATIONALS Get-together BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (U) METHUSALEM Newman University Film of traditional hot rods and customs, Fantasy/Musical. Starring Emma Wat- presents Ivan Goll’s groundbreaking Fri 28 - Sun 30 Apr, Santa Pod Race- son, Dan Stevens. Wem Town Hall, play, blending Expressionism and way, Northants INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: North Shropshire, Fri 28 - Sat 29 Apr; Surrealism in a compelling fusion of Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Shrop- EASTNOR CHILLI FESTIVAL All things realism and fantasy, Fri 28 - Sat 29 shire, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Apr chilli to try and buy, live music, bars, Apr, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) hot food, a children’s cookery school, Biography/Drama. Starring David DIAL M FOR MURDER Frederick Knott’s a chilli-eating competition and cook- Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Stour- gripping drama, Fri 28 Apr - Sat 20 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ery demonstrations, Sun 30 Apr - bridge Town Hall, Mon 24 Apr May, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Released from Fri 28 Apr, showing at Mon 1 May, Eastnor Castle Deer under-Lyme ELLE (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring Is- selected cinemas Park, Herefordshire abelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte. For- YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN VINTAGE MARKET Featuring vintage eign language, subtitled. Ludlow GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (tbc) Brand new show described as ‘visu- finds and locally crafted handmade Assembly Rooms, South Shrophire, ally spectacular, high-energy and ex- LADY MACBETH (12a) items, Sun 30 Apr - Mon 1 May, Na- Mon 24 - Tues 25 Apr plosive’, Sat 29 Apr, New Alexandra SUNTAN (tbc) tional Memorial Arboretum, Stafford- HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) shire Theatre, Birmingham THE PROMISE (tbc) Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. 600 PEOPLE Third Angel explore how Henson, Octavia Spencer. Wem Town HEAL THE LIVING (12a) we think about evolution and intelli- 66 whatsonlive.co.uk p67 Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 16:51 Page 1 Buttermarket April FP.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 17:28 Page 1

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