Coventry & Warwickshire Cover

Coventry & Warwickshire Cover November 2019.qxp_Coventry & Warwickshire Cover 21/10/2019 16:06 Page 1

DAVID WALLIAMS TALKSKS ABOUTABOUT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands THE BOY IN THEE DRESS...DRESS... COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ONNOVEMBER 2019

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 407 NOVEMBER 201919 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

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

FROM THE SOURCE Carleen Anderson talks political protest & human rights WTE:@WHATSONWARWICKSTWITTER:

JACK WHITEHALL out on tour and Stood Up at Arena Birmingham FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

MCM COMIC CON may the Force be with you at the NEC WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK IFC Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 09:36 Page 1 Contents November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 18:01 Page 2

November 2019

Contents

Festive Feast! - Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas opens at Warwick Arts Centre page 37

Carleen Anderson Pitch Black David Walliams the list

talks political protest, human layered soundscapes and talks about The Boy In The Your 16-page rights and innovative jazz... skanking keyboards in Coventry Dress ahead of its RSC opening week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 17 feature page 24 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 20. Comedy 26. Theatre 43. Visual Arts 45. Events 51. Film

fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Worcestershire What’s On Warwickshire What’s On Worcestershire What’s On

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Warwickshire_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 18:25 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

RSC announces its 2020 summer season of shows New productions of The Winter’s Tale, The Comedy Of Errors and Pericles will show at the Royal Shake- speare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon next year. The shows form part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) summer season. The theatre’s sister venue, the Swan, will host three productions under the title of Projekt Europa - an initiative exploring, celebrating and interrogating the UK’s relationship with Europe. Commenting on the news, RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran said: “Our new season celebrates Shakespeare’s unique contribution to world culture, whilst at the same time asking us to con- sider our own place within society, our family and community.” For more information, visit rsc.org.uk

Arabella Weir brings ences on ‘an exhilarating trip through time’. Michael and Alfie together The show is being described as ‘mixing the debut tour to the Midlands feel of a 193 0s Berlin cabaret club, a Secret again in Birmingham Cinema event and Musical duo Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are an underground heading out on tour together next year, prohibition-era stopping off at Arena Birmingham on Sunday nightclub’. 1 March. For more informa- The tour announcement follows the success tion and to book of their first two duet albums, Together and tickets, visit Together Again. A third album, Back belgrade.co.uk Together, is released on the 1st of this month, tracks from which will be featured in their touring show. Sausage dog pop-up fun at Revolution Solihull Owners and lovers of Dachshunds should head for Revolution Solihull on Sunday 3 November to enjoy a sausage-dog-friendly Comedian Arabella Weir has added new event. dates to her tour schedule, including stop- The Dachshund Pop Up Cafe will likely see as offs at three Midlands venues. many as 150-plus dogs (and their owners) The Fast Show star will be bringing her first gathering together to enjoy an event that solo presentation, Does My Mum Loom Big In features Dachshund-related trade stands, Festival Of Lost & Found This?, to Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre on numerous competitions and ‘unlimited free 10 March. She will then visit both Worcester’s puppuccinos for doggies’! pitches up at New Place... Huntingdon Hall and Shrewsbury’s Theatre A Coventry-based theatre company will next Severn in April (the 8th and 22nd respec- month present ‘a charming midwinter the- tively). Motor Museum to host atrical experience for all the family to enjoy’ Tickets and further information are available new model railway show at Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford- at ArabellaWeir.co.uk upon-Avon. The British Motor Museum is this month The Festival Of Lost & Found (Wednesday 11 - hosting a brand new family-friendly event. Sunday 15 December) will see Talking Birds The Great British Model Railway Show Join the club in Coventry present an immersive production that calls to (Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 November) will Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is next month mind ‘the greatest show that never feature more than 30 ranging-in-size railway hosting ‘an immersive theatrical party like no happened’ - David Garrick's legendary Shake- layouts in a variety of scales across the eras. other’. speare pageant, which was washed out by For more information, visit the dedicated Club 2B runs at the venue from Wednesday heavy rain and floods 250 years ago. For more Great British Model Railway Show website, 11 to Tuesday 31 December and sees host and information, visit shakespeare.org.uk club owner, the enigmatic ‘Z’, taking audi- gbmrs.com

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First Word

The Indians Are Coming to Coventry... Popular comedy night The Indians Are Coming returns to the Coventry Belgrade Theatre late this month. The show’s Monday the 25th line-up features Mickey Sharma (pictured), Anuvab Pal, SJ Magic, Sukh Ojla & Omid Singh. The following night sees the latter being replaced by Jay Droch. For more information, visit belgrade.co.uk.

Tony Award winner heading to the Midlands next spring Tony Award-winning satirical comedy The Book concern than religion. Of Mormon is heading for Birmingham. Featuring songs Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, I Devised by South Park creators Trey Parker and Am Africa, Baptize Me, All American Prophet Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert and Tomorrow Is A Latter Day, The Book Of Lopez, the show follows a mismatched pair of Mormon visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Mormon boys who are sent on a mission to Wednesday 4 to Saturday 28 March. The lure of the deliver the news of the Latter Day saints to the For more information and to book tickets, visit ruin explored in people of a Ugandan village - a place where war, birminghamhippodrome.com Worcester famine, poverty and AIDS are far more of a An exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum Belshazzar’s Vamos show Dead Good which explores ‘the lure of the ruin and our fascination with festive feast... Worcester-based full mask theatre company Vamos will premiere its what has passed’ will remain new production, Dead Good, at the city’s Swan Theatre in the new available to view until the end year, prior to taking the show on a UK-wide tour. of the month (Saturday the A collaboration with palliative care patients and staff, Dead Good is a 30th). wordless production about living and dying. Living Ruins features contem- The show is being presented at the Swan on 23 & 24 January. porary pieces, important art- For full details and to book tickets, visit vamostheatre.co.uk works from the museum’s collection and a series of works on loan from Tate. Popular comedy night A mix of seasonal songs and tunes, classical music, pop, music hall and traditional folk awaits fans of Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sarti - aka Belshazzar’s Feast. The duo brings its Two Wise Men tour to Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on Wednes- day the 18th.

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First Word

Food for thought at Coventry event An event which looks at the ways in which food benefits physical, mental, social and economic wellbeing will take place at Coventry’s Old Grammar School on Saturday 16 November. Tales From Coventry Tables is a project which ‘equips and enables non-performers from diverse backgrounds to bring their own tasty tales to the public’. The evening features a selection of stories ‘from the city and beyond’ - all told by Coventry residents - and a vegetarian meal, which is available on a pay-as-you-feel basis. Lifestyle destination aiming to impress Looking for head-turning fashion, unique interiors James Lakeland, and explore luxurious lighting Winter literary inspiration or a quality restaurant for a special and impressive interiors at Home At Mailbox - the celebration? largest selection of home furnishing brands in the event welcomes If so, check out Birmingham’s Mailbox, a venue Midlands. all with a packed that’s confident it’s offering the very best in shop- There are fine dining restaurants, independent programme ping and entertainment this autumn. eateries and canalside bars to enjoy too, while film Visitors to the popular lifestyle destination can buffs can stop off at Everyman Cinema to catch up Birmingham shop for the latest trends at Harvey Nichols, enjoy on the latest releases... For more information about MP Jess some head-to-toe pampering at Malmaison Spa, everything the Mailbox has to offer, visit mail- Phillips, broad- indulge in retail therapy at Emporio Armani and boxlife.com. caster John Humphreys and author Worcester gets four new festivals Compton Verney Ben Miller (pictured) are among the con- Four new festivals showcasing local, national and international hosts textile fair tributors to this month’s Strat- creative talent will take place in Worcester next year. Popular ford Literary Festival Winter To begin with, the city will be animated by light installations and Warwickshire Weekend, taking place in the live performances for Worcester Light Night on 16 January... visitor attraction town from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 Then a festival focusing on the environment and entitled Compton Verney November. Atmosphere takes place on 25 April... Art Gallery & “We will be transporting audi- The third new festival, Disrupting The Norm (6 - 11 July), presents a Park is hosting a ences from the world’s news- week-long mix of pop-up events and accidental art... textiles fair this rooms to the India of the Raj Finally, the International Story Festival, held across 10 days in month (Saturday and even to fair Verona, across October, is dedicated ‘to stories both old and new’. 16 & Sunday 17 November). three days of events for all For more information, visit thearchesworcester.co.uk The event features work by a ages,” says the festival’s direc- number of independent textile tor, Annie Ashworth. “We’ll be artists employing embroidery, discussing fair pay and fair Showtime with Johnsons Coaches printing and other techniques to play, building a giant and very Henley-in-Arden-based Johnsons Coaches is now taking bookings produce high-quality items, all of hungry caterpillar to celebrate for a wide range of day excursions and showtime trips, both which are available to purchase 50 years since he started regionally and further afield. across the weekend. munching, exploring cheese, Day trips include a Dickensian food tour in London and Longleat The event also includes drop-in and celebrating two veterans of Festival Of Light - both taking place next month. embroidery workshops and a broadcasting. We look forward Showtime highlights include tickets and travel to Strictly Come selection of work by Birmingham to having you with us.” Dancing: Live Tour in January and a trip to see the stage produc- City University’s fashion students. For more information, visit tion of Mary Poppins in the West End in May. For more information, visit stratlitfest.co.uk For full listings and information, visit johnsonscoaches.co.uk comptonverney.org.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk

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Town Hall Symphony Hall @THSHBirmingham thsh_birmingham townhallsymphonyhall

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Funded by Town Hall renovation also funded by

From the Source Carlene Anderson.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 12:28 Page 1

A Change is Gonna Come Mercury-nominated soul singer and goddaughter of the legendary James Brown, Carleen Anderson talks political protest, human rights and innovative jazz ahead of her From The Source Festival appearance in Coventry...

This month’s From The Source Festival at As an African-American woman born in the each other. But even though I only found out Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre includes a 1950s, Carleen’s life experience has been relatively recently, being an American and performance by Mercury-nominated soul firmly rooted in the fight for racial equality. growing up during that time made revolution- singer Carleen Anderson. Carleen will appear ary art such an important thing to me. It “I didn’t find out about my own family’s as part of a sextet fusing soul, jazz and rap. makes sense that it became part of what connections to the civil rights movement until Their gig, A Change Is Gonna Come: Music inspires me and the work I create as an very recent years,” she explains. “Involve- For Human Rights, explores a selection of artist.“ ment was always kept quiet because it’s still political protest songs - from the mid-20th considered quite a dangerous thing to have Carleen is a firm believer in the power of century American civil rights movement right been a part of, so the family were protecting music: “Music itself has such an immediate through to the present day.

8 whatsonlive.co.uk From the Source Carlene Anderson.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 12:28 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

effect. It can calm people, make them jump same situations of inequality. ence. I was the choral director for the BBC for joy and sometimes make them cry. If you singers and this group of top vocalists I’d “We four women will be joined by bassist can add to that lyrics which might mean selected in the UK called the UK Vocalists Renell Shaw, who’s toured with artists like something to them, then they feel a real Assembly. Bringing together these two very Rudimental and Skepta. Rod Youngs will be connection to the song itself. From there, it different choirs - one from a very formal our drummer, and he’s played with Gil Scott can generate an effect on others. That person world, the other from a more contemporary Heron, among others. There’s definitely a is also then inspired and passes that inspira- one - to sing Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music - a common connection which we all have to tion on to someone else. Two people might work of art of strictly spiritual music blending human rights in general, beyond the specifics disagree on everything else possible, but they classical, gospel and jazz - was incredible. It of the civil rights movement. A Change Is both might like that one song. There’s evi- was a lot of work too! But they were great Gonna Come is bigger than that. It addresses dence throughout time that music has always singers, and it’s an experience that will stay homelessness and all other sorts of human had that impact - it brings people from with me forever. To be in the midst of such atrocities which have always been there and entirely different backgrounds together.” amazing musicians and in the Royal Albert which we haven’t quite yet learnt to fix. I feel Hall was one of the highlights of my career.” And A Change Is Gonna Come’s set list very privileged to work with these people certainly reflects Carleen’s beliefs: “This was because they’re all great musicians in their And does Carleen have any other stand-out a collaboration between myself, one of the own right, but it’s even better to be getting moments? Sound UK directors, Polly Eldridge, and the together for this marvellous cause.” “I think one that stands out for me was when co-music director, Nikki Yeoh. The focus is on Not surprisingly in a sextet of predominantly I unexpectedly appeared on the stage with my where equality was back then, where we are female musicians from ethnic minorities, a godfather, James Brown, at the Royal Albert now, how they’re still similar in some ways, narrative of gender equality will run through Hall in the early 2000s. In my mind, no one and how we all need to change moving A Change Is Gonna Come. went on stage with James Brown! forward. Of course, it would then make sense for the art to change with time too, whether “Gender is certainly part of it because some of “Last year was a highlight in terms of my solo that be a new interpretation of a song or a the songs refer to that too. It’s definitely a career, when my ‘tribal opera’, Cage Street new version of an old tune, as well as new given, seeing as the four leads are women. Memorial, was produced by the Barbican. It tunes that have been inspired by those times - Discussion of gender is definitely implied by just shows that there are so many different all with a 21st century vibe to them because the fact that we’ve been given this front plat- aspects to the arts that bring people to- that’s where we are now. The younger genera- form, but also that we have these strong men gether.” tions aren’t interested in singing Kumbaya in the group who aren’t threatened by women So how would Carleen advise somebody who anymore, and at one time that was the song being centre stage. I think that says a lot was wishing to make a human-rights state- that brought everyone together.” about how gender unity can happen. It ment on a small, everyday scale? doesn’t have to be the end of the world if the The gig also brings in the perspectives of the women are up front!” five musicians performing alongside Carleen. “Even if something you do is very minor, it still builds up. Small acts of courtesy matter Also appearing at From The Source Festival is “Nikki Yeoh, who worked alongside me in because then that spins off into how that emerging jazz vocalist Judi Jackson, who Car- creating, will be performing with us too. She’s person then treats the next person they leen worked with just this summer: “I worked an award-winning jazz pianist who’s part encounter. We can always do things like with her as part of Soul Women Unite, which Chinese. Her son’s father is Afro-Caribbean. making sure you vote and write to those was curated by Yolanda Brown. It was a really So she’s definitely been in those situations representing you in politics, but so much wonderful line-up, with Judi, Yolanda, Terri herself and with her son, where people will comes from us as individuals. Politicians take Walker, Ayanna Whittaker and myself. Every- judge you by your culture, background, the lead from us. A lot depends on how we one always talks about people already in the features and so forth. Nikki is also younger treat people - strangers, our neighbours, industry supporting the up-and-coming than me - she’s in her 40s - so her experi- people who are different-looking from us, or artists, but I definitely think it’s a two-way ences will differ somewhat there too, because who go about their daily life in a different street. Just as the seasoned artist would sup- times had manner but aren’t actually hurting anyone. If port the emerging artist, the same would be already progressed in some ways between my you can take those little moments to smile at said for the reverse. That symbiotic relation- date of birth and hers. But in many ways she people who are different, then it builds up ship is essential for everyone from different also relates to my own experience. We’ll be and politicians will follow the lead of the generations to learn from each other. That alongside Camilla George, a newly emerged people. Indiscriminate gestures of kindness way, we can continue to push culture and the jazz saxophonist who grew up in Nigeria. are so important.” arts forward, rather than feeling like it’s run She’s still in her 20s so will have a new per- its course.“ spective to bring - as will Lady Sanity, who’s the same age. Lady Sanity is a rapper from It’s certainly been a busy few months for From The Source Festival runs at Warwick Birmingham. She’s a very intelligent word- Carleen, who featured in the BBC Proms back Arts Centre, Coventry, from Friday 8 to smith and very astute and aware of the times in September. Sunday 10 November, with A Change Is that we’re in. She sees it from the philosophi- Gonna Come scheduled for Sunday the “The Proms was the most amazing experi- cal consideration of why we’re still in these 10th. whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food November Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:45 Page 1 Food November Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:45 Page 2

Food

showmanship of The Woods- For the ultimate indulgence, I man’s talented chef team was on urge you not to leave before display for all to see. sampling a side dish of ‘dirty At our waiter’s recommendation, mash’ - an irresistible marriage my choice of starter was the wild of mashed potato, venison jus, hare ragu served with lardons, onions and English pappardelle (a type of broad flat- truffle oil! You can worry about ribboned pasta) and 36-month- the calories later…believe me, it’s aged parmesan, with the worth it! optional addition of wild truffle Bringing our evening to a at a premium of £5. Like all truly triumphant close, my choice of great cooking, this dish was a black treacle tart dessert served triumph of composition - and in with clotted cream ice-cream every way an ode to the flavours (£8.50) was, in every way, the of autumn. From the luxuriant, perfect encore. Served on a rich, earthy notes of foraged truffle to buttery pastry base, the dense- the rich, nutty accents of the ness of the treacle filling aged parmesan, this was a dish contrasted beautifully with the that screamed premium produce lightness of the ice-cream, a executed to perfection. Likewise, perfect palate-cleanser after so REVIEW: The Woodsman my partner’s choice of chicken rich a banquet. As was my liver parfait, sticky verjus raisins partner’s peach melba soufflé Refurbished Stratford eatery combines and warm brioche loaf (£9.50) with raspberry sauce (£10) - yet the rustic and the contemporary was faultless in every sense. another fine example of fresh, Mousse-like in texture, lighter seasonal produce cooked from The Woodsman is situated on kohlrabi and oxtail (£12), to than light on the tongue and the heart. punctuated with fruity notes of Stratford-upon-Avon’s pic- signature mains celebrating When it comes to British institu- port and grape, it set the stage turesque high street, not far England’s wild food roots, such tions, few towns occupy as for something very special away from Shakespeare’s School- as woodfired Cornish cod served proud a place on the world stage indeed. room and the Royal Shakespeare with smoked cod’s roe, as Stratford-upon-Avon. With the Theatre. artichokes, girolles and hazel- And true to form, it arrived in a weight of history resting firmly The newly refurbished, Grade II nuts (£23) and slow-cooked and main course of new season pave on The Woodsman’s shoulders, it listed former inn comes complete glazed roe deer shoulder for two, of Gloucestershire fallow pricket, would take a bold soul to take on with a plentiful larder of locally served with dirty mash, celeriac served with mashed potato, so prestigious an address as this sourced game, meat and fresh and black pudding (£24.50 per smoked bone marrow, rainbow one. Thankfully, fortune has vegetables - all lovingly prepared person). chard and peppercorn sauce indeed favoured the brave in the to order by the crackle of an For a taste of traditional English (£22.50) - hand-sourced by the figure of Executive Chef Mike open wood stove in a timeless husbandry, The Woodsman also restaurant’s very own head Robinson, whose passionate marriage of fire, food and good comes equipped with its own ranger from their nearby farm in celebration of wild food, field-to- company. on-site butchery, home to the Cotswolds. Delicately fork philosophy and painstaking flavoured with an uncharacteris- Stylishly refurbished to a rustic premium cuts of 40-day-aged commitment to showcasing only tic lightness of texture, the yet contemporary brief, bistro- Hereford Beef rump, Gloucester- the best in England’s seasonal expertly roasted meat found its style tables, ambient lighting shire fallow deer and dry-aged produce make him a firm perfect partner in the silky- fixtures and modern tableware cotes de porc worthy of any royal contender for Warwickshire’s - smooth mash and delicately are offset by lovingly restored banqueting hall. There’s even a and indeed the UK’s - culinary sweetened chard, whilst the period features such as tradi- ‘feasting room’ for groups of up crown. smoky notes of bone marrow of- tional oak beams and inglenook to 30, complete with, amongst Katherine Ewing fered a further depth of flavour fireplaces, creating an atmo- other highlights, an elaborate as timeless as the land itself. sphere of warmth, style and sharing menu of roast deer, suck- Food: nnnnn This same loving attention was abundance matched only by the ling pork and spit-cooked duck, Service: nnnnn palpable in my partner’s choice generosity and expertise of the served Elizabethan style fresh Ambience: nnnnn of 40-day-aged Herefordshire venue’s impeccable waiting staff. from a roaring hot stove for Overall value nnnnn no-holds-barred banqueting with rump (£22). Infused with the OVERALL nnnnn A brief glance over the menu added theatrical flair! sweet-smokiness of oak and revealed a bounty of seasonal alder wood, marbled in texture The Woodsman Taking our place at the bar - it- riches, from premium starters and robust in flavour, it was 4 Chapel Street self skilfully designed to show- like roast wood pigeon salad, among the most full-bodied and Stratford-upon-Avon case the restaurant’s age-old duck liver and apricots (£10) and complex-in-flavour cuts of meat CV37 6HA cooking methods - the skill and baked Porthilly oysters, apple, that I’ve ever tasted. Tel: 01789 331535 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food November Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:45 Page 3

Food

Worcester Grade II listed former pub to re-open as Thai bar The grade II listed premises of former pub The Maltster in Worcester will be refurbished and re-opened as a Thai bar prior to Christmas. The Buddha Bar@Thai Gallery is the latest addition to the Thai Gallery portfolio, which already includes restaurants in Worcester and Hereford.

Bromsgrove eatery wins coveted award Independent family-run tapas restaurant Casa Med Bromsgrove has won the award for Best Mediterranean Restaurant of The Year 2019 at the Restaurant Awards - Midlands Edition. Commenting on the venue’s success, its co-founder, Catherine Houghton, said: “I’ve struggled to find the words to Focus on inventive cooking with locally sourced food at express how happy I am that we’ve Stratford-upon-Avon’s new destination cafe, Will’s Kitchen won. It’s a huge honour and helps put Bromsgrove on the map. I’m extremely Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has opened a new destination cafe. proud of my team, and they totally Featuring a menu focused on locally sourced food developed by head chef Mark Hands, Will’s deserve both the award and the Kitchen serves fresh, seasonal cuisine with a ‘creative flair’. recognition.” Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: “We’ll be taking advantage of the fantastic local produce available to us, working with our trusted suppliers and using organic meat from Mary Arden’s Farm as part of our Soil Association Food for Life Gold Standard. I’m looking forward to Former Solihull bank working with the team, creating delicious, honest food that will offer a fresh perspective to casual could re-open as dining here in Stratford.” Mark was previously head chef at The Cross in Kenilworth and earned the venue two AA Rosettes. brasserie restaurant The former Royal Bank of Scotland building on Solihull High Street is due Mell Square unveils new to be transformed into a French-style brasserie restaurant, pending Council Taste Collective partner approval. The operators of Solihull gastropub Tap & Cote Restaurants has submitted an ap- Tandoor are to work with the town’s Mell plication to Solihull Council to take Square Shopping Centre to develop a over the Tudor-style premises, which is brand new immersive eating experience. best known for its distinctive clock Taste Collective will provide a range of feature. The application will be consid- experience-led offerings, four pop-up-style ered by the town’s planning depart- street-food kiosks and a covered outdoor ment over the next few months. pergola-style seating area. Commenting on the project, Ajay Kenth, director of Tap & Tandoor, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to broaden the offering in the town centre and bring our own indi- vidual style to Taste Collective, developing a new destination & eating experience which I know visitors to Solihull will embrace.” For more information about the project, visit tastecollectivemellsquare.com 12 whatsonlive.co.uk Mailbox FP Nov 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 10:37 Page 1 Classical November Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:44 Page 1 Classical November Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:44 Page 2

Classical

Worcester Choral Festival Society Worcester Cathedral, Sat 16 November Just two years short of celebrating its 160th anniversary, Worcester Choral Festi- val Society (WCFS) returns to the city’s cathedral to perform one of the most famous choral works in the classical music repertoire - Mozart’s Requiem. With a membership of around 150 accom- plished amateur choral singers, the WCFS performs three concerts every year and is widely considered to be one of the region’s leading choral societies.

The Halle Orchestra Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 28 November One of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, Elgar’s Cello Concerto - as performed by the the Manchester-based Halle are admired Hallé’s own Principal Cello, Nicholas around the world for their extensive orches- Trygstad. tral repertoire. The orchestra round off the evening with This Coventry concert sees them performing Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony - a piece about under the direction of dynamic young which the composer wrote in his diary: “It British conductor Courtney Lewis (pic- is as if God Almighty had thrown down tured), a man with an ever-growing reputa- pieces of a mosaic for heaven's floor and tion both here in the UK and across the asked me to find out what was the original pond in the US. The programme of work in- pattern.” The Mozartists: cludes Ravel’s Mother Goose suite and Cosí Fan Tutte Talich String Quartet Southbank Sinfonia: Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 8 November Specialising in historically informed Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, The Dream Of Gerontius performances of music by Mozart, The Fri 29 November Coventry Cathedral, Sat 9 November Mozartists here turn their attention to the The long-established Talich Quartet are composer’s Cosi Fan Tutte, an insightful here contributing to the annual Leamington comedy widely considered to be one of the Music series for the first time in 11 years. truly great works of art. The Prague-based quartet was founded in Like two of Mozart’s other compositions, 1964 by the father of the ensemble’s first The Marriage Of Figaro and Don Giovanni, violinist, Jan Talich, and named in honour the opera is a mirror into which audiences of his uncle, Václav Talich, who was chief are invited to look and see themselves. conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Conducted by Ian Page, the production is Orchestra. For this Pump Rooms concert, sung in Italian with English surtitles. they’ve selected a programme featuring works by Kalivoda, Dvorak and Beethoven. Widely regarded as Worcestershire-born composer Edwin Elgar’s finest choral masterpiece, The Dream Of Gerontius was premiered at Birmingham Town Hall in 1900 and has since become one of the most famous and oft-performed works in the British classical music canon. The piece is here presented by Southbank Sinfonia, ‘an orchestra like no other’ which every year invites 33 of the world’s most promising graduate musicians to embark on its highly praised fellowship.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Jools Holland.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 11:15 Page 1

Jools Holland isis outout oonn tourtour withwith hishis RhythmRhythm & BluesBlues OrchestraOrchestra thisthis autumn.autumn. WWhat’shat’s OOnn ccaughtaught uupp wwithith hhimim aaheadhead ofof hishis BBirminghamirmingham gigsgigs nextnext month...month... Jools Holland.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 11:15 Page 2

Being on the road with a band you've jumps up straight away, as soon as they hear would hear a lot of that, and I think it opened known for a long time must make it quite a them doing Train To Skaville. It's just such my mind to a lot of that, so I still like it very social thing, mustn't it? great music, and they do it so fantastically much. Then at my grandmother's house there There are a lot of us, so you're never alone. and with a particular British take on it, which was a record player as well, so I would get There used to be that advert for a cigarette is great. It's really electric to hear them doing records and play them to death. The first called Strand, and the advert was, ‘You're it. They’re the originators of that British take record player I had was a 78 record player never alone with a Strand’. And it was such a on ska music, like Eric Clapton and The with a great big wind-up needle, which is the disaster because everybody thought, 'Well, I Rolling Stones were the originators of British worst thing ever to play 78s on. Eventually my don't want to be alone'. So they went out of blues. So it's great having them there, and dad got me an Alba record player, and we business. But it's a bit like, ‘You're never they like being with the orchestra because could have a good listen to whatever records alone with a big band because wherever you being with a whole big band magnifies it, were out at the time. I think I had a Glenn are, there's always...’ When I arrive in a town, makes it even bigger and has a fantastic Miller one, which got worn out, but the first I see Bammi - because, like me, he studies the jump-up effect. proper LP I had was For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder. I liked that, and I think I had horses - going into a bookmaker's on the high How do you go about adapting your Lady Madonna by The Beatles. street. There'll be somebody else coming out. guests' big hits for a big band? It's like we're alien spores who’ve been You're not one for looking back, but do I wouldn't want to force things into a big- dropped into whatever town it is, and I recog- you ever stop to think about the life you've band style, so sometimes you have to play nise us as I'm coming into the town. In the led in music? hotel afterwards, there'll be a couple of peo- things in a different way. Most things you can I do think sometimes that it's time to look in ple having a drink. We often - at the show, be- take back to the piano because a lot of songs the rear-view mirror and take stock, because cause it's easy - have a big curry for all of us; were written on the piano or the keyboard or there are some fantastic moments. I've been that's quite jolly. One of the things that’s great a guitar - one instrument - so they're not writ- very lucky. I can't believe it sometimes, all is that everybody in the band's got a great ten with a big arrangement. So if you strip it this stuff that's happened. Then sometimes sense of humour - they're funny as well as back to that and then build it up again, you when we play on Later or on the Hootenanny being good players. So that's a good part of it. can normally make something work. If there's and people play with us, you get some amaz- Also, in the daytime, I'm a keen tourist. I like something that sounds like it's not naturally ing thing happen and the atmosphere is just looking at stuff, so I look at gardens, I look at going to go with a big band, you bring it down great. If you get a great live performance and old buildings or whatever. There's always to just the piano and the big band can creep somebody's filmed it, maybe millions of peo- something to look at, always something new in. ple will watch that on YouTube. Then some- to discover, so I think the world of touring Your nan's piano was crucial to your musi- times it's just about being in the dressing isn’t bad. If you have to do endless hours of cal upbringing, wasn't it? room doing a warm-up with somebody at the flying a day, then it can wear you out a bit, Yes, my nan's piano was really an essential piano. I remember being in the dressing room but that's a small price to pay. thing. It was a gift to her from her mother in with Amy Winehouse and her just singing For people who come to see you often, 1937, and I would hear them at Christmas, something at the piano. And you're thinking, there’s always a new element because of when I was very small, all singing songs. Ev- 'Wow, that's amazing'. So it doesn't really your special guests... erybody had their own song that they'd sing matter whether it's live on the television, on a This year, we're having somebody who's at the piano. It was also a pianola, so you record, in a dressing room, at home or at a worked with us before, but they bring out this would pedal the pedals and Fats Waller play- gig, you're plugging into the same thing and great element of us, which is Selecter. Specifi- ing Red Sails In The Sunset would come out it's an amazing thing. I'm so fortunate to have cally, it's Pauline Black, the singer, and 'Gaps' of it, which was great. So I got to learn those plugged into it and been very moved by it. Hendrickson, who works with Pauline. songs early on. But also it was great because The more you listen to stuff and the more you They're perfect for us because they represent my uncle, who was a teenager when I was play, the more you can play and listen to stuff, the British take on ska music, the 2 Tone small, would play boogie-woogie piano on it, yet the more mysterious it all becomes. That's thing. Although I wasn't part of the 2 Tone and that really got me fired up and made me the great thing about it - you can never figure thing, I was part of British ska music. That's learn by ear what he was doing. it out. part of my heritage and part of the thing my Did you have records in the house at orchestra have been doing for the past 25 home? years, so we've always been playing that Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues We couldn't afford a piano but we had a music. So it's perfect for us, and the effect Orchestra return to Symphony Hall, record player and a radio, and my parents they have on the audience, it's like everybody Birmingham, on 29 & 30 November. liked classical music and jazz music. So I GIGS November Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 18:07 Page 1

‘Pure pleasure’ The Guardian The Independent The Times

Intimate evenings with Carols by Candlelight Armonico – Handelian ARMONICO CONSORT Pyrotechnics Director: CHRISTOPHER MONKS ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE PLAYERS Organist: ADRIAN LUCAS Narrator: JULIAN GLOVER Director: CHRISTOPHER MONKS Countertenor: WILLIAM TOWERS 18th December, 7:30pm The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick 3rd November, 4:30pm, 01926 334418 St Mary’s Church, Temple Balsall, Solihull 01926 334418

Messiah

ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE ORCHESTRA Director: CHRISTOPHER MONKS J.S. Bach Mass in B Minor ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE ORCHESTRA 5th December, 7:30 pm Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Director: CHRISTOPHER MONKS 02476 524524 Soprano: ELIN MANAHAN THOMAS

21st December, 7:30 pm, 1st February 2020 7:30pm, Malvern Theatres 01684 892277 The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick 01926 334418

8th February 2020 7:30pm, Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

16 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS November Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 18:07 Page 2

Gigs

Lady Maisery The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wed 20 November Bringing together Hannah James (Kerfuffle), Hazel Askew (The Askew Sisters and The Artisans) and Rowan Rheingans (Fidola), Lady Maisery present fresh interpretations of songs and ballads that explore vocal harmony to breathtaking effect. With their unique approach to harmony singing and their intelligent and thoughtful arrangements of both traditional repertoire and original compositions, the three-piece have spent the last five years performing sell-out shows across the UK and Europe, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums along the way.

Pitch Black and layered soundscapes to skanking keyboards, cutting acid riffs and thumping The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, rhythmic grooves, with dub being the glue Fri 15 November that holds it all together. Featuring Michael Hodgson and Paddy Free, Performance locations have included the Pitch Black combine impressive cutting- streets of Las Vegas and the Australian out- edge visuals with a distinctive sound that back. ranges from organic ambient beginnings Poor Nameless Boy Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 8 November Dreadzone Bastille Regina-based indie folk artist Joel Henderson The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Fri 15 November Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 29 November - aka Poor Nameless Boy - leaves a piece of Presenting an eclectic fusion of dub, reggae, himself on stage every night he performs. techno, folk and rock music, Dreadzone To say indie-pop favourites Bastille had a Having been described as a lighter version of formed in 1993, during their early years whirlwind start to their career would be an John Mayer, his thoughtful lyrics are employing backing vocalists who included understatement. Their debut album, Bad extremely personal, speaking honestly about Denise van Outen and Alison Goldfrapp. Blood, released in 2013, was twice number ‘love, life, and our changing hearts in a busy One of the most energetic, exciting and one, certified double-platinum and named world’. Since the release of Activity Book powerful live bands to emerge from the post- the biggest-selling digital album of the year. (2013) and the acclaimed Bravery (2016), Joel rave scene, they’re moving forward as a five- The band then went on to be named British has completed several successful tours across piece, after parting ways with their guitarist, Breakthrough Act at the 2014 BRIT Awards. Canada and Europe. and are now focusing more on the electronic Their 2016 follow-up, Wild World, peaked at and dub elements of their stage show. number one in the UK, with latest offering Doom Days, released earlier this year, reaching the number-four spot. Gentleman’s Dub Club The four-piece visit Warwick Arts Centre to Kasbah, Coventry, Sat 23 November play the album in full. Founded in Leeds in 2006, Gentleman’s Dub Club’s new album, Lost In Space, features a new dimension to their sound, which blends influences from genres such as dub, reggae, ska, bass culture and jazz. Having built a reputation for delivering ex- plosive high-energy live shows, the band have played at plenty of UK festivals, including Glastonbury, Bestival and Boomtown, and also wowed appreciative audiences in India, Morocco, the US and Iceland. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Jess Reid online.qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:21 Page 1 Jess Reid online.qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:22 Page 2 Jess Reid Singer-songwriter Jess Reid appeared on What’s On’s Launchpad stage at this summer’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Here, she chats about her inspirations and the Shropshire music scene ahead of supporting Dan Owen on tour... What’s your first musical memory? recording my new EP. The EP features a full some new audiences. I really liked being able I must have been around four or five. My par- drum kit and bass guitar, so it’s given it a to play three sets over the course of the week- ents were in a band together and they were more radio-friendly sound - live drums and end, as it enabled more people to come and playing some gigs in France. I remember pick- bass would be nice too. It’s the cello and watch. It’s always a great festival and I loved ing up a harmonica and getting up on stage backing vocals that touch my heart the most being able to play. The other artists playing on with them. I was unable to play, so it was my though. the stage were brilliant, so it was nice to meet them too - lots of talent! first experience of miming! What would be your dream performance? So you come from a musical family, then? I usually go to Green Man Festival every year. You’re supporting Dan Owen at St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury. How did that come My dad has been a songwriter and performer It’s a perfect size of festival and the main about and what can audiences expect from from a young age. He’s been in a number of stage is at the bottom of a hill, so everyone en- your performance? bands. My mum is musical too and played joys the music while lying on the grass. I bass and backing vocals in bands with my would love an afternoon slot in the sunshine I’ve known Dan for over 10 years. We both dad. They play gigs around Shropshire now with a full band and some beers! used to play at the open-mic nights at The Bridges in Ratlinghope when we were about and my dad runs an open mic in town. My sis- What’s your favourite performance to date 15. I supported him in Birmingham last year at ter is a singer, and we’ve always been in and why? bands together. Our first band was called Jia his show there. He’s doing an acoustic tour at I played a Sofar Sounds show in Rio de Jinx, and we used to play in Shrewsbury a lot. the end of November, so I’m joining him for Janeiro in Brazil in 2017. It was on a rooftop I’ve been living in London and Birmingham some of his dates as his support act. We’re overlooking all the big sights, like the Christ and she’s had a baby, so we play and write to- heading up north to York first, then ending in the Redeemer statue and Copacabana beach. gether less now. She’s a great singer and song- Shrewsbury. He’s an amazing performer and Everyone was ridiculously friendly and kind. writer, so she’s always the one I go to first songwriter, so it’ll be good to spend more time That was a great experience. I always love with song ideas! with him again. playing in big spaces like cathedrals or Who are your inspirations? churches, as the acoustics are the best. Last What are your views on the live-music scene in Shropshire and the wider West Growing up, I was always inspired most year around Christmas time I played at Hull Midlands? Is it in a healthy state? deeply by the musicians around me. I’d go to Minster, which is a large church in Hull. It’s a lot of open-mic nights and jam sessions in great to feel the sounds you’re creating natu- As I said, I’ve met some of the most amazing pubs and met some amazing musicians. Hav- rally reverberating around such a large space. musicians in Shropshire - most of them undis- covered. There are some brilliant venues, and ing people around you who you can see week Where do you get the inspiration for your it’s nice because it’s not as competitive as to week is great, as it makes everything seem songs? more achievable. Being able to hear a new places like London, so you can meet people I find writing quite cathartic. I think the songs song that someone you know has put together who’ll help and support you. Obviously the come from the subconscious. I’ll often write a enables you to see a rawness and vulnerabil- folk festival is big and ensures Shrewsbury is song without really realising what I’m ity that you can rarely see from a famous on the folk-world map. singing. A couple of days, weeks or months artist on a big stage. I play in a percussive gui- My EP, which I recorded with help from the later, I’ll think about the lyrics I’ve written tar style and I first saw a local musician play Alan Surtees Trust, is currently being mas- and they often reveal an insight into my in this way. That inspired me profoundly. In tered, so it will be released in the next couple thoughts and feelings at the time of writing. It terms of inspirations now, I love a Swedish of months. I’m looking forward to releasing it helps me understand my thoughts and emo- artist called Susanne Sundfor - she has the and finding out what people think, as it’s a tions, so it’s quite therapeutic in some ways - best voice. I would love to be able to sing in different sound. free therapy! In terms of the music, seeing any way similar to the way she does. Ben other people play live inspires me the most. I Howard, Lucy Rose, The Staves and Damien What else have you got lined up in the next love going to small, intimate shows. Rice are my favourite artists currently. 12 months? You played on our Launchpad stage at I’m off to New York for some shows, and then You’re predominantly a solo performer, Shrewsbury Folk Festival in the summer. it’s the Dan Owen tour. Then I’ll be busy with but who would be your ideal collaborator? How was the experience? single launches and an EP launch in 2020. I’ve been playing with a cellist recently, which I loved it! I’ve been to Shrewsbury Folk Festi- Lots to do! has been amazing! Cello is my favourite in- val loads of times, and this was the most en- strument, so I’d always like to have cello joyable experience. I had my sister singing alongside me. I love vocal harmonies, so Jess Reid supports Dan Owen at Shrews- with me, which was great, and it was good to some backing singers would be great. I’ve bury’s St Mary’s Church from Thursday 28 play in front of family and friends and to meet been exploring different instruments whilst to Saturday 30 November. Warwicvk Arts Centre Full page November 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:36 Page 1 Dance November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:58 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Acosta Danza Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 11 & Tues 12 November Just two months before succeeding David Bintley as artistic director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta visits BRB’s Birmingham Hip- podrome home with his critically acclaimed Cuban company. Included in their programme is Rooster, a work choreographed to music from the Rolling Stones and in which Acosta himself makes an appearance. New works Paysage, Soudain, la nuit and Satori are also included. The bill is completed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s masterpiece, Faun, a work set to Debussy’s original score and featuring additional music from Nitin Sawhney.

Anjali Dance Company: Genius Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 7 November; Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 19 & Wed 20 November Providing a platform for the creative abilities and artistic potential of people with learning disabilities lies at the heart of Anjali Dance Company’s mission statement. Their Coventry show sees them presenting two dramatic explorations of genius: Gary Clarke’s Beethoven takes ‘a touching and darkly humorous look’ at the personal life and musical works of Ludwig van Beethoven; Lea Anderson’s Bloodsucker, meanwhile, is a ‘stylised and gently humorous exploration’ of the leg- end of the vampire Nosferatu and his depiction in film.

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein: Sonia Sabri Company: The Little Prince Same Same...But Different DanceXchange, Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 29 & Sat 30 November Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 15 November Award-winning dance company Protein brings its trademark physical and verbal wit to Birmingham “We’ve always tried to create something this month when it presents pioneering aviator which is groundbreaking and pioneering,” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic 1943 story. says Sonia Sabri. “I feel proud to say that we Leaving behind his tiny asteroid, The Little Prince present work which is very new and very journeys through the universe and finds himself different. We’ve been at the forefront of suddenly needing to navigate the baffling world of creating new ideas, and that’s exactly what grown-ups. we intend to continue doing.” “The idea of Protein Dance is to get away from the Sabri’s belief in the need to push the bound- stereotype of dance being purist and high-brow, aries of dance is reflected in this new family and to connect better with audiences,” says the show, mixing Kathak and contemporary company’s Artistic Director, Luca Silvestrini. “We dance, live music and physical storytelling. combine dance with words, singing, acting and The piece has been produced in collaboration audience participation. I think all this helps better with a number of primary schools in Birming- connect with the subject matter - it’s more fluid.” ham and London. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Andy Parsons online.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2019 10:51 Page 1 Andy Parsons online.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2019 10:51 Page 2

HEALING THE NATION Comedian Andy Parsons is back out on tour...

Andy Parsons is on a mission with his new stuff at the opposition, it’s nice to see both events, but also it’s good to keep it fresh any- stand-up tour. In one simple nutshell, he’s sides of the argument. I’ll be taking on view- way, not just for the audience but for myself. looking to heal this divided nation. The man points that wouldn’t normally find a natural If you’re performing over 100 shows and just who for years was a fixture on Mock The home in one of my stand-up sets and trying to doing the same set every single night, it be- Week, worked on Spitting Image, brought us genuinely see the other side of that argu- comes a job rather than a pleasure.” sell-out tours and unit-shifting DVDs such as ment.” When you watch Andy in full flow, it’s clear Britain’s Got Idiots and Gruntled, and has As he prepares to take his show - which he’s that you’re witnessing a performer who is not been in a very successful double act with called Healing The Nation - out on tour, Andy only having a great time, but who’s enjoying playwright Henry Naylor, is calling time on is clear that while the country seems utterly the pleasure he’s passing on to others. Partly, the negativity that reverberates around our divided, with individuals permanently lodged this might come down to a realisation that it’s green and pleasant land. on their own side of the debate, he believes a good time to be in the topical-comedy game. “On my Twitter feed currently it says, ‘Initially that there are always more issues that unite “It goes in cycles, and for a while political upbeat. Often disappointed’,” says Andy. us than separate us: “The idea in the show is comedy was dead. If you suggested to a TV “The general thrust of everything I’ve ever that everything is proving divisive at the mo- company that you wanted to have some sort done has an optimistic note to it, and there’s ment, and that no one is talking to each other of a political comedy vehicle, they’d say, ‘Why always something in the glass rather than or seeing issues from both sides. Essentially, would you want to do that? No one is inter- there being something missing from it. Life people have the same concerns whether it’s ested’. But now, there’s a whole slew of them. can get extremely frustrating and your opti- health or education or jobs, and I want to nar- The reasons for that are various, but the bot- mism can fade, but I retain the faith and I’m row down the focus of what people actually tom line is that people are more interested in looking forward to getting out there and meet- want and bring them together. The blurb of politics now simply because it’s affecting ing people in some nice theatres.” the show says that, if nothing else, we can be more of their lives. And now that more people proud of some form of tolerance and freedom Happy to be known as a political comedian, are talking about it, there are comics you of speech throughout our history. It’ll be inter- Andy has never shirked from putting the wouldn’t associate with politics who will still esting to see where those concepts are going opinions he expresses on stage into full prac- address it in some way because every aspect in the next few years.” tice. He’s hosted People’s Votes rallies, in- of life is somehow influenced by it. That was cluding one in Parliament Square to over It was former Labour Prime Minister Harold less true 10 years ago.” 100,000 people, and fronted the Independent Wilson who was credited with first saying that Whatever the future holds in terms of politics Age’s most recent Campaign Against Loneli- a week is a long time in politics. In the febrile in Britain, Europe, the US and across the ness. Plus he created the Slacktivist Action and often toxic terrain of modern British poli- wider global landscape, it’s comforting - heal- Group podcast, in which he chatted to the tics and society, events seem to alter dramati- ing, almost - to know that comedians such as likes of comics Josh Widdicombe and Angela cally on an almost hourly basis. While this Andy Parsons will be around to poke fun at Barnes, politicians David Lammy and Peter might be ideal for political correspondents, it those who claim to lead or speak for us. Hain, and commentators Suzanne Moore and can prove something of a challenge for topical Miranda Sawyer. comedians who are trying to take a show across the country over the course of several “I think we’re a nation desperate to be healed, months. Andy Parsons: Healing The Nation visits in the sense that people would rather come Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, on Thursday together than diverge. In the current media Andy, however, is confident about accepting 31 October, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on analysis, everyone is in the centre of their the challenge of updating his material to suit Friday 8 November, William Aston Hall, own social-media bubble, and everything is the prevailing circumstances: “When your Wrexham, on Saturday 9 November and kicking off left, right and centre. So the idea show is topical, then inevitably it will be very Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Satur- for the tour was that rather than being incred- different when the tour finishes from when it day 23 November. ibly one-sided and partisan and throwing started. This is mainly because of current Comedy November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:57 Page 1

Comedy

Geoff Norcott The Core, Solihull, Sat 16 November Geoff Norcott is one of the sharpest tools in the comedy shed, presenting shows which feature observational humour, satire, and even the odd impression or two. Being a former teacher, plenty of Geoff’s gags relate to school experiences and the education system. He’s also made something of a name for himself in the field of sports-related humour, a niche that’s yielded him plenty of work both on television and radio... Geoff’s Solihull appearance sees him performing his latest touring show, Taking Liberties.

Jack Whitehall Arena Birmingham, Fri 15 - Sun 17 November A fella who’s had no trouble whatsoever in his show, his comical schooldays and the getting his face on the telly, Jack White- experience of being caught snorting coke hall’s highly animated style of delivery is by the News Of The World. developing all the time, as is his repertoire Jokes include: “I'm sure wherever my dad is of material. Subject matter has included his now, he’ll be looking down on us. He's not father’s shameless attempts to get quoted dead, just very condescending.”

Carl Hutchinson Jason Byrne The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 9 November Sat 30 November Watching Jason Byrne on stage has been Observational comedian Carl Hutchinson likened by one reviewer to watching foot- makes a welcome return with a show that baller Lionel Messi play for Barcelona: it’s covers all manner of common-or-garden not a matter of 'if' the magic will come, but topics, from the challenges of buying a 'when' and 'how often'. Byrne comes to the house to the experience of having kids. Midlands with brand new offering Wrecked Prior to becoming a full-time standup, Carl But Ready, a show which he promises will spent some time as a maths teacher. “There hotwire his audience’s funnybones big time. are certainly comparisons between the two Judi Love Presents “Everyone’s welcome,” says Jason, “unless professions,” says the popular Geordie Love2Laugh Birmingham you’re under 14, in which case come back comedian, “but the definite advantage with Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, when you’re older.” comedy is that if you have a bad gig, you Sat 30 November can rest assured that you don't have to see the same audience the next day at 10am!” Up-and-coming London comedian Judi Love here headlines more than two hours of entertainment from ‘some of the funniest comedians around’. A presenter on BBC Radio London, Judi’s appearances on television shows including 8 Out Of 10 Cats and This Morning have brought her to the wider public attention. Boasting a natural charisma, sharp wit and animated commu- nication style, her ‘tell it like it is’ YouTube videos have won her a dedicated online following. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:57 Page 2

Mark Watson Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 Novem- ber; Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Trent, Thurs 30 January Well established on the UK comedy circuit, Mark Watson was born in Bristol to Welsh parents and initially delivered his act with a Welsh accent, claiming he felt “more comfortable talking in a voice that I didn't quite recognise as my own”. A regular contributor to the Edinburgh Fringe, Mark has the curious distinction of having performed stand-up shows which have lasted for a period in excess of 24 hours. “Comedy is certainly a time-consum- ing element of my life,” he admits, “but then while I’m out touring and on stage, there are people at home doing far less glamorous things. There have certainly been times when I’ve been very happy to say, ‘Of course I’d like to stay and help out with that plumbing crisis, but the Midlands awaits!’”

Stephen K Amos Count Arthur Strong Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 21 November; William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Fri 22 Novem- Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 3 November ber; Malvern Theatres, Sat 23 November; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Fri 29 November Stephen K Amos’ popularity both here and Doncaster-born doyen of light entertainment created. “If I watch footage from the early abroad are suitable reward for a comedian Count Arthur Strong makes a welcome return days, he looks like the bones of something, who sometimes wondered whether his big to the region with a brand new show. “With but he’s definitely continued to develop, and break would ever come. “I used to do a joke each live show I’ve done, I’ve found out a that’s very important. Simply reproducing where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny little bit more about Arthur,” explains Steve what I’ve done before would neither be as Henry to die before I could get on televi- Delaney in talking about the character he much fun nor as interesting.” sion,” he says, referring to his belief that opportunities for black comedians are few and far between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen's very much Lenny Henry Shazia Mirza basking in the comedy limelight these days. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 17 Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 November; His success is no surprise, mind, given the November; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 22 Novem- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 17 ber; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 27 November quality of his material and his effortless November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, ability to strike all the right chords with his Fri 29 November Shazia Mirza is one of the UK’s most creative female comedians - and she’s a Brummie ever-appreciative audience. Despite sometimes too! Muslim Shazia’s not averse to treading a having risked under- delicate line when it comes to her material. mining his own Her post-9/11 joke, “My name's Shazia Mirza popularity by trying - at least, that's what it says on my pilot's too hard to prove licence”, marked her out as a comedian that he's a multi- happy to balance on the very precipice of talented artist, acceptable humour. Other examples of her Lenny Henry has style and content include: "My parents really never strayed too far from his comedy roots. want me to get married. But Muslim men Early-career success on Midlands kids’ don't want to marry me because... I speak", show Tiswas, where he did wonders for the and "My dad said if I popularity of condensed milk sandwiches, went out with a led on to national stardom, while his key black man, he'd role in setting up Comic Relief proved that burn me. Which his heart was every bit as big as his joke- would be good, bag. because then I'd be His UK tour comes in support of his recently black too". published memoir, Who Am I, Again?. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Amplifi DPS November 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:14 Page 1 Amplifi DPS November 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:14 Page 2 David Walliams The Boy in the DRess.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 16:23 Page 1

dress to impress! David Walliams talks about having his children’s book, The Boy In The Dress, transformed into a spectacular stage production by the Royal Shakespeare Company...

Comedian David Walliams turned his hand to “For me, it’s just magical to see a story and had never even crossed my mind.” writing children’s books over a decade ago, characters that I’ve created brought to life So if this new production wasn’t David’s idea, making his debut with The Boy In The Dress. through singing and dancing,” says David. whose was it? The heart-warming tale of friendship and the “The idea of it being a musical was something “I was first approached by Mark Ravenhill, acceptance of others is this Christmas being I’d never even considered, and it truly trans- who’s the writer-in-residence for the Royal presented as a musical by the Royal Shake- forms the story. Music adds a whole new di- Shakespeare Company. I thought it was bril- speare Company. mension that I can’t really do. I’m not a singer liant to be approached by a playwright of The RSC’s show marks the first time the story and I can’t play a musical instrument, so cre- such calibre. Plus, the RSC has had a lot of has been presented on the stage. ating a musical out of The Boy In The Dress success with similar things, like Matilda.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk David Walliams The Boy in the DRess.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 16:23 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

At that point, The Boy In The Dress wasn’t ent. I thought a boy going to school dressed readers want something palatable - they want really being talked about as a musical. as a girl would speak to the wider implica- to read Wimpy Kid, not Dickens. I go into Suddenly, Mark and the artistic director at the tions of being different, which is something schools and talk to kids to find out what they RSC, Gregory Doran, told me about their plan most people probably feel at some point in want. I always ask them who hates reading, to approach Robbie Williams and Guy Cham- their lives. When writing stories, you just fol- and there are always some who put up their bers to turn it into a musical! At first I was low your instincts, so the story wasn’t con- hands. I feel like I want to inspire them and sceptical and thought it was very unlikely trived in a way that was trying to say anything reach out to them. That’s why I created The they’d get on board, as they must’ve been in particular at the time. I guess it was a rela- World’s Worst Children. It’s a little series of busy with other projects. I wasn’t quite crack- tively risky subject for a children’s book, but I short stories that’s just meant to be funny and ing out the champagne, but it turns out that decided to tell it anyway.” short - kind of like the equivalent of reading they said yes! I came to a workshop and The Beano. A kid who won’t read a book David first got the idea for the book from they’d written 18 amazing songs.” might actually like something that’s full of Little Britain fan mail: “A 12-year-old boy sent silly jokes and funny illustrations in a short, It’s safe to say that David is thrilled with what me a picture of him going to school as Emily surreal piece of writing. the RSC, Ravenhill, Chambers and Williams Howard, one of the Little Britain characters. have created: “Guy and Robbie have captured It was a really great outfit, with the wig and “I think that because so many kids have TV, the story very well, and seeing as they’ve writ- parasol. I thought he was very cool for doing tablets and computer games, a lot of people ten so many pop hits, they know how to make that and also quite brave because kids some- think books are a dying art for kids, but a song that people will like. The songs really times give each other a bit of stick for that they’re absolutely not. We have a lot to thank feel very memorable, which I think is really kind of stuff. Even though it was a very differ- JK Rowling for because she made kids queue important for a musical. It’s always good ent set of circumstances - someone doing it outside a bookshop from midnight to get their when the audience comes out still humming for fancy dress is very different to someone hands on a copy of the latest Harry Potter. I’d along. Guy and Robbie are so used to writing doing it purely because they like it - it did never, ever heard of that happening before, songs that grab you immediately, so that’s make me wonder if there was maybe a story and I don’t think books have ever been antici- exactly what they’ve done here. Singing adds there to be told.” pated in the way that hers were. The Harry such an emotional dimension, so the story is Potter books got very long and complicated, It was David’s work in comedy that led him to richer now than it’s ever been. The lyrics don’t so for a writer to engage kids in such a long first discover his passion for storytelling: “I follow the lines I’ve written in the book; there story, and to be met with such incredible really only started to write because I wanted are these new, fresh ideas in the musical that enthusiasm each time a new release was due, to perform. I really wanted to be a comedian, even those who’ve read the book won’t have is inspired. I don’t think things are in a bad and to achieve that ambition I had to create experienced before. It’s a very exciting piece place in terms of kids engaging with books. something that was funny. I started writing that feels new in many ways!” There are obviously still some people who comedy sketches. Then I started to feel like can’t access books. I did a book for World Just like the original book, The Boy In The there was more to write. Comedy sketches are Book Day, and primary school kids each got Dress musical is aimed not only at children only two or three minutes long, but I felt like their £1 book token to get it. For many chil- but also their families. there were much longer stories in me that I dren, that’s the first one they’ll ever own, so wanted to tell. It’s hard to get into people’s “It’s ultimately a feelgood family show. It’s there’s still a lot more that needs to be done. I emotional life with a short comedy sketch funny and moving, with kids at the centre of think children’s books are taken a lot more because it’s mainly about telling the joke. So I the story. Dennis wants to dress as a girl, and seriously now, which is great for everyone.” had that yearning to do something different. I then there’s a slightly older girl called Lisa, knew that I could write a few jokes, some dia- Although David is always busy writing some- who’s the popular, fashionable kid and who logue and create some characters, but I didn’t thing new, The Boy In The Dress remains very encourages him to dress how he wants and to know whether I could do the most important much on his mind: “I don’t think I’ve ever read Vogue. I think a good family show has part - sustain a story. The story is always the been prouder of anything. Just going into appeal across the board - so the grown-ups hardest bit to get right, and they’re mostly rehearsals and seeing what they’re doing in have got something to enjoy too. I get the feel- instinctive; they’re something you grasp from this production is amazing. If my whole ing that parents often bring their kids to your own reading rather than by trying to career was leading up to this moment and things that they themselves don’t find that work to some kind of formula.” then that was it, I think I’d remain happy for a interesting, but then adults still rushed to get long time. If you wanted to judge me and my tickets for the new Toy Story film. I think it’s David is incredibly passionate about encour- achievements on just one thing, then I’d say about creating that balance. Even though it’s aging children to read and thinks the future is come and see this musical because it’s really a story with children at its centre and is bright, despite there still being plenty of work special.” super-fun for a young audience, it’s very needing to be done: “There’s great pleasure in grown up in many other ways. I think every- books, and it’s a great shame if young people one will feel really uplifted at the end of it!” don’t get to experience that. I don’t think it’s a The Boy In The Dress shows at the Royal good idea to be snobby about books, espe- So why was this a story that David wanted to Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- cially when it comes to kids because they tell in the first place? Avon, from Friday 8 November to Sunday should read what they want for pleasure or 8 March. “It’s a story about what it means to be differ- they’ll never get into it. Some really reluctant

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 The Mousetrap Susan Penhaligon (1).qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:18 Page 1 The Mousetrap Susan Penhaligon (1).qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:19 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Caught in a trap Agatha Christie’s record-breaking thriller, The Mousetrap, is out on tour and visiting Birmingham. Cast member and star of stage and screen Susan Penhaligon explains why she thinks the show continues to be so popular...

Not surprisingly, having celebrated its 60th know where we are with this one’ and they in a film. I find the celebrity culture these birthday - a theatrical Diamond Jubilee - relax. And the great thing is, no one knows days slightly alarming. Fame for fame’s sake. seven years ago, The Mousetrap is a record- who the murderer is. Unless they’ve been Actually, I think being an actor or an breaking play. Agatha Christie’s much-loved before, of course!” entertainer is an important job in society, and thriller has entertained audiences across the there’s nothing like live theatre.” Susan even admires her character in The globe, without ever shutting, for as long as Mousetrap: “I like Mrs Boyle because she says HRH Queen Elizabeth II has reigned. The play it as it is - she doesn’t hold back. She’s the is out on tour this autumn and heading for The Mousetrap shows at the Alexandra type of woman who’s used to being in control Birmingham this very month. Theatre, Birmingham, from Monday 11 to of situations, probably to make herself feel Saturday 16 November. “I never thought I’d be in The Mousetrap,” safe. I don’t think she feels safe in The says Susan Penhaligon, who takes on the role Mousetrap! She’s funny, too.” of Mrs Boyle in the production. “I’ve been in Being well known TV series such as Bouquet two of Agatha Christie’s other plays - And Of Barbed Wire, A Fine Romance and Then There Were None and a little-known one Emmerdale, Susan is in the perfect position to called Verdict - but I’d never seen The compare the stage and screen strands of her Mousetrap or read it. When the part came up, career: “I’ve done a lot of theatre: touring, I read the play and thought, ‘Wow’. It’s funny, West End and fringe. I started in rep in tense, has great characters, a brilliant plot, Worthing as an acting assistant stage and what really struck me was that it was manager when I was 21. There isn’t a better based on a real event - chilling, really. Agatha way to understand and learn about the Christie is so clever - there’s always truthful theatre. Also, I was trained for the theatre. In emotion in her plays. She’s the second most the late ’60s at drama school, we all hoped we read English writer after Shakespeare, so she would go to the RSC or the National Theatre - must have done something right!” the Old Vic in those days. That was our The Mousetrap is the longest-running play in aspiration - not TV, certainly not the world - and Susan has her own theory commercials, and films seemed out of our about why audiences keep returning to see it: grasp unless we went to Hollywood. But for “I’m definitely an Agatha Christie fan. I’ve some reason, all through the ’70s and ’80s I read most of her books and I’ve read her landed lots of TV and film roles. I just went biography. I think she’s fascinating. The with the flow. But I always tried to do a play Mousetrap is a great story. It’s a guessing once a year if I could. You have to keep game of whodunnit - and a brilliant one at practising to get good at anything.” that. It’s a perfect plot; it’s vintage, with very While perhaps being better known for her recognisable period characters, and it’s television roles, Susan has toured extensively spooky. It’s quality entertainment. I think it’s in numerous stage productions, including interesting to see an original play of hers on Cabaret, Rehearsal For Murder and, most the stage rather than on TV, particularly as it recently, Handbagged. was written for the theatre. It’s a different animal. But I think nowadays, because of the “I don’t mind touring, but I also like being at many TV Agathas, audiences are familiar with home. I’m quite pragmatic about work. It’s a the world they’re entering. The pact between job; it’s how I earn my living. Like many actors and audience is made the moment the actors, I’m sometimes out of work. I don’t curtain goes up. I’m sure they think, ‘Ah, we think I’m special because I’ve been on TV or Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:59 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Fame frames. By contrast, Fame The Musical continues to get up a sweat on a regular basis. And as high-octane, choreographed-to-the-rafters Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 19 - Sat 23 November stage musicals go, it hits the Midlands this month with a reputation Any Dream Will Do star Keith Jack and Hollyoaks and Dancing On Ice second to none. favourite Jorgie Porter head up the cast in this 30th-anniversary Set in New York’s legendary High School For The Performing Arts, the production of the ever-popular musical. show focuses on the highs and lows of the students who’re desper- The original mega-hit film and its spin-off TV series are now both so ately seeking success, and offers a dazzling evening of foot-tapping old that their once-nimble dancers might soon be reaching for zimmer music and breathtaking dance into the bargain.

The Mousetrap Algorithms Shylock The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 11 - Sat 16 November Sun 10 November Tues 12 November Not only has everybody heard of Agatha Gareth Armstrong's solo play is a sometimes Christie’s The Mousetrap, everybody’s seen moving, often humorous and always fascinat- the show as well - haven't they? Okay, maybe ing exploration not only of Shakespeare’s not, but as the production is fast approaching Shylock but also of Jewish stereotypes in gen- its 70th consecutive year in the West End, it's eral. Along the way, all manner of characters fair to say its capacity to put bums on seats is are presented to the audience, ‘from Portia to absolutely beyond question. Not surprisingly Pontius Pilate, Romeo to Max Reinhardt, and it’s the world's longest-running show, and has Barabbas to Richard Burbage’. been performed well in excess of a staggering Described as ‘a dazzling dissection of The 25,000 times. Its touring version is here mak- Merchant Of Venice’, the production is no ing a welcome return to the Midlands. stranger to four and five-star reviews.

“Sadie Clark’s brilliant solo play hit us with big belly laughs and had us reaching for the tissues,” is how Algorithms is assessed by SHOUT Festival, of which the show’s Old Joint Stock stop-off forms a part. A bisexual Bridget Jones for the online generation, this tragicomic one-woman presentation is ideal for anyone who’s wondered why they feel so lonely at a point in time when connecting with others is meant to be easier than ever. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Nov. RIGHT HAND FP 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 09:21 Page 1

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Curtains Jason Manford.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:23 Page 1

It’s Curtains for Jason Manford! Curtains Jason Manford.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:23 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Stand-up comedian, actor and singer Jason Manford talks about starring in Curtains - legendary songwriting duo Kander & Ebb’s lesser-known musical…

When the star of a musical that’s tipped to be think the genre is so popular? my favourite subjects at school - I struggled to a Broadway hit is murdered on the show’s find anything else that I felt the same way “I don’t think our love of crime and mystery opening night, detective and musical-theatre about, really. I think part of that was down to stories has ever gone away, especially in fan Frank Cioffi is called in to investigate... the teachers. Having teachers who inspire you Britain. We’ve had the likes of Agatha Christie is the most valuable thing you can have.” Tony Award-winning mystery-comedy and Arthur Conan Doyle. Then we’ve had the musical Curtains is a John Kander & Fred Ebb American imports of Murder She Wrote and There were also a number of high-profile show. But unlike the legendary songwriting Columbo. Now you can’t put on the TV with- comedians who had a huge influence on duo’s better-known offerings, Cabaret and out seeing a crime drama. We just love trying Jason: “I liked a lot of the comedians that my Chicago, it has never toured the UK. to work it out! We feel clever and a little smug dad liked: Billy Connolly, Jo Brand, Dave Until now, that is... when we get it right - and we’re really good at Allen. Then, seeing someone like Peter Kay creating them, too. live made me sit up and realise that stand-up Taking on the lead role of Frank is Jason was amazing. He’s an absolute genius. I think Manford. “What’s great about Curtains is that it really because I then got to know him a little bit, I plays to the cast’s strengths. We’ve taken the “Curtains is an unashamedly showy Broad- got to see how hard he’d worked and how Tony Award-winning Broadway show and way-style musical,” says Jason. “It’s a comedy much effort he put into everything he did. added British sensibilities to it. Obviously it’s whodunnit. Without trying to put it down, it’s Being a stand-up comedian works very much still set in 1959 Boston, but it’s not going to be sort of like Cluedo as a musical. It’s a brilliant the same way as many other aspects of life - something that’s from a completely different story, but it’s also got these fantastically you get out of it what you put into it. Peter world as far as the audience is concerned.” funny characters from the musical’s book and Kay is an incredibly hard worker, and I Kander & Ebb behind the music and lyrics. Alongside its whodunnit element, Curtains’ definitely learnt a lot from him.” Curtains has never been to the UK before, so I other great attraction is its humour… Given that Jason can sing and act as well as suppose in that way it’s like finding an album “Frank is a very funny character. I guess the be funny, it’s not surprising that he’s had a you didn’t know your favourite artist had main thing is that he’s actually funny without varied career: “I really love the mix. It means I recorded. Kander & Ebb really are legends in realising it. He doesn’t really do any one-lin- never get bored of anything I do. I’m excited this industry. Every single song is a winner!” ers or gags, but he’s funny because he’s a bit about going on tour with Curtains because Jason is well aware that performing in a show naive. He definitely says a lot of funny things we’re bringing what is essentially a West End- written by such a highly respected pair brings without wanting to. He’s a lot of fun. But it’s quality show to people’s towns and local with it extra pressure: “There’s always pres- also a challenge for me as a comedian to play theatres, which I think is so, so important. If sure on performers, regardless. I’m very aware his funny lines down, rather than being like, I’d not seen theatre from an early age, I that people have paid good money and given ‘Tah-dah, there’s my big joke’. wouldn’t be where I am today. So I hope this up their valuable time to see something I’m show inspires people, and that the tour is “There are so many other funny characters in. We put months and months of time and accessible for all. and actors in Curtains, too. I just think people effort into making sure a show is worth see- will have such a fun time coming to see it. “Beyond Curtains, I guess my main aim is to ing; worth buying tickets for, worth getting a Every day when you pick up the paper or write something that other people will babysitter and maybe even a taxi and a hotel scroll through Twitter, there’s misery and perform. I’ve done stand-up, meaning I’ve room, too. I would hate for anyone to be disaster to read about, so it’s nice to have a written shows and performed them myself, disappointed. Sure, there’s an added pressure show coming to your town that allows you and I’ve been in musical-theatre productions with it being Kander & Ebb, but there have just to switch off and forget about the world.” and on TV, performing other people’s words, been lots of other instances where I’ve so the next place to go will be to have other worked with high-profile people - like Mel So when did Jason first realise he had a knack people performing my words.” Brooks, for instance - or in high-profile for comedy and performance? shows, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I try to make sure that the shows I’m in are ones “My family on my mum’s side were perform- Curtains shows at The Alexandra Theatre, that I would go and see myself. Curtains is ers, so I was brought up around people Birmingham, from Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 definitely that. In fact, it’s something that I’d singing and entertaining others. I used to get November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- probably go and see a couple of times, espe- up on stage and do bits and bobs too. At Trent, from Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 Decem- cially because of the whodunnit aspect.” school I was involved in all the plays, either off or on stage, so that’s what I ended up ber; and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Speaking of whodunnits, why does Jason being interested in. English and Drama were from Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April. Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:59 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from across the region...

My Beautiful Laundrette The REP, Birmingham, Tues 5 - Sat 9 November Hanif Kureishi’s original movie version of My Beautiful Laundrette, released in 1985, focused on an interracial love story between a young Pakistani man and his old school friend, a white working-class guy who’d lost his way. A clever, funny and powerful reflection of life in Thatcher’s Britain, the film has now been adapted for the stage, with Leicester Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster the man at the helm. “I think this is a play about love, hope and young people moving the world forward,” says Nikolai. “It has a really powerful message, and I hope its vibrancy will be celebrated beyond coming to see the production. I very much hope that audiences take the experience forward with them.”

Loop An Inspector Calls place at a health farm, where Don and Shirley’s efforts to fix their failing marriage Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Malvern Theatres, 5 - 9 November; The REP, leave even the therapists’ sanity well and Fri 29 November Birmingham, Tues 12 - Sat 16 November truly on the rocks... Ali might be alone but that doesn’t mean she’s lonely; not as long as she fills her time with roleplays and soundscapes summoned Strangers On A Train Set from her own memories and voice... The cycle of loneliness is explored and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 14 & Fri 15 November challenged in this second production from Theatre In Black, a new process-focused The well-established Lip Service - aka Maggie ensemble dedicated to the task of providing a Fox and Sue Ryding - return to Shrewsbury to platform for new writing and fresh creative present their latest comic offering. talents. Maggie and Sue have been working together for more than three decades, producing Anybody who’s been fortunate enough to shows such as Withering Looks - ‘an authen- Trojan Horse catch a production of JB Priestley’s classic tic insight into the lives and works of those work will have no trouble understanding why three Bronte sisters’ - and Inspector Norse - ‘a Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, self-assembly Swedish crime thriller’. Tues 19 - Thurs 21 November it's been such a worldwide hit. When Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on Their latest show sees them ‘going off the This critically acclaimed the prosperous Birling family, his startling rails’ when a passenger is found dead as a docu-drama ‘uncovers the revelations not only shatter the foundations train emerges from a tunnel... truth’ behind the controver- of their lives but also challenge them to Audience members who are also crime sial 2014 UK government examine their consciences... aficionados or narrow gauge railway enthusi- inquiry into alleged extrem- asts should find plenty to stimulate their ism in Birmingham schools. interest... Drawing on more than 200 hours of inter- Gym & Tonic views conducted with teachers, students, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, parents and governors, Trojan Horse is Tues 5 - Sat 9 November written by Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead. John Godber’s talent for taking pertinent “When we first started researching the themes and presenting them in an accessible subject,” says Helen, “we thought we were down-to-earth manner has seen him become going to be writing about an event that had one of the UK’s most successful playwrights. happened in the past. But it soon became He’s at it again in Gym & Tonic, a ‘laugh out clear that the trauma Trojan Horse caused loud’ comedy focusing on the highly topical has not left the city. So much is still left subject of how to find a moment of calm in unresolved for the people it most affected.” these challenging times. The action takes 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Wolves Grand FP Nov 2019.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 15:13 Page 1 Kipper Mick Inkpen feature.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:20 Page 1 It’s a dog’s life! Kipper Mick Inkpen feature.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:20 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

One of children’s literature’s most popular canine characters takes to the stage this month. What’s On caught up with the writer & illustrator of the Kipper series, Mick Inkpen, to find out about a new theatrical production that’s bringing together two of his stories...

Slot Machine Theatre’s Christmas production, cards for Gordon Fraser. Once I’d developed a piece of theatre, and I was so pleased about Kipper’s Snowy Day - showing at MAC Birm- style, I thought it would perhaps be possible that. Playfulness is one of the main things ingham from late this month till the end of to go into children’s books. It seemed like a that characterises what I do, and that’s some- the year - is based on not one but two of Mick very good medium for the kind of drawing I thing I think both kids and parents will Inkpen’s award-winning books about Kipper liked doing the most.” engage with.” the dog. The show follows the escapades of The stage version of Kipper’s Snowy Day over- It was these similarities in creative vision and Kipper and his friends, whose Arctic adven- flows with original music and songs, bespoke style that encouraged Mick to work with Slot tures take a turn for the worse when their pal, puppets and humour. Machine in the first place. He had been Arnold, goes missing in a storm… approached about stage adaptations of “Music is a very strong feature. There’s lots of “The production is very faithful to the spirit of Kipper previously, even before the BAFTA- fun, comedy and word play in the lyrics of the the books and the character of Kipper,” says winning animation of the series, but only songs, and they’ve been written specifically writer & illustrator Mick, “but I urged Slot when Slot Machine came along did he feel for the production. And it has the same kind Machine not to be too worried about being he’d found the right match: “I think the team of puppetry as in War Horse. You’ve got that absolutely faithful to the storyline. So we at Slot Machine are really invested in theatre marvellous thing where the audience sus- agreed that they’d make an amalgam of the for children and what you might call ‘pure pends disbelief. They’re complicit in ignoring two main books: Kipper’s Snowy Day and theatre’, rather than celebrity-based theatre. the puppeteers and allowing the story to Kipper’s Christmas Eve. They’ve also intro- I was very at home with the way they thought unfold. That in itself adds a certain level of duced their own things, like the storm, which about my books and about their vision for magic to the production because the audience doesn’t appear in either book. The fact that Kipper’s Snowy Day. Creatively I found it very feels so involved in the story. I’ve always they had that freedom meant that they could easy to work with them and readily trusted loved puppet work on stage; I think it’s a really play with what they were doing, rather them to have a very free hand in terms of really powerful medium.” than slavishly putting one of my books on what they wanted to do.” stage. So what else does Mick think makes this show MAC Birmingham is holding a special unique? “It’s a very multifaceted show. There are Kipper’s Snowy Day drawing competition, graphics, songs, puppets and a wonderful “The set is a great example of the theatre which will see one lucky youngster and their plot - it’s visually interesting and completely company thinking creatively about how to family win tickets to see the show. The original. Whether you’ve read the Kipper really bring a book to life. With the Kipper competition will be judged by Mick himself: books or not, you’ll be delighted by the sur- books, I’ve always tried to avoid placing him “You never know what you’re going to get prises along the way. This little production somewhere in particular. While, for example, when children are set loose on a page. I’m really deserves lots of exposure because it is Postman Pat is in a particular landscape in a really looking forward to seeing their efforts truly wonderful.” particular place, Kipper exists in this white and finding a worthy winner.” world of the page, which means I can do with Kipper the dog first appeared 30 years ago in Getting children interested in the arts is very him what I like - I can even send him to the Mick’s book, The Blue Balloon. important as far as Mick is concerned: “The moon! Slot Machine wanted to capture that tick-box attitude to learning in schools now is “That was the book which really put me on white-world look, even more so with Kipper’s so boring. I think it’s hugely important that the map and made me think of myself as a Snowy Day being set in a snowscape. So the children are encouraged to use their imagina- proper, successful children’s author. In it, back of the stage is an entirely open book tions and play around with ideas, rather than Kipper wasn’t quite the Kipper that we see in with blank pages, which allows them to use it having such a constrained focus on just the later stories and in this show because he as a screen upon which they project things. getting things right. School should be a place was on all-fours and just a boy’s companion. For example, the violent storm is expressed where you can openly discuss and explore The Blue Balloon was a very singular kind of by just an animated scribble rushing about all things - even get things wrong - without being book, so a sequel didn’t really seem to have over this book backdrop. judged. I don’t think society can expand very any legs. What the publisher and I wanted “Another part of the white world is that the far beyond what’s fairly utilitarian without was to base a series of books around a charac- entire action takes place on Big Hill, which imagination and without playing with that ter. Developing the character of Kipper from features in the Kipper books. Big Hill is world which children hold so dear. It’s hugely The Blue Balloon more than fitted the bill.” covered in snow, so the set has this white important to support art, reading, theatre and Mick fell in love with all things creative at an double-page with a big, sloping snowy hill. just generally being creative, so that our early age: “My favourite subjects at school This allows Slot Machine to play with per- children can grow and learn.” were English and Art. My favourite part of spective, so at certain points there are tiny English itself was the creative essays and writ- puppets at the top of the hill to make the ing. I can’t really remember when my passion characters look very distant. It’s a very simple Kipper’s Snowy Day runs at Midlands Arts for storytelling and illustration started set, but one that really allows the action to Centre, Birmingham from Tuesday 26 exactly, but it was definitely around that time. spring off the stage in the same way that my November to Tuesday 31 December. I cut my teeth in the world of work, and on characters spring off the page. Slot Machine illustration in particular, by doing greetings had a very playful approach to making this Trojan Horse MAC.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 16:59 Page 1

The truth will out...

The largely unreported story behind the Birmingham schools Trojan Horse scandal is being told in a touring play which last year won the coveted Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its co-writer, Birmingham-born actor Helen Monks - whose TV credits include playing Susanna Shakespeare, William’s daughter, in the hit BBC comedy, Upstart Crow - talks to What’s On about the scandal that rocked the city...

Reports in 2014 of teachers and governors LUNG Theatre’s critically acclaimed docu- schools involved and the teachers and gover- plotting to Islamise Birmingham schools sent drama adopts the same title as the inquiry - nors’ testimony in court, Trojan Horse is a shockwaves through the city and the nation, Trojan Horse - and tells the largely unreported ground-breaking account of institutionalised with the local council launching an inquiry story of how and why those accused were nei- Islamophobia and government prejudice. into the allegations and central government ther convicted nor ‘not guilty’ in court. “I’m from Birmingham,” says Helen Monks, following up with their own investigation Adapted from the accounts of pupils from the who co-wrote the play with Matt Woodhead, shortly afterwards. Trojan Horse MAC.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 16:59 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

“so I knew about the news when it broke but connected to the schools that were a part of space that’s neutral and for everybody. The didn’t know anymore than the news pieces I the scandal. Over the course of the two years main thing we’ve been so happy with about read. Matt and I went into this not knowing of writing, we did multiple extensive inter- this tour is that people from all different we were going to make a play about it; we views with these individuals, and then they walks of life are coming to see the show. We’re were just interested in what the real story were also able to feed back on drafts of the very proud that we’ve created this genuinely was. It’s taken about four years for this project script later on. We even took a first private neutral space for everybody because I think to come to its conclusion, and the reason for reading of the play to Alum Rock for those af- sometimes the theatre can feel like an elite, that is that we just couldn’t get our heads fected by Trojan Horse and heavily involved in white space. It’s exciting for these places to be around it. Every single person has a different our storytelling, so that they could listen to reclaimed by people from such a wide array of experience of what the Trojan Horse inquiry the final script before the play even went to backgrounds.” actually meant, and it’s through that inter- rehearsals. We also had to wade through a lot Trojan Horse also aims to make a much view process with people who were directly of other material, like the recordings of the broader statement... involved that the truth started to unravel. We Parliamentary Select Committees for Trojan decided we definitely had to make a play be- Horse, and we read pretty much all the tran- “Alongside the play, we’ve launched a peti- cause there’s widespread misunderstanding scripts of the teachers’ trials. Everything in tion calling for the government to define Is- of what actually happened. It’s very scan- the play has come from something that a real lamophobia because we don’t yet have a dalous. It’s particularly interesting because person has told us, so the 200 hours of inter- definition in law. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi is no reporters actually went to hear the de- views formed into the narrative of the play. supporting the tour, has written the foreword fence, or the cross-examination of the prose- The show is set over two years: from the be- for our play text and is very hot on the fact cution. and it feels like there was a real shift ginning of the 2014 academic year until when that there’s a huge amount of Islamophobia in the reporting on Trojan Horse once evi- the teachers’ trials collapsed years later. So it in politics, particularly in the Conservative dence exonerated the teachers and governors. started with meeting Tahir Alam - the man ac- Party. I think the thing about Trojan Horse is The newspapers just stopped reporting on it, cused of being the main orchestrator of Trojan that it was a symptom of something much so the narrative has been completely set in Horse - for the first time and it snowballed wider. Although we’re really keen that the stone since those initial allegations of institu- from there.” play is about shining light on the injustice of tionalised extremism. Theatre is all about nar- Trojan Horse, it’s also about questioning how With so many people’s lives affected by the al- rative, so if there’s a narrative that needs to be it was even allowed to happen in the first legations, how does the play approach the changed, then theatre is the way to do it. We place. We’ll also be taking the play to the momentous task of sympathetically putting hope this play helps with that.” Houses of Parliament on the 7th of January, their stories on stage? and we’re hoping that as many MPs as possi- So how did Birmingham schools make the na- “There are five central characters: a teacher ble turn up. In particular, I hope Michael tional news in the first place? accused of Islamising his school, who is put Gove RSVPs to my personal invitation! “The title of Peter Clarke’s report, Trojan on trial and gets given a lifetime ban from “There was a huge amount of incompetence Horse, was taken from a letter that was sup- teaching; Tahir Alam himself is a character - within the government surrounding what posedly sent from one Muslim governor in the only one not anonymised in the script; happened with Trojan Horse, and they want Birmingham to another in Bradford about this there’s the character of a headteacher who to just bury it under the carpet. We want to operation called Trojan Horse, explaining feels pushed out by the governors at her use the play to tell them we haven’t forgotten, how to take over Birmingham schools. Trojan school; Farrah is a schoolgirl who experiences and that the people of Birmingham know the Horse, however, appeared much before this everything first hand, from the press at her truth now. If you look at those who are most was ever a news story, in Michael Gove’s book school gates to the inspectors in her class- complicit in the corruption surrounding Tro- Celsius 7/7. There’s a chapter called Trojan room; and then, finally, there’s the character jan Horse, they’re now in very senior posi- Horse, in which he warns of the Islamic plot. of the councillor, who shows how the scandal tions in the Cabinet or are advisors to the new So in our play, people theorise that the title was viewed from that angle. So all the prime minister. They’ve completely got away Trojan Horse is not one that was invented by anonymised characters are an amalgamation with it, while people in Birmingham have had the Muslim communities of Alum Rock in of different people who we met, and all their their lives destroyed by the story. There are Birmingham, but was actually created by stories feed into creating this one voice. Be- people who haven’t recovered from this. Not Michael Gove. That Trojan Horse letter because of the way the events unfolded in the just in terms of the city still being divided over tween Muslim governor s is now widely Trojan Horse inquiry, we can’t take too much it, but the personal health of those involved known to be a forgery. People believe that credit for the narrative of the play, as it was al- who’ve lost their livelihoods and reputation whoever wrote that letter was appealing to ready there for us to uncover.” over fabricated information. It’s absolutely Michael Gove’s bias and the conspiracy the- As a local, Helen is very aware that the impact scandalous that people’s lives have been used ory that he already believed in - that any Mus- of Trojan Horse on Birmingham is ongoing: as political footballs, and that those in posi- lim person who’s in a position of influence is “We want the play to be about opening up a tions of power can continue not to be held to there because they want to have complete conversation. Being from Birmingham, the account for their part in that.” control. The fact that Trojan Horse is this very main thing that I feel about Trojan Horse is traditional Ancient Greek historical symbol that this isn’t a story that’s now been confined feels very white Western - so again, in my to history. It’s been left unresolved. It’s not mind, it’s not very believable that that’s what Trojan Horse shows at Midlands Arts Cen- about tearing open old wounds, it’s about try- tre, Birmingham, from Tuesday 19 to followers of extreme Islam would’ve entitled ing to discuss something that continues to be Thursday 21 November. All performances this supposed plot.” prevalent in Birmingham. I also think that we will be followed by a Q&A with Professor Creating Trojan Horse was a long process, but would like the play to be reaching all the right John Holmwood - expert witness for the one that Helen and her dedicated team were people, which is why we have Urdu transla- defence at the Trojan Horse trials. determined to complete: “We met the teach- tion headsets available for those who need it. ers, governors, parents and pupils who were We’re trying to make sure the theatre is a Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:59 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Annie Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 18 - Sat 23 November Lesley Joseph is the latest high-profile performer to take on the coveted role of Miss Hannigan in Annie, the oft-touring Broadway musical that’s once again hitting the road this month. A heart-warming rags-to-riches story of a little girl who finds herself transported from a New York orphanage to the luxurious world of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show features plenty of memorable songs, including It's A Hard Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You, Easy Street and, of course, the legendary Tomorrow.

Queens Of Sheba civilising forces were Billionaire Boy good in the world. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, In our creation of The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 13 - Sat 16 November Wed 20 - Sat 23 November Iraq, we certainly had Queens Of Sheba is one of two productions something in com- The producers of this being presented at Warwick Arts Centre this mon with the Ameri- hit touring show, month which explore identity, power, race, can idealisation of Birmingham Stage gender, sexuality, society and politics. invasion. These are Company, have Focusing on four black women battling attitudes that we impressive credentials when it everyday misogynoir, the play is should find very comes to David accompanied by Travis Alabanza’s Burgerz uncomfortable now.” (15 & 16 November), a ‘powerful performance’ Walliams’ work, having also presented exploring how trans bodies survive. critically acclaimed versions of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie. A Taste Of Honey For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, the tale of how Mr Spud made and lost his Tues 5 - Sat 9 November billions, and how his son, Joe, became the Shelagh Delaney’s play, A Taste Of Honey, richest boy in the world. was published in 1958 and is a career-defin- ing British classic. Depicting working-class life in post-industrial Salford and tackling The Gruffalo numerous taboos of the time - including ho- The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, mosexuality, inter-racial relationships and Mon 11 & Tues 12 November single mothers - it earned its teenage writer With millions of comparisons with Look Back In Anger author copies of the book John Osborne. having been sold, it's A Museum In Baghdad This new National Theatre touring production fair to say that Julia Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, stars Jodie Prenger. Donaldson and Axel until Sat 25 January Scheffler's award- Hannah Khalil’s brand new play focuses on a winning Gruffalo has museum which was founded in the Iraqi captured the hearts and minds of children capital of Baghdad in 1926 by British archeol- everywhere. Presenting songs, laughs and ogist Gertrude Bell. ‘monstrous’ fun for children aged three and “The play questions what were essentially upwards, this much-loved stage version of colonial instincts about the need for the the terrific tale follows Mouse as he heads British in Iraq,” explains director Erica Why- out on a journey through the deep dark man. “It considers whether the British as a wood, scaring away hungry animals with tall whole actually believed in Arab indepen- stories of the terrifying Gruffalo. Imagine his dence, or whether they were motivated by oil, surprise, then, when he suddenly finds having a power base between India and himself coming face-to-face with the very Turkey and a profound belief that British creature he's imagined!

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Sweet dreams are made of this Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive favourite returns...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB Nutcracker.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 12:33 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

Continuing to enthral and delight Midlands The sumptuous 200-plus costumes that studio wall. A work of art in itself, it acts as a audiences 29 years after making its debut, contribute to the magic and appeal of The constant reminder of the designer’s vision. Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker is the most Nutcracker are the work of internationally Sugar Plum aside, the magnitude of this festive of ballets and the perfect way to kick acclaimed set and costume designer John production becomes evident upon entering off the Christmas season at Birmingham McFarlane. John’s original designs remain at the costume warehouse. Row upon row of Hippodrome. the forefront of the production and provide a beautifully crafted outfits displayed on rails constant reference point behind the scenes - With its exquisite designs, impressive live are sectioned off according to scene - flowing, as we recently found out during a visit to orchestra and magnificent performances from lyrical dresses for the snowflakes, cadet cos- BRB’s costume department. 60 highly skilled Birmingham Royal Ballet tumes for the toy soldiers, authentic Victorian (BRB) dancers, Sir Peter’s version of the story Although some of the work required to attire for the opening scenes, rats’ tails as tall is widely considered to be one of the best in produce The Nutcracker is outsourced, much as a person and a fully lined King Rat cos- the world. of it is dealt with in-house - and as Elaine tume which is so heavy that I could barely lift Garlick, the company’s head of costume, it into the air. Flamenco dresses, Russian For those not in the know, the narrative takes pointed out, The Nutcracker isn’t just for culottes, Oriental silks, sweet costumes, place on Christmas Eve and follows the Christmas... it gets all-year-round attention shoes, boots, tights - and even Sloggi knick- adventures of a young girl named Clara. because ‘we know it will return every winter’. ers! - also feature in what is unquestionably When given a wooden nutcracker as a gift, the biggest dressing-up box I’ve ever seen. she finds herself swept into an enchanting “We never put Nutcracker 100% away,” winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, explains Elaine. “With a production of this My new-found knowledge of The Nutcracker’s where she meets the most beautiful of beings scale, there’ll always be work that needs creative back story has certainly ignited my - the Sugar Plum Fairy. doing. Costumes take a hammering due to the excitement at the prospect of seeing the show physicality of the dancers, and there’ll always again when it opens late this month. And it And her magical journey features plenty more be rips, tears, deterioration or maybe a Sugar will undoubtedly be with the greatest respect besides - an army of toy soldiers, a kingdom Plum outfit in need of re-beading.” and admiration that I will watch King Rat as 0f sweets, battles with fierce human-sized The latter really is an intricate process, as he pliés across the stage to do battle with the rats and wondrous displays of traditional witnessed during our visit. It’s only close up Nutcracker... while simultaneously swishing a dances from far-flung places. that you fully appreciate the dexterity in- humongously heavy coat & tail and balancing A magical Christmas tree that miraculously volved in bringing the Sugar Plum bodice to a proportionately weighty headdress! grows from four to 15 metres and a fireplace life. Everything has to be just as John in- that expands to fill most of the stage are just a tended - from the delicate beading through to couple of examples of the production’s jaw- the subtle dropping set designs, while lighting by David expansion of colour on the tips of the individ- Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker Finn moves from subtle to dramatic as the ual petals. An exquisite copy of one of John’s shows at Birmingham Hippodrome on story unfolds. paintings, envisaging how the Sugar Plum various dates from Friday 22 November Fairy should look, takes pride of place on a until Saturday 14 December

Nutcracker facts 1. By the end of its 2016 season, Sir Peter’s two days are usually required for technical specialist company in New York. and stage rehearsals. production had been performed a total of 6. Since The Nutcracker’s first performance 519 times - 454 times at Birmingham Hippo- 3. The production has a flying goose that back in 1990, dancers playing the role of drome. The 500th performance took place transports Clara to a magical land - it travels snowflakes in the show have made their on Tuesday 29 November 2016. 20 metres across the stage at every perfor- way through over 720 cans of silver-sparkle 2. Before the curtain goes up on the first mance. This means that the goose has body paint. travelled over 6.4 miles at Birmingham performance, hours of work have been Hippodrome since 1990. 7. The wigs department and BRB company undertaken behind the scenes. The sets, members use around 500 hairpins per show props and lights for the show will travel to 4. A crew of around 50 people work back- - that’s a staggering 259,500 hairpins since the Hippodrome in five articulated trucks stage on the production. 1990! from the Birmingham Royal Ballet stores in Dudley. When the sets arrive, work will 5. 75kg of flame retardant artificial snow is 8. The Nutcracker features over 45 wigs begin on the get-in and fit-up. This process used in the production. It’s imported from a and pieces of facial hair. takes approximately three days. Another

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

There are plenty of opportunities for Midlanders to get into the festive spirit over the next few weeks. The region is hosting some of the best pantos and Christmas shows in the land, not to mention a wide range of other activities to enjoy - from getting your skates on for some fabulous ice-rink fun to searching for Santa and jumping aboard the Polar Express. You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...

Peter Pan The REP, Birmingham, Sat 30 November - Sun 13 January Fly away to Neverland with the boy who wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvellous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and be- ware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock!). This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the JM Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st century and located in Birmingham) is helmed by Liam Steel, who last Christmas directed The REP’s acclaimed production of The Wizard Of Oz.

Puss In Boots Cinderella The Prince And Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Lichfield Garrick, The Pauper Thurs 28 November - Sun 5 January Wed 27 November - Sat 11 January New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmak- Sat 16 November - Sat 25 January ing fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous An interesting and imaginative choice for a Prince Charming, super-cute mice and Christmas show, Mark Twain’s famous story fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella is here being produced by the creative team can justifiably lay claim to being the most behind the New Vic’s adaptations of The popular of all pantomimes. Borrowers, Treasure Island and the UK This Lichfield Garrick version stars CBee- Theatre Award-winning The Snow Queen. bies' Rebecca Keatley as Cinders’ Fairy Adapted and helmed by the venue’s Artistic Godmother and sees the much-loved Sam Director, Theresa Heskins, the production Rabone making a welcome return to the features ‘imaginative storytelling, live venue to play comedy sidekick Buttons. music, humour, puppetry and plenty of And given that he usually rouges-up to festive magic’. A show which is being referred to as ‘the cat’s star as the pantomime Dame, we’re imag- whiskers’ by producers Imagine Theatre, Puss ining Sam might well be looking forward In Boots tells the tail, sorry, tale, of a fabulous to a festive season spent slipping into feline who outwits both a king and an ogre to something a little more comfortable than Scrooge The Musical make his master the top, er, dog... an oversized frock and gargantuan wig! Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Tues 26 - Sat 30 November Having not been performed at the Belgrade for many a year, this new production of Puss The wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutch- has been left in the capable hands of the ever- ing, covetous old sinner is back, in one of magnificent Iain Lauchlan, a man who’s been the country’s bestselling and most-loved writing and starring in the venue’s festive family shows. Leslie Bricusse’s Scrooge shows for more years than he probably cares The Musical broke all box office records to remember. Having written the script, Iain when it premiered in Birmingham nearly 30 will once again be donning the comedy wig years ago. The show is based, of course, on and applying far too much blusher to star as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in the show’s pantomime Dame, a role which which grumpy old misanthrope Ebenezer is he’s very much made his own in recent times. finally taught how to love his fellow man - Expect an evening of purr-fectly splendid by means of a late-night festive haunting or family entertainment. four... whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Christmas pages November 2019 copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:20 Page 3 Christmas pages November 2019 copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:20 Page 4

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

The Snow Queen Father Christmas The Old Rep, Birmingham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 16 November - Wed 27 November - Mon 30 December Sun 29 December The Snow Queen is ruler of all Raymond Briggs is best known for she surveys. When she kidnaps his story about a little boy who young Kay, it’s left to his friend makes friends with a snowman - Gerda to save him from a bleak but talented theatre company Pins future in the frostbitten waste- And Needles are doing plenty to lands... promote one of the author’s This much-loved Hans Chris- slightly less-famous tales. Suitable tian Andersen story is here for children aged three and older, presented by the creative team Father Christmas features songs, behind The Old Rep’s Christ- live music, playful puppetry, mas 2018 production of Pinoc- secret doors, hidden hatches and chio. The new show comes plenty of trademark Briggs complete with ‘an epic original humour. Expect your children to score, spellbinding storytelling be suitably impressed. and more than a pinch of Christmas magic’. Kipper’s Snowy Day The Nutcracker Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 22 Tues 26 November - Tues 31 December November - Sat 14 December Slot Machine Theatre present a show Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting that’s actually an amalgamation of version of this firm festive fam- two books by award-winning chil- ily favourite returns to the Hip- dren’s author Mick Inkpen: Kipper’s podrome courtesy of Snowy Day and Kipper’s Christmas Birmingham Royal Ballet. Eve. Created in 1990, Wright’s For those not in the know, Kipper is a production is seen by many as dog who’s been delighting generations the finest interpretation of of young readers for the past 30 years. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and This is Slot Machine’s first-ever stage mesmerising score. adaptation of the much-loved books In true Christmas spirit, the and sees Kipper and his friends, Tiger story follows a young girl and Arnold, going on an adventure in named Clara as she’s swept up the snow. in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful Aladdin ballerina. Stourbridge Town Hall, This is a magical must-see Wed 27 November - Sun 1 December show for little princesses everywhere… Flying carpets at the ready, boys and girls... A perfect story for an evening of family entertainment finds street youth Aladdin trying against all odds to win the hand of the beautiful princess - and being helped in his endeavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... All profits raised from the performances will be donated to patient care at Mary Stevens Hospice.

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Festive attractions opening in November Christmas

Meet Santa at Sea Life National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Sat 23 November - Mon 23 December The National Sea Life Centre is bringing the North Pole to Birmingham’s Brindleyplace this Christmas. Visit the Antarctic Ice Cave, take your little ones to meet Santa (and receive a free gift from him) and check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Penguins in the exclusive setting of the Ice Adventure area. Families can also pay a visit to the 4D cinema to enjoy a screening of classic festive favourite The Polar Express. Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham, Thurs 7 November - Sun 12 January

Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel thanks to the addition of a roof. Younger or make a welcome return to Centenary Square inexperienced skating enthusiasts can keep this month. upright by using special penguin skating While the wheel offers the opportunity to aids. And when skaters have finished their enjoy fantastic views across the city, the ice Torvill & Dean routine, they can warm them- rink accommodates up to 300 people per selves up with some festive fare in the nearby session and is this year weather-proofed Ice Lounge.

Christmas At Santa’s Winter Wonderland Christmas at Coalbrookdale Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffs, Fri 15 November Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Tues 31 December Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Enginuity, Stratford-upon-Avon, various dates in Ironbridge, weekends from Sat 30 November - November and December Sun 22 December Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace kicks Santa really does get everywhere at Christ- off with Mary Arden: Town And Country - mastime - including museums of iron! Preparing For Christmas (Mon 25 & Sat 30 Coalbrookdale’s all-new Santa experience November). Shakespeare’s mother was a offers youngsters the chance to say hello to country girl who, upon her marriage to the the man himself in his woodland grotto. bard’s dad, John, had to acclimatise to life in And as well as providing an opportunity to the town. But how did preparations for the meet the jocular St Nick, the event also festive season differ between town and features a selection of fun family activities. country? House stewards from Shakespeare’s Visitors who work up an appetite can sample Birthplace and Mary Arden’s Farm offer an some splendid festive fare at Coalbrookdale’s This year’s all-new Santa Show sees the insight into Mary’s changing yuletide tradi- brand new Furnace Kitchen. white-bearded one preparing for his big tions... festive performance of The Twelve Days Of December attractions at the venue, mean- Christmas - but finding his efforts somewhat while, include Flowers Of Winter (Sat 14 hampered by two elves, who have a decid- December - Sun 5 January) - an exhibition of edly different perspective on how to present a floral displays inspired by traditional winter yuletide showstopper... blooms - and Come A-Wassailing (Mon 30 Suitable for all age groups, the show is just December - Wed 1 January) - a chance to one element of the festive fun on offer at participate in the precursor to the modern- Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. day activity of carol singing. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through an enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a sledge, meet Santa’s furry friends and check out the brand new traditional children’s carousel.

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Festive attractions opening in November Christmas

The Snow House Bar Bullring, Birmingham, until Sun 5 January After enjoying a Christmas cracker of a festive season last year, Snow House Bar is making a welcome return to Birmingham’s Bullring this winter, complete with its super- popular VIP igloos. Providing an impressive selection of beers and wines, mulled wine and hot chocolate, the venue is also serving German sausages and churros from early this month onwards.

Santa Safari West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, nr Kidderminster, Sat 16 - Sun 17, Sat 23 - Sun 24, Sat 30 November plus various dates throughout December

Families visiting West Midland Safari Park Christmas wish list and pose with the great this festive season can meet an elf, climb on man while a helpful elf takes a picture. board a sleigh and head for the North Pole. But wait, there’s more... After meeting Santa, And that’s just for starters! Having arrived at children can also select their own present in their destination, young visitors can then say the elves’ workshop and sample a special hello to Santa Claus, tell him what’s on their walk-through ‘discovery trail’...

Christmas At The Castle Statfold Santa Express Santa Safari Warwick Castle, Sat 30 November - Statfold Barn Railway, nr Tamworth, Hawkstone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle, Tues 31 December Sat 30 November - Sun 22 December North Shropshire, Fri 29 November - Mon 23 December If you’re looking for places to take the kids All aboard the Statfold Santa Express! for some seasonal fun this Christmas, Taking place every pre-Christmas weekend Little ones can enjoy a magical adventure Warwick Castle should certainly be on your from the end of this month onwards, this and meet Santa at Hawkstone Park Follies radar. Attractions include ‘magical story- family-friendly event sees visitors climb this Christmas. telling experiences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and aboard Santa’s magical steam train and jour- Jump into one of the park’s Land Rovers to their merry elves, the chance to enjoy break- ney to the North Pole. Once arrived, there’s enjoy a journey through the illuminated fast with Santa and his wife, Christmas feasts plenty for youngsters to see and do, includ- woodland to Santa’s spectacular network of and medieval banquets, Santa sleepovers, a ing paying a visit to Santa’s reindeer, decorat- caves. special carol-singing session and a brand ing cookies with Mrs Claus and selecting Hawkstone’s friendly elves will keep you new ice rink. their very own special gift on a visit to the toy entertained as you wander around the fairy- shop. lit caverns and tunnels, finally arriving at your ultimate destination - the magical grotto itself, where every child will receive a special The Polar Express gift from Santa. The chance to meet the big man’s trusty Train Ride reindeer and enjoy an ‘illuminated woodland Train departs Birmingham Moor Street Station, fantasy’ also feature. Fri 22 November - Sun 22 December The Polar Express train rides return to Birm- ingham this month. The popular motion picture film is being theatrically recreated so that families can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the classic children’s story. Youngsters are invited to join in the fun with the movie’s characters, while the event also features carol singing and a visit from Santa.

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Visual Arts

Truly Bright And Memorable: Jan De Beer’s Renaissance Altarpieces Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 19 January This latest in the Barber’s Masterpiece In Focus series showcases the venue’s very own double- sided altarpiece featuring The Nativity and the ‘apocryphal tale of Joseph and the suitors’. The altarpiece is one of many created by 16th century Flemish artist Jan de Beer, a man whose star shone brightly for centuries after his death but whose relevance has been somewhat downgraded in recent times. The exhibition also brings together for the first time all of de Beer’s paintings and drawings from public and private collections in Britain.

Radical Drawing: Works From Magnum Manifesto Compton Verney, Warwickshire, until Sun 15 December Coventry And The Courtauld If you haven’t yet checked out Magnum “We are the only UK destination for this Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 19 January Manifesto, be sure to get along this month unmissable exhibition,” says Compton The radical and creative potential of drawn marks or next. Featuring some of the most signif- Verney Director Julie Finch. “Magnum and lines is explored in an exhibition featuring icant and enduring images from the Manifesto provides a snapshot of society, not only artwork from the Herbert but also pieces world-famous Magnum Photos agency, the politics, cultures and changing economies both from The Courtauld Gallery in London and exhibition focuses on the history of the crossing time and continents, a reference the University of Warwick. second half of the 20th century, as seen point in our turbulent times, a discussion The display offers viewers the opportunity to through the lenses of 75 leading photogra- piece and a mirror to the world - all cap- contemplate work by a number of artists who phers. tured through photography.” have pushed the boundaries of what it means to draw. Also on display are objects linked to the Claudia Losi: sius Kircher in his 17th-century book, Courtaulds factory in Coventry and a specially Mundus Subterraneus. Kircher’s vision- produced film about Courtaulds Ltd. The long- Being There ary work contains his speculations on established manufacturer of fabric, clothing, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, the existence of a hidden, subterranean artificial fibres and chemicals set up shop in the until Sun 24 November world. Losi’s cloth was fabricated over a city in 1905. Claudia Losi’s latest work, Poli Antarctici period of two years by 12 of her female Constitutio, is an intricately embroidered friends and acquaintances, each of woollen cloth featuring a depiction of whom regularly visited her studio to ded- the Antarctic as represented by Athana- icate a few hours of work to the project.

Arpita Shah, Maryam Wahid, Nilupa Yasmin Exhibition New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 15 November - Sun 19 April ‘The complexity and diversity of modern women’ is the theme which runs through the work of the three talented female photographers contributing to this exhibition. Arpita Shah, Maryam Wahid and Nilupa Yasmin have all created images about and in collaboration with their families and communities - both in the UK and Pakistan in order to present work focused around portraiture, culture and female identity. Among the topics explored in their images are women’s contribution to the economy and society, the tradition of head covering or veiling, and open femininity and Image credit: Study for a demonic spirit (from Henry VI, Part II, Act I, Scene II), George Romney (1734 - 1802) © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, cultural identity. The Courtauld Gallery, London whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 15:18 Page 1

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Bonfire events from around the region Events

Himley Bonfire 2019: To The Moon And Back Himley Hall & Park, Dudley, Sat 2 November Celebrating 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing, this year’s Himley bonfire event features a pyrotechnic display set to inspirational music. Other attractions include a night market, a giant funfair, live entertainment, seasonal refreshments, and a number of large screens to make sure that you don't miss any of the unfolding action. Ultimate Fireworks Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Fri 8 - Sun 10 November Family Fireworks Night explore the period buildings, watch a dramatic Alton Towers’ season draws to a iron-casting demonstration in the foundry and close with a great big bang this Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, month. Sat 2 November chat to the townsfolk in their cottages, shops and other places of work. The undoubted highlight of Visitors to the Ultimate Fireworks Blists Hill Victorian Town stays open late on the the evening, though, is the venue’s sky-illumi- event will surely make the most of second of the month for a special fireworks nating fireworks extravaganza, which comes this final opportunity to experi- night. Visitors can walk the Victorian streets, complete with accompanying music. ence their favourite rides and attractions before the venue shuts down for winter. An end-of-the-night fireworks Firework Festival display should ensure that the West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, curtain falls on the 2019 season in Worcestershire, Sat 9 & Sun 10 November suitably spectacular style. Even the mighty roars of the resident lions may be drowned out at West Midland Safari Park on the second weekend of the month, as music fills Edgbaston the air and fireworks whistle & explode in the Fireworks nighttime sky. Spectacular Visitors can explore the venue’s walk-through Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, areas - including Ice Age and Land of the Living Sat 2 November Dinosaurs - enjoy a selection of late-night rides and keep the autumn chill at bay by cosying up One of the biggest events of its to their loved ones around a giant bonfire. kind in Birmingham, Edgbaston Fireworks Spectacular makes a welcome return on the first Satur- day of the month and this year takes a superhero theme. Bonfire & Fireworks As well as providing youngsters Weston Park, Shropshire, Sun 3 November with the chance to say hello to some of the world’s greatest cape, Set within 1,000 acres of Capability Brown- cowl and spandex-wearing designed parkland, Weston Park plays host to a fictional characters, the event wide selection of popular events throughout the also features plenty of family- year, among which is this annual bonfire & fire- friendly entertainment, included works display - one of the largest in the whole of among which is a funfair, an LED the West Midlands region. light show and, as the event’s As well as a giant bonfire, attractions on the name suggests, a sure-to-be- night include a funfair, food stalls and two ‘spec- impressive fireworks display. tacular’ firework displays (at 6pm and 7.30pm).

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Events previews from around the region Events

Birmingham International Tattoo Arena Birmingham, Sat 23 & Sun 24 November Featuring in excess of 1,200 performers, this well-established event is the UK’s biggest indoor international tattoo. The three-hour spectacle is led by the world famous Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, with international marching bands from France, Poland and the Netherlands also participating. Hailing from Texas and taking part in the show for the very first time are the Kilgore College Ran- gerettes, the world's best-known collegiate drill team. Other attractions include a range MCM Comic Con Check out interactive features, stroll around the of ‘spectacular’ displays, perform- Comic Village and meet the people behind your ances by talented vocal soloists NEC, Birmingham, Sat 16 & Sun 17 November favourite movie and television characters. and the not-to-be-missed Parade Fans of comics, movies, TV shows, cosplay and Celebrities taking part in this month’s event of Massed Standards. gaming can rejoice - ‘the ultimate pop-culture include Stranger Things and Lord Of The Rings experience’ is back at the NEC! star Sean Astin.

Mind Body Spirit Festival NEC, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Sun 3 November The Mind Body Spirit Festival is back in Birmingham with a three-day programme of events and activities that includes contribu- tions by motivational speakers, musicians Underwater and performers from across the globe. Superheroes There’s a whole host of free workshops to National Sealife Centre, B’ham, take part in too, as well as the opportunity to Sat 9 - Fri 22 November enjoy a silent disco, visit a wellbeing spa and This brand new event offers shop for everything from organic food to visitors the chance to put their healing crystals. strength and intelligence to the test against speedy sharks and stinging starfish (in an entirely safe way, of course!). Festive Gift Fair Photo opportunities and an activity trail further add to the NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 November fun, with all youngsters receiving Now in its 24th year, the Festive Gift Fair is a a special pop-badge as a memento cracking place to pick up a Christmas gift or of their visit. several for your nearest and dearest. And with more than 300 stallholders in attendance, there’s certainly no shortage of items to peruse and maybe purchase! Away from the shopping, the show’s programme of attractions includes musical performances, the UK’s largest snowman, appearances by Father Christmas himself and an impressive selection of artisan food & drink. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 15:18 Page 5

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Events previews from around the region Events

Christmas Light Switch-ons It’s that time of year once again, when cities, towns and villages across the Midlands are lit up in readiness for the festive season. Find your local Christmas light switch-on event(s) below. BJ BIRMINGHAM E JEWELLERY QUARTER, BIRMINGHAM Fri 15 November EDGBASTON Fri 22 November S STAFFORDSHIRE N NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME Sat 16 S November L STONE Thurs 21 November T LICHFIELD Sun 24 November TAMWORTH Sun 24 November Visitors can see their favourite celebrity chefs in BBC Good Food Show WORCESTERSHIRE action on the show’s Big Kitchen stage, check W NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 28 November - out brand new festive workshops such as gin- WORCESTER Thurs 21 November B Sun 1 December gerbread decorating and how to make your own BROMSGROVE Sat 23 November B Eat, drink and be merry, as the BBC Good Food Christmas gin, and pick up some tasty festive BEWDLEY Sat 30 November Show brings its winter edition to the NEC. treats from hundreds of hand-picked producers. WARWICKSHIRE LEAMINGTON Sun 17 November WL COVENTRY Wed 20 November K WARWICK Thurs 28 November C The Baby To Toddler Show The Classic Motor Show KENILWORTH Sun 1 December W NEC, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Sun 10 November BLACK COUNTRY Sat 30 November & Sun 1 December WEDNESBURY Fri 22 November Dubbed ‘the ultimate shopping experience for WOLVERHAMPTON Sat 23 BT every parent’, the Baby To Toddler Show is the November W sister event of the equally popular Baby Show BANTOCK HOUSE Sun 24 November and features more than 100 brands covering WEDNESFIELD Thurs 28 November everything from prams and furniture to toys and clothing... The show will also feature a whole BILSTON Fri 29 November SM host of Black Friday deals - so be sure to get TIPTON Fri 29 November S along and grab yourself a bargain or two! TETTENHALL Sat 30 November O SHROPSHIRE B MARKET DRAYTON Sat 16 L November D SHREWSBURY Wed 20 November O Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Classic OSWESTRY Thurs 21 November W Motor Show spans seven halls, boasts the world’s BRIDGNORTH Fri 22 November IR largest gathering of car and motorcycle clubs, LUDLOW Sat 23 November and features a display of more than 3,000 classic DONNINGTON Sun 24 November and vintage cars & motorcycles. Motor fanatics can enjoy shopping at the UK’s OAKENGATES Sat 30 November largest indoor autojumble, with specialist traders on hand to help source parts and tools. Live auctions, talks by a number of motoring celebrities and fascinating restoration demonstrations are just some of the show’s other highlights.

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Film highlights released in November... Film

The Aeronauts CERT PG (100 mins) Starring Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne, Phoebe Fox, Himesh Patel, Vincent Perez, Anne Reid, Tom Courtenay Directed by Tom Harper (UK/USA) Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) was a balloon- ist and something of a daredevil and teams up with the meteorologist and astronomer James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) in an at- tempt to soar higher than anyone else in the history of aviation. Tom Harper previously directed The Scouting Book For Boys (2010) and the sublime Wild Rose (2018). Released Mon 4 November Last Christmas CERT 12a (102 mins) EDITOR’S CHOICE Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson, Rebecca Root, Lydia Leonard Directed by Paul Feig CERT PG come from and so with Anna, Anna’s hand- (UK/USA) Frozen II With the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, some squeeze Kristoff and the funny snow- A romcom set in London sees Kate (Emilia Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, man Olaf, she sets off to find a strange and Clarke) working as a Santa's elf in a Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Sterling K enchanted land. department store. Things have got that Brown, Martha Plimpton Directed by Chris There’s also the slight issue of saving the Buck and Jennifer Lee (USA) desperate. Then she keeps on bumping into future of their kingdom… the same handsome man (Henry Golding, They just won’t let it go. Here, once again, Until this year’s The Lion King shattered from Crazy Rich Asians). Might her luck be we have Princess Elsa of Arendelle and her box-office records, the original Frozen about to change? younger sister Anna. (2013) was the highest-grossing animated Elsa, of course, is endowed with the ability Released Fri 15 November film in history and Disney has decided to to create a perfectly white Christmas wher- build on that success. It took five writers to ever she goes by turning everything into pen the new story, so it better be good. Knives Out CERT 12a (130 mins) snow and ice. But being young and curious, she decides to find out where her powers Released Fri 22 November Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer Directed by Rian Johnson (USA) Harriet CERT tbc (125 mins) Agatha Christie meets Gosford Park in this Starring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr, Joe Alwyn, starry whodunit featuring Daniel Craig as a Janelle Monáe, Jennifer Nettles, Vanessa Bell detective with an entertaining Southern Calloway, Clarke Peters accent. The critics have loved it, though. Directed by Kasi Lemmons (USA) One of the great pioneers of American history, Released Fri 29 November Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland and was routinely beaten and Charlie’s AngelsCERT tbc whipped as a child. But when she escaped her Starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella shackles at the age of 27, she returned to her Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Djimon Hounsou, enslaved family and gradually began to free one Sam Claflin, Patrick Stewart relative at a time, before eventually helping Directed by Elizabeth Banks (USA) hundreds of her fellow sufferers. This is getting confusing. Although it shares When it was proposed that Tubman be pictured a title with the 2000 action-comedy spin-off on the American 20-dollar bill, Donald Trump of the TV series, this is a whole new vetoed the action, dismissing it as “pure instalment in which there are multiple political correctness”. However, the Treasury teams of Angels plucked from around the Department is currently investigating the globe. The new toothsome trio - two of rejection of the plan. whom are played by Brits - must use their As Harriet, the London-born Cynthia Erivo techno know-how to help save the human (Widows, Bad Times At The El Royale) has long race. been a shoo-in to nab an Oscar nomination. Released Fri 29 November Released Fri 22 November CRITIC’S CHOICE whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Cover November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 16:32 Page 1

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YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide

Novemberovember 22019019 thelist

Arts Centre, Coventry - Thurs 21 - Fri 22 November 22 Fri - 21 Thurs - Coventry Centre, Arts Richard Alston Dance Company: The Final Edition at Warwick at Edition Final The Company: Dance Alston Richard

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

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 10 November Mon 11 to Sun 17 November Mon 18 to Sun 24 November Mon 25 to Sat 30 November

Alexander Armstrong at Festive Gift Fair returns Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion Prism at Malvern Theatres, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry to the NEC at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Great Malvern Sun 3 November Thurs 14 - Sun 17 November Sat 23 November Mon 25 - Sat 30 November

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thelist O2 Academy, B’ham JUDI JACKSON + DEBRIS THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Gigs THE SHERLOCKS Sun 3 STEVENSON Sat 9 Nov, Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Warwick Arts Centre, OFFICIAL RECEIVERS the exhibition includes prints by Fri ingham Coventry 1 Nov, Artrix, Broms- David Hockney, Lucian Freud, Henri RECOVER REVEAL Visual Arts grove CATFISH AND THE BOT- Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Bridget Riley TLEMEN Mon 4 Nov, RENEW TOUR Sat 9 Nov, THE BLUES BAND: 40 and Rachel Whiteread, until Sat 9 Arena Birmingham The Marr's Bar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Nov YEARS AND COUNTING Worcester Fri 1 Nov, The Roses, BEAR'S DEN Mon 4 Nov, NEW KATHLEEN WATSON AND LYNNE NEW RUGBY OPEN Sat 23 Nov - Sat 11 LOYAL CARNER Sat 9 Tewkesbury O2 Institute, B’ham SAWYER - INSPIRE BY NATURE Exhibi- Jan, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- tion exploring the natural world in a FRIENDLY FIRES Fri 1 WELSHLY ARMS & THE ingham celebration of texture and colour, Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- GLORIOUS SONS Mon 4 AMERICAN SONGBOOK Tues 5 Nov - Sun 5 Jan The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- ingham Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- seum ingham Sat 9 Nov, Palace The- YELLOW CAP + BARBD- atre, Redditch COVENTRY BIENNIAL - THE TWIN Exhibi- WIRE Fri 1 Nov, The Tin JAMES MORRISON Mon Birmingham Museum & THE RIFLES Sat 9 Nov, tion contemplating themes such as Music And Arts, Canal 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, Art Gallery O2 Institute, B’ham ideas and processes while also ex- Basin, Coventry Birmingham BIRMINGHAM IN THE 1980S: FILM BY ploring some of the difficulties pre- THE JULIE JULY BAND YUGESH AND SUNANDAN WALIA Films GAZ BROOKFIELD Fri 1 BANKS: THE III TOUR sented by globalisation, political Tues 5 Nov, O2 Insti- Sat 9 Nov, Huntingdon which explored specific cultural mo- Nov, The Marr's Bar, inequality and conflict, until Sun 26 tute, Birmingham Hall, Worcester ments and experiences for black and Worcester Jan BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Asian communities in Birmingham: THE NEW JERSEY BOYS TOTALLY TINA Wed 6 NEW EXPLORING ELIOT'S COVENTRY Ex- Sat 9 Nov, Palace The- African Oasis, 1982, until 18 Nov Fri 1 Nov, Swan The- Nov, Belgrade Theatre, hibition marking the 200th anniver- Coventry atre, Redditch THOUGHTS ON PORTRAITURE Featuring atre, Worcester sary of the birth of author George THE REGRETTES Sat 9 works by Picasso, Pacheco, Auer- FEVER 333 Sat 2 Nov, DRAGONFORCE Wed 6 Eliot and celebrating her connections Nov, O2 Academy, bach and Bomberg, the exhibition ex- O2 Institute, B’ham Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- with Coventry, Fri 1 Nov - Sun 26 Apr Birmingham plores how artists have used a wide ingham ULTIMATE LEPPARD Sat range of styles and imagery to inter- THE ICICLE WORKS Sat 9 2 Nov, The Marr's Bar, LAGWAGON Wed 6 Nov, pret complex human emotions and Worcester City Museum & Art Nov, O2 Academy, Worcester O2 Academy, B’ham experiences, until Mon 18 Nov Gallery Birmingham THE NIGHTWATCH Sat 2 MARILLION Wed 6 Nov, FIFTY OBJECTS; FIFTY STORIES EXHIBI- FLEETWOOD BAC Sat 9 Nov, Number 8 Com- Symphony Hall, B’ham TION Curator Garston Phillips shares Nov, Artrix, Broms- Compton Verney Gallery, munity Arts, Pershore the tales, anecdotes and memories THINK FLOYD Thurs 7 grove Warwick A1 Sat 2 Nov, O2 Nov, Swan Theatre, that have helped shape the museum THE LEYLINES Sat 9 ART IN THE PARK - GREEN DWELLING In- Academy, Birmingham Worcester for five decades, until Sat 9 Nov Nov, Marrs Bar, stallation by Dutch artist Krijn de Kon- AUTUMN CRAFT CASES Featuring hand- E3UK LIVE Sat 2 Nov, BUDDY: THE BUDDY Worcester ing consisting of a collection of made ceramics and prints by Barry Arena Birmingham HOLLY STORY Thurs 7 differently sized green blocks ranged Nov, Belgrade Theatre, EATS EVERYTHING Sat 9 Lockwood and respoke designs by G2 - DEFINITIVE GENESIS across the Old Town Meadow, until Coventry Nov, Kasbah, Coventry Mike & Sam Price - jewellery made Sat 2 Nov, Artrix, Sun 15 Dec TALON Sat 9 Nov, The from recycled bicycle spokes, until Bromsgrove WILDWOOD KIN Thurs 7 THIS IS US Take on the role of the Wed 13 Nov Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Royal Spa Centre, Magnum photographer by taking a FIRE RED EMPRESS Sat Leamington Spa LIVING RUINS Artworks from the 18th ingham photo which reflects an aspect of 2 Nov, O2 Academy, century to the modern day, until Sat SLEEPING WITH SIRENS THE AUSTRALIAN PINK your present world and relating it to Birmingham 30 Nov Thurs 7 Nov, O2 Insti- FLOYD SHOW Sat 9 Nov, one of the following themes: individu- KIM & ANDREW LOW- tute, Birmingham Arena Birmingham ality, community, society, until Sun 15 INGS Sat 2 Nov, Artrix, ALICE ZAWADZKI Sun 10 Dec Other VISUAL ARTS Bromsgrove HAZEL O’CONNOR Thurs 7 Nov, The Roses The- Nov, Warwick Arts NEFFEX Sat 2 Nov, O2 COVENTRY BIENNIAL OF CONTEMPO- atre, Tewkesbury Centre, Coventry Forge Mill Needle Museum, RARY ART 2019 Featuring a wide se- Institute, Birmingham CHRISTOPHER CROSS Redditch lection of exhibitions, events and THE TALLEST MAN ON experiences, until Sun 24 Nov, Vari- Thurs 7 Nov, Birming- REDDITCH MEMORIES Exhibition by the EARTH Sat 2 Nov, Birm- ous Venues In Coventry ham Town Hall Redditch Local History Society chart- ingham Town Hall LITTLE MIX Thurs 7 - ing significant change in population, THE PLAY'S THE THING Display of cos- BARS AND MELODY Sun Sat 9 Nov, Resorts industry and housing, and looking at tumes and props from the archives, 3 Nov, O2 Academy, World Arena, B’ham how Redditch has continually recre- until Tues 31 Dec, Swan Theatre, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN ated its own identity, Thurs 31 Oct - HAWKLORDS Sun 3 Nov, Sun 24 Nov FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY Fri 8 Nov, Arena Birm- The Marr's Bar, ingham AFTER THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION Ex- Worcester hibition exploring how the changes LOST IN MUSIC Fri 8 STEPBACK! 90S VS 00S Leamington Spa Art Gallery & OYSTER BAND AND JUNE brought about through the Great War Nov, The Roses The- Sun 10 Nov, Resorts Museum TABOR Sun 3 Nov, War- World Arena, B’ham were reflected in clothing and fashion atre, Tewkesbury ARTIST ROOMS: DIANE ARBUS Diane wick Arts Centre, from 1918 through to the Roaring INFINITE SAUCE Fri 8 AURORA Sun 10 Nov, Arbus (1923-1971) is considered one Coventry 20s, until Mon 12 Oct 2020, Hartle- Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- O2 Institute, B’ham of the great figures of American pho- RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN bury Castle, Kidderminster ingham MARIANAS TRENCH Sun tography. The works in this exhibition Sun 3 Nov, Arena NEW RIVERS OF THE WORLD Exhibition 10 Nov, O2 Institute, are drawn from the Artist Rooms col- Birmingham ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri of river-inspired artwork created by Birmingham lection, jointly owned by Tate and Na- 8 Nov, The Marr's Bar, young people from Worcestershire CALUM LINTOTT Sun 3 tional Galleries of Scotland, until Sun Worcester CHRONIXX AND KOFFEE and Kenya in collaboration with pro- Nov, Hare & Hounds, 1 Dec ABSOLUTE BOWIE - Sun 10 Nov, Arena fessional artists, to explore and ex- Birmingham LEGACY TOUR Fri 8 Nov, Birmingham press what rivers mean to WARMDUSCHER Sun 3 O2 Academy, B’ham BURNA BOY - AFRICAN Rugby Art Gallery & Museum communities today, Mon 4 - Tues 12 Nov, Hare & Hounds, GIANT TOUR Sun 10 Nov, The Hive, Worcester NITIN SAWHNEY Fri 8 THE PRINTED LINE Spanning the 20th Birmingham Nov, Warwick Arts Nov, O2 Academy, century and up to the present day, THE HEAVY Sun 3 Nov, Centre, Coventry Birmingham 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 10 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:27 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 November

(conductor) & arrangements by Peter & TOM DEACON Fri 8 - Sat 9 Nov, The until Sat 2 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- Classical May, Emily Abdy & Rob Roberts, Sat Glee Club, Birmingham drome 9 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal ED BYRNE Sat 9 Nov, Bedworth Civic JACK THE RIPPER: THE VICTIMS An all- CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS Featur- Birmingham Conservatoire Hall female cast focus on the stories of ing Andrew Cottee (conductor). Pro- LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE the five canonical victims of Jack the gramme includes scores from some JASON BYRNE Sat 9 Nov, Birmingham MUSIC OF BOND Featuring John Rigby Ripper, until Sat 2 Nov, The Blue Or- of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic mu- Town Hall (conductor), Sun 10 Nov, Symphony ange Theatre, Birmingham sicals, Fri 1 Nov, Symphony Hall, Hall, Birmingham FREDDY QUINNE, JULIAN DEANE, SIMON Birmingham LOMAS & SIMON WOZNIAK Sat 9 Nov, NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Hit yuletide THE CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET Featur- musical adapted for the stage by the LONDON HAYDN QUARTET WITH ERIC The Comedy Loft, B’ham ing Matthew Denton & Michelle Flem- film’s creator, Debbie Isitt, until Sat 2 HOEPRICH CLARINET Featuring Cather- ing (violins), Eoin Schmidt-Martin DATING AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY, Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ine Manson & Michael Gurevich (vio- (viola) & Emma Denton (cello), Sun DIZZLE, AXEL BLAKE, JUDI LOVE, SMASH lins), John Crockatt (viola) & MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE Bold new 10 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester ENTERTAINZ & MISS MO REAL Sun 10 Jonathan Manson (cello). Pro- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham staging of Hanif Kureishi's iconic gramme includes works by Krommer, screenplay, presented against a MAISIE ADAM Sun 10 Nov, Midlands Haydn & Weber, Fri 1 Nov, Royal 'funky' backdrop of ’80s music & cul- Arts Centre, Birmingham Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa ture, until Sat 2 Nov, Belgrade The- atre, Coventry LUDOVICO EINAUDI: SEVEN DAYS WALK- Comedy ING Also featuring Redi Hasa (cello) & JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR BITA Musi- JIM DAVIDSON Fri 1 Nov, Evesham Federico Mecozzi (violin), Fri 1 Nov, cal Theatre present an amateur stag- Arts Centre Opera Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ing of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim REGINALD D HUNTER, SIMON WOZNIAK, THE INTELLIGENCE PARK Music Theatre Rice's classic rock musical, until Sat THOMAS GREEN & SPECIAL GUEST Fri 1 Wales present the Birmingham debut 2 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham of Gerald Barry's opera, Mon 4 Nov, SIX THE MUSICAL From Tudor queens DESIREE BURCH Fri 1 Nov, The Glee The REP, Birmingham to pop princesses, the six wives of Club, Birmingham WNO - CARMEN Jo Davies’ new pro- Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their CRAIG MURRAY, TOM TAYLOR & JAMES duction, set in the recent past. Sung tales, until Sun 3 Nov, Malvern The- SHERWOOD Sat 2 Nov, The Glee Club, in French with English surtitles, Tues atres Birmingham 5 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome JOHN ROBINS Sat 2 Nov, Royal Spa YEOMAN OF THE GUARD Presented by Centre, Leamington Spa Worcester Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Nov, Norbury Theatre, JAMES SHERWOOD, TOM TAYLOR, CRAIG Droitwich TOM PICKLES (CELLO) & ROMAN MURRAY Sat 2 Nov, The Glee Club, RIGOLETTO Welsh National Opera pre- KOSYAKOV (PIANO) Programme in- Birmingham sent a timely revival of Verdi’s dra- cludes works by Frank Bridge, GLENN MOORE Sat 2 Nov, Huntingdon matic opera. Sung in Italian with Beethoven, James MacMillan & Hall, Worcester English surtitles, Wed 6 Nov, Birming- Rachmaninov, Wed 6 Nov, Christ BOBBY MAIR, HAYLEY ELLIS, IGNACIO ham Hippodrome Church, Leamington Spa LOPEZ & GUEST Sat 2 Nov, The Com- THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN Welsh Na- FREDDY KEMPF IN CONCERT Pro- edy Loft, Birmingham tional Opera present a colourful programme includes a selection of A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- STEPHEN K AMOS Sun 3 Nov, The Old duction of Janacek’s playful tale, works by Chopin, Wed 6 Nov, The sured history, desperate choices and Rep Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 7 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- Barber Institute, Birmingham the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until AURIE STYLA Sun 3 Nov, The Glee drome CBSO: MENDELSSOHN'S ELIJAH Featur- Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- Club, Birmingham WNO - CARMEN Jo Davies’ new pro- ing Kazuki Yamada (conductor), Keri ford-upon-Avon duction, set in the recent past. Sung Fuge (soprano), Karen Cargill (mezzo ROMESH RANGANATHAN Tues 5 Nov, KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- in French with English surtitles, Fri 8 soprano), Robert Murray (tenor) and Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome Matthew Brook (baritone), Thurs 7 GLENN MOORE Wed 6 Nov, The Glee until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Club, Birmingham COSÌ FAN TUTTE Featuring Ana Maria Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon Labin (Fiordilgli), Emily Edmonds HYUNGI LEE IN CONCERT Fri 8 Nov, Ar- IT'S TRUE, IT'S TRUE, IT'S TRUE Fringe ANDY ROBINSON & MAISIE ADAM Thurs (Dorabella), Rebecca Bottone (De- trix, Bromsgrove First and Total Theatre Award-winning 7 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham spina), Benjamin Appl (Guiglielmo), Breach (Tank, The Beanfield) restage CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- JOSH WIDDICOMBE Thurs 7 Nov, War- Matthew Swensen (Ferrando), Fri 8 the 1612 trial of Agostino Tassi for the CHESTRA: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Fea- wick Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, Birmingham Town Hall turing Anthony Inglis (conductor), rape of baroque painter Artemisia RIGOLETTO Welsh National Opera pre- Lauren Fagan (soprano) & Timothy Gentileschi, Thurs 31 Oct - Fri 1 Nov sent a timely revival of Verdi’s dra- Richards (tenor). Programme in- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry matic opera. Sung in Italian with cludes works by Strauss, Rossini, DO YOU THINK THAT’S WISE - THE LIFE English surtitles, Sat 9 Nov, Birming- Pachelbel, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, AND TIMES OF JOHN LE MESURIER Mov- ham Hippodrome Mascagni, Puccini & more... Sat 9 ing celebration of one of the most Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham popular comic actors of the late 20th SOUTHBANK SINFONIA: THE DREAM OF century, Fri 1 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, GERONTIUS Featuring The Parliament Worcester Choir, Coventry Cathedral Chorus, Theatre SNOW QUEEN New adaptation of the Catherine Wyn-Rogers (mezzo so- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) timeless Hans Christian Andersen prano), Robert Murray (tenor), Sir Men, money and microphones are story, Fri 1 Nov, Palace Theatre, Red- Thomas Allen (baritone) & Paul Led- FRANK SKINNER Fri 8 Nov, Symphony fought over in a loving and irreverent ditch dington Wright (conductor), Sat 9 Hall, Birmingham all-female adaptation of Jane THE RECEIPTS UNCUT Fri 1 Nov, War- Nov, Coventry Cathedral Austen's literary classic, until Sat 2 IMPROV COMEDY WITH BOX OF FROGS wick Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, The REP, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR: DURU- Fri 8 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull GETTING THE THIRD DEGREE The FLE’S REQUIEM Sat 9 Nov, Birming- CIRCUS 1903 Unique show featuring ANDY PARSONS Fri 8 Nov, Huntingdon deeply moving story of Laurie Cun- ham Cathedral life-sized elephants created by pup- Hall, Worcester ningham, who came to prominence ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE: peteers from War Horse and ‘jaw- with West Bromwich Albion in the late EARTHRISE Featuring Daniele Rosina MAISIE ADAM, JOE BOR, STEVE GRIBBIN dropping’ acts from across the globe, 1970s, Fri 1 Nov, Midlands Arts Cen-

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thelist tre, Birmingham Theatre’s landmark production of JB ALGORITHMS Sadie Clarke’s one- THE FOOTBALL RAMBLE Join the gang Priestley’s classic thriller, Tues 5 - Sat woman show offers frank observa- Talks / as they bring their chart-topping pod- 9 Nov, Malvern Theatres tions about bisexuality while cast to life in ‘a multimedia extrava- HOW TO BE AMAZINGLY HAPPY Story- highlighting the pitfalls of modern Spoken Word ganza’, Fri 1 Nov, Birmingham Town telling & physical comedy combine in dating, Sun 10 Nov, The Old Joint Hall a one-woman show, Thurs 7 Nov, Stock Theatre, Birmingham JAMES KETCHELL - CHASING EXTREMES RUTH COCKBURN Comedy-theatre Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Spend an evening with the only man show fusing spoken word, poetry, OKLAHOMA! Get Your Wigle On pre- on the planet to have reached the songs & storytelling, Fri 1 Nov, sents its version of Rodgers & Ham- summit of Everest, rowed the Atlantic Wolverhampton Grand Theatre merstein’s romantic musical, Thurs 7 Kids Shows & cycled the world, Sat 2 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa THE RECEIPTS UNCUT 'One of the UK's - Sat 9 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrews- WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Little most hilarious podcasts' offers ‘re- bury Angel Theatre’s acclaimed adapta- ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG: ALL MOUTH & freshing and entertaining perspec- MEDEA Playbox Theatre present a tion returns to celebrate the 30th an- SOME TROUSERS Brand new and ‘deli- tives’ on being a millennial woman, contemporary re-imagining of Euripi- niversary of Michael Rosen’s beloved ciously irreverent’ account of a career Fri 1 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre des’ searing tragedy, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 book, until Sun 3 Nov, Midlands Arts that has taken Alexander from com- Nov, The Dream Factory, Warwick Centre, Birmingham edy to presenting to documentary- SNAKE IN THE GRASS Amateur staging making to singing to becoming the THE SCARECROW’S WEDDING Stage of Alan Ayckbourn’s tale of murder, INVISIBLE LINES ‘Innovative, highly voice of Toilet Duck, Sun 3 Nov, version of Julia Donaldson & Axel blackmail and haunting, Fri 1 - Sat 9 physical & thought-provoking’ work Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon- exploring the invisible divides and Scheffler’s bestselling book, Fri 1 - Avon connections between races, lan- Sat 2 Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull DO YOU THINK THAT’S WISE - THE LIFE guages & cultural expectations, THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- AND TIMES OF JOHN LE MESURIER Mov- Thurs 7 - Wed 13 Nov, The REP, Birm- LOWED A FLY The People's Theatre ing celebration of one of the most ingham Company bring one of the world's popular comic actors of the late 20th OTHELLO The Pantaloons relocate best-loved nursery rhymes to life..., century, Sat 2 Nov, The Old Joint Shakespeare’s classic tragedy to a Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- Stock Theatre, Birmingham jazz-age setting... Fri 8 Nov, Swan tre, Coventry FROM FLAG FLOORS - THE STORY OF Theatre, Worcester IRISH MUSIC & DANCE From its origins SQUID HEART Two-woman improvised on cottage floors to the worldwide show inspired by a single word from arenas of today, Sat 2 Nov, Palace the audience. Part of Foundry Festi- AN EVENING WITH SIMON REEVE An Theatre, Redditch val, Fri 8 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Cabaret evening with the world's leading ad- ALADDIN JUNIOR Presented by Stage- THE BARN ULTIMATUM Brand new com- THE FOOTSIE CLUB Evening of bur- venture traveller, Mon 4 Nov, Warwick coach Redditch, Sun 3 Nov, Hunting- edy from Tom Allsopp, Fri 8 Nov, The lesque, variety & cabaret, Fri 1 Nov, Arts Centre, Coventry don Hall, Worcester Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham JAMES KETCHELL - CHASING EXTREMES SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME Am- BROKE & SOBER Play exploring mental THE DREAMBOYS The UK’s most fa- Spend an evening with the only man ateur staging of Frank McGuinness’ health problems, including PTSD & mous male strip show, Thurs 7 Nov, on the planet to have reached the play about terrorism, kidnapping, cul- clinical depression. Part of Foundry Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa summit of Everest, rowed the Atlantic & cycled the world, Tues 5 Nov, tural bias and conflict, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Festival 2019, Fri 8 - Sat 9 Nov, The TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY Malvern Theatres Nov, Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth REP, Birmingham BINGO Laugh, dance and play to win THE HERD Amateur staging of Rory REBECCA Amateur staging presented as Tina spins her cage of balls to a BEN FOGLE - TALES FROM THE WILDER- Kinnear’s witty & heartfelt look at fam- by Our Star Theatre Company, Fri 8 - high-energy ‘80s soundtrack, Thurs 7 NESS Join the modern-day explorer ily life, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Nov, The Rose Sat 9 Nov, Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Nov, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, as he shares stories about crossing Antarctica and conquering Everest, Theatre, Kidderminster THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere Birmingham Tues 5 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall WITTY DITTIES WITH GREEN & based on David Walliams' bestselling MATTHEWS Chris Green & Sophie book and featuring songs by Robbie HIT THE ODE Unique performance po- Matthews present four centuries of Williams and Guy Chambers, Fri 8 etry night featuring talented spoken- chromatic comedy, ranging from Nov - Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare Dance word artists, Fri 8 Nov, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome ‘bawdy Restoration ballads to sting- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon DIVERSITY - BORN READY Featuring ing ’60s satire’, Tues 5 Nov, The Core WHOSE STORY IS IT ANYWAY? Kevin ‘dance, illusions, mind-blowing stunts MONOLOGUE SLAM UK Fast-paced Theatre, Solihull Tomlinson & Abi Hood present a se- and inspiring stories’, Fri 1 - Sun 3 night out featuring ‘the most exciting A TASTE OF HONEY Jodie Prenger stars ries of stories and scenes sponta- Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham new talent that Coventry has to offer’, in Shelagh Delaney’s taboo-breaking neously created and based on Sat 9 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coven- SHADOW & LIGHT DIWALI DANCE PER- try play, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Nov, Wolver- audience suggestions and donated FORMANCE Choreographed perfor- hampton Grand Theatre objects, Sat 9 Nov, Farlow & Oreton mance in celebration of Diwali, Sat 2 CURTAINS Jason Manford stars in a Village Hall, Nr Kidderminster Nov, The Core, Solihull 'hilarious' whodunnit packed full of QUEER AND NOW Whirlwind showcase THE WIZARD OF ‘catchy songs, unforgettable charac- of short work-in-progress perfor- OZ Presented Film ters and plot twists’, Tues 5 - Sat 9 mances from the next generation of by Ballet UK, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham queer Midlands theatre-makers. Part Sat 2 Nov, OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) of SHOUT Festival, Sat 9 Nov, The MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE Bold new Swan Theatre, Biography/Drama. Starring Keira REP, Birmingham staging of Hanif Kureishi's iconic Worcester Knightley, Matt Smith. Malvern The- screenplay, presented against a A WISH IN TIME Adventures with Grim- GENIUS Six dancers perform two ‘dra- atres, Fri 1 - Thurs 7 Nov 'funky' backdrop of ’80s music & cul- ley the gnome in an introduction to matic explorations of genius’, Thurs 7 BAIT (15) Drama. Starring Edward ture, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Nov, The REP, theatre, Sat 9 Nov, Swan Theatre, Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Rowe, Mary Woodvine. The Roses Birmingham Worcester THE RITE OF SPRING & LEFT UNSEEN Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 2 Nov SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS DUMTEEDUM LIVE Immersive Archers Phoenix Dance Theatre present a THE FAREWELL (PG) Comedy/Drama. S.T.A.M.P.S present an amateur stag- experience offering fans of the show double-bill - Jeanguy Saintus’ re- Starring Shuzhen Zhao, Awkwafina. ing of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s fa- a chance to listen to Emerald O'Han- working of The Rite Of Spring, and an Foreign language, subtitled. The mous musical, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Nov, rahan (Emma Grundy) talk about her emotive exploration of inclusion & Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 2 - The Core Theatre, Solihull character and the programme, Sat 9 isolation in Left Unseen, Fri 8 - Sat 9 Thurs 7 Nov AN INSPECTOR CALLS The National Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham HONEYLAND (12a) 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 10 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:27 Page 4

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 November

Documentary/Drama. Starring art, candles, ceramics and clothing’, cover the dastardly deeds of crimi- CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2019 Featur- Hatidze Muratova, Nazife Muratova. until Sun 3 Nov, NEC, Birmingham nals in the past and the putrid pun- ing snooker tournament winners from Foreign language, subtitled. The BRICKLIVE Opportunity for children ishments they faced, until Sun 3 Nov, the previous 12 months, Mon 4 - Sun Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 3 - aged 12 & under to play, create and Black Country Living Museum, Dud- 10 Nov, Ricoh Arena, Coventry Wed 6 Nov discover with Lego bricks, until Sun 3 ley CHRISTMAS AT SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTH- DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Drama. Starring Nov, NEC, Birmingham HALLOWEEN 2019 A spooktacular Hal- PLACE Featuring floral displays and a Tuppence Middleton, Matthew THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW Featuring loween experience featuring ‘the glass of wassail, Mon 4 Nov - Sun 5 Goode. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- supplies, innovations, new product spookiest day and night events’, until Jan, Shakespeare's Birthplace, bury, Sun 3 - Thurs 14 Nov launches, demonstrations and work- Sun 3 Nov, Tudor World, Stratford- Stratford-Upon-Avon MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (15) shops, until Sun 3 Nov, NEC, B’ham upon-Avon WWE LIVE ‘Bursting with all the drama Documentary. Artrix, Bromsgrove, FAMILY FUN DAYS - HALLOWEEN 2019 FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD The hugely and energy of a rock concert’, Wed 6 Wed 6 Nov Enjoy a spooky outdoor trail and popular 'deathly fiesta' returns for its Nov, Arena Birmingham AFTER THE WEDDING (12a) Drama. take-home activities, until Sun 3 Nov, fourth year with a production combin- THE HISTORIC GHOST WALK OF Starring Michelle Williams, Julianne Packwood House, Solihull ing carnival, circus, theatre and club- WORCESTER Follow the guide into bing, Fri 1 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham Moore. Malvern Theatres, Fri 8 - THE WIZARD EXPRESS The Wizard Ex- deep, dark pockets of Worcester and Thurs 14 Nov press is steaming back to the Severn DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHT ACTIVITIES discover a side to the Faithful City HITSVILLE: THE MAKING OF MOTOWN Valley Railway to take young witches Featuring workshops in shadow pup- that you never knew existed, Wed 6 (12a) Documentary/Music. Starring and wizards on a magical journey to pet-making, dance & performance, Nov, Elgar Statue, Worcester Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson. Wizard School, until Sun 3 Nov, Sev- glowing sculptures and an illustration MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - DENS Build Malvern Theatres, Sat 9 - Tues 12 ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kid- competition to help visualise the Di- dens of all shapes and sizes, Wed 6 Nov; The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, derminster wali story, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Nov, The Core Nov, Coventry Transport Museum Theatre, Solihull Sat 9 - Tues 12 Nov OCTOBER HALF TERM AT SHAKE- BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS JOKER (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring SPEARE'S FAMILY HOMES Enjoy a FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Celebrating MARKET The popular Christmas mar- Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro. whole week of half-term fun with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 kets return, Thurs 7 Nov - Mon 23 Malvern Theatres, Sat 9 - Wed 13 Nov hands-on activities, until Sun 3 Nov, Moon landing, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Nov, Dray- Dec, Birmingham City Centre ton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth HUSTLERS (15) Comedy/Crime. Star- Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford THE LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC ring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez. Upon Avon MUSEUMS AT NIGHT: HOUSE PARTY ON MOTOR SHOW The world’s largest The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun SPOOKY WITLEY COURT WITH CREEPY HENLEY STREET The universe is in dis- gathering of car and motorcycle 10 - Thurs 14 Nov CRITTERS Featuring ‘wicked’ crafts order, and outrageous characters clubs, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Nov, NEC, Birm- and a ‘spooktacular’ Halloween quest from yesteryear have broken free to ingham throw a party with a twist at Shake- around the grounds, until Sun 3 Nov, THE CLASSIC MOTORBIKE SHOW Featur- Witley Court, Worcestershire speare's pad, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Nov, Events Shakespeare's Birthplace, ing a host of outstanding two- SPOOKY KENILWORTH CASTLE WITH Stratford-Upon-Avon wheeled classics, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Nov, HAUNTED CASTLE A week of ghostly CREEPY CRITTERS Featuring ‘wicked’ NEC, Birmingham crafts and a ‘spooktacular’ Halloween MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTIVAL Three-day goings-on at Tamworth Castle’s event offering ‘spiritual seekers’ a MEDIEVAL BANQUET Immersive haunted spooktacular, until Fri 1 Nov, quest around the castle, until Sun 3 evening of medieval entertainment Nov, Kenilworth Castle safe place in which to commune and Tamworth Castle share their ideas, beliefs and philoso- and hearty food & drink, Sat 9 Nov, CANDY & COBWEBS Halloween trick-or- WHERE'S WALLY? THE BIG MUSEUM phies, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Nov, NEC, B’ham Warwick Castle HUNT Join the search for Wally this treat event for under-eights and their CAKE INTERNATIONAL Featuring ‘the INTERNATIONAL MODEL BOAT SHOW grown-ups, until Fri 1 Nov, Blists Hill half term, until Sun 3 Nov, Thinktank Featuring over 600 models from 25- Science Museum, Birmingham biggest and most groundbreaking Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shrop- displays, the wildest competition en- plus club & society displays, Sat 9 - shire FREDDO'S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR tries and the most famous cake stars Sun 10 Nov, Warwickshire Event Cen- HALLOWEEN TILE DECORATING Create Arrive dressed up and join in the fun from around the world’, Fri 1 - Sun 3 tre, Leamington Spa your own Halloween or luna-themed as Freddo creates his very own Hal- Nov, NEC, Birmingham GREAT BRITISH MODEL RAILWAY SHOW designs at family drop-in tile decorat- loween monster, until Sun 3 Nov, Family-friendly weekend, Sat 9 - Sun Cadbury World, Birmingham THE STRATFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL ing workshops on weekdays over the Featuring a host of respected writers 10 Nov, British Motor Museum, Gay- half-term break, until Fri 1 Nov, Jack- THE HAUNTED CASTLE With wondrous and broadcasters, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Nov, don field Tile Museum, Telford witches, Horrible Histories and fear- various locations in Stratford-upon- UNDERWATER SUPERHEROES Find your TO BIND A WITCH! ACTIVITY SESSIONS some attractions, experience War- Avon ultimate ocean superpower as you wick Castle’s ‘best ever haunted Find out about the witch craze of the THE NATIONAL PET SHOW ‘The perfect test yourself against some powerful 17th century, then make your own castle event’, until Sun 3 Nov, War- sea creatures, Sat 9 - Fri 22 Nov, Na- wick Castle place to experience everything pet- witch bottle and poppets to ward off related’, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, NEC, tional Sea Life Centre, Birmingham witches and spirits, until Fri 1 Nov, SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Featuring Hal- Birmingham The Commandery, Worcester loween decorations with illuminated, OCTOBER HOLIDAY AT COVENTRY TRANS- themed scarecrows and hundreds of PORT MUSEUM Explore, test and cele- pumpkins, until Sun 3 Nov, West Mid- brate all types of energy sources, land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- until Sat 2 Nov, Coventry Transport ley Museum OCTOBER HALF TERM - FESTIVAL OF THE BRICK OR TREAT ‘The most spook-tac- DEAD Create some spooktacular ular event of the year’, until Sat 2 crafts as part of the venue’s Festival Nov, Legoland Discovery Centre, Of The Dead celebrations, until Sun 3 Birmingham Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry A-SCARIUM Discover the spooky creatures that lurk beneath the waves, HOME AND HIBERNATE - OCTOBER HALF- until Sun 3 Nov, National Sea Life TERM FAMILY TRAIL Take a look at all Centre, Birmingham the different types of homes made at Croome by both people and wildlife, SIMPLY CHRISTMAS - THE CRAFTY until Sun 3 Nov, Croome Park, CHRISTMAS SHOW ‘An extravaganza of Worcester exclusive ranges of bespoke and unusual gifts, including glass, jewellery, FIENDISH FELONS - HALF TERM Dis- House Party on Henley Street - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

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thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 November TOM WALKER Thurs 14 THE DUALERS Sat 16 Gigs Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, O2 Academy, Classical Comedy Birmingham Birmingham VAMPIRE WEEKEND Mon FLO & JOAN Tues 12 Nov, The Glee ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN THE CLONE ROSES + 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Music Club, Birmingham Thurs 14 Nov, The KAZABIAN Sat 16 Nov, Birmingham Core Theatre, Solihull O2 Academy, B’ham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH JIM DAVIDSON Tues 12 - Wed 13 Nov, FEEDER Mon 11 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch THE POOZIES Thurs 14 FREE RADIO HITS LIVE THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- O2 Institute, B’ham Nov, Huntingdon Hall, 2019 Sat 16 Nov, Re- cludes works by Bach (arr. Widor), BEN ELTON Thurs 14 Nov, Birming- FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE Worcester sorts World Arena, Guilmant, G. Thalben-Ball, Parry, ham Hippodrome TO GEORGE MICHAEL Sibelius & Duruflé, Mon 11 Nov, THE SENSATIONAL 60’S Birmingham JOHN ROBINS Thurs 14 Nov, Warwick Mon 11 Nov, Malvern Birmingham Town Hall EXPERIENCE Thurs 14 METRONOMY Sat 16 Arts Centre, Coventry Theatres Nov, Palace Theatre, Nov, O2 Institute, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE CHAMBER CHOIR & BAROQUE ORCHES- ROBERT WHITE, JO ENRIGHT & COMEDY QUAKER CITY NIGHT Redditch Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON HAWKS Tues 12 Nov, TRA: GENTLE FLAME Featuring Jeffrey GOLDLINK Thurs 14 THE HOOTEN HALLERS Thurs 14 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham Hare & Hounds, Birm- Skidmore (conductor). Programme Nov, O2 Institute, Sat 16 Nov, O2 Insti- ingham includes works by JS Bach & Liz SHAZIA MIRZA Fri 15 Nov, Artrix, Birmingham tute, Birmingham Johnson (Gentle Flame), Tues 12 Bromsgrove LIAM GALLAGHER Tues THE STYLISTICS Thurs THE COUNTERFEIT Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birm- 12 Nov, Arena Birm- DARREN HARRIOTT Fri 15 Nov, The 14 Nov, Symphony STONES Sat 16 Nov, ingham Conservatoire ingham Glee Club, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham The Roses Theatre, CBSO: CAPRICCIO ESPAGNOL Featuring REEL BIG FISH Tues 12 TIM MINCHIN Fri 15 & Sat 16 Nov, THE RIGHTEOUS JAZZ Tewkesbury Jaume Santonja Espinós (conduc- Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham Hippodrome Thurs 14 Nov, The Tin TULISA Sat 16 Nov, tor) & Clara Mouriz (mezzo so- Birmingham IAN STONE, IAN SMITH, ROBERT WHITE Music And Arts, Canal Kasbah, Coventry prano). Programme includes works LOVELYTHEBAND Tues Basin, Coventry by Rimsky-Korsakov, Montsalvatge, & JO ENRIGHT Fri 15 & Sat 16 Nov, 12 Nov, O2 Academy, The Glee Club, Birmingham TYLER BRYANT & THE Falla & Prokofiev, Wed 13 Nov, Sym- Birmingham ROMESH RANGANATHAN SHAKEDOWN Fri 15 phony Hall, Birmingham Fri 15 & Sat JACK SAVORETTI Tues Nov, O2 Academy, BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR GALA CON- 16 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- 12 Nov, Symphony Birmingham CERT Featuring Paul Spicer (conduc- try Hall, Birmingham ROMA COVE & KROOKED tor) & The Musical and Amicable JACK WHITEHALL Fri 15 - Sun 17 Nov, Arena Birmingham IAN SIEGAL Tues 12 TONGUE Fri 15 Nov, O2 Society Orchestra. Programme in- Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Institute, Birmingham cludes works by JS Bach, Handel & GEORGE EGG Sat 16 Nov, Artrix, Worcester Haydn, Sat 16 Nov, Lichfield Cathe- Bromsgrove SEVEN DRUNKEN dral DIAMOND- THE ULTI- NIGHTS - THE STORY OF THE MERSEY BEATLES RUDI LICKWOOD, MATT BRAGG, TUDUR MATE TRIBUTE Tues 12 THE DUBLINERS Fri 15 THE ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC WITH OWEN & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 16 Nov, Sat 16 Nov, Albany VIKTORIA MULLOVA Also featuring Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Nov, Palace Theatre, Theatre, Coventry The Comedy Loft, B’ham Worcester Redditch Richard Egarr (director & harpsi- IVORY WAVE Sat 16 chord) & James Hall (countertenor). GEOFF NORCOTT Sat 16 Nov, The FLEECEY FOLK: DAOIRI PEARL JAM UK Fri 15 Nov, O2 Institute, Programme includes works by CPE Core Theatre, Solihull FARRELL Tues 12 Nov, Nov, O2 Academy, Birmingham Bach, JS Bach & Haydn, Sat 16 Nov, LADIES NIGHT FEAT. NOREEN KHAN, The Fleece Inn, Bret- Birmingham Malvern Theatres VIBS BHATIA & DJ AK BEATS Sat 16 forton, Nr Evesham FOY VANCE Sat 16 Nov, MR EAZI Fri 15 Nov, O2 Birmingham Town Hall BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE PITMEN POETS Wed Institute, Birmingham ETY: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Featuring The IMPROV COMEDY WITH BOX OF FROGS 13 Nov, The Core The- BARRY STEELE Sat 16 DREADZONE Fri 15 Nov, Musical & Amicable Society Baroque Sun 17 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham atre, Solihull Nov, Palace Theatre, The Marr's Bar, Redditch Orchestra, David Wynne (conduc- MICKEY SHARMA, ANUVAB PAL, SUKH HALF•ALIVE Wed 13 Worcester tor), Penny Appleyard (soprano), OJLA & OMID SINGH Sun 17 Nov, The Nov, O2 Institute, A TRIP 2 THE OLDSKOOL PITCH BACK Fri 15 Nov, Philippa Thomas (mezzo), Xavier Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Sat 16 - Sun 17 Nov, The Tin Music And Hetherington (tenor) & James Hare & Hounds, Birm- Williams (baritone), Sat 16 Nov, SHAZIA MIRZA Sun 17 Nov, Warwick ME, MYSELF & I - BARRY Arts, Canal Basin, ingham Arts Centre, Coventry STEELE Wed 13 Nov, Coventry Church of St Alban the Martyr, Birm- The Core Theatre, RAYMOND FROGGATT ingham YONAKA Fri 15 Nov, O2 Solihull Sun 17 Nov, Artrix, WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- Institute, Birmingham Bromsgrove HELLO AGAIN - THE ETY: MOZART’S REQUIEM Sat 16 Nov, TWIST & SHOUT Fri 15 Theatre STORY OF NEIL DIA- REUBEN JAMES Sun 17 Worcester Cathedral Nov, The Core The- MOND Nov, Symphony Hall, LAYILA Siana Bangura’s drama con- Wed 13 Nov, atre, Solihull CBSO FAMILY CONCERT Featuring The Royal Spa Centre, Birmingham Jaume Santonja Espinós (conduc- cerning a 15-year-old Sierra- Leamington Spa ABBA FOREVER Fri 15 - EASY SUNDAYS Sun 17 tor) & Catherine Arlidge (presenter). Leonean British girl whose life is Sat 16 Nov, Artrix, turned upside-down when her KATHRYN TICKELL & THE Nov, Artrix, Broms- Programme includes works by Brit- Bromsgrove grove ten, John Williams, Piazzolla, grandma suddenly dies, Mon 11 DARKENING Wed 13 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Nov, Warwick Arts NOW THAT’S WHAT I FREYA RIDINGS Sun 17 Tchaikovsky, Arban, Beethoven & Centre, Coventry CALL ‘80S LIVE Sat 16 Nov, O2 Academy, Brahms, Sun 17 Nov, Symphony THE MOUSETRAP Susan Penhaligon Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham stars in Agatha Christie’s legendary Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: MASS IN thriller, Mon 11 - Sat 16 Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BOURBON ALLEY Sat 16 BLUE Also featuring Lichfield Cathe- Nov, Marrs Bar, dral Young Voices & the Young TEN TIMES TABLE Robert Daws, Debo- Worcester Phoenix Singers, Sun 17 Nov, Elgar rah Grant, Robert Duncan & Mark THE COUNTERFEIT Concert Hall, The Bramall, University Curry star in Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘tu- multuous comedy’, Mon 11 - Sat 16 STONES Sat 16 Nov, of Birmingham The Roses Theatre, CHANDOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Fea- Nov, Malvern Theatres Tewkesbury turing Michael Lloyd (conductor) & JUMPROV Featuring improvisational theatre company Jumprov. Part of THE DOORS ALIVE Sat Roberto Ruisi (violin). Programme in- CHRISTINA AGUILERA 16 Nov, O2 Academy, ORLA GARTLAND Sun cludes works by Berlioz & Prokofiev, Foundry Festival, Tues 12 Nov, The Thurs 14 Nov, Resorts Birmingham 17 Nov, O2 Institute, Sun 17 Nov, Malvern Theatres REP, Birmingham World Arena, B’ham Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Warwicks/Worcs 11-17 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:29 Page 3

November 2019

Saturday 2 November Thursday 7 November Friday 8 November KIM LOWINGS & NT LIVE: POOR NAMELESS ANDREW LOWINGS HANSARD BOY Father and daughter folk duo Live screening as part of NT A new generation of folk Live’s 10th birthday season music from singer-songwriter Joel Henderson

Thursday 14 November Friday 15 November Friday 22 November I WANNA BE YOURS SHAZIA MIRZA: SAJEELA KERSHI

ANIMAL FAMILIES AND ME CHRISTMAS CRACKERS DEAR SANTA COCONUT & GUESTS: With GORDON BUCHANAN With Robert Ross For ages 2 to 7 Paines Plough and Tamasha's A hilarious and uplifting joyride IMMIGRANT DIARIES 9 November £23 29 November £12/£10 30 Nov & 1 Dec £10/£38 Fam play about first dates, first into the art of survival Sublime true stories from a cast laughs and first loves of performers

COMING SOON: The Official Receivers, G2 - Definitive Genesis, Bromsgrove Concerts: Hyungi Lee Abba Forever, George Egg: Moveable Feast, Raymond Froggatt: The Singer Songwriter 2019 Tour Alfie Moore: Fair Cop Unleashed, Bromsgrove Concerts: Mark Bebbington, Graham Parker The Simon and Garfunkel Story, The ELO Experience: Greatest Hits and More Tour 2019 Fizzogs - The Greatest Showwench, NT Live: Present Laughter, Quill Christmas Concert, Cara Dillon All & Sundry: Snow White, Little Star Baby Show, Santa's Christmas Countdown... KARL LOXLEY Five Star Swing at DICK WHITTINGTON The Magic of Christmas Christmas Party The Pantomime 7 December £22.50 15 December £16/£15 20 - 31 December From £13 Join our Mailing List and receive our e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts www.artrix.co.uk @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 11-17 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:29 Page 4

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 November SHACKLETON’S CARPENTER One-man sires and how to look forward when port Museum show of survival and intrepid action the future is uncertain, Sat 16 Nov, Talks / PLANETARIUM LATES: AMAUROSIS In- adventure, Tues 12 Nov, The Core The REP, Birmingham triguing 3D performance, partly in the Theatre, Solihull LAYILA Siana Bangura’s drama con- Spoken Word dark, that investigates what happens BRIGHT PLACES Unapologetically hon- cerning a 15-year-old Sierra-Leonean when music becomes your emotional est and sometimes comical explo- British kid whose life is turned upside SIR RANULPH FIENNES: LIVING DANGER- guide, Thurs 14 Nov, Thinktank Sci- ration of one woman's unique take on down when her grandma suddenly OUSLY Join ‘the world's greatest living ence Museum, Birmingham life with multiple sclerosis, Tues 12 - dies, Sat 16 Nov, The REP, B’ham explorer' as he recounts his personal WHERE LIGHT FALLS Historic England Fri 15 Nov, The REP, Birmingham THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- journey, Wed 13 Nov, Birmingham project using light and poetry to tell MY FAIR LADY Amateur staging pre- dersen's family classic following the Town Hall the story of the people who risked sented by Bilston Operatic Company, adventures of inseparable friends Kai THE CYCLING PODCAST GRAND TOUR their lives to preserve historic build- Tues 12 - Sat 16 Nov, Wolverhampton & Gerda, Sat 16 Nov - Mon 30 Dec, 2019 Evening of cycling analysis, re- ings during the Second World War, Grand Theatre The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham portage & insight with experts Richie Thurs 14 - Sat 16 Nov, Coventry LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS King's High AN EVENING WITH LENNY HENRY: WHO Moore & Lionel Birnie, Wed 13 Nov, Cathedral School & Warwick School present an AM I, AGAIN? Sun 17 Nov, Warwick Huntingdon Hall, Worcester FESTIVE GIFT FAIR The biggest indoor amateur staging of the iconic sci-fi Arts Centre, Coventry Christmas shopping fair in the Mid- musical, Tues 12 - Sat 16 Nov, lands is back, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 Nov, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick NEC, Birmingham CELEBRATE THE SEASON Worcester Mu- Cabaret sical Theatre Company present an Kids Shows BURGERZ Performance artist Travis Al- evening of dance, song & comedy, THE GRUFFALO Musical version of Julia abanza presents a show that is Tues 12 - Sat 16 Nov, Swan Theatre, Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s classic ‘timely, unsettling and powerful’, Fri Worcester picture book for children, Mon 11 - 15 - Sat 16 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, AN INSPECTOR CALLS The National Tues 12 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry & Sun 17 Nov, Midlands Theatre’s landmark production of JB Coventry Arts Centre, Birmingham Priestley’s classic thriller, Tues 12 - DEAR ZOO LIVE! Rod Campbell’s best- BURLESQUE’D - A STAGE SPECTACULAR Sat 16 Nov, The REP, Birmingham selling book is brought to life with Theatrical adventure fusing the world MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS: TRIBE 25 puppetry, music and audience partici- of musical theatre with the mystery of Brand new show featuring ‘skill, pation, Wed 13 - Thurs 14 Nov, The cirque... Fri 15 - Sat 16 Nov, The Old WINTER CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Featur- stamina and red-hot rhythms to stir Albany Theatre, Coventry Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ing some of the best chocolate mak- your soul!’, Wed 13 Nov, Belgrade ers and traders in the Midlands, Sat Theatre, Coventry 16 Nov, FarGo Village, Coventry PILOT NIGHTS An evening of eclectic AVONCROFT FEST-OF-ALE Featuring performance from ‘some of the UK’s Dance hand-picked ales, ciders and perries, most exciting theatre companies’, plus a selection of breads and Wed 13 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, ACOSTA DANZA Programme of new & cheeses, Sat 16 Nov, Avoncroft Mu- Coventry existing works from ballet superstar Carlos Acosta, Mon 11 - Tues 12 Nov, seum, Bromsgrove FATHERS, FAMILIES & F*CKBOYS One Birmingham Hippodrome MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON The woman’s journey to reconnect with UK’s biggest modern-pop-culture her father in order to connect with YAATRA Jaivant Patel presents an event returns to Birmingham, Sat 16 - herself, Wed 13 Nov, The REP, Birm- evening of ‘captivating’ solo kathak Sun 17 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ingham and contemporary dance, Wed 13 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a QUEENS OF SHEBA 'Hilarious, moving ‘scrumptious day out that's choc-full and uplifting' stories of four passion- THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Rus- of festive fun this Christmas at Cad- ate black women battling everyday sian State Ballet, Thurs 14 Nov, Bel- bury World’, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Nov, misogynoir, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Nov, grade Theatre, Coventry Cadbury World, Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry DON QUIXOTE Russian State Ballet THE GAYDON CHRISTMAS MARKET Fea- CHEETAH SISTERS Autobiographical fuse ‘duels and spectacular choreog- turing ‘quality gifts and produce’ piece exploring the conflict of na- raphy with a dash of Spanish pas- such as liqueurs, mead, preserves, tional and personal identity involved sion’, Fri 15 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Film chutneys, soft toys and jewellery, Sat in interracial adoption. Part of Coventry INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 16 - Sun 17 Nov, British Motor Mu- Foundry Festival, Thurs 14 Nov, The GISELLE Presented by Russian Na- THE LAUNDROMAT (15) Drama. Starring seum, Gaydon REP, Birmingham tional Ballet, Fri 15 Nov, The Roses, Gary Oldman, Sharon Stone. The CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE Explore festive I WANNA BE YOURS Paines Plough pre- Tewkesbury Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 11 - stalls ‘overflowing’ with hundreds of sent a debut play from slam poetry SHOUT VOGUE BALL Club culture Wed 13 Nov unusual gift ideas, decorations, fes- champion Zia Ahmed, Thurs 14 Nov, meets high art as Vogue Houses NON-FICTION (15) Comedy/Drama. tive food & drink, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Artrix, Bromsgrove come together from across the UK Starring Guillaume Canet, Juliette Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, (including Birmingham’s very own CROFT & PEARCE: DOUBLE TAKE Stars of Binoche. Malvern Theatres, Tues 12 - Nr Kidderminster BBC Radio Four’s The Croft & Pearce House of Bab) to compete for dance Thurs 14 Nov supremacy in a catwalk spectacular SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile Show present their new narrative THE AERONAUTS (PG) Adventure/Biog- pulled straight from New York City’s self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, sketch show, Thurs 14 Nov, The Old raphy. Starring Felicity Jones, Eddie iconic ballroom culture, Fri 15 Nov, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Nov, West Midland Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Redmayne. Malvern Theatres, Fri 15 - Birmingham Hippodrome Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley, Nr DICK WHITTINGTON - GROWN UPS ONLY! Thurs 21 Nov Kidderminster Adult-only pantomime starring Lee SWAN LAKE Presented by Russian MOTORCYCLE LIVE The UK’s largest Redwood as Sarah the Cook & State Ballet, Sat 16 Nov, Belgrade motorcycle show, Sat 16 - Sun 24 Gwynfryn West as Dick, Fri 15 Nov, Theatre, Coventry Nov, NEC, Birmingham The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH NAHID SIDDIQUI Ex- Events clusive Midlands performance from TORNADO! The world famous locomo- UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES Split MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - GEARS one of Europe’s leading Kathak tive makes a welcome return, Sun 17 Britches combine a Dr Strangelove- GEARS GEARS Explore gears and cogs dancers, Sun 17 Nov, Midlands Arts Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, inspired performance with a ‘daring to figure out how to get everything Centre, Birmingham Nr Kidderminster forum for public conversation’ that ex- moving, Wed 13 Nov, Coventry Trans- plores ageing, anxiety, hidden de- whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwicks/Worcs 18-24 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:31 Page 1

thelist 23 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Classical Music ANDY PARSONS Sat 23 Nov, The REP, Birmingham UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK WIND OR- CHESTRA & PERCUSSION AUTUMN CON- SEAN PERCIVAL, JOEY PAGE, EMMANUEL CERT Mon 18 Nov, Warwick Arts SONUBI & DARIUS DAVIES Sat 23 Nov, Centre, Coventry The Comedy Loft, Birmingham COULL QUARTET: LIGHT OUT OF DARK- COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Sat 23 Nov, NESS Featuring Roger Coull & Philip Malvern Theatres Gallaway (violins), Jonathan Barritt LOU SANDERS Sun 24 Nov, Warwick (viola) & Nick Roberts (cello). Pro- Arts Centre, Coventry gramme includes works by Haydn, Shostakovich, Schubert & Mendelssohn, Wed 20 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CBSO: BEETHOVEN & STRAVINSKY Fea- turing Gustavo Gimeno (conductor) & Jeremy Denk (piano), Wed 20 Nov Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings - Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa (2.15pm), Symphony Hall, B’ham BIG GIGSPANNER BAND Coventry MARK BEBBINGTON PIANO CONCERT Thurs 21 Nov, Hunt- Programme includes works by Fauré, Gigs JON BODEN & THE REM- Poulenc, Franck & Chopin, Fri 22 ingdon Hall, Worcester NANT KINGS Sat 23 STEVE HACKETT: GENE- Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT SPECIAL FEAT. BAT FOR LASHES Thurs Nov, The Royal Spa SIS REVISITED LOST VOICE GUY, ROBERT WHITE & Mon 18 21 Nov, Birmingham Centre, Leamington CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS Featur- Nov, Symphony Hall, MICKY P KERR Sun 24 Nov, Kiddermin- Town Hall Spa ing Stephen Bell (conductor) & John Birmingham Suchet (presenter). Programme in- ster Town Hall, Kidderminster YUNGBLUD Fri 22 Nov, SCOUTING FOR GIRLS MAVERICK SABRE Tues cludes works by Coates, Satie, O2 Institute, B’ham Sat 23 Nov, O2 Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Grainger, 19 Nov, O2 Institute, Academy, Birmingham Birmingham SHED SEVEN Fri 22 Nov, Sibelius, Walton, Grieg, Mahler, O2 Academy, B’ham GENTLEMEN’S DUB CLUB Chabrier, Elgar, Stravinsky & Ravel, Theatre JOHN MAYALL Tues 19 SCARLXRD Fri 22 Nov, Sat 23 Nov, Kasbah, Fri 22 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham TROJAN HORSE A very local story Nov, Birmingham Coventry Town Hall O2 Institute, B’ham PALISANDER RECORDER QUARTET: BE- about a community torn apart by racial division, ‘British values’ and the GLASS CEILINGS Fri 22 JADE BIRD Sat 23 Nov, WARE THE SPIDER! Sat 23 Nov, Unitar- PENELOPE ISLES Tues culture of the government’s Prevent Nov, O2 Institute, O2 Institute, B’ham ian Chapel, Warwick 19 Nov, Hare & strategy, Tues 19 - Thurs 21 Nov, Mid- Birmingham THE DESTROYERS Sat CBSO: BEETHOVEN & STRAVINSKY Fea- Hounds, Birmingham lands Arts Centre, Birmingham CHRIS BANNISTER PER- 23 Nov, Hare & turing Gustavo Gimeno (conductor) SHAKESPEARS SISTER FAME Keith Jack & Jorgie Porter star FORMS THE MUSIC OF Hounds, Birmingham & Jeremy Denk (piano), Sat 23 Nov Tues 19 Nov, Sym- in a new stage adaptation of the hit JOHN DENVER Fri 22 PUP Sat 23 Nov, O2 (7pm), Symphony Hall, Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham 1980s film, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Nov, Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Academy, Birmingham STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Worcester NEW MODEL ARMY Sat Programme includes works by Cop- CABARET John Partridge takes on the WITHIN: SYSKA FLUTES 23 Nov, O2 Institute, land, Gershwin & Dvorak, Sun 24 role of Emcee in Kander & Ebb’s & MRL BRASS ENSEM- Birmingham Nov, Stratford Playhouse, Stratford- landmark musical. Anita Harris & BLE Fri 22 Nov, Bridge upon-Avon RHYS LEWIS Sat 23 Kara Lily Hayworth also star, Tues 19 House Theatre, War- Nov, O2 Institute, - Sat 23 Nov, Malvern Theatres wick Birmingham CATS Redditch Operatic Society pre- DROP DOWN SMILING GREEN HAZE Sat 23 sent an amateur staging of Andrew D BLOCK EUROPE Wed Fri 22 Nov, The Tin Comedy Nov, The Marr's Bar, Lloyd Webber’s ground-breaking mu- 20 Nov, O2 Academy, Music And Arts, Canal FRANK SKINNER Tues 19 Nov, Warwick Worcester sical, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Nov, Palace Birmingham Basin, Coventry Arts Centre, Coventry TOKYO MYERS Sun 24 Theatre, Redditch MARTIN STEPHENSON & GERRY COLVIN BAND Sat THE DOLLOP - LIVE PODCAST Tues 19 Nov, O2 Institute, ONE UNDER Winsome Pinnock's THE DAINTEES Thurs 21 23 Nov, The Core The- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham evocative play about the power of Nov, Hare & Hounds, atre, Solihull SUZI RUFFELL Wed 20 Nov, The Glee guilt and the quest for atonement, Birmingham MAHALIA - LOVE & COM- ZOE SCHWARZ BLUE PROMISE TOUR Sun 24 Club, Birmingham Tues 19 - Sat 23 Nov, The REP, COMMOTION AN EVENING WITH THE Sat 23 Nov, O2 Institute, ARDAL O’HANLON Thurs 21 Nov, Sym- Birmingham STEVE HILLAGE BAND Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham THE PRODUCERS St Augustine’s MTC Thurs 21 Nov, O2 Insti- Worcester present an amateur staging of the tute, Birmingham SIXTIES GOLD Sun 24 ALFIE MOORE Thurs 21 Nov, Artrix, Nov, Symphony Hall, Bromsgrove Mel Brooks musical, Tues 19 - Sun 24 PROFESSOR GREEN Birmingham Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull Thurs 21 Nov, O2 Insti- JANE GODLEY, SEAN COLLINS & COMEDY TALBOT HOUSE: A HOME FROM HOME tute, Birmingham FLEECEY FOLK: WILL CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs POUND Sun 24 Nov, 21 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Story in words and music about the MATT OWENS Thurs 21 The Fleece Inn, Bret- World War One refuge set up for all VIR DAS Fri 22 Nov, Birmingham Town Nov, The Marr's Bar, forton, Nr Evesham soldiers, regardless of rank, Wed 20 Worcester Hall Nov, The Albany Theatre, Coventry PRATEEK KUHAD Sun 24 RAW COMEDY Fri 22 Nov, Evesham CALEXICO AND IRON & Nov, O2 Institute, THE MILLER’S STORY Physical comedy, Arts Centre WINE + LISA O’NEIL HAWKWIND 50TH AN- Birmingham music & song combine in Clown Thurs 21 Nov, Warwick SAJEELA KERSHI & GUESTS Fri 22 Nov, Noir’s adaptation of Chaucer’s Can- NIVERSARY TOUR Sat THE ROSES CHOIR Sun Arts Centre, Coventry Artrix, Bromsgrove terbury Tales story, Thurs 21 Nov, 23 Nov, Birmingham 24 Nov, The Roses Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham FOLK IN THE FOYER : Town Hall Theatre, Tewkesbury TAT VISION LIVE Fri 22 Nov, The Glee THE BLUE MOTEL Thurs Club, Birmingham THE GREATEST SHOWENCH Hollywood SILVERS REUNION Sat SIR WAS Sun 24 Nov, 21 Nov, Evesham Arts has The Greatest Showman, the 23 Nov, The Tin Music Hare & Hounds, Birm- SIMON LOMAS, VINCE ATTA, JANE Centre Black Country has The Greatest And Arts, Canal Basin, ingham GODLET & SEAN COLLINS Fri 22 & Sat 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 18-24 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:31 Page 2

Monday 18 - Sunday 24 November

Showench! Fizzog are back with their Nov, Malvern Theatres latest production... Thurs 21 Nov, THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Ballet perform Sir Peter Wright’s FIRST TIME HIV-plus theatre-maker world-famous festive production, Fri Nathaniel Hall presents a ‘funny and 22 Nov - Sat 14 Dec, Birmingham frank’ autobiographical solo show Hippodrome about staying positive in a negative THE NUTCRACKER AND I New family world, Thurs 21 - Fri 22 Nov, The Old performance ‘for anyone who dares Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham to dream’, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, War- A DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS Robert Pow- wick Arts Centre, Coventry ell & Sue Jameson celebrate the life & times of Charles Dickens through readings & scenes from his best- loved novels. Clive Conway accom- panies on flute while Christine Croshaw plays piano, Sun 24 Nov, Talks / Palace Theatre, Redditch Spoken Word ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG Brand new and ‘deliciously irreverent’ account of Kids Shows a career that has taken Alexander from comedy to presenting to docu- Richard Alston Dance Company - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BILLIONAIRE BOY New staging of David mentary-making to singing to becom- Walliams' bestselling story, Wed 20 - ing the voice of Toilet Duck, Mon 18 fusing poetry & spoken word, Sat 23 outs from the UK and abroad, Sat 23 Sat 23 Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry - Sun 24 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Birmingham GORDON BUCHANAN: ANIMAL FAMILIES BIG PICTURE FILM FESTIVAL Weekend & ME Join the acclaimed television of family-favourite films, modern wildlife cameraman as he shares sto- movie classics, street food, ries of his experiences with some of Events wraparound activities and creative Cabaret the world’s most fearsome and ma- MINI MOTORISTS Under-fives activity collaborations, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, jestic animals, Mon 18 Nov, morning, introducing youngsters, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick TORI SCOTT IS PICKLED Join the New Wolverhampton Grand Theatre through play, to the world's largest SANTA HUNTS Help the museum's fes- York-based cabaret star as she cele- collection of historic British cars, Mon tive costumed guides find the man brates her poor life choices and un- MY MOUNTAIN LIFE BY SIMON YATES 18 Nov, British Motor Museum, Gay- himself, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, Black conditional love of vodka, Sat 23 Nov, An evening with one of the most ac- don Country Living Museum, Dudley The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham complished exploratory moun- taineers of all time, Mon 18 Nov, The SENSORY STORIES AND RHYMES TRANS- LEGO ENGINEERS Can you and your Albany Theatre, Coventry PORT MUSEUM SPECIAL Explore the family design and build great engi- museum's collections through songs, neering solutions using only LEGO Dance stories, movement and sensory play, blocks? Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, Think- Tues 19 Nov, Coventry Transport Mu- tank Science Museum, Birmingham GENIUS Six dancers perform two ‘dra- seum CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Take in the matic explorations of genius’, Tues 19 MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - TRAVELLING sights, sounds and smells of Christ- - Wed 20 Nov, The Patrick Studio, THE WORLD Play with maps and trans- mas across the years, Sat 23 Nov - Birmingham Hippodrome port, Wed 20 Nov, Coventry Transport Tues 24 Dec, Black Country Living RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY: THE Museum Museum, Dudley FINAL EDITION Diverse mix of dance & BLAKESLEY BY NIGHT An atmospheric CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a music featuring two brand new works costumed evening tour and a rare ‘scrumptious day out that's choc-full by Alston & Martin Lawrence, Thurs BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH Zephaniah chance to see Blakesley Hall by of festive fun this Christmas at Cad- 21 - Fri 22 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, shares a selection of favourite stories moonlight, Fri 22 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Coventry bury World’, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, and poems, Fri 22 Nov, Albany The- Birmingham Cadbury World, Birmingham ROMEO & JULIET Performed by the atre, Coventry FROST FAIR Featuring crafts, gifts, fine SANTA SAFARI award-winning Ballet Cymru, Fri 22 Featuring a four-mile DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE New show foods and unique and original pre- self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, sents, Fri 22 Nov, Ragley Hall, Alces- Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, West Midland ter Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley, Nr FAMILY SATURDAY: THIS MAKES THAT Kidderminster WITH THESE - TOOL SKILLS SPECIAL Ex- MEET SANTA Say hello to the man him- plore how different fabrics are used in self by visiting the Antarctic Ice Cave, vehicles, practise tool skills and take Sat 23 Nov - Mon 23 Dec, National a creation home, Sat 23 Nov, Coven- Sea Life Centre, Birmingham try Transport Museum SANTA'S SLEEPOVER Experience ‘the FARGO'S VEGAN FESTIVAL Find new most magical Christmas escape’, products, try new food and explore Sun 24 Nov, Alton Towers, Stoke-on- veganism, Sat 23 Nov, FarGo Village, Trent Coventry FESTIVE MARKET Discover some EDWARDIAN TEAROOMS LATE: SILENT unique gift ideas at a variety of stalls, NOIZE PRESENTS THE SILENT DISCO The Sun 24 Nov, Aston Hall, Birmingham Silent Disco returns for a third year TORNADO! The world famous locomo- after enjoying huge success in 2017 tive makes a welcome return, Sun 24 & ’18, Sat 23 Nov, Birmingham Mu- Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, seum And Art Gallery Nr Kidderminster WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EX- Billionaire Boy - The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham HIBITION Featuring more than 90 lay- whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 25-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:30 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 25-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:30 Page 2

thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 30 November KING PLEASURE & THE Nov, O2 Institute, Arts Centre, Coventry Gigs BISCUIT BOYS Thurs 28 Birmingham Classical JETHRO Fri 29 Nov, Evesham Arts Cen- Nov, Huntingdon Hall, BASTILLE Fri 29 Nov, tre LEWIS CAPALDI LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Mon 25 Worcester Warwick Arts Centre, Nov, O2 Academy, THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Fri 29 Nov, WSTR Thurs 28 Nov, Coventry Birmingham works by JS Bach, Balfe, Stanford, Palace Theatre, Redditch The Marr's Bar, NICK HARPER Fri 29 Prokofiev & Widor, Mon 25 Nov, Birm- MIKE WILMOT, JONNY AWSUM, SUSIE RONNIE WOOD Mon 25 Worcester Nov, The Marr's Bar, ingham Town Hall Nov, Symphony Hall, MCCABE & COMIC TBC Fri 29 - Sat 30 RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS Worcester Birmingham BLAKE Wed 27 Nov, The Core Theatre, Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Thurs 28 Nov, Sym- DUB PISTOLS Fri 29 - Solihull DAN OWEN JOHN ROBINS Sat 30 Nov, Birmingham Mon 25 phony Hall, B’ham Sat 30 Nov, Hare & Nov, The Big Comfy PIANO SHOWCASE FEAT. SALOMÉ CHITAIA Town Hall GRAHAM PARKER Thurs Hounds, Birmingham Bookshop, Coventry & YICHENG PAN Programme includes ROB ROUSE, SARAH KEYWORTH, NOEL 28 Nov, Artrix, Broms- ELO EXPERIENCE Fri 29 - works by Haydn, Tchaikovsky & Bal- JAMES & HAYLEY ELLIS FOUNTAINES D.C Mon grove Sat 30 Nov, The Sat 30 Nov, Artrix, akirev, Wed 27 Nov, Symphony Hall, 25 Nov, O2 Institute, Comedy Loft, Birmingham DIDO Thurs 28 Nov, Bromsgrove Birmingham Birmingham JUDI LOVE Arena Birmingham Sat 30 Nov, Midlands Arts JOOLS HOLLAND AND CBSO: HAYDN & MOZART Featuring Ric- ELECTRIC SIX Tues 26 Centre, Birmingham AMON AMARTH: HIS RHYTHM & BLUES cardo Minasi (conductor), Oliver Nov, O2 Academy, BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 30 BERSERKER WORLD ORCHESTRA Fri 29 - Sat Janes (clarinet) & Nikolaj Henriques Birmingham Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove TOUR 2019 Thurs 28 30 Nov, Symphony (bassoon). Programme includes SKEPTA Tues 26 Nov, Nov, O2 Academy, Hall, Birmingham works by Haydn, Strauss, Beethoven O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS IS & Mozart, Wed 27 Nov (7.30pm), NAAZ Tues 26 Nov, O2 FAT WHITE FAMILY ELVIS Sat 30 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Opera Institute, Birmingham Thurs 28 Nov, O2 Insti- Palace Theatre, Red- CBSO: HAYDN & MOZART Featuring Ric- RUEL Tues 26 Nov, O2 tute, Birmingham ditch cardo Minasi (conductor), Oliver GILBERT & SULLIVAN A LA CARTE Miscel- lany of musical numbers, Tues 26 Institute, Birmingham JESSICA BOSWELL YOUNG DOLPH & KEY Janes (clarinet) & Nikolaj Henriques (bassoon). Programme includes Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ADAM ANT Tues 26 Thurs 28 Nov, Hare & GLOCK Sat 30 Nov, O2 works by Haydn, Strauss, Beethoven Nov, Symphony Hall, Hounds, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham & Mozart, Thurs 28 Nov (2.15pm), Birmingham BABYBIRD Thurs 28 TRUE ORDER - THE Symphony Hall, Birmingham ELVIS PRESLEY Wed 27 Nov, Hare & Hounds, SOUND OF NEW ORDER THE HALLÉ Featuring Courtney Lewis Theatre Nov, Resorts World Birmingham Sat 30 Nov, Hare & (conductor) & Nicholas Trygstad Arena, Birmingham THE CHEMICAL BROTH- Hounds, Birmingham PRISM Robert Lindsay takes the lead (cello). Programme includes works by in Terry Johnson’s poignant play ERS Fri 29 Nov, Arena NORTHLANE Sat 30 SHOW OF HANDS Wed Ravel, Elgar & Sibelius, Thurs 28 Nov, Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, about Oscar-winning cinematogra- 27 Nov, Symphony Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry pher Jack Cardiff - ‘the man who Hall, Birmingham WSTR Fri 29 Nov, Kas- Birmingham PAVEL KOLESNIKOV PIANO CONCERT Pro- made women look beautiful’, Mon 25 - bah, Coventry XILLA Sat 30 Nov, O2 SUNSET SONS Wed 27 gramme includes works by Chopin, Sat 30 Nov, Malvern Theatres Academy, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, THE TOTAL WHO SHOW Beethoven, Schumann, Bartók & De- Birmingham Fri 29 Nov, Hunting- BOWIESQUE Sat 30 bussy, Thurs 28 Nov, Malvern The- MAC DEMARCO Wed 27 don Hall, Worcester Nov, Huntingdon Hall, atres Worcester Nov, O2 Academy, GIGGS Fri 29 Nov, O2 TALICH STRING QUARTET Featuring Jan Birmingham Academy, Birmingham KREPT & KONAN Sat 30 Talich & Roman Pato ka (violins), THE SIMON & GAR- PRINCE TRIBUTE - EN- Nov, O2 Academy, Radim Sedmidubskyč (viola) & Petr FUNKEL STORY Wed 27 DORPHINMACHINE Fri Birmingham Prause (cello). Programme includes Nov, Artrix, Broms- 29 Nov, O2 Academy, MORETALLICA Sat 30 works by Kalivoda, Dvorak & grove Birmingham Nov, The Marr's Bar, Beethoven, Fri 29 Nov, Royal Pump Worcester Rooms, Leamington Spa SWARMZ Wed 27 Nov, ALDOUS HARDING Fri 29 MALCOLM STENT’S SONGS OF PRAISE BEN BALDWIN & FRIENDS: SERENITY 3 O2 Academy, B’ham Nov, O2 Institute, THE SPIRIT OF ELVIS Sat CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Hymns, car- An evening of operatic arias, art songs T.REXTASY Thurs 28 Birmingham 30 Nov, Palace The- ols & songs with a comedy sparkle, and musicals, Sat 30 Nov, Warwick Nov, Albany Theatre, MYJO CHRISTMAS CON- atre, Redditch Tues 26 Nov, The Core Theatre, Soli- Arts Centre, Coventry Coventry CERT Fri 29 Nov, The KIKI DEE & CARMELO hull THE LONDON CONCERTANTE: VIENNESE TWELFTH DAY Thurs 28 Core Theatre, Solihull LUGGERI Sat 30 Nov, CHRISTMAS WITH STEPTOE & SON Fes- CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 30 Nov, Warwick Arts GLENN HUGHES Fri 29 Albany Theatre, tive misadventures with the nation’s Nov, Coventry Cathedral Centre, Coventry Coventry favourite rag-and-bone men, Tues 26 - Thurs 28 Nov, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Comedy A CHRISTMAS CAROL Presented by the award-winning BMOS Musical Theatre THE INDIANS ARE COMING FEATURING Company, Tues 26 - Sat 30 Nov, The MICKEY SHARMA, ANUVAB PAL, SJ Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham MAGIC, SUKH OJLA & OMID SINGH Mon AN EVENING WITH LENNY HENRY: WHO 25 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry AM I, AGAIN? Wed 27 Nov, JAMES ACASTER Wed 27 Nov, Stratford Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, JANE EYRE Blackeyed Theatre present JACK DEE Thurs 28 Nov, Palace The- a new staging of Charlotte Bronte's atre, Redditch Gothic masterpiece, Wed 27 - Thurs MIKE WILMOT PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL 28 Nov, Bridge House Theatre, WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 28 Nov, Warwick The Glee Club, Birmingham JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR JOHN ROBINS Thurs 28 Nov, The Regal, DREAMCOAT Presented by Youth Group Evesham Production, Wed 27 - Sat 30 Nov, Nor- Twelfth Day - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry bury Theatre, Droitwich DARREN HARRIOTT Fri 29 Nov, Warwick whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Warwicks/Worcs 25-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 11:30 Page 3

thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 30 November PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- FAYRE Featuring almost 200 stalls SANTA HUNTS Help the museum's fes- ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, Dance across the city centre, selling local tive costumed guides find the man Wed 27 Nov - Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade arts & crafts, street food and gifts, himself, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Theatre, Coventry STEP SONIC Tom Dale Company pre- Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Worcester Black Country Living Museum, Dud- sent a double-bill of new chore- THE LOCK IN CHRISTMAS CAROL ‘Half City Centre ley ographed works where the body is gig, half dance show and half panto’, STEAM IN LIGHTS A ‘spectacular illumi- MINICHRISTMAS Activities include tree the main starting point, Tues 26 - Thurs 28 Nov, The Core Theatre, Soli- nated adventure along an enchanting decorating, paper-chain making and Wed 27 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, hull Severn Valley with a dazzling extrava- snowflake cutting, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Coventry ganza of magical creatures, sparkling Dec, Thinktank Science Museum, THE LITTLE PRINCE Luca Silvestrini’s lights, snowfall and thrills’, all enjoyed Birmingham Protein re-imagine the classic tale, Fri from the warmth and comfort of a his- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a 29 - Sat 30 Nov, DanceXchange, toric carriage, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Nov, ‘scrumptious day out that's choc-full Birmingham Hippodrome Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr of festive fun this Christmas at Cad- Kidderminster bury World’, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, MAKING MERRY: ARTS, CRAFTS AND Cadbury World, Birmingham GIFTS FAIR Experience the sights, CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Meet Talks / sounds and smells of the season and Santa in this all-new experience, Sat find unique gifts for family and 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Coalbrookdale Spoken Word friends, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Nov, Herbert Museum of Iron, Ironbridge, Shrop- Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry shire CINDERELLA Festive family favourite GORDON BUCHANAN: ANIMAL FAMILIES BEOWULF Costumed performance of SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) & ME Join the acclaimed television the legendary story, Sat 30 Nov, self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, and Sam Rabone, Thurs 28 Nov - wildlife cameraman as he shares sto- Aston Hall, Birmingham Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, West Mid- Sun 5 Jan, Lichfield Garrick ries of his experiences with some of the world’s most fearsome and ma- MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS Evening fus- land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- TREASURE ISLAND THE PANTO Amateur jestic animals, Mon 25 Nov, Birming- ing ‘incredible entertainment with a ley, Nr Kidderminster staging presented by Pride & Joy ham Town Hall delicious festive feast and a spectac- SANTA SPECIALS Experience the Theatre, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Nov, The ularly themed environment’, Sat 30 Crescent Theatre, Birmingham magic of Christmas on a steam train Nov - Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham ride through the Severn Valley with CINDERELLA Fri 29 Nov - Sun 12 Jan Santa, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Sev- Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kid- IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO Film derminster PLAY Joe Landry’s theatrical version INDEPENDENT LISTINGS CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Enjoy sea- of one of the most popular Hollywood sonal building activities, Sat 30 Nov - films of all time, Sat 30 Nov - Sat 7 HELLO DOLLY! (PG) Adventure/Com- Tues 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Dec, Criterion Theatre, Coventry edy. Starring Barbra Streisand, Walter Centre, Birmingham Matthau. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, BEAUTY & THE BEAST Sat 30 Nov - Sat ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS KINGDOM Visit Mon 25 Nov 28 Dec, Bedworth Civic Hall Father Christmas and receive a ALADDIN Festive family show written & MIDNIGHT COWBOY (18) Drama. Star- golden key to unlock a magical directed by Ben Crocker, Sat 30 Nov - ring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight. toyshop in which every child can Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, Tues 26 Sat 4 Jan, The Roses, Tewkesbury CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along choose their very own present, Sat Nov PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling or just soak up the festive atmo- 30 Nov - Tues 24 Dec, Hatton Adven- creation flies into Birmingham for BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID sphere as you get Christmas off to a ture World, Warwick Christmas, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 19 Jan, (PG) Biography/Crime. Starring Paul traditional start with an evening of CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE ‘Festive fun The REP, Birmingham Newman, Robert Redford. Abbey carols and festive songs, Sat 30 Nov, perfect for the whole family’, Sat 30 Theatre, Nuneaton, Wed 27 Nov Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Nov - Tues 31 Dec, Warwick Castle Kidderminster Kids Shows KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & Events music, puppetry and humour com- FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA AT THE ENGINE bine in a stage version of Mick HOUSE Travel on a heritage steam Inkpen’s much-loved book, Tues 26 train before settling down for After- Nov - Tues 31 Dec, Midlands Arts noon Tea served to your table, Tues Centre, Birmingham 26 - Thurs 28 Nov, Severn Valley Rail- RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Join Santa on the busiest day of his MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - CHAIN RE- year - Christmas Eve, Wed 27 Nov - ACTIONS Investigation into the con- Sun 29 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, cept of cause-and-effect, Wed 27 Coventry Nov, Coventry Transport Museum BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas! Start planning a food- Cabaret filled day out with friends and family, Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, NEC, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Variety Birmingham show featuring comedy act Dandy, a tribute to Black Country comedienne ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE Featur- Dolly Allen from Emma Rollason ing 180 specialist dealers exhibiting a (from The Fizzogs) and music from wide range of pieces, from classic to ukulele maestro Joe Thomas, Wed contemporary, Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 27 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Dec, NEC, Birmingham THE WORCESTER VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry 66 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB Full Page Nov 2019.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 15:20 Page 1 Herbert Art Gallery - OBC - Novemeber.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 15:35 Page 1