Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover

Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover March 2018 .qxp_Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover 21/02/2018 15:37 Page 1

PHIL DANIELS IN

WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON MARCH 2018 Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE AT THE GRAND

Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 387 MARCH 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk

inside:

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

PALOMA FAITH returns to the Midlands interview inside... TWITTER:@WHATSONWOLVES

EPIC AND POETIC ACE Dance & Music present Ten at Wolves Arena Theatre AEOK @WHATSONWOLVERHAMPTONFACEBOOK:

atEASTER Dudley’s award-winning FUN

WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK Black Country Living Museum (IFC) Wolverhampton.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:14 Page 1

Friday 9th March at 7.30pm Wednesday 14th March at 7.30pm Thursday 15th March at 7.30pm & Friday 16th March at 1.30pm and 7.30pm

SPOKEN WORD DRAMA DRAMA THE TAILOR, THE DEVIL GREAT EXPECTATIONS A BRAVE FACE AND OTHER BRETON TALES

Tickets £12, £10 conc. Tickets £12, £10 conc. Tickets £12, £10 conc. £5 Mat.

Wednesday 21st March at 7.30pm Friday 23rd March at 7.30pm & Saturday Wednesday 28th March at 7.30pm 24th March at 1.00pm and 7.30pm

DRAMA DRAMADRAMA DRAMA THE SHAHNAMEH DARLASTON DOG FIGHT POLICE COPS IN SPACE

Tickets £12, £10 conc. Tickets £12, £10 conc. £5 Mat. Tickets £12, £10 conc. Contents March Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:53 Page 2

March 2018

Contents

Phil Daniels - stars as Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre feature on page 8

The Grahams Paloma Faith Gwen Taylor the list

Americana husband-and-wife talks music, motherhood appears as Lady Bracknell in Your 16-page duo play Lichfield Guildhall and fashion... Oscar Wilde’s classic farce week-by-week listings guide page 17 page 14 page 29 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 38. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Wolverhampton March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:26 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

International dance festival to make a welcome return in the summer The hugely popular Birmingham International Dance Festival (BIDF) makes a welcome return from 1 to 24 June. Produced by the Birmingham Hippodrome-based DanceX- change, the event will feature ‘fantastic dance in the city’s theatres and a takeover of Birmingham’s streets and squares, with show-stopping free performances and opportunities to get dancing’. The programme, inspired and curated around themes of imagination and digital art, will present work that shows choreographic practice at its best, pushing the boundaries of dance as a contemporary art form. Alongside the performance programme will be a series of professional and industry events, debates and workshops - creating a valuable space for dialogue, collaboration, the sharing of ideas and the development of skills... To find out more about the festival, visit bidf.co.uk

It’s pillows and pilots at ebrations. pany, Maw & Co and Craven Dunnill & Co, Let’s Go Quackers is the idea of Telford resi- the exhibition also explores the broader story RAF Cosford! dent Julie Ward, who’s hoping to raise spon- of Victorian aesthetics. Grab your sleeping bag and get ready to sorship for the initiative and then income For more information, visit ironbridge.org.uk enjoy a night at the Royal Air Force Museum from the sales of the ducks once the trail is in Cosford! complete. The charities that will benefit from The popular venue is this month launching the project are Severn Hospice and the Jane Casting announced for special ‘pillows and pilots’ sleepovers for Sargent Foundation. For more information, youngsters, providing participating children visit letsgoquackers.co.uk new tour of Calendar Girls with the chance to sleep amongst the planes, tanks and missiles! The event also features a screening of the Plenty of comic fun at movie A Night At The Museum and a conti- nental breakfast the following morning. Stoke CON Trent The sleepover takes place on Saturday 24 Staffordshire’s biggest TV, film, comic and March, with further evenings having been memorabilia convention is making a wel- arranged for April (sold out) and May (the come return next month (Sunday 15 April). 12th). The biannual Stoke CON Trent event features Visit rafmuseum.org.uk for more information. comic traders, artists, exhibitors and cosplay. Previous editions of the show have included a selection of Doctor Who, Terminator, Gerry Anderson and Star Wars props. Guests already confirmed to appear include Christopher Biggins, John Challis and one- time Oliver Twist, Mark Lester... For more information, visit stokecontrent.co.uk Familiar television faces Fern Britton, Ruth Madoc and Denise Welch will star in Gary Exhibition to showcase Barlow and Tim Firth’s hit show, Calendar Girls The Musical, when it visits the Regent works from Victorian Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tuesday 13 to Outdoor art trail goes school of art Saturday 17 November. Quackers at Ironbridge A new free exhibition exploring the story of The show is inspired by the true story of a the Coalbrookdale School of Art is opening at group of ladies who decide to appear nude A trail of 12 larger-than-life beautifully the Coalbrookdale Gallery in Ironbridge this for a Women’s Institute calendar in order to painted ducks will be placed along the Iron- month (Wednesday 21 March). raise funds for their local hospital. bridge Gorge as a temporary installation in As well as showcasing original design work To purchase tickets for the show, visit atgtick- May, as part of Telford's 50th anniversary cel- and objects from the Coalbrookdale Com- ets.com/stoke 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:26 Page 2

First Word

Heritage Lottery funding for Walsall Transport Museum Walsall’s Aston Manor Road Transport Museum has secured a £35,000 grant from the Her- itage Lottery Fund to explore means of increasing its footfall and revenue. The grant will allow the museum to look at ways to raise money for projects involving technology and engineering, with the intention being to attract younger visitors and school parties to the venue. The museum features a collection of 45 commercial vehicles, including lorries, trucks, buses, coaches and a 1900s tram. For more information, visit amrtm.org

Russell Kane to host comedy Lionel Richie set to bring All The Hits to Shropshire festival gala International superstar Lionel Richie will play Shrewsbury this summer. Shrewsbury will host its second The All Night Long singer is booked to appear at New Meadow, the home of Shrewsbury Town Foot- international comedy festival ball Club, on 13 June as part of a UK tour. this summer, with top comedian Commenting on his forthcoming gigs, Lionel said: “I’ve been missing the UK and can’t wait to make Russell Kane compering the my long-awaited return and to see parts of the country I’ve never made it out to before. The fans are event. always incredible, and they make the atmosphere at every show electric, so I look forward to singing The four-day laugh-in, taking along with them soon.” place from Thursday 19 to Sun- day 22 July, will also feature appearances by, among others, Abandoman, Jason Byrne and Mums go free National Gallery masterpiece now on Nish Kumar. at Ironbridge! show at popular Midlands venue People visiting the New Art Gallery Walsall between now and Sunday 22 April can check out a much-loved work from the National Gallery Collection. Hans Holbein the Younger’s A Lady With A Squirrel And A Starling is currently on display at the gallery as part of the Masterpiece Tour, which is visiting three UK venues during 2018 Ironbridge Gorge Muse- and ’19. ums are inviting mums to Commenting on the painting, the enjoy a day out as their venue’s Director, Stephen Snoddy, guest on Mothering Sun- said: “The New Art Gallery Walsall is day (11 March), when ac- truly honoured to have been chosen companied by another by the National Gallery to be the first full-paying visitor. host venue to exhibit Hans Holbein’s The free-entry offer in- painting. We’re delighted that the peo- cludes Blists Hill Victo- ple of Walsall and our region will be rian Town, Coalport able to come and enjoy this master- China Museum, Jackfield piece. It will be the centrepiece dis- Tile Museum, Coalbrook- play in our Family Gallery, and will be dale Museum of Iron, the shown alongside complementary Museum of The Gorge works from our collection.” Hans Holbein the Younger, A Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling (Anne Lovell?), © and Enginuity. The National Gallery, London whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:26 Page 3

First Word

New Horrible Histories Walk the walk on show heading for Telford the Dudley Trail The critically acclaimed Birmingham Stage Walkers from across the Company (BSC) will visit Telford’s Oakengates country are getting ready for Theatre this summer to present its latest show - the 38th annual Dudley Trail. Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain - Part Four. The event, which attracts The new production will stay true to the style of more than 2,000 people BSC’s Barmy Britain series, posing such delight- every year, will take place on fully mind-bending questions as, Would you be Sunday 6 May. shaken or stirred by Richard III? and Will Queen Walks of six, nine, 12, 20 and Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? 28 miles are on offer, the cho- Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain - Part Four sen routes revealing ‘the hid- shows at Oakengates from 18 to 21 July, prior to den beauty and proud a season in the West End. For more information, industrial heritage of the bor- visit theplacetelford.com ough’. Participants can walk at their own pace, with canal tow- paths, disused railway lines Plans submitted Contemporary theatre company to host and country footpaths all for uni campus The Last Supper in Shrewsbury church featuring along the way. New plans have been submit- A well-established contemporary theatre company is this month bring- All walks start from Dudley ted by the University of Wolver- ing a part-performance part-meal event to Shrewsbury’s St Mary’s Leisure Centre at designated hampton for its School of Church. times between 8am and Architecture & The Built Envi- Reckless Sleepers, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2018, noon... For more informa- ronment, located at its will host The Last Supper at the church on Tuesday 13 March. tion, visit himleyhalland- £100million Springfield Cam- The company describes the presentation as being ‘made up of half-re- park.co.uk/dudleytrail pus development. membered words and the forgotten last requests of inmates on death Commenting on the news, row’... For more information, visit artsalive.co.uk. Something to Deputy Vice Chancellor Jackie Dunne said: "We think the new bleat about... design is really exciting and North Shropshire College will be a fantastic addition to Smash-and-grab West End comedy (NSC) is hosting its annual the city. Springfield is a key heading to The REP Spring Lambing Day this strategic project f month. or the univer- A brand new comedy described as ‘Ocean's Eleven meets the Marx Taking place on Sunday 25 sity, and we’re committed to re- Brothers’ is visiting Birmingham Repertory Theatre this summer, direct March, the event’s attrac- alising the vision of the site from a run in the West End. tions include live music, face and the part this will play in re- The Comedy About A Bank Robbery painting, a climbing wall, a generating Wolverhampton.” is being presented by Mischief The- lamb cuddle corner, a pony atre, the company behind the club equine display and the award-winning The Play That Goes Steampunk first chance to watch a futuristic Wrong. The show runs at The REP robotic milking machine in for Shrewsbury from 23 August to 8 September. For action. Shrewsbury’s inaugural Steam- further information and to book punk Spectacular takes place tickets, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk on Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 March. Highlights of the event include a steampunk market at St Kapow! Inflatable fun for a good cause Mary’s Church, live music, Are you over the age of eight and at least 1.2 metres tall? teapot racing, a costume pa- If so, you may well be interested in a special event that’s not only rais- rade, historic walking tours ing money for a good cause but also providing some high-energy fun covering numerous Victorian along the way... aspects of Shrewsbury, a Taking place at the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury on Saturday chance to experience Coleham 21 April, Severn Hospice Kapow! is inviting participants to run, climb Pumping Station in all its or crawl their way through 10 giant inflatable obstacles over a 5km ‘steam-filled splendour’, and course. Tickets cost £20 and anyone taking part is asked to raise a min- contributions from dancers, imum of £30, with proceeds going to the Severn Hospice. magicians and musicians. For more information, visit severnhospice.org.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:26 Page 4 Phil Daniels DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:27 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Phil Daniels DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:27 Page 2

by Patsy Moss PHIL DANIELS brings mayhem to Wolverhampton as he takes on the roles of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in a brand new staging of the Gothic thriller

With an impressive number of TV, stage and make them both credible people. One might the Touring Consortium works closely with film roles under his belt - most notably that be a villain and one might commit a murder, schools, groups, organisations and of 1960s Mod Jimmy Cooper in the 1979 cult but it's because of the other's personality that individuals to ensure its creative projects movie Quadrophenia - Phil Daniels takes on he does it. help cultivate audiences of the future - a not one but two parts in his latest project, subject which is close to Daniels’ heart: “It's “When I first spoke to Jenny King (the show's portraying both Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in a really important. It's difficult to attract producer and creator of the Touring brand new staging of Robert Louis younger audiences because theatre is very Consortium Theatre Company) about Jekyll Stevenson’s classic thriller, which stops off in expensive. The 'silver pound' can afford it, so and Hyde, I was interested in the way that Wolverhampton in May. older audiences go to the theatre more, sometimes when people have a drink they which means theatre often caters to them. A staple in the ‘from page to stage’ repertoire, become different people. You know, they can The Touring Consortium Theatre Company is the Victorian novella has here been adapted be as good as gold one day, but as soon as doing great work in, for example, finding by David Edgar, the well-established they've had a drink they become snarling plays and books that are on exam syllabuses playwright behind numerous critically animals. I was interested in that, and to attract more kids in. Live theatre is really acclaimed stage shows, including the RSC’s approaching the characters from a point of important. Kids go to gigs, but it'd be nice to recent festive sell-out, A Christmas Carol. view that, even though there’s a liquid which make theatre something they go to more Jekyll takes that turns him into this monster, “David gets at the heart of the story,” says too.” or which exposes the darker side of his Daniels. “He tries to give a reason for Jekyll personality, that darker side is in him So, 40-plus years after cutting his acting and Hyde's breakdown, where Jekyll's father already. He just releases it.” teeth in a film version of Bugsy Malone, does gives him no credit but gives the daughter Daniels ever let nerves get the better of him? credit instead. There's a secret in the past Set against the darkness of Victorian “I do, yes. The fear never goes away. I still between the sister and the brother that's England, the story of Jekyll & Hyde continues have that dream where I'm doing a play and I quite violent, so it's not just Hyde who's the to fascinate more than 130 years after it was don't know what the words are. But I think violent one; there's something violent in first published in 1886. So why does Daniels nerves are good because they mean you care Jekyll as well.” think it remains so popular? about what you're doing.” Brought to the stage by the Touring “If there's a story that captures your Daniels’ distinctive cockney accent is Consortium Theatre Company, Dr Jekyll And imagination and has a beginning, a middle recognisable on Blur’s Parklife (1994) and the Mr Hyde sees Daniels’ characters adopt their and an end, where something might happen Me, White Noise track on the band’s Think creator’s Scottish heritage. “I'm playing or might not happen, it's quite thrilling. Tank album (2003). Via his connection with Jekyll as a posh Edinburgh doctor and Hyde The Jekyll & Hyde story is just one of those Damon Albarn and co, the actor is hoping to as a Glaswegian. I'm burying myself in all stories that's always caught people's fill a few extra seats at the Grand: “All of that, but it's enjoyable getting deep into imaginations. I don't know how many pages Blur's road crew are from Wolverhampton, characters. You have to put the work in - the book is - I think it's only about 60; it's and because of my association with the although I don't get deep enough to go very slim. It's a tiny book that’s led to an band, hopefully some of those boys will around murdering people, of course!” industry of people making films, musicals, come and see the show.” plays, other books, writing about it and Accents apart, what challenges as an actor analysing it. It's very popular, and Finally, reflecting on the traits of both Jekyll has Daniels encountered in preparing for his understandably so.” and Hyde, who is Daniels more like? “I think latest roles? “It's about making them as real there's a little bit of me in both of them. as possible. There are two aspects of his So what makes this latest production so There's a bit of snobbery in Hyde and a bit of personality, not just a crazed animal that's appealing to contemporary audiences? swagger in Jekyll, but also a bit of swagger in come out of nowhere. It's about finding out “Hopefully I can make Jekyll & Hyde resonate Hyde too. It's the same with all of us, I why Dr Jekyll is also Edward Hyde. What I today. It's very much set in Victorian times, suppose.” don't want to do is make Hyde just evil. I but it's interesting that there are more poorer want the audience to make up their own people - although hopefully we look after our mind about who's the worst out of the two of poor, ill and mentally disturbed people a lot them, or who's the best; which facets of each better than they did in those days.” Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde shows at character they like or appreciate and which Committed to promoting accessible and Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre from facets they don't. That's the challenge - to inclusive theatre to audiences across the UK, Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 May. whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Peach Tree Full Page March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 18:37 Page 1 NEW!NEW! Afternoon Teas

Afternoon Teas served daily from 2pm-5pm

£12.50 per person (ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL) TO BOOK CALL 01743 355055 www.thepeachtree.co.uk 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY2 6AE Food March Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 18:12 Page 2

Food

with perfectly cooked hand-cut chips and coleslaw, it was an enjoyable main course. Well known for being one of the tastiest beef options in the world, we were perhaps expecting something more from the wagyu itself. Flavour wise, it was certainly appetising, but we couldn’t really differentiate between the taste of that and, say, an Aberdeen Angus burger. We ordered a side of onion rings, which were exemplary. I’ve eaten some really naff ones in my time, but these were at the totally op- posite end of the spectrum. It’s a rare occurrence for us to skip dessert - and we definitely weren’t going to do so on this occasion. We shared some churros served with salted dulce de leech and a couple of scoops of maple & walnut Movenpick ice cream. The churros were the most heav- REVIEW: The Malthouse enly that either of us had ever had the pleasure of eating - soft New menu inspires an irresistible urge to gorge in the Gorge on the inside yet crispy on the outside. I urge anyone who visits Located beside the River Severn The Malthouse certainly serves a creamy chicken, again with a The Malthouse to order a por- and a few yards from the famous decent pint - a huge plus in our tomato salsa, was also tasty and tion. More often than not, bridge, Ironbridge Gorge book! The place was busier than seasoned well. We’d have per- savoury dishes are my prefer- favourite The Malthouse was es- I was expecting for a Monday haps preferred three coxinhas as ence, but on this occasion the tablished in 1854. evening, which is always a good opposed to the two that were on sweets came out on top. Featuring a four-star bed & sign. offer for the £5.95 price tag, but All in all, the friendly service, breakfast - with uniquely de- The sharing bites, perfect for an we’re big eaters so that wouldn’t stylish interior and tasty food signed rooms - a bar and a afternoon or evening snack suit everyone. certainly made for an enjoyable restaurant that offers sharing alongside a few drinks, featured As tempting as the honey soy evening. bites, little plates, pub food and options such as sticky Chinese and sesame seed slow-braised children's dishes, this Shropshire chicken wings, iberico ham cro- pork belly with egg noodles, pak I look forward to visiting The venue is just two minutes away quette with mustard mayo, ragu choi, cashew nuts, bean sprouts Malthouse again in the summer from the Museum of the Gorge. and buffalo mozzarella arancini and warm sweet chilli sauce months, to sample some of their delicious-sounding sharing The Malthouse is also a popular and furikake sweet potato fries sounded, I opted for the beef bites, alongside a couple of cock- music venue, hosting live acts with seaweed and wasabi sea- shin and Wrekin blue suet pud- tails in the outdoor seating area. every Friday and Saturday soning. As delicious as they all ding with mash and caramelised Lauren Foster evening. Local bands The Week- sounded, it was 8pm and we shallots, in a rich red-wine gravy. enders, Sonic Boom, Academy Of were hungry, so we opted for two It was absolutely delicious! The Soul and Lost The Plot are just of the little plates to start. beef was tender and melted in Food: nnnnn some of the groups who perform Choosing from a list of nine op- the mouth, the mash was soft Service: nnnnn there regularly. tions, which included a Peruvian and creamy, and the gravy - per- Ambience: nnnnn fect. Thick, rich and bursting Overall value nnnnn The venue has recently changed ceviche salad and Vietnamese with flavour, it brought the OVERALL nnnnn hands, undergone a full refur- rolls, we shared the fish taco and whole dish together nicely. bishment and now boasts a new the coxinhas. The taco was filled with beautifully cooked grilled My partner opted for the wagyu The Malthouse menu. Wharfage prawns, green chillies, avocado, burger served in a sourdough roll We were politely shown to our Ironbridge tomato salsa, shredded lettuce with emmental Swiss cheese, table by a member of the team, Telford and cheese - a simple yet tasty baby gem lettuce, red onion, and started the evening with two TF8 7NH starter. The coxinhas dish, com- tomato, pickle, American mus- cold and lively pints of Peroni. Tel: 01952 433712 prising deep-fried balls of tard and mayonnaise. Served whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food March Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 19:40 Page 3

12 whatsonlive.co.uk Food March Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 17:49 Page 4

Food

Pret a Manger to open Shrewsbury store Popular international sandwich shop chain Pret a Manger is to open its first Shropshire premises in Shrewsbury town centre. Located inside the former Bank store at the bottom of the town’s Pride Hill, Pret will sell its usual offerings of wraps, bagels and salads, along with hot and cold beverages, smoothies and shakes. It’s not yet known when the eatery will open. Shropshire’s first wine school is ‘uncorked’ A Shropshire wine enthusiast has launched the county’s first independent wine education company. Gary Carter, from Shrewsbury, has ‘uncorked’ Shropshire Wine School, which offers a range of tastings and courses for those who’re keen to learn more about wine. Upcoming events include a Saturday course with lunch on 3 March (now sold out), a cheese Popular Lebanese restaurant chain set to open premises and wine evening on Wednesday the in Birmingham’s New Street Station this month 7th and an eight-week course starting Lebanese chain Comptoir Libanais is opening in Birmingham’s New Street Station this spring. on Wednesday the 21st, during which Guests can enjoy delicious food all day, including warm Lebanese wraps, marinated grills, tagines, participants will taste more than 50 man’ousha, mezze and mezze platters, breakfast options and much more. wines from across the world. A selection of baklawa and Lebanese desserts will also be on offer, as well as homemade lemonade, fresh rose mint tea, juices, cocktails and a selection of Lebanese wines and beers, New Mexican eatery specially imported from the Bekaa Valley... Comptoir Libanais is set to open on Monday 26 March. planned for Lichfield For more information, visit comptoirlibanais.com New Mexican restaurant Los Banditos is set to open in Lichfield city centre, if planning permission is approved. Stoke’s Titanic Brewery reveals beer bar and cafe plans Already boasting an eatery in Sutton Titanic Brewery has unveiled plans to Coldfield, the restaurant serves a wide open a new craft beer bar and a café bar - range of Mexican food, including tacos, one at Stoke Station, the other in Stafford. fajitas, burritos, chilli, paella, spiced The Stoke-on-Trent-based brewery, which beef burger, chipotle chicken burger, already runs a number of pubs, has been chorizo and patatas bravas. extremely successful in taking on redundant venues and reviving them. Titanic are to transform the first-class lounge at Stoke Station into ‘a pleasant place to enjoy a snack, a coffee or a pint of award-winning beer’. They will turn the former Co-Op in Stafford’s Bodmin Avenue into a café bar, with a target opening date of early April. Director David Bott said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce our new plans. We’ve acquired two fantastic sites, and both are very different to our current pubs, presenting exciting new challenges.” whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Paloma Faith DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:55 Page 1

14PALOMA whatsonlive.co.uk FAITH Paloma Faith DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:55 Page 2

Bursting onto the scene back in 2009 with Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?, Paloma Faith is on course to become the first British female artist to have four consecutive double platinum albums. Lauren Foster caught up with the London-born singer ahead of her show at Birmingham’s Genting Arena this month...

You’re bringing The Architect tour to atmosphere is great and people seem very art house/indie films, like the British version Birmingham’s Genting Arena this month. calm and relaxed. They usually spend quite a of Precious or something like that. What can audiences expect from your bit of time there, having a picnic and stuff. show? It’s really nice. Hopefully we’ll have good How’s parenthood treating you? I think that I'm going to try and do something weather this year. It’s the best and the worst thing that’s ever a little bit more forward-looking and modern happened to me. Once you get past six this time round - I like to reinvent all the You’re playing multiple festivals this months, it becomes the best thing, but I feel time. I’ve been embedded in the world of summer, including a headline slot at before that it’s like hell. You have to provide nostalgia for a while, and now I feel like it’s Splendour Festival. Did you ever imagine for this person who doesn’t even care if you time, socially and politically, to look forward you’d be headlining festivals when you exist or not. because I think we’re in a moment in time first started out? where we absolutely must make some When I first started, I thought I'd just do one What was behind the decision to keep the positive changes. I’ll be singing a mix of old album to say I’ve done it, and then I'd sex of your child private? and new songs. probably get dropped. But now here I am, It’s just about keeping a few details about my nearly 10 years on! child out of the public eye. I don’t think Your new album, also titled The Architect, celebrity culture is a healthy environment for is currently on course to become your You’ve got a busy few months ahead. Do children. I think when they’re 18, they can fourth double platinum album in a row - a you like being busy? What do you always make a decision for themselves. chart-history record for a British woman. make time for despite the heavy How does that make you feel? workload? You have an impeccable sense of style. Well, thank god Adele takes her time, is all I I love being busy; I thrive on it, I think. I Who’s your favourite designer? can say. I think it’s amazing, I have to pinch always prioritise sleep. I'd rather not go out At the moment it’s Alessandro Michele, who myself. and instead have a good night’s sleep designs for Gucci, but I'm not sure he wants because I actually think it’s my favourite to be friends with me because they don’t lend What’s your favourite song off the new thing to do. I sometimes spend half of my day me any clothes. I’ve always been into style album? looking forward to going to bed. I’ve got a more than fashion, I guess. I have lots of favourites for different reasons. really nice bed, though. I think the overall favourite for me is The Tell us something about yourself that we Architect because it summarises the whole Do you prefer performing in arenas or at probably won’t already know or that isn’t gist of what I was feeling when writing the festivals? well documented. record. It’s the world singing to humanity. There’s a massive difference, but I like them I feel like I overshare. I’m not actually that There’s a mothering theme to it because it’s for different reasons - I’d never want to give mad; I'm very measured - and quite sensible, mother nature and that feels appropriate. I up one of them. I like playing small and big perhaps. I love travel. I particularly like the think all of the things I’ve discussed on the and would always want to. I’m not as popular south of Italy, and I've been to Thailand and record, like people in power, homelessness, in certain territories in the world, but I quite the Maldives and Mexico and Cuba, and I had loneliness, poverty, the refugee crisis and enjoy that because I get to do shows that are amazing times there. I really like Japan, even Brexit, fall under the umbrella of that song, in small venues, trying to convince people to though there are lots of people. which is basically that we’ve messed up listen. I still really enjoy doing that. I think What does the future hold for Paloma massively in the world and we need to start it’s really good for me as an artist and as a Faith? reversing it. I spoke to an environmentalist, performer to be able to do both. and he said if we stopped all anti-the-world Hopefully lots more touring and a good activity, like using power sources that weren’t Do you have a favourite festival? work/home balance. That’s really important natural and driving cars and taking flights I really enjoy Bestival and Latitude. I also like now. And hopefully starting a new album and switching on lights, it would only take the little boutique festivals that you don’t and breaking some more self-imposed five years for the world to completely really know, because usually you get a nice records. rejuvenate itself. It’s insane. community feel.

You’ve recently announced that your You’ve branched into television and film. Paloma Faith plays Genting Arena, summer tour includes Forest Live dates. Would you consider taking on more acting Birmingham, on Wednesday 21 March Are you looking forward to them? roles in the future, and what would be and Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire, I’ve done stuff in the forest before, and I'm a your criteria? on Friday 29 June. bit of an old friend to them. I really enjoy it; I would absolutely like to do more acting, but it’s a very beautiful environment, the I don’t think I’m very good at it. I’d want to do

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Gigs

Pale Waves The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 1 March Rising Manchester indie pop four-piece Pale Waves recently released New Year’s Eve, the title track from their forthcoming debut EP. They’re visiting Stoke-on-Trent as part of an extensive world tour. Their biggest so far, it follows on from a support slot on the US and European arena tour of The 1975. Their own recent tours of the UK and Europe both sold out.

The Grahams build on foundations laid by their musical predecessors. Lichfield Guildhall, Staffordshire, Sat 3 March “Our songs are pretty simple,” say the Gra- Dynamic husband-and-wife Americana duo hams. “Just feel something. Have a good Alyssa and Doug Graham have spent most of time, enjoy the music and listen to the their lives exploring music together, marry- echoes.” ing their love of adventure with a desire to Ian Prowse & Amsterdam The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 23 March Skerryvore Noble Jacks English singer-songwriter Ian fronts Liver- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 14 March Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, pool pop/rock group Amsterdam, having pre- Sun 18 March viously played with Cheshire indie rockers Skerryvore’s fusion of folk, trad, rock and With the fiddle leading the charge, folk Pele. The 25th anniversary of Pele’s second Americana has seen them twice named Scot- band Noble Jacks relentlessly toured album, The Sport Of Kings, is being cele- land's ‘traditional music live act of the year’. throughout 2017, promoting debut album brated with a remastered and re-released Hailing from the remote Isle of Tiree - they What The Hammer. album and a full UK tour. took their name from the Skerryvore light- Performances at Glastonbury, Cambridge Expect a concert awash with Sport Of Kings- house that lies 12 miles off the island’s coast Folk Festival, Beautiful Days and Portugal’s era songs, Fireworks tunes, Amsterdam - the ensemble has its own annual festival, Costa Del Folk all featured in their hectic favourites and popular solo numbers. Oban Live, which attracts more than 10,000 people and has hosted major names includ- schedule, not to mention numerous heading KT Tunstall, We Banjo 3, Julie Fowlis and line performances across the UK. Capercaillie. Catch them in Shrewsbury this month for an The band performs in Shrewsbury as part of evening of footstompin’ fun. Their high-en- a busy 2018 that also includes releasing a ergy show is not one to miss... sixth studio album and headlining Den- mark’s legendary Tonder Festival.

Lindisfarne The Robin, Bilston, Sun 25 March Fronted by original founding member Rod Clements, ’70s folk-rock pioneers Lindis- farne bring their greatest hits and classic album tour to the Midlands. Expect to hear songs including Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home, performed by a classic six-piece line-up of long-time members. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Classical March Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:26 Page 1

Classical

Carducci String Quartet The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sun 18 March Performing more than 90 international concerts each year, Carducci are regarded as one of the most talented string quartets in the business. Indeed, the Washington Post described their playing in a recent concert as dis- playing 'a deep and almost familial sense of unity... full of life and vitality... extrava- gantly beautiful...' The quartet perform in Shrewsbury this month as part of the Shropshire Music Trust’s 2017/18 season.

Benjamin Grosvenor Plays Beethoven Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 23 March The winner, aged 11, of the keyboard section of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2004 award, Benjamin Grosvenor is a still-rising star on the UK’s classical music scene. Named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the top 10 Britons of 2011, Benjamin is here joined by organist Jonathan Scott and conductor Jonathon Heyward. The evening’s programme features Weber’s Overture: Oberon, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No3 and Saint-Saëns’s third symphony, Organ.

Omo Bello: Ex Cathedra: The Halesowen La Belle Époque St Matthew Passion Orchestra Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 23 March Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 30 March Cornbow Hall, Halesowen, Sat 17 March Presented as part of a Debussy festival The Halesowen Orchestra was once de- marking the centenary of the French com- scribed by James Morris MP as “one of the poser’s death, this ‘ravishing all-French town’s hidden jewels”, a description with recital’ is performed by Franco-Nigerian so- which the 40-strong ensemble’s many prano Omo Bello. supporters would no doubt wholeheart- Omo’s training in Paris ensures she has a edly agree. Founded in 1986, the amateur special connection with both Debussy and group of musicians meet once a week to Fauré, whose Cinq mélodies ‘de Venise’ is practise a wide and varied repertoire of featured in the programme. works by some of the world’s greatest The recital also sees her performing works classical composers. by Jules Massenet and Erik Satie. This month’s concert features pieces by Mendelssohn and Weber, as well as A favourite at Eastertide, Bach’s piercingly Beethoven’s seventh symphony. beautiful work - a moving retelling of the Passion story - continues to be one of classical music’s most profound experiences. Sung in German with English surtitles, the work is here performed by the Ex Cathedra Choir and Baroque Orchestra under the di- rection of conductor Jeffrey Skidmore. Ex Cathedra are promising a Good Friday performance of the piece that will have ‘a special intimacy, immediacy and power’, so be sure to bag yourself a ticket asap. 18 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical March Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:26 Page 2 Shappi Khorsandi for online 2.qxp_Layout 1 28/02/2018 17:14 Page 1

MISTRESS AND MISFIT

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi comes to Birmingham Shappi Khorsandi for online 2.qxp_Layout 1 28/02/2018 17:14 Page 2

Shappi Khorsandi’s brilliant new show, funnier. I relate Emma’s life to modern harlot’.” Mistress And Misfit, focuses on Emma, Lady women and, like all stand-ups, I draw people Mistress And Misfit is also full to the brim Hamilton, the mistress and misfit who lit up into the world as I see it, so it’s still a very with wonderfully offbeat facts about Emma, the life of Admiral Nelson and added to the personal show.” many of which make for hilarious routines. “I gaiety of nations during the Georgian era. Shappi has notched up numerous high- did a lot of research to find quirky things that The comedian has had a ball writing the profile television appearances during the would work in stand-up. For instance, I show. “It’s about passion and tragedy,” she course of her career, and is also a bestselling discovered that there was something called says. “What better things are there to write author, having released A Beginners Guide to the Harris List, which reviewed all the comedy about?” Acting English in 2009 and her critically prostitutes in London. It was like a Trip After an acclaimed sell-out run at the lauded debut novel, Nina Is Not OK, in 2016. Adviser of its time for prostitutes. At the time, Edinburgh Festival last summer, Shappi is So does she see any similarities between one in six women in Covent Garden worked now about to embark on her biggest Emma and herself. as a prostitute. So if you were visiting Covent nationwide tour yet, performing Mistress And “We were both artist’s models. She modelled Garden, you would take along your Harris Misfit at 50 venues around the country. “It’s for great artists, I modelled for GCSE students List to see who tickled your fancy. Crazy.” like skydiving. The adrenaline rush is in Tower Hamlets. I have never worked in a For all that, Shappi emphasises that the incredible. It’s probably the only time in my brothel, but I have had moments that I would show is not meant to be a lecture. “It’s not a day when I’m utterly focused and have no only tell you about on stage or when very history lesson. It’s about now. It’s not my responsibility to anyone else apart from the drunk. I will be sharing some of those stories intention to make anyone learn anything. It’s audience. in Mistress And Misfit.” up to people if they want to take notes. But if “It’s like a lovely, warm, relaxing bath, but a The comedian, who since 2015 has held the they bring a notebook, that might put me off very high-octane one! You can’t reproduce role of President of Humanists UK, also sees because I would think they were critics and that feeling. If I haven’t done stand-up for a many parallels between the attitudes towards pick on them!” while, I just have to get back on stage. I need women then and now. “Any woman who does Shappi’s already high profile was further it like oxygen!” anything seen as salacious is still demonised enhanced last year by her appearance on I’m “When you’re a stand-up, people have come today. That’s a very modern theme. It’s not A Celebrity. She laughs that one of the knock- to see you and share the experience with you. exclusive to Georgian times. on effects of the programme is that it’s made They can read a book about Emma, Lady “In the show, I talk about Emma being her a better driver. Hamilton, but the way I tell her story draws married to a man 30 years older than her. If “I’m not very good at parallel parking. But people into my stand-up, which I hope is why they were from a lower class, women had no jumping out of an aeroplane on I’m a they bought a ticket in the first place!” financial independence and no options. That Celebrity made me put things into In Mistress And Misfit, Shappi recounts the happened 200 years ago, but much more perspective. Now I think, ‘What was I worried largely untold story of England's unsung recently, my grandmother was married when about? If someone is beeping their horn as I heroine, Emma, Lady Hamilton. For too long, she was 13 to a man in his 30s. So perhaps my try to park, they can just wait’. she’s been reductively tagged as Nelson's gran was the Emma of her time! “I’m A Celebrity makes you really look at life mistress and a bit of a harlot (you work in a “The term ‘gold-digger’ is still banded about from a different angle. You’re too hungry to brothel for one night and there goes your willy-nilly, when we don’t know anything think of anything apart from what to do with reputation). about that woman. Women who are viewed your life. You have time to figure that out. Women's lib wasn't uppermost in people’s as marrying above their station are still And financially, it’s meant that I can now minds in Georgian times. Emma moved derided. There are massive parallels with afford to lose money putting on my play! As a heaven and earth to drag herself from today.” creative person, I’m happy to do certain well- scullery maid to Lady Hamilton. So maybe The Establishment closed ranks against paid jobs that fund my labours of love.” she occasionally danced naked on tables to Emma after Nelson’s death. “Just before the Speaking of jobs, what would Shappi be get a jump on her rivals, but who hasn't done Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson wrote an add-on to doing if she weren’t a stand-up? “I’d have my that? As a fellow naked dancer on tables, his will asking that Emma and his daughter own cleaning company. I once was a cleaner. Shappi is eager to celebrate the woman be looked after in the event of his death: ‘that That’s another thing I have in common with England betrayed. is the only favour I ask of my king and Emma because she worked as a cleaner, too!” “I was fascinated by Emma. She was really country as I go to fight their battle’. clever and compassionate and very hard “But Emma ended her days derelict, done by. She was also a master of re- penniless and alcoholic in Calais. There was invention and a fantastically creative person. no monument to her. We haven’t been told Shappi Khorsandi will be at The Old Rep I initially tried to write a novel about Emma, what a massive impact Emma had on Theatre, Birmingham, on Sunday 25 but it was too hard, so I thought I’d do a Nelson’s life. Historians have wanted to make March show about her instead. That was easier and Trafalgar about Nelson and not about ‘this Comedy March 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:50 Page 1

Comedy

SO Comedy The Core, Solihull, Thurs 15 March Welsh stand-up comedian Robin Morgan shares the limelight with local funnyman David Morgan (pictured) in this latest offering from SO Comedy, the live-performance arm of the company behind The Graham Norton Show.

Flight Of The Conchords Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 22 March This New Zealand folk comedy duo stop off in Birmingham as part of a brand new UK and Daliso Chaponda Ireland tour, their first in seven years. The pair have previously billed themselves as ‘for- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 3 March; MAC, Birmingham, Fri 9 March; Slade Rooms, merly New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-com- Wolverhampton, Fri 16 March; Palace The- edy folk duo’. Their show sees them combining witty observation, characterisation and atre, Redditch, Thurs 22 March acoustic guitar music to excellent effect. Malawian Daliso has blended the slick North American style of comedy he learned while working in Canada with a real talent Rachel Parris for brevity, ensuring that his gags, although Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 30 March not one-liners, nonetheless come thick and fast. Rachel has passed this way be- Like all good comedians, he can adapt his fore, as a founder cast member act to suit his audience - on a previous trip of smash-hit improv show Aus- to the Midlands, he performed a filthy set in tentatious, a comedy play pre- Birmingham’s Silhouettes sented in the style of Jane Strip Club before heading Austen. off to regale family audi- An award-winning musical ences at the Greenbelt comic whose name recently ap- Christian Festival! peared on the BBC’s Hot Talent Jokes include: “I List, Rachel has starred in nu- moved to the UK merous TV shows, including because of the Murder In Successville, Plebs, BNP - they said The IT Crowd and the satirical the immigrants Mash Report. were taking all This latest touring show sees her the best jobs and bringing together stand-up with all the best women, character and musical comedy, and I thought, ‘wow, as she explores what messed-up that sounds like a good message she can offer impres- deal to me!’” sionable young minds when she gives a speech at her old school. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy March 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:50 Page 2

Jonathan Pie Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 1 March; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 7 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 8 March The media’s decision to pounce on Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of his first Labour lead- ership victory lit the torchpaper for actor Tom Walker to create the larger-than-life character of Jonathan Pie. YouTube sensation Pie is supposedly a British political correspondent - but one who likes to rant at the camera. The media’s savaging of Corbyn pushed Walker over the edge. “I got really annoyed by it,” he admits, “by the ridiculousness of the British press.” But neither Walker nor Pie are so left-wing that they wear blinkers: “I think these days, especially on the left, people go, ‘You either agree with me 100% or you’re on their side’. Anyone who votes Conservative is a bigot and anyone who voted leave is a bigot. So I think the left are in danger of forgetting political nuance. I hope that Pie reminds them Lucy Porter Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 March of it.” Edinburgh favourite Lucy Porter has a mis- which her specialist subject was American chievous style of comedy that marks her out funnyman Steve Martin. as a real talent. She’s an absolute charmer, She returns to the Midlands this month with but don’t be fooled - her pleasant girl-next- latest touring show Choose Your Battles. door demeanour conceals a beautifully Her big bag of gags includes, “My husband twisted mind! proposed to me over the phone. I said yes Highlights of her career include achieving a straight away, but I should’ve asked who was record score on Celebrity Mastermind, in calling.”

Richard Herring Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Thurs 15 March; Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Thurs 22 March; Forest Arts Cen- tre, Walsall, Sat 24 March; Wolves Civic Hall, Fri 27 April; Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 13 May; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 3 June Richard Herring has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most inventive and origi- Ivan Brackenbury nal comedians, cleverly using real-life trials The Bramall, Birmingham, Thurs 15 March and tribulations to inform his high-quality line in comic patter. Ivan Brackenbury is an inept hospital radio He’s certainly not a man to shirk big or con- DJ - and he’s also the creation of former troversial subjects when it comes to his com- XFM radio presenter Tom Binns. edy shows. Previous tours have seen him A Jongleurs award winner, Binns created the ponder religion (Christ On A Bike), politics character relatively early in his career, and (Hitler Moustache) and penises (Talking has enjoyed great success with him ever Cock). since. Brackenbury’s radio roadshow comes This latest offering finds him contemplating complete with inappropriate records and the subject of ageing - and in particular how bungled cues. it feels to have reached his half century. Ian D Montfort and Rob Mulholland are the The show is a sort-of sequel to Oh F*** I’m other comedians taking to the stage for this 40, which, it will surprise nobody to hear, he latest evening of comedy at the Bramall. took on the road a decade ago. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 My First Opera DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:09 Page 1

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OPERA FOR ALL Heather Kincaid dispels the myth that opera is elitist by sharing her first experience of the art form - seeing Welsh National Opera’s production of Lohengrin at Birmingham Hippodrome...

Back in 2013, I started reviewing Birmingham and I have the confidence in the validity of the same way as the RSC approaches Hippodrome shows as part of the theatre’s my own opinions to say so. Shakespeare, they’re not afraid to radically First Night Blogging scheme. As a lover of the reimagine things in ways that appeal to Musically, nothing could have prepared me arts in general, opera was always something contemporary audiences, rather than being for the scale and scope of hearing an opera I’d been curious about, but I’d never quite painstakingly purist. This means their shows performed live - if you’ve only ever listened to had the guts to take the plunge and give it a always feel fresh and vital, and moreover, recordings, you won’t have the faintest sense go before, particularly given my lack of everyone has to come in with an open mind: of how the sound just washes over you and knowledge about classical music. if you’re a newcomer, you’re not the only one envelops you. As a friend later said to me who doesn’t quite know what to expect! Had I been simply buying my own ticket, the when I was lucky enough to experience worst my first time could have meant was a Mariinsky Opera’s Ring Cycle in full, it “does Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts - things potentially unenjoyable night out at the something to your soul”. you’ve already encountered will offer you an theatre - nothing much to complain about, in in, and it’s interesting to explore how opera Another thing I’ve learned is not to worry too the scheme of things. But attending as a has influenced later developments. Wagner’s much about the technical jargon. There is reviewer made me nervous. What if I didn’t style is pretty cinematic, while something definitely room for experts who specialise in get what was going on or couldn’t get to grips like The Marriage Of Figaro is farcical, a kind that - but to the average reader of a more with the conventions of the form? What if not of domestic sitcom, and Bizet’s Carmen is general blog or publication, it’s as like as not enjoying it was my fault rather than the almost proto-musical theatre. WNO embraces to be intimidating and off-putting. The job is show’s? What if, even if I did enjoy it, I then the connections too, often staging musicals more to capture a flavour of the show overall: found myself without the technical insight or like Sweeney Todd or Kiss Me Kate as part of if your audience are people more or less like vocabulary to effectively describe and operatic seasons. you, you need to describe what you analyse the experience? experienced, and not what you feel as though As with anything, of course, the more you As I’d learned already, however, sometimes you should have picked up on. I’m not the see, the more confident you become, and the the best experiences come out of the first to have said all this, of course - Armando better equipped you are to explain your situations you’re most unsure about. As a Iannucci is an opera lover, and a passionate thoughts and opinions. Yet five years later, as student, I’d actually inadvertently ended up advocate of getting more people engaged in a professional arts journalist, my first opera appearing in light, comic opera, tempted by conversations around classical music. still holds a special place in my heart, pirate costumes and chocolate money to sign remaining one of my favourites that I’ve seen Don’t forget there are other aspects to talk up to my university’s G&S Society without to this day. about as well. Opera is a dramatic form, the faintest idea of who or what Gilbert & specifically designed to bring together all the Sullivan were. In that instance, I’d ended up WNO this month bring their spring season to arts, so don’t feel as though it’s somehow loving every minute of it and staying for the the Hippodrome, performing three sacrilegious to talk about the acting and the full three years, despite the fact I still can’t compelling works: Verdi’s epic La Forza del design as well as the orchestra and singing, really read music. So in the end, I figured just Destino; Mozart’s brilliant Don Giovanni, particularly when it comes to Welsh National writing about a show you didn’t know much based on the legend of Don Juan and set Opera (WNO) shows. In years gone by, it’s about couldn’t be half as scary as performing during the Spanish Golden Age; and been more fashionable for operas to be in one! Puccini’s Tosca, a thrilling story of love, lust, performed more stiffly, with all the emphasis loyalty and corruption. And boy was I glad I went along! In a way, I on vocal performance. These days, however, guess I got lucky in Wagner’s Lohengrin you can expect to see actors as accomplished being my first. I’ve since learned that, while as any you’d see in a play - they just happen they’re enjoyable enough in their way, the to be able to sing sublimely too! Welsh National Opera perform their three sort of stereotypical stories of tragic romance With WNO, there’s a clear emphasis on spring-season shows at Birmingham and fallen women of the ilk of La Traviata directorial vision, inventive set design and Hippodrome from Tuesday 6 to Thursday aren’t quite so much to my tastes as Wagner’s coherent, accessible productions. In much 8 March. epic tales of angels, gods and ghost ships -

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Play That Goes Wrong stopped off in the Midlands. For those not in the know, the play focuses on the Cornley Polytech- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 19- Sat 24 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 27 - Sat 31 March nic Drama Society’s attempt to put on a 1920s-set murder-mystery. The only trouble is, the bumbling thesps are more than a little acci- Mischief Theatre Company’s Edinburgh Festival show returns to the dent-prone - so much so, in fact, that they’re not even sure they’ll region on the back of a fantastic reputation, a couple of successful manage to reach the curtain call... West End runs and some really positive reviews from the last time it

Suggs: What A King Cnut: Quartet City Love A Life In The Realm The REP, Birmingham, Tues 6 - Sat 10 March Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Of Madness Tues 13 - Sat 17 March Described as a painfully honest tale of two New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 11 March people ‘navigating work, London and life’, Old Joint Stock Theatre and Illuminate Pro- After selling out his previous touring produc- ductions’ fast-paced comedy tells the story of tion, Madness frontman Suggs here takes a a pair of struggling city workers whose mun- lighthearted look at a career that’s featured dane lives are transformed by their chance plenty of memorable moments - from experi- meeting with one another. encing vertigo on the roof of Buck- ingham Palace, to nearly blowing the closing ceremony Familiar telly faces Paul Nicholas (Just Good of the London Friends), Wendi Peters (Coronation Street), Olympics. Sue Holderness (Only Fools And Horses) and Oh, and watching Jeff Rawle (Drop The Dead Donkey) star in his underpants fall this revival of Sir Ronald Harwood’s bitter- to earth on David sweet comedy about four ageing opera Bowie’s driveway... singers growing old disgracefully. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 2 Theatre March-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

NoFit State Circus: Lexicon porary take on circus for a seated audience in the round’, Lexicon brings together ‘vivid storytelling, evocative live music and spectacu- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wed 28 March - Sat 21 April lar physical performance’. NoFit State’s show is being presented as a celebration of the 250th an- The production is part of a year-long project aiming to ‘enable pio- niversary of the first ever circus, created in 1768 by Newcastle-under- neering work, forge new partnerships, build new audiences and Lyme equestrian and cavalryman Philip Astle. embed circus at the heart of modern-day culture’. Described by the company as ‘a daring, seductive and utterly contem-

Education, Education, Oedipus And Antigone The 4 Clowns Of Education Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 29 March The Apocalypse MAC, Birmingham, Tues 20 March Suitably inspired by the critical acclaim they garnered for their 2017 tour of Richard III, Be- yond The Horizon once again hit the road, this time with a reimagining of Sophocles’ greatest works. “Oedipus is a murder-mystery in its most twisted of forms,” explain the company. “Antigone stands alone against the state, challenging the power of the law with the un- written law of the gods…” The Performance Hub, University of Wolver- hampton, Walsall, Fri 16 March; Blue Orange The much-admired Wardrobe Ensemble are Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 18 March; Arena the company behind this ‘love letter to the Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 20 March; schools of the 1990s’, presenting a show Pentabus Theatre, Bromfield, nr Ludlow, South Shropshire, Thurs 22 March that’s rich in their trademark inventiveness and irreverent humour. Absolute Theatre and Portugal’s Teatro do Set in 1997, the play takes a wry look at the Montemuro are the collaborators behind a world of education in the era of Cool Britan- show that’s been described as ‘a sensorial, nia, focusing on life in a secondary school nonsensical delight for the whole family’. where chaos and confusion is the order of the When the Horsemen of the Apocalypse day... gather together to do their worst, they find Specialising in the exploration of stories that themselves seriously hampered by some have shaped recent political history, epic-scale incompetence. Wardrobe Ensemble were Fringe First award Expect an evening incorporating universal winners at the Edinburgh Festival last sum- destruction, spectacular visuals and the mer. occasional deck chair...

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Theatre

Legally Blonde answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he's dump- ing her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 13 - Sat 17 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 21 - Sat 26 May the books and heads for Harvard Law School. X-Factor finalist Lucie Jones stars as Elle, with Rita Simons (Roxy Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically ac- Mitchell in EastEnders) and Bill Ward (Emmerdale and Coronation claimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and home- Street) lending heavyweight support. coming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn't take no for an

The Case Of The Son Of A Preacher Man Evita Frightened Lady Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Tues 13 - Sat 17 March March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 3 - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 7 April Mon 19 - Sat 24 March; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's third After enjoying a hit with their adaptation of major collaboration opened to rave reviews Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement In Stone, the way back in the late 1970s. It has since gar- Classic Thriller Company now turn their at- nered a reputation as one of the greatest mu- tention to a 1931 play from the prolific pen of sicals ever to grace West End and Broadway Edgar Wallace. stages. Telling the real-life story of Eva Peron, An English writer who went to Hollywood, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Wallace was busily penning the screenplay the show is packed to the rafters with memo- for the classic 1933 King Kong movie when he Wolfblood actress Michelle Gaye stars along- rable numbers, including On This Night Of A unexpectedly died from undiagnosed dia- side Hollyoaks’ Alice Barlow in a touring Thousand Stars, Buenos Aires, You Must betes... show that channels the Swinging ’60s music Love Me, Another Suitcase In Another Hall When Inspector Tanner investigates a grue- of the iconic Dusty Springfield. and, of course, the classic Don't Cry For Me some murder at an ancestral home, it isn’t Named after the late singer’s 1968 chart hit Argentina. long before he realises that nothing is quite and directed by Strictly’s Craig Revel Hor- as it seems... wood, the show follows the story of three lovesick individuals from different generations who seek solace at the original site of Soho’s legendary Preacher Man hang-out - a once-happening joint where youngsters with fresh ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an aspiration for love would dance until they dropped...

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Theatre previews from around the region

The Importance Of Being Earnest Lichfield Garrick, Tues 27 - Sat 31 March This famous Oscar Wilde play is a rightly adored work of farce that proudly sits at the very pinnacle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the at- tempts of Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is masquerad- ing as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the re- doubtable Lady Bracknell and there’s little wonder that disaster looms large on Jack’s horizon... Familiar television faces Gwen Taylor (as Lady Bracknell) and Susan Penhaligon star in a show that’s visiting Lichfield as part of a UK tour.

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Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

White as well as two-year-olds in mind, so why not Tiddler And Other grab your granny en route to the theatre and The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, make it a family occasion? A feast of singa- Terrific Tales Fri 9 - Sun 11 March long songs combines with a colourful collec- Birmingham Town Hall, Scottish theatre company Catherine Wheels tion of animal characters in a show that Fri 30 March - Tues 3 April have garnered an impressive reputation for promises plenty of heartwarming family fun. the innovative quality of their children’s shows - and this eight-year-old offering makes it easy to see why. Cotton and Wrinkle live in an orderly world Horrible Histories: More full of birdsong and birdhouses, where every- Best Of Barmy Britain thing is white. But when the colour red Palace Theatre, Redditch, makes an unexpected appearance, the Thurs 8 - Fri 9 March; Belgrade Theatre, friends are faced with the very real prospect Coventry, Wed 30 May - Sat 2 June of needing to embrace change... If you love the Hor- rible Histories series - and why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then the Barmy Britain pro- Freckle Productions here bring together a ductions are well host of colourful characters from four books worth catching. by Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Alongside provid- Axel Scheffler. Live music and puppetry are ing answers to such combined in a show that promises to take its searching ques- audience under the sea, out on the farm and tions as ‘what would happen if a Viking into the jungle. moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the shows also invite their audiences to escape Little Bo Peep the clutches of Burke & Hare, move to the So You Think You Know Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 10 March groove with the partying Queen Victoria and About Dinosaurs! Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s 10th anniversary prepare to do battle in the First World War. In Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 1 March show uses puppets, scenery, music and song short, and as the publicity says, they are ‘a An absorbing experience for dino-loving to bring to life a selection of favourite nursery truly horrible history of Britain - with all the youngsters is very much on the cards when rhymes. nasty bits left in!’ this interactive, educational and refreshingly The 45-minute show, accompanied by a 15- entertaining show hits town. minute ‘meet the puppets’ session, is suit- Dr Ben Garrod is the dinosaur afficionado im- able for children aged from two to seven. Monstersaurus! parting a T-Rex-sized heap of fascinating Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, facts about all manner of prehistoric crea- Sat 31 March - Mon 2 April tures. Film footage from the BBC's Planet Di- Penguin Having created a whole world of whacky in- nosaur ensures there’s plenty to look at while Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, ventions and incredible monsters, young in- Dr Ben’s chatting away. Fri 9 March; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, ventor Monty doesn’t know what to do with Sat 10 March them all... The creators of Aliens Love Under- Masterful theatricals Long Nose Puppets re- pants make a welcome return with this ‘mon- turn to the road with an engaging puppet ver- ster-ously good show’, which comes sion of the award-winning book by Polly complete with original music and plenty of Dunbar. The company are advertising the audience participation. show as ‘exciting, surreal, full of surprises and laughs’, with lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez fame thrown in for good measure.

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Malvern Theatres, Sat 10 March; Wolverhamp- ton Grand Theatre, Sun 29 April The People’s Theatre Company reckon they’ve written this show with 102-year-olds

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whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Christopher Eccleston DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:51 Page 1

Christopher

ShakespeareEccleston belongs to me

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by Heather Kincaid

With a string of high-profile screen roles, He’s not alone in flagging up these problems. and two plays - are all premiering at around awards and nominations to his name, While ideas like ‘gender-blind’ and ‘colour- the same time this year. Christopher Eccleston is easily one of the blind’ casting are slowly starting to take root, There are other elements at play, however. most recognisable and well-regarded actors the wider social and economic context of the What’s less often talked about but essential working in the UK today. It’s somewhat UK is in some ways making it harder than to an understanding of the play is Macbeth’s bemusing to realise, then, that it’s only now, ever for people from backgrounds like obsession with the idea of a legacy. Arguably, at the age of 53, that he’s finally making his Eccleston’s to countenance creative careers. it’s not so much the initial death of Duncan RSC debut, as he prepares to tread the boards “I wouldn’t get into drama school now, no that causes things to fall apart, but actually in Shakespeare’s Scottish play. way, yet people say I’m a very good actor,” the subsequent slaughtering of Banquo and If you didn’t know better, you might assume says Eccleston, with characteristic matter-of- attempted murder of his son. it was a choice - perhaps the Salford council- fact conviction. Not content with his own shot at regal glory, estate lad simply decided that From here, he launches into a passionate the childless Macbeth is consumed by Stratford-upon-Avon and the Bard weren’t plea for working-class performers to seize the jealousy at the witches’ prediction that his intended for the likes of him. On the contrary, keys to the ivory towers they’ve been shut out best friend’s offspring will succeed him. This however - this is a life goal that’s taken him from. Far too many comfortable people, he feeds back into the intense domestic decades to realise. thinks, simply pay lip service to diversity; relationship at the heart of the story, showing “What a lot of people don’t know about me is real change will only come from pressure how easily the personal becomes political. that I became obsessed with Shakespeare from ordinary people. It’s perhaps “For me, the play is scenes from a marriage when I was 15,” says Eccleston. “He’s my unsurprising, then, that his reading of as much as it’s about a traitor. The favourite writer, and not a day goes by when I Macbeth is coloured by some of those same relationship between Macbeth and Lady don’t quote or read him. In a way, this is the frustrations. Macbeth is key. It’s a deep, romantic love, most important role I’ve ever done. I fell in “On one level, Macbeth justifies murdering and even in their madness, right up to the love with Macbeth when I was 17 and playing Duncan to himself because he feels that he end, the most important person in either of Macduff in an amateur production. At that would be a good leader who would make the their worlds is each other. I think they’ve time - and this is absolutely true - I decided country safe. He’s militarily and politically been devastated by the loss of their children that my greatest ambition was to play concerned that Scotland is vulnerable and their inability to have more, and a lot of Macbeth with the Royal Shakespeare because Duncan is ageing and his regime is what happens is them both trying to make Company. So it was actually my love of allowing them to be attacked by both each other feel better about that absence of a Macbeth that made me follow this career Norwegians and rebels within their own future. path.” troops, so he thinks a sterner hand is needed. “We wanted to avoid the misogynistic, Few who know anything about Chris “But he also acknowledges that he is unmotivated portraits of women that you Eccleston will be surprised to hear his ambitious, and the woman who loves him sometimes get with Lady Macbeth - that idea explanation for what has held him back: he’s encourages him to embrace that. He knows of the female evil and the temptress. Macbeth never made a secret of how he feels his he’s never going to be properly rewarded for might have more lines, but Niamh [Cusack] northern, working-class roots have affected his work, because he doesn’t have the blue and I are both on the poster and I think the perceptions of him. But these days it’s more blood and the old school tie, so if he really characters are absolute equals.” than just a class war that he’s fighting: he’s wants it, he’s going to have to take it.” acutely aware of the lack of diversity on all Add to this the show’s female director, and fronts in the British theatre world. In Polly Findlay’s new production, its broadly young and ethnically diverse cast, contemporary parallels for this discontent and you get the sense that real change is “There is still, I believe, a notion that in order are emphasised by a modern setting - underway. And as Eccleston himself to do Shakespeare you have to be white, something she also employed in her last confesses, it’s been a truly democratic middle-class and male, because there’s an collaboration with Eccleston on Sophocles’ rehearsal process in that everyone is happy association of those things with high Antigone, in which his performance as Creon to ‘steal’ ideas from everyone else. intelligence, great sensitivity and attracted comparisons with Tony Blair. It’s entitlement, and it’s been a great frustration understandable that Eccleston shies away in my career that I’m not thought of as a from such direct connections. Still, it’s hard Shakespearean actor. But Shakespeare Macbeth shows at the Royal Shakespeare to get away from a sense that Macbeth feels belongs to me and to people of colour, and Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from particularly timely now, especially given that great roles like Macbeth and Othello belong Tuesday 13 March to Tuesday 18 four new UK productions - a film, an opera to women as much as they do to men.” September.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Motionhouse: Charge Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 13 March Leamington-based Motionhouse’s multimedia show about energy is the third element of Kevin Finnan’s Earth Trilogy, developing on themes explored in Scattered (2009) and Bro- ken (2013) about man’s relationship with water and the earth. Making use of digital projections to create an on-stage world in which dancers and images interact seamlessly, the show features six performers using dance and acrobatics to explore the human body, ‘tracing the incredible story of energy in our lives’. “Charge is an amazing collaboration between artists and scientists,” explains Motionhouse co-founder Finnan. “I find the science behind the show fascinating, and I want to use my in- spiration from this to create a presentation for audiences to enjoy - but which also makes them think about the role that energy plays in their lives.”

Vienna Festival Ballet Tango Moderno Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 13 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wed Fri 9 & Sat 10 March 14 March; Evesham Arts Centre, Mon 2 April; Bedworth Civic Hall, Fri 13 April; Artrix, “This is our fourth show,” says Flavia Cacace Bromsgrove, Sun 15 April; Royal Spa Centre, about Tango Moderno, in which she stars with Leamington Spa, Wed 16 May; Old Rep, Birm- fellow ex-Strictly favourite Vincent Simone, ingham, Thurs 17 May “and every time we put a show together we Featuring a talented array of young dancers, want the audience to see something not ex- Vienna Festival Ballet typically spend eight pected, not the same thing that we’ve done months of the year performing works from before. It was very hard this time, as so much their extensive repertoire in venues across the choreography, so many stories and so many UK. ideas have already been done, but we decided They’re stopping off in the Midlands on nu- to go down the modern route. merous occasions during this month and “The different thing with Tango Moderno is next, and will be performing either Swan that normally we’re characters within the Lake or Sleeping Beauty (check each venue’s story, but this time we thought we’d take a website to find out which). step away from that and actually narrate the story. We have an urban poet who’s also going to be our singer, and together with him, we’re ACE Dance: Ten going to help narrate. It’s not really one story, MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 8 March; Arena it’s going to be lots of small stories that start Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 26 April in act one and are finished off in act two.” Humanity’s universal stories are placed under the microscope by Jose Agudo, whose work strikes an overarching tone that’s both epic and poetic. In the process, the choreographer brings ‘hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary under- pinned by ACE Dance & Music’s inimitable African style’. “Ten builds on the themes of spiritual dedi- cation and striving,” explain ACE. “Ulti- mately, this piece is about humanity’s urge to reach for the power of 10 - the universal symbol of completion.” whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Transitions Dance DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 15:08 Page 1

Performing in my “own city has always been important to me, not just as a dancer but as an artist ”

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by Patsy Moss

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE... Transitions Dance Company brings its new triple bill to the Midlands

Now in its 35th touring year, Transitions time. I’m really looking forward to going back process of making it, but inspired me to think Dance Company provides a platform for the and seeing just how much the dance industry about how I can use my own voice to next generation of international has changed, and also reminiscing about my perform, and what performance means for contemporary dance performers can own journey that started in Birmingham.” me," says Kieran. showcase their talents. Transitions is promising 'an engaging and So with 10 UK dates and several international Comprising 14 dancers, the company has just enjoyable night out' - but what more can performances, what is Kieran most looking hit the road on an international tour where it audiences expect from the triple bill? “They forward to about touring the triple bill? will present a triple bill of specially can expect energy, relationships and a clear "Travelling to different locations and commissioned works by three internationally sense of story-driven movement material,” experiencing the different atmospheres of renowned choreographers - Richard Chappell says Kieran. “Each company member has each place. I’m also looking forward to from the UK, Helsinki-based choreographer embodied the three pieces with their own experiencing how a professional company and performer Jarkko Partanen, and award- artistic voice, so it will be interesting to see tour works, and the different roles and winning Israeli choreographer Hagit Yakira. how each performance evolves over the responsibilities that everyone will have Among the company of dancers is length of the tour." during the processes." Birmingham-born Kieran Lee Covell. In Richard Chappell’s When Running Starts Kieran joined in 2017 and is excited about And Stops, the company fuses classical ballet being involved with Transitions as it Transitions Dance Company perform at with martial arts-influenced movement style, celebrates its 35th year of touring. "I feel very The Old Rep, Birmingham on Tuesday 27 using animalistic physicality to explore fortunate and lucky to be a part of this March and Albany Theatre, Coventry, on themes of community, fear, violence and fantastic company,” he says. “It’s been a fun Friday 18 May. migration. and exciting experience creating the three For full tour information visit pieces for our tour, and I look forward to Jarkko Partanen’s Lovers, meanwhile, marks trinitylaban.ac.uk/transitionsdc seeing what’s in store when we set off.” the choreographer’s first collaboration with the company. Exploring connection, Graduating from Birmingham Ormiston commonality and individual expressions, Academy (BOA) with a Professional Diploma Partanen organises the performers in such a in Contemporary Dance, Kieran’s way as to allow them to act, understand and performance repertoire includes acclaimed continue only through touch. The result is a Motionhouse production The Voyage, Charles work that’s bizarre, comic and poignant. Lineham’s Transfer Laban at Canary Wharf, Camilla Isola’s Unravel Ei Bolero at The Place Completing the triple bill is Kieran’s personal and Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty and favourite, Hagit Yakira’s The Ar/ct Of Moving Swan Lake, both at Birmingham Forward. A ‘simple yet mesmerising’ piece Hippodrome. performed by the entire company, it uses the literal and poetic act of forward movement, On returning to showcase his talents in travelling and time as its focus, and is Birmingham, Kieran says: "Performing in my performed to an original score composed by own city has always been important to me, long-term collaborator Sabio Janiak. "Yakira’s not just as a dancer but as an artist. The unique and vibrant personality, along with experiences I had in this city have shaped her extensive choreographic knowledge, have who I am today and got me to this point in not only made me enjoy the piece and Kieran Lee Covell

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Film

Tomb Raider CERT 12a Starring Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, Nick Frost Directed by Roar Uthaug (USA) As the intrepid adventuress Lara Croft, Alicia Vikander leaps into the shoes vacated by Angelina Jolie. A bike courier in East London, Lara decides to ditch her wheels in order to solve the disappear- ance of her father, who was last seen on a mysteri- ous island off the coast of Japan. Of course, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into… This time the franchise has a slightly Scandina- vian seasoning, as Vikander is Swedish and the director, Roar Uthaug (The Wave, 2015), is Norwegian. Filmed in South Africa, London and Wiltshire. Available in 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 16 March

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in March...

Red Sparrow CERT 15 (140 mins) Gringo CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Starring David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Edgerton, Amanda Seyfried, Thandie Newton, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Irons Sharlto Copley Directed by Nash Edgerton Directed by Francis Lawrence (USA) (USA) Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) was a balle- An American businessman with calamitous rina before being recruited by the Russian in- money problems, Harold Soyinka (Oyelowo) telligence service Red Sparrow. Now she’s finds himself embroiled in a multi-billion thinking of becoming a traitor… dollar scam. Directed and co-produced by From the director of I Am Legend and The Nash Edgerton, the brother of the Australian Hunger Games films. actor Joel Edgerton. Released Thurs 1 March Released Fri 9 March Game Night CERT 15 (130 mins) Starring Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Kyle Chandler Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (USA) One night a week, a group of friends gath- ers for an evening of games, when they’re invited to join a murder-mystery party. And the murder is real… From the directing duo behind 2015’s Vacation. Released Fri 2 March

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Film highlights released in March...

Journeyman CERT tbc Starring Paddy Considine, Jodie Whittaker Directed by Paddy Considine (UK) Spoiler alert: Journeyman is not Rocky. It’s not even Cinderella Man, in which Paddy Consi- dine played the best friend of Russell Crowe’s James J Braddock, the real-life world heavyweight champ. Being Considine’s second film as writer-director, following the stark and un- compromising Tyrannosaur (2011), Journey- man was unlikely to embrace the clichés of the boxing film. The director himself plays Matty Burton, a middleweight boxing cham- pion at the end of his career who is coming to terms with being the father of a baby girl. His wife, the beautiful, sexy and caring Emma, is superbly rendered by Jodie Whittaker, who makes what could have been a one-dimen- sional trophy wife entirely credible. Consi- dine, who has been a professional actor for almost two decades, knows how to hammer out truthful performances from his cast, and he doesn’t disappoint here. He, himself, is terrific as the charming pugilist, and his dialogue doesn’t hit a false note. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 30 March

voice of Winnie-the-Pooh You Were Never Ready Player One CERT 12a in Goodbye Christopher Starring Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Really CERT 15 (90 mins) Here Robin (2017), is now the Mendelsohn, TJ Miller, Simon Pegg, Mark Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Sam- voice of Flopsy in this Rylance Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) sonov, Alex Manette, John Doman, Judith Roberts Directed by Lynne Ramsay part-animated, part-live In 2045, a virtual world becomes a battle- (UK/France/USA) action take on the Beatrix ground as gamers attempt to crack its secret Potter characters. James in order to gain its ownership. More dystopia, Corden voices the title but with Steven Spielberg behind the camera role. From the director of the critically de- this should be better than most. One hopes. rided Annie remake. Released Fri 30 March Released Fri 16 March

Pacific Rim: Uprising CERT 12a Starring John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman Directed by Steven S. DeKnight (USA/China) As a traumatized war veteran, Joaquin The very future of mankind is under threat Phoenix won the best actor gong at Cannes when the gargantuan sea monsters (the last year. The film also nabbed the award for Kaiju) emerge from the depths again, this best screenplay and follows the journey that time accompanied by a massive man-made the veteran takes to redeem his soul – by robot that has switched sides. Oh, gosh. tracking down the abducted daughter of a Available in 3D and IMAX. New York politician. Released Fri 23 March Released Fri 9 March

Peter Rabbit CERT PG (95 mins) Starring Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Sam Neill; with the voices of James Corden, Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Margot Robbie, Sia Directed by Will Gluck (USA/Australia) Margot Robbie, who briefly supplied the whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:46 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Wilderness The New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 6 May Works which engage with the natural world and reflect man’s innate need for solitude are showcased in this new multimedia exhibition, one of several shows in which the gallery is exploring the theme of wilderness. Highlights include filmworks focusing on marginal individuals who’ve chosen to move away from society, ‘living precarious existences in remote places where nature rules’. Barren high-altitude salt deserts, snow-blanketed mountain tops and environments in transition - such as coastlines and volcanoes - are other places and locations brought into view by the Image credit: Wilderness Wrapped, C-type print, (c) Scarlett Hooft Graafland, courtesy of Flowers Gallery London & New York contributing artists.

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

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Visual Arts

Pop! British & American Art 1960 - 1975 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 3 June This transatlantic showcase of the Pop Art movement’s most iconic artists includes an eight-metre-long fighter plane by James Rosen- quist, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup tin, a lament for Marilyn Monroe by Pauline Boty, Joe Tilson’s iconic images of Che Guevara and prints by Peter Blake. The show has been developed as a partnership between the Herbert and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Langlands & Bell formation Age. Featuring the iconic new architecture of or- Internet Giants: ganisations such as Apple, Facebook, Mi- Masters Of The Universe crosoft and Google, the exhibition includes Ikon Gallery, Wed 21 March - Sun 10 June relief sculptures, installations and portraits. British artists Ben Langlands and Nikki The show is accompanied by a fully illus- Bell are here celebrating 40 years of work- trated catalogue featuring an essay by An- ing together, presenting a show that ex- thony Vidler and an interview with the plores the profound and increasing impact artists by Dr Hans-Michael Herzog. of global technology companies in the In-

as diverse as Gillray, Turner, Max Ernst Working In Colour and Edward Lear. The Barber Institute, Birmingham, The show contemplates the possible until Sun 10 June functions, meanings and effects of Presented to complement The Rhythm Of colourful prints, taking a look at the Light - the Barber’s main spring exhibi- ways in which they reflect changing tion - Working In Colour explores four artistic and social trends, technologies centuries of printmaking and colouring and audiences. techniques. It includes works by artists

Diaspora Pavilion Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 29 April A group of artists here respond to the concept of diaspora - worldwide communities which have resulted, via descent, from the movement in historic times of people from a smaller geographic locale. Ravilious & Co: The Pattern Of Friendship The works on show were last year presented at the 57th Venice Biennale. The exhibition Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire, Sat 17 March - Sun 10 June featured nearly 40 artworks which reflected Watercolours, woodcuts, lithographic career, the exhibition also explores his sig- or responded to the relevance of diaspora as prints, wallpaper and fabric design all fea- nificant relationships and working collab- a lived-in modern-day reality. ture in this touring presentation, which orations with an important group of The show featured pieces by 19 artists, celebrates the work of artist and designer friends and affiliates, examples of whose seven of whom have contributed to this Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). artwork are also included. Wolverhampton exhibition. As well as showcasing key works from his whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:55 Page 1 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:55 Page 2

Easter events from around the region Easter

Egg-citing Easter Activities Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 24 March - Sun 15 April The Black Country Living Museum has good form when it comes to ensuring the Easter hols are an exciting time for visiting families, and this year is no ex- ception. Youngsters and their grown-ups can take the Bunny's Trail - in the process exploring the venue’s canalside village and solving clues to find a prize - take part in traditional egg rolling competitions, and test their balance in an egg-and-spoon race. There’s also the chance to learn about Easter tradi- tions in the home, sample a freshly baked hot cross bun and get involved in all manner of traditional street games. A trip 'into the thick' to sample life in an 1850s coal mine, the chance to experience a Victorian school lesson and the opportunity to savour some traditionally cooked fish & chips complete the venue’s Easter holiday entertainment package.

Easter Dino Egg Hunt Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Thurs 29 March - Sun 15 April Fancy a change of pace when it comes to hunting for Easter eggs? If so, Think- tank Science Museum is the place to head for this holiday because, although the Easter Bunny hasn't paid a visit, the Easter Dinosaur most certainly has! As a result, there are lots of Dino eggs hidden around the venue - and visiting youngsters are being challenged to find them! And once they’ve uncovered them all, there’s a small Dino prize to collect in the museum shop.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Various National Trust sites, Fri 30 March - Mon 2 April Who better to organise an Easter egg hunt (or several) than those lovely people at Cadbury? The chocolate- making Birmingham company are this Easter coordi- nating more than 250 hunts at National Trust properties across the UK. And there’s plenty more for families to enjoy on their fun-filled day out, with many of the venues offering ‘games and craft activities galore’. What’s more, all participants will be rewarded with a sure-to-be-delicious Cadbury treat at the end of each completed hunt.

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Easter events from around the region Easter

Traditional Victorian Hawkstone Park Easter Activities Hawkstone Park is a masterpiece of Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire the School of Naturalistic Land- Sun 1 - Sun 15 April scape. Opened in the 18th century Never let it be said that Iron- by the owner of Hawkstone Hall bridge’s famous Victorian town mansion, Richard Hill, the venue doesn’t get into the spirit of was Britain’s first tourist park. Easter! Stone arches, bridges, walkways The venue’s holiday fun kickstarts and grottoes were added to the nat- on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 April ural drama of four rugged, wooded when visitors can watch the un- hills. The resultant Gothic fantasy- usual Victorian Easter pastime of land has been a major visitor at- egg dancing and join in the tradi- traction ever since, and was tional parade. lovingly restored in 1993 after years There’s plenty to do in the two of neglect. weeks that follow as well. English Heritage has awarded Entertainment on offer includes Hawkstone Park & Follies with the chance to watch chicks’ eggs Grade I certification on its Register hatch and chocolate eggs being of Historic Gardens and Parks. made, and the opportunity to print a poster using a Victorian printing press. A bunny hunt around the town and a trail to solve an Easter ana- gram further add to the fun.

Easter at Warwick Castle Warwick Castle, Fri 30 March - Sun 15 April There’s no shortage of Easter fun to enjoy at Warwick Castle during the holidays. Kids can climb The Conqueror’s Fortress - a Tamworth Castle specifically designed interactive exhibition - Education and entertainment is the grab their swords and learn tactical defence package being offered to families skills in the all-new Knight’s School, get lost visiting Tamworth Castle this in the Horrible Histories Maze, and face an Easter holiday. array of fun challenges including invading a The educational element is pro- Viking ship and surviving the trenches. vided by enjoying a walk around And just for good measure, they can also the castle, which features displays witness the world’s largest working siege that take visitors on a journey from machine launch a projectile more than 150ft Saxon to Victorian times. in the air! Items from the world famous Staffordshire Hoard are also available to view. Egg-cellent Easter As for the entertainment, there’s the chance to try and find Ruby the Drayton Manor Theme Park, Sat 28 March - Sun 15 April Dragon’s eggs for her, as she’s hidden them from the dastardly Heart-stopping rollercoasters in the dragon hunter but now doesn’t main park and toddler-friendly rides know where they are. in Europe’s only Thomas Land are among the attractions to enjoy at Drayton Manor Theme Park this Easter. There are special Thomas Land Live Shows during the holiday period too, as well as the brand new James And The Red Balloon ride and all the head-spinning fun of the Ver- tiGO high-ropes adventure course.

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Events previews from around the region Events

MCM Birmingham Comic Con NEC, Birmingham, Sat 17 - Sun 18 March This well-established event is an absolute must for anybody with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has an impressive track record when it comes to celebrity appearances. On this occasion, famous faces on show include Guardians Of The Galaxy stars Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn. “The Midlands holds a special place in our hearts,” says MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney. “Our company is based here, and we plan on providing an awe- some show for the region's enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic book and film fans.”

Disney On Ice: Worlds Of Enchantment SAVE Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 28 March - Sun 1 April 15% when quoting PCRS18WO at necrestoration show.com

Life-sized animated characters from Cars and live adaptations of Toy Story 3, The Little Mermaid and the Academy Award-winning Frozen are among the highlights in this hit Disney On Ice production. Commenting on the show, producers Kenneth and Nicole Feld said: “Worlds Of Enchantment connects classic and new Disney stories. Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they en- Practical Classics Classic Car counter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, built ‘to scale’ and & Restoration Show live on ice. They will see their all-time favourites like The Little Mer- NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 March maid and discover the world of Arendelle with Frozen. To be the Midlands Classic Car enthusiasts can really immerse themselves first to introduce the Frozen in their passion at this specialist event. story live on ice, and to be Showcasing in excess of 1,000 magnificent motors, the show also entrusted with the beloved boasts live demos, expert tutorials, workshops, celebrity appear- Toy Story characters is in- ances and hundreds of exhibitors selling a wide range of popular credible, and we’re thrilled products. to be bringing these heart- Other attractions include an autojumble, a ‘cars for sale’ area, the warming tales to families Practical Classics Live Stage and the UK’s biggest collection of across the globe.” barn find displays. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:56 Page 7

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Events previews from around the region Events

Ultimate Dubs Telford International Centre, Sun 11 March The UK's largest indoor VAG enthusiasts’ event brings together the ‘ultimate’ VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda show cars from all over Eu- rope. “Whether you’re into stock, old skool, nu wave, custom or tuned cars, there’s sure to be something to your taste at a show that’s not to be missed,” say the event’s organisers. Attractions include detailing & vehicle wrapping demonstrations, racing simulator competitions, BMX freestyling & SAVE street dancing, a VW drag racing 20% club display and a Porsche 911 display. when quoting BIRMINGHAM25 at allengland badminton.com

Yonex All England Open est and most prestigious competition. This latest edition of the championship features Badminton Championships 155 matches, more than 50 hours of live bad- Arena Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sun 18 March minton and appearances by the world’s great- Now in its 108th year, Yonex is one of bad- est players. In short, it’s a must-attend event for minton’s five ‘majors’, as well as being its old- dedicated fans of the sport... Insomnia62 NEC, Birmingham, Fri 30 March - Mon 2 April Dungeon Lates The UK’s biggest gaming festival is Warwick Castle, Fri 23 March now firmly established at the NEC, ‘Scary storytelling’ is combined with ‘wicked hu- having outgrown its previous mour and manic theatrics’ in this all-new 50- home at the Ricoh Arena in Coven- minute-long adults-only entertainment blending try. special effects with live performance art. Insomnia is a four-day event ‘com- Participants get to ‘enjoy’ a last supper of Scotch bining all the best bits of video- eyes and bird’s legs before embarking on a gaming’ and offering enthusiasts ‘spine-tingling’ exploration of the castle dun- Shakespeare Week the chance to play an impressive geon. And if the horrors experienced therein Shakespeare Birthplace Trust sites, selection of both new and vintage happen to leave you with a distinctly dry throat, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 12 - Sun 18 March games. not to worry - a shot of blood or a refreshing Shakespeare Week is a national annual celebra- Visitors can also meet their glass of urine - served fresh from a human blad- tion of the world’s greatest playwright - and favourite YouTube stars and take der, no less - should soon see you right! given that the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust co- part in costuming workshops and ordinate the event, it’s no surprise that their var- a cosplay masquerade. ious venues are wholeheartedly joining in with the initiative! Included in their line-up of entertainment and activities are mask and ruff making, face painting, dressing-up opportunities and live dance. ‘Storytelling galore’, Tudor treats, craft activities and performances of the production Caliban In The Rockpool also feature, in what promises to be a splendidly action-packed week of bard-focused fun. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover March Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:49 Page 1 The List Cover March Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:49 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide MarchMarch 20182018 thelist

Grumpy Old Women To The Rescue at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre - Friday 30 - Saturday 31 March

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 4 March Mon 5 to Sun 11 March Mon 12 to Sun 18 March Mon 19 to Sat 31 March

Medea Electronica at Arena Brian Conley at the Grand A Brave Face at the New Vic, Russell Brand at Victoria Hall, Theatre, Wolverhampton Theatre, Wolverhampton Newcaste-under-Lyme Stoke-on-Trent Fri 2 March Sat 10 March Mon 12 March Mon 26 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Thurs 1 - Sun 4 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:25 Page 1

thelist MELOTONE, HEY BROOK- MARCH Sat 3 Mar, Sym- THROUGHOUT MARCH Gigs LYN, MAYO & PINK LAKE phony Hall, B’ham Fri 2 Mar, The Sun- FEED THE RHINO Sat 3 JOHNNY CASH ROAD- medium of watercolour and a gen- flower Lounge, B’ham Mar, The Flapper, SHOW Thurs 1 Mar, uine interest in the subjects. All fea- THE DEEP PURPLE FAM- Birmingham Visual Arts New Alexandra The- tured artworks were created on ILY TREE Fri 2 Mar, The New Art Gallery - Walsall atre, Birmingham HIGH HORSES Sat 3 location, Fri 30 Mar - Thurs 26 Apr Robin, Bilston Mar, The Night Owl, NEW ARTISTS IN FOCUS MARSICANS, VISTA & Each of the SCOTT BRADLEE & POST- Birmingham SPILT MILK SOCIETY themed collection rooms features MODERN JUKEBOX Fri 2 The Willow Art Gallery, Thurs 1 Mar, The Sun- EVERYTHING EVERY- multiple works from a single contem- Mar, O2 Academy, porary artist, alongside highlights Oswestry flower Lounge, B’ham THING Sat 3 Mar, O2 Birmingham Academy, Birmingham from the renowned Garman Ryan NEW PAINTING WITH WORDS 2018 An- PALE WAVES Thurs 1 FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 2 Collection, Sat 17 Mar - Sun 2 Dec nual exhibition celebrating the written Mar, The Sugarmill, THE GRAHAMS Sat 3 Mar, The River Rooms, NEW CORNELIA PARKER: THIRTY PIECES word by showing artwork inspired by Stoke-on-Trent Mar, Lichfield Guildhall literature, language and the spoken Stourbridge OF SILVER (2015) Cornelia has here re- THE BLUES BAND - 39 ELBOW Sat 3 Mar, word, Sat 3 Mar - Sat 14 Apr PAUL WELLER Fri 2 Mar, appropriated a group of found glass YEARS AND BACK FOR Genting Arena, Birm- Genting Arena, Birm- photographic negatives of antique sil- MORE Thurs 1 Mar, ingham Wolverhampton Art Gallery ingham verware, continuing her interest in Theatre Severn, STONE BROKEN Sat 3 objects and their histories, the mate- APNA HERITAGE ARCHIVE EXHIBITION Shrewsbury Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- rial of silver and the medium of pho- Over a period of two years, Black ALEEM Thurs 1 Mar, O2 ingham tography, Sat 17 Mar - Sun 2 Dec Country Visual Arts has brought to- Academy, Birmingham U2-2 Sat 3 Mar, The gether a collection of 2,000 pho- Robin, Bilston Newcastle Borough Museum tographs exploring Punjabi migration Y.O.U.N.G: THE LAZY & Art Gallery to Wolverhampton between the TOUR Thurs 1 Mar, O2 MAETLOAF & THE NEVER Institute, Birmingham NEVERLAND EXPRESS NEW OPEN ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION 1960s and 1980s, until Sun 18 Mar Sat 3 Mar, The River Artwork from both professional and DIASPORA PAVILION Showcasing the ALL WE ARE Thurs 1 Rooms, Stourbridge non-professional artists is on display. work of 19 artists whose practices re- Mar, Hare & Hounds, Prizes will be presented to selected spond to the concept of diaspora Birmingham DANCE GAVIN DANCE & artists, and visitors will get to vote for during the 57th Venice Biennale at SHEAFS Thurs 1 Mar, VEIL OF MAYA Sat 3 their favourite piece of artwork, Sat Palazzo Pisani a Santa Marina in Hare & Hounds, Birm- Mar, The Asylum, TABLE SCRAPS Fri 2 10 Mar - Sun 22 Apr Venice, until Sun 29 Apr ingham Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, CLANGERS, BAGPUSS & CO. V&A Mu- THE XCERTS Thurs 1 Birmingham REJJIE SNOW Sat 3 Mar, Potteries Museum & Art seum of Childhood exhibition cele- Mar, The Slade O2 Institute, B’ham MAGNUM Fri 2 Mar, Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent brating classic kids’ TV shows, Rooms, W’hampton Birmingham Town Hall CAROUSEL VERTIGO NEW STORIES ON THE MANTELPIECE - including Bagpuss, The Clangers, APOCALYPTICA Thurs 1 Sun 4 Mar, Eleven, THE OVERTONES Fri 2 VICTORIAN RELIGIOUS FIGURES Drawn Pogles’ Wood, Noggin The Nog and Mar, Symphony Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Ivor The Engine, until Sun 29 Apr Mar, William Aston from a private collection and the mu- Birmingham HOOKWORMS Sun 4 seum’s own pieces, the display ex- Hall, Wrexham TV PUPPETS: ICONS FROM 80 YEARS OF THE HANDSOME FAMILY Mar, Hare & Hounds, amines the rise of popular religious THE KITCHEN COLLEC- ENTERTAINMENT From the earliest TV Thurs 1 Mar, Mama Birmingham figures in the Victorian period, Sat 24 TIVE Sat 3 Mar, puppets, such as Soko and Muffin Roux's, Birmingham YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND Mar - Sun 1 July the Mule, to familiar characters that Newhampton Arts Sun 4 Mar, Theatre have entertained recent generations, ELECTRIC SIX Thurs 1 Centre, W’hampton Mar, O2 Academy, Severn, Shrewsbury Qube Gallery, Oswestry until Sun 29 Apr VAMPIRES ROCK Sat 3 Birmingham AMIT DATTANI Sun 4 NEW WYCINANKI - THE ART OF POLISH Mar, New Alexandra PIONEERS OF THE SYN- Mar, Kitchen Garden PAPER-CUTS Wycinanki, or paper cuts, Other VISUAL ARTS Theatre, Birmingham THESISERS Thurs 1 Cafe, Birmingham are a traditional Polish folk art that SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION FAITH: GEORGE MICHAEL Mar, The Robin, Bil- EDITORS Sun 4 Mar, first appeared in the 19th century, Showcasing the work of Ruth Robin- Sat 3 Mar, Dudley ston Birmingham Town Hall when they decorated the inside walls son and Julie Lloyd Roberts, until Fri Town Hall THE SENSATIONAL 60S of rural homes. This touring exhibi- 2 Mar, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury SATINDER SARTAAJ Sat tion from the Horniman Museum fea- EXPERIENCE Fri 2 Mar, LOUISE DAVIES Exhibition of paintings 3 Mar, Symphony Hall, tures works from two regions much New Alexandra The- and prints, until Sat 10 Mar, Twenty Birmingham admired for their traditional crafts, atre, Birmingham Twenty Gallery, Ludlow NUNS OF TUNDRA Sat 3 Thurs 8 Mar - Tues 10 Apr PALE WAVES Fri 2 Mar, MOON AND MAGIC - TAMSIN BRIDGE Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- O2 Academy, B’ham Artist Tamsin Bridge works from her ingham Shrewsbury Museum & Art DIRTY THRILLS Fri 2 imagination using watercolour gold THE JONI MITCHELL BLAZE BAYLEY Sun 4 Gallery Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- and silver leaf, until Tues 13 Mar, SONGBOOK Sat 3 Mar, Mar, The Robin, Bil- LEGO - BRICK HISTORY Walk through ingham Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Foxlowe Arts Centre, ston history in bricks, as Lego enthusiast Craven Arms VELVET UNDERGROUND Leek, Staffordshire MAN OF MOON, YOUR Warren Elsmore returns with his tour- TRIBUTE TO LOU REED CLAUDE CAHUN: BENEATH THIS MASK FINDLAY NAPIER & RE- DIRTY BLUE & BLUE ing exhibition, until Sun 15 Apr Fri 2 Mar, The This Hayward Touring exhibition fea- BECCA LOEBE Sat 3 Mar, TONGUES Sun 4 Mar, Newhampton Inn, tures the work of French female pho- The Hive, Shrewsbury The Sunflower Weston Park, Shifnal tographer Claude Cahun Wolverhampton SINATRA MEETS ELLA - Lounge, Birmingham (1894-1954), whose practice investi- FEARS CHELLA Fri 2 NEW MORVILLE: A GARDEN IN ANOTHER THE TONY FARRELL BIG HARRIET Sun 4 Mar, gates gender and identity, until Sat Mar, The Actress & TIME EXHIBITION Exhibition by Mau- BAND Sat 3 Mar, The Henry Tudor House, 17 Mar, Keele University, Staffordshire Bishop, Birmingham reen Cooper of digital images, paint- Brewhouse Arts Cen- Shrewsbury ings and mixed-media work, IMAGINING THE CRUCIFIXION The first SWEET 45 Fri 2 Mar, tre, Burton-upon-Trent reflecting both the garden’s structure part of a two-year creative journey Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent MALLAVORA & THE and its wildness, Thurs 1 - Wed 28 by artist-in-residence Peter Walker, CARO Fri 2 Mar, The WHITE NOISE Sat 3 Mar who explores a contemporary inter- Flapper, Birmingham Mar, The Sunflower pretation of Christ's journey to the NEW RUPERT CORDEUX EXHIBITION The HEATWAVE & ODYSSEY Lounge, Birmingham paintings are the product of Cross, until Mon 2 Apr, LIchfield Cathedral Fri 2 Mar, Theatre Sev- MUSICAL PICNICS - Cordeux’s enthusiasm for the ern, Shrewsbury 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Thurs 1 - Sun 4 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:25 Page 2

Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 March

CHARLIE BAKER, MANDY KNIGHT, MIKE the ancient Greek tragedy, set in the lively retelling of the entertaining and Classical Music WILMOT & PAT CAHILL Fri 2 - Sat 3 Mar, technological turbulence of the moving story of Isabella Beeton’s sur- The Glee Club, Birmingham 1980s, Fri 2 Mar, Arena Theatre, prising life... Sun 4 Mar, Chelmarsh BEST OF THE WEST END Featuring PHILL JUPITUS Sat 3 Mar, Festival Wolverhampton Village Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, Shrop- Michael England (conductor), West Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, shire End vocalists & City of Birmingham North Shropshire Symphony Orchestra. Programme includes numbers from Cats, Evita, The DALISO CHAPONDA Sat 3 Mar, Theatre Lion King, 42nd Street, Wicked & Severn, Shrewsbury Dance more... Fri 2 Mar, Symphony Hall, SHAZIA MIRZA Sat 3 Mar, Theatre On Birmingham The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shrop- 018 DANCE SHOW: ONCE UPON A DANCE Tues 27 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, Regent The- STEVEN OSBORNE PIANO RECITAL Pro- shire atre, Stoke-on-Trent gramme includes works by Debussy DAVID TRENT, ADAM BLOOM, MARK SIM- & Prokofiev, Fri 2 Mar, Alington Hall, MONS & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 3 Mar, The TERRA FIRMA National Dance Com- Shrewsbury School Comedy Loft, Birmingham pany Wales present a triple bill featuring new works by Marcus Morau, CORNUCOPIA CONCERT Featuring Fid- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 3 Mar, The Mario Bermudez Gil & Green House dlesticks, a youth violin folk group; Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent from the company's Artistic Director, the Travellers Barbershop Quartet; RICH HALL Sun 4 Mar, Theatre Severn, Caroline Finn, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Mar,The Greta Roberts (harpist); Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippo- Sixth Form College Jazz Band & drome singers from Thomas Adams School, Wem, Fri 2 Mar, St Chad’s Church, SYLVIA Lynx Theatre tell the story of IN THE HANDS OF BOYS Shropshire Shrewsbury Sylvia Pankhurst, Fri 2 Mar, Boys Dancing fuse dance, poetry & Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- photography to share stories about THE PHOENIX SINGERS Programme hampton the county’s involvement in the First comprises Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Theatre World War, Thurs 1 - Wed 28 Mar, Sat 3 Mar, Holy Trinity Church, Meole AN ACT OF KINDNESS NAZANIN’S STORY Following the true Award-winning Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire Brace, Shrewsbury play exploring gender pressure and and ongoing struggle faced by Nazanin Radcliffe and her family after AT THE CROSSROADS Atreyee Dance SINGALONG WITH THE CBSO - BRAHMS' its impact on our identity, until Thurs she and her baby were taken in Group present a theatrical dance per- GERMAN REQUIEM Featuring Simon 1 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Tehran in 2016, Fri 2 Mar, The Cres- formance based on a novel by Ra- Halsey (conductor) & the CBSO Cho- ingham cent Theatre, Birmingham bindranath Tagore - the story of a rus, Sun 4 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birm- US AND THEM Dark comedy that be- CHIME HOURS Amateur staging of Jes- woman at the crossroads of the In- ingham gins with two groups of wanderers dian freedom movement, Sun 4 Mar, sica Brown's supernatural thriller, Fri SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring looking for a place to settle, until Fri 2 MAC, Birmingham 2 - Sat 10 Mar, Hall Green Little The- Daniele Rosina (conductor) & Luke Mar, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre atre, Birmingham Riedlinger (saxophone). Programme ELEPHANT Highly anticipated return of includes works by Vaughan Williams, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's work, which NO FINER LIFE The true tale of an un- Glazunov, Prokofiev & Peter Leavy, centres on family relationships and likely Cotswold hero and an enduring Sun 4 Mar, Elgar Concert Hall, The lies... until Sat 3 Mar, The REP, B’ham romance, Sat 3 Mar, Stafford Gate- house Theatre Events Bramall, University of Birmingham RELATIVELY SPEAKING Alan Ayck- bourn’s comedy of manners, until Sat SWING WITH LAUGHTER WITH BOBBY IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Featur- 3 Mar, The Wightman, Shrewsbury DAVRO Featuring Kenny Lynch, Anita ing more than 400 athletes from 150 Harris, Jessica Martin & The Rat countries, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Mar, Arena ROMEO & JULIET Presented by Sutton Pack, Sat 3 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham Coldfield Arts & Recreational Trust, Comedy until Sat 3 Mar, Sutton Coldfield Town DYLAN THOMAS: CLOWN IN THE MOON ST DAVID'S DAY CELEBRATIONS Welsh Dramatic portrait of the poet’s language sessions available, with MARK THOMAS Wed 28 Feb - Sat 3 Hall chaotic, frequently hilarious, and all crafts and activities for children to Mar, MAC, Birmingham THE WINSLOW BOY Tessa Peake-Jones too brief life, Sat 3 Mar, Arena The- enjoy, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Mar, Erddig Hall, and Aden Gillett star in a major re- JONATHAN PIE Thurs 1 Mar, Victoria atre, Wolverhampton Wrexham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent vival of Terence Rattigan’s classic family drama, until Sat 3 Mar, The VAMPIRES ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN THOMAS & FRIENDS WEEKENDS Sat 3 - BOBBY MAIR Thurs 1 Mar, Ludlow As- REP, Birmingham Classic rock musical concert featur- Sun 25 Mar, Drayton Manor Theme sembly Rooms, South Shropshire ing a tongue-in-cheek story pre- Park, Tamworth HAMLET Shakespeare's tragedy told MIKE WILMOT, MANDY KNIGHT & COM- sented alongside some of the through the eyes of those who came THE TUDOR WOMAN Celebrate Interna- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON greatest-ever rock anthems, Sat 3 after him... until Sat 3 Mar, The Blue tional Women's Day at Blakesley Hall, Thurs 1 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Orange Theatre, Birmingham Sun 4 Mar, Blakesley Hall, B’ham MARK SIMMONS, MUNDO JAZZ, CHRIS AND THEN THERE WERE NONE The Cres- HAIRSPRAY Brenda Edwards stars as DONINGTON STAGE RALLY The first KEHOE, DAN TIERNAN & LOU CONRAN cent Theatre Company present a Motormouth Maybelle in the smash- round of the Dukeries MC Rally Thurs 1 Mar, Foxlowe Arts Centre, staging of Agatha Christie's dark hit musical comedy, until Sat 3 Mar, Championship, and also round six of Leek, Staffs novel, Sat 3 - Sat 10 Mar, Crescent Wolverhampton Grand Theatre the Motorsport News Circuit Rally GARY DELANEY, LUKE TOULSON, MATT Theatre, Birmingham Championship in association with HAYFEVER Noel Coward’s period com- STELLINGWERF & SAM AVERY Thurs 1 THE PENDLE WITCH Join the infamous MSVR, Sun 4 Mar, Donington Park edy, until Sat 17 Mar, Stafford Gate- Mar, The George Hotel, Lichfield Jennet Device as she tells her version Racing Circuit, Derby house Theatre KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs of the events which led to the hang- AFTERNOON TEA WITH QUEEN VICTORIA THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH ABOUT ABSO- 1 Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall ing of 10 people, Sun 4 Mar, Old AND PRINCE ALBERT Hear about Victo- LUTELY EVERYTHING Black comedy Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ria’s extraordinary reign and Albert’s ELLIE TAYLOR Fri 2 Mar, The Glee about the crisis of humanity, Thurs 1 SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC love of new technologies, Sun 4 Mar, Club, Birmingham Mar, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Screening of the classic Julie An- The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, JOHN ROBERTSON Fri 2 Mar, Katie THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black drews musical, complete with subti- Stoke-on-Trent Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge Country theatre favourites Fizzog pre- tled lyrics to help the audience sing DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMI- IAIN STIRLING Fri 2 Mar, Theatre Sev- sent their version of The Wizard Of along... Sun 4 Mar, New Alexandra LIES Learn more about coding with ern, Shrewsbury Oz, Fri 2 Mar, Forest Arts Centre, Wal- Theatre, Birmingham your kids at these brand new three- sall CRAIG CAMPBELL Fri 2 Mar, The Place, MRS BEETON, MY SISTER Award-win- part workshops, Sun 4 Mar, Enginu- Oakengates Theatre, Telford MEDEA ELECTRONICA A powerful and ning playwright Alison Neil provides a ity, Ironbridge, Shropshire deeply moving gig-theatre retelling of whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 5-11 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:54 Page 1

thelist ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Mar, William Aston BOBBY MAIR Sat 10 Mar, Stafford Gigs Thurs 8 Mar, The Hall, Wrexham Classical Gatehouse Theatre Robin, Bilston H.E.R. Sat 10 Mar, O2 DANA ALEXANDER, SAM AVERY, EDDIE SUPERORGANISM Mon BLANCMANGE Thurs 8 Academy, Birmingham BRIAMSON & SIMON LUCAS Sat 10 5 Mar, O2 Institute, Music Mar, Hare & Hounds, Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham WILLOW Sat 10 Mar, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- NICOLA BENEDETTI IN-THE-ROUND Pro- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 10 Mar, The ELLI INGRAM Mon 5 MOYA BRENNAN Thurs 8 ingham gramme includes works by Bach, Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent Mar, Hare & Hounds, Mar, Theatre Severn, Wynton Marsalis & Ysaÿe, Tues 6 Birmingham PEARCE/GREEN QUINTET Mar, Birmingham Town Hall JON RICHARDSON Sat 10 Mar, Birm- Shrewsbury Sat 10 Mar, The Hive, ingham Hippodrome WILLIAM THE CON- FEROCIOUS DOG Thurs Shrewsbury THOMAS ADÈS CONDUCTS Featuring QUEROR Mon 5 Mar, HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI Sun 11 Mar, 8 Mar, O2 Institute, Thomas Trotter (organ) & the City of Henry Tudor House, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wen- Birmingham Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Shrewsbury 10 Mar, Theatre Sev- Programme includes works by Brit- lock, South Shropshire MOOSE BLOOD Thurs 8 ern, Shrewsbury FEEDER Mon 5 Mar, ten, Gerald Barry, Thomas Adés & Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- William Aston Hall, BUDDY HOLLY AND THE Stravinsky, Wed 7 Mar, Symphony ingham Wrexham CRICKETERS Sat 10 Hall, Birmingham JOE BROWN Thurs 8 Mar, Birmingham Town MARTIN SIMPSON Mon AN EVENING OF BACH Featuring Birm- Mar, Wolverhampton Hall 5 Mar, Stafford Gate- ingham Cathedral Choir, David Theatre Grand Theatre house Theatre BRIT FLOYD Sat 10 Mar, Hardie (conductor), Alistair Don- WE ARE THE LIONS, MR MANAGER! The CILLA & THE SHADES OF Symphony Hall, Birm- aghue (bass-baritone) & Nicholas story of Jayaben Desai, the inspira- THE 60S Thurs 8 Mar, ingham Morris (organ), Fri 9 Mar, Birming- tional leader of the 1976-78 Grun- Lichfield Garrick PURPLE ZEPPELIN Sat ham Cathedral wick Film Processing Factory Strike, MOTÖRHEADACHE Fri 9 10 Mar, The Place, RUISI QUARTET Featuring Alessandro Mon 5 Mar, MAC, Birmingham Mar, Eleven, Stoke-on- Oakengates Theatre, Ruisi & Oliver Cave (violin), Luba MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Cheryl Fer- Trent Telford Tunnicliffe (viola) & Max Ruisi (cello). gison, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca ELO EXPERIENCE Fri 9 THE EVERLY BROTHERS Programme includes works by Wheatley & Hilary O’Neil star in an Mar, New Alexandra & FRIENDS TRIBUTE Haydn & Kodály, Fri 9 Mar, The Bar- all-singing, all-dancing comedy set Theatre, Birmingham SHOW Sat 10 Mar, ber Institute, Birmingham in a department store, Mon 5 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE ELVIS YEARS Fri 9 Prince Of Wales Cen- MAGICAL MYSTERIES Featuring Jane THE LIONEL RICHIE Mar, Stafford Gate- tre, Cannock Wright (presenter) & the CBSO 10- SUPERPOSITION Playful journey of dis- SONGBOOK Tues 6 Mar, house Theatre KILLERSTREAM Sat 10 piece mini-orchestra, Fri 9 - Sat 10 covery about science, sensuality, Wolverhampton Grand Mar, CBSO Centre, Birmingham spirituality, and how the body ‘magi- HELLO AGAIN NEIL DIA- Mar, The River Rooms, Theatre cally mirrors the universe through MOND Fri 9 Mar, Victo- Stourbridge EX CATHEDRA: HARMONIC SPIRITUAL JADE BIRD Tues 6 Mar, the constellation of particles twin- ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent THINK FLOYD Sat 10 THEATRE Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore Hare & Hounds, Birm- kling within us’, Tues 6 Mar, MAC, Mar, Victoria Hall, (conductor). Programme includes ingham SATINDER SARTAAJ Fri 9 works by Carissimi & Charpentier, Birmingham Mar, Wolverhampton Stoke-on-Trent KERRY ELLIS Tues 6 Sat 10 Mar, Birmingham Cathedral LA FORZA DEL DESTINO Welsh Na- Grand Theatre WINGS OVER ABBEY Mar, New Alexandra tional Opera perform a new staging ROAD Sat 10 Mar, The- ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Theatre, Birmingham MAJID JORDAN Fri 9 OFFICIAL ROYAL OPENING GALA CON- of Verdi’s epic opera. Sung in Italian, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- atre On The Steps, PHIL BEER Tues 6 Mar, CERT Featuring Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla with English and Welsh surtitles, ingham Bridgnorth Birchmeadow Centre, (conductor) & Andrey Ivanov Tues 6 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- THE WAILERS Sat 10 Broseley, Shropshire CHICAGO BLUES BROTH- (piano). Programme includes works drome ERS TOUR Fri 9 Mar, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- by Ravel, Clurllonis, Chopin & the ARCANE ROOTS Tues 6 THE YEOMAN OF THE GUARD Birming- Prince Of Wales Cen- ingham world premiere of Joe Cutler’s Else- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- ham Savoyards present Gilbert & tre, Cannock THE JOKERS Sat 10 whereness, Sun 11 Mar, Royal Birm- ingham Sullivan's Savoy Opera, Tues 6 - Sat JUPITER'S BEARD, SE- Mar, The Sugarmill, ingham Conservatoire 10 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham HOLDING ABSENCE & PRONA & SARCOLINE Fri Stoke-on-Trent LOATHE Wed 7 Mar, QUARTET Paul Nicholas, Wendi Pe- 9 Mar, The Sugarmill, 100 YEARS OF JAZZ IN The Asylum, B’ham ters, Sue Holderness & Jeff Rawle Stoke-on-Trent 99 MINUTES Sun 11 star in Ron Harwood's bitter-sweet NO AMPS, NO CHAT, NO THE JERSEY 4 VS TAKE Mar, Victoria Hall, comedy concerning four ageing CHARGE Wed 7 Mar, THAT Fri 9 Mar, The Stoke-on-Trent Comedy opera singers residing in a magnifi- Arena Theatre, Wolver- River Rooms, Stour- HELL'S GATES, TEAR IT cent retirement home in Kent, Tues 6 hampton RUSSELL BRAND Thurs 8 Mar, Sym- bridge DOWN, NOT MY WORDS, phony Hall, Birmingham - Sat 10 Mar, The REP, Birmingham JOE DOLMAN Wed 7 RIDING LIGHT, ABSENCE NINA - A STORY ABOUT ME AND NINA OBITUARY Fri 9 Mar, O2 GRIFF RHYS JONES Thurs 8 Mar, The Mar, O2 Academy, & RELUCTANT CURSE SIMONE Institute, B’ham Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford Backed by a band, Olivier Birmingham Sun 11 Mar, The Award-nominated actress Josette ANDREW BROWNING AS POKEY LAFARGE Wed 7 Robin, Bilston JONATHAN PIE Thurs 8 Mar, New Bushell-Mingo (Disney's The Lion GEORGE MICHAEL Fri 9 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham King) mixes story and song as she Mar, The Robin, Bil- BULLETBOYS Sun 11 ingham STEPHEN BAILEY draws together tales from the life ston Mar, The Slade Thurs 8 Mar, The STEVIE NIMMO TRIO Rooms, W’hampton Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton and career of Nina Simone, Tues 6 - METAL MILITIA Sat 10 Wed 7 Mar, The Robin, DAVE JOHNS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Sat 10 Mar, The REP, Birmingham Mar, Eleven, Stoke-on- THE ARTHUR DOHERTY Bilston ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC WEST SIDE STORY Amateur staging Trent BAND Sun 11 Mar, Thurs 8 DAXX & ROXANE Wed 7 Stafford Gatehouse Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham presented by The Tab, Tues 6 - Sat MERSEY BEATLES Sat Mar, The Slade Theatre DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 9 Mar, MAC, 10 Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall 10 Mar, Stafford Gate- Rooms, W’hampton Birmingham VOTES FOR WOMEN Elizabeth Robins’ house Theatre BOOGIE NIGHTS 2018 BUDDY HOLLY AND THE Sun 11 Mar, Prince Of BOBBY MAIR Fri 9 Mar, The Glee Club, ‘gripping’ exploration of the suffrage THE SKA45'S Sat 10 CRICKETERS Wed 7 Wales Centre, Can- Birmingham movement, Tues 6 - Sat 24 Mar, New Mar, The Robin, Bil- Mar, Wolverhampton nock Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme ston DAVE JOHNS, NIGEL NG & COMICS TBC Grand Theatre TOM MISCH Sun 11 Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, The Glee Club, SLEEPING TREES: WESTERN? The ROY G HEMMINGS' HITS HOPSIN Wed 7 Mar, O2 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Birmingham Sleeping Trees find themselves OF MOTOWN Sat 10 Academy, Birmingham ingham slowly crisping under the sun of the 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 5-11 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:54 Page 2

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 March

Wild West, as gunslinger Harry of Brian’s best material from stage Sudds takes on bulls, scorpions and and screen, Sat 10 Mar, Wolverhamp- many other animals largely found in ton Grand Theatre America, Wed 7 Mar, Old Joint Stock THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Swansea City Theatre, Birmingham Opera revive the Rossini classic, Sat DON GIOVANNI Welsh National Opera 10 Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury transport Mozart’s comic opera to the HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell Spanish Golden Age. Sung in Italian, the story of a woman’s ‘funny and with English and Welsh surtitles, Wed moving journey through 60 years of 7 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome village life’, Sat 10 Mar, Ludlow As- CASKET CASE Flickbook Theatre pre- sembly Rooms, Ludlow, South sent a show about the fear of death, Shropshire dying and being dead, Wed 7 Mar, ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE An evening The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- with John Challis, best known as upon-Trent Boycie in BBC TV’s Only Fools And HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell Horses, Sat 10 Mar, Sutton Coldfield the story of a woman’s ‘funny and Town Hall Here I belong - showing at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury moving journey through 60 years of SUGGS - WHAT A KING CNUT: A LIFE IN & Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire village life’, Wed 7 Mar, Theatre Sev- THE REALMS OF MADNESS Smash-hit ern, Shrewsbury one-man show which charts the road CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO LA TRAVIATA Opera & Ballet Interna- to fame of Madness frontman Suggs, Dance BACKS Fri 9 Mar, Birmingham Back to tional perform Verdi’s interpretation of Sun 11 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Backs one of the most popular love stories Birmingham TERRA FIRMA National Dance Com- HIDDEN HISTORIES Experience the cav- of the 19th century... Wed 7 Mar, Re- THE WAR OF THE WORLDS The critically pany Wales present a triple bill featur- erns in a new way, without leaving the gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent acclaimed Pantaloons recreate ing new works by Marcus Morau, Portal building. Featuring virtual real- PLAYHOUSE CREATURES Amateur ver- ‘deadly heat-rays, giant fighting-ma- Mario Bermudez Gil & Green House ity presentations, a live presenter and sion of a ‘vivacious comedy’ set chines, squidgy-tentacled Martians from the company's Artistic Director, genuine handling objects, Fri 9 Mar, backstage in a Restoration play- and interplanetary warfare on an epic Caroline Finn, Tues 6 Mar, Theatre Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Severn, Shrewsbury house, Wed 7 - Sat 10 Mar, The scale’, Sun 11 Mar, Theatre Severn, VAMOS THEATRE: MASK WORKSHOP Wightman, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury VERVE Northern School of Contempo- Adapted version of Vamos’ full mask TOSCA Welsh National Opera present rary Dance present a programme of workshop, using touring show A Puccini’s story of love, lust, loyalty bold new work created by interna- Brave Face as the basis for learning, and corruption. Sung in Italian, with tionally-acclaimed and multi award- & Fri 9 Mar, Ludlow Assembly English and Welsh surtitles, Thurs 8 winning choreographers, Tues 6 Mar, Rooms, South Shropshire Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome Kids Shows MOTHER’S RUIN - GIN TASTING EVENING MADAMA BUTTERFLY Opera & Ballet In- PENGUIN Long Nose Puppets present DISCOVER DANCE National Dance Enjoy an evening in the Bottle & ternational present Puccini's heart- a show for younger audiences based Company Wales present a relaxed in- Glass Inn, as local wine & spirit mer- breaking and dramatic story. Korean on the award-winning book by Penny troduction to dance stage shows, chants Nickolls & Perks Est 1797 ex- soprano Maria HeeJung Kim and in- Dunbar, Fri 9 Mar, Newhampton Arts Wed 7 Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrews- plore the history and styles of gin, Fri ternational soprano Alyona Kisteny- Centre, Wolverhampton bury 9 - Sat 10 Mar, Black Country Living ova star, Thurs 8 Mar, Regent WHITE Catherine Wheels Theatre TEN Ace Dance present a full-length Museum, Dudley Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Company present a playful, visual dance production inspired by global HANDBAGS AND GLADRAGS Displays of NUMBERED DAYS Award-winning play show for young children - a ‘perfect migration, Thurs 8 Mar, MAC, B’ham the collection not normally seen by exploring love in the digital age, as first-time theatre experience’. Fri 9 - TANGO MODERNO New stage ‘spectac- visitors, Fri 9 - Mon 12 Mar, Sunny- two students five thousand miles Sun 11 Mar, The Patrick Centre, Birm- ular’ featuring Strictly Come Dancing croft, Wellington, Shropshire apart fall in love, Thurs 8 Mar, Old ingham Hippodrome stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Ca- BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 10 Mar, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham LITTLE BO PEEP A theatrical version of cace, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, Regent The- Birmingham Hippodrome atre, Stoke-on-Trent A BRAVE FACE Fully masked theatre the classic nursery rhyme, featuring BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - A DRAMATIC, company Vamos tackle the emotional puppets aplenty!, Sat 10 Mar, PROPEL Diverse youth dance plat- COSTUMED EVENING TOUR OF ATTING- subject of post-traumatic stress, Fri 9 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre form showcasing new and develop- HAM Lord Berwick conducts a private Mar, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Lud- WHERE'S MY IGLOO GONE? Children’s ing works. Hosted by Flexus Dance tour of the ground floor of Attingham low, South Shropshire show which journeys into an Arctic Collective, Sat 10 Mar, Arena The- Mansion, Sat 10 Mar, Attingham Park, THE TAILOR, THE DEVIL AND OTHER BRE- world of soaring snow geese, pet atre, Wolverhampton Shrewsbury TON TALES Collection of John Edgar’s husky dogs and starry nights, Sun 11 SPIRIT OF INDIA Dance show cele- CHEESE FEST WOLVERHAMPTON Featur- dark, eccentric and bleakly funny Mar, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Lud- brating India's spirituality, mythol- ing ‘incredible melted cheese de- tales of Breton life, Fri 9 Mar, Arena low, South Shropshire ogy, rich history, diverse culture, lights and delicious cheese-based Theatre, Wolverhampton colourful festivals, flamboyant wed- cuisine’, Sat 10 Mar, Starworks Ware- DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM-YAM dings, music, dance and Bollywood, house, Wolverhampton Brand new live show fusing stand-up, Sun 11 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- ULTIMATE DUBS The UK’s largest In- sit-down, video surprises and unfor- drome door VAG enthusiasts’ event, bring- gettable music, Fri 9 Mar, The Place, ing together the Ultimate VW, Audi, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire Seat & Skoda Show Cars from all TOUCH OF EVIL: A CELEBRATION OF VIL- over Europe, Sun 11 Mar, Telford In- LAINY IN SONG Musical numbers cele- ternational Centre, Telford, Shrop- brating villains, evil-doers and Events shire baddies, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, Old Joint DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMI- Stock Theatre, Birmingham CRUFTS The world’s biggest dog LIES Learn more about coding with BRIAN CONLEY - STILL THE GREATEST event, featuring ‘the best in dog your kids at these brand-new 3-part ENTERTAINER IN HIS PRICE RANGE shopping and hundreds of canines workshops, Sun 11 Mar, Enginuity, Brand new show featuring comedy, for you to meet’, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Ironbridge, Shropshire sketches and songs alongside some Mar, NEC, Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 18:32 Page 1

thelist Mar, Genting Arena, Centre, Walsall HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA: Gigs Birmingham DRESSED TO KILL - THE Classical BEETHOVEN’S SEVENTH Featuring FIELD MUSIC Thurs 15 TRIBUTE TO KISS Fri 16 Christopher Hoggarth (conductor) & AT THE DRIVE-IN Mon 12 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mar, The Robin, Bilston Richard Tattum (bassoon). Pro- Mar, O2 Academy, ingham Music gramme includes works by Birmingham JOE BONAMASSA Fri 16 Mendelssohn, Weber & Beethoven, INSECURE MEN Thurs Mar, Genting Arena, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH VENOM INC. & SUFFOCA- Sat 17 Mar, Cornbow Hall, Hale- 15 Mar, Hare & Birmingham THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- TION Mon 12 Mar, The sowen Hounds, Birmingham cludes works by Mendelssohn, Asylum, Birmingham TURIN BRAKES Fri 16 Corelli (arr. T Billington), Stanley, PASSIONATE DEBUSSY Featuring STICK MEN, TONY LEVIN, Mar, Birmingham Town JACKSON LIVE IN CON- J.MacMillan & Liszt, Mon 12 Mar, Marie-Christine Zupancic (flute), MARKUS REUTER & PAT Hall CERT Tues 13 Mar, New Symphony Hall, Birmingham Jonathan Martindale & Jane Wright MASTELOTTO Thurs 15 Alexandra Theatre, MIST Fri 16 Mar, O2 (violins), Adam Römer & Christopher Mar, The Robin, Bilston GARNIER ORGAN RECITAL 3: NATHAN Birmingham Academy, Birmingham LAUBE Programme includes works Yates (violas), Helen Edgar (cello) & SLEEPER & THE LOTTERY Professor Helen Abbott (narrator), JIMMY OSMOND: MOON TOM GRENNAN Sat 17 by Muffat, J.S Bach, Haydn & WINNERS Thurs 15 Mar, Sat 17 Mar, CBSO Centre, B’ham RIVER AND ME Tues 13 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mendelssoh, Tues 13 Mar, The Bra- The Sugarmill, Stoke- Mar, Lichfield Garrick ingham mall, University of Birmingham DEBUSSY'S LEGACY Featuring Birm- on-Trent ingham Contemporary Music Group G4 LIVE! Tues 13 Mar, CAUSE TO EFFECT Sat G4 LIVE 2018 Tues 13 Mar, Birming- ALABAMA 3 Thurs 15 Programme includes works by Birmingham Town Hall 17 Mar, The Slade ham Town Hall Mar, O2 Academy, Rooms, W’hampton Boulez & Tristan Murail, Sun 18 Mar, MICHAEL MCDONALD Birmingham FRETWORK: FOR FOUR Programme Symphony Hall, Birmingham Tues 13 Mar, Sym- SHOWADDYWADDY Sat comprises Purcell's Two Fantasias in PAUL YOUNG Thurs 15 DEBUSSY - CHILDREN'S CORNER Fea- phony Hall, B’ham 17 Mar, Ludlow As- 4 parts; J S Bach's Passacaglia Mar, William Aston sembly Rooms, South BWV582 & Matthew Locke's Consort turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- AS IT IS Tues 13 Mar, Hall, Wrexham Shropshire of Flower Parts No.2 in D, Wed 14 tor) & Catherine Arlidgeė (presenter), O2 Institute, B’ham Sun 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham GORDON HENDRICKS IS 40 YEARS OF DISCO Sat Mar, The Barber Institute, B’ham JAMIE LAWSON Tues 13 ELVIS Fri 16 Mar, The 17 Mar, Genting Arena, LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY Featuring MODERN DEBUSSY Featuring Mirga Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Place, Oakengates Birmingham Katie Alder (soprano), Chris McKeon Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & the City ingham Theatre, Telford, of Birminghamė Symphony Orches- FEARS CHELLA Sat 17 (baritone) & Patrick Larley (conduc- SUSANNE SUNDFØR Shropshire tra. Programme includes works by Mar, The Sugarmill, tor), Wed 14 Mar, St Laurence’s Wed 14 Mar, The Glee Debussy, Stravinsky & Takemitsu, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - Stoke-on-Trent Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire Club, Birmingham NEIL DIAMOND Fri 16 Sun 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham MIK ARTISTIK Sat 17 PETER DONOHOE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH ELLIOT GALVIN TRIO Mar, Lichfield Garrick CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET: VOYAGES Mar, The Morris Hall, Featuring Jason Lai (conductor) & Wed 14 Mar, Hare & FROM BUDAPEST Programme in- VARIUS MANX & KASIA Shrewsbury Peter Donohoe (piano). Programme Hounds, Birmingham STANKIEWICZ Fri 16 includes works by Prokofiev, cludes works by Haydn, Bartok & SPACE Sat 17 Mar, O2 Brahms, Sun 18 Mar, The Lion Hotel, SKERRYVORE Wed 14 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Shostakovich & Schubert, Wed 14 Academy, Birmingham Shrewsbury Mar, Theatre Severn, ingham Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Shrewsbury WAX ON Fri 16 Mar, THE BARRICADE BOYS ELLEN NISBETH IN RECITAL Featuring SHREWSBURY SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS & Sat 17 Mar, Victoria CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENT A GALA ELLEN NISBETH Wed 14 Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bengt Forsberg (piano). Programme Hall, Stoke-on-Trent CONCERT Sun 18 Mar, Birmingham Mar, Birmingham Town ingham includes works by Schumann, Kata- Town Hall Hall REWS Fri 16 Mar, The THE TINA TURNER EXPE- rina Leyman, Rebecca Clarke, Brit- RIENCE SHOW Sat 17 ten & Brahms, Wed 14 Mar, JOAN BAEZ: FARE THEE Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Mar, The Place, Oak- Birmingham Town Hall WELL TOUR Wed 14 Trent engates Theatre, Mar, Symphony Hall, PRINCE REGENT’S BAND Programme THE VOODOO ROOM Fri Telford Birmingham 16 Mar, Lichfield Gar- includes works by Böhme, Glazunov WOUNDEDSPIRIT Sat 17 & Ewald, Fri 16 Mar, The Barber In- COVENANT Wed 14 Mar, rick Comedy Mar, The Robin, Bilston stitute, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, SWEET Fri 16 Mar, IVAN BRACKENBURY, IAN D. MONTFORT NEARLY DAN IN CONCERT BRASS BANDS AND CHAMBER CHOIRS Wolverhampton William Aston Hall, & ROB MULHOLLAND Thurs 15 Mar, Sat 17 Mar, Eleven, Programme includes works by TJ NEVER 42 Wed 14 Mar, Wrexham The Bramall, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Powell, Paul Lovatt Cooper, Rameau, The Robin, Bilston AMPLIFIER Fri 16 Mar, THE COSMICS Sat 17 Sullivan & Saint Saens, arr. Philip JO ENRIGHT, CHRIS KENT & COMEDY FEEDER Wed 14 Mar, O2 Academy, B’ham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Mar, The Sunflower Wilby, Fri 16 Mar, The Bramall, Uni- O2 Academy, B’ham KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Fri Lounge, Birmingham versity of Birmingham Thurs 15 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham ALL TIME LOW Thurs 15 16 Mar, Forest Arts DALISO CHAPONDA THE STRANGLERS Sat CBSO: SENSUAL DEBUSSY Featuring Fri 16 Mar, The 17 Mar, O2 Academy, Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor - Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Birmingham pictured), the CBSOė Youth Chorus & GEOFF NORCOTT Fri 16 Mar, The Glee Birmingham University Singers. Pro- THE DUBLIN LEGENDS Club, Birmingham gramme includes works by Debussy, ADAM BLOOM, CHRIS KENT & COMIC Sat 17 Mar, Birming- Szymanowski & Wagner, Sat 17 Mar, TBC Fri 16 Mar, The Glee Club, Birm- ham Town Hall Symphony Hall, Birmingham ingham DAN PATLANSKY Sat 17 Mar, Foxlowe Arts Cen- RUDI LICKWOOD, MANDY MUDEN & tre, Leek, Staffs MARK SIMMONS Fri 16 Mar, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton KARKOSA Sat 17 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 16 - Sat 17 Mar, MAC, Birmingham NOBLE JACKS Sun 18 Mar, Henry Tudor SCOTT BENNETT, JOSH HOWIE, RUDI House, Shrewsbury LICKWOOD & LEO KEARSE Sat 17 Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham PETE BODDIS BAND + FREEWHEELIN' BAND LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 17 Mar, Regent Sun 18 Mar, The Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Robin, Bilston ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 17 Mar, The Mik Artistik -The Morris Hall, Shrewsbury Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 18:32 Page 2

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 March

SEVERN JESTERS #57 Sun 18 Mar, spans cultures and continents, Tues Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 13 - Sat 24 Mar, The REP, B’ham THE GLASS MENAGERIE Tennessee Williams’ memory play, based on himself, his mother and his mentally fragile sister, Rose, Tues 13 - Sat 24 Theatre Mar, The Wightman, Shrewsbury A BRAVE FACE Fully masked theatre HOW TO SURVIVE A POST-TRUTH APOCA- company Vamos tackle the emotional LYPSE An epic adventure through ‘a subject of post-traumatic stress, Mon wonderland of lies, fictions and 12 Mar, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Wikipedia facts’ in a show ‘for anyone under-Lyme who’s ever said they read the terms and conditions’, Wed 14 Mar, MAC, Birmingham A BRAVE FACE Fully masked theatre company Vamos tackle the emotional subject of post-traumatic stress, Wed 14 Mar, MAC, Birmingham SNAKESKIN Storytellers Peter and Gorg Chand present a collection of ‘dark, powerful and thoughtful’ snake The Kite Runner - The REP, Birmingham stories shared from Indian myth and SLEEPING TREES: MAFIA? The Sleeping BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Join folktale, Wed 14 Mar, The Brewhouse Trees’ second installment promises the ex-Strictly star as he takes to the DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM-YAM Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent to be a surreal, physical and fast- stage with a cast of guest dancers, Brand new live show fusing stand-up, GREAT EXPECTATIONS One-man adap- paced sketch comedy inspired by the a 14-piece band and singers, Fri 16 sit-down, video surprises and unfor- tation of Dickens’ classic tale, Wed 14 movies, Thurs 15 Mar (9pm), Theatre Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham gettable music, Mon 12 - Tues 13 Mar, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Severn, Shrewsbury Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall BALLET BC Canada's leading con- ELECTRA Royal Birmingham Conser- NAPOLEON DISROBED Comic alterna- temporary dance company presents UP’N’UNDER John Godber’s award- vatoire Theatre Company presents its tive history from Told By An Idiot, an evening of work from three inter- winning comedy, performed by a cast version of Sophocles' tale of lust, based on Simon Leys’ novel, The of deaf and hearing actors using nationally celebrated artists, Fri 16 - vengeance and murder, Wed 14 - Sat Death Of Napoleon, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Sat 17 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- British Sign Language and spoken 17 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Mar, The REP, Birmingham English, Mon 12 - Wed 14 Mar, The drome REP, Birmingham OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD The Crescent CRIMES UNDER THE SUN Comedy Theatre Company presents its ver- thriller inspired by Agatha Christie, THE LAST SUPPER Reckless Sleepers sion of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s fa- The 39 Steps and film noir, Sat 17 present a unique performance piece mous play, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, Mar, Lichfield Garrick inviting audience members to eat and Crescent Theatre, Birmingham drink while they perform a series of I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS The Olivier scenarios - some real, some in- RHINOCEROS Birmingham Royal Con- Award-nominated Wizard Presents vented, Tues 13 - Thurs 15 Mar, St servatoire Theatre Company presents brings bestselling children’s author Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury its version of Eugéne Ionesco’s post- Michael Morpurgo’s story to life, Sat war avante-garde drama, Wed 14 - 17 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall SON OF A PREACHER MAN Michelle Sat 17 Mar, The Old Rep, B’ham Gayle and Alice Barlow star in Craig THE 4 CLOWNS OF THE APOCALYPSE A Revel Horwood’s touching musical, CIRQUE BERSERK! Evening of ‘thrills 'sensorial, nonsensical delight for the featuring the music of Dusty Spring- and skills’ combining ‘contemporary whole family', brought to the stage by HOLI: BASANT KE RANG An evening of field, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar, Theatre cirque-style artistry with adrenaline- Portugal's Teatro do Montemuro and music & dance celebrating the rich Severn, Shrewsbury fuelled stunt action, Wed 14 - Sun 18 the UK-based Absolute Theatre, Sun and diverse South Asian heritage Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham 18 Mar, The Blue Orange Theatre, and culture that’s evident in the UK LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL Smash- Birmingham hit Broadway and West End musical LITE Marlene McKenzie uncovers the today, Sat 17 Mar, Arena Theatre, starring Lucie Jones as Elle Woods emotional and physical journey re- Wolverhampton and Rita Simmonds as Paulette, Tues quired by many to fit into today’s so- 13 - Sat 17 Mar, Regent Theatre. ciety, where pressure from the media Stoke-on-Trent constantly reinforces the need to conform, Thurs 15 Mar, MAC, B’ham CITY LOVE Fast-paced comedy telling Dance the story of two city workers whose TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Com- CHARGE Motionhouse present an Film lives are transformed by a chance pany present John Godber's classic ‘electrifying’ dance-circus, inspired INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: meeting with one another, Tues 13 - classroom comedy, Thurs 15 Mar, by the role of electricity in the Sat 17 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Lichfield Garrick human body, Tues 13 Mar, Birming- DETROIT (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Birmingham HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell ham Hippodrome John Boyega, Anthony Mackie. Edge the story of a woman’s ‘funny and Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South SWEENEY TODD Amateur staging of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Vienna Festival Shropshire, Mon 12 Mar Stephen Sondheim’s critically ac- moving journey through 60 years of Ballet presents a choreographed claimed work, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar, village life’, Thurs 15 Mar, Foxlowe version of the classic fairytale, Wed GIGI (PG) Comedy/Musical. Starring Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 14 Mar, The Place, Oakengates The- Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier. Lud- low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- MADE IN DAGENHAM Amateur staging SLEEPING TREES: WESTERN? The atre, Telford, Shropshire Sleeping Trees’ first show of the shire, Tues 13 Mar of the musical based on the film of IT’S BETWEEN US Just Us Dance The- evening sees the quartet slowly crisp- THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) Drama. the same name, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar, atre present a mixed bill of dance ing under the sun of the Wild West, Starring Brooklynn Prince, Bria Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on- and music from award-winning as gunslinger Harry Sudds takes on Vinaite. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Trent dance-maker Joseph Toonga and bulls, scorpions and many other ani- Tues 13 Mar THE KITE RUNNER Much-acclaimed British R&B singer-lyricist Orin Nor- mals largely found in America, Thurs MENASHE (U) Drama. Starring play based on Khaled Hosseini's 15 Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury bert, Fri 16 Mar, Wem Town Hall, haunting tale of a friendship which North Shropshire Menashe Lustig, Yoel Falkowitz.

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 18:33 Page 3

Thursday 8 March, 7.30pm GRIFF RHYS JONES

Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm PURPLE ZEPPELIN

Wednesday 11 April, 7.30pm T J HIGGS PSYCHIC MEDIUM

Saturday 14 April, 7.30pm ROXY MUSIQUE

Friday 20 April, 7.30pm THE QUO EXPERIENCE

Saturday 21April, 7.30pm WANNABE:THE SPICE GIRLS SHOW

Sunday 22 & Monday 23 April, Sun 2pm & 5pm, Mon 10am & 2pm HORRIBLE HISTORIES: MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN

Wednesday 2 May, 7.30pm AN AUDIENCE WITH THE REVEREND RICHARD COLES

Friday 4 May, 8.00pm TOM STADE: I SWEAR

TWC GP 01228

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 18:33 Page 4

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 March

Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 13 Mar I, TONYA (15) Biography/Comedy. and down the line, Fri 16 - Sun 18 JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Star- Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- Events Mar, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley ring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Artrix, ney. Light House Media Centre, FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on ex- THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & Bromsgrove, Tues 13 & Wed 14 Mar; Wolverhampton, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Mar perience, Sat 17 Mar, Black Country ENGINEERS FAIR The UK’s largest cele- Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Living Museum, Dudley bration of science, technology, engi- ton, North Shropshire, Fri 16 Mar ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. neering & maths (STEM) for young DISCOVER YOUR IRISH FAMILY HISTORY Light House Media Centre, Wolver- DARKEST HOUR (PG) people, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, NEC, Presented by a family-history expert, hampton, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Mar Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- Birmingham Sat 17 Mar, Birmingham Back to man, Lily James. Wem Town Hall, FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) Backs YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON North Shropshire, Tues 13 & Thurs 15 Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna CHAMPIONSHIPS Featuring 155 MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Sat 17 - Mar Lumley, Celia Imrie. Old Market Hall, matches and over 50 hours of live Sun 18 Mar, NEC, Birmingham Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Mar PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Ro- badminton, Wed 14 - Sun 18 Mar, THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Ideal for am- mance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (15) Drama/Ro- Arena Birmingham ateur and professional photogra- Day-Lewis. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, mance. Starring Josh O'Connor, Alec SEWING FOR PLEASURE AND FASHION phers alike, Sat 17 - Tues 20 Mar, South Shropshire, Tues 13 - Thurs 15 Secareanu. Light House Media Cen- EMBROIDERY Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Mar, NEC, Birmingham Mar tre, Wolverhampton, Sat 17 - Mon 19 NEC, Birmingham DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMI- ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15) Bi- Mar THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A haven for LIES Learn more about coding with ography/Crime. Starring Mark knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, your kids at these brand new three- Wahlberg, Michelle Williams. Ludlow NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: stitching, jewellery & dressmaking part workshops, Sun 18 Mar, Enginu- Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, enthusiasts, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Mar, ity, Ironbridge, Shropshire Wed 14 & Fri 16 Mar Released from Fri 16 Mar, showing at selected cinemas NEC, Birmingham MY GENERATION (12a) Documentary. SUPERSLAM WRESTLING 2017 Featur- Starring Michael Caine, Joan Collins. MARY MAGDALENE (15) ing top international talent from the Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Wed 14 PETER RABBIT (PG) world’s major federations, Fri 16 Mar, Mar; The Red Carpet Cinema, Barton THE SQUARE (15) Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Marina,Burton-upon-Trent, Sun 18 Mar TOMB RAIDER (tbc) MIDLANDS WHISKY FESTIVAL Fri 16 - Sat 17 Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall GRADUATION (15) Crime/Drama. Star- ring Adrian Titieni, Maria Dragus. For- SPRING STEAM GALA Get up close to eign language, subtitled. The Hive, an array of steam locomotives and Shrewsbury, Fri 16 Mar sample a selection of attractions up

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:56 Page 1

COMING SOON...

1st Mar, 7.30pm California Dreamers

Tickets: £20, £18 conc

3rd Mar, 7.30pm The Tony Farrell Big Band Sinatra meets Ella

Tickets: £12, £10 conc

7th Mar, 8pm Flickbook Theatre: Casket Case

Tickets: £5

14th Mar, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday: SNAKESkin by Peter & Gorg Chand Tickets:TiTickets:ckets: ££12, 1£6,2, ££10£810 otd SSatat MMtt

20th & 21st Mar, 7pm b Dance: Youth Platform

Tickets: £8, £5 conc

30th Mar, 6.30pm On The Big Screen - Burton Market Hall Lego Movie (U)

Tickets: £5, £15 family

31st Mar, 10am - 4pm Burton Market Place Play In The Place

Tickets: FREE

31st Mar, 7pm On The Big Screen - Burton Market Hall The Goonies (12A)

Tickets: £5, £15 family

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

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:56 Page 2

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 March Mar, Wolverhampton IAN PROWSE AND AMS- North Shropshire Gigs Grand Theatre TERDAM Fri 23 Mar, Classical FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS Thurs 22 RODDY WOOMBLE Thurs The Slade Rooms, Mar, Genting Arena, Birmingham KNOWER Mon 19 Mar, 22 Mar, Hare & Wolverhampton Hare & Hounds, Birm- AMY HOWERSKA, IAN STONE, COMEDY Hounds, Birmingham THE WOMBATS Fri 23 Music ingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & YXNG BANE Thurs 22 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- OMO BELLO - LA BELLE ÉPOQUE Featur- COMIC TBC Thurs 22 Mar, The Glee DAMIEN DEMPSEY AND Mar, O2 Academy, ingham ing Omo Bello (soprano) & Jeff Club, Birmingham HIS BAND Mon 19 Mar, Birmingham THE WHOLLS Fri 23 Cohen (piano). Programme includes Birmingham Town Hall works by Jules Massenet, Debussy, HAL CRUTTENDEN, PIERRE NOVELLIE, REWS Thurs 22 Mar, Mar, The Sunflower JUNIOR SIMPSON & KIRI PRITCHARD ANNE-MARIE Mon 19 Faure & Erik Satie, Fri 23 Mar, Birm- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Lounge, Birmingham MCLEAN Fri 23 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- ingham Town Hall ingham LOS PACAMINOS FEAT COMEDY WITH DAVE GREEN & JOSH ingham HALLE ORCHESTRA Featuring Ben- STEVEN WILSON Thurs PAUL YOUNG Fri 23 Mar, PUGH & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 23 Mar, ZAK ABEL Tues 20 Mar, jamin Grosvenor. Programme in- 22 Mar, Symphony The Robin, Bilston Wolverhampton Grand Theatre O2 Academy, B’ham cludes works by Weber, Beethoven Hall, Birmingham TOM WALKER Fri 23 & Saint-Saens, Fri 23 Mar, Victoria JOHN BISHOP Fri 23 Mar, Genting MOYA BRENNAN Tues THE MAGIC GANG Thurs Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Arena, Birmingham 20 Mar, The Glee Club, 22 Mar, O2 Institute, ingham Birmingham CBSO: SACRED DEBUSSY Featuring IAN STONE, SEAN PERCIVAL, ALLYSON Birmingham THAT'LL BE THE DAY Fri Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Ju- SMITH & CHRISTIAN SCHULTE-LOH Fri YES - 50TH ANNIVER- DOCTORS OF MADNESS 23 - Sat 24 Mar, lian Wilkins (organ)ė & the CBSO 23 - Sat 24 Mar, The Glee Club, SARY TOUR Tues 20 Fri 23 Mar, O2 Insti- Stafford Gatehouse Chorus, Sat 24 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Mar, Symphony Hall, tute, Birmingham Theatre Birmingham Birmingham ROY 'CHUBBY' BROWN Sat 24 Mar, Vic- THE LIONEL RICHIE BLUE OCTOBER Sat 24 WOMBOURNE & DISTRICT CHORAL SO- toria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent VÖK Tues 20 Mar, The SONGBOOK Fri 23 Mar, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- CIETY Programme comprises Sunflower Lounge, RICHARD HERRING Sat 24 Mar, Forest Prince Of Wales Cen- ingham Mozart’s Requiem, Sat 24 Mar, Birmingham Arts Centre, Walsall tre, Cannock THE FUREYS Sat 24 Church of St John in the Square, YOUNG FATHERS Tues COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 24 Mar, BACKSTREET THUNDER Mar, Festival Drayton Wolverhampton 20 Mar, O2 Institute, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Fri 23 Mar, Eleven, Centre, Market Dray- CALLUM SMART & RICHARD UTTLEY Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, MATT RICHARDSON, TEZ Stoke-on-Trent ton, North Shropshire Programme includes works by De- CLOUDBUSTING - A TRIB- ILYAS & CATHERINE BOHART Sat 24 JOY ORBISON & JON K ARRIVAL - THE HITS OF bussy, Prokofiev, Brahms & Ysaye / UTE TO KATE BUSH Wed Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Fri 23 Mar, Hare & ABBA Sat 24 Mar, The Saint-Saens, Sat 24 Mar, Ludlow As- 21 Mar, Wolverhamp- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 24 Mar, The Hounds, Birmingham Place, Oakengates sembly Rooms, South Shropshire ton Grand Theatre Theatre,Telford Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent HEAVY BEAT HOUSE BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR Featuring TAKING PART - ESCAPE PARTY Fri 23 Mar, Hare NEARLY NOEL GAL- Paul Spicer (conductor) & Martin Wed 21 Mar, The But- & Hounds, B’ham LAGHERS HIGH FLYIN’ Rawles (organ). Programme in- termarket, Shrewsbury BIRDZ Sat 24 Mar, O2 cludes works by William Byrd & SOT FESTIVAL - HALLE - MT. WOLF Wed 21 Mar, Academy, Birmingham John Donne, Sat 24 Mar, St Chad’s MARCH Fri 23 Mar, Vic- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Cathedral, Birmingham Theatre toria Hall, Stoke-on- MY DARLING CLEMEN- ingham Trent TINE Sat 24 Mar, Birch- CALLUM SMART AND RICHARD UTTLEY WHERE'S MY IGLOO GONE? Children’s PALOMA FAITH Wed 21 meadow Centre, Sat 24 Mar, Lichfield Guildhall show which journeys into an Arctic CLIVE CARROLL AND Mar, Genting Arena, Broseley, Shropshire world of soaring snow geese, pet CHRIS QUINN Fri 23 CBSO EXOTIC DEBUSSY Featuring Birmingham husky dogs and starry nights, Mon Mar, Theatre On The MARK SEVEN Sat 24 Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor). 19 Mar, The Dome, The Bramall, Uni- BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN Steps, Bridgnorth, Mar, Hare & Hounds, Programme includesė works by De- versity of Birmingham Wed 21 Mar, Birming- Shropshire Birmingham bussy (orch.Matthews), Britten, ham Town Hall Ravel, Debussy, Sun 25 Mar, Sym- PETER PAN Presented by Lichfield JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE FABIO & DIGITAL Sat 24 phony Hall, Birmingham Cathedral School, Mon 19 - Tues 20 RAE MORRIS Wed 21 TO DAVID BOWIE Fri 23 Mar, Hare & Hounds, Mar, Lichfield Garrick Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mar, The River Rooms, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ingham Stourbridge CLAIRE HASTINGS & GROUP: TOMBEAU DE DEBUSSY Pro- SHRINKING ATLAS New work devised gramme includes works by Dukas, 80S MANIA Thurs 22 JENN BUTTERWORTH and performed by the Young REP Sat 24 Mar, Newhamp- Goossens, Bartok, Ravel & Satie satellite companies, Mon 19 - Tues ton Arts Centre, plus world premieres by selected 20 Mar, The REP, Birmingham French and British composers, Sun Wolverhampton THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY 25 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BUDDY HOLLY AND THE Classic thriller starring Rula Lenska, CRICKETERS Sat 24 CBSO: NATURAL DEBUSSY Featuring Gray O’Brien, Denis Lill, Philip Mar, Lichfield Garrick Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Lowrie, April Pearson and Ben Marie-Christineė Zupancic (flute). Pro- Nealon, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Mar, Regent KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 24 gramme includes works by Debussy Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Mar, The River Rooms, & George Benjamin, Sun 25 Mar, THE 4 CLOWNS OF THE APOCALYPSE A Stourbridge Symphony Hall, Birmingham 'sensorial, nonsensical delight for the BLACK ROSE Sat 24 whole family', brought to the stage Mar, Eleven, Stoke-on- by Portugal's Teatro do Montemuro Trent and the UK-based Absolute Theatre, WHITE TYGER Sat 24 Tues 20 Mar, Arena Theatre, Wolver- Mar, The Robin, Bil- hampton ston Comedy EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION The ALEX LAHEY Sun 25 JOHN ROBINS Wed 21 Mar, The Glee Wardrobe Ensemble pay tribute to Mar, Hare & Hounds, Club, Birmingham the schools of the 1990s’ Cool Bri- Birmingham CHARLIE BAKER, CHRISTIAN SCHULTE- tannia era, Tues 20 Mar, MAC, B’ham LINDISFARNE Sun 25 LOH & DAN NIGHTINGALE Wed 21 Mar, THE FULL MONTY Amateur staging Mar, The Robin, Bil- Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury presented by Sutton Coldfield Musi- ston RICHARD HERRING Thurs 22 Mar, Fes- cal Theatre Company, Tues 20 - Sat Steve Wilson - Symphony Hall, Birmingham tival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, 24 Mar, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:56 Page 3

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:56 Page 4

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 March EVITA Smash-hit musical starring show which reveals the secret behind Madalena Alberto in the role of Eva one of the biggest and most exten- Peron, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Mar, Birming- sive police hunts in history, Fri 23 ham Hippodrome Mar, The Edge Arts Centre, Much THE SHAHNAMEH Storyteller Xanthe Wenlock, South Shropshire Gresham Knight brings to life a selec- CROSSING BORDERS Newly devised tion of hand-picked stories drawn work of theatre which sees The from the mythology of Persia, Wed 21 Young REP 18-25 Company and Mar, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Young REP Lightpost exploring the PARADISE LOST (LIES UNOPENED BESIDE shifts in generational attitudes, Fri 23 ME) Lost Dog fuse theatre, comedy - Sat 24 Mar, The REP, Birmingham and movement in a condensed A VICTORIAN ROMP Three-part perfor- retelling of the creation of everything, mance presented by Walsall Gilbert & Wed 21 Mar, All Stretton Village Hall, Sullivan Society, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Mar, Church Stretton, South Shropshire Forest Arts Centre, Walsall RAVING ROYAL Birmingham Conserva- DARLASTON DOG FIGHT The amazing toire Theatre Company present story of Rough Moey - collier, Simon Paisley Day's comic play, innkeeper, hell-raiser, dog-fighter - which focuses on three couples as and the last man to sell his wife in Toro: Beauty & The Bull - The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome they spend a disastrous weekend to- Wednesbury market, Fri 23 - Sat 24 gether away from the city, Wed 21 - Mar, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton BURTON CHILDREN'S EASTER FESTIVAL Sat 24 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Spanish choreographer Carlos Pons FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Ama- Guerra’s gender-questioning His- New festival featuring a host of PRAYER ROOM Royal Birmingham teur staging of Thomas Hardy's ro- panic take on the fairytale Beauty events for children of all ages and Conservatoire Company present mantic story, Fri 23 - Sat 31 Mar, Hall And The Beast, boldly dealing with their families, Fri 23 Mar - Wed 4 Apr, Shan Khan's humorous allegory, Wed Green Little Theatre, Birmingham the eroticism of the original story, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- 21 - Sat 24 Mar, Crescent Theatre, THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Mar, upon-Trent Birmingham Mary Pix's comedy of manners, com- The Patrick Centre, Birmingham CREATE AN EASTER RAG WREATHLearn OLIVER! Shrewsbury Amateur Oper- bining mischief-making with a mind- Hippodrome how to make your own Easter deco- atic Society presents its version of bending plot, Fri 23 Mar - Thurs 14 ration and find out why rag rugs were Dickens’ famous tale, Wed 21 - Sat June, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- so popular with back-to-back fami- 24 Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury upon-Avon lies, Sat 24 Mar, Birmingham Back to THE 4 CLOWNS OF THE APOCALYPSEA MADAMA BUTTERFLY Opera & Ballet In- Backs 'sensorial, nonsensical delight for the ternational present Puccini's heart- RAGGED VICTORIANS - THE GREAT UN- whole family', brought to the stage by breaking and dramatic story. Korean Talks WASHED The award-winning living-his- Portugal's Teatro do Montemuro and soprano Maria HeeJung Kim and in- EVENING WITH HENRY BLOFELD Join the tory group provide an insight into the UK-based Absolute Theatre, ternational soprano Alyona Kisteny- ‘cherished golden voice of cricket’ for how the lower classes of Victorian Thurs 22 Mar, Pentabus Theatre, ova star, Sat 24 Mar, Wolverhampton an evening of previously unheard England lived, Sat 24 Mar, The Potter- Bromfield, Nr Ludlow, South Shrop- Grand Theatre anecdotes, Fri 23 Mar, Theatre Sev- ies Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- shire CIRCUS OF HORRORS Amalgamation of ern, Shrewsbury Trent THE MINISTRY OF BISCUITS The ‘bizarre and fantastic circus acts’, all MINIATURA Specifically aimed at the Foundry Group present a musical woven together into a shock horror scales favoured by the dolls’ house comedy about, er... biscuits!, Thurs story featuring the darkest of magic, hobby, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mar, NEC, 22 Mar, The Talbot Theatre, Sun 25 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Whitchurch, North Shropshire Birmingham Events CHANTILLY GREY HOST SHREWSBURY TOM AND BUNNY SAVE THE WORLD A FEAST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN Fea- STEAMPUNK SPECTACULAR Sat 24 - ‘Gender stereotype-destroying black turing former singers of the D’Oyly 2018 GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP Male gymnasts go for glory on the floor, Sun 25 Mar, Various Locations and bloody comedy’ with a live folk Carte Opera Company and the British around Shrewsbury soundtrack, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, Philharmonic Orchestra, Sun 25 Mar, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS Sat 24 - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre bars and high bar; elite women wow the crowds as they compete on vault, Sun 25 Mar, Attingham Park, Shrews- THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Midlands THAT'LL BE THE DAY Evening of nostal- uneven bars, beam and the floor, bury Academy Musical Theatre presents gia, laughs and rock’n’roll, Sun 25 Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Mar, Arena Birm- THUNDERSPORT GB CLUB BIKE CHAMPI- its version of the multi award-winning Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ingham ONSHIPS Featuring complex two- musical, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, The wheeled machines and examples of Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & RENO- VATING SHOW Ideal show for anyone technical innovation, Sat 24 - Sun 25 REHEARSAL FOR MURDER Amateur planning an extension, a remodelling Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, staging presented by Stourbridge of the internal layout of their home or Derby Theatre Company, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Dance a new kitchen overlooking a land- BRITISH ALPACA SOCIETY NATIONAL Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Join scaped garden, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 SHOW Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mar, Telford In- CIRCUS OF HORRORS Amalgamation of the ex Strictly star as he takes to the Mar, NEC, Birmingham ternational Centre, Shropshire ‘bizarre and fantastic circus acts’, stage with a cast of guest dancers, MURDER MYSTERY AT THE BACK TO EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Sat 24 woven together into a shock horror a 14-piece band and singers, Tues BACKS The venue hosts its first ever Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Black Country Liv- story featuring the darkest of magic, 20 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand The- murder-mystery event, Fri 23 Mar, ing Museum, Dudley Fri 23 Mar, The Place, Oakengates atre Birmingham Back to Backs Theatre, Telford, Shropshire EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUNEnjoy two A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Ballet PRACTICAL CLASSICS CAR & RESTORA- exclusive stage shows, Sat 24 Mar - LA TRAVIATAOpera & Ballet Interna- Theatre UK turn their attention to an- TION SHOW Show featuring all aspects Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury World, B’ham tional perform Verdi’s interpretation of other of Shakespeare’s best-loved of classic motoring, including barn HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SHOW Including one of the most popular love stories plays, Thurs 22 Mar, Prince Of finds discovered after many years of nutrition, wellbeing, health & fitness, of the 19th century... Fri 23 Mar, Wales Centre, Cannock storage and restorations just getting speciality food and retail, Sun 25 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre back on the road, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Mar, TORO: BEAUTY AND THE BULL Telford International Centre, Shrop- WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Liz Grand NEC, Birmingham DeNada Dance Theatre present shire takes centre stage in a one-woman

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Discover Dudley.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 15:56 Page 1

Advertorial DISCOVER DUDLEY Visitors to the borough of Dudley will find plenty to see and do in the area. Attractions are diverse, cater for all ages and offer lots of opportunities for people to try something new, experience unique environments, gain knowledge and, most of all, enjoy themselves...

informative guided tour will take you back Dudley Castle finds and Stourbridge glass. through its history - and who knows, you may You can get close to fine art too, including a even see the infamous Grey Lady ghost! famous Turner and the Frank Brangwyn exhibition. Regular ‘taster’ arts & crafts sessions and talks also take place.

The Red House Glass Cone stands proud in the historic Stourbridge Glass Quarter. At 100ft tall, it’s testament to over 400 years of glass making in the area. Now a museum, it offers visitors the opportunity to learn new skills in the glass studio, marvel at glass Celebrating the region’s heritage, the award- blowing, visit bespoke craft studios and winning Black Country Living Museum exhibitions, and purchase gift items. takes visitors back in time via 300 years of If you fancy treating yourself, visit Himley history. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and Hall & Park to enjoy their ‘indulgent Still within the Stourbridge Glass Quarter, tastes of a traditional industrialised afternoon tea’ experience, featuring delicious you can visit the Ruskin Glass Centre, home landscape, complete with period shops, finger sandwiches, cakes and scones. Set in to past greats of the glass industry such as houses and fascinating experiences to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s 180-acre Royal Doulton and Webb Corbett. You can sample. Relive the past with original trams designed parkland, this 18th century country enjoy pre-booked heritage tours for a small and traditional fish & chips, and raise a glass house holds many events, activities and donation and learn about the history of glass at the Bottle & Glass Inn public house. walks throughout the year. making in the area. Artisans operate independent craft studios, and an organic Why not discover the art of legging inside the cafe offers tempting treats. Entrance to the fantastic Dudley Canal Tunnel & Glass Quarter attractions is free of charge. Limestone Mines? Experience a 45-minute skipper guided tour, view the spectacular light show and educational interpretation. And while you’re there, why not sample some delightful Black Country food in the on-site Gongoozler Restaurant?

Dudley's 16 miles of navigable canals are ideal for walking, cycling and fishing. Or perhaps you’ll take in a show at one of the area's borough halls, which offer a packed Dudley Zoological Gardens is home to programme of entertainment suitable for hundreds of exotic and endangered animals. people of all ages. Why not take part in one of their bookable ‘experience’ days, or instead just amble around the paths, taking in the World There’s something for everyone, so why Monument Status Tecton enclosures. Located Opened last year, the Dudley Museum at the not visit discoverdudley.org.uk to find out at the top of the hill, you’ll find the 11th Archives celebrates the borough’s past. more. century motte and bailey castle. An Visitors take a journey through geology displays and view collections including 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-31 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:04 Page 2

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 March DIAMOND – THE ULTI- Mar, The Robin, Bil- Club, Birmingham Gigs MATE TRIBUTE TO NEIL ston Classical ANDREW BIRD, BE BRIDGEMAN, MEL DIAMOND Wed 28 Mar, FLATLINE STEREO Fri 30 BYRON & PAUL RICKETTS Fri 30 Mar, CYCLES OF TRIO Mon The Robin, Bilston Mar, The Slade National Brewery Centre, Burton- 26 Mar, Hare & YES LAD Thurs 29 Mar, Rooms, W’hampton Music upon-Trent Hounds, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham CHAMPIONS OF ROCK Fri THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN MARLON DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK CRAIG DOYLE Mon 26 Mar, BLACKSTREET + MÝA + 30 Mar, Wolverhamp- CONCERT Programme includes works DEELEY & ANDREW WATTS Fri 30 - Sat The Asylum, B’ham CASE Thurs 29 Mar, O2 ton Grand Theatre by Widor, Couperin, Deruffle, Pierne 31 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham DODIE Tues 27 Mar, O2 & Vierne, Mon 26 Mar, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham AC/DC UK Fri 30 Mar, DAMIAN CLARK, RICH WILSON, PIERRE Academy, Birmingham Town Hall THIRTY SECONDS TO The River Rooms, HOLINS & IAN SMITH Sat 31 Mar, The A LIFE MORE ORDINARY: MARS Thurs 29 Mar, Stourbridge SHREWSBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Comedy Loft, Birmingham SONGS Tues 27 Mar, Featuring Zoë Beyers (violin). Pro- Arena Birmingham ELIZA AND THE BEAR Fri ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 31 Mar, The Ludlow Assembly gramme includes works by Sibelius, FABIO & GROOVERIDER 30 Mar, O2 Institute, Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent Rooms, South Shrop- Dvorak & Schubert, Wed 28 Mar, Thurs 29 Mar, The But- Birmingham shire Shrewsbury College (SCAT), Shrop- termarket, Shrewsbury MØ Fri 30 Mar, O2 In- shire JACOB BANKS Tues 27 FAITH Thurs 29 Mar, stitute, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Theatre Severn, ingham THE REEL HOT CEILIDH Shrewsbury PEPPERS Fri 30 Mar, Theatre FALL OUT BOY Tues 27 DUB PISTOLS Thurs 29 Lichfield Guildhall Mar, Arena B’ham DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM-YAM Mar, Foxlowe Arts BLOODY KNEES Sat 31 Brand new live show fusing stand- THE YOUNG'UNS Tues Centre, Leek, Staffs Mar, The Sugarmill, up, sit-down, video surprises and 27 Mar, The Glee Club, WE ARE SCIENTISTS Stoke-on-Trent unforgettable music, Mon 26 Mar, Birmingham The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 29 Mar, The MOTOWN - HOW SWEET SHIFA: RACHEL MUS- Sugarmill, Stoke-on- IT IS Sat 31 Mar, ME AND MY GIRL Amateur staging SON, PAT THOMAS AND Trent Wolverhampton Grand presented by Lollipop Theatre Arts, MARK SANDERS Tues CREEDENCE CLEARWA- Theatre Mon 26 - Tues 27 Mar, Prince Of 27 Mar, MAC, B’ham Wales Theatre, Cannock TER REVIEW Thurs 29 THE VIOLETTE Sat 31 HENRY GROSS Tues 27 Mar, The Robin, Bil- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Mar, Stafford Gate- ston ingham MAHLER'S FIRST WITH MIRGA Featur- Gwen Taylor stars as the formidable house Theatre Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s witty ADY SULEIMAN Thurs REAL TO REEL Sat 31 ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) DUSTY & THE SHADES comedy, Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Lich- 29 Mar, O2 Institute, Mar, Eleven, Stoke-on- & Joannes Moser (cello).ė Pro- OF THE 60S Tues 27 field Garrick Birmingham Trent gramme includes works by Onutè Mar, Victoria Hall, Narbutait , Elgar & Mahler, Thurs 29 SCARY BIKERS John Godber’s new BLOODY KNEES Fri 30 ODYSSEY & JAKI GRA- Stoke-on-Trent Mar, Symphonyė Hall, Birmingham comedy about life, love and staying Mar, The Sugarmill, HAM Sat 31 Mar, Victo- THE FRATELLIS Tues 27 on your bike, Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Stoke-on-Trent ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST MATTHEW PAS- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- WARRIOR SOUL Fri 30 SION Featuring Ex Cathedra Choir & ingham OASIS MAYBE Sat 31 Baroque Orchestra; Ex Cathedra Lyme Mar, The Asylum, Mar, The Night Owl, THE RAT PACK LIVE Academy of Vocal Music; Jeffrey THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty Birmingham Birmingham FROM LAS VEGAS Tues Skidmore (conductor), Toby Spence Towers meets Noises Off in this HARBHAJAN MANN Fri 27 - Sat 31 Mar, New T.REXTASY Sat 31 Mar, (Evangelist & tenor); James Ruther- award-winning smash-hit comedy, 30 Mar, Arena B’ham Alexandra Theatre, Theatre Severn, ford (Jesus & bass) & James Geidt Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Birmingham Birmingham KOSSOFF: THE BAND Shrewsbury (Pilate) Fri 30 Mar, Symphony Hall, Hippodrome PLAYS ON Fri 30 Mar, Birmingham MACCA: THE CONCERT THE FESTIVALS EXPERI- DNA The Young REP presents its ver- Eleven, Sandyford, Wed 28 Mar, Victoria ENCE Sat 31 Mar, The sion of Dennis Kelly’s explosive look Stoke-on-Trent Hall, Stoke-on-Trent River Rooms, Stour- at group mentality, Tues 27 Mar - Sat THE YOUNG’UNS PRE- bridge HARSHDEEP KAUR Wed 7 Apr, The REP, Birmingham SENT: THE BALLAD OF 28 Mar, Birmingham KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 31 JACK STARK Clowning for the 21st JOHNNY LONGSTAFF Fri Town Hall Mar, The Robin, Bil- Comedy century from ‘an unusual everyday 30 Mar, Wem Town ston person’, Wed 28 Mar, Old Joint BOB LOG III Wed 28 Hall, North Shropshire RUSSELL BRAND Mon 26 Mar, Victoria Mar, Foxlowe Arts TESTAMENT Sat 31 Mar, Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Stock Theatre, Birmingham LEGEND - THE BOB MAR- Centre, Leek, Staffs O2 Institute, B’ham POLICE COPS IN SPACE The Pretend LEY EXPERIENCE Fri 30 Men embark on a mission to find Earth, uncover the mystic legend of the Police Cops and overthrow Fu- tureTech, Wed 28 Mar, Arena The- atre, Wolverhampton ONE NIGHT ONLY Viv Kelly dancers present a celebration of music, dance and theatre, Wed 28 Mar, The- atre Severn, Shrewsbury HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell the story of a woman’s ‘funny and moving journey through 60 years of village life’, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 Mar, MAC, Birmingham MARLON DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK & COM- MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Shrop- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON shire Youth Theatre present an ama- Thurs 29 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham teur staging of Shakespeare’s story STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 30 Mar, The Glee of trickery, treachery and true love, Thirty Seconds To Mars - Arena Birmingham Wed 28 - Thurs 29 Mar, Theatre Sev- whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-31 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:04 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 March ern, Shrewsbury ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. ROTTERDAM Here To There Produc- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South tions present Jon Brittain’s bitter- Shropshire, Mon 26 & Wed 28 Mar; sweet comedy about gender, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 30 - sexuality and being a long way from Sat 31 Mar home, Wed 28 Mar - Sat 31 Mar, Blue HAMPSTEAD (12a) Comedy/Drama. Orange Theatre, Birmingham Starring Diane Keaton, Brendan Glee- LEXICON A world premiere from the son. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues UK’s leading circus company, Wed 27 Mar 28 Mar - Sat 21 Apr, New Vic Theatre, FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL Newcastle-under-Lyme (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jamie TESTOSTERONE Rhum & Clay present Bell, Annette Bening. Stafford Gate- a gender-transition story inspired by house Theatre, Tues 27 Mar the narrative of The Wizard Of Oz and LEGO MOVIE (U) Animation/Action. drawing influences from iconic With the voices of Chris Pratt, Will movies, pop culture and pulp fiction, Ferrell. Burton Market Hall, Burton- Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Mar, MAC, B’ham upon-Trent, Staffs, Fri 30 Mar GRUMPY OLD WOMEN TO THE RESCUE THE HANDMAIDEN (18) Drama/Mystery. Featuring Jenny Eclair, Dillie Keane & Starring Min-hee Kim, Jung-woo Ha. Lizzie Roper, Fri 30 - Sat 31 Mar, Foreign language, subtitled. Light Stafford Gatehouse Theatre House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- STONES IN HIS POCKETS The Crescent ton, Fri 30 Mar Big Fish Little Fish - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Theatre Company presents its ver- THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- hunt around the venue, Fri 30 Mar - EASTER FUN ON THE FARM Meet the sion of Marie Jones' poignant tragi- tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Mon 2 Apr, Cadbury World, B’ham Easter bunny, join a fun Easter egg comedy, Sat 31 Mar - Sat 7 Apr, Spencer. Light House Media Centre, quiz trail, take part in egg & spoon Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Wolverhampton, Fri 30 - Sat 31 Mar CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Carding Mill Valley races and create springtime crafts, EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure. & The Shropshire Hills, Church Stret- Fri 30 Mar - Wed 11 Apr, Lower Dray- With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, ton, South Shropshire & Wightwick ton Farm, Nr Penkridge, Staffs Eddie Redmayne. Ludlow Assembly Manor, Wolverhampton EASTER EGG HUNT Fri 30 Mar - Sat 14 Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 29 - Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- Fri 30 Mar; Light House Media Cen- BRINGING THE PIT TO LIFE Highlighting Kids Shows ter, Birmingham tre, Wolverhampton, Fri 30 - Sat 31 the newly restored Racecourse Col- PANTOMANIA Telford pantomime about Mar; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri liery, which tells the story of coal min- EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Including Telford, made in Telford, by Telford 30 - Sat 31 Mar ing at the heart of industrialisation in the Great Egg Hunt and lamb feed- people!, Thurs 29 Mar - Thurs 5 Apr, the Black Country, Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 ing, Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Park Hall THE GOONIES (12A) Adventure/Com- The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Apr, Black Country Living Museum, Farm, Oswestry, North Shropshire edy. Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin. Telford Dudley Burton Market Hall, Burton-upon- SPRINGTIME AT SHUGBOROUGH Nature- TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES A Trent, Staffs, Sat 31 Mar INSOMNIA62 Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, inspired activities and trails, including whole host of colourful characters NEC, Birmingham canoeing sessions on the River Sow, from Julia Donaldson & Axel Schef- LAMBING LIVE EASTER WEEKEND See Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Shugbor- fler’s much-loved tale are brought to NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: the new-born Jacob and Hebridean ough Historic Working Estate, life via live music and puppetry, Fri 30 Released from Fri 30 Mar, showing at lambs and learn all about them from Stafford Mar - Tues 3 Apr, Birmingham Town selected cinemas the resident farmer, Fri 30 Mar - Mon BIG FISH LITTLE FISH Critically ac- Hall BLOCKERS (tbc) 2 Apr, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on- claimed family rave, Sat 31 Mar, The- THINGAMABOB PanGottic present a Trent atre Severn, Shrewsbury blend of circus, invention and hu- ISLE OF DOGS (tbc) EASTER HALF TERM Easter family fun, MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE mour as part of Burton’s Children’s READY PLAYER ONE (tbc) including a trail around the grounds CHAMPIONSHIP Home hero Leon Easter Festival, Sat 31 Mar, Brew- JOURNEYMAN (tbc) and craft activities for children, Fri 30 Haslam gears up to take on arch rival house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Mar - Sun 8 Apr, Sarehole Mill, Hall Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, Sat 31 Mar - Green, Birmingham Mon 2 Apr, Donington Park Racing EGG HUNT Fri 30 Mar - Wed 11 Apr, Circuit, Derby Dance Events Tamworth Castle, Staffs KIKI LOVECHILD'S CLOWN WORKSHOP TRANSITIONS DANCE COMPANY Three Introduction to the underlying princi- choreographers, 14 dancers and ples of theatre clowning, Wed 28 Mar, the promise of ‘one extraordinary Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham show’, Tues 27 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT Featuring four popular Disney stories, Wed 28 Mar - Sun 1 Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham EASTER DINO EGG HUNT Try to find the Film large Dino eggs hidden around the INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: museum, Thurs 29 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Thinktank at Millennium Point, B’ham VICTORIA & ABDUL (12) CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS Fri 30 - Biography/Drama. Starring Judi Sat 31 Mar, Attingham Park, Shrews- Dench, Ali Fazal. Edge Arts Centre, bury Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 26 Mar EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Daily bon- net competitions plus an Easter egg LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Insomnia62 - NEC, Birmingham

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