Birmingham Cover Online.Qxp Birmingham Cover 27/10/2015 15:28 Page 1

Birmingham Cover Online.qxp_Birmingham Cover 27/10/2015 15:28 Page 1

THE MIDLANDS ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE BIRMINGHAM ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sOnISSUE 359 NOVEMBER 2015 LUCY ROSE HOMETOWN SHOW interview inside...

LORD OF THE FLIES Regent Park Theatre production at The REP

MCM COMIC CON memorabilia galore at the NEC

INSIDE: FILM COMEDY THEATRE LIVE MUSIC VISUAL ARTS EVENTS FOOD & DRINK & MUCH MORE! grand_whatson FP Nov:Layout 1 16/10/2015 11:03 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

TUES 3 - SAT 7 NOV TUES 10 - SAT 14 NOV TUE 24 - SAT 28 NOV

Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by JOHN WATERS

Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan | Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITEDon behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.

TUES 1 - SAT 5 DEC SAT 12 DEC 2015 - SUN 24 JAN 2016 MON 18 JAN 2016

SOUTH STAFFS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS JIM DAVIDSON CHARLTON NIL

BASED UPON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY MORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH R&H THEATRICALS EUROPE

FRI 29 JAN 2016 SAT 30 JAN 2016 SUN 31 JAN 2016

chris farlowe steve ellis (the voice of love affair) the fortunes new amen corner union gapuk alan mosca from freddie and the Dreamers

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk Contents November Region 1 .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 17:54 Page 1

November 2015

Lord Of The Flies new staging of William Golding’s dystopian novel at The REP more on page 26

Scottish Dance Theatre David Walliams Antiques For Everyone presents Damien Jalet’s YAMA talks about Gangsta Granny Winter Fair at the NEC page 45 interview page 6 page 71

INSIDE: 4. News 11. Music 24. Comedy 29. Theatre 45. Dance 47. Film 67. Visual Arts 73. Days Out 81. Food

@whatsonbrum @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Birmingham What’s On Magazine Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

Publishing + Online Editor-in-Chief: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Chris Eldon Lee, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Helen Stallard, Clare Higgins, Offices: Wynner House, Kieran Johnson Managing Director: Paul Oliver, Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell, Chris Atherton Bromsgrove St, Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 Birmingham B5 6RG This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. and 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. 13-14 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE 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. News October Region One.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:36 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

New exhibition displays contemporary art for sale Birmingham’s Waterhall Gallery this month hosts a new contemporary art exhibition, with all works on display available for purchase. SALON has been organised by New Art WM. It provides visitors with the chance to invest in recently produced work by contemporary artists from the West Midlands and beyond. Prices start at £20. The exhibition, which features paintings, prints, sculptures, books, photographs and drawings, shows at the gallery from 13 November to 23 December. It will showcase work by internationally renowned artistis including Gillian Wearing, Bedwyr Williams, Vanley Burke, Stuart Whipps and BAZ.

The Mailbox unveils iconic Urban Room Birmingham premier lifestyle and retail destination The Mailbox has unveiled its iconic Urban Room. Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Stanton Williams, the Urban Room ‘cre- ates a beautiful space for shoppers to enjoy during the day and an impressive destination for Birmingham’s events, exhibitions and social activities after retail hours’. Get your skates on, in Solihull Solihull residents are being urged to get their skates on this month and take advantage of Mini Museum for mini people Truly scrumptious casting for the town’s first ever outdoor Christmas ice Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has Chitty Chitty Bang Bang rink. The rink opens on 13 November in Mell opened a new Mini Museum for pre-school Square and showcases a festive hub of children. A brand new version of hit musical Chitty activity throughout the winter period. Open The new animal-themed, toddler-friendly Chitty Bang Bang visits the Midlands next to the public seven days a week (from 10am space incorporates many of the paintings year, stopping off at both the Regent until 9pm at weekends and 3pm until 9pm and exhibits that have proved most popular Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (from 30 March to 9 Monday to Friday), the sure-to-be-popular with younger visitors to the museum. A story- April) and the Birmingham Hippodrome (7 to attraction also features on-site Christmas telling space and a mini puppet theatre also 18 September). cabins serving mulled wine, German feature. The show comes complete with ‘sensational’ sausages, roasted meats and numerous “We want children to feel a sense of owner- sets, ‘stunning’ special effects and, of other festive favourites. Visitors can enjoy the ship of some of the fantastic works of art that course, the Sherman Brothers’ memorable rink until Sunday 3 January. Tickets start at we have here,” says Andy Fowles, who score. £9 for adults and £8 for children, with dis- devised the concept for the Mini Museum, Jason Manford joins Michelle Collins and counts for family tickets and students. “so it was important to create a space which Phill Jupitus in the show during its Stoke run, is engaging and interesting for children, and playing the lead character of Caractacus where parents feel comfortable letting their Potts, while Lee Mead takes on the role at children play.” the Hippodrome. For more information, visit Tickets can be booked via the theatres’ birminghammuseums.org.uk. respective websites: atgtickets.com and birminghamhippodrome.com. Birmingham in Mexico Two of Birmingham’s leading arts organisations are making themselves known in Mexico as part of this year’s UK-Mexico Year of Culture. Stars in the forest Birmingham Contemporary Music Group will Simply Red will perform as part of the annual this month perform at the country’s Festival Forest Live initiative in 2016. The band, who International Cervantino. recently released new album Big Love, will Meanwhile, Digbeth contemporary art gallery be playing hits such as Money’s Too Tight Grand Union has sent artist Andrew Lacon to (To Mention), Stars and Fairground in undertake a research programme into pre- Cheshire’s Delamere Forest (in Northwich) hispanic art in Mexico City. on Saturday 2 July.

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Bigger Beeb in Brum The BBC Academy is expanding its role in Birmingham with a new digital team. The team’s task will be to come up with products to help deliver fresh, professional training to BBC staff and the wider broadcast industry. Commenting on the expan- sion, Joe Godwin, Director of BBC Birmingham and BBC Academy, said: “Digital products are now a part of how we all learn, communicate and share ideas. Eventually the entire Academy will become searchable for everyone, bringing all the content, courses and expertise into one product for the first time. “The new site will enable a wide range of people to interact with the BBC’s services and training. It’s a fantastic showcase of the work the BBC Academy’s been doing here in Birmingham.” For more information, visit bbc.co.uk/careers.

Hand in glove... People who once worked in Worcester's historic Fownes glove factory have the chance to take a stroll down memory lane this month. The factory was converted into a BBC Music Awards a boost for the economy hotel thirty years ago, and General Manager It’s estimated that the regional economy will get a £2.46million boost when the BBC Music Mohamed Khalil is holding an evening Awards event makes its debut at Birmingham’s Genting Arena next month (Thursday 10 reception and buffet supper on Saturday 21 December). November to celebrate the anniversary. Hosted by Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton, the prestigious show will feature performances Anybody who has family associations with from some of the music industry’s top names, including Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, Little Fownes and would like to attend the hotel Mix, Mumford & Sons and One Direction. In the build up to the main event, the BBC Music reception can get in team will be running a series of outreach initiatives across the city to inspire and encourage touch either by emailing new and aspiring artists. Nigel@media- consult.co.uk or by writing to Julie Merrick at Birmingham celebrates award-winning Swedish composer the hotel in City Walls Road, Worcester WR1 Birmingham Conservatoire is this month holding a week of concerts, events and masterclass- 2AP. es to celebrate the work of award-winning Swedish composer Karen Rehnqvist. The guest list is being Rehnqvist In Birmingham (running at the venue from 9 to 13 November) restricted to sixty. centres around a residency from the composer herself. Karen’s distinctive style incorporates elements of folk music - and particularly the vocal technique of Kulning, traditionally used to call animals across long distances. Festive trees making a Rehnqvist admits that she’s looking forward to hearing her pieces difference for local children rehearsed. “It’s the best part of being a composer,” she says. “I love to work with the musicians and hear their interpretation. I always try to The NSPCC Festival of Trees is returning to inspire them to ‘dare’ a bit more, and be very clear about the expres- Birmingham this Christmas. Following the sion. If there’s a wrong note, it’s okay - the expression and character of resounding success of last year’s event, the music is what’s most important to me.” which raised £20,000, the charity is asking local businesses and organisations to ‘make a difference’ to local children by sponsoring a tree. Birmingham Rep announces new season Throughout December, a display of IN BRIEF Christmas trees will line the Mall of the Three new plays will receive their stage premieres next year as International Convention Centre It’s a fact... part of Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s Spring/Summer 2016 Birmingham (the ICC), bringing some very season. Birmingham is the UK’s Jonathan Coe’s The Rotters’ Club, Gareth Farr’s The Quiet special, tinsel-strewn Christmas cheer to all fastest growing tourist who pass through. House and Tom Wells’ Folk are part of a line-up that also destination. includes a ground-breaking new production of The Commenting on the initiative, Amanda In 2014 the city wel- Synott, NSPCC Fundraising Manager for Government Inspector and a major revival of Alan Bennett’s comed more than Single Spies. Birmingham, said: “The Festival of Trees 37.2million visitors, the was a huge success last year - and with the “I’m proud to announce The REP’s new season,” says Artistic highest number on Director Roxana Silbert. “It combines new work from local writ- generosity and support of the Birmingham record. In the same year, business community, we plan to make this ers alongside exciting premieres, striking productions of clas- almost five thousand new sics and bold new interpretations of three of Shakespeare’s year’s event jobs were created. even bigger and greatest works: Don Warrington stars as King Lear, John The local economy is Heffernan and Anna Maxwell Martin lead in Macbeth, and better.” now worth £5.98billion. Funds raised by experimental theatre company Filter bring their take on Twelfth Continued investment in Night. the Festival of the city’s infrastructure Trees 2015 will “I'm very proud to be working in partnership with some of the and connectivity, and in finest artists and companies in be used to sup- its renaissance as a port the charity’s the country to deliver world retail, cultural and culi- class theatre to our audiences.” work with local nary capital, are all children and To book tickets for the viewed as key reasons Spring/Summer season, ring young people for Birmingham’s grow- from its centre in 0121 236 4455 or visit ing appeal. Birmingham-rep.co.uk. the city. Tom Wells’ Folk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 David Walliams Interview DPS Nov .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:39 Page 1

interview

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk David Walliams Interview DPS Nov .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:39 Page 2

The great thing about seeing Gangsta Granny on “stage is that you’ll get to share it with an audience. ” David Walliams David Walliams’ best-selling children’s book, Gangsta Granny, has been adapted for the theatre by Birmingham Stage Company and this month heads out on tour. What’s On recently caught up with David to talk about the BSC adaptation, the challenge of writing for children - and what his own granny used to do that reminded him of a quacking duck...

What inspired Gangsta Granny, David? Which Dahl book do you particularly like interesting life than yours. Talk to old folk, When I was a child I’d spend lots of time with and why? listen to their stories. They’re bound to be full my grandmas. Sometimes I’d selfishly think The Twits is utterly hilarious. I love that it’s a of magic and wonder. spending time with them could be boring - but children's book with no child characters. when I got them on a subject like living in In what way do you think watching the London during World War Two, when bombs Which other children’s writer did you enjoy stage show will be a different experience were raining down, they’d become very as a child? for children from reading the book? animated and I’d be enthralled. I realised I loved Dr Seuss books, especially Green The great thing about seeing Gangsta Granny everyone has a story to tell. Eggs And Ham. His books are like nightmares on stage is that you’ll get to share it with an come to life. They’re rich and strange and audience. So hopefully you’ll laugh and cry What were your grannies like, and are there utterly unlike anybody else's work. along with everyone else. That's what makes any elements of their characters in Gangsta theatre so special. Granny? What do you think children enjoy in your There was definitely a smell of cabbages in books? What are the elements that make up a good one of my grandmas' houses. The other broke I imagine they like the humour, and that I don't theatrical production for children? wind like a duck quacking when she walked patronise them. I deal with quite big topics - They need to be fun and fast-paced. Children across the room. cross-dressing, homelessness, grief. I know like audience interaction. They like to be children are a lot smarter than most grown- involved. Many people would say there’s a special ups think. bond between children and their Strictly Come Dancing raises its head in grandparents. Why do you think that is? What are your feelings on seeing Gangsta Gangsta Granny. Would you like to be in the I think grandparents love being grandparents Granny adapted for the stage? show and, if so, how would you rate your because they get to give the children back to It's a huge thrill seeing it have this whole new chances of holding the glitter ball? the parents! Children love spending time with life. It’s already been a TV film. People seem to I can't dance at all - as you might’ve seen in their grandparents because they love hearing really like the story. In fact, Gangsta Granny is the TV adaptation of Gangsta Granny, when I their stories and being allowed to stay up past my best-selling book by far. tried to dance with Miranda Hart. So I’d say their bedtime. my chances are less than zero! Are there any particular challenges or When did you decide to write children’s difficulties with staging the story? fiction? There’s lots of action in Gangsta Granny, Ten years ago I had an idea for a story. What if especially when they try to steal the Crown a boy went to school dressed as a girl? I Jewels. The challenge is bringing those thought it would be a thought-provoking scenes to life. children's book. That became The Boy In The Dress, my first of eight children's novels. Are there any scenes you’re particularly looking forward to seeing on stage? What are the delights of writing children’s I like the characters of Ben's mum and dad. fiction? Their obsession with ballroom dancing should The only limitation in a children's book is your be funny, so I can't wait to see them brought to imagination. You can take children on magical life. journeys in books that many adults would be reluctant to go on. Why were you keen to work with Birmingham Stage Company on the And the challenges of writing for children? adaptation? Children love to be scared, but it can't be too I saw their Horrible Histories show, which was horrifying. Children love to laugh, but it can't be superb. I loved the humour and the interaction too rude. You always have to be the right side with the audience, so I’m looking forward to of the line. seeing more of that. Gangsta Granny shows at New Alexandra You’ve often talked about Roald Dahl. What What do you hope children will take away Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 7 to Sat 12 do you think makes him special? from watching Gangsta Granny on stage? December and Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- I think Dahl's books always feel a little bit The moral of the story is, ‘Don't assume old Trent from Wed 8 to Sat 11 June; returning forbidden. He manages to balance the humour people are boring just because they’re old’. In to New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and scary elements in his stories perfectly. fact, they’re likely to have had a much more from Mon 27 June to Sat 2 July 2016.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Lucy Rose Interview DPS Nov .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:33 Page 1

interview

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Lucy Rose Interview DPS Nov .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:34 Page 2

Hailing from Rowington in Warwickshire, Lucy Rose first came to prominence as guest vocalist on Bombay Bicycle Club’s 2010 album, Flaws. She’s since established herself as an artist in her own right, thanks to much-lauded debut album Like I Used To. Now, three years on, she’s making a return with Work It Out, a top-ten release that features a broader, bolder sound. David Vincent caught up with her to find out more...

It’s been three years since your debut. Your new single is Till The End. Can you that there were so many great songs written How did you Work It Out...? tell us a bit about the track? on those guitars! That was great. For the new record I wrote about fifty songs It was written once I’d been given the all- and did tons of demos, which I had to whittle clear on the album. I’d given it over (to the Are you still selling your own brand of tea down. I recorded seventeen songs. That’s record label) and they’d signed it off, it was at gigs? the most difficult part - what goes on and finished. I felt a huge weight had been lifted. Yes! I’ve just had a huge tea delivery to my what’s the sequencing. I love all the songs The pressure was off, and I felt the most flat. I’ve recorded - all of them - so it’s more about creative I’d felt in ages. I wrote that song a the overall mood of the album, mixing light few days later. I did a rough demo, sent it to What’s the blend? with dark, light shades and dark shades. my producer, Rich Cooper, and he said, ‘We It’s a very complex blend! it’s about two parts need to get that on the album!’. So it was English Breakfast Tea to one part Earl Grey. Where did you start writing for it? totally the reverse situation of what the label My family all like different tea - some like Earl A lot of it was written on the road while I was had been doing to me. I was the one saying Grey, some Breakfast - so instead of making touring the last album, which was one of the it wasn’t finished, that I needed to add to it, them each a pot, I’d just put them in the most inspiring places I could’ve been. Every that I needed it to be as strong as it could be. same pot and say, ‘C’mon guys, let’s meet in day we were playing music, every day we We recorded it the day before we went on the middle!’. were meeting new people, and that ended up tour back in March. We didn’t go through ten with me writing every day. different versions, we just did it - and As a tea addict, how do you cope when suddenly it was on the record! you’re abroad? What do you drink instead Did writing while on the move influence of tea? the songs? You’re well known as a guest vocalist, Coffee! It’s awful! I’ve had to evolve. The tea There’s a song called Koln, which was written most famously working with Bombay in other countries isn’t the same. I’m while we were in Koln (Cologne), Germany, Bicycle Club but also Manic Street saddened by having to drink bad tea, so I and there’s another about Sheffield - so that Preachers and Peace. Any more recent or don’t - which is why I drink coffee. Also, experience of travelling, of being on the road, forthcoming collaborations you can tell us we’re up late, so I need it. (Coming back runs through some of the songs. There are about? from my recent tour) as soon as I got on the also songs about people I’ve met at gigs, I sang on Ghostpoet’s new record, Shedding ferry back from Europe, I said, ‘I’m having a people who’ve handed me a letter to tell me Skin, which I’m very honoured to have been proper cup of tea, a real PG Tips’. It was how I’ve inspired them or what a song meant asked to do. The song - Sorry My Love, It’s delicious! to them. I’ve inspired them and that’s You Not Me - is brilliant, as is the whole inspired me. album. There’s a couple of collaborations on How do you like your brew? Do you have a my record. Rae Morris and Sam Brookes are routine? You made your first album yourself at on a couple of tracks. It’s nice to have a I like my tea really strong but with a good home, but with this one, you opted for a couple of contrasting, different voices on splash of milk. But not too milky. Do I have a recording studio... there. tea-drinking routine? No. Sometimes I put the The first album was recorded in my parents’ tea bag in the hot water and then the milk, living room, so it was quite interesting to go How did you meet Obaro Ejimiwe, aka sometimes the tea bag goes in before the and do this one in a studio. It was recorded Ghostpoet? He lived in Coventry for milk, then the water. It just depends how I’m in North London and was kinda perfect. But it several years... feeling at the time! felt quite surreal to go into a studio. Most He just got in touch with me after he was people forget that I recorded at my parents’ nominated for the Mercury Prize for his first Are you looking forward to your Warwick house. Suddenly I was in this studio with lots album, Peanut Butter Blues And Melancholy Arts Centre gig? of history, and it felt properly surreal. Jam. He just said he really liked my voice. It It’s a hometown show! I feel like a bloody was very surreal! nervous wreck. My parents will be coming Like I Used To was such a success that and I’m sure my mum will have a gaggle of fans expected a swift follow-up, but it’s You must have experienced a fair few friends with her, all Warwickshire ladies. You been three years. Why the delay? surreal and ‘pinch me’ moments over the have to go home at Christmas and people It’s not been the quickest of processes. Last last few years. Any others spring to always ask, ‘how’s the music going?’, so I time it was very quick - I recorded the album mind…? want to blow everyone’s socks off. That’s my in January, had a record deal by May and it Neil Young at Hyde Park last year. He is hope for the gig. was released in September. This time, we amazing! Neil Young was one of the biggest were sitting on tracks for a long time and I references for my first record of capturing You cut your teeth playing ‘open mic’ was wondering whether there were definitely character over perfection. I was madly nights in London. But before you headed enough good songs. impressed by him. My booking agent was so to the capital, did you play much around excited to tell me when it was confirmed that Coventry and Warwickshire? When did you know that the album was I’d be playing on the same stage as Neil I did one gig at Coventry’s Kasbah when the ready? Young at Hyde Park. There was so much first record came out, but I didn’t want to play I’m lucky enough to have some good people about seeing him and seeing him on that to people I knew, which is why I went to around me and I listen to them - but when it stage... London and played to strangers. If it all goes felt right, it felt right. It felt like the right time to bad at Warwick Arts Centre, I may never put it out there. I was waiting for it for a long Did you get a chance to speak to him? come back! time; for it to be the best I could make it. It all I was definitely not brave enough to speak to came together in the end. The songwriting him - I’d never have been able to do that. I was the hard bit, although the organisational met David Gilmour recently - I just talked at part can be gruelling in its own way - the him for five minutes and walked off. I don’t Lucy Rose plays Warwick Arts Centre, planning, the videos and the promotion - but know what I said. So I’m banning myself from Coventry, on Fri 13 November and The that’s just something you have to go talking to my heroes. At Hyde Park, I was just Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, on Tues 17 through… perving over Neil’s guitars - just standing November there for ages, looking at them and thinking

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Courtney Barnett Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 27 November Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney is well known for her witty, rambling lyrics and deadpan singing style, both of which went down a storm when she played Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage this summer. With debut album Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit receiving widespread critical acclaim, expect big things from this hugely talented twenty-seven-year-old.

Snakecharmer Mumford & Sons Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 30 November The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 5 November British rock band Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums since coming to- Six of the UK's most esteemed and experienced gether in 2007. Debut offering Sigh No More (2009) peaked at number two on the UK Al- rock musicians have joined forces to create bums Chart and the US Billboard 200, while Babel (2012) and Wilder Mind (2015) both Snakecharmer. made number one on either side of the Atlantic. Indeed, the former became the fastest- Original Whitesnake members Micky Moody and selling rock album of the decade and led to a headline performance at Glastonbury in Neil Murray have teamed up with Laurie Wisefield 2013. The band capped off an incredible summer with a huge British return show at the (Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Reading Festival in August. Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) and Chris Ousey (Heartland), playing classic twin-guitar- based rock exactly as it should be played.

Albert Hammond Jr Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Thurs 19 November With The Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, John Lennon and The Velvet Underground cited as his major influences, it’s fair to say Albert Hammond Jr has learned his craft from the best. His father no doubt contributed to his education too, having himself enjoyed plenty of success in the singles charts during the 1960s and ’70s, both as a songwriter and a singer. A member of indie rock band The Strokes, Ham- mond Jr released his first solo album, Yours To Keep, back in 2006, following up with a second offering two years later. This current tour is in support of third album Mo- mentary Masters, released earlier this year by Va- grant Records.

The Staves O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sun 1 November Acoustic folk rock group The Staves comprise three sisters from Watford - Emily, Jessica and Camilla. The trio appeared on Tom Jones’ 2010 album Praise And Blame and then on Fionn Regan's third album, 100 Acres Of Sycamore. In 2012 the band released debut album Dead & Born & Grown - performed with The Civil Wars - and supported Bon Iver on their tour of the US and Canada. Their second full-length album, If I Was, debuted at number fourteen on the Official UK Album Chart when it was released in March this year.

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Music PREVIEWS Average White Band The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Sun 22 November This talented six-piece are regarded as one of the best soul, R&B and funk bands ever. First known for timeless instrumental hit Pick Up The Pieces, the band's strength lies in their songwriting, which has helped them achieve several gold and platinum albums and three Grammy nominations with Atlantic Records. They were also the first Brits to si- multaneously sit at the summit of the USA Top 100 Singles, Albums and R&B Singles charts.

Ghostpoet O2 Institute, Birmingham, Tues 24 November Ghostpoet is a rapper whose remarkable sound in trip-hop, dubstep and hip-hop has singled him out as one of the most distinctive voices in British music today. Julia Holter He made his mark with Cash & Carry Me Home in early 2011. He then released debut album The Glee Club, Birmingham, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, narrowly missing out to PJ Harvey for the 2011 Mer- Wed 11 November cury Prize. His second album, this year’s Some Say I So I Say Light, was warmly received, American artist, singer, songwriter, producer earning him slots at numerous festivals. and composer Julia Holter hit the big time in This new tour comes in support of third album Shedding Skin, released earlier this year. 2011 when debut studio album Tragedy was named one of the National Public Radio’s Best Outer Sounds Albums. She’s since released a further three albums: Ekstasis, The Swing Commanders My Baby which drew comparisons with works by Kate Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 7 November O2 Academy, Birmingham, Wed 4 November Bush and Joanna Newsom; Loud City Song, The Swing Commanders are back with a Having recently supported Seasick Steve on which she recorded with an ensemble of mu- high-energy show featuring vintage tunes tour, this Netherlands-based three-piece sicians; and Have You In My Wilderness, in from the likes of Glenn Miller, Louis Jordan bring their new album - Shamanaid - to UK support of which is this current UK tour. and Bob Wills. stages for a run of headline shows. Famed for their showstopping appearances The band combine soul, blues, trance and at jazz, swing and coun- rock with a psychedelic twist. try festivals, their travels this year have taken them to mainland Eu- rope and America, where they headlined the Legends Of Western Swing event in Texas.

Bellowhead - That’s All Folks Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 25 November This eleven-piece group merge folk, jazz, funk, classical and world music influences Paul Weller with a twist of English music hall. Between Imagine Dragons them they play more than twenty instruments Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 20 November Fri 27 November and have picked up numerous coveted awards in recognition of their quality. They’re US chart phenomenon Imagine Dragons first Forever doomed to be known as the Mod-fa- calling it a day after this tour, bringing down exploded on to the global scene with their ther (if only behind his back), Paul Weller has the curtain on twelve amazing years, so catch huge hit Radioactive, following it up with It’s done much of his growing up in public. them while you can. Time, Demons and Top Of The World. In the From the heady punk-pop days of The Jam in process they sold over twenty-two million sin- the 1970s to the more soulful Style Council of gles worldwide and four million copies of the 1980s, he's graduated to a solo career debut album Night Visions. consisting of solid guitar work punctuated by They here bring highly anticipated new flashes of lyrical ingenuity and no shortage of album Smoke + Mirrors to the stage, with ironic backhanders. support coming from UK and Aussie surfers “I’ve always had an element of self-doubt,” Sunset Sons. Weller recently revealed in an interview with “With Smoke + Mirrors, I really tried to just the Guardian, “and that’s probably one of the open up a little more,” explains frontman Dan reasons why - not that I’m in any way un- Reynolds to mercurynews.com, “and kind of happy about it - I’ve never been an interstel- go places that I've been afraid of going. The lar, mega-superstar. Because you can only whole record is really a raw record, which I'm really do that when you’re one hundred per- really proud of, you know? But it was scary cent sure about what you’re doing.” for me.”

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Foghorn ImProv - mark grIst anD tIme cLare – rogue an ImProvIseD murDer teacher – raP BattLIng anD shItty Poetry 19th november 2015 / 7:30pm 27th november 2015 / 7:30pm Tickets: £12 (£6 Concessions) Tickets: £10.50

comeDy nIght – Joe Lycett, Juneau ProJects – Foghorn ImProv – JoeL Dommett anD comPere aDam roWe I am the LIve WarrIor What the DIckens?! 3rd December 2015 / 8pm 11th December 2015 / 7:30pm 17th December 2015 / 7:30pm Advanced Tickets £5 (Tickets on the night £7.50) Tickets: £8 (£5 Concessions) Tickets: £12 (£6 Concessions) Music November Region One Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:51 Page 6

THE TOTAL STONE ROSES GIG REVIEWS LISTINGS The Roadhouse, Birm- Music Music ingham FLEETWOOD BAC The For full listing information on gigs, Robin, Bilston including times and dates, JOHNNY 2 BAD & SKA 4 For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk LIFE Irish Centre, Birm- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ingham KATIE STILLMAN & SIMON The Demon Barbers LANE Artrix, Bromsgrove deSUN 1 NOV CAST: BROADCAST III STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Conserva- BRASS BAND The Rose RAYMOND FROGGATT Ar- toire Theatre, Kidderminster The opening notes of Green Day's Holi- trix, Bromsgrove DEVON SPROULE & INVI- NINE BELOW ZERO Hunt- day ring out across Victoria Square, and a THE MOULETTES & NI- TATION TO LOVEThe Tin ingdon Hall, Worcester group of girls dressed in green skirts ZLOPI The Assembly, Music And Arts, Coven- DARK HOUDINI O2 Acad- jump forward to start clanging sticks to- Leamington Spa try emy, Birmingham THE STYLISTICS The Jam gether. Seconds in, the noise is joined by THE STAVES O2 Institute, PIERA ONACKO TRIO House, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham the jingle of bells blended with accordion Birmingham JESS GLYNNE O2 Acad- HOT 8 BRASS BAND Hare HANNAH JAMES Malvern music, as an older morris troupe starts up emy, Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham Cube, Worcestershire alongside them. This is The Demon Bar- IO EARTH The Robin, Bil- DISSIDENT PROPHET, TOM SAMM HENSHAW & IZZY bers' pre-show dance extravaganza, ston PEEL & JOANNA BLUE O2 Institute, Birm- KARSELIS Hare & where local dancers come to strut their stuff in place of a scheduled NAH The Sunflower ingham Hounds, Birmingham INTO THE SHADOWS support act. Lounge, Birmingham THE HENRY GIRLS DERADOORIAN The Rain- Dovehouse Theatre, If this all sounds a bit mental already, it's nothing compared to the any- Kitchen Garden Cafe, bow Venues, B’ham Solihull thing-goes show that's to follow inside Town Hall. Named best live act Birmingham ELIOT SUMNER The Rain- ANGRY MAN, SHAUN at the 2009 Radio 2 Folk Awards, The Demon Barbers are a dynamic BLACKLISTERS, THEM bow Venues, B’ham WILLIAMS AND JON AN EVENING WITH PAUL part of the contemporary folk mash-up movement, their strange fu- WOLVES, FALSE GRAILS & COCKLE The Marr's Bar, MCGRATH Irish Centre, sions standing alongside those of bands like Bellowhead and False JIM ZORN Hare & Worcester Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham J FERNANDEZ & JAGHANA Lights. What makes this group unique, however, is that it's not all in the DISORDER The Rainbow The Tin Music And Arts, tunes themselves: their eclectic mix of morris, clog and hip hop danc- Venues, Birmingham THU 5 NOV Coventry FRITS WENTINK Hare & ing (sometimes all at once) is every bit as central to their shows. INVASION The Road- MCALMONT & BUTLER Hounds, Birmingham The Disco at the Tavern tour brings together some of the country's old- house, Birmingham AND THE MAGIC NUM- DUBCHERRY Hare & est songs with original compositions and, on this occasion, even a LITTLE JIMMY Irish Cen- BERS O2 Institute, Birm- Hounds, Birmingham tre, Birmingham ingham Grateful Dead tribute. Waistcoats and bowler hats paired with neon BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY MUSIC OF BENARES Ort GOSPEL GOES CHARITY ties and shutter glasses visually set the tone for when fiddle and Cafe, Birmingham Malvern Theatres melodeon meet electric bass guitar and keyboard. Among the 2015 - 10TH ANNIVER- SARY CELEBRATION Birm- SAT 7 NOV evening's highlights are the atmospheric Three Ravens, Bryony Grif- MON 2 NOV ingham Town Hall fith's soaring vocals on Sally Free and Easy and Bonny Boy and the AN EVENING WITH PAUL TRU GROOVE The Jam JOE SATRIANI Symphony ska rhythms and frenzied chorus of Go Boys Go, as well as an aston- MCGRATH Irish Centre, House, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Birmingham ANTARCTIC MONKEYS O2 ishingly slick sword dance that morris men and hip hop crew tear NATHAN ENGLAND-JONES DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE O2 Academy, Birmingham through together. QUARTET Birmingham Academy, Birmingham THE HURLING BOYS Irish What's perhaps most exciting about any Demon Barbers gig, however, Conservatoire RALPH MCTELL Artrix, Centre, Birmingham PAUL ARMFIELD - FOUND is how much fun the band themselves are obviously having. Their en- Bromsgrove QUADROPHENIA NIGHT Kitchen Garden Cafe, ergy is infectious: no one knows how to throw a party like Damien Bar- EDDI READER Warwick featuring The Atlantics Birmingham ber and his maverick team. Heather Kincaid Arts Centre, Coventry and DJ Drew Stansall nnnn DINOSAUR PILE-UP The YELAWOLF O2 Acad- (The Specials), O2 Rainbow Venues, Birm- emy, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham ingham SOAK O2 Institute, Birm- AND FINALLY... PHIL James Bay TUE 3 NOV ingham COLLINS The Best of KING PLEASURE AND THE Phil Collins Part Two O2 Academy, Birmingham BLACKBERRY SMOKE O2 BISCUIT BOYS The Jam Tour, The Swan The- Academy, Birmingham House, Birmingham atre, Worcester To say that twenty-five-year-old singer- GRAVEYARD O2 Acad- SNAKECHARMER The GREY WOLF Artrix, songwriter James Bay has had a busy emy, Birmingham Robin, Bilston Bromsgrove year would be an understatement. His THE ORDINARY BOYS The JAMIE SMITH'S MABON THE SWING COMMAND- Huntingdon Hall, debut studio album, The Chaos And The Copper Rooms, Coven- ERS Artrix, Bromsgrove Worcester SECRET AFFAIR O2 Insti- Calm, went straight in at Number One in try JACK GARRATT O2 Insti- C DUNCAN The Sun- tute, Birmingham the UK album charts - selling over sixty- tute, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham ANDROMEDA O2 Insti- four thousand copies in the first week. THE PARLOTONES The HOLY MOLY & THE CRACK- tute, Birmingham His summer has been filled with festival Jam House, B’ham ERS & THE BUFFALO NILS LOFGREN Malvern SKINNERS The Tin Music performances - including a daytime slot BOBBY LONG Hare & Theatres And Arts, Coventry 3 DIVAS TRIBUTE The on Glastonbury’s famous Pyramid Stage - and he was even chosen Hounds, Birmingham LEROY JONES Malvern THE GARDEN Hare & Robin, Bilston as the winner of the BRIT Critics’ Choice award. Theatres Hounds, Birmingham ROXY MAGIC The Road- It’s no surprise, then, that this entire tour has been a sell out. HAWKLORDS The Robin, SWINDLE Hare & house, Birmingham Wearing his signature hat, Bay arrived on stage to be greeted by an Bilston Hounds, Birmingham BEE GEES FEVER The army of screaming girls. BENJI KIRKPATRICK AND Rose Theatre, Kidder- JANIE MITCHELL Kitchen FRI 6 NOV minster Opening his set with Collide - his funkiest number off the album - the JOHN KIRKPATRICKHunt- Garden Cafe, B’ham HAPPY MONDAYS O2 artist showcased his impressive, husky vocals to the packed-out O2 ingdon Hall, Worcester CASPIAN & JO QUAIL The Academy, Birmingham Academy. PREDITAH, SKEPTA, Rainbow Venues, Birm- THE NAKED BEATLES CAUSE & AFFECT, DJ TAR- He swiftly moved to Craving, a beat-driven ballad accompanied by an ingham Route 44, Birmingham GET, BASSBOY, AD, C4 electric guitar riff and heavily pounding drums. If You Ever Want To Be IBEYI The Oobleck, AND KIE O2 Academy, In Love and Get Out While You Can - Bay’s heaviest and most rock-in- WED 4 NOV Birmingham Birmingham UNCLE FUNK & THE BOO- fluenced track - also featured in the early part of the set. WILL YOUNG Symphony PERCUSSION SPECIAL GIE WONDERBAND The Although he’s labelled as an indie/folk rock artist, Bay’s latest offering Hall, Birmingham WITH GOGGIE IFILL AND Assembly, Leamington showcases his ability to diversify. The slower, more soul-influenced MOTLEY CRUE Genting BETHAN JONES Sym- Spa Arena, Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham Move Together, Need The Sun To Break and Scars saw the audience JAMES ZABIELA The MY BABY O2 Academy, COR GLANAETHWY Sym- singing along with every word. Rainbow Venues, Birm- Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham ingham The evening’s penultimate number was a cover of Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t ALAN REID & ROB VAN DAN SMITH & KRIS DARLIA O2 Institute, Got You. Bay’s take on the R&B classic was preferable to the original, SANTE The Red Lion ROCHELLE The Sun- Birmingham his guitar solo partway through being nothing short of mesmerising. Folk Club, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham EAGLES OF DEATH METAL THE SUNSHINE UNDER- STICKY JOE & CHESHIRE Best Fake Smile and Let It Go generated some of the best crowd re- O2 Institute, B’ham GROUND O2 Institute, CAT Hare & Hounds, actions, as did his most popular single, Hold Back The River, the TRU GROOVE The Jam Birmingham Birmingham House, Birmingham song with which Bay sensibly chose to close the show. MIKE ZITO & THE WHEEL KWAI & LORD BYRON MR PRESIDENT Irish Lauren Foster nnnn The Robin, Bilston Hare & Hounds, B’ham Centre, Birmingham THE LIVE JAZZ BROAD ARTHUR AND THE INVIN-

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Birmingham The Marr's Bar, Worces- Birmingham LISTINGS SHAM 69 O2 Institute, ter THE SOUNDS OF SIMON FRI 20 NOV Music Birmingham DUCKTAILS Hare & Kitchen Garden Cafe, KATZENJAMMER O2 Insti- Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- For full listing information on gigs, tute, Birmingham RICHARD DORFMEISTER & SHARON SHANNON The ENCE The Robin, Bilston FALLEN & KNIGHTWISH including times and dates, GLITZ, BLITZ & 70S HITZ STEVE COBBY Hare & Marr's Bar, Worcester Birmingham Town Hall Hounds, Birmingham CHRIS ALDRIDGE AND Route 44, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE SKA STUDS Irish EVERYTHING EVERYTHING BEEBE The Jam House, IMAGINE DRAGONS Bar- Centre, Birmingham DJ SET The Oobleck, Birmingham claycard Arena, B’ham CIBLES, THE DELTA BAND Kitchen Garden THE SUBTERRANEANS Birmingham HOWIE PAYNE Hare & STEVE HARLEY & COCK- RHYTHM & AGAINST THE Cafe, Birmingham The Jam House, B’ham THE RAMONAS, DEVILISH Hounds, Birmingham NEY REBEL - The Best WHEEL The Rainbow THAT'LL BE THE DAY POLICED The Marr's Bar, PRESLEY, ROTUNDA & THE BLACK FEATHERS Years of our Lives 40th Venues, Birmingham Royal Spa Centre, Worcester ARMY OF SKANKS The The Roses Theatre, Anniversary Tour, War- IBIZA CARNIVAL PRES- Leamington Spa DRESSED TO KILL - THE Rainbow Venues, Birm- Tewkesbury wick Arts Centre, ENTS CAFE MAMBO The KENT DUCHAINE The Jam TRIBUTE TO KISS The ingham Coventry Rainbow Venues, Birm- House, Birmingham Robin, BIlston WAFF The Rainbow Ven- WED 18 NOV THE WAILERS O2 Acad- ingham LA VIE EN ROSE Sym- ues, Birmingham emy, Birmingham BILL PATRICK, JACK WICK- WED 11 NOV phony Hall, B’ham DEATH BY THY SHEPHERD THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN HEY BEATLES Dovehouse HAM & LEWIS OXLEY The LIGHT YOU UP The Asy- TOUR The Flapper, Birm- New Alexandra Theatre, Theatre, Solihull ELLA EYRE Rainbow Venues, Birm- O2 Academy, lum, Birmingham ingham Birmingham GHOSTPOET The Copper ingham Birmingham THE SMYTHS The As- THE FATHER TEDS Irish FRANK TURNER & THE Rooms, Coventry JULIA HOLTER STONE COLD KILLERS & The Glee sembly, Leamington Centre, Birmingham SLEEPING SOULS O2 KREPT & KONAN O2 Insti- HUMP DE BUMP The Club, Birmingham Spa Academy, Birmingham tute, Birmingham GET ON UP! Marr’s Bar, Worcester mac, B’ham KING PLEASURE & THE r STEAK NUMBER 8 The B'SPOKE The Jam DUTCH UNCLES SUN 15 NOV MOTOWN LEGENDS PARTY Hare & BISCUIT BOYS Hunting- Rainbow Venues, Birm- House, Birmingham WITH SOUL LEGEND Nail- Hounds, Birmingham don Hall, Worcester THE RAF IN CONCERT ingham THE EUREKA MACHINES ELEVENSES CHRISTMAS cote Hall, Berkswell, BABAJACK Palace The- 2015 Symphony Hall, THE ENEMY DJ SET The The Marr's Bar, Worces- CELEBRATIONS Warwickshire Palace atre, Redditch Birmingham Oobleck, Birmingham ter CHRIS CLEVERLEY Ort Theatre, Redditch TALON - THE BEST OF EA- HUGH CORNWELL The THE ENEMY O2 Institute, CHILDREN OF THE GRAVY MAGIC: A KIND OF QUEEN Cafe, Birmingham GLES Malvern Theatres Assembly, Leamington Birmingham The Roadhouse, Birm- BOLLYWOOD THERAPY Royal Spa Centre, SAM JACKSON O2 Acad- Spa NITIN SAWHNEY O2 Insti- ingham CBSO Centre, B’ham Leamington Spa emy, Birmingham MEGADETH & LAMB OF tute, Birmingham NICK HARPER Hunting- GREG ABATE No1 Shake- LTJ BUKEM Hare & GOD O2 Academy, Birm- ESKA mac, Birmingham don Hall, Worcester SUN 8 NOV speare St, Stratford- Hounds, Birmingham ingham GOSPEL CENTRAL The THE DRIVE O2 Academy, upon-Avon ANNIE MAC The Rainbow CORY HENRY & THE FUNK Jam House, B’ham Birmingham SEAN CUDDY Irish Cen- SAMANTHA FISH AND Venues, Birmingham APOSTLES Hare & RALPH MCTELL Albany NERO O2 Institute, Birm- tre, Birmingham LAURENCE JONES The ROCK ANTHEMS Solihull Hounds, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry ingham THE PROCLAIMERS New Robin, Bilston Arts Centre THE NICK ROSS ORCHES- FIL CAMPBELL & TOM EVA PLAYS DEAD The Alexandra Theatre, LONELY THE BRAVE O2 TRA: SOUNDS OF THE MCFARLAND The Red Asylum, Birmingham Birmingham Academy, Birmingham SAT 14 NOV SABBOTAGE & PRIEST UN- Lion Folk Club, B’ham BLAIR DUNLOP The CATFISH AND THE BOT- PAT TRAVERS The As- LEASHED The Robin, Bil- KIKO BUN O2 Institute, Oobleck, Birmingham TLEMEN O2 Academy, sembly, Leamington ROY ORBISON AND ston Birmingham COLLAPSED LUNG The Birmingham Spa FRIENDS Palace Theatre, THE WATCH PLAYS GENE- NEWTON FAULKNER The Assembly, Leamington BARS AND MELODY O2 CADDY COOPER Kitchen Redditch SIS : TWO SIDES LIVE The Assembly, Leamington Spa Academy, Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Robin, Bilston Spa SOMALI STARS F MAX- CORKY LAING The Road- LA PRIEST Hare & Symphony Hall, B’ham MAVERICK SABRE O2 MARTHA TILSTON No1 AMED BK & SAHARA house, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham MAMA - GENESIS Solihull Academy, Birmingham Shakespeare St, Strat- LLAYS The Drum, Birm- EMILY PORTMAN TRIO VIN GARBUTT The Loyal Arts Complex FIDLAR, BULLY & VANT ford-upon-Avon ingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, Caledonian Corks, THE SUBTERRANEANS O2 Institute, B’ham JOHN MCENTIRE & THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS Birmingham Birmingham The Jam House, B’ham GILMORE & ROBERTS SCHNEIDER KACIREK The BAND No1 Shakespeare FRENCH CHANSON AND BOOTLEG BLONDIE The Kitchen Garden Cafe, Tin Music And Arts, St, Stratford-upon-Avon GYPSY JAZZ WITH MONT- THU 12 NOV Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham Coventry DADDY G Hare & PARNASSE The Marr's EVERYTHING EVERYTHING THE READY EDDIES The Hounds, Birmingham JOHN WILSON & THE THE JAM’D The Road- Bar, Worcester O2 Academy, B’ham Robin, Bilston ROW TO BOAT Hare & JOHN WILSON ORCHES- house, Birmingham CALLAGHAN Hare & JACK AND JACK O2 RAKETANON Hare & Hounds, Birmingham TRA Symphony Hall, FRAN THE MAN Irish Cen- Hounds, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham JIM WYNN SWING OR- Birmingham tre, Birmingham JOGLARESA Huntingdon THE LIFE & MUSIC OF CHESTRA Hare & KING KING Artrix, Broms- Hall, Worcester CLIFFORD T. WARD Artrix, THU 19 NOV Hounds, Birmingham grove MON 16 NOV MAD ABOUT MUSICALS Bromsgrove ANTI-SYSTEM & CON- THE MOCKINJAYS The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- TALIB KWELI O2 Institute, QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA - MY LIFE STORY The As- STANT STATE OF TERROR Jam House, B’ham bury Birmingham 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF 'A sembly, Leamington The Rainbow Venues, VAMPIRES ROCK New SHERRY BABYS: FRANKIE NIGHT AT THE OPERA' Spa Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, VALLI & THE FOUR SEA- Birmingham Town Hall STEELEYE SPAN Birming- DAVE CLARKE The Rain- MON 9 NOV Birmingham SONS TRIBUTE Evesham WILL YOUNG Symphony ham Town Hall bow Venues, B’ham MARTYN JOSEPH Hunt- ABC Symphony Hall, Arts Centre, Worcester- Hall, Birmingham OF MONSTERS AND MEN MOTOWN AND SOUL ingdon Hall, Worcester Birmingham shire THE GREAT VOICES OF O2 Academy, B’ham NIGHT WITH DJ PAUL DAN ANDRIANO O2 Insti- WE ARE THE OCEAN The THE MOTELLAS Nailcote SOUL FT. THE WHISPERS ALBERT HAMMOND JR. KELLY Irish Centre, tute, Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham Hall, Berkswell, War- O2 Academy, B’ham Hare & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham VINTAGE TROUBLE THE RED PAINTINGS The O2 In- wickshire PERIPHERY O2 Institute, ANDY SHEPPARD QUAR- Rainbow Venues, Birm- stitute, Birmingham JOEY BADA$$ O2 Insti- Birmingham TET Warwick Arts Cen- JAH WOBBLE'S INVADERS SAT 21 NOV ingham tute, Birmingham THE OMMA N CHAIN tre, Coventry OF THE HEART EX HEX The Oobleck, The HOOSIERS Huntingdon SHOWCASE Crescent DEL CAMINO The Jam FROM THE JAM - SOUND Birmingham Robin, Bilston Hall, Worcester Theatre, Birmingham House, Birmingham AFFECTS O2 Academy, YOUNGHUSBAND & TWENTY ONE PILOTS O2 JOE STILGOE Warwick WALSALL JAZZ ORCHES- KEYWEST Hare & Birmingham GRIMM GRIMM Institute, Birmingham The Sun- Arts Centre, Coventry TRA Forest Arts Centre, Hounds, Birmingham CELTIC WOMAN Sym- LAWSON O2 Academy, flower Lounge, B’ham SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Walsall MIKE STEWART phony Hall, B’ham MARK PONTIN Birmingham The As- Symphony Hall, B’ham THE MAGIC BAND The LAWRENCE Dovehouse FUSE ODG O2 Academy, ANGE HARDY Kitchen sembly, Leamington THE REAL THING The Robin, Bilston Theatre, Solihull Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham Spa Robin, Bilston JOHN JOSEPH BRILL The FOSTER & ALLEN Royal B’SPOKE The Jam SHEELANAGIG RADIATOR HOSPITAL Hare Hare & BEATY HEART & BREEZE Sunflower Lounge, Spa Centre, Leaming- House, Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham ton Spa THE NIGHT WATCH- Birmingham BLIND BOY PAXTON BAY CITY ROLLERS STAR- SINGING THE SEASONS TUE 10 NOV FRI 13 NOV ARCANE ROOTS The Asy- Kitchen Garden Cafe, RING LES MCKEOWN The Artrix, Bromsgrove Robin, Bilston JAWS The Copper SHOWADDYWADDY For- lum, Birmingham Birmingham THE BOOTLEG SIXTIES Ar- ZERVAS & PEPPER The Rooms, Coventry est Arts Centre, Walsall WALTER HAWKINS CHOIR trix, Bromsgrove Glee Club, Birmingham TOUCHSTONE & SPECIAL DIZZY LIZZY The Road- CELEBRATION - OH HAPPY TUE 17 NOV NELL BRYDEN O2 Insti- MARIA SCHNEIDER JAZZ GUESTS The Assembly, house, Birmingham DAY Birmingham Con- tute, Birmingham STEVE HARLEY & COCK- ORCHESTRA Symphony Leamington Spa SACK SABBATH & CORAYA servatoire KACEY MUSGRAVES O2 NEY REBEL Symphony Hall, Birmingham SATAN The Asylum, Route 44, Birmingham CORKY LAING The As- Institute, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham BRANTLEY GILBERT O2 Birmingham SKINDRED O2 Institute, sembly, Leamington TITUS ANDRONICUS Hare EVERY TIME I DIE The Institute, Birmingham THE ENEMY The Empire, Birmingham Spa & Hounds, Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham BRAIDS The Oobleck, Coventry BON GIOVI Artrix, Broms- AFFINITY 4 The Drum, PRIDES O2 Institute, PETTER ELDH'S AMOK Birmingham STRIKING MATCHES O2 grove Birmingham Birmingham AMOR mac, Birmingham SHARON SHANNON Institute, Birmingham LUCY ROSE Warwick Arts SIMON KEMP RHYTHM SKINNY MOLLY The CHERIE CURRIE OF THE Kitchen Garden Cafe, SAINT RAYMOND O2 In- Centre, Coventry AND BLUES ORCHESTRA Robin, Bilston RUNAWAYS The Robin, Birmingham stitute, Birmingham THE FRATELLIS The Cop- No1 Shakespeare St, EDDI READER Hunting- Bilston METAL MASHUP The THE DRIFTERS Malvern per Rooms, Coventry Stratford-upon-Avon don Hall, Worcester DURAN (DURAN DURAN) WAVVES O2 Institute, Roadhouse, B’ham Theatres THE STEVE GIBBONS REEL NOTE Irish Centre, For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Music November Region One Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:51 Page 9

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MODESTEP O2 Academy, Birmingham Music LISTINGS GYPTIAN O2 Institute, Birmingham For full listing information on gigs, HATCHAM SOCIAL The Sunflower Lounge, including times and dates, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk STRAY FROM THE PATH The Asylum, B’ham TOO REX - TRIBUTE TO ingham Town Hall THE MEN THAT WILL NOT MARC BOLAN & T-REX MALCOLM STENT IN THE BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING The Roadhouse, B’ham AFTERNOON Solihull Arts The Oobleck, B’ham ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Complex MARIE CLAIRE BERREEN Number 8 Community BRIDGET KELLY O2 Insti- The Marr's Bar, Worces- Arts Centre, Pershore, tute, Birmingham ter Worcestershire MATT CORBY O2 Insti- LEELA JAMES Hare & GUTS FOR GLORY, FIRES tute, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham THAT DIVIDE, PELUGION, CLIFF & THE SHADZ The RED SHOES The Road- FREE SUN RISING AND Robin, Bilston house, Birmingham SOUTHFALL O2 Acad- BRASS MINIFEST: PHILIP emy, Birmingham COBB PUBLIC MASTER- FRI 27 NOV MEET ON THE LEDGE The CLASS Birmingham Bear Pit Theatre, Strat- Conservatoire PAUL WELLER Barclay- ford BRASS MINIFEST: THE AL- card Arena, B’ham Death Cab For Cutie - O2 Academy, Birmingham BON GIOVI The Robin, FRED CORFIELD TRUMPET SLAYER O2 Academy, Town Hall Shakespeare St, Strat- JAZZ AT THE MOVIES Soli- Bilston PRIZE Birmingham Con- Birmingham DANCING QUEEN - THE ford-upon-Avon hull Arts Centre THE PETEBOX The servatoire JASPER CARROTT STAND CONCERT Palace The- THE GRIMETHORPE COL- BLAKE & BRAZIL Irish Oobleck, Birmingham GREY WOLF Kitchen Gar- UP & ROCK Wyre Forest atre, Redditch LIERY BAND Malvern Centre, Birmingham DIRE STREETS Hunting- den Cafe, Birmingham Glades Arena, Kidder- BEARTOOTH O2 Acad- Theatres BRING ME THE HORIZON don Hall, Worcester TEN FE, JUICE & CINEMA minster emy, Birmingham GREEN HAZE The Marr's O2 Academy, B’ham SHATTER EFFECT The Hare & Hounds, Birm- MARINA AND THE DIA- PARTY NIGHT WITH BOR- Bar, Worcester AREA 11 O2 Institute, Marr's Bar, Worcester ingham MONDS O2 Institute, DERLINE Nailcote Hall, WORLDSERVICE PROJECT Birmingham THE LOADED The Tin WIDOWSPEAK Hare & Birmingham Berkswell, Warwickshire & ZODIAK TRIO The Tin CHINA CRISIS The Robin, Music And Arts, Coven- Hounds, Birmingham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE THE SNOWBALL CHARITY Music And Arts, Coven- Bilston try The Jam House, B’ham PARTY WITH JARZINO try THREADED Kitchen Gar- DJ FORMAT & ABDOMINAL THE JAMES HUNTER SIX & TUE 24 NOV Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, WOBBLE Hare & den Cafe, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham THE ATLANTIC PLAYERS Warwickshire Hounds, Birmingham THE BLACKBYRDS Hare & DIRE STREETS Hunting- WALTER TROUT The As- Hare & Hounds, B’ham BRENDON MANDERS O2 ADESSE VERSIONS Hare Hounds, Birmingham don Hall, Worcester sembly, Leamington UNFORGETTABLE Palace Academy, Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham ALTERED SKY, EVERYBODY ANDY C The Rainbow Spa Theatre, Redditch JAZZ FESTIVAL STARRING CREAM 9TH ANNIVER- LOOKS FAMOUS & FAKE Venues, Birmingham BEANS ON TOAST The MAINLY MADNESS The ARUN GOSH Belgrade SARY The Rainbow Ven- THE ATTACK The Rain- PARANOID LONDON, ADAM Rainbow Venues, Birm- Robin, Bilston Theatre, Coventry ues, Birmingham bow Venues, B’ham SHELTON & TOM CRAVEN ingham CHAD VALLEY O2 Acad- ENTROPI & COREY RUSS YALLOP The Rain- THE VIBRATORS, COM- The Rainbow Venues, GHOSTPOET O2 Institute, emy, Birmingham MWAMBA TRIO DOUBLE bow Venues, B’ham PLETE DYSFUNCTION, Birmingham Birmingham THE STRAWBS Hunting- BILL Belgrade Theatre, APPLAUSE Dovehouse CODE 46 & THE VICTIMS THE LENNON AND MC- CHARLOTTE CARPENTER don Hall, Worcester Coventry Theatre, Solihull The Rainbow Venues, CARTNEY EXPERIENCE The Sunflower Lounge, NICK HARPER The Glee THE COUNTERFEIT SOULED OUT 2 FUNK The Birmingham Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Birmingham Club, Birmingham STONES The Robin, Bil- Roadhouse, B’ham Warwickshire HEART OF A COWARD The EVIL SCARECROW O2 In- ston BLACK JACK DAVEY & DJ THE ROVING CROWS Irish Marr's Bar, Worcester stitute, Birmingham MON 30 NOV HIT THAT JIVE JACK The ROB Irish Centre, B’ham Centre, Birmingham SARAH CRACKNELL The Assembly, Leamington SOULED OUT TO FUNK THE WATERBOYS Sym- SCORCHER 15TH AN- WED 25 NOV Oobleck, Birmingham Spa The Roadhouse, B’ham phony Hall, B’ham NIVERSARY Irish Centre, KARL LOXLEY Albany THE SENSATIONAL 60'S SOCA CENTRAL The IVOR & LYNN’S CLASSIC EMMMA-LEE SHEPHERD Birmingham Theatre, Coventry EXPERIENCE Palace The- Drum, Birmingham ROCK DISCO Route 44, Crescent Theatre, Birm- BLACK COUNTRY COMMU- THE CLONE ROSES The atre, Redditch INTO THE SHADOWS Birmingham ingham NITY & BAD FLOWERS Empire, Coventry MEATWAVE The Sun- Huntingdon Hall, KARIMA FRANCIS Ort MUMFORD & SONS Route 44, Birmingham THE STAFFORDSHIRE flower Lounge, B’ham Worcester Cafe, Birmingham Genting Arena, B’ham BAND - CHRISTMASS PARTISANS No1 Shake- SPACE Kasbah, Coven- ROB HERON & THE TEA- EXBRASSAGANZA Forest SUN 22 NOV speare St, Stratford- try PAD ORCHESTRA Kitchen Arts Centre, Walsall SUN 29 NOV upon-Avon LOS PACAMINOS FEATUR- Garden Cafe, B’ham MEET ON THE LEDGE The ASHES Kasbah, Coven- BLAKE Solihull Arts ING PAUL YOUNG No1 JOSH GROBAN Sym- Bear Pit Theatre, Strat- try Complex phony Hall, B’ham ford THE SUBTERRANEANS CHVRCHES O2 Academy, ZEBRAHEAD O2 Acad- No1 Shakespeare St, Birmingham emy, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon RAY COOPER & ROWAN BRIT FLOYD Symphony SAM'S TOWN The Marr's GODEL The Red Lion Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands Hall, Birmingham Bar, Worcester Folk Club, Birmingham LAU The Glee Club, AVEC LE SOLEIL SORTANT JAMES MORRISON O2 In- Birmingham DE SA BOUCHE & 0121 270 6665 stitute, Birmingham Birmingham Warwickshire RICKY ROSS Birmingham FANGTROUSER The Tin THE RAINBOW SONDORGO mac, B’ham 02 ACADEMY THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON Town Hall Music And Arts, Coven- 0121 772 8174 VIRGIL & THE ACCELERA- 0121 622 8250 01926 311311 AVERAGE WHITE BAND try RED LION FOLK CLUB TORS The Robin, Bilston THE ACTRESS & BISHOP THE KASBAH, COVENTRY The Assembly, Leam- TV SMITH The Rainbow 0121 236 7426 0121472 4253 BLUE ROSE CODE Kitchen 024 7655 4473 ington Spa Venues, Birmingham THE ROADHOUSE Garden Cafe, B’ham ALFIE BIRD’S NAILCOTE HALL, STILLMARILLION The THE BUDDY PRESLEY 0121 270 6665 0121 246 2273 BROTHERS GROOVE The BERKSWELL Robin, Bilston BAND The Roadhouse, ROUTE 44 02476 46 6174 Jam House, B’ham THE ASYLUM THEA GILMORE Number Birmingham 0121 233 1109 0121 708 0108 LANDSHAPES Hare & STRATFORD CIVIC HALL 8 Community Arts Cen- FLASH BACK FRIDAY WITH BARCLAYCARD ARENA THE SUNFLOWER LOUNGE 01789 207100 Hounds, Birmingham 0121 632 6756 tre, Pershore DJ PAUL KELLY Irish Cen- 0121 780 4141 THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, VANGOFFEY O2 Institute, tre, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL COVENTRY 0121 780 3333 Birmingham THU 26 NOV MIKE MCGOLDRICK Irish 0121 780 3333 02476 230 699 JUST FLOYD The Robin, SIMON AND GARFUNKEL - Centre, Birmingham FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 Black Country Worcestershire Bilston THROUGH THE YEARS HIGHER ON MAIDEN CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON PETER KNIGHT'S Dovehouse Theatre, Route 44, Birmingham GENTING ARENA ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 0121 780 4141 0870 320 7000 01527 577330 GIGSPANNER Kitchen Solihull DUDLEY CONCERT HALL Garden Cafe, B’ham JAZZ AT THE MOVIES SAT 28 NOV THE GLEE CLUB HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN Soli- 0871 472 0400 01384 815577 THEATRE 01905 611427 ELVIS PERKINS Hare & hull Arts Complex UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE HARE & HOUNDS NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER Hounds, Birmingham THE TEAM FEATURING AN- The Jam House, Birm- 0121 444 2081 01902 572090 01905 613336 DEEZ HUTS, NASTY, EX- GELO STARR The Jam PIRE, ASTROID BOYS & ingham THE INSTITUTE ROBIN 2, BILSTON THE RIVER ROOMS, House, Birmingham 01902 401211 FREE RADIO LIVE 2015 0121 643 0428 STOURBRIDGE LOUIE KNUXX The Rain- THE BIG BAND AT CHRIST- Genting Arena, B’ham IRISH CENTRE SLADE ROOMS 01384 397177 bow Venues, B’ham MAS Palace Theatre, WOLVERHAMPTON COVENTRY LEOFRIC 0121 622 2314 SHILLELAGH Irish Cen- Redditch 0870 320 7000 tre, Birmingham LIONS Albany Theatre, THE JAM HOUSE THE FRANK SINATRA 0121 200 3030 STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Coventry 01384 812812 For additional information SHOW Crescent Theatre, THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE MON 23 NOV THE BLUES BAND Artrix, WULFRUN HALL, and to find out What’s On Birmingham 0121 443 4725 Bromsgrove WOLVERHAMPTON at these venues. MAD DOG MCREA The HARRIET KRIJGH Birm- JOE BROWN Birmingham THE OOBLECK 0870 320 7000 Robin, Bilston Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Classical Music PREVIEWS BCMG: The Comedy Of Change CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sunday 15 November Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s (BCMG) latest concert showcases the world premiere of Melinda Maxwell’s Frac- tures: Monk Unpacked, a piece inspired by the work of master jazz musician Thelonius Monk. Featuring alongside Maxwell’s latest com- position is title work The Comedy Of Change. A ballet score by Julian Ander- son, the piece has been used by Rambert Dance Company and takes inspiration from notions of change in nature. The concert sees BCMG launching its new initiative, Audience Exchange, which offers visitors the opportunity to pull up a chair and discuss the repertoire over a drink with fellow audience members.

Orchestra Of The Swan, featuring Tamsin Waley-Cohen Melinda Maxwell Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 10 November; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 11 November Prague Symphony Orchestra The Stratford-based Orchestra Of The Swan here make a welcome return to Birmingham with another impressive repertoire of classical music. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 25 November During the course of their Town Hall concert season, the orchestra will be joined by numerous soloists, including Peter Donohoe, Emma Johnson and, on this particular occasion, acclaimed The highly regarded Prague Symphony violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen (pictured). Orchestra’s latest visit to the Midlands sees Associate Artist Tamsin has been described by The Guardian as a performer of ‘fearless intensi- them bringing not only their usual dash of ty’. As well as performing with some of the world’s most reputable orchestras, she’s also a Bohemian flair but also a brand new chief sought-after recitalist and the founder of the Honeymead Ensemble. conductor - the thirty-five-year-old Finnish She here performs two concertos by Bach - the E major and the Double violin concerto - with violinist, Pietari Inkinen. violinist David Le Page. The orchestra’s programme comprises The full programme is: Handel, Overture Julius Caesar; Bach, Violin Concerto in E major; Bach, Smetana’s Sarka from Ma Vlast and Dvo- Double Violin Concerto; Bach, Concerto for Violin and Oboe; and Stravinsky, Concerto in D. rak’s Violin Concerto and New World symphony. They’re joined for the concert by British G4: Christmas By Candlelight violinist Chloe Hanslip. St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Fri 27 November Jonathan Antoine After scoring a hit on X Factor in 2004, G4 Bramall Music Building, Birmingham, became one of the country’s biggest Wed 11 November crossover classical groups. “There’s only one way to express what Their debut album went straight to number music gives me,” explains nineteen-year- one and sold more than two hundred-and- old tenor Jonathan Antoine. “It gives me a forty-five thousand copies, making it the purpose. It gives me point. When I sing, I fastest-selling record of that year. can just be me.” Although they disbanded three years and Jonathan shot to stardom in the 2012 three albums later - citing as the reason series of Britain’s Got Talent and has been their need to pursue individual interests - steadily building his career ever since. they reunited in 2014 for their tenth His recent success is in stark contrast to Birmingham Bach Choir anniversary and are this month releasing the life he knew before he was famous, their new album, G4 Christmas. though - he suffered a nervous breakdown CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sat 21 November To support the release, the boys are per- after enduring relentless jibes from school- “Petite Messe Solennelle is the most beautifully forming a series of shows in numerous mates about his twenty-stone weight. tuneful, quasi-operatic of masses, and one of beautiful churches and cathedrals across “The overarching result of Britain’s Got Tal- Rossini's great works,” says Birmingham Bach the country, one of which is this candlelit ent is that I’m now Choir Chair Sarah Platt. Birmingham gig. Expect Christmas clas- in a far better The choir is performing the piece to launch its sics and carols aplenty. place,” says the new season. Essex-born singer. “The work avoids the cloying sentimentality of “I’d like to say to other masses of this period by simply showing those people who the composer having a good time,” continues bullied me in former Sarah, “and giving everyone performing and lis- times: You actively tening a good time too.” tried to make me The concert sees the choir, conducted by Paul unhappy, but now Spicer, joined by Longfordbrown Piano Duo I’m far happier than James Longford and Lindy Tennent-Brown (pic- you’ll ever be.” tured above). www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Classical November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:42 Page 3

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classically trained tenor includes works by Artrix, Bromsgrove TET Programme LISTINGS who rose to fame on Brahms, Finzi, Saint- CARMEN Ellen Kent’s includes works by Classical Britain's Got Talent vis- Saëns & Shostakovich, production of Bizet’s Haydn, Shostakovich, its Birmingham as part Sun 15 Nov, Birming- seductive opera, Sun Vivaldi & Boccherini, Fri of his nationwide tour, ham Conservatoire 22 Nov, Warwick Arts 27 Nov, Royal Pump For full listing information on classical Wed 11 Nov, Bramall RAF IN CONCERT Evening Centre, Coventry Rooms, Leamington concerts, including times and dates, Music Building, B’ham of musical entertain- WARWICKSHIRE SYM- Spa visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE STRINGCREDIBLES A ment to commemorate PHONY ORCHESTRA Sun THE BAND OF HER musical journey from seventy-five years since 22 Nov, Royal Spa Cen- MAJESTY’S ROYAL 1914 to 1918 featuring the historic Battle of tre, Leamington Spa MARINES SCOTLAND & CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA CBSO: A YOUNG PER- the music of Elgar, Britain, Sun 15 Nov, STRATFORD SYMPHONY BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- AN ALPINE SYMPHONY SON'S GUIDE TO THE Shostokovich and Symphony Hall, B’ham ORCHESTRA Programme TOIRE WIND ORCHESTRA Programme includes ORCHESTRA Featuring Bridge alongside read- TCHAIKOVSKY'S FOURTH tbc, Sun 22 Nov, Strat- Programme includes works by Nielsen, Lind- Michael Seal (conduc- ings from Michael Mor- Programme includes ford ArtsHouse, Strat- works by Dunn, Zehle, berg & Strauss, Sun 1 tor) & Catherine Arlidge purgo’s War Horse and works by Schubert, ford-upon-Avon Ellerby & Arnold arr. Nov, Symphony Hall, (presenter). Programme Marcia Williams’ Beethoven & LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- McDermot, amongst Birmingham comprises Britten’s Archie’s War, Thurs 12 Tchaikovsky, Wed 18 CERT WITH THOMAS others, Fri 27 Nov, Adri- VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY Young Person's Guide Nov, CBSO Centre, Nov, Symphony Hall, TROTTER Programme an Boult Hall, Birming- CONDUCTS... Also featur- to the Orchestra, Sun 8 Birmingham Birmingham includes works by ham Conservatoire ing the Philharmonia Nov, Symphony Hall, JOHN WILSON & THE ORCHESTRAS, ENSEM- Mozart, Handel, Part, ALEXANDER ULLMAN Orchestra & the Inter- Birmingham JOHN WILSON ORCHES- BLES AND CHAMBER Anderson, Ponchielli, (PIANO) AND MICHAEL national Fryderyk LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- TRA Celebrating the MUSIC: COMPOSERS' Mon 23 Nov, Birming- PETROV (CELLO) A rare Chopin Piano Competi- CERT WITH THOMAS genius of George ORCHESTRA Thurs 19 ham Town Hall opportunity to hear tion winner. Programme TROTTER Programme Gershwin, Thurs 12 Nov, Birmingham Con- RISING STARS WITH HAR- Alexander and Michael includes works by includes works from Nov, Symphony Hall, servatoire RIET KRIJGH (CELLO) perform together. This Sibelius, Chopin & Mushel, Duruflé, Thal- Birmingham CBSO: THE BEST OF Also featuring Magda lunchtime concert sees Rachmaninov, Tues 3 ben-Ball, Slominsky, KING EDWARD'S SCHOOL BEETHOVEN Featuring Amara on piano. Pro- the duo perform works Nov, Symphony Hall, Humperdinck & How- AND KING EDWARD VI Alina Ibragimova (violin) gramme includes works by Bach & Rachmani- Birmingham ells, Mon 9 Nov, Birm- HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL & conducted by by Mendelssohn, Mes- nov, Fri 27 Nov, The TIMOTHY RIDOUT The ingham Town Hall CONCERT Fri 13 Nov, Michael Seal, Fri 20 siaen, Johanna Doderer Barber Institute, B’ham first winner of the Cecil MONDAY SHOWCASE: The Barber Institute, Nov, Malvern Theatres & Franck, Mon 23 Nov, AN AUDIENCE WITH LES- Aronowitz International HANNAH SLAVIN AND Birmingham MORGAN PEARSE AND Birmingham Town Hall LEY GARRETT Fri 27 Nov, Viola Competition, Tim- KATHRYN WHITMARSH FRONTIERS: REHNQVIST JONATHAN WARE Fri 20 QUARTET LAB Pro- Malvern Theatre othy Ridout returns to PIANO DUO Programme IN BIRMINGHAM - Nov, The Barber Insti- gramme includes works ORCHESTRA OF ST JOHN Birmingham Conserva- includes works by THALLEIN Fri 13 Nov, tute, Birmingham by Kurtag, Bartok & Featuring Richard Jenk- toire for what promises Schubert, Schumann & Birmingham Conserva- BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- Beethoven, Wed 25 inson (conductor), to be an inspiring per- Saint-Saëns, Mon 9 toire TOIRE STRING ORCHES- Nov, The Barber Insti- Charlotte Moseley (vio- formance of viola reper- Nov, Birmingham Con- CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT TRA Programme tute, Birmingham lin) & Claire Prewer toire, Tues 3 Nov, Birm- servatoire CLASSICS: LA VIE EN includes works by PRAGUE SYMPHONY (soprano). Programme ingham Conservatoire FRONTIERS: REHNQVIST ROSE Featuring Richard Elgar, Mozart & Tippett, ORCHESTRA Featuring includes works by THE PHILIP BATES COM- IN BIRMINGHAM - COM- Balcombe (conductor), Fri 20 Nov, Birmingham Pietari Inkinen (conduc- Sibelius & Mahler, Sat POSITION PRIZE 2015 POSERS' PLATFORM Mon Graham Bickley & Mary Conservatoire tor) & Chloe Hanslip 28 Nov, Artrix, Broms- Tues 3 Nov, Birming- 9 Nov, Birmingham Carewe (vocalists), Fri BIRMINGHAM BACH (violin). Programme grove ham Conservatoire Conservatoire 13 Nov, Symphony CHOIR Sat 21 Nov, includes works by BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC CITY OF BIRMINGHAM BACH DOUBLED WITH Hall, Birmingham CBSO Centre. B’ham Smetana & Dvorak, WINDS & UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN & MFC BAROQUE EVENING BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL Wed 25 Nov, Warwick WIND BAND Sat 28 Nov, Featuring Omer Meir DAVID LE PAGE Pro- Programme includes CHORAL SOCIETY: O RADI- Arts Centre, Coventry Bramall Music Building, Wellber (conductor) & gramme includes works works by Roman, ANT DAWN Conducted CAVALERI QUARTET Pro- Birmingham Baiba Skride (violin). by Handel, Bach & Zelenka & CPE Bach, by Patrick Larley & fea- gramme includes works CBSO: MAHLER’S FIRST Programme includes Stravinsky, Tues 10 Sat 14 Nov, Malvern turing organist Kevin by Stravinsky, Mozart, Programme includes works by Mendelssohn, Nov, Stratford Theatre Gill, Sat 21 Nov, St. Puccini & Brahms, works by Ives, Bern- Schumann & Brahms, Artshouse WORCESTER FESTIVAL Paul's Church, B’ham Thurs 26 Nov, Malvern stein & Mahler, Sat 28 Wed 4 Nov, Warwick BEG, BORROW OR STEAL - CHORAL SOCIETY Featur- BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY Theatre Nov, Symphony Hall, Arts Centre, Coventry LONDON HANDEL PLAY- ing internationally SINGERS AND UNIVERSI- OPERA SCENES - STU- Birmingham BAIBA SKRIDE: SCHU- ERS Featuring music by acclaimed opera singer, TY WOMEN'S CHOIR Fea- DENTS FROM THE VOCAL UNIVERSITY MUSIC SOCI- MANN Programme Telemann, Leclair, Han- Sarah Connolly CBE, turing Simon Halsey AND OPERATIC DEPART- ETY SYMPHONY ORCHES- includes works by Wag- del, Bach, Vivaldi and Sat 14 Nov, Worcester (conductor) & Jonathan MENT Thurs 26 - Sat 28 TRA Programme ner, Schumann & Campra, Tues 10 Nov, Cathedral Clinch (organ), Sat 21 Nov, Birmingham Con- includes works by Rosi- Brahms, Thurs 5 Nov, St Mary's Church, War- ENGLISH SYMPHONY Nov, Bramall Music servatoire na, Berio, Walton, Symphony Hall, B’ham wick ORCHESTRA Featuring Building, Birmingham CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT Berlioz & Weill, Sun 29 KODALY STRING QUARTET CBSO WINTER DREAMS Saint Michael’s Singers HAYDN - HARMONIE- CLASSICS: JAMES BOND Nov, Bramall Music Programme includes Featuring Ben Gernon & Paul Leddington- MESSE Featuring Strat- Featuring Stephen Bell Building, Birmingham works by Haydn, (conductor) & Anna Wright (conductor). ford-upon-Avon Choral (conductor) & Lance OLIVER SHE IN RECITAL Webern, Beethoven, Vinnitskaya (piano). Programme comprises Society, Sat 21 Nov, Ellington (piano), Fri 27 Programme comprises Vivaldi & Boccherini, Fri Programme includes works by Mozart, Sat Holy Trinity Church, Nov, Symphony Hall, Carl Vine’s Sonata 6 Nov, Royal Pump works by Ravel, 14 Nov, Coventry Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham No.1; Brahms’ Seven Rooms, Leamington Tchaikovsky & Cathedral THE NIGHT WATCH: G4: CHRISTMAS BY CAN- Fantasies Op 116 & Spa Shostakovich, Wed 11 SPECTACULAR CLASSICS SINGING THE SEASONS A DLELIGHT Christmas Mussorgsky’s Pictures NATHANIEL VALLOIS (VIO- Nov, Symphony Hall, Evening of great clas- musical journey classics and carols, Fri At An Exhibition, Mon LIN) AND DAVID QUIGLEY Birmingham sics, dazzling lasers & through the mediaeval, 27 Nov, St Paul’s 30 Nov, Birmingham (PIANO) Programme ORCHESTRA OF THE special effects, Sat 14 renaissance & baroque Church, Birmingham includes works by SWAN WITH TAMSIN Nov, Symphony Hall, periods, Sat 21 Nov, CARDUCCI STRING QUAR- Lekeu, Debussy arr. WALEY-COHEN AND DAVID Birmingham Heifetz & Milhaud, Fri 6 LE PAGE Programme CHANDOS - THE FULL Nov, The Barber Insti- includes works by Han- ENGLISH Programme tute, Birmingham del, Bach & Stravinsky, includes works by BAIBA SKRIDE WITH CBSO Wed 11 Nov, Birming- Vaughan Williams, MUSICIANS Programme ham Town Hall Delius & Elgar, Sun 15 comprises Mozart’s WIND AND BRASS FES- Nov, Malvern Theatres Quintets, Fri 6 Nov, TIVE JAMBOREE Featur- UNIVERSITY BAROQUE Symphony Hall, Bham ing the internationally ORCHESTRA Featuring KATIE STILLMAN (VIOLIN) renowned Fine Arts Elisabeth Munns & SIMON LANE (PIANO) - Brass Quintet, Wed 11 (soprano) & Christine IN CONCERT Programme Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- Whiffen (harpsichord). includes works by tre, Coventry Programme includes Mozart, Glazunov, Colin BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- works by JS Bach, Matthews & Elgar, Fri 6 TOIRE CHAMBER CHOIR: Vivaldi & Rameau, Sun Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove SUN KING Featuring Jef- 15 Nov, The Barber BRITISH CARNATIC CHOIR frey Skidmore (conduc- Institute, Birmingham GRAND PREMIERE Pre- tor), Sun King is a three BCMG: THE COMEDY OF sented by ShruthiUK, hundredth anniversary CHANGE Featuring the this evening perform- celebration of the life of world premiere of ance features children, Europe’s longest serv- Melinda Maxwell’s young adults and pro- ing monarch, Louis XIV, Sound Investment com- fessionals from across Wed 11 Nov, St Alban mission, Sun 15 Nov, the region, Sat 7 Nov, the Martyr, Highgate, CBSO Centre, B’ham Birmingham Conserva- Birmingham CENTRAL ENGLAND toire JONATHAN ANTOINE The ENSEMBLE Programme

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Bill Bailey Comedy Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 2 - Tues 3 November; Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Box Office Wed 18 - Thurs 19 November Bill Bailey thinks his comedy should be educa- ARENA THEATRE, WOLVERHAMPTON tional. “From an audience perspective, it’s great 01902 321321 if they can leave one of my shows more ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE informed than when they arrived,” he says. 01527 577 330 “Obviously I want people BARCLAYCARD ARENA to come along and be 0121 780 4141 BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL entertained, have a 024 7637 6707 laugh and get taken out BIRMINGHAM of themselves for a cou- HIPPODROME ple of hours, but if peo- 0121 345 0600 ple can glean something BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0844 338 5000 a bit more lasting than a BLUE ORANGE THEATRE, couple of laughs, then all BIRMINGHAM the better.” 0121 212 2643 BRAMALL MUSIC BUILDING, BIRMINGHAM Reeves & Mortimer 0121 342 0495 Nish Kumar Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 20 November; Barclaycard Arena, CIVIC HALL, Birmingham, Mon 23 November WOLVERHAMPTON Palace Theatre, Redditch, Fri 6 November; 0870 320 7000 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 12 “Destiny has led us to this point in time,” says Vic Reeves in speak- THE COURTYARD, November; The Glee Club, Birmingham, HEREFORD 01432 340555 ing about his and Bob Mortimer’s first live tour for twenty long years. Thurs 26 November THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM “Now, finally, the diversion of Reeves & Mortimer can be revealed in “Once you get established as a comedian,” 0121 333 2444 full extent through a cornucopia of preposterous doggerel etc.” says Nish Kumar, one of the hottest properties EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE, Vic and Bob first worked together over a quarter of a century ago. WORCESTERSHIRE at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, “you They shot to stardom courtesy of a brand of anarchic comedy that 01386 446 944 have to start taking comedy seriously, which is blended surreal material with more traditional double-act fare such THE GLEE CLUB, obviously an oxymoron. When you’re a nobody, BIRMINGHAM as corny jokes and violent slapstick. you can just go up to the Edinburgh Fringe, get 0871 472 0400 For a time in the 1990s they were pretty much the biggest names on HUNTINGDON HALL, drunk and have fun.” the UK comedy circuit. Their TV work included memorable shows WORCESTER, Nish’s days of anonymity 01905 611 427 such as The Smell Of Reeves & Mortimer and Shooting Stars - and - inebriated or otherwise JONGLEURS COMEDY even a remake of the cult 1960s television adventure series, Randall - are now behind him. CLUB, BIRMINGHAM & Hopkirk (Deceased). 0870 011 1960 The Croyden-born come- “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us,” KATIE FITZGERALD’S, dian has emphatically hit says Bob Mortimer. “Some people feel most alive when they’re on STOURBRIDGE the big time - and even 01384 374410 fire or in Turkey, but for us the stage is where we thrive. I will ensure more impressively, he’s KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise done so simply by being BIRMINGHAM not to mention football, JLS or apricots during the performances. 0121 443 4725 his usual affable self. Should you choose to attend, be warned - I will not be wearing a MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 toupé.” MALVERN THEATRES 01684 892 277 Hal Cruttenden NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 18 November Dara O'Briain 0844 871 3011 Hal Cruttenden must have been delighted when Birmingham Hippodrome, THE OLD REP THEATRE, Thurs 12 - Sat 14 November BIRMINGHAM the Daily Telegraph wrote of him: ‘He’s naturally 0121 359 9444 Charismatic, fast-talking and very, funny, but he’s evolving here into something PALACE THEATRE, more challenging and provocative than some very funny, Dara O' Briain is a former REDDITCH jolly-faced follower in the footsteps of Michael biggest-selling comedian at the 01527 65203 McIntyre’. Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He’s also ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA Alongside his comedy, Hal’s a familiar face on the telly 01926 334 418 also an oft-seen actor, hav- thanks to shows like Mock THE SLADE ROOMS, ing appeared in TV shows The Week and Have I Got WOLVERHAMPTON such as EastEnders and News For You. Jokes 0870 320 7000 include: “If we were truly STATION PUB, Kavanagh QC, and on film SUTTON COLDFIELD in The Madness Of King created by God, why do 0121 362 4961 George. we occasionally bite the STRATFORD ARTSHOUSE As a laughter-merchant, insides of our mouths?” 01789 207 100 he places great and “My iPod holds STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL 01384 812960 emphasis on cleverly three thousand albums. SYMPHONY HALL, constructed punch- I own, like, ninety BIRMINGHAM lines, and is albums. My iPod sits at 0121 345 0600 always happy to home, sullen, frustrat- WARWICKS ARTS CENTRE, ed, and underused, like COVENTRY ridicule himself 024 7652 4524 a wife who gave up her in the name WULFRUN HALL, of comedy. career and the kids turned WOLVERHAMPTON out to be shite.” 0870 320 7000

24 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy Nov - Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:44 Page 2

ROB DEERING, MARTIN LISTINGS MOR, CHRIS KENT & DAVE Comedy FULTON Fri 13 - Sat 14 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham For full listing information on comedy DAVE GORMAN Sat 14 gigs including times and dates visit Nov, Warwick Arts www.whatsonlive.co.uk Centre, Coventry HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI HARRY ENFIELD AND The Old Rep Theatre, Sat 14 Nov, mac, PAUL WHITEHOUSE Sun Birmingham Birmingham 1 Nov, Civic Hall, ANDY KIND, AARON BOBBY MAIR, BRYAN Wolverhampton TWITCHEN, LIAM LACEY, DAN EVANS & JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sun PICKFORD, KATE MCCABE ADAM HESS Sat 14 Nov, 1 Nov, Birmingham & PAUL SAVAGE Sat 7 Coventry Showcase Town Hall Nov, Arena Theatre, SEAN HUGHES Sun 15 PATRICK MONAHAN, SOL Wolverhampton Nov, The Glee Club, BERNSTEIN, DESI PAUL HAZELL Sat 7 Nov, Birmingham CENTRAL & TEZ ILYAS Crescent Theatre, JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Sun Sun 1 Nov, The Glee Birmingham 15 Nov, Warwick Arts Club, Birmingham GEOFF NORCOTT, MARK Centre, Coventry BILL BAILEY Mon 2 - SIMMONS, STUART FRANKIE BOYLE Sun 15 Tues 3 Nov, Warwick MITCHELL & JENNY Nov, Warwick Arts Arts Centre, Coventry COLLIER Sat 7 Nov, Centre, Coventry ED BYRNE Tues 3 Nov, Coventry Showcase TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Artrix, Bromsgrove ROBERT NEWMAN Sun 8 Mon 16 Nov, The Blue ED BYRNE Wed 4 Nov, Nov, Warwick Arts Orange Theatre, Huntingdon Hall, Centre, Coventry Birmingham Worcester HAL CRUTTENDEN'S HAL CRUTTENDEN Wed DANA ALEXANDER, FUNNY FUNDRAISER Sun 18 Nov, Artrix, SUSAN MURRAY & 8 Nov, Warwick Arts Bromsgrove MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed Centre, Coventry BILL BAILEY Wed 18 - 4 Nov, Kitchen Garden FRED MACAULAY Mon 9 Thurs 19 Nov, Civic Cafe, Birmingham Nov, Station Pub, Hall, Wolverhampton JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sutton Coldfield PAM ANN Thurs 19 Nov, David O'Doherty Thurs 5 Nov, Stratford LOUDEEMY SOUP New Alexandra Theatre, mac, Birmingham, Thurs 12 November Artshouse, Stratford- COMEDY NIGHT Mon 9 Birmingham Upon-Avon Nov, The Blue Orange JENNY ECLAIR Thurs 19 David O'Doherty is obsessional about stand-up comedy. “The GARY DELANEY, ANGELA Theatre, Birmingham Nov, Huntingdon Hall, trouble with being obsessional,” explains the thirty-nine-year-old BARNES & SCOTT JIM DAVIDSON Tues 10 Worcester Dubliner, “is that it makes having a normal life really tricky. The STUART BLACK, ED BENNETT Thurs 5 Nov, Nov, New Alexandra obsession even impacts on something like having an argument Bramall Music Building, Theatre, Birmingham POWNALL, JEREMY Birmingham JENNY ECLAIR Wed 11 O'DONNELL & COMIC TBC with your girlfriend. Even though you’re both crying, at the back MIKE BUBBINS, CHRIS Nov, The Courtyard, Thurs 19 Nov, Malvern of your mind you’ve registered the fact that what she’s said is so MCCAUSLAND & COMEDY Hereford Theatres funny you’re going to use it in the act.” CAROUSEL WITH ANDY NINA CONTI Wed 11 ANDREW BIRD, MICKEY D ROBINSON Thurs 5 Nov Nov, Birmingham Town & COMIC TBC Thurs 19 The Glee Club, B’ham Hall Nov, The Glee Club, FITZ OF LAUGHTER ROB BECKETT Wed 11 Birmingham NIGHT Line-up tbc, Sat Sutton Coldfield Comedy Club, COMICS TBC Thurs 5 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove ALAN DAVIES Fri 20 Nov, 21 Nov, Artrix, JAMALI MADDIX, DANA Birmingham Nov, Katie Fitzgerald's, PHIL WANG & ALEX Royal Spa Centre, Bromsgrove ALEXANDER & COMEDY JAMALI MADDIX, DANA Stourbridge SMITH Thurs 12 Nov, Leamington Spa JENNY ECLAIR Sun 22 CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ALEXANDER, JARRED KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY Royal Spa Centre, CHRIS RAMSEY Fri 20 Nov, Warwick Arts ROBINSON Thurs 26 CHRISTMAS & TIM CLARK NIGHT Thurs 5 Nov, Leamington Spa Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, The Glee Club, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Nov, The Stourbridge Town Hall MILTON JONES Thurs 12 Centre, Coventry VIC REEVES & BOB Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham KEVIN BRIDGES Fri 6 Nov, Warwick Arts GERRY K, TIM CLARK & MORTIMER Mon 23 Nov, ADAM KAY Thurs 26 MATT FORDE Sat 28 Nov, Nov, Barclaycard Centre, Coventry SPECIAL GUEST Fri 20 Barclaycard Arena, Nov, mac, Birmingham Evesham Arts Centre Arena, Birmingham NISH KUMAR Thurs 12 Nov, WV1 Restaurant, Birmingham MITCH BENN Fri 27 Nov, JARLETH REGAN, RO JIMMY CARR Fri 6 Nov, Nov, Warwick Arts Wolverhampton JENNY ECLAIR Thurs 26 Royal Spa Centre, CAMPBELL, ADAM ROWE Symphony Hall, B’ham Centre, Coventry VIC REEVES & BOB Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa & CHRIS BETTS Sat 28 DAN CLARK Fri 6 Nov, RUBY WAX Thurs 12 MORTIMER Fri 20 Nov, Leamington Spa FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN Nov, Coventry The Glee Club, B’ham Nov, Stourbridge Town Symphony Hall, NISH KUMAR Thurs 26 NERD Fri 27 Nov, Showcase NISH KUMAR Fri 6 Nov, Hall Birmingham Nov, The Glee Club, Solihull Arts Complex DAVE GORMAN Sun 29 Palace Theatre, DAVID O'DOHERTY Thurs ROBERT NEWMAN Fri 20 Birmingham JEREMY HARDY Fri 27 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Redditch 12 Nov, mac, B’ham Nov, Royal Spa Centre, DAVE GORMAN Thurs 26 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Wolverhampton GARETH RICHARDS, ROB DEERING, MARTIN Leamington Spa Nov, Symphony Hall, SARAH MILLICAN Fri 27 - SARAH MILLICAN Sun 29 HAYLEY ELLIS & MATT MOR & COMEDY JIM DAVIDSON Fri 20 Birmingham Sat 28 Nov, Civic Hall, Nov, Civic Hall, WINNING Fri 6 Nov, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Nov, Bedworth Civic ROBERT NEWMAN Thurs Wolverhampton Wolverhampton The Courtyard, ROBINSON Thurs 12 Hall, Warwickshire 26 Nov, Artrix, GEOFF NORCOTT, JOJO SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Sun Hereford Nov, The Glee Club, ANDREW BIRD, MICKEY D, Bromsgrove SMITH, ROBERT WHITE & 29 Nov, The Glee Club, JONNY AWSUM, SAM Birmingham JO CAULFIELD & PRINCE JOE LYCETT Thurs 26 JIM CAMPBELL Fri 27 - Birmingham. HARLAND, STUART JOE LYCETT Thurs 12 - ABDI Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov Nov, Station Pub, Sat 28 Nov, Jongleurs MITCHELL Fri 6 Nov, Fri 13 Nov, The Glee The Glee Club, B’ham Mode, Worcester Club, Birmingham JUNIOR SIMPSON, SEAN RUDI LICKWOOD, GLENDA DARA O'BRIAIN Thurs 12 PERCIVAL, MARK OLVER & Andrew Bird, The Glee Club, Birmingham JAXON & JUNIOR BOOKER - Sat 14 Nov, JOE BROMEHEAD Fri 20 - Fri 6 Nov, The Drum, Birmingham Sat 21 Nov, Jongleurs Birmingham Hippodrome Comedy Club, GEOFF NORCOTT, LUKE LEE NELSON Fri 13 Nov Birmingham TOULSON & TOBY Palace Theatre, FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN HADOKE Fri 6 Nov, Redditch NERD Sat 21 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy FRED MACAULAY Fri 13 Birmingham Town Hall Club, Birmingham Nov, Stratford SEAN HUGHES Sat 21 MIKE BUBBINS, CHRIS Artshouse, Stratford- Nov, Royal Spa Centre, MCCAUSLAND, ED Upon-Avon Leamington Spa GAMBLE & CARL SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 13 RUBY WAX Sat 21 Nov, DONNELLY Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Stratford Artshouse, Nov, The Glee Club, Wolverhampton Stratford-Upon-Avon Birmingham RAW COMEDY ACTS TBC KAREN BAYLEY, SUSAN HARRY ENFIELD AND Fri 13 Nov, Evesham MURRAY, PAUL PIRIE & TJ PAUL WHITEHOUSE Sat 7 Arts Centre MCDONALD Sat 21 Nov, Nov, Barclaycard TOPPING AND BUTCH, Coventry Showcase Arena, Birmingham CHRIS MCCAUSLAND, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR STEWART FRANCIS Sat 7 YIANI AGISILAOU & KEVIN Sat 21 Nov, Warwick Nov, Warwick Arts MCCARTHY Fri 13 - Sat Arts Centre, Coventry Centre, Coventry 14 Nov, Jongleurs JAY HANDLEY Sat 21 ADAM HESS & STEVE Comedy Club, Nov, mac, Birmingham BUGEJA Sat 7 Nov, Birmingham BARNSTORMERS COMEDY

For more comedy listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Lord of the flies DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:42 Page 1

feature Games Without Frontiers Regent’s Park Theatre’s Lord Of The Flies comes to the Birmingham REP

26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Lord of the flies DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:42 Page 2

William Golding’s dystopian novel, Lord Of The Flies, recounts the story of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island who try to govern themselves. An outdoor stage adaptation of the story is this month being brought to The REP by London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre. Here, Heather Kincaid talks to the show’s director, Timothy Sheader, about the play, Golding’s classic novel, and the challenges of shifting an outdoor production indoors...

Bags, suitcases and assorted laundry spill The play itself seems fairly unambiguous in productions. For an outdoor theatre director, out into the audience and over the its conclusions about where the responsibility there's plenty to consider - including the surrounding trees, belched indiscriminately for children's atrocities lies. The ‘beast’ that effect of natural changes in the light as day from the ragged, metal-toothed maw of an becomes a symbol of the boys' turns to night. This transformation ties in aeroplane's severed corpse. murderousness is born from the fevered neatly with Lord Of The Flies' story of descent The piled luggage is an incongruous splash imagination of the youngest character, who into savage chaos. Sheader believes that the of colour in an otherwise dull and forbidding discovers a dead soldier strung from a tree revival has benefited from scheduling later in set, a disconcerting reminder of the ordinary by his own parachute. This adult - a trained the season (the original production ran in lives its fictional owners left behind. killer - hangs like a grotesque spectre over May), with the deeper, earlier darkness Before an actor's foot has even graced the the kids as they act out a micro version of the rendering certain scenes even more chilling. stage, the heightened drama of this scene war they have been sent away from. Bearing Matinees, meanwhile, tend to be a little less anticipates the explosive impact of the show silent, passive witness to the carnage, as we scary, thus better suited to younger viewers. to follow: a well-timed, touring revival of might a lurid news broadcast, we the As artistic director of Regent's Park, Sheader Regent's Park's 2011 Lord Of The Flies, audience become complicit, too. brings the ‘helpful baggage’ of these visiting the Birmingham REP this month. considerations to every show, his uniquely With the original production having played in Despite its earlier achievements, there have privileged knowledge of the space informing the open-air theatre to rave reviews and inevitably been some changes to the programming decisions. widespread acclaim, its success was, production since 2011. “I look for big stories with an epic quality, according to director Timothy Sheader, a key “It's been edited, so it's shorter and tighter,” concerned with ideas and often with non- factor in the company's decision to begin says Sheader. “I think it's better. But the most naturalistic language. It's got to be robust touring its work. important thing is that the actors have enough to stand up to ambient noise and “There's such a lack of quality touring drama changed. They're different people with distractions. And popular - ‘populist’ is often today, particularly for young audiences. It's different backgrounds, so that affects how the seen as a shameful thing to say in theatre, noticeably diminished in my theatre-going story is told.” but I want to encourage as many different lifetime,” he laments. “I was really proud of types of people into the theatre as possible, this production as a piece of work for Led by Luke Ward-Wilkinson and Freddie because I think this is the perfect place for younger audiences, and that made me think Watkins as warring ‘chiefs’ Ralph and Jack, breaking down boundaries.” that four weeks perhaps wasn't quite enough the cast's professionalism is astonishing. to exploit it in this venue.” Performances crackle with a raw, electrifying From its contemporary resonances to its energy, their nuance, confidence and huge scale and ambition, Lord Of The Flies While the story might concern children, it's complexity belying the actors' years. It's rare certainly fits the bill. But will there be certainly not for the faint-hearted. Like William enough to come across a faultless cast, rarer noticeable differences when the play arrives Golding, Sheader is unflinching in his still to discover so much talent among actors on an indoor stage in Birmingham? portrayal of children's capacity for this inexperienced, but Sheader and his team “This production is designed for indoor committing, and falling victim to, atrocities. have managed the seemingly impossible task theatres. I was initially worried that the new This subject, he feels, could be more relevant of assembling the right lads for the job. set would look small on our stage here. [In now than ever. “It was really hard,” he confesses. “We met 2011], we used a real aeroplane that was “Unfortunately, I don't think this story goes three hundred-and-sixty boys. They had to be lifted in by crane. This is all scenic, so it can out of date. We're even more exposed to at least eighteen, and we're playing them as be flat-packed and put in a van. What we these kind of events today than people were about fourteen in our heads, which is older won't have are the trees, so for the backdrop in the 1950s [when Lord Of The Flies was than in the novel, but it's as young as they we'll have layers of painted cloths.” written]. Then, it was more of a ‘what if?’. could get away with. We had to consider Having studied in Birmingham, Sheader is Now, we've all seen terribly tragic examples height, physicality and the right mix of skills. looking forward to returning, noting its move of violence from and against children and They have to be strong and physically adept. towards a more creative, ‘European’ vibe in young people in the news - whether it's child Acting-wise they're so inexperienced that it recent years. soldiers in Africa, teenage girls running away mostly came down to intuition.” In late February, the play will also show at to Syria, or horrible youth gangs and murder It makes sense that such recent school- nearby Warwick Arts Centre. Perhaps this cases in disenfranchised pockets of our own leavers would instinctively recognise tour will pave the way for more Regent's Park country.” themselves and their classmates in the productions to visit the Midlands in the characters. Still, the sheer hard work involved future... Today, the devastation that opens this play in creating this show should not be will look uncomfortably familiar to anyone underestimated. with a television set or internet connection. Yet even surrounded by such horrors, Luckily, inclement weather hasn't been Sheader states that he does not support what something that cast or crew have particularly some have taken to be Golding's message - had to battle with during this run - though the notion of an innate evil in humanity that sometimes even this can be a blessing in inevitably manifests in the absence of law disguise. and order. With this in mind, I wonder “We only stop performances for health and whether there's a difference between safety reasons, not for the comfort of the directing an adaptation and working from an performers or the audience, so there's a tacit original script. agreement that we'll carry on. The best “I think it is different because you've always strategy is just to prepare everybody and got that original source material to hand. It's ensure the right call is made. And actually, Lord Of The Flies shows at Birmingham not that one doesn't trust the playwright or the production is made for all sorts of REP from Tues 3 to Sat 7 November, and changes their words, but going back to the weather. I imagine that the killing of Simon then at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, original text can help to understand their would look fantastic in the rain.” from Tues 23 to Sat 27 February. choices.” Weather isn't the only variable in open-air

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Autumn 2015 A new look for a new season

Tue 10 & I puritani Wed 11 Nov From £15 Bellini Orlando Handel NEW PRODUCTION

Mon 2 - Thu 12 - Tue 17 & Sat 7 Nov Sat 14 Nov Wed 18 Nov From £18 £23 From £16.50

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Todd Thu 19 - Tue 9 - Wed 9 Mar - Sondheim Sat 21 Nov Sat 13 Feb Sat 23 Apr NEW PRODUCTION From £16.50 From £18.50 From £25

Fri 27 Nov - Sat 19 Dec - Sun 13 Dec Sun 31 Jan From £19 From £14

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p/min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre November Region One.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:53 Page 1 Theatre

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Jesus Christ Superstar Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 2 - Sat 7 November X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji (starring as Mary Magdalene) joins and Jesus of Nazareth. leading musical theatre performers Glenn Carter and Tim Rogers in With hits like I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Hosanna, What’s The this new touring version of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Buzz? and, of course, the title track itself to recommend it, the show phenomenal rock opera. remains one of the most visually startling in the history of musical The production was the legendary duo’s second collaboration and theatre. Read our interview with Glenn Carter at whatsonlive.co.uk highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot Beryl The REP, Birmingham, Tues 24 - Sat 28 November Five times world pursuit champion, thirteen times national pursuit champion and twice road-racing world champion, unsung sporting legend Beryl Burton was a truly remarkable woman, bagging cycling title after cycling title while at the same time managing to be both a wife and a mother. Maxine Peake’s critically acclaimed play celebrates the achievements of this record-breaking performer who, during her all-too-short lifetime, was awarded both an OBE and an MBE.

Queen Anne Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 19 November - Sat 23 January Helen Edmundson's new play recounts the eighteenth century story of a princess about to become a queen. With William III on the throne and England on the verge of war, Anne finds her advisers vying hard to exert influence over her. But when her close friend the Duchess of Marlborough begins to apply increasing pressure to the future monarch, Anne must decide whether to sacri- fice her closest relationships for the sake of the country... Inspector Lewis and Holby City actress Emma Cunniffe (above in rehearsals) stars as Queen Anne.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Cyrano De Bergerac The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wed 11 - Sat 14 November Edmond Rostand’s famous 1897 play tells the tale of the poet and soldier of the title, Cyrano de Bergerac, who is desperate to win the love of the beautiful Lady Roxane. His efforts to do so, however, are somewhat complicated by the fact he’s got a proboscis that's almost as big as the Eiffel Tower (that’s an exaggeration for effect, obviously, but you get the idea). Second Thoughts Drama Group are the WIN troupe responsible for bringing this production to the Bear Pit Theatre stage. TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk La Merda Guys And Dolls to enter mac, Birmingham, Sun 8 - Mon 9 November New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 24 November - Sat 5 December If you like your performers to keep their The award-winning Sophie Thompson and David Haig here headline a high-energy cast clothes on during a production, La Merda - alongside Jamie Parker. which, translated, means Shit - is most defi- Opening on a Broadway bustling with tourists and chorus girls, this legendary musical finds nitely not the show for you. Nathan Detroit in dire need of some gambling money. Luckily for Nathan, he counts among Be warned, though - you will be missing an his acquaintances Sky Masterson, one of the greatest gamblers in the country and a man award-winning hour of theatre that’s various- who’ll bet on pretty much anything. “For a close relationship that can last us through all the ly been described as ‘mesmerising’, ‘com- years of our life,” says Sky, “no doll can take the place of aces back to back.” pelling’ and ‘terrifying’. When Nathan bets Sky he can persuade Sarah Brown of the Save A Soul mission to go to Silvia Gallerano is naked throughout as she Cuba with him, the stage is set for a warm-hearted tale of love and laughter. reveals her secrets and desires, not least Expect nifty dancing, high-stakes gambling, a little repenting and some truly fabulous Broad- among which is a hatred of her own thighs way numbers, including Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat. and a yearning for celebrity that’s so strong she’d even eat faeces to achieve it... Broken Glass seriously weird sisters.” All of which should make it abundantly apparent that this is no Hall Green Little Theatre, Birmingham, ordinary version of Shakespeare’s famous Fri 13 - Sat 21 November tragedy. “Our aim,” the Pantaloons explain, When Sir Antony Sher starred in a produc- “is to recapture an aspect of Shakespeare's tion of Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass, he hailed drama which the modern naturalistic theatre the play for having ‘the fearlessness of a has lost: the riotous energy of the clown.” young man's response to the world’ - a quality made all the more remarkable by the fact that the playwright was seventy-eight years of age when he wrote it. Jekyll & Hyde When Sylvia suddenly becomes paralysed Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, after reading reports of Nazi Germany, Dr Wed 18 - Sat 21 November Harry Hyman is called in. As the doctor Dr Jekyll is not himself! Robert Louis Steven- Strictly Balti homes in on the source of Sylvia’s problems, son’s gothic novella is a dark, twisted tale of The REP, Birmingham, themes of guilt, personal tragedy and love love, redemption and the seductive power of Thurs 26 - Sat 28 November begin to unfold... evil. A bonafide literary classic, it tells the Saikat is torn between the familiar sights of story of a brilliant but obsessive scientist Birmingham and the mysteries of Brummegem Pals whose sadistic alter-ego wreaks havoc and Bangladesh. And his parents aren’t being mayhem on the fog-shrouded streets of Vic- Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 7 November; particularly helpful in his struggle to make Solihull Arts Complex, Mon 9 - Tues 10 torian London... sense of his dual-identity either, with the ‘hor- November; Stratford Artshouse, Thurs 12 rors’ of ballroom dancing being just one of November the humiliations to which he finds himself Popular Midlands comedians and long-time The Glass Menagerie subjected... chums Malcolm Stent and Don Maclean Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry came together last year to write this thought- Tues 10 - Sat 14 November provoking story about two ordinary boys One of Tennessee Williams’ most famous, caught up in the horrors of the Great War. widely admired and often-performed works, Seventeen-year-old best pals Jackie and The Glass Menagerie is based on narrator Danny are looking for adventure. When war Tom’s recollections of his mother Amanda is declared, they sign up to one of Field Mar- and his sister Laura. shal Lord Kitchener’s Pals Battalions - and Abandoned by her husband years earlier, look ahead to a conflict that everybody imag- Amanda hopes that her crippled daughter ined would be over by Christmas... Laura may one day enjoy the comforts and admiration that she herself had once experienced, during her days as a fêted Southern Macbeth belle. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 17 November Meanwhile, Laura’s brother Tom yearns “We here take cues from film noir, gangland for a future away Britain and the clowning tradition,” explain from the family the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre home and the suffo- Company, “to present a take on ‘the Scottish cating attentions of play’ that features femmes fatale, high-speed his overbearing chases, killer lines, killer crimes and some mother...

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BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, NOVEMBER LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE 2015

Thursday 12th November Friday 13th November Tuesday 17th November KING KING BON GIOVI MACBETH EXPLOSIVE ROCK BLUES SUPERB TRIBUTE TO THE INNOVATIVE VERSION FROM WITH BEN POOLE AMERICAN ROCK BAND THE PANTALOONS

Friday 20th November Thursday 26th November Friday 27th November 2FACED DANCE ROBERT NEWMAN JEREMY HARDY NEW PRODUCTION PRESENTS WELCOME RETURN FOR DREAMING IN CODE THE BRAIN SHOW THIS COMIC GENIUS

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: A WALK IN THE WOODS (TBC) // DOREEN - THE MOVIE (15) // 45 YEARS (15)

FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS: Of Mice And Men (NT Live Encore) // The Mikado (ENO Live) // Jane Eyre (NT Live Encore) Nutcracker (Royal Ballet Encore) // Les Liaisons Dangereuses (NT Live) // As You Like It (NT Live)

Download the Artrix brochure on www.artrix.co.uk www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

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Theatre PREVIEWS Curious Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 8 November; The REP, Birmingham, Sat 21 November Tam Tam Theatre’s production - described as ‘a laugh-out-loud experience for the very young and the curiously inquisitive’ - brings together kitchen and garden, extolls the virtues of dirt, and illustrates how messiness can conjure up the most perfect of birthday surprises. At the end of the performance, children are invited to create their own recipes by digging in soft, moist soil.

Sweeney Todd Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 November The hugely talented Welsh National Opera make a welcome return to the region with this critically acclaimed version of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway hit. Described as a musical thriller, the show follows the diabolical endeavours of demon barber Sweeney Todd and his pie-making accomplice, Mrs Lovett, as they slice and bake their way through London. The 3 Of Us This James Brining version sees the blood-letting action transposed to the late 1970s. Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 27 - Sun 29 November This thought-provoking production explores the triangles that so often exist in people’s The Legend Of King Arthur Season’s Greetings everyday interactions - triangles that can Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Palace Theatre, Redditch, sometimes lead to complications within Thurs 26 - Fri 27 November Tues 3 - Fri 6 November friendships, relationships, work and family. Although zany funsters Oddsocks are proba- Alan Ayckbourn's festive frolic is an absolute The show blends contemporary musical the- classic, and is here presented by Wythall atre and rock music. bly best known for their humorous takes on the works of William Shakespeare, they Theatre Company. occasionally like to shake things up a bit by With Christmas traditionally being a time of looking for their inspiration elsewhere. This is great stress and tension, it's hardly surprising one such occasion. Magic, music, mirth, that a gathering of the clan at Belinda and jousting knights - and an impressively gutsy Neville’s house comes with its fair share of Guinevere - are all present and correct in this issues. But with a frustrated wife, a seductive high-energy stranger, two eccentric uncles and a production. mechanical monkey in the mix, the 'season The company to be jolly' looks set to become even more are promoting explosive than anyone could've imagined... the show as ‘an exciting, interactive and Hetty Feather action-packed Malvern Theatre, The Mousetrap winter treat for Wed 18 - Sun 22 November Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, all the family’. “She’s very naughty, very difficult but full of Mon 9 - Sat 14 November spirit,” says author Jacqueline Wilson of her Not only has everyone heard of The Mouse- character Hetty Feather. A child of the Victori- trap, everyone's seen it too - haven't they? Learned Friends an era, Hetty was left at the Foundling Hospi- Okay, maybe not, but as the show recently Warwick Crown Court, Sun 29 November tal when she was a baby and has grown up celebrated its sixtieth year in the West End, The historic setting of Warwick's former to have a famously short fuse. it's fair to say its capacity to put bums on Crown Court provides the unique backdrop Featuring all the best-loved characters from seats is absolutely beyond question. The against which this brand new production the hugely popular books - including the world's longest running production, the unfolds. frightening Matron ‘Stinking’ Bottomly - this famous Agatha Christie play has been per- Described as a ‘high-stakes drama’, the play well-reviewed touring show is suitable for formed over twenty-five thousand times. finds Prosecution and Defence counsel children aged seven and older. awaiting the verdict in the trial of a high-pro- file football manager, with numerous ‘startling revelations’ threatening not only relationships and careers but also the true course of justice... During the performance, the cast and audience move between the main hall and a court room. Each performance is preceded by a historic introduction to the Court. Audience members can also purchase £4 tickets for post-show tours of the cells and dungeon.

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a two-hander concerning two strangers, both haunted LISTINGS by living ghosts, Wed 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Theatre Coventry For full listing information on theatre LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS A two-hander which imagines a world where we're forced to say productions, including times and dates, less, Wed 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ‘ALLO ‘ALLO Stafford Players present an amateur staging of David Croft & Jeremy Lloyd’s comedy, based on the popular TV series, Wed 4 - Sat 7 Nov, Stafford Gate- house Theatre Commencing SUN 1 NOV LES MISERABLES Amateur production presented by West Bromwich Operatic Society, Wed 4 - Sat 7 Nov, Lichfield GREAT EXPECTATIONS The Crescent Theatre Company Garrick presents its version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, until THE WIZARD OF OZ Get Your Wigle On present an ama- Sat 7 Nov, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham teur version of the much-loved musical, Wed 4 - Sun 8 SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET Pre- Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury sented by Blue Orange Arts in association with Night LOSERS Tit4Twat present a performance which blurs lines NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Project Theatre, until Sat 7 Nov, The Blue Orange The- between interactive theatre, live art and cabaret, Thurs 5 atre, Birmingham Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry RELATIVELY SPEAKING Bear Pit Theatre Company present ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE An intimate evening with actor 9-14 November, 7.30pm Alan Ayckbourn's comic masterpiece, until Sat 7 Nov, Saturday Matinee 2.30pm John Challis, Thurs 5 Nov, The Place, Oakengates The- Little Thetare Company presents The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed Church, atre, Telford The Flint Street Nativity Stratford-upon-Avon SOME PEOPLE TALK ABOUT VIOLENCE Barrel Organ explore Tickets £10 , Conc. £9 LOVE FOR LOVE Selina Cadell makes her RSC directorial what violence means and what it might look like. Show- debut with Congreve's restoration comedy, where love ing as part of Emerge Festival, Thurs 5 Nov, Warwick for love is stronger than love for money, until Fri 22 Jan, Arts Centre, Coventry The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon SPIRIT OF THE BLITZ: 75TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE 17 November, 1pm TREE FU TOM LIVE Children’s show starring the world's Special commemorative show celebrating the songs Chetham’s School of smallest superhero, direct from the smash-hit CBeebies and stars that kept Britain smiling through its darkest Music series, Sun 1 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent days, Thurs 5 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Tickets £10 , Students £5 HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG A charming tale about LET THE RIGHT ONE IN A stage adaptation by Jack Thorne, the magic of family and the importance of a nice warm based on the novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist, hug! Based on the book How The Koala Learnt To Hug, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Nov, Dream Factory, Warwick by Steven Lee, this charming production is back on tour ROCK 'N' ROLL TO BROADWAY Presented by Brownhills 19 November, 8pm for its fifth anniversary celebration, Sun 1 Nov, Artrix, Musical Theatre Company and featuring iconic musical Shappi Korsandi: Bromsgrove numbers from the past to the present, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Because I’m Shappi DIVORCE PAPERS Following his huge success with Dolly Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock House in 2014, Jamaica’s king of comedy Oliver Tickets £14 , Conc. £12 GET HAPPY: THE JUDY GARLAND STORY Linder Productions Samuels is back with another blockbuster, Sun 1 Nov, present international musical theatre actress Sally Jones New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham in a celebration of the life story of the legendary Judy MILKSHAKE LIVE Starring Milkshake presenter Amy and Garland, Fri 6 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury some of the channel's favourite characters, this new A WULFRUN HOME An inclusive community cast of per- 28 November, 8pm show is sure to have children singing and dancing, Sun The Madhouse presents formers from Arty Party in Telford, WoW Theatre in Pete Riley & Shamona 1 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford Wolverhampton and children from local Wolverhampton HE HAD HAIRY HANDS Kill The Beast presents its critically schools use dance, theatre, film and storytelling to share Tickets £10 adv , Otd £12 acclaimed 1970s detective werewolf mystery, wrapped their ideas, thoughts and visions about home, Fri 6 Nov, up in an 'hilarious Hammer Horror', Mon 2 Nov, mac, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Birmingham PYGMALION London Contemporary Theatre presents its TEECHERS South Staffordshire College Performing Arts version of the story of phonetics expert Henry Higgins present an amateur staging of John Godber’s classroom and his social experiment - Eliza Doolittle, Fri 6 Nov, The 1& 2 December, 1.30pm & comedy, Mon 2 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury 6.30pm ALADDIN Timeless pantomime presented by Cannock MMORPG Improvised comedy with table top gaming Box Clever Theatre presents Wood and Gentleshaw Musical Society, Mon 2 - Thurs 5 where every show is different, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, A Christmas Carol Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Tickets £8 , Conc £6, Students & KING CHARLES III Robert Powell takes the lead in Mike STORIES FROM A CROWDED ROOM Earthfall presents its Children £5 Bartlett’s Olivier Award-winning future history play, Mon twenty-fifth anniversary production in which it explores 2 - Sat 7 Nov, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire (read the stories in motion through highly physical dance, live review at whatsonlive.co.uk) music, text and encircling film, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, mac, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Birmingham 12 December, 8pm Webber's iconic musical, starring Glenn Carter as Jesus, The Madhouse presents I AM JACK The Swan Youth Theatre present an amateur Luke Jackson & Tim Rogers as Judas Iscariot and X Factor finalist staging of William Douglas’ ‘gripping’ new play, explor- Annabelle Bartram Rachel Adedaji as Mary Magdalene, Mon 2 - Sat 7 Nov, ing the man behind the monster that was Jack The Rip- Tickets £10 adv , Otd £12 Birmingham Hippodrome per, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD South Staffordshire THE ROADLESS TRIP Artsadmin present Sarah Woods' par- College Performing Arts present Charlotte Keatley’s play, ticipatory theatrical experience which fuses various cre- which explores the difficult relationships between moth- ative elements to explore and create a positive future, 18 December, 1.30pm & ers and daughters, Tues 3 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Sat 7 Nov, The REP, Birmingham 6.30pm LOST IN SPACES Award-winning writer, poet, performer CLICK.COM Rural Theatre Players present Paul Costello’s The People’s Theatre Company presents and rights activist Penny Pepper presents her highly Santa In Love comic romp through the joys and pitfalls of internet dat- anticipated one-woman show which interweaves the per- ing for ‘mature’ people, Sat 7 Nov, The Coach House, Tickets £8.50 includes a present sonal and the universal, drawing on long-kept journals for each child Malvern Theatre mixed with poetry, spoken word and music, Tues 3 Nov, OZZIE AND THE SECRET FOREST Fun, songs and audience Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton participation for two-to-nine-year-olds, Sat 7 Nov, The GOING GREEN Opus Theatre present David Tristram’s lat- Swan Theatre, Worcester est comedy, Tues 3 Nov, Bedworth Civic Hall SHE CALLED ME MOTHER Starring Cathy Tyson, directed IN THE MOTHERHOOD World premiere of Hayley Pepper's by Cara Nolan, Sat 7 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry new play, Tues 3 - Wed 4 Nov, The REP, Birmingham BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm Stent SEASON'S GREETINGS A comedy by Alan Ayckbourn about and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a moving story the misery and high jinks of an average family Christ- of two ordinary boys caught up in the horrors of the mas, Tues 3 - Fri 6 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Great War, Sat 7 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch BRAVE NEW WORLD A Touring Consortium Theatre Com- THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK A blend of live pany and Royal & Derngate Northampton production of music, puppetry and storytelling, based on the classic Aldous Huxley's fantasy of the future, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, children's book by Jill Tomlinson. Suitable for three-to- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre seven-year-olds, Sat 7 Nov, The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- FLARE PATH The stories of RAF bomber crews in World bury War Two and their sweethearts at home, waiting for their A TRANSLATION OF SHADOWS Stan's Cafe explore the role return, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry of a Benshi, a narrator of the first silent films to arrive in LORD OF THE FLIES Great Leap Forward present William Japan, Sat 7 Nov, Warwick Arts Shadows, Coventry Goulding's twentieth century classic, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, BABES IN THE WOOD Encore Academy give a modern The REP, Birmingham twist to a classic fairytale, Sat 7 Nov, Dovehouse The- CRAZY FOR YOU St Alphege Musical Production Society atre, Solihull Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, present an amateur production of the much-loved CRAZY GLUE Single Shoe Productions present a tragi- Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1AA Gershwin musical, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, Solihull Arts Com- comedy about loss, inspired by Etgar Keret's short story, 01283 508100 plex Sat 7 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Box ofﬁce: . ONLY FOOLS AND... BOYCIE An intimate evening with actor JOAN An earthy story of courage, conviction, hope, sur- www.brewhouse.co.uk John Challis, Wed 4 Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- vival and love, Sat 7 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ster THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO With storytelling, music and GHOST OPERA Award-winning Fellswoop Theatre present lots of chances to make your own art, this hands-on

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Albany Theatre, Coventry ton Spa CYRANO DE BERGERAC Second Thoughts Drama TERRIERS Drama exploring the pressures placed on Theatre LISTINGS Group present an amateur production of Edmund young people by gang culture, Tues 17 Nov, The Rostand's classic tragi-comic story, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford For full listing information on theatre Nov, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed I PURITANI Welsh National Opera present Bellini's Church, Stratford-upon-Avon English Civil War drama, containing a cavalcade of productions, including times and VAMPIRES ROCK Thurs 12 Nov, New Alexandra The- great opera moments and starring acclaimed tenor dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk atre, Birmingham Barry Banks, Tues 17 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm drome family show introduces one of the twentieth centu- Stent and Don Maclean. A moving story of two ordi- MACBETH The Pantaloons Theatre Company put ry’s most influential artists through the eyes of a nary boys caught up in the horrors of the Great their own contemporary spin on Shakespeare's young boy. Be sure to wear some play-clothes War, Thurs 12 Nov, Stratford Artshouse most dangerous play, Tues 17 Nov, Artrix, Broms- because it’s going to get messy! Sat 7 Nov, War- DRACULA Bram Stoker’s classic tale of the vampire, grove wick Arts Centre, Coventry Thurs 12 Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall BAREFACED Big Brum Theatre In Education present APPRENTICES: THE PREVIEW SHOW A brand new CINDERELLA Birmingham Youth Theatre present a Chris Cooper's tale of exploration and the remark- stage play written by Alexandra Johnson to mark new version of the classic rags-to-riches story, able courage of the young people that society has eighty years of the home of the Albany Theatre, Sat Thurs 12 - Sat 14 Nov, The Old Rep, Birmingham abandoned, Tues 17 Nov, mac, Birmingham 7 Nov, Albany Theatre, Coventry PUBLIC ADDRESS: THE SOAP BOX TOUR Featuring an SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Tues 17 HOME FIRES BURNING A brand new series of short ensemble of spoken word artists whose unique Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham plays which explore the intrigue, excitement and voices hail from all corners of the UK, Fri 13 Nov, AN OAK TREE Tim Crouch's intricate story of loss and heartbreak of WWI. Directed by Ian Craddock, all mac, Birmingham suggestion, performed by two people - the play- works are penned by local writers from the Big THE SISSY'S PROGRESS Part installation, part dance- wright himself and a different second actor at each Script and performed by local actors, Sat 7 - Fri 13 theatre, part walking performance, The Sissy's performance, Tues 17 - Thurs 19 Nov, Warwick Arts Nov, The Mockingbird, Birmingham Progress engages the violence of city life and the Centre, Coventry HAUNTING JULIA Alan Ayckbourn’s haunting study of contradictions of gender politics. This performance SISTER ACT Solihull premiere presented by St grief, obsession & the supernatural, Sat 7 - Sat 14 forms part of SHOUT Festival, Fri 13 Nov, mac, Augustine's MTC, Tues 17 - Sat 21 Nov, Solihull Nov, Oldbury Rep Birmingham Arts Complex CURIOUS A play with few words, described as a BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm CALAMITY JANE Redditch Operatic Society present laugh-out-loud experience for the very young and Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a an amateur version of the classic musical comedy, the curiously inquisitive, Sun 8 Nov, Warwick Arts moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Tues 17 - Sat 21 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Centre, Coventry horrors of the Great War, Fri 13 Nov, Dudley Town LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE A brand new musi- LA MERDA Cristian Ceresoli's critically acclaimed Hall cal starring David Hasselhoff, Tues 17 - Sat 21 Nov, play sees a 'young, ugly and literally naked’ Silvia ROMEO & JULIET Immersion Theatre present an Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Gallerano reveal her revolting secrets, Sun 8 - Mon ‘exhilarating adaptation’ of the greatest love story WENDY AND PETER PAN Join Wendy, Peter, Tink and 9 Nov, mac, Birmingham ever told, Fri 13 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Captain Hook in Ella Hickson's acclaimed re-telling DANGEROUS CORNER The Billesley Players present of JM Barrie's classic children's story, Tues 17 Nov - an amateur production of JB Priestley’s classic Sun 31 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Week Commencing MON 9 NOV thriller of secrets and lies, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Nov, Dove- upon-Avon house Theatre, Solihull HALFWAY TO PARADISE - THE BILLY FURY STORY Musi- SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Mon 9 BROKEN GLASS Arthur Miller's play tells a story of cal which charts the rise to fame of the shy young Nov, Dudley Town Hall love, guilt and personal tragedy while focusing on boy from Liverpool who became one of Britain's BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm Philip & Sylvia Gellburg, a New York couple living in best-loved rock stars. Timeless hits featured in the Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a Brooklyn in 1938, Fri 13 - Sat 21 Nov, Hall Green show include I Will, Jealousy, It's Only Make Believe moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Little Theatre, Birmingham and, of course, Halfway To Paradise, Wed 18 Nov, horrors of the Great War, Mon 9 - Tues 10 Nov, Soli- GLORILLA A primal comedy from French/English Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent hull Arts Complex comedy duo Spitz & Co, Sat 14 Nov, Artrix, Birm- CRAZY GLUE Single Shoe Productions present a THE MOUSETRAP Touring production of Agatha ingham tragicomedy about loss, inspired by Etgar Keret's Christie's famous thriller - the longest running show THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES A short story, Wed 18 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolver- in the history of British theatre, Mon 9 - Sat 14 Nov, high-energy one-man show featuring a plethora of hampton Belgrade Theatre, Coventry dashing heroes, villainous rogues and vintage BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm THE FULL MONTY Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis thrills, Sat 14 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a Emerick, Rupert Hill, Martin Miller & Bobby BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Schofield star in Simon Beaufoy’s rip-roaring stag- Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a horrors of the Great War, Wed 18 - Thurs 19 Nov, ing of his classic film, Mon 9 - Sat 14 Nov, Malvern moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Lichfield Garrick Theatre horrors of the Great War, Sat 14 Nov, Number 8 JEKYLL & HYDE A London’s Cockpit Theatre produc- MISS JULIE A young woman falls for her father's Community Arts Centre, Pershore tion based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic valet, with severe consequences, Mon 9 - Sat 14 BROKEN Groundbreaking piece of theatre exploring novel, Wed 18 - Sat 21 Nov, The Blue Orange The- Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster the stories of seven women, each one highlighting atre, Birmingham SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL Four schools per- issues that cause emotional pain, Sat 14 Nov, Cres- HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson's tale of plucky form four different Shakespeare plays, Tues 10 Nov, cent Theatre, Birmingham Hetty Feather, brought to life by award-winning Palace Theatre, Redditch THE MIS CAST MUSICALS CONCERT A refreshing spin script writer Emma Reeves and Olivier Award-nomi- THE GLASS MENAGERIE Headlong present Tennessee on well-known musical theatre, presented in a way nated director Sally Cookson. Suitable for ages Williams' classic play concerning a frustrated moth- never before seen, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, The Old seven-plus, Wed 18 - Sun 22 Nov, Malvern Theatres er, a daughter lost in her imagination, and a son Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DAVID STARKEY - MAGNA CARTA Talk by the UK's lead- intent on rebellion, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Nov, Warwick MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Voices In Partnership pres- ing constitutional historian, Thurs 19 Nov, Artrix, Arts Centre, Coventry ent Stephen Sondheim’s musical, which tells the Bromsgrove HAIRSPRAY Bilston Operatic Company present an fictional story of one-time Broadway composer CONTAINED Mind The Gap weave nine true stories amateur staging of the hit Broadway musical, Tues Franklin Shepard, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, The Place, about family & friendships, love & loss, the every- 10 - Sat 14 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Oakengates Theatre, Telford day & the extraordinary, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 Nov, WAITING FOR GODOT London Classic Theatre pres- TWELFTH NIGHT The Crescent Theatre Company Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton ents the Samuel Beckett classic, Tues 10 - Sat 14 present Shakespeare’s popular comedy of mis- LORD ARTHUR SAVILE'S CRIME Based on a short story Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme chief, madness and infatuation, Sat 14 - Sat 28 Nov, by Oscar Wilde, adapted by Constance Cox and TAKIN’ OVER THE ASYLUM St John’s Players present The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham presented by St Luke's Drama Society, Thurs 19 - an amateur staging of Donna Franceschild’s cult WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Little Angel Theatre Sat 21 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock 1994 TV series starring David Tennant and Ken bring Michael Rosen's much-loved children's book SWEENEY TODD Welsh National Opera presents its Stott, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Nov, Swan Theatre, Worces- to life in a new puppetry production featuring music critically acclaimed version of Stephen Sondheim’s ter and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb broadway hit, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Nov, Birmingham THE FALCON'S MALTESER Film noir pastiche which fol- Jungr, Sat 14 - Sun 29 Nov, mac, Birmingham Hippodrome lows the adventures of hopelessly inept private IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Frank Capra’s iconic film, POP GOES THE MUSICAL Walsall Youth Theatre show- detective Tim Diamond and his sharp-witted broth- retold as a radio play, Sun 15 Nov, Royal Spa Cen- case a collection of West End favourites, Thurs 19 - er, Nick, Tues 10 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhamp- tre, Leamington Spa Sat 21 Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall ton THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS The Britain's Got Talent DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Presented by Ambient Night Week Commencing MON 16 NOV finalists return to celebrate their twenty-first anniver- Productions. May not be suitable for young chil- sary, Fri 20 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury dren, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 Nov, Prince Of Wales Cen- THE RED CHAIR Clod Ensemble tell the surreal story THE OMMA N CHAIN SHOWCASE An evening of live of a man who couldn’t stop eating, Fri 20 Nov, All tre, Cannock entertainment showcasing performers with strong DARK AND LOVELY Selina Thompson discusses afro Stretton Village Hall, Church Stretton, South Shrop- connections to the region, Mon 16 Nov, The Cres- shire hair, its politics, its connotations, its history and cent Theatre, Birmingham what it tells us about being Black, British and BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING Scamp Theatre present Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a female in the UK today, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Nov, The a heart-warming adaptation of Julie Donaldson and REP, Birmingham moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Axel Scheffler's new bestselling book. Suitable for horrors of the Great War, Fri 20 Nov, Albany The- A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED Middle Ground Theatre ages three-plus, Mon 16 - Wed 18 Nov, Malvern Company Ltd presents a lavish new production of a atre, Coventry Theatres KNIGHTMARE LIVE Live stage adaptation of the cult classic Miss Marple mystery, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Nov, ABSENT FRIENDS London Classic Theatre present Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury kids’ TV show. Hosted by Treguard (Paul Flannery), Alan Ayckbourn’s exploration of friendship, mar- and featuring teams guiding an audience member GREASE Amateur production presented by Coventry riage and what it ultimately means to be happy, Youth Operetta Group, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Nov, through the epic dungeon, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov, Mon 16 - Wed 18 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leaming- mac, Birmingham

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GUYS AND DOLLS Featuring Sophie Thompson & LISTINGS David Haig, Tues 24 Nov - Sat 5 Dec, New Alexan- Theatre dra Theatre, Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE Wed 25 Nov, For full listing information on theatre Palace Theatre, Redditch productions, including times and THE SNOW DRAGON Tall Stories present the enchanting tale of a young goat named Billy and his dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk encounter with the legendary Snow Dragon, Wed 25 Nov, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire DRIVE THROUGH THE MUSICALS Join the Arcadians as A TOUCH OF FANTASY Hilarious stories that will take they take you on a captivating journey, beginning you from the Ritz to Tiffany's, Wed 25 Nov, Prince with a magical introduction to the theme of musical Of Wales Centre, Cannock films and travelling through time from the 1920s YVETTE Presented by Dogpole Drama Company, right up to the present day, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov, The Wed 25 Nov, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Shropshire TREASURE ISLAND Scott Ritchie & BOA present an CHOREOGRAPHY OF AN ARGUMENT AROUND A TABLE An original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's unpredictable and riotous performance that unpicks classic tale, Fri 20 Nov - Sun 3 Jan, The Old Rep what it is to be in an argument, and how we win Theatre, Birmingham and lose while our trousers are down, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE CS Lewis' Dickens Abridged - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury timeless classic - a perfect festive treat, Fri 20 Nov - MACBETH Two Score Years And Ten present their Sat 16 Jan, The REP, Birmingham version of Shakespeare’s darkest and most power- ing the triangles which often create complications TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera present Puccini's tale of ful tragedy, Wed 25 - Sat 28 Nov, Ludlow Assembly within friendships, relationships, work and family, Fri love and treachery. Sung in Italian with English sur- Rooms, South Shropshire 27 - Sun 29 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birming- titles, Sat 21 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BEAUTY AND THE BEAST An enchanting tale of heroic ham CURIOUS A play with few words, described as a adventure, true love, messy mayhem and festive fri- BOUND TO SOAR Variety showcase presented by laugh-out-loud experience for the very young and volity, Wed 25 Nov - Sat 9 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, RSM Stage Academy, Sat 28 Nov, The Crescent the curiously inquisitive, Sat 21 Nov, The REP, Birm- Coventry Theatre, Birmingham ingham SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Thurs APPLAUSE: A CABARET OF SONG & DANCE Sat 28 Nov, THE BUTCH MONOLOGUES Presented as part of Shout, 26 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Dovehouse Theatre, Solihull Birmingham’s annual queer arts festival, The Butch YVETTE Dogpole Drama Company present a new THE MANY DOORS OF FRANK FEELBAD Bootworks The- Monologues seeks to re-position ‘the negative, play by Paul Higgins, based on a novella by Mau- atre present an innovative work for small children, socially threatening concept of female masculinity’. passant, Thurs 26 Nov, Theatre On The Steps, featuring scavenger hunts, puzzles to solve and Topics explored in the collection include butch Bridgnorth, Shropshire maybe even some dub-step dancing, Sat 28 - Sun desire, bravado, vulnerability, butch sex and per- STRICTLY BALTI Travelling Light Theatre take a light- 29 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ceptions of the body, Sat 21 Nov, The REP, B’ham hearted but nonetheless thought-provoking look at PUSS IN BOOTS Lyngo Theatre use puppetry and its A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Telford Academy of Perform- the trials and tribulations of being a second-genera- inimitable styling to bring the 'classic furry tale' to ing Arts showcase various dance disciplines along- tion immigrant in the UK, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Nov, life, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, side extracts from musical theatre, Sat 21 Nov, The The REP, Birmingham Coventry Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Stourbridge Theatre LEARNED FRIENDS Ginny Davis’ new play, performed THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING Scamp Theatre present Company present an amateur version of Alan Ben- in the historic setting of Warwick’s former Crown a heart-warming adaptation of Julie Donaldson and nett’s stage play, which is, in turn, based on the Court, Sun 29 Nov, Warwick Crown Court Axel Scheffler's new bestselling book. Suitable for much-loved riverbank tale by Kenneth Grahame, ages 3+, Sat 21 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall NOTHING! Solo contemporary show where Paul THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD Tall Stories Theatre Company Week Commencing MON 30 NOV O’Donnell showcases his skills by singing, dancing present Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler's award- and generally clowning about. This show forms part winning sequel, Thurs 26 Nov - Sun 3 Jan, Warwick AN AUDIENCE WITH PAUL GASCOIGNE Listen to Gazza of the wider Shout Festival, Sat 21 Nov, The REP, Arts Centre, Coventry talk about his career highs and lows, Mon 30 Nov, Birmingham YVETTE Dogpole Drama Company present a new Civic Hall, Wolverhampton ALL TURN A one-woman show which takes a stroll play by Paul Higgins, based on a novella by Mau- MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS Brand new family musical down the memory lane of Mr Albert North, Sat 21 - passant, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury brought to the stage by the producers of We’re Sun 22 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham JASPER CARROTT: STAND UP & ROCK! An evening of Going On A Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To PEPPA PIG'S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, George and their music and laughter featuring The Bev Bevan Band, Tea, Mon 30 Nov - Tues 1 Dec, Malvern Theatre, friends return with a brand new live stage show, Sat Geoff Turton and Quill lead singer Joy, Fri 27 - Sat Worcestershire 21 - Sun 22 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birming- 28 Nov, Wyre Forest Glades Arena, Kidderminster THE WIZARD OF OZ The popular musical story of how ham SPRING AND PORT WINE The Luke Players present Bill a young girl from Kansas has to make her way BOUND TO SOAR Variety showcase presented by Naughton’s humorous and poignant family drama, home from the magical land of Oz, Mon 30 Nov - RSM Stage Academy, Sun 22 Nov, The Crescent Fri 27 - Sat 28 Nov, mac, Birmingham Sat 5 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Theatre, Birmingham THE 3 OF US Contemporary musical theatre explor- DICKENS ABRIDGED A singing, dancing love letter to the life & works of Charles Dickens, Sun 22 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 6 IMPOSSIBLE THINGS The story of the Three Theatre Box Office Grimshaws, a variety act at the top of their game, told in a relaxed cabaret style and featuring a Birmingham 01902 321321 Staffordshire THEATRE, revolving stage, conjuring, acrobats, live music and STRATFORD-UPON-AVON sound effects, Sun 22 Nov, Quatt Village Hall, ALEXANDRA THEATRE BLOXWICH THEATRE LICHFIELD GARRICK 01922 653183 0844 800 1110 Bridgnorth, Shropshire 0844 871 3011 01543 412121 ROYAL SPA CENTRE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME DUDLEY CONCERT HALL NEW VIC, NEWCASTLE- LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 0844 338 5000 01384 812812 UNDER-LYME 01782 717962 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM REP FOREST ARTS CENTRE, PRINCE OF WALES Week Commencing MON 23 NOV COVENTRY 02476 524524 0121 236 4455 WALSALL CENTRE, CANNOCK 01922 654555 01543 578762 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE GREAT GATSBY Blackeyed Theatre Company per- REGENT THEATRE, STOKE form Stephen Sharkey's staging of F Scott Fitzger- 0121 212 2643 GRAND THEATRE, Worcestershire 01902 429212 0870 060 6649 ald's masterpiece, Mon 23 - Wed 25 Nov, Arena CRESCENT THEATRE ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE Theatre, Wolverhampton 0121 643 5858 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE BROMSGROVE 01902 572090 01889 584036 01527 577330 THE SMALLEST SHOW ON EARTH Liza Goddard & DOVEHOUSE THEATRE OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THE HIVE Brian Capron star in a brand new musical comedy 0121 706 7139 01785 619080 inspired by the 1950s film starring Peter Sellers, 0121 552 2761 01905 822866 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE Mon 23 - Sat 28 Nov, Malvern Theatre, Worcester- HUNTINGDON HALL, HALL GREEN LITTLE 01782 209784 shire Shropshire WORCESTER THEATRE THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 01905 611427 VIRGINIA IRONSIDE: GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY 0121 707 1874 One-woman show which, according to The Scots- 01952 222277 Warwickshire MALVERN THEATRE MAC 0121 446 3232 man, offers a ‘life-affirming ramble through the joys THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK ALBANY THEATRE, 01684 892277 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE of being a sexagenarian’, Tues 24 Nov, Solihull Arts 01952 728911 COVENTRY NORBURY THEATRE, 0121 200 0946 Complex THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 024 7601 6222 DROITWICH HAY FEVER Amateur production of Noel Coward's OLD REP 0121 359 9444 01743 234970 BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 01905 770154 comedy of manners, presented by Warwick Univer- SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 024 7637 6707 PALACE THEATRE sity Drama Society, Tues 24 - Fri 27 Nov, Warwick 0121 704 6962 ROOMS 01584 878141 BELGRADE THEATRE, REDDITCH 01527 65203 Arts Centre, Coventry SUTTON ARTS THEATRE, THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, COVENTRY ROSE THEATRE, A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED Middle Ground Theatre SUTTON COLDFIELD TELFORD 01952 382382 024 7655 3055 01562 743745 Company Ltd presents a lavish new production of a 0121 355 5355 BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, classic Miss Marple mystery, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Nov, THEATRE SEVERN, SWAN THEATRE, WARWICK 01926 776438 WORCESTER Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 01905 611427 BERYL Maxine Peake's critically acclaimed play cele- Black Country THE DREAM FACTORY 01926 419555 brating the life of unsung sporting legend Beryl Bur- ARENA THEATRE WEM TOWN HALL ton, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Nov, The REP, Birmingham WOLVERHAMPTON 01939 232299 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE

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Theatre REVIEWS

Below are reviews of theatre/dance productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Annie Birmingham Hippodrome IIf ever there was a perfect time to revive the classic seventies musical Annie then now is the time. A young company of actors deliver a stellar performance alongside a strong ensemble and a wickedly evil Miss Hannigan, wonderfully portrayed by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood with the latter revealing a feminine flair that surpasses all expectations. He executes his choreography with precision (naturally) and sings in fine voice during his solo Little Girls and Easy Street. Hairspray Malvern Theatre Opening the show with Maybe and It’s the Hard Knock Life, it’s clear to see that the company’s The National touring production of Hairspray, the Musical, has you smiling, cheering youngest members are talented and well rehearsed and toe-tapping in your seat from start to finish. This joyous story with a strong, seri- in their choreography, their harmonies perfectly ous message at its soul captivates with wonderful performances throughout. complimenting George Dyer’s musical direction. Set in Baltimore in 1962, it tells the story of a young girl who doesn’t fit the convention- Young Annie is played - in this performance - by al TV norms of slender but who won’t let that stop her from auditioning for her favourite Sophia Pettit whose strong voice and warming per- TV show. She soon realises that body size is not the only deterrent as she befriends sona shine throughout the production. A young the ‘negros’ in her regular school detention class. Through their shared love of danc- actress who should set her ambitions high, Pettit ing and 45s, they vow to take on the TV show and ultimately the system together. We commands attention when performing Tomorrow remember that America at this time was a society in which racism was rife. Segrega- and demonstrates vulnerability in the quest for her tion, although deemed unlawful, was not illegal and in 1962 was still being used as a parents. tool of humiliation. Lighting designer Ben Cracknell has created a terrif- The girl with the big heart (and girth) played by Freya Sutton has made the role of ic atmosphere across each scene complimenting Tracy Turnblad her own and is outstanding. The pairing of Benidorm’s hairdresser Colin Richmond’s set and costume design perfectly. Tony Maudsley and Blue Peter’s Peter Duncan as her parents Edna and Wilbur is Director Nikolai Foster has taken this classic Broad- comic genius right there! Claire Sweeney is sultry as vicious Velma Von Tussle and X- way musical and adapted in a new light whilst Factor’s Brenda Edwards’ solo is particularly mesmerising. Supported by an excellent keeping all the classic elements and performances cast, it is difficult to pick out individuals when standards are so high. true to their original making it a production that The producer tells us that theatre should both educate and entertain. In this produc- shines from start to finish. Kieran Johnson n n n n tion we enjoy the sequins, flips, vocals and comedy yet we hear the message of ‘inte- gration not segregation’ and on both counts to ‘just sit still would be a crime’. Brace yourselves for a bouffant-shaped journey of feel-good!. Clare Higgins n n n n n The Glenn Miller Story Hairspray returns to the region next month, running at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from 14 December to 2 January. Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Tommy Steele is seventy-eight. Although the years have diminished him as a song-and-dance man, the The REP, Birmingham ‘bubbly magnetism’ for which he’s best known Anita And Me remains undimmed. He’s here cast as legendary Anita And Me is a bittersweet coming of age story concerning two young girls growing band leader Glenn Miller, and is playing opposite a up in the fictional Black Country village of Tollington. woman who’s probably a third of his age. The Neglected and rejected by her parents, Anita is angry and defiant. Meena, on the other show’s set-up lets them get away with it - just. hand has a close relationship with her loving parents; but is in awe of Anita and sees The Glenn Miller Admiration Society is visiting RAF her bravado as rebelliousness and her life free from the constrains of family obliga- Twinwood. It was here, on 15 December 1944, that tions. Glenn boarded a transport plane that never reached Jalleh Alizadeh brings a vulnerability to Anita’s brashness and anger which helps us its destination. The Society decides to ‘do the show sympathise with her character as a victim of circumstances. Mandeep Dillon plays right here’, a device which covers Steele’s inability Meena with an naivety underlined by innocence rather than ignorance - awe-struck she to hold an American accent. may be, stupid she’s not. In fact she may be the true rebel as she rejects her family, The real star of the show is the superb band, frustrated by their expectations of her as a daughter and a good girl in favour for a authentically laying clarinets upon saxophones friendship with Anita. upon trumpets and trombones, just as Miller did Cultural and personal identity underlie the lives of those living in Tollington. Meena’s when he found the sound that made him famous. parents are Indian immigrants, she herself is first generation British and a true mix of In the first half of the show, they roar through a cultures - her Black Country dialect and love of pop music an obvious contrast to her repertoire of pre-Miller music. The second half is parents Indian accented English and love of Punjabi music. They are for all intents and more concert than play, as they perform the band purposes the only Asians in the village. leader’s most famous tunes exactly as he would’ve The community in which they live is accepting and open for the most part; personified demanded they be performed. in the character of Mrs Worrall, played with humour and tenderness by Janice Connolly. Glenn Miller’s story is slight and hugely predictable. The casual racism they experience on a daily basis is subtly underplayed and at times There’s a thin explanation of how Moonlight Sere- almost humorous. Meena’s parents are tolerant in that they view the perpetrators as nade was composed, a confirmation of how many silly, stupid and a minority. Ameet Chana, as Meena’s Dad, and Ayesha Dharker, as her gold discs he won, an account of how he got his Mum, are gentle and moral people who’s patience and understanding is truly tested in first booking for the Glenn Miller Orchestra before the second act when the racism becomes increasingly dark, threatening and violent. he’d actually formed it, and the tale of his big break A sound track of seventies classics run throughout the production alongside traditional in Boston. However, you could’ve squeezed all of Indian music with the two coming together in an hilarious Bhangra version of Cum On those story elements on to a postage stamp. The Feel The Noize by Slade. Many of Meena’s soliloquies are sung to keyboard accompa- show is definitely more a case of The Glenn Miller niment by her neighbour Hairy Ned; others are spoken as letters written to the agony Non-Story. But you can never keep a good man aunts for teenage girls, Jacky magazine’s Cathy and Claire. This Meena’s 'me time’ down. When Tommy whispered love song The gives us an insight into how she herself views her dilemmas, particularly when she Nearness Of You, I put down my pen and shed a realises that the friendship she rejected her family for cannot protect her from prejudice tear. Steele still loves being on stage - and audi- and violence. Although the music and humour tempers the themes of racism and ences will never stop loving him. domestic abuse, Anita And Me is at times uncomfortable but moreover it’s funny and Chris Eldon Lee n n n Ted Finlay n n n n moving - all-in-all a ‘Bostin’ production. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Theatre November Region One.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:56 Page 12

Theatre WEST END Adrian Lester at The Garrick... Birmingham-born actor Adrian Lester is to reprise the role of Ira Aldridge in the Ken- neth Branagh Theatre Company production of Red Velvet at the Garrick next year. Written by Lolita Chakrabarti, Red Velvet is set in Covent Garden in 1833. It follows the story of a young, black, American actor (Lester) who’s been asked to take over the role of Othello after the play’s lead collaps- es on stage. With public riots taking place on the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre? Of his decision to stage Chakrabarti’s play, Kenneth Branagh said: “Writing, direction and performance are exceptional in Red Velvet. I'm immensely proud to be presenting this work. I believe that Lolita has written an important and exhilarating play which, in its discussion of performance, politics and race, is as entertaining as it is illuminating.” Lester’s impressive acting credentials include Fences, Othello at the National Theatre, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. On TV he’s appeared in Hustle, Being Human and London Spy.

Aladdin to fly into the Prince Edward Theatre Tickets for Disney Theatrical’s production of Aladdin go on sale this month (23 November). The musical is currently enjoy- ing a successful run at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre. It will open at Prince Edward Theatre on 9 June, with previews from 27 May. The production is based on Disney’s 1992 animated movie version of the legendary Arabian Nights story. Featur- ing numerous familiar tunes - including the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning A Whole New World - the show also boasts a number of new songs. Broadway cast member Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his West End debut, playing the genie of the lamp. Further casting is yet to be announced.

Lessons in how to survive, in the West End... People, Places And Things, Duncan Macmillan’s acclaimed play about surviving in the modern world, is to transfer to Wyndham’s Theatre next year. A collaboration between Headlong and the National Theatre, the highly acclaimed production - The Guardian described it as ‘vivid’ and ‘vibrant’ - enjoyed a sell-out season in the National’s Dorfman Theatre. The play tells the story of Emma, a woman who, having had the time of her life, is now in rehab. Her first port of call is to admit there’s a problem - but as far as she’s concerned, the problem isn’t with her, it’s with everyone and everything else. But when intoxication feels like the only way to survive the modern world, how can she ever sober up? People, Places And Things runs at Wyndham’s Theatre for a twelve- week period from 15 March.

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Win! To enter all competitions go to www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Tickets to MCM Birmingham Tickets to A Murder Is Family ticket to Dick Comic Con Announced Whittington

Closes Monday 9 November Closes Friday 6 November Closes Monday 30 November Tickets to Skate Birmingham Tickets to Hairspray Tickets to Guys And Dolls

Closes Thursday 12 November Closes Monday 7 December Closes Tuesday 17 November Tickets to Beryl An Arnie experience at the ICC Tickets to Gangsta Granny

Closes Tuesday 17 November Closes Monday 30 November Closes Monday 23 November Tickets to Last Night A DJ Tickets to The Lion, The Witch Tickets to Cinderella: Saved My Life And The Wardrobe A Fairytale

Closes Tuesday 10 November Closes Friday 13 November Closes Thursday 3 December Tickets to Of Mice And Men Family Ticket to Aladdin Tickets to The Snowman

Closes Friday 29 January Closes Thursday 7 January Closes Wednesday 13 January

To enter all competitions go to www.whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter for more great competitions

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feature Forty-one Years Funny

The Trocks are back in town...

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A moulting swan, a sleepwalking ballerina and a rock guitar-playing beggar woman: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo do classical dance like you've never seen it before...

Since its inception in 1974, the company has swap. Thankfully, most character changes Three years later, gained global renown for its unique and take place between acts - but it's not always he discovered his irreverent productions. Through the magic of that simple... voice and life-long make-up, costume and intensive training, “In Don Quixote I have a really fast change,” passion through sixteen men are transformed into a company explains Johnsey. “It's just a few minutes, so I dance classes; by the of (mostly) graceful ballerinas, performing run off stage and they start ripping the time he auditioned for excerpts from a range of familiar and not so costume straight off me! But it's all designed the Trocks, the artistic familiar stories, from Swan Lake to Patterns to be foolproof, so everything we need is put director, Tory Dobrin, saw only an In Space. The result is a hysterically funny in place, ready for those quick changes.” exceptionally talented seventeen-year- parody of the heightened drama, grandeur Yet looks aren't everything, of course. As if old, unaware of his complicated history. and gravity of traditional ballet, mixing sharp wit, faultless timing and the ability to In much the same way as the company's mischief with the profoundest respect for the sculpt a face with enviable perfection weren't fresh approach provides new opportunities form. enough, the Trocks are also highly skilled for performers, it can also help to open up “We like to pay tribute to the old style of ballerinas, capable of sliding seamlessly from ballet to wider audiences, challenging the ballet - that's the sort of style we make fun slapstick into virtuosic spectacle. They might perceptions of stuffiness or exclusivity that of,” says Chase Johnsey, a longstanding have fun on stage, but they take their training sometimes come with the territory. member of the company. “It can be very seriously, and that diligence more than “We really want to make it accessible and educational. With some of the more obscure pays off: their stunning performances are entertaining, and I think it's a great segue into pieces like Laurencia, we've been the first to proof positive that it's not only women who understanding and appreciating traditional bring those shows to New York, even though can dance en pointe. ballet,” says Poppe. “There are a lot of jokes it's a Russian classic.” “I've never wanted to work so hard before,” that are ballet-oriented, so it can appeal to Upon joining the Trocks, dancers are says Poppe. “I feel like I've found people that regular ballet-goers, but there are also plenty allocated male and female alter-egos, mainly I like to work with and I'm doing things I'm of jokes that are just for everybody.” Russian, which they develop through really passionate about.” Far from undermining it, the Trocks breathe classes, rehearsals and performances. He's clearly not the only one to feel a sense new life into ballet, defying expectations on “One of the things they look for when you of belonging here. Just a few minutes in the all sides and winning the respect of the wider audition for the Trocks is personality,” dancers' friendly and entertaining company ballet community. Little wonder, then, they've Johnsey continues. “Because there are only gives a distinct impression of real warmth developed a large cult following of fans ever fourteen to sixteen dancers in the and loyalty between them - it's not so much young and old right across the world - with company, one person coming or going camaraderie as family. There's more than one some avid enthusiasts even turning up to changes the feel of the whole show.” off-stage couple among them, and those who watch their shows in costume. The dancers' perfectly co-ordinated comedy sign up tend to stick around. Having been “The reaction is always good,” says Johnsey. takes the diva stereotype to extremes: when recruited at the tender age of seventeen, “Culturally, people respond differently - the the Trocks step out on stage, the room is Johnsey has now been dancing with the Japanese are very polite and reserved, for immediately dominated by their larger-than- Trocks for twelve years. example, whereas American and UK life personae, expressions exaggerated by “In ballet school they told me I would never audiences tend to be more rowdy. We prefer bold eyeshadow, thick lipstick and multi- be a professional ballet dancer,” he says, that because it's more obvious that we're layered lashes. with a wry smile. “Because I'm quite small, I doing a good job. But people seem to really “Getting to put on a face and a wig is so couldn't really lift the girls, so I only ever had enjoy the show and we're always well- different to just going out and performing,” a few little parts before I joined.” received wherever we go. We can hear the says Matthew Poppe, a more recent addition Then there's Philip Martin-Nielson, diagnosed kids laughing a mile off!” to the team. “When you put on the full with such severe autism at the age of three costume, you instantly feel much more in that his mother was urged to send him to a character.” specialist residential institution. Ignoring the Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Speed and efficiency are essential to their advice, she instead enrolled him in perform at Birmingham Hippodrome on mid-show transformations: no mean feat gymnastics and sports groups which she Tues 10 and Wed 11 November. when successive roles require a gender hoped might improve his co-ordination.

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Scottish Dance Theatre: YAMA The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 26 - Fri 27 November Scottish Dance Theatre, Scotland’s national contemporary dance a possession ritual, in turn blurring the boundaries between the vege- company, visits the Midlands this month to perform Damien Jalet’s tal and animal world while centring on man’s vital need to rise. full-length work. Set to haunting score by Winter Family, YAMA’s received plenty of Inspired by the choreographer’s travels to Japan - and his encoun- critical acclaim since its 2014 premiere in Dundee. ters with a tribe of hermits known as yamabushis - YAMA explores A regular collaborator with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Jalet is responsible the pagan and animist rituals practised in the mountains of Tohoku. for some of the most revered productions of the last ten years, Staged on an abstract set, Jalet’s hypnotic choreography sees a tan- including the Olivier Award-winning Babel (2011) and a radical stag- gled ensemble of dancers oscillate between a moving sculpture and ing of Bolero at the Paris Opera (2013).

2Faced Dance: Dreaming In Code Richard Alston Dance Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 20 November Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 10 November This double-bill of works from award-winning choreographer Tamsin Fitzgerald and Eddie Ray for Frantic Assembly is per- A choreographer who’s very formed by one of the UK’s most innovative male dance ensem- much at the forefront of contem- bles. porary dance in the UK, Richard The Herefordshire-based 2Faced Dance Company was formed by Alston takes inspiration directly Fitzgerald in 1999, its stated mission being to inspire and increase from the music he uses. dance provision to young people and the wider community. Since This month sees his highly rated then, the company has performed at over one thousand venues company return to Theatre Severn across the UK and collaborated with numerous arts organisations, to perform a triple bill of works including Hofesh Shechter and DanceXchange. from its acclaimed repertoire... The company here performs a work that’s been described as Stronghold is a brand new piece ‘exhilarating, heartbreaking, devastating and joyful’. Dreaming In by Martin Laurence which, Code comprises Lucid Grounds and Milk Night. Both pieces use a described as ‘urgent and excit- combination of theatre, dance, film and music by Angus MacRae ing’, revisits the music of Julia and Tony-nominated composer Alex Baranowski to contemplate Wolfe. what the future could look like. Alston’s latest work, Mazur, is a dance for two friends performed to Chopin’s Mazurkas - music exhilarating, heartbreaking, through which the composer ‘‘ devastating and joyful expressed his longing for his ’’ homeland. Bringing the evening to a close, Brisk Singing is a revived piece for eight dancers which presents a joyful response to Jean-Philippe Rameau’s music from Les Boréades (1764). Image: Richard Alston’s Brisk Singing

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Dance continued...

Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 27 November - Sun 13 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. Created in 1990 as a thank you to Birmingham for its support of the company following its move to the Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, Wright’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the young Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina. A magical, must-see show for little princesses everywhere…

Diversity: Up Close And Personal Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 6 November; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Sun 15 November Since beating Susan Boyle in the live final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, this London-based dance troupe have taken the world by storm with their breathtaking range of routines, performed to an eclectic soundtrack which includes everything from hip-hop to classical. They return to the Midlands this month to present a show that’s based on the troupe’s ITV Special, which aired earlier this year, and which features exclusively choreographed routines.

Dance LISTINGS For full listing information on dance, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

DIVERSITY - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL rary & Manipuri dance styles, as well The troupe’s most personal tour yet, as Dhol drumming, Sat 21 Nov, featuring choreographed routines Arena Theatre, Birmingham based on their ITV special, Fri 6 Nov, SONIA SABRI COMPANY: AKAAR Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Showcasing guest artists from the THE SNOW QUEEN Ballet Theatre UK region, alongside students from local present Hans Christian Andersen's groups & communities, Sun 22 Nov, classic fairytale ballet, Fri 6 Nov, The mac, Birmingham Swan Theatre, Worcester YAMA: SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE RICHARD ALSTON DANCE Triple bill of Thurs 26 - Fri 27 Nov, The Patrick works featuring Martin Lawrance’s Centre, Birmingham Stronghold, Alston’s Mazur & Brisk THE NUTCRACKER BRB present Sir Singing, Tues 10 Nov, Theatre Peter Wright’s festive favourite, Fri 27 Severn, Shrewsbury Nov - Sun 13 Dec, Birmingham LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE Hippodrome CARLO Tues 10 - Wed 11 Nov, THE NUTCRACKER Out Of The Box Birmingham Hippodrome Youth Theatre present a creative DIVERSITY - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL take on a classic Christmas tale, Sat Fri 13 - Sun 15 Nov, New Alexandra 28 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre, Birmingham THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL Celebrated The Little Match Girl - DanceXchange, Portuguese director and choreogra- Birmingham pher Arthur Pita here brings the festive story of The Little Match Girl to life in a fusion of dance, song and original live music by Frank Moon, Sat 14 Nov, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome SAMPAD 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Featuring celebratory performances from renowned artists & luminaries, including Nahid Siddiqui, Chitraleka Bolar, Aakash Odedra & Soweto Kinch, Sun 15 Nov, mac, Birmingham 2FACED DANCE: DREAMING IN CODE Fri 20 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove DIWALI UTSAV Featuring Bollywood, Kathak, Punjabi Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, Gujarati Raas Garba, Punjabi Giddha, contempo-

46 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 12:55 Page 1 Film

Released Fri 6 Nov

Brooklyn CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Brid Brennan Directed by John Crowley (Ireland/UK/Canada) Colm Tóibín wrote the delicate, evocative 2009 novel of the title, and with a screenplay by Nick Hornby the adaptation should be in good hands. Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis Lacey, a girl from Ennis- corthy, County Wexford, who emigrates to Brook- lyn in the 1950s, where she finds what it means to be Irish. Ms Ronan got rave reviews at the Toronto Film Festival and looks like a new frontrunner for an Oscar nomination.

EDITOR’S CHOICE The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 CERT 12a tbc Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Eliza- beth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland Directed by Francis Lawrence (USA) Kill Your Friends CERT 18 It’s now all-out war as Katniss Everdeen rallies her loyal supporters to take down the Starring Nicholas Hoult, James Corden, Joseph despotic Capitol. The fourth - and final - instalment in the phenomenal adaptation of Mawle, Ed Skrein, Rosanna Arquette, Craig Roberts Suzanne Collins’ best-selling trilogy, this $125million behemoth should make a tasty Directed by Owen Harris (UK) mint at the box-office. And, if Lionsgate has its way, this won’t be the last we see of The At the height of the Britpop revolution in 1997, tal- Hunger Games franchise. In 3D. ent scout Steven Stelfox (Hoult) goes to extreme Released Thurs 19 November ends to find the next big thing - and to salvage his career. Scripted by John Niven, from his own novel.

The Runner CERT 15 (90 mins) Starring Nicolas Cage, Sarah Paulson, Connie Nielsen, Wendell Pierce, Peter Fonda Directed by Austin Stark (USA) EDITOR’S Politics, sexual scandal and the Deepwater Horizon CHOICE oil spill of 2010 collide in the life of Colin Pryce CERT 12a (141 mins) Bridge Of Spies (Cage), an idealistic Louisiana congressman whose Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda, Austin Stowell, Sebastian Koch, world is about to implode. The American reviews Eve Hewson Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) were not kind. Co-written by the Coen brothers and Britain’s Matt Charman (Suite Française), this is the story of the 1960 U2 incident, when an American spy plane was shot down by the Rus- sians. With the Cold War freezing up again in the international headlines, this is a ger- mane opportunity to explore relations between Moscow and Washington. Tom Hanks plays the lawyer James B Donovan, whose job it is to negotiate the release of Francis Gary Powers (Stowell), the pilot shot down in Soviet airspace. And talking of Tom Hanks, he’s received rave reviews for his performance, the fourth that he’s delivered for director Steven Spielberg. Interesting, too, that Eve Hewson, daughter of U2’s Bono, should be in a film about a U2. Released Fri 27 November

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Film - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 12:55 Page 2

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 6 Nov

Burnt CERT 12a Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Lily James, Jamie Dornan, Uma Thurman, Emma Thomp- son Directed by John Wells (USA) Top chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) burnt his bridges behind him when he let his arrogance and irresponsible lifestyle get in the way of his culinary genius. Now he’s fighting to win a third Michelin star for a Paris restaurant. But first he must rediscover his inner mojo in London. What’s not to like? Food. Bradley Cooper. Sienna Miller...

FROM FRI NOV 20

Released from Fri 13 Nov The Dressmaker He Named Me Malala CERT 15 tbc CERT PG (87 mins) Starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving, Sarah Snook, Directed by Davis Guggenheim (United Arab Steve Jobs CERT 15 (122 mins) Emirates/USA) Caroline Goodall Starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (Australia) Malala Yousafzai was just fifteen years old Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Water- when a representative of the Taliban shot her ston, Michael Stuhlbarg One thing’s for sure, Kate Winslet’s latest in the face at close range. Four years earlier Directed by Danny Boyle (USA) starring vehicle won’t be for everyone. she had started a blog detailing the need for This promises greatness. The writer of The Adapted from Rosalie Ham's 2000 Gothic female education in northwest Pakistan, Social Network (Aaron Sorkin), the director novel, it’s a madcap affair about rival among other things. of Slumdog Millionaire (Danny Boyle) and dressmakers in the Australian Outback of Since the shooting, Michael Fassbender. Add Kate Winslet in 1951. It’s an odd place, Dungatar, much after her recovery in support along with the subject matter of the like many isolated communities suffering a Birmingham hospi- volatile and brilliant co-founder of Apple Inc., from too much gossip, sunstroke and in- tal, she has become and Steve Jobs, the movie, should be a run- breeding. The police sergeant is a cross- the youngest-ever away success. dresser, one old woman is addicted to Nobel Prize laureate. American critics are hash brownies and Mr Pettyman (Shane Davis Guggenheim, already saying this Bourne) has fathered way too many of the who previously di- is the best thing local children. Then Tilly Dunnage rected the 2006 doc- Fassbender has (Winslet) breezes into town like Clint East- umentary An done since, um, wood and turns the place on its head. The Inconvenient Truth, Macbeth. Largely townsfolk think she’s a killer, but she’s just tells her story so far. based on Walter a brilliant seamstress with a crazy mother... Isaacson’s epony- Nobody does idiosyncrasy like the Aus- mous 2011 biogra- tralians, but Jocelyn Moorhouse rather Scouts Guide To phy, along with overplays her hand, goading her leading interviews con- ladies to devour the scenery whole. And The Zombie Apocalypse there’s some amazing scenery - along with CERT 15 (93 mins) ducted by Sorkin. a scene-stealing turn from Judy Davis as Starring Tye Sheridan, David Koechner, Logan an “eligible hag,” and equally selfless Miller, Halston Sage, Joey Morgan, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Cloris Leachman The Lady In The Van turns from Kerry Fox and Alison Whyte. Directed by Christopher Landon (USA) CERT 12a (104 mins) Unfortunately, the comedy seldom hits its stride and the end result is a brave but un- It’s been three months since Arnold Starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, Jim wieldy attempt at black farce. Schwarzenegger’s zombie drama Maggie Broadbent, Frances De La Tour, Roger Allam, died at the box-office, so maybe his son James Corden Directed by Nicholas Hytner (UK) Patrick will have better luck with this one. It Fathers And Daughters certainly sounds more fun. There’s a zombie The credentials bode well. A script by Alan break-out in a small California town and it’s Bennett, the director of The Madness Of King CERT 15 (116 mins) up to three boy scouts to try and save the George and The History Boys and, of course, Starring Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, day. Expect considerable gore, nudity and Dame Maggie herself. Aaron Paul, Diane Kruger, Quvenzhané Wal- lis, Jane Fonda, Octavia Spencer lots of naughty words. Inspired by the true story of a homeless Directed by Gabriele Muccino (USA) woman who moved Russell Crowe plays Jake Davis, a Pulitzer into a Bedford van in Prize-winning novelist struggling with a men- the drive of Alan Ben- tal breakdown after the death of his wife, nett’s Camden home, while trying to bring up his five-year-old the film looks destined daughter. Twenty-five years later, his daugh- for BAFTA glory. Based ter, Katie (Seyfried), tries to come to terms on Bennett’s 1999 play with her troubled childhood. of the same name. There may not be a dry eye in the house...

48 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 12:55 Page 3

Released from Fri 20 Nov

Love CERT 18 (118 mins) Starring Karl Glusman, Aomi Muyock, Klara Kristin Directed by Gaspar Noé (France) In spite of the title, there’s actually quite a lot of sex involved, hence the film’s 18 certifi- cate. Gaspar Noé is known for pushing the boundaries of cinema and here explores the carnal manifestations of romance, as wit- nessed through the drug-addled perspective of a Parisian film student. Expect hardcore grappling. In 3D, no less.

Released from Fri 27 Nov FROM FRI 27 NOV The Good Dinosaur CERT tbc Black Mass CERT 15 (123 mins) Featuring the voices of Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Sam Elliott, Anna Paquin, Steve Zahn, Starring Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand Plemons, Peter Sarsgaard, Dakota Johnson Directed by Scott Cooper (USA) Directed by Peter Sohn (USA) Johnny Depp has received some of the best reviews of his career for this hard-hitting tale Not all dinosaurs are human-chewing veloci- of the Irish-American gangster Whitey Bulger. Bulger, the brother of a state senator, turned raptors. This one is a young Apatosaurus FBI informant when a Mafia family encroached on his own illegal dealings. Joel Edgerton, who, having lost his father, then loses his as FBI agent John Connolly, is also said to be sensational. Expect some pretty strong vio- way after knocking himself out on a rock. He lence. then befriends a human cave boy, whom he calls Spot... Another computer-animated production from Pixar, this will be the company’s second cartoon released this year (after Inside Out). In 3D.

Shelter CERT 18 (106 mins) Starring Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Mackie, Rob Morgan, Amy Hargreaves, Bruce Altman Directed by Paul Bettany (USA) Marking the directorial debut of the actor Paul Bettany, Shelter stars Bettany’s wife Jennifer Connelly as Hannah, a homeless junkie on the streets of Manhattan. She then meets Tahir (Mackie), a Nigerian busker whose visa has expired and, together, they find a surprising connection… Expect some pretty strong sexual material. FROM FRI 27 NOV Carol CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, Kyle Chandler Directed by Todd Haynes (USA/UK/France) Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) is a 1950s’ New York socialite with an adoring husband and a young daughter, but who nonetheless catches the romantic attention of Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a department store clerk. Expect Oscar nominations (at least). Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1952 semi-autobiographical novel The Price Of Salt.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Film A-Z November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:11 Page 1

bart in his feature film fêted Bathsheba Ever- seaside town. There, future where single peo- debut rips off the wigs dene, received rave re- she takes up the office ple must find a mate or FilmA-Z LISTINGS and wipes away the views. Showing at of Chief of Police and be turned into a beast - mascara to find the real Foxlowe Arts Centre, befriends an abused or crustacean. File it All films are currently on general release people behind the fig- Leek, Staffs, Tues 10 fourteen-year-old girl, under ‘Absurdist black unless otherwise stated. For full listing ureheads of East Lon- Nov who she then invites comedy’. Stars Colin information, including times and dates, don’s much-hyped into her home... When Farrell and Rachel alternative drag scene. Felicia's Journey 12a the film screened at Weisz. Showing at mac, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Filmed over six years A lonely middle-aged Cannes last year, it re- Birmingham, Fri 13 - and following six cult man spends all of his ceived a three-minute Tues 17 Nov; Stoke Film 52 Tuesdays 15 order to pursue his ro- stars as they swim time studying tapes of standing ovation. Stars Theatre, Tues 24 & Billie’s journey to inde- mantic dream, he has to against the tide (Jonny an eccentric TV chef. Bae Doona and Kim Thurs 26 Nov pendence starts with manoeuvre two alterna- Woo, Holestar, Scottee, Meanwhile, a young Sae-ron. Showing at the news that her mum tive worlds. Showing at Amber, Pia Arber and woman is making her mac, Birmingham, Thurs The Martian 12a is going to transition mac, Birmingham, Sat 7 John Sizzle), the film fol- way from Ireland to find 19 Nov During a manned mis- and live her life as a Nov lows the literal highs her boyfriend, who sion to Mars, astronaut man. Although Billie is moved to England. On Kingsman: The Se- Mark Watney is pre- Dark Horse 12a and graphic lows of this asked to move in with arrival, she makes an cret Service 15 sumed dead after a A documentary telling popular tribe, revealing her father, they decide early contact with the Based on Mark Millar fierce storm and left be- the inspirational true the personal struggles that every Tuesday will man, who recommends and Dave Gibbons’ hind by his crew. But story of a group of of each heroine. Show- be a sacred space be- a boarding room to her. comic book, The Secret Watney has survived friends from a working ing at mac, Birmingham, tween mother and Slowly, it’s revealed that Service, this spy adven- and finds himself men’s club who decide Sun 15 Nov daughter. Stars Tilda he has, in fact, be- ture unites director stranded and alone on to take on the elite Cobham-Hervey and Everest 12a friended and subse- Matthew Vaughn with the hostile planet. Stars ‘sport of kings’ and Del Herbert-Jane. Show- Featuring a mouthwater- quently abused more the scenarist Jane Gold- Matt Damon and Jes- breed themselves a ing at mac, Birmingham, ing cast that includes than a dozen young man for the fourth time sica Chastain. Showing racehorse. Showing at Tues 17 Nov Jason Clarke, Josh women. Stars Bob (cf. Stardust, Kick-Ass, at mac, Birmingham, Fri The Edge Arts Centre, Brolin, John Hawkes, Hoskins and Arsinée X-Men: First Class). 6 - Wed 11 Nov; Festival Alice's Journey 15 Much Wenlock, South Robin Wright and Emily Khanjian. Showing at Colin Firth plays a vet- Drayton Centre, Market Alice is a thirty-year-old Shropshire, Mon 2 Nov Watson. The actors play mac, Birmingham, Thurs eran secret agent who Drayton, Shropshire Sat sailor in love with Félix, The Divide 15 various characters in- 19 Nov takes on a young pro- 14 & Tues 17 Nov; Lud- who waits for her Inspired by bestselling volved in the 1996 tégé (Taron Egerton). low Assembly Rooms, ashore as she unex- Free Angela And All book The Spirit Level, Mount Everest disaster, Also stars Samuel L South Shropshire, Mon pectedly sets off as sec- Political Prisoners The Divide looks at how the most deadly expedi- Jackson. Showing at 30 Nov ond mechanic on the In this rarely presented the rising gap between tion (at the time) Forest Arts Centre, Wal- Fidelio, an old freighter. documentary, legendary Miss You Already 12a rich and poor has im- launched on the world’s sall, Fri 6 Nov On board, she discov- radical activist Angela Might this be a cult pacted on our societies. highest mountain. ers not only that she re- Davis speaks for the first Legend 15 weepie of the future? As many Western coun- Showing at Festival places a recently time about her 1970s Tom Hardy stars oppo- Could this be this year’s tries have become Drayton Centre, Market deceased mechanic, imprisonment as a ter- site Tom Hardy in this Beaches? Anyway, Toni richer, they’ve become Drayton, Shropshire, but also that the captain rorist and conspirator, a biographical thriller Collette and Drew Bar- unhappier, with fearful Mon 2 Nov; Ludlow As- is none other than her flash-point in the black about notorious twins rymore play lifelong communities, health sembly Rooms, South first great love, Gaël. liberation struggle that Ronald and Reginald mates whose friendship problems and declining Shropshire, Tues 3 - Stars Ariane Labed and made her a revolution- Kray. Based on John is tested when one gets social cohesion. Con- Wed 4 Nov; Roses The- Melvil Poupaud. Show- ary icon. Showing at Pearson’s 1972 book, pregnant and the other versely, more egalitarian atre, Tewkesbury, Mon 9 ing at mac, Birmingham, The Drum, Birmingham, The Profession Of Vio- gets cancer. Filmed in countries, such as Den- - Fri 13 Nov Tues 17 Nov Sun 15 Nov; mac, Birm- lence: The Rise And Fall London and West York- mark and Japan, have Exotica 18 ingham, Sun 15 Nov Of The Kray Twins. Also shire. Showing at mac, Birdman 15 healthier, happier and In the upscale Canadian stars Emily Browning. Birmingham, Fri 6 - Tues Michael Keaton plays better educated popula- strip club Exotica, Futuro Beach 15 Showing at Roses The- 10 Nov Riggan Thomson, an tions. Showing at Christina is the most When Brazilian lifeguard atre, Tewkesbury, Wed 4 actor once known for Foxlowe Arts Centre, popular dancer. She's Donato saves German - Sat 7 Nov; Warwick The New Girlfriend 15 playing the superhero Leek, Staffs, Wed 4 Nov visited nightly by the ob- biker Konrad from Arts Centre, Coventry, François Ozon’s humor- drowning, the pair im- ous psychological Birdman who is now on Doreen - The Movie sessive Francis, a de- until Thurs 5 Nov his uppers (Keaton him- mediately form a strong thriller stars Anais De- 15 pressed tax auditor. self, of course, played sexual bond. Their pas- A Little Chaos 12a moustier as Claire, a Doreen, the first person Meanwhile, her ex- Batman in two block- sionate affair intensifies, There just aren’t young woman whose ever to be diagnosed boyfriend - the club's busters). So in an at- and Donato decides to enough films about closest friend passes with Lazy Cow Syn- MC, Eric - still jealously tempt to revitalise his leave his mother and landscape gardeners. away, leaving behind drome, became an pines for her. Stars career, Riggan has writ- younger brother Ayrton This one pits Kate her a husband, David, overnight comedy sen- Bruce Greenwood and ten a play that he in- to start a new life with Winslet’s Sabine and a newborn baby. sation when her mono- Mia Kirschner. Showing tends to direct on Konrad in Berlin. Years against the designs of One day, Anais drops logue, Doreen’s Story, at mac, Bromsgrove, Broadway, with his girl- later, Ayrton arrives in André Le Nôtre, both of by David’s house unex- went viral on YouTube Wed 4 Nov friend in the lead. Berlin to demand an- whom are competing to pectedly, and finds him with over one million Things do not go Far From The swers. His unexpected win the prize of con- harbouring an unusual hits. Now, the movie smoothly. Also stars Madding Crowd 12a arrival forces all three structing a new fountain secret... Showing at aims to put this regional Stars Zach Galifianakis The last time Thomas men to confront their at the Palace of Ver- Foxlowe Arts Centre, treasure and the Black and Edward Norton. Hardy’s immortal 1874 past. Stars Wagner sailles. Alan Rickman Leek, Staffs, Tues 3 Nov Country well and truly Showing at The Hive, novel was adapted for Moura and Clemens plays King Louis XIV. on the map. Stars Gill Normal Shrewsbury, Fri 6 Nov the screen was courtesy Schick. Showing at Also stars Matthias Jordan. Showing at of the modern-day, mac, Birmingham, Mon Schoenaerts. Showing A creative documentary Book Of Life U Light House Media Cen- thinly disguised Tamara 16 Nov at Edge Arts Centre, based on original an- Originally entitled Day tre, Wolverhampton, Fri Drewe (2010), with Much Wenlock, South thropological research Of The Dead, this ani- 13 - Wed 18 Nov; Artrix, Gemma Arterton. A Girl At My Door 18 Shropshire, Mon 30 Nov on the relationship be- mated musical-adven- Bromsgrove, Tues 24 Thomas Vinterberg’s Following a personal tween migration, the sex ture concerns a Nov version is strictly of the scandal, police acad- The Lobster 15 industry and sex traffick- hopeless romantic with emy instructor Lee Contender for weirdest ing. The film brings the Dressed As A Girl 18 costumed variety, set in a guitar and two Young-nam is moved film of the year, The real-life stories of male, UK director Colin Roth- Victorian England. swords. However, in Carey Mulligan, as the from Seoul to a quiet Lobster is set in a near female and transgender

FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WAL- ODEON TELFORD ODEON TAMWORTH Worcestershire CINEMA Box Office SALL 01922 645 555 0871 224 4007 0871 224 4007 ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE OMH SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 Shropshire 01743 281281 Warwickshire Birmingham SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 MALVERN THEATRE VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY WEM TOWN HALL ODEON COVENTRY 0845 287 2146 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 0871 200 2000 01939 232299 0871 224 4007 240 240 THE NORBURY THEATRE, 0871 200 2000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, Staffordshire ODEON NUNEATON DROITWICH SPA CINEWORLD Solihull Black Country MUCH WENLOCK 0871 224 4007 08444 777 1000 0871 200 2000 CINEWORLD W’HAMPTON 01952 728 911 CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPON- SHOWCASE, COVENTRY TRENT 0871 200 2000 WAREHOUSE, ELECTRIC, B’ham 0871 200 2000 FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE, 0871 220 1000 0121 643 7879 THE STAFFORD CINEMA, KIDDERMINSTER LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- MARKET DRAYTON VUE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01562 747773 EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 TRE, W’HAMPTON 01902 01630 654 444 STAFFORD 08712 240 240 716055 0207 438 9580 VUE, WORCESTER MILLENNIUM POINT THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY PICTURE HOUSE, STRAT- 0871 224 0240 0121 202 2222 ODEON MERRY HILL, DUD- 01743 234 970 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, FORD-UPON-AVON 0871 902 THE ROSE’S THEATRE, MAC 0121 446 3232 LEY 0871 22 44007 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS LEEK 01538 386 112 5741 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY 01584 878 141 STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782 TEWKESBURY ODEON 0871 224 4007 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 01684 295 074 0871 220 1000 411188 COVENTRY 02476 524524 REEL Quinton 0121 421 5316 MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH 01746 761815

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migrants working in the iday set in London. Sicario 15 Stations Of The Suffragette 12a Taxi Tehran 15 sex industry to the Stars Sarah Gadon and An idealistic FBI agent Cross 15 Suffragette focuses on Following The Circle screen. Showing at The Emily Watson. Showing (Emily Blunt) is enlisted Divided into fourteen the working women (2000) and Crimson Drum, Birmingham, at Stourbridge Town to track down a name- chapters to mirror the who fought for equal Gold (2003), Jafar Thurs 12 Nov Hall, Mon 16 Nov less drug lord operating number of stages of rights for their sex in the Panahi was banned on the US-Mexican bor- Christ’s judgement up early part of the twenti- from making any more The Program 15 The Salt Of The Earth der. The film has re- to his burial, this is a eth century. Starting off films for twenty years If nothing else, Lance PG ceived ecstatic acclaim most unusual film. Win- in 1912, the film takes a (and from leaving Iran). Armstrong was a terrific A ravishing documen- and is being tipped for ner of the Best Script fictitious wife and So he shot this drama in inspirational speaker. tary portrait of Brazilian Oscar glory, with Ms award at Berlin, it fo- mother, Maud Watts, the back of a taxi while He could look you photographer Sebastiao Blunt a front-runner for cuses on fourteen-year- and charts her involve- driving around Tehran, straight in the eye and Salgado, perhaps most best actress. old Maria, who follows ment with key figures in recording his passen- convince you he was famous for his mid- Also stars Benicio del the aforementioned the movement. Stars gers’ confidential com- telling the truth. Arm- 1980s shots of Brazil’s Toro and Josh Brolin. fourteen stages in which Carey Mulligan and He- ments and opinions. strong not only con- biblically vast gold Showing at mac, Birm- to reach her nirvana per lena Bonham Carter. Winner of the Golden tracted stage three mines and their work- ingham, Fri 13 - Thurs the dictates of the fun- Showing at Light House Bear (best film) at this metastatic testicular ers. Wim Wenders and 19 Nov; Stoke Film The- damentalist Catholic Media Centre, Wolver- year’s Berlin Film Festi- cancer, but he beat it - Salgado’s son, Juliano, atre, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov community in which hampton, until Thurs 5 val. Stars Jafar Panahi and then went on to win have teamed up to tell she’s raised. Not sur- Nov; mac, Birmingham, and Hana Saeidi. Show- the ‘Tour’ seven consec- his life story - from his Spectre 12a prisingly, perhaps, the until Thurs 5 Nov; Old ing at mac, Birmingham, utive times. It’s a com- early years through to Whilst the newly ap- whole film was shot in Market Hall, Shrews- Sun 29 - Mon 30 Nov pelling narrative and, as his work on hostilities pointed ‘M’ continues fourteen takes. Stars bury, Shropshire, until Armstrong, the blue- and environmental ac- his ongoing battle with Lea van Acken and Thurs 5 Nov; Royal Spa A Walk In The Woods eyed Ben Foster is more tivism. Showing at political forces to keep Hanns Zischler. Show- Centre, Leamington 15 than up to the task. Foxlowe Arts Centre, the secret service above ing at The Hive, Shrews- Spa, Sun 22 Nov; Stoke It’s hard to imagine Bill More problematic is the Leek, Staffs, Tues 17 water, a cryptic mes- bury, Shropshire, Wed Film Theatre, Fri 27 & Bryson’s 1998 memoir act of compressing Nov sage reveals ghosts 25 Nov Sat 28 Nov; Festival being turned into a film, such a big story into from Bond’s past. It be- Drayton Centre, Market let alone having Robert less than two hours and The Second Best Ex- otic Marigold Hotel comes clear that a men- Still Alice 12a Drayton, Shropshire, Sat Redford play Bryson. bringing a freshness to acing organisation Julianne Moore is Alice The cuddly Bryson was PG 28 & Sun 29 Nov a tale so often told. Also named SPECTRE is at Howland, a linguistics in his mid-forties then Sequel in which the stars Chris O'Dowd. the bottom of the threat, professor who is de- Suite Française 15 and Redford is seventy- hapless Sonny Kapoor Showing at mac, Birm- and 007 is soon em- fined by her intellect, This tale focuses on Lu- eight now. The walk in (Dev Patel) has opened ingham, Fri 27 - Sat 28 broiled in a globetrot- her language and her cille Angellier, a young the woods was actually the new hostelry of the Nov ting mission to solve its articulation. Then, dur- wife in Nazi-occupied a two thousand, two title, in spite of his im- mystery. Stars Daniel ing a routine lecture at France who comes hundred-mile trek along A Royal Night Out 12a pending marriage. Still, Craig and Léa Seydoux. Columbia University, under the watchful gaze the Appalachian Trail, Quite what the Queen he has a new co-man- Showing at Light House she forgets the word of a German com- an amble that was has made of this fiction- ager, the dauntless Media Centre, Wolver- “lexicon.” For Alice, it is mander posted at the somewhat complicated alisation of the first flut- Muriel Donnelly (Maggie hampton, until Sun 1 the beginning of the home she shares with by the accompaniment ters of her heart is Smith). Nov; Festival Drayton end… Also stars Alec her domineering of Bryson’s dissolute anybody’s guess. Any- Also stars Judi Dench & Centre, Market Drayton, Baldwin and Kristen mother-in-law. Stars ‘former’ friend, Stephen way, it’s VE Day and the Bill Nighy. Showing at Shropshire, Fri 20 - Wed Stewart. Showing at Michelle Williams and Katz (Nick Nolte). Show- princesses Elizabeth Foxlowe Arts Centre, 25 Nov; Old Market Hall, Edge Arts Centre, Much Kristin Scott Thomas. ing at Artrix, Broms- and Margaret are al- Leek, Staffs, Tues 24 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Wenlock, South Shrop- Showing at Edge Arts grove, Sun 8 & Fri 27 lowed to mingle with the Nov Fri 27 - Mon 30 Nov shire, Mon 16 Nov Centre, Much Wenlock, Nov commoners to cele- Shropshire, Mon 9 Nov brate. Think Roman Hol-

DVD NEW RELEASES Manglehorn 12a Ant-Man 12a Al Pacino got terrific re- Ant-Man - aka Scott Lang views for this drama, in (Paul Rudd) - is the latest which he plays an eccen- superhero to scurry out tric, small-town locksmith of the Marvel Comics cat- in Texas still mourning an alogue. Scott Lang is ac- unresolved relationship tually a conman who from twenty years earlier. comes by a suit that en- Released 2 Nov ables him both to shrink and become incredibly strong. With the new technology at his pincer tips, he decides to re- form his ways and join up with the entomologist Hank Pym (Michael Dou- glas) to save the world. Released 23 Nov

Terminator Genisys 12a Arnie is back in cyber- netic mode as T-800. This time John Connor finds himself fighting the Ted 2 15 Machines on two tempo- In this eagerly antici- ral fronts: from both the pated follow-up, Ted mar- past and the future. Also ries Tami-Lynn and they stars Jason Clarke and decide to have a baby. Emilia Clarke. But Ted, being just a Released 2 Nov stuffed toy, needs human spermatozoa to impreg- nate her. Stars Mark Wahlberg and Seth Mac- Farlane. Fifty Shades Of Grey 18 Released 30 Nov Fifty Shades Of Grey has really become a mainstream phenomenon. The first volume of EL James’ ‘literary’ trilogy was initially deemed smutty, even pornographic, but even so became something of a house- wives’ choice. In August of 2012, Amazon announced that it had sold more copies of the novel than the entire Harry Potter series put together. Pundits have suspected that part of the title’s success was due to its availability as an e-book, so that your mother could read it on public transport with impunity. Either way, a film version was inevitable, and here we have it. Expect blindfolds and spanking. Starring Dakota John- son and Jamie Dornan. Released 2 November

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Christmas Feature November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:04 Page 1 Christmas Feature November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:04 Page 2 Get festive! There’s no shortage of opportunities for Midlanders (big and small) to get into the festive spirit this month and next. For starters, the region offers some of the best pantos in the land, complete with big-name stars of stage and screen. Then there’s ice skating in Birmingham, Trentham, Solihull and Shrewsbury, sledging in Tamworth, festive crafts at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Stourbridge’s Red House Glass Cone, and Santa visits, festive trails and themed markets galore! You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...

A bumper treat awaits Midlands theatre-goers this Christmas, with a acclaimed production of Santa’s sackful of stars descending on the region. Wendy And Peter Pan With its long-held reputation for hosting the country’s biggest pan- features Benidorm actor tomime, the Birmingham Hippodrome this year presents Aladdin. Its Adam Gillen as pirate’s all-star cast features Wet, Wet, Wet frontman Marti Pellow, panto veter- cabin boy and Tink’s an Julian Clary, West End star Lee Mead and comic genius Matt Slack. love interest, Martin. Up the motorway at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, meanwhile, Elsewhere, the award- Julian Clary returns to Birmingham Hippodrome comedy legends the Chuckle Brothers promise plenty of laughs as winning Hairspray The Starky and Smee in the swashbuckling tale of Peter Pan. The Musical stops off at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre, a brand Chucklevision duo are joined by the ultimate Mr Nasty, John Altman - new production of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe runs at the better known as EastEnders’ badboy Nick Cotton. Birmingham REP, and The Gruffalo’s Child enjoys an adventure at Moving north of the region, Stoke’s much-loved son Jonny Wilkes Warwick Arts Centre. And for those who like their festive tales makes his near-annual ‘festive pilgrimage’ to his home town, this year good’n’ghostly, a new version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol performing alongside regular sidekick Christian Patterson in another shows at Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre. version of Peter Pan. A new kid on the block for 2015 is Cinderella, at the Barclaycard Arena. If panto’s not your thing, fear not, as there are plenty of festive alterna- Claiming to be the ‘world’s biggest pantomime’, the production fea- tives available. tures Bradley Walsh, Paul O’Grady, Dick & Dom and a cast of over one The RSC, for instance, is taking a more serious approach to JM hundred. For more information on festive offerings in the region, visit Barrie’s classic tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Ella Hickson’s whatsonlive.co.uk

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Festive shows opening this month...

Treasure Island Old Rep, Birmingham, Fri 20 November - Sun 3 January

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story has delighted generation upon generation of readers, and over the years has inspired suf- ficient stage and film adaptations to fill a treasure chest (and a big one, at that!). When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young Jim Hawkins into the adventure of a lifetime - one which will see him not only setting sail in search of buried treasure, but also spending time in the company of a one- legged pirate with murder in mind...

Wendy And Peter Pan Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 17 November - Sun 31 January

Second star to the right and straight on till morning - that's the way to Neverland. Fly away with the boy who wouldn't grow up to a magical island filled with adventure. Meet a real fairy, Wendy and the Lost Boys. Oh, and beware the wicked Captain Hook. And don’t forget to listen out for the ‘tick tock’ of a very hungry croc. Instructions, instructions!... JM Barrie's classic tale is here adapted by Ella Hickson.

The Gruffalo’s Child Beauty And The Beast Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 26 November - Sun 3 January Wed 25 November - Sat 9 January

This musical adaptation is sure to be a hit When a young woman is captured by a hideous with kids. It finds the Gruffalo and his young- beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in ster embarking on yet another adventure in his mysterious palace. The Beast, too, is trapped, the deep, dark wood. seemingly forever, inside the grotesquery of his Despite her dad's warning to stay away from physical appearance, the consequence of a spell the wood, the Gruffalo's child decides it's cast upon him by an evil witch. time to go and explore, unworried by the leg- Only Beauty’s ability to look beyond his ugliness and see the person within can save him... end of the Big Bad Mouse... All of which would make for an absorbing evening of theatre even without adding in the Belgrade’s dose of high-quality panto magic! The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Birmingham REP, Fri 20 November - Fri 16 January This much-loved tale from the pen of CS Lewis is rightly regarded as an all-time classic of children's literature. It sees the lion-god Aslan coming to the aid of three youngsters who’ve accidentally stumbled into his mystical world of Narnia. Commenting on the show, The Rep’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert, says: “The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is a classic story that touches young and old, and this vivid stage adaptation will bring a little bit of magic to the winter season.

Cinderella Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 28 November - Sat 2 January

With its comical Ugly Sisters, metamorpho- sising pumpkin, matchmaking fairy godmoth- er, drop-dead gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. This latest incarnation of the legendary fairytale promises to be a delightfully jaw-drop- ping experience for sure-to-be-wide-eyed young audiences.

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Theatre, £18 (£14) Family tickets £58 CINDERELLA Mon 16 Nov - Sun 20 Dec, Town Hall, Sutton Coldfield, £10 - LISTINGS THE LOST GIFT Sat 12 Dec - Thurs 31 Festive show £16 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, WENDY & PETER PAN Tues 17 Nov - £8.50 - £21 £12 - £14 CINDERELLA Mon 16 Nov - Sun 27 Sun 31 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Dec, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford- JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Thurs 3 PETER PAN Starring The Chuckle Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, £6 - £65 upon-Avon, £15 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, Lichfield Garrick, Brothers and John Altman, Sat 12 Dec THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE Staffordshire, £12.50 - £24 - Sun 24 Jan, Grand Theatre, CINDERELLA Sat 19 Dec - Tues 29 WARDROBE Thurs 19 Nov - Sat 16 Wolverhampton, £17.00 - £31.50 Dec, Prince Of Wales Theatre, GRIMM TALES Sat 5 - Sat 19 Dec, Jan, The REP, Birmingham £7.50 - £35 Cannock, £14 - £48 Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, £8 - DICK WHITTINGTON Presented by All TREASURE ISLAND £15, Family tickets £36 & Sundry, Sun 13 - Sun 20 Dec, Artrix PETER PAN Sat 19 Dec - Sun 2 Jan, Presented by Scott Ritchie and BOA, Theatre, Bromsgrove, £14 - £15, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham £11 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 5 Dec Fri 20 Nov - Sun 3 Jan, Old Rep, Family tickets £43 - £47 - Sun 27 Dec, Bedworth Civic Hall, ALADDIN Starring Marti Pellow, Julian Birmingham, £15.95, Family tickets £55 Warwickshire HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL Mon 14 Clary, Lee Mead and Matt Slack, Sat ROBIN HOOD & MARIAN Sat 21 Nov - £9 - £14.50, Family tickets £45 Dec - Sat 2 Jan, New Alexandra 19 Dec - Sun 31 Jan, Birmingham Sat 30 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Theatre, Birmingham from £15 - £67.40 Hippodrome, £14 - £42 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 5 Dec Newcastle-under-Lyme, £16 - £23 - Sat 2 Jan, Royal Spa Centre, A CHRISTMAS CAROL Tues 15 Dec - WE’RE GOING ON A BEARHUNT Tues BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Wed 25 Nov Leamington, from £12.50 Wed 23 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, 22 Dec - Wed 13 Jan, Town Hall, - Sat 9 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham, £15 Birmingham £12 - £14 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 5 Dec Coventry £8.25 - £22.25 - Sun 3 Jan, Lichfield Garrick, Staffs, THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD Thurs 26 Nov £12.50 - £21.50, Family tickets £63 - Sun 3 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Starring Coventry, £14.50 Eternal’s Vernie Bennett and X CINDERELLA Sat 28 Nov - Sat 2 Jan, Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, Mon 7 Dec - Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, £11.50 - Sun 3 Jan, Palace Theatre, Redditch, £24.25 £18 - £65.25 ERIC’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Mon 30 SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN Nov - Sat 12 Dec, New Vic Theatre, DWARFS Tues 8 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, The Newcastle-under-Lyme, £16.00 - Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, £9.50 - £22.50 £17.50 ERIC’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Mon 30 THE WITCHES Wed 9 Dec - Sun 10 Nov - Sat 3 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Jan, The Curve, Leicester, from £12 - Worcestershire, £12.95 - £17.95 £16 CINDERELLA Wed 2 Dec - Sat 5 Dec, SANTA’S RUSTY ROBOT Presented by Dovehouse Theatre, Birmingham, £9 - Imagine Theatre, Thurs 10 - Thurs 24 £11 Dec, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, £7.25 - £10.25 DICK WHITTINGTON Wed 2 Dec - Sun 10 Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, ALADDIN Fri 11 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, £11.50 - £23 Solihull Arts Complex, £16 - £19 CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE Thurs 3 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Fri 11 Dec Dec - Sat 9 Jan, mac, Birmingham, - Sun 10 Jan, Stafford Gatehouse

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Red House Glass Cone High Street, Wordsley DY8 4AZ Tel: 01384 812750 SANTA @ THE CONE 12, 13, 19 - 23 DEC Tel 01384 815571 to book. THE NIGHT BEFORE FREE CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION Meet Santa, take a picture, SAT 7 NOV 2015 - JANUARY 2016 receive a gift, Unique handmade gifts and decorations make a craft and made by the Cone’s craft studio makers . follow our Christmas trail. CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET SAT 28 & SUN 29 NOVEMBER SAT 5 & SUN 6 DECEMBER FREE 10am – 4pm Unique handmade Christmas gifts from a variety of stalls and our own studio designer makers , CHILDREN plus seasonal entertainment, glass making £7.75 demonstrations and tasty treats for sale at the Red Cone Coffee House. BABES£5.25 IN ARMS NEW FOR THIS YEAR “Pop in and meet Santa and Mrs Claus

FAMILY CRAFTS £4.00 SAT 28 & SUN 29 NOV, SAT 5 & SUN 6 DEC Family fused glass decorations, age 5+ Tel 01384 815571 to pre book. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Enchanted Dreams DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 14:08 Page 1 Enchanted Dreams The Pre-Raphaelite Art of ER Hughes Heather Kincaid takes a stroll around BMAG’s newest exhibition with curator Victoria Osborne...

Colourful in art as in life, the Pre- The influence of his fellow Pre- and clearly defined details very difficult Raphaelite Brotherhood rank among Raphaelites is clear throughout the to achieve in the medium. Britain's most celebrated visual artists. artist's career. Among the works with ob- Their romanticism, fascination with myth vious lines of descent is Oh, What's That Enchanted Dreams' final room displays and fairytale, and blurring of the bound- In The Hollow (1893). Inspired by the artist’s famous Blue Phantasies, in- aries between fine and applied art are Christina Rossetti's poem, Amor Mundi, cluding the BMAG favourite, Night With characteristic of the era that produced the morbid image of a corpse wrapped Her Train of Stars (1912), here displayed them. in thorns echoes Millais' famous Ophe- for the first time alongside its compan- lia, as well as Burne-Jones' Briar Rose ion piece, Wings Of The Morning (1905). The Pre-Raphaelites' long-standing rela- series. Hughes also became a close In the latter, the young, angelic and tionship with the Birmingham Museum friend of William Holman-Hunt, whom he nude Dawn brightens the sky, sur- and Art Gallery, largely thanks to local served as studio assistant for many rounded by flocks of colourful birds, connections through Edward Burne- years. while the former shows a sombre, expe- Jones, has, over time, resulted in the rienced yet reassuringly maternal Night, gallery accumulating the world's largest “They had a very close and confidential clad in a sweeping robe and smiling Pre-Raphaelite collection. As such, it's relationship,” reveals Osborne. “To- down at her cherubic stars. hard to think of a better way to celebrate wards the end of Hunt's life, he lost his BMAG's one hundred-and-thirtieth an- sight to glaucoma – a real tragedy for a These are spinetingling paintings full of niversary this month than with an insight painter – so Hughes was actually paint- magic and mystery, and although they're into one of the movement's lesser-known ing for Hunt from his instructions for a Hughes' most familiar works, it's in- painters - Edward Robert Hughes. while. There are letters where he talks stantly apparent how little justice the about it, and you get a real sense of the many reproductions have done them. Until February 2016, BMAG is hosting weight of responsibility he felt in working Youthful, fairytale figures, like those in A Enchanted Dreams, the first ever full- for this man that he completely idolised. Witch (1902) and Midsummer Eve scale retrospective of Hughes' work. Al- Such was the bond of trust between (1908), convey a sense of freedom and though his paintings are well known them that Hughes' work for Hunt in- innocence. Yet at the same time, there's through reproductions, the originals are cluded finishing major pieces such as a haunting melancholy to the colour rarely displayed, due to the fragile nature The Lady Of Shalott and the final version contrasts, and not without reason: the of his preferred medium. of The Light Of The World.” ‘night-time’ theme is in part a representation of death and mortality. Perhaps Curator Victoria Osborne explains: “Be- Among the exhibition's most moving surprisingly, though, Hughes' vision of cause watercolours are very delicate, pieces is a tender, chalk portrait of an death is gentle and kind - even comfort- they can't be exposed to light for long elderly Holman-Hunt, whose sad smile ing - as in Night and Valkyrie's Vigil periods, so even when a museum has a seems to hint at the difficulties he faced (1906), where the subject casts aside work by E R Hughes, chances are it in old age. her helmet and chainmail as if to mourn won't be on permanent display. That's her duties. why there's something really special Chalk was another medium in which about being able to bring all of these Hughes developed a distinctive style, It's a stunning end to a beautiful exhibi- works together for this exhibition.” perhaps most strikingly in his red chalk tion, marking a major milestone for representation of Fra Lippo Lippi, in- BMAG with a fresh perspective on a key Arranged chronologically, Enchanted spired by Robert Browning's poem. Hav- part of the gallery's history. Dreams aims to give an insight into the ing previously been viewed as man behind the work, showing portraits secondary to paintings and sculptures, of the artist and a selection of his inspira- drawings gained recognition as inde- tions as well as Hughes' own creations. pendent works of art during the second “One of the things we know about half of the nineteenth century. Hughes Hughes is that he was incredibly good portrait brings the renegade monk looking,” Osborne continues. “That's vividly to life with its almost photo- something that everybody talks about, graphic appearance, as though red- and there are lots of very striking photo- dened and bleached by exposure. graphs of him. That meant that he was in Nevertheless, it's Hughes' large-scale demand as a model – so we know that watercolours that remain his crowning he modelled for Rossetti and Simeon achievements, regularly taking pride of Solomon, as well as for his uncle, Arthur place at London's Royal Watercolour Hughes. He seems to have been a very Society during his liftetime. Combining popular character – there are lots of very watercolour and body colour, Hughes affectionate accounts of him.” created ambitious, often symbolic or narrative works, with sharp contrasts 64 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Enchanted Dreams DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 14:08 Page 2

...a stunning end to a “ beautiful exhibition, marking a major milestone for BMAG with a fresh perspective on a key part of the gallery's history”

Enchanted Dreams: The Pre-Raphaelite Art Of ER Hughes continues to show at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until Sunday 21 February 2016. Main image: ER Hughes Midsummer Eve

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Terms Of Engagement The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 17 January During the last one hundred years, some of the country’s most respected artists have been com- missioned by Birmingham University to portray and honour its chancellors, vice chancellors and other leading figures. Comprising oil paintings, works on paper and sculpture, this new exhibition takes a look at the process of realising portraits of some of the university’s leading figures. The display includes work by numerous promi- nent artists, including Jacob Epstein, Tom Phillips, Humphrey Ocean and Jennifer McRae.

Making It: Sculpture In Britain: 1977 - 1986 Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Sun 29 November A ten-year period during which a new generation of artists introduced a fresh approach to sculpture is explored in this new exhibition. Featuring sculptures by world-renowned artists including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie, Cornelia Parker, David Nash and Richard Deacon, Making It highlights a time of great social, political and economic change. Commenting on the show, Fiona Venables, Deputy Curator at Mead Gallery, said: “The late 1970s and early 1980s was such a pivotal time for sculpture in this country. This is a good time to stop and reflect on the work of a pioneering generation of British artists.”

Tom Wood (b. 1955) Portrait of Sir Michael Thompson

Paul Newman: Stage mac, Birmingham, until Sun 22 November Paul Newman’s latest work brings together drawing, painting, performance and installation to examine two territories - the artist’s studio and the public exhibition space. Occasionally referencing historical paintings sourced from artists’ postcards, the display includes works which look both backwards and forwards, as characters and motifs from a ten-year period re-emerge.

War Games Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 17 January This highly interactive touring exhibition from the V&A Museum of Childhood in London explores the controversy surrounding childhood engagement with war, examining the role of armed conflict in the games youngsters play. Children visiting the show are encouraged to dress up and participate in a range of thought-provoking activities, to investigate how games of war have evolved across the ages.

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Illustration Beats Explanation - VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery

For full listing information on Visual Art Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

Katharina Ludwig And STILL WITH US: THE STORY OF YARDLEY PEOPLE IN WORLD WAR ONE until Sun 1 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Cristobal Gracia Birmingham Grand Union, Birmingham, COVENTRY ARTS CONSORTIUM Exhibition of work by Sunday 1 - Sat 28 November thirteen artists from four local art societies, until Grand Union this month offers its high-quality Sun 1 Nov, Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, Coventry workspace to two artists-in-residence. BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND PASTEL SOCIETY Exhibition Mexico City’s Cristobal Gracia is spending in the showcase gallery, until Sun 1 Nov, Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge the month at the venue as part of an exchange that saw West Midlands-based GOOD MONEY: A CURRENCY COMPETITION FOR HANDSWORTH Local residents have been designing artist Andrew Lacon heading in the opposite their own currency and nominating local direction in September. Gracia’s work chal- Handsworth ‘visionaries’ to have their profiles cast lenges the construction of a present built and on the coins, until Sun 1 Nov, Soho House, regulated by ideological and power struc- Birmingham tures imposed over time. RBSA PRIZE FOR INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY, WIN- Katharina Ludwig, meanwhile, visits Grand NERS & RUNNERS-UP Awarded each year to gradu- Union having responded to an open call to ates from Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, until Mon 2 Nov, RBSA Gallery, Berlin-based artists and was selected in part- Birmingham nership with Birmingham artist Joanne NEW DISPLAY OF JAPANESE ART Colourful woodblock Masding. Her work operates in the space prints and beautiful ceramics by famous Japanese between film, theatre, language, digital cul- artists, until Mon 2 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & months, until Sat 5 Dec, Wolverhampton Art Gallery ture and artefact. Museum, Coventry DENNIS MINCHIN RBSA Solo work featuring a series RACE 50 EXHIBITION Race relations over the past fifty of still lives in oil, until Sat 5 Dec, RBSA Gallery, years - portraits of members of the public, commu- Birmingham nity leaders, activists, political and religious figures DISPLAY SHOW Periodic Tales: The Art Of and business leaders, until Fri 6 Nov, The Drum, One in a series of group exhibitions Birmingham and productions which have been designed ‘to effect change upon the existing condition of The Elements CODE AND CARPENTRY Interactive exhibition by Anna Eastside Projects’, until Sat 12 Dec, Eastside Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Horton and Sophie Bullock in partnership with Projects, Birmingham until Sun 13 December Fierce Festival, until Sat 7 Nov, BOM (Birmingham FLORE NOVE-JOSSERAND ‘CITY GROWTH BLUES’ Open Media) A Historic and contemporary works by space created by artist Nove-Josserand, displaying Eduardo Paolozzi, Antony Gormley, Cornelia EXODUS - MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE Photographic exhi- a number of architectural hoardings through draw- bition by Anand Chhabra and Sarvjit Sra, until Parker and David Nash all feature in this fas- ing, painting, photographing and constructing, until Thurs 12 Nov, Bantock House Museum, Sat 12 Dec, Eastside Projects, Birmingham cinating exhibition, which takes a look at the Wolverhampton way in which artists have explored the rich CHINESE COLLECTION RE-DISPLAY Consisting of over STRING OF PEARLS: WOMBOURNE QUILTERS 30TH one hundred objects spanning over three thousand cultural symbolism of the elements featured ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION until Sat 14 Nov, Bilston years, until Sun 13 Dec, Compton Verney Gallery, in the periodic table. Craft Gallery Warwickshire MADE IN THE MIDLANDS Digital prints of the history KERN BABY BY FAYE CLARIDGE An enigmatic new and remnants of Midlands manufacturing, until Sat exhibition by artist Faye Claridge which takes on Nicklin Unseen 14 Nov, Wolverhampton Art Gallery the form of an exaggerated sculptural emblem of WEST MIDLANDS FIRE SERVICE VOLUNTEER folklore, until Sun 13 Dec, Compton Verney Gallery, Snow Hill Square, Birmingham, Warwickshire until Thurs 31 December PHOTOGRAPHERS’ EXHIBITION New community exhibition featuring fantastic images taken by West JUNE RIDGWAY ARBSA A collection of new ceramic More than fifty images are featured in this Midlands Fire Service’s team of volunteer photogra- work, identifiable via the artist’s distinctive use of outdoor photographic exhibition, which looks phers, until Fri 20 Nov, Birmingham Museum & Art soft colour against lines of black, until Sat 19 Dec, back to an era during which Birmingham was Gallery RBSA Gallery, Birmingham undergoing a significant period of transfor- HIROSHIGE’S JAPAN: 53 STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO MISSING POST OFFICE UK Birmingham branch of mation following World War Two. ROAD Famous series from one of the great masters Missing Post Office UK by Japanese artist Saya of Japanese landscape print, until Sat 21 Nov, Kubota, until Wed 23 Dec, Ikon Gallery, The images were taken over a sixteen-year Wolverhampton Art Gallery period by Phyllis Nicklin, a staff tutor in geog- Birmingham JOHN HOPKINS ARBSA Display of studio and ‘plein BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN THE INNER-CITY raphy in the University of Birmingham’s extra- air’ watercolours, until Sat 21 Nov, RBSA Gallery, mural department. They present a time which Display exploring the way in which ordinary Birmingham Birmingham people have been represented in art saw the building of new roads, houses, ILLUSTRATION BEATS EXPLANATION Featuring works during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, until schools, shops and public facilities, as well by contemporary artists who use comics, story- Thurs 31 Dec, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery as the construction of The Rotunda, the Bull boards & drawings as a visual way to convey new 20TH CENTURY BRITISH STUDIO CERAMICS A display of Ring Shopping Centre and the Inner Ring ideas about the world, until Sat 21 Nov, Worcester seventy-eight pieces of studio ceramics made by Road. City Museum & Art Gallery twenty-nine potters working in England and Wales Commenting on the PAUL NEWMAN: STAGE Drawing, painting, perform- during the twentieth century, until Thurs 31 Dec, exhibition, Mike ance & installation are here used to explore the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Best, board director idea of an internal landscape with occasional refer- THE GAIN LINE Award-winning contemporary artist ences to historical paintings sourced from artists’ at Colmore Ravi Deepres takes audiences on a unique journey postcards, until 22 Nov, mac, Birmingham into the heart of the game of rugby, until Sat 9 Jan, Business District, 5 CUBED: DIVERSE PERCEPTIONS Exhibition by a Rugby Art Gallery & Museum said: “This year is a group of four mature, contemporary artists who met THE RUGBY OPEN EXHIBITION Celebration of Rugby’s significant one for whilst studying for fine arts degrees in the West sporting heritage, with art works representing the Birmingham’s Midlands, and who’ve continued to exhibit together, 'proud home' of Rugby and rugby the game, until ongoing transfor- until Sun 22 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Sat 9 Jan, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum mation. As New ATOM EGOYAN: STEENBECKETT Canadian filmmaker GRAHAM IBBESON Sculptor Graham Ibbeson reveals Street Station is Atom Egoyan's installation of 35mm celluloid film, the creative process behind his iconic statue of reborn and the which moves continuously around the gallery, until William Webb Ellis, until Sat 9 Jan, Rugby Art Sun 29 Nov, mac, Birmingham redevelopment of Gallery & Museum MAKING IT: SCULPTURE IN BRITAIN: 1977-1986 Paradise gets A tour- THE AGE OF INNOCENCE Works by William Hogarth & ing exhibition from the Arts Council Collection, until underway, Nicklin John Brett feature in this exhibition, which explores Sun 29 Nov, The Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts the evolving imagery of children and childhood, Unseen allows us to Centre until 10 Jan, The Barber Institute, Birmingham look back at how OF TIME AND THE RAILWAY BY ROBERT DAVIES A film MADE AT MAC: PHOTOGRAPHY A showcase of work far we’ve come as a about the railway line between Birmingham and from two Kate Green-led courses, until Sun 10 Jan, city in fifty years.” Aberystwyth, filmed by Robert Davies from the dri- mac Birmingham ver's cab of the train, recorded weekly over twelve 68 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts Region 1 November Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 11:22 Page 4

A TOUCH OF TEXTURE CRAFT EXHIBITION Featuring jewellery made using alternative materials including leather, felt, cotton, wool, silk and velvet, until Sat 16 Jan, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham FIONA BANNER - SCROLL DOWN AND KEEP SCROLLING Comprising a wide variety of text pieces, drawings, sculptures and films, until Sun 17 Jan, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham MEDICATE 2015 Contemporary collection exploring the physical, societal & psychological effects of dis- ease on people, as well as the values and practices of medical science, until Sun 17 Jan, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum JACQUES NIMKI: SEEN/UNSEEN A new permanent installation featuring more than three hundred bare- ly visible works referencing plant drawings, until Sun 17 Jan, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham FLINCK IN FOCUS Marking the four hundredth anniversary of Govert Flinck’s birth, this exhibition explores the under-appreciated artist, until Sun 24 Jan, The Barber Institute, Birmingham ANTONIO ROBERTS First solo exhibition, until Fri 29 Jan, BOM (Birmingham Open Media) INHERITING ROME Exhibition which uses money to explore and question our deep-seated familiarity with the Roman Empire’s imagery, until Sun 24 Apr, Wendy Ramshaw’s Room Of Dreams - Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery The Barber Institute, Birmingham MOUNTAINS AND MOORLANDS EXHIBITION Work BIRMINGHAM ART CIRCLE EXHIBITIONS Exploring the WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS An installation inspired by the British countryside featuring RBSA theme of movement, Mon 16 - Sat 28 Nov, RBSA made up of many parts, from small jewels in frames artists, Mon 2 - Sat 14 Nov, RBSA Gallery, Gallery, Birmingham to large, freestanding furniture, until Sun 22 May, Birmingham MATHÉ SHEPHEARD ARBSA A semi-abstract approach Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery NEW CURATORS 2015: EXPLORING DRAWING Exhibition that explores a variety of landscapes including MADE AT MAC AT HEART OF ENGLAND TRUST HOSPITALS examining the different meanings and uses of skies, mountains, water, contours and textures, Touring exhibition by various mac students, until Fri drawing in the work of members, associates and Mon 23 Nov - Sat 23 Jan, RBSA Gallery, B’ham 29 July, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope and guest artists, Mon 2 - Sat 28 Nov, RBSA Gallery, LYNNE SAWYER & KATHERINE WATSON: Solihull Hospitals Birmingham CONTEMPORARY ART/NATURAL LANDSCAPES Wed 25 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY IN 130 YEARS CRAFTED FOR YOU Annual exhibition of some of the Nov - Sun 3 Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove The story of the Museum & Art Gallery in a special best craft makers in the Midlands, Sat 7 Nov - Sat 9 ALEX DROZD: SMETHWICK GALTON BRIDGE/PORTRAIT OF anniversary exhibition, until Thurs 1 Sept 2016, Jan, Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery A STATION Photographic exhibition of the landscape Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery GALLERY 12 ANNUAL EXHIBITION A collective of artists surrounding Smethwick Galton Bridge railway sta- FAMOUS REDDITCH PEOPLE Redditch Local History based in and around Birmingham, comprising tion, Sat 28 Nov - Sun 24 Jan, mac, Birmingham Society exhibition showing the impact of people in painters, printmakers, photographers, decoupage SOCIETY OF ARTISTS The sixty-eighth annual exhibi- the town on activities which have stimulated the artists, jewellers and ceramicists, Fri 13 - Sun 15 tion of the Worcester Society of Artists, Sat 28 Nov local community, Thurs 29 Oct - Sun 22 Nov, Forge Nov, Woodbridge Gallery, Birmingham - Sat 30 Jan, Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery. Mill Needle Museum, Worcestershire

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WIN TICKETS visit whatsonlive.co.uk to enter

TALES OF THE EXPECTED AND THE UNEXPECTED ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE

The perfect opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to browse, purchase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture and collectables, Antiques For Everyone features Georgian and Victorian furniture, British and Euro- pean works of art, and highly collectable ceramics, porcelain and jewellery from the past three hundred years. Among the Winter Fair highlights is a Whitby Jet jewellery exhibition. The display tells the story of the world’s largest fashioned and rough Jet specimen collection of over two hundred pieces, most of which are being shown in public for the first time. Collections of antique dolls, miniature and decorative arts also feature. Below are a few of our favourite things, on show at this month’s fair at Birmingham’s NEC from 19 to 22 November.

WINTER FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

A rare George I Georgian Silver Come and see the world record breaking Whitby Jet gem- Tea Caddy. Made in London. stone measuring 6.5 m/21ft in length, presented by Date - 1716. The Coat of Arms W Hamond from the original Whitby Jet shop. is Buckley. Price: £3,500. Vintage items have become a hugely popular feature of the Exhibitor: JB Silverware. fair, with an eclectic mix of fashion, jewellery and home- ware available to purchase. Below exhibitor: Kitty Verity.

Original illustrations by Steve Hutton for a new, limited edition book of Peter Pan. Regency rosewood George IV Prices range from £2,000 to £3,500. Easy Chair London, circa 1829. Exhibitor: Art Of The Imagination. Price: £3,250. Visitors can meet the illustrator on the stand Exhibitor: Freshford Fine at the fair. Antiques.

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Christmas!

THURS 5 - SUN 8 NOVEMBER NEC, BIRMINGHAM 9.30AM - 5.30PM (SUN 5PM) KIDS GO FREE*

3 SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF 1! ichfevents.co.uk 01425 277988 Tickets: Adults £10.50 in advance, £12.50 on the door Seniors £9.50 in advance, £11.50 on the door SAVE UP TO *Children under 16 FREE if accompanied by parent

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SUGARCRAFT AND CAKE DECORATING SHOW! £2 OFF! EACH ADULT AND SENIOR TICKET Fri 6 - Sun 8 ...... ORDERED BY 5PM MON 2 NOV separate november entry fee neC, birmingham adults: £12, £14 on the door Seniors: £11, £13 on the door cakeinternational.co.uk Events November Region 1 .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:44 Page 1 Events

Crafts For Christmas NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 November This popular event for crafting enthusiasts at all levels brings together three distinct shows under one roof. With plenty of inspiration for a creative Christmas, the shows feature a huge array of craft materials and handmade gifts from hundreds of exhibitors. This year’s show-stopping attraction is the world’s largest knitted Christmas tree, standing at an impressive twenty-five-feet and created by Alison Murray and a volunteer team of seven hundred knitters. “I’m delighted to be exhibiting at Crafts For Christmas,” says Alison, who’s also displaying a fairytale gingerbread house, complete with snowman, winter garden and life-sized Father Christmas. “The Christmas Tree has over five thousand rectangles sewn on to it, and I’m proud to say it’s already raised £17,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.”

Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Sun 15 November The biggest event of its kind, the Classic Motor Show’s 2015 highlights include a display of one thousand, eight hundred cars, six hundred trade stands, and marquees manned by two hundred-and-fifty of the UK’s best motoring clubs. Visitors can head to the Restoration Theatre to find out how to restore a cherished classic, search for that elusive part in the always-popular autojumble and take a ride as a passenger in their ‘dream car’. The event also features a dedicated Classic Motorbike show, complete with over three hundred motorcycles, club displays, classic bike concours, stage interviews and a bike-jumble.

MCM Comic Con Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, Sat 21 - Sun 22 November American actor Lee Majors became one of Hollywood’s hottest properties in the 1970s when he starred as bionically-enhanced astronaut Steve Austin in hit television series The Six Million Dollar Man. Lee is one of numerous celebrities making guest appearances at this well- established show, which brings together a broad scope of popular-culture categories including movies, gaming, comics, anime, television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys.

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Events PREVIEWS Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Worcester City Centre, Thurs 26 - Sun 29 November This annual event, attracting in excess of a hundred thousand visitors, features over one hundred-and-sixty stalls selling crafts, gifts and speciality foods. It also boasts an array of period entertainment, with choirs, juggling stiltwalkers, a period carousel and barrel organ music all having featured in previous years. READERS OFFER! SAVE £££’s 15% OFF advance tickets QUOTE PRESS15 BBC Good Food Show Winter NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 26 - Sun 29 November A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events calendar, the BBC Good Food Show brings a packed programme of inspiration and entertainment to the NEC. Attracting the crème de la crème of TV personalities, this year’s show sees Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry, Michael Roux Jr and James Martin cooking up a treat or several in the Supertheatre. Add into the mix oodles of tastings and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing Hereford Contemporary their wares and you’ve got yourself the makings of a delicious day out. Craft Fair the museum - and decorate with fabulous Winter Wonderland The Courtyard, Hereford, festive items. Fri 13 - Sun 15 November “This year we’re celebrating the upcoming SnowDome, Tamworth, Fri 20 November - Thurs 31 December This well-attended annual show features fifty- release of the new Star Wars film, so we’re nine contemporary craft designer-makers inviting people to bring their best Star Wars An all-new, adventure-packed stage show presenting a wide variety of work, including garb!” awaits festive-season visitors to this popular jewellery, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass, Staffordshire destination. stone carving, basketry, fashion & acces- Santa and his friends are making their final sories and metalwork. preparations for Christmas and time is run- Around one-third of those exhibiting are from ning out - they need the help of Midlands- the county of Herefordshire itself. based youngsters to make everyone’s wish- Commenting on the show, organiser Leoni es come true... Linton says: “Visitors to the event are able to Suitable for children of all ages, the Winter meet every single maker of the craft they Wonderland show is just part of the festive see, bringing to life an object of beauty with fun on offer at Tamworth’s snowy indoor an understanding of who made it and how attraction. A safe environment ensures visi- and why they made it. This makes every pur- tors are able to play and slide in real snow chase both personal and special - especially as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, a bespoke commission, which virtually all take a walk through the enchanted forest, our exhibitors take.” enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride Birmingham International on a sledge. Tattoo The less adventurous, meanwhile, can Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, observe the snow action as they amble Sat 28 - Sun 29 November along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal village, where youngsters can The Birmingham International Tattoo is this meet Santa’s reindeer and say hello to some year marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of of his furry friends. the Battle of Britain and the seventieth anniversary of the end of World War Two. Marching bands from Hungary, France, Sweden and Italy join British forces in what promises to be the event’s best ever line-up. Displays from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF complement the music of the massed bands, with special guest appearances from British tenor Tim Pitman and singer Rebecca Robinson. Campers Christmas Coventry Transport Museum, Sun 29 November “We’re delighted to be hosting our very popular Campers Christmas event again,” says Coventry Transport Museum’s Clive Skelhon, “and this time it comes with a bit of a sci-fi twist. “It’s a really fun time of the year, where owners of campervans, motorhomes and trucks can join us to display their vehicles outside

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Events PREVIEWS Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 12 November - Tues 22 December This is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country and sits at the centre of Birmingham’s festive celebrations. Drawing crowds from across the city and further afield, the markets feature a wide range of traditional handmade toys, art, and items from throughout the world, as well as plenty of food and drink, including German mulled wine (Glutelin), grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German beer. Carols singers, live music and an ornate carousel also feature.

Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham, Sat 14 November - Sun 10 January Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome return to the city centre this month. As usual located in front of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the popular visitor attraction can hold up to three hundred people in one session. Younger or inexperienced skating enthusiasts can keep upright by using special Penguin Skating aids, which can be booked online and in advance. The rink is once again overlooked by the Observation Wheel, offering passengers superb views of surrounding Birmingham landmarks.

Warwickshire LISTINGS SCAREFEST Alton Towers has spectacularly Events revamped its hugely popular Scarefest attraction for Celebrating Bonfire Night 2015, until Sun 1 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire For full listing information on Events, OCTONAUTS TRAINING ACADEMY Enrol your little ones including times and dates, visit at the all-new academy and find out what it takes to become a member of the crew, until Sat 7 Nov, www.whatsonlive.co.uk National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham FESTIVE RAG WREATH MAKING until Sat 28 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs RUN WHAT YA BRUNG The chance to take your car or From SUN 1 NOV motorcycle out on the famous quarter-mile dragstrip and test its performance limits in a safe and legal environment, Sun 1 Nov, Santa Pod DISNEY ON ICE: WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT until Sun 1 Raceway, Northants Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR The ideal opportunity CROOME'S SPELLBINDING HALLOWEEN TRAIL Using to find something perfect for your home, collection clues, follow the trail to find the ingredients to make or wardrobe, Sun 1 Nov, National Motorcycle a witch’s or wizard’s brew, until Sun 1 Nov, Croome Museum, Solihull Park, Worcester CAR STORIES Various family-fun workshops where THE SKELETON MENAGERIE Help to create a spectac- you can tell your own car stories across the half- ularly spooky display as part of Herbert's Festival term, Sun 1 Nov, Heritage Motor Centre, FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR A War Of The Worlds Of The Dead, until Sun 1 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & Warwickshire fireworks display to celebrate the theme park's Museum, Coventry SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Celebrating twenty- sixty-fifth anniversary, with some of the rides and COVENTRY ARTS CONSORTIUM 2015 The thirteenth five years of the house, Sun 1 - Mon 30 Nov, Haden attractions open until 9pm, Fri 30 Oct - Sun 1 exhibition of work by artists from four local art soci- Hill House Museum, Cradley Heath Nov, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire eties, until Sun 1 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & GINO'S ITALIAN ESCAPE Tue 3 Nov, Civic Hall, GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND PLOT Celebrate bon- Museum, Coventry Wolverhampton fire night with craft activities, quizzes and trails, THE HAUNTED CASTLE Featuring wanton witches, DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG Chance to practise drifting in Sun 1 Nov, Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley scary tales and a brand new Fire Joust, until Sun 1 safe and legal conditions on some of the Pod's thir- Heath Nov, Warwick Castle ty acres of open tarmac, Wed 4 Nov, Santa Pod FIREWORK DISPLAY AND LASER SHOW Sun 1 Nov, BRICK 2015 This haven for LEGO fans boasts Raceway, Northants Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire numerous interactive features, until Sun 1 Nov, FIRE & DUST A poetry open-mic night hosted by NO BANGS BONFIRE NIGHT A traditional bonfire NEC, Birmingham Silhouette Press and The Big Comfy Book Shop, party, ideal for younger visitors and those who ARCHERY LEADERS COURSE For anyone wishing to Wed 4 Nov, Fargo Village, Coventry don’t like loud bangs. Meet Guy Fawkes and lis- become qualified at leading archery groups, until AN EVENING WITH PAUL MCGRATH Former Ireland and ten to live music, Thurs 5 Nov, Avoncroft Sun 1 Nov, The Ackers, Birmingham Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath reminisces about Museum, Worcestershire HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Arrive in fancy dress for his career, Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Nov, Irish Centre, SILENT FIREWORKS A fireworks display with a dif- some ghoulish fun across the whole attraction, until Birmingham ference, with no bangers or loud noises. Ideal Sun 1 Nov, Cadbury World, Bournville STEVE BACKSHALL'S WILD WORLD Illustrated with for little ones, Thurs 5 Nov, Birmingham FAMILY FUN DAYS - HALLOWEEN 2015 Spooky outdoor photos and films from Steve’s expeditions, Thurs 5 Botanical Gardens trail with take-home activities, until Sun 1 Nov, Nov, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT Coughton Court, Warwickshire WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT Thurs 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse HALLOWEEN TRAIL A spooky family trail around the Thurs 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse FIREWORKS AT ALTON TOWERS Fri 6 - Sun 8 Nov, grounds, until Sun 1 Nov, Croft Castle, URBAN PRESENTS SGT BILKO’S VINTAGE EMPORIUM Alton Towers, Staffordshire Worcestershire CLASSIC FILM NIGHT A regular film night for all die- FIREWORK FRENZY A spectacular evening of fire- FAMILY FUN DAYS - HALLOWEEN 2015 Spooky outdoor hard classic film fans, Thurs 5 Nov, Fargo Village, works, Monster Trucks and stunts. Plus a huge trail with take-home activities, until Sun 1 Nov, Coventry bonfire, funfair, catering and bar facilities, plus Packwood House, Solihull CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Nov, NEC, family entertainment, Sat 7 Nov, Santa Pod PUMPKIN WEEK Daily carving competitions, plus a Birmingham Raceway, Northants pumpkin hunt and Hatton's Halloween Pumpkin ART MATERIALS LIVE Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Nov, NEC, FIREWORK FESTIVAL Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, West House, until Sun 1 Nov, Hatton Adventure World, Birmingham Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Worcestershire

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and explore the art & architecture of the city of CHRISTMAS FOOD AND CRAFT FAYRE Sat 21 - Sun 22 LISTINGS Dresden, Sat 14 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & Nov, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Worcestershire Events Museum, Coventry CHRISTMAS AT STOWE Carols, children's crafts, shop- SECOND WORLD WAR FAMILY DAY A day of work- ping and a yuletide menu, Sat 21 Nov 2015 - Sun For full listing information on Events, shops, activities and experiences to commemorate 10 Jan 2016, Stowe House Gardens, Staffordshire including times and dates, visit the lives lost in the Second World War, Sat 14 Nov, SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa, Sun 22 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley www.whatsonlive.co.uk COUNT DUCKULA Live on stage for the very first time. THE NATIONAL GLASS FAIR Featuring a wide choice of Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham glassware, from eighteenth century drinking glass- STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFTS Thurs 5 - Sun 8 WINTER WONDERLAND The theme park, magically es through to contemporary studio glass, Sun 22 Nov, NEC, Birmingham transformed into a Winter Wonderland, Sat 14 Nov - Nov, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR Unlock the secrets of Witley's partying past, Fri 6 Nov, Witley Court, Thu 24 Dec, Twinlakes Family Theme Park, Melton Worcestershire Mowbray, Leicestershire ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Sat 14 Nov 2015 - Sun 10 CIVIL WAR TALK: SENT TO COVENTRY Fri 6 Nov, Week Commencing MON 23 NOV Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Jan 2016, Centenary Square, Birmingham THE NATIONAL GRADUATE RECRUITMENT EXHIBITION Fri LIZ LOCHHEAD An evening with the National Poet of RAMBLE WITH THE RANGERS Join the ranger team for 6 - Sat 7 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Scotland, Sun 15 Nov, Artrix, Worcestershire a different walk each month in the castle's historic CAKE INTERNATIONAL The world's largest sugar craft, HIGHBURY HALL BY CANDLELIGHT Sun 15 Nov, parkland. Walks are of differing lengths and difficul- cake decorating and baking show, Fri 6 - Sun 8 Highbury Hall, Moseley, Birmingham ties, Wed 25 Nov, Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Nov, NEC, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM ARMS FAIR The UK’s biggest antique and vintage arms fair, Sun 15 Nov, National Birmingham Motorcycle Museum, Warwickshire CHRISTMAS AT GREYFRIARS WITH WORCESTER COVENTRY BLITZ ANNIVERSARY Blitz survivors share CHRISTMAS FAYRE Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Nov, Greyfriars their experiences of the Coventry Blitz, Sun 15 Nov, House & Garden, Worcestershire St. Mary's Guildhall, Coventry CANDLE-LIT CHRISTMAS Explore Greyfriars at Christmas, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Nov, Greyfriars House & Garden, Worcestershire Week Commencing MON 16 NOV BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER Thurs 26 - Sun 29 Nov, NEC, Birmingham OTTER WEEK Themed events and fundraising activi- NATURE TOTS - LEAVES Wildlife for little ones, Fri 27 ties to raise awareness for an otter conservation Nov, The Parkridge Centre, Solihull ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION RECRUITMENT project, Mon 16 - Mon 23 Nov, National Sea Life EXHIBITION Meet recruiters from the industry’s top Centre, Birmingham employers and get one-to-one advice, Fri 27 - Sat Cake International, NEC, Birmingham WAR GAMES WITH THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM OF 28 Nov, NEC, Birmingham CHILDHOOD Talk from the curator of War Games - a MAKING MERRY Meet a host of local artists and THE INTERNATIONAL MODEL BOAT SHOW Fri 6 - Sun 8 touring exhibition from the Victoria & Albert craftspeople, learn new skills and find the perfect Nov, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre Museum of Childhood, Tue 17 Nov, Herbert Art gift for your loved ones, Fri 27 Nov, Herbert Art EXCALIBUR COMPUTER FAIR Sat 7 Nov Gallery & Museum, Coventry Gallery & Museum, Coventry National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull HISTORIC SPORTS CAR CLUB - CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Including Polar Express 4D ENTHUSIASTS OF BRITISH VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1985 nine-race event for post-war racing cars from the and meeting the reindeers, Fri 27 - Mon 30 Nov sixty iconic British cars, have a chat with the own- 1950s to 1980s, featuring the final races of 2015 for Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth ers and take lots of photographs, Sat 7 Nov, some of the HSCC Championship and Series, Tue ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS KINGDOM Festive entertain- Coventry Transport Museum 17 Nov, Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire ment, including a real-life nativity and a Festive SETTER AND POINTER SHOW Sat 7 Nov, DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG Friends puppet show, Sat 28 Nov - Fri 25 Dec, Staffordshire County Showground Chance to practise drifting in safe and legal condi- Hatton Adventure World, Warwickshire SHAKESPEARE TOUR OF STRATFORD Sat 7 Nov, tions on some of the Pod's thirty acres of open tar- CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR AND SANTA’S GROTTO The Falstaff Experience, Stratford-Upon-Avon mac, Wed 18 Nov, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants Sat 28 Nov, Selly Manor, Birmingham THE NATIONAL PET SHOW 2015 Hundreds of different THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY GHOST TOUR Join the Dudley BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO 2015 Sat 28 - animals, animal-action displays, informative talks Ghost Tour around various haunted sites, Wed 18 Sun 29 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham and demonstrations, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, NEC, Nov, Station Hotel, Dudley CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Including paintings, artisan Birmingham TUDOR FESTIVE FOOD: TALK & TASTING Learn all about foods and unique handmade gifts, Sat 28 - Sun 29 COUNT DUCKULA Live on stage for the very first time, Tudor Christmas food with food historian Stuart Nov, Coventry Transport Museum Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham Peachy, Thurs 19 Nov, Avoncroft Museum, CHRISTMAS AT CROFT Celebrate an Edwardian THE GREAT UPTON SEWING BEE Join in a 1940s Worcestershire Christmas with decor, traditions and food from the sewing bee with a chance to have a go yourself CHRISTMAS AT CROFT Celebrate an Edwardian era, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, Croft Castle, with a needle and thread, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, Upton Christmas with decor, traditions and food from the Worcestershire House & Gardens, Warwickshire era, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 Nov, Croft Castle, CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, Forge WWE LIVE Sun 8 Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham Worcestershire Mill Needle Museum, Worcestershire REP WEDDING FAIR AUTUMN 2015 Sun 8 Nov, The THE SKILLS SHOW The nation’s largest skills and CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE WEEKEND A variety of stall REP, Birmingham careers event, providing young people with oppor- holders, mulled wine and mince pies, Sat 28 - Sun TREE PLANTING PARTY Sun 8 Nov, Croft Castle, tunities to discover what they're good at and what 29 Nov, Highbury Hall, Birmingham Worcestershire they enjoy. Plenty of interactive activities and WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION CHILDREN'S MARKET A chance to purchase all kinds hands-on experiences, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Nov, NEC, Exhibitors from the UK and abroad launch their lat- of things for babies and children. Free activities for Birmingham est products and sell rare items, Sat 28 - Sun 29 little ones, Sun 8 Nov, Fargo Village, Coventry ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR The largest Nov, NEC, Birmingham ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 8 Nov, National vetted art, antiques and interiors fair in the UK, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Pantomime ver- Motorcycle Museum, Solihull Thurs 19 - Sun 22 Nov, NEC, Birmingham sion of The Sleeping Beauty. Santa stars in his own COIN & BANKNOTE FAIR Coin, banknote, medal and CIVIL WAR TALK: SENT TO COVENTRY Fri 20 Nov, show, with a gift for every child, Sat 28 - Sun 29 antiquity dealers from the UK and Ireland, Sun 8 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham Nov, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull NATURE TOTS - KINGS AND QUEENS Wildlife for little CHRISTMAS AT COUGHTON Festive shopping in the BAKE AND MAKE Make your own Christmas treats ones, Fri 20 Nov, The Parkridge Centre, Solihull Coach House gift shop, locally sourced Christmas and presents, Mon 9 Nov, Moseley Old Hall, SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 20 Nov - Thu 31 lunch and, at weekends, a Christmas market in the Wolverhampton Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth stableyard, Sat 28 Nov - Sun 6 Dec, Coughton THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIEVAL BANQUET Sat 21 Nov, Court, Warwickshire Warwick Castle Week Commencing MON 9 NOV MOTORCYCLE LIVE The best products, bikes & serv- EXCALIBUR COMPUTER FAIR Sat 21 Nov, ices, from leading companies across the globe, Sat National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull 28 Nov - Sun 6 Dec, NEC, Birmingham STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD & CONSERVATION TOUR CHRISTMAS FAIR 2015 Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, CHRISTMAS AT WARWICK CASTLE Meet Santa Claus Behind-the-scenes tour, Tue 10 Nov, Birmingham Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire and enjoy a range of festive events, Sat 28 Nov - Museum And Art Gallery CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Christmas pan- Sun 3 Jan, Warwick Castle GROW AND EXPLORE OUTDOORS An under-fives ses- tomime version of The Sleeping Beauty. Santa stars sion, Wed 11 Nov, Hill Close Gardens, Warwick SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a magical festive in his own show, with a gift for every child, Sat 21 - sleepover at one Alton Towers’ themed hotels, Sun FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, Thurs 12 - Sun 15 Nov, NEC, Sun 22 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham 29 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire Birmingham CRAFT & CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE Over fifty exhibitors, CHRISTMAS FUN Festive songs, carols and other BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley seasonal activities, Sun 29 Nov, Castle Bromwich 12 Nov - Tue 22 Dec, Birmingham City Centre MAGICAL CHRISTMAS A magical christmas experi- NATURE TOTS - JAYS, JACKDAWS AND MORE Hall Gardens, Birmingham ence including Polar Express 4D and meeting the DOLL AND TEDDY FAIR Sun 29 Nov, Wildlife event for little ones, Fri 13 Nov, The reindeers, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, Drayton Manor Parkridge Centre, Solihull National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull Theme Park. Tamworth CAMPERS CHRISTMAS A Christmas grotto experience LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Fri 13 - CHRISTMAS AT CROFT Celebrate an Edwardian Sun 15 Nov, NEC, Birmingham starring campervans, motorhomes and custom Christmas with decor, traditions and food from the truck cabs, Sun 29 Nov, Coventry Transport 75 YEARS Commemorating the seventy-fifth anniver- era, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, Croft Castle, sary of the Coventry Blitz, with artwork by John Museum Worcestershire CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Georgian-inspired Piper and Gustav Metzger, Fri 13 Nov 2015 - Sun 7 MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON A weekend-long cele- Christmas, Mon 30 Nov, 2015 - Sun 3 Jan 2016 Feb 2016, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry bration of movies, comics, sci-fi, games, anime and Croome Park, Worcestershire DRESDEN TODAY - ART AND ARCHITECTURE A unique collectables, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, NEC, opportunity to hear historian Eveline Eaton discuss Birmingham

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80 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out Nov region 1 Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 21:11 Page 1 Eating Out World-class dining Michelin-starred Birmingham city centre eatery Adam’s has been named the fourth best rated fine dining restaurant in the world by the 2015 Travellers’ Choice Restaurants Awards. Currently located on Bennett’s Hill, the restaurant was also rated the third best in Europe and, for the first time, the best in the UK. The awards are testament to the high standards of food and service provided by owner and chef Adam Stokes and his wife, Natasha. The restaurant opened in 2013 and attained its Michelin star six months later. Adam and Natasha plan to relo- cate their business to New Oxford House on Waterloo Street, just off Colmore Row - a move which will see the restaurant’s capacity rise from twenty-five to thirty- eight covers. Adam Stokes - chef and owner An evening of art and food Digbeth contempoary art gallery Grand Union and pop-up restaurant Nomad have once again joined forces to present a unique evening of art and food. Spanish, informal and explosive... The event takes place in the gallery space on 6 Dessert was the tad over- November. Guests include artists-in-residence Tapas Revolution. Inspired REVIEW priced manchego with Cristobal Gracia, from Mexico City, and Berlin’s by the tapas bars of quince jelly (£5.75) and Katharina Ludwig, both of whom will be on hand to Madrid, this small chain the outstanding Torrija talk about their artistic practices. The chefs at If you enter Grand Central has arrived in Birmingham (£4.25), egg-soaked Nomad have designed a menu of small plates and from New Street, you’ll after openings in London’s brioche topped with cus- bespoke cocktails inspired by traditional dishes find that the old concrete Shoreditch and Westfield. tard and caramel. Sounds from the artists’ home countries. Tickets for the ramp that used to link the The brains behind the odd, tastes amazing. evening cost £25, which includes three courses Pallasades shopping cen- business is TV chef Omar Pleasingly, the staff are and a bespoke cocktail. Alternatively, just pop in tre is still there. Beloved of Allibhoy - Spain’s answer actually Spanish and the and buy a plate or two. For further details, visit Brummies for decades, to Jamie Oliver, complete service is pin-sharp, the grand-union.org.uk the ramp is a whisper of with scooter and obligato- old Birmingham. ry bushy beard. waiters unfazed by a fami- As I sat on a leather- The food is very, very ly with boisterous toddlers upholstered chair, sipping good. That Spanish sta- and equally happy to dis- Middle Eastern delights... saffron lemonade and ple, pan con tomate cuss craft beer with busi- Food & drink guide Dine Birmingham is this month popping calamares into (£2.95), was drenched in nesspeople in suits. hosting a Middle Eastern feast. A Taste Of Syria my mouth at Tapas luscious olive oil - whole- This is informal eating at takes place on 3 November at Syriana on Revolution, I reflected how some and indulgent at the its best. Take your kids, Constitution Hill. The event has been organised in the city has changed in same time. Chorizo a la take your colleagues, take collaboration with Oxfam’s Syrian Refugee Appeal, recent years. sidra (£5.25) was hot, your partner, take your to which all profits will be donated. This autumn saw the spicy and succulent, and parents. No-one can eat at The evening promises an upmarket dining experi- opening of the sparkly worked a treat with the Tapas Revolution and go ence with traditional Syrian cuisine of mezze, a new New Street Station calamares fritos (£5.25). home grumpy. selection of main courses - including a vegetarian and, of course, John Fried as crisp as a chip, it Ah, Grand Central. You option - and authentic Syrian pastries. There will Lewis. Most importantly, was the best squid I’ve may give us outstanding also be live entertainment on the night, courtesy of there are now innumerable ever had in this country. tapas, but you’ll never Middle Eastern music and ‘hypnotic’ belly-danc- good and affordable The torreznos con mojo take away our ramp.. ing. Tickets must be pre-booked and start at £30 places to eat - and this is dulce - crispy pork belly to Helen Stallard per person. For further information, visit dinebirm- precisely what the new you and me, £5.50 - was ingham.co.uk/upcoming-events. Grand Central shopping expertly executed, slow- Food: n n n n n centre is priding itself on. cooked to tenderness Service: n n n n n Owen De Visser Photography Surrounding the massive whilst keeping the all- Ambience: n n n n n atrium of New Street important crackling. But Overall value n n n n n Station, Grand Central’s star of the show for me OVERALL n n n n n balcony-style eateries flog was the pisto (£3.75), a Asian soup, prosecco by stew of aubergine, cour- Tapas Revolution, the glass and lurid green gette, pepper and herbs Grand Central, juices to shoppers. which could easily be dull Ground Floor Level, I’m willing to put money but in the hands of these 68a East Mews, that the best of these chefs was an explosion of Birmingham, cafes-come-restaurants is taste and sunshine. B2 4XJ

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1661 LISTINGS METRO BAR & GRILL 73 Restaurant Cornwall St, B3 2DF 0121 200 1911 For full listing information on restau- MINT Yew Tree Retail rants, including opening times and Park, Stoney Lane type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- Yardley, B25 8YP 0121 789 8908 live.co.uk MOUNT FUJI The Bullring, B5 4BH 0121 633 9853 Solihull, B91 3GS 0121 Birmingham 704 0749 NUVO BAR 11 Brindley Place, B1 2LP 0121 631 CHUNG YING 1600 24 CARAT BISTRO 27 16-18 Wrottersley Street, OPUS 54 Cornwall St, Warstone Lane, B5 4RT 0121 622 5669 Birmingham, B18 6JQ B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 CHUNG YING CENTRAL 126 0121 236 0519 THE ORIENTAL The Colmore Row, B3 3AP AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel Mailbox, 128-130 0121 400 0888 La Tour, Albert Street, Wharfside St, B1 1RQ CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 0121 633 9988 Las Igunas, Coventry Birmingham, B5 5JT Bright Street, B1 1BL LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans BINDLES BAR & BRASSERIE 0121 718 8000 Thorpe St, B5 4AT PEACHY KEENS 1741 THE VAULTS Newhall Nest, Bridgford, Stratford 55 Sidbury, WR1 2HU 0121 666 6622 Coventry Road, B26 AIR RESTAURANT LG Place, Newhall Hill, upon Avon, CV37 7LT 01905 611120 Arena, Bickenhill Rd CIELO 6 Oozells Square, 1DS 0121 764 5519 B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 01789 264804 BRAMBLINGS Hither Green 0844 338 0333 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB PENNY BLACKS WAGAMAMA Brindley MALLORY COURT Harbury Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE BALCONY BRASSERIE 0121 632 6882 The Mailbox, 132-134 Place, Birmingham, B1 Lane, Leamington Spa, 01527 406600 Selfridges on 4, The COAST TO COAST 9 Wharfside St, B1 1XL CV33 9QB, 01926 330214 BRIDGE INN Plough Road, Bullring, B5 4BP Brindleyplace, Broad 0121 632 1460 WATERS ON THE SQUARE Street, B1 2HJ Chad Square, Hawthorne MATRICARDIS 97 High St, Droitwich, WR9 7NQ BANK 4 Brindleyplace, PICCOLINO Henley in Arden, B95 5AT COTE The Mailbox, Rd, Edgbaston, B15 3TQ 01905 345874 B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 9 Brindleyplace, B1 2HS 01564 792735 B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 0121 634 3055 CHADDESLEY RESTAURANT BAR ESTILO 10-114 MERCHANTS Swan Street, CUCINA RUSTICA 24 PITCHER & PIANO Brockencote Hall Hotel, Wharfside St, The Warwickshire Warwick, CV34 4BJ Kidderminster, DY10 4PY Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX Brindleyplace, B1 2HP 01926 403833 01562 777876 643 3443 0121 233 2277 0121 643 0214 7 SQUARE 7 Old Square, NUMBER SIX Castle Street, EASTZEAST 167 Broad POPPY RED Arcadian THE CHASE INN Chase Rd, BARAJEE 265 Broad Warwick, CV34 4RA Warwick, CV34 4BP Street, Birmingham, B15 Centre, Birmingham, B5 Upper Colwall, Malvern, Street, B1 2DS 0121 643 01926 411 755 01926 497663 6699 1AY, 0121 643 4808 4TD 0121 687 1200 WR13 6DQ 01684 NO. 9 CHURCH STREET ONE ELM 1 Guild St, 540276 BELLA ITALIA 102 New EDMUNDS 6 Brindley PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall Stratford upon Avon, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CHESTERS 51 New St, Street, B2 4HQ 0121 place, B1 2JB 0121 633 St, B3 2DH 0121 212 Warwickshire, CV37 6HB CV37 6QZ 01789 404919 Worcester, WR1 2DL 643 1548 4944 9799 01789 415522 PREZZO 1-3 High St, 01905 611638 BERLIOZ Burlington FIESTA DEL ASADO 229 PURNELL’S BISTO 11 AGRA PLACE 12 Abbey Warwick, CV34 4AP CROWN & SANDYS Arcade, New St, B2 4JQ Hagley Road, Newhall Street, B3 3NY, Green, Nuneaton, CV11 01926 475867 Main Rd, Ombersley, 0121 633 1737 Birmingham, B16 9RP 0121 2000 1588 5DR 024 7635 0515 0121 445 9331 RESTAURANT 23 34 WR9 0EW 01905 62025 BLUE GINGER 32 Poplar, RAJDOOT TANDOORI 78 - THE ALMANACK Abbey Hamilton Terrace, Holly EWE AND LAMB Hanbury Rd, Kings Heath, B14 FLEET STREET KITCHEN 79 George St, B31 1PY End North, Kenilworth, 7AD 0121 444 0999 Fleet Street, Islington 0121 236 1116 Walk, Leamington Spa, Road, Bromsgrove, B60 CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 CV32 4LY 01926 422422 BLUE MANGO Regency Gates, B3 1JH 0121 236 THE RECTORY 50-54 St 4DN 01527 871 929 0100 AUBERGINE 32 Smith St, RISTORANTE DA VINCI 50 THE FIG TREE 99 Church Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS Warwick, CV34 4HS ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 Earlsdon Street, Coventry, Street, Gt Malvern, WR14 0121 633 4422 0121 605 1001 01926 400 086 1JL 0121 212 3383 CV5 6EJ 024 7671 3554 2AE 01684 569909 BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT RED PEPPERS 117 THE BELL Alderminster, JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle ROBBIE’S RESTAURANT 74 FUSION BRASSERIE AND BAR 24-26 Harborne Wharfside St, B1 1RF Stratford-upon-Avon, Smith Street, CV34 4HU Hawbridge, Stoulton, Rd, B15 3AA 0121 454 Mall, Bullring Shopping 0121 643 4202 CV37 8NY 01926 400470 Worcester, WR7 4RJ 6877 Centre, B5 4BE SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, 01789 450414 0121 270 3610 ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 01905 840647 BUONISSIMO 1 Albany B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, JIMMY SPICES Regency @ The RST, Waterside, THE INN AT STONEHALL Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehall Common, 0121 426 2444 St, B15 1AY 0121 633 7622 9274 0121 643 2111 CV37 6BB 01789 403449 Worcester, WR5 3QG CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells 0366 CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, LAS IGUANAS Arcadian SAFFRON GOLD Market St, 01905820462 Square, Brindleyplace, SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield Stratford-Upon-Avon, Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD Westgate House, B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 Rd, Edgbaston, B13 CV37 6BA 01789 267424 KING CHARLES II King 0121 622 4466 Warwick, CV34 4DE Charles House, New St, CAFE SAFFRON 3DU 0121 454 3434 CATALAN 6 Jury St , LASAN 3-4 Dakota 01926 402061 Worcester, WR1 2D Wolverhampton Road, THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, Warwick, CV34 4EW Oldbury, B69 4RR Buildings, James St, St THE SAXON MILL 01905 22449 Brindley Place, 01926 498 930 0121 552 1752 Paul’s Square, B3 1SD Coventry Rd, Guys Cliffe, L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 Birmingham, B1 2HL THE CHURCH STREET CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s 0121 212 3664 Warwick, CV34 5YN Graham Rd, Malvern, 0121 633 3049 TOWNHOUSE 16 Church Edge, Brindleyplace, THE LOFT LOUNGE 01926 492 255 WR14 2HU 01684 STRADA 109-111 Street, Stratford-upon- B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 143 Bromsgrove St, TAILORS 22 Market Place, 572427 Wharfside St, The Avon, CV37 6HB 01789 B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 Warwick, CV34 4SL CENTENARY BAR & Mailbox, B1 1XL 262222 LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower BRASSERIE Broad Street, THE LOST & FOUND 0121 643 7279 01926 410590 Mill Street, 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS COOMBE ABBEY Brinklow Kidderminster, DY11 B1 2EP 0121 245 2080 TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley THE TREVELYAN Warwick 0121 643 9293 Road, Coventry, CV3 2AB 6UU 01562 744976 CHI BAR & GRILL 61 Road, Edgbaston, B16 024 7645 0450 Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, Newhall Street, B3 3RB LOVES The Glasshouse, 9NY 0121 454 1930 CV37 ONR 01789 295252 MAEKONG THAI 12 Browning St, B16 8FL CROSSED KHUKRIS GURKHA Worcester Road, 0121 233 3150 THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West 0121 454 5151 115 Abbey Street, Bromsgrove, B61 7AE CHIMICHANGA 41 Mill Lane B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 Nuneaton, CV11 5BX 024 St, Warwick, CV34 6AW MECHU 47 - 59 Summer 01527 578888 Arcade, Touchwood, TURTLE BAY 81-91 John 7634 4488 07873 219005 Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 MASSALLA LOUNGE 35 EDWARD MOON 9 Chapel WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith Broad St, Worcester, Street, Stratford-upon- Street, CV34 4HS 01926 Avon, CV37 6EP 01789 491736 WR1 3NH 01905 267069 ZIZZI 85-87 Regent 729955 EGO 29 The Square, Square House, Parade, MUG HOUSE Claines Lane, Worcester, WR3 (EST 86) Kenilworth, CV8 1EF Leamington Spa, CV32 THE DINNER CLUB 01926 864463 4NL 01926 432532 7RN 01905 456649 FOR THE MORE DISCERNING UNNATACHED PERSON THE ENCORE Bridge Street, ON THE ROCKS 44 Stratford upon Avon, Worcestershire Worcester Road, SINGLE? CV37 6AB 01789 269462 Bromsgrove, B61 7AE FINEST CATCH B’ham Rd, ANAKARALI 47 The 01527 882412 Autumn Henley in Arden, B95 Tythings, Worcester, WR1 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower 5QR 01564 793783 1JT 01905 21412 Mill Street, Kidderminster, FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, DY11 6UU 01562 60479 BLACK Terrace, Leamington Spa, Worcester, WR1 3QT & CV31 3AB 01926 431999 01905 731131 PORTWAY ITALIAN, Alcester Rd, Redditch, WHITE BALL HIGH PAVEMENT BAR & DIN- ANUPAM 85 Church B48 7HT 01564 824794 Saturday 24th October ING 3 High Street, CV34 Street, Malvern, WR14 4AP 01926 494725 2AE 01684 573814 ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, Aston Fields, at Park Royal Hotel, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4NS HELP OUT MILL Heather BACCHUS 44 Worcester Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ 7.30 for 8pm - Rd, Shakerstone, Road, Bromsgrove, B61 Pre-dinner drink, 3 course meal with £65 01527 889948 accom also Nuneaton, CV13 0BT 0TA 01527 877557 wine, coffee and dancing till late (disco)Park Royal Hotel, Warrington 01530 260666 SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New (01244) 677030 weekdays or 548816 eve/weekendsCheshire WA4 available4NS BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, St, Worcester, WR1 2DP INDIA RED 25 Abbey Worcester, WR1 2HZ 01905 610505 Street, Nuneaton, CV11 01905 21444 www.thedinnerclubuk.com 5BX 024 7634 2090 82 www.whatsonlive.co.uk MCM Brum (FP) OCT 2015.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2015 20:55 Page 1 MAC (FP-Oct).qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 11:58 Page 1