Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover October 2019.qxp_Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover 20/09/2019 13:59 Page 1

JODIE PRENGER BACK Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands AT THE GRAND WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2019

Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 406 OCTOBER 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk

inside:

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

DALISO CHAPONDA brings laughter to the Slade Rooms TWITTER:@WHATSONWOLVES

LIFE IS NO LAUGHING MATTER at Arena Theatre AEOK @WHATSONWOLVERHAMPTONFACEBOOK:

GHOULISH FUN... at Dudley’s Black Country WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK Living Museum IFC Wolverhampton.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:29 Page 1

Wednesday 9th October at 7.30pm Saturday 12th October at 11am and 2pm Thursday 24th October at 7.30pm

Drama Drama Drama EVERYTHINGEVERYTHING I SSEE EMILY RISING LIFELIFE ISIS NONO LAUGHINGLAUG I SWALLOW MATTER

Tickets £14, £12 conc. Tickets £9 Tickets £14, £12 conc.

Friday 25th October at 7.30pm Saturday 26th October at 7.30pm Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th October at 7.30pm - Wednesday Matinee at 2.30pm

DRAMA COMEDY DRAMA FIERCE FESTIVAL STAND UP FOR NO MAN'S LAND MYSTERY HOUR BY HAROLD PINTER Tickets £14, £12 conc. Tickets £14, £12 conc Tickets £14, £12 conc. Contents October Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 15:44 Page 2

October 2019

Contents

Halloween Fun - at Dudley’s award-winning Black Country Living Museum - page 49

A Taste Of Honey Ed Byrne Life is a Cabaret... the list

Jodie Prenger stars in Shelagh the master of observational join John Partridge at The Kit Your 16-page Delaney classic at the Grand comedy on tour in the Midlands Kat Klub at Theatre Severn week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 23 page 24 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 22. Comedy 24. Theatre 37. Visual Arts 39. Film 43. Events

@whatsonwolverhampton @staffordshirewhatson @whatsonshropshire Wolverhampton What’s On What’s On Shropshire 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 Wolves_Shrops_Staffs October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:23 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Moroccan festive feast at the NEC Birmingham’s NEC is hosting ‘the ultimate Christmas party experience’ this festive season. Moroccan Fire Nights fuses ‘incredible entertainment with a delicious festive feast and a spectacularly themed environ- ment’. Late-night highlights include an ‘epic’ stage show, indoor fairground rides, casino tables and fairground stalls. The parties take place from 29 November to 22 December. For more information and to book tickets, visit birmingham- christmasparties.com

Dudmaston Estate to host Trigger Happy creator hits understatement.” Remembering The Oscars new monthly 10k trail run the road with new show visits Birmingham’s Sym- A new monthly 10k trail run is being Trigger Happy TV creator phony Hall on Thursday 9 launched by the National Trust on the Dom Joly will perform in April and Shrewsbury’s Dudmaston Estate near Bridgnorth in Shrop- Stourbridge next year as Theatre Severn on Friday shire. part of his first UK tour for 17 April. The first Trust10 is a free event which will eight years. take place at 9am on Sunday 27 October and The comedian, broadcaster then on the fourth Sunday of each month. and author brings his new Gospel Graceland at the Commenting on the news, Alexandra Blake- show, Holiday Snaps - man, Marketing & Events Officer, said: "We’re Travel And Comedy In The Danger Zone, to Buttermarket nightclub so excited to take on the Trust10 in Comer the Town Hall on Wednesday 8 April. The The highly rated African Gospel Woods. It’s a great opportunity to set new show sees him talking about his exploits Choir are heading to Shrewsbury at the start monthly goals and explore this beautiful part in some of the world’s most dangerous travel of next month to perform Paul Simon’s iconic of Dudmaston’s wider landscape. spots, including North Korea, the Congo, 1986 album, Graceland. "The route is made up of a 4km and a 6km Syria and Chernobyl. Created not only to promote the gospel but loop. So if you’re working up to 10k, or you also popularise African interpretations of fancy a shorter run, you’re very welcome to gospel music, the choir will perform at the come along and finish after the first 4km Janette and Aljaž bring the town’s Buttermarket venue on Friday 1 loop. Oscars to Shropshire November. "We want as many people as possible to For more information and to book tickets, Dance favourites Janette Manrara and Aljaž enjoy this new trail run, so as well as hosting visit thebuttermarket.co.uk Škorjanec are returning to the Midlands in the Trust10 each month, the route itself will the spring with a brand new show. be open to runners for free all year round." Remembering The Oscars follows on from the pair’s previous touring production, Remem- bering The Movies, for which they sold over 50,000 tickets. Commenting on the show, Janette said: "I can tell you right now that Remembering The Os- cars will be our biggest and most ambitious production to date. We’ve hand-picked an in- credible cast, we have some great material to work with and quite a few surprises. The Oscar-winning movies, songs and actors that have inspired us will take this tour to another level. To say Aljaž and I are excited is a huge 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:23 Page 2

First Word

Stacey Dooley returns to Strictly... Strictly Come Dancing Live waltzes back into the region in the new year, with 2018 winner Stacey Dooley hosting the touring version of the hit television show. The Strictly 2020 tour is kick- started with four nights at Birmingham Arena, from 16 to 19 January.

Henry VIII’s SIX wives to visit the Wolverhampton Grand Smash-hit West Ender SIX is coming to the Black tion of 21st century girl power’. Country next spring. The yet-to-be-announced cast will be backed by Nominated for five 2019 OIivier Awards, the show the show’s all-female band, The Ladies In sees the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to Waiting. tell their personal stories, ‘remixing 500 years of SIX runs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebra- Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March. Enchanted Weston returns Tibetan monks Steam and scream for Halloween! Weston Park’s Capability in Shrewsbury All aboard the Statfold Scream Train for plenty of Halloween fun! Brown-landscaped Temple Monks from a 600-year- Tamworth’s only steam railway is certainly getting into the ‘spirit’ of Wood will once again play old monastery in Tibet are things late this month (26 & 27 October) when it takes families on a host to an illuminated trail making a Halloween stop- train journey round Hangman’s Creek, past a spooky pirate ship and this Christmas. off in Shrewsbury as part onto its destination of Oaktree Junction. Once there, passengers can get Towering trees, historic land- of Shropshire Music involved in all manner of ghoulish and magical activities, from partici- marks and festive surprises Trust’s 2019/20 pro- pating in a Mummy wrapping competition to being taught how to use a will all be picked out in a gramme of concerts. magic wand by a wizard professor... For more information and to book ‘wash of light and hues of Hailing from Drepung tickets, visit statfoldbarnrailway.co.uk colour’ when the venue’s Kongpo Khangtsen Enchanted Weston Monastery, Monks Of returns. Tibet’s 31 October perfor- As well as taking a stroll mance at Shrewsbury through the ancient illumi- School will feature sacred nated woodland, visitors can dances, a haunting also warm up by fire pits, melody by 11th-century toast marshmallows, sample female mystic Ma-chik street food, sip cocktails, Lab-don, a demonstration enjoy live entertainment and and explanation of the art browse a selection of stalls in of debate, and auspicious the festive pop-up market. songs and prayers for Enchanted Weston runs from world peace. For more in- 13 to 21 December. formation, visit shrop- Visit weston-park.com for shiremusictrust.co.uk more details. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:23 Page 3

First Word

Harold Pinter classic at the New Vic Theatre London Classic Theatre returns to the New Vic in Newcastle- under-Lyme this month with a new production of Harold Pin- ter’s 1974 play, No Man’s Land. Originally staged at London’s Old Vic, the play interweaves truth, language and memory to create a world of dark comedy and subtle power games... No Man’s Land runs at the New Vic from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October. Tickets can be booked at newvictheatre.org.uk Tamworth Arts Centre to reopen after £5million makeover The iconic Tamworth Assembly Rooms reopens Oz. The season also includes a 25-character Dad’s next month following an ambitious £5million Army show performed by two actors, A Black makeover. Country Night Out and, for Christmas, a Originally built to commemorate the golden jubilee pantomime version of Aladdin... of Queen Victoria, the Staffordshire theatre is being For more information and to book tickets, visit relaunched with a ballet version of The Wizard Of tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk

Snow House Bar Follow the Yellow returns to the Brick Road... Bullring Midlands dance lovers can After enjoying a Christmas follow the Yellow Brick Road cracker of a festive season last this autumn by checking out year, Snow House Bar is making one of the UK’s best-loved a welcome return to Birming- ballet companies. ham’s Bullring this month, The Leicestershire-based Ballet complete with its super-popular Theatre UK are visiting a VIP igloos. number of venues in the region Providing an impressive selec- with their new full-length pro- tion of beers and wines, mulled duction of The Wizard of Oz. wine and hot chocolate, the “The story has never been venue will also be serving performed as a professional Roll Up! Roll Up! The circus is in town... German sausages and churros ballet in the UK before,” says from early November onwards. Artistic Director Christopher Midlands audiences are set to be transported back to the ‘golden age’ Snow House Bar reopens for the Moore, “and with our new of circus late this month. winter season on 19 October and adaptation, we hope to inspire Circus 1903 visits the venue from Friday 25 October to Saturday 2 shuts up shop again on 5 a new generation of dancers November and will feature a range of new acts from around the globe. January. and audiences.” Highlights include appearances by two puppet elephants - Queenie Visit ballettheatreuk.com to and Peanut - aerial act The Flying Fredonis, Cuban hand balancer The check out the Midlands venues Great Rokardy and ‘mind-bending’ juggler The Great Gaston... at which the show is stopping To book tickets for the show, visit birminghamhippodrome.com off this autumn. Saturday morning drama in Lichfield Lichfield Garrick has launched a new Saturday morning activity group for six to 10-year-olds. Garrick Juniors offers youngsters the chance to develop their drama skills and gain confidence both on and off the stage. You can get involved with the group by contacting the Garrick Theatre at [email protected] or calling 01543 412 128. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:23 Page 4 A Taste of Honey.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:54 Page 1

Music and drama, darkness and humour...

8 whatsonlive.co.uk A Taste of Honey.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:54 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Playwright Shelagh Delaney’s debut work, A Taste Of Honey, caused a significant stir when it was published in 1958. Now, a new National Theatre version of the play, starring Jodie Prenger, is visiting the Midlands as part of a UK tour. What’s On caught up with Jodie to find out more...

Shelagh Delaney’s A Taste Of Honey Rattigan's Variation On A Theme, a play about 2019. People, particularly women and those (published in 1958) is a career-defining a socialite and a young ballet dancer which from the LGBTQ+ community, continue to be British classic depicting working-class life in aimed to be socially bold. However, its genteel shamed for their style of dress and sexual post-industrial Salford. Tackling taboos of the style and content meant it only skimmed the activities. Hate crimes against minorities are time, including homosexuality, inter-racial surface of its taboo themes. Convinced she on the rise... relationships and single mothers, the play could do better and spurred on by her With all of this in mind, isn’t A Taste Of Honey earned its teenage writer comparisons with loathing of traditional, decorous drawing- just the play we need? After all, the strength Look Back In Anger author John Osborne. room dramas about the love lives of well-bred and complexity of the relationships at the people, Delaney penned A Taste Of Honey Delaney’s debut work was part of a new centre of the work make it a timeless aged just 19. movement in British theatre dubbed ‘kitchen theatrical classic. sink realism’. The movement saw up-and- Set in a dingy lodging house, the Jodie Prenger agrees: “I remember speaking coming playwrights striving to create disillu- storyline focuses on schoolgirl Jo, who is soon to my nan about the 1950s’ class divide, as sioned working-class characters who reflected to have a child by a black sailor - a man who she was from . There was always real life, rather than the crass and gormless abandons her. The play follows Jo’s fractured something to fight for. You rolled your sleeves ones which had long inhabited the genteel relationship with her mother, Helen, and with up and got it done, or you made do. A Taste scripts of West End productions. A Taste Of a kind, homosexual art student named Geoff, Of Honey is all about fighting and striving - no Honey’s association with this new cultural who helps her during her pregnancy and tries matter what you face - and is mixed with gen- movement, and in particular with Osborne’s to reunite mother and daughter. uine, warm humour; something you still find Look Back In Anger, saw Delaney being “I absolutely fell in love with the play because in every corner of the UK today.” pigeonholed as a comparatively ‘angry young it’s so honest, real and tender,” says Jodie. woman’ - a lazy characterisation of her that Jodie is particularly attracted to the play’s “It’s the mother-daughter relationship that she detested. depiction of feisty women: “Strong female really got me. I know I’ll be thinking about my characters with many layers are the main Jodie Prenger, who stars in the new National own relationship with my mum when I’m thing I really enjoy getting my teeth into. For Theatre tour of the play, can absolutely under- trying to create the love and tension between me, reading the play was just like hearing my stand why the description would have made Helen and Jo. They’re so different in some nan’s voice. The feistiness and the fight that the playwright bridle: “Delaney unleashed ways, but also so similar in others, so they my nan had, I saw in Helen. It really shocks this strong female voice that was sort of end up clashing.” me that some past reviewers of the play have unknown. There were definitely those voices A Taste Of Honey was first staged in 1958 by seen Helen as a monster. I think she’s just so out there, but not necessarily put out on the the now-legendary Joan Littlewood Theatre real, and the only way you can play a charac- same scale. I don’t think Delaney was an Workshop. Two years later, it hit the Broad- ter like Helen is with truth. I just don’t see angry young woman. I think I can hear the way stage and was then promptly made into a Helen as a monster; I just find her a character same woman’s voice in A Taste Of Honey as I film. More recently the play was a great influ- of circumstance.” do in women today. It’s just that back then it ence on English rock band The Smiths, partic- wasn’t as acceptable for a woman to be heard, So what makes the National Theatre’s new ularly vocalist Morrissey, whose lyrics borrow especially when talking about such taboo version of A Taste Of Honey different? from the script. Indeed, the band’s song, This subjects as this play does.” Night Has Opened My Eyes, is based entirely “I’m known for doing a lot of musicals, but I A Taste Of Honey’s matter-of-fact approach to on A Taste Of Honey. Delaney also features in do a lot of plays now, too. A Taste Of Honey working-class life, its deviance from sexual the artwork for the band’s single, Girlfriend In promises to be the best of both because we do and social convention, and its sympathetic A Coma. have a lot of fantastic music as a backdrop to presentation of both a gay man and a single the action. What the team at the National So 61 years after it was published and eight mother, was bold for its period. But most of Theatre are trying to do is keep the setting years after the playwright’s death, how all, Delaney was more nuanced than the likes and feeling of the 1950s but mix it with the relevant is A Taste Of Honey to modern times? of Osborne; A Taste Of Honey evokes a sense contemporary to hint at the modern day, of playfulness, warmth and wit that sharply While single mothers are nowadays markedly meaning that it could be set in almost any and brilliantly contrasts with the doom and more of a social norm, 21st century single time. We even have a live band and the music gloom of its subject matter. parents - the majority of whom are women - of artists like Peggy Lee and Amy Winehouse, are still most likely to be from a working class along with live jazz and folk. “That’s the joy of her,” says Jodie. “She or even impoverished background. Adding perfectly balances ‘dark, moving and witty’. I “Music and drama, darkness and humour. further insult to injury, wealth continues to be think that’s why people still want to see it; This is the Hovis of the theatre world.” unequally divided across the UK, with the they want all these truthful representations of South East, when compared to the North West actual human life.” region in which the play is set, boasting more A Taste Of Honey shows at The playwright’s debut offering was certainly than twice the amount of household wealth. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from reactionary. Delaney had been sparked into Sexuality is also an increasingly hot topic in Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 November. writing it by her intense dislike of Terence

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 17:01 Page 1 Food October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 17:02 Page 2

Food

Shropshire cafe launches new menu A Shropshire cafe has launched a new menu following a renovation. Now open seven days a week for all-day brunches - as well as from 5pm to 9pm every Friday for street food - The Green Wood Café in Coalbrookdale is an independent family-run coffee shop located in the woodlands of the iconic Ironbridge Gorge. The menus are all veggie/vegan/gluten- free dietary lifestyle inclusive and feature a range of loaded sourdough toast and pancakes (in the daytime) and tapas, loaded nachos and street food (in the evening). A taste of Africa arrives in Shrewsbury A new restaurant serving Afro- Caribbean dishes has opened in Shrewsbury. Located at Chronicle House, just a stone’s throw away from Shrewsbury train station, Afrikana promises ‘amazing’ food, ‘breathtaking’ art, music & culture and ‘the best possible Popular gastronomic gathering returns to Staffordshire experience’. Dishes on the menu variety of street food, plenty of family-friendly include curry goat, chilli con carne and Staffordshire's biggest gastronomic gathering, entertainment, live music from local bands & peri peri chicken. the Stone Food & Drink Festival, takes place in the town’s Westbridge Park from 4 to 6 October. tribute acts, and licensed bars. The 2019 edition of the event features the finest The event will also include the town’s regular Fundraising Michelin artisan produce, live cookery demonstrations, Saturday Farmers’ Market but with a bigger- menu in Barlaston numerous talks, tastings & masterclasses, a than-usual number of stalls. Two Michelin-starred chefs - John Williams of The Ritz (pictured) and Rob Palmer of Hampton Manor - will this Marco Pierre White launches new bottomless brunch month serve a five-course tasting menu Marco Pierre White has launched at World of Wedgwood Tea Room in a new bottomless brunch on Barlaston, to raise money for the Level 25 of The Cube in nearby Douglas Macmillan Hospice. Birmingham. Tickets for the Monday 21 October event Served every Saturday and cost £175 and include a welcome drink, Sunday from 11am to 4pm, the the five-course tasting menu and a brunch includes unlimited wine flight to accompany each course. prosecco, beer or Bloody Marys. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Diners can choose from brunch dmhospice.org.uk favourites including eggs benedict, royale and Florentine, pancakes, classic French toast and even bacon butties. A choice of sweet is also available, as is a preserves station and a selection of homemade breads. The bottomless brunch costs £39 per person. Booking is essential. whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Oktoberfest.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 15:42 Page 1 Oktoberfest.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 15:42 Page 2

CHEERS TO THAT! Shropshire Oktoberfest - the perfect place for a get-together with family and friends...

Returning for a third year, Shropshire tioned and award-winning Shrewsbury Food Carter, Vince Atta and compere Chris Brooker. Oktoberfest is the brain child of Beth Heath, Festival, Oktoberfest’s gastronomic offering is EXTRAS... Returning for 2019 is the popular Director of Fun at the award-winning Shrop- of real importance to Beth and her team, so Volvo Carpool Karaoke Tent; perfect for those shire Festivals. The company is responsible expect a vast array of delicious and locally wanting to showcase their singing prowess - for some of the county’s most popular events, produced street food. or not! including Shrewsbury Food Festival, Shrop- LET’S DANCE... Entertainment comes in the shire Kids Fest and Field To Fork Festival. NEW FOR 2019 The latest addition to form of comedy and music, presented by Oktoberfest’s line-up of entertainment is a Taking place over two days inside a huge beer talented local artists... Saturday evening silent disco, which Beth is tent in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park, Oktober- The line-up for the latter includes Microbaby, confident will ‘create a memorable, unique fest provides the perfect environment (believe Weekenders, The Paprika Blues Band, experience with plenty of laughs’. us, we know!) in which to have fun with Custard Connection and headliners The Folli- family and friends while enjoying a fabulous AND ALL WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE... cles on the Friday evening. Saturday perform- offer of food, drink and entertainment. Also new for 2019 - and in keeping with ers are Reverie, The List, Asparagus And The Shropshire Festivals’ commitment to reducing Here’s what to expect... Kilburn, Izzy And The Hotheads, The End- plastic waste - is the introduction of a ings, Vorsprung Dutch Oompah, Dirty Rockin’ CHEERS! In addition to a plethora of real ales reusable beer cup scheme. Scoundrels, Five O’Clock Hero and headliners - there are around 150 in total - Oktoberfest Bouncing Betty. Drinkers will be able to pick up a pint or half- boasts a prosecco parlour, gin den and wine Be sure to wear your dancing shoes! pint cup with a £1 deposit at the festival. They bar from Hencote. And to ensure that every- can then either keep their cup or return it and one is catered for on the alcoholic beverage ARE YOU HAVIN’ A LAUGH?... Guffaws reclaim their deposit. front, there’s also a choice of lagers, ciders aplenty are guaranteed when internationally and perries to explore. What more could you renowned comedian Gordon Southern - he Shropshire Oktoberfest returns to want?... goes down a storm in Australia - takes to the Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park on Friday stage in the comedy tent. 4 & Saturday 5 October. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD... As might be Fancy it? Bag yourself a ticket at expected from the team behind the aforemen- Joining Gordon are Stephen Carlin, Keith shropshireoktoberfest.co.uk/tickets

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Classical October Wolves Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:32 Page 1 Classical October Wolves Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:32 Page 2

Classical

Gruffydd Wyn Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 9 October Classical and operatic crossover artist Gruffydd Wyn came to national attention on last year’s Britain’s , with his first audition being viewed by millions on YouTube and winning him 's Golden Buzzer. “I started listening to opera when I was young, and I’ve always loved it,” says Gruffydd, who hails from Anglesey in North Wales. “I’ve always known I wanted to perform. I did a bit of acting in univer- sity, and then I worked front-of-house at Pontio Arts & Innovation Centre in Bangor. “Seeing everybody out on the stage whilst I was working off-stage really inspired me to get back on there, and that’s why I did BBC Philharmonic Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 4 October Britain’s Got Talent last year.” Residing at the Corporation's Manchester man at the helm for Schumann’s third and home of Media City in Salford Quays, the final symphony, while the internationally CBSO: Bruch’s BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke- acclaimed Kian Soltani is charged with the on-Trent, regularly presenting Potteries task of bringing out all the playfulness in Violin Concerto concert-goers with works from its Haydn’s Cello Concerto. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, impressive repertoire. Sibelius’s Karelia Suite and Finlandia com- Thurs 24 October This latest concert sees both the conductor plete the programme and should ensure the Rising star Simone Lamsma (pictured) and soloist making their Victoria Hall audience heads for home in a suitably here joins the City of Birmingham debuts. John Storgårds (pictured) is the upbeat mood... Symphony Orchestra to play what’s often referred to as the world’s best-loved violin concerto. Ex Cathedra: Brodsky Quartet “Instead of being a violinist, I hope I am a Rachmaninoff Vespers St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, musician,” says Simone. “It’s different. South Shropshire, Sat 26 October Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 27 October It’s not about playing the violin well, it’s about communicating through music. Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil - I feel a violinist’s sound is a reflection of often translated as simply Vespers - was their soul; it’s very personal.” one of the composer’s two favourite works. The concert programme also features Indeed, he loved the composition so much Wagner’s The Mastersingers Of that he requested one of its movements (the Nuremberg: Overture and Bruckner’s fifth) be sung at his funeral. His deep feel- Symphony No4. ing for the work, and indeed its brilliance, is all the more remarkable given that it took him less than two weeks to compose. This hugely admired quartet have per- formed more than 3,000 concerts and released in excess of 60 recordings since their formation in 1972. They’ve also collab- orated with celebrated rock & pop artists including Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello and Björk. The Quartet are particularly associated with the music of Bartók, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and Shostakovich, with pieces by the latter two featuring in this Ludlow programme. Works by Bach and Mendelssohn are also included.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 London African Gospel Choir Full Oct.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:53 Page 1 GIGS October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:35 Page 2

Gigs

Judith Owen featuring Pedro Segundo Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Fri 18 October According to Mark Beech, author of All You Need Is Rock: “Judith reveals the depths that Drake and Ed Sheeran never knew they had, revisits the beauty of Joni Mitchell and does Deep Purple as you have never known before. Extraordinary, frankly: must see, and hear.” The pianist’s live performances, whether as a headliner or as the handpicked opening act for Bryan Ferry’s recent tours of Europe and North America, have been wowing listeners across the globe.

Lichfield Festival Of Folk The 2019 line-up includes Home Service, Merry Hell, The Lucy Ward Band (pictured), Lichfield Guildhall, Fri 18 - Sun 20 October Rachael McShane & The Cartographers, It’s fair to say that this annual event, other- Keith Donnelly, Bella, Polly & The Magpies, wise known as L2F, absolutely lives up to its Anthony John Clarke and Ranagri. mission statement - to provide visitors with Morris dancers, an arts & heritage proces- the opportunity to appreciate the very best sion, a Lichfield Arts songwriting competi- Bloxx in folk music in a friendly and welcoming tion and an L2F art competition also feature. The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 7 October environment. Uxbridge-based female-fronted four-piece Bloxx have been wowing audiences up and Tankus The Henge Ferocious Dog down the country with their grungy under- The Robin, Bilston, Tues 8 October The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, tones and classic indie-influenced melodies. Fri 4 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Debut offerings Your Boyfriend and the Radio Musically inspired by bands from the 1960s’ Thurs 24 October British invasion and artists such as Tom One-playlisted You were followed up with an A popular act on the festival scene and well Waits, Blur, Randy Newman and Queens Of Mac-championed second double A- known for their high-octane live perform- The Stone Age, Tankus The Henge’s sound Side, Coke/Curtains, and support slots for the ances, Ferocious Dog are a full-on six-piece ranges from New Orleans-inspired swing to likes of Pale Waves, Sundara Karma and The band that play folk music infused with rock, heavy rock riffs. They describe themselves Wombats. reggae and Celtic vibrations. as being like a ‘psychedelic rock’n’roll octo- Each gig sees them liaising with local food pus - only with four more legs’. banks to organise a charity food drop for the homeless. It’s an undertaking which their Boyzone fans have very much bought into, taking Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, along non-perishable food, blankets and Tues 15 October toiletries to their shows. After six UK number one singles, five UK number one albums, 25 years together and the success of last year’s Thank You & Good- night tour, , Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch visit Birm- ingham on their Final Five tour. "We really can’t put into words just how much you, the fans, have supported us along the way. Without that support, we would never have achieved what we have, and for that we’re eternally grateful." whatsonlive.co.uk 17 p18.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:51 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 14:11 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Dada Masilo: Giselle , Tues 15 - Wed 16 October “My reason for revisiting classical ballets is to deal with issues that are relevant today,” says internationally renowned South African dancer & choreographer Dada Masilo. “These ballets deal with power struggles, war, greed, domestic violence, rape - these are things which I see every day.” Dada visits Birmingham with an updated version of Giselle, a surreal ballet premiered in 1841 which tells the story of a girl who kills herself when she finds out that her suitor, Loys, has kept his true identity from her. Loys and another suitor, Hilarion, visit Giselle's unconse- crated grave, where they find themselves in all manner of trouble with the Wilis - ghosts, traditionally, of women who have been jilted by their lovers. In Dada’s version, however, the Wilis are both female and male. “I wanted to alter the concept that only women are victims,” she explains. “Men also get heart-broken. I feel that in ballet the man’s role is basically to lift and support the woman. I think it’s time we found gender equality in dance.”

Doris Uhlich: Every Body Electric Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 18 October “Every human being is thrown into the world with- out asking to be, and has/is a perfect or disabled body,” explains Doris Uhlich. “Should one despair or react? The naked bodies in Every Body Electric react, each appearing with their own unique individuality, each with their own stories, their own energy, their own experiences and their own memory, digging within a sort of ‘futuristic archaeology’. “Not just bodies are dancing but wheelchairs and crutches as well. Every limit is overcome.” The show contains full nudity.

Rambert2: Mixed Bill Patrick Studio, Birming- ham Hippodrome, Wed 30 Ockham’s Razor: & Thurs 31 October This Time Rambert2’s current en- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, semble of talented young Wed 30 & Thurs 31 October dancers (performers are Contemplating the various types of strength drawn from across the accessed and displayed by people at different globe on an annual basis) periods of their life, This Time features a cast here present their latest ranging in age from 13 to 60. The show sees creations - works of dance highly acclaimed aerial theatre company designed not only to Ockham’s Razor once again combining circus showcase the artists’ and physical theatre with narrative story- technical virtuosity but telling and a lively soundtrack. also their ‘raw energy’ The show visits Coventry having won the and ‘fearless spirit’. company plenty of new fans at the Edinburgh Festival a couple of months back.

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Dada Masilo's Giselle online.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 14:52 Page 1

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH DANCE

Internationally renowned South African choreographer and dancer Dada Masilo is this month bringing a fearless reimagining of a classical ballet to Birmingham... Dada Masilo's Giselle online.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 14:52 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Dada Masilo’s previous reimaginings of To account for this change to the title each country: “When we do Giselle at home, classical ballets have been extremely character, there’s been an important narrative they understand the cultures and traditions successful worldwide and often turn racial alteration: “I haven’t really changed the featured in the work more. While I always and gender stereotypes on their head, narrative other than the ending - my Giselle perform my works in South Africa first tackling topics including homosexuality, doesn’t forgive Albrecht. I want the audience because my roots are there, it’s also very HIV/AIDS and arranged marriages. This time, to see a reinterpretation of Giselle, but important to try my work out on home soil to she’s turned her hand to Giselle, the iconic certainly not to alienate the audience by get feedback on the narrative. Then I can take ballet of love, rejection and vengeful spirits. completely changing the story they already it outside knowing that people from other Setting her version in rural South Africa, know. I think contemporary dance sometimes countries, with different cultures and Dada promises a mesmerising fusion of becomes a little too abstract, so I wanted to traditions, are going to understand. That’s contemporary genres, classical ballet and make sure the audience still understood the part of making sure that the narrative is traditional Tswana dance. story as that of Giselle but just slightly clear.” different. I always want my works to make “Giselle is fun, dangerous, sad and Dada’s long love affair with dance has people ‘feel’, whether that’s joy, pain, energetic,” says Dada. “It’s simply 14 dancers certainly brought her plenty of success, humour, love. I want people to walk out of the on stage showing their raw passion for their including the Next Generation Prince Claus theatre having been taken through so many craft and telling a fantastic story. If you want Laureate award in 2018 for outstanding emotions. With Giselle, I’ve set myself the to be taken on an emotional journey, then you creative initiative that has a positive impact challenge of improving my storytelling definitely shouldn’t miss it when it comes to on young people. Nevertheless, her further.” Birmingham. relationship with dance continues to evolve: And what else does Giselle have to say about “I’ve been dancing since I was 12. It’s my “I wanted to do Giselle because even though women in the world? passion. Being able to combine the thing that its never been my favourite ballet, I’m always gives me strength with the aim of empowering intrigued by the second act, particularly the “I’m tackling issues of culture and tradition others is a great opportunity. Through my Wilis. The Wilis are these very vicious, from South Africa. For example, there’s a career I’ve learnt a lot about myself as a dangerous female spirits who kill. In Giselle scene with Giselle and her mother, where her woman and a dancer. In the beginning, I just you don’t always see this side to the ballet; mother takes off her top and begins to sweep wanted to be a powerful dancer, but as I’ve with all the focus on purity and the white her breasts. This is a cultural ritual that got older I’ve found my softness and more costumes, the violence isn’t as visible. I really happens to girls when they reach puberty and visceral parts. I’m now very much about wanted to see how vicious I could make this tries to reverse the process by flattening the wanting to emote in my dance and finding the story - not just for the sake of it, but to really breasts, which is quite an abusive act. The subtleties of feeling within the strength. challenge myself and the dancers. I think this fact that it’s still happening now is something When I was younger, I was constantly dangerous side of Giselle was something I I find very disturbing. Also, there are many pushing myself beyond my own boundaries, really wanted to tackle, but also a lot of the traditional healers in South Africa who can trying different techniques. But as you get time with ballets, the action just focuses on use their power for good or evil. Myrtha, who older, the body changes and you have to do the character or characters in the title role. I leads the Wilis, very much uses hers for evil things in a different way. My dance couldn’t really wanted to zoom in on the other in Giselle. Seeing as the second act of Giselle just be physical anymore, so I had to find characters in the ballet too, such as Hilarion does focus on spirits, I’ve tried to incorporate other qualities within myself and my dance.” and Albrecht, to make it more of a three how South African healers will spill bones dimensional story.” and use a fly whisk to tell you your fate.” And that relationship could change again in the future… The title role is taken by Dada herself. Giselle As well as the choreography and themes will be a different character to the one taking inspiration from its South African “I’m currently working on a piece called The traditionally seen in the ballet: “I think setting, Giselle is also accompanied by a score Sacrifice, which is inspired by Igor mainly because my version of Giselle is set in by South African composer Philip Miller. Stravinsky's ballet, The Rite Of Spring, and is rural South Africa, I definitely wanted to tap still very dance-focused. I didn’t think I would “Of course, my very conscious decision to set into those cultures and traditions be dancing so much at my age, but I think the work in rural South Africa meant that it surrounding women - what’s done to women that eventually I will want to go more into made complete sense for the music to reflect and what ‘s expected of them. I also wanted performance art. I’ll see. It all depends on my that. I’d also experienced Philip’s music on to create a character who, in the first act, was body and how much I can do physically. At another project. Giselle is the first time I’ve innocent, loving, carefree, and then is the the moment I’m still loving to dance, but worked with a composer, so in the beginning complete opposite to the usual Giselle in the further down the line I’d like to try out it was very tricky. First, I asked Philip to second: strong, empowered and definitely not something a little different.” reference the original score, but at the same a victim. I think we often view women in time bringing in the African sounds of ballets as fragile and always in need of a man percussion, voice and rhythm. So he took the to take care of them, so I wanted to break that different themes from the classical ballet stereotype. I want to let myself and other Dada Masilo’s Giselle shows at music and fitted it with African sound. Once women know that it’s okay to be a strong Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday 15 we had that basis and listened to Adolphe woman and not conform to what society tells & Wednesday 16 October. Adam’s original score together, we were able you. For me, at the age of 34, I’ve reached the to create a dialogue between the two of us.” point where I want to be assertive. I want to empower myself and also other women. That Giselle has already been seen in Vienna, Paris was really important for me when I was and New York - to name but three of its stop- thinking about Giselle.” offs - and the reception to it has differed in Rachel Burns.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:17 Page 1

I started a joke... Rachel Burns gives a lesson in comedy...

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Rachel Burns.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:17 Page 2

When Birmingham primary school teacher Rachel Burns posted a witty comment during the BBC's Glastonbury coverage back in 2017, she never imagined her tweet about The Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb would throw her into a global spotlight. The story of how she went viral is now the subject of Rachel’s first one-woman show, I Started A Joke, which debuts at Birmingham Comedy Festival this month.

So what happened back in 2017, Rachel? world, and people sent me links to articles You’re premiering the show at Birming- How did the Twitter-storm unfold? published in the USA, Germany, Australia, ham Comedy Festival. Are you nervous? I was watching Barry Gibb’s Glastonbury set New Zealand and South Africa. Of course I'm nervous, but also excited and on TV. He'd played all the Bee Gees classics, Some of the Tweets were quite negative - really chuffed that I've got this opportunity to including How Deep Is Your Love and Words. how did you cope with those? Did they tell my ridiculous story. When he started Tragedy, I did something concern you? What led you to stand-up comedy? that I do quite a lot: I told a stupid joke on Yes, some were a bit rude, calling me things Twitter. I said it was a shame that Barry Gibb Peer pressure, I guess! I've always been a bit like 'fool' and 'idiot'. I just kept my cool and didn't have more of his own material - first he of a joker but never really thought of taking it batted them away with some witty ripostes. covered Take That, then Boyzone, now Steps! to the stage. After the Barry Gibb tweet, lots There's no point getting aggressive with peo- I had a few people like it, and a friend said, of people suggested I should do stand-up. My ple who are rude to you. They didn't bother ‘Wonder how many biters you'll get?’ Well, friend Rachel Sambrooks is a pro-comedian me - I didn't feel attacked or threatened. before long, the 'biters' arrived, telling me and she recommended James Cook's comedy What I experienced was extremely mild com- that actually Barry Gibb wrote the songs and course. pared to some of the bullying and threats I've other people covered them. One of them was seen other people suffer on Twitter. It can be Who are your comedy influences? Who do particularly persistent and wouldn't let go. a horrible place but fortunately I had a posi- you admire? Even after I told her it was a joke, she kept on tive experience. telling me it wasn't a joke and asked why I Too many to list! My dad has a very dry sense of humour and I definitely think that's would say anything so silly. It then started to Any idea if Barry picked up on it? rubbed off on me. As a kid, I loved Monty gather more momentum as people liked and Yes! About a week after Glastonbury he was retweeted the joke. But as the joke spread, Python, The Young Ones and The Comic interviewed on Good Morning Britain and Strip. I enjoyed sketch shows like French & more people replied to me, educating me in Richard Arnold asked him about the tweet. the life and works of Barry Gibb. Some were Saunders, Fry & Laurie and later Big Train I'm not going to give away any show spoilers, and The Fast Show. As for stand-ups, I'd say very gracious and apologised for misconstru- though! ing the tweet once I pointed out it was a joke. my current top three are Sarah Millican, Joe One guy in particular was lovely - he went What do The Bee Gees mean to you? Lycett and Mr Millican - Gary Delaney. Milli- can and Lycett are brilliant at working the from 'mansplaining' to being utterly charm- Big hair, high voices and disco classics! I crowd, and their observations are very relat- ing and telling us a hilarious story that in- grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, so tracks from able. Delaney's delivery and pace are second volved a drunken bet with a soap actor. Saturday Night Fever were staples at school to none. To be able to punch out one-liners discos and parties. Obviously they've got a But it didn’t stop there, did it? like that is a real talent. much broader range than disco bangers, but Someone mentioned it to David Baddiel and that's what I remember most about them Do you plan to take your show elsewhere he retweeted it, followed by other comedians when I was growing up. after Birmingham? like Dom Joly and Dara Ó Briain. That was when it started to get really silly. I'd made a Which are your favourite Bee Gees songs? I'd love to take it elsewhere and bring the story to a wider audience - maybe even take it daft joke, people didn't get it, and I was I love Stayin' Alive, Islands In The Stream to Glastonbury, where it all started! being mentioned by comedy legends! Then (the Kenny and Dolly version) and Tragedy. the story was covered by media websites. The My husband is a big fan of You Win Again, Guardian, the BBC, The Poke and the NME all which he got played on Shaun Keaveny's ran stories about the Twitter farce that I had Breakfast Show on BBC 6 Music the day after created. It also got mentioned on The Last the whole debacle. Rachel Burns: I Started A Joke is pre- Leg, and David Baddiel and Richard Herring sented at The Victoria, Birmingham, on talked about it in Richard's Leicester Square How do you turn a brief Tweet into an Sunday 6 October (at 1.15pm) as part of Theatre podcast. hour-long show? Birmingham Comedy Festival’s first Free It's all about the replies! The thread has over Half-Dayer. For more information, see How far did the story spread? 1,500 replies from all sorts of people and it at- bhamcomfest.co.uk It went global! I had replies from all over the tracted a lot of media attention.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Comedy October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 09:04 Page 1

Comedy

Matt Parker Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Tues 8 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 12 October; The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 15 October; The REP, Birmingham, 26 October; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 15 November Matt Parker’s unique stand-up shows find him exploring and explaining all things mathematical, from debunking number nonsense and flagrant sudoku abuse to the mysterious patterns in the locations of ancient monuments... and defunct Wool- worths stores! Sell-out shows at the Edin- burgh Festival Fringe, the Melbourne Comedy Festival and in London's West End bear testimony to the quality of his num- bers-driven comedy. If you love maths, Impractical Jokers Arena Birmingham, Fri 11 October you’ll love Matt. If you don’t, just ignore the High school buddies Joseph Gatto, James the show having aired since 2015, the fellas maths and concentrate on the comedy! Murray, Brian Quinn and Salvatore Vulcano have plenty of material around which to stepped into the world of comedy at the end develop a successful live offering. of the 20th century when they formed live But don’t expect anything too sophisticated improv troupe The Tenderloins. from the quartet when they perform in Over a decade later, the boys became the Birmingham. Pulling pranks live on stage in stars of TV’s Impractical Jokers, a reality the confines of a venue really isn’t an series in which they coerce one another option, so instead they play clips, tell jokes into doing public pranks while being filmed and revel in a friendship that’s seen them by hidden cameras. With multiple series of grow a loyal and devoted cult following.

Josh Widdicombe Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 13 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 14 Octo- ber; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 7 Amy Vreeke November Artefact, Birmingham, Fri 11 October Peddling a nice line in exasperated, self- deprecating humour when performing live, The story of a grim 12-year struggle to be Devon-raised funnyman Josh Widdicombe correctly diagnosed with what turned out to pumps out his cleverly crafted gags at a be endometriosis lies at the heart of Amy brisk pace, hitting the mark with the vast Vreeke’s touring show, The Year My Vagina majority of his observational material. Tried To Kill Me. Widdicombe jokes include: “Hotdogs cause But the subject matter isn’t to everyone’s bum cancer - that was the original slogan taste: “There are for McDonald's before ‘I'm loving it’.” James Phelan people who are like, ‘Nobody Josh visits the Midlands with his new tour- The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 20 October ing show, Bit Much... cares about your James Phelan’s new show, Troublemaker, is vagina,’” says being publicised as ‘a mind-blowing roller- Amy. “And I’m coaster filled with mystery and hilarity’. like, ‘Well, you And with several million video views under don’t care and his belt and an ever-growing reputation as that’s fine. Just one of the most talented magicians of his go watch another generation, there’s every chance James will comedian.’” absolutely live up to the pre-show hype. So who does Amy The nephew of the late Paul Daniels, think is most likely to Phelan blends magic with humour to excel- enjoy her show? lent effect, as his famous uncle once admit- “People who like laughing and ted: “You’re funny, you look good, all your fannies - they should definitely tricks work. If you were anyone else, I’d come and see it.” hate you!” 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 09:05 Page 2

Russell Kane Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 24 October This man's official publicity blurb once read: "Strap in for some super-speed sunderings and inconvenient sociology in an hour of self-soiling merriment that will leave you with rickets." The message, in short, was that Russell Kane is a very funny man - and it isn’t just his publicist who thinks so. Kane’s been drawing a crowd since bursting onto the scene back in 2004, serving up liberal doses of humour in an act which features some considerably weighty and thought-provoking material. Jokes include: “On a date, you want to present yourself warts and all. Well, maybe not Ed Byrne warts - 'Ooh, you want to Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 9 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 28 October; Lichfield Garrick, Tues 29 & Wed 30 October put some liquid nitrogen A highly regarded master of observational So 20-plus years after first dipping his toes on that big one. comedy, Ed Byrne admits to being a little into the decidedly dangerous waters of Either that or a uncomfortable about some of the ‘more lad- standup, does Ed still enjoy touring? hat.'” dish’ material he used in the early days of his “Apart from the travel involved, which no standup career. comic likes, I love it. You have people “My comedy reflected my life at that time - responding to something that you’ve written single and enjoying myself. Most of it was alone in your office, and the work comes fairly harmless, but some of the stuff about alive in a roomful of people. I like the TV an ex-girlfriend I can see was a bit angry, and things I do, but nothing can beat a live I wouldn't do it now.” comedy audience.” Jimeoin Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs 17 October; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 18 October; Malvern Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 9 October; Warwick Theatres, Fri 25 October; The Place, Telford, Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 12 October; The Tues 29 October Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 November Fancy a straightforward comedy night with Malawian Daliso Chaponda has blended the a straight-talking - well, actually, a bit of a slick North American style of comedy he rambling - comedian? If so, then the learned while working in Canada with a real sublime Jimeoin is the man talent for brevity, ensuring that his gags, for you. A gimmick-free although not one-liners, nonetheless come one-man comedy machine, thick and fast. Jimeoin's proved he's got Like all good comedians, he can adapt his act what it takes on all to suit his audience - on a previous trip to the manner of top TV Midlands, he performed a filthy set in Birming- shows, including ham’s Silhouettes Strip Club before heading Michael McIn- off to regale family audiences at the Greenbelt tyre’s Comedy Christian Festival! Roadshow and Jokes include: “I moved to the UK because of Jason Man- the BNP - they said the immigrants were ford’s Comedy taking all the best jobs and all the best Rocks. Check women, and I thought, ‘Wow, that sounds like him out. a good deal to me!’”

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Ed Byrne.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:06 Page 1

Oh,what a circus!

Comedian Ed Byrne brings his biggest tour to date to the Midlands... Ed Byrne.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:06 Page 2

A household name teetering on the brink of about the fact that there’s an all-female yourself in them. It’s a wake-up call about national treasure status, award-winning co- Ghostbusters remake. That’s nothing to do your own behaviour.’ median Ed Byrne enjoys worldwide acclaim with men’s rights or female entitlement. When I challenge him over the degree of self- for his stand-up. With 25 years under his belt, That’s everything to do with being, well, a loathing he displays, he disagrees. ‘Self-ag- Ed has parlayed his on-stage success into a whiny baby.’ grandising humour is a lot harder to pull off variety of notable television appearances. A As ever, Ed manages to provoke without being than self-deprecating humour,’ he insists. ‘A regular on Mock The Week and The Graham overly polemical, a balancing act that only lot of people get really annoyed when Ricky Norton Show, Ed has recently co-presented someone of his huge experience can really Gervais is self-congratulatory. I always find it Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure and its follow-up pull off. very funny when he accepts awards and does Dara & Ed’s Road To Mandalay, and managed so in the most big-headed way possible. I not to disgrace himself on Top Gear or whilst ‘I did stuff about Trump and the Pizzagate think it’s a trickier type of humour to pull off, tackling one of The World’s Most Dangerous right wing conspiracy,’ he says, ‘and a couple talking yourself up in that way. Roads. As a semi-professional hill-walker of the reviewers said, “Oh, I would have liked himself and fully paid-up humanist, he also to have watched a whole show of this”. And I ‘So no, I don’t think I’m being massively hard brought a refreshing warmth and honesty to think, ‘well you might have, but the average on myself. The fact is when you’re the bloke BBC2’s recent hit The Pilgrimage. person who comes to see me would not like to who is standing on the stage with the micro- see that’. I like to make a point or get some- phone, commanding an audience’s attention, But the Irishman is still best-known and best thing off my chest, or perhaps I’m talking you’re in a very elevated position anyway.’ appreciated for his stand-up performances. A about something that’s been on my mind, but quarter of a century at the comedic coal-face That said, If I’m Honest brilliantly elucidates the majority of stuff is just to get laughs. has equipped Ed with a highly evolved story- the frustration that arrives in middle age – telling ability and a silky mastery of his craft. ‘People who come to see me are not political and lives up to its title. ‘I’m bored looking for Yet his wit, charm and self-deprecatory obser- activists necessarily, they’re regular folk. If things, I’m bored of trying to find stuff, be- vational humour is often underpinned by a you can make a point to them, in between cause I can never find it, and it is entirely my consistently hilarious vitriol and sense of in- talking about your struggles with aging, or fault,’ Ed says. ‘Nobody’s hiding my stuff from justice at a world that seems to be spinning discussing your hernia operation or whatever me. Although my wife did actually move my ever more rapidly out of control. it is, you can toss in something that does give passport on one occasion’. people pause as regards to how men should Having recently hit a new peak with shows He insists that, while the show might have share the household chores.’ such as the sublime Spoiler Alert and reflec- mordant and occasionally morbid aspects, it’s tive Outside, Looking In, which explored the He continues, ‘It’s not that I feel a responsibil- also not without its quietly triumphant mo- minefield that is modern parenting and a gen- ity, I think it just feels more satisfying when ments. ‘I thought I was being quite upbeat erational sense of entitlement, Ed’s new show you’re doing it, and it feels more satisfying talking about the small victories,’ he says. If I’m Honest digs ever deeper into a father’s when people hear it. When a joke makes a ‘You know, finding positivity in being able to sense of responsibility, what it means to be a good point, I think people enjoy it. It’s the dif- spot when a cramp was about to happen in man in 2019, and whether he possesses any ference between having a steak and eating a your leg and dealing with it before it does. I qualities whatsoever worth passing on to his chocolate bar.’ was very happy with myself about that.’ two sons. Occasionally accused of whimsy, If I’m Honest is a show with a seriously steely Ed, who broke through in the mid-1990s when Age, it seems, has not withered him. Espe- core. the New Lad became a genuine cultural phe- cially now that he’s figured out how to head nomenon, doesn’t want to submit to any un- off ailments before they become a problem. Gender politics, for example, is something Ed necessary revisionism, but admits that if the ‘You see comics who are my age and older but readily engages with – deploying his custom- times have changed, he has changed with are still retaining a level of “cool” and draw- ary comedic zeal. ‘I’ll admit that there are them. He reflects a little ruefully on one of his ing a young crowd. I can’t deny that I’m quite things where men get a raw deal,’ he says. most famous jokes. ‘There’s an attitude to- envious of that. But there’s also something ‘We have higher suicide rates, and we tend wards Alanis Morrisette in the opening of that very satisfying about your audience growing not to do well in divorces, but representation routine that I’m no longer comfortable with, old with you.’ in action movies is not something we have an where I call her a moaning cow and a whiny issue with. It was Mad Max: Fury Road that bint… slagging off the lyrics of the song is kicked it all off, even though nobody com- fine, but there’s a tone in the preamble that I Ed Byrne will be bringing his If I’m Honest plained about Ripley in Alien or Sarah Con- wouldn’t write today.’ tour to Redditch Palace 9th October, nor in Terminator 2. Of course, social media Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn 28th October The new show also takes his natural tendency means this stuff gets broadcast far and wide (and 17th March), Evesham's Regal 2nd towards self-deprecation to unexpected ex- in an instant, which emboldens people. November (and 6th December), Bed- tremes. ‘I do genuinely annoy myself,’ Ed con- worth's Civic 9th November, Birmingham ‘The problem with men’s rights activists is cedes. ‘But the thing of your children being a Town Hall 30th January, Telford's Oaken- that it’s not about speaking up for men’s reflection of you, gives you an opportunity to gates 12th March, WAC 14th March, and rights, it’s about hating women. If you’re a build something out of the best of yourself Walsall's Forest Arts Centre 24th March men’s rights activist, you’re not going to care only for you to then see flashes of the worst of Henry Paker.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:09 Page 1 Henry Paker.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:09 Page 2

MAN ALIVE! Comedian Henry Paker brings debut solo tour to Shropshire...

As Henry Paker heads out on his debut solo live cartoons appearing on a big screen. It they all are. He’s given us a noirish mystery in national tour, the man behind many of your would be cruel to give away the jokes, suffice Guilty, unlocked a private memory box and favourite TV shows, is finally getting himself to say that there are excellent one-off visual decluttered his soul for Unpacked, and went out there in front of audiences nation wide. gags as well as a running story about love and halfway up Kilimanjaro with Cabin Fever. You will have seen Henry’s name whizz by as loneliness. Meanwhile, he’s dabbled in sketch comedy on a writer on the credits of a huge variety of stage with Superclump and The Golden “There’s always this threshold moment when comedy shows, from Michael McIntyre’s Big Lizard, as well as on radio with Small Scenes, you come onto the stage passing from one Show, Eight Out Of Ten Cats, and Mock The while his Radio 4 sitcom ReincarNathan has world into another and it’s always a bit tense Week all the way to Comic Relief and Top been a hit with audiences and critics alike. running up to that moment,” says Henry. “So Gear. Henry is one of comedy’s most sought All this variety is not a coincidence. with this show, as people come in, I’m sitting after writers but, in terms of his own stand- there drawing on the computer and it comes “I think it’s partly to keep myself interested; I up, he has been the industry’s best keep se- up on the screen. Partly I wanted to do that to do like to try new things each time and I also cret…. until now. relax and blur that stark line between on and think I’m on some sort of quest to find the au- Henry has been doing stand-up for years, but off so I’m there before they thentic show. It’s like a constant exploration this is his first show to go national. And, in arrive to slightly take out the drama of that for of the show that I really want to do. Having Man Alive, he is finally able to bring two of myself. Being in the room does already take said that, this show, for me, is the one that his true passions together in one show. Any- the pressure off a bit, and you can look at the feels like it’s the most me, in a way. For the one who has caught his previous stand-up odd person as they come in and give them a next one I do, I’ll probably use this as the will note that Henry (who you may have seen smile. Not in a creepy way.” template.” previously on such TV shows as Josh, Russell Alongside the live cartooning in Man Alive, For now though, Henry is enjoying the Howard’s Good News, and Seann Walsh Henry delivers stand-up which tackles issues prospect of heading out on tour and meeting World) is not only a talented comedian, he is such as encountering other British people on new audiences across the land. Some critics also rather gifted in the arena of visual art. In holiday, discussing friends who have sud- and fellow comics have suggested that he Man Alive, you will see him doing a spot of denly become marathon runners, and why a should probably be a bit more famous than he live cartooning alongside the stand-up. night out at the theatre is generally a bad is right now. He reckons Man Alive might be Henry said: “I love animation: The Simpsons, thing. Perhaps most risky of all are his obser- the turning point. Rick and Morty, Pixar, The Lego Movie and all vations on his own marriage, and whether he “That is something people do say about me that stuff. I’ve done a couple of cartoon books should really be taking such delight in having sometimes, so it’s partly what this tour is and I love the visual side to comedy, but I’ve plenty of time at home alone. about. It’s about getting myself out always thought of them as separate from my “It’s quite awkward talking about your mar- there as me. I also do a lot of writing on other stand up . So what I’ve enjoyed about this riage when your wife is in the audience” comedy TV shows, so I’m often the man at the show is putting them together. There’s some- Henry says “But the fact is she directed the back, in the shadows. So now I want to thing about getting the cartoons onto the show, and she also helped devise it. Partly the emerge into the light, like a beautiful middle- stage which is really enjoyable for me, and show is about how in stand-up you have to aged butterfly”. the audience.” have very black and white opinions on things. As evidenced from the sell-out shows he per- But that’s not really the truth about how we formed of Man Alive at the Edinburgh Fringe, really feel about stuff .” Henry Paker will be at The Edge Arts audiences are certainly lapping it up. Henry is For anyone who has been at a Henry Paker Centre, Much Wenlock on Friday 18th still working out the full logistics for his tour (pronounced ‘Packer’, by the way) show, October shows, but chances are that as the crowd en- chances are you’ll have noticed how different ters the room, he’ll be sat at a laptop with his Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:01 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Exorcist This first ever stage version of The Exorcist debuted in Birmingham before taking the West End by storm, and is now making an eagerly Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 1 - Sat 5 October; awaited return to the Midlands region. Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 15 - Sat 19 October “I hope audiences will be excited by the production and a little scared Adapted for the cinema in 1973 from William Peter Blatty’s novel of by it at times,” says the award-winning John Pielmeier, who wrote the the same name, The Exorcist tells the story of a mother’s attempts to stage adaptation. “They might get a few of those chilling moments, but rescue her 12-year-old daughter from the clutches of demonic posses- I hope they will come away with a feeling that it’s not just a horror sion. But the priest to whom she turns for help must first fight a battle story; there’s so much more to it than that.” against a demon of his own - his loss of faith in God...

Eye Of The Storm Prism Cabaret Birmingham Hippodrome, The REP, Birmingham, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 8 & Wed 9 October Thurs 3 - Sat 12 October Tues 22 - Sat 26 October Although Eye Of The Storm is a family When a show visits the musical that confronts weighty issues includ- region which, between its ing young carers and the climate emergency, stage and screen versions, Ed Sheeran’s writing partner, Amy Wadge, is boasts multiple Oscars, hopeful that the music she’s written for the BAFTAs and Tony Awards, show will ensure an uplifting experience for it makes sense to get its audience. along and check it out.

“If you’re clever about it, then you make Cabaret is one such show. TheOtherRichard credit: photo something which, firstly, people will like and John Partridge here takes on the role of which isn’t too preachy,” says Amy. “The Emcee, with Kara Lily Hayworth stepping show’s not too highbrow but it says some- into the lead part of the legendary Sally thing. People accept messages in musicals Robert Lindsay stars in this well-reviewed Bowles, a nightly performer at the infamous much more these days.” West Ender, written and directed by the Kit Kat Klub in early-1930s Berlin. award-winning Terry Johnson. Featuring ‘show-stopping choreography, The play tells the true story of Jack Cardiff, ‘a dazzling costumes and some of the most man who made Hollywood’s greatest divas iconic songs in ’ - including, beautiful, and who lived a life as colourful as of course, the famous title number - Cabaret his cinematography’. is helmed by National Theatre Artistic Direc- Lindsay is joined in the cast by Tara Fitzger- tor Rufus Norris and choreographed by the ald, who previously appeared at The REP in a Olivier Award-winning Javier de Frutos. highly acclaimed production of Ibsen’s A Veteran song & dance star Anita Harris also Doll’s House. features. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:01 Page 2 Paul Zerdin online.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:02 Page 1 JOIN THE PUPPET PARTY Paul Zerdin online.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:02 Page 2

After hitting the big time in Las Vegas, London-born ventriloquist Paul Zerdin returns to the UK with a brand new show. What’s On spoke to him to find out more...

What can you tell us about your new show, The Muppets - and Dave Houseman do my an- family’s party in north London and I was Paul Zerdin’s Puppet Party? imatronics. Those guys are geniuses. I don’t heckled by the dog! I was used to people say ‘geniuses’ to their faces because they’ll swearing or shouting “get off!” - you get used It’s a fresh, funny, fast-paced show - and a bit put their prices up, but it’s such a specialism. to those heckles when you’re starting out - but edgy. I describe it as stand-up comedy where I If I come up with a crazy idea, they’ll find a when you’ve got a golden retriever freaking happen to use puppets. There’s something way of doing it. But I don’t rely on the tech- out when you bring out a puppet… I’d never about a ventriloquist doing ventriloquism nology, I simply use it to create certain extra experienced that before! without a puppet - I like the idea of that. moments in the show. After touring North America, are you look- Tell us about the puppets... America’s Got Talent helped boost your ing forward to spending some time back in There are the three core members of my profile in the US. Having won The Big Big the UK? sponge family - Sam, Albert and Baby - plus Talent Show in the UK in 1996, how did it I’ve been lucky enough to go to some amazing some new characters: Roger, my bodyguard, feel to be winning another TV talent con- places, but I’ve also spent a lot of time at and an urban fox. The idea with Roger is that test two decades later? 38,000 feet over the last few years. I live in when I did America’s Got Talent they gave me It felt funny. I was 24 when I won The Big Big London, and it’s nice to be at home and get to a bodyguard and I can’t get rid of him. He’s Talent Show, and I was 42 when I did Amer- see a lot of the UK. It’s a beautiful country and paranoid and thinks everyone’s out to get him ica’s Got Talent. So I gained a lot of experi- I’ve toured it a lot, so I’m looking forward to and me... The urban fox stowed away in my ence from performing for so many years. I getting around as much as I can and not hav- luggage when I was packing and couldn’t get genuinely didn’t expect to win, so when I did, ing to get on a plane! out, so he’s now involved in the show. I’ve I was in shock. I thought they would go for an never had any animal characters, and I’ve al- You’re also back in London this Christmas, American, but they didn’t!’ ways liked the idea of having one. performing in panto at the Palladium. If you’d won the show earlier in your ca- How do you feel about performing at such How do you go about creating a puppet? reer, do you think you would’ve coped a legendary venue? It takes a long, long time to develop new char- with the success and exposure? The Palladium is the most incredible theatre. acters - it takes me years. When I was working No, I don’t think so. I watch these talent I did Brucie’s last series of Tonight At The in Las Vegas, the fox was actually going to be shows and I see very young people winning - London Palladium back in 1999 and then did a coyote for American audiences. But by the and they’re remarkably talented - but it’s so another TV show there a few years ago. It’s time I’d thought about the character properly, useful to have experience. It can particularly just wonderful. This is my fourth year running the Vegas show was over, and I thought, ‘I help with the pressure of the promotion and at the Palladium and my 25th in pantomime. know, why not make it an urban fox?’ the PR side of things. When I won America’s You must enjoy it, then! Who’s your favourite character? Got Talent, the amount of interviews I did over the next few hours, days, weeks - it was I love it! It’s a totally different discipline and Probably Albert. He’s got selective deafness, relentless. I constantly had to find a new something that I’ve had to learn. But it’s also and he can talk utter bollocks and get away angle to stop myself going mad. That’s an art nice to be on stage with other people. With with it. You can do anything with Albert. We in itself. That comes with experience, and I my own show, I’m on stage talking to myself all know someone - parents, grandparents - of had a wealth of experience from touring and for 90 minutes every night. With panto, I’m in that sort of age, so he’s easy to relate to. My doing all kinds of gigs for years. Experience a show with other people. It’s so nice to be father is 92 and gives me an amazing amount makes you a better performer, and it means part of a company that isn’t made of sponge. of material for Albert. you can cope in most situations, because Your puppets have got more technically ridiculous things happen all the time.’ advanced over the years, with robotics and What kind of ridiculous things? Paul Zerdin’s Puppet Party shows at radio control. Who’s helped you bring The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, late them to life? ‘I did a gig in someone's back garden a few next month - on Saturday 26 October. years ago. I was performing at a very wealthy Tim Rose - who’s worked on Star Wars and Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:01 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from across the region...

The Entertainer Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 7 - Sat 12 October; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 15 - Sat 19 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 18 - Sat 23 November Written by John Osborne in the 1950s, The Entertainer tells the story of washed-up music hall star Archie Rice. A performer long past his expiry date, Archie is struggling to negoti- ate the changing sociopolitical landscape of the mid-20th century... Heading out on tour for the first time ever, The Entertainer has been updated somewhat - to the 1980s - and unfolds against the back- drop of the Falklands War and Margaret Thatcher. The production stars Shane Richie - best known as EastEnders’ Alfie Moon - in the title role.

It’ll Be Alt-Right A Black Country Night Out Nativity! The Musical On The Night The Core Theatre, Solihull, Fri 4 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Dudley Town Hall, Tues 15 October; Theatre Tues 29 October - Sat 2 November The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Wed 16 Fri 11 & Sat 12 October October; Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, Wed 23 The Wolverhampton Grand gets into the Wound Up Theatre scored a 2015 hit with the & Thurs 24 October; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Christmas spirit a little early with this hugely Wed 27 November tragi-comic Bismillah!, a two-hander popular stage musical based on the much- focusing on the friendship between an This show is almost as old as the Black Coun- loved film franchise. imprisoned British soldier and his Islamic try itself and has matured just as beautifully! The show is written and directed by Midlan- State guard. Bringing a fresh look to proceedings, the au- der Debbie Isitt, who also created the movies. They here return with a story about two tumn 2019 version features some of the re- “I always believed that Nativity! would make squatters, whose love of punk binds them gion’s most ‘brilliantly talented’ acts. a fantastic stage musical,” says Debbie. “It’s together before other considerations pull The line-up includes host Ollie Spencer, so full of joy, the children are so sweet and them apart. As one becomes woke and the comedy act Dandy, and an original Fizzog - funny. The songs really do change the other gets angry, they find themselves on Emma Rollason - who’s presenting a tribute dynamic. It gives you much more insight into different sides of an impassable ideological to Black Country comedienne Dolly Allen. the characters and their backstories. And the divide, in a world where conservatism is emotions are more intense, like with the love considered to be the new punk rock... story between Mr Maddens and Jennifer - it Life Is No Laughing Matter feels even bigger now because they’re singing Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, duets.” Private Peaceful Thurs 24 October Casting for Nativity! The Musical includes Scott Garnham, Ashleigh Gray, Jamie Chap- The Old Rep, Birmingham, Demi Nandhra here com- Wed 9 - Sat 12 October; Albany Theatre, bines live art with stand-up man, Scott Paige & Love Island winner Dani Coventry, Thurs 31 October; The Place, and theatre performance to Dyer. Telford, Tues 12 November recount her story of living Private Peaceful is a short play that packs a with severe depression. real punch. Based on the book by War Horse Advised to eat a banana a author Michael Morpurgo and perfectly day and think happy pitched for the young audience at which it’s thoughts, she got herself a aimed, the stage production has been hailed dog in a desperate attempt to put the brakes for being as moving as the poetry of Wilfred on her downward spiral into mental illness... Owen and as painfully memorable as white- The show made a big impression at Edin- hot shrapnel. burgh in the summer, and rather curiously First World War soldier Private Tommo was performed by Demi while her partner, Peaceful is awaiting the firing squad at dawn. Aaron, was sitting at the back of the stage, With his young life about to be cut tragically quietly scrolling his laptop and generally short, he recalls his joyful past growing up in minding his own business. rural Devon, his schooldays, his father, and It will be interesting to see if she’s still need- the love of his life - a girl named Molly... ing the security of his presence when she visits the Arena Theatre late this month... 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:01 Page 4 A Museum in Baghdad.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:15 Page 1

A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD

A newnew RRSCSC co-commissionco-commission exploringexploring thethe subjectssubjects ooff nnationhoodationhood aandnd AArabrab hheritageeritage iinn IIraq,raq, oopenspens iinn SStratford-upon-Avontratford-upon-Avon tthishis mmonth.onth. TThehe pplay’slay’s ddirector,irector, EEricarica WWhyman,hyman, eexplainsxplains mmore...ore

“The play asks why should we care about play, A Museum In Baghdad, which opens at “The play is set in 1926 and 2006 in the artefacts and goddesses carved out of stone the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this museum of Baghdad,” explains Erica, who’s when people are dying outside the door...” month. directing the production. “Gertrude had a very serious involvement in the founding of Erica Whyman, the Deputy Artistic Director at The play focuses on a real museum which was Iraq after the First World War. She dedicated the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), is founded in the Iraqi capital in 1926 by British her life to this museum and protecting the talking about Hannah Khalil’s brand new archeologist Gertrude Bell. A Museum in Baghdad.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:15 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

antiquities of this new country Iraq, as she since 1926. This sparked this inventive play out the British slave-owners. I think what all wanted the country to have a real grasp on its that moves between the two time periods and three plays do is ask very searching and own extraordinary past. We designed Iraq also puts on stage - in Arabic and English - emotional questions about power and respon- under a British lens in 1926, as the decision to these rather poetic moments called choruses, sibility. In a way, I think the season is as place a king on the throne is very quintessen- where the whole company speak about some- much about what it is to be British. I didn’t tially British for the time... thing that’s older than both these time want us to be doing lots of Brexit plays, but I periods: the deeper history of Iraq.” think asking what Britain’s place is in the “In 2006, times in Baghdad are equally as world, and where our hands are dirtier than turbulent, with the allied invasion of the city A Museum In Baghdad explores how stories we are prepared to admit, is very important at leaving the museum looted. There are two told through objects can bring hope... the moment. female archeologists battling about what the “It’s only by telling stories that humanity can future for Iraq and the museum might look “I certainly didn’t grow up understanding recover from all the terrible things that have like. The challenges in both these times are that in a relatively recent history - 1926 isn’t happened, moving forwards with a new way somewhat similar: there’s violence outside long ago in the grand scheme of things - we of thinking about themselves and their the doors, uncertainty for Iraq’s future, and were still claiming countries for our own and heritage. Through the objects, we can see also an immense amount of hope that this growing our empire. Neither was I taught in ourselves, challenging our own assumptions. museum can be an emblem of a confident, school that the first recorded civilisation was For example, I think the idea that things will unified nation upon which a new future for in Mesopotamia and China, rather than never get better in the Middle East is some- Iraq can be built.” history starting in Greece and leaping forward thing that we need to challenge because it has to the Roman invasion of . This play While Khalil’s play presents the character of a long history of being a place of great imagi- challenges the West’s version of history as Gertrude Bell in a sympathetic light, making nation, progress and freedom. I think with A Britain tries to work out what its role is in the clear her good intentions, it also acknowl- Museum In Baghdad we’re really trying to world. Thinking we have the power to fix edges that the archeologist’s perspectives open people’s horizons to the deep, wondrous things and create nations because we are were influenced by Britain’s colonial hubris. cultural history of the Middle East, such as some great civilising force was a very danger- the discovery of evidence of matriarchies, “A Museum In Baghdad does honour ous attitude. It’s worth thinking about that which goes against all the West’s assump- Gertrude’s contribution to Iraq,” says Erica. aspect of our legacy as we embark on a new tions. We hope audiences leave with an “She spoke fluent Arabic, in many different chapter of British history.” understanding that the people of Iraq have dialects, and Persian, as we might call it suffered time and again, for which Britain today. She was very influential in the shaping bears much responsibility. This play is of British thinking about Iraq. I think the play exciting, witty and a really tough truth.” paints a balanced picture of Gertrude. While A Museum In Baghdad shows at the Swan she had a passionate love affair with the Arab And how does A Museum In Baghdad Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from Friday world and its people, she was ultimately a resonate with events in the Middle East since 11 October to Saturday 25 January. product of her time and participated in a 2006? colonial operation to seize control of Baghdad “At least one of the characters can feel that in and what we decided was called Iraq. The the future things are going to get worse. It play questions what were essentially colonial draws a dark inspiration from events that instincts about the need for the British in happened across the region, including the Iraq. It considers whether the British as a appalling execution of the Head of Antiquities whole actually believed in Arab indepen- of the ancient city of Palmyra, Khaled dence, or whether they were motivated by oil, El-Asaad, by ISIS in 2015. I think there’s a having a power base between India and suggestion in the play that to be the director Turkey and a profound belief that British of the museum in Baghdad is a very risky civilising forces were good in the world. thing to do, especially as the region is set to In our creation of Iraq, we certainly had become even more divided by sectarian something in common with the American violence. To care about archeological objects idealisation of invasion. These are attitudes is seen as somewhat heretical and not in that we should find very uncomfortable now.” accordance with an extreme interpretation of A Museum In Baghdad is a co-commission Islam. So the play signposts the fact that this from the RSC and the Royal Lyceum Theatre, is a country and region that is going to face Edinburgh: “The spark came from Hannah another cycle of terrible violence in the Khalil, the writer. She had been talking to years following 2006.” David Clegg at the Lyceum about wanting to Erica is responsible for the Swan write a play about Gertrude. Hannah is Pales- Theatre’s upcoming season: “We’re tinian and Irish in her heritage, and this is doing Shakespeare’s King John in evident in her previous work exploring places rep with A Museum In Baghdad, of conflict or the Arab world through a Euro- and then later adding in The pean lense. David encouraged Hannah to Whip by Juliet Gilkes Romero, think about how to get the story of Gertrude which is about the moment we Bell into that area that really fascinated her, abolished slavery and bailed and also to consider what’s happened in Iraq Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:02 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

My Beautiful Laundrette Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 29 October - Sat 2 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.”

RUSH: A Joyous The Night Watch way. At its heartland is an uplifting story of the friendship shared between three pals, Jamaican Journey Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, who hop aboard a battered old bus and head Mon 21 - Sat 26 October The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 3 October off in search of love and romance. The lesbian experience across history sits at “One of the key aims behind RUSH,” says the The show comes complete with a dazzling the heart of much of Tipping The Velvet show’s producer, Owen Miller, “is to high- array of costumes and a glorious selection of author Sarah Waters’ work, including her light the positive impact immigration can dancefloor favourites, including It’s Raining bestselling novel, The Night Watch. have on a wider culture. The show brings Men, Say A Little Prayer, Go West, Hot Stuff Brilliantly adapted for the stage by the together musicians and artists from different and Always On My Mind. Olivier Award-nominated Hattie Naylor and ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Reggae set in the initially dangerous then stultify- music. The story revolves around the ingly drab world of 1940s London, the story Windrush Generation, the music they Orlando focuses on four ordinary people caught up brought with them and how that went on to Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, in the aftermath of an extraordinary time. develop into Reggae. Thurs 10 October “Overall our aim is to provide an evening of Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel is the starting superb music coupled with facts and infor- point for this latest presentation from the mation. We want the audience to feel widely admired Dyad Productions - other- informed and uplifted in a ‘shared experi- wise known as performer Rebecca Vaughan ence’ with the artists.” and writer/director Elton Townend Jones. Their previous offerings - Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, Dalloway, The Time Machine Season’s Greetings and Austen’s Women - all proved to be New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, unqualified triumphs for the talented two- Tues 8 - Sat 26 October some, and there’s every reason to imagine Alan Ayckbourn’s Christmas cracker of a Orlando will follow suit. The titular charac- play gets an autumn outing courtesy of the Priscilla Queen Of ter is an immortal author himself, who’s directing this poet whose gender production. The Desert is unspecified, The story revolves around Belinda and Malvern Theatres, Mon 14 - Sat 19 October; whose spirit can- Neville Bunker, whose Christmas festivities Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 13 - not be caged - and Sat 18 April are marred by petty squabbles, rifled who knows a thing presents, eccentric uncles, a drunken aunt Based on the movie of the same name, or two about time- and a shooting... Lust, gluttony, greed and Priscilla the stage show has wowed both travelling across jealousy are all present and correct as West End and Broadway audiences, picking British history in yuletide tensions boil over and Christmas up a coveted Olivier and an equally presti- search of adven- turns out to be a far from merry occasion. gious Tony award along its accolade-strewn ture...

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Phantom Of The Opera Full October 2019.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:07 Page 1 Circus 1903.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 15:37 Page 1

Oh, what a circus! International phenomenon Circus 1903 is this month visiting Birmingham for the very first time... What’s On speaks to the show’s Associate Director, Richard Peakman... Circus 1903.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 15:37 Page 2

Birmingham Hippodrome welcomes the big the juggler spinning those clubs. You’re Jackman in cinema blockbuster The Greatest top this month when the circus comes to watching a lifetime of dedication packed into Showman. Although Circus 1903 pre-dates town. an act of a few minutes. Jackman’s film, Richard says the movie’s pop- ularity has helped re-ignite interest in the Taking audiences back to the golden age of “And we wanted to ensure it was lavish. golden age of circus: “I absolutely loved the the travelling show, international phe- Money was so tight in the 1900s and yet circus film, and having worked so closely with our nomenon Circus 1903 features a host of amaz- costumes and sets were so extravagant and production, I was curious to see what they ing acts, daredevil feats, highwire stunts and flamboyant. We really wanted to capture that would do with it. I think it’s pulled up the cur- life-size animal puppets. with exquisite costume design and sumptu- tain on a piece of history, and it’s definitely ous sets.” The extravaganza is coming to Birmingham sparked people’s imaginations, so now they for the very first time and is a perfect centre- Recreating the golden age of the big top want to see that kind of show for themselves. piece for the Hippodrome’s 120th birthday cel- meant looking for a new way of incorporating I think people have seen the film and ebrations - the theatre was launched as a animal performers: “We wanted to feature thought, ‘That looks wonderful and amazing circus venue back in 1899. something which was synonymous with turn- and breathtaking’ - and it is!” of-the-century circus - but obviously these Circus 1903 Associate Director Richard Peak- Richard’s career has seen him performing, days we wouldn’t use real elephants. It was man, who grew up in Kinver and knows the choreographing, creating and directing a host the brainchild of our creative producer, Simon Hippodrome well, is delighted the production of shows across the world, including some in Painter, to incorporate puppetry to bring ani- will take centre-stage during the theatre’s an- the Midlands. Working for Qdos Pantomimes, mals back to the circus. Simon had seen War niversary year: “It would’ve felt special to he choreographed Cinderella with Julian Horse, which is on everyone’s radar because bring this show to the Hippodrome last year Clary at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in of just how breathtaking the puppets are, and or next year, but this year is extra-special be- 2014. He’s also been on stage at the Hippo- said we should have the best. And so they cre- cause of the theatre’s birthday. drome in shows such as Fame and Oh! What ated two elephants for us - a mother and A Night, but this is the first time he’s been in baby.” “It’s like we’re recreating history with the Birmingham as part of a show’s creative team. sights, the sounds and the spectacle that When it came to choosing the acts, the team launched the Hippodrome all those years ago. “I’m so excited to be bringing Circus 1903 to again wanted to ensure a feeling of authentic- As a local lad, to bring a show which has the Hippodrome. It’s such a beautiful theatre, ity: “We did a lot of research. I bought this hu- toured the world back to the Hippodrome at and I’ve always loved having the opportunity mongous hardback book which documented this very special time makes me feel very hon- to come back home. My career is predomi- circus from its early origins right up to now. oured and very lucky.” nantly in London these days, but my heart is We were really keen, where possible, to have definitely still in the West Midlands. Richard became part of the creative team be- acts which were present on the circus circuit hind Circus 1903 at its very beginning, work- at the turn of the century. “My family will all be out in force to see the ing with director Neil Dorward, who he’d first show, and I’m also excited because I’ll have “We have a booker who literally trawled the met when they were students together at the the opportunity to bring my nieces - Evie, world and came back with a collection of the Italia Conti Academy in London. The two built who’s five, and Sophie, who’s two. It will be weird and the wonderful, and then we had up successful careers in theatre before collab- the first time they’ll have seen a circus, and I lots of films submitted by performers. We orating on a circus show in China. Then Neil can’t wait to see their faces.” went through all of those, looking for the had the idea for Circus 1903 - and he and the most breathtaking acts.” And Richard is confident that his nieces won’t team had a clear vision for the show: “We be the only ones amazed by what they see: “I were really keen to transport audiences back Some of the acrobats, trapeze and highwire hope that people go away with the biggest to the golden age of circus when the circus artists, contortionists and jugglers - and a smiles on their faces, having been thoroughly was the biggest attraction of its time,” larger-than-life ringmaster - have been with entertained and mind-boggled by what Richard explains. “There was no TV, no cin- the show since it premiered in 2016, but the they’ve seen. There’s something in it for ev- ema, no theatres, no sports games - circus team are always on the look-out for new tal- eryone because of the plethora of acts - was a combination of all those elements. We ent: “We’re a period piece, but we also need to there’s humour but also spectacle. We set out wanted to capture that bygone era. evolve within those parameters to ensure that to entertain people - just as circus did back in we’re fresh, exciting, current and have some- “So we deliberately shied away from anything the day.” thing new to offer audiences.” which would be too futuristic. We wanted to take it back to basics and for our audience to The show’s name pays homage to the age of have an appreciation of these amazing circus the historic Barnum & Bailey circus company, Circus 1903 shows at Birmingham Hippo- acts. There are no gimmicks, no special ef- which launched the extravaganza known as drome from Friday 25 October to Saturday fects, no filter - what you’re seeing is the The Greatest Show On Earth. This is the same 2 November. trapeze artist balancing on that highwire or PT Barnum who was brought to life by Hugh Bass Festival.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:13 Page 1

FEEL THE BASS The UK’s only Black Arts commissioning festival returns to Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with Bass Festival 2019’s curators to find out more... Bass Festival.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:13 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Organised by award-winning music & arts Jamie Rodigan, Italo Skarcha, Layfullstop and the MBC in Digbeth,” says RTkal. “Over the company Punch Records, the UK’s only Black Bake Off's Liam Charles. years, I’ve managed to surround myself with Arts commissioning festival is this year people who are talented and passionate about “The artists I've chosen are part of a wider shining a spotlight on the future. music & arts. I’ve also learnt a lot from having community who are pushing a culture the opportunity to perform across the world Now in its 13th year, Bass Festival has forward,” RTkal explains. “A lot of them are and learn from the music industry interna- entrusted two of Birmingham's brightest second generation, so their parents are tionally. But what it brought to my attention is young creatives - Aliyah Hasinah and RTkal - musicians or work within the creative indus- how overlooked the talent in Birmingham is, with the responsibility of curating the event try, and they’re building careers based on a and how little we have in terms of a creative and leaving a new legacy. lineage of knowledge and culture. They stand industry infrastructure. The MBC and IDST for a bigger thing; it's not just about what’s “I’m a curator and aspiring historian and studios are a contribution to the infrastruc- cool or new. It’s future music and movements filmmaker,” explains Aliyah. “I started my ture. There's a lot of work to be done, but we based on solid foundations.” career in digital marketing, then ended up as aim to give Birmingham-based artists the sup- producer by the end of an apprenticeship. I This year’s festival theme is ‘the future’. port they need to promote their artistry, and a then became freelance and worked on a Explaining where he plans to take it, RTkal place to facilitate the creation of new art. We variety of different projects with an organisa- says: “I’m booking artists from different parts want to keep Birmingham's creative industry tion called Apples And Snakes, which was my of the world and different parts of the country health and thriving. We’re working on a first actual contracted job. But a lot of my and having them perform alongside Birming- sustainable, creative future.” work has been pretty DIY. If I have an idea ham-based artists. Bass 2019 is going to high- “For me,” says Aliyah, “the greatest achieve- and it’s an exhibition, for example, can we light the calibre of artists that we have to offer ment has been the realisation that I don't just put it up in a cafe? Can we speak to this as a city. I also want to highlight the skills and need to work with institutions for my work to artist and get work shown? I've also worked high level of entrepreneurship we have in matter. At one point in my career, everyone with loads of artists and organisations around Birmingham. We really do have so much to was telling me, You need to work with this the theme of decoloniality and what it means offer.” person or you need to work with this. Then I to move the gaze away from the white gaze Aliyah adds: “I’ve been thinking a lot about started to see the value of being DIY and inde- and not to be apologetic about the way we reimagination and what it means to be black pendent. curate and take up space.” and everything that that is. I think the future “And also, although it's not an ‘achievement’, Aliyah’s curated projects include Bald Black is blickity-black-black! It's independent and I would say the incredible people I’ve met Girls with artist Ruth Sutoyé, The Gallery Is its decolonial. Decolonisation is undoing and along the way. I really admire and respect the Many Things at Eastside Projects and The unlearning behaviours that we’ve been taught people around me.” Past Is Now at Birmingham Museum & Art are correct - like what ‘Blackness’ is, for Gallery. example. Decoloniality is unpicking why we What do the pair want festival-goers to take do the things that we do, how that’s affected away from this year’s Bass? Bass Festival’s second young curator, RTkal, us mentally, psychologically, and who we are is a veteran of the Birmingham music scene. “We want the city to feel inspired,” says seeking approval from and why. Decolonisa- “I’m the co-founder of Beats & Barriers Music RTkal. “We want people to feel confident tion is constant questioning, and in terms of Academy,” he explains. “I also co-own IDST about the future locally and in comparison to the future, it's just not a ‘yes man’ future.” music studios and I run a business called The the rest of the nation. Birmingham is rich in MBC - Music, Birmingham, Culture - all of Looking ahead, Aliyah would like Birming- talent, no doubt about that, so let's highlight which are based in Digbeth.” ham’s creative network to look more like an it and nurture it.” industry: “I'd like infrastructure. I'd like us Inspired both by his generation and his her- “I want people to see the multiplicity of possi- not to have to steal resources from other itage, RTkal has used music to spread positive bility,” says Aliyah. “Anything is possible. places, and I'd like there to be spaces for vibes and unite and entertain audiences There are so many different ways to think people to reap benefits, whether that be artis- across the globe. His CV includes perfor- about things, different artists and different tic development programmes or places to mances at Glastonbury, Bestival, Lovebox and versions of what the future could look like. All pitch your ideas or create them. And I’d like it Outlook, to name but a few. we have to do is start making steps towards to be based on the merit of the idea rather them. I’d like people to leave the festival Visitors to Bass Festival can expect six days of than how many followers you have. I’d like it thinking, Shit, something amazing is happen- live music, workshops, panel discussions, to be a decentralisation of everything which is ing in Birmingham, and Birmingham is the exhibitions and film screenings. There will stuck in London; a lot of the industry is there future.” also be an unveiling ceremony for the event’s but a lot of the talent is here, so we have to Future Faces Of Birmingham mural. connect and build something sustainable.” Artists involved in this year’s get-together So what do RTkal and Aliyah feel are their Bass Festival takes place at various venues include Naomi Cowan, Jevon, Randy Valen- greatest achievements to date? across Birmingham from 22 to 27 October. tine, Sevana, Big Zeeks, Cali P, 808INK, Anaïs, Visit punchbass.com for more “Moving back to Birmingham and setting up information. Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:02 Page 7

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

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Fri 4 - Sun 6 October; Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 26 October - Sun 3 Novem- ber; Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 26 Decem- ber - Sun 12 January Suitable for children aged two and older, this Little Angel Theatre adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s popular picture book follows the adventures of a family as they head out on an intrepid quest to find a bear. Catchy songs and enchanting puppets are combined with no shortage of swishy swashy grass and oozy, squelchy mud in a show that seems certain to keep youngsters splendidly entertained.

Peppa Pig’s Expect ‘thrilling action, daft nonsense, stir- Tom Gates Live On Stage! ring shanties, the weirdest of mechanical Best Day Ever contraptions’ and music and songs by BBC Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 30 October - Sat 2 November The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Radio Two Folk Award winner Jon Boden. Wed 23 & Thurs 24 October Birmingham Stage Com- pany makes a welcome re- Emily Rising turn to present this new Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, production inspired by au- Sat 12 October thor and illustrator Liz Pi- Little Angel Theatre have garnered plenty of chon’s award-winning Tom praise for this clever, thoughtful and visually Gates stories. engaging production since it premiered three Liz’s series of books about the character have years ago. been translated into 40-plus languages, sell- If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the The story unfolds in a flat in Islington where ing more than four million copies worldwide. previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and 10-year-old Emily, whose parents are getting “So far there are 15 books in the series, with enjoyed the experience of watching them a divorce, wakes up one morning to find that the 16th due out this month,” says Liz. “But having a fantastic time - you’ll already know her feet no longer touch the ground. What’s there could be 17 books, or maybe more, if I that this latest production is well worth more, she keeps rising higher and higher, have loads of other ideas!” catching. eventually soaring over London and further The new show, written especially for the Peppa Pig is heading out on a road trip with away from her crumbling family... stage, finds young Tom doing his best to stay George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, and out of trouble and make sure he doesn’t miss there are plenty of adventures waiting to be Monstersaurus! the school trip. had - including ones that involve dragons, dinosaurs, ice-creams and muddy puddles... The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 19 October Having created a whole world of whacky in- I Believe In Unicorns ventions and incredible monsters, young in- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 8 October; The Pirate Cruncher ventor Monty doesn’t know what to do with Albany Theatre, Coventry, Tues 24 October them all... Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Michael Morpurgo’s much-loved book is bril- Sat 26 & Sun 27 October The creators of Aliens Love Underpants make liantly brought to life by the Olivier Award- a welcome return with this ‘monster-ously Goat And Monkey are the company bringing nominated Wizard Presents, who debuted good show’, which comes complete with orig- to life this bestselling picture book by Jonny this show at Edinburgh back in 2013. inal music and plenty of audience participa- Duddle, winner of the Waterstone's Chil- The story revolves around the outdoors-lov- tion. dren's Book Prize. ing Tomas, a boy whose negative attitude to- When child inventor extraordinaire Emily wards books and being dragged to the library finds her tavern being raided by the dastardly by his mother is challenged and changed the Captain Purplebeard, she sends the ne’er-do- day he meets the Unicorn and the Unicorn well pirate and his motley crew on a wild Lady... Wizard Presents describe their show goose chase that leads them into the far- as being suitable ‘for families with children from-friendly tentacles of the terrifying Pirate aged six-plus and everyone who loves stories Cruncher... and books’. 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Moroccan Fire Nights Full October 2019.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:06 Page 1 Sean Foley From Gray.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:48 Page 1

Quite a Rep-utation... There are exciting times ahead at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, as the venue’s new artistic director, the Olivier Award-winning Sean Foley, explains…

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Sean Foley From Gray.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:49 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Olivier Award-winning actor, director and dramas, there’s such a wealth of Midlands professional experience is much more in the writer Sean Foley has his nose to the grind- and Birmingham stories that can be told. area of new writing and new plays, so we stone at the moment. As the new artistic complement each other in that way with my “One of the best parts about having three director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, experience of the commercial theatre of the theatres in The REP complex is that it allows the 54-year-old has got his work cut out West End. Amit is also an Asian disabled us to have such different things running at adding the finishing touches to his first man. That’s a very important understanding the same time. We could have a massive season of productions at the venue, which to have at a theatre in a city that’s very diverse comedy tour on in the main house and a gets under way in the new year. and has a high percentage of BAME [black really hard-hitting drama with contemporary, Asian & minority ethnic] residents. It was a “I was quite merrily going along with a free- social themes or local work in The Door. bit of a shotgun marriage, but we both have a lance directing career, mainly in commercial Then, The Studio theatre, which we share good sense of humour and seem to have theatre in the West End and almost exclu- with the Library of Birmingham, is also a struck it off. I look forward to us working sively directing comedies,” says Sean, who fantastically exciting place that we’re going to together.” co-wrote hit Morecambe & Wise tribute show brand as the starting-point for the country’s The Play What I Wrote. “Somebody rang me best new plays.” Sean’s first season of shows is impressively up and asked me to apply for the job. The eclectic... Sean believes that audience satisfaction is the more I looked at The REP as a theatre, and at most effective way to catapult Birmingham “From January we’ve got some amazing Birmingham as a city - where I have personal Rep to national and international acclaim: things in the programme. We’re starting with roots on my mum’s side of the family and my “Theatre does have a problem, a barrier, Asking For It in our main house, which is a dad was part of the huge Irish community where a lot of people don’t think it’s for them. contemporary play on the subject of consent. here - the more I was reminded of how won- Ultimately, we have to give them a good night It’s a fantastic award-winning show from the derful both are. I was also attracted by the out, which doesn’t mean that what we offer Abbey Theatre - Ireland’s national theatre. I opportunity and financing for producing at can’t be smart, sophisticated and offer up hope we’ll present lots of international work The REP. All of those factors combined en- issues or themes that are relevant and diffi- at The REP - particularly Irish work, as it’s on couraged me to apply for the role of artistic cult. People need to make that connection a complete high at the moment. This will be director - and then I ended up getting it!” with theatre, just like they do when they tune the show’s UK premiere and we’re incredibly Sean is aiming to tap into the theatre’s great into dramas on the telly or go to see a film proud to be doing that. potential: “I honestly believe that although because it’s a renowned director’s latest “Then we’ll be doing a fantastic comedy The REP has been run tremendously over the blockbuster or features an excellent actor in written originally by Molière - a French play- last couple of years, it’s nonetheless a sleep- their most recent role. I want people to always wright. About 18 months ago, the RSC did a ing giant - the same with Birmingham as a think that everything which comes to the version of Tartuffe but set within a Muslim city. There’s an enormous amount of unful- Birmingham Rep is of excellent quality. That’s community in Sparkhill, Birmingham. We’re filled potential here - such talent and an in- the bottom line.” going to do a new production of that show, credible sense of humour. But I think the city So what professional experience does Sean bringing it back to its roots. is also self-deprecating in a way that’s not bring to his new role? always to its advantage. Here at The REP, we “We also have an amazing new version of have an 820-seat main house that’s one of the “Well, there’s no other artistic director in Doctor Faustus coming up, in collaboration most amazing theatres in the country. We also Britain who’s received an Olivier nomination with the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and have incredible workshop facilities that not or award for acting, directing and writing. Headlong Theatre Company, in which Faustus many theatres have anymore. Then, of course, I think the fact that I have that range of expe- is reimagined as a woman. our classic studio theatre, The Door - histori- rience in the creative and performance “There’s also the incredible Ramps On The cally one of the national leaders for small aspects of theatre really helps, as I can always Moon project, which strives for the inclusion theatres presenting new plays - brings that look at a piece from another perspective and of deaf and disabled individuals in theatre. word ‘potential’ to mind again. The Birming- through the eyes of my different disciplines. I They’ll be bringing a fantastic version of ham Rep is also in this iconic building. It just think the main way my past will impact my Oliver Twist to us. seemed like a great place to take over and work at The REP is in terms of my unconven- make into a national hub for great theatre. At tional route into the profession. I didn’t go to “There are just so many great things coming the moment, it’s a city theatre that represents drama school and go that traditional route. I up in 2020 that it’s impossible to mention the creativity and talent of the wider region, created my own theatre company and started them all - everything’s a highlight in our but I do also feel strongly that it should be writing and co-writing original comedies for programme. Then, beyond that, I’m really brought up to a national and international that. My whole background is quite untypical looking forward to celebrating 50 years of the level.” of an artistic director, and I feel like that fits building in 2021 and then seeing how we’re well with Birmingham, which is a unique city And how will this be achieved? going to get involved with the 2022 Common- with a pioneering spirit.” wealth Games. There’s so much to look “We hope to have a real mix of locally sourced forward to at The REP.” Sean has been joined by two other newcom- stories created into theatre, and to be a ers at The REP: Deputy Artistic Director Amit launchpad for bigger shows that can go into Sharma and Executive Director Rachael the West End or tour nationally and interna- Thomas. tionally. Personally, my taste is what can be To find out more about what’s coming up called ‘popular theatre’. I like doing come- “Part of the idea when I was appointed was at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, visit dies, I like doing musicals. Then, in terms of that Amit would join at the same time. Amit’s birmingham-rep.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Shout Highlights single page.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:13 Page 1

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Shout Highlights single page.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:13 Page 2 SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT SHOUT Festival of Queer Arts and Culture returns to Birmingham next month (5 - 17 November). Check out our selection of highlights below and then head to shoutfestival.co.uk for the full festival line-up.

Shout Opening Party: Hedwig And The Angry Inch The Nightingale Club - Tues 5 November Hosted by Birmingham’s very own Yshee Black, the launch party features the unveiling of two murals commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nightingale Club. The event also includes performances from a stellar line-up of queer cabaret acts, including Juno Birch, and a screening of one of the greatest queer films of all time, Hedwig And The Angry Inch.

John Waters | This Filthy World Hit The Ode | Birmingham Hippodrome - Wed 13 November Shout Takeover Birmingham Queer icon, living legend and ‘master of filth’ John Waters - Hippodrome - once referred to as ‘the pope of trash’ - visits Birmingham for the very first time. His one-man show is a vaudeville act Fri 8 November celebrating both his film career and his obsessional tastes. This unique performance- Focusing on John’s early negative artistic influences and his poetry night boasts a fascination with true crime, exploitation films, fashion knock-out line-up of queer lunacy and the extremes of the contemporary art world, this spoken-word artists, joyously devious monologue - a homage to all that’s trashy including Jay Hulme, Keith in life - is a call-to-arms to ‘filth followers’ everywhere. Jarrett, Dean Atta and Jackie Hagan.

Fab! The Fabulous Kids Party MAC Birmingham - Sun 17 November This year’s SHOUT OUT includes a daytime children’s party featuring music, DIY costume-making, a variety of fun games, a disco and a host of glittery and colourful friends. The event is suitable for children aged three-plus, so bring along your little ones and get set to boogie!

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 p36.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:49 Page 1

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts October.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2019 16:11 Page 1

Visual Arts

The Mughals: Power And Beauty At The Indian Court The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 11 October - Sun 2 February Drawings, prints, coins and manuscripts are here brought together to explore aspects of life in the Indian subcontinent during 300-plus years of Mughal rule, from the 16th century to the 19th. The featured objects - some of which come from the Barber’s own rarely exhibited collection - reveal how patrons and artists developed a distinctive Mughal style that reflected both their power and their ideals of beauty.

Tim Mara: Not Pop? Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 29 March Although frequently associated with the Velásquez and Vermeer. Those prints had Pop Art movement, Irish printmaker and much more to do with painting.” one-time Wolverhampton Polytechnic Mara’s work saw him blending traditional student Tim Mara - who died in 1997 at the processes with digital printing techniques, age of 48 - found his inspiration but his main consideration was always the elsewhere. “I knew that the Pop thing was subject matter: “In the hierarchy of fine going on,” he said. “Screen printing was art, printmaking is usually associated there, photography was there, the with craft skills - with technique. And that everyday objects were there - but I was gets in the way. My work was always about much more interested pictorially in the ideas more than the medium.”

Coventry Biennial: British Ceramics Biennial The Twin Various venues in Stoke-on-Trent, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 13 October Sat 5 October - Sun 26 January An expanded programme of exhibitions, The theme for this year’s citywide Biennial installations and events featuring more than 300 - ‘the twin’ - reflects the fact that Coventry contemporary artists is ensuring that the 10th is twinned with no fewer than 26 other anniversary of this hugely popular free festival is cities around the world. These include being celebrated in fine style. Russia’s Volgograd, with which it’s Taking place across six venues, the event has as celebrating 75 years of friendship in 2019. its centrepiece the vast China Hall, located in the The works on display in the Herbert exhi- former Spode Factory. bition explore themes of collaboration and The Hall features 13 exhibitions and hosts not togetherness while also pondering the dif- only a number of workshops but also the festival’s ficulties presented by globalisation, politi- two flagship shows. The first, entitled Award, cal inequality and conflict. features new work by 10 leading ceramic artists, “Coventry has been an international, all of whom are vying for prize money of £10,000. welcoming and activist city for decades,” The second, Fresh, showcases a selection of says Ryan Hughes, Artistic Director of pieces by some of the UK’s most promising Coventry Biennial. “We are thrilled to be ceramics graduates. working with artists, our twin cities and a Work by celebrated artists from other ceramic wide variety of partners to explore what it biennials around the world is also available to means to be together in 2019.” view. whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film October (2 pages).qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:43 Page 1 Film October (2 pages).qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:43 Page 2

Film

A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Joker CERT tbc (122 mins) Farmageddon CERT U (86 mins) Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, With the voice of Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Kate Harbour Directed by Will Becher and Douglas Hodge Richard Phelan (UK) DirectedDirected byby ToddTodd PhillipsPhillips (USA)(USA) A spin-off of Aardman It’s no laughing matter: Arthur Fleck was Animations’ Shaun desperate to make people laugh, but after The Sheep Movie a public humiliation he turned on society (2015), this stop-mo- and adopted the moniker of The Joker... tion cartoon sees This is the first time that a villain from DC Shaun and his flock Comics has been given his own stand- encounter a beguiling alone movie, much as the case with the extraterrestrial down godmother from Disney’s Sleeping at the farm. It puts the Beauty, who was turned into Maleficent. ET into bleat. Here, the producers Todd Phillips and Released Bradley Cooper have opted for a character Fri 18 October study of failure and madness, and Joaquin Phoenix would seem to be a savvy choice for the title role. The Joker has been Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil previously played on film by Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger and Jared Leto, CERT tbc (118 mins) but Phoenix’s interpretation promises to Starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, be something else - to prepare for the role, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Michelle Pfeiffer the actor lost 52 pounds. Directed by Joachim Rønning (USA) Released Fri 4 October EDITOR’S CHOICE After a four-year ab- sence from the screen, Angelina Jolie returns as the wicked fairy Film highlights released in October... godmother she first depicted in Maleficent (2014). The latter was Judy CERT 12a (118 mins) Official Secrets CERT 15 (112 mins) a live-action spin-off of Disney’s Sleeping Starring Renée Zellweger, , Finn Starring Keira Knightley, Matt Smith, Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon Matthew Goode, Rhys Ifans, Adam Bakri, Beauty (1959) and Directed by Rupert Goold (UK) Ralph Fiennes showed why the fairy Directed by Gavin Hood (USA/UK) Adapted from Peter Quilter's 2005 play End turned her powers to Of The Rainbow, this musical drama focuses The invasion of Iraq will not go away. This the greater bad. Here, she’s riled again when on Judy Garland’s sold-out appearance at the real-life thriller centres on Katharine Gun Princess Aurora (Fanning) is embraced by the Talk Of The Town in London in 1968. She (Keira Knightley), the British translator who family of the charming Prince Phillip (Harris died in the summer of the following year. leaked top-secret information on America’s il- Dickinson). In 3D. legal attempts to push for war in Iraq. Released Fri 4 October Released Fri 18 October Released Fri 18 October Zombieland: Double Tap Abominable CERT PG (92 mins) CERT tbc With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Palson, Tsai Chin Directed by Jill Culton and Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone, Rosario Dawson, Todd Wilderman (China/USA) Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson Directed by Ruben Fleischer (USA) We’ve had Smallfoot and The Missing Link, Ten years after the zombie spoof Zombieland and now we’ve got the story of a Yeti who (2009) proved a surprising success for the finds himself lost in Shanghai, as they do. genre, the original stars have returned for But he has the help of the teenage Yi and her more bloody sarcasm. This time, the ill- two scampish friends to aid his journey home matched quartet head for the American heart- to the Himalayas. The cartoon is a collabora- land to encounter more evolved versions of tion between DreamWorks Animation and the undead. Chinese production company Pearl Studio. Released Fri 18 October Released Fri 11 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Film October (2 pages).qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:43 Page 3 Film October (2 pages).qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:43 Page 4

Film highlights released in October... Film

The Addams Family CERT PG (105 mins) With the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Bette Midler, Allison Janney Directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan (USA) Charles Addams' ghoulish clan has been around since 1938 when they first appeared in a comic strip in The New Yorker magazine. Since then, they were immortalised in the 1964-66 TV series and then three films. This version, in which the Addamses move to New Jersey and confront the 21st century, is the first computer-animated edition. In 3D. Released Fri 25 October CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Peanut Butter Falcon wrestling star seem impractical. However, he escapes the home and sets off to find his CERT tbc (117 mins) wrestling hero, the Salt Water Redneck. Starring Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, Zack Gottsagen, John Hawkes, Bruce Dern, Wearing nothing but a pair of Y-fronts, he Thomas Haden Church Directed by Tyler Nil- hides out in the boat of a local fisherman, son and Michael Schwartz (USA) Tyler (LaBeouf), an anti-social loner with Films featuring Down’s syndrome charac- issues of his own… The title is unlikely to ters are few and far between, particularly attract a huge following, nor the central Black And Blue in American cinema. Yet Zack Gottsagen is character of a pot-bellied lad with Down’s CERT 15 (101 mins) such a forceful presence that the scriptwrit- syndrome, but it’s a strikingly original tale Starring Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Mike ers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz built which has the good sense not to push its Colter, Reid Scott, Beau Knapp, Frank Grillo an entire film around his talents. He plays agenda down the viewer’s throat. Display- Directed by Deon Taylor (USA) Zack, a deserted 20-year-old who is housed ing a novelistic feel, with overtones of Alicia West (Naomie Harris) is a black woman at a North Carolina retirement home be- Mark Twain, the film is an entertaining ad- in a blue uniform. But, being a rookie, she is cause nobody knows what to do with him. venture that manages to be both wildly off- also green, so that when she films the mur- He’s a bit of a troublemaker, whose practi- beat and deeply affecting. der of a drug dealer by her partner, she tries cal jokes are lapped up by the home’s aged Released Fri 18 October to do the right thing in a world that is any- residents, but his dreams of becoming a thing but black and white…. Released Fri 25 October

The Last Black Man In San Doctor Sleep CERT tbc By The Grace Of God Francisco CERT tbc (121 mins) Starring Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, Cliff Curtis, Carl Lumbly, CERT 15 (138 mins) Starring Jimmie Falls, Jonathan Majors, Danny Bruce Greenwood, Jacob Tremblay Glover, Tichina Arnold, Rob Morgan, Mike Directed by Mike Flanagan (USA) Starring Melvil Poupaud, Denis Ménochet, Epps, Finn Wittrock Swann Arlaud, Éric Caravaca, Bernard Verley Directed by Joe Talbot (USA) It had to happen. Directed by François Ozon (France/Belgium) Playing a character partly based on himself, Thirty-nine years Three men link up to try to expose the priest Jimmie Falls is a man who is trying to reclaim after the chilling who abused them as children. Based on true the home in which he grew up... The film events that un- events, the French film won the Silver Bear at marks the directo- folded in Stanley this year’s Berlin film festival. rial debut of Jim- Kubrick's The Released Fri 25 October mie’s childhood Shining, this friend Joe Talbot sequel sees poor and its develop- Danny Torrance ment budget was now a grown man, played by Ewan McGre- raised through gor. With his psychic powers still intact, Kickstarter. Danny is struggling with alcoholism when he meets a teenage girl (Curran) with her own Released Fri extrasensory gift, known as the 'shine'. 25 October Released Thurs 31 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:50 Page 1

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:50 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

Destination Star Trek NEC, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Sun 27 October Boldly go where lots of people have gone before by attending Europe’s official Star Trek convention. As well as featuring interactive exhibits with genuine props and costumes from Star Trek’s 50-plus years, the event provides fans with the chance to come face to face with cast and crew members from the much-loved franchise.

Horse Of The Year Show and international showjumping classes and also hosts the finals of the Pony Club Mounted Games NEC, Birmingham, Wed 2 - Sun 6 October Prince Philip Cup. The biggest event of the year for equestrian enter- Equestrian acrobat Laurent Serre is set to thrill tainment makes a welcome return and promises audiences with his daredevil stunts, while to offer something for all the family to enjoy. French performer Mélie Philippot brings light The five-day show includes a range of national comedy to the show with her ‘dancing duo’. Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Staffordshire County Showground, Grand Designs Live Sat 19 & Sun 20 October Celebrating the growing popular- NEC, Birmingham, Wed 9 - Sun 13 October ity of emerging classics from the Based on the popular Channel Four series and 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, this annual packed with inspirational ideas, Grand Designs event now attracts more than Live features new product launches, the latest 30,000 enthusiasts and features eco-innovations and over 400 specialist compa- over 900 traders, dealers and nies across six project zones. autojumble stands. With the 2019 edition of the show marking the TV This year’s guests of honour are series’ 20th anniversary, the live event is bringing 10-time world side car champion back designers from across the years to talk Rocket-fuelled Half Term Steve Webster MBE and Classic about their projects and offer plenty of useful British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Motorcycle Mechanics contributor hints and tips. Sat 26 October - Sun 3 November Allen Millyard. The TV show’s presenter, Kevin McCloud, will be The British Motor Museum is hosting a rocket- on stage across the , taking part in fuelled selection of fun family activities this educational seminars and debates with a host of autumn half-term holiday - so prepare for take- industry experts. off! Recycled rocket making and rocket-powered family tours are among the attractions. There’s also the chance to design and build your own Rocket K’nex Car and see how far it travels from its pneumatic rocket launch. On Halloween, Professor Pickle & Doctor Pump- kin are back with their not-to-be-missed science show, a 25-minute presentation of fascinating interactive demonstrations and rocket-inspired science. The Museum’s Halloween Black Cat Trail is avail- able every day throughout half-term week too.

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:50 Page 3

44 whatsonlive.co.uk Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:50 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

Supreme Cat Show NEC, Birmingham, Sat 26 October Now here's a purr-fect opportunity to get 'up close and purr-sonal' with marvellous moggies aplenty! With more than 800 cats expected to feature, this 43rd such show promises an enjoyable day out for cat lovers and owners alike. The family-friendly event includes grooming demonstrations, hot tips from cat experts and a ‘meet the cats’ section, with an abun- dance of owners, breeders and ex- hibitors in attendance. So if you love your common-or- garden moggy and are 'feline' in the mood for what should be a great day out, then this is very Museum Of The Moon Luke Jerram’s seven-metre moon sculpture is an definitely the show for you! awe-inspiring work of art created using detailed Enginuity, Ironbridge, Mon 21 October - NASA imagery of the lunar surface. Internally lit Sun 10 November to provide an up-close and surreal experience, To celebrate 50 years since man first walked on the sculpture features lunar imagery, moonlight the moon, Enginuity is offering visitors the and a surround-sound composition by BAFTA chance to enjoy an immersive lunar experience. and Ivor Novello award winner Dan Jones.

BRICKLIVE NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 31 October - Sunday 3 November Children can play, create, discover and get hands-on at this ever-popular event, which features no fewer than 10 million Lego bricks! Miniatura Interactive experiences, free build activities, NEC, Birmingham, live stage challenges and a fully immersive Sat 5 & Sun 6 October educational brick experience are among the Now in its 36th year, the ever-pop- highlights of the show. ular Miniatura brings some of the Old favourites the Mosaic Builder, Race world’s most talented craftspeo- Ramps, Map Builder, Minecraft, Duplo Lego ple to Birmingham. soft bricks and City Builder all make a The show provides the perfect welcome return. CHANGE Festival 2019 opportunity to pick up a new skill, New for 2019 is the Sci-Fi Zone, a space in Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, with professional and expert which visitors can build their very own inter- Fri 18 - Sun 20 October tutors running workshops across galactic spaceship. This new event gathers performers and speak- the weekend. ers from the West Midlands and beyond in The exhibitors will be busy world-class shows, talks, comedy and work- making works of miniature art shops - with the aim to inspire visitors to imag- right up until the start of the ine a more positive future for all. event, meaning that visitors will Highlights include‘The World We Made’, a play be able to check out the very latest set in 2050 and based on environmentalist items in their collections. Jonathon Porritt’s book of the same name, a comedy evening asking ‘What Will We Tell Our Grandkids?’, a panel of transformational women sharing their stories for ‘MetamorphSIS- TER’ and plenty of enlivening talks and discus- sions.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:50 Page 5

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:51 Page 6

Spooky previews from around the region Halloween

Halloween Spook-tacular National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton-upon-Trent, Sat 19 - Sun 20 & Fri 25 October - Fri 1 November Expect some spooky fun down on the farm this Halloween. Activities include broomstick training, pumpkin picking and a mummy maze hunt. There’s a haunted house to visit too, and a new-for-2019 wizard academy.

Haunted Castle Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 26 October - Fri 1 November Tamworth Castle is hosting a week Scarefest selection of extra entertainment. of ghostly goings-on this Hal- Younger visitors can enjoy the colourful Hal- loween. Expect to meet some seri- Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Sat 5 & Sun 6, Sat 12 loween Playland, join in with the Alton Towers ously creepy characters as you & Sun 13, Fri 18 October - Sun 3 November ancestors’ flashmob, or dance and play games tour the castle - including the cack- Alton Towers’ popular Halloween season of at the CBeebies Monster Ball. ling hags - but cross your fingers events returns for another year, complete with For older thrill-seekers, the park’s award-win- you don’t bump into Master ‘spooks, frights and thrills for everyone’. ning scare mazes have been ‘re-scarified’ for Slaughter, who’s always on the The extended opening hours allow visitors to 2019, with a brand new maze added to the lookout for body parts to steal! enjoy their favourite rides in the dark, while the spinetingling line-up of attractions. For visitors fancying a late-night popular visitor attraction is also hosting a thrill, there’s the opportunity to take part in candlelit vigils in some of the castle’s most haunted rooms. More Treat Than Trick Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Spooky Sat 19 - Thurs 31 October Science Night Drayton Manor is inviting families to dust off their broomsticks and treat themselves to some Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Thurs 31 October ghoulish Halloween fun this month. Attractions include The Haunting, which sees Calling all mad scientists, witches visitors being challenged to make their way and wizards - Thinktank is set to through a long-abandoned vicarage in which host a seriously spooky party this ghostly apparitions and supernatural events are Halloween! very much par for the course. Pop along to the event in your best fancy dress, watch the ‘spectacu- lar’ Trick Or Treat show and dance the night away at the silent zombie disco. A-Scarium Visitors can also get hands-on by experimenting in the slime lab or National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Sat 12 October - Sun 3 November making their very own family light photos. Discover the spooky creatures that lurk beneath the waves and explore the ocean depths when you visit the National Sea Life Centre this Hal- loween. Meet the mer-witch in her lair and help her cast a spell by finding the missing ingredi- ents around the aquarium so that you can claim your reward. Visitors can also take part in a creepy creature twister game or watch a spooky pumpkin show.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:51 Page 7

48 whatsonlive.co.uk 10 reasons to visit Compton Verney (changed).qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:16 Page 1

10 REASONS TO VISIT COMPTON VERNEY ART GALLERY & PARK Located in the South Warwickshire countryside, Compton Verney is a great place to revel in nature, broaden your cultural horizons, unleash your creativity, or simply treat yourself to a relaxing day out. Although only a stone’s throw from Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, and an easy drive from Birmingham and Coventry, the venue feels a world away from hoards of tourists and the bustle of city life. The art and exhibitions on show are among the best in the country, while there’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained for hours on end - and at reasonable prices too! Find out below why Compton Verney should be the next place you visit…

Magnum Whether you’re into history, Manifesto photography or are just fascinated by people and Possibly one of the most humanity, the images on show important exhibitions you’ll will move, educate, inspire and see this year (Compton Verney empower you. is its only UK tour venue), this Compton Verney is also giving showcase of work by the you the chance to have your world’s greatest photographers photography featured in its captures the most significant galleries as part of a related events of the last 70 years, from display, allowing everybody to the Second World War to the contribute a snapshot of the fall of the Berlin Wall. world. Opens 11 October.

Leonard Freed, Martin Luther King, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 1964 © Leonard Freed /Magnum Photos Make a mud pie popular, particularly in the holidays when it’s open to For younger visitors, the Forest older kids too. School (Thursdays during term There’s also a great adventure Ancient Chinese A free tour by a tremendously time, 12.30pm - 2.30pm) is playground, a pond-dipping knowledgeable ‘gallery bronzes and usually the highlight of their platform, a bird hide and interpreter’ will bring the portraits of visit. It’s a chance to play, to get sandpits to play in, meaning impressive collections to life. royalty muddy, to make and build you can spend the whole day things and to make new friends. there without getting bored. Among Compton Verney’s The Forest School is hugely many attractions are Chinese bronzes that are thousands of years old, the largest collection Inspired by a fascinating of British folk art in the UK, The Women’s history, the library’s book- portraits of Tudor royals and Library shelves change every year when masterpieces by Canaletto and guest curators are invited to other artists from the ‘golden If you’re looking for your next choose a selection of books that age’ of Neapolitan art. good read, get some ideas from this beautiful library. are special to them. 10 reasons to visit Compton Verney (changed).qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2019 12:16 Page 2

ARTfernoon tea afternoon tea. Served in a beautiful room with views While you can pop into the café across the gardens, it really for fantastic cakes and turns a visit into a special delicious hot meals, it’s well occasion. worth booking in advance for

Learn a new skill and fauna, keep an eye on Compton Verney’s fantastic If you’ve ever fancied having a programme of workshops, go at botanical illustration, talks and events, all of which turning your hand to whittling change seasonally. or learning about native flora

Shopping with And you can shop with a clear Autumn delights! incredible views (after all, it’s conscience too, knowing that what the original landscape With autumn upon us, the purpose all the money you spend goes designer, Lancelot ‘Capability’ landscape at Compton Verney straight back to charity to Brown, was famous for!). Start - and finish! - your is transforming before our very support emerging artists, the Walking through the grounds Christmas shopping here! eyes. site’s restoration and arts feels like taking a trip around Compton Verney’s got a great With a range of walks education for local children. the world, with Redwood selection of products to available, from short strolls on Check out the Textiles Fair (16 & Sequoias as big as you’d find in purchase, from quirky gifts and paved pathways to longer 17 November) for handmade California and Cedars of beautiful cards to coffee-table jaunts through meadows, the products direct from the artists Lebanon dating back to the books and unique homewares huge site boasts some and handbags. who created them. 18th century.

Brand new art and on the work of Israeli artist Ariel Schlesinger. half-term fun Ariel has designed a special Well known for supporting half-term programme featuring artists and commissioning new games and activities designed creations, Compton Verney is to challenge your creativity and this autumn shining a spotlight imagination.

Great value for money Compton Verney’s Annual Pass is exceptionally good value for money. A £33 Family Annual Pass gives unlimited entry for two adults and four children to everything except exhibitions for a whole year.

Visit comptonverney.org.uk to find out more about upcoming exhibitions, events and activities, and to plan your visit. But hurry, the venue closes for winter on 15 December, and does so with a bang - a fabulous firework finale to say goodbye to 2019! Events October.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 16:51 Page 8

Spooky previews from around the region Halloween

Tudor World Halloween Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 25 October - Sun 3 November Stratford-upon-Avon gets splen- didly spooky this Halloween, when one of its most haunted buildings hosts an array of creepy events for all the family to enjoy. Daytime visitors can take part in a ‘witch’s quiz’, complete with a chance to win a ghoulish prize. A fortune teller and storyteller will be on hand on selected days too. Nighttime entertainment comes in the form of family-friendly ghost tours and, later still, adults-only ghost tours and ghost hunts. New for 2019 are special Jack the The Haunted Castle Highlights include the Dead Of Knight scare- Ripper ‘interactive evenings’. maze, in which the army of the dead rise up, and Taking place on Friday 25 October Warwick Castle, Sat 19 October - Sun 3 November The Haunted Hollows, a Halloween trail where and Friday 1 November, the events Warwick Castle certainly doesn’t do anything by participants can expect to meet ‘creepy charac- offer visitors the chance to study halves when it comes to Halloween. ters at every turn’. crime scenes and immerse them- The ever-popular visitor attraction is offering a The ‘wondrous witches’ are back with a new selves in the dark and murky back- whole host of suitably spooky scenarios for visi- show too, while a trip into the castle dungeon is streets of Victorian-era tors to enjoy in the second half of the month, probably best avoided if you happen to be of a Whitechapel. including a couple of new-for-2019 attractions. sensitive disposition!

Halloween Torch-lit Pumpkin Walk Bodenham Arboretum, Sat 26 - Thurs 31 October Apple bobbing, marshmallow toasting and spooky storytelling keep the kids active and amused at this special Halloween event. The main attraction, though - as ably evidenced by the event’s title - Halloween Nights There are creepy characters to meet, a prize to is the torch-lit pumpkin walk, a be won for ‘best-dressed ghoul’, the chance to fun undertaking that sees families Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Fri 25 - use your detective skills to become a historic making their way around the big Sat 26 & Wed 30 - Thurs 31 October hero and an opportunity to check out the pool in search of pumpkins with Visitors to the Black Country Living Museum Fiendish Felons trail. letters carved into them, from will find themselves trick or treating down the Circus performers, fire jugglers and magicians which can be made a special venue’s gaslit cobbled streets this Halloween, ensure there’s no shortage of good old-fash- hidden word. on what should be a frightfully good evening of ioned street entertainment to enjoy too. Visitors are invited to bring along spinetingling entertainment. their very own carved pumpkin too - there’s a prize for the best one... whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Grandpa's Great Escape Full October 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 18:46 Page 1 The List Cover October Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:58 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide OctoberOctober 20192019 thelist

James Arthur at Regent - Sun Theatre, 6 October Stoke-on-Trent

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

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 October Mon 7 to Sun 13 October Mon 14 to Sun 20 October Mon 21 to Thurs 31 October

Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake Kris Drever at The Rocky Horror Show at Marty MacDonald’s Toy at The Place, Telford The Hive, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton Grand Machine at the Brewhouse Wed 2 October Sun 13 October Mon 14 - Sat 19 October Wed 30 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 6 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 09:46 Page 1

thelist Institute, Birmingham Eleven, Sandyford, THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Gigs OASISH Fri 4 Oct, Stoke-on-Trent Eleven, Sandyford, PIERCE BROTHERS Sat 5 Shrewsbury Museum & Art HOUSE OF PHARAOHS Stoke-on-Trent Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Tues 1 Oct, O2 Visual Arts Gallery I’M STILL STANDING: A ingham Academy, Birmingham DRAWN OF THE DEAD Selection of TRIBUTE TO ELTON Fri 4 JON BELLION Sat 5 Oct, Birmingham Museum & Charlie Adlard's original works from ALCATRAZZ FEATURING Oct, The Robin, Bilston O2 Academy, B’ham GRAHAM BONNET Tues 1 Art Gallery the Walking Dead comic series, pre- ANYTHING FOR LOVE: THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS sented alongside immersive, set Oct, The Robin, Bilston BIRMINGHAM IN THE 1980S: FILMS BY THE MEAT LOAF STORY Sat 5 Oct, O2 Institute, piece installations created by sculp- ENERGY BIRMINGHAM Birmingham YUGESH AND SUNANDAN WALIA Films Fri 4 Oct, Stafford tor Andrew Bryden, until Sun 3 Nov Tues 1 Oct, O2 Insti- Gatehouse Theatre which explored specific cultural mo- ARCADE FEAT. HEIDI TAL- tute, Birmingham ments and experiences for black and STATIC-X Fri 4 Oct, O2 BOT & ADAM HOLMES Asian communities in Birmingham: LULU Tues 1 Oct, Birm- Institute, Birmingham Sat 5 Oct, The Hive ingham Town Hall Sweet Chariot 1981, until 13 Oct; THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Shrewsbury African Oasis, 1982, 14 Oct - 18 Nov PRESS TO MECO + ENCE Fri 4 Oct, The BACK 2 MIAMI Sat 5 THOUGHTS ON PORTRAITURE Featuring CHAPTER AND VERSE River Rooms, Stour- Oct, The Place, Telford Wed 2 Oct, The Sug- works by Picasso, Pacheco, Auer- bridge THE LAFONTAINES Sat 5 armill, Stoke-on-Trent bach and Bomberg, the exhibition ex- DURAN Fri 4 Oct, Oct, O2 Academy, plores how artists have used a wide THE SONGS OF NICK Newhampton Arts Birmingham range of styles and imagery to inter- The Brewhouse Arts Centre, DRAKE Wed 2 Oct, The Centre, W’hampton pret complex human emotions and Robin, Bilston Burton-upon-Trent WILL YOUNG Fri 4 Oct, experiences, until Mon 18 Nov FRAGMENTS Exhibition by Jemma THE BEATLES UN- Symphony Hall, B’ham PLUGGED Wed 2 Oct, Gunning and Mark Lippett exploring FEROCIOUS DOG Fri 4 Theatre On The Steps, New Art Gallery - Walsall themes of dereliction, abandonment Oct, The Slade Bridgnorth, South NEW THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMP- and the loss of industry, until Sat 26 Rooms, W’hampton Oct Shropshire TON MA (FINE ART) DEGREE SHOW Exhi- OUR FOLD AND JOEL SEBADOH Wed 2 Oct, bition showcasing the work of 17 GARDNER Fri 4 Oct, Al- artists as part of their final MA (Fine O2 Academy, B’ham The Willow Art Gallery, bert’s Shed, Shrews- BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Art and Art & Design by Research) MARTIN HARLEY Wed 2 Oswestry bury Sat 5 Oct, Prince Of exhibitions, Wed 2 Oct - Sun 3 Nov Oct, Foxlowe Arts Cen- BEE GEES FEVER Fri 4 - Wales Centre, Can- NEW ART & CRAFT 2019 Including tre, Leek, Staffs works by Nefelibata Photography - Sat 5 Oct, Theatre On nock BOWIE EXPERIENCE Himley Hall & Park, Dudley four photographic artists based in The Steps, Bridgnorth KANO Sat 5 Oct, Birm- Thurs 3 Oct, Stafford NEW DUDLEY SOCIETY OF ARTISTS EXHI- Anglesey - Shropshire Guild of Con- THE DRIFTERS Sat 5 ingham Town Hall temporary Craft and Borderland Vi- Gatehouse Theatre BITION Sat 5 Oct - Fri 20 Dec Oct, Dudley Town Hall NOUGHTY NINETIES Sat sual Arts, Sat 26 Oct - Sat 11 Jan DAVE SHARP Thurs 3 THE ELVIS PRESLEY 5 Oct, The River Oct, Katie Fitzgerald’s, SONGBOOK Sat 5 Oct, Rooms, Stourbridge Light House Media Centre Stourbridge Weston Park Sutton Coldfield Town ROXY MAGIC Sat 5 Oct, Wolverhampton ROMDERFUL Thurs 3 Hall Lichfield Guildhall NEW WHERE WERE YOU Exhibition THUMP OF THE TALE - RUTH BUCHANAN Oct, O2 Academy, PP ARNOLD FEATURING showcasing music memorabilia, art AND JULIE CROSS Exhibition featuring Birmingham COCO AND THE BUTTER- some of the artists’ earlier animal STEVE CRADDOCK Sat 5 FIELDS Sun 6 Oct, O2 and photography, Fri 4 - Tues 29 Oct BLACKMORE’S BLOOD studies, published works and sketch- Oct, The Robin, Bilston Academy, Birmingham books, until Wed 30 Oct, Weston Thurs 3 Oct, The THE MAGIC OF THE BEAT- CATHY BEECH Sun 6 Museum of Cannock Chase Park, Nr Shifnal Robin, Bilston LES Sat 5 Oct, Stafford Oct, Albert’s Shed, IST IST Thurs 3 Oct, NEW MATT SAYERS 'COMMUNITY' EXHI- Gatehouse Theatre Shrewsbury BITION Exhibition of Matt’s paintings The Flapper, B’ham Wolverhampton Art Gallery UNREALBLOOD Sat 5 LULU Sun 6 Oct, which offers an insight into the local CHASE ATLANTIC Thurs Oct, Albert’s Shed, Wolverhampton Grand community as it used to be, Mon 7 - REFRAMING THE WILD: HUMANS, ANI- 3 Oct, O2 Institute, Shrewsbury Theatre Fri 11 Oct MALS AND ART 1750-1950 Exhibition Birmingham exploring the relationships between BISCUITHEAD AND THE JAMES ARTHUR Sun 6 PHOBOPHOBES Thurs 3 humans, animals and artworks BISCUIT BADGERS Sat 5 Oct, Regent Theatre, Oct, Hare & Hounds, Newcastle Borough Museum from 1750 to 1950, until Sun 5 Jan Oct, Foxlowe Arts Cen- Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham tre, Leek, Staffs & Art Gallery TIM MARA: NOT POP? Exhibition bring- CAPTURING THE PAST Take a trip down ing together a selection of works by ISLANDS IN THE STREAM THE PAGANS Sat 5 Oct, memory lane through the eyes of the late Irish printmaker, Tim Mara, - THE MUSIC OF DOLLY Katie Fitzgerald’s, local artists and photographers, until until Sun 29 Mar PARTON Thurs 3 Oct, Stourbridge The Place, Telford Sun 3 Nov THE MARLEY REVIVAL + NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE THE UB40 TRIBUTE SET Other VISUAL ARTS Thurs 3 Oct, Festival Potteries Museum & Art Sat 5 Oct, O2 BRITISH CERAMICS BIENNIAL Celebrat- Drayton Centre, Mar- Academy, Birmingham Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ing its 10-year anniversary, the Bien- ket Drayton, North LITTLE VICTOR AND HIS APOLLO 50: COMMEMORATING THE 50TH nial is the UK’s premiere ceramics Shropshire COMBO Sat 5 Oct, BLACK PEAKS Sun 6 ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MANNED festival, until Sun 13 Oct, Stoke-on- MAN & ECHO Thurs 3 Foxlowe Arts Centre, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- LUNAR LANDING Multimedia exhibition Trent City Centre Oct, Hare & Hounds, Leek, Staffs ingham featuring models and memorabilia A SENSE OF PLACE British artist’s roots Birmingham ABBA MANIA Sat 5 Oct, BELINDA CARLISLE Sun telling the epic story of the Apollo and significant places, until Sat 26 THE QUIREBOYS + THE Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- 6 Oct, Symphony Hall, programme, until Sun 3 Nov Oct, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow REBECCA DOWNES BAND Trent Birmingham NEW ARRIVALS: 2018 Display of flora VAN AT 20 Exhibition celebrating 20 Thurs 3 Oct, Eleven, STILLMARILLION Sat 5 KITTY MACFARLANE Sun and fauna never before seen in the years of the Visual Arts Network, until Sandyford, Stoke-on- Oct, Newhampton Arts 6 Oct, Lichfield Guild- county, until Wed 1 Jan Sat 23 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Trent Centre, W’hampton hall bury JAY 1 Thurs 3 Oct, O2 THE JAM’D Sat 5 Oct, 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 6 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 09:46 Page 2

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 October

Classical Theatre CBSO: ALISON BALSOM PLAYS MUSGRAVE KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Featuring Mirga Gražinytè-Tyla (con- formed tale of a nation in turmoil, ductor), Alison Balsom (trumpet) & the until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, City of Birmingham Symphony Or- Stratford-upon-Avon chestra. Programme includes works REBEL MUSIC Robin French's new play by Gipps, Thea Musgrave & Walton, celebrating the diverse music legacy Wed 2 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birming- of the Midlands, until Sat 5 Oct, The ham REP, Birmingham THE HERMES EXPERIMENT Quartet made GASLIGHT Martin Shaw stars in Patrick up of harp, clarinet, voice & double Hamilton’s psychological thriller, Mon bass, Fri 4 Oct, The Barber Institute, 30 Sept - Sat 5 Oct, The Alexandra Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART IN BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s CUBA Featuring David Gordon (piano), iconic musical, Mon 30 Sept - Sat 12 Fri 4 Oct, The Market Theatre, Ledbury Oct, Birmingham Hippodrome BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring Kian TRADE The story of three very different Soltani (cello). Programme includes women with one thing in common... works by Haydn, Sibelius & Schu- Tues 1 Oct, Newhampton Arts Cen- mann, Fri 4 Oct, Victoria Hall, Stoke- tre, Wolverhampton Soonchild - Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton on-Trent KOKO BROWN: WHITE Solo show about MARTYN RAWLES ORGAN CONCERT Fri 4 NO BOND SO STRONG Life-affirming identity, being a mixed-race black Oct, Lichfield Cathedral show about motherhood and holding Kids Shows woman and always feeling like an your family together, even when you AN AUDIENCE WITH LESLEY GARRETT Fri outsider, Tues 1 Oct, Midlands Arts find yourself unravelling, Thurs 3 - Fri SOONCHILD Dig out your snowshoes 4 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Centre, Birmingham 4 Oct, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham for an Arctic adventure featuring live ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE AN INSPECTOR CALLS The National CRIMES ON THE COAST New Old music, 3D and shadow puppets, cre- STRINGS ORCHESTRA Featuring Dmitri Theatre's landmark production of JB Friends present a comedy thriller in- ative captioning and a cosmic North- Sitkovetsky. Programme includes Priestley's classic thriller, Tues 1 - Sat spired by the works of Agatha ern Lights show, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Oct, works by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky & 5 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Christie, Noel Coward & PG Wode- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Brahms, Fri 4 Oct, Royal Birmingham THE WIZARD OF OZ Amateur staging house, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Oct, The Old WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Michael Conservatoire presented by West Bromwich Oper- Rep Theatre, Birmingham Rosen’s book is brought to life with atic Society (WBOS), Tues 1 - Sat 5 PRISM Robert Lindsay takes the lead beautiful puppets and original music, Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in Terry Johnson's poignant play Fri 4 - Sun 6 Oct, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent THE EXORCIST Stage version of the about Oscar-winning cinematogra- Comedy spine-tingling horror story, featuring pher Jack Cardiff - 'the man who THE MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY Take a DAVE GORMAN Tues 1 Oct, William the voice of Ian McKellen as the made women look beautiful', Thurs 3 trip down the proverbial rabbit hole Aston Hall, Wrexham Demon, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Oct, Regent - Sat 12 Oct, The REP, Birmingham with Brother Wolf's 21st anniversary Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE THING (BEDLAM FESTIVAL) Les En- production, Sun 6 Oct, Stafford Gate- FRISKY & MANNISH Wed 2 Oct, The house Theatre Glee Club, Birmingham NO MAN’S LAND A chance meeting be- fants Terribles delve into the crisis of tween two elderly writers leads to an identity, depression & anxiety, Fri 4 - THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Fea- BASILE & CHRIS MARKO K Wed 2 Oct, alcohol-fuelled night of verbal spar- Sat 5 Oct, The REP, Birmingham turing Four of Eric Carle’s much- The Glee Club, Birmingham ring, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Oct, New Vic The- AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS WITH ANI- loved children’s stories, Sun 6 Oct, FREDDY QUINNE, STEPH LAING, DAN atre, Newcastle-under-Lyme MALS I’VE F*CKED Critically acclaimed Lichfield Garrick SMITH & COMIC TBC Thurs 3 Oct, Stour- MARSHALL STREET Paul Magson’s production about love, acceptance bridge Town Hall new play, set in the Smethwick area and boundaries, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Oct, Old ROGER MONKHOUSE, MARTIN MOR, of Birmingham in 1965, Wed 2 Oct, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham JACOB HAWLEY & JAMES COOK Thurs 3 Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DOWN IN THE DUMPS Interactive the- Dance Oct, The George Hotel, Lichfield THE LADY IN THE VAN Tower Players atrical performance exploring mental SWAN LAKE Presented by Russian JOANNE MCNALLY, DAVID TRENT & COM- present an amateur staging of Alan health with children and their families. State Ballet, Wed 2 Oct, The Place, EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Bennett’s comedy, Wed 2 - Fri 4 Oct, Suitable for children aged seven- Telford, Shropshire Thurs 3 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock plus, Sat 5 Oct, The REP, Birmingham JAMES ACASTER Fri 4 Oct, Birmingham SHREWSBURY'S FINEST HOUR New play Town Hall about the town’s legendary success BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL BREAK- at the international finals of It’s A ING TALENT AWARD 2019 Fri 4 Oct, The Knockout. A true story - mostly! Wed Glee Club, Birmingham 2 - Sat 5 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury FERN BRADY Fri 4 Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham RUSH FEATURING THE JA REGGAE BAND The story of reggae music, from the DAVID TRENT, ALFIE BROWN, EDDY BRIM- arrival of the Windrush Generation SON & COMIC TBC Fri 4 - Sat 5 Oct, The through to the 1960s & ’70s, when Glee Club, Birmingham reggae took the world by storm, JONATHAN PIE Sat 5 Oct, Symphony Thurs 3 Oct, The REP, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham VIC LLEWELLYN: A LITTLE DEATH One- GAVIN WEBSTER, MIKE COX, STEVE man show about mass hysteria, fea- BUGEJA & BARRY DODDS Sat 5 Oct, The turing original songs from Kid Carpet, Comedy Loft, Birmingham very tiny objects, torches, and an in- FERN BRADY Sat 5 Oct, The Slade visible gorilla, Thurs 3 Oct, Midlands Rooms, Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Birmingham No Man’s Land - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 6 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 09:47 Page 3

family music music

THE THREE BILLY LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS GOATS GRUFF Fri 1 Nov @ 7.30pm Sat 2 Nov @ 7.30pm Wed 30 Oct @ 1pm & 3.30pm

music music music

ROCK FOR HEROES THE UPBEAT BEATLES LUTHER Thurs 7 Nov @ 7.30pm Fri 8 Nov @ 7.30pm Sat 9 Nov @ 7.30pm

drama music sport 8+

PRIVATE PEACEFUL THE RAT PACK AN EVENING WITH Tues 12 Nov @ 1.30pm & 7.30pm TWC GP 01456 CHRISTMAS SHOW JIMMY WHITE Wed 13 Nov @ 7.30pm Mon 18 Nov @ 7.30pm

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 6 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 09:47 Page 4

thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 October STUART WATERS: ROCKBOTTOM ‘Vis- edy. Starring Steve Coogan, John C. ceral, provocative and uplifting’ solo Reilly. The Place, Telford, Tues 1 Oct dance theatre work about the US + THEM (15) Documentary/Music. strength of the human spirit, Wed 2 Starring Roger Waters. Old Market Oct, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Hall, Shrewsbury, Wed 2 Oct SKIN REIMAGINED Double bill exploring (U) Comedy/Musical. what it is to be human, Fri 4 Oct, Starring Doris Day, Howard Keel. De- Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippo- mentia friendly screening. Lichfield drome Garrick, Wed 2 Oct KIND HEARTS & CORONETS (PG) Com- edy/Crime. Starring Dennis Price, Alec Guinness. Old Market Hall, Talks / Shrewsbury, Fri 4 Oct ARMY OF SHADOWS (12) Drama/War. Starring Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse. Spoken Word Foreign language, subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 4 Oct P.A.S.T.A.! (POETS AND STORY TELLERS Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake - The Place, Telford ASSEMBLE!) Open-mic night, Tues 1 WILD ROSE (15) Drama/Music. Starring Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Jessie Buckley, Matt Costello. Ludlow TOUR See the hidden treasures in the themed fun’ on and around the canal, ARMISTEAD MAUPIN An evening with Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, collection stores and meet the team Sat 5 Oct, Dudley Canal and Tunnel the bestselling Tales Of The City au- Fri 4 - Sat 6 Oct carrying out some of the conserva- Trust thor and LGBT activist, Wed 2 Oct, ONCE UPON A TIME ...IN HOLLYWOOD tion work, Wed 2 Oct, Attingham RIDE TO THE WALL Special ride in hon- Birmingham Town Hall (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring Park, Shrewsbury our of the 16,000 people named on THE P WORD Poetry with Lydia Towsley Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt. Festival GUIDED TOUR: HERITAGE AND HISTORY the Armed Forces Memorial, Sat 5 & Ruth Stacey, Wed 2 Oct, The Brew- Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, OF THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GAR- Oct, National Memorial Arboretum, house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent North Shropshire, Fri 4 & Mon 7 Oct DENS Learn more about how the Gar- Alrewas, Staffs dens were designed and the history AN EVENING WITH CAROL ANN DUFFY & APOCALYPSE NOW (15) Drama/War. JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK of the Victorian glasshouses, Wed 2 FRIENDS Part of Birmingham Literature Starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Lively guided walk looking at the Oct, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Festival, Thurs 3 Oct, The Bradshaw Brando. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, people, places and themes that have Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Sat 5 Oct HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW The biggest helped to shape the district, Sat 5 week of the year for equestrian enter- Oct, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- AN EVENING WITH HARRY REDKNAPP PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE (U) Anima- tainment, Wed 2 - Sun 6 Oct, NEC, ter, Birmingham Stories from the I’m A Celebrity win- tion/Adventure. With the voices of Birmingham ner and former football manager, Sun Anya Taylor-Joy, Daniel Radcliffe. CREATESPACE - ARTS FOR WELLBEING 6 Oct, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Lichfield Garrick, Sat 5 Oct CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO Chance to learn new skills in a BACKS Enjoy a tour of the Back to friendly and supportive atmosphere, PAM AYRES: UP IN THE ATTIC Join Pam Backs in an atmospheric glow, Thurs Sat 5 Oct, Birmingham Museum And as she performs poems from her new NEW FILMS ON GENERAL 3 Oct, Birmingham Back to Backs Art Gallery book alongside classics from her long RELEASE: AUTUMN DIESEL GALA BE WELL AT BMAG – ARTS FOR WELLBE- career, Sun 6 Oct, Birmingham Town Released from Fri 4 Oct, showing at Chance to ING Drop in and take part in activities Hall selected cinemas check out the railway's home-based locomotives, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 Oct, inspired by the museum's collections, MARJORIE BLACKMAN IN CONVERSATION JOKER (tbc) Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Sat 5 Oct, Birmingham Museum And Join the legendary author as she in- JUDY (12a) Kidderminster Art Gallery troduces her new novel, Crossfire, Sun 6 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL SCAREFEST Alton Towers stays open Featuring a wide selection of writers, late for thrill-seekers looking to enjoy TRUTH TO POWER WITH JESS PHILLIPS artists and commentators, Thurs 3 - spooky rides in the dark, Sat 5 - Sun The Labour MP speaks out against in- Sun 13 Oct, various locations 6 Oct, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent justices. Part of Birmingham Literature Events throughout Birmingham Festival, Sun 6 Oct, Royal Birming- FLIGHT SIM 2019 Experience the best ham Conservatoire BRITISH CERAMICS BIENNIAL Celebrat- DEATH CAFE: BEDLAM FESTIVAL Group- that virtual flight has to offer, Sat 5 - ing its 10-year anniversary, the Bien- directed discussion on death aimed Sun 6 Oct, RAF Cosford, Shifnal nial is the UK’s premiere ceramics at helping people ‘make the most of FALCONRY WEEKEND Meet some birds festival, until Sun 13 Oct, Stoke-on- their finite lives’, Fri 4 Oct, Birming- and learn about their use on the Trent City Centre ham Museum And Art Gallery Mynd, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Oct, Carding Mill Cabaret SHROPSHIRE OKTOBERFEST Shrop- Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Church TO THE MOON & BACK Variety show, Sat shire's biggest beer festival, featuring Stretton, South Shropshire 5 Oct, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, over 150 real ales, a lager bar, pros- SHREWSBURY HALF MARATHON 2019 Stoke-on-Trent ecco parlour, gin den, rum shack & The marathon returns with a new au- cider area, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Oct, The tumn date, Sun 6 Oct, West Midland Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Showground, Shrewsbury BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPI- APPLE DAY Find out about the history ONSHIP Featuring two races on the of the apple and take part in the Film full Grand Prix circuit as the champi- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Apple Trail, Sun 6 Oct, Blakesley Hall, onship draws towards its climax, Fri 4 Birmingham BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (15) Biogra- - LIVE IN CONCERT Composer John - Sun 6 Oct, Donington Park, Castle phy/Music. Starring Rami Malek, Lucy Williams’ score performed live to the Donington film, Tues 1 Oct, Arena Birmingham Boynton. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL Annual Tues 1 Oct BEDLAM FESTIVAL Celebration of the citywide ‘mirth-filled extravaganza’ Food & Drink JAWS (12a) Drama/Thriller. Starring arts, mental health & wellbeing, Tues that mixes big comedy names with Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw. Mitchell 1 - Sat 12 Oct, Midlands Art Centre, emerging talent, Fri 4 - Sun 13 Oct, STONE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 1 Birmingham and Birmingham Reper- Various venues across Birmingham Staffordshire’s original foodie gather- tory Theatre Oct TUNNEL TEDS Bring along your furry ing marks its 15th year, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Oct, Westbridge Park, Stone STAN AND OLLIE (PG) Biography/Com- STORE STORIES: A BEHIND THE SCENES friend for a ‘ted-tastic day of bear-

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 7 - 13 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:05 Page 1

COMING SOON

FRI 4 OCT COMING SOON...

4-6 October, 11am & 1.30pm We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

Tickets: £10 AN AUDIENCE WITH LESLEY GARRETT 18 October, 7.30pm Derek Acorah SUN 6 OCT ‘The Eternal Life’ Tour

Tickets: £21

23 October, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Matt Black & Maria Whatton Tickets: £7.50 THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR 25 October, 7pm FRI 11 & SAT 12 OCT Vienna Festival Ballet - Snow White

Tickets: £18.50 / £16.50 conc.

27 October, 12-3pm The Big Draw

THE THREE MUSKETEERS Tickets: FREE event

SUN 13 OCT 27 October, 3pm Curly Tales: Jackie & The Beanstalk

Tickets: £6

30 October, 1.30pm Marty Macdonalds’s Toy Machine RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME

Tickets: £8.50/£7.50 SAT 19 OCT

31 October, 10am - 3.30pm Halloween Funday

Tickets: £20

TOM BRACE : 2 November, 8pm Mark Watson: BRACE OF SPADES The Infinite Show SAT 26 OCT Tickets: £19 Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk CROONERS Brewhouse Arts Centre BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent www.lichfieldgarrick.com Staffordshire DE14 1AA LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 7 - 13 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:05 Page 2

thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 October NEALE QUINTET Fri 11 Oct, The River Rooms, The Glee Club, Birmingham Gigs Oct, Newhampton Arts Stourbridge Classical HENNING WEHN Fri 11 - Sat 12 Oct, Centre, W’hampton STRING BAND BOOGIE – Birmingham Town Hall BLOXX + ON VIDEO + ALESUND Fri 11 Oct, THE HONKABILLIES & JOSH HOWIE, LAURA DAVIS, DANNY GAURANGA + THE IN- Music Katie Fitzgerald’s, IAN CAL FORD & THE MCLOUGHLIN & FREDDY QUINNE Sat 12 TERVENTION Mon 7 Stourbridge BRAKEMEN Sat 12 Oct, CHINEKE! ENSEMBLE Programme in- Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Oct, The Sugarmill, THE ABSOLUTE STONE Newhampton Arts cludes works by Coleridge-Taylor & Stoke-on-Trent Centre, W’hampton Schubert, Tues 8 Oct, The Brad- COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 12 Oct, ROSES Fri 11 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre DISTRICT 97 + MAS- Eleven, Sandyford, DARKSIDE THE PINK shaw, Royal Birmingham Conserva- CHINE Mon 7 Oct, The Stoke-on-Trent FLOYD SHOW Sat 12 toire HENNING WEHN Sun 13 Oct, Theatre Robin, Bilston Severn, Shrewsbury THE BAREBACKS AND Oct, Stafford Gate- ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: TALES OF MIDGE URE: VIENNA & BEKKI CAMERON Fri 11 house Theatre THE CITY Featuring Rebecca Miller JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sun 13 Oct, Birm- VISAGE Mon 7 Oct, Oct, Albert’s Shed, ULTIMATE EAGLES Sat (conductor), Viv McLean (piano), ingham Hippodrome Birmingham Town Hall Shrewsbury 12 Oct, The Robin, Bil- Hugh Davies (trumpet) & Louise BRUM CRAIC Sun 13 Oct, Symphony ston Braithwaite (cor anglais). Pro- Hall, Birmingham JONNY & THE BAPTISTS HARDLINE Fri 11 Oct, gramme includes works by Rossini, Tues 8 Oct, Stafford The Robin, Bilston DEFINITELY MIGHTBE Gershwin, Copland, Mozart & new BACK TO THE OLD SKOOL Sun 13 Oct, Gatehouse Theatre ALICE COOPER Fri 11 Sat 12 Oct, O2 work by Catherine Mole, Wed 9 Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham TANKUS THE HENGE Oct, Resorts World Academy, Birmingham The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- Tues 8 Oct, The Robin, Arena, Birmingham ROACHFORD Sat 12 ham Conservatoire Bilston THE SONGS OF BARRY Oct, O2 Academy, GRUFFYDD WYN Classical crossover LULU - STILL ON FIRE WHITE Fri 11 Oct, Sym- Birmingham artist & Britain’s Got Talent finalist Theatre Tues 8 Oct, Theatre phony Hall, B’ham LOTUS MOTION Sat 12 2018, Wed 9 Oct, Theatre Severn, Severn, Shrewsbury Oct, Havana Republic, Shrewsbury SWITCHED ON Geese Theatre Com- THE DIVINE COMEDY Fri pany present ‘a beautiful coming to- THE MOCKING JAYS Shrewsbury 11 Oct, O2 Institute, JAMES LANCELOT ORGAN RECITAL Fri gether of different people finding a Tues 9 Oct, The Robin, Birmingham VICIOUS NATURE Sat 12 11 Oct, Lichfield Cathedral common ground’, Mon 7 Oct, The Bilston MOZES ROSENBERG Fri Oct, The Slade ALED JONES & RUSSELL WATSON IN REP, Birmingham THE ROCKET MAN Wed Rooms, W’hampton 11 Oct, Theatre Sev- HARMONY Fri 11 Oct, Victoria Hall, THE MYSTERIOUS TALE OF GEORGE 9 Oct, Stafford Gate- ern, Shrewsbury CALL OF THE KRAKEN Stoke-on-Trent ELIOT One-woman show about the house Theatre ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri Sat 12 Oct, Albert’s ORGAN PROM Sat 12 Oct, Victoria famous female author behind the ESTHER TURNER, 11 Oct, The River Shed, Shrewsbury Hall, Stoke-on-Trent man’s name, Mon 7 Oct, Ludlow Li- WILLIAM JOHN & CJ Rooms, Stourbridge JAMES ARTHUR Sat 12 ORGAN RECITAL WITH ROGER JUDD brary, Ludlow, South Shropshire ALLEN Wed 9 Oct, Al- THE CLONE ROSES + Oct, O2 Academy, Programme includes work by J.S RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME ‘Uplifting’ bert Shed, Shrews- KAZABIAN Fri 11 Oct, Birmingham Bach, Sat 12 Oct, St Laurence’s comedy starring Crissie Rock, Paul bury The Sugarmill, Stoke- ELO ENCOUNTER Sat 12 Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire Dunn, Billy Pearce, Tommy Cannon JP COOPER Wed 9 Oct, on-Trent Oct, Eleven, Sandy- LUDOVICO EINAUDI THE 7 DAYS WALK- & Leah Bell, Mon 7 Oct, Forest Arts O2 Institute, B’ham REVEREND AND THE ford, Stoke-on-Trent ING TOUR Also featuring Redi Hasa Centre, Walsall WALTER TROUT Wed 9 MAKERS Fri 11 Oct, O2 CALIFORNIA DREAMERS (cello) & Frederico Mecozzi (violin), HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES Join Oct, Birmingham Town Institute, Birmingham Sat 12 Oct, Festival Sat 12 Oct, Symphony Hall, B’ham Suzanne Shaw & crew as they blast Hall ALADDINSANE - SOUND Drayton Centre, Mar- DAS RHEINGOLD Featuring Birming- their way through a catalogue of GRUFFYDD WYN Wed 9 & VISION OF DAVID ket Drayton, North ham Philharmonic Orchestra and women’s bits... Mon 7 Oct, Stafford Oct, Theatre Severn, BOWIE Fri 11 Oct, The- Shropshire Michael Lloyd (conductor), Julian Gatehouse Shrewsbury atre On The Steps, POP DIVAS LIVE! Sun 13 Close (Wotan) & John Graham Hall THE ENTERTAINER Shane Richie, FOO FIGHTERZ Thurs 10 Bridgnorth Oct, The Place, Telford (Loge), Sun 13 Oct, Symphony Hall, Diana Vickers & Sara Crowe star in a Oct, The Robin, Bil- THE SENSATIONAL 60'S ANDY LOWE Sun 13 Birmingham brand new staging of John Os- ston EXPERIENCE Fri 11 Oct, Oct, Albert’s Shed, borne’s iconic play, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre RICHARD HAWLEY Thurs Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 10 Oct, O2 Institute, Shrewsbury FOCUS FEAT THIJS VAN REVOLVING DOOR Drama exploring Birmingham THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - LEER Sun 13 Oct, The Comedy the suicide of a 19-year-old gay man. Part of The Rep's Bedlam Festival THE GREATEST LOVE OF KATE BUSH TRIBUTE Fri Robin, Bilston JETHRO Wed 9 Oct, Theatre Severn, 2019, Tues 8 Oct, The REP, B’ham ALL: CELEBRATING THE 11 - Sat 12 Oct, Lich- KRIS DREVER Sun 13 Shrewsbury MUSIC OF WHITNEY field Garrick THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT Surreal and Oct, The Hive, EVERYTHING IS TERRIBLE LIVE Wed 9 HOUSTON confronting new work combining Thurs 10 GAZ BROOKFIELD Sat 12 Shrewsbury Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham Oct, Symphony Hall, Oct, Katie Fitzgerald’s, dance and new writing, participation JESCA HOOP Sun 13 BOOTHBY GRAFFOE Wed 9 Oct, Station Birmingham Stourbridge and performance, children and Oct, Hare & Hounds, Pub, Sutton Coldfield adults... Tues 8 Oct, Midlands Arts AL STEWART Thurs 10 GEORGE MICHAEL - RAN- Birmingham REGINALD D HUNTER Thurs 10 Oct, Centre, Birmingham Oct, Birmingham Town DALL BUTLER Sat 12 Hall Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SEASON’S GREETINGS New staging of Alan Ayckbourn’s Christmas com- FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS TOM WARD, MICKY P KERR & COMEDY edy, Tues 8 - Sat 26 Oct, New Vic Thurs 10 Oct, Theatre CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Severn, Shrewsbury Thurs 10 Oct, The Glee Club, Birm- ingham MISTRESS TO THE MIDNIGHT Spoof of THE ULTIMATE EAGLES the classic British horror film, live on Thurs 10 Oct, The IMPRACTICAL JOKERS Fri 11 Oct, stage, Wed 9 Oct, Old Joint Stock Place, Telford Arena Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham THE ELVIS YEARS Fri 11 FERN BRADY Fri 11 Oct, Foxlowe Arts EVERYTHING I SEE I SWALLOW An ‘ex- Oct, Stafford Gate- Centre, Staffordshire ploration of epic things in an intimate house Theatre BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Fri 11 setting’, Wed 9 Oct, Arena Theatre, Oct, Birmingham Town Hall THE DRIFTERS Fri 11 Wolverhampton Oct, The Place, Telford TOM WARD, MICKY P KERR, JOSH PUGH PLAYING THE GAME Production asking & JAY LAFFERTY Fri 11 - Sat 12 Oct, CHRIS BISCOE/ALLISON Kris Drever - The Hive, Shrewsbury whether prison is really the right

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 7 - 13 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:05 Page 3

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 7 - 13 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:05 Page 4

thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 October place for mothers. Part of The Rep's ORANGES & INK Restoration play fol- active Bavarian Oompah band, Sat Bedlam Festival 2019, Wed 9 - Thurs lowing the trials & tribulations of two Talks / 12 Oct, West Midland Safari and 10 Oct, The REP, Birmingham female libertines in an age of intoler- Leisure Park, Bewdley THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Presented ance and social upheaval, Sun 13 Spoken Word CREATESPACE - ARTS FOR WELLBEING by Ambient Night Productions, Wed 9 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Opportunity to learn new skills in a - Thurs 10 Oct, Prince Of Wales Cen- MARK EVANS - CROSSING THE EMPTY friendly and supportive atmosphere, tre, Cannock QUARTER Shropshire-born British ex- Sat 12 Oct, Birmingham Museum PRIVATE PEACEFUL National Produc- plorer Mark describes his 49-day And Art Gallery tion Company’s staging of Michael 1,300km journey across the world’s CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP (VICTORIAN Morpurgo’s wartime tale, Wed 9 - Sat Kids Shows biggest sand desert... Mon 7 Oct, PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE) Explore 12 Oct, The Old Rep, Birmingham I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Intimate show Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury and experiment with the Victorian ORLANDO Rebecca Vaughan’s one- set in a library full of books that hold SIMON ARMITAGE: IN CONVERSATION photographic technique of cyan- woman show based on Virginia more than stories within their pages... WITH STUART MACONIE Special otype, Sat 12 Oct, Black Country Liv- Woolf’s satirical novel of the same Tues 8 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse The- evening of poetry and conversation. ing Museum, Dudley name, Thurs 10 Oct, Midlands Arts atre Birmingham Poet Laureate Richard ART ATTACK Free arts activities for all Centre, Birmingham EYE OF THE STORM Award-winning mu- O’Brien & Birmingham Young Poet the family, Sat 12 Oct, Tamworth sical about chasing storms and Laureate Aliyah Begum also feature. Town Hall BIRTHDAYS PAST, BIRTHDAYS PRESENT Part of Birmingham Literature Festi- Brand new play from Alan Ayck- changing the world. Suitable for chil- THE WIGHTWICK MANOR MYSTERY A dren and young people, Tues 8 - Wed val, Tues 8 Oct, Birmingham Town bourn, Thurs 10 - Sat 26 Oct, New Vic Hall prized possession of Theodore Man- Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme 9 Oct, The Patrick Studio, Birming- der’s has gone missing and the fam- ham Hippodrome AN EVENING WITH AGGERS Join Test ily need your help to solve the INSPECTOR DRAKE AND THE BLACK Match Special’s Jonathan Agnew for WIDOW Gill ‘Doreen Tipton’ Jordan HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE A ‘hilarious’ ad- mystery, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Oct, venture filled with music and pup- an evening of cricket-related anec- Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton stars in a ‘comedy whodunnit like dotes, Wed 9 Oct, The Place, Telford you’ve never seen before’, Fri 11 Oct, petry, Thurs 10 Oct, SpArC, Bishops SCAREFEST Alton Towers stays open Stourbridge Town Hall Castle, South Shropshire ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE An evening late for thrill-seekers looking to enjoy with actor John Challis, best known GARY POUNDLAND: COUNT EVIL & AN- EMILY RISING Little Angel Theatre use spooky rides in the dark, Sat 12 - Sun puppetry to present a unique and for starring as Boycie in BBC TV’s 13 Oct, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent DREW MCBURNEY Wolverhampton’s long-running sitcom, Only Fools And very own internet sensation shares heart-warming story, Sat 12 Oct, SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Ride the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Horses, Fri 11 Oct, The Edge Arts his unique perspective on life... Fri 11 Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- Pumpkin Express, hear the Spookley Oct, Dudley Town Hall CAPTAIN FLINN & THE PIRATE DI- shire story, select your own pumpkin from DICK WHITTINGTON ‘Grown-ups only’ NOSAURS 2: THE MAGIC CUTLASS Real- the pumpkin patch, take it back to life pirate adventure for children aged REAL LIFE PARENTING: THE GOOD, THE the carving caverns and make a panto, Fri 11 Oct, Mitchell Arts Cen- BAD AND THE FUNNY Join the panel for tre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent three-plus, Sun 13 Oct, Mitchell Arts lantern, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Oct, Apley Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent an in-depth discussion about writing Farm Shop, Norton STRICTLY SHERLOCK Theatre group and what being a parent in 2019 is Don’t Go Into The Cellar bring three really like. Featuring Liz Berry, AUTUMN HORSE TRIALS Featuring the startling cases to life: The Sussex Matthew Coyne and Kathryne Wal- National Junior Championships and Vampire, The Creeping Man and The lace, Sat 12 Oct, Birmingham Town National Under-21 Championships Devil’s Foot, Fri 11 Oct, Stafford Hall CC1* and CCII* classes, Sat 12 - Sun Cabaret 13 Oct, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal Gatehouse Theatre AN EVENING WITH AGGERS AND THE THREE MUSKETEERS: A COMEDY TONY STOCKWELL Evening of medi- TUFFERS No-holds-barred evening of BRICK OR TREAT Featuring Halloween Four actors play over 30 characters in umship, Tues 8 Oct, Festival Drayton, cricketing chat with Test Match Spe- activities, rides and 4D films, Sat 12 a ‘chaotic adventure for all the fam- Market Drayton, North Shropshire cial’s Jonathan Agnew and former Oct - Sat 2 Nov, Legoland Discovery ily’, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Oct, Lichfield Gar- THE PARANORMALIST RETURNS An England bowler Phil Tufnell, Sun 13 Centre, Birmingham rick evening with Clinton Baptist, the hap- Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre A-SCARIUM Discover the spooky crea- IT’LL BE ALT-RIGHT ON THE NIGHT What less clairvoyant, medium and psychic SWANN & BLOFELD: DANCING DOWN THE tures that lurk beneath the waves and happens when two best friends find from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, WICKET Test Match Special’s Henry explore the ocean depths, Sat 12 Oct themselves on different sides of a Tues 8 Oct, The Place, Telford Blofeld and ex-England bowler - Sun 3 Nov, National Sea Life Centre, seemingly impassable ideological di- LA VOIX Cabaret show from one of the Graeme Swann talk about cricket, Birmingham vide? Fri 11 - Sat 12 Oct, Old Joint UK’s leading variety performers, Graeme’s time on Strictly Come Stock Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 10 Oct, Theatre Severn, Dancing and Henry’s life since leav- SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSI- Shrewsbury ing the TMS commentary box, Sun CAL Brand new musical comedy cre- 13 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham ated from scratch at each performance, Sat 12 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE GREATEST SHOWENCH Hollywood Events has The Greatest Showman, The Black Country has The Greatest GRAND DESIGNS LIVE BIRMINGHAM Showench! Fizzog return with their Based on the Channel Four series, presented by Kevin McCloud and fea- latest production... Sat 12 Oct, Forest ARTISAN MARKET AT THE WORLD OF turing new product launches, the lat- Arts Centre, Walsall WEDGWOOD Featuring 50-plus stalls of est eco-innovations and over 400 THE IMPROLECTUALS Some of the Mid- fine foods from local producers and specialist companies across six pro- lands’ finest improvisers create com- hand-crafted products, Sun 13 Oct, ject zones, Wed 9 - Sun 13 Oct, NEC, pletely new comedy sketches on the World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham spot, Sat 12 Oct, Ludlow Assembly BACK TO BACK MURDERS: THE MURDER CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO Rooms, South Shropshire OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN AND THE LAUREL BACKS Enjoy a tour of the Back to RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME ‘Uplifting’ AND HARDY MURDER CASE Spend an Backs in an atmospheric glow, Thurs comedy starring Crissie Rock, Paul evening in the Back to Backs' court- 10 Oct, Birmingham Back to Backs Dunn, Billy Pearce, Tommy Cannon & yard with some true comedy heroes, Leah Bell, Sun 13 Oct, Lichfield Gar- BAVARIAN EVENING Enjoy a ‘fun-filled Sun 13 Oct, Birmingham Back to rick evening’ complete with a lively, inter- Backs

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 14 - 20 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:44 Page 1

thelist Oct, The Robin, Bil- TON BABY Fri 18 Oct, THE HARRY & CHRIS SHOW Wed 16 Gigs ston Katie Fitzgerald’s, Classical Music Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham ANGIE STONE Thurs 17 Stourbridge SCOTT BENNETT Wed 16 Oct, Stafford LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH DANIEL CAESAR Mon 14 Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- MUSED Fri 18 Oct, Gatehouse Theatre THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- Oct, O2 Academy, ingham Eleven, Sandyford, cludes works by Mendelssohn, J.S GRIFF RHYS JONES Thurs 17 Oct, The- Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent THUNDER Thurs 17 Oct, Bach & Wammes, Mon 14 Oct, Birm- atre Severn, Shrewsbury CROW BLACK CHICKEN Lichfield Garrick JOHN TAMS & JOHN ingham Town Hall RHYS NICHOLSON, DAMIAN CLARK & Mon 14 Oct, The KIRKPATRICK Fri 18 Oct, ROY ORBISON & BUDDY FLAUGUISSIMO DUO Featuring Yu-Wei COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Robin, Bilston Lichfield Garrick HOLLY Thurs 17 Oct, Hu (flute) & Johan Löfving (theorbo), SON Thurs 17 Oct, The Glee Club, OCTOBER DRIFT Mon 14 Resorts World Arena, LLOYD COLE Fri 18 Oct, Mon 14 Oct, The Lion Hotel, Shrews- Birmingham Oct, The Sugarmill, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall bury HENRY PAKER Fri 18 Oct, The Edge Stoke-on-Trent THE THREE DEGREES FAUSTUS Sat 19 Oct, MOSCOW PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South THE SONGS OF STEVIE Thurs 17 Oct, Prince Newhampton Arts SHOSTAKOVICH'S NO.10 Featuring Yuri Shropshire WONDER Mon 14 Oct, Of Wales Centre, Can- Centre, W’hampton Simonov (conductor) and Alexandra JIMEOIN Fri 18 Oct, Dudley Town Hall Symphony Hall, Birm- nock Dariescu (piano). Programme in- ANTARCTIC MONKEYS RHYS JAMES Fri 18 Oct, The Glee ingham cludes works by Maria Antal, THE CULT - A SONIC Sat 19 Oct, O2 Club, Birmingham CHARLIE LANDSBOR- TEMPLE Thurs 17 Oct, Academy, Birmingham Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, Tues OUGH Tues 15 Oct, 15 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham LOL COMEDY CLUB Fri 18 Oct, Bilston O2 Academy, B’ham SEA GIRLS + THE MYS- Theatre Severn, Town Hall RAK-SU Thurs 17 Oct, TERLINES Sat 19 Oct, CBSO: THE THRILL OF THE NEW Featur- Shrewsbury O2 Academy, B’ham The Sugarmill, Stoke- ing Michael Seal (conductor) and RHYS NICHOLSON, DAMIAN CLARK, DAVE KRIS BARRAS BAND Paul Rissmann (presenter). Pro- LONGLEY & JOHN FOTHERGILL Fri 18 - THE CARPENTERS - on-Trent Tues 15 Oct, The gramme includes works by John Sat 19 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham VOICE OF THE HEART TALON Sat 19 Oct, The- Robin, Bilston Adams, Knussen, Jörg Widmann, KAREN CARPENTER atre Severn, Shrews- JAMES ACASTER Sat 19 Oct, William Steve Reich and Thomas Adès, Thurs BOYZONE Tues 15 Oct, Thurs 17 Oct, Festival bury Aston Hall, Wrexham Resorts World Arena, 17 Oct, Symphony Hall, B’ham Drayton Centre, Mar- GARY NUMAN Sat 19 MITCH BENN Sat 19 Oct, Wem Town Birmingham BLAKE Fri 18 Oct, Festival Drayton ket Drayton, North Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Hall, North Shropshire Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- THE GIRL FROM TIGER Shropshire ingham DANA ALEXANDER, JACK GLEADOW, BAY Wed 16 Oct, The shire THE PITMAN POETS LES MCKEOWN’S BAY MIKE NEWALL & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 19 Place, Telford LAUREN ZHANG PLAYS RAVEL Also fea- Thurs 17 Oct, Foxlowe CITY ROLLERS Sat 19 Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham turing Marie-Christine Zupancic SOFT MACHINE Wed 16 Arts Centre, Stafford- Oct, The Robin, Bil- JONNY AWSUM, TONY COWARDS, SEAN shire (flute), Rachael Pankhurst (oboe), Oct, The Robin, Bil- ston PERCIVAL & DAMION LARKIN Sat 19 ston Joanna Patton (clarinet) & Margaret KEVIN BLOODY WILSON CALIFORNIA DREAMERS Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Thurs 17 Oct, Birming- Cookhorn (bassoon). Programme in- HELLO AGAIN - THE Sat 19 Oct, Theatre THE GILDED MERKIN: BURLESQUE & ham Town Hall cludes works by Saint-Saens, Ravel STORY OF NEIL DIA- On The Steps, Bridg- & Schmitt, Fri 18 Oct, CBSO Centre, CABARET Sun 20 Oct, The Glee Club, MOND Wed 16 Oct, T.REXTASY Fri 18 Oct, north, Shropshire Birmingham Birmingham Dudley Town Hall Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- RAINBOW RISING Sat 19 Trent LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: MUSIC THE MUSIC OF CREAM Oct, Eleven, Sandy- FROM THE MOVIES Featuring Anthony Wed 16 Oct, Theatre THURSTON MOORE ford, Stoke-on-Trent Inglis (conductor). Programme in- Severn, Shrewsbury GROUP + RATTLE Fri 18 ABBAMANIA Sat 19 Oct, cludes scores from Pirates of the Theatre Oct, The Sugarmill, CHRIS BOWDEN QUAR- Prince Of Wales Cen- Caribbean, Star Wars and Lord of the THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Hook up Stoke-on-Trent TET Wed 16 Oct, The tre, Cannock Rings, Fri 18 Oct, Symphony Hall, your fishnets, tighten your corsets Cathedral Hotel, Lich- Birmingham SING-ALONG POWER VERTIGO BAND Sat 19 and prepare to ‘do The Time Warp field ROCK Fri 18 Oct, Sut- Oct, Albert’s Shed, ANDREA BOCELLI Sat 19 Oct, Resorts again’. Joanne Clifton & Stephen HOOTIE AND THE BLOW- ton Coldfield Town Shrewsbury World Arena, Birmingham Webb star, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Oct, FISH Wed 16 Oct, O2 Hall Wolverhampton Grand Theatre OH! WHAT A FEELING ULRICH HEINEN (CELLO) & JOHN Academy, Birmingham THE PHONICS Fri 18 Sun 20 Oct, Theatre HUMPHREYS (PIANO) Programme in- TESSA VIOLET Wed 16 Oct, The River Rooms, Severn, Shrewsbury cludes works by Bach, Beethoven, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Stourbridge Dvorak & Debussy, Sat 19 Oct, St JOE BROWN - 60TH AN- ingham Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, South FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 18 NIVERSARY TOUR Sun Shropshire THE PITMENS POETS Oct, The Robin, Bil- 20 Oct, Stafford Gate- Wed 16 Oct, Prince of ston house Theatre CBSO: SAINT-SAËNS ORGAN SYMPHONY Wales Centre, Can- Featuring Andrew Litton (conductor) THE SMITHS LTD Fri 18 SAM LYON Sun 20 Oct, nock and Thomas Trotter (organ). Oct, Newhampton Arts Albert’s Shed, Shrews- Centre, W’hampton Programme includes works by AND IN THE END: A CEL- bury RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET EBRATION OF ABBEY Sibelius, Ravel, Widor, Dukas and WISHBONE ASH Fri 18 GILBERT O'SULLIVAN Amateur staging of the award-win- ROAD AND LET IT BE Saint-Saëns, Sun 20 Oct, Symphony Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Sun 20 Oct, Theatre ning sci-fi musical, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Wed 16 Oct, Sym- Hall, Birmingham ingham Severn, Shrewsbury Oct, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster phony Hall, B’ham ORGAN RECITAL WITH ROBERT WOLFE CAPTAIN ACCIDENT & LIVE ON MARS: A TRIB- IN MANY HANDS Brussels-based Kate THE THREE DEGREES Sun 20 Oct, The Buttermarket, THE DISASTERS Fri 18 UTE TO DAVID BOWIE McIntosh dives into the tactile and Thurs 17 Oct, Prince Shrewsbury Oct, Albert’s Shed, Sun 20 Oct, Birming- the multi-sensory, inviting the audi- Of Wales Centre, Can- Shrewsbury ham Town Hall ence to test, touch, listen, search and nock sniff. Part of Fierce Festival, Tues 15 - HOT CHIP Fri 18 Oct, HAWKLORDS FEATURING SOME GUYS HAVE ALL Thurs 17 Oct, The REP, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham SPECIAL APPEARANCE THE LUCK 2019 Thurs Comedy K.FLAY Fri 18 Oct, O2 BY NIK TURNER Sun 20 THE EXORCIST Stage version of the 17 Oct, Victoria Hall, JOSH WIDDICOMBE Mon 14 Oct, The- Academy, Birmingham Oct, The Robin, Bil- spine-tingling horror story, featuring Stoke-on-Trent atre Severn, Shrewsbury the voice of Ian McKellen as the MAD DOG MCREA Fri 18 ston KOVIC Thurs 17 Oct, MILTON JONES Mon 14 Oct, The Old Demon, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Oct, The Oct, O2 Academy, LIONEL Sun 20 Oct, O2 Institute, B’ham Rep Theatre, Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Theatre Severn, THE DIRTY ROCKIN SPONTANEOUS POTTER Tues 15 Oct, OLIVER! Amateur staging presented FUNKE AND THE TWO Shrewsbury SCOUNDRELS Thurs 17 The Glee Club, Birmingham by Musical Theatre Stafford, Tues 15 - 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 14 - 20 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:44 Page 2

Monday 14 - Sunday 20 October

Sat 19 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse The- section of the Mile Walk, Fri 18 Oct, atre Kids Shows Cabaret Attingham Park, Shrewsbury PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) ‘An CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Family CRAIG MORRIS Evening of medi- adaptation like no other’ as men, BACKS Enjoy a tour of the Back to show based on Judith Kerr’s best- umship, Tues 15 Oct, Prince Of Wales money and microphones are fought Backs in an atmospheric glow, Fri 18 selling book, Tues 15 - Wed 16 Oct, Centre, Cannock over in an all-female presentation of Oct, Birmingham Back to Backs Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent A BLACK COUNTRY AFTERNOON OUT Jane Austen's literary classic, Tues 15 SCAREFEST Alton Towers stays open DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS Variety show featuring comedy act Oct - Sat 2 Nov, The REP, B’ham late for thrill-seekers looking to enjoy OF MAGIC Grab your Mickey ears and Dandy, a tribute to Black Country THE GIRL FROM TIGER BAY Rags-to- spooky rides in the dark,Fri 18 Oct - get your skates on! Wed 16 - Sun 20 comedienne Dolly Allen by Emma riches story of Shirley Bassey’s rise Sun 3 Nov, Alton Towers, Stoke-on- Oct, Arena Birmingham Rollason (from The Fizzogs) and to stardom, Wed 16 Oct, The Place, Trent music from ukulele maestro Joe Telford Thomas, Tues 15 Oct, Dudley Town ALL STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING ‘Ex- MURDER ON THE NILE Mad Cow Pro- Hall travaganza of high-flying action fea- ductions present an amateur staging turing all your favourite heroes and A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Variety of Agatha Christie’s famous play, villains of the ring’, Sat 19 Oct, Dud- show featuring comedy act Dandy, a Wed 16 - Sat 19 Oct, Theatre Severn, ley Town Hall tribute to Black Country comedienne Shrewsbury Dolly Allen from Emma Rollason THE WIGHTWICK MANOR MYSTERY A THE CULT OF K*NZO Paula Varjack pre- (from The Fizzogs) and music from prized possession of Theodore Man- sents a multimedia performance ukulele maestro Joe Thomas, Wed der’s has gone missing and the fam- about a frustrated relationship with 16 Oct, Theatre On The Steps, Bridg- ily need your help to solve the high fashion, and how it relates to en- north, South Shropshire mystery, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Oct, titlement, exclusion and territory, Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton ONCE UPON A TIME: THE MISADVEN- TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY Thurs 17 Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolver- TURES OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM Com- BINGO Laugh, dance & play to win as HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR All the fun hampton edy adventure featuring physical Tina spins her cage of balls to a high- of the farm plus a day packed with FAMILIAR Collaborative performance comedy, absurd jokes and magical il- energy ’80s soundtrack, Thurs 17 spooky Halloween fun, Sat 19 - Sun exploring ‘significant otherness’. Part lusion, Sat 19 Oct, Foxlowe Arts Cen- Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham 20 Oct, National Forest Adventure of Fierce Festival, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 tre, Leek, Staffs Farm, Burton-Upon-Trent DEREK ACORAH - THE ETERNAL LIFE Oct, The REP, Birmingham TOUR Fri 18 Oct, Brewhouse Arts SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Ride the INSPECTOR DRAKE AND THE BLACK Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Pumpkin Express, hear the Spookley WIDOW Gill ‘Doreen Tipton’ Jordan story, select your own pumpkin from TOM BRACE: BRACE OF SPADES Brand stars in a ‘comedy whodunnit like the pumpkin patch, take it back to Dance new magic show for the whole family, you’ve never seen before’, Fri 18 Oct, the carving caverns and make a DADA MASILO: GISELLE South Africa’s Sat 19 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock lantern, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Oct, Apley internationally renowned choreogra- Farm Shop, Norton, Nr Shifnal FUNNY FACES Two one-handers focus- pher, Dada Masilo, presents her ‘fear- ing on Carry On stars Sid James and less’ reimagining of the classic ballet, Joan Sims, Fri 18 Oct, Lichfield Gar- Tues 15 - Wed 16 Oct, Birmingham rick Hippodrome Talks / THE GREATEST SHOWENCH Hollywood SOFTPLAMP.AUTONOMIES Chore- has The Greatest Showman, The ographed performance celebrating a Spoken Word Black Country has The Greatest future without authorities and con- Showench! Fizzog return with their straints, Thurs 17 Oct, Patrick Studio, NADIYA HUSSAIN: FINDING MY VOICE latest production... Fri 18 - Sat 19 Birmingham Hippodrome The TV presenter, cook and best- Oct, Netherton Arts Centre, Dudley selling author considers her roles as DORIS UHLICH: EVERY BODY ELECTRIC mother, Muslim, working woman and GULP! The Bone Ensemble presents Innovative production exploring po- celebrity, Tues 15 Oct, Birmingham THE 26TH CAROLE NASH CLASSIC MO- an interactive adventure about water, tential through dance. Please note Town Hall TORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW Featuring Fri 18 - Sat 19 Oct, Arena Theatre, that this production contains full nu- more than 900 traders, dealers and Wolverhampton dity, Fri 18 Oct, Midlands Arts Centre, AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL PALIN: autojumble stands offering parts and THE TRUE HISTORIE OF MR WILLIAM Birmingham NORTH KOREA Monty Python stalwart spares for every project, Sat 19 - Sun and intrepid globetrotter Michael SHAKESPEARE Brand new satirical SOME LIKE IT HIP HOP Choreographed 20 Oct, Staffordshire County Show- Palin offers a glimpse of life inside the farce that takes aim at ‘culture’s story of love, mistaken identity and ground notoriously secretive Democratic greatest prize and those who yearn revolution in a city where books are People’s Republic of Korea, Wed 16 WELLINGTON FESTIVAL Week-long se- after it’, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Oct, Old Joint banned and women are kept sub- Oct, Birmingham Town Hall ries of events, all free to attend, Sat Stock Theatre, Birmingham servient to men, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Oct, 19 - Sat 26 Oct, Various venues JULIA BARDSLEY: AN APIAN PARADOX Birmingham Hippodrome OUT OF THE ASHES: AN EVENING WITH across Wellington BOYCOTT & AGGERS Brand new show Two female ‘bee-ings’ remix symbol- MARIANA VALENCIA: ALBUM Solo per- featuring two of cricket’s finest - Test MORE TREAT THAN TRICK Featuring ist poet Maurice Maeterlinck’s classic formance ‘fusing text, song and Match Special’s Jonathan Agnew and ‘frightfully fun’ family Halloween activ- natural history text, The Life Of The dance inside of the content of an recently knighted former England ities, Sat 19 - Thurs 31 Oct, Drayton Bee, to a soundtrack of Earth’s drone album’, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Oct, Midlands batsman Geoffrey Boycott, Sun 20 Manor Theme Park, Tamworth music, Sun 20 Oct, Midlands Arts Arts Centre, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham FREDDO'S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR RIP IT UP: THE 70S Join Olympic Pop along dressed up and join in the ALEXANDRA BACHZETSIS, PRIVATE: champion Louis Smith, Rachel fun as Freddo creates his very own WEAR A MASK WHEN YOU TALK TO ME Stevens (S Club 7), Melody Thornton Halloween monster out of a little bit of Unsolicited report on how gender (Pussycat Dolls) and Lee Ryan (Blue) Events string and plenty of green & gooey and sexual desire ‘are fabricated for ‘a groovy evening of singing and slime, Sat 19 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, Cad- through the ritualisation repetition of dancing’, Sat 19 Oct, Symphony Hall, THE MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW bury World, Bournville bodily gestures within the neoliberal Birmingham Be one of the first people to see the regime’, Sun 20 Oct, Midlands Arts new and exclusive leisure vehicle SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Featuring Hal- IFEEL2 Marco Berrettini’s chore- Centre, Birmingham launches from major manufacturers, loween decorations with illuminated, ographed performance asks the Tues 15 - Sun 20 Oct, NEC, B’ham themed scarecrows and hundreds of OLIVER! Amateur staging presented question, ‘Why are we here, on this pumpkins, Sat 19 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, by Stourbridge Amateur Operatic So- earth?’, Sun 20 Oct, Patrick Studio, ATTINGHAM WOOLLEN WOODS 2019 See West Midland Safari and Leisure ciety, Sun 20 - Sat 26 Oct, Stour- Birmingham Hippodrome Hall-wool-een in a different light this Park, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster bridge Town Hall year as crafted creatures take over a whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 31 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:28 Page 1

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 31 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:28 Page 2

thelist Monday 21 - Thursday 31 October PSYCHEDELIC PORN Lichfield Garrick Gigs CRUMPETS + CROWS + LIVE ON MARS - A TRIB- PSYENCE Thurs 24 Oct, UTE TO DAVID BOWIE Sat KIEFER SUTHERLAND The Sugarmill, Stoke- 26 Oct, Victoria Hall, Mon 21 Oct, O2 Insti- on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent tute, Birmingham LES CARTER Thurs 24 AWOL & PANDEMONIUM LOST ANGELS Mon 21 Oct, Katie Fitzgerald’s, PRESENTS THE HAL- Oct, The Robin, Bilston Stourbridge LOWEEN SPECIAL Sat 26 THE SKINTS & BEDOUIN LAMB Thurs 24 Oct, O2 Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- SOUNDCLASH Mon 21 Academy, B’ham ingham Oct, O2 Academy, CLOUDBUSTING: THE CHER Sat 26 Oct, Arena Birmingham MUSIC OF KATE BUSH Birmingham KOFI STONE Mon 21 Oct, Thurs 24 Oct, The ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? Hare & Hounds, Birm- Robin, Bilston Sat 26 Oct, Theatre On ingham CASSIA Thurs 24 Oct, The Steps, Bridgnorth, PENGSHUI Mon 21 Oct, Hare & Hounds, Birm- South Shrops Katie Fitzgerald’s, ingham MONEY FOR NOTHING Sat Stourbridge AIRWAYS + WARGASM + 26 Oct, Stafford Gate- CHRIS DE BURGH Mon 21 DIVENIRE + CAMULUS Fri house Theatre Oct, Symphony Hall, 25 Oct, The Sugarmill, THE SELECTER Sat 26 Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Harriet - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury BEYOND THE BARRICADE BLACKBEAR Fri 25 Oct, ingham Tues 22 - Wed 23 Oct, O2 Institute, B’ham DIIO + TWISTED SYSTEM ingham PHIL CAMPBELL & THE PICTURE THIS Thurs 31 Lichfield Garrick NEVILLE STAPLE WITH Sat 26 Oct, Eleven, THE RAILS Sun 27 Oct, BASTARD SONS + SPE- Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- THE FALLEN STATE Tues HIS BAND + AC30’S Fri Sandyford, Stoke-on- Hare & Hounds, Birm- CIAL GUESTS Tues 29 ingham 22 Oct, O2 Academy, 25 Oct, The Robin, Bil- Trent ingham Oct, The Sugarmill, LITTLE COMETS Thurs 31 ston Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham THE REAL THING Sat 26 A FOREIGNER’S JOURNEY Oct, O2 Academy, IKE WILLIS & ZAPPATIKA WHITESNAKES JOURNEY Oct, The Robin, Bilston Sun 27 Oct, The Robin, MARRY WATERSON & Birmingham EMILY BARKER Tues 29 Wed 23 Oct, Eleven, Fri 25 Oct, Eleven, ASHEN CROWN Sat 26 Bilston 80'S INVASION TOUR 2019 Sandyford, Stoke-on- Oct, Hare & Hounds, Sandyford, Stoke-on- Oct, O2 Academy, OSCAR JEROME Sun 27 Thurs 31 Oct, Arena Trent Birmingham Trent Birmingham Oct, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LISA STANSFIELD Tues CONOR MAYNARD Wed CHASING AUGUST AND HALLOWEEN PARTY WITH Birmingham MOSTACK Thurs 31 Oct, BLIX Fri 25 Oct, Albert’s 29 Oct, Symphony Hall, 23 Oct, O2 Institute, SMOKING PILCHARDS Sat HIPKISS WITH PATSY O2 Academy, B’ham Shed, Shrewsbury Birmingham Birmingham 26 Oct, Katie Fitzger- GAMBLE Sun 27 Oct, HENGE Thurs 31 Oct, A2 Wed 23 Oct, O2 LIFE OF AGONY Fri 25 ald’s, Stourbridge Lichfield Guildhall CATTLE DECAPITATION, Hare & Hounds, B’ham OSIAH - OVER 50 SOLD! Academy, Birmingham Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- REFUSED + THRICE Sat Tues 29 Oct, Mama SOFT MACHINE Thurs 31 ingham 26 Oct, O2 Academy, RAYMOND FROGGATT Roux’s, Birmingham Oct, New Vic Theatre, Wed 23 Oct, Prince Of STRAIGHT FOR THE SUN Birmingham Newcastle-under-Lyme LIVE ON MARS - A TRIB- Wales Centre, Cannock Fri 25 Oct, The Slade EGO FRIENDLY Sat 26 UTE TO DAVID BOWIE THE ORCHESTRA OF Rooms, W’hampton Oct, Albert’s Shed, INGLORIOUS Wed 23 Wed 30 Oct, Theatre CHAOS Thurs 31 Oct, BE BOP A LULA Fri 25 Shrewsbury Oct, The Robin, Bilston Severn, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton Grand Oct, Prince Of Wales WSTRN Sat 26 Oct, O2 Theatre BEN PHILLIPS Wed 23 MARK LOCKHEART - DAYS Centre, Cannock Institute, Birmingham Oct, O2 Academy, ON EARTH Wed 30 Oct, KEYWEST Thurs 31 Oct, THUNDER HAMMER - Birmingham ZOUCH BAND: COAL & Symphony Hall, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham MONSTER OF ROCK HAL- THE UNTHANKS Mon 28 THE DUNWELLS + LISSY CANALS Sat 26 Oct, The BANDAOKE Thurs 31 LOWEEN BALL Fri 25 Oct, Oct, New Vic Theatre, THE PITMEN POETS Wed TAYLOR + JAY JOHNSON Brewhouse Arts Centre, Oct, Albert’s Shed, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme 30 Oct, Theatre Severn, Wed 23 Oct, The Sug- Burton-upon-Trent Shrewsbury Staffordshire OF MONSTERS AND MEN Shrewsbury armill, Stoke-on-Trent THE STYLISTICS Sun 27 CHRIS SLADE AC/DC THE SKA45’S Fri 25 Oct, Mon 28 Oct, O2 THE CHRIS SLADE TIME- SQUEEZE PLUS SPECIAL Oct, Prince Of Wales DRUMMERS TIMELINE The River Rooms, Academy, Birmingham LINE Wed 30 Oct, The GUESTS HEAVEN 17 Wed Centre, Cannock Thurs 31 Oct, Eleven, Stourbridge CHARLI XCX Mon 28 Oct, Robin, Bilston 23 Oct, Symphony Hall, MATT SAYERS Sun 27 Sandyford, Stoke-on- O2 Institute, B’ham THE CAPITAL Wed 30 Birmingham BACK TO THE 80’S - HAL- Oct, Albert’s Shed, Trent LOWEEN PARTY Fri 25 ALBERT LEE Mon 28 Oct, Oct, Albert’s Shed, SONS OF PITCHES: Shrewsbury LOCKED AND LOADED Oct, Katie Fitzgerald’s, The Robin, Bilston Shrewsbury AROUND THE WORLD HEELS OF HELL Sun 27 Thurs 31 Oct, Katie Stourbridge EVERYONE YOU KNOW Wed 23 Oct, Birming- Oct, O2 Academy, VISTAS + SWIMMING Fitzgerald’s, Stour- Wed 30 Oct, The Sug- ham Town Hall CLARE TEAL & HER BIG Birmingham GIRLS + GAURANGA Mon bridge MINI BAND Fri 25 Oct, 28 Oct, The Sugarmill, armill, Stoke-on-Trent UK PINK FLOYD EXPERI- BIZARRO 30TH ANNIVER- THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Lichfield Garrick Stoke-on-Trent BIG BIG TRAIN IN CON- ENCE Thurs 24 Oct, SARY TOUR Sun 27 Oct, Thurs 31 Oct, Lichfield CERT Wed 30 Oct, Birm- Lichfield Garrick JAZZ JAMAICA ALL O2 Institute, B’ham WORKING MEN'S CLUB Garrick STARS: A TROJON STORY Mon 28 Oct, Hare & ingham Town Hall FEROCIOUS DOG Thurs ROYAL REPUBLIC Sun 27 STIFF BIZKIT, KORN AGAIN Fri 25 Oct, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham BEARDYMAN Wed 30 24 Oct, Theatre Severn, Oct, O2 Academy, + HYBRID THEORY Thurs Town Hall Oct, Hare & Hounds, Shrewsbury Birmingham GOODBYE JUNE Mon 28 31 Oct, The Robin, Bil- ELO EXPERIENCE Sat 26 Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Birmingham ston CC SMUGGLERS Thurs HARRIET Sun 27 Oct, Oct, Prince Of Wales ingham VIOLET Wed 30 Oct, O2 24 Oct, Newhampton Henry Tudor House, BRIX AND THE EXTRI- Centre, Cannock Academy, Birmingham Arts Centre, Wolver- Shrewsbury BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK CATED + HIGH VIZ JACKIT hampton DEXTER Sat 26 Oct, The Tues 29 Oct, Theatre ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN THEORY + THE OTHER River Rooms, Stour- LITTLE FIX Sun 27 Oct, Severn, Shrewsbury CHARLES ESTEN Thurs Thurs 31 Oct, The THINGS Thurs 31 Oct, bridge Dudley Town Hall 24 Oct, O2 Institute, NSG Tues 29 Oct, O2 In- Alexandra Theatre, The Sugarmill, Stoke- SKENGDO X AM Sun 27 Birmingham CROONERS Sat 26 Oct, stitute, Birmingham Birmingham on-Trent Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 31 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:28 Page 3

thelist Town Hall Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent new UK tour featuring the acclaimed Classical ADAM BLOOM, JASON PATTERSON, TOM DORIAN Contemporary retelling of ventriloquist and his ever-dysfunc- TOAL & COMIC TBC Fri 25 - Sat 26 Oct, Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray, Wed 23 tional puppet family, Sat 26 Oct, The RESURRECTION CHOIR FROM ST PETERS- The Glee Club, Birmingham Oct, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham BURG Mon 21 Oct, St Mary Magda- THE BARN ULTIMATUM Brand new com- lene’s Church, Leintwardine, South HAL CRUTTENDEN Sat 26 Oct, Theatre PRIME TIME Three monologues by edy from Tom Allsopp, Sun 27 Oct, Shropshire Severn, Shrewsbury three different playwrights exploring the wide-ranging experiences of Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTEN- MATT PARKER Sat 26 Oct, The REP, women of retirement age. Janice THE BEATLES: HORNSEY ROAD WITH MENT Programme includes various Birmingham Connolly stars, Wed 23 - Sat 26 Oct, MARK LEWISOHN Fast-moving illus- works by J.S Bach, Wed 23 Oct, THOMAS GREEN, HAYLEY ELLIS, CRAIG The REP, Birmingham trated history of the Fab Four, Mon 28 Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent MURRAY & IAN SMITH Sat 26 Oct, The TADLOP present Oct, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA: THE FRUIT Comedy Loft, Birmingham an amateur staging of the Rodgers & LES MUSICALS Concert production OF SILENCE Programme includes CARL DONELLY, MATT ROSS Sat 26 Oct, Hammerstein classic, Wed 23 - Sat featuring classics from Les Misérable, works by Peteris Vasks, Arvo Part & The Glee Club, Birmingham 26 Oct, The Place, Telford Phantom, Blood Brothers & more... Dobrinka Tabakova, Wed 23 Oct, STAND UP FOR MYSTERY HOUR Sat 26 Jonathan Ansell & Jai McDowall star, Lichfield Cathedral KING LEAR Oddbodies Theatre Com- Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton pany present an ‘inventive, irreverent Tues 29 Oct, The Alexandra Theatre, CBSO: BRUCH’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Fea- KAT B, LUKE CRAIG, SMASH & KANE and highly accessible’ version of Birmingham turing Fabien Gabel (conductor) & Si- BROWN Sat 26 Oct, The Slade Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, DEAD MEN'S EYES Two ‘chilling and mone Lamsma (violin). Programme Rooms, Wolverhampton Thurs 24 Oct, The Talbot Theatre, thrilling’ tales from MR James - the includes works by Wagner, Bruch & Whitchurch master of the English ghost story, Bruckner, Thurs 24 Oct, Symphony GARY DELANEY Sun 27 Oct, The Slade Tues 29 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Hall, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton LIFE IS NO LAUGHING MATTER An auto- biographical live art/standup/theatre bury MUSIC AND SONG: CITY OF LICHFIELD JAMES ACASTER Sun 27 Oct, Stafford performance about mental illness, NO MAN'S LAND London Classic The- CONCERT BAND & LICHFIELD GOSPEL Gatehouse Theatre suicide and radical cure attempts, atre present Harold Pinter’s beguiling CHOIR Sat 26 Oct, Lichfield Cathedral ROUGH WORKS: NEW MATERIAL NIGHT Thurs 24 Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolver- and atmospheric play, Tues 29 - Wed BRODSKY QUARTET Sat 26 Oct, St Lau- Sun 27 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham hampton 30 Oct, Arena Theatre, W’hampton rence’s Church, Ludlow, South BARBARA NICE'S COMEDY PLAYGROUND AUSTENTATIOUS Improvised comedy in BLACK MEN WALKING The first story Shropshire Sun 27 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham which a cast of the country's quickest from Revolution Mix - an Eclipse EX CATHEDRA: RACHMANINOFF’S VES- SINDHU VEE Mon 28 Oct, The Glee performers conjure up a brand new movement spearheading the largest PERS Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore Club, Birmingham 'lost' Jane Austen novel based on ever national delivery of new Black (conductor), Martha McLorinan ANDREW O'NEILL Mon 28 Oct, The Gif- nothing more than a title suggested British stories, Tues 29 - Thurs 31 (mezzo soprano) and Jeremy Budd fard Arms, Wolverhampton by the audience, Thurs 24 - Fri 25 Oct, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham (tenor), Sun 27 Oct, Birmingham Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Debbie Isitt’s Town Hall JIMEOIN Tues 29 Oct, The Place, Telford PLAY ON Market Drayton Amateur Op- feelgood musical, based on the LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH eratic & Dramatic Society present much-loved film of the same name, ANDY PARSONS WAYNE MARSHALL Programme in- Wed 30 Oct, New Vic Rick Abbot’s comedy, Thurs 24 - Sat Tues 29 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, Wolver- cludes works by Wayne Marshall, Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme 26 Oct, Festival Drayton Centre, Mar- hampton Grand Theatre George C Baker and Franz Schmidt, EMILY ATACK Wed 30 Oct, Victoria ket Drayton, North Shropshire HYSTERICAL HISTORIES Kate Mon 28 Oct, Symphony Hall, B’ham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent JACK THE RIPPER: THE VICTIMS An all- Pritchard’s high-octane musical ver- CBSO: DVORAK’S SEVENTH Featuring ANDY PARSONS Thurs 31 Oct, Theatre female cast focus on the stories of sion of history, Wed 30 Oct, Anja Bihlmaier (conductor) & Renaud Severn, Shrewsbury Jack the Ripper’s victims, Thurs 24 Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- Capuçon (violin). Programme in- DAVE GORMAN Thurs 31 Oct, Dudley Oct - Sat 2 Nov, The Blue Orange hampton cludes works by Bizet, Chausson, Town Hall Theatre, Birmingham BITA Musi- Ravel & Dvorak, Wed 30 Oct, Sym- INSPECTOR DRAKE AND THE BLACK cal Theatre present an amateur stag- phony Hall, Birmingham CRAIG MURRAY, TOM TAYLOR & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs WIDOW Gill ‘Doreen Tipton’ Jordan ing of & Tim A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC FROM 31 Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham stars in a ‘comedy whodunnit like Rice's classic rock musical, Wed 30 GAME OF THRONES... Special orches- you’ve never seen before’, Fri 25 Oct, Oct - Sat 2 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, JOHN KEARNS Thurs 31 Oct, The Gif- tral concert, Thurs 31 Oct, Symphony Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Birmingham Hall, Birmingham fard Arms, Wolverhampton KING LEAR Oddbodies Theatre Com- STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL, AND MR HALLOWEEN SILENT MOVIE SPECIAL: pany present an ‘inventive, irreverent HYDE Award-winning one-man show THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Fea- and highly accessible’ version of bringing Robert Louis Stevenson’s turing Nigel Ogden on organ, Thurs Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Fri Gothic tale to life, Thurs 31 Oct, 31 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Theatre 25 Oct, Harley Village Hall, Nr Much Stafford Gatehouse Theatre PETER DONOHOE PIANO RECITAL Thurs IT KIND OF LOOKS LIKE A DOUGHNUT A Wenlock, South Shropshire LAUREL & HARDY Talking from the Af- 31 Oct, Stoke Repertory Theatre, no-holds-barred girl’s-eye view of the ALBUM Solo performance that unites terlife, Stan & Ollie tell the story of Stoke-on-Trent realities and responsibilities of having text, song and dance inside the con- their lives and the people they knew one more hole than a man has, Tues tent of an album... Fri 25 Oct, Arena and worked with. Performed by 22 Oct, Arena Theatre, W’hampton Theatre, Wolverhampton Adam Halcro & Jacob Harvey, Thurs BEYOND THE BARRICADE Musical the- THE GREATEST SHOWENCH Hollywood 31 Oct, Newhampton Arts Centre, Comedy atre concert featuring past principal has The Greatest Showman, The Wolverhampton performers from Les Miserables, Tues BEN ELTON Tues 22 Oct, Birmingham Black Country has The Greatest 22 - Wed 23 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Town Hall Showench! Fizzog return with their CABARET John Partridge takes on the latest production... Fri 25 - Sat 26 BEN PHILLIPS Wed 23 Oct, O2 role of Emcee in Kander & Ebb’s Oct, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Academy, Birmingham Kids Shows landmark musical. Anita Harris & CIRCUS 1903 Unique show featuring DEAR ZOO LIVE! Rod Campbell’s chil- NICK HELM Thurs 24 Oct, The Com- Kara Lily Hayworth also star, Tues 22 life-sized elephants created by pup- dren classic, live on stage, Mon 21 - edy Loft, Birmingham - Sat 26 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrews- peteers from War Horse and ‘jaw- Tues 22 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse The- bury ADAM BLOOM, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH dropping’ acts from across the globe, atre ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 24 OKLAHOMA! Amateur staging pre- Fri 25 - Wed 30 Oct, Birmingham Hip- MATHILDAMATHILDA Soap Soup The- Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham sented by Stoke-on-Trent Repertory podrome atre present a story of connection & Theatre, Tues 22 - Sat 26 Oct, Stoke JIM DAVIDSON Fri 25 Oct, Dudley PAUL ZERDIN'S PUPPET PARTY Brand separation, Tues 22 Oct, Stafford

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 31 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:28 Page 4

Monday 21 - Thursday 31 October Gatehouse Theatre rible Histories and Gangsta Granny, UP UP AND AWAY Highly Sprung fuse Wed 30 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, Regent The- theatre, aerial dance & innovative de- atre, Stoke-on-Trent sign to tell a story about individuality, uniqueness and , Wed 23 Oct, The Old Rep, Birmingham PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER Featuring Dance ‘songs, games and laughter’ - a must EMANUEL GAT YOOO!!! New hip-hop-in- for Peppa Pig fans everywhere, Wed spired piece for all ages, Tues 22 - 23 - Thurs 24 Oct, The Alexandra Thurs 24 Oct, Patrick Studio, Birming- Theatre, Birmingham ham Hippodrome COMEDY FOR KIDS. HOW DOES THIS POL- THE WIZARD OF OZ Ballet Theatre UK ITICS THING WORK THEN? ‘Fun and in- present L Frank Baum’s classic tale, formative’ show for young audiences, Thurs 24 Oct, Prince Of Wales Cen- Sat 26 Oct, The REP, Birmingham tre, Cannock PEDLAR’S TALES The Fetch Theatre SNOW WHITE Vienna Festival Ballet fuse puppetry & music in a perfor- present the famous Brothers Grimm mance of bite-size tales, Sat 26 Oct, story, Fri 25 Oct, The Brewhouse Arts Marty MacDonald’s Toy Machine - Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Welshampton Parish Hall, Ellesmere, Centre, Burton-upon-Trent hard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek. Shropshire SWAN LAKE Presented by Russian Foreign language, subtitled. The THE PIRATE CRUNCHER Swashbuckling State Ballet, Sun 27 Oct, Theatre Sev- Cabaret Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 25 Oct tale of greed punished and ingenuity ern, Shrewsbury THE DREAMBOYS The UK’s most fa- rewarded, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Oct, Mid- ROCKETMAN (15) Biography/Drama. RAMBERT2 - MIXED BILL New creations mous male strip show, Wed 23 Oct, lands Arts Centre, Birmingham Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell. combining technical virtuosity with Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Michael raw energy, Wed 30 - Thurs 31 Oct, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Variety 21 Oct; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Rosen’s beloved book is brought to Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippo- show featuring comedy act Dandy, a South Shropshire, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Oct life with beautiful puppets and origi- drome tribute to Black Country comedienne nal music, Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, AD ASTRA (12a) Adventure/Drama. Dolly Allen from Emma Rollason Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Starring Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler. Wem (from The Fizzogs) and music from Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 25 & ZOG & THE GRUFFALO - FILM WITH LIVE ukulele maestro Joe Thomas, Wed Mon 28 Oct ORCHESTRA World premiere concert Talks / 23 - Thurs 24 Oct, The Rose Theatre, performance of two of Julia Donald- Kidderminster TOY STORY 4 (U) Animation/Adventure. son & Axel Scheffler's much-loved With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Spoken Word AFTERNOON VARIETY SHOW Featuring works. Terry Davies conducts René Allen. Shropshire Hills Discovery comedian Doug Parker & vocalist Aubry's inspired scores, Sun 27 Oct, ONCE UPON A WEDNESDAY Storytelling Centre, South Shropshire, Mon 28 Chris King, Thurs 24 Oct, Forest Arts Symphony Hall, Birmingham nights for grown-ups on the theme of Oct man’s best friend, with Matt Black & Centre, Walsall JACKIE & THE BEANSTALK An original THE WHITE CROW (12a) Maria Whatton, Wed 23 Oct, The THAT’LL BE THE DAY Rock’n’roll variety story ‘full of adventure, laughter and Biography/Drama. Starring Oleg Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- show, Thurs 24 - Fri 25 Oct, Stafford growing up’. Suitable for three to Ivenko, Ralph Fiennes. Edge Arts Trent Gatehouse Theatre eight-year-olds and their grown-ups, Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- Sun 27 Oct, The Brewhouse Arts GREG MINNAAR: SIZE MATTERS Join the TRÈS TRÈS CABARET Evening of shire, Mon 28 Oct world champion mountain bike rider ‘cheeky decadence’ presented by Centre, Burton-upon-Trent SHAUN OF THE DEAD (18) Comedy/Hor- as he recounts the story of his incred- Stafford's first and only burlesque JUDY NEEDS A HOUSE! The Little ror. Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost. ible racing career, Fri 25 Oct, Theatre and variety show, Sat 26 Oct, Stafford Rebels Theatre presents an interac- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon Severn, Shrewsbury Gatehouse Theatre tive puppet show inspired by the 28 Oct SWANN & BLOFELD: DANCING DOWN THE THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK Thurs 31 Punch & Judy classic, Mon 28 Oct, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST WICKET Test Match Special’s Henry Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- (15) Drama. Starring Jack Nicholson, Blofeld and ex-England bowler hampton SCREAMY BINGO WITH TINA T’URNER Louise Fletcher. Mitchell Arts Centre, Graeme Swann talk about cricket, H2GLO: A UV PUPPET ADVENTURE Dive TEA LADY Spooky Halloween special Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 29 Oct Graeme’s time on Strictly Come into a ‘magical’ under-the-sea UV ex- with the award-winning domestic Dancing and Henry’s life since leav- BORDER (15) Crime/Drama. Starring perience, as Finn & Twinkle take you diva, Thurs 31 Oct, Old Joint Stock ing the TMS commentary box, Mon Eva Melander, Eero Milonoff. Foreign on a journey through the ocean in Theatre, Birmingham 28 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre language, subtitled. Stafford Gate- search of hidden treasure, Mon 28 house Theatre, Tues 29 Oct Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre IN CONVERSATION WITH MARGARET AT- WOOD Join the bestselling author as THE FAVOURITE (15) Biography/Drama. HIGH JINX - MAGIC, ILLUSION & CIRCUS she discusses her career and new Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone. SHOW Tues 29 Oct, Stourbridge Town Film novel, The Testaments - the sequel to Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues 29 Hall The Handmaid's Tale, Mon 28 Oct, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Oct MARTY MACDONALD’S TOY MACHINE Symphony Hall, Birmingham FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS (12a) Com- WONDER PARK (PG) Animation/Adven- Join Marty, Sally the Scarecrow, edy/Drama. Starring James Purefoy, ture. With the voices of Sofia Mali, Pongo the Pig, Molly-Moo the Cow Meadow Nobrega. Edge Arts Centre, Jennifer Garner. Forest Arts Centre, and Sheena the Sheep in an interac- Much Wenlock, North Shropshire, Walsall, Tues 29 Oct tive musical adventure... Wed 30 Oct, Mon 21 Oct MISSING LINK (PG) Animation/Adven- The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- DISOBEDIENCE (15) Drama/Romance. ture. With the voices of Hugh Jack- upon-Trent Starring Rachel Weisz, Rachel man, . Forest Arts THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF Trip- McAdams. Stafford Gatehouse The- Centre, Walsall, Wed 30 Oct trapping musical adventure for atre, Tues 22 Oct DUMBO (PG) Adventure/Family. Star- younger audiences, Wed 30 Oct, The 20 FEET FROM STARDOM (U) Documen- ring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton. Place, Telford DAVID STARKEY- SIX WIVES: THE QUEENS OF HENRY VIII Talk tracing the tary/Biography. Starring Darlene Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, TOM GATES LIVE ON STAGE! Brand new radically shifting marriage customs of Love, Merry Clayton. The Hive, Wed 30 Oct; Forest Arts Centre, Wal- show featuring Liz Pichon's popular the British monarchy, Wed 30 Oct, Shrewsbury, Tues 22 Oct sall, Thurs 31 Oct character. From the producers of Hor- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre WESTERN (U) Drama. Starring Mein- whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 31 October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 10:28 Page 5

thelist Monday 21 - Thursday 31 October trends and try out new hardware, Fri frightening fun’, including ‘wicked OF THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GAR- Events 25 - Sun 27 Oct, NEC, Birmingham crafts and a spooktacular Halloween DENS Learn more about how the Gar- SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Ride the quest’ around the castle, Sat 26 Oct - dens were designed and have WILDERLAND WILDLIFE FILM FESTIVAL Pumpkin Express, hear the Spookley Sun 3 Nov, Stokesay Castle, Nr evolved over time, Wed 30 Oct, Birm- Unique film festival bringing stories story, select your own pumpkin from Craven Arms, South Shropshire ingham Botanical Gardens from the natural world to the big the pumpkin patch, take it back to THE WIZARD EXPRESS The Wizard Ex- THE GHOST WALK Take a tour of the screen, Tues 22 Oct, Theatre Severn, the carving caverns and make a press returns to take young witches ghostly avenues and alleyways of an- Shrewsbury lantern, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Oct, Apley and wizards on ‘a magical journey to cient Bridgnorth, where lurking in the NO AMPS, NO CHAT, NO CHARGE Farm Shop, Norton, Nr Shifnal Wizard School’, Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 shadows are 10 ghosts ready to tell Monthly acoustic evening featuring HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR All the fun Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, you how they met their grisly ends, some of the Midlands’ finest song- of the farm plus a day packed with Nr Kidderminster Wed 30 - Thurs 31 Oct, Theatre On writers, Wed 23 Oct, Arena Theatre, spooky Halloween fun, Fri 25 Oct - Fri ATTINGHAM WOOLLEN WOODS 2019 See The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Wolverhampton 1 Nov, National Forest Adventure Hall-wool-een in a different light this HUBBLE BUBBLE - TRICK OR TREAT Ex- IRONBRIDGE BY MOONLIGHT DINNER To Farm, Burton Upon Trent year as crafted creatures take over a plore the halls to track down the bats mark 50 years since the first Moon GCCF SUPREME CAT SHOW The UK’s section of the Mile Walk, Sat 26 Oct - - but best beware of creepy things! landing, guests dine in the shadow of premier cat show, Sat 26 Oct, NEC, Sun 24 Nov, Attingham Park, Shrews- Wed 30 - Thurs 31 Oct, Soho House, the Museum Of The Moon exhibition, Birmingham bury Birmingham a touring artwork by Luke Jerram, CAGE WARRIORS 109 The leading and ASTON HALL LATE: GHOSTLY ENCOUN- HALLOWEEN NIGHTS Trick or treat Thurs 24 Oct, Enginuity Museum, TERS Theatrical ghost tour of one of along the Black Country Living Mu- Ironbridge, Shropshire longest-running mixed martial arts promotion in Europe, Sat 26 Oct, Re- Britain’s most haunted buildings, Sun seum’s gas-lit cobbled streets, Wed GHOSTLY VICTORIAN TALES AT THE BACK sorts World Arena, Birmingham 27 Oct, Aston Hall, Birmingham 30 - Thurs 31 Oct, Black Country Liv- TO BACKS Spend an evening listening ing Museum, Dudley BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS Organisers DANCE, CREATE, CAPTURE Create your to some of the spookiest stories own Polaroid photograph in a work- GHOST TRAINS Arrive early at Kidder- Birmingham has to offer, Thurs 24 - promise an ‘even bigger and better’ event this year, Sat 26 Oct, Shrop- shop inviting you to create and cap- minster Station for face-painting and Fri 25 Oct, Birmingham Back to ture your own ideas through a spooky disco, then make your way Backs shire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, South Shropshire movement and dance, Sun 27 Oct, along the dark platform to find your HALLOWEEN TILE DECORATING Create Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton seat on the Ghost Train, Wed 30 - your own Halloween or Luna-themed GHOST TRAINS Arrive early at Kidder- Thurs 31 Oct, Severn Valley Railway, minster Station for face-painting and THE BIG DRAW Join the world's biggest designs at family drop-in workshops celebration of drawing and take part Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster on weekdays during the half-term a spooky disco, then make your way along the dark platform to find your in a day of ‘painting and drawing BABY DISCO HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACU- break, Fri 25 Oct, Jackfield Tile Mu- madness’, Sun 27 Oct, The Brew- LAR Dance along to all your favourite seum, Ironbridge, Shropshire seat on the Ghost Train, Sat 26 Oct, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent tunes in a ‘spooktacular’ disco, Thurs FRIGHT NIGHTS: ASTON ALIVE! Spend Kidderminster CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY Annual 31 Oct, Lichfield Garrick the scariest time of year at one of THE ROCKY HORROR MONSTER BALL Halloween party makes a welcome MEET THE WITCHFINDER: HALLOWEEN Britain’s most haunted buildings! Fri return and features children’s enter- FAMILY TOUR Take a trip round the 25 - Sat 26 Oct, Aston Hall, B’ham ‘Characters, costumes and outra- geousness to perfectly replicate the tainer, Dippy, Mon 28 - Thurs 31 Oct, hall, but stay alert for vampires, trolls, HALLOWEEN NIGHTS Trick or treat original show’, Sat 26 Oct, West Mid- Dudley Zoological Gardens fairies, goblins and ghosts, Thurs 31 along the Black Country Living Mu- land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- HALLOWEEN TILE DECORATING Create Oct, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham seum’s gas-lit cobbled streets, Fri 25 ley, Nr Kidderminster your own Halloween or Luna-themed SPOOKY SCIENCE NIGHT Spooky party - Sat 26 Oct, Black Country Living designs at family drop-in workshops for all mad scientists, witches and Museum, Dudley DIVE 2019 The UK's biggest event for scuba divers and snorkellers, Sat 26 - on weekdays over the half-term wizards to come together and have Sun 27 Oct, NEC, Birmingham break, Mon 28 Oct - Fri 1 Nov, Jack- some fun, Thurs 31 Oct, Thinktank field Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shrops Science Museum, Birmingham PUMPKIN CARVING 2019 Try your hand at making this traditional Halloween HARTLEBURY HALLOWEEN Featuring HALLOWEEN FUNDAY Get trick-or-treat- decoration, Sat 26 - Thurs 31 Oct, At- family craft activities including mak- ready by creating costumes, pump- tingham Park, Shrewsbury ing spooky clay boggarts and fire- kins and spooky paraphernalia, work art, Tues 29 Oct, Hartlebury Thurs 31 Oct, The Brewhouse Arts SPELLBOUND Wear your best Hal- Castle, Kidderminster Centre, Burton-upon-Trent loween costume and climb aboard the batty boats as you're taken into KIDZ CLUB Immerse yourself in ‘a HALLOWEEN CHILDREN'S SPOOKTACU- the creepy caverns for some spooky world of fun’ as you discover ‘amaz- LAR Scary beings are located and spellbinding fun, Sat 26 - Thurs ing’ rides and endangered animals, throughout the park - enter if you 31 Oct, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Tues 29 - Thurs 31 Oct, Drayton dare! Thurs 31 Oct, The British Iron- Trust Manor Theme Park, Tamworth work Centre, Oswestry, North Shrop- shire HAUNTED CASTLE A week of ghostly LITTLE SKIPPERS - HALLOWEEN FUN JEWELLERY QUARTER GHOST WALK A goings-on in Tamworth Castle’s Boat trip through the themed caverns GHOST SEARCH Ghost walk around the tour of all things grim and macabre haunted spooktacular, Sat 26 Oct - followed by things to make and do, castle, with vigils conducted in reput- around Birmingham’s historic Jew- Fri 1 Nov, Tamworth Castle Tues 29 Oct - Fri 1 Nov, Dudley Canal edly haunted rooms, Thurs 31 Oct, ellery Quarter, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Oct, Mu- and Tunnel Trust Tamworth Castle FIENDISH FELONS - HALF TERM Dis- seum of the Jewellery Quarter, SMETHWICK ENGINE STEAMING DAY BRICKLIVE Play, create and discover Birmingham cover the dastardly deeds of crimi- nals of the past and the putrid Check out the Smethwick Engine together in an event aimed at under- GHOST TOURS AT STOKESAY CASTLE punishments they faced, Sat 26 Oct - now that it’s undergone an extensive 12s, Thurs 31 - Sun 3 Nov, NEC, Featuring tales of ghosts, supernatu- Sun 3 Nov, Black Country Living Mu- restoration, Wed 30 Oct, Thinktank Birmingham ral sightings and horrors from history, seum, Dudley Science Museum, Birmingham SIMPLY CHRISTMAS - THE CRAFTY Fri 25 - Sat 26 Oct, Stokesay Castle, GHOSTLY TALES: FAMILY FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS SHOW ‘Extravaganza’ of Nr Craven Arms, South Shropshire HAWKSTONE TRAIL AND TERRIBLE TALES Enjoy the stunning autumnal land- GHOST TOUR Daytime tour of one of exclusive ranges, including glass, DESTINATION STAR TREK BIRMINGHAM scape whilst following the Halloween Birmingham’s most haunted build- jewellery, art, candles, ceramics and Boldly go where no one has gone be- Trail to find hidden storytellers ings, Wed 30 Oct, Aston Hall, B’ham clothing, Thurs 31 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, fore at Europe’s Official Star Trek throughout the Follies, Sat 26 Oct - PUMPKIN CARVING WITH DASTARDLY NEC, Birmingham convention, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Oct, NEC, Sun 3 Nov, Hawkstone Park & Follies, DAN Carve a spooky face or scary THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW Wide-rang- Birmingham Shrewsbury scene, Wed 30 Oct, Lichfield Garrick ing show for knitters, stitchers, hob- THE VAPER EXPO UK: THE RETURN Sam- SPOOKY STOKESAY CASTLE A ‘feast of GUIDED TOUR: HERITAGE AND HISTORY byists and crafters, Thurs 31 Oct - ple the latest flavours, witness new Sun 3 Nov, NEC, Birmingham 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Snowdome Full October 2019.qxp_Layout 1 19/09/2019 11:08 Page 1 BCLM - Full Page October.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2019 17:53 Page 1