OUT ON TOUR JACK WHITEHALL list to Bridge House Theatre Leamington’s Motionhouse brings its acclaimed work SCATTERED the inside: Your 16-page week week 16-page Your by week listings guide listings week by Warwick Warwick Arts Centre at the Mead Gallery SUBODH GUPTA SUBODH JIM MORAY MORAY JIM folk star tours new album to major new exhibition opens warwickshirewhatson.co.uk ISSUE 373 JANUARY 2017 s On ’ FILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTS I FOOD Warwickshire

Your FREE essential Your entertainment guide for the Midlands What Warwickshire Cover January 2017.qxp_Warwickshire Cover 16/12/2016 12:08 Page 1 Page 12:08 16/12/2016 Cover 2017.qxp_Warwickshire January Cover Warwickshire WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2017 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS TWITTER: @WHATSONWARWICKS WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK Moscow State Circus-January '17.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:41 Page 1 Contents January Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 13:05 Page 2

January 2017

Contents

The Play That Goes Wrong - West End award winner tours to the region page 30

Kaiser Chiefs Reginald D Hunter Autosport show the list

talk about bringing their Stay back on the road with a brand the world’s greatest four-wheel Your 16-page Together tour to the Midlands new show for 2017 indoor extravaganza at the NEC week-by-week listings guide Interview page 14 Interview page 22 page 49 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 13. Music 24. Comedy 28. Theatre 41. Film 44. Visual Arts 47. Events

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Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD January Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 13:04 Page 1

First Word

Local motorsport show celebrates young talent An annual historic motorsport show taking place in Warwickshire is this year looking to the future by celebrating the talents of three teenage racers. Race Retro, which is being held at Stoneleigh Park from 24 to 26 February, will see 16-year- olds James Clarke and Ed Thurston and 17-year- old Benn Tilley showing off their driving skills. Commenting on the show’s brand new Teenage Kicks feature, Daniel Nwaokolo, Race Retro’s event director, said: “At a time in their lives when other boys their age are looking to learn to drive or buy their first moped, these youngsters are up there going tyre to tyre in a seriously competitive arena. They are dedicated to a future in motorsport, and historic motorsport in particular. We want to celebrate that commit- ment and give them a platform where they can encourage support from the industry to help them in their careers.” For more information, visit raceretro.com

Genting Arena to host its Midlands actress Julie across the Midlands. The pilots, flying doc- tors and paramedics all do an incredible and first outdoor concert becomes ambassador for amazing job, literally saving lives every day. I Birmingham’s Genting Arena is to host its air ambulance charity fully support the lifesaving work of this bril- first ever outdoor concert in the spring. liant charity across the entire Midlands area, Taking place at the NEC venue’s lakeside on and would encourage the public to make a Friday 26 May - the eve of the Slam Dunk difference by making a donation so that they Festival - the gig will feature performances can continue with their brilliant work saving from The Specials and Toots And The lives for another 25 years.” Maytals. Commenting on the event, NEC Group Arenas Sales Executive Charlotte Smith said: Warwick theatre company “We’re yet again pushing the boundaries of is California dreamin’ what can be done at our venues, in conjunc- tion with the Slam Dunk Festival and NEC A Warwick theatre company will this year teams. This will be the first time ever that tour its Christmas 2016 show to California. we’ve held a full outdoor concert on the Playbox Theatre will perform Alice’s lakeside adjacent to the Genting Arena and Adventures In Wonderland at the Santa NEC, and we’re pleased that such iconic Birmingham-born actress Julie Walters has Monica Playhouse in the autumn. British bands will be the first to try it. If suc- become an ambassador for the Midlands Air Commenting on the news, Playbox’s artistic cessful, we hope to add many more outdoor Ambulance Charity, on the occasion of its director, Emily events of this nature to the NEC Group 25th anniversary. Jane Quash, said: Arenas’ growing event portfolio.” Since its inception in 1991, the air ambulance “It will be superb has airlifted and helped save over 46,000 to restage the lives. The charity covers a population in show for audi- excess of six million, across the counties of ences in Santa Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Monica later this Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and the West year. Our cast are Midlands. incredibly inven- Commenting on her new role, Julie said: “I tive and was astonished to learn that the charity has approach Lewis to raise £7million each and every year, Carroll’s story receives no funding from either the with a wild and Government or the National Lottery and zany enthusi- relies solely on the generosity of people asm!”

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Entertainment news from around the region

Leamington Music hits the ground running in 2017

Leamington Music is start- ing 2017 with a programme of 10 concerts in a period of just two months. The organisa- tion, which cel- ebrated its 10th anniversary last October, will then present the annu- al Leamington Music Festival Weekend from 28 April to 1 May. The four-day event this year features singers Dame Felicity Lott and Roderick Williams (pictured), cellist Raphael Wallfisch, clarinettists Michael Collins and Jack McNeill, and pianist William Howard. Shakespeare-inspired cartoons on show in Stratford The Leonore and Kinsky Piano Trios and the Doric, Jubilee, Gildas and A free exhibition celebrating more than two centuries of political cartoons inspired by Dante String Quartets also con- Shakespeare opens at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon next month. tribute. Leamington composer Presented to coincide with the RSC’s forthcoming season of Rome-based plays, Draw New Howard Skempton, who turns 70 Mischief will include historical works from key political moments in time. later this year, will write a new piece Featured contemporary cartoons include Peter Schrank’s 2015 depiction of Ed Miliband and for the festival. For further information about Nicola Sturgeon as the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, and Morten Morland’s April 2016 car- Leamington Music’s 2017 pro- toon of David Cameron as Hamlet, gazing at Boris Johnson’s skull. gramme of concerts, visit leaming- The RSC has also commissioned five cartoonists to create brand new works. The cartoonists will tonmusic.org use Shakespeare’s Rome plays to respond to political events which occur during the period that the exhibition is on show (25 February - 15 September). The Company’s Rome season features productions of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopatra, Titus Bright future for Andronicus and Coriolanus. For more information, visit rsc.org.uk Coventry theatre? The future of Coventry’s Albany Theatre looks to have been secured, Coventry’s Monty Python star Eric Idle brings thanks to a probable pledge of sup- port from the city’s council. cathedral ruins ‘more nonsense to Coventry’ The Earlsdon Park-located venue set to ‘go techno’ A musical adaptation of a book written by Monty Python star was under threat from developers, who wanted to knock down the rear A house and techno music Eric Idle is one of the highlights of the Coventry Belgrade of the theatre to provide car parking event featuring four headline Theatre’s spring season. spaces for local office workers. acts will take place in the Idle’s The Quite Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl And The To safeguard the Albany, and with ruins of Coventry Cathedral in Pussycat, showing at the venue from Saturday 18 February to the council’s support, the theatre’s the spring. Saturday 4 March, is inspired by the famous Edward Lear Trust will take on a new space at poem. The story sees its two main characters, the owl and the Earlsdon Park. In return for doing The open-air festival makes a pussycat, heading out on a mission to save the world. In the so, the site’s developers will drop return to the venue having process, they must defeat the dastardly Firelord, his imaginary plans to demolish part of the the- debuted there last summer. dragon and his henchmen, Flicker and Brimstone. atre. Council leaders will this month Early-bird tickets for the be asked to approve a proposal to “I love the Belgrade Theatre,” says Idle. “It’s where we first per- Saturday 29 April event, enti- act as guarantor for a 25-year lease formed Monty Python live on stage in January 1970 for three tled Ruins, cost £15 and are for the new space, which will be sold-out midnight shows. It’s very close to where we opened available from skiddle.com. used to provide arts centre facilities. my play, Pass The Butler, in 1982, and it’s totally where The Commenting on the news, David Meredith, chair of the Albany Quite Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl And The Pussycat Theatre Trust, said: “This is the cul- will be sailing into the spotlight, to bring more nonsense to mination of all the hard work and Coventry.” passion that went into the campaign Other shows being staged at the Belgrade this season include: to save the theatre over many years. a new musical inspired by Federico Fellini’s Oscar-winning If city council support is confirmed, masterpiece, La Strada; coming-of-age story The Bubbly Black we will be able to create new facili- Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin; an adaptation of Michael ties that will allow us to develop our vision ‘to promote wellbeing Morpurgo’s novel, Running Wild; and numerous touring pro- through arts for life’.” ductions, including The Play That Goes Wrong, An Evening With Jasper Carrott &i Alistair McGowan, and Shirley Valentine, starring Jodie Prenger.

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First Word

Midlands dance company to premiere new work in Birmingham Birmingham Repertory Theatre will host the world premiere of a brand new dance work in March. MK Ultra is the latest offering from highly rated local ensemble Rosie Kay Dance Company. The piece has been inspired by ‘the bizarre realm of pop culture, mind-control conspiracies and Illuminati imagery’. Commenting on the show, the company’s artistic director, Rosie Kay, said: “MK Ultra is the result of three years of intense research which has taken me through the world of surveil- lance, state police, torture and brainwashing, through to pop culture, mainstream media and celebrity breakdowns, all the way back to politics and a comment on the post-culturism state we are in now. “At a time when everything is fake, or at least we don’t trust what’s real anymore, MK Ultra looks at what this world really feels like and what effect it is having on us, whether we know it or not.” The show can be enjoyed at The REP on Friday 17 & Saturday 18 March. For tickets, ring 0121 236 4455 or visit birmingham- rep.co.uk

Midlands New Coventry road to be named after Cash injection rep theatre city’s Doctor Who electronic music pioneer for cancer announces The Coventry-born electronic music pioneer who created the Doctor Who research in the new arts project theme tune is to have a road named after her in her home city. Midlands Delia Derbyshire is credited with influencing some of music’s biggest Scientists at Cancer Research A pioneering programme, progressive rock bands, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, UK’s (CRUK) Birmingham teaming up West Midlands Orbital, The Chemical Brothers and Pink Floyd. Centre are set to receive a communities with emerging She died of renal failure in 2001 at the age of 64. £5million cash injection from local artists in order to The road which will take her name, Derbyshire Way, will be part of a new the charity over the next five make new theatre, has been housing estate on the former Lyng Hall School playing fields in Stoke years, as part of a national launched by the Heath. drive to accelerate advances Birmingham Rep. The city council’s decision to name the road after Derbyshire comes on in early detection and treat- The project, which sees five the back of months of campaigning by Coventry Music Museum director ment. artists working with people Pete Chambers. from Alum Rock, A further £2million will be Ladywood, Erdington, spent on continuing research Sparkbrook and West at the city’s Experimental Bromwich, is part of The Children’s favourite returns to the region Cancer Medicine Centre REP’s Furnace scheme. (ECMC). The live version of CBeebies favourite In The Night Garden makes a wel- Commenting on the initia- Commenting on the news, come return to Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park this summer (12 to 30 tive, the venue’s associate CRUK’s chief executive, Sir July). director, Tessa Walker, Harpal Kumar, said: “CRUK’s The hit show sees characters including Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and explains: “Furnace is projections are that we will Makka Pakka being brought to life on stage using costumes, puppets, designed to inspire a new reach more than 500,000 new music and projections. generation of theatre artists diagnoses of cancer a year in Commenting on the forthcoming production, Andrew Collier, creative to work in new and ambi- the UK by 2035. By that time, director for the show’s producers, Minor Entertainment, said: “Parents tious ways by responding to our goal is that three in four tell us that children as young as a few months old engage with the live the needs, stories and ideas people will survive their can- show, and the looks on the faces of from these communities. cer. Funding these Centres is the children and parents in the audi- These Furnace residencies one of the charity’s most ences are absolutely amazing. It's a combine The REP’s desire to important strategic priorities, huge responsibility and enormous find new ways of making and one which will help us privilege to give so many children the most vivid theatre by reach this ambition. This their first experience of live theatre.” the best new artists with our huge investment is only made Tickets go on sale from 27 January ambition to engage with the possible through generous and can be booked at unheard voices and donations from the public NightGardenLive.com or by calling unheard stories of our city.” and the tireless fundraising of 0330 120 0123. our supporters.”

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FEATURE

STOMPING! Heather Kincaid speaks to STOMP co-creator Luke Cresswell about the worldwide phenomenon visiting Warwick Arts Centre this month

It was in 1991 that STOMP first burst into changes are made on a purely practical on a life of its own. London's Bloomsbury Theatre, going on basis, with certain elements, however well “I think the main reason the show now is to take not only the capital but soon the received, proving too high-maintenance so different from what we started with is whole country by storm. Twenty-six years for lengthy runs. that the performers are better than me! and more than 20,000 performances in 53 “There was a routine which I really liked Even though it's my show and I love it, it different countries later, as many as five involving metal fold-up chairs that was was never designed to be performed by official companies are still stomping their really hard on the hands and knees as 50-year-olds - my bones hurt too much!” feet, banging bins and discovering well as on the chairs themselves, so rhythm in the unlikeliest of places in front Rather unusually for such a high-profile eventually we decided it was better to of audiences all around the world. show, STOMP is still cast through open replace it. There was also one at the big auditions - literally anyone can show up Co-creator and director Luke Cresswell no show in Vegas where we had these huge on the day and give it a go. longer performs in the show, but remains cardboard boxes and it looked fantastic, very much a part of the creative process as but of course the boxes would break and “STOMP was always a show made by it develops and changes over time. We you'd have to repair them. That's fine for a musicians, so we were never really part of spoke to him to find out more about the one-off show or a TV special, but when the West End culture. In the first place, it STOMP story as it prepares to march into you're doing eight shows a week it's hard was just eight people doing something we Warwick Arts Centre this month. work!” enjoyed, and it never occurred to us that we'd have to hold auditions - we just “The basic concept of using rhythm as a But as much as any planned or directed assumed the show would die when we got language and using found objects always reinvention, it's the continual changes to bored with it. When we first did auditions stays the same,” Luke explains, “which is the cast that ensure the show always feels in New York, it was completely new to us - why we've never seen any reason to make fresh. none of us had ever been to an audition, STOMP 2 or STOMP 3. But the routines “I think the reason STOMP's been going so we just did what we thought we ought have hugely changed since we started out. for so long is because there's a lot of room to do and had an open call.” I'd say it's at least two thirds different within the show for the different material, and even the original stuff has And while it might have come from a individuals to bring their own characters been totally reworked.” position of not knowing much about the and their own tastes and emphasis to it, ‘done thing’, the practice has stuck, and This year's outing in Coventry forms part so it's always a very different show it's this, thinks Cresswell, that helps to of a mini tour for the European company, depending on who's in the cast.” make the show unique. with just a handful of stops around the UK It's partly thanks to this that Cresswell sandwiched between shows across the “It's great, because all sorts of people turn doesn't miss being out on stage himself. continent. And even since the show's last up. We get a lot of people from theatre Although he's stayed hands-on as far as UK tour in 2014, says Cresswell, there have and dance, and we get a lot of musicians, possible, in many respects, through the been a few changes, notably to the but we also get people who have never contributions of various cast members Trolleys and Frogs routines. Sometimes been on stage before, who have just been over the years, the show has begun to take

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by Heather Kincaid

inspired by the show or who wanted a stays for just as long because they love doing anything they didn't want to - a change of direction in life. What I love the freedom - I think you're unlikely to get difficult skill to master without that about it is that it gives you the chance to the same level of freedom as a performer training. Since then, STOMP has appeared find that gem who comes in looking at in other shows. It's definitely a group of in some of the biggest theatres theatre from a slightly different angle that misfits, and if you fit the mould for it, it internationally, not to mention on film, hasn't been taught by someone else. I becomes comfortable very quickly.” and in large part, its huge global success think having really diverse and can be attributed to the fact that it is Globally, STOMP has got through around interesting people is what's kept the show dialogue-free, allowing everyone, 50,000 boxes of matches, 30,000 brooms, so strong.” everywhere to enjoy the same experience. 20,000 bins, 10,000 drumsticks and Auditions are held roughly every two 25,000 litres of black paint - not to Outside STOMP, Cresswell also works with years, but not everyone who gets accepted mention countless other props. Even once the Lost And Found Orchestra (a music goes straight into the show. There's so they're too worn out to use, many old project based on a similar premise of much interest that there's a pool of people props remain part of the show, joining the making sound from found objects), as waiting for their chance to STOMP, which piles of stuff that form its junkyard set. well as working as a musician in more sometimes can take quite a while. Yet while some things change, others stay conventional settings where he can. But the same. The world might look quite with multiple STOMP companies and film “We had around 800 people show up for different now to when STOMP started, but projects to manage, it can be hard to find the audition we did in spring this year, some props are simply too iconic to the time. and out of those we chose twelve. Most of replace. them are now in the show, but it'll more “It's one of those classic catch-22s where than likely take us a couple of years to get “I think the biggest reflection of the the success of STOMP allows you the through all of them, because people tend changes over the last few years is the freedom to do other work, but to stay for quite a long time.” Dustbins routine. When I was growing up, maintaining that success prevents you people used to empty household rubbish from doing other work. There are various This is true regardless of people's into metal dustbins - that's what the other projects I'm looking at this year and backgrounds, or how easy it might be for lorries collected it from. But that's all next year, but STOMP is fairly all- them to procure other performance work. gone now. In fact, I think we're one of the consuming. Still, as long as I have a Some even return after a time away - once biggest customers for the manufacturer passion for it and the show is still good a part of the STOMP family, always a part that we buy them from!” and growing, then it's rewarding work, of the STOMP family. and it never feels like a sacrifice.” Like the other found objects in the show, “It's funny, you get someone who's never the dustbins speak to the directors' been on stage before and they might stay background in street performance, where with STOMP for 20 years, or they might STOMP shows at Warwick Arts Centre, they learned how to fully engage an stay for five years and go on to do other Coventry, from Tuesday 31 January to audience and encourage people to great things. But equally you'll have Saturday 4 February participate without pushing them into someone from the theatre world who

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Food

Up-market Thai restaurant brings speciality cuisine to Kenilworth A new up-market Thai eatery great culinary centre. The people has opened in Kenilworth. are interested in good dining, Bua Luang Thai Restaurant & and those I’ve spoken to have Wine Bar offers a menu of really been looking forward to unique specialities from the having a restaurant like this in north-east region of Thailand. the area. I want to create a The restaurant is owned by restaurant that serves excellent Somboon Buasaban. “I’ve had food, has great service and an this idea for nearly two years,” ambience in keeping with high- says Somboon. “Kenilworth is a class style.”

REVIEW: Giggling Squid, Stratford-upon-Avon priced from £5.50. My partner accompaniment to more melt-in- and I opted for the sharing plat- the-mouth meat that tumbled off ter (£16.75 for two), which pro- the bone almost on its own. The dining equivalent of a friendly vided a good overview, even My partner chose a colourful tentacle around the shoulder... though it contained the least dish of crisp-fried sea bream in a exciting option in vegetable medium-spiced green curry that spring rolls. There was nothing also contained green beans, wrong with them, I’d just have courgette, and red, yellow and preferred one of the more exotic green peppers. The tasty fish choices (roast duck on baby leaf was cooked in the lightest of bat- canapés, for instance). ter, while the sauce’s hidden Thankfully the remaining kick meant it merited extra options more than compensated attention and mopping up with - skewers of grilled marinated the (very) sticky rice we shared. pork that truly melted in the As usual we were pretty sated mouth, wonderfully meaty Thai- after our main dishes but sum- style fish cakes, and, best of all, moned the appetite to share a salt and pepper squid. The latter chocolate feuillantine from the came in a delicately crisp batter, dessert menu - and we were cer- was flavoured with salt, pepper, tainly glad that we did. The love- spring onion and sliced chilli, ly mousse - bizarrely light and and - if you’ll excuse the horrific rich at the same time - was just pun - was quite simply to Thai the sort of comfort food needed for. A giggle for the squid indeed as we gloomily contemplated the Thai tapas restaurant chain restaurants are relatively neutral - and in case you’re wondering, working week ahead. the chain’s unlikely name was Giggling Squid is one of the UK’s in appearance - they look more Giggling Squid’s menu is realisti- prompted by Pranee once gastronomic success stories. The like a café than a Thai restaurant cally too fresh and exciting to be remarking that the couple’s two- enterprise started life in a tiny from the outside, and have sub- termed comfort food, but the year-old son ‘looked like a gig- converted cottage in Brighton in tle Asian-inspired décor within. overall experience is definitely gling squid’ as he laughed and 2002. It’s been stretching its ten- The food presentation follows the dining equivalent of a friend- wriggled on her lap. tacles ever since, with a second suit. My partner was especially ly tentacle around the shoulder, restaurant opening in 2009. The enamoured with the contempo- And just as their son has grown, and you can never have enough chain now has 20 outlets, and rary wine glasses - as well as her so has the Giggling Squid’s of that. Steve Adams founders Pranee and Andrew New Zealand Sauvignon - and menu, with a creative selection Laurillard have plans for many even the obligatory prawn crack- of main dishes (priced from Food: more. ers (terrifically thick and £8.50 to £16.50) to complement n n n n n Service: n n n n n The chain’s newly opened crunchy) came in an impressive the tapas. Since my visit was on Ambience: n n n n n Warwick outlet, on the walkway tin dish. But let’s not dwell on the Sabbath, I opted for the Overall value n n n n n to the town’s famous medieval the crockery; instead let’s con- nearest thing to a Sunday roast, OVERALL n n n n n castle, follows the winning cern ourselves with the excellent in the shape of lamb shank Giggling Squid formula to a tee, food it contained. Massaman curry - an inventive providing a lovely, relaxed The chain specialises in Tapas- as well as wholly unlikely com- Giggling Squid atmosphere, cheery service and style lunches, but evening din- bination that worked beautiful- 23 High Street excellent food. One of the cou- ers can sample the same fare on ly. The rich, mild sauce of Stratford-upon-Avon ple’s pre-requisites is that their the starters menu, with dishes coconut milk, sweet spices and CV37 6AU cinnamon was the perfect Tel: 01789 268733 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Music - January - Warwicks_Worcs LF.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 13:02 Page 1 Music - January - Warwicks_Worcs LF.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 13:02 Page 2

Gigs Gig previews from around the region

Amber Arcades The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Fri 20 January

Darlingside class taken by members at Williams College. “Pesticide is used to kill pests,” explains the The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 31 January band’s Dave Senft. “Fratricide is when you Amber Arcades is the moniker of Massachusetts-based four-piece Darlingside kill your brother. A former teacher of ours Annelotte de Graaf. are rapidly becoming one of the most used to say ‘kill your darlings’, which is to The Dutch musician released her talked-about bands in contemporary say, if you fall in love with something you’ve first, self-titled EP back in 2012. American music. written, you should cross it out. Three years later, she flew out to New Taking their influences from ’60s folk, blue- “We like that idea, and we thought a good York to record a collection of songs in grass, indie rock and classical, the band name for it might be ‘darlingcide’, but we Brooklyn’s Strange Weather record- were last year named Folk Alliance changed the ‘c’ to an ‘s’ because we’re not ing studio, backed by a band consist- International’s Artist Of The Year. super into death.” ing of Kevin Morby and members of Their name originates from a songwriting Real Estate and Quilt. The result was her debut album, Fading Lines, which was released on Heavenly Recordings last year. Jim Moray Tommy Emmanuel Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Town Hall, Birmingham, Fri 20 January Sat 21 January Australian guitarist, songwriter and occa- A Day To Remember An established star of the contemporary folk sional singer Tommy Emmanuel is best Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, scene, Jim Moray is widely considered to be known for his complex fingerstyle tech- Wed 25 January one of the most consistently inventive per- nique, energetic performances and the use formers working in English traditional of percussive effects on the guitar. music today. With a career spanning five decades, he’s a His debut album, Sweet England, changed household name down under and boasts the sound of the folk song, in the process thousands of fans worldwide. In recent winning awards for its innovative melding times he’s also become a bonafide YouTube of orchestration and electronica. sensation, accumulating over 29 million Sixth album Upcetera heralds a new chapter views. in Jim’s career and has received five-star Tommy is here promoting his album, It’s reviews from Mojo, fRoots and R2 maga- Never Too Late, which features original zines. music with no vocals or guests. The Macclesfield-born singer visits Coventry Since their inception in 2003, A Day in support of the album. To Remember have sold over one mil- lion records, racked up over 400 mil- Two Door Cinema Club lion Spotify streams, 500 million O2 Academy, Birmingham, Tues 24 January YouTube streams and produced two Comprising Alex Trimble, Kevin Baird and gold-selling albums. Sam Halliday, Two Door Cinema Club The metalcore/pop punk five-piece released debut album Tourist History back visit Birmingham in support of their in 2010. Their follow-up offering, Beacon, much-anticipated new album, Bad went to number one in the Irish albums Vibrations. chart and number two in the UK chart. Support on the night comes from Re-energised by a self-imposed hiatus, the New Found Glory, Neck Deep and band return for an extensive headline tour Moose Blood. in support of third studio album Gameshow.

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 13 La Strada DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:43 Page 1

FEATURE

La Strada

Sally Cookson premieres a new stage adaptation of Federico Fellini’s classic movie La Strada at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre

Film director Federico Fellini once a travelling street performer. Zampano, a confronts him and questions and described an artist as “a provincial who strongman who previously employed provokes all the way through the story. finds himself somewhere between a Gelsomina's older sister Rosa (now dead Like Jane Eyre, she's constantly looking physical reality and a metaphysical one”. under mysterious circumstances), proves for a better life and striving to discover her The quote could just as easily describe the to be a cruel master, beating Gelsomina potential, but circumstances make that unconventional heroine of his 1954 movie when she fails to meet his standards and very difficult for her. I've also cast Audrey masterpiece, La Strada (The Road), and abandoning her at the first sign of alcohol Brisson, who's a really feisty, incredibly her journey through a world that mixes and pretty women. brilliant and wonderfully strong actor, fairytale fantasy with the mundane and and she'll bring her personality to the After some time on the road, the pair often bleak reality of life in impoverished part, which should make the character come across an itinerant circus which rural Italy. anything but passive.” they briefly join. Before long, however, Launching a brand new stage adaptation Zampano gets into a scrap with the Fool, Under Cookson's unconventional style of at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre next Il Matto, who mocks Zampano's repetitive, direction, Brisson, along with the rest of month, acclaimed director Sally Cookson unimaginative act and takes a shine to the cast, will play a direct role in shaping describes the story as a “folk tale-like Gelsomina. While Zampano spends a and developing the show and characters, odyssey” about finding one's purpose in night in jail, Gelsomina is faced with a rather than simply interpreting a pre- life. choice: to join the circus and leave with written part. This means that the finished them, to head off on a new adventure with piece is likely to end up being “My first encounter with the film was as a Il Matto, or to await Zampano's release substantially different from the film. child,” recalls Sally. “My father was a fan and return to the life she knows. and I happened to be in the room while he “My way of creating theatre is through was watching it. At the time, I didn't For a director like Cookson, known for devising, which means we don't start with understand it, but I was completely openly challenging gender norms in a complete script. The story itself is a very beguiled by the strangeness of it. It was productions like her gender-reversed powerful one, so we will be following the only when I watched it again while I was Sleeping Beauty, her consciously Wendy- narrative quite closely, but I think it at drama school in my 20s that I realised centred Peter Pan, and a highly acclaimed would be really dangerous to just lift the what a powerful piece of film it is, and it's adaptation of Jane Eyre, the story does film script straight onto the stage - I don't stayed with me ever since then. So when present some challenges. think that would make a very interesting the producer, Kenny Wax, came to me piece of theatre. I'm working very closely “Gelsomina can certainly be seen as a with the idea of adapting it for the stage, with a dramatist called Mike Akers as well victim, but I'm determined that we find it felt like a really good match.” as with the actors, and we all collaborate her... action, if you like. The relationship together in the room to find the best way The film follows the journey of a young between Zampano and Gelsomina is an of bringing the story to life.” woman, Gelsomina, who is effectively abusive one, certainly, but Gelsomina sold by her mother to serve as assistant to doesn't just lie down and take it - she This can make finding the right cast for

14 whatsonlive.co.uk La Strada DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:43 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

the job a rather long and tricky process, folk story-cum-fairytale world. There's a performers, but also the skills of the however. real cross between a sort of gritty, realist actors to theatrically create the family of world and a very imaginative, strange the circus in an imaginative way. So I “Casting takes forever! I spend a long time one, and having music enables us to lift it think we'll be using a mixture of the skills casting because I need to find actors who out of a naturalistic setting.” these actors have and then finding ways are not only brilliant and skilled at of suggesting things like someone on a interpreting characters as performers, but Visually, audiences should not expect too trapeze without actually having them up also people who are able to investigate a great a degree of realism, either. The film in the air.” story and have ideas and come up with shows Zampano and Gelsomina travelling their own dialogue. On top of that, with through several locations, but while Katie Unusually for a touring rather than an in- this show, we're looking for very physical Sykes, another frequent collaborator of house production, the show will be performers who can sing and move and Cookson's, will be designing the sets, the making its debut at the Belgrade Theatre play instruments, so it's a very multi- team will be employing a whole range of in February, at the start of a longer UK talented company.” different techniques to evoke a sense of tour which will eventually end with a the world and the characters' passage London run. In the film, both Gelsomina and Il Matto through it. are musicians, and a melancholy air - “It was ultimately down to the producers, performed by Gelsomina on the trumpet “You have to engage the audience's but I was very supportive of the idea. It's and by Il Matto on a miniature violin - imagination - I won't be feeding it all to great to take work out into the regions and serves as an ongoing emotional link them on a plate. We will be creating the I'm really happy to be working in between them, even when they're apart. atmosphere of the impoverished Italian Coventry. I love the theatre there - I think The stage version will be slightly different roadside through very simple means, but it's a fantastic space and they've got great - Cookson's Fool plays the accordion I'm not entirely sure how we'll do it yet. energy. It's also really important to me to rather than the violin, and a new score by That's what's really exciting about bring my work to theatres that haven't her long-term collaborator Benji Bower devising - at this stage, before we go into seen it yet, so it's very exciting for me.” will replace the original Nino Rota rehearsals, we haven't got all the answers soundtrack - but collectively the cast will yet.” be performing all the music. As well as their musical abilities, Cookson “It won't be a musical, but there will be a also intends to make use of the circus La Strada shows at the Belgrade lot of music in the piece. I always use skills of some of her leading performers, Theatre, Coventry, from Saturday 11 music to help place the story and create though again, not to the extent that this to Saturday 18 February, and The REP, the right feeling, and I work very closely becomes a circus show rather than a piece Birmingham, from Monday 8 to with Benji to do that. When we of theatre. Saturday 13 May workshopped the story in spring, the “I want to use the real skills of the circus music really helped us to excavate that

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Warwickshire January.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 13:07 Page 1 Classical Warwickshire January.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 13:07 Page 2

Classical Music

Royal String Quartet Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 27 January Poland’s Royal String Quartet will no doubt be making it six of the absolute best when they visit Leamington this month, their previous five performances in the town having been met with great acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Compositions by cult composers Philip Glass and Henryk Gorecki are framed by two Mozart quartets in this latest offering, the fourth in Leamington Music’s International String Quartet Concerts series.

Evening Of Chamber Music With Nicola Benedetti Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 27 January Scottish-born violinist Nicola Benedetti is one of classical music’s most sought-after per- formers, her road to fame beginning when she won Young Musician of the Year in 2004. A former pupil at the Yehudi Menuhin School for young musicians, Benedetti won Best Female Artist at both the 2012 and 2013 Classical BRIT Awards, and has performed with some of the world’s most renowned conductors. She is joined for this particular concert by her partner, Leonard Elschenbroich, and highly Royal String Quartet rated Ukrainian pianist Sasha Grynyuk. Alongside Ravel’s Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello and Brahms’ Piano Trio No1 in B major Op8, the evening’s programme also features Mark Anthony Turnage’s Duo for Cello and Robert Plane and Violin - especially created for the performers - and Piano Trio, Butterflies Remember A The Sacconi Quartet Mountain, a new mini-masterpiece by Arlene Sierra. Malvern Theatre, Thurs 26 January It’s been 10 long years since the award- winning Sacconi Quartet gave their first Ensemble Epomeo St Petersburg Malvern Concert Club performance - an occasion when, as ever, they were praised Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sun 22 January Philharmonic for the quality and integrity of their musi- Fast-rising string trio Ensemble Epomeo were Symphony Hall, Birmingham, cal interpretations. formed in 2008 at the Ischia Chamber Music Thurs 26 January They make this welcome return in the Festival in Italy. The group features Diane company of clarinetist Robert Plane, Pascal (violin), David Yang (viola) and whose distinguished career has seen him Kenneth Woods (cello). play with the London Symphony, This Worcester concert, preceded by a master- Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic and class, presents the following programme: BBC Symphony Orchestras. Dohnanyi - Serenade Op10; Hans Krása - The principal clarinetist of the BBC Passacaglia and Fuga; Beethoven - String Trio National Orchestra of Wales, Robert here in D Op9 No2. teams up with Sacconi to play the follow- ing programme: Haydn - String Quartet in G, Op76, No1; York Bowen - Phantasy Russia’s oldest symphony orchestra Quintet for bass clarinet and strings, makes a welcome return to the Op93; Glazunov - Oriental Reverie for Midlands to perform a concert that clarinet and strings, Op14; Brahms - features two of the country’s most Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op115. spectacular orchestral showpieces - Prokofiev’s Romeo And Juliet and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. The programme is completed by Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No3. Yuri Temirkanov, the orchestra’s chief conductor since 1988 and its 10th in all, leads from the front in a concert that also features the masterly Nikolai Lugansky (pictured) on piano. The Sacconi Quartet

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 What's On Readers Awards DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 15:59 Page 1

Get VOTING for your favourite Midlands events and venues in the... What’sOn Readers’ Awards 2017

Some of last year’s winners...

Citizen Khan with The organisers of Lauren Foster Moseley Folk Festival

Rob Macpherson from Birmingham Hippodrome Barbara Nice

Duncan Stanley from Neil Reading from Brum Yum Yum Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Salla Virman from Chris Sudworth from The Hive, Shrewsbury The Old Rep, Birmingham What's On Readers Awards DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 15:34 Page 2

#culturematters #artsmatters

Yes, it’s time for you to show just how much CATEGORIES INCLUDE: you appreciate Birmingham and the West Best Large Regional Theatre Midlands’ ever-vibrant arts and Best Small Theatre entertainment scene. Best Touring Musical Best Home Produced Show Nominate and vote online for your Best Home Produced Theatre favourites to help them secure a place in our Best Touring Show What’s On Readers’ Awards Top 5 Best Kids Show Shortlist. Best Arts Venue Best Large Music Venue The shortlist will be announced in our Best Independent Live Gigs Venue February issue, when you’ll have another Best Gallery chance to VOTE for your WINNER in each Best Exhibition category. So get voting now! Best Midlands Band Best Dance Production And, complete our Readership Survey for Best Operatic Production the chance to WIN £1000 cash! Best Midlands Personality Best Midlands Comedian VOTE for your NOMINATIONS Best Place To Visit by Monday 23 January 2017 Best Event Best Festival The Top 5 Shortlist in each category will be Best Restaurant announced at the end of January - you’ll then get Best Nightclub the chance to VOTE one more time for your Best Regional Orchestra WINNER. Voting closes the end of February. Best Independent Cinema WINNERS will be announced in the Spring Best Amateur Theatre Company Best Amateur Production What’s On Achievement Award VOTE today at whatsonlive.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals 2017.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:26 Page 1

Festivals

When it comes to music - regardless of your preference, be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival in the Midlands to suit your taste. And 2016 looks set to be another bumper year for the regions festival goers. We here at What’s On will keep you updated as further line-up announcements are revealed.

UPTON UPON SEVERN FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up The Wilson Family, Fri 26 - Mon 29 May, Kelsall FEBRUARY includes Barber Sisters, Huw Williams and Hekety, Village. More information and tickets at Fri 28 Apr - Mon 1 May, various venues, Upton upon chesterfolk.org.uk Severn, Worcestershire. More information and tickets HRH METAL 2017 Celebrating its 10th year, the festi- UPRISING 2017 Line-up includes Onslaught, at uptonfolk.org val will feature over 40 bands across three arenas Lawnmower Deth and Kill II This, Sat 27 May, De over two days, line up includes Skindred and LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes bari- Montfort Hall, Leicester. More information at Sodom, Sat 11- Sun 12 Feb, O2 Academy, tone Roderick Williams, Fri 28 Apr - Tues 2 May, demontforthall.co.uk Birmingham. More information at hrhmetal.com Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa. More informa- SLAMDUNK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Enter Shikari, tion at leamingtonmusic.org THE INTER VARSITY FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL The 66th Don Broco and Bowling For Soup, Sat 27 May, IVFDF will see performances from Sons Libres, DEMENTIA AWARE FEST Line-up includes White Genting Arena, Birmingham. Tickets can be pur- Purcell's Polyphonic Party, Playford Minor Tyger, Martyr De Mona and Left for Red, Sat 29 - Sun chased from slamdunkmusic.com Contravention, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Feb, various venues in 30 Apr, The Roadhouse, Birmingham. More informa- BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Line-up to be announced, Sat 27 Coventry. More information at ivfdf.org tion and tickets at theroadhousebirmingham.com - Sun 28 May, Birmingham Gay Village. Information FUDGESTOCK Line-up has yet to be announced, Sun and tickets at birminghampride.com 30 Apr, Robin 2, Wolverhampton. More information DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL Line-up has yet to be MARCH at therobin.co.uk announced, Sun 28 May, various venues in SWINGAMAJIG Line-up has yet to be announced, Sun Nottingham. More information at DARKER DAYS FESTIVAL Featuring seven bands from 30 Apr, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham. More dottodotfestival.co.uk the UK and overseas specialising in the darker side information at and tickets at swingamajig.co.uk of the aural arts, Sat 18 Mar, The Musician, Leicester JUNE MAY APRIL WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Lindisfarne, Martin & Eliza Carthy and Vin Garbutt, Thurs 1 - Sun BEARDED THEORY Line-up includes Slaves, Skunk NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC FESTIVAL 4 June, The Whitby Club, Cheshire. More informa- Anasie and Cast, Thurs 25 - Sun 28 May, Catton Hall, Celebrating its 21st year, the line up includes Geno tion and tickets at wirralfolkonthecoast.com South Derbyshire. More information and tickets at Washington, King King, Rebecca Downes, Thurs 13 - beardedtheory.co.uk THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN Line-up includes Mon 17 April, various venues in Nantwich. More Gaz Brookfield, Boy on a Dolphin and TV Smith, information and tickets available at BREAKING BANDS Line-up includes Forgotten Thurs 1 - Sun 4 June, Uttoxeter Racecourse. More nantwichjazz.com Remains, Seething Akira and Massive Wagons, Fri 26 information and tickets at acousticfestival.co.uk - Sun 28 May, Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Bromsgove. More information and tickets at LICHFIELD BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be Chick Corea Trio, Snarky Puppy and Meshell breakingbandsfestival.com announced, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June, various venues, Ndegecello, Wed 26 Apr - Mon 1 May, various venues Lichfield, Staffordshire. More information and tick- in Cheltenham. More information and tickets at MELLO Line-up includes Hawkwind, Goldie Lookin ets at lichfieldarts.org.uk cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz Chain and Altered Images, Fri 26 - Sun 28 May, Throckmorton Airfield, Worcestershire. More infor- WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Line-up includes Levellers, HANDMADE FESTIVAL Line-up yet to be announced, mation at mellofestival.co.uk OMD and Katie Ashworth, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June, three-day family friendly music festival, Fri 28 Apr - Cheltenham Racecourse. More information and tick- Sun 30 Apr, various venues in Leicester. More infor- CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Chris ets at wychwoodfestival.com mation and tickets at handmadefestival.co.uk Sherburn & Denny Bartley, Belshazzar’s Feast and

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2017.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:26 Page 2

ASPARAFEST Line-up includes 3 Daft Monkeys, The More information and tickets at lintonfestival.org THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri Pyrates and Brimstone, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June, Ashdown 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Rode Hall Parkland, Cheshire. More CAMPERJAM Line-up to be announced, Fri 7 - Sun 9 Farm, Evesham, Worcestershire. More information information and tickets at justsofestival.org.uk July, Weston Park, Shropshire. Information and tick- and tickets at asparafest.co.uk ets at camperjam.com FLASHBACK FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri ENGLISH HAYDN FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Thoresbury Estate, Worksop, MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK AND SOUL FESTIVAL Line-up to be Wed 7 - Sun 11 June, Bridgnorth. Information at eng- Nottinghamshire. More information and tickets at announced, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Moseley Park, lishhaydn.com theflashbackfestival.com Birmingham. More information and tickets at GATE TO SOUTHWELL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes mostlyjazz.co.uk GLOWORM Line-up to be announced, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Kate Rusby, Jon Boden and Le Vent dy Nord, Thurs 8 Aug, Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. More ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL 2017 Line-up to be - Sun 11 June, Southwell, Nottingham. More informa- information and tickets at glowormfestival.co.uk announced, Sat 8 July, Milton Keynes. More informa- tion and tickets at southwellfolkfestival.org.uk tion and tickets at uk.electricdaisycarnival.com V FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Sat 19 - Sun 20 DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Headlining are System of a Aug, Weston Park, Shropshire. More information and BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes 3 Daft Down, Biffy Clyro and Aerosmith, Fri 9 - Sun 11 June, tickets at vfestival.com Monkeys, The Lost Notes and Thirsty Work, Thurs 13 Donington Park, Derby. Information and tickets at - Sun 16 July, various venues across Bromsgrove. FAKE FESTIVALS The UK’s only touring tribute bands downloadfestival.co.uk More information and tickets at bromsgrovefolk- festival. Oasish, Guns2Roses and New2 announced, SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 2017 Line-up inlcudes Doctor club.co.uk Sat 26 Aug, The Quarry, Shrewsbury. More informa- and the Medics, Heavy Metal Kids and Night of the tion and tickets at fakefestivals.co.uk LATITUDE 2017 Line-up has yet to be announced, Hawks, Fri 16 - Sun 18 June, Stoke Prior Space Port, Thurs 13 - Sun 16 July, Henham Park Estate, Suffolk. SHAMBALA Line-up to be announced, Thurs 24 - Sun Bromgrove. More information and tickets at More information and tickets at latitudefestival.com 27 Aug, a secret location near Market Harborough, sonicrocksolstice.com Northamptonshire. More information at LOVEBOX 2017 The first act to be confirmed is Frank UKULELE FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN Line-up has yet shambalafestival.org Ocean, Fri 14 - Sat 15 July, Victoria Park, London. to be announced, Fri 16 - Sun 18 June, various ven- More information and tickets at loveboxfestival.com PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, ues in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. More informa- Thurs 24 - Tues 29 Aug, Powys, Wales. More informa- tion and tickets at ukulelefestival.co.uk BIRMINGHAM FEST Line-up to be announced, Fri 14 - tion and tickets at presteignefestival.com Sun 30 July, various theatres across Birmingham. KINETON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, More information and tickets at CREAMFIELDS Line-up to be announced, Thurs 24 - Sat 17 June, Kineton Sports and Social Club, Little birminghamfest.co.uk Sun 27 Aug, Cheshire. More information at Kineton. More information and tickets at creamfields.com kinetonmusicfestival.co.uk BUG JAM Line-up to be announced, Fri 16 - Sun 18 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire. More READING FESTIVAL Muse, Major Lazer and Bastille are LEAMINGTON PEACE FESTIVAL Line-up to be information and tickets at bugjam.co.uk amongst the first to be announced, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 announced, Sat 17 - Sun 18 June, Pump Rooms Aug, Little John’s Farm, Reading, Berkshire. More Gardens, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. More infor- DEERSTOCK 2017 Line-up to be announced, Fri 21 - information at readingfestival.com mation at peacefestival.org.uk Sun 23 July, Newton Cross Country Course, Nottinghamshire. More information and tickets at SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Three FOXTON LOCKS FESTIVAL Line-up has yet to be deerstock.co.uk Degrees, The Wurzels and Elkie Brooks, Fri 25 - Sun announced, Sat 17 - Sun 18 June, Foxton Locks, 27 Aug, Fish Meadow, Upton upon Severn, Leicestershire. Information and tickets at NOZSTOCK Line-up to be announced, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Worcestershire. More information and tickets at foxtonlocksfestival.co.uk July, Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, Herefordshire. uptonfestival.co.uk More information and tickets at nozstock.com GLASTONBURY The first headliners to be confirmed is BEERMAGEDDON Line-up to be announced, Fri 25 - Radiohead, Wed 21 - Sun 25 June, Worthy Farm, SPLENDOUR Line-up to be announced, Sat 22 July, Sun 27 Aug, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove. More informa- Somerset. More information at Wollaton Park, Nottingham. More information and tion and tickets at beermageddon.co.uk glastonburyfestivals.co.uk tickets at splendourfestival.com GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri 25 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes - Mon 28 Aug, Boughton House, Northamptonshire. Alan Barnes, Bent Persson and Dart Valley Oysterband, Spooky Men’s Chorale and Andy More information and tickets at greenbelt.org.uk Stompers, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 June, venues across Kershaw, Thurs 27 - Sun 30 July, Warwick School, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire. More informa- Warwick. More information and tickets at SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Alma, tion and tickets at uptonjazz.co.uk warwickfolkfestival.co.uk Coven and Maz O’Connor, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, Greenhous West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury. More BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL Line-up has yet to be BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up has yet to be announced information and tickets at announced, Thurs 29 June - Mon 3 July, Over Farm Fri 28 - Sun 30 July, Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire. shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk Market, Gloucestershire. Information and tickets at More information and tickets at barefootfestival.com barnonthefarm.co.uk CARFEST NORTH Line-up has yet to be announced, Fri NIBLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up has yet to be 28 - Sun 30 July, Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire. More SEPTEMBER announced, Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July, North Nibley, infomation and tickets at carfest.org Gloucestershire. Information and tickets at MADE BIRMINGHAM Line-up has yet to be announced, MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, nibleyfestival.co.uk Sat 29 July, The Rainbow Venues, Digbeth. More info- Fri 1 - Sun 3 Sept, Moseley Park, Birmingham. More ALSO FESTIVAL Line-up has yet to be announced, Fri mation and tickets at madebirmingham.com information and tickets at moseleyfolk.co.uk 30 June - Sun 2 July, Park Farm, Compton Verney. ONBOARD THE CRAFT FESTIVAL Terminal Cheesecake, More information at also-festival.com AUGUST Bernie Torme and Quartz have been announced, Fri 8 - Sat 9 Sept, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove. More infor- mation and tickets at sonicrocksolstice.com JULY 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug, Gospall Hall Farm, Leicestershire. More BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, information and tickets at 110above.com Fri 8 - Sun 10 Sept, Bromyard, Herefordshire. More LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD information and tickets at bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk Line-up to be announced, Mon 3 - Sun 9 July, Royal BULLDOG BASH Line-up to be announced, Thurs 10 - WORCESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be International Pavilion, Llangollen. More information Sun 13 Aug, Long Marston Airfield, Stratford Upon announced, Fri 15 - Sun 17 Sept, venues across and tickets at international-eisteddfod.co.uk Avon. More information and tickets at bulldogbash.co.uk Worcester. More information and tickets at worces- 2000TREES FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Thurs termusicfestival.co.uk 6 - Sun 9 July, Upcote Farm, Cheltenham. More infor- BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Amon Amarth, Hatebreed and mation and tickets at twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk Hell headline, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Aug, Catton Hall, Derbyshire. More information and tickets at OCTOBER NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up includes Gabriel Ananda, bloodstock.uk.com Zen Mechanics and Beardyman, Thurs 6 - Sun 9 July, LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK Line-up to be Coney Woods at Noseley Hall, Leicestershire. More LAKEFEST Line-up has yet to be announced, Thurs 10 announced, Fri 13 - Sun 15 Oct, venues around information and tickets at noisilyfestival.com - Mon 14 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire. More information and tickets at lakefest.co.uk Lichfield, Staffordshire. More information at lichfiel- FUSE FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri 7 - Sun darts.org.uk 9 July, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire. More FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, information and tickets at fuselichfield.org.uk Fri 11 - Sun 13 Aug, near Gatten Farm, Shropshire. More information and tickets at For full festivals listings for 2017, head to LINTON FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri 7 - farmerphilsfestival.com whatsonlive.co.uk Sun 9 July, The Alma Inn, Linton, Herefordshire. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Reginald D Hunter DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:31 Page 1

FEATURE

REGINALD D HUNTER Back on the road with a brand new show for 2017

Following a tour around Ireland over the summer, TV, radio and stand-up comedy star Reginald D Hunter is back on the road with a brand new show for 2017, stopping off in Leamington, Birmingham, Stafford and Shrewsbury in the spring. Since moving to the UK 20 years ago, the US-born comic has become as familiar as any home-grown talent, with a reputation for thoughtful, politically conscious and often deliberately provocative routines - and his latest offering, Some People vs Reginald D Hunter, looks set to be no different. Having worked the circuit for so long, he's well placed to give a verdict on the state of modern comedy, and as far as he's concerned, current offerings leave something to be desired, though the reasons are more complex than you might imagine... “At the minute, I am concerned about comedy in general,” Hunter confesses, “there's something about it that seems kind of muted. It seems as if it's become very fractured and politicised, and too self- conscious about trying to be anti-backlash... “I don't want to come off like I'm blaming comedy. In recent times, it's gotten a little too easy in Western culture to attribute blame. I think comedians just don't quite know what to say at the moment, because so much of comedy is based on having an object of satire or ridicule, and in this day and age, it's so easy to offend people, in a different way to how it has been in the past. I worry that comedy is getting more and more afraid to speak its mind.” There is evidence to support his point of view. Remarkably, Hunter has himself come under fire for his treatment of race in routines - whether it's his choice of language or, in one notable instance,

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Reginald D Hunter DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:31 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

including jokes on the subject at all. His about getting this new park installed so “It's just surprising,” he says, sounding last tour, The Aluminium Negro, provoked the kids have somewhere to play, genuinely bemused. “It feels more like 10 walk-outs (not all that unusual) and he somebody's gonna raise their hand and years than 20!” has spoken in the past about those he say, 'Well, what colour we gonna paint the Asked whether that diminishes his ability dubs “Outragists”, those who come along slides?' or 'Where’re disabled people to riff on his outsider status and observe to shows specifically to be offended by gonna park?' And they ain't even finished us from a distance, he's not so sure. what they hear - a relatively recent talking yet! That's what makes me fear for phenomenon he believes has its roots in fascism - it's like, out of a supreme lack of “I felt like an outsider in America when I discussions around political correctness consensus, someone will rise and be was growing up, and I feel like an going back to the ’90s. thrust into a place where they will be outsider in Britain now. The difference is involved in creating a new consensus. We that feeling like an outsider in Britain “My momma used to say, 'It's one thing to forget that, before 1945, fascism was seems... normal. There are people who've be offended, and it's yet another thing to considered a legitimate form of lived here all their lives who feel like go out of your way to be offended.' There's government.” outsiders, but one of the things I love something new about this, and I think it's about Britain is that it makes room for in large part to do with the growth of In a way, it should be comedy's job to what y'all like to call the eccentric. I identity politics, which makes people criticise and satirise these issues - just as mean, hell, Britain makes a warm and insistent that their specific group's plight it's the job of a political opposition to comfortable space for mother****ers who and history be recognised and given its tackle them head on. At present, however, just like staring at trains! I think that's due.” both seem to be struggling to present a very evolved.” coherent and effective challenge. As a medium that's designed to comment There's reason to be optimistic then, on the society in which it finds itself, it's “The problem with the stillness and the despite the grown sense of division born inevitable that changes in comedy should stagnation of stand-up comedy is the out of contemporary political discourse, reflect the wider cultural and political same as the problem with our politics: and despite the fact that he's anticipating shifts we've been experiencing over the there are too many people - often hidden more walk-outs and “p***ed off people” last few years. people - invested in the status quo. On the when he embarks on his tour in April. As one hand, if you are profiting from a “Ever since the ’80s, our media, our he already said, he believes the power to system, even if most people aren't, then leaders and our culture have been make a change lies within us. And the why would you want to change it? On the repeatedly stressing personal happiness simplest thing that we can do to start other hand, there are a lot of people and individualism, and all of those things with? opting for the status quo even though they are fine and well, but they're also the know it's not that great because they're “Start calling things what they are. opposite of community. So all those of us scared the alternative will be worse.” There's so much euphemistic language - who embraced those ideas of things like 'war on terrorism' or individualism, being able to custom All of this will doubtless surface in his 'perception management' - that's just a design our entertainment and our lives, new show. While his last tour was fancy way of saying lies. I think when we all of a sudden, one day we went, 'Hey, described as containing some of his most collectively in Western culture don't call where's the community?' It's hard to have personal material in years, he now feels things what they are, added to all the community when half the room has on that “there's a whole lot of things to drugs - prescription and otherwise - and headphones and the other half are staring comment about other than my life right all the propaganda nonsense in the at their phones.” now”. And as long as comedy remains system, it's no wonder people are going half-asleep, he feels a responsibility to try To an extent, the growth of the internet f***ing crazy! If you eliminate the to “shake it back up”. and increasing globalisation, coupled euphemisms, I think you'll find that a lot with a focus on personal freedom over “Having written most of this [new show] of the mental health issues people are collectivity and solidarity have collapsed before Trump got elected, I've been suffering will begin to clear up a bit, I the distinctions between nations, thinking a lot in this material about the OJ really do.” resulting in a kind of disconnect and Simpson case, which I think directly leads insularity spread across much of Europe us to the racial moment in America right and America. now,” he offers, tantalisingly, but won't Some People vs Reginald D Hunter say more. “Movies do trailers...” he “The greatest problem with having shows at: Royal Spa Centre, laughs. maximum choice is a lack of consensus. I Leamington, Saturday 6 May; New do believe the power to change things But for all his keeping an eye on Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, resides in us, and that we have the developments back in the motherland, Friday 12 May; Stafford Gatehouse numbers, but we're too busy bickering after two decades away, he's getting closer Theatre, Saturday 20 May; and Theatre amongst ourselves. I mean, I love England and closer to having lived in Britain for as Severn, Shrewsbury, Wednesday and everything, but if you go to a town long as he was in the States. 24 May hall meeting and somebody's talking

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Comedy

Jack Whitehall Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 January; Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 16 February; Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sun 26 Feb A fella who’s had no trouble whatsoever getting his boat race on the goggle-box, Jack Whitehall’s highly animated style of delivery is developing all the time, as is his repertoire of material. Subject matter has ranged from his father’s desperate attempts to get quoted in his show, to his 2010 cocaine shame, as exposed at the time by the News Of The World. As for his jokes, previous chuckle-muscle exercisers have included: “I’ve never laughed a woman into bed, but I’ve laughed one out of bed many times,” and “I'm posh, but I don’t take any stick for it. It's like I always say, sticks and stones may break my bones but f*** it, I'm with Bupa.”

Six of the best...

Lee Hurst Duncan Oakley Paul Sinha Lichfield Garrick, Couture, Stafford, Sat 21 January; Religion, The Bramall, Fri 13 January Wolverhampton, Sat 21 January Birmingham, Thurs 19 January Back in the mid- Just as comfortable with the guitar, harmoni- 1990s’ era of lads' ca, drums and piano as he is with a big bag- A gay Asian doctor mags, Brit Pop ful of top gags, Duncan Oakley presents turned funnyman, and Euro ’96, Lee what’s probably most easily described as a Paul Sinha has Hurst was one of musical comedy act. He’s a performer best enjoyed great success the most popular kept out of earshot of your grandmother, at the Edinburgh and familiar fun- with his stand-up routine being liberally pep- Festival. He’s also a nymen on television. It's strange to think, pered with four-letter expletives and gags clever and articulate contributor to numerous therefore, that his later career has included a about drinking and having sex. There’s some radio and television shows, perhaps most decade’s gap between one national tour and silly stuff in there too - a previous musical notably ITV’s award-winning quiz series, The the next. He’s reacquainted himself with life composition bore the title The Girl With A Chase, where he’s been one of the regular on the road in the last few years, presenting Bum For A Face... ‘Chasers’ since 2011. Alongside his stand-up, an act that’s as sharp, cheeky and witty as Paul has also carved out a further career for ever it was. A proudly no-nonsense comedi- himself as a professional quizzer, attaining an, Lee’s called this latest offering Comedy grandmaster status a couple of years ago and Show No 9, for the simple reason that, as the reaching a career-high UK ranking in 2015. man himself explains, “it's a show, it's the His stand-up routines often include anec- ninth one and it's comedy - what else do you dotes and one-liners about gay dating, need to know? Come along for a night of including: “I’ve recently downloaded a new laughs with that bald bloke you thought was smartphone app to give me the location for dead.” all the single, middle-aged men in my area. It’s called Uber.”

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Tiff Stevenson mac, Birmingham, Thurs 26 January She may not be the most inventive of comedians, but 2011 Show Me The Funny contestant Tiffany Stevenson more than makes up for a lack of imag- ination with her charming personality and engaging style of delivery. She’s been described as ‘a breathing version of Heat magazine’, is appealingly self- disparaging, and ensures that her audi- ence never have to wait too long for a punchline. An example of her style of humour is as follows: “You can tell how good a medical person is in bed depending on which area of medicine they work in. The paramedics obviously like a quick ‘get in and out’, the GPs cover a lot of areas but don’t really know what’s going on, and the surgeons like to go in there, rummage around, mess things up and then leave something behind that shouldn’t have been there.”

Andrew Gary Ruth Ryan Delaney Graham The Glee Club, Stafford Gatehouse Old Joint Stock, Birmingham, Thurs Theatre, Fri 13 Theatre, Fri 27 12 - Sat 14 January January; The Glee January Club, Birmingham; Irishman Andrew Sun 15 January; At the last count, Ryan is a rising Henry Tudor House, Ruth Graham reck- star on the UK Thurs 19 January oned she’d made 27 comedy circuit, “The hardest part house moves dur- albeit one who of running compet- ing the course of would greatly benefit from finding a unique itively in Wales must be keeping up with the her life and been employed in 46 jobs, rang- selling point. With his amiable persona and Joneses,” quips Gary Delaney. ing from bellydancer to funeral celebrant. confident style of delivery ensuring his show Gary’s certainly no one-gag pony: “My girl- Judging by those statistics, it would seem is a comfortable ride for his audience, he friend’s dog died, so to cheer her up I went she likes to move on quickly, so fingers peddles a self-deprecating and hugely out and got her an identical one. She was crossed she at least stays in the Old Joint endearing line in humour, happily waxing livid and yelled, ‘What am I going to do with Stock for long enough to finish this show... lyrical about his low self-esteem, ever-pre- two dead dogs?’” Often compared to Fascinating Aida and sent anxiety and tendency towards paranoia. Or how about: “The president of France said Victoria Wood, Ruth presents a set that’s big Although an occasional impulse to over- that the English are arrogant with their on comedy characters and original songs, explain his material puts an unnecessary refusal to learn foreign languages. At least I covering topics that range from internet dat- brake on the laughometer from time to time, think that’s what he said. It all just sounded ing and social media to childhood and the he’s got an act which, if carefully polished, like haw-he-haw-he-haw-he-haw to me.” trials and tribulations of running a B&B. could really start to shine.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Wonderland DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:31 Page 1

FEATURE

Wonderland Curiouser and curiouser! Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn tumbles down the rabbit hole in a spectacular new musical

It was in 1886 that the wacky world of manage to get on it, and take it all the way Alice's Adventures In Wonderland first down through Macy’s department store, made it onto the stage, in an adaptation they'd eventually get to Wonderland.” that the novel's author, Lewis Carroll Wildhorn’s kids are by no means an (otherwise known as Cambridge unusual source of inspiration for him. A mathematician Charles Dodgson), had a previous family musical, Excalibur, came hand in. about as an attempt to engage his children Within the writer's lifetime then, the topsy- with the story of Camelot, which his turvy story and its cast of colourful parents had loved and taught to him, but characters were already delighting which his own kids didn't seem to “get”. audiences in performance, and a mere 17 Departing somewhat from Carroll's vision, years later, they were being interpreted the story of Wonderland taps into this through the exciting new medium of film. parent-child dynamic and the idea of the Kerry Ellis passing on of stories. Like the recent Tim One of the latest companies to join the Burton films, it sees Alice return to long and noble tradition of reinventing Wonderland as an adult, only this time, Alice is led by Broadway composer Frank she's middle-aged, a mother going through Wildhorn, whose work on shows like Jekyll a messy separation with her partner, as & Hyde, Victor/Victoria and Bonnie & well as a schoolteacher with ambitions of Clyde has earned him international becoming a children's writer. Much like the acclaim. First performed in 2009, books then, it aims to present a child's eye Wonderland has already enjoyed success view of the complexities and in the States; now a reworked version with contradictions of the grown-up world. a brand new British cast is making its way to UK shores for a tour beginning later this “It all starts with the idea of the child month. within us all,” Wildhorn continues. “The opening lyrics of my song, Finding Following a sneak preview of some of the Wonderland, are ‘We move too fast; we Wendy Peters fabulous songs from the show, both cast miss so much’. And it’s true - there is a and creative team were on hand to tell us Wonderland in all our lives if we could more about what we can expect when it only take a breath and notice it. In this hits Birmingham in early February. particular adventure, Alice has to rescue “In the late ’90s, I was fortunate enough to her own child, and in doing so, she have three shows on Broadway,” says rediscovers the child within herself.” Wildhorn, “Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet “Frank's taken the Lewis Carroll story and Pimpernel and Civil War, and so I was done something really exciting with it,” living on the Upper West side in a big high- adds Director Lotte Wakeham. “In the rise building. I have two sons, and the original, Alice doesn't really do very much elevator up to our home was always - she's essentially a tourist in Wonderland. broken. Eventually I was running out of We've looked at how we can make the stories to tell my kids about why they heroine of our show go on a great, couldn’t fix the elevator, and for some energising adventure with her daughter Dave Willetts reason I told them that if anyone did

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by Heather Kincaid

and the audience.” “My job is to be creative,” says Wendi audience. It's about the characterisation, Peters, who plays the Queen of Hearts. “I the mannerisms, what you say and the Having conceived the show while living in don't like doing anything for too long, and way in which you speak.” New York, it's perhaps no surprise that I just love the process of reading Wildhorn chose the city as the setting for One of the most obvious breaks from something off the page and thinking its original stage outing. Just like in his tradition is the Mad Hatter, who will be through how I can best tell the story. In story to his children, Alice ends up back played by a young woman, Natalie the case of Wonderland, we’ve got in Wonderland via the lift to her McQueen. There's a good reason for this nothing really to copy, and that’s lovely. I apartment. However, when the show change. We can't give away too much, but don’t think that any actor should ever arrives in Britain, it will feature a rest assured, in McQueen's own words, copy what’s been before, though of course completely reimagined setting and “It's not the Hatter that you know.” if the material’s out there you’re going to design. Instead of the mad old man we're used to, have a sneaky look at what’s been done McQueen's Hatter is feisty, edgy and full “For the UK tour, we’re going back to the previously! But apart from a performance of attitude. For her, getting to play the original story, and it will be UK based, by the Broadway cast at the Tony Awards, part has been a dream come true. with a relevant look and sound,” says there’s little else online - and I love that Wakeham. “We’re still making some because I can think through the character “Alice in Wonderland is up there with The changes to the script, and we’re really myself and hopefully bring something Little Mermaid as one of my favourite excited about it. Since the source material new to it. films,” she gushes. “It's just completely is so quirky and quintessentially British, bonkers and I love it. When I was up on “It's always fun to play baddies, but you this version of the show will be exactly stage last night, I actually had to have a must find something in them that makes that, too.” moment to convince myself that the people like them a little bit. I'd like to orchestra was really there, and that it was “I've been inspired by the original think there'll be a bit of all my comedy really happening. I was sure there must illustrations and other incarnations of the heroes in my Queen of Hearts: Molly have been a mistake - it just seemed too story, but I've also tried to give it a fresh Sugden, Peggy Mount and Patricia good to be true!” angle,” explains Costume Designer Grace Routledge, who played Hyacinth Smart. “I’ve been looking at a lot of the 'Bouquet' Bucket in Keeping Up Frank Wildhorn hopes that audiences UK’s eccentric celebrities, so that we can Appearances. She's a monster, but part of from eight to 80 will be just as entranced keep the British feel yet keep true to the you can't help loving her!” by the magic of Wonderland as McQueen original story.” has been, and wants everyone who comes While more than a century's worth of along to fully immerse themselves in the “It's about looking at what’s been done adaptations might have made the spirit of the show. before and thinking about what we can characters familiar in other forms, the bring to the whole Alice In Wonderland versions of them in Wonderland will be “We're hoping the audience will come world,” agrees Set Designer Andrew Riley. unlike any you've previously encountered. dressed up as the characters,” he laughs. “It's a very episodic story - she goes to a “You should definitely encourage that!” “This won't be a revival of any kind,” says lot of locations, and I wanted to create a Dave Willetts, who plays the White contemporary visual that people will Rabbit. “It's essentially a new creation, recognise.” and Frank is allowing us all to be a part of Wonderland shows at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from For the cast, getting to put their own that. One of my grandchildren told me I Mon 6 to Sat 11 February; Regent stamp on roles completely new to UK had to have rabbit ears, and I guess there Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 10 - Sat audiences with almost no precedent to might be, but part of the magic is actually 15 July; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre turn to has also been a thrill. leaving a lot to the imagination of the from Mon 31 July to Sat 5 August

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Theatre theatre productions from across the region

Evita Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 31 January - Sat 4 February; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's third major collaboration opened to rave reviews way back in the late 1970s. It has since gar- nered a reputation as one of the greatest musicals ever to grace West End and Broadway stages. Telling the real-life story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, the show is packed to the rafters with memo- rable numbers, including On This Night Of A Thousand Stars, Buenos Aires, You Must Love Me, Another Suitcase In Another Hall and, of course, the classic Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Casting is yet to be confirmed...

housing costs, gentrification and the chal- Gaslight Lady Chatterley’s Lover lenges of forced relocation away from Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, London. New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sat 14 January Thurs 26 January - Fri 3 February The performance is followed by an interac- Although DH Lawrence’s most famous novel tive theatrical debate, with the audience Patrick Hamilton’s play comes with a royal was first published in the late 1920s, it was being invited to participate in a live rewriting seal of approval, with both King George and more than 30 years before the unexpurgated of the story. Queen Elizabeth having insisted on seeing it version finally saw the light of day. When it during its hugely successful West End run. did, its explicit descriptions of sex and use of Gaslight’s reputation was further secured by words which were at the time unprintable its three-plus years on Broadway, during made it the subject of a watershed obscenity which period it was performed an impressive trial. The jury found for the defendant, the 1,295 times. novel’s publisher, Penguin Books, who went All of which should nicely whet the appetite on to sell more than three million copies of for this latest version. the title at breakneck speed. Bella Manningham’s life is a fun-free zone. This Blue Orange version of Lawrence’s Feeling trapped in her gloomy home, she sits book, recounting the story of Lady alone each night dreading the sound of foot- Chatterley’s affair with working-class game- steps from locked and empty rooms, and keeper Oliver Mellors, heads out on tour after waiting for the gaslight to dim. its seven-performance run in Birmingham’s When a retired detective arrives one evening Jewellery Quarter. What’s In A Name? with a terrifying tale to tell, Bella must work out whether her visitor is really there to help, Not surprisingly given the subject matter, the The REP, Birmingham, show contains full-frontal nudity and scenes Fri 27 January - Sat 11 February or if she’s about to descend into a pit of mad- of a sexual nature. ness from which there can be no return... British theatre director, writer and translator Kara Tointon, Rupert Young and Keith Allen Jeremy Sams is the man behind this new star. adaptation of award-winning French farce Le Cathy Prénom, here receiving its British premiere. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 January When Elizabeth and her husband invite her A half century after Ken Loach’s ground- brother - father-to-be Vincent - his partner breaking film Cathy Come Home turned the Anna and childhood friend Claude to dinner, spotlight on the issue of homelessness in the an evening of mature and sophisticated con- UK, London theatre company Cardboard versation seems very much in prospect. Citizens explores its resonances in 21st cen- Until, that is, the name of Vincent and tury British society. Anna’s expected child is revealed, precipitat- The ensemble’s mission statement is to cre- ing a full-blooded argument that soon spirals ate ‘life-changing theatre’ with and for spectacularly out of control... homeless people, a task which they’ve been A film version of Alexandre de La Patellière pursuing with great success for the last 25 and Matthieu Delaport’s original play met years. This latest work, a new play by the with great critical acclaim when it was award-winning Ali Taylor, reflects on the released in 2012. social and personal impact of spiralling Casting includes Nigel Harman, Sarah Hadland and Ray Coulthard. 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:55 Page 2

Until Tue 7 - Wed 15 - Sun 29 Jan Sat 11 Feb Sat 25 Feb From £15.50 From £19.50 From £16

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance: Material Men

Fri 3 & Tue 7 Mar - Mon 27 & Sat 4 Mar Sat 29 Apr Tue 28 Mar £15 From £25 £16

Mon 8 - Mon 29 May Tue 6 - S at 13 May - S at 3 Jun Sat 10 Jun From £22 From £15 From £17

Everyone’s Welcome

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 10:56 Page 3

Theatre theatre productions from across the region

The Play That Goes Wrong Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 23 - Sat 28 January; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 3 - Sat 8 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 1 - Sat 6 May; The REP, Birmingham, Mon 19 - Sat 24 June; Malvern Theatre, Mon 17 - Sat 22 July A play about a play that goes wrong isn’t a new idea but it’s certainly a winning one - as the plaudits gar- nered by this cheeky Fringe hit ably illustrate. One reviewer laughed so much he feared he was going to hyperventilate, while another admitted his funny bone had been well and truly struck by the piece. Actress Joanna Lumley, meanwhile, laughed until ‘the tears ran down’. Mischief Theatre Company’s Edinburgh Festival show arrives in the region on the back of a fantastic reputa- tion and a couple of successful West End runs. For those not in the know, the play focuses on the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s attempt to put on a 1920s-set murder-mystery. The only trouble is, the bumbling thesps are more than a little accident-prone - so much so, in fact, that they’re not even sure they’ll manage to reach the curtain call...

Frankenstein The Singular Exploits and fleeing the city. Four hundred years later, a retired dock Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Wed 25 Of Sherlock Holmes worker eager to teach his grandson about the January; Malvern Theatre, Mon 13 - Wed 15 February; Lichfield Garrick, Fri 17 - Sat 18 Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, tragedy and beauty of the life he will face, February Saturday 28 January turns for inspiration to the only thing he has Theatrical versions Everybody’s favourite fictional sleuth makes left - a book of great works of art... of Mary Shelley’s a welcome return, donning the deerstalker, classic gothic horror puffing the pipe, wielding the magnifying story are rare glass and, on this occasion, breaking the indeed, so this fourth wall to regale the audience with sto- Blackeyed Theatre ries from his glittering career as the world’s production should greatest detective. be well worth an The always-value-for-money Don’t Go Into evening of your The Cellar are the theatre company staging time. Shelley’s 1818 this one-man touring show, which has met novel finds Dr Frankenstein giving life to a with an altogether favourable response on its creature who so horrifies him that the scien- travels over the past few months. tist flees into the night. But although he can Thelma run from his ghoulish creation, he cannot Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 20 January hide. Soon enough Frankenstein finds him- The Seven Acts Of Mercy A pilot-night showing of this one-woman self face to face not only with the ‘monster’ production was given a big thumbs-up by its but also with the chance to play God for a Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Fri 10 February audience, who variously described it as second and final time... hilarious, poignant, touching and ‘excellent- Blackeyed Theatre presented a hugely suc- Anders Lustgarten’s visceral new play is ly written and executed’. All of which must cessful version of Dracula in 2013, so are well based on the Italian painter Michelangelo have pleased its writer and executor Gina versed in the business of adapting classic Merisi da Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The George no end, as she prepared to take the horror stories for the stage. Seven Acts Of Mercy. Originally commissioned by the Church of show out on the road. Pio Monte della Misericordia in Naples, Bringing together powerful spoken word, where it still hangs today, the painting pres- both tender and not-so-tender musical ents (not surprisingly, given its title) seven moments and the chance to grapple with the merciful acts. These are: to visit the impris- delights of the Geordie dialect, the produc- oned; feed the hungry; bury the dead; shel- tion focuses on the interaction between three ter the homeless; clothe the naked; visit the generations of women - a grandmother, sick; and refresh the thirsty. mother and daughter - and the effect of idoli- Created in 1606, the painting was sation and isolation on their relationship Caravaggio’s first after killing a man in Rome with one another.

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Pantomimes and festive shows in January

Dick Whittington panto fare - and the venue's Christmas 2016 100 years, offers a great story around which offering looks set to be every bit as energised to build a pantomime production of real Birmingham Hippodrome, and entertaining as any of its illustrious until Sun 29 January & Belgrade Theatre, quality. Coventry, until Sat 7 January predecessors. Star of The Sooty Show, Chris Pizzey, stars as X-Factor winner Joe McElderry takes the title Silly Billy. Chris will be joined by a top- Doctor Who and Torchwood star John role in a show that also sees internet sensa- billing Gillian Wright - aka EastEnders’ Jean Barrowman will be hoping the streets of the tion Doreen Tipton making her panto debut Slater - Channel Five’s Milkshake presenter second city are paved with gold this as the Lazy Empress Of China. Amy Thompson and Casualty’s Rebecca Christmas, when he takes the title role in Pantomime stalwart Lisa Riley stars as the Wheatley. Quinn Patrick dons the poorly Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime pro- Slave Of The Ring, with CBeebies' Mr Bloom - applied rouge and comedy wig to play Nurse duction of Dick Whittington. Ben Faulks - threatening to feel a collar or Nelly. Joining John on stage this year, to star as two as the Chief of Peking Police. King Rat, is Steve McFadden, best known as Britain’s Got Talent soprano Lucy Kay EastEnders bad boy Phil Mitchell. appears in the role of Princess Jasmine, Support comes from The Krankies (as while illusionist Stefan Pejic plays the evil Cinderella Councillor and Jimmy Krankie), Hippodrome sorcerer Abanazar. Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Theatre favourite Matt Slack (as Idle Jack), West End Severn, Shrewsbury & Swan Theatre, Panto regular Ian Adams dons a plethora of Worcester, until Sun 8 January star Jodie Prenger (as Fairy Bow Bells) and glamorous outfits as Widow Twankey. popular Midlands panto Dame, Andrew Ryan ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons (as Sarah the Cook). the tights to star as Buttons in this ever-pop- The story of a young man who heads off on Aladdin: The Wok’n’Roll ular pantomime tale. Homecoming hero his travels in search of fame and fortune, Panto Jonathan is pretty much a festive fixture at Dick Whittington is one of the most popular the Regent Theatre nowadays, as is his good Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, pal Christian Patterson, who’s also making a of all pantomimes. It’s therefore no surprise until Sun 8 January to find that our eponymous hero’s journey welcome return. With its comical Ugly sees him stopping off at not one, not two, They’ve done it before and now they’re doing Sisters, matchmaking fairy godmother, drop- but three theatres across the Midlands this it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute Christmas. strategy of imbuing their annual pantomime mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, As well as the Hippodrome, Dick’s also visit- with a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being ing the Coventry Belgrade, where the venue’s popular in previous years that the venue is the most popular of all pantomimes. And the long-term panto writer, director and Dame, giving the exact same treatment to its 2016 Regent Theatre production isn’t the only Iain Lauchlan, is returning for his 22nd production. So... they’ve taken this famous incarnation of this legendary fairytale show. Iain’s heading up a production that Arabian Nights story, stirred in a few time- delighting Midlands audiences this comes complete with ‘singalong songs, honoured pantomime favourites, and then Christmas... amazing sets and extravagant costumes’ - seasoned liberally with all manner of rock- Theatre Severn’s version of the story features and which will no doubt be packed to its fes- ’n’roll hits - including favourites from Aretha all the usual panto elements of comedy, tive rafters with action, comedy and family Franklin, The Monkees, James Brown, The singing, dancing, audience participation and fun. Temptations and The Jackson Five. ‘stunning’ sets and costumes. And also very much as usual, it stars the ever-popular Brad Fitt, on this occasion appearing ‘as you’ve Aladdin Sleeping Beauty never seen him before’... Cinders is this year also putting some elbow Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Malvern Theatre, until Sun 8 January until Sun 22 January grease into scrubbing the stage at the Swan The tragic tale of a young princess who’s Theatre in Worcestershire, courtesy of the The Wolverhampton Grand is certainly on a tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger well-regarded Worcester Theatre Company. roll when it comes to providing high-quality on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for

Dick Whittington at Birmingham Hippodrome Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Cinderella at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

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Theatre theatre productions for younger audiences

The Snowman The Boy Who Bit Picasso

The Jungle Book

The Snowman The Jungle Book The Boy Who Bit Picasso The REP, Birmingham, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Fri 13 - Sat Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Wed 11 - Sun 15 January 14 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 15 Sun 29 January January; The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Making a welcome return to The Rep in its Telford, Sun 5 February Play-clothes are very much the order of the now almost-traditional New Year slot, day with this show - it’s fair to say things Although zany funsters Oddsocks are proba- Raymond Briggs's The Snowman is best could get decidedly messy! bly best known for their humorous takes on known for Howard Blake's classic song, An interactive theatre production for chil- the works of William Shakespeare, they occa- Walking In The Air. dren aged four and older, The Boy Who Bit sionally like to shake things up a bit by look- When a young boy’s snowman comes to life Picasso tells the story of how a young lad ing for their inspiration elsewhere. on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night- became friends with one of the greatest This is one such occasion. time quest for excitement. On their travels, artists who ever lived. Along the way, the Made universally popular by the classic Walt they meet reindeer, dancing penguins and show offers audience members the chance to Disney movie, Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book some of the Snowman’s many and varied get really hands-on by making their own art - tells the story of a young boy named Mowgli friends. hence the play-clothes recommendation! who’s been raised in the jungle by a family of The adventure's not without its anxieties, wolves. His friends, Baloo the bear and though, with the evil Jack Frost eager to get Bagheera the panther, are determined to his icy mits on the pair of unlikely chums... Treasure Island save him from the evil intentions of Shere Khan the tiger. The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 7 January The Very Hungry But keeping Mowgli safe is no walk in the This latest theatrical version of Robert Louis Caterpillar Show jungle, as his two furry pals soon find out... Stevenson’s classic tale, a modern adapta- tion by Bryony Lavery, puts an interesting New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 30 - Tues 31 January spin on the author’s swashbuckling story, Little Howard And The with the chief protagonist being a girl rather In a career stretching back to the mid-1960s, than a boy. Eric Carle has illustrated more than 70 books Magic Pencil Of Life And When pirates ransack her grandmother’s - writing most of them too. None have been Death inn, fearless Jim is drawn into the adventure more famous or successful than his 1969 mac, Birmingham, Sun 29 January of a lifetime - one which will see her not only story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. setting sail in search of buried treasure but The popular picture book has been translat- If you’ve never heard of Big Howard and also spending time in the company of a one- ed into more than 60 languages, selling in Little Howard, you’re not watching enough legged pirate with murder in mind... excess of 52 million copies. CBBC television. This stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale The pair have enjoyed huge success with is presented alongside three other popular their series, Little Howard’s Big Question - so children’s stories by the same author - The much so that heading out on a live tour is an Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister absolute no-brainer for the boys. Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly. Big Howard is human, Little Howard is an animated six-year-old who’s discovered ‘the magical pencil of life’ that drew him - The Snow Queen although somewhat disturbingly for the young chap, on the opposite end of the pen- The Blue Orange Theatre, Wed 4 - Sat 7 January cil is ‘the eraser of death’... What’s equally disconcerting for Little H is The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys. that Big Howard has had a real-life baby - When she kidnaps young Kay, it’s left to his and one who’s getting a little bit too much friend Gerda to save him from a bleak future attention... in the frostbitten wastelands... Interactive stand-up, 3D animation and a Jars Of Clay Theatre Company give this Hans succession of singalong songs should ensure Christian Andersen work a brand new treat- the show’s young audience will be every bit ment, presenting a timeless tale featuring as enthralled by the ‘live’ Howards as when ‘rip-roaring fights, brand new songs and a they’re watching them on the telly at home. traditional battle of good versus evil’.

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FEATURE

The Red Shoes

Heather Kincaid catches up with choreographer Matthew Bourne to talk about his stage reinvention of ‘the greatest dance film ever made’

“How would you define ballet?” So asks the tyrannical dance instructor, Boris Lermontov, in Powell and Pressburger's 1948 classic, The Red Shoes, going on to reveal that, for him, “it is religion.” Widely regarded as the greatest dance film ever made, The Red Shoes centres on young ballerina and star in the making Vicky Page. When Vicky falls for the company's charismatic composer, Julian Craster, the jealous Lermontov forces her to choose between love and her career, knowing full well that for Vicky, dancing is as much a necessity as living. In a sumptuous new adaptation headed for Birmingham Hippodrome next month, Matthew Bourne reinvents the story live on stage, delving deep into the film's strange, unsettling atmosphere and the complex psychology of its characters. It's one that's been on his to-do list for quite some time. “Generally, I don't really like films about dance, or dance about dance, so in some ways it was an odd choice for me,” Bourne reveals. “I first saw the film when I was a teenager, before I'd ever even seen a ballet, so really, it was the thing that introduced me to the world of dance, and I think that's true for many people. It was a kind of weird and eccentric world that I fell in love with the idea of.” Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale about a pair of enchanted shoes that force their wearer to dance until she dies, the film reworks Andersen's warning against vanity into a tale of all-consuming, almost Faustian ambition. Upon rewatching the movie, Bourne says he was surprised to find himself feeling more sympathetic

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by Heather Kincaid

towards the manipulative instructor than reflects the atmosphere of what's going on Not only does this mark a sharp change he had been in the past. Years of in the story at that point. That's based on from the rest of the production, it's also experience with dancers have taught him a famously barefoot ballet Frederick something of a departure for Matthew that to be the best at something invariably Ashton did called Dante's Sonata. We also Bourne and New Adventures, involving demands sacrifice, and there is some do a bit of Les Sylphides, and then there's the sort of complex point work he's truth to the view that love can be a a big, grand, glamorous, waltzy ballet always tended to avoid. Even the music distraction. near the beginning to represent the world has been chosen to lift this sequence out Vicky wants to be a part of. So it's almost of its time, pushing it into the brave new “People do have a problem sometimes like watching a bit of dance history - you world of the 1960s with excerpts from the with defining someone who is very can see all the references.” score of Truffaut's Fahrenheit 451. ambitious as someone who is too pushy or whatever, but I don't think ambition It's a history that Bourne has been In keeping with the movie inspiration, the should be frowned upon so much. I feel encouraging his dancers to investigate whole score for the production has been like [Vicky] knows that she's good. She and work into their performances. As well pieced together from works by the doesn't expect everything to happen to as picking up on similarities between legendary film composer Bernard her, but she knows she has talent, and I Ballet Lermontov and his own company, Hermann - best known for his iconic don't think there's anything wrong with New Adventures, he's based his vision of soundtracks to The Twilight Zone and, that.” them on his knowledge of 1940s Sadler's among various other Hitchcock films, Wells, before it became the Royal Ballet, Psycho. In Bourne’s own take on the story, Vicky when things were still a little rough has even more reason to be ambitious. A “Herman has a wonderful sort of around the edges. wartime orphan living with an bittersweet feeling about his music which increasingly distant aunt, she's far less “The dancers in a ballet company are very really suits the story very well. I think it's privileged than in the film. Like Bourne different now - much more sleek and one of the real surprises of the piece, how himself, she begins as something of an technically advanced than they would amazing the score is, and it's all been outsider to this world, taking nothing for have been in those days. I always get (the brought together and arranged by Terry granted and accustomed to striving hard dancers) to do a lot of research for my Davies, so it sounds like one score rather for success. To have come so far perhaps shows, and it's been quite a fun project for than lots of different bits and pieces. makes the prospect of hanging up her them to get to know what it was like then, “I made a decision not to use any of the ballet shoes all the more difficult to though there were a couple of things we Hitchcock scores because people would accept. couldn't follow. The men at that time be thinking about other things if they weren't very good, for example - anyone “If you watch the film, in her very first heard those, so I've chosen less well- who was vaguely interested would be in a appearance, she's sitting at the ballet in a known stuff from the ’30s and ’40s. There company because male dancers were so beautiful dress with a sort of crown or are some concert pieces he wrote, as well hard to come by, so I've told them that tiara on her head. It’s quite extreme, and as some from a film called The Ghost And they have to dance better than that!” perhaps that's one of the things people Mrs Muir, which I've always felt has one of like about it, but when you're telling a Famously, the big finale is a new ballet the most beautiful film scores ever. story today, people tend to prefer the idea version of the original Hans Christian There's also some from Citizen Kane, of someone who has to struggle a bit Andersen tale, with striking visuals and which I've known for many years but more. She's only from slightly more an almost unreal quality. In Bourne's never realised before how great the music humble beginnings - she's not a Little dance version, The Red Shoes ballet has is for dancing.” Match Girl waif - but it's not a foregone been made to deliberately stand apart With the current abundance of TV talent conclusion that she's going to get from the more traditional, period styles of shows, a growing obsession with everything she wants.” design and movement employed earlier in celebrities and increasing competition for the show. In addition to rewriting Vicky's backstory, creative careers, the story of what it takes Bourne has also fleshed out the life and “We've tried to make it feel like they're to be a star feels in many ways more work of the company as a whole, doing something new and original and timely now than ever, even if dancers providing them with a repertoire of their forward-looking, so the movement is more don't yet enjoy the same recognition as own. contemporary in some ways. We've also their contemporaries in acting and music. tried to create a look that's very different But perhaps the success of shows like “We have several little ballets in the piece from the rest of the show - I don't want to Strictly is set to change all that... which the company are either rehearsing give away too much because it comes as or performing. There's a beach ballet quite a surprise when it happens, but the which creates a link to the actual beach whole set changes. I guess it's a bit like an The Red Shoes shows at Birmingham when they visit Monte Carlo. In the MGM musical with Gene Kelly or Fred Hippodrome from Tuesday 7 to second half, we have what we call the Astaire where they'd have what they used Saturday 11 February 'Good vs Evil' ballet - it's called Concerto to call a dream ballet.” Macabre in the programme - which

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Dance Dance previews from around the region

Motionhouse: Scattered

Old Rep, Birmingham, Tues 31 January - Fri 3 “The Motionhouse dance experience cradles February; Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, virtually all other art forms,” says the com- Thurs 16 - Fri 17 February pany’s co-founder and director, Kevin Touring since 2009, Scattered sees local com- Finnan. “We’re working with people who are pany Motionhouse bringing together their filmmakers, composers, visual artists and trademark physical dance theatre and mes- digital artists to create our productions. Our merising aerial imagery to create a unique dancers are gymnasts, break dancers, aerial- interaction between film and live perform- ists - and this diversity in skills and art forms ance. means a production can be a very moving The critically acclaimed work explores the experience, but also an extraordinary visual majesty and savagery of water, with seven event. You should explore it even if you dancers plunging into an ocean, wrestling a think it’s not for you, because it really is so raging tide and sliding on an avalanche to a incredibly diverse.” frozen landscape of arctic beauty.

under the microscope by Agudo, whose new Anton & Erin: Swing Time work strikes an overarching tone that’s both Highly Sprung: Fall Out Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 28 January; epic and poetic. In the process, the choreog- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 13 - Sat 14 January Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 24 February rapher brings ‘hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary under- pinned by ACE Dance & Music’s inimitable African style’. “Ten will build on the themes of spiritual dedication and striving,” explain ACE. “Ultimately this piece will be about humani- ty’s urge to reach for the power of 10 - the universal symbol of completion.”

Sonia Sabri Company: Akaar Celebrity dancing duo Anton du Beke and The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 28 January Erin Boeg return to Birmingham’s Symphony “We’ve always tried to create something Hall this month with their brand new show. which is groundbreaking and pioneering,” This latest work from Midlands-based Highly Blending smart choreography, sassy tunes says Sonia Sabri. “I feel proud to say that Sprung Performance Co has been produced and sparkly costumes, the production pays we’ve presented something that’s very new in response to what the company describes homage to the golden years of swing and fea- and very different. We’ve been at the fore- as a growing concern about young people tures a host of much-loved numbers, includ- front of creating new ideas, and that’s exact- ‘no longer having a voice or control over ing I Got Rhythm, Moondance, Guys And ly what we intend to continue doing.” their own future’. Dolls, Strike Up The Band and I Could Have Sabri’s belief in the need to push the bound- The story focuses on three teenagers on the Danced All Night. aries of dance is reflected in this special per- roof of a nightclub, thrown together through The popular pair are joined by a 25-piece formance event. “It aims to celebrate emerg- circumstance, who’re all searching for an orchestra, six ensemble dancers and guest ing and undiscovered talent,” she explains, answer to the same question - who, if any- singer Lance Ellington. Richard Balcombe “and to support the interest and breadth of body, cares? conducts. South Asian arts being created across the A young revolutionary named Jay thinks he Midlands.” knows how to bring about change: Featuring both individuals and groups, the “Thousands of us,” he says, “on the last day ACE Dance & Music: Ten show includes non-South Asian artists and of exams - we’re all gonna jump. They’ll have to listen to us then, they’ll have no choice...” Lichfield Garrick, Fri 27 January performers who are presenting work with a South Asian flavour. Set in empty studio spaces, Fall Out com- “I’m interested in exploring the concepts of bines physical theatre performance with the moving away and leaving,” explains Ten’s experience of a club night. choreographer, Jose Agudo, “of surviving in “Audiences are invited to enter a nightclub,” a land without a place to go, of looking at Highly Sprung explain. “Dance becomes how and why people choose previously interspersed with story, movement and dia- unimagined destinies over the lives they’d logue, and action takes place around and always thought they’d live - and how power above the audience. It’s a self-contained, can reflect the fragility of the human being.” interactive, promenade experience.” Humanity’s universal stories are placed whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Arts Council DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 14:37 Page 1

FEATURE

why culture matters

When it comes to art and culture, the West Midlands region has plenty to shout about. Peter Knott, the Midlands Area Director for Arts Council England, explains why...

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Arts Council DPS.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 14:37 Page 2

by Peter Knott

Art, culture and creativity are big organisations are adding more than at the heart of city-wide plans is business. Without them, the West £300million to the regional economy. This generating for each place. Midlands would be a much poorer place, is a fantastic return on the Arts Council The lasting impact of this concerted effort culturally, socially and financially. and other major stakeholders’ investment. to make art, culture and creativity central For me, it reinforces why, during times of I spend a lot of my time in Birmingham, to their visions for the future is a reminder austerity, investing in arts and culture where one of the Arts Council’s national that the value of art goes beyond just remains crucial. offices is based. But I’m lucky enough to enjoyment and economics. travel across the region, seeing how our I was struck by John Clancy’s words as the As well as making a huge impact on investment is making great things happen leader of Birmingham City Council when health, wellbeing and crime prevention, in a constantly evolving landscape. he talked about the arts as a ‘key indicator arts and culture are at the heart of human of a city’s success and as important as It’s a privilege to work in what I consider expression. They bring people together. quality housing to driving investment.’ to be England’s most vibrant and They help foster pride in the places we interesting sector, and I’m continually Since the end of last year, the Arts Council come from. And they provide an impressed by the creative energy and has invested more than £15.7million in arts opportunity for us to talk about our lives ambition of the West Midlands. and culture in the West Midlands, building in a unique and continually evolving way. on the £46.5million already announced for Looking back over the last year, Creative Black Country’s work with the the region in July 2014. It’s fantastically Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery was landlords of Desi Pubs is testament to this. exciting to see the impact this is having. the most visited civic museum in England. In a story of east meets west, these Ironbridge Gorge celebrated its 30th year In his autumn statement last year, the landlords have worked with artists to as one of the country’s first UNESCO then Chancellor of the Exchequer celebrate and share the heritage of their World Heritage Sites. Coventry’s Belgrade described cutting public funding for the local community with punters. scooped a UK Theatre Award for its arts as a false economy. I couldn’t agree From great art enjoyed over a curry and promotion of diversity. And Creative Black more, and the evolution of the West pint to the legacy of the world’s greatest Country helped get off the ground more Midlands Combined Authority is a prime playwright, the West Midlands offers than 32 new artistic and cultural projects example of why. something to suit everyone’s artistic produced by local people. More and more people are choosing to tastes. These are just a few of the cultural relocate to the West Midlands - With the New Year before us, now is the highlights our region has been - and particularly from London. The cultural time for us to think even harder about should be - shouting about. But all this offer here and the dynamic this creates, what art and culture can do for people in doesn’t happen by accident. It’s down to combined with affordable living, is a key the West Midlands. But we can only do the hard work and dedication of the reason for this. that in conversation with you. people who work within this thriving Henrietta Brealey of the Greater sector. We need more and better partnerships at a Birmingham Chamber summed this up local level. It’s not only about the Arts Despite increasing budget pressures - and when she said: “There’s more to England Council working with local authorities. It’s a very real need to balance the books - our than the North and London, the Midlands also about the Arts Council, local ambition is to see art and culture continue has a unique offer.” authorities and local people working to flourish in the West Midlands. Through With three of the region’s major cities all together, brokering partnerships that our local investments, we want to see vying to be UK City of Culture in 2021, this involve higher education, businesses and more people enjoy opportunities to unique offer is poised to really take off development agencies. experience the very best of our nation’s over the next few years. Coventry, creative talent in the places where they So, as a resolution for 2017: Never Hereford and Stoke each have their own live. But we also want to see culture undervalue the power of arts and culture. distinctive heritage on which to build their continue to fuel our region’s economy. It’s a mistake we can’t afford to make. bids. But what is perhaps most exciting, is In Birmingham alone, artistic and cultural the energy and pride that putting culture

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Film Jan GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:29 Page 1

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk

Win!

Tickets to Made In India Tickets to What's In A Name? Tickets to Cirque Beserk

Closes Thursday 19 January Closes Friday 20th January Closes Monday 13 February

Tickets to The Snowman Tickets to The Fizzogs Tickets to Tattoo Freeze

Closes Friday 6 January Closes Friday 6 January Closes Monday 23 January

Tickets to MCM Comic Con Tickets to Matthew Bourne's Tickets to Crufts 2017 Midlands The Red Shoes

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Closes Monday 23 January Closes Monday 30 January Closes Wednesday 18 January

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Film

La La Land CERT 12a (128 mins) Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, JK Simmons, Finn Wittrock, Tom Everett Scott Directed by Damien Chazelle (USA) At the date of going to press, La La Land is the movie to beat at the 2017 Oscars - partic- ularly for best picture, best actor, best actress and best director. It’s what insiders say has ‘The Artist’ vote - an original that has the finesse to out-gun all the porten- tous, well-meaning dramas. Chazelle’s last film, the suspenseful and dis- tinctive Whiplash, won an Oscar for best supporting actor (JK Simmons). But La La Land is a musical, and a romantic musical at that. Emma Stone plays an aspiring actress who meets a jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) in Los Angeles (hence the title) and they fall in love. It’s as simple as that. Well, not quite. The chemistry between the stars was a given as they’d previously played lovers in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) and Gangster Squad (2013). Released Fri 13 January CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in January...

Assassin’s Creed CERT 12a tbc Starring Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling, Michael K Williams Directed by Justin Kurzel (UK/France/Hong Kong/USA) Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard were previously paired in Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth (last year) and obviously got on so well that they’ve all reunited for this. But far from that blasted heath, Assassin’s Creed is set in 15th century Spain as well as in the present day. Fassbender plays Callum Lynch, a career criminal who is plugged A Monster Calls Silence CERT 15 (161 mins) into the skillset of his ancestor Aguilar CERT 12a (108 mins) Starring Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam de Nerha, a renowned assassin. Based Neeson, Tadanobu Asano, Ciarán Hinds on the video game franchise of the Starring Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell, Lewis MacDougall, Geraldine Directed by Martin Scorsese same name. In 3D. (USA/Taiwan/Italy/Mexico) Chaplin, and the voice of Liam Neeson Released Sun 1 January Directed by JA Bayona (Spain/UK/USA) Before he became a filmmaker, Martin Scorsese wanted to be a priest, and his inter- Based on the unusual novel by Patrick Ness, this Spanish co-production with the UK and est in spiritualism and transcendence kept the USA does not fall easily into any catego- his interest in an adaptation of Sh saku ry. It stars Lewis MacDougall as a young boy End 's titular novel alive for over 20ū years. whose mother (Felicity Jones) is dying of The ōstory of two Jesuit priests who travel to cancer. He then finds unexpected help in the 17th century Japan to locate their mentor form of a monstrous, story-telling yew tree. (Liam Neeson) has elicited considerable Tree-huggers should love it. Oscar buzz. Scorsese describes it as a thriller. Released Sun 1 January Released Sun 1 January

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Film

Manchester By The Sea CERT 15 (137 mins) Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges, Gretchen Mol, Matthew Broderick Directed by Kenneth Lonergan (USA) Another film trailing Oscar murmurings sees Casey Affleck (a shoo-in for a best actor nom- ination) as Lee Chandler, a man who returns to his roots. After his brother dies, Lee is made legal guardian of his nephew, which brings him back in touch with his ex-wife (Williams). The director Kenneth Lonergan may not be a household name, but with films like You Can Count On Me (2000) and Margaret (2011) to his credit, he is a critics’ favourite. Released Fri 13 January CRITIC’S CHOICE

got his real family and many years later Lion CERT PG (118 mins) he began to search for them on Google Starring Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Earth… Wenham, Nicole Kidman, Sunny Pawar Directed by Garth Davis Saroo’s experiences were recorded in his (Australia/USA/UK) memoir, A Long Way Home, from which At the age of five, Saroo Brierley found this international co-production was himself alone on the teeming streets of adapted. The film received rave reviews Calcutta, 1,500 kilometres from his home at the Toronto Film Festival, particularly and family. He managed to survive and for the performances of Patel and was eventually adopted by an Australian Kidman. couple in Tasmania. But Saroo never for- Released Fri 20 January

Underworld: Blood Wars The Bye Bye Man CERT tbc CERT 15 (96 mins) Starring Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, Tobias Starring Douglas Smith, Lucien Laviscount, Menzies, Charles Dance Cressida Bonas, Doug Jones, Carrie-Anne Directed by Anna Foerster (USA) Moss, Faye Dunaway A sequel to Underworld: Awakening (2012), Directed by Stacy Title (USA) this is the fifth instalment in the Underworld The Bye Bye Man joins the ranks of the Grim series. Selene, the so-called vampire ‘death Reaper, Freddy Krueger, the Candyman and dealer,’ is now really miffed at being the Babadook as characters you really betrayed by the Lycan clan and the Vampire wouldn’t want to spend time with. So it’s faction and sets out to end the conflict bye-bye for three college students who stum- between them. It could cost her dearly, of ble across the identity of this mean-spirited course. entity. And, yes, it’s that Cressida Bonas who Released Fri 13 January plays the hapless Sasha. Released Fri 13 January

Irreplaceable CERT 12 (98 mins) Starring François Cluzet, Marianne Denicourt, Isabelle Sadoyan Directed by Thomas Lilti (France) In his parish, Jean-Pierre Werner (Cluzet) was more than just the local doctor. He helped, comforted and even healed his patients. Then, one day, he discovers that he, himself, is seriously ill… Released Fri 13 January

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Film releases in December

xXx: Return Of Denial CERT 12a (110 mins) Sing CERT U (108 mins) Xander Cage CERT tbc Starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson, With the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Timothy Spall, Andrew Scott, Jack Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, John C Starring Vin Diesel, Deepika Padukone, Donnie Lowden, Caren Pistorius Reilly, Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson Yen, Tony Jaa, Samuel L Jackson, Toni Directed by Mick Jackson (UK/USA) Directed by Garth Jennings (USA) Collette Directed by DJ Caruso (USA) It’s another of those amazing-but-true It’s the X Factor - except with animals. From Just when you think that Vin Diesel couldn’t stories. The American professor the company that brought us Despicable Me pop out another sequel, along comes one Deborah E Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) is and The Secret Life Of Pets. In 3D. more. Here, he reprises his role as Xander forced to prove in Cage (aka xXx), the government agent who’s Released Fri 27 January an English court rather adept at extreme athletic pursuits. that the historian When he fears for the future of the world, David Irving Xander emerges out of exile in the hope of (Timothy Spall) recovering a horrendous weapon known as was lying when ‘Pandora’s Box.’ he said that the Released Thurs 19 January Holocaust never happened. Released Fri 27 January

Hacksaw Ridge CERT tbc Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam The White King Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa CERT 12a (88 mins) Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Vaughn Starring Lorenzo Allchurch, Agyness Deyn, Directed by Mel Gibson (USA/Australia) Ross Partridge, Fiona Shaw, Greta Scacchi, Jonathan Pryce Directed by Alex Helfrecht and Another of those stories too true to be Jörg Tittel (UK/Germany/Sweden/Hungary) believed: Desmond Doss (Garfield) was György Dragomán's titular 2005 Hungarian Jackie CERT 15 (100 mins) a Seventh-day Adventist and conscien- novel has been translated into 28 languages. Starring Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, tious objector who It has a whiff of Orwell’s 1984 about it and Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, John Hurt, participated in the now, in this international co-production Richard E Grant Pacific conflict in Directed by Pablo Larraín (USA/Chile/France) directed by the husband-and-wife team WII and was Helfrecht and Tittel, joins a long list of recent After the derided biopics on Princess Diana awarded the films set in a dystopian future. The best bit is and Princess Grace, it’s a relief to report that Medal of Honor – the opening credits, where the set-up is ani- this is not a turkey. It’s the story of Jackie even though he mated in a stark, monochromatic design that Kennedy and how she copes after the assas- refused to pick up would have thrilled the likes of Lenin and sination of her husband, JFK. Natalie a firearm. Stalin. What follows, though, is a misjudged Portman would seem destined for an Oscar Released Fri 27 January interpretation in which a seemingly idyllic, nomination. agricultural central European backwater is Released Fri 20 January populated by Americans. Rules Don’t Apply As the 12-year-old Djata (Allchurch) tries to CERT 12a tbc reconcile his father’s absence, a ragbag of Starring Warren Beatty, Lily Collins, foreign actors makes his life hell. Alden Ehrenreich, Annette Bening, It’s the tone that ultimately emasculates the Matthew Broderick, Candice Bergen film’s intentions, being an earnest warning Directed by Warren Beatty (USA) against the ills of Communism that its author Howard Hughes (Beatty) applies strict suffered first-hand under the regime of rules to his staff: nobody in his employ Nicolae Ceausescu. is allowed to dally with an actress. But then Hughes’ Released Fri 27 January driver Frank (Ehrenreich) Split CERT 15 (117 mins) meets the gor- Starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, geous Baptist Jessica Sula, Haley Lu Richardson, Betty virgin Marla Buckley Directed by M Night Shyamalan (USA) Mabrey That’s split as in split personality. Kevin (Collins) who is (James McAvoy), whose pastime is the on the brink of abduction of teenage girls, has 23 distinct appearing in personalities. But there’s another, and it’s the movies… about to be unleashed… Released Released Fri 20 January Fri 27 January

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Visual Arts January (2).qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 14:23 Page 1

Visual Arts

Chanda Mama door ke (From Far Away Uncle Moon Calls) The Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 14 January - Sat 11 March The widely acclaimed Subodh Gupta works across painting, sculpture and installation, transforming everyday materials of Indian life into pieces of often spectacular art. He seeks not only to reflect upon his country’s eco- nomic transformation, but also to encourage viewers to question the material, cultural and spiritual values attributed to the objects that he uses. “My themes are universal,” explains the 52-year-old Indian artist, “and this is despite the fact that my references may be termed ‘Indian village tradi- tions’, such as the importance of food and the usage of cow dung. The para- doxes of our life are there for all to see in my art’s combination of local and global languages.”

The Play’s The Thing The exhibition also reveals some of the RSC’s On Reflection more gory theatrical secrets. These include Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon how a snapping carrot can replicate the RBSA Gallery, Birmingham, Mon 9 January - Sat 4 March noise of a bone breaking, how crispy cereals and glue are mixed to make scabs, and how “My most actors keep soup in their mouths so that they recent work,” can ‘vomit’ on stage. explains Angela Dooley in talking Spectrum: Colour about her latest exhibition, And Abstraction “has been Wolverhampton Art Gallery, inspired by the Sat 14 January - Sun 26 March reflections cre- Described as ‘a spectacle of pure pigment ated by the city and form’, Spectrum provides visitors with a landscape, dis- rare opportunity to enjoy the best of torting old and Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s collection of new buildings 20th century abstract paintings, prints, draw- in intricate ings and sculptures. changing pat- Renowned artists whose work is featured in terns, providing an embellishment and view the exhibition include Joan Miro, Patrick not predicted at the time of construction.” The Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) Heron, Gillian Ayres, Joe Tilson, Gary Hume A former art teacher, Angela has been able to first ever permanent exhibition, The Play’s and Bridget Riley. devote much more time to her love of paint- The Thing allows visitors to explore the With the expectation that the artwork will ing since retiring after 37 years in the class- imaginative ways that Shakespeare’s stories, inspire the creativity of those who view it, room. settings and characters have been brought to the gallery “I work mainly in watercolour and acrylics, life on stage. has set up a choosing a wide range of subjects for inspi- Treasures from the Company’s archive, such space for visi- ration, initially trying to capture and develop as rarely seen props, exquisite costumes and tors to create studies of atmospheric light, shade and spa- original set designs, are much in evidence, and display tial depth in land and city scapes. as are hands-on digital experiences - visitors cut-paper “Images created by trees, water and the mod- can try on virtual costumes and stand on the abstract col- ern city landscape have all been a source of RSC stage via state-of-the-art technology. lages. inspiration.” Image © The Estate of Patrick Heron.

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Mechanical Things: Adventures And Inventions From The World Of Rowland Emett Thinktank at Millennium Point, Birmingham, until Sun 5 March Known for his quirky paintings and fantastical mechanical contraptions - most famous among which is surely Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Rowland Emett took a lighthearted and modest approach to his art. “It’s a well-known fact that all inventors get their first ideas on the back of an envelope,” he once said. “I take slight exception to this; I use the front, so that I can incorporate the stamp - and then the design is already half done.” This new presentation of work by Emett, who died in 1990 aged 84, features some of his most significant cre- ations, including the aforementioned Chitty and his last and largest machine, A Quiet Afternoon In The Cloud Cuckoo Valley. Quirky inventions by a number of Emett-inspired artists are also displayed, as are interactive kinetic art and exhibits from Stratford-upon-Avon’s MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum.

For more visual arts listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events January.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 11:27 Page 1

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Events

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour testant on last year’s live tour, makes her debut as the show’s host. “The live tour always has such a great atmosphere,” says Len Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 20 - Sun 22 January Goodman, “and this 10th tour will definitely be one to remember, The Strictly Come Dancing Live UK tour will be celebrating 10 years especially as it comes as I complete my final year on the TV series as on the road when it waltzes into Birmingham this month. Head Judge. Rest assured, audiences, this tour will be a 10 from Len!” The 2017 edition of the show sees Len Goodman and Craig Revel Taking to the dancefloor this year are, among others, presenter and Horwood joined on the judging panel by the 2006 winner of the TV singer Louise Redknapp, model Daisy Lowe, actress Lesley Joseph, series, professional dancer Karen Hardy. sports presenter Ore Oduba, actor Danny Mac and former shadow Countryfile's Anita Rani, a semi-finalist in the 2015 series and a con- chancellor Ed Balls.

Wolverhampton Literary Festival Various venues across Wolverhampton, Fri 27 - Sun 29 January Wolverhampton’s first ever literary festival features acclaimed authors, musicians, workshops and children’s events. Included among the festival’s highlights is a contribution from internet sensation, regional treasure and notorious ‘lazy cow’ Doreen Tipton. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin singer Jonn Penney (pictured) also features, talking with best-selling author Martin Roach about the common thread between music, books and independence, while former Birmingham Poet Laureate Roy McFarlane gives an hour-long solo performance at Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Budding young authors and poets can take part in week- end workshops and find out about Japanese Haiku poetry, honing their skills at character writing or combining crafts and the written word in a special ‘paperverse’ session. Commenting on the new festival, Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, said: “We’ve got a diverse literary tradition in Wolverhampton and across the Black Country, and what better way of celebrat- ing it than by hosting our own festival. Already there’s a great variety of entertainment during the weekend, with even more authors and events still to be announced.”

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more events from around the region

Lichfield Winter Beer Festival Lichfield Guildhall, Fri 27 - Sat 28 January An annual event on the Guildhall calendar, the Lichfield Winter Beer Festival provides a perfect opportunity to banish those New Year blues by sam- pling ales from some of the country’s finest breweries. In addition to high-quality beer and the promise of a friendly atmosphere, this popular two- day event offers a choice of tra- ditional ciders, a range of wines and a selection of fine foods. Entertainment comes courtesy of two local bands - 3’s Company on the Friday evening and Last Orders on the Saturday. Tattoo Freeze

The International Centre, Telford, talented tattooists who’ll be in attendance. Sun 29 January Past shows have featured some of the world’s Following on from the success of previous greatest graffiti artists, BMX and skateboard shows, this specialist one-day event offers mem- champions, shopping stalls, children’s activi- bers of the general public the chance to get ties, national roller derby tournaments and ice themselves tattooed by one (or more!) of the 200 sculpture demonstrations and workshops.

Basketball Cup Finals Camper Mart Autosport The International Centre, Telford, International Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sun 15 January Sun 29 January One of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the NEC, Birmingham, British Basketball League (BBL) calendar, this annual Thurs 12 - Sun 15 January event sees stars of the national game go head-to-head Described as ‘the world’s great- in pursuit of coveted silverware. The get-together also est four-wheel indoor extrava- features some of Europe’s top slam dunkers, giving it ganza’, Autosport International their all in a bid to become the BBL Slam Dunk caters for industry professionals Champion. and motorsport fans alike. Featuring every level of motor racing - from karting through to Formula One - the event offers visitors the chance to check out the latest performance road cars, “The aim of Camper Mart,” explain the chat to club members and watch event’s organisers, “is to cater for every precision-driving displays in the conceivable need for people who own, Live Action Arena. are restoring, maintaining, customising or who just simply display an interest in owning a Volkswagen Camper. Our trade stalls display a plethora of VW goodies, giving our visitors excellent choice. “And if you’re having problems with your bus, want some general advice on tuning, modifications or anything bus related, our resident ‘bus doctor’ team is on hand to help out.”

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Your week to week listings guide January 2017 thelist

The Tempest at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until Sat 21 January 21 TempestSat The Stratford-upon-Avonuntil Theatre, Shakespeare Royal at

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

What’s On Sun 1 to Sun 8 January Mon 9 to Sun 15 January Mon 16 to Sun 22 January Mon 23 to Tues 31 January

The Johnny Cash Roadshow at The Jungle Book at Bridge Stephen K Amos at Huntingdon Dirty Dancing at Belgrade Artrix, Bromsgrove House Theatre, Warwick Hall, Worcester Theatre, Coventry Fri 6 January Fri 13 - Sat 14 January Thurs 19 January Mon 30 January - Sat 4 February

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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 January THROUGHOUT JANUARY

ed the Victoria Cross during the First Herbert Art Gallery & ANNUAL EXHIBITION An eclectic selec- Visual Arts World War, until Sat 28 Jan Museum, Coventry tion of art created by local artists, until Sat 21 Jan NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM: RYAN GANDER BRICK WONDERS Exhibition of over 70 Artrix, Bromsgrove CURATES THE ARTS COUNCIL models, including the Great Wall of COLLECTION China and Niagara Falls, until Sun 15 Other VISUAL ARTS BILLY BAKER: SUNRISE TO SUNSET Leading British artist Jan A PLACE CALLED RUGBY Ryan Gander’s selection of artworks Exploring Familiar places of beauty, with a from the Arts Council Collection, until MADE IN THE MIDDLE A recurring tour- Rugby's past with an exhibition of strong use of colour creating dream- Sun 12 Feb ing exhibition highlighting some of railway track plans, aerial photo- like, atmospheric and dramatic CONNECTED HISTORIES: MUSLIMS IN the Midlands’ best contemporary graphs and Luftwaffe target maps, imagery, until Tues 3 Jan THE FIRST WORLD WAR A new exhibi- craft and applied art. Part of until Sat 14 Jan, Rugby Art Gallery & MIDLANDS TEXTILE FORUM: TEN YEARS tion which explores the untold stories Craftspace’s 30th anniversary pro- Museum ON Exhibition marking the 10th of more than 400,000 Muslim sol- gramme, until Sun 5 Feb CONDUCT THE STORM anniversary of the Midlands Textile diers in the First World War, until Sun Free-to- Forum and showing the breadth of 5 Mar visit installation running in conjunction creative work produced, Wed 4 - Sun Leamington Spa Art Gallery & with the theatre's Christmas show, BIRMINGHAM BIG ART PROJECT 29 Jan Museum The Tempest. Through gestures and Birmingham Big Art project is com- COLIN HITCHMOUGH DICTIONARY OF physical actions, visitors will be able missioning a major new work of pub- SILENCES to 'conduct the storm', whip up waves Birmingham Museum & lic art for the city. The exhibition of A showcase of new works and create thunder and lightning, Art Gallery shortlisted artists’ proposals is here presented alongside a selection of until Sat 21 Jan, Royal Shakespeare EAST MEETS WEST on the final leg of its tour. This is the key pieces from his portfolio, from the Presenting the Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon last chance to see the models and early 1970s to the present day, until NEW CINDY WILLIAMS Worcestershire- work of 16 emerging artists working have your say, until Sun 23 Apr Sun 8 Jan based pastel artist who mostly draws with moving image or photography, BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN her inspiration from 1920s & ’30s until Fri 6 Jan Worcester City Museum & Art CELEBRATING GANESHA A touring exhi- THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People Gallery silent film divas, Tues 10 Jan - Mon 6 bition across seven venues around explores the ways in which ordinary Mar, Evesham Arts Centre CRAFTED FOR YOU Exhibition of jew- the UK. Part of the British Museum’s Brummie folk have been represented NEW SCULPTING THE MUSEUM Michael ellery, glassware, ceramics and other National Programmes, until 8 Jan in art during the 20th and 21st cen- Shaw presents dynamic contempo- handmade crafts. A great opportunity turies... until Fri 31 Mar 2017 rary sculpture that puts a smile on HONOURING VC INDIAN SOLDIERS IN to buy unique Christmas gifts, until FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how the face, Sat 28 Jan - Sat 25 Mar, WORLD WAR ONE Exhibition telling the Sat 7 Jan stories of South Asian soldiers of the different faiths have influenced and Rugby Art Gallery & Museum British Indian Army who were award- shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ARTISTS'

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Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 January

Claude Picard (conductor), Ailish Gigs Tynan (soprano), Adi Brett (violin) & Hannah Roberts (cello), Programme includes works EDWINA HAYES Sun 1 Jan, Kitchen J.Strauss II, Vaughan Williams & Garden Cafe, Birmingham Lehar, Fri 6 Jan, Malvern Theatres THE WEDDING CRASHERS Wed 4 Jan, The Jam House, Birmingham Hannah Roberts BRIC A BRAC Wed 1 Jan, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham CAPITAL GROOVE Thurs 5 Jan, The Jam House, Birmingham BROKEN HUMANITY Thurs 5 Jan, The Marr's Bar, Worcestershire MARCH OF FATE Thurs 5 Jan, The Roadhouse, Birmingham JOHN WILSON CONDUCTS THE URBAN INTRO Fri 6 - Sat 7 Jan, The NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF Jam House, Birmingham GREAT BRITAIN Featuring Tamara ROD AND THE FACEZ Fri 6 Jan, The Stefanovich on piano. Programme Roadhouse, Birmingham includes works by Brett Dean, NEARLY DAN Fri 6 Jan, The Robin, Szymanowski & Rachmaninov, Fri 6 Bilston Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood CHERISH + MIZZ PINK Fri 6 Jan, The CBSO: THE MAGIC OF VIENNA Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until Sat 7 January River Rooms, Stourbridge Featuring Aleksandar Markovic (conductor) & Jack Liebeck (violin). As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough on his plate, dealing BAD PENNY Fri 6 Jan, O2 Academy, Programme includes works by with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, wooing the delicious Maid Birmingham J.Strauss II, Kreisler & Waldteufel, Marion and wondering how to stop the colossal Friar Tuck from eat- JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Fri 6 Jan, Sun 8 Jan, Symphony Hall, ing everything in his path, the festive season also finds him getting Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham tangled up in the many and varied traditions of pantomime. HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT Fri 6 Jan, The Empire, Coventry When the dastardly sheriff hires a pair of bungling baddies to put paid to his brother King Richard’s children - the ‘Babes’ of the title - JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE Sat 7 Jan, The Robin, Bilston he thinks his wickedness will secure him the throne of England. But KING PLEASURE AND THE BISCUIT Comedy Gigs he’s reckoned without our dashing hero, a Santa’s Sack-worth of BOYS Sat 7 Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove audience participation and more corny gags than you could fit into a ADAM HESS, ANDY ASKINS, PHIL giant-size Christmas stocking. JERROD & MARK OLVER Fri 6 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham JACK BARRY, ANDY ASKINS, PHIL alongside Channel Five’s Milkshake love and magic, until Sat 21 Jan, JERROD & MARK OLVER Sat 7 Jan, The presenter Amy Thompson, Chris Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Glee Club, Birmingham Pizzey from The Basil Brush Show, Stratford-upon-Avon Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley and ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- Quinn Patrick as Nurse Nelly, until ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa Sun 8 Jan, Malvern Theatres Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and ROOM ON THE BROOM Stage adapta- ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun OLLIE HUGHES AS ROBBIE WILLIAMS Theatre tion of Julia Donaldson's best-selling 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Sat 7 Jan, The River Rooms, book that's sure to provide a magi- Theatre cal, musical treat for children and Stourbridge A CHRISTMAS CAROL Tread The DICK WHITTINGTON families alike, until Sun 8 Jan, The Boards Theatre Company present a Starring John Barrowman as Dick THE AC30'S Sat 7 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Roadhouse, Birmingham new version of Charles Dickens' fes- Whittington, EastEnders bad lad tive tale, until Mon 2 Jan, Albany MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- Steve McFadden as the evil King Rat, BOWIE NIGHT Sat 7 Jan, The Night Theatre, Coventry renowned circus presents Xhelanly, Jodie Prenger as Fairy Bow Bells, Owl, Birmingham an ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on legendary double act The Krankies CLASSIC WONDER VETERANS WITH Russian folklore, until Sun 8 Jan, Star as Councillor & Jimmy Krankie, Matt SOLO BANTON & CREW Sat 7 Jan, City, Birmingham Slack as Idle Jack, and Andrew Ryan Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Starring as Sarah the Cook, until Sun 29 Jan, THE MIGHTY WRAITH Sun 8 Jan, The Midlands Today and BBC Coventry & Birmingham Hippodrome Roadhouse, Birmingham Warwickshire presenter Joanna THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on THE RAT PACK WITH SPECIAL GUEST Tidman as Fairy Bowbells. Award- Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two ANITA HARRIS Sun 8 Jan, Artrix, winning funnyman Marc Alden Taylor Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John Bromsgrove returns by popular demand to play Fletcher & William Shakespeare and Funny French Franc, with John- is best described as a tragicomedy NIK TURNERS NEW SPACE RITUAL Sun Robert Partridge as Dame Dotty, until exploring the intoxication and 8 Jan, The Robin, Bilston DICK WHITTINGTON Written by and Sun 8 Jan, The Attic Theatre, strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, starring Iain Lauchlan, until Sat 7 Coventry The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry CINDERELLA Starring Lucy Jane Avon ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE WOOD Quinlen in the lead role, Sam Patrick Featuring a gallant hero, a feisty as Buttons and Ben Humphrey as Classical Music damsel and a villainous baddie to the Fairy Godmother, until Sun 8 Jan, boo off stage... until Sat 7 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Worcester The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury JOHANN STRAUSS GALA With the WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Stage Johann Strauss Dancers. TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Conducted by John Rigby & featur- modern adaptation of Robert Louis Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard ing soprano Corinne Cowling, Sun Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, adventure, until Wed 11 Jan, 1 Jan Symphony Hall, Birmingham until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall MANCHESTER CAMERATA: VIENNESE SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Gillian THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magical NEW YEAR GALA Featuring Jean- Wright (Jean Slater from EastEnders) exploration of revenge, forgiveness,

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January 2017 BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE

Saturday 7th January Sunday 8th January Saturday 14 January KING PLEASURE & THE RAT PACK WITH JUSTIN THE BISCUIT BOYS SPECIAL GUEST MOORHOUSE HIGH-OCTANE JUMP AND ANITA HARRIS EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE JIVE BAND FAB TRIBUTE TO FRANK, CHARMER IS BACK! SAMMY AND DEAN

Sunday 15 January Thursday 19 January Fri 20 & Sat 21 January THE JUNGLE BOOK OH WHAT A NIGHT THE COUNTERFEIT FANTASTIC PRODUCTION A CELEBRATION OF FRANKIE STONES FROM ODDSOCKS VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS THE GREAT BRITISH TAKE OFF

COMING SOON: Johnny Cash Roadshow, Navarra String Quartet, Thelma, Hairspray, Simon Weston, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, Mark Bebbington, George Egg, John Otway, T.Rextasy, The Blues Band, Grainne Maguire, Andy Fairweather Low, Fairport Convention...

Join our Mailing List and reveive our weekly e- flyer with up-to-date information about @artrixarts upcoming shows or download our latest brochure @artrix arts centre www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Free parking on-site

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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 January THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders THE QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) Lustgarten’s visceral new play, which Biography/Drama. Starring Madina confronts the dangerous necessity of Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o. Roses compassion in a world where it is in Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 5 Jan short supply. Directed by RSC A MONSTER CALLS (12A) Deputy Artistic Director Erica Drama/Fantasy. Starring Sigourney Whyman, until Fri 10 Feb, The Swan Weaver, Felicity Jones. Electric Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Cinema, Birmingham, from Fri 6 Jan THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic LONG WAY NORTH (PG) restoration comedy, rich with seduc- Animation/Action. With the voices of tion, intrigue & danger, set in the Christa Théret, Féodor Atkine. mac, topsy-turvy world of the carnival. Birmingham, Sat 7 Jan Loveday Ingram returns to the RSC to direct, until Sat 11 Feb, The Swan I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Drama. Starring Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Dave Johns, Hayley Squires. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 4 - Fri 6 Jan; mac, THE SNOW QUEEN Jars Of Clay Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sun 8 Jan Theatre Co. present a new version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, complete with rip-roaring fights, brand new songs and a traditional NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: battle of good versus evil, Wed 4 - Sat 7 Jan, Blue Orange Theatre, Released from Sun 1 Jan, showing at Birmingham selected cinemas Ice Skate Birmingham THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW A cele- ASSASSIN'S CREED (tbc) bration of Johnny Cash’s career, cap- A MONSTER CALLS (12a) Centenary Square, Birmingham until Sun 8 January turing the essence of what it would SILENCE (TBC) It’s been a long time since Birmingham experienced a white have been like at one of his shows, Christmas, but there is at least one place in the city where people can Fri 6 Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove enjoy the delights of a winter wonderland. As in previous years, Ice GASLIGHT Kara Tointon stars in a brand new staging of Patrick Skate Birmingham is offering fun-seeking Midlanders the chance to Hamilton’s mystery thriller, Fri 6 - Sat Events pretend they’re Torvill or Dean by taking a yuletide spin across the 14 Jan, New Alexandra Theatre ‘icy wastes’ of Centenary Square. For those just wishing to spectate, THE LION THAT LOST ITS ROAR Written the Ice Lounge Bar offers a viewing platform where visitors can par- THE CHRISTMAS ICE RINK until Mon 2 by Carolyn Young, this amateur pro- take in a hot chocolate & marshmallows or, for those performing Jan, Webbs Garden Centre, duction for young children requires Wychbold, Worcestershire something a little stronger, a glass of mulled wine or cider. Another plenty of audience assistance to help attraction at the site is the Big Wheel. Take a ride right up to the top Larry the Lion roar again, Sat 7 Jan, FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE Let the The Swan Theatre, Worcester Christmas festivities continue with a and enjoy beautiful views of Birmingham’s skyline which are pretty leisurely steam train journey along THE WILL Expedition Arts present spectacular, whether you’re taking a ride in the daytime or at night. the beautiful Severn Valley, hopefully Pierre Carlet De Marivaux’s sexy with a sprinkling of snow, until Mon 2 comedy about love and money, Sat 7 Jan, Severn Valley Railway, Jan, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Kidderminster MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern festivals, Dance this ‘illuminating’ event sees visitors accessing the venue through a giant SWAN LAKE Performed by Saint lantern entrance before following a Petersburg Classic Ballet, Sat 7 Jan, lantern-lit trail around the gardens. Symphony Hall, Birmingham ntil Mon 2 Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See Packwood dressed for Christmas by professional artist Jennifer Collier, until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, Film Solihull MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS until Sun 8 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Jan, Star City, Birmingham ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Located within THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (U) the iconic Centenary Square, Ice Documentary. Starring Daisy Ridley, Skate Birmingham gives you the Aisholpan. mac, Birmingham, until opportunity to enjoy this winter sport Thurs 5 Jan in beautiful city surroundings, until MOANA (U) Adventure/Comedy. With Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, B’ham Magic Lantern Festival NATIVI TY TRAIL Follow the stars and the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Alan Birmingham Botanical Gardens, until Mon 2 January Tudyk. mac, Birmingham, until Thurs answer the Christmas questions 5 Jan before reaching the live Nativity Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern festivals, this ‘illuminating’ scene in the barn buildings. You may ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (12a) event sees visitors accessing the venue through a giant lantern even be lucky enough to see a new- entrance before following a lantern-lit trail around the gardens. Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Felicity born donkey, until Sun 8 Jan, Jones, Mads Mikkelsen. mac, Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster Aside from enjoying the collection of beautifully constructed lanterns Birmingham, Fri 6 - Mon 15 Jan and the natural scenery, visitors to the festival can also catch up with BACKSTAGE TOUR: FAMILY Discover the SILENCE (15) Drama/History. Starring rarely seen backstage areas of the Santa and his reindeer. Adam Driver, Liam Neeson. Electric theatre as The REP invites you to be Other attractions include a 12-metre-wide lantern scene - featuring Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 1 Jan an audience member, set builder, penguins, snowmen, Christmas trees and baubles - and a special FROZEN (PG) Adventure/Comedy. With prosthetics maker and assistant fairy-themed area, complete with a floating fairy, beautiful butterflies the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina stage manager, Sat 7 Jan, The REP, and thousands of bright and tiny lights. Read more about the Magic Menzel. mac, Birmingham, Mon 2 Birmingham Jan Lantern Festival online at whatsonlive.co.uk

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thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 January Jan, O2 Institute, Jan, Huntingdon Hall, 13 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham Gigs Birmingham Worcester Classical GARY DELANEY Sat 14 Jan, The Old AVENGED SEVENFOLD THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Rep Theatre, Birmingham Fri 13 Jan, Genting Sat 14 Jan, Belgrade THE WYZE GUYZ Tues Music Arena, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry 10 Jan, The Jam MESHUGGAH Fri 13 BORN IN THE EIGHTIES House, Birmingham THE HEATH QUARTET Featuring Oliver Jan, O2 Institute, Sat 14 Jan, The River MARTIN CARTHY Tues Heath & Cerys Jones (violins), Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge 10 Jan, Kitchen Gary Pomero (viola) & Christopher Garden Cafe, B’ham DPC VS THE MOST BETTER THAN NEVER Murray (cello). Programme MISERABLE TIME OF Sat 14 Jan, The ALAN BARNES & GILAD includes works by Beethoven & THE YEAR Fri 13 - Sat Asylum, Birmingham ATZMON Wed 11 Jan, Dvorak, Tues 10 Jan, Recital Hall, 14 Jan, Hare & Stratford Artshouse BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY Birmingham Conservatoire Hounds, Birmingham Sat 14 Jan, Bedworth WATERLOO Thurs 12 ANDRIS NELSONS CONDUCTS THE EVACS Fri 13 Jan, Civic Hall Jan, The Swan BRUCKNER Programme includes O2 Academy, B’ham Theatre Worcester IVORY WAVE Sat 14 works by Maxwell Davies & MARKUS BIRDMAN, PHIL NICHOL & IN2MINDS Fri 13 Jan, Jan, O2 Academy, Bruckner, Thurs 12 Jan, Symphony MARK SIMMONS Sat 14 Jan, The APOLLO SOUL Thurs 12 The River Rooms, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham Jan, The Jam House, Stourbridge Birmingham NTH CAVE Sat 14 Jan, ANDREW RYAN, TOM DEACON & COMIC WILL YOUNG: JAZZ The Actress & Bishop, TBC Sat 14 Jan, The Glee Club, POETS OF THE FALL SESSIONS Fri 13 - Sat Birmingham Birmingham Thurs 12 Jan, O2 14 Jan, Pizza Express Institute, Birmingham CALORIES & FRIENDS GARY DELANEY Sun 15 Jan, The Glee Live, Birmingham Sat 14 - Sun 15 Jan, Club, Birmingham SOUNDS OF THE ENDORPHINMACHINE: Hare & Hounds, SIXTIES Fri 13 Jan, PRINCE TRIBUTE Sat 14 Birmingham The Roadhouse, Jan, The Roadhouse, Birmingham THE SOUNDS OF ROD Birmingham FEATURING STAN TERRY THE OTHER COVERS SARA COLMAN Sat 14 Fri 13 Jan, Swan Theatre TRIO Fri 13 Jan, The Jan, Symphony Hall, Theatre, Worcester Marr's Bar, Worcester A WAYNE IN A MANGER Stage2 present Birmingham OBOE QUARTETS WITH RAINER RICKY NELSON TRIBUTE a staging of Gervase Phinn’s funny FRANKLY SINATRA Fri GIBBONS Featuring Rainer Gibbons IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC - TRAVELIN' MAN Sun and touching nativity play anecdotes, 13 Jan, Belgrade (oboe), Jonathan Martindale (vio- ROCK DISCO Sat 14 15 Jan, The Wed 11 - Sat 14 Jan, Crescent Theatre, Coventry lin), Christopher Yates (viola) & Jan, Route 44, B’ham Roadhouse, B’ham Theatre, Birmingham DEVIL YOU KNOW Fri 13 David Powell (cello). Programme TOM PAXTON Sat 14 includes works by JC Bach, Britten SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS & Mozart, Fri 13 Jan, CBSO Centre, Fun-packed family pantomime from Birmingham Three Spires Musical Society and the Guildhall, Wed 11 - Sun 15 Jan, CASTALIAN STRING QUARTET Albany Theatre, Coventry Featuring Sini Simonen & Daniel Roberts (violins), Charlotte THE SNOWMAN Stage show based on Bonneton (viola) & Christopher Raymond Briggs' popular children's Graves (cello). Programme com- book, Wed 11 Jan - Sun 15 Jan, The prises Haydn’s String Quartet in G, REP, Birmingham Op. 76 No.1 & String Quartet in D, VAMPIRES ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Classic Op 76 No. 5 ‘Largo’, Fri 13 Jan, rock spectacular, a sequel to the The Barber Institute, Birmingham phenomenally successful Vampires NAVARRA STRING QUARTET - Rock Musical Concert, Thurs 12 Jan, BROMSGROVE CONCERTS Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Programme includes works by FIZZOGS 'SUCK IT & SEE' TOUR Brand Haydn, Britten, Schubert & new comedy sketch show featuring Brahms, Fri 13 Jan, Artrix, Black Country comedian Jonny Cole, Bromsgrove Thurs 12 - Sat 14 Jan, Crescent OBOE QUARTETS WITH RAINER GIB- Theatre, Birmingham BONS Featuring Jonathan THE JUNGLE BOOK Oddsocks bring Martindale (violin), Christopher their inimitable humour to Rudyard Yates (viola) & David Powell (cello). Kipling’s empowering story, Fri 13 - Programme includes works by J.C Sat 14 Jan, Bridge House Theatre, Bach, Britten & Mozart, Fri 13 Jan, Warwick and Sun 15 Jan, Artrix, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Bromsgrove

Comedy Gigs

FAT PENGUIN IMPROV Wed 11 Jan, The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham LEE NELSON Thurs 12 Jan, Henry Tudor House ANDREW RYAN, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 12 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham COMEDY CENTRAL IMPRACTICAL JOKERS Fri 13 Jan, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham ANDREW RYAN, TOM DEACON, ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN & COMIC TBC Fri

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thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 January Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 13 - Dance Sun 15 Jan ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Felicity FALL OUT Highly Sprung Jones, Mads Mikkelsen. Roses Performance Company present a Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 13 - Sun 15 high-energy physical theatre per- Jan formance which explores the story REBECCA (PG) Drama/Film-Noir. of three young people whose night Starring Laurence Olivier, Joan out leads to a journey of self-discov- Fontaine. Screening will be preceded ery, testing friendships and ques- by a forty minute lecture from tioning identity and loyalty, Fri 13 - Professor Linda Williams. Electric Sat 14 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 14 Jan Coventry FINDING DORY (U) Adventure/Comedy. With the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Idris Elba. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 14 Jan MOANA (U) Adventure/Comedy. With Film the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Sat 14 - Sun 15 Jan Vampires Rock: Ghost Train I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Drama. Starring BLUE VELVET (18) Mystery/Thriller. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 12 January Dave Johns, Hayley Squires. Artrix, Starring Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Bromsgrove, Mon 9 Jan Hopper. mac, Birmingham, Sun 15 Steve Steinman’s cult rock show focuses on the exceedingly evil Jan ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE (15) doings of the undead creature of the night that is Baron Von Rockula, Comedy. Starring Jennifer Saunders, malevolent owner of the Live And Let Die club. When the ill-fated Joanna Lumley. Stourbridge Town venue burns to the ground, the baron and his band of blood-sucking Hall, Mon 9 Jan NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: vampires take refuge in the Ghost Train - an old, abandoned fair- LIFE, ANIMATED (PG) Released from Fri 13 Jan, showing at ground ride - and hatch a cunning plan to lure victims into a world of Documentary/Drama. Starring selected cinemas Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried. rock’n’roll hell... mac, Birmingham, Mon 9 - Tues 10 THE BYE BYE MAN (tbc) Expect classic anthems aplenty, including We Will Rock You, Bat Out Jan IRREPLACABLE (12) Of Hell and Sweet Child Of Mine. SULLY (12a) Drama/Biography. LA LA LAND (12A) Starring Tom Hanks, Laura Linney. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 Jan UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS (tbc) DAVID BOWIE IS - ENCORE SCREENING (PG) Documentary. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 10 Jan THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH (18) Sci- Fi/Drama. Starring David Bowie, Events Candy Clark. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 10 Jan PERFORMANCE CAR SHOW Featuring CHI-RAQ (15) Crime/Drama. Starring iconic brands like Lamborghini, Nick Cannon, Teyonah Parris. mac, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Birmingham, Tues 10 - Thurs 12 Jan Porsche, the show is the ultimate destination for performance car afi- A STREETCAT NAMED BOB (12a) cionados, Thurs 12 - Sun 15 Jan, Biography/Comedy. Starring Bob the NEC, Birmingham Cat, Luke Treadaway. mac, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Jan JACOB SHEEP WALK & TALK Join the ranger to meet Jacob Sheep and find out a little more about these woolly friends, Fri 13 Jan, Charlecote Park, Warwick AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL A must- see event for motorsport fans and performance car aficionados, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Jan, NEC, Birmingham BACKSTAGE TOUR: MEET THE SNOWMAN Meet The Snowman on stage and have your photo taken with him before enjoying a behind-the-scenes guided tour. Visit some of the areas of the theatre usually closed to the public and join in with special activi- ties, Sat 14 Jan, The REP, Birmingham THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12a) PROGRESS WRESTLING - CHAPTER 42 Drama/Romance. Starring Michael Sun 15 Jan, O2 Academy, Fassbender, Alicia Vikander. Artrix, Birmingham Bromsgrove, Thurs 12 - Fri 13 Jan MUSIC MAZE Creative, participatory LA LA LAND (12a) Comedy/Musical. workshops for children aged eight to Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. 11 inclusive, Sun 15 Jan, CBSO Fri 13 - Sun 15 Jan; Electric Cinema, Centre, Birmingham Birmingham, from Fri 13 Jan COLLATERAL BEAUTY (12a) Drama. Starring Will Smith, Kate Winslet. whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 16 - 22 January - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:47 Page 1 The List 16 - 22 January - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:47 Page 2

thelist Monday 16 - Sunday 22 January Thurs 19 Jan, The THE BUSBY BABES Sat Gigs Robin, Bilston 21 Jan, The Robin, Classical Music Comedy Gigs THE BLUE AEROPLANES Bilston Thurs 19 Jan, Hare & BRAXIMUSIC Sat 21 MC HANSEN AND LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 16 Jan, Hounds, Birmingham Jan, Albany Theatre, CARLY DOW Mon 16 TROTTER Programme includes works The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham UNFATHOMABLE Coventry Jan, Kitchen Garden by J.S Bach, Handel, Gounod, Widor JETHRO Mon 16 Jan, Wolverhampton RUINATION, THE FALLEN Sat 21 Jan, Cafe, Birmingham & E. Bonnal, Mon 16 Jan, Grand Theatre ATROCITY EXHIBIT & The Roadhouse, HALFNOISE Mon 16 Birmingham Town Hall SPAWNED FROM HATE Birmingham STEPHEN K AMOS Thurs 19 Jan, Jan, O2 Academy, BERGEN PHILHARMONIC FEAT. EDWARD Thurs 19 Jan, The Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Birmingham THE DEFINITIVE ELVIS GARDNER Programme includes works Flapper, Birmingham EXPERIENCE Sat 21 POSITIVELY FOURTH by Grieg, Elgar & Walton, Tues 17 TOMMY EMMANUEL Fri Jan, Palace Theatre, STREET Tues 17 Jan, Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 20 Jan, Birmingham Redditch Kitchen Garden Cafe, CELIA CRAIG OBOE RECITAL Town Hall Birmingham THE WHITE BUFFALO Programme comprises Poulenc’s THE PRETTY RECKLESS Sat 21 Jan, O2 ANA POPOVIC AND HER Sonata, followed by public master- Fri 20 Jan, O2 Institute, Birmingham BAND Tues 17 Jan, class at 5.45pm, Tues 17 Jan, Recital Institute, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston ALIVE AND BREL Sat Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire SOLID SOUL Fri 20 - 21 Jan, Crescent BUTTERNUT Tues 17 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY Sat 21 Jan, The Jam Theatre, Birmingham Jan, The Jam House, ORCHESTRA Featuring Vassily House, B’ham Birmingham BOLLYWOOD BRASS Sinaisky (conductor) & Benjamin THE SMYTHS Fri 20 BAND Sat 21 Jan, Beilman (violin). Programme SARAH GAIL BRAND Jan, The Assembly, mac, Birmingham includes works by Tchaikovsky, Tues 17 Jan, mac, Leamington Spa Prokofiev & Dvorak, Wed 18 - Sat 21 Birmingham THE PETE BODDIS BAND ARRIVAL UK - THE NO.1 Sat 21 Jan, Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE BOOGIE BAPTISTES INTERNATIONAL ABBA Huntingdon Hall, DIE FLEDERMAUS Presented by Opera Wed 18 Jan, The Jam TRIBUTE Fri 20 Jan, Worcester Warwick, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Jan, House, Birmingham Belgrade Theatre, REAL TO REEL - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY Coventry MARILLION TRIBUTE BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE WIND & Wed 18 Jan, THE SUPERSKAS Fri 20 Sat 21 Jan, Route 44, BRASS ENSEMBLES: EASTERN PROMISE Belgrade Theatre, Jan, The Robin, Birmingham Featuring Chun-Chieh Yen (cello) & Coventry PAUL SINHA, LARRY DEAN & BARRY Bilston BACK TO THE 80’S Craig Hughes (euphonium). DODDS Thurs 19 Jan, The Bramall, DINOSAUR Wed 18 AMBER ARCADES Fri PARTY WITH THE GR8’S Programme includes works by Birmingham Jan, Hare & Hounds, 20 Jan, The Tin Sat 21 Jan, Nailcote Janacek, Ricardo Lorenz, Seiber & Birmingham Gulda, Fri 20 Jan, CBSO Centre, GLENN WOOL, MIKE GUNN & COMEDY Music And Arts, Hall, Warwickshire CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs BETH ROWLEY Wed 18 Birmingham Coventry SOME GUYS HAVE ALL 19 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham Jan, The Glee Club, CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT TRUE GOLD - SPANDAU THE LUCK Sat 21 Jan, Birmingham Featuring Di Xiao (piano), Jiaxin RH COMEDY WITH LAURA MONMOTH BALLET TRIBUTE Fri 20 Belgrade Theatre, Thurs 19 Jan, The Roadhouse, B’ham SNFU Wed 18 Jan, O2 Jan, The Roadhouse, Coventry Lloyd Webber (cello) & Eleanor Academy, B’ham Birmingham Turner (harp), Fri 20 Jan, The JACK WHITEHALL Thurs 19 - Fri 20 Jan, BLACK DYKE BAND Sun Bramall, Birmingham Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent JAMIE FLANAGAN AS THE COUNTERFEIT 22 Jan, Symphony GLENN WOOL, JARLATH REGAN, TOM MICHAEL BUBLÉ Wed STONES Fri 20 & Sat Hall, Birmingham 18 Jan, The Robin, ALLEN & MIKE GUNN Fri 20 - Sat 21 Jan, 21Jan, Artrix, STRAY Sun 22 Jan, Bilston The Glee Club, Birmingham Bromsgrove The Robin, Bilston SARA COLMAN Wed 18 RHYS JAMES, THE RAYMOND & MR SHOWADDYWADDY Fri GIRL BAND Sun 22 Jan, Symphony Hall, TIMPKINS REVUE & COMIC TBC Sat 21 20 Jan, Bedworth Jan, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Civic Hall Birmingham OH WHAT A NIGHT: FROM THE JAM Fri 20 THE DILLINGER ESCAPE JERSEY BOYS TRIBUTE Jan, The Copper PLAN Sun 22 Jan, O2 Thurs 19 Jan, Artrix, Rooms, Coventry Institute, Birmingham Bromsgrove FR3 SPIRIT PRESENTS THE HUNNA Mon 23 SUPREME QUEEN Theatre SUBLIME MUSIC Fri 20 Jan, O2 Institute, Thurs 19 Jan, Jan, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham BACKSTAGE IN BISCUIT LAND Jess Thom Coventry THE CARRIVICK intertwines comedy, puppetry, singing FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 20 SISTERS Mon 23 Jan, THE PITMEN POETS and incredible tics to explore spon- Jan, Route 44, B’ham Kitchen Garden Cafe, Thurs 19 Jan, The taneity, creativity, disability, and things KING CREOSOTE Sat 21 Birmingham Core Theatre, Solihull you never knew could make you Jan, Symphony Hall, laugh. No two shows can ever be the AYNSLEY LISTER BAND Birmingham BIRMINGHAM HARP DAY An exhilarat- same, Tues 17 - Sat 21 Jan, The REP, ing and inspiring day packed full of Birmingham harp performances and workshops CATHY for all ages and abilities, Sat 21 Jan, Cardboard Citizens present a The Bramall, Birmingham University powerful and emotive Forum Theatre show exploring the way in which Ken SWEENEY TODD IN CONCERT Featuring Loach’s 1966 film, Cathy Come Home, Amy Churchman (director) & Geddy still resonates today Thurs 19 - Fri 20 Stringer (Musical Director), Sat 21 Jan, mac, Birmingham Jan, The Barber Institute, THELMA Birmingham One-woman show exploring the power of idolisation and isolation BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC within a grandmother/mother/daughter ORCHESTRA Featuring Richard Laing relationship, Fri 20 Jan, Artrix, (conductor) & Richard Jenkinson Bromsgrove (cello). Programme includes works SONGS FOR A NEW YEAR by Korngold, Herrmann, Join the Old Shostakovich & Arnold, Sun 22 Jan, Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company The Bramall, Birmingham for an intimate concert featuring the music of composer Jason Robert ENSEMBLE EPOMEO Sun 22 Jan, Brown, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Jan, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Hunna - O2 Institute, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 16 - 22 January - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:47 Page 3

in association with The Comedy Loft 259-262 Broad Street Birmingham B1 2HF T: 020 3740 3700 E: [email protected]

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Monday 16 - Sunday 22 January Tuesday 24 January at 7.30pm SNOWDON (PG) Biography/Drama. St Mary’s Church, Warwick Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, EMMA KIRKBY and CHELYS Shailene Woodley. mac, CONSORT OF VIOLS Birmingham, Mon 16 - Thurs 19 Jan The Sorrows of John Dowland A STREETCAT NAMED BOB (12a) Biography/Comedy. Starring Bob the Cat, Luke Treadaway. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 16 - Wed 18 & Fri 20 Jan CATHY COME HOME (PG) Drama. Starring Carol White, Adrienne Frame. mac, Birmingham, Tues 17 Jan THE BIRTH OF A NATION (15) ...... Biography/History. Starring Nate Friday 27 January at 7.30 pm Parker, Armie Hammer. Roses Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 18 Jan ROYAL STRING QUARTET THE UNKNOWN GIRL (15) Mozart, Philip Glass, Gorecki, Mozart Drama/Thriller. Starring Adèle Haenel, Olivier Bonnaud. mac, Birmingham, Wed 18 - Thurs 19 Jan THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (U) Arenacross Documentary. Starring Daisy Ridley, Aisholpan. Roses Theatre, Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 21 January Tewkesbury, Thurs 19 Jan An absolute must for extreme sports fans, the 2017 Arenacross Tour THE BLACK HEN (12a) Drama. Starring brings indoors all the spectacular elements of Motorcross for a ‘non- Khadka Raj Nepali, Sukra Raj ...... Wednesday 8 February at 7.30pm stop white-knuckle ride’. Rokaya. Foreign language, subti- Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Set to a pumping soundtrack and laser show, the event sees some of tled. mac, Birmingham, Sat 21 Jan O DUO percussion the world’s top freestylers taking to the track to present what organ- SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (PG) Bubbling Bach to Bongo Fury! isers describe as ‘some truly awe-inspiring entertainment’. The Family. Starring Kelly Macdonald, show also features racing gladiators from as young as seven taking Andrew Scott. Roses Theatre, ...... Tewkesbury, Sat 21 Jan Tuesday 14 February at 7.30pm to the circuit in search of Arenacross glory... LA LA LAND (12a) Comedy/Musical. St Mary’s Church, Warwick, THE SOCIETY OF STRANGE Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma AND ANCIENT INSTRUMENTS Stone. mac, Birmingham, Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jan; Roses theatre, Sound House devised by Clare Salaman Tewkesbury, Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jan ...... Dance Film Friday 24 February at 7.30 pm Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington ROMEO & JULIET Ballet UK’s innova- STAMIC STRING QUARTET INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: tive recreation of the world’s great- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL Haydn, Mucha, Dvorak est love story, Thurs 19 Jan, RELEASE: Crescent Theatre, Birmingham HALF WAY (15) Documentary. Released from Fri 20 Jan, showing ...... Directed by Daisy-May Hudson. at selected cinemas Wednesday 1 March at 7.30pm mac, Birmingham, Mon 16 - Tues 17 Royal Spa Centre, Leamington xXx 3: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE Jan BOREALIS SAXOPHONE (tbc) QUARTET COLLATERAL BEAUTY (12a) Drama. JACKIE (15) Bach, Barber, Gershwin & contemporary Talks Starring Will Smith, Kate Winslet. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 16 LION (tbc) AN EVENING WITH NADIYA HUSSAIN ...... - Thurs 19 Jan SPLIT (15) The British Bake Off winner talks Tuesday 14 March at 7.30pm ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (12a) St Mary’s Church, Warwick about her debut book The Secret THE BROOK STREET BAND Lives Of The Amir Sisters which is Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Felicity Bach, Handel, Telemann available to buy from 12 January, Jones, Mads Mikkelsen. Roses Mon 16 Jan, Birmingham Town Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 16 - ...... Hall Thurs 19 Jan Events Sunday 19 March at 11.30am Royal Spa Centre, Leamington THE CHIMPANZEES JACOB SHEEP WALK & TALK Join the OF HAPPYTOWN Ideal ranger to meet Jacob Sheep and for 3-7 Family Concert with year find out a little more about these Ensemble 360 olds woolly friends, Mon 16 Jan, Charlecote Park, Warwick ...... Sunday 19 March at 3.00pm STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE Royal Spa Centre, Leamington TOUR Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jan, ENSEMBLE 360 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Mozart Flute Quartet & Piano & Winds SPARK YOUNG WRITERS GROUP A Quintet, Beethoven Septet monthly writing group for young people who are interested in cre- ...... Friday 24 March at 7.30pm ative writing from poems to plays, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington and editing to dialogue, Sat 21 Jan, BRODSKY STRING QUARTET The Other Place, Stratford-upon- Schubert, Webern, Zemlinsky, Schubert Avon THE MONSTER ENERGY ARENACROSS ...... TOUR Sat 21 Jan, Genting Arena, Birmingham For tickets and full details An Evening With Nadia Hussain www.leamingtonmusic.org or call 01926 334418 whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 23 - 31 January - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 16:40 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 23 - 31 January - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2016 12:44 Page 2

thelist Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 January RESURRECTION MEN, 28 Jan, Number 8 Programme includes works by Gigs THORIA & THE Community Arts Classical Music Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven, Sun 29 COURTESY GROUP Fri Centre, Pershore Jan - Thurs 2 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 27 Jan, The Tin THE SENSATIONAL 60'S SPECTRUM Tues 24 EMMA KIRKBY SINGS DOWLAND Tues Music And Arts, EXPERIENCE Sat 28 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS Jan, The Tin Music 24 Jan, St Mary’s Church, Warwick Coventry Jan, Wolverhampton TROTTER Programme includes works And Arts, Coventry THE BEE GEES STORY - Grand Theatre by C.M Widor, J.S Bach, Mozart, L. TWO DOOR CINEMA Anderson, W. Russell & G. Bizet, NIGHTS ON BROADWAY JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR CLUB Tues 24 Jan, Mon 30 Jan, Birmingham Town Hall Fri 27 Jan, Sat 28 Jan, O2 Academy, B’ham Wolverhampton Birmingham Town FUMIKO MIYACHI PIANO RECITAL THE HOTELIER Tues 24 Grand Theatre Hall Programme includes new works by Jan, The Rainbow Peter Bell, Rob Crehan, Patrick Ellis, PAUL JONES & DAVE SABBOTAGE - BLACK Venues, Birmingham Robin Morton & Roche van Tiddens, KELLY ACOUSTIC DUO SABBATH TRIBUTE Sat Tues 31 Jan, Recital Hall, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Fri 27 Jan, 28 Jan, Route 44, Birmingham Conservatoire SYMON WITH LEE Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham BENSON Tues 24 Jan, Worcester THE UB40 EXPERIENCE The Jam House, LEGEND - LEGENDS OF Sat 28 Jan, The Birmingham ROCK Fri 27 Jan, Roadhouse, BRASS FACULTY RECITAL Featuring PROPER ORNAMENTS The River Rooms, Birmingham Alan Thomas (trumpet), Chris Tues 24 Jan, Hare & Stourbridge Houlding (trombone) & Joanne Comedy Gigs GUNTHER PRAGUE Sat Hounds, Birmingham Sealey (piano), Tues 24 Jan, Recital SSEX PISTOLSS Fri 27 28 Jan, The Tin Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire ERIC SARDINAS & BIG Jan, Route 44, B’ham Music And Arts, FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 25 Jan, The MOTOR Wed 25 Jan, MIKE SKINNER & Coventry JAYSON GILLHAM PIANO CONCERT Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Programme includes works by MURKAGE PRESENT LET’S HANG ON Sat 28 RUBY WAX Thurs 26 Jan, Palace Bach/Rachmaninov, Schubert, A DAY TO REMEMBER TONGA Fri 27 Jan, Jan, The Roses Theatre, Redditch Hare & Hounds, Chopin, Debussy & Schumann, Wed Wed 25 Jan, Theatre, Tewkesbury TIFF STEVENSON Thurs 26 Jan, mac, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham 25 Jan, Evesham Arts Centre, CHASING YESTERDAY Worcestershire Birmingham Birmingham SOMEONE LIKE YOU - Sat 28 Jan, The COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY THE ADELE SONGBOOK CBSO: HANDEL’S SEMELE Featuring THE SYD LAWRENCE Marr's Bar, Worcester ROBINSON Thurs 26 Jan, The Glee ORCHESTRA Wed 25 Fri 27 Jan, New Richard Egarr (conductor), Mhairi PLAYAZ BIRMINGHAM Club, Birmingham Jan, The Core Alexandra Theatre, Lawson (Semele); Louise Alder (Iris) Sat 28 Jan, The Theatre, Solihull Birmingham & Tim Mead (Athamas). Wed 25 Jan, RAW COMEDY Fri 27 Jan, Evesham Arts Rainbow Venues, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Centre DECLAN MCKENNA THE KING BLUES Fri 27 Birmingham Wed 25 Jan, Hare & Jan, The Asylum, CBSO BAROQUE ENSEMBLE RUTH GRAHAM Fri 27 Jan, Old Joint BOOTLEG BARLOW Sat Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Programme includes works by Stock Theatre, Birmingham 28 Jan, Nailcote Hall, Handel, Pepusch, Cervetto, JC Bach STANLEY DEE - STEELY JIMMY MCGHIE, ED GAMBLE, MARLON SEAN FORAN'S Warwickshire & Loeillet, Thurs 26 Jan, CBSO TRICHOTOMY Wed 25 DAN TRIBUTE Fri 27 DAVIS & COMIC TBC Fri 27 Jan, The JOJO Sat 28 Jan, O2 Centre, Birmingham Jan, Stratford Jan, The Roadhouse, Glee Club, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Artshouse Birmingham ROBERT PLANE & SACONNI QUARTET ELLIE TAYLOR, BEN NORRIS & PHIL ELLIS SPECIAL KINDA Programme includes works by EXMAGICIAN Wed 25 VEX RED Fri 27 Jan, Sat 28 Jan, The Comedy Loft, MADNESS Sat 28 Jan, Haydn, York Bowen, Glazunov & Jan, The Sunflower O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham The Empire, Coventry Brahms, Thurs 26 Jan, Malvern Lounge, Birmingham ATOMIC ROOSTER & JIMMY MCGHIE, MARLON DAVIS, ED THE DELRAY ROCKETS Theatre HEATWAVE Wed 25 SNAFU Fri 27 Jan, The GAMBLE & COMIC TBC Sat 28 Jan, The Sun 29 Jan, The ST PETERSBURG PHILHARMONIC Jan, The Jam House, Robin, Bilston Glee Club, Birmingham Actress & Bishop, PERFORMS PROKOFIEV Featuring Yuri Birmingham ONE NIGHT OF SKA Fri Birmingham Temirkanov (conductor) & Nikolai OATHBREAKER Wed 27 Jan, The Roses MEXRRISSEY - MEXICO Lugansky (piano). Programme 25 Jan, The Flapper, Theatre, Tewkesbury GOES MORRISSEY Sun includes works by Rimsky-Korsakov Birmingham EMULSION FESTIVAL 29 Jan, Birmingham & Prokofiev, Thurs 26 Jan, Theatre KING PLEASURE AND Fri 27 Jan, mac, Town Hall Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE BISCUIT BOYS Birmingham KENNETH HAMILTON LECTURE RECITAL: DOLLY MAVIES Sun 29 Thurs 26 Jan, The MILES HUNT - THE ON TOUR WITH LISZT Programme Jan, The Tin Music THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty Robin, Bilston WONDER STUFF Fri 27 includes works by Chopin, Liszt, And Arts, Coventry Towers meets Noises Off in this award- THE BOWIE Jan, The Slade Thalberg, Pixis, Herz & Czerny, Fri THE BLACKHEART winning West End comedy, Mon 23 - EXPERIENCE Thurs 26 Rooms, 27 Jan, The Barber Institute, ORCHESTRA Sun 29 Sat 28 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Jan, New Alexandra Wolverhampton Birmingham Jan, Kitchen Garden Coventry Theatre, Birmingham SHAKE THE BASS Fri AN EVENING OF CHAMBER MUSIC WITH Cafe, Birmingham MURDERED TO DEATH The Nonentities 27 Jan, O2 Institute, NICOLA BENEDETTI & the Benedetti DEL CAMINO Thurs 26 present an amateur staging of Peter Birmingham TYKETTO 25TH Elschenbroich Grynyuk Trio. Jan, The Jam House, Gordon’s tongue-in-cheek take on the ANNIVERSARY TOUR Programme includes works by Birmingham UNDER A BANNER Fri Agatha Christie genre, Mon 23 - Sat 28 Mon 30 Jan, The Ravel, Turnage, Sierra & Brahms, Fri DAVID KNOPFLER AND 27 Jan, The Marr’s Jan, Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Robin, Bilston 27 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, HARRY BOGDANOVS Bar, Worcestershire THE HEAD AND THE Coventry HAIRSPRAY Bromsgrove School pres- Thurs 26 Jan, THE CARPENTERS ent an amateur production of the HEART Mon 30 Jan, ROYAL STRING QUARTET Programme Huntingdon Hall, STORY Sat 28 Jan, smash-hit musical, Tues 24 - Thurs 26 O2 Institute, includes works by Mozart, Philip Worcester New Alexandra Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Glass & Gorecki, Fri 27 Jan, Royal HOME FREE Thurs 26 Theatre, Birmingham MARTHA WAINWRIGHT Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa MADE IN INDIA New play about mother- Jan, O2 Academy, KILLERSTREAM Sat 28 hood and blood ties between women Mon 30 Jan, JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE ORCHESTRAL Birmingham Jan, The River and nations in a brave new world, Birmingham Town CONCERT Featuring Daniele Rosina, FOLK & ROOTS CLUB Rooms, Stourbridge Tues 24 Jan - Sat 4 Feb, Belgrade Hall Jeffrey Snowdon & Timothy English Thurs 26 Jan, The Theatre, Coventry BOOTLEG ABBA & BEE FAIRPORT CONVENTION (conductors). Programme includes Roadhouse, B’ham FRANKENSTEIN Blackeyed Theatre pres- GEES FEVER Sat 28 Tues 31 Jan, The works by Saint-Saens & Dvorak, Sat ent a brand new version of Mary RUBY TURNER Fri 27 Jan, The Robin, Roses Theatre, 28 Jan, Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Shelley’s gothic tale, Wed 25 Jan, Jan, Warwick Arts Bilston Tewkesbury Music Building, University of Centre Bridge House Theatre, Warwick BLOBBIE WILLIAMS Sat DARLINGSIDE Tues 31 Birmingham THE VERDICT Middle Ground Theatre DETROIT SOUL Fri 27 28 Jan, Huntingdon Jan, The Glee Club, CBSO: BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH Featuring Company present a staging of Barry Jan - Sat 28 Jan, The Hall, Worcester Birmingham Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla (conductor) & Reed’s powerful courtroom thriller. Jam House, B’ham THE WESTENDERS Sat Francesco Piemontesi (piano). Clive Mantle, Jack Shepherd and

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Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 January

theRichard Walsh star, Wedlist 25 - Sat 28 A menagerie of 75 lovable puppets Jan, Malvern Theatre faithfully adapt four of Eric Carle’s MALCOLM STENT’S SONGS OF PRAISE stories for children, Mon 30 - Tues 31 Hymns and songs with a comedy Jan, New Alexandra Theatre, sparkle, Thurs 26 Jan, The Core, Birmingham Solihull DIRTY DANCING The story of Baby and THE PSYCHIC PROJECT A mind-reading Jonny, told through heart-pounding show based on the true story of the music and sexy dancing, Mon 30 Jan Cold War’s psychic spies, Thurs 26 - Sat 4 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Jan, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Coventry Birmingham STOMP A British theatrical sensation LOVE New play by Alexander Zeldin, fusing percussion, dance, theatre written through a devising process in and comedy with an exhilarating which the audience are invited to soundtrack, Tues 31 Jan - Sat 4 Feb, bear witness to an intimate story of Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry family love, Thurs 26 Jan - Sat 11 ALYSIA HARRIS & SPECIAL GUESTS An Feb, The REP, Birmingham evening of 'mindblowing poetry & live EUROHOUSE Two performers - one music', Tues 31 Jan, The REP, Greek, one French - dance and Birmingham shout, cry and sing, agree and dis- agree, about life in the Eurohouse. A darkly comic look at the EU's found- ing ideals and what got lost along the way, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Jan, The Dance REP, Birmingham Dirty Dancing JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Presented Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, mon 30 January - Sat 4 February by Nuneaton Panto & Revue Society, BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG A Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Jan, Bedworth brand new show for 2017, Brendan Seen by millions across the globe, Eleanor Bergstein's worldwide Civic Hall hosts another spectacular produc- smash-hit musical tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two tion featuring his guest dancers, a LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER New stag- new leading lady and a 14 piece fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come ing of DH Lawrence's most famous band and singers live on stage. together for what will prove to be the most challenging and tri- novel, Thurs 26 Jan - Fri 3 Feb, Thurs 26 Jan Wolverhampton umphant summer of their lives. Hit numbers include Hungry Eyes, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Grand Theatre Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and I’ve Had The Time Of My Life. MOTHER GOOSE Amateur staging pre- THIS IS AN IRISH DANCE Jean Butler’s sented by Kays Theatre Group, new duet, created and performed Thurs 26 Jan - Sun 5 Feb, Swan with Belfast based cellist Neil Theatre, Worcester Martin, further unearths her roots by evening of conversation with two Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle explosing the often-invisible inter- WHAT'S IN A NAME? Premiere of compelling figures who featured in Williams. mac, Birmingham, Fri 27 - play between dancer and musician Jeremy Sams' adaptation of the the Netflix docuseries Making A Tues 31 Jan in live performance, Thurs 26 - Sat French film and stage sensation, Le Murderer, Tues 24 Jan, Birmingham PADDINGTON (PG) Comedy/Family. 28 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, Prenom. Starring Nigel Harman and Town Hall Starring Hugh Bonneville, Julie Coventry Sarah Hadland, Fri 27 Jan - Sat 11 SIMON WESTON: MY LIFE, MY STORY Walters. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 28 Feb, The REP, Birmingham ANTON & ERIN... SWING TIME Brand Inpirational talk about one man’s Jan AND THERE WAS WAR Biblical narrative new show from the nation's journey from the front line of war, STORKS (U) Animation/Adventure. deeply entrenched in the concepts of favourite ballroom couple, Sat 28 being on the edge of death, to With the voices of Andy Samberg, the immense controversy between Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham today being a happy and contented Jennifer Aniston. mac, Birmingham, good and evil, Sat 28 Jan, The SONIA SABRI COMPANY: AKAAR father, grandfather and national Sat 28 Jan Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham-based Sonia Sabri treasure, Sat 28 Jan, Artrix, THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO (PG) FRANKENSTEIN The Crescent Theatre Company here showcase the tal- Bromsgrove Comedy, Fantasy. Starring Mia Company presents a staging of Mary ents of guest artists from across the Farrow, Jeff Daniels. Roses Theatre, Shelley’s thrilling and deeply disturb- region, together with students from Tewkesbury, Mon 30 Jan ing gothic tale, Sat 28 & Tues 31 Jan, local groups and communities who The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham have been nurtured through the LITTLE HOWARD AND THE MAGIC PENCIL company's dedicated teaching, Sat Film OF LIFE AND DEATH Family comedy 28 Jan, The Old Rep Theatre, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Birmingham show, as seen on CBBC's The INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Released from Fri 27 Jan, showing at Slammer and ITV's Comedy Cuts. SCATTERED Motionhouse Dance selected cinemas Suitable for children aged five-plus... Theatre fuse physical dance the- HACKSAW RIDGE (tbc) Sun 29 Jan, mac, Birmingham atre, mesmerising aerial imagery LA LA LAND (12a) Comedy/Musical. DENIAL (12a) THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO Interactive and film graphics to explore our Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. theatre show for children aged four relationship with water in all its Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 23 - RULES DON’T APPLY (tbc) and older, featuring storytelling, forms, Tues 31 Jan - Fri 3 Feb, The Thurs 26 Jan; mac, Birmingham, SING (U) Mon 23 - Tues 31 Jan music and the chance to make your Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE WHITE KING (12a) very own art, Sun 29 Jan, Bridge SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (U) Musical. House Theatre, Warwick Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie MARY SHELLEY The Crescent Theatre Reynolds. Roses Theatre, Company presents Helen Tewkesbury, Tues 24 Jan Edmundson’s compelling drama GHOST IN THE SHELL (12a) about the early life of one of the Talks Animation/Action. With the voices of world’s most famous writers of gothic Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi. fiction, Sun 29 Jan - Sat 11 Feb, The Foreign language, subtitled. Electric Crescent Theatre, Birmingham TOM KERRIDGE’S DOPAMINE DIET One Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 25 Jan of the UK’s top chefs shares how LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER Amateur ARRIVAL (12a) his ground-breaking diet worked for Mystery/Sci-Fi . staging of DH Lawrence's most Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner. him, and how it can be used to famous novel, Mon 30 Jan, The Rose Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 27 & Mon 30 transform health, Mon 23 Jan, Theatre, Kidderminster Jan Birmingham Town Hall THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. DEAN STRANG AND JERRY BUTING An Tom Kerridge - Birmingham Town Hall

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