Staffordshire Cover January 2019.qxp_Staffordshire Cover 14/12/2018 11:23 Page 1
MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands RETURNS TO THE REGION STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S JANUARY ON 2019
Staffordshire ISSUE 397 JANUARY 2019 ’ FILMWhat I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onstaffordshirewhatson.co.uk
PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:
Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide
DIRTY DUSTING The Telephone Belles clean up at Lichfield Garrick WTE:@WHATSONSTAFFSTWITTER:
THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS returns to The Potteries FACEBOOK:@STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON
STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE! waltzes back into the Midlands STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:46 Page 1 Contents January Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:00 Page 2
January 2019
Contents
Talking to the animals - Doctor Dolittle and his menagerie of exotic friends visit Wolverhampton... page 8
Martin Barre Band Mandy Muden Kinky Boots the list
present an evening of Jethro Tull combines comedy and magic at hit West End musical arrives in Your 16-page hits at The Robin... Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn The Potteries week-by-week listings guide page 13 page 25 page 30 page 51 inside:
4. First Word 11. Food 13. Music 24. Comedy 26. Theatre 37. Film 42. Visual Arts 49. Events
@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire What’s On Magazine
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Entertainment news from around the region
A Wolverhampton stop-off for Dick and Rita... Even as Sleeping Beauty continues to catch some panto-season shut-eye at the Wolver- hampton Grand Theatre, the venue has an- nounced its pantomime production for next Christmas. The Grand is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2019 (see item at the top of the page) and will bring the year to a close with a sure-to-be- star-studded version of Dick Whittington. Running at the theatre from Saturday 7 Decem- ber to Sunday 12 January 2020, the show is one of the highlights of a year-long programme that also sees productions of Nativity! The Mu- sical, Educating Rita, Cabaret and Hair stop- ping off at the Grand.
Enginuity to host pop-up port Convention’s Ashley Hutchings and the Peaky Blinders-themed Midlands’ very own Ricky Cool & The In- planetarium for half term Crowd (pictured) and King Pleasure & The bar opens in the Black A pop-up planetarium at Ironbridge Gorge’s Biscuit Boys. For more information and to Country Enginuity museum will next month provide book tickets, visit lichfieldarts.org.uk. A bar inspired by Birmingham-based BBC half-term visitors with the chance to discover drama Peaky Blinders has opened in the more about the solar system, distant stars Black Country. and outer space. The Garrison Saloon Bar at The Waterfront, Budding astronomers can also join in with an near Merry Hill, features 1920s decor and evening of sky-gazing, as well as designing serves locally sourced real ales, gin and rum, and making their own space-themed model as well as a selection of on-tap beers. from craft materials. The Garrison is the brainchild of Jason Mont- Enginuity’s Planets And Space events take gomery and Spida Prince, who both come place from Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 Febru- from Brierley Hill. They hope to open three ary. For more information about what’s on at similar outlets in the wider Black Country re- the venue, visit ironbridge.org.uk. gion in the not-too-distant future.
Wolves’ Molineux to host £8.1million events space Fortnite tournament to benefit Mids economy A new EStars Fortnite grassroots esports tournament will take place at Wolverhamp- The National Memorial Arboretum’s new ton Wanderers Football Club’s Molineux sta- £8.1million events building, Aspects, is ex- dium next month. The event is being held at pected to generate £21.4million across the the venue from 22 to 24 February and is open West Midlands region over a 10-year period. to anyone aged 12 and older. The building provides up to seven separate Commenting on the tournament, EStars’ event spaces and offers ‘stunning and inspi- Maeve Finnegan said:"We are delighted to Lichfield Arts announces rational views across the Arboretum’s land- bring the most popular game in the world to scape’. life across the UK and Ireland. EStars featur- new season of shows “The opening of Aspects is another landmark ing Fortnite is for fans Productions recalling and celebrating the moment for the Arboretum,” says Sarah Oak- of Fortnite to play to- sounds of Ricky Nelson, Joni Mitchell and den, the Staffordshire venue’s head of mar- gether. It promises to The Eagles are among the highlights of Lich- keting. “Aspects blends the latest technology be an engrossing ex- field Arts’ wide-ranging programme of incorporated in the building with access to travaganza that will spring-season entertainment. the living memorials within the Arboretum’s provide a spectacular The tribute shows take their place in a line- 150-acre grounds, providing a unique experi- experience for the up that also includes appearances by Fair- ence for event attendees.” gamers.”
4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 17:20 Page 2
First Word
Shropshire festival launches stand-up comedy course Organisers of the Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival are running a special course for wannabe stand-up comedi- ans who fancy learning the tricks of the trade - and then performing at the festival! The course, which will be taught by professional come- dian James Cook, will be two full days in length and take place on the two weekends prior to the comedy festival, which this year runs from 18 to 21 July. If you would like to take part in the course, contact laugh- [email protected] and you’ll Scouting For Girls to headline Shrewsbury Flower Show be put on the list. There are 12 English pop-rock band Scouting For Girls will be among the performers at this year’s Shrewsbury places available, which will be Flower Show. Taking place in the town’s Quarry Park on Friday 9 & Saturday 10 August, the 2019 edi- allocated on a first come, first tion of the show will be the 132nd in the event’s long and distinguished history. Regular features in- served basis. clude guest appearances by celebrity chefs and gardeners, arena acts, competitions, numerous workshops, a children’s area and a host of impressive floral displays. Both days are brought to a close by a magnificent fireworks display. Ben Elton hits the road with a new comedy tour Midlands kids go First headliners announced for Blackadder and Upstart Crow back in time... award-winning Shropshire folk festival writer Ben Elton is this year The first headliners for the 2019 Shrewsbury Folk Festival have been making a long-overdue return announced. to the world of stand-up com- The four-day event, taking place at the West Mid Showground from edy, heading out on an au- 23 to 26 August, will see Kate Rusby (pictured) and Martyn Joseph tumn tour that sees him topping the bill, with other acts so far confirmed to appear including visiting various Midlands Oysterband, Scottish folk rockers venues. Skerryvore and female supergroup Commenting on the news, Ben Daphne’s Flight. said: "The last time I toured, I A group of local children The festival features four main was still smarter than my will sample a taste of fame music stages, a dance tent, children phone. Things have definitely when they appear in a new and youth festivals, workshops, taken a funny turn.” To find BBC TV series to be aired crafts, a food village and real ale, out where he’s appearing in this month. cocktail and gin bars. Weekend and the region and to book tickets Back In Time For School will day tickets are now available and for the show, visit Ticketmas- feature 15 teenagers from can be booked at shrewsburyfolk- ter.co.uk Birmingham and the sur- festival.co.uk/booktickets. rounding area. Together with three teachers, the youngsters will be fast-for- Telford gets new ‘pub in the park’ event warded through 100 years of The company behind Shrewsbury’s Oktoberfest is launching a brand education, in the process ex- new beer festival for people who fancy combining a drink or several ploring what schools taught with the chance to get themselves a suntan. and the way they taught it. Taking place at Telford Town Park’s Southwater on Saturday 7 & The programme airs on BBC Sunday 8 June, Shropshire Festival’s Pub In The Park event will fea- Two on 3 January at 8pm. ture live music, comedy, food stalls and plenty of alcohol, including a selection of quirky artisan offerings. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 17:20 Page 3
First Word
Do you have any Grand memories to share? Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is asking the general public to help out with a new year- long project that aims to share 125 memories of the venue in time for its 125th anniversary on 10 December. People are encouraged to email their memo- ries, stories and photographs to [email protected], with any video sub- missions needing to be 45 seconds or less in length. You can also submit memories by writing to 125 Memories Campaign, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street WV1 1DE, giv- ing consent for the content to be used as part of the project. The memories will be shared throughout the anniversary year across the Grand Theatre’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels. Some memories may also feature in an exhibi- tion at the theatre.
Light Night Stoke- Weston Park hosts Classic Ibiza concert on-Trent event A family-friendly concert is set to bring a Burslem in Staffordshire will be heady blend of Balearic beats to Stafford- ‘spectacularly’ lit up at the end shire’s Weston Park this summer. of the month, as a programme Classic Ibiza takes place at the venue on 13 of light artworks, projections July and features chill-out and dance sets, a and illuminated performances light & laser show and music from DJ take over the town centre’s Goldierocks and the Urban Soul Orchestra. buildings and streets. For more information about the event, visit The event, Light Night Stoke- weston-park.com on-Trent, has been created by a host of local, national and in- Jess Glynne to ternational artists. Council unveils new city cycle scheme play Forest Live It takes place from Thursday 31 Wolverhampton council has unveiled a new scheme which will allow Jess Glynne has joined the January to Saturday 2 February. people to hire a bike for as little as 50p at various locations throughout line-up of artists taking part the city centre. The new project will see 2,000 bikes being made avail- in the 2019 edition of Forest able 24 hours a day. Annual membership of the scheme costs £30 per Enjoy Extraordinary Live, a major outdoor music year, meaning that riders can access bikes for just 8p per day. Times with James series held every summer by For more information, visit nextbike.co.uk/westmidlands. Manchester rock band James Forestry Commission Eng- are visiting The Potteries as land in seven beautiful part of their Living In Extraor- New Year celebrations - Chinese style! forests. Over 1.75 million peo- dinary Times UK tour. ple have attended a forest gig Appearing at Stoke-on-Trent’s If you just can’t get enough of new year celebrations, check out the in the last 18 years, with the Victoria Hall on Friday 15 show visiting the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Sunday 27 Janu- money raised from ticket March, the popular seven-piece ary. sales being used to help look will be ‘supporting themselves’ Touring across the country to celebrate the biggest festive event on the after the forests and encour- on the night, performing a spe- Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year Extravaganza comprises a host of age wildlife to thrive. cial 30-minute acoustic set be- performing arts presentations, the highlight among which is surely a Jess will perform in Cannock fore presenting their main ‘magnificent’ 18-metre-long Dragon Dance. Chase Forest, Staffordshire, show. For more information, Previous touring versions of the show have featured displays of contor- on Friday 5 July. visit atgtickets.com tion, lion dancing, daring stunts, energetic kung fu displays and the For more information, visit ancient magic of Face Changing. forestryengland.uk/music To find out more, visit grandtheatre.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 17:20 Page 4 Doctor Dolittle.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 16:57 Page 1
8 whatsonlive.co.uk Doctor Dolittle.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 16:57 Page 2
Talking to the animals... Midlands-born actor Mark Williams will be chatting to some splendidly exotic furred and feathered friends when he takes the title role in Leslie Bricusse’s Doctor Dolittle The Musical at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this month. We recently caught up with Mark to find out what audiences can expect...
Do you ever wish that you could talk to the tion of the show for Mark was its use of pup- The prospect of touring is also something animals? Well, there’s a certain gentleman pets: “Using puppets that can dance, sing that appeals to Mark. “I was touring way stopping off in Wolverhampton late this and move in a completely different way adds back and have toured all my life, so it’s nor- month who can do just that. a whole other layer that fascinates me. In the mal for me. Besides, it makes home all the film, it was real animals, and then on stage it sweeter.” His name is Dr John Dolittle - an English was animatronics - but this time around, it’s physician from the West Country village of Joining Mark on tour is Vicky Entwistle, fa- completely different. Puddleby-on-the-Marsh and the title charac- miliar to soap fans as Coronation Street’s ter in family-friendly stage show Doctor Dolit- “It also seemed like the right time to do the loud and lairy Janice Battersby. Donning tle The Musical. Created in the World War show again. With all due respect to other pro- feathers and a beak to play Polly the Parrot, One trenches by author Hugh Lofting - ap- ductions, I don’t think Doctor Dolittle has who teaches Doctor Dolittle the language of pearing in the serviceman’s illustrated letters been done justice to, and I think it’s the right the animal kingdom, Vicky is no stranger to home to his children - Doctor Dolittle is this time to talk about taking care of animals. musical theatre, having played Madame Thé- month being brought to life on the Grand nardier in the West End production of Les “Leslie Bricusse was really interested in look- Theatre stage by Bromsgrove-born actor Mark Misérables. ing again at a new adaptation, and we now Williams, making his musical theatre debut. have the chance to interact in a much more “Polly is very old, very wise and extremely Best known of late as television’s Father dramatic way. And that superhero skill of funny,” she explains. “She’s also quite Brown, Mark’s CV also features 1980s sketch talking to the animals really interested me cheeky and is the only animal that can speak phenomenon The Fast Show, the 1996 film because it opens up a whole other universe.” human and all the animal languages. Doctor version of 101 Dalmatians, and the hugely Dolittle is taken aback when he first realises. For those not familiar with the show, it re- popular Ha He thinks rry Potter series of movies, in counts the story of Doctor Dolittle’s journey he’s the clever one, but really Polly which he played the character of Mr Weasley. is always giving him clues and leading him in to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, a magical the right direction.” Promising song, dance, ‘stunning’ puppetry creature that holds the secret of life and how and fun for all the family, the current tour of to make the world a happier place. The good Vicky is delighted to be playing Polly, and Leslie Bricusse’s Doctor Dolittle is celebrating doctor is accompanied on his quest by a any initial fears about taking on the role were the 50th anniversary of the much-loved film menagerie of exotic animals, including the quickly allayed by the fact that she would be version starring Rex Harrison. Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick, Poly- in the company of two old friends: “I worked nesia the Parrot. with Mark on Father Brown, and with Brian “I’ve always wanted to do a musical, but the Capron (who plays the vivacious Albert Blos- timing has never worked out,” explains ‘There are lots of things in the show that kids som and the mighty Straight Arrow) on Coro- Mark, who has previously been offered the especially will find hilarious,” says Mark. nation Street, so that’s really helped. I have role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda. “I nearly “After all, what’s not funny about a naughty my two pals to keep me company.” did My Fair Lady recently. I got so close to it, monkey? And the great thing is that it’s all but there were problems with American Eq- live! For kids, going to the theatre for the first uity and it fell through. So when Doctor Dolit- time is like having only watched football on Doctor Dolittle The Musical shows at tle came along, I said yes, definitely yes!” the telly and then going to a match. It hap- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from pens right there in front of you. This is the Alongside his desire to do a musical and the Tuesday 29 January to Saturday 9 real deal - and with all the puppetry, it will be fact that it’s a milestone tour, another attrac- February really exciting.”
whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Vantines Advert 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:08 Page 1 THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019
Romantic Dinner + Live Music in Havana 2 courses £24.50 3 courses £28.50 Reservations from 5.30pm until10pm A non-refundable £10 deposit is required per person PLUS Valentine’s Afternoon Teas from 2pm-5pm £16.50 per person BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Pop in or call 01743 355055 OR BOOK ONLINE: www.thepeachtree.co.uk Food January Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:25 Page 2
Food
Choosing from a menu of three similar to a giant profiterole - starters, three mains and four was topped with 33% chocolate desserts, I began with the Irish ganache. Yet another fantastic scallop cerviche. Served in its dish, both in its presentation and shell and comprising delicately its flavour. cut pieces of orange accompa- It’s tricky to choose a favourite nied by scallop, fennel and a dill dish because everything was so dressing, the dish was light and good, but I think Harry’s take on fresh, bursting with colour and a Christmas pudding just about boasting some truly magnificent stole the show on the evening we flavour combinations. visited. Imaginative and creative, My partner’s choice was equally this certainly wasn’t your tradi- good - cider-glazed pig cheek tional Christmas pudding. En- atop a wholegrain mustard cased in a chocolate-topped pomme puree and a rich apple & spiced tuille was Christmas pud- pork sauce. It was the perfect ding ice cream and parfait. The dish with which to whet our ap- cylinder of creamy heaven was petite for the courses to follow. sat on a quenelle of chocolate The Coach House uses seasonal ganache and served with Hine ingredients, focusing where pos- ice cream. Simply divine. sible on local artisanal products. “Can I tempt you with some pe- REVIEW: The Coach House Everything is homemade - even tits fours?” our exemplary waiter the irresistible sourdough, of asked. Due to the fact that we’d Solo star Harry cooks up a sensational which we had two portions. practically licked every plate experience at 18th century Shropshire inn I chose the local venison for my spotless, I think he already knew main dish; my partner, the what our answer was going to be. Nestled in the Upper Only Valley Michelin-starred La Becasse at thyme gnocchi. Beautifully pre- The incredibly tasty homemade between the Stiperstones ridge just 12 years of age. He then went sented, my dish featured pieces milk chocolate fudge and hazel- and the Long Mynd - an Area of on to The Pound and Ludlow’s of soft and perfectly cooked veni- nut and chocolate macaroons Outstanding Natural Beauty award-winning Fishmore Hall, son and salsify fondant atop cir- provided the perfect end to a that’s hugely popular with walk- where he was running a section cles of parsnip puree and memorable evening. ers, cyclists, mountain-bikers before he’d even left school. venison sauce, finished with Dining at The Coach House is a and photographers - The Coach My partner and I started our cavolo nero and hazelnut pieces. truly stunning experience. From House has been providing trav- debut Coach House experience It was wonderful. Harry the chef the beautiful flavours and impec- ellers with hospitality, warmth with an appetiser of parsnip is a formidable talent. His culi- cable presentation of the food, to and comfort since the early crisps and homemade cumin nary flair, technical excellence the kind and welcoming service 1700s. houmous. I’m not usually wowed and immense passion for his and warm, unpretentious atmo- The unique country inn features by houmous, but this particular trade really does come across in sphere, it’s well worth the drive seven bed & breakfast rooms and example was absolutely out- the beautiful plates of food he out into the sticks. It was defi- an AA rosette restaurant serving standing. Creamy, smooth and produces. And the fact that he’s nitely one of my restaurant high- modern British food. Full of char- flavoursome, it was easily the doing it all on his own is seri- lights of 2018. acter and boasting numerous pe- tastiest I’d ever experienced. ously impressive! Please note: The Coach House is riod features, its decor is modern Next up, an amuse bouche of Similar in its presentation, the closed throughout January but rustic. game terrine with golden raisins gnocchi, as with the houmous, will open again next month. The restaurant is open from and pickled carrot. Intricate in was by far the nicest I’d ever Lauren Foster Wednesday to Saturday and its presentation and bursting tasted. Roasted in butter, both serves full a la carte and bar with complementary festive the flavour and texture were out- Food: nnnnn menus, with a lunch menu avail- flavours, it was another delicious standing. It was served alongside Service: nnnnn able on Fridays and Saturdays dish. Things were certainly off to textures of Jerusalem artichoke Ambience: nnnnn between noon and 2.30pm. My an excellent start. and winter purple sprouting Overall value nnnnn OVERALL nnnnn partner and I were lucky enough We were conveniently sat near broccoli. to be choosing from the Christ- one of the restaurant’s two wood For dessert, we opted for the mas menu on the evening we vis- The Coach House burning stoves. A combination of Christmas pudding and the Paris Norbury ited. that, the low lighting and the Brest - a traditional French dish Bishops Castle The kitchen is run singlehand- rustic surroundings helped to made of choux pastry and a SY9 5DX edly by young chef Harry Bul- create the perfect Christmas at- caramelised almond-flavoured Tel: 01588 650846 lock, who started working in the mosphere. cream. The decadent pastry -
whatsonlive.co.uk 11 GIGS January Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:04 Page 1 GIGS January Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:04 Page 2
Gigs
The 1975 Arena Birmingham, Wed 23 January Fronted by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matthew Healy, pop rock band The 1975 achieved chart-topping success with both their self-titled debut album and their follow- up offering, I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. Following a stint in rehab for heroin addic- tion, Healy has rejoined the band for this short tour in support of their third album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships.
Bastille won British Breakthrough Act at the 2014 BRIT Awards and scored a second number O2 Academy, Birmingham, one with their follow-up album, Wild World, Tues 29 & Wed 30 January in 2016. To say indie-pop four-piece Bastille have Ahead of the release of their hugely antici- had a whirlwind few years would be an un- pated third album, they’re heading out on derstatement. Their debut album, Bad an intimate headline tour to give fans an ex- Martin Barre Band Blood, was twice number one, certified dou- clusive first listen to some of their new ble-platinum and named the biggest-selling The Robin, Bilston, Wed 23 January music. digital album of 2013. The band have since Martin Barre has been the guitarist of Jethro Tull for 40-plus years, during which time the band have racked up more than 60 million Ben Howard Martyn Joseph album sales. The Birmingham-born 72-year- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 21 January Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, old’s phenomenal guitar playing has been a Thurs 24 January major factor in their stellar success. Ben Howard’s music has been described as “Really what I do is to try and write songs Alongside his work with Tull, Martin has also ‘a blissful blend of electronics, psychedelic that might step up and make some sense of performed with A-list artists including Paul pop, subtle strings and dreamily delivered a moment in time,” explains modern folk McCartney and Phil Collins, and shared a lyrics’. artist Martyn Joseph. “A good song makes stage with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Fleet- With all that going for him, it’s hardly sur- you feel like you’re not alone in the world.” wood Mac, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin... prising he’s basking in the glory of album Often compared to the likes of Bruce Spring- He visits Bilston, alongside his handcrafted success, following up the chart-topping I steen, John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and band, to play classic music from the Jethro Forget Where We Were with the highly ac- Dave Matthews, Martyn is a unique per- Tull catalogue. claimed Noonday Dream, released last year. All profits from Ben’s Birmingham show will former who’s driven by passion, social be donated to the Koestler Trust - a charity awareness and an abiding love for his trade. which helps ex-offenders, secure patients He visits Shrewsbury in support of his 33rd and detainees in the UK to express them- album, Here Come The Young, produced by selves creatively. Gerry Diver.
Cancer Bats The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 29 January Cancer Bats take elements from numerous heavy metal subgenres and fuse them to- gether into hardcore and punk rock. The Canadian four-piece have released six studio albums since forming in 2004, and visit Stoke in support of their latest offering, The Spark That Moves.
whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Classical January Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:05 Page 1 Classical January Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:05 Page 2
Classical
New Year Viennese Strauss Gala Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sun 20 January The 33-piece British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra kickstart 2019 in style with a show that recalls the glories of Johann Strauss, Franz Lehar and Viennese op- eretta. Featured works include Strauss’ By The Beautiful Blue Danube, The Thunder And Lightning Polka and his masterful Die Fle- dermaus. Highlights from Lehar’s Merry Widow also feature, along with a wealth of operetta favourites from, among other works, The Student Prince, The New Moon, The Gypsy Baron and The White Horse Inn. Halle Viennese Concert Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 4 January One of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, the Manchester-based Halle is admired around the world for its extensive orchestral repertoire. Rafał Blechacz This Victoria Hall concert sees Jamie Phillips taking the helm for a New Year celebration of In Recital Vienna. Austria’s capital city attracted many great classical composers during the 19th cen- tury and was home to the famous Strauss family, whose works make up the concert’s pro- Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 23 January gramme. Soprano Joanne Lunn (pictured) also contributes to what will surely be an By the time the 20-year-old Rafał Blechacz evening of exceptional musicmaking. entered the Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in 2005, he’d been playing piano for 15 years and had bagged Innovation Ensemble CBSO: Mendelssohn’s a few awards. The Chopin competition, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sun 20 January Violin Concerto however, saw him reach a new level of ex- cellence, becoming the only musician Innovation Ensemble comprises five highly Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 16 & Sat 19 January ever to win all five first prizes. Indeed, one respected chamber musicians drawn from of the judges said that Blechacz had ‘so Benjamin the circle of colleagues and friends of the outclassed the remaining finalists’ that no Beilman first late Peter Cropper. Repeatedly hailed for his second prize could actually be awarded. picked up the creativity and fearlessness, and often Having made his Birmingham debut in violin at the lauded for an undoubted streak of genius, 2017, Rafał returns to the city this month tender age of violinist Peter was the leader of the Lindsay with a programme featuring Mozart, five. Although Quartet for almost four decades. He died Beethoven, Schumann and ‘a very per- his talent was suddenly in late May 2014 at the age of 69. sonal interpretation’ of Chopin’s much in evi- Among the musicians performing this latest Mazurkas. concert is his son, Martin. dence in the The programme features works by Mozart, years that fol- Brahms and Vaughan Williams. lowed, it always seemed there were children Richard Jenkins (pictured) features on whose violin playing was just that little bit cello. more advanced. Not that Benjamin was complaining - the prominence of other young violinists allowed him to develop his craft from a position a little under the radar. He may have blossomed at a later age, but blossom he most certainly did, and is now considered one of the finest musicians of his generation. Benjamin’s Birmingham performance of Mendelsshon’s violin con- certo is sandwiched between two works by Dvorak - his life-enhancing eighth sym- phony and his playful Wind Serenade. Andrew Gourlay conducts.
whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Jodie Prenger REGENT.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:23 Page 1
JODIE PRENGER talks about the challenge of playing Beverly in Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party
16 whatsonlive.co.uk Jodie Prenger REGENT.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:24 Page 2
by Patsy Moss
No stranger to playing iconic contemporary roles, Jodie Prenger this month returns to the Midlands to star as big and blousy Beverly in Abigail’s Party, Mike Leigh’s voyeuristic look at suburban life in 1970s Britain. We caught up with Jodie to find out how she plans to tackle the role made famous by Alison Steadman...
Will this new staging of Abigail’s Party be awkward to watch because they’re so true. like to call them. I’ve also done a lot of true to Mike Leigh’s original, or will it Mike’s writing manages to bring to the research into the era, the dynamics of the have a contemporary slant? forefront the darkest parts of people’s souls. family and the area where she came from. All It’ll be very true to Mike’s vision, and in fact of that has been really interesting to do. And Is the play relevant to a modern audience? he’s very, very much on board with this Sarah has given us a whole backlog of production. I’m a huge fan of his, and of It’s still very relevant, as it brings to the research homework to do, which I love her Sarah Esdaile, the producer, who’s just forefront the dynamics of relationships: the for because it’s made both the characters and fantastic. Her vision for the play is to keep it manipulation in couples and the masks that the text a lot richer. true. Moving away from that could result in people put on when you first meet them; the When you step back out of character, do losing some of the little gems that are in this wanting to have a good time, and when it you ever feel envious of Beverly? piece. Keeping it in that era makes it jump off doesn’t work out, the unravelling of the page, it really does. Why change it when relationships. We’ve all gone to parties and I’m actually quite scared by how much of it’s so perfect - the text is rich, the era’s rich, put on a face when really we just can’t be Beverly is in me. I haven’t admitted that to the dynamics are there. It’s just fantastic, and arsed. The play has a realness that hasn’t the director yet, but I do recognise that we I don’t believe there’s any way to take it other changed and won’t change. It’s something have huge amounts in common. than to keep it true to its actual form. that will go on for centuries. If it was set today, you’d have that whole social media What would you say is the greatest What does Abigail’s Party tell us about thing to contend with. If Beverly had an strength of Mike Leigh’s writing, both in Britain in the mid-1970s? Instagram account, she’d be there taking general and in Abigail’s Party? It was a very aspirational, materialistic time; pictures of the cheese and pineapple and I think it’s the sense of truth. It’s the a time when many questioned their role in putting about 10 filters on it. She’d be making uneasiness he creates because it’s so raw, society. It was all about what you knew, how out her life was perfect when in reality it was and that’s what it is with Abigail’s Party. It you knew it, what you did, how you looked. full of cracks. resonates. It’s the gritty action scenes of life It was very pre-Thatcher and all about the behind closed doors that you can present to You’re playing an iconic role made famous economic climb - this is what we’ve made the nation. by Alison Steadman. How have you ourselves. All of that I find really fascinating. approached playing the part? You’ve said the play is true to the original, You were born in the late ’70s, so how Alison created Beverly, because it was all so will we have the pleasure of Demis much of the play can you relate to? done from improvisation. There are elements Roussos? As a child coming out of the ’70s, the music that you can’t differ that much from because The music is great and very nostalgic for me. and the materialistic things I was surrounded it’s set in script. Every single one of the It’s a great soundtrack, much of which I by are vividly clear, and being part of this characters are so different, and of course already have on my Spotify. brings back so many memories. My nan and there’s going to be a bit of yourself that you my grandad had just moved from bring into the role. I just hope that I do her Beverly is on your bucket list of roles to Manchester. Both they and my mum & dad proud because I really love her. Even when I play. If you could play any other Mike had hotels and did really well for themselves. played Shirley Valentine, it was a role Leigh character, who would you choose? It was a time of new money and all of the personified by Alison. I don’t mind following Vera Drake. Age-wise, it’s a bit of a way off, things that Beverly surrounds herself with - her around. I’m having a lovely time. I did but that’s what I’d lean towards. Then again, the marble table, the marble lighter. I’m like, actually meet her at the press night of Fat if Mike saw me at six o’clock in the morning, Oh gosh, my nan had one of them! For me, Friends The Musical, and I was very nervous he’d probably have me in for an audition! because she’s such an icon. it’s something I can totally connect with, and I totally understand why Beverly wants these So what’s your starting point when things. They are the showpieces of her life. preparing to play Beverly? The great thing about Mike Leigh’s work is Abigail’s Party shows at The Alexandra that there are always characters who you can There’s quite a lot of history research that I’ve Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 21 to Sat relate to, whether it’s yourself or someone done. I’ve gone into House of Fraser and 26 January and then at the Regent you know. After all, there’s a social climber in watched people working behind the counter. Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Mon 18 to everyone - sad but true. Some scenes are I’ve talked to quite a few of my friends who are stay-at-home ‘ladies of the manor’, as I Sat 23 February.
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18 whatsonlive.co.uk Reader's Awards 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 14:41 Page 2
Get VOTING for your favourite Midlands events, shows and venues in the... What’sOn Readers’ Awards 2019
Some of last year’s winners...
Best Midlands Music Venue - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Best Large Theatre - Birmingham Hippodrome Best Arts / Cultural Festival - Birmingham Weekender
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20 whatsonlive.co.uk Reader's Awards 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 14:41 Page 4
#culturematters #artsmatters
Yes, it’s once again time for you to show just CATEGORIES INCLUDE: how much you appreciate Birmingham & Best Large Theatre the West Midlands’ ever-vibrant arts & Best Regional Theatre entertainment scene. Best Touring Musical Best Home Produced Show Nominate and vote online for your Best Touring Show favourites to help them secure a place in our Best Kids Show What’s On Readers’ Awards Best Classical Production Top 5 Shortlist. Best Orchestra Best Panto The shortlist will be announced in our Best Amateur Theatre Company February issue. You will then be able to Best Arts Venue VOTE for your WINNER in each category. Best Large Music Venue So get voting now! Best Regional Music Venue Best Band/Artist And complete our Readership Survey for the Best Exhibition chance to WIN £1,000 cash! Best Comedy Night VOTE for your NOMINATIONS Best Dance Production Best Visitor Attraction by Friday 18 January. Best Indoor Event WINNERS will be announced in the Spring. Best Outdoor Event Best Music Festival Best Arts/Cultural Festival Best Food Festival Best Independent Restaurant Best Independent Coffee Shop Best Independent Bar Best Touring Company - The Fizzogs Best Pantomime - Jack and The Beanstalk at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Best Artisan Market VOTE now at whatsonlive.co.uk
whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Festivals 2019.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:23 Page 1
Festivals
When it comes to music, regardless of your preference - be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival in the Midlands to suit your taste. And 2019 looks set to be another bumper year for the region’s festival-goers. Get your diary out and get booking!...
nounced. Sat 4 - Sun 5 May, O2 Sun 26 May, Riverside Park, Lechlade, in Nottingham. More information at APRIL Academy, Leicester. More information Gloucestershire. More information at dottodotfestival.co.uk at handmadefestival.co.uk lechladefestival.co.uk LICHFIELD BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC FESTI- FORBIDDEN FOREST Line-up to be an- GLASTONBUDGET Line-up to be an- Line-up includes Soft Machine and VAL Line-up includes Martin Turner, nounced. Sun 5 May, Wymeswold Aer- nounced. Fri 24 - Sun 26 May, Turnpost Remi Harris. Thurs 30 May - Sun 2 June, Bernie Marsden and Big Wolf Band. drome, Leicestershire. More Farm, Leicestershire. More information various venues around Lichfield. More Thurs 18 - Mon 22 April, various information at forbidden-forest.co.uk at glastonbudget.org information at lichfield-jazz.co.uk venues in Nantwich. More information SWINGAMAJIG Line-up to be an- STAFFS FEST Line-up to be announced. WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- at nantwichjazz.com nounced. Sun 5 May, Venue to be an- Fri 24 - Sun 26 May, Lower Drayton cludes Chris While & Julie Matthews, DUBS IN WONDERLAND Line-up in- nounced, Birmingham. More Farm, Penkridge, Staffs. More informa- The Wilsons and Tom McConville cludes The SKA 45's, Rattlesnake Jake information at swingamajig.co.uk tion at staffsfest.co.uk Band. Thurs 30 May - Sun 2 June, The and Marquis Drive. Fri 19 - Mon 22 Whitby Club, Ellesmere Port. More in- FOCUS WALES Line-up includes Boy HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN The world’s April, Himley Hall, Dudley. More infor- formation at wirralfolkonthecoast.com Azooga, The Lovely Eggs and BC largest philosophy and music festival. mation at dubscollective.com Camplight. Thurs 16 - Sat 18 May, vari- Line-up to be announced. Fri 24 - Mon THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN ous venues in Wrexham, Wales. More 27 May, Hay on Wye, Hereford. More in- Line-up includes Big Country, Eagle information at focuswales.com formation at howthelightgetsin.org Eye Cherry, and Ian Prowse & Amster- MAY dam. Fri 31 May - Sun 2 June, Uttoxeter BEARDED THEORY Line-up includes CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- Racecourse. More information at Suede, The Wildhearts and Reef. Thurs cludes Blackbeard’s Tea Party, The CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- acousticfestival.co.uk 23 - Sun 26 May, Catton Hall, South Askew Sisters and Belshazzar’s Feast. cludes Gregory Porter, Sergio Mendes Derbyshire. More information at Fri 24 - Mon 27 May, Kelsall Village. WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up and Joshua Redman. Wed 1 - Mon 6 beardedtheory.co.uk More information at chesterfolk.org.uk to be announced. Fri 31 May - Sun 2 May, Montpellier Gardens, Chel- June, Cheltenham Racecourse. More tenham. More information at BREAKING BANDS Line-up includes NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER Line-up information at wychwoodfestival.com cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz Falling Red, Witch Tripper and Trucker includes George Ezra, Richard Ashcroft Diablo. Thurs 23 - Mon 27 May, Stoke and Primal Scream. Sat 25 - Sun 26 UPTON UPON SEVERN FOLK FESTIVAL Prior Sports & Country Club, Broms- May, Victoria Park, Warrington. More Line-up includes Melrose Quartet, JUNE grove. More information at information at nbhdweekender.com Alice Jones and The Pigeon Swing. Fri breakingbandsfestival.com 3 - Mon 6 May, various venues, Upton BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Line-up to be an- GATE TO SOUTHWELL FOLK Line-up in- upon Severn, Worcestershire. More in- MELLO Line-up includes Incognito, nounced. Sat 25 - Sun 26 May, Birming- cludes Skipinnish, Sam Kelly & The formation at uptonfolk.org Brand New Heavies, The Wonder Stuff, ham Gay Village. More information at Lost Boys and Blue Rose Code. Thurs 6 and Stereo MC’s. Fri 24 - Sun 26 May, birminghampride.com - Sun 9 June, Southwell Racecourse, LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up Seven End Country Estate, Hanley Cas- Nottinghamshire. More information at includes Tasmin Little, Ensemble 360 ROCK AND BOWL Line-up to be an- tle, Worcestershire. More information southwellfolkfestival.org.uk and Raphael Wallfisch. Fri 3 - Fri 10 nounced. Sat 25 - Mon 27 May, Picnic at mellofestival.co.uk May, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Area, Market Drayton. More informa- DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Line-up includes Spa. More information at LECHLADE MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up in- tion at rockandbowlfestival.com Def Leppard, Slipknot and Tool. Fri 14 - leamingtonmusic.org cludes The Feeling, The Marley Experi- Sun 16 June, Donington Park, Derby. DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- ence and That 80s Rock Show. Fri 24 - More information at HANDMADE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- nounced. Sun 26 May, various venues
22 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2019.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:23 Page 2
downloadfestival.co.uk twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire. More mation at justsofestival.org.uk information at barefootfestival.com FOXTON LOCKS FESTIVAL Line-up to be BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up SHAMBALA Line-up to be announced. announced. Sat 15 - Sun 16 June, Fox- includes Richard Digance, Churchfit- CARFEST NORTH Line-up includes Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Aug. A secret location ton Locks, Leicestershire. More infor- ters and The Bad Pennies. Thurs 11 - Clean Bandit, The Jacksons and All in Northampton. More information at mation at foxtonlocksfestival.co.uk Sun 14 July, various venues across Saints. Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Bolesworth shambalafestival.org Bromsgrove. More information at Castle, Chester. More information at SOUNDSCAPE Line-up includes David CREAMFIELDS Line-up to be an- bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk carfest.org Guetta, Anne Marie and Years & Years. nounced. Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Aug, Sat 15 - Sun 16 June, Ricoh Arena, NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- INDIE TRACKS Line-up to be an- Daresbury, Halton, Cheshire. More in- Coventry. More information at nounced. Thurs 11 - Mon 15 July, Coney nounced. Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Butterley formation at creamfields.com soundscapeweekender.co.uk Woods at Noseley Hall, Leicestershire. Station, Derbyshire. More information BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- More information and tickets at at indietracks.co.uk NOCTURNE LIVE AT BLENHEIM PALACE cludes Face Up!, The Face Of Ruin and noisilyfestival.com Line-up includes Tears For Fears, Kylie MADE BIRMINGHAM Line-up to be an- Frozen In Shadows. Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Thurs 20 - Sun THE MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL FES- nounced. Sat 27 July, Perry Park, Birm- Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, 23 June, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. TIVAL Line-up includes Burt ingham. More information at Bromsgrove, Worcester. More informa- More information at nocturnelive.com Bacharach. Fri 12 - Sun 14 July, Mose- madebirmingham.com tion at beermageddon.co.uk ley Park, Birmingham. More informa- SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 2019 Line-up in- SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes tion at mostlyjazz.co.uk cludes Hawklords and Oresund Space 10CC, Peter Andre and The Osmonds. Collective. Thurs 20 - Sun 24 June, LICHFIELD ARTS PRESENTS FUSE Line- AUGUST Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Fish Meadow, Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club, up to be announced. Fri 12 - Sun 14 Upton upon Severn, Worcestershire. Worcester. More information at July, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Stafford- 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- More information at sonicrocksolstice.com shire. More information at fuselich- nounced. Fri 2 - Sun 4 Aug, Gopsall uptonfestival.co.uk field.org.uk Hall Farm, Leicestershire. More infor- BEARDY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes mation at 110above.com cludes 3 Daft Monkeys, Martyn Joseph LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY Line-up in- Scouting For Girls, Melanie C, Feeder & and Urban Folk Quartet. Fri 21 - Sun 23 cludes The Human League, Sister BOARDMASTERS Line-up to be an- The Coral. Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Ragley June, Hopton Court, Cleobury Mor- Sledge and Belinda Carlisle. Sat 13 July, nounced. Wed 7 - Sun 11 Aug, Water- Hall, Warwickshire. More information timer, Shropshire. More information at The Quarry, Shrewsbury. More infor- gate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall. More at campercalling.com beardyfolkfestival.co.uk mation at letsrockshrewsbury.com information at boardmasters.com THE BIG FEASTIVAL Line-up to be an- UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- NOZSTOCK Line-up to be announced. BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- nounced. Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Kingham, nounced. Thurs 27 - Sun 30 June, Vari- Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July, Rowden Pad- cludes Sabaton, Code Orange and Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. More ous venues in Upton-upon-Severn, docks, Bromyard, Herefordshire. More Scorpions. Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Cat- information at thebigfeastival.co.uk Worcestershire. More information at information at nozstock.com ton Hall, Derbyshire. More information SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up uptonjazz.co.uk at bloodstock.uk.com UPTON BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up in- includes Kate Rusby, Martyn Joseph, cludes Dave Ferra Allstars, Dino Bap- LAKEFEST Line-up includes Happy Skerryvore, Grace Petrie & the Phil JULY tiste & Night Train and The Achievers. Mondays, Bluetones and Red Hot Chilli Beer Band. Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, Green- Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July, various venues Pipers. Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Eastnor hous West Mid Showground, Shrews- around Upton upon Severn, Worcester- Castle, Herefordshire. More informa- bury. More information at NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be shire. More information at uptonblues- tion at lakefest.co.uk shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk announced. Fri 5 - Sat 6 July, Village festival.com Centre, Napton On The Hill, Warwick- ROCK THE PARK WREXHAM 2019 Line- OFF THE TRACKS Line-up to be an- shire. More information SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be up includes Basshunter, Metallica nounced. Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Don- naptonfestival.co.uk announced. Fri 19 - Sun 21 July, various Reloaded and Just Floyd. Fri 9 - Sun 11 ington Park Farmhouse, Derbyshire. venues around Birmingham, Solihull Aug, Borras Hall Lane, Wrexham. More More information at offthetracks.co.uk CAMPERJAM Line-up to be announced. and Sandwell. More information at su- information at rockthepark.co.uk MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Don McLean Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Weston Park, Shrop- personicfestival.com shire. More information at FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL The first act announced as Sunday headliner. Fri 30 camperjam.com THE BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL & confirmed are Lindisfarne. Fri 9 - Sun Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Moseley Park, Birm- SANDWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be 11 Aug, near Gatten Farm, Shropshire. ingham. More information at ALSO FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- announced. Fri 19 - Sun 28 July, The More information at moseleyfolk.co.uk nounced. Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Park Farm, Crossing + Boxxed + Wilde Building in farmerphilsfestival.com Warwickshire. More information and Floodgate Street, Birmingham. More tickets at also-festival.com THE MOIRA FURNACE FOLK FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER information at Line-up includes Blackbeard’s Tea TIMBER FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- birminghamjazzfestival.com Party, Anthony John Clarke Band and BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to nounced. Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Feanedock, WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be ALAW. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, Moira Fur- be announced. Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Sept, The National Forest. More information announced. Thurs 25 - Sun 28 July, nace Museum and Monument Site, Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- and tickets at timberfestival.org.uk Warwick School and Warwick Town Derbyshire. More information at mation at bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk THE ROCK AND BIKE FEST Line-up in- Centre. More information at warwick- moirafurnacefolkfestival.co.uk folkfestival.co.uk cludes The Quireboys, ACDC UK and OLD BUSH BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up in- Dr. Feelgood. Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, OCTOBER DEERSTOCK Line-up to be announced. cludes Northsyde, The Achievers and Carnfield Hall, Derbyshire. More infor- Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Newton Cross Will Wilde. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, The mation at rockandbikefest.co.uk Country Course, Nottinghamshire. Old Bush, Callow End Worcester. More LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK Line-up 2000TREES FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- More information at deerstock.co.uk information at oldbushblues.co.uk includes Home Service and John Tams. nounced. Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, Upcote Fri 18 - Sun 20 Oct, venues around BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up includes THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up to be Farm, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Lichfield, Staffordshire. More informa- The Social Ignition, Moscow Drug Club announced. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, Rode More information at tion at lichfieldarts.org.uk and Strizzy Strauss. Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Hall Parkland, Cheshire. More infor-
whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Stephen K Amos.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:55 Page 1 Stephen K Amos.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:55 Page 2
STEPHEN K AMOS A combination of quality material and an effortless ability to strike all the right notes with his audience has made Stephen K Amos one of the UK’s best-loved comedians. His current success is a far cry from his early years in the business, when opportunities for black comics were few and far between and Stephen would joke that his only chance of working on TV would be if Lenny Henry died. What’s On caught up with the London-born comedian ahead of his late-month appearance in Coventry...
There’s good reason why Stephen K Amos is Brexit, but I try to tackle them by using really had time to stop, take stock and think. considered a seriously feelgood comedian. another example of something just as It’s all about going out there and listening to His years of touring the nation with crowd- ridiculous. But I don’t mention any names people’s laughter or their reactions to what pleasing shows have seen him build up a and will try to do it in a subtle way. At the I’m saying. At one show, one lad felt loyal fanbase who know that he’ll provide beginning of a tour, I start off with a script, confident about being out and proud at the them with an evening of non-stop laughter. but it changes depending on world events age of 15 - something I couldn’t have done. and my own mood. Things are constantly Those moments make it all worthwhile.” With his new show, Bouquets And Brickbats, happening.” Stephen is promising the usual quota of gags As well as making people laugh in the live and funny stories, but on this occasion he’s One thing that Stephen most certainly won’t arena, Stephen also has his own podcast, also being contemplative about the universe. be doing is shouting down the opinions of The Stephen K Amos Talk Show, the first anyone in his audience. He knows full well series of which came out on Audible in “I picked that title because the last 18 months that there will be people coming to his shows August and reached number one in Australia. have been awful, both personally and for the from both sides of the EU referendum debate, A second series should be available world at large. Some things are so joyful on and he’s more than willing to hear their sometime during the tour. Meanwhile, he has one hand, and on the other, so devastating. viewpoints. Not all current comedians are of plans to spend a few months working in the So I was trying to find a way of saying that the same mindset, though. US during 2019. “I think this is the right time some days are rosy and other days are to go to America, as Brits are doing very well downright shitty.” “I was doing a late-night show in Edinburgh out there - the likes of James Corden, John with a mixed line-up, and a very well- Across 2017 and ’18, Stephen has lost both his Oliver, Gina Yashere and Idris Elba.” respected comic slammed down a woman mother and his twin sister, and working who admitted that she’d voted for Brexit. I For now, though, Stephen is very much through this sadness has given his comedy a thought that wasn’t very fair because people looking forward to getting out and about in different perspective. “I never thought I could are entitled to their own opinions - and the UK and meeting his fans. “I love touring, do something like this, as my whole thing instead of tackling this in a creative way, he’d and I’m very grateful that people still want to has been to keep them laughing and not to just slagged her off and probably made sure come out and see me because I don’t do that hold the silence. But I’ve now found out that that she’d never admit to anything like that much on TV these days. I try to mix it up and it’s more powerful to hold the silence. That again in any situation. I think we should be go to venues and cities and towns that I whole thing about losing people and death is able to sit down and discuss things in an haven’t been to before, or I’ll go back to a bit in the show where there’s a silence in adult way. When it descends into abuse, places and play bigger venues. Travelling the room and you can hear a penny drop. For you’ve lost the argument.” around does give you an idea of the mood of me, that’s a bit weird.” the nation. Live comedy is thriving, and In this fractured world, how does Stephen Not only is Stephen a highly popular stand- people are coming out to see lots of different stay positive? “I get my positivity from up, he’s also a potent social commentator, a kinds of comedy. It’s great that people are human beings. Something good happens on fact he’s proved across the years with touring prepared to listen to a person on stage saying a daily basis: a text from someone, a stranger shows like The Spokesman and World whatever they like. That’s one of the doing something nice for you on the street, or Famous, his award-winning Channel Four beautiful things about this job. Unlike someone just saying something positive. We documentary Batty Man, and radio television, radio or newspaper print, I can all have a story to tell; you might see a programmes such as What Does The K Stand literally say whatever I want.” façade, but you never know what’s going on For? You can rest assured that he will be inside a person. Sometimes people have looking to tap into the issues of the day come up to me after this show with tears in during this latest tour, albeit in his own their eyes or wearing a badge for breast distinctive style. “I don’t want people to sigh Stephen K Amos plays Warwick Arts cancer or something, and it’s about being when I mention the likes of Trump and Centre, Coventry, on Saturday 26 January touched by other people’s stories. I haven’t Comedy January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:13 Page 1
Comedy
Daisy Earl Comedy Loft, Birmingham, Sat 19 January Late-blooming and fast-rising comedian Daisy Earl finds humour in the everyday events and experiences of life, her subjects ranging from incompetence on the dating scene to her struggle to focus on important political issues despite her low boredom threshold. Daisy appears at The Comedy Loft this month in a line-up that also fea- tures Rudi Lickwood and Hayley Ellis.
Sam Avery The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 19 January As his new show is all about the perils of being a hapless learner-parent to toddlers, Sam Avery often finds himself being asked whether his twins will be putting in an appearance on the night. “No chance,” he says. “They’re way funnier than me. I’ll look crap in compar- ison.” Sam’s hoping the show will win him a whole new audience, and is encouraging fans to bring along their friends: “I’ll win them over with my cheeky northern charm,” he says. “And if that fails, I’ll hit them with some high-quality knob gags.” Jason Manford Gary Delaney Aatif Nawaz Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 22 January; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sat 26 January Fri 15 February South Shropshire, Fri 18 January; The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 26 January; Warwick Becoming successful in comedy is no walk Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 24 February; in the park, as Jason Manford knows. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 28 February And the former One Show presenter has “The hardest part of running competitively some sage advice for wannabe comedians: in Wales must be keeping up with the “Don’t take any of my work! I would also say Joneses,” quips the Solihull-born Gary De- to people, compare yourself to yourself. laney. Don’t think, ‘Why has that guy got that?’ or And Gary’s certainly no one-gag pony: “It ‘Why is Michael McIntyre doing so well?’ or turns out that one of my ancestors was ‘I’m really funny, so why is so-and-so doing Arabian, lived in a lamp, and granted peo- that gig, not me?’ You know what, just don’t ple three wishes. It’s amazing what you worry about it. If can find out from a genieology test.” you’re doing Or how about: “Tom Cruise could have better now than made a lot more films if he wasn't you were six “There shouldn’t be this abstract idea of constantly getting months ago, ‘making it’,” explains Aatif Nawaz. “You caricatures of his face then you’re do comedy for the joy of doing it. I love done in Leicester doing well.” Square.” eliciting the raw response of a laugh, and I enjoy being energetic on stage too. That said, I do know stand-ups who’re more deadpan than me and do equally as well.” Presenting a storytelling style of comedy that sees him combining puns with a deeper message, Aatif visits Birmingham with a brand new show that’s being de- scribed as ‘a hilarious assault on the impa- tience and entitlement of the 21st century’. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:13 Page 2
Nish Kumar Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 25 January; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 15 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sunday 17 February; Oakengates Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Fri 22 February “Once you get established as a comedian,” says Nish Kumar, “you have to start taking comedy seriously, which is obviously an oxymoron. When you’re a nobody, you can just go up to the Edinburgh Fringe, get drunk and have fun.” Nish’s days of anonymity, inebriated or oth- erwise, are now behind him. The Croyden- born comedian has hit the big time - and even more impressively, he’s done so simply by being his usual affable self. Touring later in 2019
Eddie Izzard Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 17 - Sat 21 September Not many comedians make it to god-like building his reputation with material status through stand-up alone. Jerry Sein- based around skewed logic and surreal feld had a TV show, while Saturday Night tangents. Live alumni like Steve Martin and Bill Mur- For his autumn 2019 visit to Birmingham, ray used the movies to make it big. Only he’s presenting Wunderbar, a brand new performers like Bill Hicks, Jackie Mason show “about everything from humans over and Lenny Bruce managed it through stage the last 100,000 years to talking dogs and work alone - but you can definitely add animal superheroes”. Following the tour, Eddie Izzard to that list. Eddie intends to step away from the com- Eddie’s worked a live crowd for more years edy scene in order to concentrate on be- than he probably cares to remember, coming mayor of London. Mandy Muden Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 25 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 February Josh Widdicombe Magic and comedy combine when former Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 13 October; Britain’s Got Talent contestant Mandy Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 14 Octo- Muden takes to the stage. A member of Lon- ber; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 7 November don's famous Inner Magic Circle, Mandy is visiting the Midlands as part of her first ever Peddling a nice line in exasperated, self- solo tour, presenting a show that brings to- deprecating humour, Devon-raised funny- gether ‘amazing tricks, razor-sharp wit and man Josh Widdicombe pumps out cleverly lots of audience participation’. crafted gags at a brisk pace, hitting the mark with the vast majority of his material. Widdicombe’s jokes include: “Hotdogs cause bum cancer - that was the original slogan for McDonald's before ‘I'm loving it’.” There’s also: “I’ve no idea what the story- line of Monopoly is. Seemingly I’m a tiny dog who repeatedly wins beauty contests, on his birthday demands £10 from every- Touring body he can see, and then bankrupts him- later in self to stay in a hotel when he owns four houses on the next street!” 2019
whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Sandi T.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 09:23 Page 1 Sandi T.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 09:23 Page 2 national trevor Sandi Toksvig brings her new tour to the Hippodrome
Sandi Toksvig is remembering a terrific occa- During the show, Sandi invites the audience "For a brief moment we can forget about sion at the Festival Hall in London 4 years to help her conduct a piece of music, too. "I Brexit or whatever it is we're worrying about ago. “My wife and I renewed our wedding get them to conduct Beethoven's Ode to Joy. I and lose ourselves in the show. That's good vows on the stage. It was a small gathering, a chose that piece because Beethoven was deaf for us. We feel better." few family – and a thousand of my close by the time he completed it. One of the main themes of "National Trevor" friends. It was held on the day that same sex "It's remarkable to want to create music when is our current fixation with celebrity. Sandi marriages were made legal. you can't hear it. On the night of the pre- explains that, "The thing I'm slightly ob- “It was astonishing, you know. I invited 150 miere, he was seen running through the sessed with is our whole attitude to fame. family and friends, and let it be known to the streets shouting, 'Grab life by the throat!' There is a new trend of calling people a 'Na- general public that if anybody wanted to That's what I'm saying in this show." tional Treasure'. come, they were most welcome. The hall was Sandi adds that, "Whenever I see people "I don't know where it's come from, but I full. There were literally thousands of people. wearing a T-shirt that says,' Living the heartily disapprove. I think everybody has It was every kind of person you could possi- Dream,' I think, 'You're totally not.' I want something to commend them. Everyone has a bly imagine. It was very jolly. The only draw- to tell them, 'If you had to buy a T-shirt say- story where you go, 'Really?' We don't get to back was that there wasn’t enough cake!” ing that, it's not working'." hear their stories of extraordinary endeav- This story tells you everything about the pre- ours." The aspect of the tour Sandi is most looking senter’s popularity. She’s the sort of ap- forward to is the audience interaction. She Sandi proceeds to outline where the show's proachable, lovable figure everyone adores the spontaneity of it all. "I can't wait title comes from. "One day, a friend of mine considers their friend. You will not find any- to get out there. The best bit is not me talking was being extremely rude to me . A lot of my one who doesn’t like Sandi Toksvig. She is a to them - it's them talking to me. Me talking? friends are - I encourage it! So in the middle national treasure. Not so interesting. Them talking? Very inter- of this argument, I said to her, 'Don't you Which brings us to her latest UK tour, which esting! know I'm a National Treasure?' is entitled “National Trevor.” In person, "You never quite know what is going to hap- "And she replied,'You're a National Trevor?' Sandi is every bit as delightful as you would pen. The unexpected stuff is always the Then her husband said, 'Who's been calling hope. Offscreen, she is just as warm, witty, most enjoyable part. The most unexpected her Trevor?' Now they call me Trevor. So welcoming and generally wonderful as she is thing that ever happened in a show took that's why I gave the show this title. I'm going on screen. She is marvellous company, and place during a Q and A in Bradford. A woman round the country looking for all the National an hour with her simply flies by. asked me what my bra size was. I couldn't re- Trevors. I'm celebrating people." Over a burger in a central London hotel, member, so she had to come up on stage and Sandi muses on what she hopes audiences Sandi is brimming with excitement about the have a look!" will take away from "National Trevor." "I forthcoming tour, which kicks off at The Sandi, who was a very popular host of Radio hope they think that they have had a really Lowry in Salford on Wednesday 9 January. 4's News Quiz for a decade, proceeds to un- good evening, that they're had a great laugh After a spell making such hugely popular TV derscore her love of live performance. "The and that I'm much younger, taller and thin- shows as The Great British Bake Off and QI, other reason to do a live show is that there is ner in the flesh!" Sandi can’t wait to come face-to-face with her still something magical about sharing an Before she has to go off to another gig, Sandi audience again in a show that will feature a evening out at the theatre. decides to order an alcohol-free cocktail to Q&A and lots and lots of excellent jokes. "When actors stand backstage before a per- clear her throat. It's called, "Endless Joy." In addition, Sandi will be regaling audiences formance, we listen to the sound of the audi- Quick as a flash, Sandi jokes: "That should with a raft of funny facts."I'm endlessly inter- ence. We say, 'They're a bit Monday night' or be the title of my next live show." ested in things," confirms the 60-year-old. "I 'They're a bit Saturday matinee'. A distinct think detail is terribly funny. Did you know personality overtakes an entire group of peo- Well, I'd go and see that, wouldn't you? that the glue on Israeli postage stamps is ple." Kosher?" The theatre also demands a focus that we Sandi Toksvig brings her National Trevor "National Trevor" also showcases a general sometimes lack in other parts of our life. "It's tour to Birmingham Hippodrome Fri 1 Feb knowledge quiz. "I don't know if you want to about getting people to put their phones & Sat 2 Feb 2019 win it," Sandi smiles, "because then you have away, have an engagement with the show to come up on stage and talk to me all about and listen to other people laughing - hope- your life!" fully - or weeping! Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 1
Theatre Theatre previews from around the region
Ghost The Musical the next, desperately attempts to communicate with his girlfriend, Molly, and warn her that she’s in mortal danger from his murderer. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 22 - Sat 26 January A timeless tale about the power of love that beautifully blends the This ever-popular stage version of the award-winning film starring genres of romance and comedy, Ghost features The Righteous Broth- Patrick Swayzee, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg makes a welcome ers’ Unchained Melody and numerous songs co-written by Euryth- return to the Midlands. For those not in the know, the production tells mics’ Dave Stewart. the story of a ghost named Sam who, caught between this world and
Living With The Lights On The Tale Of Robin Hood An Indian Abroad The REP, Birmingham, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 22 - Sat 26 January Wed 2 - Sat 5 January Fri 18 & Sat 19 January Mark Lockyear’s confessional solo show has The always-exceptional Jars Of Clay Theatre Writer and performer Pariah Khan’s debut been widely praised since making its debut Company are the ensemble behind this one-man show takes the familiar concept of in 2016. The production sees the actor taking brand new telling of an age-old story. white adventurers exploring foreign lands his audience back to the mid-1990s and a The show is firmly aimed at family audi- and spins it on its head, recounting the expe- time when he was appearing for the RSC in ences and comes complete with ‘action, ad- riences of a middle-class Indian who pays a Stratford-upon-Avon; a time, too, when his venture, music and romance’. visit to ‘the exotic island of Great Britain’. undiagnosed bipolar disorder led to him Rising-star Khan (real name Hari Ramakrish- thinking he was possessed by the devil... nan) is an exceptional talent who aims to The Singular Exploits challenge his audience’s way of thinking Of Sherlock Holmes while at the same time making them laugh. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 16 January This one-man homage to the world’s greatest fictional detective finds Holmes recalling some of his most memorable cases and das- tardly adversaries. The production is being presented by highly rated Midlands company Don’t Go Into The Cellar, who describe themselves as the UK’s ‘finest practitioners of theatrical Victoriana in a macabre vein’. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 2 Nick Hancock.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:54 Page 1
OCTOPUS SOUP! Midlander Nick Hancock chats about starring in a brand new play at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre Nick Hancock.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:54 Page 2
by Stephen Taylor
Best known for presenting television sports quiz They Think It’s All Over and long-running comedy show Room 101, Midlands-born Nick Hancock next month makes a return to the limelight at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, starring in brand new comedy Octopus Soup!. What’s On recently caught up with Nick to find out more...
When TV presenter and stand-up comedian “Quite often what happens in farce is that “The show’s central idea is of being swept up Nick Hancock took a 2005 sabbatical from ridiculous events are forced upon an unready into some sort of white-collar criminal showbusiness to work as a mortgage broker, stooge, which I think is going to be me, to tell enterprise without really knowing how it little did he know that the experience would you the truth!” happened. I liked the fact that it was quite prove to be the ideal preparation for a complex; all to do with algorithms and stuff The plot of Octopus Soup! revolves around starring role in Octopus Soup!, a new comedy that I would never be able to understand in a Nick’s character of Seymour, who, as one which shows at the Coventry Belgrade million years. But, of course, that’s exactly might expect from a man who makes risk Theatre next month. what insurance is all about - odds and critical assessments for a living, personifies the mass.” “My character in the play is a slightly down- phrase ‘belt and braces’. Seymour is on-his-luck insurance broker,” explains Nick, preparing for a life-changing conference call As for the title of the play, Nick is careful to who’s best remembered as the 1990s host of when bungling burglar Marvin (played by offer an explanation without giving away any TV shows They Think It’s All Over and Room Paul Bradley of EastEnders and Holby City spoilers: “The octopus soup is part of the 101. “The fact that I’ve actually done some fame) enters the stage and puts a spanner in sub-plot and is to do with cookery and work in insurance is one of the interesting the works. animal husbandry.” things about playing the role.” Nick is looking forward to working with an So what can audiences expect when they see The Stoke-born actor has been treading the ensemble cast: “I’ve seen them all before, the show? boards since joining the Cambridge they’ve all done lots of stage work, they’re all “It’s not Bertolt Brecht, put it that way, but University Footlights more than 30 years ago, far more experienced than me, and it’s I’m hoping that it’s going to be a slick, funny and is certainly looking forward to getting completely terrifying for me to work with farce and an enjoyable evening of nonsense back on stage with Octopus Soup!: “The them. All of their biographies are about 17 and fun. There are four brilliant actors, and thing that really struck me was the play’s pages long, whereas mine’s two paragraphs - me, in it, so that’ll be quite good. And do you farcical element. It’s very difficult with a new but hopefully I’ll learn something off them.” know what? If I’m terrible, that’ll make it play to have any real idea what it’s going to While 56-year-old Nick’s experience of the even more entertaining, and if I’m any good, be like until you start rehearsal, so it’s quite insurance industry provided him with an then I think it should be good. nice to take that risk every now and again.” insight into the world of underwriting, there “Octopus Soup! can be an escape from The recent Coventry Belgrade success of are other traits of Seymour’s character that whatever ails you, to tell you the honest Nigel Planer’s The Game Of Love And Chai is also appeal to him: “Seymour is very straight- truth. Well, unless your biggest problem is testament to the popularity of farce in laced and probably quite sheltered in his looking after your octopus, in which case I’m modern theatre, and Nick is confident that outlook, so it’s a case of ‘the innocent in the afraid it’s going to be a little bit of a busman’s this resurgence is not about to stop: “Maybe middle of the madness’. The more important holiday!” with farce, its time has come again. The thing about the character is that he’s a man classic Whitehall farces and the Georges of a certain age, who feels he may be in the Feydeau plays were pretty much one person last-chance saloon to make any sort of going out of rooms as one person was coming impact in his field of expertise. So that’s very Nick Hancock stars in Octopus Soup! at in, so I think the sh0w will be stage- easy for me to understand and very fitting to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from direction-heavy. my age. Sat 2 to Sat 16 February Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 3
Theatre Theatre previews from around the region
Fame The Musical Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 28 January - Sat 2 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 15 - Sat 20 April; Malvern Theatres, Mon 8 - Sat 13 July One of the world’s best-loved shows, Fame The Musical explores the tumultuous teenage years of students at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts. This 30th anniversary touring production stars former Hollyoaks favourite Jorgie Porter as spoilt and stuck-up rich girl Iris. Jorgie is a firm believer in Fame’s universal qualities. Its storylines focus on numerous subjects that are close to the hearts of young people today, including prejudice, identity, sexuality and first love. “Adolescents are more involved in tackling these issues head-on nowadays,” says Jorgie, “and it’s definitely interesting to see how a musical that originally came from a film made in the 1980s can still be so relevant now.”
Steaming A Christmas Carol to find some common ground regarding how MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 17 & Fri 18 January Royal Shakespeare Theatre, best to move forward in Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 20 January Nell Dunn’s wickedly witty comedy, set in the terms of nationality and forbidden world of an all-female steamroom, internationality, theatre sees four women coming together to expose and politics. themselves on pretty much every level imag- inable. The show is being presented by a cast and crew of young people. Robin Hood And The Revolting Peasants Dirty Dusting The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Fri 11 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 25 January Sun 13 January When overzealous office manager Dave de- Zany funsters Oddsocks put their own unique cides to put his cleaners, Gladys, Elsie and Of all Charles Dickens’ festive stories, A spin on the legend of Robin Hood when they Olive, out to pasture, the three women won- Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The cov- visit the region this month. The long-estab- der how they’re ever going to make ends etous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the lished company most often present high-jinx meet. Until, that is, they have the brilliant eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, and the versions of Shakespeare plays, so it’s nice to idea of setting up The Telephone Belles - ‘a eerie visions of redemption - visiting see them taking their repertoire of men-in- dirty sex chatline that really cleans up’! Ebenezer in the shape of three seasonal tights productions in an altogether different ghosts - all combine to give this classic cau- direction. tionary tale a real olde worlde charm. The RSC production has been penned by David Edgar, whose previous work for the Company includes an award-winning adapta- tion of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby.
Commonism The REP, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Fri 11 January Two award-winning theatre-makers - the UK's Andy Smith and Norway's Amund Sjølie Sveen - discuss the state of the world. Taking part in a performed conversation, they hope
28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 4 Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 5
Theatre
Kinky Boots Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 28 January - Sat 9 February; Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 11 - Sat 23 March The newly appointed manager of his late father’s shoe factory in Northampton, Charlie Price has got some tough decisions to make as he attempts to save the strug- gling business. After a chance meeting with drag queen Lola, Charlie identifies a potentially lucrative niche market - creat- ing footwear to cater for men who dress as women... A topical story about diversity and accep- tance, Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 film of the same name and features music & lyrics by ’80s pop star Cyndi Lauper. Ex- pect a feelgood evening of catchy tunes, fierce anthems and warm-hearted humour.
tious libel’ when he dares to parody religious Timon Of Athens The Verdict texts, the government and the monarchy. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, If the reviews are anything to go by, this is an Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Fri 22 February Wed 30 January - Sat 2 February evening of theatre that’s well worth catching. Barry Reed’s 1980 novel is best known from This new RSC production provides a not-to- the Oscar-nominated film adaptation starring be-missed opportunity to check out one of Paul Newman and James Mason. The Circus Of Horrors Shakespeare’s least-performed plays. A dark When washed-up lawyer Frank Galvin takes satire questioning whether anything can be The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 10 considered of true value in a world of unfet- on a medical malpractice case that no one January; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 15 thinks he can win, he finds unexpected sal- January; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs tered greed, the production stars Kathryn vation from his addiction to drink... 17 January Hunter as Timon, a woman who finds herself Presented by the much-admired Middle An off-kilter affair that bears more resem- alone and without influence when her wealth Ground Theatre Company, the production blance to a freak show than any modern defi- runs out and her friends desert her. stars former Emmerdale actor Ian Kelsey. nition of a circus, the one-time Britain’s Got Talent finalists here present a world beyond political correctness and taste. With the per- formers dressed in a manner reminiscent of The Rocky Horror Show, there’s no denying the ensemble’s sheer ‘wow’ factor. Giving a nod to one of Circus Of Horror’s pre- vious and most popular productions - The Asylum - this latest offering takes place in the dubious company of the deranged serial killers inhabiting the Psycho Ward... Hoppers Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 29 & Wed 30 January When Sal’s husband dies, she finds herself Trial By Laughter embarking on an adventure that sees her Malvern Theatres, Mon 21 - Sat 26 January hopping from one football ground to another, eager to fulfill her late spouse’s non-league Ian Hislop and Nick Newman follow up their legacy... success with The Wipers Time with this story Hoppers is presented by the Birmingham- of a David-versus-Goliath-style battle set in based Gritty Theatre, an ensemble who pro- the early 19th century. At the centre of their duce plays which fly the flag for their home tale is satirist William Hone, ‘the forgotten city. In the process, they endeavour to engage hero of free speech’, who finds himself with people who might not ordinarily be charged with ‘impious blasphemy and sedi- tempted to watch a live theatrical production. 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 6
Theatre previews from around the region
The Snowman The Tiger Who Emily Brown And The REP, Birmingham, Came To Tea The Thing Wed 16 - Sat 26 January Symphony Hall, Birmingham, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Making a welcome return to The Rep in its until Sun 13 January until Sun 6 January traditional New Year slot, Raymond Briggs' When young Emily Brown and her best pal - The Snowman is best known, of course, for toy rabbit Stanley - discover a Thing crying Howard Blake's classic song, Walking In The outside their bedroom window, they can’t Air... When a young boy’s snowman comes to help but try to assist him... Adapted from the life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a book of the same name by Cressida Cowell, nighttime quest for excitement. On their trav- the author behind the famous How To Train els they meet reindeer, dancing penguins and Your Dragon series, this witty and some of the Snowman’s many and varied heartwarming children’s show is presented friends. The adventure's not without its anxi- by the ever-magical Tall Stories theatre eties, however, with the wicked Jack Frost company. eager to get his icy mits on the pair of un- likely chums...
The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- ping in on Sophie and her mum just as they’re settling down for an afternoon cuppa... Adapted by David Wood from Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show fea- tures some splendid singalong songs and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, of course! Suitable for young- sters aged three and older.
Pantos in January Dick Whittington: Robin Hood The Rock And Roll Panto Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 6 January Aladdin Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, until Sun 6 January ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons Palace Theatre, Redditch, until Sun 6 January As usual, Stafford Gatehouse’s Christmas the tights to star as Sherwood Forest’s most A perfect story for an evening of family enter- show features all manner of familiar pan- famous outlaw. Fellow Regent pantomime tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying tomime elements and a high-energy sound- regular Christian Patterson takes on the role against all odds to win the hand of the beau- track of chart-busting hits. of Friar Tuck. tiful princess - and being helped in his en- deavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... Mother Goose Sleeping Beauty Cinderella Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 5 until Sun 6 January January; The Core, Solihull, until Sun 6 Jan- The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, uary; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, until Sun until Sun 6 January Theatre Severn’s favourite panto dame, Brad 13 January Fitt, takes the title role in a show that boasts Oakengates Theatre’s panto version of Cin- Sleeping Beauty’s taking a nap at venues 3D effects, singing & dancing galore and derella features CBeebies star Joe Chambers across the Midlands, including the Coventry plenty of family-friendly humour. and ’90s pop singer Anna Kumble. Belgrade, whose show is written and directed EastEnders actor Tony Discipline plays Prince by Iain Lauchlan, and the Wolverhampton Charming. Peter Pan Grand Theatre, where Strictly Come Danc- Birmingham Hippodrome, ing’s Debbie McGee stars alongside Sooty Dick Whittington until Sun 27 January and Doreen ‘Lazy Cow’ Tipton. Jimmy Osmond takes top billing as wicked pi- Lichfield Garrick, until Sat 5 January; The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, rate Captain Hook in a show that also fea- Snow White And The until Sat 5 January tures Meera Syal, making her pantomime Seven Dwarfs debut as the Magical Mermaid, and Union J Dick Whittington undertakes his legendary Malvern Theatres, until Sun 6 January journey to London - but not before stopping star Jaymi Hensley - another panto first-timer Heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to Malvern we go! off at a couple of Midlands theatre venues. - in the role of Peter Pan. Su Pollard heads the cast as the ever-so-nasty Both shows come complete with all the usual Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack makes a Wicked Queen. Hi-de-hi! panto trimmings. welcome return to star as Smee.
whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Swan Lake.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 17:10 Page 1
32 whatsonlive.co.uk Swan Lake.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 17:10 Page 2 Swanning about
Matthew Bourne gives his iconic masterpiece a new lease of life
First staged in 1995 and the longest-running stable, as one of our associates for the show. time classic? ballet in the West End and on Broadway, Paule has never seen our Swan Lake before - “We’re a contemporary dance theatre com- Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is best known not on film or on stage - so we’ll get a com- pany, so we had to tell a story through move- for the fact of having an all-male cast. pletely fresh approach from her, and I don’t ment in a different way, and it needed a big Twenty-four years after the show’s premiere, know what it will look like yet. It’s definitely idea to make people see it in a different way Bourne has decided to restage what is widely going to look different, as Paule’s a differen t as well. So the male swans were the big idea, considered to be his most-admired work. kind of designer, so that will be a big change. and a secondary big idea was modern royal “It’s always exciting to bring back Swan “We’ve got a completely new cast as well. scandal. This was in the news all the time Lake,” says Matthew. “So many people love There are lots of new dancers who will bring while we were making the piece, with Diana it, and you know they’re going to want to their own interpretations to the piece - as & Charles, and Sarah Ferguson, and Camilla come and see it again and bring along friends they do with all of our shows - and that keeps Parker-Bowles, and Princess Margaret. All of and family who didn’t see it last time. That’s the work fresh and alive. I certainly don’t these stories were daily news during the mak- what accounts for the growth of the show think audiences who already love our Swan ing of the show. And so it was a very topical over the years, I think - the fact that people Lake will be in any way disappointed.” thing to have a prince who couldn’t be the want other people to come and see it. Taking the lead role in the 2019 production is person he really was, or couldn’t be with the person he wanted to be with. It was all very “There’s also a whole new generation of Will Bozier. A graduate of Tring Park School relevant to contemporary Britain and con- young people who won’t have seen it. We for the Performing Arts, Will has been with temporary royalty. So we’re still telling the know, even from discussions with the cast we Matthew’s New Adventures company since same story - it’s still about a royal family, but have at the moment, how it can inspire 2014, since which time he’s performed in pro- a modern royal family. young people to pursue a career in theatre ductions of The Red Shoes, Sleeping Beauty and, particularly, dance. Many of the men in and Edward Scissorhands. “I thought that would be picked up on quite a the show, and in fact the women too, first Will’s inspiration for becoming a professional lot when the show was first seen, but actually came to the artform of dance through this dancer was Adam Cooper’s performance as the attention was much more on the use of piece, and now they’re in it themselves. the Swan/Stranger in the original production the male swans. It was such an iconic image for people to have a male dancing swan. It “It still seems to move and inspire people, of Swan Lake. Could Bourne ever have envis- was very unexpected, and people couldn’t and therefore we get excited about doing it aged the impact his show would have on imagine what it was going to look like. They because that’s what we’re here for. We’re here young male dancers? all thought it was going to be a send-up, and to entertain.” “Obviously when we made Swan Lake we that it was going to be a humorous piece. So will the changes to this much-loved work didn’t know that it would have the impact it’s There’s a bit of humour in it, but the main be obvious ones? had, but over the years I’ve come to realise bulk of it isn’t humorous. We needed an idea that it’s been the trigger for a lot of boys and “I wouldn’t say we’re changing it enormously that could wipe away everyone’s existing per- young men going into dance. I think it felt but refreshing it for this next period of time. ceptions of Swan Lake, and the male swans like something very cool and very masculine, It may change again in the future, who did that very well. yet it also required a lot of artistry and sensi- knows, but I think whilst we’re still excited “It got dubbed ‘the gay Swan Lake’, which tivity. So it was that mixture of things, I about the piece and we feel we’ve got this op- wasn’t what the aim was, but there was cer- think, that really inspired a lot of young men portunity, it seems a great chance to do it. tainly a story within it that was very mean- to want to get into dance and to be a swan - Everything we’ve done to the piece has been ingful for gay audiences, and I celebrate that. and that’s a view which is borne out by virtu- mindful of the fact that people already love I did then, and I do now. It’s a bit more wide- ally every member of our cast who grew up it. ranging than th with this piece. at, however, and it can really “Many people seeing the new version of be interpreted in many ways. “A lovely aspect of the show now is how Swan Lake probably won’t recognise a lot of meaningful it is for the people who’re actu- “It’s accepted now by a much wider audi- the changes we’ve made, and I think they will ally in it. They really want to be in it and it’s ence, who come to see the show and, rather feel that they’re still seeing the same piece. been their ambition to be in it. There aren’t than be shocked by any element of it, find it We will know, however, that we’ve made hun- uplifting that this is a story being told about a many shows where you can say that you’ve dreds of little changes. The changes won’t be young man who’s confused about his future got an entire cast of people whose burning so big that people will think, ‘Oh, what did and his sexuality. I think that’s something ambition has been to be in the piece, so you you do that for?’ or ‘Why did you lose that which is very meaningful for young people in get a wonderful connection with the dancers great idea?’ Maybe there will be one or two the audience as well.” things that big fans of the show will feel the and a wonderful sense of community.” loss of, but generally speaking, I think we’re Variously described as thrilling, audacious, celebrating the piece that already exists. witty and emotional, Bourne’s Swan Lake is Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake shows at like no other production of the show. So what “We have a new lighting designer, Paule Con- Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 5 made him take a different approach to an all- to Saturday 16 February
whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:22 Page 1 Dance January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:22 Page 2
Dance previews from around the region Dance
Echoes And I Imagine The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 31 January Aakash Odedra has made a real name for himself in a relatively short period of time. In the process, he’s worked alongside a number of high-profile choreographers - including Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi and Russel Maliphant - and produced a collec- tion of critically acclaimed danceworks - two of which are presented here... Echoes is a high-octane experience which explores our relationships with our ances- tors and adds a contemporary twist to the Kathak form of dance... I Imagine, meanwhile, sees Aakash combin- ing beautiful choreography with powerful spoken word as he contemplates ‘the imag- ined future and the confines of skin’.
Anton & Erin: Dance Spirit Of The Dance Those Magic Musicals Malvern Theatres, Tues 22 January Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 26 January This lively and colourful show, following in the footsteps of Riverdance and Lord Celebrity dancing duo Anton du Beke and Of The Dance, highlights traditions of Erin Boeg return to Birmingham’s Sym- dance and music from around the world. phony Hall this month with their brand new The winner of nine global awards, the show. Blending smart choreography, sassy production showcases the talents of tunes and sparkly costumes, Dance Those world champion dancers and the pound- Magic Musicals sees the popular pair doing ing rhythms of tango, flamenco and exactly what it says on the tin - performing salsa. routines to a musical-theatre soundtrack “Spirit Of The Dance has been seen by 30 that includes favourites from The Phantom million people worldwide,” says its cre- Of The Opera, Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, ator and producer, David King. “Every Hairspray, Cabaret, Wicked, Top Hat and Jer- year, I update the show to include the lat- sey Boys. The duo are joined by singer Lance est and most fashionable dance style - Ellington and the London Concert Orchestra and that's why audiences keep coming conducted by Richard Balcombe. back time and time again.” The Sleeping Beauty vetskaya. Outstanding soloists and full orchestral ac- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 13 January companiment also play their part in a pro- The highly regarded Saint Petersburg Classic duction that promises to provide a Ballet here present their production of a memorable evening of top-quality ballet. timeless favourite set to Tchaikovsky’s en- chanting score. Telling the story of the Princess Aurora and the evil spell that sees her falling asleep for 100 years instead of marrying her prince, The Sleeping Beauty is a fairytale which has always sparkled whenever it’s been in the safe and secure hands of the Saint Peters- burg company, who as usual are performing under the expert direction of Marina Med-
whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Mark Kermode.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:53 Page 1
HOW DOES IT FEEL? Mark Kermode talks about a life of musical misadventures Mark Kermode.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:53 Page 2
by Stephen Taylor
A well-respected film critic, journalist and musician, Mark Kermode this month takes to the stage at Birmingham Repertory Theatre to talk about his ‘foolhardy’ attempts to become a pop star - and the inspiration he took from some of music’s finest...
It takes some nerve to walk on stage at one of and there was a plan in it of how you could it because it just looked a funny shape!” London’s most prestigious venues and play build an electric guitar for £12. It said that So three years after Kermode’s last stage the theme from a critically acclaimed you could do it with really simple things and show, The Movie Doctors - in which he was European movie on an instrument that it would take two months to build. Well, it joined by Simon Mayo, his presenting partner you’ve never played before. actually took two years, but I did it. I built an on BBC Radio Five Live’s weekly film review electric guitar completely from scratch, but But for film critic, broadcaster, author and programme - what can audiences expect from by the time I’d finished building it, glam rock musician Mark Kermode, this is just one his latest theatrical offering? had gone out of fashion and everybody was example of his undying faith in the concept into punk, so the guitar was already “It’s me on stage for 90 minutes. I take of simply ‘having a go’ - a faith he’ll be outmoded by the time I started playing it.” questions from the audience and I attempt to talking about in Mark Kermode: How Does It demonstrate that anybody at all can play a Feel? when he visits the Birmingham Rep this The guitar was modelled on the Gibson musical instrument, as long as they’re month. The new show has been inspired by Flying V - the weapon of choice for axe enthusiastic about it. You don’t need to be his book of the same title. heroes like UFOs Michael Schenker and technically proficient, you just need to have a Wishbone Ash’s Andy Powell at a time when “My whole ethos to do with music is, how lot of front and not be scared of failure. the punk movement saw rock music as hard can it be?” explains Mark. “The book anathema. “We’ve been getting people out of the starts with me on stage with the BBC Concert audience to play blues harmonica and Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall in Mark’s homemade instrument may have been theremins. It’s a really good, fun show about London, about to play the theme from the unfashionable, but that wasn’t about to stifle the fact that nobody should be frightened of film Touchez Pas au Grisbi on the chromatic his musical ambitions: “I played that guitar musical instruments, and that if you’ve got harmonica, an instrument which I could not in a couple of school bands - the first band enough chutzpah and a following wind, play, was with David Baddiel - and it made me anyone can play anything. You may not be realise that you should never be scared of “It was a concert that was being broadcast brilliant at it, but it’s easier than you think to musical instruments. Once you’ve built a live on BBC Radio Three to a packed Hall, be adequate.” guitar, you go, ‘Okay, well, it’s not magic, it’s and the book starts with me on stage, literally just bits of glue and string’. Are there any instruments that Kermode thinking, ‘How on earth did I get here?” would like to tackle in the future? “I kept hold of that guitar, which was worth Kermode’s show focuses on a musical nothing at all, and years later my flat got “The theremin was the thing for ages. I’ve journey that began at school with a passion broken into. I also had a Fender Stratocaster now got two theremins and still can’t play for an iconic Midlands rock group: "I saw which was worth about £2,000. They stole either of them, but it doesn’t stop me from Slade In Flame, which is a film that I the guitar that I’d built and left the trying. absolutely love - and that’s where the title of Stratocaster behind!” my book and tour, How Does It Feel?, comes “I have this rule of trying to learn a new from; it’s a song that Slade do in the film. Kermode was inspired to build his guitar by instrument every year, at least to be able to Slade guitarist Dave Hill had these weird- the guitarist who’s most associated with play one song decently on a new instrument shaped guitars - one of them was shaped like playing a homemade instrument - Queen’s every year, and the saxophone is down for a machine gun and one had the words Super Brian May. next year. I look at those old pictures of Little Yob written on it.” Richard, when he had the three saxophones, “I thought, well, if Brian May can do it, and I’ve always thought it was an incredibly The teenage Kermode, inspired by Hill to get anyone can. I was always encouraged by the cool instrument, so I’d like to be able to play his hands around a fretboard, quickly story of May’s father taking the top of the that.” realised that his meagre pocket money was fireplace off to give his son a piece of wood to unlikely to stretch to a trip to his local music build the guitar out of. Brian May ended up store to belt out Smoke On The Water. making an instrument that’s become a classic, and I ended up making an Mark Kermode: How Does It Feel? shows “I wanted an electric guitar, but I couldn’t instrument that’s probably currently being at The REP, Birmingham, on Monday afford one, so I got a copy of a magazine used as a cricket bat by somebody who stole 21 January called Everyday Electronics, which was 20p, Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:37 Page 1 Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:37 Page 2
Film
Vice CERT 15 (132 mins) Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Alison Pill, Jesse Plemons, Eddie Marsan Directed by Adam McKay (USA) Writer-director Adam McKay examined the financial crisis in his smart and stylish The Big Short (2015) and secured an Oscar nomination for Christian Bale as the unorthodox investment maven Michael Burry. Now McKay has cast Bale as the formidable vice president Dick Cheney and has surrounded him with another mouth- watering cast, including Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld, Sam Rockwell as George W Bush and Bill Pullman as Nelson Rockefeller. Bale is already a favourite to win the Oscar, but he’ll have to battle it out with Bradley Cooper and Ethan Hawke. Again, McKay directs from his own original screenplay. Released Fri 25 Jan
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Film highlights released in January...
The Favourite CERT 15 (119 mins) Welcome To Marwen Life Itself CERT 15 (117 mins) Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Mandy Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, Mark Gatiss Patinkin, Olivia Cooke, Annette Bening, Anto- Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos nio Banderas Directed by Dan Fogelman (USA) (Ireland/UK/USA) The writer of Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) turns Our very own Olivia Colman is storming to, well, life itself, for his directorial follow- America with her extraordinary performance up to Danny Collins (2015). Here, his drama as Queen Anne in this historical comedy, follows a number of couples as they navigate supported by the Oscar-winners Emma Stone the vicissitudes of, well, life itself, before a and Rachel Weisz. Word is that Ms Colman single event unites them all. will secure herself a nomination, at least, Starring Steve Carell, Leslie Mann, Diane under the direction of the wildly unpre- Kruger, Merritt Wever, Janelle Monáe, Eiza Released Fri 4 Jan dictable and controversial Greek filmmaker González, Gwendoline Christie Directed by Robert Zemeckis (USA) Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer). Inspired by the documentary Marwencol (2010), this is the remarkable story of a Released Tues 1 Jan man who was so severely assaulted that he suffered from major amnesia. As a form of self-therapy, he then started to build a model town in his yard, populated by miniature figures, vehicles and other furnishings from the Second World War. From the director of Forrest Gump and Cast Away. Released Tues 1 Jan
whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:38 Page 3
Film
The Front Runner Glass CERT 12a (100 mins) CERT 15 (113 mins) Starring James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Samuel Starring Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga, JK Sim- L Jackson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sarah Paulson mons, Alfred Molina, Sara Paxton Directed by M. Night Shyamalan (USA) Directed by Jason Reitman (USA) The schizophrenic that James McAvoy It’s quite a month for American political played so brilliantly in M Night Shya- shenanigans (see Vice), and here we have malan’s sly and suspenseful Split (2016) Hugh Jackman as Senator Gary Hart on the would seem to have started something. campaign trail. And then he dallies with that He’s now become a central cog in a new woman Donna Rice (Ms Paxton). franchise (known as the Eastrail 177 tril- Released Fri 11 Jan ogy), which merges Shyamalan’s Unbreak- able (2000) with the former, with Bruce Willis reprising his role as the security guard with supernatural powers. Released Fri 18 Jan
Untouchable (2011), itself based on a true The Upside CERT 12a (126 mins) story. Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman, Genevieve Angelson, Julianna Mar- Released Fri 11 Jan gulies Directed by Neil Burger (USA) Love Sonia CERT 18 Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) is a cul- Starring Mrunal Thakur, Richa Chadha, Freida Pinto, Demi Moore, Mark Duplass tured, obscenely wealthy paraplegic who Directed by Tabrez Noorani (India) needs an assistant. Petty criminal Dell Set in the world of sex trafficking, this is the Scott (Kevin Hart) is on parole and needs a true story of a woman who tries to rescue her job. It’s a perfect match, although it really sister. Filmed in Mumbai, Jaipur, Hong Kong shouldn’t be. A remake of the French film and Los Angeles. Released Fri 11 Jan
Beautiful Boy CERT 15 (120 mins) Starring Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan, Jack Dylan Grazer, Timothy Hutton Directed by Felix Van Groeningen (USA) Based on the dual memoirs of father and son, this is the story of their strained rela- tionship as the latter deals with his addic- tion to crystal meth. From the Belgian director of the Oscar-nominated The Bro- Stan And Ollie PG ken Circle Breakdown (2012). Starring Steve Coogan, John C Reilly, Shirley Released Fri 18 Jan Henderson, Danny Huston Directed by Jon S Baird (UK/USA/Canada) Laurel and Hardy remain the world’s most beloved comic duo, but it was not all wine Mary, Queen Of Scots and roses. With their film career in decline, CERT 15 (124 mins) the pair embark on a stage tour in post-war Starring Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Britain that truly tests the performers’ bond. Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennant, Released Fri 11 Jan Guy Pearce Directed by Josie Rourke (UK/USA) Two of the best actresses around play the royal cousins Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I, who compete for power and love in a man’s world. Expect thespian fireworks. Based on the biography My Heart Is My Own by John Guy. Released Fri 18 Jan
38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:38 Page 4
Film highlights released in January...
Monsters And Men CERT tbc Starring John David Washington, Anthony Ramos, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Rob Morgan, Cara Buono Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (USA) Three witnesses to the killing of a black man by police reveal their versions of the event. John David Washington (son of Denzel) plays the black cop who is caught between his sense of duty and community. Released Fri 18 Jan
CRITIC’S CHOICE
intoxicated by the beau monde of Paris. It’s Colette CERT 15 (114 mins) been five years since Keira Knightley has had One Nation, One King CERT tbc Starring Keira Knightley, Dominic West, Denise the central role in a film and, if anything, she Gough, Fiona Shaw, Robert Pugh, Eleanor Starring Gaspard Ulliel, Adèle Haenel, Olivier has grown as an actress in the interim. She Gourmet, Louis Garrel Directed by Pierre Tomlinson Directed by Wash Westmoreland Schoeller (France/Belgium) (UK/USA) not only conveys the passion and intelli- gence of Colette, but also a new stillness and The French are revolting again in this histori- It’s hard today to envisage just how influen- poise. Thankfully, the director Wash West- cal drama about the French Revolution. tial Colette was in France during the early part of the 20th century. She drew on her moreland services his screenplay with due Released Fri 25 Jan childhood, her personality and above all her focus, presenting a refreshingly old-fash- ability as a writer to create a literary sensa- ioned film addressing very modern issues, tion, Claudine, her alter ego. Yet because she not least female empowerment, gender fluid- was a woman, she was denied the rewards of ity and sexual diversity, making for an elo- her success. This biography focuses on Co- quent, highly relevant and deeply moving lette’s early life and influence and in particu- drama. lar her marriage to the writer and Released Fri 11 Jan entrepreneur Henry Gauthier-Villars, a man
Second Act CERT 12a (104 mins) The Mule CERT tbc Starring Jennifer Lopez, Leah Remini, Vanessa Starring Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Lau- Hudgens, Treat Williams, Milo Ventimiglia rence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, Destroyer Directed by Peter Segal (USA) Andy García Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) CERT 15 (121 mins) While stuck in a low-paying job, Maya Starring Nicole Kidman, (Lopez) gets herself mistaken for a top-tier Toby Kebbell, Tatiana consultant by a private finance firm in Man- Maslany, Scoot Mc- hattan. All she needs now is for her street Nairy, Sebastian Stan smarts to kick in… Directed by Karyn Kusama (USA) Released Fri 25 Jan Nicole Kidman lets her Based on an article in The New York Times, hair down as an alco- this is the true story of a man who becomes a holic, prematurely drug trafficker for an international crime aged LA cop whose past as an undercover op- syndicate. Nothing odd about that, but this erative comes back to haunt her. Under Karyn guy happens to be 90 years old. Clint East- Kusama's direction, the film feels no more wood, a mere 88, plays him and also directs special than an episode of NCIS. And, like and produces. Kidman, Kusama tries too hard to impress. Released Fri 25 Jan Released Fri 25 Jan
whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Rachel Maclean.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:11 Page 1 Rachel Maclean.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:11 Page 2
Sweet gets sinister at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Known for her distinctive satirical films, academic account of cuteness and its effects, the effect they have on us. Something which Scottish artist Rachel Maclean is examining she is constantly hindered by sudden has come to the fore in curating the show has the world of cuteness by curating works from emotional responses, as artworks incite been the number of artists who toe the line both the Arts Council Collection and the reflexes of love, repulsion and fear. between cuteness and creepiness. There’s Birmingham Museum collection. something fascinatingly complex about this, Maclean is no stranger to Birmingham, and for me, it’s the fundamental mystery of Too Cute! - which opens at Birmingham having spent August 2017 as the Bullring’s the cute object - how can things that look Museum & Art Gallery this month - reveals artist-in-residence for Channel Four’s The sweet be simultaneously sinister?” how objects and images can have the unique Shopping Centre. Sleeping, eating and ability to be both sweet and sinister. working there, she explored the question of whether shopping can ever make people Via the exhibition, which is presented in a happy. Her findings resulted in a film in Too Cute! Sweet is about to get Sinister gallery reflecting the artist’s signature which she played a character called the shows at Birmingham Museum & Art ery colourful style, Maclean asks why we feel the Satisfaction Bunny and asked, ‘r u satisfied?’, from Sat 26 January to Sunday 12 May need to share and reproduce cute things. She bombarding dissatisfied shoppers with also questions the fine line between cuteness advertising. and creepiness. Commenting on Too Cute!, Rachel says: “I’ve Showcasing multiple manifestations of had a fantastic time exploring Birmingham’s sinister cuteness - the pieces on display range collection and the Arts Council Collection. from 19th century oil paintings to internet- It’s been an honour to be able to bring inspired installations - Too Cute! includes together a show that includes so many artists works by John Isaacs, Gillian Wearing, Ana who I admire. I’ve been fascinated by Maria Pacheco, Helen Chadwick, Paula Rego, cuteness for a long time and think that, Peter Blake and Hermann Sondermann. despite it being an area which so many artists The exhibition is accompanied by an investigate, it can often be overlooked as interpretative video with a twist. Dr Cute - a being too silly, shallow or feminine a subject grotesque Care Bear-like creature played by for debate. Rachel Maclean - presents a short lecture on “I think cuteness is fundamental to our the themes explored in the show, whilst experience of consumer capitalism, and it’s repeatedly being distracted by its contents. important that we take it seriously in order to As the doctor attempts to put forward an understand what we use cute objects for and
whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:10 Page 1
Visual Arts previews from around the region
Amy Sharrocks Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, until Sun 24 February Live pieces and sonic artworks exploring Leamington Spa as a site of water are the focal point of this first major survey of Amy Sharrocks’ artistic output. The Camden-born, Sorbonne-educated sculptor, photographer and artist creates works which investigate the architecture of a moment; ephemeral and intangible pieces that evaporate or are ‘just barely there’. The exhibition brings together photographs of Amy’s numerous live works with her own photos of water. It also includes a number of previously unseen drawings and prints, a series of works looking at the making of clouds and the movement of air, and a number of pieces exploring, among other subjects, risk, daring and shame.
42 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:10 Page 2
Visual Arts
StART Exhibition RBSA Gallery, until Sat 9 February A must-attend exhibition for budding art collec- tors, StART features original artwork by mem- bers of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, all of which is priced at £300 and under. To accompany the show, the RBSA will once again be hosting a ‘studio sale’ (Saturday 26 Jan- uary). One of the Society’s most popular annual events, the sale provides visitors with an oppor- tunity to snap up original artworks by members and associates from as little as £20.
Ways Of Belonging Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 19 January - Sun 17 March Work by four young Birmingham-based female artists is brought together in Ways Of The Sun Never Sets Belonging. The show is a collaboration between Midlands Arts Centre and Ort Gallery, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, a local artist-led exhibition space which seeks to ‘represent the underrepresented’ and Sat 12 January – Sun 10 March facilitate dialogue in the community. The exhibition aims to redefine the narrative “I want the viewer to sense the complications,” around what it means to be ‘local’ and to belong somewhere, in the process subvert- says Matthew Krishanu in talking about The Sun ing media-generated stereotypes about certain community groups and individuals. Never Sets, an exhibition in which he explores The four artists contributing to the show are Sabiheh Awanzai Mahmoud, FreeHand- his childhood years spent living in Bangladesh. Fanatic, Farwa Moledina and Anisa Fazal. “The scenes depicted are not always ones of in- nocence. There are historical and cultural cur- rents at play, and the childhood world is easily punctured by adult constructions and beliefs.” An associated exhibition - Matthew Krishanu: A Murder Of Crows - shows at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery at the same time as The Sun Never Sets.
Fertile Ground Argentea Gallery, Birmingham, Thurs 10 January - Sat 9 February An exhibition of new work by artists Barbara Gibson and Mark Murphy, Fertile Ground is dedicated to promoting the best artistic talent in the region. Both Barbara and Mark are highly respected artists in the field of collage photography. The exhibi- tion marks the first time their work has been shown together. All pieces on display are available to purchase.
whatsonlive.co.uk 43
Bear Grylls Adventure.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:20 Page 1 I’ve learned how to deal with fear - and that it’s okay.“ “ Just keep going towards it, don’t run from it, reach out and hold someone’s hand when you need it
44 whatsonlive.co.uk Bear Grylls Adventure.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:20 Page 2
by Lauren Foster
Bear essentials
Escape the ordinary, test your limits by trying some of the world’s most incredible mental and physical challenges, and achieve something epic at Birmingham’s Bear Grylls Adventure...
A former SAS serviceman, a survival crack codes, solve puzzles and find their way Despite Bear’s wealth of experience when it instructor, an honorary lieutenant-colonel, to freedom using logic and resourcefulness. comes to adventuring, things don’t always go an adventurer, writer, television presenter according to plan for him: “I’ve had Visitors can also try their hand at swimming and businessman; Bear Grylls is indeed a parachute failures, been pinned in rapids, with aquatic creatures, including fish, Black man of many talents. He’s also the inspira- got bitten by snakes, had close encounters Tip Reef Sharks and Cownose Rays. tion behind one of the Midlands’ newest with crocodiles - you name it, I’ve experi- Accompanied by a professional diving team visitor attractions - The Bear Grylls Adventure enced it. All those things have taught me to and armed with a full snorkel and scuba kit, park. be very grateful for life, and to be smart and participants don’t need any previous safe. Part of Merlin Entertainments - the company experience and can choose between that owns, among other venues, Alton snorkelling or full scuba diving, depending So which daredevil activity does he find most Towers, the National Sea Life Centre, on which they feel most comfortable with. challenging? Legoland and Thorpe Park - the first-of-its- Ever fancied skydiving? Then Bear Grylls “Skydiving is definitely something that’s kind attraction opened at Birmingham’s NEC Adventure is the place to head for. The park hard for me after breaking my back in a last autumn and is suitable for visitors aged features a hair-raising indoor skydiving free-fall accident whilst I was in the military, 11 and older. activity, where guests can experience a but I still have to jump and deal with heights “I wanted to create a large-scale attraction so freefall that’s almost three times longer than every day in my job. that you don’t have to travel the world to get a an average skydive. The indoor wind tunnel “I’ve learned how to deal with fear - and that real taste of adventure,” explains Bear. “We is operated by experienced skydiving experts, it’s okay. Just keep going towards it, don’t run found out that 18% of Brits rarely get to do who will put intermediate visitors through from it, reach out and hold someone’s hand anything outside of their comfort zone. We’re their paces. when you need it. It’s so exciting to see here to help change that. The adventure park The Extreme Climb section of the park boasts people’s faces when they confront some real is based on experiences that have shaped my replicas of El Capitain and Fontainebleau: fears. Whether they’re close up with a shark life, pushed me to my limits and taken me far “The attraction features some of the toughest or they’re six storeys up, balancing on a little out of my comfort zone.” climbs out there,” says Bear, “all designed to ledge. I love watching people leave the park; The park tests the skills, strength and nerve help you test yourself to the max. It’s all it’s my favourite part. You see the smiles on of the most intrepid thrill-seeker. Those brave about helping you find the courage and their faces, and they have a real sense of enough can zip wire out of a chinook tenacity to conquer your fears.” pride that they’ve done something difficult. helicopter several floors up and then take on Bear will be opening similar parks in both “The thing I get most excited about in life is a Royal Marines-inspired high-ropes course - China and the US in 2020. He then hopes to bringing adventure to people who never the most extreme in Europe. The challenge expand the brand further and build more normally get it. The world is an incredible offers the 54% of Brits who’re scared of around the world. So why did he choose place that’s full of adventure and heights and flying the chance to conquer Birmingham as his first destination? opportunity, and that’s what’s so exciting both fears at the same time. about the park - there’s lots of adventure and The hub of the attraction, the Basecamp, “We wanted to start somewhere that had a opportunity all under one roof.” comprises a collection of mental and physical good international feel, and I felt that group and individual challenges designed to Birmingham was that place. It’s the UK’s second city, Birmingham International help visitors develop the core Bear Grylls Adventure is open seven days station is right next door and 14,000 young skills needed for adventure. As well as a a week and is located at the NEC, Marston people walk past the park every night going maze, an assault course and target archery, Green, Birmingham. For more informa- to events at the arena. Everyone has been so the Basecamp also features escape rooms, tion, visit beargryllsadventure.com where visitors have to race against time to lovely and welcoming to us here.”
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Events previews from around the region Events
British Basketball Cup Finals Arena Birmingham, Sun 27 January
One of the most eagerly antici- pated dates on the British Basket- ball League (BBL) calendar, this well-established annual event sees stars of the national game go head- to-head in pursuit of coveted sil- verware. The get-together also features some of Europe’s top slam dunkers giving it their all in a bid Autosport International sport fans alike. Featuring every level of motor to become the BBL Slam Dunk racing - from karting through to Formula One - Champion. NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 January the event offers visitors the chance to check out Described as ‘the world’s greatest four-wheel the latest performance road cars, chat to club indoor extravaganza’, Autosport International members and watch precision-driving displays Arrows Of Time: caters for industry professionals and motor- in the Live Action Arena. A Tribute To Dr Who Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Fri 11 January Strictly Come Dancing Live Ice Skate Birmingham Arena Birmingham, Fri 18 - Mon 21 January Eastside City Park, Birmingham, until Sun 6 January Ice, ice, baby! Ice Skate Birmingham is back. Voted one of the best outdoor facilities of its kind in the UK, the ice rink attracts thousands of skaters across the festive period. Visitors will be able to skate whatever the weather, as the rink is covered with a weatherproof roof. For those who aren’t so keen to take to the ice, the nearby Ice Lounge offers a wide selection of food & drink to enjoy. Also on site is the Birmingham Big Wheel and a children’s four-storey fun factory to keep the This brand new show celebrates whole family entertained. the 55th anniversary of the first Strictly Come Dancing Live waltzes back onto the episode of Dr Who. road this month with a supersized and sequin- Presented in association with Im- filled show. mersive Experiences, Arrows Of Strictly favourite and 2016 winner Ore Oduba Time sees not one but 10 Doctors hosts the tour for a second time, with all four battle it out with ‘their darkest Strictly TV judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno enemy ever’ in a 35-minute full- Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas - dome planetarium presentation. adding to the glitz and glamour. The show features animated bio- This year’s star-studded line-up includes Stacey metric talking avatars, ‘stunning’ Dooley, Ashley Roberts, Dr Ranj Singh, Lauren visuals, and the voice of Colin Steadman, Joe Sugg, Graeme Swann and Faye Baker, the sixth Doctor, as The Tozer. Narrator. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Dr Ranj.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 18:04 Page 1
48 whatsonlive.co.uk Dr Ranj.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 18:04 Page 2
by Patsy Moss
WHAT S UP, DOC? Dr Ranj talks about his Strictly experience
Why Strictly, and why now? and down because it was the first time I’d Regarding your personal life, how old I can answer that one straight away. It’s be- done that routine without any mistakes. It were you when you realised you were gay? cause it’s the first time they said yes! I’ve ’was a really special feeling that I’ll never for- I came out later in life. I was about 30. I first been a massive fan of the show for years, and get. had to realise who I really was, and then have it’s always been my pipe dream, so when any- the confidence to be myself before I could tell one has ever asked me which is the one show What appeals to you most about touring everybody else. It wasn’t the easiest process. I would like to do, it was always Strictly. It’s with the rest of the Strictly crew? Obviously some people come out earlier than been my dream, and this year it just so hap- I miss dancing so much, and I think I’ve be- that and some people a lot later, but no mat- pens to have come true. I was a little over- come weirdly addicted. I’ve also missed see- ter when it is or who it is, it’s not easy for whelmed and shocked when it did. ing everybody because you become so close, people, and that’s why I’m a massive cham- both to the pros and the other celebs. I had pion of helping people become who they are You saw it through to week seven. What kind of been thinking to myself that if I didn’t and be happy. did the experience teach you about your- get on the tour, then I would definitely take self? up some dance lessons, so when news came Was the coming-out experience easier or It taught me that I’m far more resilient than I through about the tour, I was absolutely harder than you anticipated? give myself credit for. Strictly has been the blown away. It’s fun. We get to do our dances I didn’t really have any expectation of what it hardest thing I’ve ever done, both physically again with our partners. We get to share all would be like. Growing up, I really didn’t and mentally. I’ve got two degrees and work that time with our friends again, and we get have any friends from the LGBTQ+ commu- in children’s A&E, but I found it to be physi- to go on the road and meet people who are nity, or any role models. That came later, cally very demanding. You have to train so fans of the show. It’s going to be one big when I was older. I did then meet and make a hard, and it’s taught me that I can do that. I party. It’s all the good things about the show lot of friends who were gay. Up until then, I can train for six hours a day and kind of get without the stress of learning new routines didn’t have any expectations about the com- through it, but mentally you have to be really every week. And because it’s the same show munity or gay life because I really hadn’t resilient. It’s very stressful, and you take on a over and over again, you just get better and known it. My own experience was quite diffi- lot of pressure. It’s about coping with the better and really enjoy it. With the TV show, cult and quite painful, but I really didn’t have anxiety which comes with being in the com- you have such a short space of time to learn anything to compare it to. It was just what it petition. It’s made me realise that just when your routine. You learn a brand new style and was. you think you can’t do any more, you can ac- a brand new routine in a maximum of four tually dig deeper and find something. Janette days. I was also trying to do all of my other What advice would you give to gay Asians [Manrara, his Strictly dance partner] taught jobs, so I never really got to a point where I who are on the brink of coming out? me that, which is why I think we got on so could do the dance and just enjoy it. I’m hop- Firstly, don’t be afraid to be who you are, be- well. She was able to support me through not ing that once I’m on the tour and the dance is cause you have just as much right as every- only the amazing bits, but also the times in my head, I can just have fun and be myself. body else to be happy. Secondly, if you need when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. That’s what I’m really looking forward to - help, there are lots of people around who will being able to just enjoy the dancing instead help you and catch you afterwards. Finally, Which was your favourite moment? of worrying about which step comes after no matter how difficult it is, how painful it Oh, there were so many, and it’s all such a which. may be and what you might have to go blur now. I guess one of my most memorable through to get there, it always gets better. You moments was the first dance we did. It was to Has your Strictly experience fuelled your will be happier for it in the end. For a lot of a Whitney song, and I’m a massive Whitney desire to do more reality TV, or is that it Gaysian people, it’s a very difficult experi- fan. It was one of my favourite Whitney now? ence. There are many of us here who’ve been songs, and we did the Cha Cha. That was the I would never say never. This has been the through it, have come out the other side and first time I’d ever done a formal dance of any first reality show that I’ve ever been part of, are much happier as a result. sort. It went really well, and I absolutely and it’s been a pretty special one because loved it. I remember right at the end being there’s nothing like it. Probably nothing else completely knackered, as it was a full-on rou- will give me as much of a buzz, but we’ll have Dr Ranj joins the Strictly crew when it tine, but it was such an incredible buzz. It to see what happens. stops off at Arena Birmingham from was so great, and Janette was jumping up Fri 18 to Mon 21 January
whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Glass Film Full.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 16:34 Page 1 The List Cover January Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 16:54 Page 2
YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide JanuaryJanuary 20192019 thelist
Ghost The Musical at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Tues 22 - Sat 26 January
Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!
What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 January Mon 7 to Sun 13 January Mon 14 to Sun 20 January Mon 21 to Thurs 31 January
Crimes Of The Christmas Asomvel at The Robin, Bilston Ramin Karimloo at Swan Lake at the Regent Pudding at Lichfield Guildhall Thurs 10 January Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent until Sat 5 January Sat 19 January Thurs 24 - Sat 26 January
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thelist THROUGHOUT JANUARY Visual Arts and fossils, Fri 25 Jan - Mon 1 July Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery New Art Gallery - Walsall OPEN ART EXHIBITION Shropshire- NEW GRADUATE RESIDENCY AWARD based artists’ responses to the Bethany Dugmore develops new themes of Wilfred Owen’s poems, work which address the impact of using a variety of media, until Fri 4 technology, Mon 7 Jan - Sun 31 Mar Jan NEW SARAH TAYLOR SILVERWOOD - FRACTURE Exhibition celebrating the DAPHNE Sarah uses drawing and lan- story of Sir Robert Jones, Dame guage as material to produce publi- Agnes Hunt and the pioneering prac- cations, animation and installation tices which they used to save the works. Her exhibition considers the lives and minds of thousands of peo- relationship between women and lan- ple during the First World War, until guage, taking the ancient Greek myth Sat 19 Jan of Daphne & Apollo as a focus, Sat 19 Jan - Sun 12 May STRANGE MEETING Visual interpreta- tions of quotes from 14 different Wil- fred Owen poems, until Fri 25 Jan Newcastle Borough Museum Citylightz - O2 Academy, Birmingham & Art Gallery The Willow Art Gallery, RONNIE CRUWYS - DRAWING THE CATAPULT CLUB FEAT River Rooms, Stour- Oswestry bridge STREET Ronnie’s fascination with old Gigs (SKETCH) Fri 4 Jan, O2 buildings developed while working in WINTER OPEN EXHIBITION The Shrop- Academy, Birmingham ELO ENCOUNTER Sat 5 Staffordshire as a conservation archi- shire Guild of Contemporary Craft ex- FLARES SINGLE LAUNCH HI ON MAIDEN Fri 4 Jan, Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- tect on the repair of many local listed hibits a wide range of work, including Thurs 3 Jan, Hare & Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Trent stained glass, ceramics, furniture, Hounds, Birmingham buildings and churches. Her draw- NEARLY DAN Fri 4 Jan, THE RICKY NELSON jewellery, weaving and textiles, until ings record how the streets looked at GUNS 2 ROSES Thurs 3 The Robin, Bilston ROCK & ROLL SHOW the time and will provide a historic Sat 12 Jan Jan, The Robin, Bil- ROD & THE FACEZ Fri 4 Sun 6 Jan, Lichfield reference for years to come, until NEW NEW YEAR OPEN 2019 Showcas- ston Jan, The River Rooms, Guildhall Tues 8 Jan ing work by established and emerg- DINO BAPTISTE Thurs 3 Stourbridge NIK TURNERS NEW FOUR WAYS Exhibition by Ann Roach, ing artists, Sat 19 Jan - Sat 9 Mar Jan, The Jam House, THE SEARCHERS - SPACE RITUAL Sun 6 Jacqueline Saxton, Penny Beautiman Birmingham FAREWELL CONCERT Jan, The Robin, Bil- and Vicky Christmas. Working in a Wolverhampton Art Gallery Fri 4 Jan, Festival Drayton ston variety of media, the artists like to JANE & LOUISE WILSON: UNDEAD SUN Centre, Market Dray- travel together to paint and sketch Large-scale video installation inspired ton, North Shropshire their surroundings and produce work by archive photographs, artefacts which reflects their own individual and diary entries. It explores the im- CITYLIGHTZ Sat 5 Jan, O2 Academy, B’ham styles, until Sun 13 Jan pact of the First World War and the technological forces that it un- JEAN GENIE Sat 5 Jan, Potteries Museum & Art leashed, until Sun 20 Jan The Robin, Bilston Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent HAND DRAWN ACTION PACKED New ex- THE ESSENTIAL PARTY A WINTER WONDERLAND Display of ce- hibition bringing together the work of BAND Sat 5 Jan, The ramics, the shape, decoration and 10 international artists, until Sun 3 design of which has been inspired by Mar winter, until Sun 17 Feb WE ARE THIRTY Exhibition showcasing SEASONS Exhibition by Staffordshire 30 years-worth of graduate work from Artists referencing the four season of the Illustration degree course at the the year and showcasing work pro- School of Art, University of Wolver- duced by the group within the last hampton, until Sun 3 Mar two years, until Sun 24 Feb THE DRAWINGS OF JOHN FULLWOOD VISIONS IN STONE: GILBERT LEDWARD Display of work by the acclaimed RA - SCULPTURE AND DRAWINGS As 19th century artist, who exhibited at part of the 250th anniversary celebra- the Royal Academy, The Grosvenor tions of the Royal Academy, Visions Gallery and the Paris Salon, until Sun In Stone explores the work of sculp- 24 Mar tor Gilbert Ledward RA (1888-1960), until Sun 31 Mar Other VISUAL ARTS V&A DESIGNLAB LOANS Display of six WINTER FESTIVE EXHIBITION Featuring ceramic objects from the V&A Mu- a selection of work by local artists, in- seum, presented as part of their edu- cluding paintings, ceramics, wood, cational initiative, DesignLab Nation, glass and textiles, until Sat 26 Jan, until Sun 28 July VAN Gallery, Shrewsbury NEW THE COLLECTION OF TED WATKIN NEW JOURNEY, PILGRIMAGES AND SKIR- Ted Watkin was an active member MISHES A collection of recent land- and chairman of both the North scapes by Nigel Glaze, Wed 9 Jan - Staffordshire Group of the Geolo- Tues 26 Feb, Shropshire Hills Discov- gists’ Association and the North ery Centre, Craven Arms Staffordshire Field Club. His vast col- lecting interests included minerals Nearly Dan - The Robin, Bilston 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops 1-6 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:35 Page 2
Saturday 1 - Sunday 6 January
Laidlaw stars as the Wizard/Professor Classical Music alongside Chisara Agor (Dorothy Gale) in a new staging of L Frank THE JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Featuring Baum’s classic story, until Sun 13 the Johann Strauss Orchestra, John Jan, The REP, Birmingham Rigby (conductor), Corinne Cowling A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s (soprano) & William Morgan (tenor). acclaimed staging of Dickens’ festive Programme includes Blue Danube classic, showing at the RSC for a Waltz, Cinderella Waltz, Radetzky second year, until Sun 20 Jan, Royal March & the Thunder and Lightening Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Polka, Tues 1 Jan, Symphony Hall, upon-Avon Birmingham THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Brand new HALLE VIENNESE CONCERT Featuring staging of Kenneth Grahame’s en- Jamie Phillips (conductor) & Joanne chanting riverside tale, until Sat 26 Lunn (soprano), Fri 4 Jan, Victoria Jan, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Hall, Stoke-on-Trent under-Lyme VIENNESE NEW YEAR Featuring TARTUFFE New updated version of Stephen Bell (conductor), Jennifer Moliere’s provocative French classic, France (soprano) & the City of Birm- until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, ingham Symphony Orchestra. Pro- Stratford-upon-Avon gramme includes works by J. Strauss II, Waldteufel, Lehár & E. Strauss, THE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD Presented by Sun 6 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham Jars Of Clay Theatre Co, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Jan, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham
Comedy Kids Shows LAURA LEXX, BRENNAN REECE, MARK Crimes Of The Christmas Pudding ROW & TOM GLOVER Thurs 3 Jan, The EMILY BROWN AND THE THING Tall Sto- Lichfield Guildhall, until Sat 5 January George Hotel, Lichfield ries present a magical adventure for the whole family to enjoy, until Sun 6 KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs An alternative festive-season comedy for adults, Crimes Of The Jan, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham 3 Jan, Stourbridge Town Hall Christmas Pudding takes its inspiration from sources as diverse Hippodrome GARRY POWNDLAND & FRIENDS Fri 4 - as Agatha Christie and the Jason Bourne movies. The show fea- THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Stage Sat 5 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham tures a talented cast of four who between them play an impres- adaptation of Judith Kerr’s much- loved picture book for children, Wed sively wide range of thoroughly quirky characters. 26 Dec - Sun 13 Jan, Birmingham Award-winning theatre company New Old Friends present the Town Hall production, making a welcome return to the Garrick following a Theatre sell-out success at the venue last Christmas. CRIMES OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING The award-winning New Old Friends Severn, Shrewsbury 6 Jan, Stoke Repertory Theatre, present a ‘fast-paced, gig-filled romp Pantomime CINDERELLA Festive family favourite Stoke-on-Trent of a show’, until Sat 5 Jan, Lichfield MOTHER GOOSE Festive fun aplenty, starring Isabel Gamble, Tony Disci- ALADDIN Family pantomime, Sat 5 - Garrick with the ever-popular Brad Fitt in the pline, Anna Kumble, Joe Chambers & Sat 26 Jan, Theatre On The Steps, THE WIZARD OF OZ Doctors star Lorna lead role, until Sun 6 Jan, Theatre Carl Dutfield, until Sun 6 Jan, The Bridgnorth, Shropshire Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford ROBIN HOOD Jonathan Wilkes & Chris- tian Patterson star in a ‘Sheriff-bust- ing pantomime extravaganza’, until Sun 6 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Film Trent INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SLEEPING BEAUTY Brand new spin on RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG) Ani- an old yarn, starring Eva Crawford as mation/Adventure. With the voices of Princess Rose & Nic Lamont as Cara- John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman. Old bosse, until Sun 6 Jan, The Core Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 28 Dec - Theatre, Solihull Thurs 3 Jan SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie WILDLIFE (12A) Drama. Starring Jake McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Gyllenhaal, Carey Mulligan. Old Mar- Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until ket Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 28 Dec - Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Thurs 3 Jan Theatre SMALLFOOT (U) Animation/Adventure. PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera With the voices of Channing Tatum, Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack James Corden. Wem Town Hall, star in a swashbuckling pantomime North Shropshire, Mon Dec 31, Wed adventure featuring ‘barrels of laugh- 2 - Thurs 3 Jan ter, amazing flying effects and a trip THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, Birm- REALMS (PG) Adventure/Family. Star- ingham Hippodrome ring Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley. ALADDIN Presented by DE Caversmill Malvern Theatres, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Theatre Company, Sat 29 Dec - Sun Jan; Festival Drayton Centre, Market Mother Goose - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops 1-6 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:35 Page 3 The List Wolves/Shrops 1-6 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:35 Page 4
Saturday 1 - Sunday 6 January
Drayton, North Shropshire, Thurs 3 WELCOME TO MARWEN (12a) race car park, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent story told in stone - from the depths Jan ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Skate what- of time to the present day’, Sun 6 BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (12a) Biogra- ever the weather on the weatherproof Jan, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham phy/Drama. Starring Rami Malek, rink, until Sun 6 Jan, Eastside Park, Joseph Mazzello. Light House Media Events Birmingham Centre, Wolverhampton, Wed 2 - TWIXMAS WALKS Walk off those FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE Take a Thurs 10 Jan Christmas indulgences and escape leisurely steam-train journey along PETERLOO (12a) Drama/History. Star- from the washing-up and wrapping the beautiful Severn Valley, hopefully ring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake. paper with a walk around the park, with a sprinkling of snow in evidence, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- until Tues 1 Jan, Weston Park, Nr until Sun 6 Jan, Severn Valley Rail- ton, North Shropshire, Thurs 3 Jan Shifnal way, Bewdley IN BETWEEN (15) Drama. Starring MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2018 The NEW YEAR CRAFTS: CREATE A CALENDAR Mouna Hawa, Sana Jammelieh. For- festival is back at the Gardens with Use a variety of craft materials to de- eign language, subtitled. The Hive, all-new lanterns, until Tues 1 Jan, sign and create a unique calendar for Shrewsbury, Fri 4 Jan Birmingham Botanical Gardens the year ahead, Wed 2 Jan, Blakesley THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT (18) LICHFIELD WINTER WONDERLAND Fea- Hall, Birmingham Drama/Horror. Starring Matt Dillon, turing a Christmas market, ice rink, MANSION WINTER TOURS The Mansion Bruno Ganz. Light House Media Cen- fair rides and lots of family entertain- is only open for exclusive tours on tre, Wolverhampton, Fri 4, Sun 6 - ment. Party nights for grown-ups only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Fri Thurs 10 Jan are also available, until Fri 4 Jan, 4 - Sun 6 Jan, Attingham Park, MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) Adven- Beacon Park, Lichfield Shrewsbury ture/Family. Starring Emily Blunt, CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Display of BACKSTAGE TOUR: GENERAL Journey Emily Mortimer. Old Market Hall, 40 trees illuminating St Chad's circu- behind the scenes at one of Britain's Shrewsbury, Fri 4 - Thurs 10 Jan lar nave, until Fri 4 Jan, St Chad's premier producing theatres, Sat 5 Church, Shrewsbury Jan, The REP, Birmingham MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS ‘MIRACLES’ OPEN ASTON Enjoy a wander around NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: until Sat 5 Jan, NEC, Birmingham the grand old mansion, Sun 6 Jan, Released from Tues 1 Jan, showing WINTER WONDERLAND STOKE-ON-TRENT Aston Hall, Birmingham at selected cinemas A festive haven featuring all things SUNDAY LOCAL HISTORY TALK Julie THE FAVOURITE (15) Christmas, until Sun 6 Jan, Birch Ter- Schroder presents ‘Birmingham's Moscow State Circus - NEC, Birmingham
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thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 January BROKEN MINDS & DUB- KICK UP THE 80’S Sat Gigs GASM - 4 DA CAUSE Fri 12 Jan, The River 11 Jan, Hare & Rooms, Stourbridge CUPCAKKE Mon 7 Jan, Hounds, Birmingham THE MIDNIGHT SOUL The Asylum, B’ham UK GUNS ‘N’ ROSES Fri BAND Sat 12 Jan, The ELLA MAI Thurs 8 Jan, 11 Jan, The River Night Owl, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham Rooms, Stourbridge KOJO FUNDS Sat 12 BLACK ELVIS Fri 11 Jan, Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- The Night Owl, B’ham ingham BAREFOOTIN’ WITH ED EDWARDS AND FRIENDS Fri 11 Jan, The Night Owl, Birmingham RICKY COOL AND THE IN CROWD Fri 11 Jan, Lichfield Guildhall
WOLF & MOON Wed 9 ELO AGAIN Fri 11 Jan, Jan, Hare & Hounds, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham WHITESNAKE UK + Circus Of Horrors - The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BECKY MILLS & RUTH TOTAL THUNDER Fri 11 ANGELL PLUS DAVID Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- FISHER Wed 9 Jan, The Trent Red Lion Folk Club, FLAMINGO Fri 11 Jan, SOMEONE LIKE YOU - Classical Theatre THE ADELE SONGBOOK Birmingham Lichfield Guildhall COMMONISM A performed conversa- Sat 12 Jan, The Victo- tion piece exploring nationality, inter- PASADENA ROOF OR- THE DIME NOTES Fri 11 ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Music nationality, theatre & politics, Tues 8 CHESTRA Wed 9 Jan, Jan, Pizza Express CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- New Vic Theatre, New- Live, Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS AS - Fri 11 Jan, The REP, Birmingham ELVIS Sat 12 Jan, The CHESTRA: HAYDN TO BEETHOVEN Fea- castle-upon-Tyne CIRCUS OF HORRORS: PSYCHO ASYLUM CATAPULT CLUB FEAT Stoke Repertory The- turing Piotr Anderszewski An amalgamation of bizarre and fan- ASOMVEL Thurs 10 THE SUNSET BEACH HUT atre, Stoke-on-Trent (conductor/piano). Programme in- Jan, The Robin, Bil- Sat 12 Jan, O2 cludes works by Haydn, Mozart & tastic circus acts, all woven into a ston Academy, Birmingham WHOLE LOTTA DC & Beethoven, Wed 9 Jan, Symphony ‘sensational shock-horror story’, MENTALLICA Sat 12 Thurs 10 Jan, The Alexandra The- THE MODFATHERS Sat Hall, Birmingham Jan, The Slade atre, Birmingham 12 Jan, The Robin, Bil- Rooms, Wolverhamp- JUST LIKE THAT! THE TOMMY COOPER ston ton SHOW Celebration of one of Britain’s MIKE HOLLOWAY Sat 12 BABY JOOLS & THE JAZ- favourite comedians - complete with Jan, Pizza Express ZAHOLICS Sat 12 Jan, misfiring magic, trademark fez and Live, Birmingham Lichfield Guildhall quickfire gags, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Jan, EMAROSA Sat 12 Jan, A BOWIE CELEBRATION The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham The Asylum, B’ham Sun 13 Jan, O2 Insti- LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU tute, Birmingham CATAPULT CLUB FEAT Sat 12 Jan, The Re- BAD SUNS Sun 13 Jan, OPOLLO Fri 11 Jan, O2 gent Theatre, Stoke- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Academy, Birmingham on-Trent ingham Pantomime JUST FLOYD Fri 11 Jan, METAL MILITIA Sat 12 BRAVADO Sun 13 Jan, SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie The Robin, Bilston Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- The Robin, Bilston Trent McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until CBSO CENTRE STAGE: THE JANE AUSTEN Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand SONG BOOK Featuring Alexandra Gib- Theatre son (soprano), Martin Perkins PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera (square piano), Julia Åberg & Kelly Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack McCusker (baroque violins) & Jackie star in a swashbuckling pantomime Tyler (baroque cello), Thurs 10 Jan, adventure which promises ‘barrels of CBSO Centre, Birmingham laughter, amazing flying effects and a trip to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, Birmingham Hippodrome SNOW WHITE Birmingham Youth The- atre presents its version of the clas- Comedy sic tale, complete with twists, turns, ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 10 Jan, The dancing, singing and laughs aplenty, Glee Club, Birmingham Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Jan, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- SNOW WHITE Birmingham Youth The- SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 10 atre presents its version of the clas- Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham sic tale, complete with twists, turns, ANDREW BIRD, SARAH KEYWORTH, AL- dancing, singing and laughs aplenty, ISTAIR WILLIAMS & FREDDY QUINNE Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Jan, The Old Rep Sat 12 Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birm- Theatre, Birmingham ingham ROBIN HOOD AND THE REVOLTING PEAS- SPONTANEOUS POTTER Sun 13 Jan ANTS Oddsocks bring their trade- Wolf & Moon - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham The Glee Club, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops 7-13 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:53 Page 3
NEW YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
SAT 19 JAN
15th - 19th Jan, 7.30pm Friday 25 Janaury, 7.30pm (2.30pm Sat Mat) The Mellow Dramatics: Aretha: Respect Spend Spend Spend A sensational celebration of the life and music of the greatest female soul vocalist of all time SOUNDS OF GLENN Tickets:£12, £10 Tue & Sat Mat MILLER ERA
23rd Jan, 7pm Thursday 31 Janaury, 7.30pm THURS 24 JAN Once Upon A Wednesday: Lilly and Billy Carpenters Gold Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening featuring the Tickets: £7adv, £8.50 otd musical brilliance of Richard and Karen Carpenter. 24th Jan, 7pm Film Lady Macbeth (15) Wednesday 13 February, 2.30pm & 7.30pm KATE HUMBLE Tickets: £6 Spirit of The Dance FRI 25 JAN 31st Jan, 1.30pm & 7.30pm Dadman
Friday 15 February, 7.30pm Tickets:TiTickets:ckets: ££12, £1012, £ £10adults10 SSata £8t MMt conc.t All Star Superslam Wrestling 2019 14th Feb, 7pm Film Romeo and Juliet (12)
DIRTY DUSTING Tickets: £6 Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm
Legends of American SAT 2 FEB 19th - 23rd Feb, 7.30pm Country Show (2.30pm Sat Mat) Dick Whittington
Tickets: £12, £11 Conc, Family £40 Wednesday 20 February, 7.30pm fast love A Tribute to George Michael 21st Feb, 10am - 3.30pm STEVE BUGEJA Children’s Holiday Workshop Tickets: £15 Thursday 21 February, 7.30pm THURS 14 FEB
Black Magic: The 27th Feb, 7pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Little Mix Show Christine McMahon
Tickets: £7adv, £8.50 otd Wednesday 27 February, 7.30pm an evening with steve bull 28th Feb, 7pm Film Wolves record-breaking footballer joined by Pride (15) broadcaster Johnny Phillips SAT 16 FEB Tickets: £6
Wednesday 6 March, 7.30pm Box office: Dusty & The Shades of The 60s 01283 508100 Celebrating the life and music of one of the most iconic female artistes of our time BOOK ONLINE AT AN EVENING OF www.brewhouse.co.uk ERIC & ERN Brewhouse Arts Centre BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA www.lichfieldgarrick.com TWC GP 01376 LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR
58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops 7-13 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:53 Page 4
Monday 7 - Sunday 13 January
themark humour, fast-pacedlist action and Comedy/Drama. Starring Rob Bry- guage, subtitled. Festival Drayton live music to the legend of Robin don, Rupert Graves. Wem Town Hall, Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- Hood, Fri 11 Jan, The Place, Oaken- Film North Shropshire, Tues 8 & Thurs 10 shire, Sat 12 Jan gates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Jan ROBIN HOOD Join Robin and his Merry MAMMA MIA 2 (PG) Comedy/Musical. CUSTODY (15) Drama. Starring Léa Men as they take on the evil Sheriff, Starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Drucker, Denis Ménochet. Foreign Fri 11 - Sat 19 Jan, Oldbury Rep Streep. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 7 language, subtitled. The Hive, Events Jan Shrewsbury, Wed 9 Jan AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL Featuring ON CHESIL BEACH (15) Drama/Music. A SUNDAY IN HELL (U) every level of motor racing - from Starring Billy Howle, Saoirse Ronan. Documentary/Sport. Ludlow Assem- karting through to Formula One, Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs Thurs 10 -Sun 13 Jan, NEC, B’ham Talks South Shropshire, Mon 7 Jan 10 Jan OUT-SPOKEN Hosted by Joelle Taylor PERFORMANCE AND TUNING CAR SHOW THE LAVENDER HILL MOB (U) Com- BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Jan, NEC, B’ham and featuring work from two of the edy/Crime. Starring Alec Guinness, Biography/Crime. Starring John UK’s best-known poets, Anthony Stanley Holloway. Ludlow Assembly David Washington, Adam Driver. Lud- GHOST THEATRE TOUR Journey into the Anaxagorou and Malika Booker, Sat Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 8 low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- depths of one of the UK’s most 12 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Jan shire, Fri 11 Jan haunted theatres, Fri 11 Jan, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH ALICE ROBERTS The MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) Adven- THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN (12A) anthropologist, author & broadcaster ture/Family. Starring Emily Blunt, Comedy/Crime. Starring Robert Red- ARROWS OF TIME Celebration of the shares insights, anecdotes and be- Emily Mortimer. Light House Media ford, Sissy Spacek. Stoke Film The- 55th anniversary of the first broadcast hind-the-scenes stories from her ex- Centre, Wolverhampton, Mon 7 - atre, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Jan of Dr Who, Fri 11 Jan, Thinktank Sci- ploration of Britain’s past, Sat 12 Jan, Thurs 17 Jan ence Museum, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick STAN & OLLIE (15) Biography/Comedy. SUSPIRIA (18) Fantasy/Horror. Starring Starring John C. Reilly, Shirley Hen- BACKSTAGE TOUR: GENERAL Journey Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton. derson. Light House Media Centre, behind the scenes at one of Britain's Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 8 Jan Wolverhampton, Fri 11 - Wed 16, Sun premier producing theatres, Sat 12 Jan, The REP, Birmingham NAE PASARAN! (12a) Documentary. 20 Jan; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, MAC, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 Fri 11 - Thurs 24 Jan GHOST TOURS Experience a spooky Jan; Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 10 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (PG) evening in one of Britain’s most Jan Comedy/Drama. Starring Roberto Be- haunted buildings, Sat 12 Jan, Aston Hall, Birmingham SWIMMING WITH MEN (12a) nigni, Nicoletta Braschi. Foreign lan-
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thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 January grounds who meet every week at Classical their local baths, Thurs 17 - Fri 18 Jan, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham STOLEN The Devil’s Violin Company Music present a tale of lost loves, bravery LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH and, above all, hope, Fri 18 Jan, The THOMAS TROTTER Mon 14 Jan, Birm- Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, North ingham Town Hall Shropshire MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO AN INDIAN ABROAD Pariah Khan’s new Featuring the City of Birmingham solo show follows the character of Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Beil- Krishnan on a journey from middle- man (violin) & Andrew Gourlay (con- class India to the ‘exotic island of ductor)/ Programme includes works Great Britain’, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Jan, by Dvorak & Mendelssohn, Wed 16 - The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Sat 19 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham BRAVE NEW WORDS V Showcase of MATTHEW WADSWORTH & JULIA DOYLE ‘new written works, dramatic scripts, - AN INTIMATE RECITAL Programme in- funny plays and exciting excerpts’, cludes works by Britten, Purcell, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Jan, Hall Green Little John Dowland & Laura Snowden, Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 17 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birm- THE ADULT PANTO: HANSEL AND GRETEL ingham GO DOWN IN THE WOODS The Market QUINTETS AT DUSK: INNOVATION EN- Theatre Company present a ’corrupt’ SEMBLE Featuring Ben Nabarro & version of the traditional fairytale, Sat Neil & Liam Finn - Birmingham Town Hall Martin Cropper (violins), Robin Ire- 19 Jan, Prince of Wales Centre, Can- land (viola), Sarah-Jane Bradley nock Wolverhampton Grand Robin, Bilston (viola) & Richard Jenkinson (cello). Gigs Theatre WE ARE NOT DEVO Sat Programme includes works by OASISH Fri 18 Jan, 19 Jan, Newhampton Bruckner & Mozart, Sun 20 Jan, The CHARLES ESTEN Tues Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Arts Centre, Wolver- Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury 15 Jan, Town Hall, ROYAL REPUBLIC Fri 18 hampton Kids Shows Birmingham Jan, O2 Academy, JESSOP, JESSOP, JESSOP THE SNOWMAN Stage show based on Birmingham Sat 19 Jan, Pizza Ex- Raymond Briggs' popular children's DAN + SHAY Fri 18 Jan, press Live, B’ham Comedy book, Wed 16 - Sat 26 Jan, The REP, O2 Institute, B’ham QUADROPHENIA Sat 19 Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- CRAIG CHARLES Fri 18 Jan, Hare & Hounds, UNCLE’S STORY SHOP Unique interac- SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Jan, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Thurs 17 tive theatre experience for children Birmingham MARQUIS DRIVE Sat 19 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham aged four to seven, Sat 19 Jan, The JIM DAVIDSON REP, Birmingham THE BEE GEES STORY Jan, The Night Owl, Sat 19 Jan, Wolver- Fri 18 Jan, Wolver- Birmingham hampton Grand Theatre CAMERONAZI + MUPPY hampton Grand The- STEREOTONICS Sat 19 SAM AVERY Sat 19 Jan, The Old Rep + SUBJECTZ + DJ atre Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- Theatre, Birmingham JACKY P Tues 15 Jan, THE ONCE Fri 18 Jan, Trent RUDI LICKWOOD, DAISY EARL, HAYLEY The Sunflower The Sunflower SOUNDS OF GLENN ELLIS & COMIC TBC Sat 19 Jan, The Pantomime Lounge, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham MILLER ERA Sat 19 Jan, Comedy Loft, Birmingham PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera THE WEDDING CRASH- THE SUPERSKAS Fri 18 Lichfield Garrick DAMION LARKIN FEATURING THREE Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack ERS Tues 15 Jan, The Jan, The Robin, Bil- TOTAL VIBRACTION Sat COMICS TBC Sat 19 Jan, Regent The- star in a swashbuckling pantomime Jam House, B’ham ston 19 Jan, The Hive, atre, Stoke-on-Trent adventure featurin ‘barrels of laugh- ter, amazing flying effects and a trip CARL SINCLAIR TRIO THE FESTIVALS EXPERI- Shrewsbury to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, Tues 15 Jan, The Jam ENCE Fri 18 Jan, The RAMIN KARIMLOO Sat Birmingham Hippodrome House, Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- 19 Jan, Theatre Sev- NINEBARROW Wed 16 bridge ern, Shrewsbury Theatre Jan, The Red Lion FRANCIS DUNNERY - Folk Club, B’ham THE BIG LAD IN THE SPEND SPEND SPEND The Mellow Dra- THE STREETS Wed 16 WINDMILL Fri 18 Jan, matics present a new musical telling Events Jan, O2 Academy, The Slade Rooms, the story of Pools winner Viv Nichol- MANSION WINTER TOURS Fri 18 - Sun Birmingham Wolverhampton son, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Jan, Brew- 20 Jan, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury house Arts Centre, SUBTERRANEANS Fri 18 AYNSLEY LISTER BAND Burton-upon-Trent NATIONAL RUNNING SHOW The UK’s Thurs 17 Jan, The - Sat 19 Jan, The Jam biggest independent running exhibi- Robin, Bilston House, Birmingham SHERLOCK HOLMES One-man homage tion, with all the kit, tech, nutrition to the world’s greatest detective, AVATAR Thurs 17 Jan, ULTRA 90’S Sat 19 Jan, advice and inspiration you need to Wed 16 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand plan your running season, Fri 19 - O2 Institute, B’ham The River Rooms, ALL VINYL PROMOTIONS Theatre Sun 20 Jan, NEC, Birmingham Stourbridge PRESENTS: WAX ON – LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Thurs CIRCUS OF HORRORS: PSYCHO ASYLUM DIG Sat 19 Jan, The THE FREE PARTY Sat 19 17 Jan, Foxlowe Arts An amalgamation of bizarre and fan- Night Owl, B’ham Jan, Hare & Hounds, Centre, Staffordshire tastic circus acts, all woven into a Birmingham RAVE GROOVE PROJECT NEIL & LIAM FINN Sat ‘sensational shock-horror story’, Thurs 17 Jan, The Jam 19 Jan, Town Hall, MARTYN JOSEPH Sun Thurs 17 Jan, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- House, Birmingham Birmingham 20 Jan, MAC, B’ham Trent SOUL LEGENDS FEAT ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS HITS OF MOTOWN Sun STEAMING The story of four women LEMAR Thurs 17 Jan, WITH LEE MEMPHIS 20 Jan, Theatre Sev- from completely different back- KING Sat 19 Jan, The ern, Shrewsbury whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops 21-27 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 11:35 Page 1
62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops 21-27 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 11:35 Page 2
thelist Monday 21 - Sunday 27 January Thurs 24 Jan, The Conservatoire Gigs Sugarmill, Stoke-on- 999 + SUPPORT Fri 25 Trent Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- JAKE HILL & JOSH A GARETH WILLIAMS, Trent Mon 21 Jan, Hare & CLARK TRACEY. ARNIE ARETHA: RESPECT Fri 25 Hounds, Birmingham SOMOGYI TRIO Thurs 24 Jan, The Place, Oak- BEN HOWARD Mon 21 Jan, Eastside Jazz engates Theatre, Jan, Symphony Hall, Club, Royal Birming- Telford, Shropshire Birmingham ham Conservatoire SNOW PATROL Fri 25 JAZZ ORCHESTRA: CON- CLEM BURKE & BOOTLEG Jan, Arena B’ham TEMPORARY BRITS Mon BLONDIE Thurs 24 Jan, CHRIS CONNOR: THE 21 Jan, Royal Birming- The Robin, Bilston WORLD FAMOUS ELVIS ham Conservatoire ROCKFORD Thurs 24 Fri 25 Jan, Forest Arts MASTODON Tues 22 Jan, The Jam House, Centre, Walsall Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri Birmingham GENESIS VISIBLE TOUCH 25 Jan, The River FRANK TURNER Tues 22 Thurs 24 Jan, Mid- Rooms, Stourbridge Jan, Arena B’ham lands Arts Centre, Birmingham THE JERSEY BEATS: OH LISA MILLS Tues 22 WHAT A NITE! Fri 25 Jan, The Robin, Bil- CLEVELAND WATKISS Jan, The Crescent ston ALLSTARS Thurs 24 Theatre, Birmingham Jan, Midlands Arts Kerry Ellis - Birmingham Town Hall ASHLEY ALLEN QUINTET Centre, Birmingham THE STUMBLE Fri 25 Tues 22 Jan, The Jam Jan, Lichfield Guildhall House, Birmingham PAMA INTERNATIONAL Classical LIVE Thurs 24 Jan, SHAKATAK Fri 25 Jan, Comedy UNCLE ACID & THE Hare & Hounds, Birm- Pizza Express Live, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY Mon 21 Jan, DEADBEATS Wed 23 ingham Birmingham Music The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- SOME GUYS HAVE ALL ingham AMY G Thurs 24 Jan, RAFAŁ BLECHACZ (PIANO) IN RECITAL JASON MANFORD Tues 22 Jan, The- THE LUCK Fri 25 Jan, Newhampton Arts Programme includes works by atre Severn, Shrewsbury SUCH GOLD Wed 23 Centre, Wolverhamp- Stafford Gatehouse Jan, The Asylum, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann & DALISO CHAPONDA, JONNY AWSUM & ton PAUL CARRACK Fri 25 Birmingham Chopin, Wed 23 Jan, Birmingham IAN SMITH Thurs 24 Jan, The Bra- MARTYN JOSEPH Thurs Jan, Symphony Hall, Town Hall mall, Birmingham JEZ LOWE Wed 23 Jan, Birmingham 24 Jan, Theatre Sev- TETZLAFF PLAYS SIBELIUS The Red Lion Folk Featuring COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- ern, Shrewsbury THE SIMON AND GAR- Club, Birmingham City of Birmingham Symphony Or- SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 24 THE HUNNA Thurs 24 - FUNKEL STORY Sat 26 chestra, Karl-Heinz Steffens (con- Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham MARTIN BARRE BAND Jan, Victoria Hall, ductor) & Christian Tetzlaff (violin). Sat 26 Jan, O2 Insti- BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Thurs Wed 23 Jan, The Stoke-on-Trent Programme includes works by tute, Birmingham 24 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Robin, Bilston Sibelius & Brahms, Wed 23 - Thurs CATAPULT CLUB FEAT ALI SLOTHRUST + ACTIVE BLACK MIDI Wed 23 24 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham OMID DJALILI, STEPHEN BAILEY, ROSIE GILBERT EP LAUNCH Fri BIRD COMMUNITY Sat Jan, Hare & Hounds, JONES & WAYNE BEESE Fri 25 Jan, 25 Jan, O2 Academy, 26 Jan, The Sunflower CBSO: GLINKA AND BRAHMS TRIOS Fea- Birmingham Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, B’ham Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham turing Oliver Janes (clarinet), David THE 1975 Wed 23 Jan, Powell (cello) & Robert Markham AATIF NAWAZ Sat 26 Jan, The Glee JOHNNY 2 BAD Fri 25 DIG Sat 26 Jan, The Arena Birmingham (piano). Programme includes works Club, Birmingham Jan, The Robin, Bil- Night Owl, B’ham by Glinka & Brahms, Fri 25 Jan, STEVE SAUNDERS PRE- ston KILLERSTREAM Sat 26 DANIEL SLOSS Sat 26 Jan, O2 SENTS THE JAZZ CLUB CBSO Centre, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham THE LOST PROJECTS Fri Jan, The River Rooms, Wed 23 Jan, Royal PRO YOUTH PHILHARMONIA: BEACON 25 Jan, Hare & Stourbridge TEZ ILYAS, HOWARD READ, ANDY ASK- Birmingham Conser- OF HOPE TOUR Featuring Wissam Hounds, Birmingham BOOTLEG ABBA + BEE INS & FREDDY QUINNE Sat 26 Jan, The vatoire Boustany (conductor) & Matthew GEES FEVER Sat 26 Comedy Loft, Birmingham AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ OR- Barley (cello). Programme includes OMYO Thurs 24 Jan, Jan, The Robin, Bil- BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 26 CHESTRA Fri 25 Jan, works by Bushra El-Turk, Dvorak, O2 Academy, B’ham ston Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove Eastside Jazz Club, Amelia Clarkson & Beethoven, Sat WAYWARD SONS + Royal Birmingham NICKELBACK’D Sat 26 26 Jan, The Bramall, University of COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 26 Jan, DOOMSDAY OUTLAW Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Trent A NIGHT IN THE WEST END WITH KERRY DAVE GORMAN Sun 27 Jan, Sym- GAVIN JAMES Sat 26 ELLIS Sun 27 Jan, Birmingham Town phony Hall, Birmingham Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- Hall CHRIS WASHINGTON, STEFF TODD, ingham TASMIN LITTLE IN CONJUNCTION WITH NOEL JAMES & DAN NIGHTINGALE (PIC- GIN ANNIE - ALBUM KEELE CONCERTS Programme in- TURED) Sun 27 Jan, Theatre Severn, LAUNCH Sat 26 Jan, cludes works by Telemann, Albeniz, Shrewsbury The Slade Rooms, Bach & Panufnik, Wed 28 Jan, New Wolverhampton Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme MUSED Sat 26 Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham BRONNIE - GEEKS & FREAKS TOUR Sun 27 Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham RIC SANDERS TRIO Sun 27 Jan, Lichfield Guild- hall Lisa Mills - The Robin, Bilston whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Subscription Advert New Jan 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 18:08 Page 1 The List Wolves/Shrops 21-27 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 11:36 Page 4
Monday 21 - Sunday 27 January
thelist mous story, Wed 23 - Fri 25 Jan, The- Theatre atre Severn, Shrewsbury SINATRA: RAW Warts-and-all portrait of ENRON The story of the rise and fall of Frank Sinatra’s last intimate show in Texan energy company Enron, told Palm Springs in 1971, Wed 23 - Sat through a mix of political satire, mod- 26 Jan, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, ern morality, physical theatre and Birmingham multimedia spectacle. Presented by BOA Year 13 Acting Students, Mon CABARET & COMEDY Featuring Eternity 21 - Tues 22 Jan, The Old Rep, Birm- duo and Carl Brent, Thurs 24 Jan, ingham Forest Arts Centre, Walsall ABIGAIL'S PARTY Jodie Prenger leads A HUNDRED DIFFERENT WORDS FOR the cast, Mon 21 - Sat 26 Jan, The LOVE Heart-lifting story of romance, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham despair & friendship, Thurs 24 Jan, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs THE LAST 5 YEARS Emotionally power- ful musical telling the story of Jamie NELL GWYNN Presented by BOA Year and Cathy, two New Yorkers in their 13 Acting Students, Thurs 24 - Fri 25 20s who fall in and out of love over Jan, The Old Rep, Birmingham the course of five years, Tues 22 - GRAHAM FELLOWS: COMPLETELY OUT OF Ghost The Musical - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Wed 23 Jan, Newhampton Arts Cen- CHARACTERS The man behind John tre, Wolverhampton Shuttleworth LIVING WITH THE LIGHTS ON The ‘grip- shares his Kids Shows Film quirky take on ping story of a life lived on the edge’, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Tues 22 - Sat 26 Jan, The REP, Birm- everyday life, THE SNOWMAN Stage show based on ingham Sat 26 Jan, Raymond Briggs' popular children's KING OF THIEVES (PG) Crime/Drama. Theatre Sev- book, until Sat 26 Jan, The REP, GHOST THE MUSICAL Hit stage show Starring Charlie Cox, Michael Caine. ern, Shrews- Birmingham based on the much-loved movie, Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 21 Jan bury Tues 22 - Sat 26 Jan, Wolverhamp- THE BREADWINNER (12a) ton Grand Theatre CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA Animation/Drama. With the voices of Showcase of Chinese performing SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE SIGN OF FOUR Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya. Edge arts, including contortion and lion Blackeyed Theatre presents its ver- Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South dancing, Sun 27 Jan, Wolverhampton Dance sion of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fa- Shropshire, Mon 21 Jan Grand Theatre SWAN LAKE Presented by Moscow THE WILD PEAR TREE (15) Drama. Star- State Ballet, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 Jan, ring Dogu Demirkol, Murat Cemcir. Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Foreign language, subtitled. Stoke ANTON & ERIN: DANCE THOSE MAGICAL Film Theatre, Tues 22 Jan MUSICALS ‘The nation’s favourite ball- THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- room couple’ present their new tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia dance production. Also featuring TV Spencer. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, favourite Lance Ellington and the Tues 22 Jan London Concert Orchestra con- ducted by Richard Balcombe, Sat 26 DUCK SOUP (U) Comedy/Musical. Star- Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ring Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 23 Jan THE MARVELLOUS MABEL NORMAND (15) Starring Mabel Normand. Stoke Pantomime Film Theatre, Thurs 24 Jan PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT (18) Com- Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack edy/Horror. Starring Matt Dillon, star in a swashbuckling pantomime Bruno Ganz. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri adventure which promises ‘barrels of 25 Jan laughter, amazing flying effects and a COLETTE (15) Biography/Drama. Star- trip to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, ring Keira Knightley, Eleanor Tomlin- Birmingham Hippodrome son. Light House Media Centre, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Thurs 24 - Wolverhampton, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Sun 27 Jan, Prince of Wales Centre, Jan; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri Cannock 25 - Thurs 31 Jan
Talks Events CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT WITH CHIVAS MARK KERMODE: HOW DOES IT FEEL? REGAL A ‘meet the distiller’ evening Film critic Mark Kermode recounts his that sees traditional food paired with utterly foolhardy attempts to fulfill his samples of whisky, Fri 25 Jan, Black dreams of becoming a pop star, Mon Country Living Museum, Dudley 21 Jan, The REP, Birmingham MANSION WINTER TOURS The Mansion AN EVENING WITH KATE HUMBLE Join is only open for exclusive tours on Kate as she talks about her latest Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Fri book and her life working with wildlife, 25 - Sun 27 Jan, Attingham Park, Thurs 24 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Shrewsbury
whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops 28-31 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 11:12 Page 1
Monday 28 - Thursday 31 January
thelistPlace, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Gigs Shropshire MORETALLICA Thurs 31 Jan, The THE MESSTHETICS Mon 28 Jan, Hare & Robin, Bilston Hounds, Birmingham A + SPECIAL GUESTS Thurs 31 Jan, BEN OTTEWELL Mon 28 Jan, Hare & The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Hounds, Birmingham MIKE WILLIAMS QUARTET Thurs 31 Jan, AMY SHARK Tues 29 Jan, O2 Institute, Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birming- Birmingham ham Conservatoire JUDY COLLINS Tues 29 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE WILD LIFE + WILLIAM RAY KEY Tues 29 Jan, O2 Institute, B’ham Classical Music JAZZ CANON: THE MUSIC OF HORACE SILVER Tues 29 Jan, Eastside Jazz LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT Mon 28 Club, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham toire BEETHOVEN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Featur- DILLY DALLY Tues 29 Jan, Hare & ing Cristian M celaru (conductor), Hounds, Birmingham Augustin Hadelichā (violin) & the City SJM CONCERTS PRESENTS SILENT RIVAL of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Tues 29 Jan, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Programme includes works by Prokofiev, Beethoven & Vaughan THE DANDY WHARHOLS Tues 29 Jan, Williams, Wed 30 Jan, Symphony O2 Institute, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham CANCER BATS + BLEED FROM WITHIN + ST PETERSBURG PHILHARMONIC Featur- UNDERSIDE Tues 29 Jan, The Sug- ing Yuri Temirkanov (conductor), armill, Stoke-on-Trent Freddy Kempf (piano) & Nadine BASTILLE Tues 29 - Wed 30 Jan, O2 Koutcher (soprano). Programme in- Academy, Birmingham cludes works by Prokofiev, Rach- ISRAEL NASH Wed 30 Jan, O2 Insti- maninoff & Mahler, Thurs 31 Jan, tute, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE WAVE PICTURES Wed 30 Jan, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ALEXANDER O’NEAL Wed 30 Jan, The Jam House, Birmingham Comedy TYLER MASSEY’S A&E Wed 30 Jan, The COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 31 Doctor Dolittle The Musical - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Wed FAME Jorgie Porter, Mica Paris & Keith 30 Jan, The Robin, Bilston Jack star in the hit musical, Mon 28 Dance LOW Wed 30 Jan, Birmingham Town Jan - Fri 2 Feb, Theatre Severn, ECHOES & I IMAGINE Hall Shrewsbury Featuring Aakash KINKY BOOTS Acclaimed West End Odedra and choreographed by con- THE WOMBATS Thurs 31 Jan, O2 Theatre temporary Kathak icon Aditi Mangal- Academy, Birmingham musical that takes audiences from a THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Northampton factory floor to the das, Thurs 31 Jan, The Patrick MARTIN SIMPSON Thurs 31 Jan, New The Nonentities present an amateur glamorous catwalks of Milan, Mon 28 Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome Vic Theatre, Staffordshire staging of Oscar Wilde’s ‘trivial com- Jan - Sat 9 Feb, Regent Theatre, LEDISI Thurs 31 Jan, Hare & Hounds, edy for serious people’, Mon 28 Jan - Stoke-on-Trent Sat 2 Feb, The Rose Theatre, Kidder- Birmingham HOPPERS Birmingham-based Gritty minster CARPENTERS GOLD Thurs 31 Jan, The Theatre present a football-themed play, Tues 29 - Wed 30 Jan, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ROAD BOA Year 13 Acting Students present an amateur staging of Jim Cartwright’s play, Tues 29 - Wed 30 Jan, The Old Rep, Birmingham DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL Mark Williams, Vicky Entwistle & Brian Capron star in a new staging of Leslie Bricusse’s acclaimed family musical, Tues 29 Jan - Sat 9 Feb, Wolver- hampton Grand Theatre Film HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR Face2Face Performance Academy presents its NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: version of the much-loved musical, Released from Fri 25 Jan, showing at Wed 30 - Thurs 31 Jan, Theatre Sev- selected cinemas ern, Shrewsbury A DOG'S WAY HOME (tbc) ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS Fast-paced DESTROYER (15) farce - an English adaptation of Ser- SECOND ACT (12a) vant Of Two Masters, Wed 30 Jan - Fame The Musical - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Sat 2 Feb, Lichfield Garrick VICE (15)
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