Shropshire Cover February 2019.qxp_Shropshire Cover 21/01/2019 16:41 Page 1

KEVIN CLIFTON ROCKS IT! Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands INTERVIEW INSIDE... SHROPSHIREWHAT’S FEBRUARYON 2019 Shropshire ISSUE 398 FEBRUARY 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On shropshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

A BRAVE FACE Vamos’ full-mask production tackles post-traumatic stress TWITTER:@WHATSONSHROPS

SILJE NERGAARD bestselling jazz artist at Henry Tudor House FACEBOOK:@WHATSONSHROPSHIRE

OUT OF THIS WORLD explore the night sky at Enginuity’s pop-up planetarium SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK BRB Beauty And The Beast Full Feb 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:26 Page 1 Contents February Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 12:50 Page 2

February 2019

Contents

It’s A Hard Knock Life - Annie The Musical returns to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre... page 24

Kevin Clifton Jasmin Vardimon Cooking up a storm the list

rocking it at Stoke-on-Trent’s dance company explore the ‘bostin’ fittle’ aplenty at the Your 16-page Regent Theatre feminine symbol of Medusa Black Country Living Museum week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 33 page 49 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 35. Film 38. Visual Arts 43. 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 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 MEDIA GROUP Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Steve Adams, Lauren Cole, Nanci Davies, Jack Rolfe, Daisy Sparkle, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee, Patsy Moss 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 Wolverhampton February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:31 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Stoke arts programme receives £500,000 A programme that aims to get more people to experience the arts in Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded a £500,000 Arts Council England grant to continue its ambitious work for a further three years. The Appetite programme, led by New- castle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre, has been awarded further funding as part of Arts Council England's Cre- ative People & Places Programme. For further information on programming, visit appetitestoke.co.uk

Telford Balloon Fiesta Tickets for The Producers can be purchased from 22 June to 29 September, Black Sabbath: by calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at 50 Years will explain how the music of four flying high again grandtheatre.co.uk. working-class lads captured the hearts and The Telford Balloon Fiesta is returning for a minds of a global fanbase. second year. Commenting on the exhibition, a spokesper- Taking place across the weekend of 11 & 12 son at Birmingham Museums Trust said: May, the event will see a variety of hot-air “Black Sabbath are Midlands legends, and balloons floating above the town at intervals we’re thrilled to be hosting this exhibition. throughout the day. Other attractions include We will keep fans updated when tickets go on numerous arena spectacles and a selection of sale and look forward to welcoming them to activities designed to keep younger family BMAG this summer to trace Black Sabbath’s members entertained. journey from their beginnings in Aston, Birm- The event will also provide visitors with the ingham, to global success.” chance to float up into the skies themselves, via a flight on one of Virgin Balloon Flights’ biggest balloons. Feline coffee shop is just Wacky Racers heading to purr-fect for cat lovers Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park Now here’s a purr-fect place to grab a coffee. New to Shrewsbury’s café scene is Paws Café, Shrewsbury is this year hosting its first ever a coffee shop with a very definite feline feel. Wacky Races event. Owners James and Katie are sharing their Taking place in the town’s Quarry Park on 26 love of cats by making it home to 11 kittens, May, the knockout-style competition will see meaning that customers can combine enjoy- soapbox downhill racers tackling a 300- ing a relaxing cuppa with the chance to enjoy metre track and, hopefully, avoiding the icy some furry balls of fun. Although the café waters of the River Severn at the end! can facilitate walk-ins, it’s recommended that The event is free to attend and features pop- MUSCOM brings The you book a 30-minute session, priced £6, in up street food stalls & bars plus plenty of fun advance, via facebook.com/pawscafeuk/ Producers to the Grand activities for the whole family to enjoy. Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company (MUSCOM) will perform Mel Brooks’ hit mu- sical The Producers at the city’s Grand The- atre next month (Thursday 7 & Saturday 9 50 years of Black Sabbath March). Established in 1938, the company on show in the Midlands features home-grown talent and has a long Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) history of performing award-winning musi- will this summer host a major exhibition ex- cals at the Grand, including Grease, Foot- ploring the legacy of local heavy metal super- loose, High School Musical and Copacabana. stars Black Sabbath. Showing at the venue

4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:31 Page 2

First Word

Northern Ballet pirouette onto the big screen Northern Ballet’s short dance version of Elves And The Shoemaker will make its cin- ema debut this month. The show is one of six dance works created specifically for children by the award-win- ning company. It will be screened in collaboration with CinEvents at cinemas across the Midlands on Saturday 23 February. To search for your closest participating cinema and to book tickets, visit bite- sizedballets.com

New Shrewsbury exhibition promises to be Bear-illiant Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is providing young visitors with the chance to come face-to-face with their favourite bears in a new exhibition created by Seven Stories, The National Centre for Chil- dren’s Books. Opening on Saturday 16 February, Bears! gives youngsters the opportunity to meet iconic characters including Winnie The Pooh and Paddington, hunt for bears in the bear forest and enjoy original manuscripts and illustrations by Phillip Pullman, Michael Rosen and Julia Donaldson. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of workshops and events. It runs until Sunday 28 April. Stunt magic at Staffordshire’s Library tours at Step into Narnia at Lichfield Garrick county show the cathedral Lichfield Garrick Theatre is this month holding auditions for its next community musical production - an adaptation of CS Lewis’s Stunt motorcyclists the Bold- timeless classic, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, to be per- dog Lings have been an- formed at the venue from 23 to 27 July. nounced as the main-ring Taking place on Saturday 9 February, the auditions are open to all attraction for this year's ages and abilities. Anybody wishing to attend needs to fill out an Staffordshire County Show. application form. For more information, visit lichfieldgarrick.com The talented troupe of riders are making a welcome return Lichfield Cathedral is hold- to the event after proving a ing a limited number of major hit with visitors two public tours of its Library Weekend of words in Wolverhampton this year. One of the cathe- years ago. Commenting on the Wolverhampton’s third literature festival takes place this month. dral’s best-loved treasures, news, Richard Williams, chief Featuring acclaimed authors, musicians, comedians and family- the Library houses a mag- executive of the Staffordshire friendly events, the three-day get-together this year includes contri- nificent collection of early & Birmingham Agricultural butions from, among other high-profile names, Ann Widdicombe, printed books and hand- Society, said: “The Bolddog Richard Herring, Stewart Lee, Alan Johnson, Kim Woodburn, copied manuscripts. High- Lings proved very popular in Doreen Tipton and, er, Jack The Ripper (!)... lights include a 15th century 2017, so they were an easy The festival takes place at venues across the city from Friday 1 to copy of Chaucer’s Canter- choice to invite back. They are Sunday 3 February. bury Tales, one of only three an incredible group of tal- For more information, visit wolvesliteraturefestival.co.uk ented motorcycle riders, and surviving hand-coloured their attempts at mid-air tricks 16th century printed copies leave the crowd on the edge of of Christopher Saxton’s map their seats.” book of Tudor England & This year’s event takes place Wales, and a manuscript set at the County Showground on of orders signed by Charles 29 & 30 May. I. To check tour dates, visit lichfield-cathedral.org

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First Word

Wetherspoon reveals big plans for Wolverhampton Wolverhampton is set to become home to Wetherspoon national museum, with the award-winning pub & hotel chain having submitted plans to the council for a £7mil- lion makeover of the city’s Moon Under Water pub. The scheme also includes proposals to build a 70-bedroom hotel above the mu- seum. If the plans are approved, the makeover could generate up to 50 jobs. Commenting on the news, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We have great plans for The Moon Under Water. We feel the museum will prove popular with people who want to know more about the history of the company and see artefacts from the past. The fact that Wetherspoon wishes to house the museum in Wolver- hampton is a real positive for the city.”

Celebrating Darwin Battle of Shrewsbury to be reenacted... Spice up your life in his home town A family event commemorating the 1403 Battle of Shrewsbury is to be The Spice Girls are looking The influence which 19th cen- held across the battle’s anniversary weekend, on Saturday 27 & Sun- for both male and female tury Theory of Evolution scien- day 28 July. Attractions will include the chance to see knights in ar- dancers to join them on tist Charles Darwin continues mour and archers preparing for battle, living-history demonstrations stage during their UK tour, to have on modern-day society of traditional crafts and cookery, a historical market selling all manner which includes shows at is this month being celebrated of wares, and, to complete each day, a reenactment of the battle itself. Coventry's Ricoh Arena on 3 in his home town of Shrews- The event takes place on the site of the original conflict, at the town’s & 4 June. Dancers wanted for bury. Battlefield 1403 visitor attraction on the Albrighton Estate. the tour need to be ‘self-ex- The 2019 Darwin Shrewsbury pressive, strong, unique, di- Festival takes place from 8 to 24 verse and intelligent’. They February and comprises 30- New Spitfire gallery for The Potteries must also be available from 8 April to 16 June. To audition, plus events, one of which is Mr Plans for a new Spitfire gallery at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery Darwin’s Tree. A one-man show email a CV and headshot to in Stoke-on-Trent have received a significant boost thanks to the pro- [email protected] premiered in Westminster ject being awarded £210,000 from a national grant. Abbey in 2009 for the bicente- The cash comes from a joint funding pot run by the Department for nary of Darwin’s birth, the 75- Digital, Culture, Media & Sport in partnership with the Wolfson Foun- minute drama focuses on the dation. Further funding totalling £45,000 has been raised with help relationship between the ag- from Operation Spitfire, The Friends of the Potteries Museum & Art nostic Darwin and his Christian Gallery, and via visitors’ donations. wife, Emma. It’s performed at Shrewsbury’s Unitarian Church on Saturday 9 February. BRB appoints Tickets can be purchased at Get set to jazz it up at Carlos Acosta originalshrewsbury.co.uk/dar- Newhampton Arts Centre Birmingham Royal Ballet has win A brand new contemporary jazz music programme is this month being appointed the internation- launched at Wolverhampton’s Newhampton Arts ally renowned Carlos Acosta Centre. CBE as its new Director. He Jazz At NAC will feature ‘some of the world’s most will take up the post in Jan- renowned jazz musicians’, including Steve Fishwick uary 2020, replacing David (8 February), Zoe Rahman (7 March - pictured), Kit Bintley, who is standing Downes (3 May) and Iain Ballamy (14 June). For down from the role in the more information, visit newhamptonarts.co.uk summer. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:31 Page 4 Kevin Clifton.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:02 Page 1

Rocking it! Kevin Clifton unleashes his inner rock star...

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Kevin Clifton.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:02 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

Kevin Clifton is temporarily hanging up his dance shoes to play rock legend Stacee Jaxx in hit jukebox musical Rock Of Ages. What’s On recently caught up with the Strictly Come Dancing 2018 Glitterball winner to find out more...

Last year ended on an enormous high for So how does Kevin plan to tackle a role made on in our parents’ dance classes. I was just Kevin Clifton. As Strictly Come Dancing fans famous by Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise? stood at the back trying to copy them. And will know, Kevin and his dance partner, then at some point I started to go to one of “I’d actually seen the musical quite a few Stacey Dooley, won the TV show’s public the classes. I guess I’ve never really known times before the film came out, so Tom Cruise vote, meaning that he finally got to lift the any different, but there was never any pres- was one of the last people I saw as Stacee. coveted Glitterball trophy after coming so sure. It was just a normal part of life - wake I’ve seen the show both on Broadway and in close on a couple of previous occasions. up, eat breakfast, go to school (or work, as I the West End, and in all honesty it’s my got older) and then go dancing. It’s always Unassuming and ever so modest, Kevin was favourite show. Stacee is quite over the top been a normal part of my day. I just loved to genuinely surprised by the result: “I didn’t and flamboyant. He’s really self-obsessed, so dance, but I’d always wondered about musi- think for one second that we were going to I need to tap into all of that a little bit and be cal theatre, especially as I got older. Dance is win. I thought it was going to be another as pretentious as I can about it all. As far as something I’ve always done, but with musi- runners-up spot, so when Tess called out our rock icons are concerned, I went over to Paris cal theatre it was mor names, it was just total shock. My legs kind of to visit Jim Morrison’s grave because I e of a conscious deci- gave way and I screamed. I’d always thought thought that would be a really cool rock’n’roll sion, something that I was leaning towards; that if it did ever happen, I’d be cool, calm thing to do, and I want to tap into a bit of well, either that or becoming a rock star, so and collected. Instead, I just lost control and him. As for over-the-top flamboyancy, I’ll this has all worked out nicely.” started crying!” probably look to the band The Darkness. Be- Although obsessed with dancing and in- tween them, they play into the Rock Of Ages What makes the win even sweeter for Kevin is trigued by musical theatre, Kevin did have ethos quite nicely.” that he nearly didn’t make it to the Strictly his eye on one other career for a period of time: “I wanted to be a wrestler - like, a WWE dancefloor. Having been rejected twice, his Kevin is no stranger to musical theatre, hav- wrestler. That’s what I thought I’d be, but I opportunity only came when the producers ing made his debut in Dirty Dancing in the would never have looked the part.” upped the ante and decided to make the West End - but how will his vocals stand up show bigger - increasing the number of to belting out the show’s repertoire of rock- Kevin most certainly does look the part as a dancers from 14 to 15 and finally giving Kevin ’n’roll classics, including Bon Jovi’s Wanted Strictly dancer, though - so will he be return- the break he needed to showcase his dancing Dead Or Alive and Foreigner’s I Want To ing to the hit BBC One television show in the prowess. “I feel like I snuck in through the Know What Love Is? autumn? back door a little bit to get into the show. This “I’ve always loved singing, and I used to have “I hope they’ll ask me back, but they don’t five-year journey has been one of trying and a lot of singing lessons when I was doing make any decisions until a couple of months trying and just never giving up.” Dirty Dancing, even though I only had to do into the new year. They normally have an ini- As many of the show’s dancers and celebri- backing vocals in that particular show. As for tial conversation with you around February ties hit the road with the Strictly Live Tour, my vocal range, I can get up quite high, or March, and then, if they want you, you get Kevin is living another dream - playing Stacee which was one of the reasons I was interested offered a contract later in the year. If they still Jaxx in the UK tour of acclaimed jukebox mu- in doing this. The thing I need to focus on is want me on the show, then yes, I’d love to be sical Rock Of Ages. So just how rock’n’roll is the maintenance of the voice, and that’s there.” he? something I’m continuing to work on so that I can sustain doing seven or eight shows a “The truth is I’m not really rock’n’roll at all, week.” but I’ve always fancied myself as a wannabe In the meantime, you can catch Kevin in rock star. I always felt before Strictly that I It would be fair to assume that Grimsby-born Rock Of Ages at the Regent Theatre, Stoke- dressed the part all of the time. I would wear Kevin was always destined for a career in on-Trent, from Tues 12 to Sat 16 February. leather trousers, big boots and a long leather dance - both his parents were dance teachers, coat. I had this long black hair and wore eye- while his sister, Joanne Clifton, won Strictly He will then be bringing his Burn The liner and makeup all of the time. I love rock- in 2015. She’s since carved out an impressive Floor tour to the region in the spring. ’n’roll music, but when it actually comes to career in musical theatre. Visit whatsonlive.co.uk for venues and acting up like a rock star, then not anymore. “My first dance class, so I’ve been told, was dates. Even at the Strictly wrap party, I left early be- when I was about four years old. I just started cause I wanted to get home and have a cup of joining in as I was watching what was going tea.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Vantines Advert 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:08 Page 1 THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019

Romantic Dinner + Live Music in Havana 2 courses £24.50 3 courses £28.50 Reservations from 5.30pm until10pm A non-refundable £10 deposit is required per person PLUS Valentine’s Afternoon Teas from 2pm-5pm £16.50 per person BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Pop in or call 01743 355055 OR BOOK ONLINE: www.thepeachtree.co.uk Food February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:10 Page 2

Food

and flavoursome - the herby Photo credit: Lifoto Photography potato wedges - a nice alternative to chips - and the bruschetta, which came piled high with tomatoes, garlic, onions and sea- soning. Enormous in size, it was also incredibly tasty - something which could equally be said of every dish we sampled. All the food offered at The Quar- ter is prepared in-house, a fact that’s clearly evident when sam- pling the menu. The cakes on display looked delicious, and we were told by Alan that the com- mis chef was busy on the evening we visited baking a huge batch of scones for an afternoon tea event. They obviously take food quality very seriously at The Quarter, and seem passionate about providing a good selection of dishes and an altogether en- joyable dining-out experience. As our waitress cleared away the tapas plates, she asked if we wanted anything else. It was an offer we had no choice but to de- cline, as we simply had no room for pudding. It was just a real treat to spend some quality time eating delicious food in a venue boasting gorgeous décor - a mix REVIEW:The Quarter personal touch that sadly is often of vintage, shabby chic and missing from the modern-day stylish artisan - in the company Mediterranean tapas and chilled-out jazzdining-out experience. of my lovely daughter whilst lis- music in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent We were directed to our table tening to some beautiful jazz. and presented with a drinks The Quarter is a real gem in the menu and a notably extensive heart of The Potteries and well In the centre of Stoke-on-Trent The venue is open Monday to tapas menu. As resident jazz duo worth a visit, not only to sample (Hanley, to be precise), there’s a Saturday from 8am till late. With The Quarter Beat serenaded us, the imaginative food & drink vibrant cultural scene boasting its chilled ambience and friendly, we ordered our drinks - a glass of menu but also to revel in a truly theatre, music and eating-out welcoming atmosphere - good chilled extra-dry Italian prosecco delightful ambience. Carol Lovatt venues. service is clearly a top priority - it for me, served with a fresh rasp- provides some much-needed One of those venues in particular berry to complement the apple & respite from the hustle and bus- Food: nnnnn is offering something a little bit pear notes, and a rose lemonade tle of day-to-day living. Service: nnnnn different and refreshingly more for my daughter. personal... I paid a visit with my teenage Ambience: nnnnn From the tapas menu, I chose daughter on a cold and wintry Overall value nnnnn The Quarter, which opened a lit- prawns in a spicy peri peri sauce, Thursday evening, to experience OVERALL nnnnn tle over two years ago, is a cafe which were succulent and mor- the venue’s jazz & tapas night. by day and a bistro with a quirky eish, Spanish omelette with pep- The Quarter We were warmly greeted by the home-style menu by night. Situ- pers and courgettes, which 65 Piccadilly owner’s father, Alan Bailey, who ated just yards from the Regent tasted beautifully authentic, and Stoke-on-Trent explained that since retiring he’s Theatre, it provides a wide and apple & walnut salad with lemon ST1 1HR been helping his son in the busi- mouthwatering variety of food & and balsamic dressing - crunchy Tel: 01782 286008 ness, meeting & greeting the cus- drink options, regular themed and refreshing. evenings, and function facilities tomers. I have to say, I think he’s My daughter ordered the paella for special events. doing a sterling job, providing a with chicken & chorizo - hearty whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:10 Page 3 Food February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:10 Page 4

Food

Popular country pub & restaurant gets a major makeover The Swan With Two Necks in Blackbrook, Staffordshire, reopens on Friday 15 February following a major makeover. Owned by the Parogon Group, the gastro pub on Nantwich Road is having its interior completely redesigned. It will feature a new bar, sliding doors, booth seating and a more enclosed fireplace area to accommodate private parties of up to 30 people. A ‘small plates’ section is being added to the menu.

New rooftop bar and Award-winning Suree opens pop-up kitchen restaurant opens at Award-winning local chef Suree Coates has opened a pop-up kitchen within the grounds of the AA Brum’s Resorts World Rosette-awarded White Hart Bar & Restaurant in Ironbridge. The pop-up’s menu boasts five courses showcasing the flavours of the Thai regions, underpinned A new rooftop bar & restaurant has with seasonal local ingredients, authentic fresh herbs and hand-ground spices. opened its doors at Birmingham’s To book, call 01952 43 29 64. Resorts World. Described as an exciting new social dining & drinking experience with stunning views, Sky By The Water has a New smokehouse opens in North Staffordshire town capacity of 260, a private-dining space A new smokehouse restaurant & craft ale for groups of 12 to 48, and a Chef’s bar has opened in the North Staffordshire Table option for between two and 10 town of Leek. people. Spread across two floors and created by The menu has been created by local couple Nathan Walwyn and Bernadeta Birmingham-born Head Chef Aaron Bridgwood, The Old Mill Smokehouse Darnley. Dishes include slow-cooked ox serves ‘low’n’slow’ BBQ smoked or grilled cheek, bamboo steamed medallion of meats, vegetables, lighter bites and snacks. cod with a chorizo & bean cassoulet, The food menu boasts a variety of starters - lamb hotpot with sticky red cabbage, including BBQ burnt ends, Old Mill nachos and lightly spiced curried sweet potato, and boneless smoked chicken thighs - and cauliflower, spinach and peas with smoked mains of garlic sausages, chicken, puffed black rice. pulled pork and baby back ribs. It also offers a selection of steaks and burgers. All ingredients are sourced from local producers and suppliers. The ground-level craft beer bar, meanwhile, offers a wide selection of award-winning craft, draught, cask and world beers, along with ciders, wines, gins and innovative cocktails... For more information, visit theoldmillsmokehouse.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Fatboy Slim.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2019 10:56 Page 1

Fatboy in the arena Fatboy Slim.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2019 10:56 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

What’s On catches up with DJ superstar Norman Cook - better known as the legendary Fatboy Slim - as he prepares to visit Arena Birmingham...

It’s been more than 20 years since the release mate’s wedding than I am to be inflicting it quite an individual style, the way he makes of Norman Cook’s global breakthrough on the rest of you. Over the years I've realised documentaries; they’re not traditional. It’s album - You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby - yet that I'm a much better DJ than I am a bass been a pleasure to work with him - he’s been the 55-year-old remains very much a current player.” one of my favourites for many years. It’s re- and prominent member of the world music ally nice to flex different muscles but still be After The Housemartins split, Cook formed scene. working within the parameters of the Ibiza the electronic band Beats International in his soundtrack, which has been the soundtrack Praised by critics for its sound and style, the home town of Brighton, producing number- of my life for the last 25 years. album - which features two of the most popu- one single Dub Be Good To Me. lar Fatboy Slim songs, Praise You and Right Fatboy Slim followed shortly afterwards, in “The intention is to premiere it at Glaston- Here, Right Now - brought international at- 1996. bury this year, but if I'm not there presenting tention to Norman, earning him a Brit the film, I'll be there anyway - you know me. Since then, Norman has become one of the Award in 1999, and was later certified four Isn’t it amazing how we all miss Glastonbury global DJ scene’s most treasured and impor- times platinum. during the fallow year? I was thinking it may tant figures. His infamous Big Beach Bou- be nice to have a year off, but I've really This year sees the global superstar heading tique gig in 2002 saw a staggering 250,000 missed it. It seems like it’s been three years! out on tour for the umpteenth time - but on fans flock to Brighton beach and he’s worked It’s good, though, because we’re all really this occasion he’ll be creating something ‘un- with musical greats aplenty, including David chomping at the bit to get back there now. usual and completely different’. Expect a big Byrne and Iggy Pop. You’ll be seeing me in all the familiar places production, a revolving stage, rave ushers Norman recently became the first DJ to per- over the summer - lots of Ibiza action and lots and a live smiley face experience. No seat in form at the top of Brighton’s i360 tower. So of festival action. I’m really, really enjoying the house will be far away from the stage. how was that experience, and are there any DJing - it’s a wonderful job!” “I’ve played different shows at festivals, on other particular locations in which he’d like If you’ve ever been to a Fatboy Slim gig or beaches and in big venues,” says Norman, to perform? watched one on YouTube, you’ll absolutely “but I've always shied away from arenas, “Well, that was definitely top of my bucket know that he 100 percent means what he even though I’ve always thought it’s some- list. It’s just up the road from me. I'm very says about loving his trade - his enthusiasm thing you should do in your lifetime. Arenas Brighton-centric, and there was nobody else for DJing couldn’t be more apparent than dur- can be quite impersonal places; it’s quite who was going to do that. We’ve been trying ing his gigs. hard to get atmosphere going, and they can for three years to make that happen, so to fi- be quite cavernous and daunting for DJs. I “Is it weird to say that I actually enjoy it more nally do it was quite emotional. It was such a had a one-off show last year at O2 in London, now? Obviously, as I get older, there’s some beautiful sunset, almost like the gods were and we worked out that if we did it in the kind of clock running that says some day I'll approving of what we were doing. It was nice round, all of a sudden, rather than feeling have to stop doing it, so I'm savouring it because it put Brighton on the map too. Still like an arena, it felt like a big nightclub. For more. Now I'm DJing sober, I'm remembering on my bucket list? Obviously outer space some reason, it worked. It takes away all the more. It might’ve been better back then, but would be good. I thought I’d got a gig there impersonality and you forget you’re in an as far as I remember, it’s better now. It’s the actually. Richard Branson phoned me up and arena; it’s just me in the middle of people most wonderful job in the world, and it ticks offered me the job of being the first DJ to play having a load of rave-up nonsense which to- all the boxes for me. I love music, I love per- in space, but it turned out it was Beardyman tally works. So we thought we’d roll it out forming and I love just travelling around the doing an impersonation.” around the country. It’s a chance to do the world, making friends, telling stories and show I’ve always wanted to do in terms of As well as his upcoming tour, Norman reveals sharing music.” size and production.” that he’s currently working on the music for a Having achieved so much in his life, what are film that Julien Temple is making about Ibiza. Norman first came to musical prominence in Norman’s highlights? the mid-1980s during his time with indie rock “It’s called Ibiza: The Silent Movie, but rather “The gig on Brighton beach, definitely! Hav- band The Housemartins. After three top-10 than getting Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong and ing number ones - that feels like the pinnacle albums and six top-20 singles, the band de- me to bang on about Ibiza, it’s about the his- because you know you’re doing it right. I’m cided to go their separate ways. tory of the island before we invaded it. It very proud of my children, of course. I look starts with the Venetians and the Romans, “I might consider playing in a band again, back on those things and think, ‘Yeah, that the Nazis and all the different people who’ve but probably not The Housemartins. I’m still was a good idea; that was worth doing.” visited it over the years. It’s a lighthearted mates with them, but we did vow never to re- documentary, but it’s silent, there’s no vox form. We still get together every now and pops and there’s no commentary. The music Fatboy Slim plays Arena Birmingham on again to confirm our vows. To be honest, I'm and the visuals tell the story. Julien has got Friday 22 February. more likely to be playing in a band at a BUTTERMARKET Full Page in What's On February 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 16:25 Page 1

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Gigs

Silje Nergaard Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Mon 11 February Singer-songwriter Silje Nergaard is Norway’s all-time bestselling jazz artist, releasing a total of 15 albums in a career spanning 20 years. Offering a rare opportunity to check out a truly stunning talent, this Shrewsbury concert sees Silje performing songs from her extensive back-catalogue and numbers from her most recent album, For You A Thousand Times.

Kaiser Chiefs one of the leading bands of their generation, Kaiser Chiefs have released a succession of O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 2 February; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 9 February classic albums since forming in Leeds 19 years ago. Their long list of anthemic singles Now here’s a quintet who need no introduc- includes Oh My God, I Predict A Riot, Every- tion (but we’ll give them one anyway!). day I Love You Less And Less, Ruby and Steve Knightley Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson, Never Miss A Beat. primarily inspired by new wave and punk- The boys visit the Midlands in support of Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 1 February rock music of the late 1970s and ’80s, and their latest album, KC7. A long-serving troubadour of the folk & having long ago established themselves as acoustic music scene, Steve Knightley is one of the country’s leading singer-songwriters. As well as his monumental career as one half The Blockheads Steve Fishwick of folk/roots duo Show Of Hands, Steve also The Robin, Bilston, Fri 22 February Newhampton Arts Centre, has a successful solo career and numerous Wolverhampton, Fri 8 February acclaimed collaborations under his belt (in- With The Blockheads’ new material being Manchester-born jazz trumpeter Steve Fish- cluding guesting with Mick Jagger on the every bit as poetic as their early-career offer- wick is widely considered to be one of the album, Goddess In The Doorway). ings, Derek ‘The Draw’ Hussey and the boys best in his field. And thanks to his flawless Following the success of 2018 sell-out solo are ensuring that the legacy of the late Ian technique and beautifully flowing, harmoni- tour Songs And Stories, Steve returns to the Dury, who died 19 years ago, not only lives cally rich improvisations, he’s rapidly gain- Midlands to present new show Roadworks. on but is also celebrated. Thirty-plus years after forming, The Blockheads are still as ing a global reputation. rock’n’roll as ever. A band of ageing mem- "Steve has his own style,” says trumpet bers they may be, but not of ageing talent. great Wynton Marsalis. “He plays from the bottom to the top of the horn whilst main- taining the integrity of the chords. I can't Urban Voodoo Machine think of another trumpet player who can do what he does.” Lichfield Guildhall, Fri 8 February Fancy an evening of shrieking saxophone, blasting guitars and washboard shenani- gans? If so, The Urban Voodoo Machine’s Lichfield concert is the gig to attend. Led by the fun-loving Paul Ronney-Angel, the band perform gypsy blues & rock of the full-blooded, gin-soaked variety, providing an experience that will keep your adrenaline pumping long after they’ve packed away their instruments and hit the road. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Rufus Norris DPS Macbeth the grand.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 12:51 Page 1

21ST CENTURY MACBETH

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Rufus Norris DPS Macbeth the grand.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 12:51 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

What’s On catches up with National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris to discuss the reimagined production of Macbeth he’s touring to Wolverhampton next month...

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s fiercest news feeds and many of the play’s thematic good. I have sympathy for the old-school crit- tragedies. The familiar story of murder, deceit roots.” ics in broadsheet newspapers because they and suicide undergoes a thrilling remake for have incredible knowledge of theatre, and The metaphysical is also a vital part of the National Theatre’s (NT) touring production. it’s very difficult for them at the moment be- play. In productions of Macbeth, creatives cause a lot of the arts sections are being cut “I feel Macbeth speaks very keenly to a lot of must think carefully about how the witches back. However, I’m also all for the diversifica- aspects of nowadays,” explains NT’s Artistic fit into their vision. tion of criticism through the world of blog- Director, Rufus Norris. “It’s a story of cor- “The witches are a hugely important element ging and social media, as it’s much closer to rupted leadership, ambition and survival. You of the play. There’s something very unevent- the informed word-of-mouth you get from au- don’t have to look very far in the world to see ful about other-worldly goings-on in the 11th dience members.” how ambition can change leaders, and how century, and still a lot of pagan belief sys- taking various courses of action can lead to a Moving away from talking about Macbeth, tems giving a context to that metaphysical corruption of them spiritually and literally. If what does Rufus feel is the National The- world. In conflict situations, even nowadays, you look to places like Syria or Libya, it’s not atre’s primary remit? superstitions rise to the surface. People hard to see contemporary parallels to my vi- adopt different belief systems, or begin to put “We have to live up to our name. Obviously, sion of the play.” their faith in lucky charms and the like, to we have to make theatre that’s good, but be- Rufus believes it’s these parallels that al- help themselves find a way through the hor- yond that, we have to continue to earn that lowed him to take Macbeth from the 11th cen- ror. That’s how our setting honours the meta- title of ‘national’. For me, part of the Brexit tury to a contemporary post-civil war setting: physical.” vote was a very deep protest against inequal- “Eleventh century Scotland was a time where ity of opportunity and the break-up of com- Rufus’ Macbeth wasn’t received all that well Vikings were rampaging. Trying to keep a munities all over Britain. It’s part of our duty by the critics when it debuted at London’s kingdom together at that time would’ve been and privilege to make sure we prioritise en- Olivier Theatre: “I think there’s generally just really difficult. I’ve seen various productions couraging and supporting arts centres, the- a resistance to updating Shakespeare - and of Macbeth, where it’s set in the 1920s or the atres and all creative infrastructure around also, many people don’t really like looking 16th century, and I don’t think they work be- the country, because theatre does bring ev- with a depressing or pessimistic eye to the fu- cause the play rapidly becomes about rich eryone together. It’s also important to main- ture. Our concept wasn’t just plucked from people killing other rich people. The influ- tain equality of opportunity across the UK. nowhere. I think the brilliance of Shake- ence of corrupt, ambitious leadership and the It’s a no-brainer to take this production speare is that it can easily be adapted. It’s a relationship between characters comes around the country, and in certain key slightly abbreviated text in our case, but I’ve through, but I feel it misses that true 11th cen- places, like Wolverhampton, to make our never seen a Shakespeare play that wasn’t in tury element of ‘survival’. To get by in that tu- communication and collaboration deeper, to some way. We cut one or two sequences, multuous environment, people would’ve had address how important the creative indus- which the die-hard Shakespeare fans were to take opportunities when they came, which tries are to our nation.” critical of, but I was genuinely surprised by sometimes may have provoked the kind of the reaction from some critics, and obviously Encouraging engagement with the arts in ed- radical, murderous action we see in Macbeth. very disappointed. However, the auditorium ucation is also something about which Rufus “Therefore, the contemporary setting was an has always been full and the audience’s re- is passionate: “The degradation of arts in ed- obvious place to go for me. If all the lights sponse to it has been very positive. I’m just ucation is a huge issue. There’s a relentless went out, the internet stopped working, the very relieved that word-of-mouth pushed drive by authorities towards maths and the banks stopped giving people their money back against the tide of those initial negative sciences, or to see literature as the only valu- and the rubbish was no longer collected, in a responses.” able art. I do feel very strongly that drama week, let alone a month, the streets would texts are being studied in schools in a way Despite the lack of correlation between critic look very different. In 10 years’ time, when that focuses solely on them being words on a and audience reaction, Rufus still believes we would see those who’d survived and had page, rather than what they’re supposed to theatre criticism to be of immense value. adapted to living in this new world, the scene be - a performance.” would probably play out much more like the “I think critics are important, particularly for 11th century Scotland of Macbeth than any productions with less well-known titles and other time since. It made sense to place Mac- without any serious stars. Those reviews are Macbeth shows at the Wolverhampton beth in a contemporary, post-civil war set- essential because fewer people would buy a Grand Theatre from Tuesday 12 to ting, which chimes with what we see on our ticket without having already been told it’s Saturday 16 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Classical February Wolves/Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 12:14 Page 1

Classical

Ex Cathedra: Purcell, The Indian Queen Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 17 February Jeffrey Skidmore (pictured) once again picks up the baton to conduct Birming- ham’s highly rated early music ensemble. On this occasion, they’re performing Pur- cell’s famous tale of tangled loyalties and seemingly hopeless love, as war rages be- tween a Mexican Indian Queen and an Inca king. The concert closes the newly revived Birm- ingham Festival of Early Music.

BBC Philharmonic Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 8 February Residing at the Corporation's Manchester home of Media City in Salford Quays, the BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke-on-Trent, regularly presenting Victoria Hall concert- goers with works from its impressive repertoire. This latest concert sees Andrew Gourlay (pictured) conducting the orchestra as they per- Russell Watson form a programme featuring work by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky, including the latter’s Symphony No6 (Pathétique). BBC Young Musician of the Year 2014, Martin James Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 17 February Bartlett, is the man at the keyboard for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No9. Often referred to as ‘the people’s tenor’, Russell Watson first came to the nation’s Birmingham Zemlinsky Quartet attention when he sang God Save The Queen to a packed Wembley Stadium in Philharmonic Orchestra The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Thurs 28 February 1999. Two years later, his debut album, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 3 Febru- The Voice, topped the classical charts in ary; Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birm- ingham, Sun 10 February (3pm & 6.30pm) both the UK and the US. One of the region’s best known and most Working in the genres of classical, pop- admired non-professional orchestras, the rock and operatic pop, Watson’s soaring Birmingham Phil was voted ‘best orchestra voice has garnered him an impressive in the Midlands’ in the 2018 What's On army of fans, many of whom will be eager Readers' Awards. Their latest concert sees to catch up with him on this latest tour. them presenting a programme of well- known movie music, including Star Wars, Back To The Future, Assault On Beautiful Gorky and Rhapsody In Blue. Principal Guest Conductor Richard Laing is the man at the helm. Works by Dvorak, Smetana and Janacek are featured in the all-Czech programme of music here being performed by the highly rated Zemlinsky Quartet. Founded more than 20 years ago, when the ensemble’s leader was just 14 years of age, the all-male quartet’s distinctive Slavic style has earned them an enviable global reputa- tion, with plenty of coveted awards falling into their lap along the way.

18 whatsonlive.co.uk B'ham Conservatoire F/P Jan 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:53 Page 1 Ida Barr-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2019 10:57 Page 1

Setting the Barr... A character comedian, musician, Olivier Award-winning experiential theatre-maker and all-round entertainer, Christopher Green this month brings his music hall ‘creation’, Ida Barr, to Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre. What’s On recently caught up with him to find out more...

Ida Barr is an extremely elderly lady with symbolises her and her gangster-grandma at- ing to make changes for the good rather than many extraordinary talents. As an old-fash- titude.” having such hostility.” ioned music hall singer turned grime & hip- So what does Christopher think makes Ida so Audience participation is frequently a part of hop rapper, Ida fuses her old and new music funny? Christopher’s character comedy shows. But genres in revolutionary performances filled don’t be put off by that - it’s not as intense as with fun and laughter. “Ida herself steers clear of doing old-fash- you’d think… ioned jokes because she’s worried about ‘I’m really interested in music hall and other being misinterpreted by the modern genera- “Audience participation is an awful phrase forms of old-school entertainment like vari- tion, but she’s really, really funny inadver- and I really hate using it, because while it’s ety,” says Christopher Green, the man behind tently. It’s just that clash of old meets young, one that people understand, it makes every- Ida. “I’ve spent a lot of time researching in typically British meets multicultural urban body really worried. But actually, certainly in the archives, and a lot of that time at the city life. It’s just observations on what life is the context of Ida, the audience involvement British Library. I found some mentions of this like now if you’re impossibly old, have been is really, really gentle because it’s just like Royal Music Hall singer called Ida Barr. She around to see so much happen, but are now having a sing-song. I really do believe in the died in 1969, and I just really liked the sound struggling to understand things in the mod- power of collective. Groups of people are re- of her. Seeing as most people don’t remember ern world.” ally powerful, and I think the angry mob is her, I thought that instead of just inventing very rare - a benign, well-meaning crowd is something completely new, I’d resurrect her Ida’s latest show, Granarchist, explores the much more common. I really, really like in a certain way. I imagined that she hadn’t dreaded ‘p’-word - politics - in a lighthearted group behaviour. So it’s not like I’m getting died in the ’60s but had carried on living but very frank way. one person out of the audience and saying, until she was incredibly old. I thought that right, do this, and I’m going to make a fool of she seemed pretty sparky, and that by now “What I’m exploring with this new show is you. It’s absolutely the whole audience she’d have thought of doing something com- the idea that ordinary people are voicing singing along, or making decisions amongst pletely new, so my character is combining old their unhappiness and dissatisfaction with themselves and talking to me as a collective and modern songs. It’s a very basic comic their political structures a lot more. I think group. I think having a sing-song in shows is confit to have an oldie doing contemporary we could do worse than listening to a really something we used to do a lot, and we’ve rap.” old lady whose learned a few things. I think her sort of attitude, of not caring anymore be- kind of lost that.” Ida calls her genre ‘artificial hip-hop’ - as cause she’s got nothing to lose so just says Alongside Ida, Christopher’s other characters Christopher explains: “The ‘artificial hip- everything as it is, is great. I think she’s got include Tina C, a raunchy satire on country hop’ refers to the ‘pensioner music hall really great values; they’re very open and tol- singers: “I think what you have to contem- singer meets the streets’ idea, so you’ll get a erant. Being overwhelmed by a lack of com- plate when going into standup is which ver- really old woman rapping about her prescrip- mon sense in our political structures seems sion of yourself you want to present. All tion meds. I think my favourite Ida song is to be rife among us all at the moment. She’s standups are a part of themselves that’s mag- Get Old Or Die Trying - I think that really really no-nonsense, talking as it is and want- nified for the audience. In terms of that Ida Barr-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2019 10:57 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

All standups are a part of ‘‘themselves that’s magnified for the audience. In terms of that process, I find it much easier and much more fun for me - and therefore for the audience - to be someone completely different to me. ’’

process, I find it much easier and much more fun for me - and therefore for the audience - to be someone completely different to me. I think that’s why two of my most successful characters have been women: Ida Barr and Tina C. Some performers work really well being completely different from themselves, and some work well being closer to them- selves. I definitely prefer to be as far away as possible! It’s also a way of being able to sing, as I’m primarily a musician and entertainer. So having a musical character who can sing all kinds of songs, whether good or bad, and make them work just makes sense really.” Although he’s currently touring with Ida, Christopher has other irons in the fire: “I have two big strands to my career. One is the character comedy, the other is experiential theatre. A lot of my creative work is in that theatre field. I’m doing a big show this year for a fake old people’s home, where the audi- ence come and live for three days and the eld- erly people care for them. It’s pretty full-on as a piece. I’m hoping lots of people get excited about it, and that it really gets people talking about vulnerability, loneliness and all of that. Obviously, I’m very interested in ageing and why people are scared of it, and I’m ex- ploring that subject both through Ida and through this new piece.”

Ida Barr: Granarchist shows at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Thursday 21 February. Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 14:02 Page 1

Comedy

Robert White The Old Rep, Birmingham, Fri 22 February; Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Thurs 7 March; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Fri 22 March Clever jokes and pitch-perfect delivery are the stock in trade of gay, Aspergeric and quarter-Welsh musical comedian Robert White. Robert’s been playing the Edinburgh Fringe to great effect for the better part of a decade now, but really came to prominence last year when he made the final of Britain’s Got Talent. He’s visiting the Midlands this month with a suitcase full of his trademark vests and a show that’s appropriately enti- tled The Tank Top Tour.

Jessie Cave Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 24 February; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 9 March “I think that maybe being open about sex and relationships - things like STDs, monogamy, pregnancy, motherhood - allows us all to feel a little less alone sometimes.” So says rising star of the comedy circuit Jessie Cave, whose latest show, Sunrise, is all about her experi- ences of dating following a tricky breakup with the father of her children, fellow comedian Alfie Brown.

Tony Law Dave Spikey Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Stafford Gatehouse, Thurs 21 February; Wed 20 February Malvern Theatres,Thurs 21 March Zany alternative comedy is the name of Tony Law's game, a fact which means his audience is guaranteed an evening of truly off-the-wall, boundary-defying standup. The popular Canadian funnyman appears on Henry Tudor House’s Comedy Club bill this month alongside Danny McLoughlin and the event’s resident host, Dan Nightingale.

Dave Spikey is not only a very funny man, he’s also got the silverware to prove it, in- cluding a prestigious British Comedy Jack Barry Award and an equally coveted gong from Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, the Royal Television Society. Co-writer of Fri 22 February Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights (in which he Having previously provided tour support for played the role of Jerry), he turns up here James Acaster and Joe Lycett, Jack Barry with a touring show designed to celebrate here steps out on his own for a show that the 30th anniversary of his decision to sees him explaining the ‘thrills, spills and swap a career as a biomedical scientist for slip-ups’ associated with his unofficial ap- a life spent on the UK comedy circuit. pointment as his feuding parents’ couples Audiences are duly warned to prepare therapist. “It’s all good clean fun,” says themselves for an evening of great hilarity Jack, “just be sure not to bring along your in the company of a master craftsman. mum and dad!” 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 14:02 Page 2

Carl Hutchinson Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 15 February; The REP, Birmingham, Sat 9 March Observational comedian Carl Hutchinson makes a welcome return with a show that covers all manner of common-or-garden topics, from the challenges of buying a house to the experience of having kids. Prior to becoming a full-time standup, Carl spent some time as a maths teacher. ”There are certainly comparisons between the two professions,” says the popular Geordie co- median, “but the definite advantage with comedy is that if you have a bad gig, you can rest assured that you don't have to see the same audience the next day at 10am!”

Sindhu Vee Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 13 Febru- ary; Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 22 February “Kids are to marriage as tsunamis are to beach holidays,” explains former banker Sindhu Vee, who’s this month touring to the Midlands with first ever solo offering Sand- hog, a show that proved an unqualified suc- cess at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Although her previous career in the City no doubt offers plenty of material for a standup show, Sindhu’s decided to let the subject of finance gain some extra interest in the com- Zakir Khan Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 17 February edy bank for the time being. “I’ve been writing jokes ever since I was a them.” Instead, she’s turning the spotlight on the kid,” says Indian comedian Zakir Khan. “My The winner of Comedy Central’s ‘best trials and tribulations of marriage and do- early years were spent in a boys’ school, a standup comic of India’ award, Zakir has per- mestic life. fact that gave me a near-unlimited stock of formed more than 1,000 sold-out shows in tales that I could use to make people roll venues across the world. He’s this year bring- around on the floor. The challenge for me ing his act to the UK for the very first time. was working out the best way to present

Adam Kay Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 6 February; New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- under-Lyme, Wed 24 April After watching an Adam Kay performance, Stephen Fry declared, “This made me very, very happy.” Numerous sell-out years at the Edin- burgh Fringe and tens of millions of YouTube hits later, former obstetrician and gynaecologist Adam is this month visiting the Midlands with his latest tour, This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Di- aries Of A Junior Doctor. The show features one hour and one minute’s-worth of humorous mate- rial based on his bestselling book of the same name. Expect splendidly silly spoof songs and some seriously shocking stories from the NHS frontline...

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Brian Cox.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 10:40 Page 1

starProfessor Brian Cox takes man us on adventure in space and time

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Brian Cox.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 10:40 Page 2

It isn’t easy making complicated ideas accessible to a mass audience, but Professor Brian Cox has spent the last decade doing precisely that to stunning effect. His exploration of particle physics and astronomy on TV shows such as Stargazing Live, Wonders Of The Solar System and Forces Of Nature have entranced millions of viewers. And given the vast numbers who got off their sofas to check out his last touring show, people clearly can’t get enough of Brian in person either - so much so, in fact, that he’s even earned himself an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for ‘most tickets sold for a science tour’.

While Brian can rightly be proud of such nology a year-and-a-half in advance or you Talking of impersonations, Brian is one of achievements, it merely confirms a long- can’t get it - lots of massive rock bands like numerous celebrities to have been immor- standing belief of his: “I’ve always thought Coldplay and U2 use it - and it’s really expen- talised in mimicry by Dead Ringers’ Jon Cul- that most people are interested in these sive, so you take a risk. But it’s worth it to see shaw. Does he take this as a compliment? “I ideas. If science is available, they’ll come and these images of the cosmos as you’ve never know Jon very well, but he’s doing the 40- listen and think and enjoy being challenged. seen them before.” year-old me and hasn’t moved on to the al- Everybody’s interested in questions or ideas most-50-year-old me. I’ve evolved in the way I Brian’s mention of globetrotting rock behe- that are best addressed by astronomy or present television programmes, but the early moths provides the perfect opportunity to physics or biology or geology; they’re inter- ones are exactly like Jon Culshaw. But now I ask him about his own previous life as a ested in whether aliens are out there, or how speak a bit faster and keep my arms in check member of ’90s bands Dare and D:Ream. The the universe began, or how it’s going to end. a bit more.” latter had a number-one hit with Things Can “Some people get the mistaken impression Only Get Better, the song New Labour As well as putting on entertaining and en- that they won’t be able to understand it; that adopted as its anthem for the 1997 general lightening live shows, Brian is also keen to science is for weird boffin-type people. It’s election. So is there a little bit of Brian that dispel some myths about his work. One of very important to get the message across, es- hankers after those bygone days in the music them is that scientists spend hour upon hour pecially to children, that scientists have cho- industry? every day on their own in the lab, shuffling sen a career in finding out about nature, and home to write up their research before doing “There really isn’t. I’d say I’m a competent that’s it. You don’t have to be freakishly it all again the next day. “One of the key musician, but not that good! I think if I’d got clever. You don’t have to be Mozart to be a points about modern science - certainly as- to my age now in music, I wouldn’t have been professional musician or Einstein to be a sci- tronomy and particle physics - is that it’s ex- creating great things; I don’t think I have it in entist, otherwise we wouldn’t have many!” tremely collaborative and international. With me. I couldn’t write Abbey Road, and that’s the science I do, no single country can build With his forthcoming tour, Brian will once what I’d have wanted to do, so I think I’m not those facilities anymore. One of the great at- again aim to have audiences walk away with good enough. I can play and operate in a tractions of the job, which I emphasise par- a better understanding about the universe’s band, but that’s about it. I’m definitely better ticularly for younger people thinking of a origins and evolution than they had when at science than I am at music.” career in science, is that you get to travel and they bought their ticket. And this time round, Joining Brian onstage for the Q&A section of meet different people from different cultures he’ll be educating and entertaining consider- the show will be comedian Robin Ince, the and countries, and this is vitally important. ably bigger audiences: “For the last tour, we pair having worked together on BBC Radio The more perspectives we can get, the more had a lot of dates in smaller venues, and they Four’s The Infinite Monkey Cage since 2009. likely we are to understand nature. This col- sold out very quickly. So we decided to put So was he a fan of Robin’s before they teamed laboration is a blueprint for the way that our more shows in arenas, which I thought I up? “I’d never heard of him until I worked civilisation must develop. We all live on the wouldn’t enjoy because it wouldn’t be the with him! There was this idea of doing a topi- same planet, after all.” same experience. But what it allowed us to cal science show on Radio Four. I was intro- do was to use these enormous hi-res LED duced to him because the producer wanted to screens, and suddenly the images from the see if it would work, having a comedian and Hubble Space Telescope and the Cassini a scientist co-presenting. And it did work be- spacecraft around Saturn came to life in a Brian Cox Universal: Adventure In Space cause, among other things, Robin is one of way that I’d never seen before. You usually & Time visits Arena Birmingham on the most well-read people I know, so he’s full look at them on a computer monitor. I think Saturday 23 February, returning to the of information and he knows something the audience really enjoyed the spectacle that venue in the autumn, on Saturday 21 about everything. He’s also been trying to astronomy can deliver. The only downsides September. teach me how to impersonate John Peel, but I are that you have to book that kind of tech- just can’t do it.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Annie character until the end of April, at which point Craig Revel Horwood will step back into a role that he first performed in 2015. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 19 - Sat 23 February; Birmingham A heart-warming rags-to-riches story of a little girl who finds herself Hippodrome, Tues 23 July - Sun 11 August; Regent Theatre, transported from a New York orphanage to the luxurious world of mil- Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 18 - Sat 23 November lionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show features plenty of memorable Anita Dobson is the latest high-profile performer to take on the cov- songs, including It's A Hard Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But eted role of Miss Hannigan in Annie, the oft-touring Broadway musi- You, Easy Street and, of course, the legendary Tomorrow. cal that’s once again hitting the road this month. Anita is playing the

Blue Orange The Misogyny Trials Nick Hancock (pictured), who’s best remembered as the 1990s host of TV shows The REP, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Sat 16 February Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, They Think It’s All Over and Room 101. “The Thurs 28 February Racism, ideology, prejudice and egotism lie play’s central idea is of being swept up into at the heart of this Olivier Award-winning The Misogyny Trials is the product of a col- some sort of white-collar criminal enterprise play by Joe Penhall, best known to Netflix laboration between seven female writers without really knowing how it happened. subscribers as the creator of hit serial-killer who are members of Shakti Women, a 12- Octopus Soup! may not be Bertolt Brecht, but show Mindhunter. year-old Midlands organisation dedicated to I’m hoping that it’s going to be a slick, funny In a London psychiatric hospital, the helping women reach their full potential. Set farce and an enjoyable evening of nonsense schizophrenic Christopher states that he’s in 2030, 10 years after the outlawing of and fun.” the son of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin misogyny but with the practice still rife, the - a claim that leaves his doctor and senior play takes a look at some of the cases consultant at serious odds with each other... brought before Judge Serendipity Hope, a woman dedicated to stamping out misogyny in all its ugly forms - even as she grapples with some deep, dark secrets of her own...

Octopus Soup! Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 2 - Sat 16 February “My Octopus Soup! character, Seymour, is a slightly down-on-his-luck insurance broker,” explains Stoke-born and Shrewsbury-based

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 2 Blue Orange for online mag.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2019 10:37 Page 1 Blue Orange for online mag.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2019 10:37 Page 2

Peeling back the layers

Richard Lintern takes on new role at The Rep

For millions of television viewers, actor ther have these issues themselves or they will Old Vic last year, the Netflix series Mind- Richard Lintern is best known as a patholo- have friends who have issues about confi- hunter and he also wrote the screen adapta- gist – but this month he switches medical dence, about crises in people’s lives or about tions of Ian McEwan’s Enduring Love and professions to become a psychiatrist. mental health in one way or another.” Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. Richard, who has played Dr Thomas Cham- And Richard believes audience members will Blue/Orange may have been written nearly berlain in six series of the hit BBC drama also have strong opinions over the decisions two decades ago but Richard says it hasn’t Silent Witness, is taking on a new role in the surrounding the future for Christopher. dated at all – in fact its themes may be even play Blue/Orange at Birmingham Repertory more pertinent in 2019 than they were in Theatre. “The two psychiatrists, a younger one and an 2000. older one, have very different views about Written by Joe Penhall, Blue/Orange pre- how the young man should be treated. “The reason I was attracted to do the play is miered at the National Theatre in 2000 before because it’s a terrific piece of theatre,” transferring to the West End and picking up a “And so it ends up with the audience mem- Richard says. “It was a massive success in the raft of awards. It tells the story of Christo- bers becoming almost amateur psychiatrists West End and there’s a reason it’s being re- pher, who is sectioned to a psychiatric unit themselves because they will either agree or vived. The issues are as contemporary and where professionals wrangle over his diagno- disagree with the course of treatment which relevant today, if not more so, than they were sis and treatment. one or other of the psychiatrists is recom- when this play was first written 20 years ago. mending.” When Christopher tells the specialists he is You can’t open a paper these days without the son of the former Ugandan president Idi The specialists are not just influenced by reading about teenagers struggling with de- Amin, he opens a Pandora’s box of racism, their age and experience – their views are pression or women or men having issues misunderstanding, prejudice, professional ri- also coloured by the fact that Christopher is around mental health. valry and bigotry. black. “It’s rather a sad thing to say that the themes Richard plays the senior consultant Robert “Race massively impacts on those decisions – are still so relevant. If you’d asked the people alongside Thomas Coombes as junior con- whether there’s an unconscious bias or a who did the play originally if they’d thought sultant Bruce and Ivan Oyik as Christopher in conscious bias,” says Richard. “I’ll leave the that 20 years in the future these issues of race the new production directed by Birmingham people who come and see the show to decide and mental health would be as relevant and Rep’s associate director Daniel Bailey. And whether or not, certainly my character, has a as full of controversy now as they were then, Richard says both the play and his role are hidden agenda. they would probably have said not. They thought-provoking. would have expected us to make progress on “I don’t want to pre-judge him. In many ways them. “Whenever I talk to my friends about the he says things which are valid and justifiable play, if you don’t present it in the right way, it but at certain points he comes out with stuff “Sadly we haven’t and in a multicultural en- sounds like the worst play in the history of which will take the audience’s breath away – vironment like Birmingham the play is a very the world because it’s about mental health or I certainly hope it will!” relevant reminder of that.” and race,” Richard says. Blue/Orange was one of Joe Penhall’s first “But it’s actually hysterically funny and it’s a successful theatre productions. His other Blue Orange shows at The Rep, play that has issues in it which will touch vir- works include The Kinks’ musical Sunny Af- Birmingham from Fri 1 - Saturday 16 tually everyone in the audience. They will ei- ternoon, Mood Music which premiered at the February Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Glengarry Glen Ross The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 18 - Sat 23 February Although David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize- winning classic is probably best known from its 1992 all-star movie adaptation, the Christian Slater/Robert Glenister version of the play that’s showing in the London West End until the third of this month has certainly been winning some plaudits of its own. Visiting Birmingham just two weeks after closing at the Playhouse Theatre, and starring one-time EastEnders heartthrob Nigel Harman (pictured left), the show tells the story of four under-pressure Chicago real-estate salesmen and their desperate attempts to close some deals. If they’re successful enough, they can win a Cadillac; if they’re not, the scrapheap beckons... Harman is joined in the cast by Mark Benton (pictured right).

The Capital When aspiring earth scientist Melvin Ferd the mated sets and innovative puppetry, the Third attempts to clean up Tromaville’s pol- show focuses on the idea of miniaturised Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 12 lution problem, the town’s corrupt mayor has human workers - Intronauts - who’re injected February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 13 February him thrown into a vat of toxic waste - from into the body in order to carry out essential which he emerges as New Jersey's first ever maintenance work. The question is, though... The ever-clever Stan’s Cafe are at their im- superhero, The Toxic Avenger... Do people actually want to know about pressively ingenious best with this latest slice what’s going on inside them?... of thought-provoking theatre. Performed without words to a ‘stunning’ soundtrack, The Capital uses moving-walk- Metamorphosis ways to present a visual story based around The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, The House On Cold Hill themes of financial and social inequality. Tues 26 February - Sat 2 March Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Stan’s Cafe are presenting the show in associ- A desire for more control over the material he February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 February ation with Birmingham Repertory Theatre. was performing inspired actor Adam Lloyd- James to set up Beyond The Horizon (BTH) EastEnders’ favourite Rita Simons and four years ago - since which time the theatre Strictly 2017 winner Joe McFadden spearhead company has majored in producing dynamic this new stage adaptation of Peter James’ in- and immersive touring shows driven by emo- genious novel. With more than 17 million tive stories and high-quality effects. Latest copies of his books sold worldwide, James’ production Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka’s reputation as a talented crime-fiction author famous story about a man who wakes up one was further enhanced a couple of years back morning to find that he’s been transformed when he received the coveted Diamond Dag- into ‘a monstrous vermin’ - looks set to fur- ger award, crime-writing’s highest honour. ther enhance BTH’s reputation as one of the This latest stage adaptation of the novelist’s UK’s brightest new theatre companies. Lloyd- work sees the Hargreaves family moving into James himself takes the lead role of Gregor. the house of their dreams - a house, it soon becomes apparent, in which they may not be alone... Intronauts Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, The Toxic Avenger Wed 20 - Fri 22 February The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Green Ginger are frequently praised for their Thurs 7 - Sat 16 February refreshingly anarchic approach to theatre - There’s certainly nothing toxic about this and this latest production offers them plenty show - a five-star rock musical based on a of opportunity to illustrate just why they’ve cult classic and boasting a fantastically origi- become so widely admired. Set in the near fu- nal storyline. ture and blending absurd visual comedy, ani-

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 4 Danielle deNiese.qxp_Layout101/02/201910:54Page

© Decca/Chris Dunlop Danielle de Niese.qxp_Layout 1 01/02/2019 10:54 Page 2

by Stephen Taylor

Love Is In The Air Danielle de Niese performs a Valentine’s Day concert in Brum

For celebrated soprano Danielle De Niese, the that’s likely to be reflected in a performance that echoed the marriage of Christie’s grand- 14th of February will always be an extra-spe- to suit all tastes. father, John Christie, who constructed the cial day. So when she performs in Birming- original opera house for his wife, Canadian “I’m going to do some arias in the first half, ham this Valentine’s Day, she will also be soprano Audrey Mildmay. and in the second it’s going to be a lot of mu- celebrating an important anniversary. sical repertoire, so I’m doing stuff from the Now resident at Glyndebourne, Danielle will “My husband proposed to me on Valentine’s golden age of musicals like ‘You say to-may- play the title role in a new production of Jules Day, in 2009, so it’s an extra-special day be- to, I say to-mah-to’ and fun things about play- Massenet’s Cendrillon at the festival in June. cause we always remember that. He waited ful love. I want to do some songs of Before that, she returns to London’s West End until Valentine’s Day, which meant that we Bernstein’s, which are all about wistful, ro- for a revival of Man Of La Mancha, where she were in Bowling Green, Ohio.” mantic love, and I want to end on a high, cel- will be joined by a familiar face to fans of hit ebrating all the great things about love.” TV comedy shows Cheers and Frasier: “It’s De Niese’s Valentine’s Night Special at the going to be with Kelsey Grammer, and he’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire sees her re- Danielle’s rise to stardom began in 1988, at incredible. It’s an amazing chance for me and turning to a venue that holds fond memories the tender age of nine, when she became the a dream come true.” for her from a couple of years ago. youngest winner of Australian television pro- gramme Young Talent Time, in which she Danielle will notch up a decade as a UK resi- “I’d been invited by Royal Birmingham Con- performed a medley of Whitney Houston hits. dent later this year - and it would appear that servatoire Principal Julian Lloyd Webber to Her prize was $5,000 and a grand piano that she’s settled very well into life in rural Eng- sing at his birthday celebrations, and that’s she still owns. Soon after, her family relo- land. how we connected. As soon as Julian wanted cated to the States, where her career as a tal- to get me back, I said yes. I’m thrilled to come “Getting to know England was like returning ented young singer and dancer flourished. back. I found the audience so warm, nice, to a little piece of myself because I grew up in lovely and very engaged. When asked about her earliest Valentine’s Australia, in the Commonwealth, with the Day memory, Danielle recalls a gift she re- monarchy. All of these things, their roots are “The first thing that happened when Julian ceived from an admirer at junior high school: in England but they took root in Australia, so asked, ‘Do you want to perform the recital on “My first Valentine’s Day memory was when I there are a lot of things that I relate to in a Valentine’s Day?’ was that I rang my husband was in sixth grade. This boy gave me a ring much more ‘feels like home’ way. and said, ‘Do you want to come to Birming- watch - rings that had little watch dials on ham on Valentine’s Day?’ and he said, ‘Sure.’ “I feel fully a part of English life, and I feel them - but I remember telling him, ‘Gene, I like England has really taken me in as one of “I’ve always been a real girly girl, somebody really like you so much, but there’s just no its own. Rather than feeling out of place who’s in love with love. I love that about my- spark.’” everywhere I go, I find commonality every- self, and I love that that hasn’t changed as Danielle made her debut at the prestigious where I go, and that really helps me feel at I’ve grown older, wiser and had more love ex- Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 2005, when home.” periences. I’m still totally enamoured with she stepped in at short notice to play Cleopa- love, which is why I said yes to doing a recital tra in Handel’s Giulio Cesare. She received on Valentine’s Day.” enough critical plaudits to earn her a return Danielle de Niese performs her Valentine's While the Australian-born diva is known as to the South Downs. Four years later, she Night Special at The Bradshaw Hall, Royal an opera singer, her versatility has seen her went one step further by marrying Glynde- Birmingham Conservatoire, on Thursday tackle a wide range of musical genres, a fact bourne Director Gus Christie. It was a match 14 February. Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 5 Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 6

Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

The Band Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 26 February - Sat 2 March Despite being co-produced by Take That and featuring their music, Tim Firth’s show isn’t about Gary Bar- low and co. It’s actually a story about the fans, the power music can have over people and, as Firth himself says, how music ‘makes time travellers of us all’. For five teenage girls in 1992, ‘The Boys’ and their music are everything. Twenty-five years later, the quintet attempt to rekindle their friendship with a trip to a concert by the band they loved so dearly as teenagers. But none of the ladies’ lives have turned out quite the way they were expecting...

Kinky Boots Today on 1 November 1977, Mike Leigh’s Abi- be honest, it wasn’t something that I knew I gail’s Party became an instant hit and cata- cared about until I started reading stories Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, pulted the brilliant Alison Steadman to about people who’d been affected by it.” Mon 28 January - Sat 9 February; Birmingham Hippodrome, stardom. A fascinating study of the preten- Focusing on the difficulties experienced by a Mon 11 - Sat 23 March sions of 1970s suburbia, the play focuses on soldier returning from the war in The newly appointed manager of his late fa- the interplay between five ill-matched char- Afghanistan, the show has been produced in ther’s shoe factory in Northampton, Charlie acters during an evening characterised by al- collaboration with British war veterans and Price has got some tough decisions to make cohol, cigarettes, Demis Roussos records and their extended support networks. as he attempts to save the struggling busi- cheesy nibbles. ness. After a chance meeting with drag queen Steadman’s portrayal of the monstrous Bev- Lola, Charlie identifies a potentially lucrative erly was so definitive that it’s since been vir- niche market - creating footwear to cater for tually impossible for any actress to play the men who dress as women... character in any other way. Jodie Prenger is A topical story about diversity and accep- the latest to embrace the challenge. tance, Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 film of the same name and features music & lyrics by ’80s pop star Cyndi Lauper. Expect a feel- good evening of catchy tunes, fierce anthems and warm-hearted humour.

Back In Our Day: The Life & Times Of The Dancing Grannies Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Fri 1 & Sat 2 February; Forest Arts Centre, A Brave Face Walsall, Fri 15 February; Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 22 February Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 26 & Wed 27 February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Black Country laughter merchants Fizzog Fri 29 Mar; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 30 March; make a welcome return with their internet Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 10 April sensations The Dancing Grannies, presenting Worcestershire-based full mask theatre a show that charts the elderly trio’s fabulous Abigail’s Party company Vamos here tackle the emotional friendship, from the 1940s right through to Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, subject of post-traumatic stress. the present day. Mon 18 - Sat 23 February “I wasn’t very aware of PTS before,” says Making its television debut as a BBC Play For Vamos’ Artistic Director, Rachel Savage. “To

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Ray and Liz for online mag.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2019 10:37 Page 1

Ray & Liz Richard Billingham’s debut film explores growing up in 70s Midlands Ray and Liz for online mag.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2019 10:37 Page 2

Richard Billingham is a born-and-raised Birmingham photographer, artist, and now director. His debut feature film, Ray & Liz explores the memories of his family from his childhood, whilst growing up in 70s Midlands. The film looks at the lives of his alcoholic father Ray; his mother Liz; and his younger brother Jason, who lived on the margins of society and societal taboos.

You wrote the film a long time ago; do you brim, and pickled red cabbage. That’s time stood still. And that out the window, think all your photography has been a sto- such a specific choice to make, is that a time was moving forwards; time was still for ryboard to the test out moments of the very firm memory for you? us. There’s a symmetry there with animals film you had in your head? Yes! And the pickle going onto white bread and cages, time stood still for them in a way. Well, I made that work in the early 90s. and then the fingerprints in the bread. It You’ve mentioned before a fascination Maybe I’d have used moving images, a video makes it particular. with confinement. You’ve mentioned be- camera. But the thing is, it wasn’t affordable Photography is a quite solitary and per- fore you were planning to make a 20 back then. I think the first video camera I got sonal experience; how did you find it let- minute short film set in a prison. was in 1996 and that was £1000. So 96’ was ting others become part of that process in That was an idea I had, yes. There’s a short when they first became affordable. I probably terms of lighting and design? story that I was interested in and I did write a would’ve used moving image and moved script, but it’s one of those projects that onto that a lot quicker, if the technology had Yes, photography is solitary, or can be, espe- never happened. To go back and do that now been there. cially landscape photography. It’s a different sort of process though; it’s documentary. And wouldn’t make much sense because I’ve done In relation to technology, in the film, a film, you have to recreate everything before something similar in this film. I might be re- tape recorder has a significance to a par- you can film it, it’s a very different process. I peating a lot of things if I went back and ticular scene – was that just part of the was trying to recreate memories, so it’s just made that. plot, or the factual beginnings of your fas- what you have to do. I enjoyed it, working When I was a little kid, I do remember watch- cination with capturing real life? with lots of different people because it was a ing a film A Man Escaped, by Robert Bresson. No, I used to have a tape recorder like that, learning process. I remember that film being on the TV and and I used to make audio tapes of friends and being very intrigued by it. It was very tense, As a photographer, you focus on visual family, especially of my Uncle. I’d say ‘Can even though it was just this prisoner picking composition, so when it came to sound, you do this?’ or ‘Can you take off George away at the wood of his door. you needed something that would com- Formby?’, and he would. And also, I’d tape plement the visuals. How involved were Throughout the film, there’s an element of conversations and things off the radio if I you with sound designer Joakim Sund- religious imagery. Some film makers who thought they was interesting. In fact, I still strom? have come from a Christian/ Catholic have some of those audiotapes, and I used background have a tendency to include them as research for the film. So yes, it prob- With the voices, for example, the voices of iconography in their films. Coogan ex- ably was, before the camera. The first time I your family are in your head, that’s fine to plored this extensively in ‘PHILOMENA’, got a camera I was 19, I’d been recording deal with. Natural sounds were fine, the only and Dennis Kelly says his plays, particu- since I was about 10. I guess it’s a way of ob- problem I maybe had was, I don’t have many larly ‘DEBRIS’, deals with what he calls jectifying the world around you. musical memories. When I was a kid, the TV was on all the time, it was very rare the radio ‘Catholic guilt’. How was this specific to Was it a way to process it, listening back was on and we heard songs. So I had help you? to the conversations? with the music; Jacqui (Davies), the producer It was always around on the walls, I think my Probably, but I wouldn’t have been able to ar- helped choose the music that you hear in the mum used to put things on the wall like that. ticulate that back then. film, so that was tricky for me. My Uncle believed in that – Lol, in the film, he believed in God. My mum didn’t believe in You’re so meticulous in terms of your di- And although the 70s were perhaps a drab God, I think maybe she put it up because she rection, was it difficult to find actors that era, everything both visually and sound- saw it around when she was a kid. It adds were happy with this process? Did you wise are very busy. Was that something texture, and maybe tells you something like to rehearse and shoot on first takes to that came from your memories? about the characters. give it a natural feel? Well it was intentional, you have to keep the No, I didn’t find it difficult, but it was hard to viewer engaged and the more visually stimu- If you were to make another film, do you find actors in the sense that they had to look lating it is the better. When you remember feel you’ve said everything you want to like family members, and have to be good ac- things, you do remember the more textural, within the world of Ray and Liz? And if tors at the same time. Yes, I did do quite a bit or maybe you feel them more? Looking at you did, would you have had to been the of rehearsing. The scene where Ray, Lol and other movies, I do remember scenes in that one wrote it to make it a personal enough Liz are together, when Lol walks in, I re- are very textural, like Ivan’s Childhood. experience? hearsed that a lot. I told them the spaces of I think so, yes; It’d be completely different. I Some of the busiest scenes involves ani- the room to inhabit; I was quite specific, be- am writing things, but I haven’t tried to seek mals. Are they somewhat a parallel of cause I’m trying to recreate things I remem- out any scripts. Ray’s self-imposed captivity, or Jason ber. being left alone in the flat? There’s a lot of specific visual elements, Well when I was a kid growing up, and we Ray & Liz will be shown 24th January at such as Ray filling his drinks to the very lived in these four walls, I had a sense that Midlands Art Centre, Birmingham at 7pm Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 7 Theatre February new.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:14 Page 8

Theatre for younger audiences... Theatre

that Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine and all their friends are on hand to help out... If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been to a previous live production, you’ll al- ready know what to expect from this latest Milkshake! show. If not, get ready for an event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- pation and plenty of singing and dancing.

Jack And The Beanstalk Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 22 February Jack and his mam are hard-up and have no choice but to take their cow to market to raise some cash. However, Jack being Jack, he de- cides to trade her in (the cow, that is, not his The Cat In The Hat have ever met. And what’s more, he’s got a mam) for a handful of magic beans, which fantastic talent for turning the rainiest of af- then grow into a real ogre of a beanstalk... The REP, Birmingham, ternoons into the most amazing of adven- Tues 26 February - Sun 3 March If you’re up for a bit of post-panto-season fe- tures... This latest theatrical version of Dr fi-fo-fumming, the Gatehouse is most defi- The Cat In The Hat is the funniest, most Seuss’s much-loved book boasts plenty of nitely the venue to head for, as the hugely mischievous cat that Sally and her brother circus-style action. popular Lyngo Theatre prove that not every encounter with a grumpy, cash-counting ogre need end in tears. Elmer The Patchwork Exciting Science Show Elephant The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 20 February Albany Theatre, Coventry, Sat 2 February; The If your kids love things that wiz, bang, pop Mimi And The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, and splurt, then this is most definitely the Wed 27 & Thurs 28 February Mountain Dragon production for them! Created with children Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 21 February This lively production tells the story of a aged four and older in mind, and featuring This ‘magical musical puppetry adventure’ is patchwork elephant who determines to hide ‘silly, fun and factual’ science experiments, presented by Skewbald Theatre and based on his ‘true colours’ in an effort to blend in, only the show is being hailed by its producers as the popular children’s book by Michael Mor- to find that he feels happiest when he’s sim- ‘the perfect way to engage the imagination purgo. The story unfolds in the snowy moun- ply being himself. during a dull and boring half-term holiday’. Selladoor Family is the company behind this tains of Switzerland, where the villagers of latest stage presentation of David McKee's Dorta create a cacophony of noise in order to much-loved creation, which comes complete keep away the Mountain Dragon. with puppetry, plenty of colour and, er, a The Amazing Adventures But when a young girl named Mimi discovers trunk-load of fun... Of Pinocchio a baby dragon sleeping in her woodshed, she realises that she must conquer her over- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 February whelming sense of fear in order to return the Sourpuss The walking, talking puppet with the mis- little creature to its fiercesome mother... chievous nose that grows and grows when- Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, ever he tells even the smallest of porky pies Sun 17 February makes a welcome return in a brand new, Buzzing bees, chirpy robins, vibrant flowers larger-than-life musical. Immersion Theatre Twirlywoos Live! and stinky rubbish are much in evidence are the company behind this latest version of Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 22 - Sun 24 when a grumpy ginger cat named Sourpuss Carlo Collodi’s classic tale. February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, finds himself shut out of the house. Tues 26 February Intrigued by the garden, he heads off on an The Twirlywoos’ big red boat drops anchor adventure that makes him realise there’s at two major Midlands venues this month. maybe more to the great outdoors than he’d Milkshake! Live 2019 CBeebies stars Great BigHoo, Toodloo, previously imagined... Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Wed 20 February; Lich- Chickedy and Chick have earned themselves Featuring beautifully handcrafted string and field Garrick, Sat 23 February; Prince Of Wales an impressive following of young television shadow puppets, the show is performed by Theatre, Cannock, Wed 17 April viewers since debuting in 2015. They’re visit- professional puppeteer Lori Hopkins and is Milkshake Monkey’s desire to put on a new ing the region with a live show that features suitable for youngsters aged between three musical has hit the skids due to a nasty bout mischief, music, plenty of surprises and and eight. of rampant stage fright - so thank heaven some beautifully inventive puppetry.

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Dance

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 5 - Sat 16 February “It’s always exciting to bring back Swan Lake,” says Matthew Bourne, whose company, New Adventures, bring his classic version of the legendary ballet back to the Hip- podrome this month. “So many people love it, and you know they’re going to want to come and see it again and bring along friends and family who didn’t see it last time.” First staged in 1995 and the longest-running ballet in the West End and on Broadway, Bourne’s Swan Lake is best known for the fact of having an all-male cast. “It was such an iconic image for people to have a male dancing swan,” continues Matthew. “It was very unex- pected, and people couldn’t imagine what it was going to look like. It got dubbed ‘the gay Swan Lake’, which wasn’t what the aim was, but there was certainly a story within it that was very meaningful for gay audiences, and I cele- brate that. It’s accepted now by a much wider audience, who, rather than be shocked by any element of it, find it uplifting that this is a story being told about a young man who’s confused about his future and his sexuality. I think that’s something which is very meaningful for young peo- ple in the audience.”

Torus Autin Dance Theatre: A stories around sex, love and relationships unravels, with audience participation and The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Posi+ive Life original scenography transporting the Fri 15 & Sat 16 February Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, guests to the heart of the piece.” “Torus is a return to the tribal,” explain Rudi Thurs 14 February Now in its sixth year, Autin Dance Theatre Cole and Júlia Robert Parés, the co-artistic di- Project-based Birmingham company has gained an enviable reputation for rectors of Humanhood, the contemporary Autin Dance Theatre describes its re- producing impressively innovative artistic dance ensemble presenting the show. worked version of this 2017 show as ‘an performances based around contempo- “It’s a tribal hurricane of effortless fluidity interactive sex education and coming-of- rary social issues and events. The com- where rhythm takes over the performers and age dance-theatre experience for pany also runs an extensive the viewer.” teenagers and young adults’. “The piece community-focused learning and partici- Commissioned by DanceXchange and Sadler’s is a special invitation to a house party like pation programme. Wells, the new show explores issues relating to no other,” explains company founder and physics and Eastern mysticism, contemplating choreographer Johnny Autin. “A web of the ways in which the connections between these two seemingly very different subjects ‘shape our human experience of ourselves and BalletBoyz: Them/Us reality’. Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 28 February This innovative double bill is a brand new collaboration from Ballet Boyz’s critically acclaimed dancers and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. The first of the two shows, Them - set to a score by emerging composer Char- lotte Harding - is the work of the com- pany's own in-house talent. The follow-up presentation, Us, is in- spired by the Wheeldon-choreo- graphed duet that featured in the company's previous show, Fourteen Days. 32 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance February 2019-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 13:54 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region

Giovanni Pernice: Dance Is Life Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 21 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 February; Lichfield Garrick, Sun 31 March; Oakengates Theatre at The Place, Telford, Mon 1 April Giovanni Pernice is a two-time Guinness Book of Records star, thanks to the stunning speed at which he can perform jive kicks & flicks and Charleston swivels. Here presenting a production that’s maybe just a cut or two above similar showcases by other much-loved Strictly stars, the 28-year-old Ital- ian is visiting the Midlands just 11 short days after finishing the Strictly Live! tour, during which he once again teamed up with his 2018 celebrity dance partner, Steps’ Faye Tozer. Strictly’s newest pro, Luba Mushtuk, joins in the fun.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Beauty And The Beast Birmingham Hippodrome, to spend the rest of his life as a grotesque Tues 19 February - Sat 2 March beast, eventually finds salvation in the Beauty And The Beast is one of Birming- heart of a beautiful girl. ham Royal Ballet’s most popular produc- Featuring a golden ballroom full of won- tions, thanks in no small measure to David drous animals and a magical transforma- Bintley’s rich choreography and Philip tion as the beast once again becomes a Prowse’s stunning sets. handsome prince, the production’s music Much loved by generations, the story tells is composed by Glenn Buhr and performed of a cruel prince who, having been cursed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Jasmin Vardimon: Medusa Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 9 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 18 February Founded in 1998, Jasmin Vardimon’s company combines physical theatre and quirky characteri- sation with innovative technologies, text and dance. The choreographer’s latest work, focusing on the myth surrounding the powerful feminine symbol of Medusa and its various connotations in con- temporary life, was created on the coast of Barcelona and inspired by its marine life. “A lot of the time, people stay behind after our performance for the post-show discussion,” ex- plains Jasmin. “You can see that they’re emotion- ally attached or intellectually engaged and want to speak and talk about it more. And that’s ex- actly what I always hope to do with my art. I want to make people think and ask questions; I don't want to give answers. At the end of the day, I see myself as a storyteller and communicator about things that are important to me.”

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Film

Green Book CERT 12a (130 mins) Starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini Directed by Peter Farrelly (USA) Voted best film of the year by the National Board of Review, Green Book is shaping up to be a major Oscar contender. Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) has already won a fistful of glittering prizes as the classical jazz pianist 'Doc' Don Shirley, who tours the Deep South in the 1960s. As a flipside to Driving Miss Daisy, Shirley’s chauffeur is actually an Italian-American bouncer, played by Mortensen, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his part (although Ali actually won it). Based on interviews with Shirley, the film marks a seismic artistic switch for its writer-director Peter Farrelly, who is better known for his gross-out comedies Dumb And Dumber, Shallow Hal and There's Something About Mary. Released Fri 1 Feb EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in February...

Can You Ever Forgive Me? Escape Room How To Train Your Dragon: CERT 15 (106 mins) CERT 15 (99 mins) The Hidden World Starring Melissa McCarthy, Richard E Grant, Starring Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, CERT PG (104 mins) Dolly Wells, Jane Curtin Deborah Ann Woll, Tyler Labine Directed by Marielle Heller (USA) Directed by Adam Robitel (USA) With the voices of Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Craig Ferguson, Six strangers find themselves trapped in a Jonah Hill, Kit Harington, Gerard Butler series of rooms that only offer a meagre Directed by Dean DeBlois (USA) possibility of escape… Fans of Saw, The Maze Runner and especially Cube take note. Filmed in South Africa. Released Fri 1 Feb

The first two cartoons were terrific and this Based on the eponymous memoir by Lee Is- one builds on the mythical universe of burly rael, this bittersweet drama tells how the bi- Scotsmen and flying creatures, as Hiccup ographer turned to forgery to keep up with (Baruchel) discovers ‘The Hidden World,’ a her rent. It’s a fascinating tale well told with dragon utopia that may be under threat. sparkling performances from the three leads. Released Fri 1 Feb Released Fri 1 Feb whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film February 1.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 20:01 Page 3

Film

Alita: Battle Angel If Beale Street Could Talk Instant Family CERT 12a (122 mins) CERT 15 (119 mins) CERT 12a (118 mins) Starring Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Starring KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Colman Starring Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Domingo, Dave Franco, Ed Skrein, Regina Moner, Margo Martindale, Julie Hagerty, Oc- Jackie Earle Haley King Directed by Barry Jenkins (USA) tavia Spencer Directed by Sean Anders (USA)) Directed by Robert Rodriguez (USA) The first film from Barry Jenkins since his Oscar-winning Moonlight (2016), this drama follows a pregnant woman (Layne) as she tries to clear the name of her wrongly ac- cused lover. Based on the 1974 novel by James Baldwin. Released Fri 8 Feb

Produced and co-scripted by James Cameron, Mark Wahlberg returns to comedy (after the this is a big-budget adaptation of the cyber- blistering heroics of Mile 22) and is punk manga comic. Set in a post-apocalyptic reunited with Sean Anders, director of world, it stars Salazar as a disembodied soul Daddy’s Home and Daddy’s Home 2. He who is given a body by a scientist (Waltz), en- (Marky Mark) and Rose Byrne play eager par- abling her to try and find out who she really ents whose cup runneth over when they is. Expect lashings of CGI. adopt three children. Idiots. Released Wed 6 Feb Released Thurs 14 Feb The Lego Movie 2: The All Is True CERT 12a (101 mins) Isn’t It Romantic CERT tbc CERT PG (126 mins) Starring Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Ian Second Part Starring Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Adam McKellen Directed by Kenneth Branagh (UK) With the voices of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, DeVine, Priyanka Chopra, Jennifer Saunders In a bizarre about-face of his TV sitcom Up- Tiffany Haddish, Will Arnett, Channing Tatum, Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson Margot Robbie Directed by Mike Mitchell (USA/Australia) start Crow, scenarist Ben Elton looks at (USA/Australia/Denmark/Canada/Norway) Shakespeare in his later years as he mourns The boxy figurines are back for another ad- the death of his son Hamnet and the destruc- venture set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. tion of The Globe theatre due to fire. Writing, By the sounds of it, the collective tongue re- it seems, is the last thing on the Bard’s mind. mains in its cheek as Batman, Superman, Released Fri 8 Feb Aquaman and Emmet struggle to preserve the status quo of Apocalypseburg. Boy Erased CERT 15 (115 mins) Released Fri 8 Feb Starring Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Joel Edgerton, Joe Alwyn, Xavier Dolan When Natalie, an Australian architect work- Directed by Joel Edgerton (USA/Australia) ing in New York (Rebel Wilson), is knocked When the son of a preacher is raped by a fel- out, she wakes up to find herself stuck inside low student, he is sent away to a gay therapy a romcom. It’s full of clichés and other hack- conversion centre. Amazingly, there are still neyed situations, but in order to claw her way 36 states that allow conversion therapy to be back to reality, Natalie must first find true practised on minors and this sensitive drama love within her new parameters. is based on the real-life memoirs of Garrard Released Fri 15 Feb Conley. Released Fri 8 Feb Happy Death Day 2U The Kid Who Would CERT 15 (120 mins) Be King CERT PG Starring Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Starring Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Tom Taylor, Phi Vu, Suraj Sharma, Steve Zissis Rebecca Ferguson, Patrick Stewart, Denise Directed by Christopher Landon (USA) Gough Directed by Joe Cornish (UK/USA) Two years ago, Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) Alex Elliot is bullied at school but discovers had a habit of dying every day. And now her that he is bestowed with a very special, cen- friends are at it. But who’s the killer? turies’ old power. A modern-day reincarna- tion of King Arthur, Alex is compelled to Released Thurs 14 Feb

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Film highlights released in February...

protect his world from the ancient forces of darkness rallied by Morgana le Fay (Fergu- son). Alex is played by Louis Ashbourne Serkis, son of the actor and director Andy Serkis. Released Fri 15 Feb

Capernaum CERT tbc (121 mins) Starring Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole Directed by Na- dine Labaki (Lebanon) CRITIC’S CHOICE Winner of the Jury Prize at last year’s Cannes that can be heard around the world... film festival, Capernaum is the extraordinary A Private War CERT 15 (110 mins) story of a 12-year-old Syrian refugee boy who A Private War - based on Marie Brenner’s Starring Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan, Tom feature, Marie Colvin’s Private War, for takes his parents to court. Hollander, Stanley Tucci, Corey Johnson, Vanity Fair - marks the ‘fictional’ debut of Released Fri 22 Feb Faye Marsay Directed by Matthew Heineman (UK/USA) Matthew Heineman, who directed the vis- “Nobody in their right mind would do what ceral, harrowing Cartel Land and City Of you do,” Sean Ryan tells Marie Colvin. He Ghosts, two of the best documentaries in is the foreign editor for The Sunday Times, the last decade. Here, he applies his nose she is his star player, a fearless correspon- for the frontline drama with an accom- dent who has reported from the hellholes plished verve, while permitting his actors of Chechnya, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Sri the chance to shine. Lanka, Iraq and Afghanistan. As Colvin, Rosamund Pike is as selfless in As the film opens, Marie Colvin’s voice ru- her portrayal of a one-eyed alcoholic minates on the nature of her work and of woman in her 50s as was Nicole Kidman as her fear, something, she says, that came the washed-up alcoholic cop in Destroyer, after the fact. She is in Homs, Syria, a place but Pike inhabits her role more fully. She Cold Pursuit CERT tbc (118 mins) where houses, streets and whole districts never seems to be acting and is every inch Starring Liam Neeson, Laura Dern, Emmy have been reduced to rubble, decorated by the damaged, searching and highly intelli- Rossum, Tom Bateman, William Forsythe gent reporter that Colvin obviously was. Directed by Hans Petter Moland (USA) the entrails of its inhabitants. Her job is to share the fear, to give her subjects a voice Released Fri 15 Feb Liam Neeson is on the warpath again, this time seeking retribution for the death of his son at the hands of a drug cartel. The differ- ence this time is that Liam plays a snow- plough operator. It’s a remake of the 2014 On The Basis Of Sex The Rhythm Section CERT tbc Norwegian actioner In Order Of Disappear- CERT 12a (120 mins) Starring Blake Lively, Jude Law, Max Casella, ance, also directed by Hans Petter Moland. Starring Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Daniel Mays, Richard Brake, Sterling K Brown Released Fri 22 Feb Theroux, Sam Waterston, Kathy Bates, Cailee Directed by Reed Morano (UK/USA) Spaeny, Jack Reynor Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) was meant Directed by Mimi Leder (USA) to be on a flight that killed her family. Then That’s sex as in gender. Following the mar- she discovers that the crash was not an acci- vellously engaging documentary RBG last dent… Based on the novel by Mark Burnell month, now comes the dramatisation of the and directed by the former cinematographer early years of the iconoclastic Ruth Bader Reed Morano, so it should look good. Ginsberg, the Supreme Court justice who Released Fri 22 Feb fought the corner for her sex. Released Fri 22 Feb

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 16 February - Sun 2 June The Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition makes a welcome return to the Herbert this month in the form of 100 stunning images. The on-show pics were selected by expert judges and drawn from a staggering 45,000-plus entries, the images being rated for their creativity, originality and technical excellence. Open both to professional and amateur snappers, the competition celebrates biodiversity, promotes conservation and champions ethical photography. In the process, it also provides visitors with the opportunity to view dramatic landscapes and endangered habitats, as well as to come face-to-face with some of the

world’s most bizarre species. © Marsel van Oosten - Wildlife Photographer of the Year the of Photographer Wildlife - Oosten Marsel van ©

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Visual Arts

Pick Of The Pops Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 2 February - Sun 1 September Wolverhampton Art Gallery boasts the UK’s largest collection of Pop Art outside of London - so it’s hardly surprising that the venue fre- quently mounts exhibitions celebrating the hugely influential 20th century art movement. This particular show is a little different from its predecessors, however, with visitors being given the chance to vote for their favourite on-display work of art. The re- sults will then be used to form the gallery’s very own ‘pick of the Pops’… Featured image is Colour Her Gone by Pauline Boty (1962) Leonardo da Vinci: A Life In Drawing and copyright is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Artist’s Estate. Fri 1 February - Mon 6 May Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s (BMAG) display of 12 drawings by Leonardo da Vinci forms part of a nationwide Drawing Out The Sound event to mark the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death. Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham, Featuring a total of 144 of the Renaissance master's greatest until Sun 19 May artworks, drawn from the Royal Collection and displayed in 12 simultaneous exhibitions across the country, A Life In Drawing provides the widest-ever UK audience with the opportunity to see the work of a truly extraordinary artist. None of the 12 drawings on display at BMAG have ever before been seen in Birmingham. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of talks and tours, as well as a programme of events aimed at ‘bringing to life’ Leonardo’s techniques, to enhance visitors’ appreciation of the drawings on show.

The Range snacks, hysteria, diversity initiatives, grief, sadness, flu, joy, irreverence and Eastside Projects, Birmingham, until Sat 27 April pleasure. We hope you enjoy the show.” “The Range is an exhibition approached A bravura display of drawings and prints by as an artwork,” explains its curator, Re- artists ranging from Dürer to Renoir, Drawing hana Zaman. “It uses instinct and intu- Out The Sound explores the ways in which vi- ition as a guiding principle, bringing sual artists have risen to the challenge of depict- together a group of people and sharing ing music and sound through the silent media resources, both material and emotional, of graphic art. to realise an idea. The exhibition coincides with the Barber’s loan “The artists gathered in this show, and of the National Portrait Gallery’s Johan Zoffany for the purposes of this show, speak to a masterpiece, The Sharp Family. The sumptu- sentiment, an attitude, a conviction; ously painted artwork depicts 13 musicmaking they have the range. All have shown relatives who captivated 18th century audiences work or created a public discussion that with al-fresco performances from their barge on I have found myself drawn to. All the the Thames. artists have crafted new works for the The painting, never before seen outside London, show - a show initiated by one group is the centrepiece of a Barber programme of gathering in October 2018, a WhatsApp events and presentations - including Drawing group chat and endless email threads. Out The Sound - which has been designed to in- “We discuss suns and moons, rice vestigate the subject of music in art.

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21st century Shakespeare

RSC puts inclusivity front and centre in three new Shakespeare comedies... RSC feature-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2019 10:58 Page 2

by Peter Joshua

A collaborative cross-cast ensemble - reflecting the nation in terms of gender, ethnicity, regionality and disability - is this year presenting three Shakespeare comedies at the RSC, two of which open in the next few weeks. What’s On chats to the respective directors of As You Like It and The Taming Of The Shrew to find out more about their brand new shows...

“This season reflects the power of storytelling high-profile artists, including Peggy Ashcroft, restrictions that a woman in 1590s England in its most essential form,” says RSC Artistic Vanessa Redgrave, Eileen Atkins and Juliet would’ve had. The actors are playing their Director Gregory Doran in talking about the Stevenson. Kimberley firmly believes that own gender, but we’ve flipped which gender company’s summer line-up of shows. “With Lucy Phelps will be a worthy addition to that holds power.” directors Justin Audibert and Kimberley roll of honour: “Lucy is relentlessly intelli- So why has Justin decided to take such an in- Sykes, I’m creating a company which reflects gent and rigorous in what she, as an actress teresting route with the play? the nation in terms of gender, ethnicity, re- and as a woman, wants from the world, and “At the moment, there’s an important conver- gionality and disability - 27 actors who will she does all of that with generosity and the sation about gender and power and where all appear in two out of three Shakespeare most infectious spirit. I think you have to that lies, and whenever you make any play or plays.” have both of those things to play Rosalind. work of art of any kind, you’re always influ- The plays to which Gregory refers are As You Lucy’s never satisfied as an artist. She’s al- ways digging, always chipping away. But if enced by what’s going on around you. During Like It, The Taming Of The Shrew and, later rehearsals it’s been fascinating to see how in the year, Measure For Measure. And as you chip, chip, chip away in rehearsal, and then walk on stage and you’ve stopped chip- things feel when, for example, a mother sells you’d expect from a company determined to off her two sons, as opposed to in the tradi- build on its commitment to inclusivity, the ping because you’ve decided what it is, then you’ve lost Rosalind - whereas Lucy has the tional retelling, when a father sells off his productions are reflective of society’s ongo- two daughters. We’re somehow not shocked ing conversations about a range of issues, in- bravery to keep discovering, to keep search- ing.” by the traditional version, but when we see a cluding the empowerment of women. This is mother selling off her sons, that feels trans- strongly evidenced in the first of the three What does Kimberley hope audiences take gressive.” plays to open - As You Like It, directed by away from the production? Justin’s version of Shrew certainly promises Kimberley Sykes. The play’s lead character, “I would like them to take away a new rela- to be thought-provoking, but might it not also Rosalind, is credited with more lines than tionship with their own ‘magician’. To feel face accusations of being gimmicky? any other female Shakespearean character. able to explore the possibility of and poten- “I can understand why someone might feel tial for change, especially right now, with all So was this something that attracted Kimber- that, but I’d like to think that, as a company of the uncertainty in this country and Europe ley to the play? of 19, we’re going about this with a sense of and the rest of the world. To feel that change intellectual curiosity and artistic enquiry. I “Yes absolutely! I was drawn to a woman is possible, and that change can come by think you have to come and see the show to who’s busy working out who she is as the working together, learning from each other make up your own mind. The fact that if you play unfolds. I think sometimes with Shake- and from being more honest; being brave come, the vast majority of the lines are going speare’s women, it feels like they already enough to jump off the cliff into the un- to be spoken by women in those iconic roles know who they are. Or that their internal life known.” isn’t really the thing that Shakespeare is ex- means that the play is going to feel different ploring in the play. With Rosalind, it’s com- Jumping off the cliff into the unknown is ex- to every other time you may have seen it. actly what Kimberley’s fellow RSC director, pletely different. She changes her mind all “The late, great and much-missed Cicely Justin Audibert, is doing with The Taming Of the time, and she changes her mind with us, Berry from the RSC Voice Department has al- The Shrew, which opens in Stratford next with the audience. ways been my guiding light. She said you month: “I didn’t want to make a Shrew in the have to make the play talk to now - and that’s “She talks about this magician, this uncle way it’s been done many times before,” says exactly what we’re trying to do with this pro- magician, who she’s conversed with since the Justin. “I’m really interested in seeing what duction.” age of three. Lucy Phelps, who’s playing Ros- happens when you get female actors to play alind, and I have talked a lot about who on traditionally powerful male roles, and vice earth this magician is. We feel that this magi- versa. cian is inside all of us, representing the po- “So for example, the role of Petruchio, which As You Like It shows at the Royal tential for change and to be different people. we’ve renamed Petruchia, is being played by Shakespeare Theatre (RST), Stratford- The play is really all about Rosalind having a Claire Price as a woman in a woman’s cos- upon-Avon, from 14 February to 31 August. conversation with herself to find a route to tume, but with the same character motiva- contentment, and that’s not easy. Sometimes The Taming Of The Shrew shows at the tions and social status as Petruchio in any you have to crawl through the dirt to get to same venue from 8 March to 31 August. other production. Likewise Katherine is being the diamond.” played by a male actor, Joseph Arkley, and Measure For Measure, directed by Gregory Down the years, the character of Rosalind he’s playing it as a man and will be wearing a Doran, shows at the RST from 28 June to has been played for the RSC by numerous man’s costume, but will have the same social 29 August. Readers Awards 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 19:51 Page 1

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

Yes, you VOTED in your thousands in the first round of nominations in the What’s On Readers’ Awards - over 15,000 votes across the West Midlands region!Now it’s time for you to VOTE once more to choose your ultimate WINNER in each category! Here are the award shortlist finalists:

Midlands Large Theatre Broadway Messiah - Symphony Hall l Birmingham Hippodrome l Birmingham Royal Ballet: Sleeping l Welsh National Opera: War & Peace - l Belgrade Theatre - Coventry Beauty Birmingham Hippodrome l Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Stratford l Birmingham Royal Ballet: The l The Alexandra Theatre - Birmingham Nutcracker Best Touring Theatre Play/Show l The REP - Birmingham l Matthew Bourne: Cinderella l Blood Brothers l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Transitions Dance Company Triple Bill l Brighton Rock l Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde Best Touring Musical Best Orchestra/Choir l The Play That Goes Wrong l Dirty Dancing l Birmingham Cathedral Choir l War Horse l Jersey Boys l Birmingham Gay Symphony l Mamma Mia Orchestra Best Pantomime in l Matilda l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra The Midlands 2018/19 l Wicked l CBSO l Dick Whittington - Lichfield Garrick l Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra l Mother Goose - Theatre Severn Best Home-Produced Show l Peter Pan - Birmingham Hippodrome l A Christmas Carol - RSC l Sleeping Beauty - Belgrade Theatre Best Classical/Operatic l Boogie Nights - The Alexandra Theatre l Sleeping Beauty - Production l Once Upon A Mattress - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Birmingham Cathedral Choir: The Lichfield Garrick l Divine Beauty - Birmingham Cathedral l Pinocchio - The Old Rep Best Kids Show l Birmingham Philharmonic: War & l The Wizard Of Oz - The REP l Awful Auntie Peace - The Bramall l Disney On Ice: Dream Big l CBSO: Spectacular Classics - l Disney On Ice: Best Dance Production Symphony Hall Worlds Of Enchantment l Anton & Erin: From Hollywood To l City Of Birmingham Choir: Handel’s l Elf: A Christmas Spectacular VOTE today atwhatsonlive.co.uk

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#readersawards2019

l The Snowman Annie - Belgrade Theatre l Adam Bennett - The Cross in l Get Your Wigle On: Grease - Theatre Kenilworth, Warwickshire Best Arts/Cultural Festival Severn, Shrewsbury l Adam Stokes - Adams, Birmingham l Artsfest - Wolverhampton l Lichfield Operatic Society: Avenue Q - l Brad Carter - Carters Of Moseley, l Birmingham Comedy Festival Lichfield Garrick Birmingham l Birmingham Fest l Glynn Purnell - Purnell’s, Birmingham l Birmingham International Dance Best Comedy Night l Josh Crouch - CSONS, Shrewsbury Festival l Comedy Carousel at l Lichfield Arts’ Fuse Festival The Glee Club - Birmingham Best Midlands Food Festival l Comedy at Henry Tudor House, l Colmore Food Festival - Birmingham Best Exhibition Shrewsbury l Foodies Festival Birmingham l Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender & l Funhouse Comedy - Birmingham & l Lichfield Food Festival Identity - Birmingham Museum & Art West Midlands l Ludlow Food Festival Gallery l Just The Tonic - Birmingham l Shrewsbury Food Festival l Dippy The Dinosaur - Birmingham l Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Museum & Art Gallery Best Street Food Vendor l LEGO: Brick History - Shrewsbury Best Midlands Music Venue l Bournville Waffle Co Museum & Art Gallery l Arena Birmingham l Dick’s Smokehouse l Real Bodies: The Exhibition - NEC, l O2 Academy - Birmingham l Press De Cuba Birmingham l Resorts World Arena - Birmingham l Urban Cheesecake l Women. Power. Protest - Birmingham l Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Vegan Grindhouse Museum & Art Gallery l The Empire - Coventry Best Amateur Best Midlands Market Best Midlands Music Festival Dramatic/Operatic Group Production l Beckett’s Farm - Birmingham l Birmingham Pride l Birmingham & Midland Operatic l Bullring Indoor Market - Birmingham Download Society: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang l l FarGo Village - Birmingham l Godiva l Birmingham Ormiston Academy: Lord l Moseley Arts Market - Birmingham Moseley Folk Festival Of Flies - The Old Rep Theatre, l l Shrewsbury Market Hall Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Birmingham l Best Midlands Chef l Coventry Musical Theatre Society:

What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

BIRMINGHAM Best Music l Birmingham Lit Fest Gardens Best Indoor Event Best Independent Festival l Flatpack l Birmingham Museum Restaurant & Art Gallery l Birmingham Best Arts/Theatre International Tattoo l Carters Of Moseley l Birmingham Pride Best Food l Cadbury World l British Athletics Indoor l Little Blackwood Venue l Birmingham & Solihull l National Sealife Festival/Event Championships l The Meat Shack l Crescent Theatre Jazz & Blues Festival Centre l Crufts l Original Patty Men l Core Theatre, Solihull l MADE Festival l BBC Good Food l Thinktank l MCM Birmingham Purnell’s Midlands Arts Centre l Moseley Folk Show l l Comic Con l The Old Joint Stock l Mostly Jazz, Funk & l Birmingham Cocktail Soul Weekend Best Outdoor l Polar Express B’ham l The Old Rep Best Independent Colmore Food Festival Event l The REP l Coffee Shop Best Arts l Digbeth Dining Club l Birmingham Frankfurt Best Gallery/ Cherry Reds Cafe Bar Best Music Venue Festival l Foodies Festival at Christmas Market Exhibition Venue l Cannon Hill Park l Damascena Coffee l Ice Skate Birmingham The Barber Institute l The Asylum l Arts & Science Fest l House l Magical Lantern Birmingham Museum l The Glee Club (University of B’ham) l l Java Lounge Best Visitor Festival Birmingham & Art Gallery l Hare & Hounds l Birmingham Comedy l Wayland’s Yard Attraction l Summer in Southside Coffin Works l The Jam House Festival l l Yorks Cafe & Coffee l We Are Balsall Heath l IKON Gallery l The Night Owl l Birmingham Int Dance l Birmingham Back to Street Market Roasters Festival Backs l Midlands Arts Centre l Birmingham Botanical and choose your WINNER!

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What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

Best Independent l Il Michaelango, Best Gallery/ Best Independent l National Memorial l Shrewsbury Literary Bar/Pub Brierley Hill Exhibition Venue Restaurant Arboretum Festival l The Old Glasshouse, l Tamworth Castle l Wellington Arts l 1000 Trades CET Building, Bolero Bar & Kitchen, Dudley l l Festival l The Old Crown, Coventry Worcester Best Event Digbeth l Compton Verney l Dine India, l Cathedral Illuminated Best Visitor Coventry Music Bromsgrove l The Old Joint Stock WARWICKSHIRE l at Lichfield Cathedral Attraction l The Plough, Harborne Museum l The Old Rectifying l Fireworks Spectacular Attingham Park l The Prince Of Wales, l Herbert Art Gallery House, Worcester at Drayton Manor l Best Arts/Theatre l British Ironworks Moseley l Leamington Spa Art l The Olive Branch, l Lichfield Proms in Venue Gallery & Museum Worcester Beacon Park Centre, Oswestry l The Orangery, l Hawkstone Park & l Albany Theatre, l Scarefest at Alton BLACK COUNTRY Coventry Best Independent Redditch Towers Follies l Belgrade Theatre, Restaurant l Staffordshire County l Ironbridge Museums l Severn Valley Railway, Coventry Shields Of Henley STAFFORDSHIRE Show Best Arts/Theatre l Bridgnorth l Royal Shakespeare l The Cross, Kenilworth Venue Theatre, Stratford Best Independent l Dough And Brew, Best Event l Arena Theatre l Royal Spa Centre, Warwick Best Arts/Theatre Restaurant Chocolate Festival, l Forest Arts Centre, Leamington Spa l My Dhabba, Coventry Venue l 1709, The Brasserie l Walsall l Warwick Arts Centre Shrewsbury l Simmer Down l Lichfield Garrick l Mackenzies, Lichfield Grand Theatre, l Ludlow Medieval l Restaurant, Coventry l Mitchell Arts Centre, l The New Olive Tree, Wolverhampton Best Music Venue Stoke-on-Trent Cheadle Fayre Light House Media Shrewsbury Flower l The Assembly, WORCESTERSHIRE l New Vic Theatre, l NOM Restaurant, l Centre, W’hampton l Show Leamington Spa Newcastle-under-Lyme Hanley l Newhampton Arts l Shropshire l The Kasbah, Coventry l Regent Theatre, l Olive Tree, Lichfield Centre, Wolverhampton Oktoberfest l Knights’ Wine Bar, Best Arts/Theatre Stoke-on-Trent l The Polar Express, Coventry Venue l Stafford Gatehouse SHROPSHIRE Best Music Venue The Tin Music & Arts, Theatre Telford Steam Railway l Artrix, Bromsgrove Coventry l l Brierley Civic Hall Huntingdon Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, l Best Music Venue Best Arts/Theatre l Dudley Town Hall l Worcester Best Gallery/ Coventry Eleven, Venue l Newhampton Arts l Malvern Theatres l Exhibition Venue Centre, Wolverhampton l Palace Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent l Theatre On The Steps l The Robin, Bilston Best Festival Redditch l Lichfield Guildhall l Theatre Severn l Bear Steps Art Gallery, Shrewsbury l The Slade Rooms, l Godiva Festival l Swan Theatre, l Victoria Hall, Hanley l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Coalbrookdale Wolverhampton l Leamington Food and Worcester l The Sugarmill, Stoke l The Place, Telford Drink Festival l The Underground, l Ludlow Assembly Gallery, Ironbridge l Stratford River Festival Best Music Venue Stoke Rooms l Shrewsbury Museum Best Visitor & Art Gallery l Warwick Folk Festival l The Boar's Head, Best Music Venue Attraction l Stratford-upon-Avon Kidderminster Best Music l Twenty Twenty l Albert's Shed, Gallery, Much Wenlock l Black Country Living Music Festival l Huntingdon Hall, Festival Worcester Shrewsbury l Willow Gallery, Museum Lichfield Arts' Fuse The Marr's Bar, l l The Buttermarket, Oswestry l Dudley Canal & Best Visitor l Festival Tunnel Trust Worcester Shrewsbury l Lichfield Blues & Attraction l Paradiddles Music l Havana Republic, Best Independent l Dudley Zoo Jazz Festival RAF Cosford Museum l Charlecote Park Cafe Bar, Worcester Shrewsbury l l Lichfield Festival Restaurant Wightwick Manor l Coventry Music l The Queen’s Head, l Henry Tudor House, l l Lichfield Festival Of l CSONS, Shrewsbury Museum Bromsgrove Shrewsbury Folk l Henry Tudor House, l Coventry Transport l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Staffs Fest Shrewsbury Best Event Museum Best Music l Hundred House, l Kenilworth Castle Festival l 100 Years Of The RAF Best Music Telford Festival, RAF Cosford l Warwick Castle l Bewdley Festival Best Arts Festival Big Feast, l The Olive Tree, 1940s Evening - Black l Bromsgrove Folk l Festival l Stoke-on-Trent Shrewsbury Country Living Museum Festival l Beardy Folk Festival Best Event l Lichfield Festival l Umai, Shrewsbury l Cosford Air Show l Upton Blues Festival l Farmer Phil’s Festival l Stafford Arts Festival l Peaky Blinders Nights l Art In The Park, l Upton Jazz Festival l Let’s Rock l Stoke Literary Festival at BCLM Leamington Spa l Worcester Music Shrewsbury Best Independent Festival l Tamworth Arts Festival l Wolverhampton l Coventry Steampunk l Shrewsbury Folk Café Literature Festival Carnival Festival l The Bird’s Nest Cafe, l Dragon Slayer at Best Event Best Food l Shropfest Shrewsbury Best Gallery/ Warwick Castle l Bromsgrove Light Festival l The Coffee House, Festival Of Exhibition Venue l Festival l Great British Food Best Food Shrewsbury Imagineers, Coventry l Malvern Food Festival Festival l Bilston Craft Gallery l CSONS at The Green l HSBC City Ride, l Worcester Festival l Lichfield Food Festival Festival l Dudley Museum Cafe, Ludlow Coventry l Worcester Food l Field to Fork At The Archives l Stafford Cheese & Ale l Ginger & Co. Festival Festival l Great British Food l Light House Shrewsbury Best Food l Worcester Stone Food & Drink Festival, Weston Park Media Centre, l l House Coffee Co. Oktoberfest Ludlow Food Festival Wolverhampton Festival/Event Festival l l Tamworth Food Gusto l Owestry Food & Drink l New Art Gallery, l Coventry Food And Best Visitor Festival Festival Walsall Drink Festival l Shrewsbury Food l Wolverhampton Digbeth Dining at Attraction l Festival Museum & Art Gallery Coventry Cathedral l Avoncroft,Bromsgrove Best Visitor l Fargo’s Vegan l Hanbury Hall Attraction VOTE Best Independent Festival, Coventry and Gardens l Alton Towers Best Arts Festival l West Mid Safari Park Restaurant l Royal Leamington l Cannock Chase l Church Stretton Arts Food & Drink Festival l Severn Valley Railway, Visitor Centre Festival Banks Bistro, Bewdley NOW! l l Warwick Food Festival l Drayton Manor l Ludlow Fringe Festival l Witley Court, Wolverhampton Theme Park l Oswestry Literary l Bella, Wolverhampton Worcester l Lichfield Cathedral Festival l Fiume, W’hampton

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Events February Copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 20:05 Page 1

Events previews from around the region Events

Lantern Walk Croome Park, Worcester, Sat 9 February

Visitors participating in this 1.5- mile walk around Croome’s pic- turesque grounds will be given a lantern and LED candle to take with them, so that they can help Race Retro disciplines including formula and circuit rac- light up the parkland as they make ing, rallying and motorcycling. Stoneleigh Park, Staffordshire their way along the route. Fri 22 - Sun 24 February Visitors also have the chance to purchase parts, The event is being held in aid of St spares, helmets and clothing from more than Richard’s Hospice in Worcester. The turbo-charged era of Formula One is cele- 250 specialist exhibitors - not to mention the brated at this year’s Race Retro. Zooming into opportunity to bag themselves a racing or rally its 17th year, the event showcases motorsport car in a special auction! Harry Potter Book Night Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, Pirate And Princess Open Cockpits: Thurs 7 February Takeover Hunter and Phantom Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire, RAF Museum, Cosford, Sat 16 - Sun 24 February Fri 15 - Sun 24 February The RAF Museum Cosford is this half term open- ing up the Hawker Hunter F Mk4 cockpit for closer inspection. It’s also allowing visitors to take a seat inside the McDonnell Douglas Phan- tom FG1, featured as part of the museum’s National Cold War Exhibition. Alongside the cockpits will be a Cold War han- dling collection, consisting of helmets, life jackets and a collection of photos.

Well shiver those timbers and straighten that tiara - Alton Towers Resort is certainly the place to take your little pirates and princesses this Expelliarmus! Celebrating all half-term holiday! things Harry Potter, this ‘magical’ The popular visitor attraction is hosting a range evening of wizard fun features a of family-focused themed activities this month, spellbinding selection of free activ- including a disco, a treasure hunt, meet-and- ities for visitors to enjoy, including greets with CBeebies Land characters and the the chance to create their own chance to learn some essential pirate skills. wand, make magic potions and Away from the princess & pirate theme, visitors head out on a quest for some magi- can check out Sharkbait Reef to see a variety of cal creatures. amazing fish, splash around in the tropical sur- Participants are encouraged to don roundings of the Alton Towers Waterpark, and their very best Wizarding World enjoy a round of what’s being termed ‘extraordi- fancy dress for the event. nary’ golf. whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events February Copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 20:05 Page 2

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Events previews from around the region Events

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust Various Shakespeare Birthplace Trust venues, Sat 16 - Sun 24 February

There's plenty of fun to be had at Shakespeare's family homes this February half term, with a series of special events taking place across five venues. Highlights include a Jacobean sugar work workshop at Hall’s Croft, a chance to see the super- moon at a special stargazing event in the gardens of Shakespeare's Hands-on workshops also feature in the venue’s Pop-up Planetarium New Place, and the opportunity line-up of holiday attractions, with youngsters for younger audiences to have a Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, having the opportunity to use craft materials to Sat 16 - Sun 24 February go at creating their very own ver- design and make (and then take home) their very sion of a Shakespeare play in the Families can check out the night sky and dis- own space-themed model.... Budding as- puppet theatre. cover more about the solar system, distant stars tronomers can enjoy an evening of sky-gazing on and outer space in a pop-up planetarium at Iron- Tuesday the 19th, complete with the chance to bridge Gorge Museums’ Enginuity this half-term. see some fantastic star constellations. Jawsome Sharks National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Sat 9 February - Sun 10 March The National Sea Life Centre is promising that this brand new event will have plenty of ‘extra bite’, as families come face-to-fin with some of the venue’s most ‘jawsome’ species in the UK’s only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel. The fully immersive experience gives visitors the chance to check out a number of sharks, including the Black-tip Reef, Nurse and Zebra varieties. Younger visitors, meanwhile, can become Jawsome Shark Rangers Caravan, Camping & tion and advice about where to head for and by helping Professor Finn to find what to do when they get there. some missing sharks’ teeth. Motorhome Show The six-day event also features plenty of free NEC, Birmingham, Tues 19 - Sun 24 February activities and attractions, including the Holiday The UK’s biggest showcase of motorhomes, Park Experience, bringing a park holiday to life campervans, caravans, caravan holiday homes and including a climbing wall, play area, and lodges returns to Birmingham this month. bushcraft classes and more. Visitors to the show can check out all the new- Other features include a top dog arena, a full season models and products, stock up on their programme of speakers, live cookery demon- holiday accessories. and gather ideas, inspira- strations and motorhome manoeuvring tuition.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Thomas & Friends Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Sat 9 - Sun 24 February

Thomas the Tank Engine fans are certainly well catered for at Dray- ton Manor Park this half term. The Staffordshire visitor attrac- tion is home to Europe’s only Thomas Land and will be run- ning numerous rides during the holiday period, including Harold Helicopter Tours, Bertie Bus and Cranky Crane. Among the venue’s other half- SPAR British Athletics not-to-be-missed opportunity to see some of the term highlights are selected fam- UK’s finest performers coming together for a ily-favourite rides around the Indoor Championships weekend of high-quality action. park (not including the thrill Arena Birmingham, Sat 9 & Sun 10 February The championships comprise a total of 13 events - rides), live shows with the Fat This is the 63rd edition of the indoor champi- including the 60m sprint and 5,000m race walk - Controller and friends, and the onships, providing Midlands athletics fans with a and have a grand total of 26 titles up for grabs. chance to check out the 15-acre zoo, complete with red pandas Tika and Pema. Tattoo Freeze Whodunnit? Telford International Centre, Sat 2 & Sun 3 February Aston Hall, Birmingham, Sat 23 February Celebrating its 10th year and following on from the success of previous shows, this spe- Whodunnit? is described as a cialist event offers members of the general drop-dead-fun, time-travelling public the chance to get themselves tattooed mystery-trail aimed at families by one (or more!) of the 200-plus talented tat- and those young at heart. tooists who’ll be in attendance. Participants are invited to travel The two-day get-together also features bur- back to the Victorian era to find lesque performances, body painting, circus out who stole the precious and workshops and numerous trade stands sell- mystical Star of Al-Ara gem... ing everything from clothing to cupcakes. The wearing of Victorian costume for the event is greatly encour- RSC half-term activities aged but by no means essential. Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 18 - Fri 22 February The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is hosting a range of workshops for young thespians during February half term, providing activities for chil- dren aged four to eight, nine to 12 and 13 to 17. Using approaches straight from the RSC rehearsal rooms, kids will have the opportunity to hone their talents in singing, clowning and set design. They also get the chance to reenact Shake- speare’s classic comedy, As You Like It. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events February Copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 20:06 Page 6

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Events previews from around the region Events

The Classic Dirt Bike Show Telford International Centre, Sat 16 & Sun 17 February

This annual off-road and road-rac- ing show makes a welcome return. Multiple world, indoor and British Trials champion Dougie Lampkin and ‘BSA warrior’ John Banks have been confirmed as the star guests for 2019. The off-road leg- Discover Bostin’ sure-to-be-lively two-day event. ends will be giving fans the low- Black Country Fittle All manner of dishes and delights will be avail- down on their spectacular careers. able to sample as Black Country Living Museum The show also features an outdoor Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, characters cook up a storm. Younger visitors, autojumble, overflowing with bar- Sat 16 - Sun 24 February meanwhile, not only get to check out the tasty gains and boasting classic dirt Discover the Black Country’s “bostin’ fittle” tucker but can also enjoy street games, competi- bike machinery galore, from parts (‘good food’ in Black Country ‘spake’!) at this tions, crafts and street theatre. and spares to accessories, riding kits and bike projects. Dragon Hunt Chinese New Year Tamworth Castle, Sat 16 - Fri 22 February Of The Pig Tamworth Castle’s resident dragon, Ruby, and her brother, Hafgrim, have gone missing while Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 10 February playing a game of hide & seek. And they’re prob- The Potteries’ popular Chinese ably going to stay horribly lost too, unless some New Year celebrations are back, young and enthusiastic half-term-holiday visi- this time welcoming in the Year of tors are willing to put in the hard yards to help the Pig. find them!... The dragon hunt is just one of nu- Highlights of the event include merous dragon-based activities taking place at traditional music and dance, with the castle this month; kids can also learn how to dragon, lion and unicorn dance decorate the dragon’s den, identify dragon eggs Nick Sharratt’s Right performances all featuring. and have a go at a dragon-related craft. Royal Drawalong Chinese craft workshops, fire- The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, crackers and acrobatics are also Tues 19 February included in the day’s programme Grab your pencils & paper and join acclaimed of entertainment. children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt as he hosts a fun-filled family-friendly drawa- long. Nick will show participants how to sketch favourite characters, including Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, and share ways of creat- ing fantastic creatures like dragons and uni- corns. And to celebrate his latest book, Nice Work For The Cat And The King, everything will have a special 'royal' twist!

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Paws Cafe for online mag.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2019 10:36 Page 1

Feline coffee shop is just purr-fect... Paws Cafe opens in Shrewsbury Paws Cafe for online mag.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2019 10:36 Page 2

Where did you get the inspiration for want it there then just stand up and it will get meaning most cats are done at the same time. Paws Cafe? off. It’s very much the cats’ home here, and It’s nice for the vet to see them in their natu- you’re coming into that, so we have a hatch at ral environment. Whatever the cats need, we James is an engineer and I’m a teacher. About the top where we keep the food and the litter will go out and get it. For example, when we two years ago, we both went through a tough trays, so if they want time out from the cafe, got Elsa, she was underweight, so we took time at work; too many hours, late nights, they can simply go up there. her to the vets straight away and they advised early mornings, and didn’t reap any benefit us about what food and milk we needed. And from it. We have the coffee counter, and some drinks Cleo has a very specific breed gastro food. It are available in the price that you pay. We We’ve got a cat at home and for James’s birth- can all be very expensive, but it’s not a ques- have a selection of cakes and tray cakes, day, my mum got him tickets to the Manches- tion of price but of the cats’ well-being. cookies and things like that, but it’s basically ter cat cafe. We were only supposed to be about just spending time with the cats. We do You’re planning film nights... there for an hour, but we really, really en- have to explain to people that it’s not a zoo or joyed it and found it so calming and relaxing. We’re going to do them every Friday evening, a circus and we can’t guarantee that the cats It was lovely spending time with their cats. starting in February, to ease everyone in. We will interact. We went home feeling quite good about our- do have a premises licence, so you can come selves and quite interested in the concept. We What’s the minimum time people can and have a beer and some popcorn. They will looked into it and found out that there were stay? probably be cat-themed and we’ll put them quite a few popping up in the UK, though on rotation. Because the cinema is quite a The minimum stay is 30 minutes, and then mainly in big cities. Then we went back to small, intimate space, the cats will come and we charge for every five minutes after that. work on the Monday, had another stressful snuggle and watch the film with you. We do have some vouchers that proved very week and just ended up thinking, let’s give it popular over Christmas; if you have vouchers Is there anything else you’re thinking a go, as it had got to the point where we or you have very young children, then you about introducing? didn’t want to do what we were doing any- will need to book. We don’t currently have an more. Yes, James came up with a lovely idea that age-restriction in place like a lot of the other links in with the ‘parent policy’ because we So why Shrewsbury? cat cafes do. We’ve decided that for the first don’t really want to enforce an age limit. So couple of weeks we will run a ‘parent policy’. I’m orignally from Crewe in Cheshire and in February, probably over the half-term holi- It will be up to the parents to make sure their James is from Ludlow, but we live in Telford. day, we’re holding the Cat Academy. If children abide by the rules. So for example, if We often come into Shrewsbury and quite younger children want to come, parents can some children start playing around and like the smaller, one-off, quirky sorts of bring them and do activities or workshops to stressing the cats, the mum and dad will be places, so we actually thought it was an ideal learn about what to do if you were to have a given a warning or alternatively asked to town. But to be honest, we didn’t think we pet, and that it’s not just all cuddles. We’ll be leave because the cats’ welfare is the priority could afford it. But we had a look around at having a variety of workshops on subjects for us. different areas within the town centre and like which types of food they’ll eat, litter came across a few that we really liked and Are there any stand-out personalities trays, what you need to protect them from thought might work for us. among the cats? and when to take them to the vets. When you complete those workshops, you get a certifi- Once you’d found your ideal premises, I think for us the Bengals are the obvious cate and a badge. were there any obstacles to moving things ones. We nicknamed them ‘the raptors’ be- forward? cause they’re so energetic. Bengals have a How did you choose which breeds you bad reputation because they’re so mischie- were going to have? Yes. We looked into it and thought we may vous and very active all the time, unlike other have to have a cattery licence. Other cafes With a lot of research, really. We’ve been to cats who tend just to sit and have a cuddle on offer things like an adoption service or a re- see a lot of cats! It’s quite easy to go with the your knee. But because ours have been hand- homing service, and because they’re doing ‘business head’ on and say, this is our budget reared, they do have that softer side where that, they need a cattery licence. But because - but each cat is individual and different. So they do want the cuddles and the fuss. these are our pets, we didn’t. for example, the Bengals are a lot softer and Cleo is our Canadian Sphynx. We got her more affectionate than a traditional Bengal Talk us though the visitor experience... thinking that she’d be a bit like Marmite - might be, so it was very much a case of want- We take walk-ins and bookings - because you’d either love or hate her. I did take some ing the cats to choose us. So we researched we’re only just opening, we’ve said to people convincing because of the look, so we did the breeds to see if they were suited to an in- that they’re more than welcome to wait in the have a look at other breeds. She’s very affec- door environment and would socialise with reception area, but that it might be a bit of a tionate and loving and can get a little posses- other cats. wait as we’re busy with bookings at the mo- sive with other cats! ment. When they come to the reception desk, How do you look after the cats’ welfare? they’re given some information about the Paws Cafe is sited at 53 Mardol Head, cats and the rules of the cafe. For example, if All of the cats have got a care plan with Shrewsbury, SY1 1PP. Visit a cat is sleeping or walking away from you, Vets4Pets, so they all have monthly de- www.pawscafe.co.uk for further don’t interrupt what it’s doing, don’t pursue fleaing and worming. They’ve all had their information it or pull its tail. And if it comes and sits on vaccinations or are having their boosters, so your lap, your can stroke it, but if you don’t we do have a vet coming in once a month, The List Cover February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 11:54 Page 1

50 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Cover February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 11:55 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Februaryebruary 22019019 thelist

The Band Musical at Wolverhampton Grand: Tues 26 February - Sat 2 March

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

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 10 February Mon 11 to Sun 17 February Mon 18 to Sun 24 February Mon 25 to Thurs 28 February

Louise Distras at The Slade Nish Kumar at Brainiac Live! Science Abuse Drip Drip Drip at Arena Rooms, Wolverhampton Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury at Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Wolverhampton Sat 2 February Sun 17 February Fri 22 February Thurs 28 February

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-3 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 11:56 Page 1

thelist U2 +1 VS ALIVE & KICK- THE BONGOLIAN Sat 2 THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY Gigs ING UK Fri 1 Feb, The Feb, The Night Owl, Robin, Bilston Birmingham The Willow Art Gallery, ENTER SHIKARI Fri 1 NU GUINEA Fri 1 Feb, MOTLEY CRUDE Sat 2 Visual Arts Oswestry Feb, O2 Academy, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on- Birmingham NEW YEAR OPEN 2019 Showcasing ingham Trent New Art Gallery - Walsall work by established and emerging KING KING Fri 1 Feb, BRAVADO Fri 1 Feb, LOUISE DISTRAS Sat 2 artists, until Sat 9 Mar Birmingham Town Hall Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Feb, The Slade NEW RODIN - RETHINKING THE FRAG- JUPITER’S BEARD + Rooms, Wolverhamp- MENT Linked to the 2018 British Mu- BUDDY HOLLY & THE HONEY + LILAC NOISE ton seum exhibition, Rodin And The Art Wolverhampton Art Gallery CRICKETERS Fri 1 Feb, + SPECIAL GUESTS Of Ancient Greece, this Spotlight loan MATERIALS AND MAKING Exhibition fea- Fri 1 Forest Arts Centre, SWEDE DREAMZ - ABBA Feb, The Sugarmill, from the British Museum brings key turing a selection of sculpture, ce- Walsall TRIBUTE Sat 2 Feb, The Stoke-on-Trent national works to three regional gal- ramics, glass, metalware and BONES PRESENTS A LIT- River Rooms, Stour- leries across the UK, Sat 2 Feb - Sun decorative art items from the art HER’S Fri 1 Feb, The TLE SOMETHING Fri 1 bridge 28 Apr gallery’s collection, until Sun 1 Sept Sunflower Lounge, Feb, The Slade VNV NATION Sat 2 Feb, Birmingham NEW DANIEL SILVER Exhibition by ac- PAINTED LADIES: AN EXCHANGE OF Rooms, W’hampton The Asylum, B’ham claimed contemporary sculptor IDEAS Display of 20th century paint- DAZED PRESENTS STEVE KNIGHTLEY Fri 1 THE WEEKENDERS Sat 2 Daniel Silver celebrating the gallery’s ings depicting women painted by PLAYAZ Fri 1 Feb, The Feb, Theatre Severn, Feb, Albert’s Shed, longstanding commitment to sculp- both female and male artists, until Mill, Birmingham Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Sun 1 Sept ture, Fri 8 Feb - Sun 2 June WALK LIKE A MAN - CEL- SUBVERT PRESENTS HAYLEY KIYOKO Sun 3 NEW GRADUATE RESIDENCY AWARD Tod EBRATION OF FRANKIE MAMPI SWIFT & IC3 - Feb, O2 Academy, Jones continues his research on ar- Other VISUAL ARTS VALLI AND THE FOUR VICTORY ROSE ALBUM Birmingham SEASONS Fri 1 Feb, chitectural spaces and his experi- SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION LAUNCH Fri 1 Feb, The ELVIS LIVES Sun 3 Feb, Sutton Coldfield Town mentation with the documentation of Showcase of work of Annette Hughes Buttermarket, Shrews- Symphony Hall, Birm- Hall ephemeral installations created from and Bakhtiar Umateliev, until Fri 1 bury ingham dust and tape, Tues 19 Feb - Sun 31 Feb, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury THE BOB DYLAN STORY MIKE YOUNG Fri 1 Feb, STEVE LAMACQ - GOING Mar Fri 1 Feb, Stafford QUBE CREATIVE GROUPS Recent works O2 Institute, B’ham DEAF FOR A LIVING Sun Gatehouse Theatre by members of Qube art classes, FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 1 3 Feb, The Slade Himley Hall & Park, Dudley until Mon 4 Feb, Qube Gallery, Os- THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Fri Feb, The River Rooms, Rooms, W’hampton westry 1 Feb, Alexandra The- WEDNESFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Di- Stourbridge DARIA KULESH: LONG atre, Birmingham verse collection of photographs, from PILGRIMAGE AND PRAYER Exhibition ex- X-PRESS 2, KELVIN AN- LOST HOME Sun 3 Feb, wildlife to architecture, until Sun 31 ploring how modern ideas build on BLACKBALLED Fri 1 Feb, DREWS AND PHIL GIF- The Slade Rooms, Mar the historical tradition of Christian pil- Scruffy Murphys, Birm- FORD Sat 2 Feb, Hare Wolverhampton grimage, until Thurs 28 Feb, Lichfield ingham PLACES, PEOPLE, FACES Display of art- & Hounds, B’ham JOE ARMON-JONES Sun Cathedral work by Keith Turley & Brian Fletcher, COMMON PEOPLE Fri 1 KAISER CHIEFS Sat 2 3 Feb, Hare & Hounds, featuring a variety of portraiture and NEW ALLOTMENT - HARLEY KUYCK- Feb, The Night Owl, Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham COHEN Harley marks the end of his Birmingham landscapes, until Sun 19 May Birmingham THE JONI MITCHELL six-month graduate residency at the HYENA KILL/KILLER BOB MACKA B & THE ROOTS SONGBOOK Sun 3 Feb, gallery with his inaugural solo exhibi- Potteries Museum & Art Fri 1 Feb, The Flapper, RAGGA BAND Sat 2 Feb, Lichfield Guildhall tion, Fri 1 - Sat 9 Feb, AirSpace Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent LIELA MOSS Sun 3 Feb, VISIONS IN STONE: GILBERT LEDWARD HENDRIX, CLAPTON & MARTIN YATES + MAY- Hare & Hounds, Birm- NEW ARTIST EXPLORERS Exhibition of RA - SCULPTURE AND DRAWINGS As CREAM Fri 1 Feb, Oak- DAY Sat 2 Feb, The ingham recent paintings of Greenland by An- part of the 250th anniversary celebra- engates Theatre at The Sunflower Lounge, drew Lansley, prior to his trip to GHETTS Sun 3 Feb, O2 tions of the Royal Academy, Visions Place, Telford, Shrop- Birmingham Antarctica as artist-in-residence 2019 Institute, Birmingham In Stone explores the work of sculp- shire for The Friends Of The Scott Polar tor Gilbert Ledward RA (1888-1960), Research Institute, Sat 2 Feb - Sat 2 until Sun 31 Mar Mar, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow THE COLLECTION OF TED WATKIN Ted NEW FRANK TRIGGS Frank was the win- Watkin was an active member and ner of the Qube Arts Open People chairman of both the North Stafford- Choice Prize 2018 with his piece, An- shire Group of the Geologists’ Asso- thropocene. This exhibition show- ciation and the North Staffordshire cases a selection of his incredible Field Club. His vast collecting inter- woodworks, Thurs 7 Feb - Mon 11 ests included minerals and fossils, Mar, Qube Gallery, Oswestry until Mon 1 July NEW SUBVERSIVE PLASTICITY Present- V&A DESIGNLAB LOANS Display of six ing plastics from the everyday world ceramic objects from the V&A Mu- in a new light, Tues 12 Feb - Sat 30 seum, presented as part of their edu- Mar, Keele University, Staffordshire cational initiative, DesignLab Nation, until Sun 28 July NEW TERROR AND JOY Exhibition of ab- stract paintings and video by Grace Shrewsbury Museum & Art Currie, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Feb, Partici- Gallery pate Contemporary Art Space, Shrewsbury NEW SAMUEL BUTLER: OUTING THE PAST In partnership with the local LGBTQ+ NEW SET IN SEDIMENT - CHARLOTTE community, the exhibition features DAWSON Graduate residency solo ex- work by author, artist, photographer hibition, Fri 22 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, and one-time New Zealand sheep AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent farmer Samuel Butler (1835 – 1902), NEW NATURALLY Contemporary tex- Fri 1 - Thurs 28 Feb tiles by Tangent Textiles, Tues 26 Feb - Fri 5 Apr, The Gateway, Shrewsbury Louise Distras - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-3 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 11:56 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 3 February

Stratford-upon-Avon where nothing is quite as it seems, ing. The Alexandra Theatre, Birming- Classical Music KINKY BOOTS Acclaimed musical Sat 2 Feb, Meole Brace Memorial ham, Sun 3 Feb which takes audiences on a journey Hall, Shrewsbury RUBY SPARKS (15) Comedy/Drama. COME & SING! WITH THE BIRMINGHAM from a factory floor in Northampton to Starring Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan. BACH CHOIR Programme comprises the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sun Elgar’s The Music Makers, Sat 2 Feb, Songs come courtesy of pop icon 3 Feb Selly Oak Methodist Church, B’ham Cyndi Lauper, Tues 29 Jan - Sat 9 FREE SOLO (12A) Documentary. Star- DUO TROBAIRITZ: ROMANCE & REVELRY Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Dance ring Alex Honnold. Old Market Hall, Part of Birmingham’s Early Music ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS A Lichfield Shrewsbury, Sun 3 Feb Festival and featuring Faye Newton HANSEL AND GRETEL Uchenna Dance Players production, Wed 30 Jan - Sat (soprano) & Hazel Brooks (vielle), present a modern-day retelling of the DEAD POETS SOCIETY (PG) 2 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Sun 3 Feb, The Barber Institute, classic fairytale, combining New York Comedy/Drama. Starring Robin Birmingham DADMAN: THE BATHTIME WARRIOR A club styles of house, waacking and Williams, Robert Sean Leonard. show for adults about not baby-sit- vogue with African and contemporary Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sun ting your own kids. Warning: This dance, Fri 1 Feb, Newhampton Arts 3 Feb show uses moderately strong lan- Centre, Wolverhampton TULIP FEVER (15) Drama/History. Star- guage and deals with adult themes, ring Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan. Comedy Fri 1 Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- ingham ton, North Shropshire, Mon 4 Feb DARREN HARRIOTT Fri 1 Feb, The Glee BACK IN OUR DAY ‘THE LIFE & TIMES OF Club, Birmingham THE DANCING GRANNIES’ Comedy Talks ED GAMBLE Fri 1 Feb, The Old Rep, charting the friendship of three re- THE RISE, FALL AND RISE OF THE Birmingham markable Black Country women, Fri 1 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: BRITISH STATION - Sat 2 Feb, Theatre On The Steps, Talk by Sir Simon SANDI TOKSVIG Fri 1 - Sat 2 Feb, Birm- Released from Fri 1 Feb, showing at Bridgnorth, Shropshire Jenkins, Fri 1 Feb, Enginuity Mu- ingham Hippodrome seum, Ironbridge, Shropshire selected cinemas AN EVENING OF ERIC AND ERN Olivier- STEVE BUGEJA Sat 2 Feb, Lichfield ALAN JOHNSON: IN MY LIFE CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME (15) nominated comedy duo Ian Ashpitel Politician Garrick & Jonty Stephens present an evening and best-selling author Alan tells his ESCAPE ROOM (15) of iconic routines, songs & sketches, personal story, with the help of some GREEN BOOK (12a) of the music that’s soundtracked his Fri 1 - Sat 2 Feb, New Vic Theatre, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HID- Newcastle-under-Lyme life, Fri 1 Feb, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire DEN WORLD MISTRESS TO THE MIDNIGHT Spoof of HIT THE ODE the classic British horror film, Fri 1 - Evening of spoken-word, Sat 2 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Fri 1 Feb, The Patrick Studio, Birm- Birmingham ingham Hippodrome BLUE ORANGE Joe Penhall's darkly funny dissection of institutional Events ANDREW BIRD, RACHEL FAIRBURN, JOSH racism and mental health in modern LIGHT NIGHT See the cityscape illumi- JONES & STEPHEN GRANT Sat 2 Feb, Britain, Fri 1 - Sat 16 Feb, The REP, nated as projections light up the her- The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham itage buildings, musical parades set IAN COGNITO, DANIEL MUGGLETON, JU- STEVE STEINMAN’S VAMPIRE’S ROCK Film the streets aglow and vibrant art- LIAN DEANE & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 2 Feb, Featuring special guest star Sam Bai- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: works ignite corners of the town, until The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ley, Sat 2 Feb, Alexandra Theatre, THE FAVOURITE (15) Biography/Com- Sat 2 Feb, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre HAL CRUTTENDEN Sat 2 Feb, The Old Birmingham edy. Starring Olivia Colman, Emma MANSION WINTER TOURS The Mansion Rep, Birmingham TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND BY Stone. Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- will only be open for exclusive tours shire, Fri 1, Tues 5 & Thurs 7 Feb; on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, CURTIS WALKER, AURIE STYLA, JAY PETER CHAND Wolverhampton-born Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 1 - Fri 1 - Sun 3 Feb, Attingham Park, DROCH & MISS MO'REAL Sat 2 Feb, Peter Chand shares stories from his Fri 15 Feb Shrewsbury Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham collection, many of which he’s col- lected from India and translated into LIFT TO THE SCAFFOLD (PG) WOLVERHAMPTON LITERATURE FESTIVAL IMPROV COMEDY WITH BOX OF FROGS English, Sat 2 Feb, Newhampton Arts Drama/Thriller. Starring Jeanne Three days of talks & reading, the- Sun 3 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham Centre, Wolverhampton Moreau, Maurice Ronet. Foreign lan- atre, storytelling, workshops and NOREEN KHAN, JUDI LOVE, ESTHER MAN- THE SEAGULL The Crescent Theatre guage, subtitled. The Hive, Shrews- more... Fri 1 - Sun 3 Feb, various lo- ITO, MAUREEN YOUNGER & FATIHA EL- Company present its version of Anton bury, Fri 1 Feb cations including Wolverhampton Art GHORRI Sun 3 Feb, The Glee Club, Chekhov's acclaimed drama, Sat 2 - FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (18) Gallery, Newhampton Arts Centre & Birmingham Sat 9 Feb, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Adventure/Comedy. Starring Johnny Arena Theatre. For full details visit wolvesliteraturefestival.co.uk SING-A-LONG-A THE GREATEST SHOW- Depp, Benicio Del Toro. Arena The- MAN Sun 3 Feb, The Alexandra The- atre, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 Feb CHINESE ZODIAC TRAIL Help Ozzy find atre, Birmingham THE LITTLE STRANGER (12A) 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac, Drama/Mystery. Starring Domhnall Fri 1 - Thurs 28 Feb, The Potteries Theatre Gleeson, Will Poulter. Ludlow Assem- Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 1 TATTOO FREEZE From live tattooing FAME Based on the 1980 pop culture Feb and music to children's entertainment film. Keith Jack, Mica Paris & Jorgie Kids Shows NEVER LET ME GO (15) Romance/Sci- and workshops, there’s something Porter star, until Sat 2 Feb, Theatre for all the family to enjoy, Sat 2 - Sun Severn, Shrewsbury I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GHOST Nostalgic Fi. Starring Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan. Arena Theatre, Wolver- 3 Feb, Telford International Centre, TIMON OF ATHENS Simon Godwin di- trip back to the ’80s and a comic ex- Shropshire ploration of a childhood haunting hampton, Sat 2 Feb rects Kathryn Hunter in Shake- THE LANGUAGE OF THE FAN where nothing is quite as it seems, FENCES (12) Drama. Starring Denzel Join His- speare's satire on wealth, greed & tory's Maid to hear how the Geor- betrayal, until Fri 22 Feb, The Swan Fri 1 Feb, Farlow and Oreton Village Washington, Viola Davis. Arena The- Hall, Nr Kidderminster atre, Wolverhampton, Sat 2 Feb gians communicated through a Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon secret code using their fans, Sun 3 THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (U) TARTUFFE New updated version of I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GHOST Nostalgic Musical. Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art Moliere’s provocative French classic, trip back to the ’80s and a comic ex- Starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, ploration of a childhood haunting Williams. This is a sing-a-long show- whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 4 - 10 Feb .qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:27 Page 1

music Theatre comedy

16+

Friday 1 February, 7.30pm Tuesday 12 February, 7.30pm Friday 22 February, 7.30pm hendrix, clapton & cream circus of horrors nish kumar - It’s In Your performed by voodoo room psycho asylum Nature to Destroy Yourselves

music music family

Friday 1 March, 7.30pm Friday 8 March, 7.30pm Saturday 9 March, someone like you livewire 11am & 2.30pm the adele songbook the ac/dc show the sooty show

music music music

Thursday 14 March, 7.30pm Saturday 16 March, 7.30pm Thursday 21 March, 7.30pm TWC GP 01377 blake absolute bowie Celebrating Manilow live in concert the life and music of David Bowie A Celebration of Barry Manilow

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thelist Monday 4 - Sunday 10 February SAM LEWIS Thurs 7 Sat 9 Feb, Albert’s The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- Gigs Feb, Henry Tudor Shed, Shrewsbury Classical ham Conservatoire House, Shrewsbury THE COUNTERFEIT SONG RECITAL Featuring James ODUNSI (THE ENGINE) STONES Sat 9 Feb, The Music Gilchrist (tenor) & Chris Symons Mon 4 Feb, Hare & Robin, Bilston (piano). Programme comprises Hounds, Birmingham HARMONIE BAND LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat 9 Featuring Daniele Schumann’s Dichterliebe English DAVID KEENAN Mon 4 Feb, Ludlow Assembly Rosina (director) plus Sabrina Ko & Song Cycles, Fri 8 Feb, The Gate- Feb, The Sunflower Rooms, South Shrop- Olivia Tait (conductors). Programme way, Shrewsbury Lounge, Birmingham shire includes works by Haydn, EX CATHEDRA; BEGINNINGS & ENDINGS Beethoven, arr. Friedrich Starke & RIVAL SONS Tues 5 OZZY OSBOURNE Sat 9 Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conduc- Beethoven, arr. Wenzal Sedlak, Mon tor), Katie Trethewey (soprano), Feb, O2 Academy, Feb, Resorts World 4 Feb, The Bramall, University of Birmingham Arena, Birmingham Martha McLorinan (alto), Samuel Birmingham Boden (tenor) & Greg Skidmore JOHN CORABI Tues 5 SPICE FOREVER - SPICE CHINESE NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL Featur- (bass). Programme includes works Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on- GIRLS TRIBUTE Sat 9 ing Didi Xiao (piano), Jiaxin Lloyd by Bach & Roth, Sat 9 Feb, The Bra- Trent Feb, The River Rooms, Webber (cello), Shui Zhao (face mall, University of Birmingham BARBARA DICKSON Tues Stourbridge changing artist) & Du Dan (Chinese ORCHESTRA OF THE ROYAL OPERA 5 Feb, Prince Of Wales GANGSTAGRASS Fri 8 SHOWADDYWADDY Sat traditional dancer), Tues 5 Feb, Sym- HOUSE Also featuring Sir Antonio Theatre, Cannock Feb, O2 Institute, 9 Feb, Oakengates phony Hall, Birmingham Pappano (conductor) & Anita Birmingham THE FAIM Wed 6 Feb, Theatre at The Place, KIAN SOLTANI IN RECITAL Also featur- Rachvelishvili (soloist). Programme O2 Academy, B’ham JARROD DICKENSON + Telford, Shropshire ing Mario Häring (piano). Pro- includes works by Stravinsky, Rach- ROSETTA FIRE + CHAS- JP RUGGIER Fri 8 Feb, BENNY PAGE, BRIAN gramme includes works by maninoff & Tchaikovsky, Sun 10 Feb, ING DEER Wed 6 Feb, The Cuban Embassy, BRAINSTORM, DJ HY- Schumann, Franghiz Ali Zadeh, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- BRID + MORE! Sat 9 David Helbock and Prokofiev, Tues 5 BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- ingham ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE Feb, Hare & Hounds, Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham TRA Featuring Richard Laing (con- Birmingham VERSATILE Wed 6 Feb, Fri 8 Feb, The Robin, THE OPERA BOYS Wed 6 Feb, Prince ductor) & Samantha Ward (piano). O2 Institute, B’ham Bilston SAM MITCHAM & DYL- Of Wales Centre, Cannock Programme includes iconic scores HEN Sat 9 Feb, Hare & from the movies, Sun 10 Feb, The BEN POOLE BAND Wed 6 GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! DUNEDIN CONSORT: APOLLO AND Hounds, Birmingham Bramall, University of Birmingham Feb, The Robin, Bil- ABBA AFTER MIDNIGHT DAPHNE Part of Birmingham’s Early ston Fri 8 Feb, Mama GUYANA Sat 9 Feb, The Music Festival & featuring John Butt Roux’s, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, (conductor), Rowan Pierce (so- SHVPES + THE FIVE Birmingham prano) & Matthew Brook (Bass). Pro- HUNDRED + DEATH GEORGE FITZGERALD (DJ gramme comprises 3 works by BLOOMS + SPECIAL SET) Fri 8 Feb, Hare & DIRE STRAITS:UK Sat 9 Handel, Wed 6 Feb, The Barber Insti- Comedy GUESTS Wed 6 Feb, Hounds, Birmingham Feb, Festival Drayton tute, Birmingham The Sugarmill, Stoke- BOYZONE Fri 8 Feb, Re- Centre, Market Dray- ED BRIMSON, DOMINIC HOLLAND, DAVID on-Trent sorts World Arena, ton, North Shropshire ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: TASMIN LIT- CALLAGHAN & SULLY O'SULLIVAN TLE PLAYS VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS Thurs 7 Feb, The George Hotel, BETH ROWLEY Wed 6 Birmingham SACK SABBATH PLUS BE- Also featuring David Le Page (violin). Lichfield Feb, Symphony Hall, FAITH - THE GEORGE TRAYAL Sat 9 Feb, Programme includes works by Vi- Birmingham MICHAEL LEGACY Fri 8 Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent LAURA LEXX, ANDREW STANLEY FEA- valdi, Arvo Pärt & Bach, Wed 6 Feb, TURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY KOVIC Thurs 7 Feb, O2 Feb, Forest Arts Cen- COBETT/HILL QUARTET Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ROBINSON Thurs 7 Feb, The Glee Institute, Birmingham tre, Walsall Sat 9 Feb, The Hive, CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Club, Birmingham CYDONIA KNIGHTS Shrewsbury SHOTTY HORROH Thurs CHESTRA: A HERO’S LIFE Featuring (MUSE TRIBUTE) Fri 8 ROB NEWMAN Thurs 7 Feb, Midlands 7 Feb, Hare & BUCKCHERRY/HOOB- Nikolaj Znaider (conductor) & Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on- Arts Centre, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham STANK Sun 10 Feb, O2 Steven Isserlis (cello). Programme Trent Institute, Birmingham KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs THE CHRISTIANS includes works by Strauss & Schu- Thurs 7 Feb, Stourbridge Town Hall 7 Feb, The Jam THE GODFATHERS Fri 8 HUE AND CRY Sun 10 mann, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 Feb, Sym- House, Birmingham Feb, The Slade Feb, The Robin, Bil- phony Hall, Birmingham SCOTT CAPURRO Fri 8 Feb, The Glee Rooms, W’hampton ston Club, Birmingham FOREVER SABBATH CBSO CENTRE STAGE: PÄRT & NIELSEN Thurs 7 Feb, The THE URBAN VOODOO Featuring Veronika Klirova (flute), ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri 8 Feb, Robin, Bilston MACHINE Fri 8 Feb, Emmet Byrne (oboe), Oliver Janes Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Lichfield Guildhall (clarinet) & Nikolaj Henriques (bas- HANNAH BROWN Thurs LAURA LEXX, ANDREW STANLEY, MARK soon). Programme includes works 7 Feb, Hare & TRANSATLANTIC SES- NELSON & ADAM BLOOM Fri 8 - Sat 9 by Pärt, Nielsen & Vasks, Fri 8 Feb, Hounds, Birmingham SIONS Fri 8 Feb, Sym- Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham phony Hall, CBSO Centre, Birmingham BEATLEMANIA Thurs 7 JARRED CHRISTMAS, ROSCO MCLEN- Birmingham ANNEKE SCOTT (NATURAL HORN) & Feb, The Bramall, NAND, CHRIS WASHINGTON & HAYLEY STEVEN DEVINE (PERIOD PIANO) Pro- Birmingham LEGENDS OF AMERICAN ELLIS Sat 9 Feb, The Comedy Loft, COUNTRY Fri 8 Feb, gramme includes works by Schubert Birmingham BEHEMOTH Thurs 7 Prince Of Wales The- (arr. Gallay), Gounod & Gounod arr. LLOYD GRIFFITH Sun 10 Feb, The Feb, O2 Institute, atre, Cannock Brémond, Fri 8 Feb, The Barber In- Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham stitute, Birmingham STEVE FISHWICK Fri 8 KAT B, NJAMBI MCGRATH, DESIREE FERRIS & SYLVESTER BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring Martin Feb, Newhampton BURCH, ASHLEY HESSON & AXEL BLAKE Thurs 7 Feb, The Arts Centre, Wolver- SEAN MCGOWAN + SPE- James Bartlett (conductor) & An- Cuban Embassy, Sun 10 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham hampton CIAL GUESTS Sun 10 drew Gourlay (soloist). Programme Birmingham includes works by Mozart, THE FOO FIGHTERS Feb, The Sunflower Mendelssohn & Tchaikovsky, Fri 8 BLACK PEAKS + PHOX- TRIBUTE Fri 8 Feb, The Lounge, Birmingham JAW + SPECIAL GUESTS Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent River Rooms, Stour- SOCIAL BEINGZ Sun 10 Thurs 7 Feb, The Sug- bridge Feb, O2 Institute, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE armill, Stoke-on-Trent PROJECTS ORCHESTRA Featuring Theatre CHVRCHES Fri 8 - Sat 9 Birmingham POP STARS 2019 Thurs Daniele Rosina (conductor). Pro- THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL Joe McFad- Feb, O2 Academy, THE LUCID DREAM Sun 7 Feb, Forest Arts gramme includes works by Britten, den & Rita Simmons star in Peter Birmingham 10 Feb, Hare & Centre, Walsall Bartók & Rachmaninoff, Fri 8 Feb, James' modern-day ghostly thriller, CUSTARD CONNECTION Hounds, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 4 - 10 Feb .qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 17:28 Page 3

NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

THURS 14 FEB

14th Feb, 7pm Film Romeo and Juliet (12)

Tickets: £6

19th - 23rd Feb, 7.30pm (2.30pm Sat Mat) SUN 17 FEB Dick Whittington

Tickets: £12, £11 Conc, Family £40

27th Feb, 7pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Christine McMahon ROY G HEMMINGS Tickets: £7adv, £8.50 otd

28th Feb, 7pm SUN 17 FEB Film Pride (15)

Tickets:TiTickets:ckets: ££12, £612, ££1010 SSatat MMtt

2nd Mar - 27th Apr #7 Fragments

IN OTHER WORDS Tickets: FREE Exhibition

FRI 22 FEB 15 Mar, 8pm Jack Dee

Sold Out

16th Mar, 7pm Floyd in the Flesh: BRAINIAC LIVE! Pink Floyd Tribute Show SCIENCE ABUSE Tickets: £15 THURS 28 FEB

21st Mar, 7pm Film Human Flow (12)

Tickets: £6

27th Mar, 7pm BALLETBOYZ - Shifting Sands Theatre presents: The Government THEM/US Inspector Tickets: £10, £8 conc. SAT 2 MAR

Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT SHOWSTOPPER! THE www.brewhouse.co.uk IMPROVISED MUSICAL 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

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Monday 4 - Sunday 10 February

thelist CHINESE NEW YEAR 2019 (DAY 1) Fea- Film turing performances from Birming- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ham Conservatoire & Dans Dance Company, Fri 8 Feb, St Philip’s MAMMA MIA! (PG) Comedy/Musical. Cathedral & Grounds, Birmingham Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Bros- MANSION WINTER TOURS The Mansion nan. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, will only be open for exclusive tours Mon 4 Feb on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, KING OF THIEVES (PG) Crime/Drama. Fri 8 - Sun 10 Feb, Attingham Park, Starring Charlie Cox, Michael Caine. Shrewsbury Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 4 Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS (DAY LEAVE NO TRACE (12) Drama. Starring 2) Featuring a parade of lion and Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Foster. The dragon dancers; acrobats and martial Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, arts from Shaolin Warriors plus Hip- South Shropshire, Mon 4 Feb Hop dance from Hong Kong born choreographer Si Rawlinson, Sat 9 OKLAHOMA! (U) Musical. Starring Gor- Feb, Bullring & Grand Central, Birm- don MacRae, Gloria Grahame. Wem ingham Town Hall, North Shropshire, Mon 4 Feb FAMILY STARGAZING AND MOONWATCH Join Shropshire Astronomical Society YOUNG PICASSO (U) Documentary. Di- Isle Of Brimsker - Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton for an evening of stargazing and rected by Phil Grabsky. Artrix, Broms- moonwatching suitable for all the grove, Tues 5 Feb; Old Market Hall, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Feb, Theatre Severn, atre present a new version of the family, Sat 9 Feb, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, Tues 5 Feb Shrewsbury classic story, this time set in Paris, Fri Shrewsbury 8 Feb, Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- A CIAMBRA (15) Crime/Drama. Starring ISLE OF BRIMSKER New multi-sensory CADBURY CHARACTER SHOWS Sat 9 - shire Pio Amato, Iolanda Amato. Foreign story of adventure and homecoming Sun 10 Feb, Cadbury World, B’ham from Frozen Light, specialists in mak- language, subtitled. Stafford Gate- THOMAS & FRIENDS FEBRUARY HALF ing theatre for audiences with pro- house Theatre, Tues 5 Feb TERM Meet Thomas and his friends at found and multiple learning PETERLOO (12a) Drama/History. Star- Europe's only Thomas Land, Sat 9 - disabilities, Tues 5 - Wed 6 Feb, ring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake. Sun 24 Feb, Drayton Manor Theme Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Dance Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Park, Tamworth SKYLIGHT Stoke Repertory Theatre MATTHEW BOURNE'S SWAN LAKE Tues 5 Feb JAWSOME SHARKS Help Professor presents its version of David Hare’s Bourne’s famous reimagining of the THE OLD MAN & THE GUN (12A) Drama. Finn find the missing sharks’ teeth to political love story, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Feb, classic ballet features male dancers Starring Robert Redford, Casey Af- become a Jawsome Shark Ranger, Stoke Rep, Stoke-on-Trent as the swans, Tues 5 - Sat 16 Feb, fleck. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sat 9 Feb - Sun 10 Mar, Sea Life Cen- Birmingham Hippodrome Tues 5 - Thurs 7 Feb THE TOXIC AVENGER: THE MUSICAL An tre, Birmingham aspiring earth scientist cleans up a JASMIN VARDIMON COMPANY: MEDUSA THE CHILDREN ACT (12a) Drama. Star- PAWS FOR REMEMBRANCE From pugs toxic waste problem, in a show that’s A reflection on the powerful feminine ring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci. to poodles and dachshunds to dal- based on the 1984 cult classic, Thurs symbol of Medusa, the myth and its Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South matians, four-legged friends of all 7 - Sat 16 Feb, Old Joint Stock The- various connotations in contempo- Shropshire, Fri 8 Feb shapes and sizes are welcome at this atre, Birmingham rary life, Sat 9 Feb, Midlands Arts FREE SOLO (12A) Documentary. Star- annual dog-walking event, Sun 10 Centre, Birmingham 'RENE & EDITH' COMEDY DINNER SHOW ring Alex Honnold. Old Market Hall, Feb, National Memorial Arboretum, An eat and drink comedy experience CINDERELLA Shrewsbury, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Feb Alrewas, Staffs in the company of ’Allo ’Allo’s René, Performed by the Rus- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) Biogra- TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore over Yvette, Edith, Lt Gruber and Herr sian State Ballet of Siberia, Sun 10 phy/Drama. Starring Saoirse Ronan, 500 stalls packed with all kinds of col- Flick, Fri 8 - Sat 9 Feb, Lichfield Gar- Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Margot Robbie. Old Market Hall, lectable toys, trains and models for rick Shrewsbury, Fri 8 - Thurs 14 Feb sale, Sun 10 Feb, NEC, Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING A New Vic CLAY ACTIVITY: CLAY PIG TILES Cele- & Northern Broadsides coproduction brate the Chinese New Year by hav- of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ing a go at making clay pig tiles, Sun Fri 8 Feb - Sat 2 March, New Vic The- Talks Released from Wed 6 Feb, showing 10 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art atre, Newcastle-under-Lyme TRACEY THORN: ANOTHER PLANET Join at selected cinemas Thorn as she reconsiders the green- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent THE COMMANDER OF MAGIC Showcas- ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (12) belt post-war dream, Mon 4 Feb, CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE PIG Wel- ing showmanship, knowledge & skill. Symphony Hall, Birmingham ALL IS TRUE (12a) come in the Chinese New Year of the Suitable for all ages, Sat 9 Feb, The- Pig with traditional music and dance, atre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South SPOKEN WORD: JOHN OSBORNE An BOY ERASED (15) Sun 10 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Shropshire evening with poet and scriptwriter IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (15) John, Tues 5 Feb, Arena Theatre Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent DI & VIV & ROSE The Crescent Theatre Wolverhampton Company presents Amelia Bullmore's exploration of friendship, Sat 9 - Sat POETRY JAM 6TH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL An 16 Feb, Crescent Theatre, B’ham open-mic night that promises to be ‘unfiltered, unapologetic and united’, Thurs 7 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall Events DAN SNOW: AN EVENING WITH THE HIS- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO TORY GUY Historian and TV presenter BACKS Hear the stories of the ordinary Kids Shows Dan recounts anecdotes from his ca- people who called Court 15 home for CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS (DAY over 160 years as you walk around DEAR ZOO Performance for younger reer, Thurs 7 Feb, Prince Of Wales 3) Featuring acrobatics, circus, dance the houses, Thurs 7 Feb, Birmingham audiences based on Rod Campbell’s Centre, Cannock performances and karaoke on two Back to Backs much-loved book of the same name, BEDLAM'S BEST & FINEST Michael Wil- stages plus market stalls & fun fair, Mon 4 - Wed 6 Feb, Theatre Severn, son launches his debut book, Sat 9 HARRY POTTER BOOK NIGHT An Sun 10 Feb, Chinatown, Birmingham Shrewsbury Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton evening of ‘fabulous free fun’, Thurs 7 Hippodrome & The Arcadian, South- Feb, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust THREE LITTLE PIGS TAILS Garlic The- side, Birmingham

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thelist Hounds, Birmingham KRIS BARRAS BAND Sat Birmingham Gigs VOICE OF THE HEART - 16 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Classical ALFIE MOORE Fri 15 Feb, Theatre Sev- KAREN CARPENTER Centre, Staffordshire ern, Shrewsbury THE MURLOCS / NIGHT Thurs 14 Feb, Lichfield THE ABSOLUTE STONE NISH KUMAR Fri 15 Feb, Dudley Town BEATS Mon 11 Feb, Music Garrick ROSES Sat 16 Feb, Hall Hare & Hounds, Birm- Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT: PEDAL LINK N PARK Thurs 14 LOL COMEDY CLUB Fri 15 Feb, The ingham POWER Mon 11 Feb, Birmingham Feb, The Robin, Bil- LEGENDS OF AMERICAN Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton HANSON Mon 11 Feb, ston COUNTRY SHOW Sat 16 Town Hall ROB DEERING, JANE GODLEY, ALISDAIR Symphony Hall, Birm- Feb, The Place, Oak- BOCCHERINI CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL CASH Fri 15 Feb, O2 BECKETT-KING & ROBIN MORGAN Fri 15 ingham engates Theatre, Mon 11 - Tues 12 Feb, Royal Birm- Academy, Birmingham - Sat 16 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham SILJE NERGAARD Mon Shropshire ingham Conservatoire G2-DEFINITIVE GENISES STUART GOLDSMITH, KANE BROWN, IG- 11 Feb, Henry Tudor I.O.T.A Sat 16 Feb, BINCHOIS CONSORT: MUSIC FOR ST Fri 15 Feb, The Robin, NACIO LOPEZ & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 16 House, Shrewsbury Lichfield Guildhall CATHERINE & THE HISTORIC SCOTLAND Bilston Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham WITT LOWRY Programme includes works by Wal- Tues 12 MICHAEL STARRING BEN POST MALONE Sat 16 ter Frye & John Dunstaple, Wed 13 LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 16 Feb, Regent Feb, O2 Institute, Fri 15 Feb, Lichfield Feb, Genting Arena, Feb, The Barber Institute, University Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Garrick Birmingham of Birmingham NISH KUMAR Sun 17 Feb, Theatre TEARS FOR FEARS Tues FRANK CARTER AND THE THE SENSATIONAL 60’S 12 Feb, Resorts World CBSO: SIBELIUS & GRIEG Featuring Severn, Shrewsbury RATTLESNAKES Fri 15 EXPERIENCE Sat 16 Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla (conductor), Arena, Birmingham Feb, The Sugarmill, Feb, Wolverhampton Klara Ek (soprano), CBSO Chorus & CHIP Tues 12 Feb, O2 Stoke-on-Trent Grand Theatre the CBSO Youth Chorus. Pro- Institute, Birmingham PUNKS EXPLODED Sat OASIS VS THE STONE gramme includes Esa-Pekka Salo- 16 Feb, The Robin, Bil- WHENYOUNG Tues 12 ROSES Fri 15 Feb, The nen, Rautavaara, Sibelius & Grieg, ston Feb, Hare & Hounds, River Rooms, Stour- Thurs 14 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birm- Birmingham bridge HRH METAL Sat 16 - ingham Sun 17 Feb, O2 THUNDER Tues 12 Feb, THE LEMONHEADS Fri DANIELLE DE NIESE - VALENTINE’S SPE- Academy, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birm- 15 Feb, O2 Academy, CIAL Thurs 14 Feb, The Bradshaw ingham Birmingham THE DEAD SOUTH Sun Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- HOT 8 BRASS BAND ART BRUT Fri 15 Feb, 17 Feb, O2 Institute, toire Birmingham Tues 12 Feb, Hare & Hare & Hounds, Birm- AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND DANCE Hounds, Birmingham ingham THE SEARCHERS WITH BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET & POLYPHIA Wed 13 Feb, FAREWELL CONCERT THE ROYAL BALLET SINFONIA Pro- GREEN DATE Fri 15 Feb, GLEE FAMILY COMEDY CLUB Sun 17 O2 Academy, B’ham TOUR Sun 17 Feb, gramme includes works by Verdi, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Orff/Bintley, Copland, Prokofiev/Bint- PROFESSOR GREEN WAKENING THE HOLLOW Theatre ley, Berlioz, Elgar, Brubeck/Bintley & ZAKIR KHAN Sun 17 Feb, The Glee Wed 13 Feb, O2 Insti- Fri 15 Feb, O2 Insti- Smetana, Fri 15 Feb, Symphony Club, Birmingham tute, Birmingham tute, Birmingham BETH ROWLEY Sun 17 Feb, Henry Tudor Hall, Birmingham ANOTHER SKY Wed 13 RUTS DC Fri 15 Feb, O2 House, Shrewsbury CONSORTIUM 5 Part of Birmingham’s Feb, Hare & Hounds, Institute, Birmingham Birmingham BEN THOMPSON LIVE AS Early Music Festival. Programme in- WHITE LIES Fri 15 Feb, ELVIS Sun 17 Feb, cludes works by Dowland, Tye, Pur- STONE BROKEN + O2 Institute, B’ham Prince Of Wales The- cell & Byrd, Fri 15 Feb, The Barber Theatre THOSE DAMN CROWS + SOMEONE LIKE YOU - atre, Cannock Institute, Birmingham SKAM WOLF Following sell-out perfor- Wed 13 Feb, THE ADELE SONGBOOK The Sugarmill, Stoke- AMINÉ Sun 17 Feb, CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- mances at the Edinburgh Fringe, Fri 15 Feb, Stafford on-Trent The Mill, Birmingham CHESTRA: PEER GYNT AND THE SEA Lewis Doherty brings to life 30 char- Gatehouse Theatre Featuring Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla (con- JAPANESE TELEVISION acters, car chases and multi-man WHITE DENIM Wed 13 ductor), Klara Ek (soprano), Norman THE PINK FLOYD SHOW + GUESTS Sun 17 Feb, brawls as he goes on ‘a hilarious ad- Feb, O2 Institute, Perryman (artist). Programme com- Fri 15 Feb, Theate-on- Hare & Hounds, Birm- venture across a cyber-punk land- Birmingham prises works by iurlionis & Grieg, the-Steps, Bridgnorth, ingham scape’, Mon 11 - Wed 13 Feb, The THE ELVIS YEARS Wed Shropshire Sat 16 Feb, SymphonyČ Hall, B’ham REP, Birmingham THE BLAZIN ACES + IG- 13 Feb, Wolverhamp- RUSSELL WATSON Featuring Laura THE CLASSIC ROCK NITION ROCK & ROLL BEN HANLIN - 50 Ben presents 50 ton Grand Theatre Wright (guest singer), Simon Chalk SHOW Sat 16 Feb, DANCE PARTY Sun 17 ‘fantastic tricks’ in this fast-paced HOO-HAH VALENTINE’S (conductor) & Manchester Concert Birmingham Town Hall Feb, Eleven, Stoke-on- magic show, Mon 11 - Sat 16 Feb, CABARET Wed 13 Feb, Orchestra, Sun 17 Feb, Symphony AN EVENING OF MARVIN Trent Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Albert’s Shed, Shrews- Hall, Birmingham GAYE WITH WAYNE HER- JAMIE SMITH’S MABON CIRCUS OF HORRORS Brand new show bury EX CATHEDRA: PURCELL, THE INDIAN NANDEZ Sat 16 Feb, Sun 17 Feb, The Hive, featuring sword swallowers, demon DONELL JONES Thurs QUEEN Programme features evoca- Stafford Gatehouse Shrewsbury dwarfs, knife throwers, contortionists 14 Feb, O2 Institute, Theatre tive Latin American Baroque music and more... Tues 12 Feb Oakengates Birmingham THE X FACTOR LIVE unearthed by conductor Jeffrey PEACH Sat 16 Feb, Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shrops TOUR 2019 Sun 17 Feb, Skidmore during his visits to Mexico MARC REBILLET Thurs Hare & Hounds, Birm- AVENUE Q Tues 12 - Sat 16 Feb, The Genting Arena, B’ham and Bolivia, Sun 17 Feb, Birming- 14 Feb, Hare & ingham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ham Town Hall THE FINAL TEST The Stafford Players present an amateur staging of Chris Paling’s touching comedy about marriage, cricket and the dangerous lure of Bexhill-on-Sea, Tues 12 - Sat Comedy 16 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre STEPHEN BAILEY Thurs 14 Feb, The- ROCK OF AGES Kevin Clifton, Kevin atre Severn, Shrewsbury Kennedy and Zoe Birkett star in the ROB DEERING & JANE GODLEY PLUS UK touring version of the smash-hit COMEDY CAROUSEL FEAT. ANDY ROBIN- rock musical, Tues 12 - Sat 16 Feb, SON Thurs 14 Feb, The Glee Club, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Beth Rowley - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 11 - 17 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 12:01 Page 2

Monday 11 - Sunday 17 February

THE CAPITAL Birmingham-based SING-A-LONG-A GREASE Sun 17 Feb, Stan's Cafe present a word-free per- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Film formance which transforms themes of Events financial and social inequality into ‘a INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: JAWSOME SHARKS Help Professor beautiful, thoughtful and emotionally MAMMA MIA - HERE WE GO AGAIN! (PG) Finn find the missing sharks’ teeth to gripping experience’, Wed 13 Feb, Comedy/Musical. Starring Meryl become a Jawsome Shark Ranger, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Kids Shows Streep, Pierce Brosnan. Arena The- until Sun 10 Mar, Sea Life Centre, LES VACHES DANS LE CHAMP (THE atre, Wolverhampton, Mon 11 Feb Birmingham LORI HOPKINS: SOURPUSS Playful ad- COWS IN THE FIELD) A haunting story THE CHILDREN ACT (12a) Drama. Star- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO from Theatre d’Europe, Wed 13 - Sat venture for three to eight-year-olds BACKS Thurs 14 Feb, Birmingham featuring string and shadow puppets, ring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci. 16 Feb, The Blue Orange Theatre, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Back to Backs Birmingham Sun 17 Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Tues 12 Feb WINTER WELLBEING COOKERY COURSE THE ADDAMS FAMILY Amateur staging THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (U) Prepare and eat colourful, vitamin-fu- presented by the award-winning Get Drama/Thriller. Starring James Stew- elled dishes to kickstart the year, Your Wigle On, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Feb, art, Doris Day. Mitchell Arts Centre, Thurs 14 Feb, Shropshire Hills Dis- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 12 Feb covery Centre, Craven Arms, South Shropshire PSYCHIC SALLY - 10TH ANNIVERSARY Dance PETERLOO (12a) Drama/History. Star- TOUR Thurs 14 Feb, Stafford Gate- ring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake. FRIDAY TWILIGHT: MURDER AT FAULTY house Theatre THE NUTCRACKER Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 12 TOWERS A ‘laughter-filled night of Performed by the murder and mayhem’, Fri 15 Feb, OUR DAY OUT & MOVING ON Split Mask Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Mon Feb; Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- Theatre present Willy Russell’s play shire, Tues 12 Feb The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, 11 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand The- Stoke-on-Trent about social deprivation and its im- atre ON THE TOWN (U) Comedy/Musical. pact on young people, Thurs 14 - Fri WINTER DANCE GREAT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW The A showcase of different Starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra. 15 Feb, Prince Of Wales Theatre, shooting industry’s leading manufac- styles and genres, from contemporary Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Cannock turers, distributors, retailers and to classical ballet, generated from the Shropshire, Tues 12 Feb AS YOU LIKE IT Kimberley Sykes di- shooting organisations come to- dance programmes at the High ROMEO + JULIET (12) Drama/Ro- gether to offer visitors Europe’s rects Shakespeare's romantic com- School and SHS Dance Academy, mance. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, edy, Thurs 14 Feb - Sat 31 Aug, largest and most varied choice of Mon 11 - Tues 12 Feb, Theatre Sev- Claire Danes. The Brewhouse Arts shooting-related products, Fri 15 - Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- ern, Shrewsbury Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Thurs 14 ford-upon-Avon SWAN LAKE Sun 17 Feb, NEC, Birmingham Performed by the Russian Feb CIRCUS OF HORRORS Brand new show PIRATE AND PRINCESS TAKEOVER Pirate State Ballet of Siberia, Tues 12 Feb, THE FAVOURITE (15) Biography/Com- and Princess-themed activities for all featuring sword swallowers, demon Wolverhampton Grand Theatre edy. Starring dwarfs, knife throwers, contortionists SPIRIT OF THE DANCE the family, Fri 15 - Sat 23 Feb, Alton Combining heart- Olivia Colman, and more... Fri 15 Feb, Wolverhamp- Towers, Staffordshire pounding Irish dance with the sensual Emma Stone. ton Grand Theatre CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO Latino rhythms of flamenco and red Festival Drayton Centre, Market BACKS Sat 16 Feb, Birmingham Back hot salsa, Wed 13 Feb, Oakengates to Backs Theatre at The Place, Telford Drayton, North BRENDAN COLE: SHOW MAN Shropshire, Fri 15 SLAM WRESTLING Sat 16 Feb, Prince Brendan Feb of Wales Theatre, Cannock presents ‘a thrilling extravaganza of music and dance, from ballroom to BAL (PG) Drama. Starring Bora Altas, THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW Telford’s high-energy Latin’, Thurs 14 Feb, Erdal Besikçioglu. Foreign language, annual off-road and road-racing Wolverhampton Grand Theatre subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri show, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Feb, Telford In- A POSI+IVE LIFE 15 Feb ternational Centre Interactive coming-of- age dance-theatre experience for THE WIFE (15) Drama. Starring Glenn NEW LIFE ON THE FARM AND FARMER BACK IN OUR DAY: THE LIFE & TIMES OF teenagers and young adults, pre- Close, Jonathan Pryce. Ludlow As- FUN Sat 16 - Sun 24 Feb, National THE DANCING GRANNIES Comedy sented by Autin Dance Theatre, Thurs sembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri Forest Adventure Farm, Burton-upon charting the friendship of three re- 14 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhamp- 15 Feb -Trent markable Black Country women, Fri ton ALL IS TRUE (12A) Biography/Drama. HALF-TERM OPEN COCKPITS - HUNTER AN EVENING OF MUSIC & DANCE 15 Feb, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Featur- Starring Kenneth Branagh, Lolita AND PHANTOM The museum opens up AN EVENING OF ERIC AND ERN Olivier- ing Birmingham Royal Ballet & the Chakrabarti. Old Market Hall, Shrews- the Hawker Hunter F Mk4 cockpit for nominated comedy duo Ian Ashpitel Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Fri 15 Feb, bury, Fri 15 - Thurs 28 Feb close viewing and allows visitors to & Jonty Stephens present an evening Symphony Hall, Birmingham LGBT HISTORY FESTIVAL DOUBLE-BILL take a seat inside the McDonnell TORUS A ‘tribal hurricane of effortless of iconic routines, songs & sketches, WOMEN & A LESBIAN LIFE; OUTING THE Douglas Phantom FG1, Sat 16 - Sun fluidity’ from contemporary dance Sat 16 Feb, Lichfield Garrick 70S & 80S The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 24 Feb, RAF Cosford company Humanhood, Fri 15 - Sat 16 THE DEATH SHOW Exploration of our 16 Feb POP-UP PLANETARIUM Check out the Feb, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham night sky and discover more about relationship with death and dying, Hippodrome 50 YEARS LEGAL (15) Documentary. contemplating why we struggle to ac- Starring Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Elton our solar system, distant stars and cept our own mortality, Sat 16 Feb, John. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, outer space, Sat 16 - Sun 24 Feb, En- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Sun 17 Feb ginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shrops STRANGERS ON A TRAIN SET Theatre LAMB FEEDING WEEK Sat 16 - Sun 24 Feb, Lower Drayton Farm, Nr Stafford duo Lipservice present a show de- Talks NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: signed to appeal to ‘crime aficiona- HALF-TERM FUN Choose from pottery Released from Thurs 14 Feb, show- dos and narrow gauge railway AN EVENING WITH RANULPH FIENNES Sir painting, pot throwing and ceramic ing at selected cinemas enthusiasts alike’, Sat 16 Feb, Festi- Ranulph talks about his life of adven- design to create a unique Mother’s val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, ture, Mon 11 Feb, Regent Theatre, HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U Day gift, Sat 16 - Sun 24 Feb, World North Shropshire Stoke-on-Trent INSTANT FAMILY (12a) of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent IN OTHER WORDS ‘Intimate, humorous AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKIN- A PRIVATE WAR (15) THE GOBLIN'S REVENGE The Goblin of and deeply moving’ love story explor- SON The legendary TV interviewer re- Eymore Wood is back, to seek his re- ISN'T IT ROMANTIC ing the effect of Alzheimer’s disease calls highlights of his career, Wed 13 venge on the Little Folk of Arley, Sat and the transformative power of Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING 16 Feb - Fri 12 Apr, Arley Arboretum, music, Sun 17 Feb, Lichfield Garrick under-Lyme Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 February THE VIRGINMARYS 23 Feb, Hare & Birmingham Gigs Thurs 21 Feb, The Hounds, Birmingham Classical NISH KUMAR Fri 22 Feb, Oakengates Flapper, Birmingham FRENCH BOUTIK Sat 23 Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shrop- MAYDAY PARADE & THE BLACK MAGIC: THE LIT- Feb, The Night Owl, shire WONDER YEARS Music Mon TLE MIX SHOW Thurs Birmingham JACK BARRY Fri 22 Feb, Midlands Arts 18 Feb, O2 Academy, LOVE’S CONSEQUENCES: AN EVENING 21 Feb, Oakengates DODGY Sat 23 Feb, O2 Centre, Birmingham Birmingham Theatre at The Place, OF OPERA Directed by Emily Sloan. Institute, Birmingham ROBERT WHITE Fri 22 Feb, The Old OHMME Mon 18 Feb, Telford, Shropshire All proceeds from the evening will go THE CLAUSE Sat 23 Rep, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- to Action for Children, Mon 18 Feb, THE JOY FORMIDABLE Feb, O2 Institute, ingham Thurs 21 Feb, O2 Insti- The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- ADAM ROWE, SEAN COLLINS, JARRED Birmingham ham Conservatoire CHRISTMAS & ASHLEY STORRIE Fri 22 LAMANT DOZIER Mon tute, Birmingham HOSPITALITY Sat 23 Feb - Sat 23 Feb, The Glee Club, 18 Feb, Birmingham ZAKIR HUSSAIN AND THE SYMPHONY LOST TIGER Fri 22 Feb, Feb, The Mill, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall O2 Academy, B’ham ORCHESTRA OF INDIA Featuring Zane RYAN ROXIE Sat 23 Dalal (conductor) & Zakir Hussain CAREY MARX, BRENNAN REECE, SARA HIPPO CAMPUS Mon 18 THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Feb, The Asylum, (tabla). Programme includes works BARRON & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 23 Feb, Feb, O2 Institute, Fri 22 Feb, Theatre Birmingham by Berlioz, Hussain & Rimsky-Kor- The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury MARTIN SIMPSON Sat sakov, Tues 19 Feb, Symphony Hall, COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 23 Feb, ENUFF Z NUFF, LAST BRIDGES Fri 22 Feb, 23 Feb, Newhampton Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre GREAT DREAMERS Mon The Flapper, B’ham Arts Centre, Wolver- XIZI ZHANG PIANO CONCERT Pro- 18 Feb, Eleven, Stoke- THE BLOCKHEADS Fri hampton gramme includes works by Chopin, on-Trent 22 Feb, The Robin, Bil- Debussy & Schumann, Tues 19 Feb, STEVE HARLEY Mon 18 ston Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- Feb, New Vic Theatre, FATBOY SLIM Fri 22 servatoire Theatre Staffordshire Feb, Arena B’ham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Nigel Harman THE SOUND AKA + THE CHESTRA: YAMADA CONDUCTS MAN- and Mark Benton play a couple of BRITANNIA BEAT Fri 22 FRED Featuring Alexander Gavrylyuk cut-throat salesmen in a revival of Feb, The River Rooms, (piano) & Kazuki Yamada (conduc- David Mamet's Olivier and Pulitzer Stourbridge tor). Programme includes works by Prize-winning masterpiece, Mon 18 - Schumann, Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky, Sat 23 Feb, The Alexandra Theatre, FOO FIGHTERS - TRIBUTE STEELY DAN Sat 23 Wed 20 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham Fri 22 Feb, Eleven, Feb, Resorts World Stoke-on-Trent CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- ABIGAIL’S PARTY Jodie Prenger stars Arena, Birmingham CHESTRA: A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS as Beverly in a new staging of Mike OLLY FLAVELL Fri 22 SOUL & MOTOWN PARTY Featuring Anthony Weeden (conduc- Leigh’s classic comedy, Mon 18 - JAY ROCK Tues 19 Feb, Feb, Albert’s Shed, NIGHT WITH BACK 2 tor) plus Norman Bowman & Louise Sat 23 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke- O2 Academy, B’ham Shrewsbury MIAMI Sat 23 Feb, Dearman (vocalists). Programme in- on-Trent THE ORIELLES Tues 19 BLUE OCTOBER Fri 22 Oakengates Theatre at cludes works by Korngold, Stothart, THEATRE SUPPER: UPDOWNSIZING Feb, Hare & Hounds, Feb, O2 Institute, The Place, Telford, North, Rozsa, Bernstein, Mancini, Ginny Davis’ one-woman comedy Birmingham Birmingham Shropshire Jarre, Sherman Brothers, Kostal & about Ruth Rich - and what wasn’t Williams, Fri 22 Feb, Symphony Hall, DU BLONDE Tues 19 MIKE MCGOLDRICK, THE MANCHESTER supposed to happen..., Tues 19 Feb, Birmingham Feb, Hare & Hounds, JOHN MCCUSKER & NIGHT - PART 2 Sat 23 Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Birmingham JOHN DOYLE Fri 22 Feb, Feb, The Slade ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: ANNIE Anita Dobson stars as Miss Midlands Arts Centre, Rooms, W’hampton SYMPHONIC POP Featuring Nick CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Hannigan in a revival of the much- Birmingham Davies (conductor), Capital Voices & Tues 19 Feb, Theatre JOE & KEYSHIA COLE loved rags-to-riches story, Tues 19 - Phil Upton (presenter), Sat 23 Feb, Severn, Shrewsbury BROKEN MINDS PRE- Sun 24 Feb, O2 Sat 23 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Symphony Hall, Birmingham NILS FRAHM Wed 20 SENTS GROOVERIDER Fri Academy, Birmingham Theatre 22 Feb, Hare & RACHEL PODGER (VIOLIN) Programme Feb, O2 Academy, PETAL Sun 24 Feb, BASE: DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT Hounds, Birmingham comprises a recital of music for violin Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- Family panto for the school holidays, by JS Bach, Sat 23 Feb, Henderson JASON MANNS & PAUL EMO DISCO - FROM ingham Tues 19 - Sat 23 Feb, The Brew- UNDER THE CORK TREE Hall, Moor Park, Ludlow, Shropshire CARELLA Wed 20 Feb, VOICES FROM THE FUSE- house Arts Centre, Burton-upon- SPECIAL Fri 22 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birm- LAGE & THE PARADOX CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: COPLAND’S Trent Hare & Hounds, Birm- THIRD Featuring Cristian M celaru ingham TWIN Sun 24 Feb, The CIRQUE BERSERK! Featuring contem- ingham (conductor), Tasmin Little (violin)ā & Robin, Bilston porary artistry, adrenaline-fuelled LAU Wed 20 Feb, The the City Of Birmingham Symphony PERCOLATE WITH DENIS stunt action and ‘the world's most Glee Club, B’ham BUDDY HOLLY AND THE Orchestra. Programme includes SULTA Fri 23 Feb, The hair-raising circus act’ - the leg- GLYMJACK Wed 20 CRICKETERS - NOT FADE works by Anna Clyne, Szymanowsku Mill, Birmingham endary motorcycle Globe of Death, Feb, The Red Lion AWAY Sun 24 Feb, & Copland, Sun 24 Feb, Symphony Tues 19 - Sun 24 Feb, The REP, Folk Club, B’ham WAKEDOWN Sat 23 Stafford Gatehouse Hall, Birmingham Feb, O2 Academy, Theatre Birmingham FASTLOVE Wed 20 Feb, Birmingham Oakengates Theatre at JAKE MORRELL Sun 24 WOW! IT’S NIGHT TIME Little Angel The Place, Telford, REACH OUT TO MOTOWN Feb, Henry Tudor present a staging of Tom Hopgood’s Shropshire Sat 23 Feb, The Robin, House, Shrewsbury nocturnal sequel. Suitable for chil- Bilston dren aged between two and five, PETE KENT Wed 20 Comedy FLING + MARC Sat 23 Wed 20 - Thurs 21 Feb, Midlands Feb, The Robin, Bil- TONY LAW, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN & DAN Arts Centre, Birmingham ston Feb, The Cuban Em- NIGHTINGALE Wed 20 Feb, Henry bassy, Birmingham THE HOLE National Youth Theatre pre- K-TRAP Thurs 21 Feb, Tudor House, Shrewsbury THE COMMANDMENTS sent a new play by Rachel De-lahay, O2 Institute, B’ham JIMEOIN Thurs 21 Feb, Theatre Sev- Wed 20 - Thurs 21 Feb, The Old Sat 23 Feb, The River ern, Shrewsbury AVI BUFFALO Thurs 21 Rooms, Stourbridge Rep, Birmingham Feb, Hare & Hounds, DAVE SPIKEY Thurs 21 Feb, Stafford TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY Birmingham MAINLY MADNESS Sat Gatehouse Theatre 23 Feb, Eleven, Stoke- BINGO The award-winning domestic ULTIMATE LEPPARD on-Trent THE STRUTS Sun 24 ADAM ROWE, SEAN COLLINS FEATURING diva spins her cage of balls to an Thurs 21 Feb, The Feb, O2 Institute, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- ’80s soundtrack, Thurs 21 Feb, Old Robin, Bilston ENTER THE DRAGON Sat Birmingham SON Thurs 21 Feb, The Glee Club, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 18 - 24 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 15:28 Page 3

thelist LUKE JERMAY: INTUITION Interactive THE SHY MANIFESTO Bittersweet com- Sat 23 Feb, The REP, Birmingham WACKY WOODY’S WORLD OF MAGIC stage show featuring demonstrations edy-drama about a boy who’s fed up BRAINIAC LIVE! SCIENCE ABUSE Expect Comedy magic show for younger au- of intuition, telepathy and prediction, of being told to come out of his shell, exploding dustbins, combusting mi- diences, Sat 23 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Thurs 21 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Fri 22 - Sat 23 Feb, The Old Joint crowaves and loads of daredevil Centre, Leek, Staffs Theatre Stock Theatre, Birmingham stunts in this family show based on THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF PINOC- THE ADDAMS FAMILY Presented by M3 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starcross Youth the award-winning TV series, Fri 22 CHIO Immersion Theatre present a Studios, Thurs 21 - Sun 24 Feb, Theatre presents its version of the Feb, Lichfield Garrick larger-than-life musical based on Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock classic musical, Fri 22 - Sun 24 Feb, Carlo Collodi’s fantastical children’s AN EVENING WITH THE HAIRY BIKERS Fri Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton book, Sat 23 Feb, Mitchell Arts Cen- 22 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent tre, Stoke-on-Trent BACK IN OUR DAY: THE LIFE & TIMES OF MILKSHAKE! LIVE 2019 Sing and dance THE DANCING GRANNIES Comedy with your kids’ favourite Milkshake charting the friendship of three re- friends, Sat 23 Feb, Lichfield Garrick markable Black Country women, Fri Children THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF PINOC- 22 Feb, The Crescent Theatre, Birm- MARK THOMPSON: SPECTACULAR SCI- CHIO Immersion Theatre present a ingham ENCE The strange and magical prop- larger-than-life musical based on POETIC THEATRE-MAKERS’ SHOWCASE erties of matter are explored with Carlo Collodi’s fantastical children’s Showcase of new work from the fireballs, fire tornadoes and explosive book, Sun 24 Feb, Theatre Severn, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and chemical reactions, Mon 18 Feb, Mid- Shrewsbury Apples & Snakes Poetic Theatre Mak- lands Arts Centre, B’ham ers development programme... Fri 22 I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GHOST Nostalgic SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR Feb, The REP, Birmingham trip back to the ’80s and a comic ex- KIDS Become the sonic superhero’s OUR HOUSE The Viv Kelly Youth The- ploration of a childhood haunting sidekick in a world of funny sounds, atre Group present an amateur stag- where nothing is quite as it seems, brilliant noises and cool music, Fri 22 Dance ing of Tim Firth’s Madness musical, Thurs 21 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham JASMIN VARDIMON COMPANY: MEDUSA Leek, Staffs Fri 22 - Sat 23 Feb, Theatre Severn, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK One-man A reflection on the powerful feminine Shrewsbury FIRST STAGES: LITTLE GIFT Puppetry & show for children, adapted and per- symbol of Medusa, the myth and its THE GONDOLIERS Comic Opera pre- original music combine in this brand formed by CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch, various connotations in contempo- sented by the Walsall Gilbert & Sulli- new story from M6 Theatre & Andy Fri 22 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse The- rary life, Mon 18 Feb, Theatre Severn, van Society, Fri 22 - Sat 23 Feb, Marley. Suitable for children aged be- atre Shrewsbury Forest Arts Centre, Walsall tween three and seven, Thurs 21 - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Birmingham

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 18 - 24 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 15:28 Page 4

Monday 18 - Sunday 24 February

Royal Ballet presents its version of CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (U) Animation/Ad- the classic fairytale, Tues 19 Feb - Sat venture. Starring Ewan McGregor, 2 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome Hayley Atwell. Arena Theatre, Wolver- SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT A fusion of hampton, Tues 19 Feb kathak and contemporary dance, live ELENA (12) Drama. Starring Nadezhda music and physical storytelling, Thurs Markina, Andrey Smirnov. Foreign 21 - Sat 23 Feb, The Patrick Studio, language, subtitled. The Hive, Birmingham Hippodrome Shrewsbury, Wed 20 Feb GIOVANNI PERNICE: DANCE IS LIFE FROZEN (PG) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Strictly favourite Giovanni presents Menzel. This is a sing-a-long show- his smash-hit dance show, set in a ing. Lichfield Garrick, Wed 20 Feb Sicillian cafe, Sun 24 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3 (U) Anima- tion/Action. With the voices of Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Thurs 21 Feb BLACK ‘47 (15) Drama. Starring Hugo Talks Weaving, James Frecheville. Ludlow FRIENDS' TALK: BUTCHER, BAKER CAN- Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, DLESTICK MAKER Illustrated talk on the Fri 22 Feb local industries by postcard collector FREE SOLO (12A) Documentary. Star- Ray Farlow, Wed 20 Feb, Coalbrook- ring Alex Honnold. Old Market Hall, dale Museum of Iron, Ironbridge, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 Feb Shropshire BRB’s Beauty And The Beast - Birmingham Hippodrome CLAIRE SUMMERSKILL: RIGHTS OF PAS- SAGE Presentational talk in which NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materi- WANDS AT THE READY FOR A MAGICAL Claire discusses issues addressed in Released from Fri 22 Feb, showing at als to create and decorate your own AFTERNOON Put on the sorting hat and her latest play, Rights Of Passage, selected cinemas 17th century London buildings, Tues join your Hogwarts housemates for 19 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham four lessons in witchcraft and wiz- Sat 23 Feb, The Hive, Shrewsbury COLD PURSUIT ardry, Thurs 21 Feb, Ludlow Library, DEAN ATTA: POETRY EVENING Sat 23 LITTLE SKIPPERS - WONDERFUL WATER CAPERNAUM South Shropshire Feb, The Hive, Shrewsbury A 45-minute boat trip followed by a ON THE BASIS OF SEX (12a) ‘things to make and do’ session, MAKING BIRD BOXES Make your own RHYTHM SECTION Tues 19 - Fri 22 Feb, Dudley Canal wooden bird box to hang in your gar- and Tunnel Trust den, Thurs 21 Feb, Carding Mill Val- ley, Shropshire Film FEBRUARY HALF TERM Get messy INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: working with artists and making your Events own creations, Thurs 21 Feb, Brew- MAMMA MIA - HER WE GO AGAIN! (PG) house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Musical/Romance. Starring Meryl MAKING MONSTERS Join Anna Roe- Streep, Pierce Brosnan. The Edge buck and unleash your inner creative, MAKING BIRD FEEDERS Make your own Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Mon 18 Feb, Lichfield Garrick log or pine cone bird feeder to hang Shropshire, Mon 18 Feb RECYCLED SCULPTURES Join sculpture in your garden, Fri 22 Feb, Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG) Ani- expert Anna Roebuck to expand your mation/Adventure. With the voices of creative abilities and hone new skills, RACE RETRO Showcase of classic John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman. Fes- Mon 18 Feb, Lichfield Garrick THE CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MO- cars, motorsport legends, specialist tival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, ANGLO-SAXON CLOTHING AND STATUS TORHOME SHOW The UK’s biggest exhibitors and live rally action, Fri 22 - Shropshire, Mon 18 Feb Discover how clothing and military showcase of motorhomes, camper- Sun 24 Feb, Stoneleigh Park, Kenil- worth INSIDE OUT (U) Animation/Adventure. equipment reflected an individual’s vans, caravans, caravan holiday With the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill social status during the Anglo-Saxon homes and lodges, plus new-season WHODUNNIT? A FAMILY-FRIENDLY MYS- Hader. Arena Theatre, Wolverhamp- period, Mon 18 Feb, The Potteries tents of all sizes, trailer tents and fold- TERY TRAIL ‘Drop-dead fun time-trav- ton, Mon 18 Feb Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent ing caravans, Tues 19 - Sun 24 Feb, elling mystery trail aimed at families, CLAY ACTIVITY: CLAY ANGLO-SAXON NEC, Birmingham and those who’re young at heart’, Sat LEAVE NO TRACE (12) Drama. Starring 23 Feb, Aston Hall, Birmingham Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Foster. POTS Create your own Anglo-Saxon BEGINNERS CLOWNING SKILLS Join ex- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 19 pot from clay and decorate it with the perienced comedy performer Jonny WELLINGTON’S SOLDIERS ‘Meet’ rifle- Feb Runic Alphabet, Mon 18 - Thurs 21 McClean - from the New Old Friends men of the 5th battalion of the 60th Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art crimes series - for a workshop explor- Regiment, who fought under the COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent ing the ins and outs of clowning, Wed Duke of Wellington during the the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Make a 20 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Napoleonic Wars, Sat 23 Feb, The García Bernal. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Leek, Tues 19 Feb horned hat, practise your yelling, and ANIMAL MANIA A chance to meet Ani- start your own ‘Incomplete book of mal Mania's cute and furry animals, Stoke-on-Trent THE WIFE (15) Drama. Starring Glenn Dragons’ notebook, Mon 18 - Fri 22 Wed 20 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham A MAGICAL NIGHT AT THE HOGSHEAD Close, Jonathan Pryce. Foxlowe Arts Feb, Shropshire Hills Discovery Cen- Immersive evening of magic, spells Centre, Leek, Tues 19 Feb tre, Craven Arms, South Shropshire and food, direct from the Great Hall THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (U) Musical. OPEN ASTON Wander around the of Hogwarts, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Feb, Starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle grand old mansion, Tues 19 - Sun 24 The Blue Boar, Ludlow, South Shrop- Williams. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Feb, Aston Hall, Birmingham shire Tues 19 Feb THERE AND BACK AGAIN: JRR TOLKIEN FAMILY ADVENTURE DAY Family-friendly AND SAREHOLE GUIDED WALK INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Animation/Action. outdoor adventure session, Tues 19 Guided With the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Feb, Fordhall Organic Farm, Market introduction to Tolkien, the area of Holly Hunter. Forest Arts Centre, Wal- Drayton, North Shropshire Sarehole and its influence on The sall, Tues 19 Feb; Mitchell Arts Cen- Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings, tre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 20 Feb CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON Sun 24 Feb, Sarehole Mill, B’ham whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 25 - 28 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 18:57 Page 1 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 25 - 28 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 18:57 Page 2

thelist Monday 25 - Thursday 28 February screenplay, Mon 25 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, Classical The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster TWIRLYWOOS LIVE! Mischief, music & Music puppetry combine in a new show for younger audiences, Tues 26 Feb, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THOMAS TROTTER Mon 25 Feb, Birm- A BRAVE FACE Vamos Theatre use ingham Town Hall their trademark full-mask style to ex- CALLUM SMART (VIOLIN) & RICHARD plore PTSD (post-traumatic stress UTTLEY (PIANO) Programme includes disorder), Tues 26 - Wed 27 Feb, works by Beethoven, Schubert & Gi- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury nastera, Tues 26 Feb, Recitall Hall, THE BAND Tim Firth’s much-ac- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire claimed jukebox musical, featuring THE BRITISH PARAORCHESTRA - TERRY the songs of Take That, Tues 26 Feb RILEY’S IN C Featuring Extraordinary - Sat 2 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Bodies, Charles Hazlewood (con- Theatre ductor), Claire Hodgson & Billy Alwen (directors), Wed 27 Feb, Birm- ingham Town Hall Twenty One Pilots - Genting Arena, Birmingham CASTALIAN QUARTET Featuring Sini Si- ingham Birmingham monen & Daniel Roberts (violin), Gigs THE LEMON TWIGS Tues TRAGEDY: ALL METAL Charlotte Bonneton (viola) & Christo- 26 Feb, O2 Institute, TRIBUTE TO THE BEE pher Graves (cello). Programme in- cludes works by Beethoven & TRIXIE MATTEL Mon 25 Birmingham GEES & BEYOND Wed Brahms, Wed 27 Feb, Recital Hall, Feb, O2 Academy, LEIF ERIKSON Tues 26 27 Feb, The Robin, Bil- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham Feb, The Flapper, ston THE TROUT QUINTET Featuring DEMOB HAPPY Mon 25 Birmingham TWENTY ØNE PILØTS Jonathan Martindale (violin), Louise Feb, O2 Institute, IDER Tues 26 Feb, The Wed 27 Feb, Genting Landsdown (viola), Hannah Roberts Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Arena, Birmingham (cello), Anthony Alcock (double Birmingham POP EVIL Thurs 28 Feb, PESTILENCE PLUS SUP- bass) & John Thwaites (piano). Pro- CONCUBINE Amahra Spence takes a O2 Academy, B’ham PORT Mon 25 Feb, ONLY THE POETS Wed gramme comprises Schubert’s Quin- look at womanhood, sexuality and Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent 27 Feb, O2 Academy, ERIC BENÉT Thurs 28 tet in A major D.667 ‘The Trout’, Wed faith, Tues 26 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, The LUKE DANIELS & NANCY Birmingham Feb, O2 Institute, 27 Feb, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal REP, Birmingham KERR Mon 25 Feb, AREA 11 Wed 27 Feb, Birmingham Birmingham Conservatoire METAMORPHOSIS Beyond The Hori- Theatre Severn, The Asylum, B’ham JAY PRINCE Thurs 28 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- zon bring Franz Kafka's acclaimed Shrewsbury literary novella to life using state-of- MEGAN DAVIES Wed 27 Feb, Hare & Hounds, CHESTRA: MOZART & BRAHMS Featur- the-art makeup and prosthetic ef- TROY SIVAN Tues 26 Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ing Olari Elts (conductor), Lucas & fects, Tues 26 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, The Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham ROXY MAGIC Thurs 28 Arthur Jussen (pianos). Programme Birmingham includes works by Beethoven, Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham SHE DREW THE GUN Feb, The Robin, Bil- Mozart & Brahms, Thurs 28 Feb, ONCE UPON A WEDNESDAY: CHRISTINE BARBARA DICKSON Tues Wed 27 Feb, Castle & ston Symphony Hall, Birmingham MCMAHON, NORTHERN GRIT Evening 26 Feb, Theatre Sev- Falcon, Birmingham MERCURY: THE ULTI- ern, Shrewsbury ZEMLINSKY QUARTET Programme in- of ‘harsh stories about hard times, DARIA KULESH & MATE QUEEN TRIBUTE cludes works by Smetana, Janacek heartache, and the courage it takes SEA GIRLS Tues 26 JOHNNY DYER Wed 27 Thurs 28 Feb, Victoria & Dvorak, Thurs 28 Feb, The Lion to meet the world head on’, Wed 27 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Feb, The Red Lion Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Hotel, Shrewsbury Feb, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- Birmingham Folk Club, B’ham JEROME THOMAS Thurs upon-Trent MOTHERS Tues 26 Feb, BLUE OYSTER CULT Wed 28 Feb, The Cuban Hare & Hounds, Birm- 27 Feb, O2 Institute, Embassy, Birmingham Comedy ROB AUTON Tues 26 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham ALLYSON SMITH, JOHN FOTHERGILL PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 28 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham

PSYCHIC SALLY - 10 YEAR ANNIVER- SARY TOUR Evening of mediumship, Thurs 28 Feb, Dudley Town Hall THE MISOGYNY TRIALS Snapshot of Theatre some of the cases brought before THE SAD CLUB Live music, new writ- Judge Serendipity Hope, who’s ing and laugh-out-loud comedy made it her mission to stamp out combine to provide a glimpse of misogyny in all its ugly forms, but at what growing up is like for young the same time is grappling with her people today, Mon 25 Feb, New Vic own dark secrets, Thurs 28 Feb, Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham THE KING’S SPEECH The Nonentities REBELLIOUS SISTERHOOD Broad Hori- present an amateur staging based zons Theatre Company explore the Barbara Dickson - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury on David Siedler’s Oscar-winning private lives and the personal cost whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 25 - 28 February.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 18:57 Page 3

Monday 25 - Thursday 28 February

thelist lenges, joys and pitfalls of allowing yourself to be vulnerable, Thurs 28 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, Old Joint Stock The- Dance atre, Birmingham DEEDS NOT WORDS Abbott Dance The- atre highlight and commemorate women’s suffrage, Wed 27 Feb, For- est Arts Centre, Walsall GAELFORCE DANCE Celebration of Irish Children music, dance & song, Wed 27 Feb, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock THE CAT IN THE HAT Family theatre TIRABASSO & MASUI Double bill of based on the much-loved book by Dr work from two rising female choreog- Seuss, Tues 26 Feb - Sun 3 Mar, The raphers, Thurs 28 Feb, The Patrick REP, Birmingham Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome I AIN’T AFRAID OF NO GHOST Nostalgic BALLETBOYZ - THEM/US trip back to the ’80s and a comic ex- Double bill of ploration of a childhood haunting new works,Thurs 28 Feb, Lichfield where nothing is quite as it seems, Garrick Wed 27 Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT The- atre for younger audiences based on the classic children’s book series by Film Drip, Drip, Drip - Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton David McKee, Wed 27 - Thurs 28 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Feb, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BLACK BIRD FILM FESTIVAL 2019 Ani- paid by the leaders of the Suf- STEVE STEINMAN’S VAMPIRE’S ROCK mation/Adventure. Arena Theatre, fragettes, Thurs 28 Feb, Theatre Sev- Featuring special guest star Sam Bai- Wolverhampton, Mon 25 Feb ern, Shrewsbury ley, Thurs 28 Feb, Theatre Severn, CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (U) Animation/Ad- DRIP, DRIP, DRIP Pipeline Theatre head Shrewsbury venture. Starring Ewan McGregor, out on a darkly comic and taboo- ME AND MY DOLL Birmingham-based Hayley Atwell. The Edge Arts Centre, busting journey... Thurs 28 Feb, company Paperback present a ro- Talks Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton mantic comedy exploring the chal- TRUST FAST HEALTH WITH MICHAEL Mon 25 Feb MOSLEY The man behind the iconic 5:2 diet explodes common health STAN & OLLIE (15) Biography/Comedy. myths and offers fascinating insights Starring John C. Reilly, Shirley Hen- into the workings of the human body, derson. Wem Town Hall, North Mon 25 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall Shropshire, Tues 26 Feb AN EVENING WITH CLARE BALDING Pro- FAMILY PLOT (PG) Comedy/Thriller. ceeds to Samaritans of Shrewsbury, Starring Karen Black, Bruce Dern. Mon 25 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, bury Tues 26 Feb DAN SNOW: AN EVENING WITH THE HIS- COLD WAR (12) Drama/Music. Starring TORY GUY Historian and TV presenter Joanna Kulig, Tomasz Kot. Foreign Dan recounts anecdotes from his ca- language, subtitled. Stafford Gate- reer, Tues 26 Feb, Birmingham Town house Theatre, Tues 26 Feb Hall WIND RIVER (15) Drama/Mystery. Star- ring Kelsey Asbille, Jeremy Renner. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Tues 26 Feb WELCOME TO MARWEN (12A) Biogra- phy/Comedy. Starring Steve Carell, Falk Hentschel. Festival Drayton Cen- tre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- shire, Wed 27 Feb PRIDE (15) Biography/Comedy. Star- ring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton. The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Trent, Thurs 28 Feb POETS, PRATTLERS AND PANDEMONIAL- ISTS Evening of poetry, storytelling and spoken word from ‘the best the Black Country has to offer’, Tues 26 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton AN EVENING WITH STEVE BULL Former Events Wolves footballer Steve is joined by POETS AND STORYTELLERS ASSEMBLE broadcaster Johnny Phillips, Wed 27 Evening of poetry, storytelling and Feb, Oakengates Theatre at The spoken word, Tues 26 Feb, Arena Place, Telford, Shropshire Theatre, Wolverhampton KENDALL MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL UK TOUR CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO ‘Amazing films and awe-inspiring BACKS Hear the stories of the ordinary talks’ from some of the world's most people who called Court 15 home for dedicated adventurers, Thurs 28 Feb, over 160 years as you walk around Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham the houses, Thurs 28 Feb, Birming- ham Back to Backs 66 whatsonlive.co.uk BMAG Leonardo Divinci F/P January 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 11:34 Page 1 ABBA Full Page in What's On February 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2019 14:51 Page 1

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