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MAWAAN RIZWAN Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands BRINGS JUICE TO BRUM BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2019 Birmingham ISSUE 405 SEPTEMBER 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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SPACED OUT! CircusMash present brand new show at Thinktank BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK BRB Giselle Full September 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:20 Page 1 Contents September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 10:45 Page 2

September 2019

Contents

Muse - bring their Simulation Theory World Tour to Arena Birmingham more on page 17

9 To 5 The Musical 50 glorious years... Matthew Bourne the list

new touring version stops off Ex Cathedra celebrate a re-imagines Shakespeare’s Your 16-page in the Midlands... half-century of musicmaking... greatest love story... week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 feature page 12 feature page 32 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 10. Food 17. Gigs 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbrum Birmingham What’s On Birmingham What’s On What’s On Birmingham

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 Ellie Hutchings ellie @whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281706 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, 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 Birmingham September.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 14:45 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Brum festival celebrates the arts and wellbeing The fourth edition of Birmingham’s Bedlam Arts & Mental Health Festival takes place next month (Tuesday 1 - Saturday 12 Octo- ber). Created with the aim of using the arts to increase awareness of mental health & wellbeing issues, the event showcases a selection of new and creative works performed across the city. Included in the line-up are new commissions, a world premiere, works in progress, a half-day Symposium, and events featuring spoken word, dance, theatre, film, visual art and hip-hop... Further information and tickets are available at macbirm- ingham.co.uk and birmingham-rep.co.uk

City theatre launches having recently been named the winner of Oktoberfest returns for a the Hippodrome 120 Sculpture Commission. membership scheme The commission is part of the venue’s wider fifth year - at a new venue Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre has launched visual arts programme, with a new Hidden Birmingham’s Oktoberfest is back for a fifth a membership scheme to help regular Stories season of exhibitions being launched year running next month, taking place at the theatre-goers save on shows, and to encour- this month. To see the theatre’s full visual brand new venue of 60 Hampton Street in age young people to become more involved arts programme, visit birmighamhippo- Hockley on 18 & 19 October. with the venue. drome.com Alongside the traditional German Oktober- BBC Midlands Today reporter & presenter fest décor, the event also features a selection Amy Cole - pictured with Gary Stevens, Gen- of classic German beers, gins and wines, plus eral Manager & Operations Director of The World premiere to mark DJs, live bands and the always-popular ‘best Old Rep - has become a patron of the scheme. composer’s 85th birthday dressed’ competition. Commenting on the initiative, Amy said: I If ever there was a time to whip out your Birmingham Contemporary Music Group think it’s a great way for people to get in- lederhosen... (BCMG) this month perform the world volved in a theatre that’s thriving, and to be a premiere of …When Falling Asleep, a highly part of its creative heritage.” anticipated new work by British composer Sir Stratford gig for Robbie’s Harrison Birtwistle. BCMG will present the piece at a special concert to celebrate the writing partner Guy composer’s 85th birthday. Songwriter, musician and Commissioned through the group’s flagship producer Guy Chambers - new music commissioning scheme, Sound best known for his work Investment, Birtwistle’s new work for with Robbie Williams - soprano, reciter and ensemble is a compan- will play a one-off concert ion piece to his 1999 composition, The at the Swan Theatre, Woman And The Hare. Stratford-upon-Avon, on Celebrating Sir Harrison Birtwistle At 85 takes Sunday 27 October. place at Birmingham’s CBSO Centre on As Robbie’s writing part- Sunday 22 September. ner, Guy has produced seven number one Birmingham theatre to albums, sold millions of records around the world, and is responsible for some of the unveil birthday sculpture biggest singles of the last 25 years, including A sculpture which sees organic forms Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Strong, No suspended and adorned with architectural Regrets, Millennium, Rock DJ and Feel. imagery will be unveiled by Birmingham The concert sees Guy performing tracks from Hippodrome next month as part of its 120th- his new album, Go Gentle Into The Light - a birthday celebrations. collection of piano instrumental versions of The artist responsible for the installation is some of his best-known songs. Rachael Champion, who will create the piece 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham September.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 14:45 Page 2

First Word

EcoFest returns for a fourth year Exhibitions, performances, workshops and screenings all feature in Midlands Arts Cen- tre’s (MAC) fourth annual EcoFest event at the end of this month. Taking place on Sunday the 29th and promising to be ‘big- ger and better than ever’, the festival showcases green events from across the venue’s programme. It also sees MAC join forces with other local eco-friendly organisations to show how people can work together to have a positive impact on the environment. Time to get On Your Feet for hit Gloria Estefan musical Feel the rhythm of the music getting stronger as show features a whole host of iconic pops songs, hit musical On Your Feet! congas into Birming- including Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get ham Hippodrome this month. On Your Feet, Don’t Want To Lose You Now and Telling the inspiring true love story of Emilio 1-2-3. and Gloria Estefan, the show charts their On Your Feet! shows at the Hippodrome from journey from Cuba to Miami - and from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 September. Final Five for anonymity to international superstardom. For more information and to book tickets, visit Irish four... Visiting the Midlands on the back of major birminghamhippodrome.com Long-in-the-tooth ‘boyband’ successes in the West End and on Broadway, the Boyzone will play Resorts World Arena next month (15 October) as part of the Wizard Express Birmingham arenas launch Ask For finale to their farewell tour. There’ll be ghostly goings- The Birmingham venue is one Clive anti-homophobia campaign on and wizarding work- of five at which they’ll per- Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena have become the first shops aplenty at the form to say farewell to their venues in the second city to launch anti-homophobia campaign Ask Severn Valley Railway fans following the sell-out For Clive. (SVR) this October half success of their Thank You & The campaign encourages entertainment establishments to show term, when the railway Goodnight tour. solidarity in the fight against homophobia and transphobia. Posters welcomes back two hugely “It’s a bitter-sweet time for us on display let customers know that if they see any discrimination or popular services - its Ghost as we announce our final ever abuse of LGBTQ people, they can discreetly report it to staff by ‘ask- Trains and Wizard Express. shows,” said the band. “The ing for Clive’. They will then be taken to a safe space while the inci- Commenting on the news, shows give us all one last dent is investigated and appropriate action taken. Lewis Maddox, SVR’s chance to make some more events co-ordinator, said: special memories together. “We’ve got a really action- We can’t wait to go out on the packed October half term ultimate high as we take our in store and are preparing final bow with The Final ourselves to welcome an Five.” influx of ghosts, ghouls, witches and wizards, who will be joining us to enjoy an unforgettable experience along the line.” For more information, visit svr.co.uk

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First Word

Stephen Fry talks Fancy a laugh? gods, heroes and Birmingham Comedy Festival is men in new show back next month with another 10 days of top-quality performances, Stephen Fry visits Birmingham clever improvisations and laugh- this month with his brand new out-loud jokes (Friday 4 - Sunday show, Mythos: A Trilogy - Gods. 13 October). Heroes. Men. Headline acts include James The production, which sees Acaster, Josh Widdicombe, Regi- Stephen recounting classic nald D Hunter, 'German comedy tales from Greek mythology, is ambassador' Henning Wehn and split into three separate shows, broadcaster & journalist Jonathan loosely scripted and each night Pie (pictured). will feature stories which the Also appearing are Comedy Cen- audience has helped to choose. tral's Impractical Jokers, found Mythos: A Trilogy - Gods. video collective Everything Is Terri- Heroes. Men. shows at Sym- ble and veteran poet Pam Ayres... phony Hall, Birmingham, from For more information, visit bham- Monday 9 to Thursday 12 comfest.co.uk September. Theatre company set to make a splash Two great theatres, after receiving Arts Council funding one grand tour... A West Midlands theatre company is looking to alter people’s atti- A tour celebrating Birmingham's tudes to water - thanks to funding from Arts Council England. two home-grown theatres - The The Bone Ensemble has been awarded £44,748 to develop Gulp!, a Old Rep and Birmingham Reper- show that encourages its audience to think again about crucial en- tory Theatre - is taking place on vironmental issues. Saturday 14 September as part of Working in an industry-first collaboration with Severn Trent Water, the city’s Heritage Week. The Bone Ensemble are using the production to explore ‘the beauty Led by experienced guides, the of water in an age of environmental challenge’. three-hour tour takes a behind- Gulp! opens at Birmingham’s Midlands Arts Centre on Saturday 28 the-scenes look at both venues, in September before heading out on a national tour. the process providing an insight into the history of Birmingham Repertory Company over the last Photography competition celebrates 106 years. 250 years of Birmingham canals A photography competition has been launched to mark the 250th Quiet time at city’s Agency birthday of Birmingham's canals. science museum champions local Canal River Trust is inviting amateur photographers to capture the unique beauty of the Birmingham Canal Navigations in both the Popular Birmingham visitor attrac- filmmakers city and the Black Country. tion Thinktank is this month hold- Birmingham creative agency The photos can show anything that’s linked to the area’s canals, ing a special quiet session for Punch is once again running such as colourful boats, historic canal architecture or people enjoy- adults and children with sensory its Back In development ing spending time on the waterways. or special needs. programme for black West Mid- The competition is open to all ages and closes on 3 October. The venue’s Morning Explorers lands filmmakers. For more information, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk session takes place on Saturday 21 The initiative has been running September, with Thinktank open- for two years and enables ing early in order to provide a participants to attend master- welcoming environment for visi- classes, develop new skills, tors to explore with friends and secure professional connec- family. tions within the film industry A second autumn/winter Morning and create a short film. Explorers session will take place at For more information about Thinktank on Sunday 1 December. Back In, visit For more information and to book wearepunch.co.uk tickets, visit birminghammuse- ums.org.uk

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What a way to make a living... Dolly Parton musical heads to Brum

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by Lauren Cole

The touring version of Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 The Musical stops off in the Midlands this month. What’s On caught up with one of its three leading ladies - Amber Davies - to talk about meeting Dolly, the production itself and her 2017 success on hit reality TV series Love Island...

Inspired by the cult 1980 film starring super- the title track itself. What’s so great about herself in the musical theatre world: “Love star Tennessee country singer Dolly Parton - Dolly’s score is that each song has such depth Island definitely helped give me a platform, who’s written the production’s score - feel- to it. For example, Doralee has a number but I’ve also been really keen to prove to good comedy musical 9 To 5 is a show which called Backwards Barbie that really expresses people that I haven’t just got where I am in my Dolly would surely suggest y’all should go see her feelings about the way people view her career because of that. I’m here because I this month, y’hear... based on her appearance.” genuinely deserve to be; I’ve worked incredibly hard to get into professional musical “Dolly is very much involved in the show,” Meeting Dolly Parton was a surreal experi- theatre, just like all the other performers says one of the touring production’s lead ence for Amber: “If you’d have told me last have. The reaction I get from the audience is actors, Amber Davies - best known for year that I’d be working with Dolly, I would’ve always so positive. I get a lot of tweets con- winning hit reality TV series Love Island in laughed at you! Dolly is one of the show’s gratulating me and saying that they’d defi- 2017. “9 To 5 is about three very different executive producers, so she’s had so much nitely judged a book by its cover, so couldn’t women whose boss’s awful behaviour to- more involvement than people would ever believe how great I was. It’s just so, so lovely wards them brings them together. Although imagine. If there was even a tiny change in to read.” they work in the same place, the women are the script, it would have to go through her. taking very different paths in life: you’ve got She really wants everyone involved in the Amber hopes the future will prove to be even single mum and recent widow Violet; my show to do well, so the first night when she more exciting for her than the present: “I character, Judy, who’s completely heartbro- came to watch, she was just as nervous as the think at the moment I’m very grateful and ken and turns up having never had a job rest of us. content with where my career is going. I really before because she’s only ever been a house- can’t wait to tour. I don’t have many commit- “When I went out to Nashville to meet her, wife; and Doralee, the character that Dolly ments - no boyfriend, no children - so it really her advice to me was that no one is ever in played, who is judged purely on her appear- is the best time for me to do it. I really do competition with anyone apart from them- ance despite having a heart of gold. It’s very want to continue doing musicals, and Broad- selves, which is so true. You should never much a musical about female empowerment way is a massive goal for me. I would also like compare yourself to anyone else because and is full of surprises and real comic to keep my face on telly, whether that be pre- everyone’s timeline is so different. Consider- moments.” senting or acting. TV work is definitely some- ing how famous and iconic Dolly is, she was thing that I have in my sights. I just need to In the wake of the Me Too movement and the just so down-to-earth and lovely. I’ll certainly make my contacts and wait for the right role gender pay gap revelation, Amber believes 9 be taking her advice forward with me.” to come along. I’m really not one to rush into To 5’s serious side is just as relevant now as it Musical theatre has always been a big part of things - I don’t take the job if I don’t think it’s was when the film was released nearly 40 Amber’s life. Her sister, Jade, has appeared in for me.” years ago: “I think to a certain extent we’ve a whole host of famous stage shows, includ- come a long way, but in other ways we still So which roles in the world of musical theatre ing Les Miserables and Andrew Lloyd Web- have a long way to go. There’s a bit of an would Amber most like to play? ber's Phantom Of The Opera. ironic joke in the show where Violet says that “Just like every other musical theatre student, the sexism these characters deal with proba- “My sister is a role model for me and set the I’d love to play Elphaba [in Wicked]. It’s such bly won’t even be an issue in 10 years’ time - bar when she got offered her first West End a strong role, but I’m maybe a little too young and yet here we are staging 9 To 5 in 2019 and role. She helped me believe that it was possi- for that at the moment, so it’s one for the it’s still relevant today. But I always love the ble. Obviously, it’s extremely difficult to get to future. I love any feelgood musical - like Hair- audience’s reaction at the end of the night - the West End, but you just have to get your spray, for instance. I’d make a great Amber we send them out of the theatre on a real high one break, so I was always hopeful. I had the Von Tussle, which I actually got offered just because this show really illustrates what most amazing year on Love Island, but I just before I went on Love Island. It would be women can achieve when they come together. really, really missed being on stage. Perform- amazing to go full-circle and actually get to We definitely highlight issues of equality, but ing brings me so much joy. play that role. Rumour has it Mean Girls and in a lighthearted way.” “I believe everything happens in life for a rea- Pretty Woman are coming to the West End, And can we expect a country score in 9 To 5? son. I think I was meant to go on Love Island too - both musicals I’d be really interested in when I did, and now I’ve gone full-circle to doing because I know I’d have so much fun!” “Dolly wrote a new song especially for the being back doing what I love. It was scary West End cast called Hey Boss, which defi- accepting the challenge of being in 9 To 5, but nitely has a country twang to it. But there are it’s just a joy to be a part of.” all kinds of different styles and genres in the 9 To 5 The Musical shows at The Alexandra show. I’ve got a great, heartfelt ballad num- While Love Island definitely helped boost Theatre, Birmingham, from Friday 6 to ber, but there are also fun songs in there, like Amber’s profile, she’s fought hard to prove Saturday 14 September.

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 16:28 Page 1

Food

with Wiltshire truffle. The mash was smooth and creamy, while the earthy taste of the truffle nicely complemented the beef. It was very much a five-star dish and the highlight of the evening. On the other side of the table, the lamb course proved to be a triumph too. Featuring perfectly cooked roasted rump of Cornish lamb served with buttered Jersey Royals, summer pods and mint jelly glaze, the presentation was excellent, the flavours amazing. For the finale we chose the Bakewell tart soufflé served with toasted almond ice cream, and the James Cadbury Love Coca Chocolate Choux. The baked egg dish was perfectly risen, light in consistency and featured a subtle hint of Bakewell tart. The star of the show, however, was the chocolate dessert. Boast- ing crunchy chocolate choux domes with mouthwatering Jersey milk salted caramel and REVIEW: Craft Dining Rooms pecan praline ice cream, it made for a fantastic finish to our debut Best of British celebrated at new Birmingham restaurant visit to Birmingham’s newest all- British eatery. This summer saw the launch of sharing-style roasts, with British perfect accompaniment to the Craft Dining Rooms, a modern cuts carved tableside. Meat juicy and nicely cooked prawns. Not only was the food of a high British restaurant located within options available are slow- A simple yet enjoyable starter. quality, the service was too. Our the city’s International Conven- roasted Blythburgh pork belly, waiter was friendly and atten- Combining the classic core ingre- tive, took us through both the tion Centre. Cotswold chicken, Irish rump dients - raw beef, capers and cap beef and Cornish lamb. food and drink menus and made Opened by entrepreneurs Sam shallots - my well-executed steak some excellent recommenda- and Emma Morgan and led by Guests can enjoy cocktails made tartare was just as palatable. It tions along the way. Executive Chef Nick Evans, the from a range of British gins, vod- slightly shifted away from the eatery celebrates British culinary kas and spirits. The restaurant classic presentation, the chef Open seven days a week, Craft craft, shines a light on the UK’s also boasts an extensive wine having cleverly separated up the Dining Rooms is a great addition artisan producers and brings and gin menu. egg yolk as opposed to using it to Birmingham’s thriving together the best produce from whole. Served with croutons for culinary scene. I just hope the Our starters arrived a couple of location works for them - they the country’s farmers, cheese sips into my ever-so-moreish that additional and welcomed mongers, brewers, distillers and crunch, it was a dish I'd be very deserve every success! rhubarb & custard tart cocktail Lauren Foster vintners. (which featured Chase rhubarb happy to order again should I The menu has seasonality at its and brambly apple gin, Edin- return in the future. Food: nnnnn core, with a focus on simplicity burgh raspberry liqueur and cus- Having heard great things about Service: nnnnn and quality of ingredients. Small tard syrup). the beef wellington, I chose it for Ambience: nnnnn plates include such delights as my main course; my partner I chose one of my favourites, Overall value nnnnn Brummie Bacon Cakes, wild boar opted for the lamb. steak tartare, while my partner OVERALL nnnnn & black pudding sausage roll opted for the BBQ whole black My dish was beautiful! The meat and curried cauliflower. Main prawns served with blackened was cooked to absolute perfec- Craft Dining Rooms courses include cod loin, confit avocado purée. The purée was tion, as was the pastry, while the Unit 10, ICC, pork belly and herb & garlic- absolutely delicious and a con- paté was packed with flavour. Centenary Square roasted Cotswold white chicken cept that I’d never seen before. The wellington was accompa- Broad Street, supreme. Thick and creamy in consistency nied by caramelised onion and Birmingham B1 2EA Sundays focus on traditional and strong in flavour, it was the creamed potato mash topped Tel: 0121 655 5550 10 whatsonlive.co.uk Food September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 16:28 Page 2 Ex Cathedra 50 Years-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 14:08 Page 1

50 years of Ex Cathedra The 50th anniversary celebrations of the moon landing and the Stonewall Riots have both received plenty of publicity this year, but there’s another half-century being celebrated in 2019 too... Birmingham’s Ex Cathedra is 50 glorious years old and still going strong - as What’s On found out when we caught up with the ensemble’s founder, conductor and artistic director, Jeffrey Skidmore...

Leading UK choir and Early Music ensemble research repertoire, including our particular sary programme, so it’s a piece we have a Ex Cathedra celebrates its 50th anniversary speciality in French Baroque music. So long history with and like to return to. this season with a jam-packed programme of putting all those things together, you get this “Then comes Bach’s St John Passion on Good great classical works. Its founder, Jeffrey special organisation that we have at Ex Friday at Symphony Hall, which was the first Skidmore - awarded an OBE in the 2015 New Cathedra.” of Bach’s Passions we performed. Nowadays Years honours list for his service to choral The ensemble started as a small gathering of we do it with period instruments and a com- music - is both the artistic director and Jeffrey’s friends: “Back when I was a sixth- munity choir, our Academy takes part in the conductor of this extraordinary organisation. former - just before I founded Ex Cathedra - I liturgical reconstruction, and it’s proved very “There are so many reasons why Ex Cathedra was singing in Birmingham Cathedral Choir. popular. We’re always trying to make this is different from other choral and orchestral My great mentor, Roy Massey, didn’t do much great music accessible to everybody, either by groups,” says Jeffrey. “The first thing is that Renaissance music with the choir. I was a taking part in it in some way or by hosting the amount of time we’ve been going and counter-tenor - a male alto - at the time and I discovery workshops to help people get into continued to be popular is quite extraordi- loved Renaissance music, so initially I got a it. nary. We also have a very interesting group of people together just to do that 16th “Our fifth and final concert isn’t in our approach to the classical repertoire. We century repertoire. Ex Cathedra grew out of brochure yet because we’re still in the plan- perform the great, iconic works alongside that: just a few friends from Bournville, ning and funding stages, but it looks as ones that are very old and have been some- where I sang as a chorister and went to though it’s going to happen in July. It’s a what lost, while also regularly commission- school, and a few older people from Birming- classical Indian weekend of music, which is a ing new works. I think our programmes are ham Cathedral. When I went to Oxford for genre we’ve been doing for a while. Alec always quite refreshing in that way. We have university, singers I met there came to Birm- Roth, who’s been our composer-in-residence the most fantastic amateur and professional ingham to join us. So, from there, it’s for the last 12 years, has written us some singers in Ex Cathedra, which is also supple- expanded into the incredible resource we see great pieces. One, called The Traveller, uses mented by top-quality students, and we’ve today. Wanting to do Renaissance music was translated sacred Indian texts and is just launched a graduate scholarship the initial spark, really.” performed by an orchestra, children’s and scheme. So that blend of professional, Ex Cathedra will be celebrating its 50 years community choir. We have the orchestra Brit- amateur and student is probably unique in with a programme of old favourites and new ten Sinfonia coming from Cambridge to play the country in terms of choirs. commissions: “I’ve chosen five pieces that for us, and Mark Padmore, who’s a big name “We’ve always had an education part of Ex are amongst the greatest that exist in the in the singing world, is going to be the tenor, Cathedra. We work in schools, with commu- choral repertoire and which have been partic- so that will be our contribution to the Indian nities, in hospitals and other healthcare facil- ularly important in the 50 years of Ex Cathe- Classical Weekend.” ities, so we’re committed to making classical dra. We open our season with Jeffrey is confident that Ex Cathedra’s music and singing accessible to all. Singing Rachmaninoff’s Vespers, which we recently programme for this season has something for is such an important part of people’s lives performed to a packed audience at Three everyone, from the classical music connois- and is fantastic for their physical and mental Choirs Festival. Secondly, we have Bach Mass seur to those who don’t know their Bach from health. It brings joy to lives. There’s so much in B Minor, which is important to us as it their Beethoven: “I think our 50th anniver- scientific evidence to support the positive launched our period instrument orchestra in sary season is brilliant. We’re focusing on impact it has. Pop music is focused around 1983 - the first one of its kind outside London such important works, both to us and to our singing rather than instrumental; at football and which is still going strong. audiences. But mainly Cathedra’s ability to matches, stadiums full of people sing their “Next, we’ll have Missa Solemnis, which is understand a piece and communicate to our hearts out in support of their team. Singing is probably Beethoven’s greatest piece but audience, to get across the meaning and feel- a basic human need, I think, along with perhaps not that popular because it’s a ing of the piece to those listening, is a really nourishment and socialisation. challenging work for both players and audi- special skill. “Research is also an important part of what ences. However, it’s certainly his greatest “I think if you’re a regular concert-goer you we do. We work with post-graduate students piece as far as I’m concerned. We also did will love what Ex Cathedra have to offer. But at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to Missa Solemnis as part of our 25th anniver- 12 whatsonlive.co.uk Ex Cathedra 50 Years-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 14:08 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

equally, if you’re someone who’s never been to any concerts, then Ex Cathedra is just as great. We get such positive feedback from If people, especially young people, don’t people who’ve never been to a classical concert before but who end up finding our have the opportunity of experiencing this concerts really engaging and then go on to music, then it will be lost forever. become big fans of classical. Ex Cathedra really is the place to start for newcomers Creating an appetite for high-quality willing to give classical music the chance it deserves.” music is always on the agenda Jeffrey is also the artistic director of the Early “ Music programme at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, a role which he continually links back to Ex Cathedra: “The Conserva- toire is really going from strength to strength, particularly in the area that I work in with early music and period instruments, as Julian Lloyd Webber is very keen to develop this area. We have an extraordinary, distin- ” guished team of musicologists at Birming- ham Conservatoire, and next year we’ve attracted the Biennial International Confer- ence on Baroque Music, which previously had been held in Salzburg and Paris and now is coming to Birmingham. The bid we had was so strong because of the interest and expertise in Baroque music based in Birming- ham - Birmingham Baroque seems to have a lovely ring to it! My role, then, is to link what Ex Cathedra are and have been doing to what’s going on at the Conservatoire. For example, we have four Student Scholars from the Conservatoire who sing with Ex Cathedra.” It’s Jeffrey’s strong desire to engage as many people as possible with classical music - particularly the younger generation - that really drives him on: “Getting great classical music across to younger audiences is my mission, really. If people, especially young people, don’t have the opportunity of experiencing this music, then it will be lost forever. Creating an appetite for high-quality music is always on the agenda.” The poor state of music education in schools is a major concern for Jeffrey: “Funding is one of the biggest challenges for the classical music scene. Music education is really in a terrible fix in state schools, while in private, independent schools it’s blossoming. But music is for everyone, and that sector of education needs some special attention and funding, so that those in state schools don’t miss out.”

For more information on the programme for Ex Cathedra’s 50th anniversary season, visit excathedra.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Classical September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:18 Page 1

14 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:18 Page 2

Classical

Britten-Shostakovich Festival Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 17 September Not even remotely surprisingly, given the name of the orchestra, this mouthwatering evening of multinational magic features works by both Britten (Four Sea Interludes) and Shostakovich (Hamlet). But wait, there’s more... Jan Latham-König is the man with the baton as the orchestra also sink their collective teeth into compositions by Prokofiev (Romeo & Juliet), Tchaikovsky (1812 Overture) and Rachmaninoff (Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - here performed by acclaimed CBSO: A Child Of Our Time Russian pianist Pavel Kolesnikov - Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 26 September pictured). CBSO Music Director Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla tion in 1938. (pictured) kickstarts the orchestra’s ėnew Perhaps best known for its most original season with a 20th century classic. feature - the use of African-American spiri- A strikingly original secular oratorio tuals - and using a three-part format based communicating a strong pacifist message, on that of Handel's Messiah, Tippet’s orato- Michael Tippet’s A Child Of Our Time was rio was well received when first performed composed during the first two years of the and retains its status as a work of brilliant Second World War. originality. The composer found his inspiration for the The CBSO concert also features Benjamin work in Kristallnacht - the Nazi govern- Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem. ment's pogrom against its Jewish popula-

The Sixteen: The Luke Jones Choral Pilgrimage Piano Recital Centre Stage: Purcell St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham, Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School, Thurs 19 September Fri 27 September And Tchaikovsky The Sixteen were formed by conductor CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Harry Christophers 40 years ago with the Thurs 26 September aim of providing a fresh insight into The City of Birmingham Symphony Baroque, early classical and more contem- Orchestra’s new Centre Stage season gets porary music. under way in fine style, as six CBSO string Recognised as one of the world’s greatest players come together to unleash ‘a burst ensembles, with over 100 recordings under of pure musical sunshine’. their belt and numerous accolades to their Henry Purcell’s reason for writing name, they return to the Midlands this Chacony in G minor is unclear; many month to perform a concert featuring Sir speculate that it was perhaps a piece of James MacMillan’s O virgo prudentissima. A Bromsgrove Competition winner in the incidental music for a now-long-forgotten The piece is presented alongside music by spring of last year - and with two Royal play. Wylkynson, Sheppard, Tavener and Eric Birmingham Conservatoire appearances Tchaikovsky’s string sextet, Souvenir de Whitacre. under his belt during the 2018/19 season - Florence, was inspired by the composer’s Wrexham-born pianist Luke Jones is a fast- time in the Italian city, a destination to rising star on the UK’s classical music which he often travelled in order to relax scene. and let his hair down. His contentment Luke further presents his credentials in this with his lot during these particular latest concert, playing a programme that periods of time is joyously reflected in the features compositions by Debussy, Ravel, sextet, which is scored for two violins, two Schumann and Prokofiev. violas and two cellos. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 GIGS September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:19 Page 1 GIGS September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:19 Page 2

Gigs

Keane Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 24 September Keane return to the forefront of the music scene with new offering Cause And Effect - their fifth studio album, to be released on 20 September. One of Britain’s best-loved bands, their four previous albums have all entered the UK charts at number one, accumulating 13 million-plus worldwide sales and 2.6 billion streams. Fronted by Tom Chaplin, the band achieved mainstream international success with the release of debut album Hopes And Fears in 2004.

Muse Law, Absolution, The Resistance and Drones, all of which made it to the number- Arena Birmingham, Tues 17 September one spot in the official UK charts. Comprising Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard Widely recognised as one of the best live and Chris Wolstenholme, rock band Muse bands in the world, Muse have won a clutch released their eighth studio album, Simula- of coveted music awards, including two tion Theory, last year. Its predecessors Grammys, two Brits and an impressive 10 include Black Holes & Revelations, The 2nd NMEs. Rodrigo y Gabriela O2 Institute, Birmingham, Mon 30 September Fresh from the release of new album Mettavo- Khalid Pixies lution, Mexican acoustic-rock duo Rodrigo y Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, O2 Academy, Birmingham, Gabriela are back in the UK. Sat 21 September Mon 16 September The pair's recordings consist largely of instru- Having collaborated with the likes of Calvin To coincide with the release of brand new mental duets on the flamenco guitar, their Harris, Shawn Mendes, Benny Blanco and studio album Beneath The Eyrie, Pixies have sound being heavily influenced by genres Halsey, 21-year-old multi-platinum-selling embarked on a year-long world tour. including nuevo flamenco, rock and heavy singer-songwriter Khalid brings his current Comprising Black Francis, Joey Santiago, metal. world touring show to Birmingham in David Lovering and Paz Lenchantin, the support of third album Free Spirit, which band are best known for singles including peaked at number two in the UK charts. Where Is My Mind? and Here Comes Your Man, their lyrics covering offbeat subjects such as extraterrestrials, surrealism, incest Dizraeli and biblical violence. Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, The new tour sees the band perform tracks Sun 22 September from all points in their career, as well as Winner of the Farrago UK Slam Champi- songs from the new album. onships and the BBC Radio Four Poetry Slam, Bristol-based Dizraeli is a rapper, poet and musician. Although rooted strongly in hip-hop tradi- tions, his work draws inspiration from old folk music, recognising the common ground shared by songs of the people from any point in history. A favourite on the festival scene, Dizraeli has played Glastonbury, Latitude, the Eden Project and the Royal Festival Hall. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 T Rextasy.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:57 Page 1 T Rextasy.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:57 Page 2

children of the revolution T.Rextasy’s lead vocalist and lead guitarist Danielz chats ahead of their Shrewsbury gig...

Why did you form T.Rextasy? tended soloing and performance. stage and giving the audience a live experience. Fans are coming to have a good time, In 1992 I was an original musician who was Tell us about your band members... and when I see people smiling and doing just promised recording deals from various com- Well, there’s me, Danielz - I take on lead vo- that, it makes it really worthwhile. I also love panies but always let down at the last hurdle. cals and lead guitar - Neil Cross - who plays plugging my Gibson Les Paul into that amp I decided to form T.Rextasy and go out play- rhythm guitar and does backing vocals - Rob and giving it some. There’s nothing like it! ing the music of Marc Bolan - an artist who I’d Butterfield - who plays bass guitar and does always loved while growing up. As Marc died What have been the highlights of your backing vocals - and John Skelton, who plays in 1977, I wanted people to experience the en- career so far? drums and percussion. I’m very fortunate ergy, excitement, the wonderful songs and with my musicians, as they’re skilful, loyal performance he gave - always 100%. It was Playing Wembley Arena. We’ve done that and love playing the music. this that drove me to push the band as far as I three times over the years - and as it was Marc’s biggest gig in the UK, it was a double- could. How do you prepare for a gig? whammy for me to play there too. Did you ever see Marc and T.Rex Live? I try to get to each venue in good time, as I Another highlight was obtaining a major have a sequence of activities that I go record deal with Columbia Records and re- Yes, I saw them four times; twice in Germany, through. On arrival, I go into my dressing leasing a couple of albums in Japan, which, in in 1972 and ’73 - my dad was in the Forces, so room, unpack my clothing and make-up, and turn, enabled us to tour out there twice, on my family was based there for a few years - set it all out in order. I then go out to eat. It the second tour meeting up and chatting with and then twice in England, in 1976 and ’77. takes our roadie about 90 minutes to unload David Bowie. Marc’s concerts were crazy - fans screaming and set up all the equipment, then another 30 Obtaining a publishing deal to write my auto- and dancing, singing and shouting. They minutes for the engineer to mic up, so it give biography was another highlight. I think I most certainly were not a serene affair! I try s us time to chill before sound-check. In the was the first guy in a tribute band to be ap- and recreate at least an atmosphere of those band, we all have our specific sounds that we proached by a publishing company to write times - although at some venues times have require in each stage monitor. After that, we about my life, which I was nicely pleased changed and acting in that way is frowned sort out the out-front sound. With our regular about. The book is called The Spirit Of Marc upon! However, I do try to encourage fans to sound engineer, this normally takes only Bolan (Wymer Publishing). get involved with the gig as much as possible. about 30 minutes, which is great. After Then there was being called up by Marc Al- It is a rock’n’roll gig, after all! My costumes sound-check, it’s backstage to sort out my mond and recording a single with him called are based on Marc’s originals, and as I own band merchandise, and then I normally play Death Of A Dandy, and then having it pro- some of his original clothing, I’ve been able to music on my I-Pod, which relaxes me while duced and mixed by legendary Bolan/Bowie get some things made very close to them. We I’m putting on my make-up and changing into producer Tony Visconti. play, as Marc did, 100% live, raw and raunchy my stage clothing. Then I go to the side of the I think as well just gaining credibility with - just how T.Rex would’ve been back in the stage to check the tuning of all my guitar major original artists, meaning that they’ve day. This is what makes the experience excit- s, and then, believe it or not, it’s showtime! appeared as our guests on stage, or we’ve ing. A few years ago, we even had an original been on the bill with them. So these include member, Dino Dines (Marc’s keyboardist) join What can an audience expect from one of Slade, Roy Wood of Wizzard, Alvin Stardust, the band, until his demise. I think having your concerts? Shakin’ Stevens, Steve Harley, Glen Matlock original members join a tribute band says a of the Sex Pistols, Boy George, Holly Johnson lot for our credibility and for us as a live unit, Excitement, enjoyment and the chance to from Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The not to mention the fact we’ve received en- sing along, boogie, clap and shout. I don’t Sweet. dorsements from Marc’s own family and his mind if fans call out for a song - I usually There are plenty of other highlights too, but record company. oblige them by singing a couple of verses to them if it’s a track that’s not in the actual set. that could well be a book in itself... What’s your favourite T.Rex track? A bit of heckling doesn’t go amiss either, as one-to-one contact with the crowd gives the This differs, as it’s not the same as playing a evening an extra-special kick! favourite track live. My fave track of all time T.Rextasy perform at Theatre Severn, is a song called Metal Guru, but in terms of What do you enjoy most about the Shrewsbury, on Saturday 7 September; playing live, it could be one of many. Let’s say performances? Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 18 Octo- for now that it’s Get It On, as we do an eight- ber; Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Sat 19 October; minute version that encapsulates the single I absolutely love playing the songs of T.Rex. Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 28 and also how Marc played it live, with ex- It’s the actual buzz one gets from going on November; The Robin, Bilston, Tues 31 December MAC Full September 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:26 Page 1 Festivals September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:22 Page 2

Festivals

Moseley Folk & Arts Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 30 August - Sun 1 September Tucked away behind Birmingham’s busy streets, the beautiful Moseley Park is one of the city's hidden gems, transformed each year into an enchanting escape by one of the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psychedelia and indie favourites against a magical backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush foliage and a beautiful lake. New for 2019 is a rich programme of arts & crafts, comedy & cabaret, poetry & literature and talks & debates. Line-up includes: Don McClean, Jake Bugg, Public Service Broadcasting (pictured), The Zutons, Richard Thompson, Lucy Rose, Edwyn Collins, Daoiri Farrell, Peggy Seeger.

Onboard The Craft Stratford-on-Avon Bromyard Folk Festival Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove, Music Festival Bromyard, Worcestershire, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 September Thurs 5 - Sun 8 September Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Organised by Sonic Rock Solstice Events and Fri 13 - Sat 21 September Taking place for the 52nd time, Bromyard’s set in the beautiful Worcestershire country- much-loved celebration of folk music is now side, Onboard The Craft returns for an eighth a well-established tradition in and of itself. year to present a programme of space rock, This year’s event promises more than 170 prog & blues. hours of entertainment, with some of the Four days camping is included in the price of finest national and international folk a weekend ticket, while children under 14 musicians headlining a programme that also can attend free of charge when accompanied includes workshops, sing-arounds, ceilidhs, by an adult ticket purchaser. dance displays, children’s entertainment and a traditional craft market. Line-up includes: Evil Blizzard (pictured), Here & Now, Mr Strange, Under Groundhogs, Line-up includes: Kathryn Tickell and The Capt. Roswell & The Lost Alien Tribe, Dr Has- Darkening, Flook, Melrose Quartet, The been, Joshua Burnell Band, Orange Clocks, Daoirí Farrell Trio, Jackie Oates and John Sonic Trip Project, Civilian Zen, Strip Search Spiers, Les Poules à Colin, Edgelarks, Tramp, Sister Sandwich, Second Sunset, Fire- The Stratford-on-Avon Music Festival Granny’s Attic, Will Pound and Eddy Jay, garden, Wood Demons, Spiral Navigators. presents a week of high-quality chamber Kelly Oliver (pictured), The Tweed Project. music aimed at the local community, with a particular focus on young artists. Strong local partnerships with established arts organisations are in place for 2019, not only to reinforce quality community participation but also to emphasise the festival’s importance to the town’s annual cultural offer. Line-up i ncludes: Roderick Williams and Christopher Glynn (pictured), Raphael Wall- fisch Cello Recital, Aquinas Piano Trio and Rebecca Low, Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, Thibaut Garcia Guitar Recital, Gildas Quartet and Jack McNeill.

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Bradley Wiggins online.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:55 Page 1

BRADLEY WIGGINS TheThe five-timefive-time OOlympiclympic ggoldold medalmedal winnerwinner cyclescycles intointo BBrum...rum... Bradley Wiggins online.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:55 Page 2

The most decorated Olympic athlete in British sporting history and the first Brit ever to win the Tour de France, Sir Bradley Wiggins is heading out on an altogether different kind of tour this month. Neill Barston caught up with the five-time Olympic gold medal winner ahead of his visit to Birmingham, where he’ll be talking about his life and career in his show, Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With...

Covering this year’s Tour de France as a com- Sir Bradley is currently focusing on a number bringing. mentator proved to be a highly memorable ex- of projects, including sports broadcasting and “In a weird way, my father is still my hero. I’ve perience for five-time Olympic gold medal his nationwide touring show, Bradley Wig- kept two of his riding jerseys, even though I winner Sir Bradley Wiggins. gins: An Evening With. The show, which visits detested the man as he left us when I was just the Midlands this month, sees him reflecting “Covering the tour made me realise just how a baby. But my mum still glorified him, so if it on his lengthy career and discussing some of much I love it,” says Sir Bradley. “When hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have had my the personal heroes who feature in his latest you’re competing, there’s a lot of emotion career.” book, Icons. taken up actually dealing with the event and As a 12-year-old, Sir Bradley took up cycling getting over the line. It’s hard to get excited at “I’ve been enjoying doing these shows, as I on the same south London circuit his dad had the end of a race, so watching it as a fan, like to break down perceptions. I feel you once ridden. But cycling was never going to without all the pressure, was great. never really know someone until you’ve heard help him fit in with the tough neighbourhood their story properly. “Going back to the tour and seeing some of kids. He even resorted to wearing tracksuits those climbs brought back memories of just “It gives me the chance to meet people, and I over his riding gear for fear that he’d receive a how hard it is. While people can make it look can particularly remember speaking to one barrage of homophobic abuse because of his easy, it really isn’t - especially when you see guy in Nottingham. He said his wife would re- clothing. guys getting taken out of the peloton and ally have loved the show, but she hadn’t made He earned his spurs in the early part of his ca- some of the crashes you witness. It can be it as she’d just died of cancer. So I just told reer as a track specialist before turning to brutal. him that she was right there with him. So with road racing: “I never found the process of this kind of show, people get to see your emo- “But it was a brilliant event. Cycling is all that going to road racing hard at all. I’m someone tions, and I’m certainly looking forward to I’ve ever known, right back to my school days who can be coached, so it came easily to me. getting out there again.” when I was focusing on my riding rather than If it was a question of having to lose weight all the lessons.” Something else which Sir Bradley is focusing for the tour, then it was just something I did.” on is providing support for the next genera- Despite Sir Bradley’s love of the sport, quit- After coming fourth in the 2009 Tour de tion of potential cycling stars: “Cycling is a ting three years ago to fully focus on the chal- France, Sir Bradley started to be taken seri- great and necessary force in my life and lenges of raising a young family with his wife ously as a road-based rider. But it wasn’t until something I’ve been institutionalised in as at their home in Lancashire was not a difficult joining Team Sky in 2010 (recently re-named well as passionate about. If there’s a legacy decision to make. Ineos under new sponsors) that he embarked from what I’ve done it’s in terms of helping on his most impressive era of success. While the celebrity status following his un- young people develop an interest in cycling precedented back-to-back victories at the and getting out there on their bikes. “I know it means a lot to other people that I Tour de France and London Olympics in 2012 won the tour and Olympics in 2012, but I “For many kids there’s a lot that keeps them may not have sat entirely comfortably with wouldn’t be a very good person if those were indoors on their iPads, so one of the great him, the wider effect of ‘Wiggo’s win’ was the things that were the most important to me things about cycling is that it’s something out- clearly tangible. Cycling in the UK enjoyed a in my life.” doors you can do as a family - you can’t go out significant resurgence that’s shown no sign of and play rugby as a family.” subsiding. Sir Bradley was born in Ghent, Belgium, but Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With is The achievement led to his knighthood in his mother moved them to London after his presented at Birmingham’s Symphony 2013. Three years later, at the Rio Olympics, father, who was also a cyclist, parted from the Hall on Friday 20 September. he won a final gold as part of the winning family. He had no involvement in his son’s up- British team pursuit squad. Comedy September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:30 Page 1

Comedy

Gary Meikle The Place, Telford, Fri 20 September Rising star Gary Meikle has had a real rags- to-riches life experience. By the age of 16, he’d been kicked out of four schools, involved with gangs, packed off to a children’s home by his mother and was drinking heavily. A one-night-stand led to the birth of his daughter, Ainsley, who now has a daughter of her own - Gracie. The three of them currently live together in Glasgow. In recent times Gary has become enor- mously popular both on the comedy circuit - where he’s even joked about his daughter’s first period - and social media, where his rants about eyebrows, hair extensions and ‘dick pics’ have gone viral. He’s visiting the Midlands this month with his latest show, The iBrow Guy. Mawaan Rizwan Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 12 September In the first year that stand-up comedian and More recently, Mawaan’s brother, Nabhaan, Rob Delaney actor Mawaan Rizwan made videos for bagged the starring role in the highly YouTube, he accumulated one million acclaimed BBC television series Informer - The REP, Birmingham, Mon 16 September views. In the second year, that number sky- and even Mawaan’s dad has found his way rocketed to more than six million... onto the radio! The cause of the stark difference between To his credit, Mawaan has taken it all in his those two totals was his mother, Shahnaz... stride and makes light of the way in which Mawaan made a video with her in which the rest of his family have seemingly the pair bantered back and forth, and it accelerated beyond him on the rocky road proved such a hit that they decided to make to showbiz stardom. more. And then Bollywood came calling - Not that he’s exactly doing too badly him- for Mawaan’s mum! self, mind, having not so long ago starred in Shahnaz went on to become one of the most the emotionally disturbing BBC drama, recognised faces in Asia after starring in a Murdered By My Father. American comic Rob Delaney is best known TV series called Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (This He visits Birmingham this month with his on this side of the Atlantic for co-starring Is Love). well-reviewed touring show, Juice. with Sharon Horgan in four series of hit Channel Four comedy Catastrophe. He was also once voted the funniest person on Twitter. Rob bagged the accolade from Rob Rouse Comedy Central for his clever line in glee- Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, fully juvenile and sometimes overtly sexual Fri 13 September offerings. Boasting a plethora of TV credits, Rob Rouse At this point, we could reproduce his peddles a hyperactive brand of humour rude’n’crude Twitter musing on whether the that’s much in demand. contents of Catwoman’s litter tray acts like “I’m hugely lucky not to have a real job,” an aphrodisiac on Batman - but we won’t. says Rob. “Something that essentially used Somewhat more palatable Twitter fare to get me told off at school now earns me a includes, “As far as I’m concerned, the scari- living. There’s stuff that I wasn’t meant to est thing to come out of the Muslim world is say at school, or things that I wasn’t meant algebra”, and “WiFi at my uncle's funeral is to say at work, that I can now say on stage. I a ****ing joke...” can arse about and say exactly what I want, Rob’s movie credits include Deadpool 2, in regardless of how offensive people may or which he played fan favourite ‘Peter W.’. may not think it is. Without being churlish The newest member of the X-Force team of about it, it feels like a very healthy way for superheroes, he had no powers but “just me to live my life.” responded to the ad”.

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:30 Page 2

Tape Face Romesh Ranganathan Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 19 September Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 26 September; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Otherwise known as The Boy With Tape On Saturday 16 November His Face, hailed as a modern-day Buster Keaton and described as 'a mad scientist of With his support slots having included one vaudevillian pranks', there's no doubt that for Ricky Gervais, it’s fair to say former maths Canadian comedian Sam Wills brings some- teacher Romesh Ranganathan has made a thing to the table which is just that little bit significant impact since bursting onto the different. Mime with noise, stand-up with comedy circuit in 2010. no talking, and drama with no acting are It’s all a far cry from his previous career in a among the novelty numbers he peddles in Crawley classroom. "In the early days, I his shows, which have also been known to would be performing to eight people in a pub include magic, puppetry and Motown. Oh, and my sixth formers would turn up,” and references to the films of Patrick Romesh recalls in an interview with Crawley Swayze... Jonny Awsum supports. News. “I couldn't help but think, 'Oh God, this isn't going to end well’. It undermined my authority to tell the students off the next day, because it must’ve been hilarious for them to see me die on stage and think, 'I'm just going to heckle him now'!” Romesh’s latest show, The Cynic’s Mixtape, is a carefully curated selection of all the things he’s found unacceptable since his last tour. These include why trying to save the environment is a scam, why nobody is truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him. Luke Kempner The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 28 September; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs Live At The RSC 3 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 12 October Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 12 - Sat 21 September Proving that comedy at the RSC isn’t con- Rounding off the festival is Adam Kay, about fined to William Shakespeare’s cobwebbed whose act a watching Stephen Fry once collection of 16th century witticisms, this declared, “This made me very, very happy.” two-weekend festival features some of the Numerous sell-out years at the Edinburgh circuit’s most well-respected comics. Fringe and tens of millions of YouTube hits Among the better-known names contributing later, former obstetrician and gynaecologist to proceedings are Bridget Christie & Milton Adam is here presenting his latest touring Jones (pictured), Matt Forde, Suzi Ruffell, show, This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries Of Zoe Lyons and Rory Bremner, while lovers of A Junior Doctor. Expect splendidly silly spoof Puppeteer, dancer, singer, pianist, actor, Edinburgh Fringe phenomenon Showstop- songs and some seriously shocking stories impressionist and stand-up comedian Luke per! can enjoy watching a brand new musical from the NHS frontline... Kempner began his showbusiness career in comedy being created from scratch. musical theatre, playing Marius in the UK touring version of Les Misérables. Comedy-wise he’s since made a name for himself on screen in shows including Murder In Successville and as resident funnyman on Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side. Luke is currently touring House Of Faces, a show about television that has plenty to recommend it but which hasn’t met with universal approval. Critics have felt it contains so many references to TV programmes that all but the most ardent of telly watchers will struggle to keep up. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 The Entertainer.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:54 Page 1

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU Shane Richie brings Archie Rice to life in updated version of iconic play

22 whatsonlive.co.uk The Entertainer.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:54 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

John Osborne’s The Entertainer, widely considered to be among the greatest plays of the 20th century, is this autumn touring for the first time ever. West End and EastEnders star Shane Richie talks to What’s On about playing the character of Archie Rice, one of the most iconic roles in British theatre...

Written by John Osborne in the 1950s, The real thrill and an honour.” Jamie is all about diversity and embracing Entertainer tells the story of washed-up music everyone, regardless of differences. Archie is Shane has no worries about the update from hall star Archie Rice. A performer long past the polar opposite. He’s racist, homophobic, the ’50s to the ’80s: “If you’ve never seen the his expiry date, Archie is struggling to negoti- sexist - so far removed from the subject matter original, it won’t matter. This is almost like an ate the changing sociopolitical landscape of of Jamie. I’ve loved having the opportunity to entirely new piece all on its own in terms of the mid-20th century... play both characters this year, as it’s really the setting. Whereas the original is set against exciting for me to do such different projects.” Heading out on tour for the first time ever, the backdrop of the Suez Crisis, this version The Entertainer has been updated somewhat - deals with the Falklands. A lot of people who Playing Archie Rice seems to have brought to the 1980s - and unfolds against the back- were around in the 1980s will remember that Shane’s career full-circle: “I started off as a drop of the Falklands War and Margaret the face of comedy was really changing then. jobbing actor at the age of 15 or 16. I did a Thatcher. The production is directed by Sean We had new, upcoming sitcoms like The couple of seasons in holiday parks, where in O’Connor and stars Shane Richie - best Young Ones and Spitting Image, and comics between acting jobs I had a stand-up act. So known as EastEnders’ Alfie Moon - in the title like Archie Rice just became dinosaurs coming towards my 20s, I was performing in role. overnight. So The Entertainer is basically pubs, clubs and anywhere I could, just to about how Archie can’t seem to cope with that keep my head above water. So that’s where it “The Entertainer really is like nothing you’ve and just loses his s*** really!” started for me. Playing a character like Archie ever seen before,” says Shane. “If you don’t Rice now is really interesting because I’ve have a sense of humour or you’re easily Shane thinks the play really resonates in seen him; as I was starting off my career, the offended, you might not enjoy it! It’s a real 2019: “It seems that every 30 or so years careers of people like Archie were coming to tough piece - a real slice of social realism - there’s great social and political change. I an end.” and deals with sexism, racism, homophobia... think we’re in that place now, just like we all the things that are still around today to were back in the ’80s with Margaret Shane has every intention of going one better some degree. Most of all, though, it’s a thrill Thatcher’s government, the Trades Union than Archie by remaining in-demand: “When to watch because it’ll really get your back up disputes and the Falklands. I feel like The this tour is over, I’ll be doing panto - another and show you how much society has or hasn’t Entertainer allows us to question and explore completely different role. Then next year I’ll changed socially and politically over the last how much we’ve actually moved forward. It be going on tour with Everybody’s Talking 30-odd years. If I wasn’t in it, I’d want to see will be interesting to see if those who come About Jamie, and then I’ll hopefully get to it!” and see it think we’ve progressed that much have a holiday. I know that Tootsies has just or not - so in that way, it’s really exciting. opened on Broadway, and I’d love to be in it if Archie Rice is a role that’s been earmarked for it came over here to the UK. I’d also love to Shane for over a decade: “I was approached “Back in the day, The Entertainer came out as play Sweeney Todd.” by the director, Sean O’Connor, about 12 years a real state-of-the-nation play, off the back of ago. He spoke to me about it when we met John Osborne’s other major work, Look Back For now, though, Shane is concentrating on while I was working on EastEnders. I was too In Anger. Osborne was a real maverick. He The Entertainer - and firmly believes that young at the time, so he told me he’d wait was part of a group of playwrights who made audiences should grab the opportunity to see until I was in my mid-50s because he was sure theatre for and about the actual working the production with both hands: “This show I’d make a great Archie Rice. So I guess I’ve class. He turned that on its head, though, and has never toured the UK before, and there’s a been clock-watching since then! made stark social commentary by putting a reason for that - it really is asking the audi- mirror up to the audience. So the play was ence who we are as a society. In the show, I’m “The characters I’ve played in the past have really relevant back then, and I think we can doing some very different stand-up to what been likeable, whether that be Alfie Moon or still see a bit of ourselves in it now.” I’ve ever been used to, so it’ll be interesting on Benidorm. To play Archie Rice, who’s so both for me and the audience. The Entertainer out of step and such a total opposite, goes Given the wide-ranging nature of his show- really isn’t to be passed up!” against everything I’ve ever learnt as a business career, it’s fair to say that Shane performer. Obviously, when you go out on himself is something of an ‘entertainer’. His stage as a stand-up comic, you want people to CV includes stand-up comedy, straight acting, The Entertainer shows at Malvern like you. Archie Rice doesn’t care whether you and performing in the West End as a drag Theatres from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 like him or not, and he goes against all my queen... September; Wolverhampton Grand principles. I like stretching and challenging “I’ve just finished playing Hugo - also known Theatre from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 myself, pushing how far I can take the charac- as drag queen Loco Channel - in Everybody’s October; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from ter, so that’s also why I wanted to play Archie. Talking About Jamie. Hugo is a character at Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 October; and I’ll also be following in the footsteps of the the complete opposite end of the spectrum Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Monday likes of Laurence Olivier, Robert Lindsay, from Archie Rice. Everybody’s Talking About 18 to Saturday 23 November. Michael Gambon, Kenneth Branagh - it’s a

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Cabaret worth stepping into the lead part of the legendary Sally Bowles, a nightly performer at the infamous Kit Kat Klub in early-1930s Berlin. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 3 - Sat 7 September; Featuring ‘show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and some Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 22 - Sat 26 October; of the most iconic songs in musical theatre’ - including, of course, the Malvern Theatres, Tues 19 - Sat 23 November famous title number - Cabaret is helmed by National Theatre Artistic When a show visits the region which, between its stage and screen Director Rufus Norris and choreographed by the Olivier Award-win- versions, boasts multiple Oscars, BAFTAs and Tony Awards, it makes ning Javier de Frutos. sense to get along and check it out. Cabaret is one such show. Veteran song & dance star Anita Harris also features. John Partridge here takes on the role of Emcee, with Kara Lily Hay-

Blood Brothers The Lovely Bones Gaslight Birmingham Hippodrome, The REP, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sat 21 September Mon 30 September - Sat 12 October The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, This poignant human drama, based on Alice Se- Although it’s effectively a class-driven ‘scouse Mon 30 September - bold’s best-selling novel, concerns a murdered melodrama’, to describe Blood Brothers as such Sat 5 October girl who watches from heaven as her family at- is to greatly underestimate the emotional re- Bella Manningham’s life is a tempts to cope with their devastating loss... sponse it produces within its audience. The fun-free zone. Losing her Featuring adult themes and a soundtrack com- show features adult actors playing children, a mind and feeling trapped in bining 1970s favourites with original music, the narrator who wanders through the scenes with her gloomy home, she sits production makes a welcome return to The REP warnings of impending doom, a good helping of alone each night dreading the after scoring a major hit first time round. sharp social awareness to counteract the sticky sound of footsteps from sentimentality and a raft of much-loved musical locked and empty rooms, numbers, including Bright New Day, Marilyn waiting for the gaslight to Monroe and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s dim. Not True. It’s also one of only three musicals to When a stranger arrives one have been performed more than 10,000 times in evening with a terrifying tale the London West End. to tell, Bella must work out whether her visitor is really there to help, or whether she herself is about to descend into a pit of madness from which she may never return... Martin Shaw stars in this brand new production of Patrick Hamilton’s classic play.

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There’s a Storm Coming... Eye of The Storm Amy Wadge.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:56 Page 2

by Nicholas Davies

Eye Of The Storm is a ground-breaking climate change musical about the whirlwind world of a young carer who dreams of becoming a stormchaser in America… The family show is a collaboration between Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge and South Wales theatre company Theatr na nÓg. We spoke to Amy and Theatr na nÓg’s director, Geinor Styles, to find out more about the show...

Although Eye Of The Storm is an award-win- straight away on the musicians we love.” Vortex Engine, which artificially generates ning family musical that confronts weighty is- tornadoes - is being developed to create sus- The choice of a country-style songbook seems sues including young carers, the climate tainable energies and features prominently in somewhat curious for a musical set mainly in emergency and the worrying decline in the Eye Of The Storm. a caravan park in South Wales. number of girls studying science, songwriter “Originally all we wanted was for Emmie to be Amy Wadge is determined to ensure that her “The main character, Emmie, dreams of being a girl with big aspirations who invents some- music makes the show an uplifting experi- in America, chasing tornadoes,” Geinor ex- thing to do with extreme weather systems,” ence for its audiences. plains. “Driving those long distances, with explains Amy. “It was only when Louis that amazing landscape, it only ever seems to You may not know her name, but you will def- Michaud told us that what we’d done was cre- be country you hear on the radio there. The initely have heard Amy’s music. Her long-run- ate a climate change musical that we realised songs can be so poignant and yet really clever ning songwriting partnership with Ed how important that aspect was. Since 2017, and ironic. Country tells a story within a song, Sheeran has yielded numerous worldwide those issues have become a huge priority for so you don’t have to play tricks with the audi- hits - as well as a Grammy award in 2016 for all of us, and so we’ve tweaked a lot of the ence.” Thinking Out Loud. She has since worked things about that. Emmie realises that what with artists including John Legend, Kylie Amy agrees about the choice of genre: “Obvi- she does could change the world.” Minogue, Keith Urban and Camila Cabello. ously country is usually Texas or Tennessee or So does such heavy subject matter impinge on wherever, but there’s something about Wales Amy is excited about creating her first stage the process of creating an entertaining family- that, for me, lends itself to country music musical with South Wales company Theatr na friendly musical? more than anywhere else in Europe. It’s got a nÓg: “You watch Stormzy at Glastonbury, small-town vibe, and our character lives in a “If you’re clever about it, then you make where people are making a really strong point trailer park - albeit in Wales. The story talks something which, firstly, people will like and about something, about certain issues, but about coming from nothing, and about hard- which isn’t too preachy,” says Amy. “It’s not with music it’s drip-fed in a way that feels ex- ship - the same stuff country music does.” too highbrow but it says something. People citing. And I think, emotionally, people accept messages in musicals much more who’re going to the theatre are ready to be Initially Geinor and her team developed Eye these days.” open to these things.” Of The Storm through drama workshops con- ducted with young carers in the Valleys and Amy’s recording studio is adorned with gold Amy and Theatr na nÓg’s director, Geinor facilitated by Barnardo’s: “One of the things discs, numerous awards and framed pho- Styles, have just finished polishing off some they said to me was, ‘Why would you do a tographs showing her hanging out with the new songs for Eye Of The Storm. After a short play about being a young carer? We don’t likes of Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Could run in 2017, the show is returning for a UK want to be labelled as that - you’re not treat- she be tempted away from the recording tour this autumn. Amy is a woman in de- ing us as normal kids’. We then realised we world again to write more musicals? mand, so what did she find attractive about needed to make the show about the aspira- the idea of working on a project with a small, “I hope musical theatre features in my future. tions of someone who just happens to be a subsidised theatre company based in Neath? I’ve had offers, but it’s a different challenge. carer.” In my usual job, I have to write to a strict brief “I knew of Theatr na nÓg and who Geinor The pressing problem of climate change has and a record company will tell me ‘this has to was, but that was it, to be honest,” she ad- presented Geinor and Amy with a new cre- be a hit’ or whatever, so to be given a script mits. “Thinking Out Loud had literally just ative challenge as they prepare to relaunch like Geinor’s and to be able to do what I want come out, so life hadn’t gone completely Eye Of The Storm two years on from its pre- with it…well, it was freeing. It’s been a real crazy yet, and I got an email asking if I miere. It was at that premiere that Louis gift.” wanted to provide some country songs for a Michaud, a Canadian scientist acting as the show Geinor was developing. At that point I show’s consultant, observed the power of the wasn’t going back and forth to Nashville as play’s message. much, so any chance I got to write country, I Eye Of The Storm shows in Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio next month, jumped on it. Geinor and I met and connected Michaud’s own invention - the Atmospheric on Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 October. Theatre New .qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 10:32 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from across the region...

Stardust Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 14 - Sat 21 September This is British theatre’s first ever South Asian theatrical production to feature same-sex marriage. Presented by well-established performing arts company Phizzical, Stardust follows British-Asian singer Amar’s struggle to make his mark as a mainstream performer. While on his journey towards what he hopes will be real stardom, he discovers a long-lost star of the 1980s’ Bollywood music scene - and finds that events soon take a rather chilling turn... Speaking about the show and its inclusion of same-sex marriage, Stardust’s director, Samir Bhamra, said: “I’m an ally of the LGBTQI+ community and have actively supported some of their campaigns. When I look at the world around us today, reading the results of surveys and talking to people, I am discovering that sexuality is becoming more and more fluid, and that people are more open and accepting of their identities. We still have a long way to go to remove the impact of several centuries of colonisation, though.”

Barber Shop Chronicles Jane Eyre possible. And if London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s appraisal of the show is anything to go by - The REP, Birmingham, Malvern Theatres, Tues 24 - Sat 28 September he called it the cultural highlight of the year - Thurs 26 - Sat 28 September Blackeyed Theatre are the company behind then the duo have obviously succeeded in The value and importance of the barber shop this latest stage version of Charlotte Bronte's their intention. Although they do wonder if in the lives of African men is explored in this classic novel. For those not up to speed with maybe the mayor had had a few too many to critically acclaimed play from Inua Ellams. the story, it follows the orphaned Jane as drink on the occasion he shared his opinion! While the main action takes place in a south she's sent by her cruel Aunt Reed to the bleak London barbers, the story also drops in on Lowood School. On securing a position as haircutting premises in Lagos, Johannesburg, governess at Thornfield Hall, Jane finds her- The Fizzogs: Harare, Accra and Kampala. self falling for the charms of enigmatic mas- The play’s series of intertwining vignettes ter Edward Rochester, unaware that the new Back In Our Day cleverly illustrates the way in which the object of her affection harbours a dark and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, barbershop is so many things to so many terrible secret... Mon 9 September people - from a political platform and Black Country laughter merchants The confession box to a preacher-pulpit and Fizzogs make a welcome return with their newsroom... The Olivier Award-winning Bijan The Hound Of The internet sensations The Dancing Grannies, Sheibani directs. Baskervilles presenting a production that charts the elderly trio’s fabulous friendship, from the Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, 1940s right through to the present day. Mon 2 - Sat 14 September “Our shows are riotous, poignant and nostal- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is gic,” say The Fizzogs, “but most of all, one of literature’s most enduring characters, they’re hysterically funny. Even the BBC like The Hound Of The Baskervilles his most us and said that if they had the money you’d famous adventure. Yet no matter how many see us on the telly box.” actors don the deerstalker and solve the mystery of the monstrous moorland beast, the story continues to be rehashed both for stage and screen. This time out, Dr John Watson is Dr Jane Wat- son and the two actors presenting the tale are determined to make it as fun and farcical as 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre New .qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 10:32 Page 4 Albany Theatre (1).qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2019 10:03 Page 1

Love at the Albany... AlbanyAlbany TheatreTheatre isis a relativelyrelatively newnew additionaddition ttoo TheThe theatre’stheatre’s auditorium,auditorium, boxbox officeoffice andand barbar CaterpillarCaterpillar andand I BelieveBelieve InIn UnicornsUnicorns byby Coventry’s burgeoning arts scene. The space have been tastefully refurbished and a Michael Morpurgo. There are other family- theatre’s main house, however, already had a curved roof added to achieve better acoustics friendly productions throughout the season long history prior to the Albany’s opening in in the main performance space. Albany too, including Dear Zoo Live and Ballet 2013. Theatre also features a new studio space - Theatre UK’s version of The Wizard Of Oz, a perfect for more intimate or cabaret-style show for which the Albany is letting in one Earlsdon Place - the magnificent art deco- performances. child free for every adult ticket purchased. style building that houses the Albany - was It’s hoped that the offer will encourage built in 1935 as a technical college on the There remains work to be done. With no Arts youngsters to engage with ballet. corner of Albany Street and The Butts. Council funding and only a small amount Albany Theatre’s main house was the site of coming from the city council, the Albany For adult audiences, there are theatrical the college’s main lecture theatre but started relies solely on its sales profit and the hard productions ranging from an adaptation of to be used for theatre, music and arts graft of its volunteers and staff. They aim to Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre to risqué adults- performances during World War Two. raise enough money to convert the remaining only panto Jack (Off) And The Beanstalk. space into more studios, which will hopefully The building is now divided up into various Music nights at the venue see some of the house some of the groups that are springing businesses, one of which is Albany Theatre. country’s best tribute acts taking to the stage, up on Coventry’s fast-emerging dance scene. Reopening the space as a dedicated arts including The Mersey Beatles and Waterloo - centre was made possible by the creation of a Despite the Albany’s funding challenges, the The Best Of Abba. There’s a blast from the charitable trust. The trust remains active and theatre continues to grow in reputation, past, too, when Kiki Dee hits town, while the is supported by dedicated volunteers who thanks in no small measure to some theatre’s Studio Sounds series provides a make the day-to-day running of the theatre imaginative programming. The upcoming high-profile showcase for the best in possible. This community spirit is also in autumn season provides an excellent upcoming music talent. evidence in the venue’s apprenticeship example of this... To view the full autumn programme at the programmes, harking back to its days as an October half term sees two kids’ shows venue, visit albanytheatre.co.uk. institute of education. taking place at the venue: The Very Hungry Albany Theatre (1).qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2019 10:03 Page 2

By Lauren Cole

Check out these highlights in Albany Theatre’s Autumn/Winter season...

BEYOND THERAPY COME DANCE WITH ME GEORGE ELIOT BICENTENARY Mon 16 - Wed 18 Sept Wed 25 Sept various dates in October This quick-witted and touching comedy Whenever life gets rough, everyone goes Shows celebrating the bicentenary of takes a look at modern-day relationships dancing! A darkly funny family drama full Coventry resident George Eliot include: and poses the question: Are we all ‘beyond of spectacular routines, Come Dance With Photography Exhibition: Coventry therapy?’ Me tells the true tale of two girls’ hopes and Photographic Society look at the local The storyline focuses on the characters of dreams - and their extraordinary battle for places that inspired Eliot’s famous novels. Prudence and Bruce, who meet through an survival through the tumultuous post-war From George To George: Margaret online ad with the help of their years of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Eddershaw’s compelling verse-drama is psychiatrists. But their date doesn’t go The show is choreographed by Richard based on Eliot’s relationship with the love quite according to plan... Marcel - the man who puts Strictly couples of her life, George Lewes. Silas Marner: Matt Lapinskas and Tracy Shaw star. through their paces. Adapted from Eliot’s story about a reclusive weaver and his redemptive relationship with a young orphan girl.

VOLGOGRAD/COVENTRY SNOW QUEEN THIS IS ME Sun 27 Oct Mon 9 - Sat 28 Dec Thurs 27 Feb A performance of traditional Russian Ceridwen Theatre Company make a Strictly Come Dancing favourite Giovanni dance, music and song to celebrate 75 welcome return to the Albany to present Pernice premieres his fourth year of years of the world’s very first twin cities. their brand new adaptation of this iconic touring at the Albany. Bringing together Performances include Russian folk and story - an inventive take on a classic tale of his natural Italian charm and infectious ballet from children’s dance company bravery, friendship, epic adventure and good humour with beautiful choreography Volzhanochka. They’ll be joined by local spellbinding magic. and a memorable soundtrack, This Is Me schools, composer/pianist Derek Nisbet, Combining music, thrills and humour, pays homage to the music and dances violinist Albert Zhmaev, pianist/conductor Snow Queen comes complete with a which have inspired Giovanni on his Yuri Ilinov and acclaimed soprano Yana friendly talking Yeti, who’ll be helping the career journey - from being a competition Besyadynskaya. audience as they head off on their journey dancer to one of the biggest stars on to a land of ice, snow and danger... Strictly. Theatre New .qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 10:32 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Calendar Girls: The Musical Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 24 - Sat 28 September Based on a true story, Calendar Girls tells the terrific tale of a group of women who spark a global phenomenon when they decide to pose nude for a charity calendar. Tim Firth and Gary Barlow’s award- winning stage version of the hit Julie Walters film stars Sarah Jane Buck- ley, Sue Devaney, Julia Hills, Judy Holt, Ruth Madoc, Lisa Maxwell and Rebecca Storm.

Handbagged the unfortunate Antonio, who bets on a ven- Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope ture that fails to repay and finds himself New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, forced to borrow money from Shylock, a The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sat 28 September Thurs 5 - Sat 7 September man he detests... This 90-minute produc- As you’d expect from an Olivier Award nomi- tion (specially created for children aged This one-man show debuted to rave reviews nee, Handbagged made a significant splash seven to 13) is brought to the stage by 22 ac- at the Edinburgh Festival and depicts the when it debuted in the West End. It specu- tors from the RSC’s Next Generation Com- legendary Quentin Crisp in two distinct lates about the relationship between Her pany. phases of his extraordinary life: firstly in the Majesty The Queen and Prime Minister Mar- late 1960s in his filthy Chelsea flat, where he garet Thatcher, two powerful and iconic surveys a lifetime of degradation and rejec- women who were born in the same year. But tion; and then in New York in the 1990s, what did the pair really talk about behind where, finally embraced by society, he re- closed palace doors? gales the audience with his hard-earned phi- The play was written by Moira Buffini in 2010 losophy on how to make the most of one’s and was originally a one-act show. Buffini ex- time on earth. “Life will be more difficult if panded it in 2013, since which time it’s gar- you try to become yourself,” he advises. nered plenty of praise from theatre critics “But avoiding this difficulty renders life and audiences alike. This new version is di- meaningless. So discover who you are. And rected by the playwright’s sister, Fiona. be it. Like mad!” The production is written and performed by Mark Farrelly, whose next solo show will ex- Dangerous Obsession Peeling plore the life of controversial gay filmmaker Derek Jarman. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 9 - Wed 11 September Sat 28 September NJ Crisp's classic thriller finds Sally Driscoll Alfa, Beaty and Coral are fierce, intelligent being watched by a man through the win- female performers who, it seems, are always dow - a man who, while not a total stranger the chorus and never the lead. Why should to her, is more likely to be remembered by that be? Perhaps because they’re deaf and her husband. Before too long, it becomes disabled performers - participants in a the- chillingly evident that the mysterious atrical endeavour only because it allows the stranger has something more on his mind box of inclusivity to be ticked (even though than simply making a social call... the dressing rooms are inaccessible!)... Kaite O’Reilly’s acclaimed play, first performed in 2002, shines a spotlight on the The Merchant Of Venice issue of inclusivity, questioning who are the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, real beneficiaries of the policy and vigor- Mon 30 September - Sat 5 October ously challenging societal expectations of Undoubtedly one of Shakespeare’s most dif- deaf and disabled women. ficult, complex and controversial works, The Presented by the always-compelling Taking Merchant Of Venice follows the fortunes of Flight theatre company.

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whatsonlive.co.uk 29 The Exorcist online.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:58 Page 1 The Exorcist iconic horror takes to the stage... The Exorcist online.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:58 Page 2

The Oscar-winning 1973 film version of William Peter Blatty’s novel, The Exorcist, was one of the 20th century’s most celebrated and successful movies. Now, a theatrical version that premiered in Birmingham and created a significant stir in the West End is returning to the Midlands as part of a national tour. What’s On caught up with the man who wrote the stage show, John Pielmeier...

Inspired by a true story, The Exorcist was a supposedly possessed by the devil. But it’s re- those recordings. I was watching Ian McK- successful novel and Oscar-winning film. ally about struggles of faith; the struggles that ellen doing all this amazing stuff. That was Now, a new stage production is coming to the her mother has with her own lack of faith, terrific.” Midlands direct from the West End. and those of the priest who’s trying to help John is thrilled that The Exorcist will be tour- her. I think all of us have gone through situa- The show has been written by the award-win- ing the UK: “I think it’s so important to take tions where we’ve changed our beliefs in ning John Pielmeier, who finds it surprising productions on tour around a country, to some way; times when we’ve lost faith or that no one had considered making The Exor- make these stories accessible to people both gained faith in something.” cist into a stage production before: “The story financially and in terms of proximity. I think is incredibly theatrical. It essentially takes John is particularly excited by the visual as- so many stories, and especially The Exorcist, place inside a house, mostly inside one room, pects of the production, which help bring the have something important to say. with a small number of characters. It’s very story to life on stage: “It was incredibly excit- “I hope audiences will be excited by The Ex- contained physically, but it’s absolutely ing seeing it for the first time. Ben Hart, who’s orcist and a little scared by it at times. They boundless in an emotional and intellectual the illusions designer on the show, is abso- might get a few of those chilling moments. way. lutely brilliant. I’d say, ‘Ben, this is what I was But I hope they will come away with a feeling thinking’ and he’d have an even better idea “Being in the same room in which it’s all hap- that it’s not just a horror story; there’s so because he knows so much more about it pening is a very different, wonderful experi- much more to it than that.” than I do.” ence to seeing a movie. Being in front of Having enjoyed an extensive, successful ca- living people reenacting something right be- Taking an interest in exploring the supernatu- reer writing plays, screenplays and novels - fore your eyes in a very present, tense way is ral through his work with The Exorcist has winning numerous awards into the bargain - an incredible experience.” helped John explore the concept of faith: “I is there anything John feels he has left to probably don’t believe in the devil in the way John has known about the story since the achieve? that he’s characterised in the play, but I think early 1970s, when William Peter Blatty’s origi- symbolically it’s a very powerful thing. I’ve al- “I try not to think of things in terms of nal novel was published. But it was the sec- ways been fascinated by asking questions achievement. What I want to achieve is to ond time he delved into the book, decades about the supernatural and not so much keep working and creating. Having my cre- later, that it had a profound effect on him: about finding the answers. A lot of these ations take form in a way that’s beyond what I “The novel was very interesting, scary and things we can’t know the answers to - that’s ever could’ve imagined from the words on my moving, but it didn’t affect me as much the why faith is about taking something without computer is the best I can hope for.” first time I read it as it did when I re-read it for proof.” this project. I took on the stage adaptation because I found so much of it related to my own The demon in The Exorcist will be voiced by The Exorcist shows at the Regent Theatre, inner life. It spoke to me as a person, and it Sir Ian McKellen. Stoke-on-Trent, from Tuesday 1 to was also something I felt I could comment on. Saturday 5 October, and at the Alexandra “What was so exciting about that, for me per- Theatre, Birmingham, from Tuesday 15 to “Yes, it’s a story about a 12-year-old girl who’s sonally, was to be in the studio when he made Saturday 19 October. Theatre New .qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 10:33 Page 7

Theatre Theatre & Dance previews from across the region...

Madagascar The Musical Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 25 - Sun 29 September The smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowd has tempted the furry cast of Madagascar the movie to forsake New York's Central Park Zoo in favour of treading the boards on a UK tour. The blockbuster DreamWorks film comes to life in The Potteries as Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the hip hip Hippo stampede their way into Stoke- on-Trent at the end of this month. Imaginative sets and costumes are all present and correct in a show that producers promise will send your kids home positively wild. X Factor-winner Matt Terry stars.

Stick Man point them in the direction of this brand new children aged between two and five. show to find out the answers. This time round they’re taking their audience The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Sat 28 & Sun on an ‘amazing romp’ through the universe. 29 September; The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Presented by Goblin Theatre Company, the Tues 1 - Wed 2 October production brings together puppetry and Starting with ‘putting the stars in the sky’, “Freckle Productions send shivers down my music in a 50-minute entertainment created then creating life and spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co- for children aged three and older. discovering fire, they creator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the finally arrive at the one- hugely popular children’s book on which this world tree, ‘where we show is based. “They’re so lively and celebrate the new home innovative. I love their production of Stick that we made all Man, and so do the audiences.” together’. Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely do love the show, as a smash-hit season in the London West End ably demonstrated. Safari Adventure Featuring a trio of talented performers, the The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 15 September production brings together puppetry, songs, A blend of action, songs, live music and audi- live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story ence participation should ensure this high- of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back Dear Zoo Live! energy production is a real, er, roaring to the family tree... The show is suitable for Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, success of a show. The McDougalls - other- children aged three and older. Sun 8 - Tues 10 September; Artrix, Broms- grove, Sun 22 & Mon 23 September; Malvern wise known as award-winning performers Theatres, Tues 8 - Wed 9 October; Stafford Ryan Moir and Ruairidh Forde - are off on sa- Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 21 - Tues 22 October; fari to find some colourful creatures and crit- Albany Theatre, Coventry, Wed 13 - Thurs 14 November ters. And find them they most certainly do, with laughing giraffes and monkeys who go First published in 1982, Rod Campbell’s lift- bananas among the many and varied animals the-flap book has delighted generations of adding to the musical magic and mayhem. children and accumulated in excess of eight Young audience members (and older ones, million sales worldwide. for that matter!) are encouraged to come This first-ever stage version of the story fea- along dressed as their favourite animal. tures child-friendly puppets, original music and lots of audience participation. Hey Diddle Diddle Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sun 29 September; Sparc Arts Centre, Thur 10 First Stages: What A October, Bishops Castle, South Shropshire Wonderful World If your youngsters have ever asked you how The REP, Birmingham, Sat 14 September the cow jumped over the moon or why the dish ran away with the spoon in classic nurs- The ever-impressive Lyngo Theatre make a ery rhyme Hey Diddle Diddle, you can now welcome return with a show created for

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whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Stardust for What's On.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:56 Page 1

Bollywood at The Belgrade Stardust for What's On.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2019 13:56 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

South Asian performing arts company Phizzical are premiering their LGBTQ Bollywood musical thriller, Stardust, in the Midlands this month... What’s On spoke to director Samir Bhamra about the ground-breaking production and the importance of representing same-sex Asian relationships on stage...

South Asian performing arts company came on board in 2017, which we felt was director and co-writer, I originally Phizzical is 15 years old in 2019 - and to important because Stardust relies heavily on commissioned this idea because I felt that we celebrate, it’s launching a ‘thriller musical’ design.” needed progressive stories on the British entitled Stardust. The show is a first for the stage to reflect the Asian identity and the Stardust follows British-Asian singer Amar’s British stage, as it’s the only South Asian Bollywood experience. There have been some struggle to make his mark as a mainstream theatre production to feature same-sex incredible plays reflecting Asian same-sex performer. Amar discovers a long-lost star of marriage. relationships, such as Hijra by Ash Kotak and the 1980s’ Bollywood music industry, a My Beautiful Laundrette by Hanif Qureshi. Stardust was sparked by the marriage of woman called Amor. His journey takes a However, we want to take our stories to the director Samir Bhamra’s brother - and by chilling turn when he discovers that Amor widest audiences in the deepest parts of the listening to the music of singer-songwriter was silenced for uncovering an explosive country - to inspire people, to move them and Robby Khela. secret involving Cyrus, her music producer to thrill them until they leave hand in hand and husband... “About 20 years ago, I adopted a young man and happy.” as a younger brother,” explains Samir. “After “We want audiences to immerse themselves So why the Belgrade for the premiere? gay marriage was legalised in the UK, he and in a pop, R&B and Bollywood thriller. his partner wanted to marry. Unfortunately Stardust is set in the music industry and “The Belgrade and Coventry has been our his parents didn’t know that he was gay. I features a mix of love, reincarnation and second home since we brought a Bollywood played a small part in supporting him and his revenge.” version of William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline parents, and it was a magical wedding; a to the city and theatre in 2013. And after the A musical thriller is an interesting angle to meeting of two cultures. Literally a few weeks incredible success of Bring On The take on a Bollywood-inspired production. later, singer-songwriter Robby Khela shared a Bollywood in 2016, we literally moved in. Samir explains the choice: “When someone song with me. It reminded me of every With the eyes of the world on Coventry as the says the word Bollywood, you automatically emotion that I’d witnessed during my City of Culture 2021, and with the Belgrade assume kitsch dances, melodramatic scenes brother’s wedding, and I immediately felt this autumn presenting a season of and colourful costumes. Unfortunately this is that we needed to make a musical about productions about love and belonging, I a terrible stereotype for a film industry that aacceptancecceptance andand llove.” ove.” couldn’t imagine opening the show anywhere produces musical films in every genre. The else.” TThehe iinfluencenfluence ofof BollywoodBollywood iiss hhugelyuge evident kind of cinema and music produced changes iinn SStardusttardust - aandnd wwasas aalsolso a factorfactor iin Samir’s with each decade. The films and songs reflect Stardust reflects some of the issues facing the aarrivalrrival iinn thethe world:world: ““MyMy mmotherother wwasa a big global politics. So we’ve pretty much set our British-Asian community right now. IIndianndian ccinemainema ffan.an. WWhenhen sshehe wwasas ppregnant minds to change the outdated perception of “Let’s just look at what’s happening in wwithith mme,e, hherer wwatersaters bbrokeroke atat thethe cinemacin Bollywood in the UK.” Birmingham, or search for the hidden stories wwhilehile sshehe wwasas watchingwatching a BBollyollywowoodo film. Stardust also pays tribute to Bollywood’s of marriages of convenience, of gay men Shhee nnamedamed mmee aafterfter thethe charactercharacter wwho was reincarnation genre... marrying women hoping for a cure, or worse, tthehe hheroero ooff tthehe ffilm!”ilm!” murdering them when the secret is “The reincarnation story has been told AAss wwellell aass wwritingriting tthehe songs,songs, RobbyRobby Khela discovered. And that’s just skimming the several times in some of the best Bollywood alsoalso takestakes thethe leadlead rolerole inin thethe show,show playing surface.” films. The first reincarnation thriller, Mahal thethe charactercharacter ofof Amar.Amar. ButBut SamirSamir andan Robby (which translates as ‘Palace’), was made by Samir believes it’s vitally important for South weren’tweren’t thethe onlyonly creativescreatives involvedinvolved in the legendary director Kamal Amrohi in 1949. Asian theatre companies to represent the project:project: “Stardust“Stardust hashas beenbeen inin thethe makingm for Then came possibly the best reincarnation LGBTQ+ community: “It should be almostalmost a decade.decade. RobbyRobby hashas writtenwritten and romances - Madhumati, Neel Kamal, Kudrat, compulsory. I have always worked with the producedproduced a wealthwealth ofof songssongs independentlyindepe Karz, Karan Arjun, Om Shanti Om etc. Whilst widest and most diverse creatives and actors, sincesince 2008.2008. WeWe officiallyofficially beganbegan worworking on we wanted to pay a tribute, our approach to and have directed work that touches on the thisthis inin 20120133,, ccollaboratingollaborating withwith anan incrediblei the genre had to be very different, so we set LGBTQI+ community - be it Pulitzer Prize- writer.writer. UnfortunatelyUnfortunately thethe worldworld waswas not ready about watching these films intensely to work nominated play A Perfect Ganesh by Terrence forfor thatthat story,story, soso wewe mademade itit intointo a shorts out how we could be different. One of the McNally, The Maids by Jean Genet or Omar musicalmusical film,film, whichwhich wewe releasedreleased earlierea this things we found was that the films presented Khan’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth year.year. It’sIt’s beenbeen winningwinning severalseveral awardsawa at film the notion that the soul has a gender. So the Night, titled What You Fancy. It’s about festivalsfestivals globally.globally. male characters are reborn as male and representation and inclusion.” “Then,“Then, twotwo yearsyears ago,ago, wewe decideddecided tot take a female characters as female. A lot of mystics differentdifferent approach.approach. We’dWe’d justjust finishedfinish our and ancient South Asian poets contradict previousprevious show,show, BringBring OnOn TheThe Bollywood,Bollyw and this notion and believe the spirit has no Stardust shows at the Belgrade Theatre, everyevery venuevenue wantedwanted sometsomethinghing similar,sim so we gender and is equal.” Coventry, from Saturday 14 to Saturday setset abboutout cchanginghanging tthehe sstorytory aandnd iintroducedn 21 September. Samir has high hopes for Stardust when it a BBollywoodollywood aanglengle wwithith emergingemerging writerw premieres this month: “Aside from being the SShahidhahid IIqbalqbal KKhan.han. SSetet ddesigneresigner RRichi Evans Romeo and Juliet Matthew Bourne.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:05 Page 1

IMAGINE A TIME WHEN LOVE IS FORBIDDEN...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Romeo and Juliet Matthew Bourne.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:05 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Sir Matthew Bourne brings a contemporary dance reimagining of Romeo And Juliet to the Midlands this month. What’s On talks to him about his dystopian interpretation of Shakespeare’s famous tale of forbidden love - the first new production from his New Adventures company in three long years...

There aren’t many, if any, more distinguished young girl gets very excited by a kiss on the At each venue on the Romeo And Juliet tour, figures in the dance community than Sir cheek. Young people today, if they’re into six up-and-coming dancers - three male, Matthew Bourne, whose choreography has each other, are kissing until their mouths are three female - will work with New Adven- featured in musicals, theatre productions and sore. I have tried to capture that intensity.” tures: “They’re an integral part of the show, movies for more than 30 years. His own com- not just token appearances. They’re part of Matthew’s desire to stage Romeo And Juliet in pany, New Adventures, brings a new produc- the main company. Our success stories from a new and thought-provoking way led to him tion of Romeo And Juliet to Birmingham this Lord Of The Flies have gone through several setting his production in a dystopian world month. Shakespeare’s classic tale of star- programmes that we run to nurture young where love is forbidden… crossed lovers appears to be the perfect fit for British-trained dancers. We’re very proud of the passionate and expressive art form of “It’s set a little way into the future, but it’s not those young guys, and we hope that this time dance. quite futuristic. It’s a time when society is we will bring into the fray some women who frowning on young people having the excess we’ve nurtured. We hope that will mean that Combining Bourne’s choreographic expertise, of feeling and emotion which sends them off even more people who started in Lord Of The an adaptation of Prokofiev’s famous score on wrong tracks as far as that society is Flies or Romeo And Juliet will come back into and a story by the world’s greatest-ever concerned. I got the idea from Arthur the company.” dramatist, the production promises to be a Laurents, the co-creator of West Side Story, show-stopping interpretation of one of litera- New Adventures have certainly had a stellar who was asked why the young people in it are ture’s most famous tragedies. year so far, putting on four major produc- violent and act the way they do. He said that tions, including company favourite Swan “I avoided doing Romeo And Juliet for years,” they have too much feeling and need to find a Lake. And Matthew himself has also enjoyed explains Matthew. “I think it was something way to release it. I thought that was an inter- major success, being recognised at the Olivier everyone expected me to do, and it had been esting way into the story and very true. It Awards for his services to dance. done in so many different ways in so many made me go in the direction I went in.” different mediums. I thought it would be hard “It’s been amazing. Swan Lake coming back is Matthew’s vision even meant that Prokofiev’s to find a new way into it, which is something I always a thrill because it introduces so many magnificent score had to be tweaked for the always search for. The thing that really made more people to dance and to our company. It production: “While it’s wonderful and lush me want to do it was the opportunity to work always has an incredible effect on audiences for big opera-house productions, I wanted with young people. It’s a story about them, around the country, and our casts are so something a bit more earthy and a bit more and about young love. I got even more excited devoted to it. Then, getting the Olivier Special quirky. We nervously went to the Prokofiev when it was suggested we cast it with young Award right in the middle of creating a new Estate and asked them if we could do a new people and work with young creative associ- show was rather good because the award can arrangement. It’s very faithful to Prokofiev’s ates in all the different departments of the feel a bit like it’s the end of your career and and it’s only 15 musicians who multi-task and show, alongside my usual world-class team. people are saying, ‘Thank you, please stop’. play lots of different instruments. It’s quite It’s all about nurturing young talent and So it felt great to be in the middle of a new rare for us to take an orchestra out on tour telling the story.” creation like Romeo And Juliet. This year has with us, but it’s sounding wonderful and I been about the past and the future at the The intense tale of love at first sight, family hope the Prokofiev Estate is happy. It’s a very same time.” feuds and death is one that works well as a recognisable score and that is really the script dance piece: “The medium is very good at that we work with.” Despite his early misgivings about staging extreme emotions, and Romeo And Juliet as a Romeo And Juliet, Matthew is very positive This world premiere tour of Romeo And Juliet story is certainly full of those. It has passion, about his vision for the production: “What follows a similar model to Matthew’s Lord Of love against the odds, and several extremes of started out as quite a scary project involving The Flies tour, in which the production was murder and violence. It’s all those big so much untested talent and so many used to support emerging dancers by having emotions. Shakespeare captured it very well. unknown young people has ended up being them perform alongside New Adventures’ rather an exciting new show.” “Young people are very hot-headed and react professionals. Three of the young men from very quickly to things. One thing I’ve tried to Lord Of The Flies have been cast in Romeo bring out is that when young people first fall And Juliet, while others in the new produc- Romeo And Juliet shows at Birmingham in love and feel that passion, they really go tion formed part of Matthew’s 2019 Swan Lake Hippodrome from Tuesday 10 to Saturday overboard in many ways. I often think about company. 14 September. how classical ballet handles this, and how the

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Dance previews from around the region

Birmingham Royal Ballet Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 September & Wed 25 - Sat 28 September Hippodrome-going dance lovers get not one but two chances to enjoy productions by the ever- exceptional Birmingham Royal Ballet this month. BRB first take to the stage with a triple bill showcasing their collaboration with award-winning ensemble Ballet Black, a company dedicated to increasing diversity in the genre. The bill opens with the fourth Ballet Now commission, A Brief Nostalgia, choreographed by young Queensland Ballet dancer Jack Lister and composed by Tom Harrold. The evening also features performances of Cathy Marston’s The Suit (pictured left) - an award-winning work about a broken marriage - and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs... BRB then return four days later with David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s highly acclaimed production of Giselle, a ballet which, along with Coppélia and Swan Lake, is one of the most celebrated of the 19th century.

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Dance

James Wilton Dance: The Storm Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Wed 25 September The award-winning James Wilton’s choreography is always distinctive, his productions powered by an energy the audience can almost reach out and touch. Wilton’s in-demand company previously scored a massive hit with Leviathan - a retelling of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick which was widely considered to be the ensemble’s best and most finely tuned work to date. Wilton here makes a welcome return with The Storm, a show that combines acrobatics, breakdancing and martial arts with a soundtrack of thundering electro-rock.

Rosie Kay’s Diversity: Born Ready Fantasia Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 21 September; The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Patrick Studio, Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 3 November Hippodrome, Wed 25 & Thurs 26 September Rosie Kay’s Midlands-based company here present a work that perfectly illustrates why they are so highly regarded on the UK dance scene. Featuring three female dancers and a soundtrack comprising works by Vivaldi, Purcell, Beethoven and Bach, Fantasia fine-tunes choreography with neurological research to explore the With eight sell-out tours under their belt and relationship between dance, music more than half a million tickets sold, it’s fair to and emotion. say dance troupe Diversity have made the most of their 2009 success on Britain’s Got Talent. The boys are this autumn visiting the region with 10th anniversary tour Born Ready. It’s a BalletBoyz: Them/Us show which creator and choreographer Ashley Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Banjo says “will not only look back at some of Sat 14 September the iconic Diversity moments of the past 10 The ever-inventive BalletBoyz this years, but will also look forward to the future, month return to the Midlands with two at how Diversity continues to evolve and how high-energy and impressively we plan to pass on what we’ve created to the innovative works. next generation. Contemplating the question of where “Be prepared for dance, illusions, mind-blow- individuals see themselves in relation ing stunts and inspiring stories in a show that to the ‘other’, the all-male company will hopefully leave people amazed!” present their own creation, Them, alongside a second work called Us. The latter, choreographed by the award- winning Christopher Wheeldon, has been inspired by the critically acclaimed duet which he created for the company’s highly acclaimed 2017 production, Fourteen Days.

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 BalletBoyz.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2019 10:04 Page 1 BalletBoyz All-male troupe bring innovative double-bill to Theatre Severn BalletBoyz.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2019 10:04 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Award-winning dance ensemble BalletBoyz bring their production, Them/Us, to the Midlands this month. What’s On caught up with long-serving dancer Harry Price to talk about the show and the company’s approach to classical dance...

Co-founded by ex-Royal Ballet dancers it seems to have all of our different personali- very creative stance. It’s always a risk, Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, BalletBoyz ties shining through in there. Charlotte Hard- though, because in-company creations have a burst onto the UK dance scene in the year ing, who created our accompanying score, history of not working so well. But I think this 2000. The male-only group has since played was actually in the studio with us while we one’s worked out!” an important role in revolutionising classical were choreographing, so it was a really BalletBoyz prides itself on its mix of dancers: dance by focusing much more on its fusion collaborative process. And I think that’s very “We’re all so different, with such different with the contemporary. evident in terms of how well the movement of personalities and backgrounds. Some of us the dance and the music marry. We’re also Their contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed are trained in classical dance, others more in wearing lovely shiny ’90s tracksuits, which is either, with numerous coveted awards contemporary, and some didn’t start dancing fun to see! coming their way, including the National until much later in life than you might expect Dance Award for Best Independent Company “The second half, Us, is by Chris Wheeldon. of a professional dancer. It’s for those reasons in 2013. He’s predominantly known as a classical that we all have such different visions, ballet choreographer, so there’s a real making the company so successful and the “I’d dreamed of being in BalletBoyz ever since contrast in style. Our half is a lot more creation of Them sometimes a little problem- I was in training,” says Harry Price, a dancer contemporary and Chris’s is a lot more tradi- atic. But we’re all very close and incredibly approaching his fifth season of working with tional, with more classical elements, but proud of how the piece turned out.” the ensemble. “It’s a company I always obviously still with that contemporary edge aspired to be a part of, so I was thrilled when Even when working with renowned choreog- BalletBoyz is known for. The Us piece I got the job. Since then, BalletBoyz has raphers such as Christopher Wheeldon, Javier concludes with a duet that was chore- continued to captivate me because we’re de Frutos and Craig Revel Horwood, the ographed for us by Chris back in 2017. So for constantly evolving and changing. We create BalletBoyz dancers are able to get creative: this production, we extended the duet into a a lot of original work, collaborate with differ- “Working with Christopher was like a dream full-group piece. It’s been really nice to return ent musicians and artists, and work with new come true. I was trained classically so was to and revitalise something we’d already choreographers. We have such a wide span very aware of his work. That’s another thing I done.” across the arts industry, meaning that as love about BalletBoyz - our approach to work- dancers we’re given amazing opportunities. Them/Us is about relationships forming and ing with big-name choreographers is very This year we even performed at Glastonbury! breaking on stage, particularly between collaborative. I’ve never worked with a Plus, we’ve done the West End and Edinburgh groups and the individual. choreographer at BalletBoyz who’s had no Fringe.” room for movement; it’s always a conversa- “Like with all our shows, the story is very tion, with free rein to put ourselves into the Harry believes it’s the ability of BalletBoyz to much open to audience interpretation. The piece.” evolve that’s the key to the company’s show is just as much for them as it is for us. success: “We’re constantly pushing the A BalletBoyz production is really about what Harry hopes that contemporary ballet compa- boundaries and aiming to take a fresh each individual takes away from it. I guess nies such as BalletBoyz are able to encourage approach to contemporary ballet. BalletBoyz the title of Them/Us alludes to the contrast of more people to attend ballet performances: is always committed to doing something new the two pieces, and the fact that they’re “BalletBoyz prides itself on being very and is constantly adapting to do so. In that choreographed by different creatives. A lot of accessible. We’ve had people who’ve never way, I think we’re keeping ballet very people have said that, in Us in particular, seen ballet before give very positive feedback relevant. Regular audience members say that there’s this idea of the outsider character, and after our shows - even those who were sure they always know our show will be great, but of exploring what it means to be part of a they wouldn’t like it. One of the company’s they never know quite what to expect. It’s a group or to be excluded from it. That’s main goals is to create dance that’s for every- good thing that we’re consistently surprising definitely a theme that runs through both one, so we definitely banish those miscon- audiences and expanding our horizons.” pieces.” ceptions of ballet being stuffy. So I would encourage anyone who’s worried about not BalletBoyz’s latest production is a double-bill Harry believes Artistic Directors Michael liking traditional ballet to push that from entitled Them/Us. Nunn and William Trevitt have had an their minds and come to see BalletBoyz!” in-company piece in their sights for a number “The first half, Them, was actually created by of years: “I think it was just a case of waiting us, the dancers - we worked together to come for the right timing and the right group of up with the piece. We’ve got a real sense of dancers. They obviously thought it was a ownership of it, which is really lovely. It’s a great time to go for it. They’ve seen that when Them/Us shows at Theatre Severn, really fun piece, and because we’ve created it, we do work with choreographers we take a Shrewsbury, on Saturday 14 September Film September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:08 Page 1 Film September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:08 Page 2

Film

The Goldfinch CERT 15 (149 mins) Starring Ansel Elgort, Oakes Fegley, Aneurin Barnard, Finn Wolfhard, Sarah Paulson, Luke Wilson, Jeffrey Wright, Nicole Kidman Directed byy John Crowleyy ((USA)) Adapted from Donna Tartt’s 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this drama follows the odyssey of a 13- year-old boy, Theo (Oakes Fegley, and later Ansel Elgort), whose mother is killed in a terrorist bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Out of the wreckage, Theo finds a painting of the eponymous bird that becomes a source of hope for him through his spiralling feelings of grief and then guilt. Nicole Kidman is already being tipped for an Oscar nomination in the category of best supporting actress. John Crowley’s last film as director was the Bafta- winning Brooklyn (2015). Released Fri 27 September CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in September...

It: Chapter Two CERT 15 (169 mins) The Shiny Shrimps Honeyland CERT 12a (87 mins) Starring James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, CERT 15 (103 mins) Directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Bill Skarsgård Stefanov (Republic of Macedonia) Directed by Andy Muschietti (USA) Starring Nicolas Gob, Alban Lenoir, Michaël Abiteboul, Geoffrey Couët A fly-on-the-wall documentary filmed in When the second version of Stephen King’s It Directed by Maxime Govare and Cédric Le Macedonia, Honeyland is a unique contem- Gallo (France) opened two years ago, it became the highest- plation of the fragile balance of nature. Its grossing horror film of all time, eclipsing central character is a solitary woman who even The Sixth Sense and The Exorcist. lives in harmony with her surroundings, A sequel, then, was inevitable. The new harvesting wild honey and caring for the bees movie is set 27 years after the first, with the which she finds in a symbiotic relationship. young losers from the original now all grown Then she is invaded by new neighbours who up and ready to face the evil clown Penny- want in on her act… wise all over again… But, be warned, the film Released Fri 13 September is 169 minutes long. Released Fri 6 September

When an Olympic swimmer makes a homophobic comment on TV, he is disci- plined by the national swimming body and forced to coach an up-and-coming and flamboyantly gay water polo team. It sounds loopy enough to be true, but is actually a fictitious comedy and a huge success in its native France. Released Fri 6 September whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:08 Page 3

Film

Hustlers CERT tbc (107 mins) Phoenix CERT 15 Rambo: Last Blood CERT tbc Starring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Starring Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin, Maria Bonnevie, Starring Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Cardi B Sverrir Gudnason, Casper Falck-Løvås Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Adriana Barraza, Directed by Lorene Scafaria (USA) Directed by Camilla Strøm Henriksen (Norway) Yvette Monreal Directed by Ric Roman Waugh (USA) At just 13, Jill (newcomer Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin) has taken on the role of sole carer for Now 73, John J Rambo heads to Mexico to her close-knit family, including her younger save a friend’s daughter from the clutches of brother and unstable mother. a local drug trafficking cartel... This is the Threading in elements of fantasy, Phoenix fifth chapter in the Rambo franchise which has received glowing reviews for its debu- kicked off with First Blood in 1982. tante director, the Norwegian actress Camilla Released Thurs 19 September Strøm Henriksen. Released Fri 13 September

Based on an article in New York magazine, Hustlers focuses on a group of strippers that struggles to find new ways to support themselves when the sex industry is hit by the financial crisis. But where there’s a will… CERT PG (100 mins) Released Fri 13 September The Farewell Starring Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Zhao Shuzhen, Lu Hong Directed by Lulu Wang (USA) Actress and rapper Awkwafina has been a scene-stealer in such films as Ocean's Eight and Crazy Rich Asians and now has the lead in this comedy-drama filmed in Changchun, China. She plays Billi, a Chinese-American writer who discovers that her beloved grand- mother has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. So she heads home for a planned goodbye celebration, while her grandma is kept in the dark about her immi- nent demise. Released Fri 20 September

The Kitchen CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elisabeth Moss, Domhnall Gleeson, James Badge Dale, Margo Martindale Directed by Andrea Berloff (USA) With their husbands no longer in the picture, the wives of certain gangsters take the law into their own hands in the Manhattan neighbourhood of Hell’s Kitchen. And Hell hath no fury… In spite of the presence of Melissa McCarthy, this is no laughing matter. status quo of earth’s place in the cosmos. Released Fri 20 September Ad Astra CERT tbc Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, For his sci-fi mystery, the director James Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Gray went to huge pains to present the Kimberly Elise most realistic look at space travel yet Directed by James Gray (USA) committed to screen. Incidentally, the title When Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) sets off to is Latin for ‘to the stars.’ the outer edges of the solar system to find Released Wed 18 September his father, he inadvertently threatens the

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Film highlights released in September...

Hotel Mumbai CERT 15 (123 mins) Starring Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Jason Isaacs Directed by Anthony Maras (USA/India/Australia) A dramatic reworking of the documentary Surviving Mumbai (2009) which covered the 2008 terrorist attack at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai. Dev Patel plays a waiter who risks his own life to save the patrons he serves. Released Fri 27 September

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Downtown Abbey TV series. Here, the Yorkshire country estate is graced with a visit by HRH King CERT PG (122 mins) The Last Tree CERT 15 (98 mins) George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary Starring Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Starring Tai Golding, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, (Geraldine James), which will undoubtedly Nicholas Pinnock, Denise Black, Sam Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Penelope cause much excitement and a crash-course Adewunmi, Jammal Ibrahim Wilton, Matthew Goode, Tuppence Middle- in regal etiquette for all concerned. Directed by Shola Amoo (UK) ton Directed by Michael Engler (UK) Imelda Staunton joins the cast as Lady Although of Nigerian heritage, young Femi Scripted by Julian Fellowes and with most Bagshaw, which will be nice for her (Golding) suffers major culture shock when of the original cast returning, this Up- husband, Jim Carter, who reprises his role he moves from the Lincolnshire countryside stairs/Downstairs soap should guarantee a as the head butler, Mr Carson. to inner-city London to be with his mother. huge audience of devoted followers of the Released Fri 13 September He is now faced with some major life choices. Released Fri 27 September

Ready Or Not CERT 18 (95 mins) Skin CERT 15 (120 mins) CERT 12a (113 mins) Poms Starring Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark Starring Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Starring Diane Keaton, Jacki Weaver, O'Brien, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell Daniel Henshall, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga Pam Grier, Celia Weston, Alisha Boe, Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Directed by Guy Nattiv (USA)) Phyllis Somerville Gillett (USA) Directed by Zara Hayes (UK/USA) In a remarkable transformation, Jamie Bell plays the heavily tattooed skinhead and Aimed squarely at the grey pound, this white supremacist Bryon 'Pitbull' Widner comedy-drama is about a gaggle of women at whose path of destruction is stalled when he a retirement home who form their own cheer- meets the love of his life. Inspired by the 2011 leading squad. The title refers to the brightly documentary Erasing Hate (2011). coloured pom-poms used by cheerleaders. Released Fri 27 September Released Fri 27 September

On her wedding night, a young bride discovers that her new in-laws are off their respec- tive trolleys as they involve her in a perilous game of hide-and-seek. Expect some pretty explicit violence. Released Fri 27 September whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:07 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

British Ceramics Biennial Various venues in Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 7 September - Sun 13 October An expanded programme of exhibitions, installations and events featuring more than 300 contemporary artists should ensure that the 10th anniversary of this hugely popular free festival is celebrated in fine style. Taking place across six venues, the event has as its centrepiece the vast China Hall, located in the former Spode Factory. The Hall features 13 exhibitions and hosts not only a number of workshops but also the festival’s two flagship shows. The first, entitled Award, features new work by 10 leading ceramic artists, all of whom are vying for prize money of £10,000. The second, Fresh, showcases a selection of pieces by some of the UK’s most promising ceramics graduates. Work by celebrated artists from other ceramic biennials around the world is also available to view. British Ceramics Biennial in the China Hall of the original Spode Factory site. Photography: Joel Fildes

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Visual Arts

Barry Flanagan Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 18 September - Sun 24 November Welsh artist Barry Flanagan was best known for his bronze sculptures of animals; in particular, hares, but also cougars, elephants and horses. For many art critics, these iconic creations seem to be at odds with Flanagan’s earlier pieces, which saw him using materials including rope, sand, cloth and stone. This latest exhibition of his work seeks to challenge this popular viewpoint, demonstrating that his later output does not in fact display any sort of marked shift in his approach. Instead, it repre- sents the distillation of what was a decades-long fascination for him - with ontology, with movement and with the physicality of the various materials in which he worked.

Thoughts On Portraiture Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Mon 18 November Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s of those who are depicted. autumn exhibition provides visitors with a Many of the artworks on view are receiving rare chance to view an impressive range of their first public outing, taking up expressionistic artworks from the city’s positions alongside a number of favourites collection. not seen for some time. Exuding a palpable psychological The exhibition includes artwork by, intensity, the pieces explore the among others, Pablo Picasso, Ana Maria experiences, beliefs, fears and passions Pacheco, Frank Auerbach and the either of the people who created them or Birmingham-born David Bomberg.

Amalia Pica New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 20 September - Sun 19 January British/Argentinean artist Amalia Pica is best known for producing installations and sculptural works which explore forms of communication and realms of civic participation. Her latest presentation, a major solo exhibition, aims to explore the material culture of bureau- cracy, as exemplified by shredded paper and items of office stationery. Pica uses her personal experience of obtaining British citizenship - and the wider context sur- rounding the UK’s exit from the European Union - to provide a unifying conceptual framework for her show. Jim Holyoak & Matt Shane: The Hills Are Shadows “Every now and then, there is a moment when Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 21 September - Sun 24 November things fall together and events string into narra- tives,” says Amalia in explaining her art. “In such This is the 20th collaboration between Jim an artwork at Midlands Arts Centre this a moment, things appear to make sense - but, like Holyoak and Matt Shane, Canada-based month and next. The pair will be on site any moment, it’s temporary. It’s that sense of time artists best known for presenting large- for the first five weeks of their show, creat- as something lived and fleeting that I try to cap- scale dream-like pieces which expand ing a new drawing that will grow from the ture in my work. My art comes together to exist, to across entire walls during the course of other exhibition pieces and weave its way make sense of something or of itself, and then to their exhibitions... across 12 metres of gallery space. fall apart.” And Jim and Matt are producing just such whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Birmingham Weekender 10 things.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 16:39 Page 1 Birmingham weekender IS BACK! Birmingham Weekender is back - and for the 2019 edition, the festival has set up home in Digbeth, the city’s creative quarter. Featuring a FREE programme of dance, music, art and performance - presented by some of Birmingham’s leading artists and arts organisations - the three-day event takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October. Check out a few of this year’s highlights below... Photo credit: Verity Milligan Photo credit: Verity

Dance O’Driscoll and Marius Mates... Performance Symoné’s Fierce Flow And get a flavour of some of There’s a competitive edge to Dance Hub Birmingham the best professional dance performance at this year’s presents work from dance currently being made in the Weekender. Birmingham artists across a range of city by checking out Hippodrome present DJ disciplines, each responding Birmingham Dance Network’s Pyskhomantus’ VisionBombing to the unique Digbeth Introducing. Game Show, which sees the city’s location. Jamaal Birkmar, Carlos Pons hip-hop artists compete in a Dance meets projection in Guerra and Birmingham Royal number of game formats - think Sonia Sabri Company & Cirque Ballet also make contributions hip-hop meets A Question Of Sport Bijou’s Kindred, bringing not to be missed. nature and technology with a bit of The Krypton Factor together... Join Altered Skin for thrown in for good measure! It’s Your Round, combining Weekender visitors also get to dance with a pint and a chat at decide the Grand Prize winner of The Old Crown... Experience internationally celebrated two b-boys colliding at the performance artist Symoné’s Fierce Custard Factory in a Flow, which brings New York’s ’80s voguing culture to Digbeth. collaboration from Jamaal Sonia Sabri Company

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Music unique South Asian sound of Kefaya, performing alongside Birmingham Weekender In percussionist Bernhard Digbeth features concerts, pop- Schimpelsberger. up performances and musical And if you fancy a blues workshops. adventure, Big Bear Music’s Join master drummer Leaving Mississippi Ansoumana ‘Vieux’ Bakayoko Birmingham Bound is the show for an African drumming to catch. Tracing the history of workshop, or check out the the blues, from the cotton Royal Birmingham fields of Mississippi, through The Glue Collective Conservatoire’s classical Memphis, New Orleans and concert, directed by one of the Chicago, to rock, heavy metal potions and mud pies. For children world’s most celebrated and Birmingham’s Black Birmingham Repertory violinists, Dmitry Stikovetsky. Families are warmly welcomed Sabbath, the production is Theatre, meanwhile, invites World music pops up too, as to Birmingham Weekender In presented over the three nights youngsters to explore the Sampad and Eastside Projects Digbeth (see the website for of Weekender. classic story of Peter Pan join forces to present the any specified age guidance). through an action-packed Some events are designed workshop of games and drama. Big Bear Music specifically with children and Other attractions for families to young people in mind. enjoy include Think Tank’s Highlights include Science Garden, which can be experimenting and exploring visited for free throughout the with The Glue Collective in weekend, and a Digbeth-based their yurt, which offers a quiet, workshop hosted by the Barber safe space where children and Institute of Fine Arts. adults of all ages can make

Street Arts outside, and an open skate Eastside Projects tournament. Break Mission present a A street sports showcase weekend of hip-hop events includes some crazy BMX stunt featuring dance, music, street riders and Parkour free sports and art. There’s an runners. international dance Throughout the weekend Live competition too, DJ and rap Graffiti will add to Digbeth’s battles both indoors and much-loved graffiti walls.

Art & Studios, Vivid Projects or Centrala. Digbeth is the spiritual home of You can also roll up your the city’s thriving sleeves and Play With Clay with contemporary art scene. For Sundragon Pottery, add your Birmingham Weekender In welcome to Redhawk Digbeth, galleries are opening Logistica’s A Million Welcomes, their doors to present special and check out the latest exhibitions and performances - gaming innovations at so why not dare to try Birmingham Open Media’s something new at Eastside Hacked! exhibition. Projects, Grand Union Gallery Break Mission

Discover Digbeth Discover Digbeth for yourself by joining professional West Midlands writers BOLDtext on a sometimes giddy, often unhygienic theatrical Digbeth is fast developing a reputation as the coolest place to be. walking tour aimed at uncovering the area’s hidden history. Expect In this post-industrial area - just a short walk from Bullring and to be guided through childhood memories and ushered past Moor Street Station - contemporary art galleries, music venues, passionate exchanges on a one-hour stroll. artists’ studios, street food vendors, cafes, restaurants and even an Alternatively, drop by on Friday night as Birmingham Weekender independent cinema rub shoulders with small industrial businesses, joins up with the popular Digbeth First Friday for an evening of late- universities and colleges. night openings and free performances.

You can find full listings and programme information at birminghamweekender.com

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Events previews from around the region Events

HSBC Let’s Ride Coventry city centre, Sun 8 September Following the success of last year’s event, British Cycling and HSBC make a welcome return to Coventry this month, providing thousands of locals with the opportunity to explore their city from the saddle. The event aims to build excitement in the run-up to the UCI World Championships and ties in closely with local cultural attractions.

Peaky Blinders Festival Artists confirmed for the festival include Scottish rock band Primal Scream, Mercury Prize-nomi- Digbeth, Birmingham, Sat 14 & Sun 15 September nee Anna Calvi, Slaves and Nadine Shah. The first official Peaky Blinders-themed festival There’s also a BBC Introducing stage and a host takes place this month, allowing the show’s of music performances reflecting one of the creators, stars and fans to come together in the sharpest soundtracks on television. series’ home city and create what promises to be The festival has been co-curated by the show’s an imaginative immersive event. creator, Steven Knight, and also features a live Attractions across the weekend include live Q&A with the man himself and some of the recreations of Peaky Blinders scenes, fashion series’ stars. shows and five different music stages. Midland Game Fair Weston Park, Staffordshire, Science Of The Circus Sat 14 & Sun 15 September British Science Festival Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, As the premier event of its kind in Various venues throughout Coventry, Sat 14 September the country, the well-established Tues 10 - Fri 13 September Midland Game Fair offers a In partnership with the University of War- rewarding weekend for those with wick, the British Science Association brings a passion for traditional country an imaginative programme of science & pursuits. culture events to various venues around The event showcases a wide range Coventry this month. of rural attractions, including clay The event is Europe’s longest-established shooting, gundog competitions, science festival, celebrating world-leading falconry displays and ferret research in areas including energy, transport, racing. healthcare and digital innovation. There’s plenty of musical enter- Highlights include a workshop on the art of tainment to enjoy as well, with Persian dance and numerous talks exploring folk, jazz & blues, Celtic and the politics of scientific issues. Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to Think- country stages all featuring. tank! Combining the wonder of performance with the underlying science that helps create the magic of the circus, this unique event sees the ever-brilliant CircusMASH taking over Thinktank for the day. Visitors can learn how science makes tricks easier to master, enjoy CircusMASH’s brand new space-themed show, marvel at talented local performers and have a go at circus tricks while busying themselves exploring the museum.

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Events previews from around the region Events

The Trampoline & Tumbling Championships Arena Birmingham, Sat 28 & Sun 29 September With the Tokyo Olympics less than a year away, the gymnasts participating in this ever-popular event will certainly be looking to impress. Olympic medal-winning tram- polinist Bryony Page takes on stiff competition from Kat Driscoll and Laura Gallagher, while Nathan Bailey and Luke Strong go head- to-head for the men’s trampoline crown. Other attractions include the very best of Britain’s DMT gymnasts, who’ll be executing A Place In The Sun Live locations including Spain, France, Portugal, Italy plenty of high-flying stunts to and Florida to showcase a wide range of proper- take your breath away. NEC, Birmingham, Fri 20 - Sun 22 September ties and answer potential punters’ purchasing The official exhibition of Channel Four’s popular questions. series, A Place In The Sun Live is the perfect The stars of the TV show will be on hand to share event at which to negotiate the process of finding top tips for overseas property hunting, while a a property abroad. panel of experts will take visitors through the ins More than 150 exhibitors will be flying in from and outs of buying a home abroad.

Retro Truck Show British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, Sat 7 & Sun 8 September This always-popular show is now in its ninth year and features up to 400 of the best trucks produced between 1970 and 2000. A celebration of top truck manu- facturers including Volvo, Scania, DAF and Foden, the event also features an indoor model show, live entertainment, a licensed bar and a Saturday night disco.

The Cycle Show Main-stage attractions include industry talks, interviews with professionals and the chance to NEC, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Sun 15 September pick up plenty of hints and tips about cycling - The UK’s biggest cycling event, The Cycle Show from how to get started to safety for families. features the very latest bikes and accessories and Visitors to the 2019 edition of the show also have gives enthusiasts the opportunity to discover all the chance to be among the first to test-ride some that’s new in the industry. of the latest models.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Autumn Steam Gala Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster, Thurs 19 - Sat 22 September Check out an array of home-fleet and visiting steam locomotives at Severn Valley Railway’s ever-popular Autumn Steam Gala. Attractions include: overnight running on the Friday and Saturday; an early-morning express from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth on the Friday and from Bewdley to Bridgnorth on the Saturday and Sunday; Eardington Halt open visits; and the chance to enjoy Paddock Railway & Coalyard Miniature Railway in steam. Imagineers: Bridge a programme of bridge building and artistic activity. Coventry City Centre, Crafted by engineers and turned into an audi- Thurs 26 - Sat 28 September ence-pleasing spectacle by artists and perform- Bridge is the latest large-scale project from the ers, the project features numerous pop-up team behind the Festival Of Imagineers, Coven- events throughout its three days. try’s week-long annual celebration of art and It climaxes on the Saturday evening with a engineering. The festival has collaborated with show comprising theatre, comedy, circus acro- artists and civil engineers Arup to create the batics and live music. project, which sees its host cities taking part in

The Glamping Show Malvern Autumn Show Step Back In Time Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 September Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Sat 28 & Sun 29 September Sat 28 & Sun 29 September Glamping - a more luxurious form of camping - has become increas- A weekend of home-grown family fun is in ingly popular during the last few store at the Malvern Autumn Show this month. years and is now a prominent part For green-fingered visitors, there’s not only the of the leisure industry. chance to stock up on plants and bulbs for This annual show presents a wide winter, but also an opportunity to glean some selection of pop-up, temporary useful know-how from the gardening and and pre-pitched accommodation floral experts in attendance - including solutions, including yurts, tipis Gardener’s World presenters Alys Fowler and and safari tents. Joe Swift. The show also offers a diverse Other show highlights include the Giant range of seminars, presented by Vegetables Championship, numerous floral experts and suited not only to displays, family fun & games such as mini-golf Travel back in time to 1459 and learn all about the complete beginners but also those and giant Jenga, and a jam-packed dog show. Battle of Bewdley Bridge, as Avoncroft Museum who’re looking to grow and diver- New for 2019 is the Malvern Gin Show, featur- transforms into a medieval village for the week- sify their business. ing gin producers from across the three coun- end. Visitors can enjoy watching skilled re-enac- ties and beyond. tors, talk to knights, ladies and squires, and witness archery competitions and weapon drills. Highlight of the weekend is the jousting tournament, where skilled riders and their highly trained horses take part in one-to-one combat to win favour with the audience. The weekend also offers plenty of opportunity to explore Avoncroft’s 19-acre grounds and enjoy its collection of 30 rescued and restored buildings.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Place In The Sun Full July 2019 .qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 16:19 Page 1 The List Cover September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 09:16 Page 2

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

Professor Brian Cox Live at Arena Birmingham - Sat 21 September

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

What’s On Sun 1 to Sun 8 September Mon 9 to Sun 15 September Mon 16 to Sun 22 September Mon 23 to Mon 30 September

Ale & Cider Festival at Brindleyplace Food Festival Eddie Izzard at The Alexandra Paul Gilbert at Blakesley Hall in Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham The Mill, Digbeth Sat 7 September Fri 13 - Sat 14 September Tues 17 - Sat 21 September Mon 23 September

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thelist THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

battle jacket, until Sun 1 Sept Visual Arts BEN VENOM: ALL THIS MAYHEM Exhibi- tion of work by San Francisco-based artist Ben Venom, featuring large- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery scale textile pieces, customised jean jackets and clothing, until Sun 8 Sept WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND MADE @ MAC: FAMILY FUN AT MAC Ex- THE SELF Exhibition examining how hibition of work produced by families rs social, historical and cultural factors who have taken part in a wide range affect body image, and how this is ex- of courses at MAC, until Sun 3 Nov pressed through objects and art- JENNA NAYLOR: BEDLAM FESTIVAL COM- works, until Sun 1 Sept MISSION A menagerie of strange crea- BIRMINGHAM IN THE 1980S: FILMS BY tures drawn directly onto the walls, YUGESH AND SUNANDAN WALIA A tril- Sat 31 Aug - Sun 17 Nov ogy of films which explored specific cultural moments and experiences NEW GRAHAM CHORLTON: SUBURB Exhi- for black and Asian communities in bition which takes the viewer on a journey through suburban streets, Birmingham: Mirror Mirror, 1980, until glimpsing or imagining lives lived 8th Sept; Sweet Chariot 1981, 9 Sept within them, Sat 7 Sept - Sun 10 Nov 3 - 13 Oct; African Oasis, 1982, 14 Oct - 18 Nov NEW JIM HOLYOAK AND MATT SHANE:

es HOME OF METAL PRESENTS BLACK SAB- THE HILLS ARE SHADOWS Collabora- Follakzoid - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham s BATH - 50 YEARS Exhibition celebrating tion showcasing sections of three the impact and cultural legacy of large installations as well as corre- SPACETOAST + THE LEGEND Fri 6 Sept, The Black Sabbath, until Sun 29 Sept spondence art, ephemera and a se- Gigs LIGHTWEIGHTS Thurs 5 Robin, Bilston lection of small-scale works, Sat 21 Sept, The Sunflower COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS JEY KURMIS, YINGYANG Sept - Sun 24 Nov Lounge, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- SATARIAL UK TOUR Sun B2B REN PHILLIPS Fri 6 tions that reflect the experiences of 1 Sept, Scruffy Mur- THE MACHINE RAGES ON Sept, Mama Roux’s, diverse Birmingham people - from RBSA Gallery phys, Birmingham + DEFTONES UK Thurs Birmingham working lives to community activists HEINKE JENKINS RBSA - MIGRANTS Ex- GRYPHON - REINVEN- 5 Sept, The Robin, Bil- TALON - BEST OF THE EA- and protest movements, until Sun 27 hibition of nine lino-cut prints reflect- TION Sun 1 Sept, The ston GLES Fri 6 - Sat 7 Sept, Oct ing the perilous journeys made by Robin, Bilston FIL STRAUGHAN Thurs 5 Lichfield Garrick migrants, until Sat 7 Sept THOUGHTS ON PORTRAITURE Featuring DANNY JONES Mon 2 Sept, The Jam House, THE ELO EXPERIENCE Fri works by Picasso, Pacheco, Auer- URBAN JUNGLE Display featuring Sept, O2 Institute, Birmingham 6 - Sat 7 Sept, The bach and Bomberg, the exhibition ex- botanically inspired craft alongside Birmingham KOAN SOUND Fri 6 Sept, Core Theatre, Solihull plores how artists have used a wide graphic architectural jewellery, ce- FÖLLAKZOID Mon 2 O2 Institute, B’ham REBECCA DOWNES UN- range of styles and imagery to inter- ramics and textiles, until Sat 14 Sept Sept, Hare & Hounds, UN:KNWN Fri 6 Sept, PLUGGED Sat 7 Sept, pret complex human emotions and PAUL BROWN RBSA A selection of Birmingham The Mill, Digbeth, Pizza Express Live, experiences, until Mon 18 Nov busts, figures and masks in clay, rep- BEEBE QUINTET Tues 3 Birmingham Birmingham resenting Paul's ongoing interest in Sept, The Jam House, VANESSA HAYNES OF K-TRAP Sat 7 Sept, O2 Ikon Gallery capturing the movement and attitude Birmingham INCOGNITO CELEBRATES Institute, Birmingham THE AERODROME – AN EXHIBITION DEDI- of the human form, until Sat 28 Sept CFM#8 BORDERS, OVER- ARETHA FRANKLIN Fri 6 CATED TO THE MEMORY OF MICHAEL THE S.L.P. Sat 7 Sept, TERRY LORD ARBSA Terry's favourite THRONE, WE STRUCK Sept, Pizza Express STANLEY Exhibition presented in O2 Institute, B’ham subjects are united in this exhibition, GOLD, FAILURE IS AN OP- Live, Birmingham memory of Michael Stanley, curator GIN ANNIE Sat 7 Sept, which takes the theme of finding TION Wed 4 Sept, at Ikon, who tragically died in 2012, SOLARS + ECHO The Robin, Bilston beautiful colour in all manner of Scruffy Murphys, Birm- until Sun 8 Sept GRECCO + FORT + places, until Sat 28 Sept ingham JEREMIAH A.D Fri 6 BEZ & ROWETTA PRE- NEW STUART WHIPPS - THE KIPPER AND SENTS ON THE SIXTH NEW ROBERT PERRY: FULL CIRCLE IS BLISS + OUTLANDER Sept, The Actress & THE CORPSE Exhibition which exam- DAY GOD CREATED Robert's energetic paintings are com- + EXHAILER + SPIT Bishop, Birmingham ines the closure of the Longbridge MANCHESTER Sat 7 pleted on location throughout the UK Wed 4 Sept, The Sun- motor works in Birmingham, Wed 11 COUNTRY CHIX Fri 6 Sept, The Night Owl, and Europe using ingenious self- flower Lounge, B’ham Sept, Artrix, Broms- - Sun 15 Sept made equipment, Mon 2 - Sat 21 Birmingham KING YELLOWMAN Wed grove NEW BARRY FLANAGAN Selection of the Sept PYTHIA Sat 7 Sept, The 4 Sept, The Jam artist’s iconic bronze sculptures CEILIDH WITH THE REEL Castle & Falcon, Birm- NEW LIFE'S JOURNEY: THE ART OF House, Birmingham HOT CEILIDH PEPPERS (1980s & ’90s), presented alongside KATHERINE MARY FRYER (1910-2017) ingham BYE BYE BABY - CELE- Fri 6 Sept, Lichfield earlier works using different materials Retrospective exhibition tracing FOR THE LOVE OF BRIAN BRATING FRANKIE VALLI Guidhall from the 1960s & ’70s, Wed 18 Sept - Kate's fascinating life through her FT. SUSAN CADOGAN, & THE FOUR SEASONS Sun 24 Nov paintings, prints and ephemera, Mon MIRANDA SYKES Fri 6 WINSTON REEDY & Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Sept, Sept, Artrix, Broms- NEW CLAUDIA LOSI - BEING THERE Intri- 2 - Sat 21 Sept MORE... Sat 7 Sept, Lichfield Garrick grove cately embroidered woollen cloth fea- Hare & Hounds, Birm- NEW MAKING TOGETHER: MENTOR PRO- turing a depiction of the Antarctic as JOHN BLEK Thurs 5 ingham GRAMME Selection of artwork pro- represented in XII Book by Athana- Sept, Artrix, Broms- duced by artists with complex BRASS BAND GALA 2019 sius Kircher in Mundus Subterraneus grove disabilities in collaboration with An- Sun 8 Sept, Symphony (1664), Wed 18 Sept - Sun 24 Nov nette Pugh ARBSA and Karoline KYM SIMS Thurs 5 Hall, Birmingham

Rerrie, RBSA friend, Mon 9 Sept - Sat Sept, The Jam House, A 60’S NIGHT WITH THE 12 Oct Birmingham MAC, Birmingham MERSBEATS AND THE NEW BIRMINGHAM ART CIRCLE AND THE BUTTERS ALIENS + SWINGING BLUE JEANS HOME OF METAL: HAND OF DOOM Col- SHAPESHIFTERS SCULPTURE GROUP THE UNDERCLASS + THE Sun 8 Sept, Lichfield lection of portraits of Black Sabbath Joint show by two professional art EARNEST SPEARS + Garrick fans wearing the ubiquitous 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 1 - 8 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:41 Page 2

Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 September

Theatre Company present a concert Comedy compilation of show tunes, drama, dance and comedy, Sun 8 Sept, MATT BRAGG, DOUGLAS CARTER, TOM Wolverhampton Grand Theatre HAM, LOUISE LEIGH, DANNY CLIVES, ROB KEMP & ADAM BEARDSMORE Wed 4 Sept, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, B’ham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Talks SON & COMIC TBC Thurs 5 Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham MALORIE BLACKMAN: NOUGHTS & CROSSES Malorie Blackman talks GORDON SOUTHERN, SAM AVERY, about Crossfire, the latest novel in RICHARD MASSARA & HAYLEY ELLIS her bestselling series, Noughts & Thurs 5 Sept, The George Hotel, Crosses, Sat 7 Sept, Birmingham Lichfield Town Hall EDDY BRIMSON, HANNAH SILVESTER, ROB MULHOLLAND & COMIC TBC Thurs 5 Sept, Stourbridge Town Hall MIKE WILMOT & COMIC TBC Fri 6 & Sat Cabaret 7 Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham BIANCA DEL RIO Thurs 5 Sept, Arena MARLON DAVIS, JAKE LAMBERT, STEVE Birmingham SHANYASKI & FREDDY QUINNE Sat 7 Sept, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham In:Site Festival Birmingham Cathedral Grounds, Fri 5 - Sat 7 September Theatre Back for a ninth year this month, In:Site Festival sees recent graduates transforming the outdoor space around Birming- THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Restoration romp that shocked 17th ham Cathedral with a number of unusual craft ‘interven- century society, until Sat 7 Sept, The tions’. In previous years, commissions have included casting Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon jewellery from cracks in paving slabs and contemporary lace VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version pieces on trees. Organised by Birmingham-based arts charity of Thomas Otway's Restoration Craftspace, the event is free to visit, features different artists tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan working each day and offers onlookers the chance to try out Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Film some new craft techniques for themselves. INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Bromsgrove, Mon 2 Sept NEW FILMS ON GENERAL THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (U) Anima- IT CHAPTER TWO (15) Horror/Thriller. RELEASE: tion/Adventure. With the voices of Starring Bill Skarsgård, Finn Released from Fri 6 Sept, showing at Donald Glover, Seth Rogen. Midlands Wolfhard. Electric Cinema, Birming- selected cinemas Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 30 Aug - ham, from Fri 6 Sept IT: CHAPTER TWO (tbc) Sun 1 Sept THE CURRENT WAR (12a) RAPID RESPONSE (12a) THE LION KING (U) Animation/Adven- Biography/Drama. Starring Benedict ture. With the voices of Jason Cumberbatch, Tom Holland. Artrix, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES In- Sudeikis, Bill Hader. The Mockingbird Bromsgrove, Fri 6 & Mon 9 Sept ventive two-man staging of Arthur Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 30 Aug - ANIMALS (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Conan Doyle’s acclaimed Sherlock Thurs 5 Sept Events Holmes mystery, Mon 2 - Sat 14 ring Holliday Grainger, Alia Shawkat. PAIN AND GLORY (15) Drama. Starring THE FALCONER'S QUEST Up to 70 birds Sept, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz. Fri 6 - Wed 11 Sept of prey take to the sky in a display of ON YOUR FEET! Smash-hit musical in- Foreign language, subtitled. Mid- aerial acrobatics, until Thurs 31 Oct, MRS LOWRY & SON (PG) spired by the true love story of Emilio lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 30 Warwick Castle and Gloria Estefan, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Biography/Drama. Starring Vanessa Aug - Thurs 5 Sept LEGO CITY Featuring character ap- Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome Redgrave, Timothy Spall. Electric AMAZING GRACE (U) Cinema, Birmingham, from Fri 6 pearances, new building activities CABARET John Partridge stars as Documentary/Music. Starring Aretha Sept; Midlands Arts Centre, Birming- and the chance to explore what a city Emcee in a new staging of the fa- Franklin. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- ham, Fri 6 - Thurs 12 Sept of the future would look like, until Sun mous musical, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Sept, ingham, Fri 30 Aug - Thurs 5 Sept 1 Sept, Legoland Discovery Centre, SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU! (U) Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Birmingham GHOSTBUSTERS (12a) Action/Comedy. Comedy/Animation. With the voices QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE Mark Far- Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd. of Frank Welker, Nicole Jaffe. This THE BLACK COUNTRY AT PLAY Celebra- relly’s acclaimed solo play, Thurs 5 - Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 1 screening will be preceded by a tion of games and toys, until Sun 1 Sat 7 Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Sept drop-in workshop. Midlands Arts Sept, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Birmingham MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN (18) Centre, Birmingham, Sat 7 Sept FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Cadbury’s 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL New production Documentary. Starring Bijan Aalam, THE LION KING (U) Animation/Adven- Freddo dons his captain’s hat to of Dolly Parton's rip-roaring musical Tim Boxell. The Mockingbird Cinema, ture. With the voices of Jason teach little ones about what it takes to comedy, Fri 6 - Sat 14 Sept, The Birmingham, Sun 1 Sept Sudeikis, Bill Hader. Artrix, Broms- become a pirate, until Sun 1 Sept, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham HAIL SATAN? (15) Documentary. Star- grove, Sat 7 Sept Cadbury World, Bournville, B’ham THE LOVELY BONES Alice Sebold's ring Lucien Greaves. Electric Cinema, NOTORIOUS (U) Drama/Film-Noir. Star- KAPOW: THE SUMMER OF COMIC ART coming-of-age tale returns to The Birmingham, from Sun 1 Sept ring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman. Take inspiration from the Comic Art REP following its well-received debut Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, exhibition and join in comic-themed run last year, Fri 6 - Sat 21 Sept, The VITA & VIRGINIA (12a) Sun 8 Sept workshops, until Sun 1 Sept, Enginu- REP, Birmingham Biography/Drama. Starring Gemma Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki. Artrix, ity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire ONE NIGHT ONLY South Staffs Musical SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT BLISTS HILL whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Birmingham 1 - 8 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:41 Page 3

TOURING OCTOBER to DECEMBER 2019

Saturday 12 October Forest Arts Centre, WALSALL

Friday 18 - Saturday 19 October Netherton Arts Centre, DUDLEY

Friday 25 - Saturday 26 October Rose Theatre, KIDDERMINSTER

Thursday 21 November Crescent Theatre, BIRMINGHAM 14+ Thursday 28 - Saturday 30 November Theatre on the Steps, BRIDGNORTH

Sunday 1 December Artrix Theatre, BROMSGROVE

FOR TICKETS £18 7.30pm thefizzogs.com

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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 September Travel back to the Victorian era and designed and have evolved over enjoy an action-packed day, until Sun time, Wed 4 Sept, Birmingham 1 Sept, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Botanical Gardens Ironbridge, Shropshire BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: SOHO HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring ROOFTOP TOURS Enjoy panoramic stories and follow in the footsteps of views from the roof of Soho House, Black Country heroes, until Sun 1 Wed 4 - Thurs 19 Sept, Soho House, Sept, Black Country Living Museum, Birmingham Dudley IN:SITE FESTIVAL Graduates transform GET HANDS ON WITH HISTORY Young- the outdoor space around the cathe- sters can learn to sword fight, shoot dral by creating unusual craft inter- with a bow & arrow or be transformed ventions, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Sept, into a little lord or lady, until Sun 1 Birmingham Cathedral Grounds Sept, Kenilworth Castle FIA/FIM EURO FINALS Drag racing at its SUMMER OF FUN Enjoy a whole host best and featuring 250-plus entrants, of events, shows, activities and meet Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Sept, Santa Pod & greets, until Sun 1 Sept, Drayton Raceway, Wellingborough Manor Theme Park, Tamworth A NIGHT OF 80S HITS Join MPW's resi- PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Enjoy ‘the ulti- dent musicians and be transported mate underwater adventure’, until back to ‘one of the greatest eras in Sun 8 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, modern-day music’, Fri 6 Sept, Marco Ale & Cider Festival Birmingham Pierre White, Birmingham Blakesley Hall, Birmingham, Sat 7 September PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Step back in time to the Roaring 20s and discover A host of top-quality Birmingham brewers will be in atten- the murky underground world of the dance at this day of beer, ale and cider sampling in the pic- Peaky Blinders, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Sept, turesque grounds of the city’s Blakesley Hall venue. There’s Black Country Living Museum, Dud- ley live music to enjoy too, and a selection of food on offer for anybody who either wants to soak up some of the alcohol or FIREWORK CHAMPIONS Three of the UK’s biggest firework companies bat- maybe just feels a little peckish. Beers to enjoy include tle it out for the title of Firework Church End, Two Towers, Froth Blowers and Snails Bank. Champion, Sat 7 Sept, Ragley Hall, Alcester RETRO TRUCK SHOW Featuring up to Strange, Under Groundhogs & HIGH VIS STREET CULTURE FESTIVAL 400 modern and classic trucks, Sat 7 more... Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Sept, Stoke Day-long celebration of all things - Sun 8 Sept, British Motor Museum, Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove THE FORD MOTOR SHOW Featuring a street culture, from street art to street Gaydon, Warwickshire food, graffiti to graphic novels, skate- BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- range of vehicles, Sun 1 Sept, British THE WIGHTWICK MANOR MYSTERY A cludes Kathryn Tickell & The Darken- Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwick- boarding to breakdancing, Sat 7 Sept, Digbeth, Birmingham prized possession has gone missing ing, Flook, The Daoiri Farrell Trio, shire - can you help to solve the mystery of Rosier & more... Thurs 5 - Sun 8 KNIGHT SCHOOL AT BLAKESLEY HALL SCHOOL OF ROCK - PRESENTED BY COL- its disappearance? Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sept, around the town, Bromyard, Learn the code of chivalry and the MORE CINEMA CLUB & BMAG To cele- Sept, Wightwick Manor, W’hampton Herefordshire ways of combat with swordfighter brate the venue’s Home Of Metal exhibition, Colmore Cinema Club BRITISH CERAMICS BIENNIAL Taking ILLUSIVE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Mark Vance, Sun 1 Sept, Blakesley place across six local venues, Sat 7 Shy FX, Beardyman Vs JFB, The Up- Hall, Birmingham screens the Jack Black movie, School Of Rock, Sat 7 Sept, Birming- Sept - Sun 13 Oct, Stoke-on-Trent beats, Critical Sound Takeover & SPITFIRE 10K AND SPITFIRE FAMILY RUN ham Museum And Art Gallery City Centre more... Fri 6 - Sun 8 Sept, Deene COSFORD 2019 Fundraising event, Sun HSBC UK LET’S RIDE COVENTRY Free Park, Corby, Northamptonshire 1 Sept, RAF Cosford, Nr W’hampton JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK Guided walk looking at the people, family cycling event, Sun 8 Sept, THE LONG ROAD Line-up includes Kip ON THE BUSES Featuring more than 25 places and themes that have helped Coventry City Centre Moore, Josh Turner, Lanco, Morgan beautifully preserved vintage and to shape the district, Sat 7 Sept, Mu- DORRIDGE DAY Family fun day includ- Evans, Cam, Suzy Bogguss & Logan Mize, Fri 6 - Sun 8 Sept, Stanford modern buses, Sun 1 Sept, Severn seum of the Jewellery Quarter, B’ham ing BMX Stunt Show, Dog Agility Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- Show, fancy dress & inflatable mad- Hall, Lutterworth, Leicestershire minster 750 MOTOR CLUB CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS Featuring a mix of saloon and sports ness, Sun 8 Sept, Dorridge Park, GUIDED TOUR: HERITAGE AND HISTORY cars, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sept, Donington Solihull OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Park Learn about how the Gardens were Food & Drink Festivals CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL Bridgnorth-station event featuring 60-plus real ales, MOSELEY FOLK & ARTS FESTIVAL Line- ciders and perries, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 up includes Don McLean, Jake Bugg, Sept, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Public Service Broadcasting, The Zu- Nr Kidderminster tons, Richard Thompson, Edwyn Collins & more... Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL Spend the day Sept, Moseley Park, Birmingham sampling a variety of beers, ales & ciders from a host of Birmingham BACK TO THE 80'S AND 90'S FESTIVAL brewers, Sat 7 Sept, Blakesley Hall, 2019 Line-up includes Tony Hadley, Birmingham Nik Kershaw, East 17, S Club Party, Jive Bunny & more... Fri 30 Aug - Sun TAMWORTH FOOD GUSTO FESTIVAL Fea- 1 Sept, Cattows Farm, Heather, Le- turing live music, cooking demonstra- icestershire tions, children’s activities & more... Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sept, Tamworth Castle ONBOARD THE CRAFT Line-up includes Pleasure Grounds, Staffs Peaky Blinders Night - Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Evil Blizzard, Here & Now, Mr whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:43 Page 1 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:43 Page 2

thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 September JEKYLL & HYDE ‘Chilling’ adaptation Classical of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of good & evil, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Music Sept, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Show A CELEBRATION OF OPERA Celebrate celebrating the life and career of Rod the wonder of opera in the company Stewart, Thurs 12 Sept, Lichfield of Mozart, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Of- Garrick fenbach, Gilbert & Sullivan and ABSOLUTE HELL Provocative play more... Wed 11 Sept, Wolverhamp- plunging audiences into a post-war ton Grand Theatre Soho, Thurs 12 - Sat 21 Sept, Sutton CZECH NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHES- Arts Theatre, Sutton Coldfield TRA: HARRY POTTER & THE PHILOSO- GARY POWNDLAND AND FRIENDS PHER’S STONE John Williams’ ‘Wolverhampton’s own internet sen- unforgettable score live, Wed 11 sation’ presents ‘an entertaining Sept, Symphony Hall, Birmingham slice of suburban absurdity’, Fri 13 OPERA BOYS Sat 14 Sept, Lichfield Sept, Prince of Wales Centre, Can- Garrick nock LAST NIGHT OF THE ROTARY PROMS CURTAIN UP Fast-paced comedy 2019 Featuring City of Birmingham about five women who inherit a di- Symphony Orchestra, Treorchy Male lapidated theatre, Fri 13 - Sat 21 Choir and Anthony Inglis (conduc- Sept, Hall Green Little Theatre, Birm- tor), Sat 14 Sept, Symphony Hall, ingham Birmingham IN LOYAL COMPANY The true story of Alice Chater - O2 Academy, Birmingham missing World War Two soldier and prisoner of war Arthur Robinson, Sat Lounge, Birmingham Roux’s, Birmingham 14 Sept, Lichfield Garrick Gigs CREEDANCE CLEARWA- THE LIZARDS + Comedy WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD Lyngo TER Thurs 12 Sept, PSYENCE Sat 14 Sept, Theatre presents a show for children ALICE CHATER Tues 10 MAWAAN RIZWAN Thurs 12 Sept, The Robin, Bilston The Sunflower aged between two and six, Sat 14 Sept, O2 Institute, Birmingham Hippodrome KING KHAN’S LOUDER Lounge, Birmingham Sept, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham PHIL NICHOL & THANYIA MOORE PLUS THAN DEATH Thurs 12 CREST GLIDER Sat 14 STARDUST Romantic pop, R&B and MAN Tues 10 Sept, The COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Sept, Hare & Hounds, Sept, The Actress & Bollywood ‘musical thriller’ from the Robin, Bilston Birmingham Bishop, Birmingham SON Thurs 12 Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham makers of Bring On The Bollywood, LEKKY Tues 10 Sept, FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 13 SOUL’D OUT UK Sat 14 Sat 14 - Sat 21 Sept, Belgrade The- The Sunflower Sept, O2 Academy, Sept, The Robin, Bil- ADAM HESS & SUNIL PATEL Fri 13 atre, Coventry Lounge, Birmingham Sept, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, B’ham Birmingham ston NELL GWYNN ‘Bawdy, joyful and irrev- JJ MARSH BAND Wed THE AC30’S Fri 13 Sept, HERESY Sat 14 Sept, MATT STELLINGWERF, TIM CLARK & erent account’ of the rise to fame of 11 Sept, The Asylum, The River Rooms, The Slade Rooms, MIKE MCCLEAN Fri 13 Sept, Molineux a most unlikely heroine, Sat 14 - Sat Birmingham Stourbridge Wolverhampton Stadium, Wolverhampton 21 Sept, The Crescent Theatre, SHARON SHANNON & BIG COUNTRY Fri 13 THEN JERICO ACOUSTIC PHIL NICHOL & THANYIA MOORE, CARL Birmingham BAND WITH SPECIAL Sept, The Robin, Bil- Sat 14 Sept, Pizza Ex- HUTCHINSON & ADAM HESS Fri 13 - RUBY WAX: HOW TO BE HUMAN Ruby is GUEST SECKOU KEITA ston press Live, B’ham Sat 14 Sept, The Glee Club, B’ham joined by Buddhist monk Gelong Wed 11 Sept, Hare & DON’T CALL ME ISH- ANDY FAIRWEATHER JIMMY CARR Sat 14 Sept, Dudley Thubten & neuroscientist Ash Ran- Hounds, Birmingham MAEL Fri 13 Sept, The LOW & THE LOW RIDERS Town Hall pura in a show ‘to help you upgrade FROTH Wed 11 Sept, Flapper, Birmingham Sat 14 Sept, Artrix, CHRIS RAMSEY, DALISO CHAPONDA, your mind as much as you've up- Hare & Hounds, Birm- graded your iPhone.' Sun 15 Sept, BASSITRY Fri 13 Sept, Bromsgrove SCOTT BENNETT & WAYNE BEESE Sat ingham The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Pizza Express Live, ARIANA GRANDE Sat 14 14 Sept, Cornbow Hall, Halesowen HATTIE BRIGGS + Birmingham - Sun 15 Sept, Arena JARLATH REGAN, MORGAN REES, DANIELLE CAWDELL + LAST AGONY EP LAUNCH Birmingham QUINCY & BARRY CASTAGNOLA Sat 14 SILAS BURKE Wed 11 +SWAMP DONKEY, BROKEN MINDS PRE- Sept, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Sept, The Cuban Em- NAKED SUNDAY, AU- SENTS: LOVE MUSIC, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY Sun 15 Sept, bassy, Birmingham TUMN KILLERS Fri 13 HATE RACISM Sat 14 - The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Kids Shows BLUES CARAVAN 2019 Sept, Route 44, Birm- Sun 15 Sept, Hare & COMEDY X FACTOR Sun 15 Sept, The THE FAMILY FOLK SHOW Award-win- STARRING INA FORS- ingham Hounds, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham ning folk duo Megson present a con- MAN, ALLY VENABLE THE URBAN VOODOO THE WORLD OF WHIT- cert for younger children, Sat 14 AND KATARINA PEJAK MACHINE Fri 13 Sept, FIELD CRANE Sun 15 Sept, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Wed 11 Sept, The Lichfield Guidhall Sept, O2 Academy, Robin, Bilston THE SUMS Fri 13 Sept, Birmingham TRASH BOAT Thurs 12 Theatre The Actress & Bishop, THE STONES @ ROLLK- Sept, O2 Institute, Birmingham ING STONES Sun 15 THE FIZZOGS: BACK IN OUR DAY Com- Birmingham edy charting the friendship of three AMY LOUISE ELLIS Fri Sept, Hare & Hounds, APOLLO SOUL Thurs 12 Black Country women who met 13 Sept, The Sun- Birmingham Sept, The Jam House, through their shared love of dance, flower Lounge, B’ham HOZIER Sun 15 Sept, Birmingham Mon 9 Sept, Wolverhampton Grand THE ROY ORBISON Symphony Hall, Birm- Theatre THE MANFREDS Thurs STORY Fri 13 - Sat 14 ingham 12 Sept, The Core LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT An Sept, The Core The- GRIEVER + WOVENLUNG Theatre, Solihull evening of all things horror with atre, Solihull (W/ FAILURE IS AN OP- hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks and THE SEAMONSTERS + THIRD EYE COLLECTIVE TION & EXILES) Sun 15 Henry Zebrowski, Wed 11 Sept, PJJ + EMZAE Thurs 12 Sat 14 Sept, Mama Sept, Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham Town Hall Sept, The Sunflower Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:43 Page 3 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:43 Page 4

thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 September SAFARI ADVENTURE Roaring musical Starring Y.K. Kim, Vincent Hirsch. The Sept, Stirchley Baths tours of the Smith & Pepper jewellery adventure packed with action songs, Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, THE FIZZOGS MURDER MYSTERY factory, Sat 14 Sept, Museum of the live music and audience participa- Sat 14 Sept EVENING - WHO KILLED LITTLE WILLIE? Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham tion, Sun 15 Sept, The Old Rep The- GREEN BOOK (12a) Biography/Comedy. An evening of ‘suspense, dastardly BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: HERITAGE atre, Birmingham Starring Viggo Mortensen, Maher- deeds, drama and intrigue’..., Sat 14 OPEN DAY Free entry and costumed shala Ali. Highbury Theatre, Birming- Sept, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley guided tours, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Sept, ham, Sat 14 Sept BRITISH GT & BRITISH F3 CHAMPI- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Dance HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE MOVIE - ROT- ONSHIPS Donington Park’s full Grand HERITAGE OPEN DAYS AT HARTLEBURY TEN ROMANS (PG) Comedy/Family. Prix circuit sets the scene for the CASTLE Meet some of the castle's MATTHEW BOURNE'S ROMEO & JULIET Starring Sebastian Croft, Emilia British GT Championship’s 2019 sea- characters and get hands-on with the Contemporary re-imagining of Shake- Jones. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 14 son finale, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Sept, Don- museum collections, Sat 14 - Sun 15 speare’s famous love story, told in Sept ington Park, Castle Donington Sept, Hartlebury Castle, Kiddermin- classic Matthew Bourne style, Tues BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12a) THE LEGITIMATE PEAKY BLINDERS FESTI- ster 10 - Sat 14 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- Comedy/Drama. Starring Viveik VAL Official celebration of the hit TV BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: HERITAGE drome Kalra, Hayley Atwell. Artrix, Broms- series, co-curated by its creator, OPEN DAYS Visit Aston Hall for free as grove, Sun 15 - Mon 16 Sept Steven Knight, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Sept, part of Birmingham Heritage Week TRANSIT (12a) Drama. Starring Franz Digbeth, Birmingham and Heritage Open Days, Sat 14 - Talks Rogowski, Paula Beer. Foreign lan- VICTORIAN LIVING HISTORY Step back Sun 15 Sept, Aston Hall, Birmingham guage, subtitled. Midlands Arts Cen- in time and join the Victorian gov- HERITAGE OPEN DAYS AT BIRMINGHAM OPEN DOOR: TEAR & SHARE Writing tre, Birmingham, Sun 15 – Wed 18 erness, housekeeper and servants as HIPPODROME Series of events cele- night inviting writers/audiences to Sept they go about their daily tasks, Sat 14 brating the theatre’s 120th birthday, create/respond to new work in a live - Sun 15 Sept, Tamworth Castle Sat 14 - Sat 21 Sept, Birmingham setting, Tues 10 Sept, The REP, Birm- TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore over Hippodrome ingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 500 stalls packed with all kinds of col- HERITAGE OPEN DAYS AT SAREHOLE AN EVENING WITH GILL SIMS Author of Released from Fri 13 Sept, showing lectable toys, trains and models for MILL Visit the 18th century mill and the popular Why Mummy? series, at selected cinemas sale, Sun 15 Sept, NEC, Birmingham enjoy a free costumed tour, Sun 15 Wed 11 Sept, The Core, Solihull DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) FALCONRY DAY The birds of prey fly Sept, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- HUSTLERS (tbc) over the ruins of Weoley Castle, Sun ingham PHOENIX (15) 15 Sept, Weoley Castle Ruins, Birm- HERITAGE OPEN DAY Explore the ingham Botanical Gardens, bring a picnic Film HONEYLAND (tbc) MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL and enjoy the beautiful scenery, Sun INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Celebration of Chinese culture featuring traditional 15 Sept, Birmingham Botanical Gar- TACKLING HOMELESSNESS (U) Docu- dances, face-changing magic & mu- dens mentary. Followed by a Q&A hosted Events sical performances, Sun 15 Sept, The BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: HERITAGE by Councillor Sharon Thompson and Birmingham Conference & Events OPEN DAY Walk in the footsteps of Sam Taylor. Midlands Arts Centre, BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL The British Centre some of Birmingham's greatest in- Birmingham, Wed 11 Sept Science Association presents a full dustrialists, learn about the Boulton THE SHEIK (PG) Drama. Starring programme of science and culture, family and life in the 18th century, Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres. Tues 10 - Fri 13 Sept, various venues and find out about the servants who Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, In Coventry Heritage Open worked at Soho House, Sun 15 Sept, Thurs 12 Sept OPEN-AIR CINEMA Featuring screen- Soho House, Birmingham THE BEST OF SHEFFIELD ADVENTURE ings of A Star Is Born, Pulp Fiction Day Events FILM FESTIVAL 2019 (15) Two hours of and Rocketman, Wed 11 - Fri 13 BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK AT CAD- the best of the festival, representing Sept, Birmingham Botanical Gardens BURY WORLD Free heritage talks and the pinnacle of climbing, running and PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Step back in Festivals tours, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Sept, Cadbury biking. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- time to the Roaring 20s and discover World, Bournville STAR SHAPED FESTIVAL 2019 Line-up ingham, Thurs 12 Sept the murky underground world of the includes Cast, Dodgy, Space, BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: MEET SIR DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Drama. Starring Peaky Blinders, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Sept, Geneva, Salad, Mark Morris & Chris THOMAS HOLTE TOUR The man himself Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith. Black Country Living Museum, Dud- Helme, Sat 14 Sept, O2 Institute, takes visitors on a guided tour! Wed Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from ley Birmingham 11 Sept, Aston Hall, Birmingham Fri 13 Sept THE CYCLE SHOW The UK's biggest BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: A SER- THE SOUVENIR (15) Drama/Mystery. event for cycling enthusiasts, Fri 13 - VANT’S LIFE GUIDED TOUR Special Starring Honor Swinton Byrne, Tom Sun 15 Sept, NEC, Birmingham guided tour focusing on the life of the Burke. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, HANDS ON HISTORY Meet characters servants at Aston Hall, Thurs 12 Sept, Food & Drink from Fri 13 Sept from the past, find out what life was Aston Hall, Birmingham BRINDLEYPLACE FOOD FESTIVAL Debut SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12a) Com- like and have a go at all sorts of 17th BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: HERITAGE event, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Sept, Brindley- edy/Drama. Starring Bill Nighy, Alice century activities, Sat 14 Sept, Mose- OPEN DAYS Take part in free costumed place, Birmingham Lowe. Midlands Arts Centre, Birming- ley Old Hall, Wolverhampton tours, Fri 13 Sept, Sarehole Mill, Hall ham, Fri 13 - Mon 16 Sept SCIENCE OF THE CIRCUS Learn new Green, Birmingham ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD skills and see how science can make HERITAGE OPEN DAYS - OLD YARDLEY (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring each trick easier to master, Sat 14 WALK Join experts from the Birming- Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt. Mid- Sept, Thinktank Science Museum, ham & Warwickshire Archaeological lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 13 Birmingham Society for a stroll around the village, – Wed 18 Sept DISCOVER RAG RUGGING Learn the Sat 14 Sept, Blakesley Hall, Birming- skills needed for this traditional craft, PHOTOGRAPH (15) Drama. Starring ham Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malho- Sat 14 Sept, Birmingham Back to BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: HERITAGE tra. Foreign language, subtitled. Ar- Backs OPEN DAYS - GUIDED TOUR Free tour of trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 13 Sept; STIRCHLEY OPEN CINEMA PRESENTS… Weoley Castle, Sat 14 Sept, Weoley Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, PRIDE IN OUR CITY, OUR CITY’S PRIDE Castle Ruins, Birmingham Fri 13 - Thurs 19 Sept Showcase of young people’s films BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK: HERITAGE MIAMI CONNECTION (18) Action/Crime. about Birmingham’s heritage, Sat 14 OPEN DAY Free costumed guided whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 16 - 22 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:45 Page 1

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thelist Monday 16 - Sunday 22 September Classical Music Theatre BRITTEN-SHOSTAKOVICH FESTIVAL OR- HOT FLUSH Hit show about ‘the friend- CHESTRA Featuring Jan Latham-König ships, secrets, tears, laughter and (conductor) and Pavel Kolesnikov ups and downs of four ordinary (piano). Programme includes works women - and one man - living ex- by Britten, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, traordinary lives’, Mon 16 Sept, The Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, Tues Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 17 Sept, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CHICAGO Intimate version of the ac- THE SIXTEEN Featuring Harry Christo- claimed musical, Tues 17 - Sun 22 phers (conductor). Programme in- Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham cludes works by Plainsong, Sir John THAT’LL BE THE DAY Nostalgic variety Tavener, John Sheppard, Eric show featuring hits from the ’50s to Whitacre, Robert Wylkynson, Robert the ’80s, Wed 18 Sept, Lichfield Gar- Fayrfax, Gabriel Jackson & Sir James rick MacMillan, Thurs 19 Sept, St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham REBEL MUSIC Robin French's new play, celebrating Midlands’ diverse Wendy Kirkland - Pizza Express Live, Brindleyplace, Birmingham music legacy, Thurs 19 Sep - Sat 5 Oct, The REP, Birmingham Thurs 19 Sept, Hare & THE FONTANAS Sat 21 Hounds, Birmingham Sept, Pizza Express Comedy KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Gigs formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Live, Birmingham ROB DELANEY Mon 16 Sept, The REP, SOUL SURVIVORS Thurs 19 Sept - Sat 21 Mar 2020, The Birmingham PIXIES Mon 16 Sept, Thurs 19 Sept, The SURGE ORCHESTRA Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon O2 Academy, B’ham Jam House, B’ham WITH NIFECO COSTA & LIZA TREYGOR Tues 17 Sept, The Glee WILDLIFE ROAD TRIP Informative show BABOCK DJAZZ Sat 21 Club, Birmingham FERRIS & SYLVESTER TEMPESST Thurs 19 ‘packed with fascinating facts and fun Mon 16 Sept, Hare & Sept, Midlands Arts Sept, The Flapper, EDDIE IZZARD Tues 17 - Sat 21 Sept, for the whole family’, Fri 20 Sept, Hounds, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Birmingham The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick STRANGE CAGES Mon KICK UP THE 80’S Sat NO HOT ASHES Thurs BRAVERY TO THE BELL Evening of fam- 16 Sept, The Sun- 21 Sept, The Robin, 19 Sept, The Sun- ily entertainment while raising funds flower Lounge, B’ham Bilston flower Lounge, B’ham for Children With Cancer UK charity. THE SNUTS Mon 16 THE STRAYS Thurs 19 MARQUIS DRIVE Sat 21 Performers include Fleur East, Joe Sept, O2 Institute, Sept, The Robin, Bil- Sept, The Night Owl, McElderry and Flawless, Sun 22 Birmingham ston Birmingham Sept, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MUSE Tues 17 Sept, ONLY SHADOWS + DEAD LEE MEAD - MY STORY Arena Birmingham AGENTS Fri 20 Sept, Sat 21 Sept, Lichfield Garrick KEITH SLATER’S SINATRA The Sunflower CELEBRATION Tues 17 Lounge, Birmingham BLADE BROWN Sat 21 Kids Shows Sept, The Core The- Sept, O2 Institute, THEON CROSS Fri 20 DEAR ZOO LIVE Rod Campbell’s chil- atre, Solihull Birmingham Sept, Hare & Hounds dren’s classic, live on stage... Sun 22 ZUZU Tues 17 Sept, Birmingham SPIELBERGS, YR PO- - Mon 23 Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove The Sunflower BACK:N:BLACK Fri 20 ETRY, WOOD & NAILS, Lounge, Birmingham Sept, The Robin, Bil- MUTT Sat 21 Sept, The Flapper, Birmingham BIG HEATH Tues 17 ston Sept, Hare & Hounds, COLLATERAL & PISTON KHALID Sat 21 Sept, RUSSELL HOWARD Wed 18 Sept, Re- Dance Birmingham Fri 20 Sept, The Asy- Resorts World Arena, Birmingham sorts World Arena, Birmingham BRB MIXED PROGRAMME Birmingham CALL ME UNIQUE Tues lum, Birmingham Royal Ballet collaboration with Ballet TAPE FACE Thurs 19 Sept, Birmingham 17 Sept, The Jam WENDY KIRKLAND Fri 20 80’S MANIA Sat 21 Black, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Sept, Birm- Town Hall House, Birmingham Sept, Pizza Express Sept, Wolverhampton ingham Hippodrome Grand Theatre STEPHEN MALKMUS Live, Birmingham PAUL MCCAFFREY PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & Tues 17 Sept, Hare & THE UNRECEIVED Fri 20 CHANTEL MCGREGOR COMIC TBC Thurs 19 Sept, The Glee Hounds, Birmingham Sept, The Slade Sat 21 Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove Club, Birmingham THE CARPENTERS EXPE- Rooms, W’hampton Talks MICKY OVERMAN, PAUL MCCAFFERY, RIENCE Wed 18 Sept, PAINKILLER Fri 20 Sept, FETTY WAP Sun 22 AN AUDIENCE WITH GARETH LEWIS With PAUL F TAYLOR & MAFF BROWN Fri 20 - Artrix, Bromsgrove Scruffy Murphys, Birm- Sept, O2 Institute, over 20 years experience of working Birmingham Sat 21 Sept, The Glee Club, B’ham AITCH Wed 18 Sept, ingham in the spirit world, Gareth Lewis pre- DAVE JOHNS Sat 21 Sept, Midlands O2 Institute, B’ham THE STRAWBS 50TH AN- MILOS - THE VOICE OF sents his Our Journey Continues THE GUITAR Sat 22 Arts Centre, Birmingham show, Wed 18 Sept, Cornbow Hall, THE DELEGATES Wed 18 NIVERSARY CONCERT Fri Sept, Wolverhampton Halesowen Sept, Hare & Hounds, 20 Sept, Artrix, Broms- TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, MARK SIM- Grand Theatre Birmingham grove MONS, ROGER MONKHOUSE & DAISY AN EVENING WITH STEVE BULL The PAUL SIMON’S GRACE- EARL Sat 21 Sept, The Comedy Loft, Wolves legend in conversation with BEESWAX + INFINITE LESS THAN JAKE, LAND PERFORMED BY Birmingham broadcaster, writer and Wolves sup- SAUCE + EMPIRE + THE GOLDFINGER & SAVE THE LONDON AFRICAN porter Johnny Phillips, Fri 20 Sept, MOOD + THE OFF BEATS FERRIS Sat 21 Sept, BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 21 GOSPEL CHOIR Sun 22 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Wed 18 Sept, The O2 Academy, B’ham Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove Sept, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, RUSSELL HOWARD BRADLEY WIGGINS: AN EVENING WITH... THE HARA Sat 21 Sept, Town Hall Sun 22 Sept, Re- Birmingham The Asylum, B’ham sorts World Arena, Birmingham Britain’s most decorated Olympian THE KING IS BACK - BEN tells his story, Fri 20 Sept, Symphony SPEAR OF DESTINY DESI CENTRAL COMEDY SHOW Sun 22 THE JONESES - THE PORTSMOUTH IS ELVIS Hall, Birmingham Thurs 19 Sept, Hare & SMITHS TRIBUTE Sat 21 Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham Sun 22 Sept, Arena MY NAME IS WHY: IN CONVERSATION Hounds, Birmingham Sept, The Flapper, IMPROV COMEDY WITH BOX OF FROGS Birmingham WITH LEMN SISSAY The poet, play- THE CHESTERFIELDS Birmingham Sun 22 Sept, The Glee Club, B’ham wright & broadcaster reads from his whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Birmingham 16 - 22 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:45 Page 3

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 16 - 22 September.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 16:45 Page 4

thelist Monday 16 - Sunday 22 September new memoir and reflects on his child- THE LAST TREE (15) hood in care, self-expressionism and THE KITCHEN (15) Britishness... Fri 20 Sept, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham THE FAREWELL (PG) Film Events INDEPENDENT LISTINGS MINI MOTORISTS Activity morning for the under-fives, Mon 16 Sept, British THE GAME CHANGERS (tbc) Documen- Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwick- tary. Starring James Wilks, Arnold shire Schwarzenegger. The Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 16 Sept SECOND CITY EXECUTIONS Experience a ‘gruesome’ evening at the Back to THE VINYL REVIVAL (12a) Documentary. Backs, exploring the dark side of The screening will be followed by a Birmingham's history, Wed 18 Sept, live onstage Q&A with director Pip Birmingham Back to Backs Piper. Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham, Thurs 19 Sept GUIDED TOUR: HERITAGE AND HISTORY OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS My Name Is Why: In Conversation THE LAST TREE (15) Drama. Starring Learn more about how the Gardens Nicholas Pinnock, Denise Black. were designed and have evolved With Lemn Sissay Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from over time, Wed 18 - Thurs 19 Sept, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 20 September Fri 20 Sept Birmingham Botanical Gardens ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD A NIGHT AT THE DARTS Featuring darts A poet, a playwright, a broadcaster, the Chancellor of the Uni- (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring legend Phil Taylor, Thurs 19 Sept, versity of Manchester and an MBE, Lemn Sissay has made - Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt. Artrix, Dudley Town Hall by pretty much anybody’s standards, one would imagine - an Bromsgrove, Fri 20 - Mon 23 Sept ARCHIVES OPEN DAY Explore memora- unqualified success of his time on earth. And that success is ASTRO KID (PG) Animation/Adventure. bilia related to the Trust, Thurs 19 all the more remarkable given the less-than-ideal start he With the voices of Landen Beattie & Sept, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Jason Anthony. Artrix, Bromsgrove, had in life. His childhood spent in care, Lemn’s story is one of Sat 21 Sept THE GLAMPING SHOW Featuring suppli- neglect, misfortune and cruelty, but also of determination, ers from across the glamping indus- hope, triumph and, ultimately, the redemptive power of cre- DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (PG) try, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Sept, Adventure/Family. Starring Isabela Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth ativity. Moner, Eugenio Derbez. Artrix, The event is being presented in support of Lemn’s recently Bromsgrove, Sat 21 Sept AUTUMN STEAM GALA Flagship gala featuring all-night running, an array of published book, My Name Is Why: A Memoir By Lemn Sissay. DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Drama. Starring visiting locomotives and an intensive Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith. Mid- timetable, Thurs 19 - Sun 22 Sept, Fri 20 - Sun 22 Sept, NEC, B’ham Sept, Dudley Zoological Gardens lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 20 Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Sept - Thu 3 Oct PROFESSOR BRIAN COX Brian talks HERITAGE OPEN DAY GARDEN PARTY Kidderminster about the origin and evolution of the Featuring music, games and fun for THE BLUE ANGEL (PG) Drama/Music. KENILWORTH ARTS FESTIVAL Featuring solar system and universe, Sat 21 all the family, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Sept, Starring Emil Jannings, Marlene Diet- events, workshops, exhibitions, writ- Sept, Arena Birmingham Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton rich. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, ers, musicians and visual artists, from Sun 22 Sept MORNING EXPLORERS The museum BRUM BRUM - HERITAGE OPEN DAY Thurs 19 - Sat 28 Sept, Kenilworth opens early for visitors to explore in a Travel through time, Sun 22 Sept, THE MURDER OF MICHAEL O'MALLEY In- quiet and welcoming environment, Museum Collection Centre, B’ham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: terrogate the suspects, follow the Sat 21 Sept, Thinktank Science Mu- Released from Wed 18 Sept, showing clues and help the police solve a ter- seum, Birmingham at selected cinemas rible case of murder, Fri 20 Sept, ANGLO SAXON ARTS AND CRAFT Family Birmingham Back to Backs AD ASTRA (tbc) craft activity in which young visitors Festivals A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE Official exhi- can be inspired by the Staffordshire DUBS COLLECTIVE PARTY IN THE PARK RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (tbc) bition of the Channel Four TV show, Hoard’s colourful pattern-work and Line-up includes works by Toyah, The create something to take home, Sat Lambrettas, The Neville Staple Band, 21 Sept, Birmingham Museum And Curiousity Killed The Cat, The Chris- Art Gallery tians & more... Fri 20 - Sun 22 Sept, MSVR GT SPORTS CAR WEEKEND Head- Himley Hall, Dudley lined by the GT Cup Championship, featuring a grid of supercars, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Sept, Donington Park, Castle Donnington Food & Drink HARVEST FESTIVAL Featuring demon- LICHFIELD AUTUMN BEER FESTIVAL strations, music, a family-friendly trail Enjoy over 30 real ales & ciders from and children's crafts, Sun 22 Sept, local & regional breweries plus music Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham from The Clarksville Mountain Band, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Sept, Lichfield Guild- hall Heritage Open Day Events HERITAGE OPEN DAY Free event featuring horrible history sessions, a castle Professor Brian Cox - Arena Birmingham tour and ghost walk, Thurs 19 - Fri 20

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham 23 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 14:23 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 23 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 14:23 Page 2

thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 September Club, Birmingham RALPH MCTELL Sat 28 & Gary Barlow’s award-winning pro- Gigs JCM FEATURING CLEM Sept, Artrix, Broms- Classical duction, starring Sarah Jane Buckley, CLEMPSON, MARK grove Sue Devaney, Julia Hills, Judy Holt, CENTRE STAGE: PURCELL & TCHAIKOVSKY BIG ZUU Mon 23 Sept, CLARKE AND RALPH SAMANTHA-JAYNE Sat Ruth Madoc, Lisa Maxwell and Re- Featuring Kate Suthers & Charlotte O2 Academy, B’ham SALMINS Wed 25 Sept, 28 Sept, Pizza Express becca Storm, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Sept, Skinner (violins), Christopher Yates & The Robin, Bilston Live, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PAUL GILBERT Mon 23 Amy Thomas (violas), Helen Edgar & SISTER ACT Amateur production by Sept, The Mill, Digbeth CHON Wed 25 Sept, THE COUNTERFEIT Catherine Ardagh-Walter (cellos), Sutton Coldfield MTC, Tues 24 - Sat The Asylum, B’ham STONES Sat 28 Sept, Thurs 26 Sept, CBSO Centre, B’ham The Robin, Bilston 28 Sept, Lichfield Garrick RICHARD STRANGE PER- LUKE JONES PIANO CONCERT Pro- WIFE AFTER DEATH Amateur production FORMS THE SONGS OF JOE / BRANDY & DRU gramme includes works by Debussy, of Eric Chappell’s comedy, presented LOU REED Thurs 26 HILL Sat 28 Sept, O2 Ravel, Schumann & Prokofiev, Fri 27 by The Lichfield Players, Tues 24 - Sat Sept, O2 Academy, Academy, Birmingham Sept, Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School Birmingham 28 Sept, Lichfield Garrick EARTHGANG Sat 28 CBSO: SHEKU PLAYS ELGAR Featuring BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES New com- THE LEISURE SOCIETY Sept, O2 Institute, Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla (conductor) & edy that leaps from a barber shop in Thurs 26 Sept, Hare & Birmingham Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello). Pro- Peckham to Johannesburg, Harare, Hounds, Birmingham gramme includes works by Purcell TERI: THE SYMPHONY OF Kampala, Lagos and Accra over the (arr. Stucky), Elgar, George Benjamin BAD NERVES Thurs 26 YOU Sat 28 Sept, The course of a single day, Thurs 26 - Sat & Vaughan Williams, Sat 28 Sept, Sept, The Sunflower Bramall, Birmingham 28 Sept, The REP, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham BIG BOSS MAN Sat 28 STRANGE ENCOUNTERS OF A SOCIAL LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH STARS OF IRISH COUN- Sept, The Night Owl, KIND Comedy drama exploring what THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes TRY Thurs 26 Sept, Birmingham happens when a bunch of strangers works by Parry, Hurford, J.S Bach, OTHERKIN Mon 23 The Core Theatre, POWER METAL QUEST are brought together and have to deal Howells & Elgar, Mon 30 Sept, Birm- Sept, The Sunflower Solihull FEST Sat 28 Sept, The with a tricky situation, Thurs 26 - Sat ingham Town Hall Lounge, Birmingham JAY1 Thurs 26 Sept, Asylum, Birmingham 28 Sept, The Blue Orange Theatre, CAMP COPE Mon 23 O2 Institute, B’ham ARCADE HEARTS Sat 28 Birmingham Sept, Hare & Hounds, THE NIGHT CAFE Thurs Sept, The Castle & MUSHY - LYRICALLY SPEAKING Rifco Birmingham 26 Sept, O2 Institute, Falcon, Birmingham Comedy Theatre present an uplifting tale in- ROAM + WITH CONFI- Birmingham spired by the true story of Musharaf SHAI BRIDES & MISS BEN ELTON Mon 23 Sept, Stafford Gate- DENCE Asghar (from the TV series Educating Mon 23 Sept, KOYO + GUESTS Thurs JUNE Sat 28 Sept, The house Theatre O2 Institute, B’ham 26 Sept, Hare & Flapper, Birmingham Yorkshire), Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Sept, ED BYRNE Wed 25 Sept, Stafford Gate- The REP, Birmingham FÉLIX RABIN Hounds, Birmingham Mon 23 DON’T STOP - TRIBUTE house Theatre Sept, The Robin, Bil- DEL CAMINO Thurs 26 TO FLEETWOOD MAC Sat GIFTED 37 Dance, music and spoken MARTIN MOR, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ston Sept, The Jam House, 28 Sept, The Crescent word combine in a celebration of ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 26 Birmingham’s creative future, Sat 28 PALE WAVES Tues 24 Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome Sept, O2 Academy, MARTIN TURNER - EX NEW RULES Sun 29 PAUL FOOT Fri 27 Sept, Artrix, Broms- Birmingham WISHBONE ASH Thurs Sept, O2 Academy, ANNA MUDEKA: KURE KURE (FARAWAY) grove Anna takes audiences on a thought- KEANE Tues 24 Sept, 26 Sept, The Robin, Birmingham NOEL JAMES, GARETH RICHARDS, MAR- provoking journey to ancient and Symphony Hall, Birm- Bilston LAGERSTEIN - BIRMING- TIN MOR & SARAH KEYWORTH Fri 27 modern-day Zimbabwe, Sat 28 Sept, ingham TINY MOVING PARTS Fri HAM Sun 29 Sept, The Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham FRANKIE VALLI - THE 27 Sept, O2 Institute, Flapper, Birmingham GULP! The Bone Ensemble present a ORIGINAL JERSEY BOY Birmingham PATRICK MONAHAN Fri 27 Sept, Old NEW HOPE CLUB Sun 29 story about water for younger audi- Tues 24 Sept, The Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- Sept, O2 Institute, ences, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sept, Midlands Crescent Theatre, ADAM ROWE Sat 28 Sept, The Slade TIES Fri 27 Sept, Artrix, Birmingham Arts Centre, Birmingham Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton Bromsgrove THE REASONING Sun 29 THE HOWL & THE HUM INSURGENT Fri 27 Sept, Sept, The Robin, Bil- GUZ KAHN, MICKY P KERR, JAMIE Tues 24 Sept, Hare & The Flapper, B’ham ston HUTCHINSON & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 28 Hounds, Birmingham Sept, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ETHAN MUGGLESTONE RIVERS OF NIHIL Sun 29 MEMORIES ARE MADE + 2 AM Fri 27 Sept, Sept, Mama Roux’s, JOHN-LUKE ROBERTS Sat 28 Sept, Ar- OF THIS Tues 24 - Wed The Sunflower Birmingham trix, Bromsgrove 25 Sept, The Core Lounge, Birmingham GEOFF NORCOTT Sun 29 Sept, The Glee Theatre, Solihull VOLBEAT Mon 30 Sept, LOST FRESHERS FESTI- O2 Academy, B’ham Club, Birmingham THE DUST CODA Wed 25 VAL Fri 27 Sept, The BOB'S COMEDY FUNHOUSE Mon 30 Sept, Sept, O2 Academy, ZEBRAHEAD Mon 30 Mill, Digbeth, B’ham The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Sept, O2 Institute, JAMES AND BLACK Fri Birmingham AVERAGE WHITE BAND 27 Sept, Pizza Express CROW BLACK CHICKEN Wed 25 Sept, Birming- Live, Birmingham ham Town Hall Mon 30 Sept, The BRUNO - A TRIBUTE TO Robin, Bilston Theatre NIGEL SLATER’S TOAST An evocative ALEX FRANCIS Wed 25 BRUNO MARS Sat 27 FIRST AID Midlands playwright Laura tale of love, loss and... toast - direct Sept, The Sunflower MALLORY KNOX Mon 30 Sept, The River Liptrot takes a look at what happens from the West End, Mon 30 Sept - Sat Lounge, Birmingham Sept, Mama Roux’s, Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham when a group of people are thrown to- 5 Oct, Malvern Theatres FOREVER ELTON Wed 25 gether on a first-aid course, Mon 23 - MADONNA VS CHER Fri RODRIGO Y GABRIELA GASLIGHT New staging of Patrick Sept, Artrix, Broms- Wed 25 Sept, The Blue Orange The- 27 Sept, The Robin, Mon 30 Sept, O2 Insti- Hamilton’s psychological thriller, Mon grove atre, Birmingham Bilston tute, Birmingham 30 Sept - Sat 5 Oct, The Alexandra PETE HARRIS Wed 25 MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS Timeless Theatre, Birmingham ROCKET Fri 27 - Sat 28 PLASTIC MERMAIDS Sept, The Jam House, Theatre take audiences on a fast- Sept, The Jam House, Mon 30 Sept, The BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s Birmingham paced journey through the music of Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, award-winning musical makes a wel- the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s, Tues 24 - Wed SAM CARTER PLUS BALAAM AND THE ANGEL Birmingham come return to the region, Mon 30 25 Sept, The Core Theatre, Solihull CLAIRE BOSWELL Wed Sat 28 Sept, O2 Sept - Sat 12 Oct, Birmingham Hippo- 25 Sept, Red Lion Folk Academy, Birmingham CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL Tim Firth drome

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Birmingham 23 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 21/08/2019 14:23 Page 3

thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 September Kids Shows Film HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE Goblin Theatre INDEPENDENT LISTINGS Company fuse music and puppetry in PAIN AND GLORY (15) Drama. Starring an adventure story for younger audi- Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz. ences, Sun 29 Sept, Midlands Arts Foreign language, subtitled. Artrix, Centre, Birmingham Bromsgrove, Fri 27 - Mon 30 Sept MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL Join Alex THE SOUVENIR (15) Drama/Mystery. (X-Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry), Starring Honor Swinton Byrne, Tom Marty, Melman and Gloria as they Burke. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- bound out of the zoo and onto the ingham, Fri 27 - Mon 30 Sept stage in this ‘live musical spectacu- DRESSED TO KILL (18) Mystery/Thriller. lar’, Wed 25 - Sun 29 Sept, Regent Starring Michael Caine, Angie Dickin- Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent son. Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham, FIRST ENCOUNTERS: THE MERCHANT OF Sat 28 Sept VENICE Shakespeare’s story of justice DIRTY DANCING (18) Drama/Music. and mercy is brought to life in a pro- Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer duction created specially for seven to Grey. This is a brunch event. The 13-year-olds, Mon 30 Sept - Sat 5 Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Oct, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- Sat 28 Sept The National Wedding Show upon-Avon THE MATRIX TRILOGY (15) Action/Sci-Fi. NEC, Birmingham, Fri 27 - Sun 29 September Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne. The Mockingbird Cinema, Promising a one-stop shop for all of a couple’s wedding-day Cabaret Birmingham, Sun 29 Sept needs, this annual event provides a platform for the best in TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY the industry to showcase both the trendy and the traditional. BINGO Laugh, dance and play to win NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Highlights of the show include the ever-popular catwalk, free as Tina spins her cage of balls to a Released from Fri 27 Sept, showing DIY wedding workshops at The Inspiration Lab, and a range high-energy ’80s soundtrack, Thurs at selected cinemas of delectable creations available to view from the nation’s top 26 Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, cakemakers. And when visitors are done with all the perus- Birmingham THE GOLDFINCH (15) HOTEL MUMBAI (15) ing, they can indulge in some well-deserved rest and relax- ation with a glass of fizz and a bite to eat in the Champagne THE HUNT (tbc) Bar. Dance POMS (12a) JAMES WILTON DANCE: THE STORM READY OR NOT (18) Birmingham Bromsgrove High-energy show blending acrobat- 21 BRIDGES (tbc) MEDIEVAL BANQUET Immersive MSVR CLUB CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS Mo- ics, breakdancing, martial arts and THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW (tbc) evening of medieval entertainment torSport Vision Racing return for the ‘edge-of-the-seat contact work’, Wed and hearty food & drink, Sat 28 Sept, second of two back-to-back race 25 Sept, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Warwick Castle meetings, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sept, Don- ingham DISCOVER YOUR BRITISH FAMILY HIS- ington Park, Castle Donnington ROSIE KAY'S FANTASIA Three female Events TORY Delve into your family history THE AVENGER WEEKENDER The dancers ‘discover love, loss, emotion BRIDGE Circus acrobatics, dance, with the help of a genealogy special- Avenger Triathlon returns to Ragley and joy’ to a soundtrack of Vivaldi, ist, Sat 28 Sept, Birmingham Back to Hall and features a range of activities, Purcell, Beethoven and Bach, Wed comedy, theatre and live music, all inspired by local people’s stories, Backs from trail runs and open water swims 25 - Thurs 26 Sept, The Patrick Stu- to middle, classic and sprint dio, Birmingham Hippodrome Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Sept, Coventry City LIVING WITH A CLASSIC CAR - AUTUMN Centre WORKSHOP Practical workshop for triathlons, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sept, Ra- BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET: GISELLE classic-car owners looking to develop gley Hall, Alcester David Bintley & Galina Samsova's THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Featur- ing 200-plus wedding specialists, their maintenance and restoration THE WIGHTWICK MANOR MYSTERY A production of one of the most cele- skills, Sat 28 Sept, British Motor Mu- prized possession has gone missing brated ballets of the 19th century, thousands of dresses from leading designers and a show-stopping cat- seum, Gaydon, Warwickshire - can you help to solve the mystery of Wed 25 - Sat 28 Sept, Birmingham its disappearance? Sat 28 - Sun 29 Hippodrome walk, Fri 27 - Sun 29 Sept, NEC, ROCK THE JOINT Celebration of the rocking ’50s and ’60s, complete with Sept, Wightwick Manor, W’hampton a boat tour and a two-course meal, MINECRAFT CASTLE BUILDING Castle Sat 28 Sept, Dudley Canal and Tun- building workshops curated by ex- nel Trust perts at Blockbuilders, Sat 28 - Sun EDWARDIAN TEAROOMS LATE: DRINK 29 Sept, Kenilworth Castle AND DRAW Free social drawing event JAPSHOW FINALE The season finale for for anyone who likes to doodle. Pens, Japanese car enthusiasts, featuring pencils and paper provided, Sat 28 the final round of the FWD Drag se- Sept, Birmingham Museum And Art ries, club displays, show & shine, Gallery traders and plenty more, Sun 29 THE 2019 TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING & Sept, Santa Pod Raceway, Welling- DMT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS Gym- borough nasts soar through the air as they bid WARWICK WORDS HISTORY FESTIVAL to become British champion, Sat 28 - The local history project, taking the Sun 29 Sept, Arena Birmingham theme of In And Around Warwick, MEDIEVAL JOUST WEEKEND Travel back joins forces with Unlocking Warwick in time to 1459 as Avoncroft trans- for a reconstruction of a 19th century forms into a medieval village, Sat 28 - trial, Mon 30 Sept - Sun 6 Oct, Vari- Sun 29 Sept, Avoncroft Museum, ous venues around Warwick Edwardian Tearooms Late: Drink & Draw - Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Belgrade Theatre Full September 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:00 Page 1 Peaky Blinders Festival Full September 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:00 Page 1