JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IN THEIN MIDLANDS JAMES BLUNT JAMES TRAIL EASTER MIRANDA her with road the Show on Live Call, I What My, Moon Landings in Wolves in Landings Moon inside... interview Museum RAF at 12 APRIL 2014 APRIL ISSUE 340 340 ISSUE 2 42 92 92 42 2 grandtheatre.co.uk 0190 sOn WED 23 - SUN 27 APRIL 27 SUN - 23 WED ’ & BLACK COUNTRY BLACK & Box Office Box BOOK ONLINE AT ONLINE BOOK .co.uk

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April 2014

Editor: Davina Evans INSIDE: [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: Sir Antony Sher Brian O’Faolain [email protected] playing Falstaff for the RSC 01743 281701 interview p6 Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Sales & Marketing: Jon Cartwright [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Happy Days Managing Director: new musical in Paul Oliver [email protected] the Midlands p29 01743 281711 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry James Blunt brings Moon Landings to Wolverhampton - interview page 12 [email protected] 01743 281717 Website Development: Jim Pallett TO GET THE VERY Mitch Benn Contributors: p4 on why he’s the 37th Beatle Graham Bostock: Theatre LATEST LISTING News James Cameron-Wilson: interview p8 Film; Anita Champaneri: INFORMATION, Eating Out; Music p15 Alev Dervish: Music VISIT: Eva Easthope, Kate whatsonlive.co.uk Evans, Jessica Aston, Comedy p26 Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, INCLUDING Jan Watts, Reggie White BOOKING ONLINE Theatre p29 Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, The Midlands’ most Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE comprehensive p44 Tel: 01743 281777 entertainment website Dance e-mail: [email protected] Follow us on... Film/DVD p55 This publication is Visual Arts p63 printed on paper from a sustainable source and is April 2014 produced without the use Black Country p67 of elemental chlorine. @whatsonwolves Events MTWTFSS We endorse the recycling Shropshire 1234 5 6 of our magazine and @whatsonshrops p81 would encourage you to Eating Out 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 pass it on to others to Staffordshire read when you have @whatsonstaffs 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 finished with it. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 What’sOn 28 29 30 All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless MAGAZINE GROUP otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. News April region two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 12:19 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Peace and reconciliation at Shrewsbury Folk Festival To commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the start of World War One, this year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival will fea- ture a touring marquee called the Peace Tent. The marquee seats up to two hundred- and-fifty people, and will be located in a tran- quil area of the festival site near to the banks of the River Severn. The tent is a touring venue in which ‘peace and reconciliation’ are celebrated through music, dance, drama, poetry and film. The 2014 folk festival is headlined by Bellowhead, Lau, Seth Lakeman, The Full English and BBC Folk Singer of the Year Bella Hardy. Commenting on the new venue, festival director Alan Surtees said: “I’m really pleased that we’ll be able to host the Peace Tent at the festival, particularly as the centenary of the start of the Great War is this year. It will be a great addition to the other four music stages.” The festival, which runs from 22 to 25 August, also offers a dedicated dance tent, dozens of workshops, a children's festival, a youth programme for eleven-to-twenty-year- olds, onsite camping, a craft fair and a food village. Tickets can be booked through Royal Shakespeare Theatre Live on DVD www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk or direct at www.gigantic.com/shrewsburyfolkfestival The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that it’s joined forces with the Opus Arte label to release some of its filmed Live From Stratford-upon-Avon productions on DVD. Last year’s hugely successful version of Richard II, starring David Tennant in the title role, will be Bella Hardy the first in the series to be released by Opus. Directed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran, the production was broadcast live (on 13 November 2013) to over one hundred cine- mas around the UK, as well as to North America, Australia, Japan and northern Europe. The filmed performance of the production will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray and iTunes from Tuesday 6 May. DVD extras include an interview with David Tennant and commentary from Gregory Doran...

Midlands Winnie the Pooh As You Like It in Ludlow Laureate announced Two familiar television faces will be taking starring roles in the Ludlow Shakespeare A Sutton Coldfield woman has been crowned and Arts Festival’s summertime production Disney Winnie the Pooh Laureate of the of As You Like It, which is being presented in Midlands. Sally Jenkins won the title after Library shortlisted for association with Stafford Gatehouse Theatre. entering Disney UK’s national competition. Only Fools And Horses favourite John national award - again! Aspiring Laureates were asked to share origi- Challis, who played droll yuppie Boycie in nal stories, inspired by their local area, in Dudley Library has been shortlisted in the the long-running BBC One sitcom, will star which Winnie the Pooh and friends enjoyed an Bookseller Industry Awards’ Library of the as the melancholic Lord Jaques, while Eric adventure outside their usual confines of Year category for the second year in a row. Potts - familiar to Coronation Street viewers Hundred Acre Wood. The venue was shortlisted following news as eccentric baker Diggory Compton - will Responding to the challenge, Sally took AA that the borough’s residents are bucking the play the court fool, Touchstone. Although As Milne’s legendary characters on a unique jour- national trend by increasing to more than You Like It will be performed in the open air ney to , where they celebrated 1.1million the number of visits being made to at Ludlow Castle, all audience seating will be Christopher Robin’s birthday. local libraries. Last year, the library’s team covered. The Commenting on her win, Sally said: “I loved John Challis organised more than four thousand, five eleven-perform- taking Winnie the Pooh and friends on an hundred public events, attracting more than ance production adventure around Birmingham - I think they fifty-five thousand people. A panel featuring runs from 14 to 22 enjoyed it too! I really enjoy telling stories prominent figures June. For further inspired by my local area - there’s so much on from publishing, details of all the offer right on our doorstep, so it was hard journalism and liter- performances, as choosing which areas to actually write about. I ature will judge the well as informa- still can’t quite believe I’m a regional winner!” Library of the Year tion on how to Disney UK announced the results of its Pooh category, with the book, visit the fes- Laureate competition to coincide with the winner being tival website at launch of its Story Time With Pooh series, announced at an www.ludlowarts- which will see free, weekly storytelling ses- awards ceremony in festival.co.uk. next month. sions for children and parents taking place in Adele Parks Disney stores nationwide.

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News April region two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 12:19 Page 2

NIA date for Voice judge Kylie Minogue has announced that she’s to perform in Birmingham for the first time in nearly a decade, stopping off at the National Indoor Arena on 7 October as part of her new UK tour. Currently appearing as a judge on BBC One talent show The Voice, the one-time Neighbours star will hit the road in the autumn in support of new studio Kiss Me Once, which was released last month. Kylie last per- formed in Birmingham in 2005..

New Art winners revealed Five promising new West Midlands artists have each won £1,000 prize money and the chance to see their work exhibited in a pres- tigious Midlands gallery. A Turning Point West Midlands initiative, New Art West Midlands exhibits the work of twenty-four artists, all of whom have graduated from Julian Clary having a Ball in Wolverhampton one of the region’s undergraduate and post- graduate fine art degree courses in the past Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre has announced that the inimitable Julian Clary will play three years. The overall winner was Dandini in its pantomime version of Cinderella, which shows at the venue from 6 December Staffordshire University fine art graduate Ali 2014 to 18 January 2015. The comedian, presenter and novelist is no stranger to pantoland, Reed, who impressed the judges with her having previously played Dandini in Crawley in 2010, and is a regular festive performer with site-specific installation at Birmingham the show’s producers, Qdos Entertainment. Commenting on Julian’s involvement, Michael Museum & Art Gallery. Ali’s victory has Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomimes division, said: “It’s fitting earned her the chance to undertake a resi- that, for Cinderella, the most magical family pantomime of them all, we’ve been able to cast dency at A3 Project Space in , lead- Julian Clary, the most glamorous of all pantomime stars, in our Wolverhampton show this ing to a solo exhibition in the future. The Christmas. Julian is a fine actor, a first-rate comedian, and is guaranteed to keep audiences other New Art West Midlands 2014 winners laughing right up to the final curtain call.” were Lucy Hutchinson (Coventry University), Morna Lockie-Anrig (BCU), Sikander Pervez (Staffordshire University) and Anna Smith IN BRIEF Iron Trail within World Heritage Site (Wolverhampton University). They win a res- A brand new Iron Trail has been launched by the Severn Gorge idency at the , Celebrations at Countryside Trust (SGCT) as part of an initiative aimed at further Airspace at Stoke-on-Trent, the New Art the Hippodrome enhancing Ironbridge Gorge’s existing reputation as a major Gallery Walsall and mac birmingham world tourism destination. The new three-and-a-half-mile trail is respectively. is cele- the result of a collaboration between SGCT and a number of part- brating after being fea- ners, including the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and Telford & tured in the Sunday Wrekin Council. The trail takes in breathtaking views from ’ 2014 list of the Rotunda on Lincoln Hill towards the Iron Bridge. It then leads One Hundred Best down a series of steps back into the town. SGCT has also devel- Not-for-Profit oped a new website to accompany the trail. The site features two Organisations To Work new videos which allow visitors to ‘walk’ the trail from the comfort For. The theatre was of their own armchair, as well as to download a range of material positioned seventy- and find out about Ironbridge’s numerous volunteering pro- sixth out of a total of grammes. For copies of the new trails, send an SAE to the SGCT nearly nine hundred office at Darby Road, Coalbrookdale, TF8 7EP. Aternatively, the organisations entered trails are free to download from www.severngorge.org.uk for the prestigious list- Aardman Animation studio ing. One of the UK’s Performer brings Billie to open at Thinktank largest presenting ven- ues, the Hippodrome Holiday to her home turf... Visitors to one of Birmingham’s top attrac- employs one hundred- A former Birmingham School of Speech tions will be able to try their hand at becom- and-eleven permanent and Drama student is to bring her criti- ing a real-life director when a new animation staff. Of those employ- cally acclaimed tribute to one of the studio opens on 12 April. A joint project with ees who were sur- world’s most celebrated artists to the Bristol-based animation wizards Aardman veyed, eighty-four per- Midlands next month. Nina Kristofferson Animations, the Animate It! Studio at cent felt proud to work grew up in Birmingham and attended Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, at the Hippodrome. Smethwick High School for girls before forms part of the popular Kids City area, Staff thought highly of pursuing a career in performance art. where children under seven are encouraged their managers too, Her self-penned one-woman show to learn through roleplay with their friends with the majority feel- about the extraordinary but tragically and family. This latest addition allows visi- ing they could speak short life of Billie Holiday is about to tors to make short films in a human-sized honestly and openly take to the road following a sell-out sea- green screen studio. Once their film is com- with them. The the- son at London’s Charing Cross Theatre. Featuring some of Billie’s plete, they can broadcast their creation on a atre’s positive environ- greatest songs, including Strange Fruit, God Bless The Child, All screen within the gallery. Running alongside mental management Of Me and Don’t Explain, The Billie Holiday Story shows at the new studio attraction will be a number of also enjoyed extremely Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre on 8 May. Find our more hands-on play stations and Shaun the positive feedback. Sheep-inspired activities. about Nina and the show at www.whatsonlive.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Antony Sher interview region two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 12:15 Page 1

I thought acting was all about “ disguise. I now believe it’s about revelation.” Sir Antony Sher sinking his teeth into Falstaff for the RSC...

Although turned down by RADA when he arrived in the UK from in 1968, Sir Antony Sher is without doubt one of Britain’s finest actors. His iconic portrayal of Richard III in 1984 won him a Laurence Olivier Award, and in 2000 he was honoured with a KBE for his services to theatre. With a plethora of critically acclaimed stage and TV roles - and a fair few literary offerings - under his belt, Sir Antony this month returns to Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre to play Falstaff in Henry IV Parts II and II, both of which are directed by his partner and RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran. You once said that you like ‘a bit of So what drew you to Henry IV? Was it the Physically, he has to be very overweight disturbance to get stuck into’ when playing role that you’re playing, or was the primary because there are a lot of references to his a part. Will Falstaff satisfy this need? appeal something about the plays girth, and it’s just a great piece of character There’s just the enormous challenge of themselves? writing by Shakespeare. Some people regard playing one of Shakespeare’s great roles. You Both, really. They’re just wonderful plays which it as his greatest creation. The writing is very don’t need more disturbance than that, really. together form this epic portrait of modern, in that he’s a kind of anti-hero who There’s a huge extra responsibility and extra from the King down. You see all stratas of breaks all the rules. He’s the Lord of Mis-rule, challenge that comes with this really famous society, and it’s a wonderful, loving and really, and that’s just fantastic to play because part. There’s enough there to keep every fibre melancholy picture of, as I , the whole he’s outrageous. The famous example is in of your being concentrated. country. Falstaff is truly, literally, a great role. the middle of the Battle of Shrewsbury, which 6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Antony Sher interview region two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 12:15 Page 2

interview...

is the highlight of Part One, when the stakes Judi Dench is a fine example of that. Even in a way in which most TV and film scripts are are very high. There’s a rebellion in the land, though a role like Falstaff will require an awful unable to deliver. I’m very greedy for the and his forces are having to fight the rebel lot of apparent disguise - my body will be richness that Shakespeare offers, and I think forces, so there’s an awful lot at stake. Falstaff different, my voice will be different, my face will that stage plays - not just Shakespeare - are comes on and has a speech about honour be different - it’ll only work if my heart and soul probably richer experiences for the actor than and how honour is a worthless, pointless is in the play. So I suppose that’s where my TV roles. thing, and it’s completely outrageous in the attitude about acting has changed. middle of a battle where people are fighting for You mentioned in the past that you consider their lives. So things like that make it very rich And has your criteria for accepting roles yourself to be an outsider in the UK. Is that material. changed with your advancing years? still the case, or is it something you’ve I decided early on as an actor - in theatre, as come to terms with? Alongside a character’s ‘level of it’s different in television - that I wanted to be a It’s sewn into my DNA. Being Jewish and gay, disturbance’, what decides you to say yes leading actor, so that’s the way I’ve led my certainly in the South Africa that I was growing to playing a particular role? career. And then, as I worked more and more up in, neither of those things was liked very You read it and try to imagine it as a new for the Royal Shakespeare Company, I realised much. Being gay was completely outlawed, script, rather than something that you know there was a very honourable tradition in acting and I certainly grew up thinking I was from and the world knows. As an actor, you know of playing Shakespeare’s great roles. Mars in terms of that. The racism in the old instantly whether it rings bells for you or not. Shakespeare, very conveniently, wrote many South Africa wasn’t only against Blacks, it was I’ve always regarded myself as a character great roles for different stages of one’s life, and also a pretty anti-semitic country, so I grew up actor, and I’ve always regarded acting as so that’s sort of what I’ve done. Falstaff is just with those feelings. But of course, that’s not something where I travel away from myself to the latest in a series of great Shakespearean the situation in my life now. I’m completely become all these different characters. Falstaff roles for me. accepted for what I am, but you don’t ever is just the character actor’s dream, because completely lose those childhood feelings. there’s just so much rich material there. He’s Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, They’re part of what makes you. obviously a man of some breeding and is which have you connected with the most on indeed a knight - he’s Sir John Falstaff - but a personal level? You’re touring with Henry IV after it’s he’s choosing to live his life in a totally They tend to be either Jewish parts, gay parts, finished in Stratford. Does touring a disreputable way. He’s a thief and a or even South African parts, all of which are production have any impact on you as a highwayman - and yet, in the next moment, aspects of my identity. Whenever one of those performer? when the war is on, he’s given a company of parts comes along, I sort of have a special feel I quite like it. Each town or city you go to, you soldiers to command. There are so many for it - like when I played the Drag Queen in find that the character of the audience wonderful, different things to play. Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, or the changes slightly. It’s a fact that people who live one-man play I did about Holocaust survivor in different parts of the country react differently, Once you’ve agreed to play a part, how do Primo Levi. Shylock in Shakespeare or Athol and I find that rather invigorating. you set about generating your version of a Fughard’s Hello And Goodbye are all roles well-known character? How do you connect with which I’ve felt I have a special affinity. You touched on your relationship with initially? Is it emotionally, physically, Gregory. You’re reported as saying that, psychologically...? As well as being an actor, you’re also a when he became RSC Artistic Director, you It’s all those things. You just start feeling renowned artist and writer. With which of were worried you wouldn’t see as much of around for what seems right for him. those disciplines do you feel most at home, him. Is that all panning out okay? Physically, as with Falstaff, you’ve got to devise and does one inform the other two? So far - touch wood! - it’s working out very - with the designer and director - a way that As an artist, I most enjoy portraiture. And, of well. That’s partly because we absolutely make he’s going to be very fat, and for that to be course, that’s exactly what acting is. You’re sure that we get time together and that we realistic. Vocally, you find that, as you’re doing a form of portraiture. What I love about take holidays. And now, of course, we’re working on it, there’s a certain way of talking the three is that if I get fed up with one, I can working together again. Prior to Henry IV, we that reflects both his breeding and the way that do the others. Working in any of the creative hadn’t worked together for about ten years, so overweight people tend to have a kind of arts can be frustrating at times, and I’ve it’s a real treat to be together all the time at the quality to their voice. Emotionally, you just go certainly had periods where I’ve thought, ‘Oh, moment. on a rollercoaster ride, because he’s at times I’m fed up with this acting lark, so I’ll write now, very humorous and warm and at other times or paint’. Then you get fed up with painting The plays are being screened live to he’s very angry. There’s also a melancholic and think, ‘I’ll do a bit of acting now’. It’s also cinemas. Do you think this relatively new side to him, where he fears growing old and is very useful, because I’m a workaholic. With initiative has any downsides, or can it only in fear of death. There’s just tons and tons of acting, once you’ve got a show on, you’re only be a good thing? stuff to get your teeth into. working for two or three hours in the evening. I I think it’s fantastic, the amount of people it need much more than that to keep myself can reach. I appeared in a live screening at the What drew you to acting, and is it still the going, so I’ll often be writing or painting in the National Theatre, and I remember feeling reason you act today? days when I’ve got a show in the evening. terribly moved that particular evening as I went Initially I was drawn to acting because I was a into my dressing room. As I started getting very shy kid and sort of out of place in my Is it true that you paint a picture of yourself ready, I became aware that my family in South society, which was South Africa in the 1950s in character at the end of each run? Africa were travelling to a local cinema, as was and ’60s. Certainly the white society that I was Yes, I do a sort of version. It will be more about Greg’s sister in Colorado. All over the world born into was a very sports-mad society, and I how I felt in the role rather than an exact and all over the UK, people were going to the was this short, weedy little kid who wasn’t at all physical image of me. cinema to see a live screening of a show that I good at sport. I took refuge first in art - was about to go on stage and appear in. painting and drawing, always thinking I would Is that a cathartic process, a closure on go to art school - but it was just making me another segment of your career? Finally, have there been any roles which more and more withdrawn, so my parents sent I suppose so. I love looking back at the you’ve later regretted turning down? me to what was called elocution, but was, in different characters, and the fact that I’ve Yes, there have been. Only one occasion in fact, acting classes. I just found an enormous captured them on canvas is a nice thing for the theatre and only one occasion in film relief in becoming other people and not having me to have. where I’ve made that mistake, but I’ve also to be this sort of inadequate person who made a lot of very good choices... wasn’t good at sport. That was the initial First and foremost you’re a theatre actor. instinct. What attracts you to performing on stage We’re with you there, Antony... Is it still the same today? This might sound a rather than appearing on screen? little contradictory but in the beginning I loved It’s very rare to get a film or TV script that is as disguising myself completely. I thought acting rich as a Shakespeare play. With the latter, Henry IV Parts I & II play at Royal was all about disguise. I now believe it’s about you’ve simply got the best. The language is Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon revelation. The kind of acting I like to see best fantastic, and his insight into human behaviour until Sat 6 September is where the actor shows you his or her soul. is remarkable. You just get served a rich meal Read the full interview online at www.whatsonlive.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Mitch Benn interview_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:46 Page 1

I’ve often thought that “ offensive humour is a bit of an oddity. In my mind, if something’s offensive, then it’s not funny.”

Mitch Benn on how he ended up as the 37th Beatle...

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Mitch Benn interview_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:46 Page 2

interview...

A regular contributor to BBC Radio Four’s and BBC Radio Two’s It’s Been A Bad Week, Mitch Benn is one of the UK’s most accomplished writers and performers of comic songs. The recipient of numerous awards, Mitch recently had his first novel published and is currently touring the country with his new show, the intriguingly titled Mitch Benn Is The 37th Beatle. What’s On caught up with him ahead of his forthcoming Shrewsbury and Stafford dates...

How did Mitch Benn Is The 37th Beatle Are you attracting ardent Beatles fans or is Do you set yourself a time limit when come about? it mainly your established fanbase? composing? It’s an expansion of a show I did last year in I think there’s a fair bit of crossover, purely Not really. Sometimes I’m just up against a . I came up with the idea almost because it’s The Beatles we’re talking about. deadline because the deadline is there. When exactly a year ago, when a guy called Tony What would be interesting is if people were I’m working for the Now Show, everything has Sheridan died. Sheridan was a British rock- coming along who’re fans of mine but weren’t an inherent time frame. It doesn’t matter if I and-roll singer who was living in Hamburg at into the Beatles. I think we’ve had a few of choose to impose it on myself or not. With the same time as the Beatles in the early ’60s. those, and from my point of view it’s quite nice most of what I do, it’s quite unusual for me to Sheridan’s group actually put a record out to bang the drum for them. write something just because I feel like it. Most while in Germany, and the Beatles were of the time I’m doing it because I’ve been dragged in to be the backing band. It was the Was there a defining moment when you engaged to. An exception to this was the Pride first proper record that they were on. When realised you were funny? Of The BBC song, which took off a few years Sheridan died, a lot of obituaries began with I don’t really know. Before I did stand-up I’d ago. I literally wrote that out of nothing. I was ‘sometimes referred to as the fifth Beatle’, and been doing student and ‘youth’ things, so fed up with all the flack the BBC was getting I thought, “hang on, how many people have I when I first started doing this, I incorporated from the rest of the media, and I had the heard referred to as ‘the fifth Beatle’? Quite a bits I’d written for that. It wasn’t quite ‘wing and impression that a lot of the public were a bit lot - and they can’t all be the fifth. Arithmetic a prayer’, and the music has been in my tired of it as well. If people have a legitimate alone dictates that they can’t be”. So following material from Day One. I thought, ‘if you’re problem with the BBC, then that’s one thing - that rationale, I reckoned I was probably about going to do this, it’s got to be all arms to the but what people have to understand is that twenty-ninth, so I added them all up and I pumps. Anything you’ve got in your armoury, most of the trash spoken about the BBC from came in at thirty-seventh. I’ve been dragging there’s no shame in using it’. I know a lot of the rest of the media is nothing other than the show around for a couple of months now, comedians who’re very good musicians in commercial sabotage. One of the problems for and it’s probably got the best response of their spare time, and who’ve never the BBC is that because it’s essentially - if not anything I’ve ever done. incorporated it into their material. I have a technically - publicly funded, it never really certain amount of admiration for that. In my speaks up for itself. It never fights its own Are the songs you sing set to Beatles riffs? case, though, it honestly never occurred to me corner, so I thought maybe I’d do it. That I only do one Beatles song in the show. There not to use it. It gave me a little niche, and it’s project took a long time. Lyrically, it was are a bunch of songs, some which I’ve written down to that more than anything else. unbelievably tricky; there were about three for this and some which I wrote a couple of hundred TV and radio shows, and I had to get years ago that I’ve dug up. One thing I don’t You produce an awful lot of material. What’s them to rhyme. But what took the real time do is write songs to other people’s tunes - the starting point when writing new songs? wasn’t writing it, it was learning it. I normally mainly because it’s a bit cheap and obvious, The joke. What’s the gag? Or, if you’re trying to get my lyrics down quite quickly, but that took but also because you end up with material you make a point, what’s the point? me a long time to learn. don’t own. You can’t put it out on records and you can’t use it on TV. A lot of musical comics Do you ever get to where it’s not Do you have a favourite place to perform? use other people’s material within a cabaret going as you’d like and you have to cast it I love doing Glastonbury. Last year I was on at setting, and I don’t think anyone really objects aside? the same time as the Stones, and I’m amazed to that, but you’re very restricted in terms of There have been a couple of things. Funnily anybody turned up to see me. I remember any additional exploitation. For this new show, enough, it’s the more-involved projects that’ve thinking, ‘the pressure’s on, because these I’ve got a bunch of songs, some of which ended up going by the wayside. It all gets a bit people in this tent have chosen to come and sound like a Beatles song you’ve never heard complicated, and you get to the stage where see me over seeing !’. before, and a few based on a particular you can’t see the wood for the trees. Beatles song. One of the things I find with the Sometimes you just junk it and start all over In terms of your material, is there ever a show is that, if anything, people tend to again. I’m not doing it on this tour, because it subject matter that’s taboo? underrate the Beatles. People don’t really get doesn’t fit the format, but often, at the end of I wouldn’t say there’s an absolutely taboo how important they were in terms of their Part One of a show, I ask for ideas from the subject, but there are some things which are influence on pop culture. They were decades audience, write something during the interval just so hard to make funny, you’d probably ahead of their time in many respects, and I and perform it at the beginning of Part Two. just upset yourself and everyone else by illustrate this with a dance track called I’ve always come up with something. It might trying. You have to be realistic. I have the right Tomorrow Never Knows, which came out in not always be completely brilliant, but I’ve to crack jokes about everything. The question 1966. It was absolutely a dance track; not just never struck out. is, do I have the capacity to crack jokes about in the way it sounds - the Chemical Brothers everything? Am I that good that I can take the have been trying to reproduce it - but also That’s an awful lots of pressure you put most abhorrent subjects and make them because it was put together with loops and yourself under... funny? I’ve often thought that offensive samples. What I do is refer back to how they Pressure is what it’s all about. People often ask humour is a bit of an oddity. In my mind, if created this, and then I kind of reproduce it me where I get my ideas from, and I tell them something’s offensive, then it’s not funny. I’m myself - which is interesting, because it’s a there are two sources - debt and deadline. It’s also quite suspicious of self-consciously dark track which is impossible to replicate live. Not amazing what you can achieve when you humour. It seems to be dissipating a bit at the only do I do it live, I also do it acappella. literally have no option other than to achieve it. moment, but about ten years ago there was this obsession with being really bleak and dark How many songs are there in total? Is there a place and a time when you feel in stand-up; somehow it was the most manly All told, I think there are ten. Most of them are you’re at your most creative? thing to do. My problem with it is that I think it quite short, but one is incredibly long. I was Wherever I have to be. There’s a place I go to shifts the burden onto the audience. It makes it trying to think of the perfect way to end the write, which is a barn belonging to my wife’s their job to find you funny, rather than it being show and thought to myself, ‘how did the uncle in the Peak District. When I’ve got a your job to make them laugh. As a comedian, I Beatles end?’. Unusually, they knew when it book deadline, or maybe a couple of weeks believe it’s never the audience’s responsibility was all over. They actually had an ending, so I off, I go and hide out there. I also like to find you funny. thought maybe I could do something that vanishing into my own imagination, but I feel refers to that. And that’s what I’ve done. It’s quite guilty when I do that, as I think it’s time- Mitch Benn performs at Theatre Severn, probably one of the more ambitious things I’ve wasting and there’s something else that I Shrewsbury, Sat 12 April; Stafford Gatehouse ever done. should be doing and I’m not. Theatre, Fri 25 April

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The past and the PreSent ROLLED INTO ONE...

ShrewSbury welcomeS new muSeum and art gallery

A project five years in the making finally comes to fruition this month with the opening of the council-run Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery. The curtain goes up on the new venture on 1 April, with an impressive programme of events awaiting visitors. Housed within the town’s grade II Victorian Music Hall and one of the country’s rare thirteenth century mansions, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery will feature a broad range of artefacts alongside a rolling programme of contemporary art, commencing with Frank Cohen’s internationally acclaimed collection.

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THE BUILDING... Described as a rescue mission rather than a restoration project, the museum’s space spreads over two of Shrewsbury’s most impressive buildings, with the unusual architecture and rich history provided by the two said to be just as intriguing to visitors as the collections housed within. Vaughan’s Mansion, dating back to 1290, is the oldest part of the complex, and is one of the few examples of an urban stonehouse left in the country. Meanwhile, the Music Hall, built in 1840 and designed by Edward Haycock Snr, forms the main structure. Having once been used as the base for the town’s fire service, the latter is best known for being Shrewsbury’s main entertainment venue up until the opening of Theatre Severn in 2009. Over the years, a veritable who’s who of the entertainment world performed at the Music Hall, including The Beatles in 1963. WHAT LIES WITHIN... Undertaking a journey back in time, visitors are guided through an interactive experience. Key historical moments from the Early Prehistoric and Ice Ages and from Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Stuart times - as well as from the Industrial Revolution - are all “This is an exciting time for Shropshire included. Areas dedicated to River Life, Costume, Lost Country Houses, Ceramics and Collecting also feature. A section focusing Museums, as many years of hard on Shrewsbury’s most famous resident, naturalist and geologist work come to fruition. We look forward Charles Darwin, completes the static exhibits. to opening the doors of the new Family activities, holiday clubs, cultural museum to the public, and sharing trails and artefact handling all ensure this fantastic new facility for that Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery Shrewsbury and Shropshire with keeps the experience of learning at the visitors from around the world” centre of its work. Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council HIDDEN SECRETS... Peeling back the historic layers of the building, workers unearthed a host of secrets buried deep within its fabric. These included: • A makeshift box, hidden between the joists, containing the skeleton of a fish wrapped in paper. An inscription inside the box read: “Dear Friends, here lie the remains...” with the rest of the message obscured. • Two medieval doors were discovered in the courtyard of the house. Both were within their original frames. • The Mytton family coat of arms. • Nineteenth century police holding cells and a twentieth century nuclear bunker, with concrete walls one metre thick, were revealed during the early stages of the restoration. EXHIBITIONS... A rolling programme of contemporary art exhibitions from internationally renowned artists and curators is set to put Shrewsbury on the map, starting with the Frank Cohen exhibition, which shows at the venue until 30 June. Works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Charming Baker and Jake and Dinos Chapman - as well as pieces from rising stars championed by Cohen - have been chosen for the way they resonate with the museum’s Darwinian theme. The exhibition will be supported by a series of special installations from a group of artists and historians commissioned to curate areas of the collection and bring them to life with their new works. These include Shirley Chubb’s Charles Darwin’s Thinking Path; llana Halperin’s Intimate Geology - a display celebrating the beauty and significance of the geology collections; Neil Brownsword’s Unsung Heroes Of Ceramics - a film which records and celebrates the people and processes behind the pottery industry; and Jon Thomson and Alison Craighead’s The Now And The Hear - using live online material such as security webcams, audio feeds and chat room text transcripts to challenge people’s perceptions of time, and question their understanding of global events.

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I’m not an overly emotional person in “everyday life or in conversation. I suppose my songs are where I get all of that emotional crap out.”

James Blunt brings his Moon Landings tour to Wolverhampton...

James Blunt’s 2007 single You’re Beautiful, from his debut album Back To Bedlam, was an instant success, propelling the former army captain to overnight stardom. Three , three stints at Glastonbury and numerous tours later, James is back on the road with Moon Landings - his biggest and most expensive tour to date. What’s On recently caught up with him in Austria to find out what audiences can expect when the show stops off in Wolverhampton this month. Moon Landings sees you touring for the and France, and performing to over ten Will it be scaled down for best part of this year and into 2015. Quite thousand people a night. With the UK leg, Wolverhampton? an adventurous project, James... we didn’t know how the album would be No, we’ve got the lasers in the Civic and This is the biggest production that I’ve ever received, but it’s gone much better than we’re firing on all cylinders. It’s going to look taken on the road, and it looks pretty anyone anticipated. We’d already booked amazing! phenomenal. It’s certainly the most ourselves into smaller venues, but at the expensive tour I’ve ever done. As you say, same time we thought, “come on, we might Was it a conscious decision to take the it’s the Moon Landings Tour, so we’ve got as well put this same big show on and have tour into Europe before performing in the modules on the stage. The response to that some fun with it”. Even if it turns out to be a UK? so far has been great. The numbers here in totally unprofitable experience, at least it’s No, it was just the way it fell into place with Europe have been pretty amazing. I’m going to look great! the different venues. I’ve always wanted to playing in lots and lots of cities in Germany play at the Albert Hall, and June was the

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only date that was free, so we kind of built the heavy songs, but I’m not an overly emotional Your responses to criticism on Twitter tour around that. person in everyday life or in conversation. I have earned you quite a few column suppose my songs are where I get all of that inches. Do you always have the last So a dream come true, then... emotional crap out. laugh? Well, we’ll see when I play there. It might be a I’m just messing around. I don’t ever think nightmare. Did your time in the army inspire your I’m having the last laugh, as I’m only ever music? abusing myself. I’m only taking the piss out You’ve described Moon Landings as going Yeah - very much along the way, of course. of myself and laughing at the fact that we back to basics and discovering the power On this album, there’s a song called Blue On take Twitter so seriously. It’s weird that of music. Why has it taken until your fourth Blue - the military term for friendly fire, where people’s responses make the news. I album to strip things back? two soldiers in the same army shoot each wouldn’t be on Twitter if I didn’t do music. I think each album had its own little reason other by mistake. I suppose we do that in our What is Twitter? It’s people thinking their behind it. The first album was on a budget relationships. It’s always the ones we love the opinions should be heard. But the record and was just an innocent, naive album from a most that we end up hurting. labels want you to be on it, so I’m doing it guy on an Indie label recording with an Indie my own way and am really enjoying taking producer - Tom Rothrock, who worked with What did your army experience teach you the piss out of myself. For me, it’s kind of , Elliott Smith and Badly Drawn Boy. But about yourself? clear. We focus on the negative and take the it had You’re Beautiful on it, which stripped it I don’t know whether it taught me a lot about negative so personally. With Twitter, what of all its Indie roots and threw it into that dirty myself, but it did teach me a great deal about you’ve got to remember is that this bloke place called ‘the mainstream’. I was thrown other people. Our news channels always talk who’s writing something offensive on there into the public eye, and so my second album, about the fear of other people and the about a guy he’s never met is probably all All The Lost Souls, was a response to that. It differences between us, but I play all over the alone in his bedroom, in the shadows, with was a dark and not very happy-sounding world, and people - whether they’re black or his trousers around his ankles and writing a album. By the third album, I supposed I’d got white, male or female, straight or gay, Muslim, few words saying “I don’t like you very more comfortable with it, and I was writing Christian or Jewish - all seem to want the much”. We focus on that and think it’s a big songs to fill the arenas I was playing - you same thing; to be safe and secure, to find a deal that someone’s getting abuse on Twitter. don’t pick up an acoustic guitar to fill an connection with other people, and to love... What we fail to realise is that someone like arena, you pick up an electric guitar. I wrote me is playing a concert where ten thousand songs with the audience in mind, and was Was being a musician always on your people each night have bought a ticket. therefore writing words that I thought they radar? That’s ten thousand positive experiences. might like to hear. We had an amazing third Yes, definitely! I started playing the guitar at They’ve maybe bought an album and world tour. It was really great fun. But for this fourteen, and that’s when I wrote my first learned the words, they’ve maybe caught a fourth album, having done that and having song. I was playing the piano before that, but train, hired a car or maybe even taken a had great fun, I just wanted to do something I found classical training and playing through flight to turn up at my concert and have a for myself. So I wrote much more personal grades really boring - playing Mozart’s good time. All that the person who expresses songs, not ones with the audience in mind. Sonata in F sharp minor is not a great way to hatred on Twitter has done is write a few The songs said things that I needed to say, impress your mates! With the guitar, I could words on their smart phone. If you ever explaining how I felt inside - and as a play songs that I’d hear on the radio, and that turned the spotlight on them, or invited them musician rather than a pop star, I suppose. was much more fun. to come anywhere near the stage, chances The songs are very personal. And then, to are they’d run a mile. I find it very hard to record it, I needed to do it in the same Who’s inspired you most as a musician? take all this very seriously. It’s just one innocent, genuine way that I’d done Back To Probably Paul Simon. , perhaps, person’s opinion, but everybody’s entitled to Bedlam, without the audience in mind. There and Elton John, who runs my management have one... was only one person who could do that for firm. They look after me now, and Elton’s me, and that was the guy who was there been a real support over the years. before the audience was there - Tom Rothrock, the producer who made Back To Which gig has made the most impact on Bedlam. you? I’ve always said that Glastonbury is one of the Do you think you needed to go through most amazing places to play. I’ve performed that process to get to where you are now? there three times, twice on the main stage. I Exactly. I think it was all a natural reaction to never imagined in my wildest dreams that I’d things exploding in the way that they did. If ever play there. You’re Beautiful hadn’t gone mainstream, this album is probably what I would’ve recorded Your track Miss American is said to be as a second album. inspired by Whitney Houston. Is she someone you admired musically? So does Moon Landings represent you I wouldn’t say I was a fan, but what struck me best as an artist? was her story. A similar story to Amy I’m definitely very much at ease with how it Winehouse, Marilyn Monroe and, I suppose, sounds. I’m certainly not trying to be anyone Princess Diana in many ways. The story of else, or be influenced by anyone else. I think fragile people who are hunted down. The all of the other albums are still from the heart, song essentially is about the relationship but this one - because I’ve written it for myself between the singer and an audience. - is definitely very genuine, and I think that Although I wrote it with her in mind, it’s about comes across. the singer and their audience, and how they’re kind of invited in, and how they then Do you have a favourite song on the start to spectate and become part of that album? fragile performer’s downfall. Always Hate Me. It probably won’t ever be a single but it’s a really cool song. It sounds Musically, what’s your guilty pleasure? like a Spaghetti Western, with two cowboys I don’t think there’s such a thing as a guilty about to have a shoot-out. I’d be one of the pleasure. I think that means you’re influenced cowboys, and perhaps an ex-girlfriend would by other people on your musical choices, be the other. and then feel ashamed to listen to something and not admit it to your friends. It sounds as For most musicians, writing is a cathartic if you haven’t got freedom of thought. James Blunt plays Wolverhampton’s process. Is that the case with you? Everything I listen to is not by guilt but by my Civic Hall Fri 18 April Yeah. I suppose I write quite emotionally own choice.

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Matt Cardle The Place, Oakengates, Fri 25 April Like so many other winners of TV talent competi- tions, Matt Cardle has struggled to cash in on his fifteen minutes of fame. Singer- Cardle took the X Factor crown in 2010 and enjoyed three weeks at the top of the charts with his million-sell- ing winner’s single, When We Collide. Life’s been a bit quieter for the -born performer since then, however, although he’s proved popular enough to merit the release of three albums. His latest, Porcelain, came out in autumn 2013 and made a splash with the critics, many of whom feel it could be a real turning point in the singer’s ca- reer.

Jimi Goodwin Justin Timberlake LG Arena, Fri 11 - Sat 12 April The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 4 April Just confirmed to headline this year’s V Festival, Justin Timberlake is donning a suit and “I wanted to make this mad mixtape,” says Jimi tie to delight audiences across the globe on his 20/20 Experience World Tour. The multi- Goodwin of his recently released first solo album Grammy and Emmy award-winning Timberlake made a triumphant return to music in Odulek. “The kind you’d pass back and forth with 2013 with not one but two studio albums, and is a man of many talents. Known for his your mates; eclectic as fuck. That’s the way we’ve breakout movie roles in The Social Network and Friends With Benefits, he’s also co- all discovered music over the years, isn’t it? We owner of myspace, as well as a , restaurants, and clothing line William Rast. join our own dots to make it all make sense.” Shimmying across stages for nine UK shows, he plays two Birmingham dates. The lead singer, bassist and guitarist for Doves, Jimi’s appearing at The Sugarmill as part of a warm-up schedule for a forthcoming tour in sup- port of Elbow. Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Sun 6 April Nearly thirty years of producing high-quality material has seen the Manics claim their Tich place in the upper echelons of British rock. After hitting the big-time with a cover of Sui- The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Sat 12 April cide Is Painless in the early ’90s, they survived the disappearance of band member Richey James to go on and enjoy mega-success with , from the album Counting One Direction’s Harry and Louis as fans, Everything Must Go. They appear in Wolverhampton in support of their most recent Tich has a number of male celebrity fans - album, , and will also be previewing this year’s release, Futurology. including Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, who co-wrote Breathe In, Breathe Out, the single she’s releasing this month. Recently accompa- nying James Arthur on his debut UK tour, she’s also supported JLS, Olly Murs and Pixie Lott. A breath of fresh air, the twenty-year-old has admitted that she once asked Nick Jonas if he had any broth- ers, and that she cried throughout a Britney Spears concert.

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“This show is not to be missed” ##### THE EASY WAY TO Edinburgh Evening News “Unashamedly drumming BOOK as theatre... exhilarating” #### The Herald YOUR TICKETS “An invigorating, life-enriching experience. you’ll be poorer if you miss it.” ONLINE The Stage

Tuesday 13th May 2014, 7.30pm ELGAR CONCERT HALL Bramall Music Building at the Box Office: 0121 345 0492 whatsonlive.co.uk or online: www.thsh.co.uk £18 Full Price, £15 Concessions, £10 for under 18’s The most comprehensive what’s on listings website for Birmingham and the West Midlands

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Music PREVIEWS Elbow LG Arena, Birmingham, Sat 5 April British band Elbow have played together since 1990, picking up the 2008 Mercury Music Prize for their album The Seldom Seen Kid. In 2012, the group released First Steps, the BBC theme for the London Olympics. Originally called Mr Soft, their music em- braces various genres, including indie rock, art rock, new prog, post- and, most evidently, . The band have a busy spring/summer schedule, embarking on tours of both the UK and North America as well as playing multiple festival slots. Jimi Goodwin supports.

Lucy Ward Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Mon 21 April Hailing from Derby, Lucy Ward won the Horizon Award in 2012 and was nominated as this year’s BBC Radio Two Folk Singer Of The Year. Possessing a voice that’s been called ‘expres- sive and powerful’, she names Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading as her inspirations. A tal- ented songwriter, she recently picked up Best Original Song at the Spiral Earth Awards, and has been called one of the UK folk scene’s hottest performers. Here appearing with her new Ben Harper band, she showcases songs from second album Single Flame. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 29 April American singer-songwriter Ben is a three- time Grammy award-winner who’s garnered Status Quo Megson plenty of praise for his guitar-playing skills. CIvic Hall, Wolverhampton, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 27 April Thurs 3 & Thurs 10 April Stopping off in Birmingham as part of his first Since releasing first album On The Side in ever acoustic headline tour, he’ll be playing Iconic rockers Status Quo hold the record for 2004, husband-and-wife team Stu and Deb- his trademark Weissenborn guitar and pre- both the most appearances on Top Of The bie Hanna have gone on to develop an envi- senting a blend of southern gospel, ’70s Pops and the greatest number of UK chart able reputation on the English folk music funk, blues, reggae and rock-and-roll. Often recordings. They’ve also sold around one circuit. The duo have been hailed as both singing songs that are either politicised or hundred-and-twenty million records world- fresh and innovative (a description which is about the pain of heartbreak, Harper has built wide - not a bad achievement for a group of hardly surprising, given that Debbie is classi- up a significant fanbase in Europe, and was lads who were still at school when they de- cally trained and Stu’s a former punk!) and once described by Rolling Stone magazine cided to hook up and form a band. specialise in self-composed melodies which as a man who played slide guitar ‘with Originally called The Scorpions when they bring together intimate harmony singing and flashes of Hendrixian fire’. Praise indeed. came together in 1962 (then The Spectres, multi-instrumental acoustic playing. The pair then Traffic Jam), Quo hit the big-time with have released numerous albums since On 1967’s Pictures Of Matchstick Men, and The Side, with their latest studio offering, In A they’ve been banging out the hits ever since. Box, set for release in May. The Wildhearts Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Tues 8 April The Wildhearts’ mix of hard rock and pop has put them in a category all of their own. Living a rock-and-roll lifestyle, the band’s been through numerous line-up changes, with Gin- ger being the only remaining founding mem- ber. Having reformed in 2012 for a one-off appearance, they’re now back with new album Albion, a special eight-date UK tour, Gary Barlow and Scott Sorry on bass following a four-year LG Arena, Birmingham, Tues 8 & Sat 19 April break. Support comes from The Von Hertzen Gary Barlow is a man who needs no intro- Brothers and Hey! Hello! Buzzcocks duction - but let’s pretend that he does. The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 10 April Highly acclaimed singer-songwriter, pianist, Forming, along with the Sex Pistols and the and X Factor judge, Barlow Clash, the original holy trinity of British punk, shot to fame in the 1990s as the frontman Buzzcocks are genuine, twenty-four carat and lead vocalist of Take That. The group punk rock royalty, with superstar groups such split in 1996, reforming in 2005 and brilliantly as REM, Nirvana and Green Day all having re-establishing themselves as a major player been happy to acknowledge the influence on the global music scene. In the nine years which the Bolton-originated band had on between split and reformation, Barlow went their music. Influential in terms of both the in- from the highs of being heralded as the next dependent record movement and the Man- George Michael to the lows of a poorly re- chester music scene, the band were once ceived second album. The Take That star was hailed ‘the Beatles of punk’, their sound appointed OBE in 2012 for services to the being described as a fusion of pop crafts- music industry and charity. manship and rapid-fire punk energy.

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LICHFIELD GUILDHALL APRIL Sun 6th Apr, 8pm Fay Hield and the Hur- ricane Party

Tickets: £14.00

Fri 18th Apr, 8pm The Lucy Ward Band Tickets: £16.00

Sat 26th Apr, 8pm King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys

Tickets: £16.00

MAY

Sat 3rd May, 8pm Fred Zeppelin Tickets: £10.00

JULY

Fri 11th to Sun 13th July BEACON PARK, LICHFIELD

FREE ENTRY The festival attracts many thousands of people to watch professional artists, participate in arts and crafts activities and to take part in performance opportunities. Fuse aims to provide access to the Arts for everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Featuring this years winners of BATTLE OF THE BANDS and BATTLE ACOUSTICA

For a programme or further information contact: Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU BOX OFFICE 01543 262223 www.lichfieldarts.org.uk You can now book on-line www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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THE VIBE O2 Academy, GIG REVIEWS LISTINGS Birmingham Music Music DEVILDRIVER Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE DRIFTERS Prince Of For full listing information on gigs, Centre, Cannock including times and dates, WALK OFF THE EARTH visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk The Institute, B’ham One Republic KICK BACK THE 80S The O2 Academy, Birmingham Edge Arts Centre, Much It’s been a few years since I last saw OneRepublic perform. On that Wenlock, Shropshire TUE 1 APR Arts Centre, Walsall THE BONNEVILLES The occasion they were supporting at the NIA. THERAPY? Wulfrun Hall, Assembly, Leamington Back then, I remember thinking they had something special to offer - LET IT BE Regent The- Wolverhampton Spa so much so, in fact, that I left the venue thinking their performance atre, Stoke-on-Trent TAKE TWO Irish Centre, DARKSIDE - THE PINK was actually as good as Coldplay’s. BOY GEORGE The Insti- Birmingham FLOYD SHOW Ludlow As- This time, they packed Birmingham’s O2 Academy, and were wel- tute, Birmingham BARON GREENBACK, VIC- sembly Rooms, Shrop- CHRIS NORMAN & HIS TORIAN WHOREDOGS & shire comed back to the city in style. The popular American band now have BAND The Robin, Bil- LORD MISERY Scruffy KHIYO Symphony Hall, three albums under their belt. Most of the set came from Native, their ston Murphy’s, Birmingham Birmingham 2013 album, but also included quite a few tracks from 2009’s Waking SOUL DEVOTION The MORGAN HERITAGE The SOLEY MOURNING The Up and 2007’s . They kicked off with Light It Up, Jam House, B’ham Institute, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- and the crowd immediately joined in. In fact, they joined in with each MARMOZETS The Insti- HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- hampton tute, Birmingham LIN Theatre On The THE LITTLE DEATHS & and every song, on occasion singing louder than himself. Steps, Bridgnorth PROLE POSITION The Ac- This was followed by Secrets, All The Right Moves and What You WED 2 APR LIVEWIRE The Place, tress & Bishop, Birm- Wanted. literally had everyone in the place joining in. Oakengates, Telford ingham LET IT BE Regent The- THE PEATBOG FAIRIES THE PEATBOG FAERIES Apologise, their worldwide number one hit, prompted even the bar atre, Stoke-on-Trent staff to sing along - it’s no wonder it made the top spot in no fewer Ludlow Assembly Huntingdon Hall, THE ONCE The Red Lion Rooms, Shropshire Worcester than sixteen countries. The band then performed stripped-down Folk Club, Birmingham PAUL LAMB & THE KING CANTERBURY The Insti- acoustic versions of Preacher and Come Home. While they did so, the SUSAN BOYLE Sym- SNAKES Artrix, Broms- tute, Birmingham back-screen displayed pictures of Birmingham landmarks and the phony Hall, B’ham grove ULTRA 90’S The River MCIT WOODWIND CON- MATRIX CLUB MATRIX Rooms, Stourbridge queue getting into the 02 - a nice dedication to the city. CERT School There’s no doubt that frontman Ryan Tedder has a phenomenal vocal The Jam House, Birm- LET THERE B/D.C Lop- EMMA STEVENS The ingham pington Village Hall, range, but he’s also a talented musician and songwriter, having Robin, Bilston THE GUNS N’ ROSES EX- Shropshire worked with Beyonce, Adele and Leona Lewis, to name but a few. SPACE LADY & TWO DOGS PERIENCE The River THE DELTA RHYTHM, Credit must also go to the other band members, with a special men- Hare & Hounds, B’ham Rooms, Stourbridge LUNA KISS MIDNIGHT THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS BRYAN GEE The Butter- CONVOY & PRIMER The tion for guitarist Zach Filkins - who stole the show with a stunning Kitchen Garden Cafe, Spanish guitar solo - and on cello. market, Shrewsbury Flapper, Birmingham Birmingham THE MAGIC OF THE BEAT- GREG WILSON Hare & OneRepublic took to the stage at 9pm and finished at 10.30, by which SIMONE FELICE Hare & LES Huntingdon Hall, Hounds, Birmingham time I was wondering where the previous ninety minutes had gone. Hounds, Birmingham Worcester HIGHGRADE The Insti- They left us with a three-song encore, with culminating ARTHUR DOHERTY BAND SNOWBLIND Route 44, tute, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse in an impressive display of strobe lighting and a shower of confetti. Birmingham SLYDE ALIVE The Marr’s EMILY SMITH Foxlowe JIMI GOODWIN The Sug- A great end to a great night. Sarah Oliver IIIII Bar, Worcester Arts Centre, Leek armill, Stoke-on-Trent MS DYANAMITE Kasbah, EMBLEM3 O2 Academy, Coventry THU 3 APR Birmingham THE WILD FLOWERS BEYOND SEVENSIGNS Metronomy LET IT BE Regent The- Newhampton Arts Cen- The Institute, Birmingham atre, Stoke-on-Trent The Asylum, B’ham tre, Wolverhampton DUKE, KARMA CORNER & PRONG The Slade On a Friday that saw Franz Ferdinand and Drake play the city, Metron- THE BLACK FOX Rooms, W’hampton The Ac- SUN 6 APR omy took to the stage at the historic Institute. STATUS QUO Civic Hall, tress & Bishop, B’ham BLUES BROTHERS & SOUL Against a backdrop of white fluffy clouds - in keeping with their new Wolverhampton MANIC STREET PREACH- SISTERS TRIBUTE NIGHT album’s artwork - and dressed in their Love Letters video uniform of BLONDIED The Robin, ERS Civic Hall, Wolver- The Great Barr Hotel, maroon blazer and white trousers, the fourpiece played the concert on Bilston hampton THE ELO EXPERIENCE The Birmingham OLIVER WAKEMAN & neon-lit instruments. KARMA CORNER Place, Oakengates The GORDON GILTRAP’S Launching into neo-gothic Monstrous, Month Of Sundays and title 12 GAUGE, STONE BRO- Flapper, Birmingham RAVEN’S AND LULLABIES JOHNNY KOWALSKI & THE track Love Letters, they then shocked the crowd mid-gig by throwing KEN & MALLEN The The Robin, Bilston SEXY WEIRDOS in epic single The Look, followed by She Wants. It was here that the Roadhouse, B’ham Hare & BLACKBEARD’S TEA TRAVELS AND FOLKLORE Hounds, Birmingaham PARTY The Edge Arts concert took a turn, with instrumental piece Boy Racer and the slow- SANGRE DE MUERDAGO, Birmingham Conserva- Centre, Much Wenlock, paced Call Me leaving the crowd lifeless. CRYWANK & PERKIE toire Ort Shropshire Thankfully, blast from the past Holiday revived us with its Duran Duran BLACKBEARD’S TEA Cafe, Birmingham WOODEN HORSE Kitchen FRED ZEPPELIN riffs, and all was definitely forgiven by the time they played Everything PARTY Hare & Hounds, The Garden Cafe, Birming- Goes My Way and up-tempo new single I’m Aquarius. Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham ham ROBERT GLASPER EXPER- STEVE AJAO BLUES GI- BLUEBIRD, COLLEGE, THE They flitted between albums for the duration of the set, with some ANTS IMENT The Institute, Symphony Hall, BLUE PERIOD & GUER- tracks from Love Letters being well received (The Upsetter, Reservoir), Birmingham RILLA MONSOON Scruffy while others left us speechless. Birmingham 1EYE The Jam House, Murphy’s, Birmingham Here lies the problem. Certain tracks from Love Letters are single-wor- Birmingham SAT 5 APR FAY HIELD AND THE HUR- thy and catchy, but perhaps not so lyrically and musically strong as BIG DEAL Hare & RICANE PARTY Lichfield The English Riviera. In a conscious move away from that album, Love Hounds, Birmingham LET IT BE Regent The- Guildhall, Staffordshire atre, Stoke-on-Trent Letters is, quite frankly, boring in places, reminiscent of music from an ELLIOTT SHARPE’S FO- NORTHERN SOUL & THAT’LL BE THE DAY TAMLA MOTOWN NIGHT ’80s pinball machine and taking a theme it’s difficult to keep up with. LIAGE Birmingham Con- servatoire Stafford Gatehouse The River Rooms, Here’s to the next album. HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- Stourbridge Alev Dervish III FRI 4 APR LIN Theatre On The PANKAJ UDHAS The New Steps, Bridgnorth Bingley Hall, B’ham LET IT BE Regent The- MATRIX CLUB MATRIX WORDS OF CONCRETE atre, Stoke-on-Trent The Jam House, Birm- The Flapper, B’ham Disclosure THE BLOCKHEADS The ingham BENJAMIN CLEMENTINE The Institute, Birmingham Robin, Bilston O’HOOLEY AND TIDOW The Glee Club, B’ham THE BEAT The Assembly, Birchmeadow, Brose- JAMES WALSH OF STAR- Following a successful 2013, brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence - Leamington Spa ley, Shropshire SAILOR Hare & Hounds, aka Disclosure - promised their Birmingham O2 Academy audience THAT’LL BE THE DAY THE MANFREDS Artrix, Birmingham their ‘biggest and best show yet’. And they certainly didn’t disappoint. Stafford Gatehouse Bromsgrove TOSELAND The Assemb Performing hits songs F For You and White Noise, the latter of which CLOUDBUSTING - A TRIB- ELBOW LG Arena, ly, Leamington Spa recently won an NME award for Best Track, the Surrey siblings UTE TO KATE BUSH Hare Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham SWIM WITH SHARKS Irish MON 7 APR brought everything they could muster to the show. A combination of THE FORTUNES Tam- Centre, Birmingham mesmerising visuals and incredible live music, the night was best de- worth Assembly THE SMITHS LTD The HARLESTORM O2 Acad- scribed by one single word - electric! Abigail Whitehouse IIII Rooms, Staffordshire Roadhouse, B’ham emy, Birmingham A PROMS FOR ST DIRTY DC The Robin, Bil- SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR GEORGE’S DAY Forest ston The Institute, B’ham

For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Music April Region Two _Layout 1 24/03/2014 16:10 Page 7

Saturday 31st May Victoria Hall Stoke-on- Trent Tel: 0844 871 7649 For full details on all shows visit www.ratpack.biz

20 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music April Region Two _Layout 1 24/03/2014 13:59 Page 8

The Assembly, Leam- CURVED AIR The Robin, Anttix - The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury LISTINGS ington Spa Bilston Music TYRANNOSAURUS NEBU- WINDHAND The Asylum, LOUS The Flapper, Birm- Birmingham ingham PATTI RUSSO O2 Acad- For full listing information on gigs, MASSIVE HEAD TRAUMA emy, Birmingham including times and dates, The Marr’s Bar, Worces- GILMORE & ROBERTS visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ter Kitchen Garden Cafe, THE BONFIRE RADICALS Birmingham Ort Cafe, Birmingham THE SPIRIT & SOUND OF RIVERSIDE The Robin, house, Birmingham A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT STEELY DAN NEARLY DAN THE STRUTS The River Biston OUT Palace Theatre, Hare & Hounds, Birm- VELVET UNDERARM Rooms, Stourbridge Cres- Redditch ingham THE FUREYS & DAVEY cent Theatre, B’ham SHIELD PATTERNS The PAT JORDAN & FINIANS ALY BAIN & PHIL CUN- ARTHUR Theatre Severn, Tin Music And Arts, RAINBOW Irish Centre, NINGHAM Shrewsbury New Vic The- Coventry Birmingham QUILL atre, Newcastle under Theatre Severn, BEAT GOES BANG Hare & BLACK ART, WEATHERED Lyme Shrewsbury Hounds, Birmingham HANDS, SOMEONE SAID MIDNIGHT SESSION RITA HOSKING Henry The FIRE & OUR MOTHER Jam House, B’ham Tudor House, Shrews- SAT 12 APR SUNS The Flapper, Birm- FEAST OF FIDDLES Hunt- bury ingham THE DUNNETT/BAXTER BIG ingdon Hall, Worcester JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE LG MUSED The Roadhouse, BAND TOM BROSSEAU The Tin The Yardbird Jazz Arena, Birmingham Birmingham Club, Birmingham Music And Arts, Coven- MR BEN The Jam House, PAUL THOMAS SAUNDERS try Birmingham MON 14 APR Hare & Hounds, B’ham THE NIGHTINGALES The CELTIC FLAMES Artrix, Slade Rooms, Wolver- Bromsgrove DEAF HAVANA Wulfrun TUE 8 APR hampton THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- Hall, Wolverhampton PENETRATION The Insti- ENCE O2 Academy, GAZPACHO The Assem- GARY BARLOW LG Arena, tute, Birmingham Birmingham bly, Leamington Spa Birmingham THE CORRESPONDENTS BON GIOVI The Robin, DAVID ROVICS Kitchen BOYCE AVENUE The Insti- The Institute, B’ham Bilston Garden Cafe, B’ham tute, Birmingham WHITE COAST REBELS FLARES PARTY BAND TAKE OFFENSE, EISBERG, THE WILDHEARTS Wul- Scruffy Murphy’s, Birm- Route 44, Birmingham WORLD EATER, COLD frun Hall, Wolverhamp- ingham THE TRAPS Hare & STARE & RESTRAINT The SWARB Theatre Severn, Hounds, Birmingham ton UPSCALE CLOTHES SHOW Hounds, Birmingham Flapper, Birmingham Shrewsbury THE SCREAMIN’ ABDABZ LITTLE CAESAR The The Assembly, Leam- MATT CARDLE O2 Acad- VEXXEN O2 Academy, Route 44, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- ington Spa emy, Birmingham TUE 15 APR Birmingham CHARLES DEXTER WARD hampton GRIEVES Hare & ABBA MANIA Theatre MANCHESTER ORCHES- RED SHOES Symphony & THE IMAGINEERS, RES- Hounds, Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury FOREIGNER Civic Hall, TRA The Glee Club, Hall, Birmingham URRECTION MEN & LIP- THE FEW COLLECTIVE MITCH BENN IS THE 37TH Wolverhampton Birmingham KING PLEASURE & THE SHOCK The Tin Music Midlands Arts Centre, BEATLE Theatre Severn, GETAWAY CLUB The SKY LARKIN & ACE BUSHY BISCUIT BOYS The Jam And Arts, Coventry Birmingham Shrewsbury Robin, Bilston STRIPTEASE Hare & House, Birmingham NECK DEEP Kasbah, STAR OF THE SEA Irish DIANE CLUCK The Tin Hounds, Birmingham JESSICA HOOP The Glee Coventry FRI 11 APR Centre, Birmingham Music And Arts, Coven- GABRIELLA JONES The Club, Birmingham DETECTIVE, SWEET LILLY, PHIL HARTNOLL (OR- try Jam House, B’ham JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE LG THE HEELS, TEMPTING THE HIGHS, THE SECOND BITAL) DJ SET Hare & THESE KINGS, LYRE, LUMI- ANTTIX The Buttermar- Arena, Birmingham ROSIE & JAMTIDY Hare & CITY & PHYLO O2 Acad- Hounds, Birmingham NANCE & KILLR PUNX The ket, Shrewsbury THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Hounds, Birmingham emy, Birmingham ROY G HEMMINGS MO- Actress & Bishop, Birm- SCOTT MATTHEWS Hare Malvern Theatres, YOUR HEAD, THATCHER’S KIRVANA The Flapper, TOWN AND PHILADELPHIA ingham & Hounds, Birmingham Worcester LOVE CHILD & PUMA XIII Birmingham ON TOUR The Place, PAUL SAWTRELL PIANO NEGURA BUNGET The THE HURLING BOYS DUO The Roadhouse, Birm- Oakengates The Jam House, B’ham Robin, Bilston Irish Centre, B’ham ingham SAT 19 APR SIMON AND GARFUNKEL - CHRIS YOUNG SEXTET JOHN LOWRIE QUARTET MR BEN The Jam House, BANTORIOUS DAN, THROUGH THE YEARS The The Spotted Dog, Birm- UB40 The Institute, Birm- The Spotted Dog, Birm- Birmingham CHAUCER & MR KLUGGS Norbury Theatre, ingham ingham ingham PARADISE CIRCUS, Scruffy Murphy’s, Birm- Droitwich MADDY PRIOR WITH T.REXTASY The Robin, PROSPECT & HOLY ingham ATLAS The Actress & GILES LEWIN AND HAN- Bilston CASPER Hare & Hounds, JAWS The Sugarmill, WED 9 APR Bishop, Birmingham NAH JAMES Midlands GARY BARLOW LG Arena, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent COMPLETE MADNESS Arts Centre, B’ham Birmingham MOKOOMBA Midlands HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT THE SOUL SHAKEDOWN Evesham Arts Centre, RAGLANS Hare & THE TOY HEARTS Hare & Arts Centre, B’ham The Assembly, Leam- FUNK & SOUL SHOW Worcester Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham AMARANTHE The Slade ington Spa Newhampton Arts Cen- ONE STOP BOOGIE The RODDIE WOOMBLE THE U2 EXPERIENCE The Rooms, Wolverhampton THE MOVE The Road- tre, Wolverhampton River Rooms, Stour- Kitchen Garden Cafe, Actress & Bishop, Birm- VIN GARBUTT The Red house, Birmingham bridge Birmingham ingham Lion Folk Club, B’ham MARTHA REEVES & THE THE FORTUNES - PAST & FRI 18 APR BEN REEL & ERIC ANDER- HUE AND CRY The Robin, VANDELLAS The Robin, PRESENT Huntingdon SEN Artrix, Bromsgrove Bilston Bilston WED 16 APR THAT’LL BE THE DAY CARAVAN Huntingdon Hall, Worcester THE ULTIMATE BOYBANDS ONLY THE GOOD The Asy- WITHIN TEMPTATION O2 Wolverhampton Grand Hall, Worcester 1977 The Roadhouse, SHOW The River Rooms, lum, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Theatre THREE MANOEUVRE Birmingham Stourbridge CODE 46 The Actress & GOSPEL CENTRAL The JAMES BLUNT Civic Hall, FUNKY ORGAN TRIO The THE GET ALONGS The SUNSHINE FRISBEE Bishop, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham Wolverhampton Yardbird Jazz Club, Sugarmill, Stoke-on- LAZERBEAM, SUNSET CIN- THE SOLID SILVER 60S BRIDIE JACKSON & THE QUEEN - FLASH The Birmingham Trent EMA CLUB, ELEPHANTINE, SHOW Birmingham ARBOUR Artrix, Broms- Robin, Bilston TOSELAND The Sug- JACK WALLEN Ort Cafe, HAPPYNESS & MIDNIGHT Town Hall grove STOMP & HOLLER Artrix, armill, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham BONFIRES Hare & NOVANA O2 Academy, JULIE FELIX The Red Bromsgrove LOOP Hare & Hounds, GENO WASHINGTON Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Lion Folk Club, B’ham AC/DC TRIBUTE - HELLS Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- RAISE ON STAGE The THE MERSEY BEATLES BEN REEL & ERIC ANDER- BELLS The Roadhouse, ditch Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham Theatre Severn, COLD OCEAN LIES & SEN Hare & Hounds, BREAKING SATELLITES THU 10 APR Shrewsbury UB40 The Institute, Birm- OCEANIA Sunflower Birmingham The Sugarmill, Stoke- GERRY ACROSS THE ingham JOHNNY MATHIS LG Lounge, Birmingham THE HIGH KINGS The on-Trent MERSEY THE SUMMER SET O2 Arena, Birmingham Prince Of Wales TICH The Buttermarket, Robin, Bilston THE HANDSOME BEASTS Centre, Cannock Academy, Birmingham STATUS QUO Civic Hall, Shrewsbury EAGLES BORN VULTURES Route 44, Birmingham THE ROAD TO BLISS- LUCY WARD Lichfield Wolverhampton LOST ALONE & SCREAM & ASH IS A ROBOT The THE FAUNS The Sun- FIELDS - HEAT The Sug- Garrick, Staffordshire GEORGE MONTAGUE Ar- BLUE MURDER Kasbah, Flapper, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham armill, Stoke-on-Trent URBAN INTRO The Jam trix, Bromsgrove Coventry ALL OUR YESTERDAYS FIGHT THE DICE O2 ARCANE ROOTS The Palace Theatre, Red- House, Birmingham THE LAST CARNIVAL O2 THE ATROCITY, EXHIBIT, 0WEN TROMANS The Academy, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- VICIOUS BASTARD, FES- ditch SECOND CITY FIRE & THE hampton Marr’s Bar, Worcester SUSAN BOYLE Regent TUS CHRIST, GETS APOLLO The River EMISSARIES The Flap- ONLY ONE DIRECTION BEE GEES FEVER The Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent WORSE, WRONGDOING & Rooms, Stourbridge per, Birmingham Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- River Rooms, Stour- MEMPHIS MAY FIRE O2 DEATH TRIPPER Scruffy JAWS The Institute, hampton bridge Academy, Birmingham Murphy’s, Birmingham Birmingham KAIDEKA & OBEY Scruffy THU 17 APR PAT BRESLIN Irish Cen- BUZZCOCKS The Robin, STEVE FORBERT The As- Murphy’s, Birmingham tre, Birmingham Bilston SUN 13 APR THE CRAZY WORLD OF sembly, Leamington SKABUCKS The River FRAMED The Actress & CURB & SWERVE Sun- ARTHUR BROWN The Spa Rooms, Stourbridge Bishop, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham PAUL CARRACK Theatre Robin, Bilston SKEWWHIFF The Marr’s WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN HANSU-TORI Ikon THE DEAD BETAS, UGLY Severn, Shrewsbury LET’S HANG ON Birming- Bar, Worcester Lichfield Garrick, Gallery, Birmingham LOVE, PUNK OF AGES & CELTIC FLAMES Crewe ham Town Hall SYMPHONY STATES The Staffordshire THE EX, RATTLE, HEALTH OH CAPTIVE The Road- Lyceum AN AUDIENCE WITH Tin Music And Arts, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS & EFFICIENCY Hare & For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Music April Region Two _Layout 1 24/03/2014 13:59 Page 9

BRAIN YEATES ASSOCIATES PROUDLY PRESENTS... Stand Up & Rock

# # # FEATURING # # # JASPER CARROTT THE BEV BEVAN BAND TREVOR BURTON GEOFF TURTON JOY STRACHAN-BRAIN

SEPTEMBER 2014

Tue 16th Sept - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton - 01902 429212 Fri 19th & Sat 20th Sept - Concordia Theatre, Hinckley - 01455 615005 Tue 23rd - Fri 26th Sept - Arts Complex, Solihull - 0121 704 6962 OCTOBER 2014

Thurs 16th Oct - Town Hall, Dudley - 01384 812812 Fri 17th Oct - Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury - 01684 295074 Tues 21st Oct - Town Hall, Birmingham - 0121 345 0600 Thurs 23rd - Sat 25th Oct - Palace Theatre, Redditch - 01527 65203 Sun 26th Oct - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury - 01743 281281 Thurs 30th & Fri 31st Oct - Town Hall, Sutton Coldfield - 0121 464 8990 NOVEMBER 2014

Sat 1st Nov Civic Theatre, Bedworth 02476 376707 Tues 11th - Sat 15th Nov Garrick Theatre, Lichfield 01543 412121 Mon 17th Nov Playhouse, Nottingham 01159 419419 ...truly a night to remember.

www.brianyeates.co.uk

22 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music April Region Two _Layout 1 24/03/2014 13:59 Page 10

Rooms, Wolverhampton IMOGEN’S KISS The Ac- DAVID CAMPBELL & LISTINGS MOTOWN LEGENDS PARTY tress & Bishop, Birming- SUN 27 APR CHRIS CLEVERLEY Music WITH SOUL LEGEND Nail- ham Kitchen Garden Cafe, cote Hall, Berkswell KING PLEASURE & THE THE ABBEY ROAD EXPERI- Birmingham ENCE The Robin, Bilston For full listing information on gigs, JANE MCDONALD Victoria BISCUIT BOYS Lichfield Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Guildhall, Staffordshire MEGSON Theatre Sev- TUE 29 APR including times and dates, THE ROVING CROWS Ar- GUNS OR ROSES & SUB- ern, Shrewsbury visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk trix, Bromsgrove HUMAN RACE The Marr’s PATSY REID & FRIENDS BEN HARPER Symphony MATT CARDLE The Place, Bar, Worcester The Hive, Shrewsbury Hall, Birmingham NORMA JEAN O2 Acad- CLUTCH O2 Academy, Coventry Birmingham Oakengates SAILSBURY CONCERT emy, Birmingham Birmingham FARRA O2 Academy, NERIJA & THE JAZZLINES BAND Ludlow Assembly EDDI READER Hunting- Birmingham ENSEMBLE Symphony Rooms, Shropshire WED 23 APR Warwick Arts Centre, don Hall, Worcester HOTWIRED Irish Centre, Hall, Birmingham THE FULL SHA BANG Irish THE STEVE GIBBONS BAND Centre, Birmingham Coventry TOBY BOALCH SEXTET Birmingham PENTATONIX The Insti- The Spotted Dog, Birm- 10 YEARS OF THE RAIN- Ludlow Brewery, Shrop- THE GREAT AMERICAN tute, Birmingham ingham BOW VENUES The Rain- VENDENBERG’S MOONK- shire SONGBOOK Evesham HANDS LIKE HOUSES The Arts Centre, Worcester CHILDHOOD & DUMB bow Venues, B’ham INGS The Robin, Bilston Hare & Hounds, Birm- URBAN TRIO The Jam THE CROOKES Hare & Asylum, Birmingham QUEEN-FLASH The River MANIFEST The Drum, Rooms, Stourbridge ingham House, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham 3 BOXES Kitchen Garden COVES Hare & Hounds, Birmingham NURVRAX JAM The Yard- P!NK MISS UNDERSTOOD bird Jazz Club, Birming- Cafe, Birmingham SUN 20 APR Birmingham RAE MORRIS The Insti- IAN PARKER The Jam The River Rooms, ham Rufus Wainwright tute, Birmingham MARTYR DE MONA Wul- House, Birmingham Stourbridge BRODY DALLE O2 Acad- frun Hall, Wolverhamp- JOHN KIRKPATRICK Hunt- INTO THE SHADOWS The- emy, Birmingham ton atre On The Steps, ROGUE AMBITION The ELI PAPERBOY REED O2 WED 30 APR ingdon Hall, Worcester Academy, Birmingham DEFINITELY MIGHT BE KVELERTAK The Slade Bridgnorth Flapper, Birmingham ADORED The Robin, Bil- THE ELO EXPERIENCE The TEK ONE & TYLER MAE STEPHEN SMYTH Irish SAUL ROSE & JAMES DE- Rooms, Wolverhampton Centre, Birmingham LARRE The Red Lion ston THE LORDS OF THYME Swan Theatre, Worces- Kasbah, Coventry ZIP, MR.G, ADAM SHELTON ter THE FUREYS & DAVEY BIRDS OF CHICAGO Folk Club, Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kitchen Garden Cafe, BOB LOG III Hare & & SUBB-AN The Rainbow Birmingham A PROMISE TO FORGET, ARTHUR Palace Theatre, Venues, Birmingham KEEP THE CHANGE, RED Redditch Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham ANGIE STONE The Drum, METHOD, WAIT FOR THE DIZZY LIZZY The Road- LEWIS J SMITH & JOE O’- THE MOULETTES The Birmingham THU 24 APR FALL & NEVER BEEN LESS house, Birmingham DONNELL’S SHKAYLA Robin, Bilston LIMEHOUSE LIZZY O2 Academy, Birming- WARPED ACOUSTIC BASE- Warwick Arts Centre, ROLL OUT THE BARREL The DEL CAMINO The Jam ham MENT TOUR Coventry Prince Of Wales Centre, River Rooms, Stour- House, Birmingham The Slade DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBI- Cannock bridge LARRY MILLER The Rooms, Wolverhampton TUSSK, BEYOND THE OUS PIP Warwick Arts GLASSBULLET, SALVA- MON 28 APR SUPERSTARS OF SOUL Robin, Bilston ECLIPSE Centre, Coventry TION, FERAL SUN, BLACK The Jam House, Birm- Scruffy Mur- ALKALINE TRIO The Insti- THE DINOSAUR CLUB TONGUE MESSIAH & PATENT PENDING & PEO- ingham phy’s, Birmingham tute, Birmingham SOUL II SOUL Route 44, Birmingham SIGNS OF FIRE PLE ON VACATION O2 MUTINEERS & MISTER- Hare & SONS OF KEMET Hare & O2 Acad- WINSTON’S BIG BROTHER Academy, Birmingham NOTHING The Actress & Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham mey, Birmingham The Flapper, Birming- NEIL FINN Symphony Bishop, Birmingham FROSTEASE The Road- THE COUNTERFEIT BIG TENT AND THE GYPSY ham LANTERN Hall, Birmingham BLITZ KIDS The Sug- house, Birmingham STONES Theatre Severn, Ort Cafe, Birm- LEGENDS OF THE DARK WILDFLOWERS Hare & SIX TOWNS RADIO FM armill, Stoke-on-Trent Shrewsbury ingham Hounds, Birmingham FUNDRAISER The Sug- THE SWAPS Kitchen Gar- BLACK The Institute, JACE EVERETT & DAN ASH & LUCAS The Insti- RUFUS The Institute, armill, Stoke-on-Trent den Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham STUART Hare & Hounds, tute, Birmingham IRENE & TOM Birmingham BETRAYAL WITHIN THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE MARZY’S JAMMING NIGHT Irish Cen- Birmingham SUGGS: MY LIFE STORY RANKS KILLERS O2 Academy, The Marr’s Bar, Worces- tre, Birmingham OMG LIVE! LG Arena, The Sugarmill, ARBOR LIGHTS, POLAR Malvern Theatres, Birmingham ter Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent WHITE, KARHIDE & A Worcester LET’S HANG ON Bed- WEREWOLF! WHO’S NEXT The Marr’s The Flap- worth Civic Hall, War- Bar, Worcester per, Birmingham wickshire DAN HARTLAND Ort Cafe, Music Venues Box Office SEX WOLF Scruffy Mur- Birmingham MON 21 APR phy’s, Birmingham RADIO CLASH The Road- THE CROOKES The Sug- THE YARDBIRD house, Birmingham Birmingham Staffordshire AN EVENING WITH KENNY armill, Stoke-on-Trent 0121 212 2524 G Symphony Hall, Birm- 80’S TRIBUTE NIGHT The 02 ACADEMY FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK BLOOD RED SHOES O2 0121 622 8250 01538 386112 ingham Great Barr Hotel, Birm- Academy, Birmingham THE ACTRESS & BISHOP Black Country LUCY WARD Henry Tudor ingham LICHFIELD GUILDHALL DA VINCI The Road- 0121 236 7426 CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 01543 262223 House, Birmingham PARADES The Tin Music 0870 320 7000 house, Birmingham ADRIAN BOULT HALL SICK PUPPIES O2 Acad- And Arts, Coventry THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY SUGGS: MY LIFE STORY 0121 331 5901 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL STOKE-ON-TRENT THE SCRIBERS The Ac- 01384 815577 emy, Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- THE ASYLUM 01159 454 593 tress & Bishop, Birming- FOREST ARTS CENTRE ditch 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS ham 0845 111 2898 TUE 22 APR NICKLEBACK UK The THE BARBER INSTITUTE 01827 709618 0121 414 7333 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE River Rooms, Stour- 01902 572090 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY MATT CARDLE Warwick bridge SAT 26 APR 0870 060 6649 Arts Centre, Coventry 0121 780 3333 ROBIN 2, BILSTON SEAHAVEN WITH NAI HER- 01902 401211 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE UNCLE ACID & THE DEAD- VESTM BATTLELINES & UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE CBSO CENTRE 01785 254653 BEATS O2 Academy, The Jam House, Birm- 0121 780 3333 SLADE ROOMS JADED The Flapper, WOLVERHAMPTON Birmingham Birmingham ingham FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 0870 320 7000 Warwickshire INTO THE SHADOWS The- OF MICE & MEN The Insti- THE GLEE CLUB STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON tute, Birmingham FRI 25 APR atre On The Steps, 0871 472 0400 01384 812812 01926 311311 THE TEMPERANCE MOVE- Bridgnorth HARE & HOUNDS WULFRUN HALL, THE KASBAH, COVENTRY GO ON PUNK, MAKE MY MENT Wulfrun Hall, UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE 0121 444 2081 WOLVERHAMPTON 024 7655 4473 DAY The Assembly, 0870 320 7000 Wolverhampton The Jam House, B’ham THE INSTITUTE NAILCOTE HALL, Leamington Spa 0121 643 0428 THE TAYLOR SWIFT EXPE- GORDON ELVIS The BERKSWELL KYLE EASTWOOD BAND Shropshire RIENCE The River Robin, Bilston IRISH CENTRE 02476 46 6174 Arena Theatre, Wolvher- 0121 622 2314 Rooms, Stourbridge CORTINA NIGHTS The As- BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY STRATFORD CIVIC HALL hampton 01952 882210 DAN LE SAC VS sembly, Leamington THE JAM HOUSE 01789 207100 GODSKITCHEN The Rain- 0121 200 3030 THE BUTTERMARKET, SCROOBIUS PIP The Spa THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, bow Venues, Birming- THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE SHREWSBURY Slade Rooms, Wolver- THAT’LL BE THE DAY COVENTRY ham 0121 443 4725 01743 355055 0247 655 9958 hampton Royal Spa Centre, LED BIB Warwick Arts LG ARENA THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, FRANCESCA EGAN War- Leamington Spa Centre, Coventry 0844 338 8000 MUCH WENLOCK Worcestershire wick Arts Centre, FROM THE JAM The But- 01952 728911 CHRISTOPHER HOGWOOD NIA ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Coventry termarket HENRY TUDOR HOUSE The Lion Hotel, Shrews- 0844 338 8000 01527 577330 SOUL ACOUSTIC The ALFA9, HEATHERS AND SHREWSBURY bury THE RAINBOW HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN Glee Club, Birmingham HOROWITZ Gladstone 01743 361666 KICK UP THE 80’S The 0121 772 8174 THEATRE 01905 611427 CAPITAL GROOVE The Pottery Museum, Uttox- THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY Robin, Bilston RED LION FOLK CLUB MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER Jam House, B’ham eter 01743 234970 THE SOLID SILVER 60’S 0121472 4253 01905 613336 MATTHEW AND THE ATLAS FRAN THE MAN Irish Cen- LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS SHOW Victoria Hall, THE ROADHOUSE 01584 878141 THE RIVER ROOMS, Hare & Hounds, B’ham tre, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent 0121 459 5660 STOURBRIDGE POP FACTOR Bedworth THE SMYTHS O2 Acad- THEATRE SEVERN, THE BIG CHRIS BARBER ROUTE 44 SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 01384 397177 Civic Hall, Nuneaton emy, Birmingham 0121 708 0108 TOM DUNNETT QUINTET BAND Royal Spa Centre, THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, MAGNUM The Assembly, SYMPHONY HALL Leamington Spa TELFORD 01952 382382 For additional information The Spotted Dog, Birm- Leamington Spa 0121 780 3333 ingham THE BEE GEES STORY WEM TOWN HALL and to find out What’s On IAN PROWSE AND AMS- THE VICTORIA Theatre Severn, 01939 232299 at these venues. THE SWEET LOWDOWN TERDAM The Slade 0121 633 9439 Kitchen Garden Cafe, Shrewsbury Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Classical April Region Two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:44 Page 1

PREVIEWS András Schiff Classical Music Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 12 April Hungarian-born pianist András Schiff is one of the world’s most prolific classical performers. Although held in high regard for his keyboard interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann, it’s perhaps his performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music for which he’s most admired. Indeed, Schiff often says that Bach stands ‘at the core of his music- making’. This much-anticipated concert - part of Bach: A Beautiful Mind 2014 - sees the celebrated pianist return to the Mid- lands to perform The Goldberg Variations, felt by many to be the German compos- er’s ‘crowning glory for the keyboard’. First published in 1741, the compositions are considered to be one of the most important examples of variation form.

Carducci String Quartet The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sun 6 April Comprising Matthew Denton and Michelle Fleming (violins), Eoin Schmidt-Martin (viola) and Emma Denton (cello), the Carducci String Quartet is highly celebrated for its contemporary repertoire. Returning to Shrewsbury as part of Shropshire Music’s 2013/14 season, the quartet present Turning-point Paris, an exploration of the music of four composers - Mozart, Turina, Piazzolla and Ravel - all of whom were changed by their experiences in the French capital.

London Philharmonic BCMG: Words And Music Orchestra CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sun 27 April Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 29 April Emerging from within the City of Birming- ham Symphony Orchestra in 1987, Birm- Founded by Sir Thomas Beecham in 1932 and ingham Contemporary Music Group widely regarded as one of the UK’s most (BCMG) remains true to its original core adventurous and forward-thinking orchestras, commitment - producing ambitious com- the London Philharmonic has been the resi- missions, innovative collaborations and a dent orchestra at Southbank Centre’s Royal vibrant learning programme. Since its Festival Hall for the last twenty-two years. inception, the company has premiered Having attracted some of the biggest names in over one hundred-and-fifty new works, and the conducting world - Sir Adrian Boult, continues to receive much critical acclaim. Bernard Haitink and Sir Georg Solti included - This three-part concert of experimental the orchestra currently falls under the direction English Chamber Orchestra works is kicked off by Howard Skempton’s of Principal Conductor Vladimir Jurowski, Only The Sound Remains. A thirty-five- who’ll be holding the baton for this Stoke-on- With Julian Lloyd Webber minute piece for viola and ensemble, it Trent concert. The programme comprises St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 April takes its title from the first line of Edward Mozart’s Symphony No.32, Rodrigo’s Concier- With more than eight hundred-and-fifty- Thomas’ poem, The Mill Water. This is fol- to de Aranjuez and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony seven recordings of over one thousand, lowed by Shiori Usui’s Deep, a work No.6 (Pathetique). Yugoslavian guitarist Miloš five hundred works by more than four hun- inspired by the BBC’s Blue Planet series, Karadaglić also contributes. dred composers under its belt, it’s easy to which promises to ‘transport’ audiences to see why the English Chamber Orchestra Photo credit; Richiard Cannon the bottom of the ocean. (ECO) is thought to be the world’s most Completing the programme is Samuel recorded chamber orchestra. Having per- Beckett/Morton Feld- formed in more countries than any other man’s Words And orchestra, the ECO this month stops off in Music. Deliberating the picturesque Shropshire town of on the comparative Shrewsbury, where it’ll be joined by cele- power of these two brated cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. Elgar’s modes of expres- Sospiri, Vaughan Williams’ Prelude From sion, it’s a piece Charterhouse Suite and Walton’s Touch which was described Her Sweet Lips And Part all feature in a by as programme of works by both well-known ‘totally involving’. and not-so-well-known English composers.

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ANDRAS SCHIFF PLAYS Stent, Massed Male Symphony Hall, B’ham PLAYERS Programme LISTINGS THE GOLDBERG VARIA- Voice Choirs and Spal AN EVENING WITH includes works by Piaz- Classical TIONS Sat 12 Apr, Birm- Automotive's Sovereign CHRISTOPHER HOGWOOD zolla & Copland, Sun ingham Town Hall Brass, Sat 19 Apr, Sym- Sat 26 Apr, The Lion 27 Apr, Adrian Boult For full listing information on classical THE BRITISH POLICE phony Hall, B’ham Hotel, Shrewsbury- Hall, Birmingham concerts, including times and dates, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WHEN YESTERDAY WE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Programme includes MET... Pianist and pre- SONGS FROM THE SHOWS CERT WITH THOMAS Elgar’s Enigma Varia- senter Dominic Harlan Sat 26 Apr, Midlands TROTTER Programme HARRIET CARR Pro- Programme includes tions, Sat 12 Apr, Lich- is joined by two singers Arts Centre, B’ham includes works by JS gramme includes works works by Haydn & field Garrick for an original concert SALISBURY CONCERT Bach, Susato, Whitlock, by Schubert, Hindemith Kodaly, Sat 5 Apr, Bra- THE BRODSKY QUARTET featuring music by BAND Sat 26 Apr, Lud- Judith Weir & Vierne, & Vieuxtemps, Tues 1 mall Music Building, Programme includes Schubert, Rachmani- low Assembly Rooms, Mon 28 Apr, Birming- Apr, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham works by Mozart, nov, Brahms and Ives, South Shropshire ham Town Hall Birmingham VAN BAERLE TRIO Pro- Fugue, Schubert & Sat 19 Apr, Bramall GALA EVENING OF OPER- LONDON PHILHARMONIC PAULINE OLIVEROS A gramme includes works Zemlinsky, Sat 12 Apr, Music Building, B’ham ATIC EXTRACTS Sun 27 ORCHESTRA Tues 29 Apr, solo accordion perform- by Mendelssohn & Ludlow Assembly MANCHESTER CAMERATA: Apr, Maidment Hall, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- ance featuring special Brahms, Sun 6 Apr, Rooms, Shropshire CARMEN REWORKED Fea- Shrewsbury Trent guests, Tues 1 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall SHREWSBURY CHORAL turing Gabor Takac's- AN AFTERNOON WITH Birmingham Conserva- CARDUCCI STRING QUAR- SOCIETY: THE FRENCH Nagy (conductor) & BIRMINGHAM CLASSICAL toire. TET Sun 6 Apr, The Lion CONNECTION Featuring Christian Ihle Hadland DECIBEL PERFORMS Hotel, Shrewsbury William Hayward (con- (piano). Programme PHILIP GLASS A rare per- SINGTASTIC Sun 6 Apr, ductor) & Alison King- includes works by formance of Philip Symphony Hall, Birm- shott (soloist). Pro- Grieg, Mozart & Classical Box Office Glass’ ground-breaking ingham gramme comprises Shchedrin, Fri 25 Apr, early minimal composi- HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA Gabriel Faure's Pavane, Stafford Gatehouse ADRIAN BOULT HALL, B’HAM CBSO CENTRE, tions, Tue 1 Apr, Ikon Programme includes Ave Verum's Requiem & Theatre 0121 331 5901 BIRMINGHAM Gallery, Birmingham works by Grieg & Cantique de Jean SCHUBERT OCTET Featur- ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 0121 780 3333 SUSAN BOYLE Wed 2 Beethoven, Sun 6 Apr, Racine, Sat 12 Apr, St ing Joanna Patton (clar- 01527 577330 HUNTINGDON HALL, Apr, Symphony Hall, Cornbow Hall, Hale- Chad’s Church, inet), Elspeth Dutch BARBER INSTITUTE, WORCESTER Birmingham sowen Shrewsbury (horn), Gretha Tuls BIRMINGHAM 01905 611 427 THREE WIND BAND CON- RAPHAEL WALLFISCH: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL (bassoon), Byron 0121 414 7333 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS, CERT Wed 2 Apr, Guy THE ROMANTIC CELLIST CHORUS - ELGAR & THE Parish & Jane Wright LEAMINGTON SPA APOSTLES Ben Lamb (violins), Catherine BIRMINGHAM Nelson Hall, Warwick Performed by Orchestra 01926 742700 ELYSIAN QUARTET AND of the Swan. Featuring conducts a perform- Bower (viola), Kate Set- CONSERVATOIRE NUNTEMPA present the David Curtis (conduc- ance of Edgar Elgar's terfield (cello) & Mark 0121 331 5901/2 ST MARY’S CHURCH, European premiere of tor) and Raphael Wall- great choral work The Goodchild (bass), Fri BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND WARWICK Elliot Sharp’s Occam’s fisch (cello). Pro- Apostles with Darwin 25 Apr, CBSO Centre, INSTITUTE 01926 403940 Razor, Wed 2 Apr, Birm- gramme includes works Ensemble Chamber Birmingham 0121 236 3591 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL Orchestra, Sat 12 Apr, THE MIDLAND CHAMBER ingham Conservatoire by Mozart, Schumann BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 01789 207100 and Beethoven, Wed 9 Lichfield Cathedral PLAYERS Programme HOWARD SKEMPTON 0121 780 3333 SYMPHONY HALL, Apr, Birmingham Town THE ACADEMY OF includes works by WITH VIA NOVA Pro- BIRMINGHAM Hall ANCIENT MUSIC Featur- Haydn & Beethoven, Fri BRAMALL CONCERT HALL, gramme features 0121 780 3333 Pauline Oliveros’ Sound LA BOHEME: LIVE MET ing Richard Egarr 25 Apr, Birmingham & BIRMINGHAM Patterns & Robert Ash- BROADCAST Wed 9 Apr, (harpsichord and direc- Midland Institute 0121 414 3344 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE ley’s She Was A Visitor, The Edge Arts Centre, tor). Programme CBSO BELSHAZZAR’S BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, 02476 524524 Wed 2 Apr, Birmingham Much Wenlock, Shrop- includes works by JS FEAST Programme WARWICK Conservatoire shire Bach, Sun 13 Apr, Birm- includes works by 01926 776438 DECIBEL The Frontiers SUSAN BOYLE Thurs 10 ingham Town Hall Holst, Berstein and Festival Resident Apr, Regent Theatre, BACH AT THE KING OF Walton, Sat 26 Apr, Ensemble presents a Stoke-on-Trent INSTRUMENTS David programme of works by BBC PHILHARMONIC: Goode brings his clari- Birmingham Conserva- CLASSICAL MASTER- ty, command and vision toire students alongside WORKS Featuring; to some of Bach’s tow- music by young New Richard Farnes (con- ering organ works, and York composers Tristan ductor) and Elena two centuries’-worth of Perich, Anna Clyne and Urioste (soloist). Pro- awed tributes in sonorous romantic Missy Mazzoli, Wed 2 gramme includes works style, Sun 13 Apr, Sym- Apr, Birmingham Con- by Brahms, Beethoven & Rimsky-Korsakov, Fri phony Hall, B’ham servatoire 11 Apr, Victoria Hall, THOMAS TROTTER FAMILY THE EASY WAY TO NOSZFERATU Wed 2 Apr, Stoke-on-Trent CONCERT Mon 14 Apr, Birmingham Conserva- ENGLISH CHAMBER Symphony Hall, B’ham toire ORCHESTRA AND JULIAN DERUFLE’S REQUIEM BEAT IT! Percussionists LLOYD WEBBER Pro- Requiem concert with BOOK led by Maraca2, Part II, gramme includes works singing from the Girls’ Thurs 3 Apr, Birming- by Vaughan Williams, and Men's choirs of ham Conservatoire Elgar, Delius, Walton, Birmingham Cathedral, LANG LANG Fri 4 Apr, YOUR TICKETS Howard Goodall, Vival- Mon 14 Apr, Birming- Symphony Hall, Birm- di, Ireland and William ham Cathedral ingham Lloyd Webber, Fri 11 PUBLIC MASTERCLASS TERRY RILEY’S IN C This Apr, St Chad’s Church, WITH JULIAN JACOBSON performance is led by ONLINE Shrewsbury Thurs 17 Apr, Adrian Northern Irish band- BAROQUE ENSEMBLE Boult Hall, Birmingham leader Sid Peacock, Featuring The Royal GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST with musicians from his Society of Musicians, JOHN PASSION Featuring Surge Orchestra, the Fri 11 Apr, CBSO Cen- the Ex Cathedra Choir Thallein Ensemble and tre, Birmingham and Baroque Orches- special guest Christo- LAST NIGHT OF THE tra, Jeffery Skidmore pher Hobbs, Fri 4 Apr, ROTARY PROMS Featur- (conductor), Samuel Library Of Birmingham ing the Treorchy Male Boden (Evangelist), DECIBEL Performing Choir & Anthony Inglis Peter Harvey (Jesus) works from Robert Ash- & Jeffrey Howard (con- and Greg Skidmore ley & Birmingham Con- ductors). Programme (Pilate), Fri 18 Apr, servatoire Composers, includes works by Symphony Hall, B’ham Fri 4 Apr, Birmingham Shostakovich, Davies, NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIRS Conservatoire Strauss, Løvland, OF GREAT BRITAIN 25th whatsonlive.co.uk MUSIC FOR LUNCH Steffe, Tchaikovsky, Anniversary Gala, Fri 18 RECITAL Performed by Schönberg, Parry, Apr, Birmingham Town Jonathan Stamp, Fri 4 Thiele, Mendelssohn, Hall Apr, Birmingham Cathe- Wagner, Wood, Arne & ST GEORGE’S DAY ANNU- dral Elgar, Fri 11 Apr, Sym- AL CELEBRATION CON- ALCESTER MALE VOICE phony Hall, B’ham CERT Featuring Birming- The most comprehensive what’s on listings website CHOIR Sat 5 Apr, Sym- BACH AT THE HARPSI- ham Community for Birmingham and the West Midlands phony Hall, Birming- CHORD Presented & Gospel Choir, Birming- ham played by Richard ham Schools' Show- CARMINA BURANA Sat 5 Egarr. Programme case chosen school, Apr, Victoria Hall, includes works by JS Don Maclean, Joy Stra- Stoke-on-Trent Bach, Sat 12 Apr, Birm- chan-Brain with her THE SEVEN LAST WORDS ingham Town Hall group Quill, Malcolm

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Comedy April Region Two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:45 Page 1 Comedy

Billy Pearce Comedy Lichfield Garrick, Fri 4 April; Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, Sat 12 April; Theatre Severn, Box Office Shrewsbury, Sat 10 May; Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Sat 24 May; Palace Theatre, ALEXANDRA THEATRE, Redditch, Thurs 29 May BIRMINGHAM Quickfire gags are the name of the game when 0844 871 3011 ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Billy Pearce comes to town. The Yorkshire-born 01527 577330 funnyman has been regaling appreciative audi- BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL ences with his winning line in patter for the bet- 02476 376707 ter part of three decades now. His 1986 suc- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL cess on ITV talent show New Faces (he 0121 780 3333 reached the final) kickstarted a high-profile THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM 0121 333 2444 career that’s seen him DUDLEY CONCERT HALL appear in the Royal Variety 01384 815 577 Show and perform along- GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM side household names 0871 4720400 such as Danny La Rue and HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, Cannon & Ball. His sum- 0844 844 0044 HUNTINGDON HALL, mer shows and pan- WORCESTER, tomimes regularly break- Miranda Hart 01905 611427 ing box office records. FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LG Arena, Birmingham, Fri 4 April; National Indoor Arena, LEEK, STAFFS Birmingham, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 April 01538 386112 Hugely popular and impressively tall, Miranda Hart is best known KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, Glenn Wool from her self-titled BBC TV comedy series, but has also turned up in BIRMINGHAM The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 18 April hit shows like Not Going Out, Nighty Night, Smack The Pony, Ab 0121 443 4725 LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM Glenn Wool manages to be smart, sophisticat- Fab, The Vicar Of Dibley and Jack Dee’s Lead Balloon. She’s also 0844 338 8000 ed and silly all in the space of a single evening had a recurring role in a couple of series of BBC One Sunday night LUDLOW ASSEMBLY - and it’s perhaps this chameleon-like quality drama Call The Midwife. Her telly career’s on hold for the moment, ROOMS more than any other which has so endeared though, while she tours the country with her My, What I Call, Live 01584 878141 him to the great British public. Canadian Glenn Show, an offering that’s so far received mixed reviews from the crit- MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 is a shaggy beast of a man whose act sees him ics. Other titbits about Ms Hart include the fact that she once PALACE THEATRE, cleverly putting his own unique spin on the big caused controversy by referring to Prince Phillip and Her Majesty REDDITCH stories of the day. He touches base with a wide The Queen as 'that Greek twit and his Kraut wife', and has revealed 01527 65203 variety of political, religious that her ideal dinner party guests would be Eric Morecambe, Julie THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH and social subjects, intelli- Walters, Joyce Grenfell, Matthew Perry and her very own grand- 0121 533 7161 gently processing the mother. DRUMMONDS BAR, material to create nuggets WORCESTER of pure comedy gold, quite 01905 28190 often delivered in a style RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY 0844 873 6565 that’s engagingly surreal. THE ROSES THEATRE Glenn is support for TEWKESBURY Frankie Boyle when he 01684 295074 plays at the Soho Theatre, ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA London, in May. 01926 334418 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE Matt Richardson 01785 254653 SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Sun 6 April; 0121 704 6962 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 23 April; THE SLADE ROOMS, Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, Sat 24 May WOLVERHAMPTON With his thirtieth birthday still a far-distant mile- 0870 320 7000 stone on the horizon (he’s only twenty-two!), THE GEORGE HOTEL, BURSLEM, STAFFS Matt Richardson is somewhat inevitably a work- 07763301081 in-progress. He’s got all the necessary raw TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY materials to make it big in the rough, tough ROOMS world of comedy, but is still in the process of 01827 709618 THEATRE SEVERN, honing both his material and his delivery. That SHREWSBURY said, if we didn’t think he Frank Skinner 01743 281281 was ‘one to watch’ and Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 16 - Thurs 17 April; Symphony Hall, VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, well worth a gander, we Birmingham, Tues 22 - Thurs 24 April; Warwick Arts Centre, STOKE-ON-TRENT Coventry, Sun 18 May 0844 871 7649 wouldn’t be drawing your Local lad Frank rose to the top of the comedy tree many a year ago, WARWICK ARTS CENTRE attention to him. Confident 02476 524524 hitting the big time back in the 1990s Brit Pop/Men Behaving Badly and engaging, he has the WEST BROMWICH TOWN enviable knack of swiftly era courtesy of his on-sofa partnership with David Baddiel in BBC HALL arriving at the comedy TV’s hugely popular Fantasy Football programme. Chart success 0121 596 4429 with Euro ’96 anthem Three Lions further enhanced his reputation as WULFRUN HALL, heartland of an anecdote; WOLVERHAMPTON an admirable talent that a ‘star of the moment’ - and while his public profile’s not quite what 0870 320 7000 ensures the next laugh is it was back in those heady days of the late twentieth century, he never too far away. continues to be one of Britain’s most well-regarded funnymen. 26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy April Region Two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:45 Page 2

TONKINSON, NICK DOODY, Symphony Hall, B’ham Nathan Caton JOHN LYNN Sat 12 Apr MATT RICHARDSON Weds Comedy LISTINGS The Glee Club, B’ham 23 Apr, Stafford DANNY BUCKLER, JUNIOR Gatehouse Theatre For full listing information on comedy SIMPSON, SIMON TIERNAN DOUIEB Weds CLAYTON, LARRY DEAN 23 Apr, Solihull Arts gigs including times and dates visit Sat 12 Apr, Coventry Complex www.whatsonlive.co.uk Showcase GARY DELANEY Thurs 24 COMEDY COURSE - LIVE Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove CHRISTIAN REILLY, DOUGIE DUNLOP, ALEX SHOW Comedy course MATT RICHARDSON Thurs HARRIET DYER, FREDDIE BOARDMAN, JIM participants put their 24 Apr, Solihull Arts FARRELL, SEAN PERCIVAL CAMPBELL Sat 5 Apr new found skills to the Complex AND JIM KELLY Tues 1 Highlight Comedy test in front of a live JOSH WIDDICOMBE Thurs Apr, Station Pub, Sutton Club, Birmingham audience, Sat 12 Apr, 24 Apr, Wulfrun Hall, Coldfield MARTIN MOR, GEORGE Solihull Arts Complex Wolverhampton RICHARD HERRING Weds EGG, WINDSOR, JAVIER JON RICHARDSON Sat 12 KAI HUMPHERIES, GEOFF 2 Apr, Theatre Severn, JARQUIN Sat 5 Apr, Apr, Malvern Theatres, NORCOTT, DOMINIC Shrewsbury Coventry Showcase Worcestershire WOODWARD, PLUS COMIC ANDREW LAWRENCE RUSSELL BRAND Sun 6 TOM WRIGGLESWORTH TBC Thurs 24 Apr, The Sun 13 Apr, mac - Glee Club,B’ham Weds 2 Apr, The Glee Apr, Birmingham 26 Apr, Stafford Midlands Arts Centre, THE LAUGHTER CREWE Theatre Club, Birmingham Hippodrome MITCH BENN IS THE 37TH Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham Comedy and Curry JONNY AWSUM, SEAN MATT RICHARDSON Sun BEATLE DAMIAN CLARK, PRINCE OPEN MIC COMEDY - night, Thurs 24 Apr, Fri 25 Apr PERCIVAL, ANNETTE 6 Apr, The Slade ABDI, PAUL T EYRES, TOM HOSTED BY LOUDEEMY Crewe Lyceum Stafford Gatehouse FAGON Weds 2 Apr Rooms, W’hampton TOAL Sat 26 Apr SOUP Mon 14 Apr, The ANTHONY KING, THE Theatre The Jam House, B’ham ENGLISH COMEDIAN OF RICH HALL Coventry Showcase Blue Orange Theatre, RAYMOND & MR Fri 25 Apr BRENDAN GRACE Thurs 3 THE YEAR Regional heat JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sun Birmingham TIMPKINS REVUE, Ludlow Assembly Apr, Solihull Arts of prestigious national 27 Apr, Warwick Arts BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NATHAN CATON, JAMES Rooms, South Shrops Complex competition, Sun 6 Apr, KAI HUMPHERIES, GEOFF Centre, Coventry NIGHT Tues 15 Apr, COOK Fri 25 Apr, SEAN HUGHES Thurs 3 Drummonds Bar, NORCOTT, ANGIE MCEVOY, JEFF DUNHAMT Sun 27 Royal Spa Centre, Highlight Comedy Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Worcester PLUS COMIC TBC Apr, LG Arena, B’ham Leamington Spa Club, Birmingham Sat 26 Leamington Spa DAN NIGHTINGALE Tues 8 OMID DJALILI Tues 29 JON RICHARDSON Weds PHIL JERROD, KAI Apr, The Glee Club, NICK REVELL, JONNY Apr, Rose Villa Tavern, Apr, The Roses 16 Apr, Crewe Lyceum HUMPHERIES, GEOFF Birmingham AWSUM, IAN CRAWFORD, B’ham ANTHONY KING, THE Theatre, Tewkesbury FRANK SKINNER Weds NORCOTT AND COMIC TBC JOE BROMEHEAD Thurs 3 MIRANDA HART Tues 8 - RAYMOND & MR JOE LYCETT Tues 29 Apr, 16 - Thurs 17 Apr Fri 25 Apr, The Glee Apr, The George Hotel, Thurs 10 Apr, National TIMPKINS REVUE, The Slade Rooms, Civic Hall, W’hampton Club, Birmingham Lichfield Indoor Arena, B’ham Wolverhampton NATHAN CATON, DAVID AVA VIDAL, RICHARD ANDREW RYAN, JAMES DAVID BADDIEL Thurs 3 ALBERT EINSTEIN: RETURN OF THE GRUMPY TRENT, ADAM VINCENT, TODD, ADI KNIGHT, PAUL COOK Sat 26 Apr, Apr, Stafford Gatehouse RELATIVITIVELY SPEAKING OLD WOMEN: FIFTY ALAN DONEGA Thurs 17 MUTAGEJJA, MATT Highlight Comedy Theatre Weds 9 Apr SHADES OF BEIGE Tues Apr, The George Hotel, DWYER Fri 25 Apr, The Club, Birmingham SEAN PERCIVAL, JOHN Artrix, Bromsgrove COMEDY IN THE MET 29 Apr, Hereford Burslem, Staffs National Brewery Sat MOLONEY, EDDIE LARA A KING, HANNAH Courtyard Theatre SIMON EVANS Thurs 17 Centre, Burton-upon- 26 Apr, Stafford BRIMSON, DAN SILVESTER, KAREN BAI- HAL CRUTTENDEN Weds Apr, The Slade Rooms, Trent Gatehouse Theatre NIGHTINGALE Thurs 3 LEY, MAUREEN YOUNGER PATRICK MONAHAN 30 Apr, The Place, Wolverhampton COURTLAUGHING Sat Apr, The Glee Club, Weds 9 Apr, Kitchen Oakengates Theatre THE RAYMOND & MR COMEDY CLUB Fri 25 Apr, 26 Apr, Artrix, Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham KEN DODD Weds 30 Apr, TIMPKINS REVUE, KEITH Hereford Courtyard Bromsgrove KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY ROB ROUSE, MARK JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sat Bedworth Civic Hall NIGHT Thurs 3 Apr, OLVER, CHRIS TURNER, FARNAN, STEVE Stourbridge Town Hall WES ZAHARUK Weds 9 WILLIAMS PLUS COMIC ANDREW BIRD, DAVID Apr, Henry Tudor TBC Thurs 17 Apr TRENT, PAUL IMRIE, LOU House, Shrewsbury The Glee Club, B’ham CONRAN Thurs 3 Apr JASON MANFORDThurs CRAIG CAMPBELL Thurs Foxlowe Arts Centre, 10 Apr, Crewe Lyceum 17 Apr, Stafford Leek, Staffordshire NICK DOODY, PAUL Gatehouse Theatre MIRANDA HART Fri 4 Apr, TONKINSON, DAMIAN GLENN WOOL Fri 18 Apr, LG Arena, B’ham CLARK, PAUL JAMES The Glee Club, BILLY PEARCE Fri 4 Apr, Thurs 10 Apr, The Glee Birmingham Lichfield Garrick Club, Birmingham KEITH FARNAN, THE JOEL DOMMETT Fri 4 Apr, JOEL DOMMETT Fri 11 RAYMOND & MR Stafford Gatehouse Apr, Palace Theatre, TIMPKINS REVUE, STEVE Theatre Redditch WILLIAMS AND TOMMY SEAN PERCIVAL, JOHN ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri ROWSON Fri 18 - Sat 19 MOLONEY, EDDIE 11 Apr, Tamworth Apr, The Glee Club, BRIMSON ADAM RUSH- Assembly Rooms Birmingham TON Fri 4 Apr, The Glee JON RICHARDSON Fri 11 GEORGE EGG, JUNIOR Club, Birmingham Apr, The Place, SIMPSON, JIM LUCY PORTER Fri 4 Apr, Oakengates Theatre, SMALLMAN, THE NOISE The Glee Club, Telford NEXT DOOR Fri 18 - Sat Birmingham TOM WRIGGLESWORTH 19 Apr, Highlight COURTLAUGHING Fri 11 Apr, Huntingdon Comedy Club, B’ham COMEDY CLUB Fri 4 Apr, Hall, Worcester ALAN DAVIES Sat 19 Apr, Hereford Courtyard JOHN FOTHERGILL, NICK Crewe Lyceum Theatre DOODY, DAMIAN CLARK, GARETH BERLINER Sat 19 PAUL TONKINSON, ALEX ERIC LALOR Fri 11 Apr Apr, mac - Midlands BOARDMAN, JIM The Glee Club, B’ham Arts Centre, CAMPBELL Fri 4 Apr SEAN PERCIVAL, PHIL Birmingham Highlight Comedy BUTLER, MICK FERRY, NICK WILTY, DUNCAN Club, Birmingham STUART GOLDSMITH AND OAKLEY, CRAIG MURRAY, SLIM, ANNETTE FAGON, BEN BRIGGS Fri 11 Apr, DANE BAPTISTE Sat 19 GLAZZ CAMPBELL, JOHN Highlight Comedy Apr, Coventry SIMMIT Fri 4 Apr Club, Birmingham Showcase The Drum, Birmingham MORECAMBE - THE MAN HELP FOR HEROES, WITH EDDY BRIMSON, MARTIN WHO BROUGHT US ABANDOMAN, KEITH MOR, MATT REES Fri 4 SUNSHINE Sat 12 Apr FARNAN, BENNY BOOT Apr, The Slade Rooms, Crewe Lyceum Sun 20 Apr, The Glee Wolverhampton SEAN PERCIVAL, PHIL Club, Birmingham KERRIE GODLIMAN Fri 4 BUTLER, MICK FERRY, TOADLLY FREE COMEDY Apr, Royal Spa Centre, DAN EVANS Sat 12 Apr, Mon 21 Apr, The Blue Leamington Spa Highlight Comedy Orange Theatre, MATT RICHARDSON Sat 5 Club, Birmingham Birmingham Apr, Palace Theatre, MITCH BENN IS THE 37TH ROB BECKETT Tues 22 Redditch BEATLE Sat 12 Apr Apr, The Palace Theare, SEAN PERCIVAL, JOHN Theatre Severn, Redditch MOLONEY, EDDIE Shrewsbury JETHRO, Tues 22 Apr BRIMSON PLUS COMIC BILLY PEARCE Sat 12 Stafford Gatehouse TBC Sat 5 Apr Apr, Hereford Courtyard Theatre The Glee Club, B’ham Theatre FRANK SKINNER Tues 22 PAUL TONKINSON, DAMIAN CLARK, PAUL - Thurs 24 Apr

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WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter

Happy Days Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 22 - Sat 26 April; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 9 - Sat 14 June Television viewers of a certain age will well remember Happy Days, This brand new musical promises to reacquaint fans of the TV series the legendary US sitcom about the Milwaukee-based Cunningham with all their favourite characters, including Potsie, Ralph Malph, family. Set in the rock’n’roll days of the 1950s, the show scored a Joanie, Chachi and Pinky Tuscadero, the latter being played on this massive hit with 1970s and ’80s telly-watchers, in the process making occasion by former and star Heidi Range, a star of Henry Winkler, the actor who immortalised the character of while Cheryl Baker features as Mrs Cunningham. self-styled King of Cool Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli here played by Read the interview with Cheryl online at www.whatsonlive.co.uk Ben Freeman. Peter Pan On Ice Lichfield Garrick, Tues 22 - Sat 26 April As if ‘second star to the right and straight on till morning’ isn’t a challenging enough route when heading for Neverland, on this occasion Peter Pan’s also got to negotiate ice! Luckily for JM Barrie’s leg- endary Boy Who Never Grows Up, he’s in safe hands and on equally secure skates, with the highly accomplished Russian Ice Stars showing just why they’re so well regarded across the globe. Boasting the talented ensemble’s usual blend of lavish sets, sumptuous costumes and breathtaking athleticism, this is a production that should be well worth, er, getting your skates on for...

Fame The Musical Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 28 April - Sat 3 May The original mega-hit film and its spin-off TV series are now both so old that their once-nimble dancers might soon be reaching for zimmer frames! By contrast, Fame The Musical continues to get up a sweat on a regular basis. And as high-octane, cho- reographed-to-the-rafters stage musicals go, it hits the Midlands this month with a reputation second to none. Set in New York’s legendary High School For The Per- forming Arts, the show focuses on the highs and lows of the students who’re desper- ately seeking success, and offers a dazzling evening of foot-tapping music and breathtaking dance. Re-envisioned songs include Let’s Play A Love Scene and the title hit itself.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Beside The Seaside Lichfield Garrick, 9 - 12 April; Stafford Gate- house Theatre, Tues 15 - Fri 18 April This slice of 1950s life focuses on the less- than-ideal holiday endured by Wilf and Ethel Pearson and their daughter Sally. With a lonely mother left back in Huddersfield, the family embark on a week-long vacation that proves to be anything but relaxing, thanks in no small measure to a dragon of a landlady, warring honeymooners and a couple of peo- ple who’re way too ‘showbiz’.

Brassed Off Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 8 - Sat 12 April This is a stage adaptation of the award-winning 1996 film of the same name, which starred Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald. The lifeblood of Grimley’s community is threatened Classic Ghosts when the pit looks set for closure, with the loss of twelve hundred jobs. As a result, the close- knit brass band is at stake. Conductor Danny is determined that the band gains national Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 7 - Wed 9 April recognition to help secure its future, regardless of loyalties, political pressure and other issues that get in the way... John McCardle stars. Middle Ground Theatre Company is the ensemble behind this atmospheric double-bill of famous ghost stories. Charles Dickens’ The Signalman tells the tale of a Victorian-age sig- The Anatomy Of Melancholy Let It Be nalman who’s haunted by visions of impend- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, ing disaster on his isolated stretch of line. Wed 2 - Thurs 3 April until Sat 5 April Meanwhile, MR James’ Oh, Whistle And I’ll The ever-impressive Stan’s Cafe are the A hit West End and Broadway jukebox musi- Come To You, My Lad focuses on the terrify- ensemble behind this imaginative new work cal, Let It Be debuted in London in 2012 and ing ordeal which befalls a Cambridge aca- of theatre, which uses as its inspiration librari- tells the story of Britain’s most famous pop demic when he discovers an old bone whistle an and vicar Robert Burton’s four hundred- group, The Beatles. The show offers a nostal- in a graveyard near a deserted beach... year-old book The Anatomy Of Melancholy. gic but vital journey through the 1960s, as Veteran actor Jack Shepherd, best known for And Burton’s tome certainly offers no short- John, Paul, George and Ringo transform from starring on television as WJ Burley’s Cornish age of that aforementioned inspiration, con- happy-go-lucky mop-tops to peace-loving hip- detective Wycliffe, takes top billing. taining, as it does, all manner of subject mat- pies. As you’d expect, the production’s ter, from cutting-edge science, maids vomit- soundtrack reflects the Fab Four’s evolution, ing pebbles and priests defecating in ditches presenting a non-stop parade of some of the to unrequited lovers, friends who can’t be most famous songs ever written, from early- parted, and a consideration of the foods, days hits such as She Loves You to later- herbs, locations, activities and occupations career studio masterpieces like Revolver and that can bring on or cure melancholy in any Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It one of its many forms (boy, that was a long goes without saying the show is an absolute sentence!). must for all fans of The Beatles! Finding Joy The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wed 23 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 20 May A work of full mask theatre based on true War Correspondents stories, Finding Joy has been described as ‘a funny and fearless piece’ that’s positively The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 April brimming with ‘visual inventiveness’. When This multi-disciplined performance fuses tes- Danny decides to become his grandmother timony, singing and choreography to offer an Joy’s carer, their new-found bond is unex- insight into the dangerous and sometimes pected, to say the least. After all, Joy is cre- painful world of the war correspondent. A ative, funny and losing her memory; Danny is song cycle performance, the show features rebellious and always getting into trouble. The Jungle Book stories about the profoundly affecting experi- Yet bond the pair most certainly do. The Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, ences of numerous war journalists, along the question is, where will their newly developed Wed 23 April way bringing to life the horrors of being connection lead them?... Best known, of course, from the classic Walt caught up in a violent conflict between Disney movie, The Jungle Book originated in opposing factions. In researching the show, the mind and through the pen of Rudyard composer Helen Chadwick and designer Kipling. It’s the story of a young boy named Miriam Nabarro interviewed war correspon- Mowgli who’s been raised in the jungle by a dents who’d covered Iraq, Chechnya, Geor- family of wolves, and whose friends, Baloo gia, Afghanistan, Liberia and Bosnia. One of and Bagheera, are determined to save him the journalists to whom they spoke was Giu- from the evil intentions of Shere Khan the liana Sgrena, who was taken hostage in Iraq tiger. But keeping Mowgli safe is no walk in and subsequently shot at by the US army. the jungle, as his two pals soon find out...

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CALL FOR YOUR BESIDE THE SEASIDE BROCHURE THE MET STUDIO TODAY Tues 15, Wed 16 & Fri 18 April Join the fun as Wilf and Ethel Pearson try to holiday away from his mother-in-law in Hud- dersfield; and as Henry and Daphne Pepper try to enjoy a honeymoon, helped by a dragon of a landlady Mrs. Austin who swears by her weekly séance sessions in the hope of com- municating with her dead hus- band! 7.30pm, £10/£8 concs DOUG ALLEN GATEHOUSE THEATRE Thur 17 April "My passion lies with the big animals” - That’s how multi- award winning cameraman Doug Allan (Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Ocean Giants, Wild Cam- eramen at Work) introduces his new show – In the Company of Giants. Join Doug for an unfor- gettable evening of extraordinary animal adventures and unique wildlife film footage 7.30pm, £15/£13.50 concs

KRAPP’S LAST TAPE THE MET STUDIO Sat 19 April Starring Tom Owen from Last Of The Summer Wine as Krapp. It is 69 year-old Krapp’s birth- day. He is preparing for his yearly ritual of recording his reflections on a tape-recorder. First he listens to a tape of criti- cal decisions made on his 39th birthday. The 39 year-old Krapp has in turn listened to a tape he made when he was 27. By this 7.30pm, £15/£12 concs means we come to know fragments of Krapp’s life: His monologue reflects the inter- nal conversations we have with ourselves and cannot escape. JETHRO GATEHOUSE THEATRE Tues 22 April Cornish comedy legend Jethro is back, as large as life, with his very own unique brand of irre- sistible West Country tales for a fun-filled night of adult comedy. Jethro promises more tear-jerk- ing, farcical stories featuring his old mates Denzil and Slip Along Trevaskis, as well as hilarious tales from his extensive reper- 15+ toire and his successful career in TV and theatre. 7.30pm, £19.50 ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS GATEHOUSE THEATRE Wed 23 & Thurs 24 April This zany and hilarious tale based on the best selling chil- drens book is wonderfully brought to life on stage for the very first time. With stunning effects, madcap action, original music (and lots of aliens of Wed 23rd 1.30pm & 3.30pm course!) this fantastically fresh Thurs 24th 11am & 2pm and funny production will delight £12.50/Family £46/ Buy 10 the whole family tickets and get 1 free! CARMEN REWORKED GATEHOUSE THEATRE Fri 25 April Grieg’s Holberg Suite is a peren- nial favourite. Manchester Cam- erata are joined by Christian Ihle Hadland, one of Norway’s most exciting young pianists, for the next concerto in the Mozart 7.30pm, £15/£13 concs/ cycle, no.12. Rodion under 26 £5/under 18 £3 Shchedrin’s memorable work for strings and five percussionists is a reworking of Bizet’s Carmen.

BOOKONLINE Box Office 01785 254653 www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

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Theatre PREVIEWS Hetty Feather Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 22 - Sun 27 April “She’s very naughty, very difficult, but full of spirit,” says author Jacqueline Wilson of her character Hetty Feather. A child of the Victori- an era, Hetty was left at the Foundling Hospi- tal when she was a baby. She also has a famously short fuse, and was created by Wil- son as a result of an educational session at the Foundling Hospital Museum. Featuring all the best-loved characters from the hugely popular books - including the frightening Matron ‘Stinking’ Bottomly - this brand new touring show is suitable for children aged seven and older. Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 8 - Sat 19 April Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's third major collaboration opened to rave reviews way back in the late 1970s, and has since garnered a reputation as one of the greatest musicals ever to grace West End and Broadway stages. Telling the real-life story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, the show is packed to the rafters with memorable num- bers, including On This Night Of A Thousand Stars, Buenos Aires and the classic Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Marti Pellow stars. Teechers New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Krapp’s Last Tape The Play That Goes Wrong Wed 23 - Sat 26 April Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 19 April Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, John Godber's highly acclaimed comedy This memorable one-act offering explores the Tues 29 April - Sat 3 May tells the story of three school leavers, Salty, character of a sixty-nine-year-old man who A play about a play that goes wrong isn’t a Hobby and Gail, who offer an account of the play’s writer, Samuel Beckett, describes new idea but it’s certainly a winning one, as their time in high school. Their memories as ‘filled up to his teeth with bitterness’. Lis- the plaudits garnered by this cheeky fringe focus mainly on their experience of Mr Nixon, tening to a tape he made on his thirty-ninth hit ably illustrate. One reviewer laughed so the drama teacher who inspires them with birthday, Krapp revisits fragments of his own much he feared he was going to hyperventi- his belief that all children should be treated life - his mother’s demise, his failed pursuit of late, another admitted his funny bone had equally... A play which deals with the sense intellectual fame, his visionary moment of been well and truly struck by the piece, while of disillusionment evident not only in stu- inspiration - and contemplates how the fires a third laughed and laughed until ‘the tears dents but in many of those who educate of passion which he felt as a young man ran down’. Mischief Theatre Company’s them, Teechers remains as relevant today as have been transformed into a simple "burning Edinburgh Festival show arrives in the region it was when first performed at the Edinburgh to be gone". Last Of The Summer Wine star on the back of a fantastic reputation and a Festival way back in 1987. Tom Owen plays Krapp. couple of successful West End runs. For those not in the know, the play focuses on the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s David Copperfield attempt to put on a 1920s-set murder-mys- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 April tery. The only trouble is, the bumbling thesps are more than a little accident-prone - so Hotbuckle Productions present a new ver- much so, in fact, that they’re not even sure sion of Charles Dickens’ phenomenally pop- they’ll manage to reach the curtain call... ular novel. David Copperfield tells the story of a young man whose life is turned upside- down by the marriage of his mother to a ruthless and violent man named Murdstone. With poverty and hardship closing in on him, David finds solace in the care and affection of best friend Agnes and eccentric aunt Bet- Refugee Boy sey, his desperate attempts to carve out a brighter future bringing him into contact with The REP, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Fri 12 April such iconic Dickensian characters as Uriah The Birmingham-born Benjamin Zephaniah Heep and Wilkins Micawber. and his fellow high-profile poet Lemn Sissay are the creative forces behind this poignant new offering from West Yorkshire Playhouse. With a violent civil war raging back home, Alem’s Ethiopian father and Eritrean mother FishHead make the heartbreaking decision to leave Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 22 April their son in London, hoping that he’ll be safe Malvern-based Reaction Theatre Makers there. But Alem’s new life doesn’t come with- have garnered a reputation as real trailblaz- out its own set of challenges... Refugee Boy ers in the field of contemporary drama. is described as a work of theatre designed Expect FishHead to ably illustrate the reason ‘to reach out and connect with the refugee why. When fisherman Tom meets ventrilo- community, using creativity to celebrate quist Lydia by the sea, what follows is pure diversity, bring people together, share stories and simple fairytale... and dispel myths’. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Theatre April Region Two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 14:19 Page 7

Aldridge Musical Comedy Society presents:

Sat 12th April THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA AND MOTOWN SINGIN’ 7.30pm. Tickets: £18, £16.50 concs IN THE Tue 15th April MIKE MCGEAR MCCARTNEY SEX, DRUGS & ROCK 'N' ROLL (I WISH!) RAIN 7.30pm. Tickets: £16

Thu 24th April ICONIC LIVE Prince of Wales Theatre, Church St, Cannock, WS11 1DE 7.30pm. Tickets: £20, £17 concs, £15 child Thurs 8th - Sat 10th May Tickets: £12, £10 concs, £6 child Wed 30th April Box Office: 01543 578762 HAL CRUTTENDEN: This amateur production is presented by arrangement THE TOUGH LUVVIE TOUR with Josef Weinberger Ltd. On behalf of Music Theatre International of New York 8pm. Tickets: £15, £13 concs Affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Association Registered Charity Number 505962 Fri 9th May FLASH: A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN 7.30pm. Tickets: £18

Wed 14th - Sat 17th May TADLOP PRESENTS LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 7.30pm, Sat Mat 2.30pm. Tickets: Stalls £12, Tier £14

Wed 28th May THE BLUES BAND 7.30pm, Tickets: £18.50

Fri 30th May OMID DJALILI LIVE 8.00pm, Tickets: £23.00

Thurs 5th June ELIO PACE PERFORMS THE BILLY JOEL SONGBOOK 7.30pm, Tickets: £19, £17 concs

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

love, presented at the From Belgrade as part of the theatre's Spanish Gold- TUES 1 APR en Age season, until Thurs 17 Apr, Belgrade SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Theatre, Coventry Chichester Festival The- DON GIL OF THE GREEN atre production of the BREECHES Sean much-acclaimed musi- O'Brien's new transla- cal. Maxwell Caulfield & tion of Tirso de Molina's Faye Tozer star, until exuberant comedy Sat 5 Apr, Birmingham blends mistaken identi- Hippodrome ty, role-reversal, ghosts THE TWO WORLDS OF and green trousers. CHARLIE F A new play Presented as part of the by Owen Sheers that Belgrade's Spanish provides a soldier’s Golden Age season, view of service, injury until Sat 19 Apr, Bel- and recovery, until Sat grade Theatre, Coven- 5 Apr, Malvern Theatres try DREAMBOATS AND PETTI- PUNISHMENT WITHOUT West Side Story, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Read the review at www.whatsonlive.co.uk COATS THE MUSICAL REVENGE Meredith Featuring songs from Oakes’ translation of Young REP fuse physi- MY, WHAT I CALL, LIVE Sat 5 Apr, Malvern The- audience participation Roy Orbison, The Lope de Vega's dark cal theatre and mask SHOW: MIRANDA HART atres for two-to-nine-year- Shadows, Eddie and thrilling drama, per- work to bring a bold Fri 4 Apr, LG Arena, NIGHTS The olds, Sat 5 Apr, The Cochran, Billy Fury, formed at the Belgrade new telling of a classic Birmingham international hit show Swan Theatre, Worces- Chuck Berry and many as part of the theatre's text to the stage, Wed 2 ROMEO AND JULIET takes you on a musical ter more... until Sat 5 Apr, Spanish Golden Age - Thurs 3 Apr, The REP, Madcap Theatre Pro- journey, celebrating the THE FAAABULOUS CERI Malvern Theatres season, until Sat 19 Birmingham ductions present their greatest hits of Frankie DUPREE SHOW Sun 6 THE CANTERBURY TALES Apr, Belgrade Theatre, KING UBU Young REP version of the world- Valli and the Four Sea- Apr, Wolverhampton Presented by Worcester Coventry Seniors Company pres- famous love story, Fri 4 sons, Sat 5 Apr, Crewe Grand Theatre Repertory Company, HENRY IV PART I & II ent Alfred Jarry’s ‘funny Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Lyceum IN THE SPOTLIGHT The until Sat 5 Apr, The RSC Associate Artist and grotesque’ play THE GREATEST HITS PIRATE GRAN Scamp Viv Kelly Youth Theatre Swan Theatre, Worces- Antony Sher returns to about greed and the FROM THE MUSICALS Theatre & Watford present a journey ter the company to play abuse of power, Wed 2- Join Craig Price and his Palace Theatre present through the musicals - SEVEN BRIDES FOR the infamous comic Thurs 3 Apr, The REP, company Leading a swashbuckling new from Rodgers and SEVEN BROTHERS Star- knight Falstaff. Sher is Birmingham Lights Productions for a show for children, Sat 5 Hammerstein to ring Sam Attwater & joined by Jasper Britton JOHN BERKAVITCH: night of musical clas- Apr, The REP, Birming- , Helena Blackman, until as Henry IV and Alex SHAME A high-impact sics, featuring songs ham Sun 6 Apr, Theatre Sev- Sat 5 Apr, Wolverhamp- Hassell as Prince Hal, spoken-word piece, from the hit productions LIVE MET BROADCAST - ern, Shrewsbury ton Grand Theatre until Sat 6 Sep, Royal with integrated dance Les Misérables, Phan- LA BOHEME Puccini's MOUTH OPEN, STORY LOVE ON THE DOLE Shakespeare Theatre, and animation, Wed 2 - tom Of The Opera and magnificent tale of two JUMP OUT Polarbear Ronald Gow's stage Stratford-upon-Avon Fri 4 Apr, mac - Mid- , couples powerfully evi- present a show about adaptation of Walter FAULTLINES - A TALE OF lands Arts Centre, Birm- to name but a few. Fri 4 dences the fact that the craft of storytelling, Greenwood's powerful CORIANDER AND THE DOG ingham Apr, Belgrade Theatre, love may not necessari- Sun 6 Apr, mac - Mid- novel which depicts Three weddings, a PETER PAN: A MUSICAL Coventry ly always conquer all, lands Arts Centre, Birm- Lancashire life during funeral and next door’s ADVENTURE SMASH MIKE MCGEAR MCCART- Sat 5 Apr, Warwick Arts ingham the Great Depression, dog peeing on the fam- present a new version NEY Mike takes audi- Centre, Coventry FOOTLOOSE The Adlib until Sat 5 Apr, Hall ily’s coriander. This is of the JM Barrie classic, ences through his fami- JULIET CAESAR Present- Theatre Company pres- Green Little Theatre, Asian family life as it Wed 2 - Sat 5 Apr, ly album, with stories ed by the Young REP ent their version of the Birmingham really is - honest, funny Dovehouse Theatre, ranging from Juniors Company, Sat 5 explosive hit musical, HOBSON'S CHOICE and moving. Please Solihull life during childhood to Apr, The REP, Birming- featuring many much- Harold Brighouse’s note, this performance I, ELIZABETH Guy Mas- entering showbiz when, ham loved songs from the classic northern come- contains some bad lan- terson directs Rebecca because of Beatlema- A MURDER OF CROWS 1980s, Sun 6 Apr, Lich- dy, in which father and guage, Tues 1 Apr, The Vaughan in a one- nia, he had to change The Young REP Juniors field Garrick daughter go head-to- Drum, Birmingham woman show which his name to 'McGear', Company present Mike INHERITANCE - A PASSION head, until Sat 12 Apr, THANKS FOR THE MEMO- explores Queen Eliza- becoming an integral Kenny’s version of PLAY FOR LENT Present- New Vic Theatre, New- RY Impresario and beth's struggle to rec- part of the ’60s Mersey- Hansel And Gretel, told ed by the Riding Lights castle-under-Lyme Music Hall authority oncile the desires of beat era, Fri 4 Apr, Lich- by the crows who eat Theatre Company, Sun THE THREEPENNY OPERA Duggie Chapman womanhood, Thurs 3 field Garrick the bread, Sat 5 Apr, 6 Apr, Coventry Cathe- A collaboration shares his memories, Apr, Bridge House The- TABLETOP GAMES The REP, Birmingham dral between Birmingham from music hall to vari- atre, Warwick Thought-provoking play MR LAUREL Hour-long JIM DAVIDSON & which questions play exploring Stan Repertory Theatre ety, Wed 2 Apr, Prince Week Commencing Company, Nottingham Of Wales Centre, Can- RICHARD DIGANCE Two whether religion is Laurel's relationships Playhouse Theatre nock of the 'most iconic killing faith, Fri 4 Apr, with his family, his MON 7 APR Company, Graeae The- HOT FLUSH New musical entertainers of a gener- Malvern Theatres boss, Oliver Hardy, and ation' team up for one atre Company, New featuring Matt Slack & THAT'LL BE THE DAY the women in his life... GLASSHOUSE Cardboard night only, Thurs 3 Apr, Wolsey Theatre & Lesley Joseph, Wed 2 Rock'n'Roll spectacular Sat 5 Apr, Lichfield Gar- Citizens present Kate Lichfield Garrick Ipswich And West York- Apr, The Place, Oaken- combining music from rick Tempest's play, which ONE FLEW OVER THE BOND ON STAGE shire Playhouse, until gates Theatre, Telford the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Solo, sees three stories CUCKOO'S NEST Amateur Sat 12 Apr, The REP, LITTLE WOMEN - THE with wacky comedy cartoon-style adventure brought together by production presented Birmingham BROADWAY MUSICAL routines, Fri 4 - Sat 5 which sees Gavin Kate's haunting poetry, by South Staffordshire WEST SIDE STORY One South Staffordshire Col- Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Robertson spoofing Mon 7 - Tue 8 Apr, College Performing Arts of the most iconic musi- lege Performing Arts Theatre well-known characters mac - Midlands Arts Department Thurs 3 cals of all time with Department present a AN EVENING WITH DAVID from the Bond phenom- Centre, Birmingham Apr, Lichfield Garrick Katie Hall giving an musical based on SEDARIS After three sell- enon, Sat 5 Apr, Lich- CLASSIC GHOSTS Pre- POETRY SLAM Hosted by impressive perform- Louisa May Alcott's out runs in London and field Garrick sented by Middle former Birmingham LIFE'S RICH TAPESTRY: ance as Maria. Read classic family novel, two sell-out Edinburgh Ground Theatre Com- Poet Laureate SPOZ, OUT OF THE BOX the interview with Maria Wed 2 Apr, Lichfield Fringe Festival stints, A show- pany, Mon 7 - Wed 9 Thurs 3 Apr. Palace and review of West Garrick David Sedaris embarks case of monologues Apr, Theatre Severn, Theatre, Redditch Side Story at THE ANATOMY OF MELAN- on his first ever UK tour, and duologues and Shrewsbury SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS A www.whatsonlive, until CHOLY Stan's Cafe Sat 5 Apr, Birmingham other audition tech- BLACK COFFEE Agatha drug & alcohol aware- Sat 12 Apr, New brings the 'world's most Town Hall niques, devised and Christie classic starring ness play which follow- Alexandra Theatre, extraordinary self-help LIVE MET BROADCAST - produced by the stu- Robert Powell, Liza ers the lives of four Birmingham manual' to the stage, LA BOHEME Puccini's dents themselves, Sat 5 Goddard, Gary Mavers young abusers who A LADY OF LITTLE SENSE Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Apr, magnificent tale of two Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove & Ben Nealon, Mon 7 - allow their lives to spiral PRINCESS TANIA AND THE Big-hearted romantic Arena Theatre, Wolver- couples powerfully evi- Sat 12 Apr, Malvern out of control, Thurs 3 - WICKED WITCH comedy which cele- hampton dences the fact that Plays Theatres Sat 5 Apr, Crescent brates the power of MACBETH Arena Theatre love may not necessari- acted by adults provid- GHOSTS Presented by Theatre, Birmingham ly always conquer all, ing fun, songs and For full theatre listings in the West Midlands, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Theatre April region one_Layout 1 24/03/2014 14:10 Page 9

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cal, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 world where one per- Theatre present Joe of LISTINGS Apr, Crescent Theatre, cent of the population Orton's critically patron Claire Dowie, Theatre Birmingham own almost half of the acclaimed farce, Tue 15 reworking her PLAYING LIFE One- wealth, Sat 12 Apr, The - Sat 19 Apr, New Vic acclaimed monologue For full listing information on theatre woman show that REP, Birmingham Theatre, Newcastle- exploring stereotyping productions, including times and explores the art of mov- VICTIM SIDEKICK under-Lyme and the pressure in dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ing forward and forgive- BOYFRIEND ME Hilary THE GO! GO! GO! SHOW society to conform, ness, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Bell’s tale of what hap- All-new pop musical for Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Apr, Apr, Old Joint Stock pens when bullying kids that features five Crescent Theatre, Birm- The Nonentitties Mon 7 LA BOHEME Puccini's Theatre, Birmingham goes too far, Sat 12 Apr, new pop stars, a sock- ingham - Sat 12 Apr, The Roses magnificent tale of two PRESENT LAUGHTER The REP, Birmingham eating Fluffalope and WHISTLE DOWN THE Theatre, Kidderminster couples powerfully evi- Tread The Boards The- BLACK COMEDY AND the permanently con- WIND The Roaring THE YOUNG REP’S PLAY- dences the fact that atre Company present REAL INSPECTOR HOUND fused Mr Baffled... Wed Vagabonds present an WRIGHT’S SHOWCASE A love may not necessari- Noel Coward’s comic The Crescent Theatre 16 Apr, Birmingham amateur production of rehearsed reading by ly always conquer all, farce, Thurs 10 - Sun Company present a Town Hall Andrew Lloyd Webber’s professional actors of Wed 9 Apr, The Edge 20 Apr, The Attic The- double-bill of plays: A POSTMAN PAT See Pat acclaimed musical, seven short plays by Arts Centre, Much Wen- atre, The Lazy Cow, Peter Schaffer comedy and his friends live on Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Apr, Young REP writers lock, South Shropshire Stratford-upon-Avon and Helen Hotchkiss' stage, with an exciting Stratford Civic Hall aged fourteen to eight- THE UNREMARKABLE DAVID COPPERFIELD Hot- play within a play, Sat new story based CBEEBIES LIVE! Brand een, Tues 8 Apr, The DEATH OF MARILYN MON- buckle Productions 12 - Sat 19 Apr, Cres- around the forthcoming new live arena show REP, Birmingham ROE Dyad Productions present a new play by cent Theatre, Birming- feature film, Wed 16 from the producers of MY, WHAT I CALL, LIVE present a candid Adrian Preater based ham Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Justin & Friends, SHOW: MIRANDA HART insight into the life of on the novel by Charles CHRIS AND PUI Pre- Leamington Spa described as a 'music- Tue 8 - Thurs 10 Apr, the Hollywood legend, Dickens, Fri 11 Apr, school entertainment, THE GOSPEL OF themed extravaganza National Indoor Arena, Wed 9 Apr, Ludlow Theatre Severn, Sun 13 Apr, Tamworth MATTHEW Award-win- bound to have pre- Birmingham Assembly Rooms, Shrewsbury Assembly Rooms ning actor George Dil- schoolers rocking in the 51 SHADES OF MAGGIE South Shropshire BEN COOPER: WORDS CURIOUS A spirited play lon presents an unfor- aisles', Fri 18 Apr, LG Spoof play based on AMID SOME NIGHTS (A Ben Cooper is the con- for the very young gettable vision of Jesus Arena, Birmingham the bestselling trilogy DREAM) A performance troller of one of the which presents a per- in a solo staging of the THAT'LL BE THE DAY 50 Shades Of Grey, Tue which sees a favourite most famous radio sta- fect introduction to the- first Gospel, Wed 16 Rock'n'Roll spectacular 8 - Thurs 10 Apr, Lich- Shakespearean come- tions in the world, and atre while exploring Apr, The Swan Theatre, combining music from field Garrick dy ‘broken down and is considered to be one everyday objects in an Worcester the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s LABYRINTH Amateur mashed-up’, Wed 9 - of the most powerful interactive environment, THE CHAIRS Extant pres- with wacky comedy production presented Thurs 10 Apr, The REP, people in the broad- Sun 13 - Tue 15 Apr, ents a tragic farce, pro- routines, Fri 18 Apr, by Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham casting industry, Fri 11 The Swan Theatre, duced for the first time Wolverhampton Grand Youth Theatre, Tue 8 - BESIDE THE SEASIDE The Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Stratford-upon-Avon by Britain’s only profes- Theatre Fri 11 Apr, Stafford first play in Leslie MISS NIGHTINGALE: THE sional company of visu- CHARLIE & LOLA'S Gatehouse Theatre Sands’ trilogy of sea- MUSICAL Cabaret-style ally impaired artists, EXTREMELY NEW PLAY THE PRODUCERS Ama- Week Commencing side capers at the story of love, loss and Wed 16 - Fri 18 Apr, Fusion of puppetry, live teur version of Mel Seaview Guest House, hope which captures MON 14 APR Arena Theatre, Wolver- action and music based Brooks’ award-winning Wed 9 - Sat 12 Apr, the saucy spirit of the hampton on the much-loved musical, Tue 8 - Sat 12 Lichfield Garrick 1940s, Fri 11 Apr, mac - POSTMAN PAT See Pat BANANAS IN PYJAMAS books by Lauren Child, Apr, Solihull Arts Com- RENT Amateur produc- Midlands Arts Centre, and his friends live on Thurs 17 Apr, Theatre Fri 18 - Sat 19 Apr, plex tion presented by Stone Birmingham stage, with an exciting Severn, Shrewsbury Malvern Theatres BRASSED OFF A touch- Revellers Musical The- UNDERWORLD SCREEN- new story based THE REDUCED SHAKE- THE SAGA NOTTMERR ing and savage account atre, Wed 9 - Sat 12 ING & SPOKEN WORD around the forthcoming SPEARE COMPANY A fast- Swan Youth Theatre of a tight-knit mining Apr, St Michael’s Hall, SHOWCASE Screening of feature film, Mon 14 paced romp through all present a new work community's struggle Lichfield Street, Stone, a full-length documen- Apr, Palace Theatre, of the Bard's plays, based on Old Norse when their local pit Staffs tary examining the art Redditch Thurs 17 Apr, Tales, Fri 18 - Sat 19 faces closure, Tue 8 - THE ROARING GIRL Jo of the spoken word, fol- THE MOUSETRAP Touring Solihull Arts Complex Apr, The Swan Theatre Sat 12 Apr, Wolver- Davies directs Lisa Dil- lowed by live perform- production of Agatha MARK GRIST: ROGUE Worcester hampton Grand Theatre lon as the dynamic, ances by leading Spo- Christie's famous thriller TEACHER A fusion of THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS THOROUGHLY MODERN cross-dressing heroine ken Word artists from - the longest running poetry and hip-hop at IN A 2014 SPACE ODDITY MILLIE Presented by in a new version of London and Birming- show in the history of its fiercest, Thurs 17 A new show promising Willenhall Musical The- Thomas Middleton & ham, Fri 11 Apr, The British theatre, Mon 14 - Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove fun for all the family, Sat atre Company, Tues 8 - Thomas Dekker's Drum, Birmingham Sat 19 Apr, THE GO! GO! GO! SHOW 19 Apr, Wolverhampton Sat 12 Apr, Dormston Jacobean comedy, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT Lichfield Garrick All-new pop musical for Grand Theatre Theatre, Sedgley Wed 9 Apr - Tue 30 OUT The cream of Black A PASSION FOR BIRMING- kids that features five KRAPP'S LAST TAPE Last REFUGEE BOY West York- Sept, The Swan The- Country entertainment HAM A contemporary new pop stars, a sock- Of The Summer Wine shire Playhouse present atre, Stratford-upon- comes together again reimagining of one of eating Fluffalope and actor Tom Owen stars a production which Avon to raise the roof with the world's most impor- the permanently con- in Samuel Beckett's weaves together work FORMBY A new play laughter, Fri 11 Apr, tant stories, the life and fused Mr Baffled... one-act play, Sat 19 from two of the UK's written and performed Palace Theatre, Red- death of Jesus Christ, Thurs 17 Apr, The Apr, Stafford Gatehouse most prolific and by Ewan Wardrop ditch Mon 14 - Sat 19 Apr, Assembly, Leamington Theatre revered poets, Ben- which charts George TRES TRES CABARET Old Joint Stock The- Spa CHILDREN'S THEATRE A jamin Zephaniah and Formby’s rise from Stafford's very own bur- atre, Birmingham JULIE MADLY DEEPLY short play performed by Lemn Sissay. A story awkward stable boy to lesque and cabaret ANDY KIRKPATRICK: INAP- West End actress & adults especially for which is described as one of Britain’s biggest night. Strictly over-18s PROPRIATE CLIMBING Tue Fascinating Aida star children who’re both heartbreaking and stars, Thurs 10 Apr, only, Sat 12 Apr, 15 Apr, Theatre Severn, Sarah-Louise Young between the ages of hilarious, with love, loss Malvern Theatres Stafford Gatehouse Shrewsbury presents a cabaret per- four and ten, Sat 19 and hope at its core, DAVID COPPERFIELD Theatre BESIDE THE SEASIDE The formance which looks Apr, The Norbury The- Tue 8 - Sat 12 Apr, Amateur production of SHALL I KILL MAMA Bick- first play in Leslie at the fame and fandom atre, Droitwich The REP, Birmingham Charles Dickens’ clas- les Kitchen Theatre Sands’ trilogy of sea- of Dame Julie Andrews, ALIENS LOVE UNDER- HOW TO SUCCEED IN sic Victorian tale of present a comic drama side capers at the Thurs 17 Apr, Royal PANTS Children's tale BUSINESS WITHOUT poverty and hardship, which focuses on the Seaview Guest House Spa Centre, Leaming- based on the best sell- REALLY TRYING Musical Thurs 10 Apr, Forest difficult relationship Tue 15 - Fri 18 Apr, ton Spa ing children's book, comedy presented by Arts Centre, Walsall between a mother and Stafford Gatehouse AN EVENING WITH HENRY Sun 20 - Thurs 24 Apr, Stafford & District Oper- ELVIS: THE MOVIE EXPE- her son, Sat 12 Apr, Theatre SANDON Royal Worces- Stafford Gatehouse atic Society, Tue 8 - Sat RIENCE New stage show The Drum, Birmingham DIAL M FOR MURDER ter Porcelain maestro Theatre 12 Apr, Stafford Gate- direct from the West THE MACABRE MISDEEDS Lucy Bailey's acclaimed and Antiques Road- house Theatre End which brings the OF SPRING-HEELED JACK production of Frederick show veteran Henry THE YEOMAN OF THE Week Commencing best of Elvis' movies to Re-imagined Victorian Knott's murder-mystery. Sandon values people's GUARD Great Witley life on stage, Thurs 10 thriller from Don't Go Christopher Timothy, cherished antiques, MON 21 APR Operatic Society pres- Apr, Ludlow Assembly Into The Cellar, Sat 12 Kelly Hotten, Daniel Thurs 17 Apr, Hunting- ent Gilbert & Sullivan's Rooms, South Shrop- Apr, Palace Theatre, Betts, Philip Cairns and don Hall, Worcester ALIENS LOVE UNDER- story of dirty doings in shire Redditch Robert Perkins star Tue PRIVATE PEACEFUL A PANTS Children's tale the sixteenth century A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE PROFESSOR PEPPER- 15 - Sat 19 Apr, Malvern staging of Michael Mor- based on the best sell- Tower of London, Tue 8 Three pieces of new WORT: BALLOONTASTIC Theatres purgo's book, which ing children's book, - Sat 12 Apr, The Swan writing featuring an all- MAGIC SHOW Professor TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN relives the life of Private Mon 21 - Tue 22 Apr, Theatre Worcester female cast, Thurs 10 - Pepperpot presents his Birmingham Stage Tommo Peaceful, a Artrix, Worcester EVITA Multi-award-win- Sat 12 Apr, The Blue unique style of magic Company present their young First World War PIRATE & PARROT An ning hit musical by Tim Orange Theatre, Birm- mayhem, Sat 12 Apr, acclaimed version of soldier awaiting the fir- entertaining family Rice and Andrew Lloyd- ingham Palace Theatre, Red- Philippa Pearce's fanta- ing squad at dawn, show set on the high Webber. Marti Pellow MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG ditch sy novel Tue 15 - Sat 19 Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Apr, seas and co-devised by stars... Tue 8 - Sat 19 Birmingham Ormiston ENOUGH Eve Leigh’s Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Malvern Theatres A Little Commitment & Apr, Birmingham Hippo- Academy Musical The- thought-provoking Coventry WHY IS JOHN LENNON Red Earth Theatre, Mon drome atre present George exploration of what it’s ENTERTAINING MR WEARING A SKIRT? 21 - Tues 22 Apr, mac - LIVE MET BROADCAST - Furth's Hollywood musi- like to grow up in a SLOANE London Classic Stage2 revisit the work Midlands Arts Centre,

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Theatre, Tewkesbury MUSICAL Hit musical Hot Flush -Oakengates LISTINGS SING-A-LONG-A A based on the life of Theatre, Telford & Regent Theatre brand new sing-along Marc Bolan. Mon 28 Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent version of the classic Apr - Sat 3 May, New For full listing information on theatre film starring Olivia New- Alexandra Theatre, productions, including times and ton-John and John Tra- Birmingham dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk volta, Sat 26 Apr, Soli- FAME - THE MUSICAL hull Arts Complex Presented by Bill Ken- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: wright, Mon 28 Apr - Birmingham Theatre, Coventry SONGS FROM THE SHOWS Sat 3 May, Regent The- THE ONLY WAY IS DOWN- TEECHERS John God- Commemorating the atre, Hanley, Stoke-on- TON The first national ber's contemporary Bard's 450th anniver- Trent tour of Luke Kempner's classic sees three sary, The Night Watch PYGMALION Alistair tour-de-force impres- actors play a plethora reclaim the music the McGowan, Rula Lenska sions comedy, in an of characters, Wed 23 - Bard knew and used in and Jamie Foreman extended version fea- Sat 26 Apr, New Vic his plays, performed on star in the centenary- turing exclusive new Theatre, Newcastle- the instruments he year production of material, Tues 22 Apr, under-Lyme would have heard, and Bernard Shaw's endur- Solihull Arts Complex FINDING JOY A comic, wearing clothes of the ing masterpiece, Mon FISHHEAD Malvern- anarchic, touching and day, Sat 26 Apr, mac - 28 Apr - Sat 3 May, based Reaction Theatre heroic full mask adven- Midlands Arts Centre, Malvern Theatres Makers present a con- ture from Worcester- Birmingham THE PLAY THAT GOES temporary fairytale for based theatre company THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WRONG Theatre Mis- the 'growing-up', Tue 22 Vamos, Thurs 24 Apr, THE TAT MAN A powerful chief present a play- Stafford Gatehouse about to die, Wed 30 Apr, Arena Theatre, Arena Theatre, Wolver- and stirring one-man within-a-play about an Theatre Apr, mac - Midlands Wolverhampton hampton show, Sat 26 Apr, Wal- amateur dramatic soci- GUYS AND DOLLS Pre- Arts Centre, B’ham KISSING SID JAMES FOGHORN IMPROV: sall Museum ety putting on a mur- sented by Worcester COVENTRY GANG SHOW Reform Theatre Com- SINGING IN THE FOG BEN HART - MAGICIAN der-mystery production, Operatic and Dramatic The promise of a spec- pany present Robert Making it up as they go Sat 26 Apr, Solihull Arts Tues 29 Apr - Fri 2 May, Society, Tue 29 Apr - tacular show packed Farquhar's heartwarm- along, comedy improvi- Complex Wolverhampton Grand Sat 3 May, The Swan with singing, dancing ing romantic comedy, sation group Foghorn HOT FLUSH New Theatre, Worcester and comedy, Wed 30 Tue 22 Apr, Stafford Improv present an audi- featuring Matt Slack & FAWLTY TOWERS Pre- THE PAJAMA GAME Clas- Apr - Sat 3 May, Bel- Gatehouse Theatre ence-led show featuring Lesley Joseph, Sat 26 sented by Stoke Reper- sic musical comedy grade Theatre, Coven- LES MISERABLES Get improvised games, Apr, Regent Theatre, tory Theatre, Tue 29 presented by Studley try Your Wigle On present sketches and a wealth Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Apr - Sat 3 May, Stoke Operatic Society, Tue ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM an amateur perform- of 'interesting' charac- LITTLE HOWARD AND THE Repertory Theatre 29 Apr - Sat 3 May, Polly Findlay makes her ance of Boubil and ters, Thurs 24 Apr, Old MAGIC PENCIL OF LIFE THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL Palace Theatre, Red- RSC debut, directing Schonberg's much- Joint Stock Theatre, AND...Epic family show Presented by Lichfield ditch this darkly comic thriller acclaimed musical, Tue Birmingham as seen on CBBC's Operatic Society, Tue A TRES BANDES: LOCUS which focuses on a 22 - Thurs 24 Apr, The- 'ALLO 'ALLO Stage adap- smash-hit show The 29 Apr - Sat 3 May, AMOENUS Catalan The- husband, wife and lover atre Severn, Shrews- tation of the BBC hit- Slammer and ITV's Lichfield Garrick atre Company A Tres who find themselves bury comedy, Thurs 24 - Sat Comedy Cuts. Suitable LITTLE SHOP OF HOR- Bandes present their locked within a deadly HMS PINAFORE Present- 26 Apr, The Belfrey for children aged six RORS Amateur produc- latest work which, set game, Wed 30 Apr - ed by Union Theatre, Theatre, Wellington, and older... Sat 26 Apr, tion presented by the on a train about to Thurs 2 Oct, The Swan Tue 22 - Sat 26 Apr, Shropshire Lichfield Garrick Stafford Gatehouse derail, explores what Theatre, Stratford-upon- Warwick Arts Centre, WAR CORRESPONDENTS FISHHEAD Malvern- Youth Theatre, Tue 29 goes through the minds Avon Coventry Multi-disciplined pro- based Reaction Theatre Apr - Sat 3 May, of three people who’re HAPPY DAYS Brand new duction concerning a Makers present a con- musical based on the journalist who's cap- temporary fairytale for hit American TV series. tured while reporting the 'growing-up', Sugarbabe Heidi Range the outbreak of war, Sat 26 Apr, Artrix, stars as Pinky Tus- Thurs 24 - Sat 26 Apr, Bromsgrove cadero, Tue 22 - Sat 26 The REP, Birmingham DYLAN THOMAS: CLOWN Apr, Birmingham Hip- THAT'LL BE THE DAY IN THE MOON Celebrat- podrome Rock'n'Roll spectacular ing one hundred years THE PLAY THAT GOES combining music from since Thomas’ birth, WRONG Noises Off the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Clown In The Moon meets Fawlty Towers in with wacky comedy (the title of a poem writ- this hit comedy direct routines, Fri 25 Apr, ten when Dylan was from the West End, Tue Royal Spa Centre, fourteen) is a dramatic 22 - Sat 26 Apr, Malvern Leamington Spa portrait of the poet's Theatres DIRTY DUSTING Heart- chaotic, frequently hilar- HETTY FEATHER Stage warming comedy star- ious and all too brief adaptation of the ring Crissy Rock, life, Sat 26 Apr, The Jacqueline Wilson chil- Dolores Porretta Brown, Swan Theatre, Worces- dren's novel, Tue 22 - Leah Bell & Jason ter Sun 27 Apr, Birming- Jones, Fri 25 Apr, The- 5TH ANNUAL FOXY VARI- ham Town Hall atre Severn, Shrews- ETY SHOW Featuring DOUG ALLAN Wildlife bury almost twenty acts, cameraman Doug Allan THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS including vocalists, talks about what it's like OF SHERLOCK HOLMES musicians, dancers, to come face-to-face Holmes and Watson comedians, an acrobat, with a hungry polar recount their lives and a harpist and a tenor bear and its cubs as adventures... Fri 25 Apr, opera star, Sun 27 Apr, they emerge from their Brockhampton Estate, Tamworth Assembly den, and what it feels Worcester Rooms like to be stalked by GIVE MY REGARDS TO WITTY TICCY RAE - LE killer whales in the HOLLYWOOD Ka-Bu-Ki MOT JUST THEATRE Set straits of Gibraltar, Wed presents a musical the- to the rhythms of the 23 Apr, Malvern The- atre showcase which 1960s New York jazz atres explores the best-loved scene, Witty Ticcy Rae JUNGLE BOOK Indigo songs and dances from tells the true story of a Moon Theatre bring blockbuster movies, Fri brilliant man with Rudyard Kipling's story 25 - Sun 26 Apr, Old Tourette's Syndrome, to life with inventive Rep, Birmingham Sun 27 Apr, Artrix, shadow theatre, power- OTHELLO Tread The Bromsgrove ful original music and Boards Theatre Com- colourful digital projec- pany presents one of tions, Wed 23 Apr, Lud- Shakespeare’s darkest Week Commencing low Assembly Rooms, tragedies, Fri 25 Apr - MON 28 APR South Shropshire Sun 4 May, The Attic BRASSED OFF A touch- Theatre, Stratford-upon- GUYS AND DOLLS Ama- ing and savage account Avon teur production pre- of a tight-knit mining LIVE MET BROADCAST - sented by Solihull On community's struggle COSI FAN TUTTE Sat 26 Stage, Mon 28 Apr - when their local pit Apr, Malvern Theatres; Sat 3 May, Solihull Arts faces closure, Wed 23 - Warwick Arts Centre, Complex Sat 26 Apr, Belgrade Coventry; The Roses 20TH CENTURY BOY - THE

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW MORE SHOWS!

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

FRIDAY 11 APRIL 2014 MERSEY BEATLES Celebrating 50 years of The Beatles

SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2014 MITCH BENN is the 37th BEATLE

Mitch's new show combines his Scouse upbring- ing with his love of music and a lifelong obses- sion with Liverpool's most famous sons.

MONDAY 14 APRIL 2014

BEYOND THE BARRICADE ALL YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS FROM THE WEST END SHOWS

THURSDAY 17 APRIL 2014

IT’S BANANA-RIFFIC!

THURSDAY 24 APRIL 2014 COUNTERFEIT STONES "The most famous Stones band in England" SIR MICK JAGGER

FRIDAY 25 APRIL 2014

A riotous tale of growing old disgracefully starring CHRISSY ROCK.

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Theatre REVIEWS

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Disney On Ice: Worlds Of Fantasy LG Arena, Birmingham High-flying fairies, racing cars revving across the ice and a magical underwater kingdom. It can only mean one thing - the return of Disney On Ice with its latest offering, Worlds Of Fantasy. This dazzling show brings to life a host of much- loved Disney tales and boasts well-designed sets, fast-paced action and a cast of hugely talented ice skaters. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck are the hosts, bringing plenty of slapstick fun to proceedings as they accompany the audience to various much-loved fantasy worlds. First up are Disney Cars, who arrive on stage in a puff of smoke before roaring across the ice to the delight of the crowd. Then it’s time to dive into the world of The Little Mermaid, where Ariel and Prince Eric continue their battle with the evil sea-witch Ursula. To the soundtrack of classics Singin’ In The Rain such as Under The Sea and Kiss The Girl, the duo Birmingham Hippodrome win through after a series of stunning routines We were promised a veritable feast akin to a spectacular Hollywood production when amidst a sea of dancers. Singin’ In The Rain came to town, and that’s exactly what we got. Based on the Then, with a sprinkle of fairydust, we’re transport- famous 1952 MGM movie, Jonathan Church’s much-lauded stage version glides us ed to the world of Pixie-Hollow, where Tinker Bell through the transition from silent movies to the first talkies with bucket loads of hilarity and her friends are desperately trying to change - in the main courtesy of the show’s frequent one-liners, many of which are delivered the season to Spring. Last but certainly not least, with real aplomb by Stephanne Anelli as Don Lockwood’s sidekick Cosmo Brown. we revisit the fantastic Toy Story 3, as Woody, Shining performances are in evidence throughout the production, not least from Faye Buzz, Rex and the gang stage a dramatic escape Tozer, who really does steal the show as the queen of the silent movies, Lina Lamont. from Sunnyside Day Care. This is undoubtedly the Her ability to maintain a vocal level somewhere between a scolded cat and - at times - biggest crowdpleaser of the evening, with wonder- Marge Simpson is truly deserving of a gong. ful costumes and magnificent routines - especially Fast-paced from the outset, Singin’ In The Rain certainly has the feelgood factor. What from scene-stealing Barbie and Ken. the settings, choreography, melodies and rain - and yes, there’s plenty of the latter! - This is a great experience for both young and old do for the senses, the show’s upbeat wit does for the soul. IIII to enjoy. Fiona McCartney A production able to brighten up the rainiest of days. Patsy Moss IIIII

James Wilton Dance Theatre Box Office mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Up-and-coming choreographer James Wilton’s Birmingham GRAND THEATRE, Warwickshire career has simply rocketed since he graduated 01902 429212 ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL from London Contemporary Dance in 2010. Having 0844 871 3011 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 024 7637 6707 01902 572090 gained funding from various sources and won mul- BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY tiple awards, Wilton is often described as a ‘next- 0844 338 5000 OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY 024 7655 3055 0121 552 2761 generation’ choreographer. BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK Last Man Standing presents an eclectic mix of con- 0121 236 4455 Shropshire 01926 776438 temporary dance, combat, martial arts and break- THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE DREAM FACTORY THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 dancing. Wilton’s choreography is built up of floor 01952 222277 CRESCENT THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE work and falling, offering various approaches to THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON contact work on multiple levels. There’s no doubt- 01952 728911 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0844 800 1110 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY ing the physical strength of his company of 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE 01743 234970 dancers, as they effortlessly lift and carry one THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY another through the space. WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY HALL GREEN LITTLE THEATRE ROOMS 01584 878141 Act One comprises mainly of individual routines 0121 707 1874 02476 524524 performed in a shared space by all six dancers. THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD MAC 0121 446 3232 01952 382382 There’s a real sense of improvisation, resulting in a Worcestershire MIXING BOWL THEATRE THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY mass of intense movement that’s precisely 0121 224 7545 01743 281281 ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 arranged to avoid collision. OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE WEM TOWN HALL In the main, the first act is not a tranquil place to 0121 200 0946 01939 232299 THE HIVE be, with Wilton creating, building and maintaining a 0121 245 4455 01905 822866 SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Staffordshire HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER real tension within the auditorium, making his audi- 01905 611427 ence hold their breath. Finally, thankfully, delicate 0121 704 6962 LICHFIELD GARRICK 01543 412121 MALVERN THEATRE duets provide an opportunity to exhale and relax, 01684 892277 Black Country NEW VIC 01782 717962 and to savour some much-needed moments of NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH ARENA THEATRE PRINCE OF WALES calm. Act Two varies in delivery, presenting solos, 01905 770154 WOLVERHAMPTON CENTRE, CANNOCK duets and trios, all sharing a sense of control and 01902 321321 01543 578762 PALACE THEATRE REDDITCH 01527 65203 manipulation. A female dancer holds most of the BLOXWICH THEATRE REGENT THEATRE, STOKE second act with an innovative solo, displaying the 01922 653183 0870 060 6649 ROSE THEATRE, 01562 743745 intense physicality of which she’s capable. Casting DUDLEY CONCERT HALL RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE himself in a lead role, Wilton regularly occupies the 01384 812812 01889 584036 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427 FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL STAFFORD GATEHOUSE space, reminding us that he’s not only a successful 01785 254653 01922 654555 choreographer but also a very able dancer. STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE Jamie Ryan III 01782 209784 www.whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Theatre April region one_Layout 1 24/03/2014 14:10 Page 15

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Theatre WEST END Beverley Knight back in the West End Following her critically acclaimed West End debut as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, Queen of British Soul Beverley Knight has announced that she’s to perform there again, this time in the Tony Award-winning musical Memphis. Wolverhampton-born Knight will star as nightclub singer Felicia when the show opens at Shaftesbury Theatre in Octo- ber. Featuring a Grammy Award-winning orig- inal score by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan, the musical is inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis. The story focuses on the forbidden love between a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who’s ready for her big break.

Ralph Fiennes returns to the National Theatre Academy Award-nominated Ralph Fiennes Gemma Arterton to ‘strike’ it big in Rupert Goold musical will return to the National Theatre (NT) next year to star in the George Bernard Shaw Gemma Arterton is to take the lead role in of action led to the Equal Pay Act of 1970. tragicomedy Man And Superman. The Rupert Goold’s musical comedy Made In Commenting on her impending role, Arterton Schindler’s List and Harry Potter actor, who’s Dagenham when it debuts at London’s Adel- said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be playing Rita taken over as 007’s boss M in the James phi Theatre in the autumn. O’Grady in Made In Dagenham. It’s an Bond movies, will be appearing at the Nation- The international stage and screen actress important story that I’m passionate about al for the sixth time, having previously per- will play Rita O’Grady in Goold’s staging of telling, and we intend to tell it with wit, formed there in versions of Oedipus, The the hit British movie. Based on true events, warmth and, of course, a lot of singing and Talking Cure, Six Characters In Search Of An Made In Dagenham tells the story of the dancing. Roll on October!” Author, Fathers And Sons and Ting Tang 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike at the Further information, and how to book tickets, Mine. Man And Superman will show at the Ford Dagenham plant, during which female can be found at www.madeindagenhamthe- venue in spring 2015 as part of Nicholas Hyt- workers walked out in protest against sexual musical.com ner’s final season as the NT’s Director. discrimination and unequal pay. Their course

THRILLER LIVE ANTONY & CLEOPATRA GOLEM Young Vic WEST END LISTINGS: Lyric Theatre, booking Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, booking until COMEDY until 28 Sept 2014 Theatre, 17 May - 24 17 Jan 2015 39 STEPS Criterion The- MUSICALS LION KING WE WILL ROCK YOU Aug 2014 HANDBAGGED atre, booking until 18 Lyceum Theatre, book- Dominion Theatre, DOCTOR SCROGGY’S WAR Vaudeville Theatre, 3 Oct 2014 BILLY ELLIOT – ing until 28 Sept 2014 booking until 31 May THE MUSICAL Shakespeare’s Globe Apr - 2 Aug 2014 BLITHE SPIRIT MADE IN DAGENHAM -THE 2014 Victoria Palace Theatre, Theatre, 12 Sept - 10 KING LEAR Olivier Gielgud Theatre, book- MUSICAL Adelphi The- WICKED booking until 16 May Oct 2014 National Theatre, book- ing until 7 June 2014 atre, 9 Oct 2014 - 28 Apollo Victoria Theatre, 2015 FATAL ATTRACTION ing until 28 May 2014 RELATIVE VALUES Harold Mar 2015 booking until 25 Apr BODYGUARD Adelphi 2015 Haymarket Theatre OTHER DESERT CITIES Pinter Theatre, booking Theatre, booking until MAMMA MIA! Novello Royal, booking until 21 Old Vic Theatre, book- until 21 jun 2014 30 Aug 2014 Theatre, booking until DRAMA Jun 2014 ing until 24 May 2014 25 Oct 2014 TWELFTH KNIGHT BOOK OF MORMON 1984 Playhouse The- GHOST STORIES RE-IMAGINED Open Air MATILDA THE MUSICAL Prince Of Wales The- atre, 28 Apr - 19 Jul Arts Theatre, booking Theatre, Regent’s Park, Cambridge Theatre, 2014 until 17 Aug 2014 atre, booking until 28 21 Jun - 12 July 2014 June 2014 booking until 21 Dec 2014 CHARLIE AND THE Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - Savoy Theatre CHOCOLATE FACTORY - MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL THE MUSICAL Shaftesbury Theatre, 9 Drury Lane Royal, Oct 2014 - 28 Mar 2015 booking until 30 May MISS SAIGON Prince 2015 Edward Theatre, 3 May COMMITMENTS - 25 Oct 2014 Victoria Palace Theatre, ONCE Phoenix Theatre, booking until 14 Sept booking until 4 July 2014 2015 DIRTY ROTTEN PAJAMA GAME SCOUNDRELS Shaftesbury Theatre, 2 Savoy Theatre, book- May - 13 Sep 2014 ing until 29 Nov 2014 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA I CAN’T SING! THE Her Majesty's Theatre, X FACTOR MUSICAL booking until 25 Oct London Palladium The- 2014 atre, booking until 25 PORGY AND BESS Oct 2014 Open Air Theatre, JERSEY BOYS Regents Park, 17 Jul - Piccadilly Theatre, 23 Aug 2014 booking until 26 Oct STOMP 2014 Ambassadors Theatre, LES MISÉRABLES booking until 21 Dec Queen's Theatre, book- 2014 ing until 25 Oct 2014

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Richard Alston Dance Regent Theatre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 8 April A choreographer who’s very much at the forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, Richard Alston takes inspiration directly from the music he uses. This month sees Alston’s highly rated company return to the region with a triple-bill from its acclaimed repertoire. Featured works include Illuminations, a piece which paints a vivid picture of the turbulent creative life of French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Described as a work that induces both joy and heartbreak, it’s been revived for the Benjamin Britten centenary celebrations. Another revived work is The Devil In The Detail, the new version of which oozes plenty of swagger - its choreographed ‘loping strides and cakewalk steps’ are accompanied by the rag- time music of Scott Joplin. Britten’s Rejoice In The Lamb, a new addition to the company’s repertoire inspired by the works of eighteenth cen- tury poet Christopher Smart, completes the programme.

Vienna Festival Ballet: Cinderella Art Centre, Evesham, Mon 21 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 23 April; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 2 May Founded in 1980 by celebrated Austrian dancer Peter Malleck, the now-UK-based Vienna Festival Ballet presents a repertoire which comprises both full-length classics and new commissions. Touring extensively for two-thirds of the year, the company this month visits the Midlands with its interpretation of one of the most popular rags- to-riches fairytales of all time. Renowned conductor Chris Nicholls has reworked Rossini’s original score for Cinderella, while the choreography (by former Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet choreographer Sheila Styles) fuses classical dancing with tradition- al pantomime. National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Mon 21 April Gymnast Beth Tweedle, West End performer Bonnie Langford, actress Suzanne Shaw and singer Gareth Gates are just some of the celebrities who’ll be join- ing Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean when they stop off in the Midlands this month with their Bolero 30th Anniversary tour. Torvill And Dean’s Dancing On Ice has proved to be a massive success when it's taken to the road in pre- vious years, boasting great choreography, a big spangly wardrobe's-worth of beautiful costumes, and a line-up of have-a-go celebrities who're willing to take the risk that they'll end up sliding around on their derrieres. 44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Dance April_Layout 1 24/03/2014 15:11 Page 2

Showcase from two of company Alias present LISTINGS Stoke's best known a powerfully visual Dance Box Office Dance dance schools: Angela exploration of human Beardmore School of nature, Tue 29 - Wed ARENA THEATRE, NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, For full listing information on dance, Dance & Studio #, 1 30 Apr, Birmingham WOLVERHAMPTON BIRMINGHAM including times and dates, visit Wed 16 - Sat 19 Apr, Hippodrome 01902 321321 0121 230 9082 Regent Theatre, Stoke- THE RITE OF SPRING AND www.whatsonlive.co.uk ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ROYAL SPA CENTRE, on-Trent PETRUSHKA A double- 01527 577330 LEAMINGTON SPA THE LITTLE MERMAID bill of works by Michael 01926 334418 AN EVENING WITH STARS MY FIRST COPPELIA Presented by Ballet Keegan-Dolan which BIRMINGHAM FROM STRICTLY COME English National Ballet Theatre UK, Wed 23 contrast the light and HIPPODROME SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX DANCING Starring Pasha present the much-loved Apr, Tamworth dark that mirrors the 0844 338 5000 0121 704 6962 Kovalev & Katya tale of Dr Coppelia and Assembly Rooms Stravinsky music of the DOVEHOUSE THEATRE STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Virshilas, Wed 2 Apr, his mechanical doll, in ROBIN COUSINS' ICE same name, Tue 29 - 0121 706 7139 THEATRE Lichfield Garrick a specially adapted ver- World-class skaters Wed 30 Apr, Warwick LICHFIELD GARRICK 01785 254653 THE IRISH HOUSE PARTY sion for young audi- glide, soar, flip and fly Arts Centre, Coventry 01543 412121 THEATRE SEVERN, Described as 'Dublin's ences, Sat 5 - Sun 6 in a theatrical setting, LET’S DANCE INTERNA- LUDLOW ASSEMBLY SHREWSBURY No.1 award-winning Apr, Theatre Severn, Wed 23 April - Sun 27 TIONAL FESTIVAL LEICES- ROOMS, SHROPSHIRE 01743 281281 music and dance Shrewsbury Apr, Wolverhampton TER (LDIF 2014) Tues 29 01584 873229 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, show', Wed 2 Apr, RICHARD ALSTON DANCE Grand Theatre Apr - Sat 24 May. var- MAC, BIRMINGHAM COVENTRY Palace Theatre, Tue 8 Apr, Regent CINDERELLA Vienna tious locations through- 0121 446 3232 02476 524524 Redditch Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Festival Ballet present a out THE IRISH HOUSE PARTY NEW COLLEGE 2ND YEAR classical staging of the Thurs 3 Apr, Belgrade BTEC - DEVISED world-famous fairytale. Theatre, Coventry PERFORMANCE Drawing Wed 23 Apr, Theatre THE LION, THE WITCH on influences such as Severn, Shrewsbury AND THE WARDROBE Complicite, Frantic BIRMINGHAM ROYAL Midland Theatre Ballet Assembly & Forced BALLET: THREE SHORT VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET presents present a choreo- Entertainment, Wed 9 WORKS A programme graphed version of CS Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove comprising both con- Lewis' magical tale, TAP FACTORY Mon 14 - temporary and tradi- Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Apr, Tue 15 Apr, tional works, Thurs 24 - Crescent Theatre, Wolverhampton Grand Sat 26 Apr, Crescent Birmingham Theatre Theatre, Birmingham Cinderella Easter Monday 21st April, 5pm ACT IT, DANCE IT, SING IT THE LITTLE MERMAID INTERNATIONAL DANCE Arts Centre, Evesham Revue show from the Join Ballet Theatre UK FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM 01386 446944 Stage 2 Performing Arts for a dramatic re-telling Produced by Academy, Fri 4 - Sat 5 of the Hans Christian Birmingham Wed 23rd April, 7.30pm, Apr, Theatre Severn, Andersen favourite, Tue Hippodrome & Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury 15 Apr, Palace Theatre, DanceXchange, Thurs 01743 281281 ONE TWO FREEZE Redditch 24 Apr - Sun 25 May, Fri 2nd May, 7.30pm, Breakdancers from TORVILL AND DEAN'S various locations Rose Theatre, Tewkesbury across the UK descend DANCING ON ICE across Birmingham & 01684 295074 on Coventry for the Featuring celebrities one event (The Rite of day, to do battle with from the popular TV Spring...) at Warwick their crazy moves, Sat show, Fri 18 - Mon 21 Arts Centre, Coventry 5 Apr, Herbert Art Apr, National Indoor SIDEWAYS RAIN 22nd - 24th May, 7.30pm - SWAN LAKE Lichfield Garrick 01543 412121 Gallery & Museum, Arena, Birmingham Contemporary dance Coventry BRING THE ACTION www.viennafestivalballet.com

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One of Europe’s largest dance festivals, International Dance Festival Birmingham (IDFB) is back! We’re thrilled to present another jam-packed celebration of dance – from ballet to breakdancing, contemporary to circus.

Our fourth festival will showcase some of the finest dance performances from across the globe between 24 April and 25 May 2014, as Birmingham hosts four weeks of world premieres, unique collaborations, community events, outdoor spectacles and world-class performances. With several new venue partners, we’re presenting more shows than ever before, including some of the biggest names in dance and many hotly tipped rising choreographic stars.

Within this magazine you can find out more about the festival - including full listings, and guides to many of the performances and events within the programme. Also, don’t forget to check out idfb.co.uk for more information and join in the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter. Whether you want to move or be moved, we think you’ll find what you’re looking for in IDFB 2014!

David Massingham Stuart Griffiths Artistic Director DanceXchange Chief Executive Birmingham Hippodrome & Co-Artistic Director IDFB 2014 & Co-Artistic Director IDFB 2014

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Highlights International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014

“This exceptional festival embodies our daily relationship with art” David Lister – The Independent

A HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM

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Produced by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome, Alongside (In)visible Dancing, the city’s public spaces saw a range of International Dance Festival Birmingham (also known as IDFB) is a major new IDFB productions. Utopia was a re-imagining of global folk dance, biennial festival that presents a world-class programme of dance with over forty dance performers from across the world joined by performances and participation in theatres and public spaces across Birmingham’s gypsy-balkan supergroup The Destroyers in Victoria Birmingham and the West Midlands. Here’s a brief history of how IDFB Square. has developed over the years to become one of the biggest and most diverse dance festivals in Europe. Once again, participation played a big part in the festival, with the family weekend engaging audiences of all ages. Hip-hop participation The inaugural International Dance Festival Birmingham took place in spectacular Put Your Foot Down! closed the festival, with thousands of 2008, establishing the trademark IDFB blend of innovative new people learning some new moves from superstar dancer Salah. productions and the best of the world’s dance companies. The third International Dance Festival Birmingham in 2012 cemented the The theatre programme included performances by The Kirov Ballet, festival’s reputation as one of the biggest and most varied dance Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, Rosie Kay Dance Company festivals in Europe. and Aracaladanza alongside a brand new production from Akram Khan and National Ballet of China. Exceeding all previous audience and participation numbers, over 60,000 people saw a performance in the festival, while the 7,500-plus Meanwhile, in the outdoor spaces of the city, Luca Silvestrini created a participatory experiences engaged people of all ages and abilities. Once performance in shop windows, whilst Hofesh Shechter Company and again, some of the biggest names in world dance graced the stages of 2Faced Dance Company collaborated in Watch This Space, a the festival, including Sylvie Guillem, Russell Maliphant, Royal Ballet spectacular event which combined contemporary dance, bboys, free- Flanders, Louise Lecavalier, Dave St-Pierre Company and runners, live drummers and exploding cars. Bringing this first festival to a Birmingham Royal Ballet, with a new IDFB commission by American close, hundreds of salsa fans took to the streets for Salsa at Sunset. choreographer Jessica Lang.

The second edition of IDFB in 2010 proved that dance could be New collaborations and commissions included Asian international performed just about anywhere. From a four-week run of outstanding integrated dance production The Impending Storm and film programme dance at Birmingham Hippodrome (including Mark Morris Dance Light Fantastic, in conjunction with Flatpack Festival. Participation again Group and Ballet Nacional de Cuba with Carlos Acosta) to (In)visible featured heavily in the festival, with Cultural Olympiad projects Home, Dancing - a series of quirky performances on Birmingham’s High Street - Breathe The Beat and Spill all bringing dance to new audiences in new there was a sense that the festival was firmly establishing itself in the spaces and places. fabric of the city. Breakin' Convention and Colombia’s Circolombia brought an urban At Birmingham REP, record audiences witnessed the extraordinary Sutra flavour to the final week of the festival, which culminated in IDFB’s and Australia’s spectacular Circa. Elsewhere in the city, world dance star biggest outdoor production to date - Wings of Desire. Featuring the Akram Khan and Irish dance legend Colin Dunne presented new astonishing circus skills of Australia’s Circa, the raw physicality of performances, and some of the most cutting-edge performers from the 2Faced Dance Company, building projection across the city’s landmark Arab world shared their unique approach to dance. Town Hall and a team of actors led by film, TV and DJ star Goldie, this was a spectacular event using the roofs, balconies and walls of the buildings around Birmingham’s Victoria Square, which left over 9000 spectators in awe.

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WEEK 1 THU 24 APR - SAT 3 MAY

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Birmingham Royal Ballet // THREE SHORT WORKS WORLD PREMIERE Thursday 24 – Saturday 26 April // 7.30pm & 2.30pm (Saturday) The Crescent Theatre

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An exciting programme of both contemporary and traditional works - including premieres of two new commissions from young choreographers; Kin, by former Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer Alexander Whitley; and Quatrain, by current company First Artist Kit Holder. Image: Image: Dee Conway ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Alias // ARGENTINE TANGO SIDEWAYS WEEKEND RAIN Tuesday 29 – Wednesday Friday 25 – 30 April // 7.30pm Sunday 27 April Birmingham Hippodrome

& MIDNIGHT MILONGA Genoud Image: Jean-Yves

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Saturday 26 April // 8pm – 1am Blue Ice Plaza, Solihull Guilherme Botelho’s Sideways Rain is a powerfully visual examination of human nature. It’s performed by 14 dancers who walk, run, fall, rise, stop and then start again, depicting the evolution of man and the human urge ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// to constantly change and move forwards. Loyd Vidal & Sandra Bernard lead a three-day intensive in Argentine tango. On the Saturday night, take part in a Midnight Milonga, a social ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// dance evening usually held in intimate late-night bars in Buenos Aires. Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre // /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

DanceXchange and Dance4 // THE RITE OF SPRING & MY PETRUSHKA (MIDLANDS Tuesday 29 – Wednesday YOUTH) 30 April // 7.30pm DANCE Warwick Arts Centre, FESTIVAL Coventry Image: Image: The Lift Creative Services Image: Image: Ros Kavanagh Saturday 26 April // 7pm ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Ruddock Performing Arts Centre The two halves of Michael Keegan-Dolan’s thrilling dance theatre double ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// bill are a contrast in light and dark that mirrors the Stravinsky music of the same name. Performed by an international cast, both works are A Midlands youth dance platform that showcases the next generation of theatrical interpretations of the original music that created such outrage dance talent, including vibrant performances of work by some of the best and excitement in the early 20th century. youth dance companies in the East and West Midlands. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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Corey Baker Dance // Kidd Pivot // Highlights International Dance HEADPHONES TEMPEST Festival Birmingham 2014 Wednesday 30 April – REPLICA Sunday 4 May // Friday 2 – Saturday 3 May 1 & 3pm daily // 7.30pm Birmingham High Street

Birmingham Hippodrome Image: Jorg Baumann

& City Centre Image: Nicholas Keegan /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite stages a game of revenge and Follow @IDFB #headphones on Twitter to find out the exact locations on forgiveness, reality and imagination, based on motifs from the day. Appearing amongst the crowds of shoppers in Birmingham city Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Chalkwhite replicas deliver the essential centre, this comical solo performance shuffles through a whole host of plot points of the story, but the emotion and tension of the narrative are dance styles and music genres. The audience even gets to direct the fleshed out by real characters. performer at times, meaning no two shows will be the same! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// SWING CONCERT DANSÉ DANCE DAY Friday 2 May // 7.30pm Saturday 3 May Symphony Hall Digbeth ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// (in association with International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014 is delighted to present the Electric Swing Circus) world premiere of a unique collaboration between Birmingham’s Ex Cathedra, Québécois dance company Cas Public, and a cast of UK performers. Featuring works for choir, organ and cello, the evening & culminates in an evocative reimagining of Duruflé’s Requiem, featuring a mix of ballet, Kathak and contemporary dance. SWINGAMAJIG ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Sunday 4 May 2pm – 5am Boxxed, Digbeth

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Swingamajig is an urban festival dedicated to Electro Swing, Gypsy Folk and vintage mayhem. On Saturday, IDFB has teamed up with Swingamajig’s organisers Electric Swing Circus to host a day of swing dance - come and learn the moves to join in on the day. Then, on Sunday, bring the whole family to see some of the most inventive, entertaining live acts, DJs, swing dancers, acrobats and artists around.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// FLAMENCO WEEKEND Sat 3 – Mon 5 May

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Get to grips with the intricate rhythms behind this most passionate of dances in a series of fantastic workshops for all levels.

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Image: Johan Perssona

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WEEK 2 TUE 6 – SAT 10 MAY

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Sylvie Guillem // 6000 MILES AWAY Tuesday 6 – Wednesday 7 May // 7.30pm Birmingham Hippodrome

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International Dance Festival Birmingham is delighted to present a mixed programme devised and performed by internationally acclaimed dancer and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Sylvie Guillem, who is widely recognised as one of the world’s greatest dancers. Image: Image: Bill Cooper

Aakash Odedra Company // MURMUR & INKED Tuesday 6 – Wednesday 7 May // 8pm DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome

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A world premiere double bill from the acclaimed Aakash Odedra company, exploring themes of dyslexia and scarification and tattoos through Odedra’s distinctive movement style, based on his original training in South Asian styles of Kathak and Bharatanatyam.

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Les 7 Doigts de la Main // SÉQUENCE 8 Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 May // 7.30pm & 2pm (Saturday) Birmingham Repertory Theatre

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Groundbreaking Montreal circus company Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers) bring a deeply human dimension to the world of awe-inspiring acrobatics and phenomenal physicality.

Playful and profound, Séquence 8 is an exhilarating race through the furthest reaches of acrobatics, circus arts, dance and theatre.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, including venue addresses and more on ticket prices, visit www.idfb.co.uk Image: Yann Boyenval Image: Yann 50 www.whatsonlive.co.uk IDFB Feature LW_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:28 Page 6

Highlights Company Decalage // International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014 MATCH & HALFWAY TO ALL OF THE OTHER SIDE BIRMINGHAM IS Friday 9 – Saturday 10 May // 8pm A STAGE EXHIBITION DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 May Birmingham Hippodrome Millennium Point

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Company Decalage present this highly anticipated world premiere Students from Birmingham City University’s School of Architecture have double bill, featuring a meeting of minds, a light in the dark and three been working with DanceXchange to imagine how disused or unloved choreographers whose paths crossed, turned, flipped, spun and crossed corners of Birmingham could be transformed into performance spaces. again. See the results in an exhibition which aims to kick-start regeneration and community development projects across the city. On Thursday and Celebrated Midlands-based choreographer and bboy Mickael ‘Marso’ Friday look out for pop-up performances by Birmingham Ormiston Riviere joins forces with two exceptional talents; acclaimed Academy dance students, inspired by the architectural designs. choreographer, actor and dancer Guy Nader (originally from Lebanon, The exhibition forms part of Birmingham Made Me 2014. based in Barcelona) and extraordinary performer and choreographer Salah El Brogy (hailing from Egypt, based in London). Working together, ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// they’ve co-created two brand new duets.

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[Match & Halfway To The Other Side] Image : Time Unlimited Tours

Corey Baker Dance // A HAKA DAY OUT Saturday 10 May // Free workshops: 12-12.30pm, 1-1.30pm & 2.30-3pm // Live Haka Performance: 3.30pm Birmingham City Centre

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Take part in a traditional Māori experience in Birmingham city centre as part of A Haka Day Out. IDFB’s International Resident Choreographer and New Zealander Corey Baker will lead exhilarating tribal Haka (war dance) workshops with native Māori performers, followed by a live Haka performance. Suitable for everyone - just turn up and have a go. Image: Image: marz1.4

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WEEK 3 TUE 13 – SAT 17 MAY

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein // BORDER TALES Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 May // 8pm DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome £12/£8 Suitable for ages 12+ 0844 338 5000 or book online www.idfb.co.uk/protein

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New Adventures & Re:Bourne // LORD OF THE FLIES Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 May // 7.30pm, 2pm (Thursday), 2.30pm (Saturday) Birmingham Hippodrome £15-£36 // Concessions available // Suitable for ages 8+ 0844 338 5000 or book online www.idfb.co.uk/newadventures

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[Put Your Foot Down]

[Border Tales] Image: Image: Chris Nash

[Lord of The Flies]

PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN Saturday 17 May // 12pm-6pm Bullring, Spiceal Street Free Outdoor Event // Suitable for all ages

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Paint The Town Red // THE SOUND OF FOOTWORK Saturday 17 May // 8pm-2am Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath (in association with brukup!) Suitable for ages 18+

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, including venue addresses and more on ticket prices, visit www.idfb.co.uk

52 www.whatsonlive.co.uk IDFB Feature LW_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:29 Page 8

Highlights International Dance WEEK 4 TUE 20 – SUN 25 MAY Festival Birmingham 2014

A Sadler’s Wells project // Paint The Town Red // BREAKIN’ CONVENTION INTERNATIONAL CAPOEIRA Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 21 May // 7.30pm FESTIVAL & BRAZILIAN (Foyer Events from 5.30pm) Birmingham Hippodrome CARNIVAL PARADE £9.50 in advance // £15 on the day // Suitable for all ages Friday 23 – Sunday 25 May 0844 338 5000 or book online www.idfb.co.uk/breakinconvention mac birmingham ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// REBEL SPIRIT: BRAZILIAN Aerites // CLUB NIGHT PLANITES Saturday 24 May // 8pm-12am Thursday 22 – Friday 23 May // 8pm PST, Digbeth (in association with Espirito Brum) DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome Suitable for ages 18+ £12/£8 ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Image: Image: Andreas Endermann Suitable for ages 11+ 0844 338 5000 or book online www.idfb.co.uk/aerites

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// [Breakin’ Convention]

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui // M¡LONGA Friday 23 – Saturday 24 May // 7.30pm Birmingham Hippodrome

£12-£28 Kenton Image: Tristram Suitable for ages 11+ 0844 338 5000 or book online www.idfb.co.uk/milonga

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Candoco Dance Company // Image: Paul Hampartsoumian STUDIES FOR C Saturday 24 May // 2pm & 4pm The Village Green (outside The Village Inn, Hurst Street. Access via Sherlock Street) Free Outdoor Event // Suitable for ages 14+

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DeNada Dance Theatre // YOUNG MAN! Saturday 24 May // 2.20pm & 4.20pm The Village Green (outside The Village Inn, Hurst Street. Access via Sherlock Street) Image: Image: Krzysztof Jokiel Free Outdoor Event // Suitable for ages 14+

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// B-TOWN Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 May // 9.30pm Victoria Square Free Outdoor Event

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For ticket prices and booking information, visit www.idfb.co.uk. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:13 Page 1 Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:13 Page 2

Film TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

From FRI 18 APR

The Amazing Spiderman 2 CERT tbc Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Colm TOP 5 Feore, Paul Giamatti, Sally Field, Martin Sheen, Felicity Jones, Chris Cooper Directed by Marc Webb (USA) FILM BOX OFFICE The trailer looks great, the cast is mouthwatering and Marc Webb returns from his duties on the first film (the 2012 reboot, that is). This should be big. Humongous even. This time Spidey (aka Peter Parker) has his web full as he competes against a slew of super-villains, including Electro (Foxx), the Green Goblin (DeHaan) and the Rhino (Giamatti). Let’s just hope that so much is not too much of a good thing. The budget is said Need For Speed (12a) to be north of $200million. In 3D (obviously). 1 The Grand Budapest Noah CERT 12a (138mins) Hotel (12a) Starring Russell Crowe, Jennifer 2 Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, Logan Lerman, Douglas Booth, Nick Nolte, The Lego Movie (U) Frank Langella 3 Directed by Darren Aronofsky (USA)) Boasting a budget of $130million 300: Rise Of An ($124million more than Aronofsky’s 4 Empire (15) 2008 film The Wrestler), this is a real Biblical epic. Russell Crowe plays Non-Stop (12a) the Patriarch of Genesis who turns 5 out to be a good deal more pre- scient than Michael Fish. Need For Speed Interestingly, the part was originally offered to Christian Bale, who opted to jump ship (or ark). Instead, Bale went on to play Moses in Ridley Scott’s upcoming Exodus. Meanwhile, we have Crowe round- ing up a formidable menagerie of From species to rescue them from the FRI 4 flood. It should make our recent APR moans about the wet weather seem incredibly feeble. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:13 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 4 April

Divergent CERT 12a (139 mins) Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q, Jai Courtney, Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd Directed by Neil Burger (USA) Believe it or not, we’re back in a post-apocalyp- tic dystopia, this one adapted from the novel by Veronica Roth. Here, we’re in a futuristic Chicago in which the populace are divided into five distinct classes of personality or ‘virtues’. But Beatrice 'Tris' Prior (Woodley) is a ‘diver- gent’, which means she is without an official virtue - which makes her very dangerous. But ‘why’, she wonders?

Honour CERT 15 (102 mins) Rio 2 CERT U (101 mins) Starring Paddy Considine, Aiysha Hart, With the voices of Anne Hathaway, Jesse Harvey Virdi, Nikesh Patel, Faraz Ayub Eisenberg, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, Leslie Directed by Shan Khan (UK) Mann, Bruno Mars, Jemaine Clement, Andy Garcia There is honour among thieves but not in some Directed by Carlos Saldanha (USA) families living in London. When Mona Carlos Saldanha’s Rio (2011) was a sweet, (Aiysha Hart) ‘shames’ funny and highly entertaining tale of love her family, a contract is and ecology and there’s no reason why the put on her life. When sequel shouldn’t be as good. Anne the first attempted Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg return to honour killing misfires, voice their characters of a couple of love- the family hires a struck Spix's macaws, this time with three bounty killer kids in tow. On a trip to the Amazon, they (Considine) as Mona meet up with family and discover that the goes on the run. rainforest is threatened… Expect songs Sounds terribly topical. (well, look at that cast). In 3D.

For full film listings, showings and booking links visit: whatsonlive.co.uk

View the latest trailers on line

56 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:13 Page 4

The Double CERT 15 (93mins) Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn, Noah Taylor, Yasmin Paige, James Fox Directed by Richard Ayoade (UK) The former star of Channel Four’s The IT Crowd continues his exploration of the cinema with this comic thriller about a man and his doppelgänger. Based on the novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, it stars Jesse Eisenberg as a man gradually driven nuts when he realises that his life has been taken over by his double. Richard Ayoade previously directed the smart, surpris- ing and very funny Submarine (2010).

From FRI 11 Released from Fri 11 April APR

The Quiet Ones CERT 15 (98 mins) Half Of A Yellow Sun Calvary CERT 15 (101 mins) Starring Jared Harris, Sam Claflin, Olivia CERT 15 (111 mins) Starring Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Cooke, Erin Richards Starring Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Isaach de Bankolé, Directed by John Pogue (UK) Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle, John Domhnall Gleeson Directed by John Michael Following the success of their Daniel Radcliffe- Boyega Directed by Biyi Bandele (Nigeria/UK) McDonagh (Ireland/UK) starrer The Woman In Black, Hammer Films McDonagh previously directed Brendan now serve up more It is perhaps ironic that great African parts Gleeson in The Guard, one of the funniest, thrills with this little are so often played by the English. Winnie darkest films of 2011. Here, he’s cast Mr horror. Jared Harris Mandela has been played by the London- Gleeson as a priest - a good one, to boot - plays Professor born Sophie Okonedo and Naomie Harris, who is constantly disappointed by the small- Coupland, a univer- Nelson Mandela by Idris Elba and (wince) mindedness of his flock. He’s then threatened sity physics profes- Muhammad Ahmad by Laurence Olivier (in during a routine confession and finds that he sor who gathers Khartoum). Now comes the adaptation of must combat a very real evil head-on. We can’t together his best Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange wait. students to try and Prize-winning novel set during the Nigerian- create a real-life pol- Biafran War of 1967-1970. While Adichie tergeist. Inspired by and the director Bandele are Nigerian, the real events. two leads are played by the London-born Thandie Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Olanna and her lover Odenigbo. While they The Raid 2 CERT 18 (150 mins) are both very good, Bandele (a prominent Starring Iko Uwais, Arifin Putra, Oka Antara, novelist and playwright) is unable to draw Tio Pakusadewo convincing performances from the rest of Directed by Gareth Evans (Indonesia) his cast and the film, at best, is workman- Gareth Evans’ The Raid (2012) was the most like. And, spanning most of the 1960s, it successful Indonesian film ever to be directed fails to find a cohesive narrative, although by a Welshman. Now comes the sequel in under the guidance of cinematographer which the rookie Jakarta cop Rama (Uwais) John de Borman it does look terrific. finds that his original sortie on a crime-infested The Last Days On Mars tenement block has opened a can of very big CERT 15 (98 mins) worms. Members of the Indonesian underworld Starring Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola now want their pound of flesh and Rama is Released from Fri 18 April Garai, Goran Kostić, Olivia Williams Directed by Ruairí Robinson (Ireland/UK/USA) forced to go undercover. Man has finally made it to Mars and after six Locke CERT 15 (85 mins) months one of the eight-man team makes a Khumba: A Zebra’s Tale Starring Tom Hardy, with the voices of Tom startling discovery. With just nineteen hours CERT U (85 mins) Holland, Olivia Colman, Andrew Scott, Ruth before they are due to return to earth, Marko Featuring the voices of Jake T. Austin, Steve Wilson, Ben Daniels (Kostić) finds what he believes to be proof of Buscemi, Loretta Devine, Laurence Directed by Steven Knight (UK/USA Fishburne, Richard E. Grant, AnnaSophia bacterial life. And then everything goes pear- While driving from Birmingham to London, a shaped. So, where’s Sandra Bullock when Robb, Catherine Tate, Liam Neeson Directed by Anthony Silverston (South Africa) construction manager receives a phone call. you need her? The remainder of the film sees Ivan Locke Khumba is a South African zebra with only half (Hardy) attempting to salvage his life via mobile his stripes. And because phone as he contin- he’s different he is ues to race home. If blamed for the recent the claustrophobic drought and eventually setting is off-putting, feels compelled to leave Hardy’s performance his family. Beyond the and the taut direction safety of his own home, of Steven Knight Khumba is forced to sur- apparently make this vive on his wits and to one helluva fresh and find the courage to be gripping thriller. himself. In 3D.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:13 Page 5 GET YOUR FREE COPY DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTH

...you just pay for the postage and packing! Yes, we know you’re wondering what the catch is. Well, there isn’t one! We’ve ripped up our subscription rates so that more of you can get the No.1 listings magazine in the Midlands delivered direct to your front door every month. And at just £2 an issue to cover the postage and packing, there’s never been a better time to get it delivered! It’s easy - just call our Subscription Hotline on 01743 281714 Simply pay the postage and packing cost of £2 per issue by debit or credit card!

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The Love Punch CERT 12a (94 mins) Starring Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, Louise Bourgoin, Tuppence Middleton Directed by Joel Hopkins (UK) A romantic caper in the tradition of Stanley Donen’s Charade, The Love Punch is the story of two divorcees. Reunited at a wedding, the ex-couple decides to team up to retrieve the retirement money stolen from them. In the process, Pierce Brosnan gets to wear a lot of silly costumes.

From FRI 25 APR

(Deutch), a Dhampir who, as you know, is a Transcendence CERT tbc The Other Woman CERT tbc half human/half vampire thingy and actually Starring Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate quite a peaceful sort. And she’s here to protect Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Kate Mara, Upton, Taylor Kinney, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, her own kind from the more disruptive, hell-for- Cillian Murphy Nicki Minaj leather Strigoi undead. Based on the novel by Directed by Wally Pfister (USA) Directed by Nick Cassavetes (USA) Richelle Mead. Not content to be a brilliant scientist, Dr It’s hard to imagine any man double-dealing Will Caster (Depp) downloads his mind Cameron Diaz, but this is the case in this onto a computer. It’s not ethical and there revenge comedy. Once Amber (Diaz) realises are people out to stop him. Meanwhile, Dr that her boyfriend (Coster-Waldau) is actually Caster is gaining unprecedented power… married, she teams up with his wife (Mann) to Think RoboProf. plot suitable retribution.

Tracks CERT 12a (113mins) Starring Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver Directed by John Curran (Australia) In 2006 John Curran directed a sumptuous and accomplished adaptation of W Somerset Maugham’s novel The Painted Veil. Here, he tackles the altogether more tricky 1980 memoir by Robyn Davidson which chronicles her one Released from Fri 25 April thousand, seven hundred-mile trek across the Australian Outback with just a dog, four camels and the National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan. The desert scenery promises to Exhibition CERT 15 (105mins) look stunning and Mia Wasikowska is always Starring Liam Gillick, Viv Albertine, Tom Hiddleston Directed by Joanna Hogg (UK) an engaging cinematic presence. Vampire Academy: Tom Hiddleston is becoming this year’s James Blood Sisters CERT tbc Franco (as a constant presence on our Starring Zoey Deutch, Danila Kozlovsky, Lucy screens) and is teamed up with director Joanna Fry, Dominic Sherwood, Olga Kurylenko, Hogg for the third time. Here, he plays an Joely Richardson estate agent, but the central characters are ‘H’ Directed by Mark Waters (USA) (Gillick) and ‘D’ (Albertine), an artistic couple Mark Waters directed Mean Girls (2004) and whose lifestyle is threatened when their London the girls don’t get much meaner than these home is put up for sale. Incidentally, Albertine bloodsuckers. Our heroine is Rose Hathaway was guitarist for the punk band The Slits.

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

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 59 Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:14 Page 7

Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 25 - FilmA-Z LISTINGS Tues 29 Apr Ferris Bueller’s Day Off All films are currently on general release PG unless otherwise stated. For full listing A high school wise guy is determined to have a day information, including times and dates, off from school. Stars visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Matthew Broderick. Showing at The Crescent 12 Years A Slave 15 begins to investigate the Theatre, Birmingham, Based on the autobiogra- events leading to Weds 30 Apr phy of Soloman Northup, Jacques' death. Showing Frozen PG who was kidnapped and at Stoke Film Theatre, Loosely based on Hans sold into slavery in 1841. Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 10 Christian Andersen’s The Chiwetel Ejiofor and Apr Snow Queen, in which Michael Fassbenders star. the kingdom of Arendelle Showing at Warwick Arts is turned into an eternal Centre, Coventry, until winter by the Princess Tues 1 Apr; The Elsa. Showing at Stoke Courtyard, Hereford, Film Theatre, Stoke-on- until Tues 7 Apr; Artrix, WATCH The Grand Budapest Hotel Trent, Sat 12 Apr; Bromsgrove, Sun 13 Forest Arts Centre, Shrewsbury, Fri 18 - Thurs such ‘minifigures’ as - Tues 15, Fri 18 - Sat Inside Llewyn Davis 15 THE FILM Walsall, Thurs 17 Apr 24 Apr; Artrix, Batman, Superman and 19 Apr Set in Greenwich Village, Bromsgrove, Tues 29 - Spaceman Benny. With Funny Face PG New York, in 1961, and A Late Quartet 15 Weds 30 Apr; Ludlow loosely based on the the voices of Chris Pratt TRAILERS AT Jo Stockton is a book The future of the quar- Assembly Rooms, South memoir of folk singer and Elizabeth Banks. clerk in New York, who tet is threatened when Shropshire, Tues 29 - Dave Van Ronk. Oscar Showing at Wem Town whatsonlive.co.uk gets “discovered” as a one of them may or may Weds 30 Apr Isaac stars. Directed by Hall, Fri 11 - Sat 12 & potential model. Initially not have Parkinson’s. As it the Coen brothers. Weds 16 Apr; Artrix, sceptical and snobbish Gravity 12a happens, this proves to Showing at Ludlow Bromsgrove, Mon 14 - Sat about the job offer, she Matt Kowalsky is on his be the least of their prob- Assembly Rooms, South 19 Apr; Roses Theatre, accepts when she finds it last shuttle before retire- lems. Philip Seymour The Book Thief 12a Shropshire, until Tues 1 Tewkesbury, Fri 18 - Mon involves a trip to Paris for ment, along with medical Hoffman & Christopher A young girl sent to live Apr; Roses Theatre, 21 Apr; Courtyard Theatre, a fashion shoot. Cue engineer Dr Ryan Stone Walken star. Showing at with a foster family in Tewkesbury, Sun 6 - Weds Hereford, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 much hijinks in the French on her first mission in The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri World War Two Germany 9 Apr Apr; Old Market Hall, capital as Jo’s attitude space. Then, on a routine 25 Apr learns to read, with Shrewsbury, Fri 18 - Sat 26 encouragement from soon begins to soften spacewalk, their craft is The Invisible Woman Apr; Festival Drayton A Long Way Down 15 Max, a Jewish refugee towards her new role, and destroyed, leaving them 12a Centre, Market Drayton, The story of four people who they’re hiding under towards her handsome stranded in the cosmos... The film focuses on Shropshire Tues 22 & who decide to commit the stairs. Showing at photographer. Fred Sandra Bullock & George Dickens’ extra-marital rela- Thurs 24 Apr suicide by jumping off a Roses Theatre, Astaire & Audrey Hepburn Clooney star. Showing at tionship with Ellen ‘Nelly’ tall building in London on Tewkesbury, Fri 18 - Weds star. Showing at Warwick Wem Town Hall, North Ternan. Ralph Fiennes & Mandela: Long Walk To New Year’s Eve. The twist 23 Apr; Ludlow Assembly Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat Shropshire, Mon 14 & Felicity Jones star. Freedom 12a is that they’re all strangers Rooms, South Shropshire, 19 - Sun 20 Apr Thurs 17 Apr Showing at Wem Town The late anti-apartheid and each character’s Mon 21, Weds 23 - Thurs Hall, North Shropshire, activist Nelson Mandela G B F 15 Her 12a attempt to end his life in 24 Apr; Stoke Film Weds 2 - Thurs 3 Apr; Old has been played by sev- When Tanner unwittingly In the not-too-distant solitude is ruined by the Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Market Hall, Shrewsbury, eral actors, but this is the becomes his high future, Theo, who’s going appearance of the others. Tues 22 Apr; Artrix, until Thurs 3 Apr; Ludlow first film to be based on school’s first openly gay through a divorce, down- Pierce Brosnan & Toni Bromsgrove, Fri 25, Sun Assembly Rooms, South Mandela’s autobiography. student, social warfare loads a voice-activated Collette star. Showing at 27 - Mon 28 Apr Shropshire, Sun 6 - Tues Idris Elba stars. Showing erupts with three prom operating system. Warwick Arts Centre, 8, Fri 11, Sun 13 - Mon 14 at Warwick Arts Centre, queen hopefuls compet- Choosing a female identi- Coventry, Fri 11 - Thurs 17 The Butler 12a Apr; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Coventry, Fri 4 - Tues 8 ing over this year's must ty for his new programme, Apr; Courtyard Theatre, Loosely based on real Sun 6 - Tues 8, Fri 11 Apr; Apr have teen girl accessory – he finds himself becoming Hereford, Tues 15 - Thurs events, The Butler in The Courtyard, Hereford, ‘The G.B.F’. Stars Michael totally reliant on ‘Her’. The Monuments Men 17 Apr question works at the Tues 8 Apr; Roses J. Willett. Showing at mac, Stars Joaquin Phoenix 12a White House, and it’s Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues Birmingham, Weds 23 Apr and the voice of Scarlett Based on the book by The Armstrong Lie 15 through his eyes that we 8 - Tues 15 Apr; Warwick Johansson. Showing at Robert M Edsel, this is the The extraordinary story of see many of the major The Godfather Part II Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri the Tour de France cham- Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke- true story of a group of art historical episodes of the 12a 18 - Sat 19, Mon 21 Apr pion Lance Armstrong, his on-Trent, Fri 11 - Sat 12 historians and curators twentieth century. The film shifts back and fight with testicular and Apr; Old Market Hall, who’re conscripted to infil- Showing at Stourbridge forth in time between Jack Ryan: Shadow brain cancer, his astonish- Shrewsbury, Fri 11 - Thurs 12a trate Nazi Germany in Town Hall, Mon 7 Apr Michael Corleone consoli- Recruit ing comeback and then 17 Apr; Roses Theatre, Jack Ryan is the CIA order to track down dating his empire in the his terrible shame. Cuban Fury 15 Tewkesbury, Sat 19 Apr; agent first featured in the invaluable works of art. 1950s and his father Vito Showing at Old Market Bruce is a loser who’s got Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 1990 thriller The Hunt For Showing at Festival escaping Sicily as a boy Hall, Shrewsbury, from a crush on his beautiful South Shropshire, Sun 27 Red October. Shadow Drayton Centre, at the turn of the twentieth Weds 30 Apr American boss, Julia. - Mon 28 Apr Recruit, to use the popular Shropshire, Fri 4 - Sat 5 century. Al Pacino & Then he discovers she parlance, is a reboot and Apr; Stoke Film Theatre, Robert Duvall star. The Hunt 12a August: Osage County has a secret passion: sees a younger Ryan Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 4 - Sat Showing at Warwick Arts Klara, a five-year-old pupil, 15 salsa. And many, many counter a Soviet plot to 5 Apr; Ludlow Assembly Centre, Coventry, Sun 27 makes up a charge of Adapted from the 2007 years ago, Bruce was undermine the US econo- Rooms, South Shropshire, Apr assault. The nursery is in play by Tracy Letts, this is something of a child my. Chris Pine stars. Fri 18 - Sun 20 Apr; Artrix, shock, suspicions are a black comedy set in an prodigy of the Latin The Grand Budapest Showing at The Courtyard, Bromsgrove, Mon 21 - Oklahoma household aroused and as hatred of dance… Showing at Hotel 12a Hereford, until Weds 2 Apr Weds 23 Apr; Old Market where a crisis reunites the Warwick Arts Centre, one man spreads Hall, Shrewsbury, from Fri The adventures of the leg- throughout the village, the women in the family. Coventry, Fri 4, Mon 7 - Labor Day 12a 25 Apr endary concierge small community rapidly Meryl Streep & Julia Thurs 10 Apr; Roses Adele Wheeler is suffering Gustave H. As played by begins to fall apart. Mads The New Black tbc Roberts star. Showing at Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri from a degenerative psy- Ralph Fiennes, Gustave H Mikkelsen stars. Showing The New Black docu- Roses Theatre, 25 - Mon 28 Mar chological disorder, her is a wonderful comic char- at The Hive, Shrewsbury, ments activists on both Tewkesbury, until Tues 1 thirteen-year-old son is The Dallas Buyers Club acter, an articulate, manip- Fri 4 Apr sides of the campaign to Apr; Ludlow Assembly taking on the responsibili- 15 ulative and brazen fellow legalise gay marriage in Rooms, South Shropshire, ties of the house and Mr Based on a lengthy article who abuses his position I Am Divine tbc Maryland, USA. Showing Tues 1 - Thurs 3 Apr; The Wheeler has run off with in the Dallas Morning with startling zeal. The story of Divine, aka at mac, Birmingham, Sat Courtyard, Hereford, Fri 4 another woman. Then a News, this is a true story Accused of murder and Harris Glenn Milstead, 26 Apr Apr; Warwick Arts Centre, killer forces his way into about a homophobic chased all over the shop, from his humble begin- Coventry, Fri 11 - Mon 14 their home… Kate Winslet rodeo jock who contracts the fellow never loses his nings as an overweight, A New York Winter’s Apr & Josh Brolin star. Aids. Matthew nerve. Showing at Light teased Baltimore youth to Tale 12a Showing at Warwick Arts Bastards 18 McConaughey & Jennifer House Media Centre, internationally recognized When burglar Peter Lake Centre, Coventry, Fri 18 - Following the unheralded Garner star. Showing at Wolverhampton, until cult drag superstar breaks into a Manhattan Thurs 24 Apr; Roses suicide of his brother-in- Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke- Thurs 3 Apr; Warwick Arts through his collaboration property, an heiress dies Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon law, Marco goes AWOL on-Trent, until Tues 1 Apr; Centre, Coventry, until with filmmaker John in his arms. What follows 21 - Thurs 24 Apr from the ship he captains The Courtyard, Hereford, Thurs 8 Apr; Courtyard Waters. Directed by is a mystical, romantic Theatre, Hereford, Mon 14 Jeffery Schwarz. Showing fantasy that spans almost in the merchant marines Mon 7 Apr; Ludlow The Lego Movie U - Thurs 17 Apr; Stoke Film at mac, Birmingham, Sun a century as he attempts to support his distressed Assembly Rooms, South The computer-animated Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 27 Apr to be reunited with the late sister and niece. Troubled Shropshire, Tues 15 - movie is set in the ‘Lego Tues 15, Fri 18 - Sat 19 heiress. Colin Farrell & by what he finds, he Weds 16 Apr; Old Market universe’ and features Apr; Old Market Hall, Jessica Brown Findlay 60 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film April 2014 Davina_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:14 Page 8

star.Showing at Light Hiddleston & Tilda dam is constructed. The Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Jordan opens her eyes to Donald Pleasence as a House Media Centre, Swinton star.Showing at central character is Ahlo, a Mon 14 Apr the possibility of a new middle class teacher from Wolverhampton, until Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke- ten-year-old boy believed path, one that she herself the big city hoping to Thurs 3 Apr on-Trent, Thurs 3 Apr to bring bad luck wherev- Starred Up18 controls. Or does she? escape his outback posting er he goes.Showing at The story of a teenage Showing at mac, and return to Sydney. Mr Peabody And Philomena12a Warwick Arts Centre, inmate who, because of Birmingham, Fri 25 Apr Described by musician and ShermanU Dame Judi Dench plays Coventry, Weds 9 - Thurs his predilection for vio- screenwriter Nick Cave as A highly intelligent dog Philomena Lee, an elderly 10 Apr; Courtyard Theatre, lence, is moved from a Tank Girl15 being 'the best and most (Mr Peabody) and his woman who decides to Hereford, Mon 14 - Weds young offender’s institu- Tank Girl and her friends terrifying film about adopted boy, Sherman, search for the son taken 16 Apr tion to an adult jail. Jack stand up to a huge corpo- Australia in existence.' travel back in time in their from her when she was O'Connell stars.Showing ration, headed by Showing at Stoke Film Wayback Machine. just a teenager. Also stars Rush PG at Electric Cinema, B’ham, Kesslee, controller of the Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Showing at Roses Steve Coogan.Showing A film which charts the until Thurs 3 Apr; Stoke earth’s water supply, and Thurs 24 Apr Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon at The Courtyard, rivalry between Formula Film Theatre, Stoke-on- total mania ensues. Lori 7 - Weds 9 Apr; Old Hereford, until Weds 2 One racers James Hunt Trent, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Apr Petty & Malcolm The Wolf Of Wall Street Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Apr; Edge Arts Centre, and Niki Lauda as they McDowell star.Showing at 18 Sat 12 - Thurs 17 Apr; Much Wenlock, South compete for the 1976 Stranger By The Lake Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke- Over its three-hour running Festival Drayton Centre, Shropshire, Mon 7 Apr World Championship. 18 on-Trent, Tues 8th Apr time, there’s so much bad Shropshire, Mon 14 - Tues Chris Hemsworth and Alain Guiraudie’s atmos- behaviour, so much profan- 15 Apr; Ludlow Assembly Quartet12a Daniel Brühl star.Showing pheric thriller is set at a Teenage12a ity, so much cocaine, and Rooms, South Shropshire, In a retirement home for at Foxlowe Arts Centre, beautiful lakeside spot in Teenagers didn’t exist so many hookers and par- Mon 14 - Tues 15, Thurs opera singers and musi- Leek, Staffs, Tues 1 Apr southern France, fre- much before the 1950s. ties that it’s like The 17 Apr; Artrix, cians, the occupants are quented by men sun- Or did they? This kaleido- Hangover that swallowed Bromsgrove, Weds 23 - facing more than one kind Saving Mr BanksPG bathing in the summer scopic collage of rare Wall Street.Leonardo Thurs 24, Sat 26 Apr; of music… Maggie Smith, Biog of PL Travers, the heat. Franck bears wit- archive footage, diary DiCaprio stars.Showing at Courtyard Theatre, Tom Courtenay & Billy author of . ness to a murder and, as entries and Super 8 recre- Artrix, Bromsgrove until Hereford, Fri 25 - Tues 29 Connolly star.Showing at The film is divided a silent witness, must ations follows their evolu- Weds 2 Apr; The Apr The Norbury Theatre, between Travers’ early choose between his pas- tion during the first half of Courtyard, Hereford, until Droitwich Spa, Weds 16 years in Australia and the sion and his moral integri- the twentieth century. Weds 2 Apr Nebraska15 Apr later negotiations with ty. Showing at Light Showing at Warwick Arts The story of a dipsomani- Disney to make a film of House Media Centre, Centre, Coventry, Weds 2 - Yves Saint Laurent15 ac who travels from The Railway Man15 her popular children’s Wolverhampton, until Thurs 3 Apr; Stoke Film This is a biog of the man Montana to Nebraska with Based on the autobiogra- novel. Emma Thompson Thurs 3 Apr; Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, once described as the his son to supposedly phy of Eric Lomax who, & Tom Hanks star. Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 8th Apr most influential fashion claim some prize money. as a POW for the Showing at Stourbridge Thurs 17 Apr; mac, designer of the latter part of Bruce Dern & Will Forte Japanese, helped build Town Hall, Mon 28 Apr Birmingham, Sat 26 Apr Under The SkinU the twentieth century. A star.Showing at Foxlowe the Thai-Burma Railway. This science fiction thriller story which explores Saint Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Colin Firth and Nicole Shirley Valentine15 Submergetbc stars Scarlett Johansson Laurent’s long-term friend- Tues 8 Apr Kidman star.Showing at Shirley is a housewife in For Jordan, university life as an alien who preys on ship, love affair and busi- Courtyard Theatre, Liverpool, undervalued by brings the promise of new hitchhikers in Scotland. ness partnership with Pierre Only Lovers Left Alive Hereford, Fri 11 - Thurs 17 her husband. When she experiences and a Showing at Warwick Arts Bergé. Pierre Niney & 15 Apr; Warwick Arts Centre, gets a chance to go to chance to break away Centre, Coventry, Fri 25 Guillaume Gallienne star. A reclusive, centuries-old Coventry, Tues 15 - Thurs Greece with a female from intense family pres- Apr and also from Sun 27 Showing at Old Market vampire rock star is find- 17 Apr friend, she discovers the sure to pursue a career as Apr Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 4 - ing it hard to keep up with pleasures of freedom an elite swimmer. Thurs 10 Apr modern technology. In The Rocket12a away from the limitations Through her newly dis- Wake In Fright18 fact, it’s all getting so The Rocket explores the of her marriage, and falls covered passions – the A 1971 thriller staring much that he decides to displacement of a rural in love with living. study of history and her Lao community as a new take his own life… Tom Showing at Stoke Film academic tutor, Angie – For full listings visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

DVD NEW RELEASES Oldboy 18 Kill Your Darlings 15 The story of a man seeking Cinematically, there’s vengeance for his false been a lot of interest in the imprisonment. Josh Brolin generation of Beat poets. (No Country For Old Men, Here, Daniel Radcliffe Gangster Squad) plays the plays Allen Ginsberg in a detainee with retribution on true crime story that impli- his mind. Expect some cates him, Jack Kerouac strong adult content. and William S Burroughs Elizabeth Olsen also stars. in a murder. Dane Released 7 April DeHann also stars. Released 21 April All Is Lost 12a Robert Redford plays a sailor whose craft takes on water when it collides with a shipping container: what follows is a story of elemental survival. Released 21 April

Nebraska 15 Bruce Dern was nominated The Secret Life Of activist has been played by The Hobbit: The Walking With for best actor at this year’s Walter Mitty PG several actors (Morgan Desolation Of Smaug Dinosaurs U Oscars for his role here as Not a sequel, nor a Freeman, Danny Glover, 12a The story of three a dipsomaniac who travels reboot, but a remake (of Dennis Haysbert), but this Director Peter Jackson con- Pachyrhinosauruses (you from Montana to Nebraska sorts). Walter Mitty, is the first film to be based tinues the Tolkien saga, know, those centrosaurine with his son to supposedly played by Ben Stiller on Mandela’s autobiogra- with Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins ceratopsid dinosaurs) claim some prize money. (who also directs the phy and stars Idras Elba and those silly dwarfs hik- from infancy through to Will Forte also stars. film), is the ultimate and Naomie Harris. ing their way to the adulthood. Released 14 April Like Father, Like Son dreamer, who embarks Released 28 April Kingdom of Erebor. There, Released 28 April 12a on extravagant adven- they encounter the dragon tures inside his own Smaug, voiced by Benedict Ryota feels he’s earned his head. Cumberbatch. Having perfect life. Then he Released 21 April played Stephen Hawking, receives a phone call from William Pitt the Younger the hospital where his son and Julian Assange, there was born. There’d been a Mandela: Long Walk To is obviously no end to the mix-up, and his son is not Freedom 12a man’s talents. Ian actually his... From the Nelson Mandela’s life story director Hirokazo Koreeda. is one of the most remark- McKellen, Martin Freeman Released 28 April able of the twentieth centu- and Richard Armitage star. ry. The late anti-apartheid Released 28 April

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62 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts April Region One_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:10 Page 2 Visual Arts

Last Post: Remembering The First World War Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge Gorge, Fri 11 April - Fri 27 March 2015 Curated by the British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) in partnership with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Last Post explores the effect of the Great War on the Post Office and its people, as well as explaining the contribution of postal com- munications to the war effort. “The First World War Centenary is an opportunity to reflect on the impact that this cataclysmic con- flict had upon everyone,” says Dr Adrian Steel, Director of BPMA, “not just those fighting on the Front Line. Few organisations had a greater role to play, or a greater impact, over the five years of hostilities than the British postal service.” The exhibition encompasses a variety of themes. Alongside its presentation of objects of military and postal importance, it also includes stories from a Shropshire perspective.

Michael Francois: Pieces Of Evidence Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 30 April - Sun 22 June Belgian artist Michel François’ belief that art is ‘life sculpted’ is ably evidenced by the BP Portrait Award works on show in this thought-provoking exhibition. François brings together sculpture, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sat 31 May film, paintings, prints and photographs to illustrate his conviction that the meanings of a The BP Portrait Award is the world’s most presti- work of art are determined through its combination with others in relation to an exhibition gious portrait competition - 2013's contest saw space. This is the most comprehensive UK exhibition to date of the Brussels-based nearly two thousand artists from seventy-seven artist’s work. As with many of François’ solo exhibitions, it carries a title (Pieces Of countries competing for the top prize. Evidence) that reflects his interest in such subjects as contemporary reality, surveillance, Submissions were presented in a variety of con- psychology and the police state. Further examples of this are other exhibition titles such temporary styles, and ranged from informal and as State Of Being, Expanded Bureau and Theatre Of Operations. personal studies of friends and family to revealing portraits of famous faces - including those of Alistair Campbell, Frida Kahlo and Emeli Sande. Nadia Kisseleva: Document This Wolverhampton showcase features the mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Award’s winning entry - Pieter by Susanne du Toit Sat 5 Apr - Sun 1 Jun - and Second Prize-winner The Uncertain Time Russian-born Nadia Kisseleva is an artist known (pictured below), by Coventry-based artist John for her use of vivid and intense colour palettes. Devane. Document, with its monochrome palette, there- fore constitutes something of a departure for her. The exhibition comprises a series of portraits of people imprisoned in the former Soviet Union during the Stalinist era, the use of a muted palette allowing Kisseleva not only to reference the original black-and-white photographs upon which the paintings are based, but also to convey a sense of the abhorrent conditions suffered by people who were detained under Stalin’s regime. Kisseleva has developed a worldwide reputation as an artist of note since leaving Russia for Africa thirty-four years ago. Now resident in the UK, her work can be found in private collections in the The Uncertain Time by John Devane, 2013 © John United States, Kenya, Denmark and Austria. Devane www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Visual Arts April Region One_Layout 1 24/03/2014 10:10 Page 3

years, until Sun 27 Apr, until Sat 7 Jun, PREVIEWS LISTINGS The Barber Institute, Worcester City Art VisualArts VisualArts Birmingham Gallery & Museum For full listing information on Visual Art DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL CHROMA COLLECTIVE Exhibition celebrating Exhibition featuring Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, the steady hand and works from four contem- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk eagle eye of the porary jewellers with a Victorian trade cata- shared goal of raising Beside The Seaside NIKHIL CHOPRA: SPACE DAVID TREMLETT EXHIBI- logue engraver, until awareness of the craft Wed 30 Apr, Bilston Craft Gallery, ODDITY Personal histo- TION Large-scale site- within Birmingham’s Coalbrookdale Museum Sat 12 April - Sat 14 June ries and India's colonial specific wall drawings of Jewellery Quarter, until past are explored using geometric arrange- of Iron, Ironbridge, Sat 7 June, Museum of The halcyon days of the British seaside performance, painting ments, abstract compo- Shropshire the Jewellery Quarter, resort may be long gone, but time spent on a and photography, until sitions of arcs, circles, PAT LANDON RBSA Solo Birmingham UK beach enjoying donkey rides, building Sat 5 Apr, trapezoids and line, until show which focuses on BILL DRUMMOND: THE 25 sandcastles and eating ice-creams is still Wolverhampton Art Mon 21 April, Ikon the artist’s year of travel- PAINTINGS Unique exhi- familiar enough to most people to ensure Gallery Gallery, Birmingham ling, until Sat 3 May, bition marking the RBSA, Birmingham beginning of a ten-year that they’ll both enjoy and engage with this SCORE A snapshot of the JAMAL PENJWENY variety of musical Exhibition comprising MADE AT MAC: FROM THE journey which, starting lighthearted exhibition. Comprising craft scores which have twelve images of Iraqi INSIDE Featuring art- off beneath Spaghetti inspired by British beaches, life on the coast emerged since the people holding a lifesize works from the Junction, will see and seaside holidays, Beside The Seaside 1950s. Works by Janet picture of Saddam Introduction To Art Drummond tour twelve features quirky automata boating scenes Boulton and Claudia Hussain in front of their Techniques course, led cities across the world, until Sat 14 June, made from British hardwoods and found Molitor feature, until Sat own, until Mon 21 Apr, by artist-tutor Helen Tarr, 5 Apr, Library of Ikon Gallery, until Sun 4 May, mac - Eastside Projects, objects, charming seaside scenes in textiles Birmingham Birmingham Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham and ceramics, and plenty of interactive fea- MELTING POT CRAFT EXHI- EXPOSED: THE BODY IN Birmingham A BIG BANG: THE ORIGINS tures to try out. BITION Showcasing the ART FORM FROM DURER ALL IN A DAY’S WORK OF POP ART COLLECTION diverse and eclectic cul- TO FREUD Exhibition Insight into some of the The first in a two-part tural influences present which explores artistic large manufacturing display exploring some Home Away From Home within the British craft responses to the human companies which once of the biggest names in the Pop Art industry, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, scene, until Sat 5 Apr, body, with works by made their home in the until Sat 21 June, until Sun 3 August RBSA, Birmingham Albrecht Dürer, Dante Black Country, until Mon Gabriel Rossetti, 5 May, Bantock House Wolverhampton Art This fascinating exhibition showcases the MARGARET FAIRHEAD Gallery RBSA A series of Barbara Hepworth, & Park, Wolverhampton results of a Heritage Lottery-funded project stitched pieces inspired Helen Chadwick, SPRING SHOWCASE FOR THE RECORD run by Go-Woman! Alliance CIC (GOAL). by observations of flow- Francis Bacon, Gillian Featuring an eclectic Exploring themes of GOAL is coordinated by individuals who’ve ers from her garden, Wearing and Lucian mix of ceramics, textiles, preservation and Freud all featured, until recording in the work of been working in the field of enterprise for until Sat 5 Apr, RBSA homewares and delicate Gallery, Birmingham Mon 21 Apr, Herbert paper jewellery, until Sat female artists, until Sun many years to help support, develop and cel- Gallery & Museum, 29 June, Birmingham CHRIS CLINTON, DEAD 10 May, Bilston Craft ebrate entrepreneurial culture. The alliance’s Coventry Gallery Museum & Art Gallery Home Away From Home project focuses on MEDIA Birmingham- based artist Chris IKON ICONS: JOHN SALT GRAYSON PERRY: THE 40 YEARS OF WOMEN bringing together and presenting the experi- Clinton uses familiar The first artist ever to VANITY OF SMALL DIFFER- ARTISTS The strong ences of migrant Mirpuri/Kashmiri women objects and reclaimed exhibit at Ikon, in 1965, ENCES Exhibition chart- female characters in the who arrived in the UK between the 1950s materials to create art- until Mon 21 Apr, Ikon ing the story of class Garman Epstein family works which refer to Gallery, Birmingham mobility while examining and their circle of and 1970s and are now living in the Saltley friends are captured in and Washwood Heath area of Birmingham. contemporary popular DAVID CARPANINI: A the influence of social culture and our disre- PAINTER-PRINTMAKER class on aesthetic taste, this exhibition of works The project and this accompanying exhibi- gard for out-of-date AND HIS WORLD until Sun 11 May, from the gallery's tion explore numerous elements which have media, until Sun 6 Apr, Retrospective exhibition Birmingham Museum & Permanent Collection, affected the women’s ability to settle into The New Art Gallery, featuring some of Art Gallery until Sun 29 Jun, The New Art Gallery, Walsall their new community, including issues Walsall Carpanini’s most iconic ANDREW MATHESON RBSA around language, employment, and health PORTRAIT OF A POTTER- works, dating back to Solo show featuring a ARTISTS’ STUDIO: SARAH 1964, alongside recent- TAYLOR SILVERWOOD and wellbeing. IES POPSTAR A selection display of forms in of objects and memora- ly completed etchings, porcelain, experiment- Exhibition from bilia to celebrate the for- drawings and paintings, ing with barium glaze, Birmingham-based tieth birthday of one of until Mon 21 Apr, until Sat 17 May, RBSA, artist Sarah Taylor the world’s most suc- Leamington Spa Art Birmingham Silverwood, whose Gallery & Museum practice is grounded in cessful pop stars, DALE N MARSHALL: Robbie Williams, until SONGS OF THE SEA drawing, narrative and WALLS WITH WOUNDS landscape, until Sun 20 Sun 6 Apr, The Potteries Showcase of the wealth Exhibition which con- Museum, Stoke-on-Trent of material produced by July, New Art Gallery, sists of vibrant abstract Walsall LEARNING TEAM SHOW- the St Ives colony of and layered multimedia CASE Exhibition of work artists, until Sat 26 Apr, works which reference WE WORKED AT THE from the WAVE learning Worcester City Art the artist’s life, until Sun PORCELAIN Photographic team during 2013/14, Gallery 18 May, Herbert Art exhibition focusing on until Sat 12 Apr, DAVID ROWAN: THE DARK Gallery & Museum, some of Royal Wolverhampton Art RIVER A body of work Coventry Worcester’s many Photo credit: Birmingham Museums Trust Gallery which navigates the craftsmen and women, NEW ART WEST MID- until Fri 1 Aug, The JOHN RIDOUT: A LIFE IN course of Birmingham’s LANDS Showcase of River Rea, until Sun 27 Museum of Royal PAINTING Retrospective works from twenty-four Worcester Artist Rooms: Richard Long exhibition of paintings Apr, mac - Midlands Arts artists, all of whom have which catalogue Centre, Birmingham graduated from one of THE ROGER PILKINGTON New Art Gallery, Walsall, GLASS COLLECTION Wed 16 April - Sun 22 June changes in the Midlands TREASURE! DISCOVERING the region’s undergrad- over scores of years, THE STAFFORDSHIRE uate or postgraduate Exhibition which shows As one of Britain’s leading artists, Richard until Sat 12 Apr, HOARD A family-friendly fine art degree courses the development of Long works with the landscape to create Wolverhampton Art community exhibition within the past three English drinking glasses sculptures in some of the world’s most Gallery developed by years, until Sun Sun 18 from the late-seven- teenth to the late-nine- remote locations, along the way taking pho- FOUND EXHIBITION Staffordshire County May, Birmingham Council as part of the Museum & Art Gallery teenth century, until Sun tographs to document his work. Second group exhibi- 10 Aug, Broadfield tion held at the gallery Mercian Trail, until Sun FAMILY CIRCLES This Artist Rooms exhibition brings together 27 Apr, Newcastle House Glass Museum, by Quatrefoil artists Featuring contributions Dudley a selection of Long’s sculptures, maps and Jacqueline Calladine, Borough Museum & Art from some of the great- text works from the late 1960s to the present Annette Lucas ARBSA Gallery, Newcastle- est masters in miniature MOORE RODIN Works day, in so doing demonstrating the breadth and Stephanie Redfern under-Lyme, Staffs portraiture, until Mon 26 from two major players RBSA, until Sat 12 Apr, NEW ART WEST MID- May, The Barber in the world of modern of his travels, which have taken him as far sculpture feature in this afield as Japan and Alaska... RBSA, Birmingham LANDS Showcase of Institute, Birmingham works from twenty-four exhibition in celebration Now in its fifth year, Artist Rooms is a public STUDIO PRINTS Exhibition BARBARIANS: THE AGE OF of Compton Verney’s featuring the work of artists, all of whom have IRON Showcasing new collection of international contemporary art graduated from one of tenth anniversary, until artists and printmakers research, artefacts and Sun 31 Aug, Compton which is shared across the UK. This is made Dorothea Wight and the region’s undergrad- prehistoric skeletons uate or postgraduate Verney Gallery, possible through the generosity of Anthony Marc Balakjian, until which tell the story of Warwickshire d’Offay and other funders, including the Art Tues 15 Apr, New Art fine art degree courses Worcestershire over two within the past three Fund. Gallery, Walsall thousand years ago,

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Mon 7 Apr - Sat 3 May, Staffs VisualArts LISTINGS Solihull Arts Complex COLD TEA Exploration of Museums & Art Galleries NIGEL PRIDDEY RBSA the phenomenology of For full listing information on Visual Art Solo show featuring a colour and unreality Birmingham RED HOUSE GLASS CONE selection of watercolour executed through the 01384 812750 ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield exhibitions, including times and dates, paintings which explore materiality of paint and 0121 323 3776 WOLVERHAMPTON ART visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk pattern and colour in photographic images, GALLERY 01902 552055 the landscape, Mon 7 Fri 18 Apr - Sat 17 May, BARBER INSTITUTE 0121 414 7333 Apr - Sat 31 May, RBSA Wolverhampton Art YOU - THE 12TH PLINTH Quarter, until Sun 14 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & Shropshire Stand on the empty Dec, Museum of the Gallery, Birmingham Gallery ART GALLERY 0121 303 BEAR STEPS GALLERY, 12th plinth, strike a Jewellery Quarter, SECRET GARDEN CRAFT CONNECTIONS: LAND & 2834 SHREWSBURY pose and create a living Birmingham EXHIBITION Collection of SKY Showcasing the THE BURROWS GALLERY, 01743 344994 sculpture by becoming jewellery, ceramics and works of three textile TRACED Permanent exhi- THE TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, an artist’s model, inspir- bition tracing the suc- textiles exploring fairy- artists - Susan Walker, 0121 224 7344 ing a composition for a tales and narratives, Val Brewin and Dorothy MUCH WENLOCK cess of art & design in CASTLE GALLERIES 01952 727952 new sculpture, until Wolverhampton while Mon 7 Apr - Sat 28 Jun, Deakin, Sat 19 Apr - Sat 0121 633 0015 Sun 31 Aug, Compton RBSA Gallery, 17 May, Bilston Craft THE WILLOW GALLERY, bringing together works GRAND UNION Verney, Warwickshire Birmingham Gallery OSWESTRY by local artists from the 0121 643 9079 01691 657575 IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- museum’s collection, TOM, FRANK AND MAY JUSTYNA PTAK A series IKON GALLERY TION OF RSC COSTUME until Wed 31 Dec, Showcase of original of photographers which 0121 248 0708 until Mon 1 Sep, Royal Wolverhampton Art material, uniforms, han- draw from domestic, Staffordshire Shakespeare Theatre, Gallery dling activities and a architectural and rural NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & 0121 643 9099 Stratford-upon-Avon short film which demon- environments while ART GALLERY 01782 232323 CRAFTSENSE Featuring RBSA GALLERY BACK TO FRONT: 40 PER- over one hundred of the strate the role played by seeking to capture the SHIRE HALL GALLERY the Merry family during significant and intangi- 0121 2364353 STAFFORD 01785 278345 MANENT COLLECTION world-renowned Bilston THREE WHITE WALLS GEMS Exhibition which enamels, until Wed 31 World War One, from 12 ble in the everyday, Sat STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, GALLERY SHUGBOROUGH Dec, Bilston Craft Apr, , 19 Apr - Sat 12 July, celebrates the fortieth 0121 643 0078 01889 881388 anniversary of the Gallery Birmingham Wolverhampton Art Gallery gallery’s Garman Ryan SENSING SCULPTURE TIM SHAW: RA BLACK collection, until Sat 16 SMOKE RISING The first UKCPS ANNUAL EXHIBI- Black Country Warwickshire Featuring new sculp- BANTOCK HOUSE Nov, New Art Gallery, solo exhibition from TION A selection of work COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY tures alongside old WOLVERHAMPTON Walsall Belfast-born sculptor by coloured pencil 01926 645500 favourites, until Wed 31 01902 552195 FAITH AND FORTUNE Dec, Wolverhampton Tim Shaw, who grap- artists from the UK and HERBERT ART GALLERY ples with contemporary around the world, Mon BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY Exhibition exploring the Art Gallery 01902 552507 COVENTRY 02476 832386 early histories of two of and political realities 28 Apr - Sat 10 May, ROY ABELL Selling exhi- BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MEAD GALLERY WARWICK the world’s great reli- whilst evoking the myth- RBSA Gallery, 02476 524524 bition from husband & ical and metaphysical, Birmingham MUSEUM, DUDLEY gions, until Sun 30 Nov, wife team Roy & Pat 01384 812745 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS The Barber Institute, Sat 12 Apr - Sun 8 Jun, IKON ICONS: IAN EMES Abell, Sat 5 Apr - Thurs DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART 01926 742700 Birmingham mac - Midlands Arts The second in a series 31 May, Artifex, Solihull GALLERY Centre, Birmingham of five exhibitions to be THE JEWELLERY QUARTER STUDIO 14B Fresh new 01384 815575 Worcestershire DURING THE FIRST OPEN ART AND CRAFT presented in Ikon's work from Leicester- LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WORCESTER CITY ART WORLD WAR Exhibition EXHIBITION 2014 Sat 12 Tower Room as part of based artist STUDIO Apr - Wed 2 Jul, the gallery's birthday WOLVERHAMPTON GALLERY 01905 25371 of artefacts, images and 14b, featuring land- 01902 716055 oral histories relating to Newcastle Borough celebrations, Wed 30 scape, seascape, por- Museum & Art Gallery, Apr - Sun 22 Jun, Ikon THE NEW ART GALLERY Visit whatsonlive.co.uk the recruitment of sol- traiture and still-life, WALSALL 01922 654400 for venue website details diers from the Jewellery Newcastle-under-Lyme, Gallery, Birmingham

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Ed Vere

Pop Up Festival Of Stories Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 19 April A ‘children’s literature festival with a twist’ is how this brand new pop- medieval gameshows, knights, minstrels, and the legendary Round up event is being described. Table; And Mr Big illustrator Ed Vere’s ’50s-era jazz joint comprises a With its intention of bringing families together to enjoy and participate cabaret line-up, wacky cocktails and compulsory dressing up... in stories where play, experiment, creativity and collaboration are cel- At the heart of the Pop Up organisation’s work is the conviction that, ebrated, this free one-day event comprises three distinct areas: by facilitating pleasurable encounters with authors and their stories, Fantasy author Sarwat Chadda’s Marvel Comics-inspired interpreta- they can ignite imaginations, inspire future readers and writers, and tions of classic myths are told through roaming performances and build more literate communities. monster puppets; Novelist Julia Golding’s Arthurian Pavilion features Transport Show , Staffordshire, Sun 20 - Mon 21 April The beautiful setting of Staffordshire’s Weston Park - with its miniature steam railway, adven- ture playground, lakes and follies - offers the perfect setting for this popular event for motoring enthusiasts. Organised by Transtar Events, the team behind numerous other regional motoring get-togethers, this annual showcase of classic cars, motorcycles, com- mercials, period caravans and American cars features a wealth of additional attractions. As well as providing an opportunity for visitors to peruse more than thirteen hundred on-display vehicles, the two-day event also showcases live entertainment from the Piston Ring Youth Motorcycle Display Team and birds of prey demonstrations in the main arena. A funfair, inflatables and a children’s play area should ensure younger visitors are kept entertained. CBeebies Live! LG Arena, Birmingham, Fri 18 April From the creators of the popular Justin And Friends Easter Tour 2013 comes this brand new live arena show for pre-school children. Featuring plenty of audience interaction, CBeebies Live! promises ‘a musical extravaganza that’s bound to have audiences dancing in the aisles’. Children’s presenter Justin Fletcher MBE oversees events, and is joined by Mister Maker, Rastamouse, musical fab four the ZingZillas and gardener extraordinaire Mr Bloom, who’s making his CBeebies Live! debut. Nina from Nina And The Neurons brings a scientific angle to the show, while the adventurous Andy Day and charismatic Katy Ashworth are tasked with ensuring everyone has fun. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 67 Events April Region Two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:05 Page 2 Events April Region Two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:05 Page 3

Events PREVIEWS Vaishaki Celebrations New Art Gallery, Walsall, Sat 26 April Organisers of the New Art Gallery’s Vaishaki festival celebrations are promising visitors a bigger and better experience than ever before. Alongside live music and dance per- formances of Bhangra and Gidha, this year’s event also acknowledges the Sikh contribu- tion to World War One with a model army battle layout and the chance to meet some of today’s new cadets. Family-friendly work- shops also feature throughout the day.

Easter Celebrations In Ironbridge Blists Hill, Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, Fri 18 - Mon 21 April The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are offering a packed programme of events to entertain visi- tors over the Easter school holidays. For those in need of some craft therapy, Jackfield’s tile- decorating workshops and Coalport China Museum’s ceramic workshops should certainly fit the bill. Visitors in search of some nostalgic fun and games, meanwhile, should make their way to Blists Hill, where, in addition to the usual attractions, a host of festive entertainment is Harlem Globetrotters on offer, including a ‘hunt the chick’ competition, an Easter bonnet parade and numerous LG Arena, Birmingham, Mon 14 April themed workshops - not to mention regular demonstrations of the unusual pastime of egg Having played exhibition basketball games dancing! Blists Hill regulars, the Prince Albert Players, are also in attendance, presenting combining athleticism and comedy for the open-air performances on the Village Green. best part of a century, the Harlem Globetrotters this month return to the around the hangers, viewing platforms and Midlands with a brand new family show that Wenlock Poetry Festival exhibitions, in the process allowing them to takes fan intervention to a whole new level. Various venues, Much Wenlock, South take in over seventy aircraft of all different Shropshire, 25 - 27 April Pre-show online voting at harlemglobetrot- shapes and sizes, including the famous ters.com/rule allows followers to decide Now in its fifth year, Wenlock Poetry Festival Dornier 17. Correct trail entries will be which new game-changing rules they want offers three days of live performances, read- entered into a draw, and five lucky winners to see when the troupe stop off at the LG ings, workshops, literature, art, music and will each win a £20 gift voucher to spend in Arena. The Globetrotters expect to feature film. Featuring over seventy events, this the Museum Shop. The RAF Museum also Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time year’s festival is the most ambitious to date. offers visitors the chance to get up close and Lang, Hi-Lite Bruton, Dizzy Grant and female Literary heavyweights programmed to personal to the world’s oldest Spitfire and a stars TNT Maddox and T-Time. appear include performance poet John mighty Vulcan bomber, as well as to enjoy a Hegley, poet and painter Frieda Hughes and taste of the action in a flight simulator or 4D Olivier Award-winning actor Alex Jennings. experience. Multi-award-winning poet and playwright Simon Armitage brings the event to a close at the Edge Arts Centre, drawing on his twenty-five years of writing poetry as well as reading excerpts from his 2012 book, Walking Home: Travels With A Troubadour On The Pennine Way. The hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of World War One provides a running theme for the 2014 festival, with Shropshire war poets AE Housman, Wilfred Owen and Mary Webb each celebrated, while a screening of International Cartoon Festival film drama Severn Shrewsbury Town Centre, Fri 21 - Sat 26 April And Somme recounts The Gadget Show Live The streets of Shrewsbury will be a hive of the life of World War activity late this month with the return of the One poet and com- NEC, Birmingham, Wed 9 - Sun 13 April town’s annual International Cartoon Festival. poser Ivor Gurney. Providing a platform on which to showcase The only event of its kind in the UK, the festi- For full listings, visit the very best in cutting-edge technology, the val sees professional artists descend on the www.wenlockpoet- Gadget Show Live sees more than two hun- John Hegley market town to create giant cartoons and ryfestival.org. dred top tech companies exhibiting their lat- caricatures, as well as host various have-a- est futuristic products, from TVs, toys and go workshops. tablets to cameras, cars and consoles. New Highlights this year include a How To Draw Easter Trail features for 2014 include the British Inventors Project, which profiles and celebrates the Absolutely Anything workshop with Wilbur RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Dawbarn of The Beano and Private Eye; a Mon 14 - Fri 25 April UK’s innovators and inventors by showcas- Blow Your Own Trump! event, where visitors ing new products before they hit the market. For those seeking an alternative Easter expe- are encouraged to make farting musical There’s also the Innovation Theatre, where rience, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford instruments using drinking straws and plastic inventors can talk about and demonstrate could have just the thing. Here, the only egg tubes; and Creating The Soundbusters - a their prototypes, and the Gadget Imaging cracking taking place will be of the secret comic strip drawn on the spot by a crack Zone, in which visitors can learn about the code that trail-followers are challenged to team of cartoonists. very latest in photography technology. break. The trail guides young detectives

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Events PREVIEWS Billy Smart’s Circus West Park, Wolverhampton, Tues 1 - Sun 6 April Founded in 1946 by its namesake, Billy Smart’s Circus soon became a household name with its regular TV appearances and tours. Back on the road for 2014, and with Billy’s granddaughter Yasmine at the helm, the circus promises a real family spectacle, with award-winning artistes from around the world coming together in a fast-moving and visually thrilling two-hour show. Expect great entertainment from Australia’s Flying Aces, Russia’s ten-handed Assadulin Troupe, Romanian acrobatic trio The Extreme Brothers, Italian clown Jonny Bogino and French foot juggler Germaine Delbosq.

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 April The largest antiques fair of its kind returns to Birmingham this month for its annual spring fair, offering the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to browse, purchase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture and collectables. The show welcomes a large St George’s Day Celebrations number of specialists in the Decorative Arts and this year, for the very first time, allows some mid-twentieth century and designer pieces to be displayed alongside antiques. Tamworth Castle, Sat 26 April Also new for 2014 is a ‘unique and exciting’ exhibition featuring a display of rare An annual occurrence on the Tamworth Czechoslovakian glass. Presented by BBC Antiques Roadshow personality Mark Hill, the Castle calendar, this family-friendly event exhibition marks the first time the whole private collection has been exhibited in the UK. brings together a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy - from pottery making and have-a-go archery to jousting displays and medieval re-enactments. The castle’s Shen Yun Knights Of The Damned medieval household extends a warm wel- International Convention Centre, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire, Birmingham, Mon 14 - Tues 15 April Mon 21 April come to modern-day visitors as they set about their daily tasks. Tamworth’s laundress Shen Yun is a unique event that’s currently Recognised as one of the UK’s leading demonstrates how clothes were prepared for bringing the wonders of ancient Chinese cul- medieval jousting acts, Knights of the washing, while Lady Freville indulges in ture to millions of people across the globe. Damned are a stunt team who’ve been pre- some medieval games-playing. Handling A new musical experience, the production senting displays throughout the UK and sessions of replica weapons and armour with uses classical Chinese dance, traditional across Europe since 1990. This month finds the site’s Armourer also feature. costumes and a full orchestra to bring to life the team stopping off in Ludlow, at one of myths, legends and heroes of literary clas- the country’s finest examples of a medieval sics, in the process transporting audiences ruin, to joust and fight as part of a pro- to a land dominated by brave generals, gramme of events that also features heavenly maidens, mischievous monks - and medieval music, birds of prey displays, have- a flying pig! a-go archery sessions, jesters and traditional In a dazzling high-energy display, Shen crafts. Yun’s aerial masters leap and flip across the stage to the sound of thunderous battle drums and singers’ soaring voices. Currently taking the world by storm, the show’s acquired numerous high-profile fans, not least among whom are Academy Award- winning actress Cate Blanchett and Avatar production designer Robert Stromberg. Black Country Goes Green Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 12 - Sun 27 April Victorian growing techniques are unearthed at Dudley’s living history museum this month George And The Dragon as part of the site’s Easter attractions. Visitors are invited to explore what would The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke- on-Trent, Wed 23 April have been growing in the gardens of the shops and houses around the museum by Celebrating England’s patron saint, this inter- following a new trail and unearthing clues. A active themed story event features both St chance to experience life in a 1850s coal George and his dragon (thankfully, pre-slay- mine also features. ing!), as well as a medieval ‘fool’ in the site’s Tudor Court.

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sessions where partici- pants use the tech- Events LISTINGS nique known as tube lining to decorate their For full listing information on Events, very own tile to take including times and dates, visit home, Tue 8 Apr, Jackfield Tile Museum, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Ironbridge, Shropshire BARBER BOOK CLUB your car or motorcycle Informal discussion of out on the famous from books that link to the quarter-mile dragstrip Barber’s collection. TUES 1 APR and test its perform- This month’s selection ance limits in a safe is Kazuo Ishiguro’s THINKING OUTSIDE THE and legal environment, Nocturnes, Tues 8 Apr, BOX - SOME NON- Sat 5 Apr, The Barber Institute, CONFORMISTS FROM Santa Pod Raceway, Birmingham Northampton BIRMINGHAM'S PAST TUESDAY TOUR - A SNEAK YOUNG ARTISTS Weekly Henrietta Lockhart, PREVIEW OF TOM, FRANK sessions where visitors Curator of History, will AND MAY - ONE FAMILY’S can learn new drawing, lead a tour of STORY A sneak preview painting & sculpture Birmingham - its people and talk ahead of the skills, Sat 5 Apr, and its history. The tour Tom, Frank And May Wolverhampton Art will delve into the lives exhibition’s official Gallery and opinions of the opening on 12 April, STICKY SATURDAY: PAPER free-thinkers who’ve Tues 8 Apr, Blakesley Big Bang Camper and Bus Show - Santa Pod, Northampton CRAFT Sat 5 Apr, helped shaped the city, Hall, Birmingham Broadfield House Glass LOCAL HISTORY TALK: work of art, inspired by Sat 26 Apr, Broadfield Tue 1 Apr, MOULD-MAKING Museum, Dudley BIRMINGHAM AND THE the beautiful patterns of House Glass Museum, Birmingham Museum SCULPTURE COURSE This AN EVENING OF BUR- BLACK COUNTRY A talk the natural world, Sat Dudley And Art Gallery practical course will MCE INSURANCE BRITISH LESQUE & WORKSHOP by Chris Upton about 12 - Sun 13 Apr, EASTER HOLIDAY FARM- cover the theory, SUPERBIKE Sat 5 Apr, Ramada two tales of the industri- Herbert Art Gallery & ING FUN Sat 12 - Sun 27 process and applica- CHAMPIONSHIP Hotel, Sutton al West Midlands, Fri 11 Museum, Coventry Apr, Beckett’s Farm, Pre- tion of mould-making GALLERY TOUR An infor- Apr, Wolverhampton Art MEDIEVAL EASTER BASH Wythall, Birmingham Season Test Day, Tue 1 with professional artist mal event where visi- Gallery See knights in armour BLACK COUNTRY GOES Apr, Donington Park Darren Fraser from The LUNCHTIME TALK: LOOK- tors can learn about the ADULT CRAFTS: FABRIC and learn about GREEN Explore the gar- Castle Foundry, Tue 8 ING AT FACTORIES history of the building FAFFERS Fri 11 Apr, medieval times, Sat 12 dens and follow an Apr, The Willow Gallery, and Wolverhampton’s Broadfield House Glass - Sun 13 Apr, Red exciting trail to unearth Illustrated talk by Billy Oswestry, North renowned collections, Museum, Dudley House Glass Cone, clues, Sat 12 - Sun 27 Howe about the old Shropshire Sat 5 Apr, BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS Stourbridge April, Black Country factories of the DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG Wolverhampton Art SHOW Three full days of THE HOUSE OF THE Living Museum, Dudley Wolverhampton area, Chance to practise Gallery laidback fun’s on offer BLACKSTAR Re-enact- HOLIDAY TRAILS Sat 12 - Tues 1 Apr, Bantock drifting in safe and FARMER'S MARKET Sat 5 at this first VW festival ment event, Sat 12 - Sun 27 Apr, Attingham House Museum, legal conditions on Apr, The Discovery on the Santa Pod cal- Sun 13 Apr, Whittington Park, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton some of the Pod's thirty STUART MACONIE & Centre, Craven Arms, endar, Fri 11- Sun 13 Castle, North EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY acres of open tarmac, FRIENDS South Shropshire Apr, Santa Pod Shropshire ACTIVITIES Sat 12 - Sun Tues 1 Apr, Wed 9 Apr, Santa Pod WILLOW WEAVING WORK- Raceway, Northampton THUNDERSPORT GB 27 Apr, Blists Hill, Library of Birmingham Raceway, Northampton MOULD MAKING SHOP Sat 5 Apr, FUNPARK CITY Fri 11 - MOTORCYCLE RACES Sat Ironbridge, Shropshire NATURE TOTS Nature SCULPTURE COURSE Winterbourne House & Sun 27 Apr, Star City, 12 - Sun 13 Apr, SPRING DUCK TRAIL Sat A themed activities for Gardens, Birmingham Birmingham Donington Park 12 - Sun 27 Apr, Red practical course cover- under 5's and their car- WEM SPRING MARKET BACH DISCOVERY DAY YARDLEY ARTS WEEKEND House Glass Cone, ing the theory, process ers, Weds 9 Apr, The Sat 5 Apr, Wem, North Explore Bach with talks, Two days of creative Stourbridge and application of Wolseley Centre, Shropshire discussions and live activities with local MOVING PICTURES mould-making, with Stafford DRY POINT PRINTMAKING artists. Yardley WORKSHOP Sat 12 - Sun professional artist LOCAL HISTORY TALK: music in the company WORKSHOP Sat 5 - Sun of a range of stimulat- Photographic Society 27 Apr, Enginuity, Darren Fraser from The HIDDEN HISTORIES A talk 6 Apr, The Willow ing and entertaining and Yardley Society of Ironbridge, Shropshire Castle Foundry, Tue 1 by Councillor Claire Gallery, Oswestry guest speakers, Sat 12 Artists both display CADBURY'S EASTER EGG Apr, The Willow Gallery, Darke and Dr Paul Weston Park Apr, Symphony Hall, their work, Sat 12 - Sun TRAILS Follow the trail Oswestry, North Darke about the first PRINTMAKING Birmingham 13 Apr, Blakesley Hall, around the park and Shropshire female doctors in BILLY SMART'S CIRCUS WORKSHOP Sat 5 - Sun DEXYS MIDNIGHT Birmingham claim your prize, Sat 12 Wolverhampton, and 6 Apr, Weston Park, RUNNERS BOOK LAUNCH FROM PLOTS TO PLENTY - Sun 27 Apr, Tue 1 - Sun 6 Apr, West the patients, places and Staffordshire Presented by Dance Focusing on Victorian Brockhampton Estate, Park, Wolverhampton institutions they would WINTER GUIDED TOUR EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY Stage Promotions. food growing tech- Worcester have visited, Wed 9 ENTERTAINMENT Sat 5 - Support comes from niques, including tradi- EASTER EGG HUNT Find Wed 2 Apr, , Apr, Wolverhampton Sun 27 Apr, Cadbury the legendary Archie tional allotment garden- the eggs to win a prize, Birmingham City Archives World, Birmingham ing, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Sat 12 - Sun 27 Apr, RUBY’S ROOM AND THE GADGET SHOW LIVE Brown & The Young OTHER WORKS IN MINIA- GTI SPRING FESTIVAL Bucks, Sat 12 Apr, The Apr, Black Country Royal Pump Rooms, Five-day event packed TURE Run What Ya Brung day Flapper, Birmingham Living Museum, Dudley Leamington Spa Artist Bettina von with gaming celebrities, for water-cooled VWs, BIRMINGHAM INDEPEND- EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPRING CRAFT FAYRE Zwehl discusses her brand new games and auto jumble, Show'n' ENT BOOK FAIR Sat 12 FAMILY ACTIVITIES A Featuring Nerf chal- work and practice, Wed top tournaments, Wed Shine, plus club dis- Apr, Ikon Gallery, variety of family-friendly lenge, face-painting 2 Apr, The Barber 9 - Sun 13 Apr, NEC, plays, Sun 6 Apr, Santa Birmingham trails, crafts and out- and visits from Micky Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Pod Raceway, MISS CLARA AND door activities, Sat 12 - and Minnie Mouse, MURDER MYSTERY Fri 4 COVENTRY WATCH Northampton FRIENDS Sun 20 Apr, National Peppa Pig and George, Apr, Walsall Leather MUSEUM CHARITY Workshop, led SHROPSHIRE SCALE by Barber Writer-in- Memorial Arboretum, Sun 13 Apr, Highbury Museum AUCTION Charles WINTER GUIDED TOUR MODEL SHOW Sun 6 Apr, Residence Jacqui Stafford Hall, Birmingham Fri Hanson from the televi- RAF Cosford, Rowe, which explores EASTER ACTIVITIES Sat XR OWNERS CLUB Car 4 Apr, , sion programme Wolverhampton the relationships por- 12 - Mon 21 Apr, Chirk Club display featuring Birmingham Bargain Hunt hosts an THE EDGY ARTS SHOW HISTORIC SPORTS CAR trayed between animals Castle, Wrexham Ford Fiesta, Escort and informal chat followed RACES Sun 6 Apr, and humans, Sat 12 EASTER EGG HUNTS Sat Sierra XR models, Sun Free contemporary art by a charity auction in Donington Park Apr, The Barber 12 - Sat 26 Apr, 13 Apr, Coventry event, held as part of aid of the Coventry DOLLS HOUSE FAIR Institute, Birmingham Museum of the Transport Museum the Staffordshire Watch Museum, Thurs Wolverhampton & HERITAGE WALK Sat 12 Jewellery Quarter, SPRING CRAFT FAYRE Festival of Performing 10 Apr, Ricoh Arena, District Dolls House & Apr, Museum of the Birmingham Sun 13 Apr, Highbury Arts, Fri 4 Apr, Coventry Miniaturist Society, with Jewellery Quarter, EASTER POTTERY PAINT- Hall, Birmingham Staffordshire University, BIRD HIDE OPENING Be stalls, displays & work- Birmingham ING Paint a piece of HANG OUT WITH A HAWK Stoke-on-Trent the first to try out the AN EVENING WITH DAVID shops, Sun 6 Apr, Transport Museum pottery to take home Get the school holidays Wolseley Centre's SEDARIS Bantock House EASTER FUN AT HOO Find with you. Choose from off to a flying start and Sat 5 Apr, brand new bird hide! Museum, the hidden Easter eggs, animals, bottle ovens, meet some stunning Birmingham Town Hall Fri 11 Apr, The MARKETING FOR CLUBS Wolverhampton Sat 12 Apr, Hoo Farm flowers and much birds of prey, Sun 13 Wolseley Centre, WORKSHOPS Animal Kingdom, more, Sat 12 - Sat 26 Apr, Attingham Park, Learn on Stafford Apr, Gladstone Pottery Shrewsbury and offline techniques Week Commencing WALK WITH THE Telford, Shropshire SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR Museum, Stoke-on- MILLING SUNDAY See for successfully market- GARDENER Opportunity MON 7 APR Sat 12 Apr, Bodenham Trent the large waterwheel ing a club, Sat 5 Apr, to discover more about Arboretum, SPRING TRAIL Sat 12 - turn and hear the mill- Heritage Motor Centre, the estate and ask Kidderminster Sat 26 Apr, Dudley stones rumble. Talk to Gaydon, Warwickshire questions, Fri 11 Apr, RUN WHAT YA BRUNG TILE DECORATING NATURE PRINTS Design Museum & Art Gallery the millers to find out Charlecote Park, WORKSHOPS Drop-in and print your own SPRING TRAIL Sat 12 - about the past of the The chance to take Warwickshire

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Tues 15 - Tues 22 Apr, Gladstone Pottery Events LISTINGS Museum, Stoke-on- Trent For full listing information on Events, WILDLIFE WATCH Fun including times and dates, visit family session and www.whatsonlive.co.uk exploring the outdoors! Weds 16 Apr, The mill and what milling is Chick Workshops, Mon Wolseley Centre, all about, Sun 13 Apr, 14 - Fri 17 Apr, Stafford Sarehole Mill, Wedgwood Visitor EASTER CROWNS Have a Birmingham Centre, Stoke-on-Trent go at making your very WESTON PARK SPRING SPRINGTIME MOBILES own natural Easter WALK Sun 13 Apr, Children's workshop crown, and try some Weston Park, with Ruth Radcliffe, Tue natural art in the site’s Staffordshire 15 Apr, Walsall Leather wildlife area, Wed 16 ACORNS ABSEIL Charity Museum Apr, Cannock Chase fundraising event, Sun ANDY KIRKPATRICK: Visitor Centre, Staffs 13 Apr, House of INAPPROPRIATE STORYTELLING CAFE Fraser, Birmingham CLIMBING Tue 15 Apr, Wed 16 Apr, Kitchen GLASS CRAFTS: PAINTING Theatre Severn, Garden Cafe, Kings & STICKING Sun 13 Apr, Shrewsbury Heath, Birmingham Broadfield House Glass EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITY MILLING WEDNESDAYS Museum, Dudley Tues 15 Apr, Gladstone Listen to volunteer Pottery Museum, millers as they talk Creative Workshops - Enginuity, Ironbridge about the history of the Week Commencing Stoke-on-Trent dren aged six-plus can LG Arena, Birmingham & The Shropshire Hills ONCE UPON A TIME... mill and demonstrate MON 14 APR how flour is produced. have fun making their GROWING IN THE WALLED TRADITIONAL EASTER Storytelling followed by own Wallace and GARDEN: POTATO CELEBRATIONS Activities craft activities, Tues 15 Wed 16 Apr, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham Gromit were-rabbit and PLANTING Fri 18 Apr, include Easter bonnet Apr, Bantock House funky Easter cards, Attingham Park, parade, egg dancing, HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS BAT WALK Wed 16 Apr, Museum, Thurs 17 Apr, Shrewsbury 'hunt-the-chick' compe- Chance to enjoy some Martineau Gardens, Wolverhampton Ludlow Assembly FESTIVAL OF POWER An tition, candle-dipping slam-dunkin' magic, BLAKESLEY’S GREAT OUT- Birmingham Rooms, South action-packed Easter and peg doll-making courtesy of the world's DOOR ADVENTURE FAMILY BANNER MAKING Drop- Shropshire weekend of family Drag workshops, Fri 18 - most famous basketball WORKSHOP Wed 16 Apr, in activities for families, VALUATION DAY: FINE ART Racing entertainment, Mon 21 Apr, Blists Hill, team! Mon 14 Apr, LG Tues 15 Apr, Blakesley Library of Birmingham BIRD WATCHING FOR & ANTIQUES Take along including European Ironbridge, Shropshire Arena, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham your treasures to be Nitro Funny Car series, EASTER HUNT FOR EASTER DRAWING WORK- EASTER CRAFTS KIDS & POND DIPPING Tues 15 valued by Fieldings Jet Car Shootout and HEROES Search for the SHOP Learn how to Wed 16 Apr, Carding Apr, Dudley Museum & Auctioneers, Thurs 17 National Drag Racing, brave bunnies around draw a large portrait Mill Valley & The Art Gallery Apr, Bantock House Fri 18 - Sun 20 Apr, the castle and grounds, using charcoal and MEET ME AT BANTOCK Shropshire Hills Museum Santa Pod Raceway, solve the clues and you pastels on big sheets of WILDFLOWER COURSE - Regular conversation BLAKESLEY’S GREAT OUT- Northampton might be a lucky winner paper, Mon 14 Apr, INTRODUCTION AND club for people aged DOOR ADVENTURE Drop- EASTER EGGSTRAVAGAN- of a giant chocolate Wolverhampton Art IDENTIFICATION OF fifty and over, Tues 15 in activities for families, ZA Promising an action- egg! Everyone who Gallery WILDFLOWERS Wed 16 Apr, Bantock House Thurs 17 Apr, Blakesley packed programme of joins in the fun will MEET THE GRUFFALO Apr, Carding Mill Valley Museum Hall, Birmingham chocolatey fun for the receive an Easter treat, Mon 14 Apr, Northfield TRUSTY'S TUESDAY CLUB & The Shropshire Hills CREATIVE CRAFTS: LITTLE whole family, Fri 18 - Fri 18 - Mon 21 Apr, Baptist Church, EASTER HOLIDAY Schools out, holiday GARDENERS Green-fin- Mon 21 Apr, Cadbury Eastnor Castle Deer Birmingham ACTIVITY WEDNESDAYS fun with craft sessions gered fun for little gar- World, Birmingham Park, Ledbury, SHEN YUN New musical and fun in the park, Tue Featuring castle tours with Lady Caroline, deners, with lots of dif- EASTER FUN Follow the Herefordshire experience bringing the 15 Apr, Attingham Park, ferent practical activities site’s Easter trail and CADBURY'S EASTER wonders of ancient birds of prey flying dis- Shrewsbury to try, Thurs 17 Apr, make the Easter bun- TRAILS Fri 18 - Mon 21 Chinese culture to mil- MOULD MAKING plays, living history, Bantock House nies feel welcome... Fri Apr, Powis Castle and lions across the globe, SCULPTURE COURSE have-a-go archery, Museum 18 - Mon 21 Apr, Garden, Nr Welshpool, Mon 14 - Tues 15 Apr, activities and dressing Practical course which EASTER ANIMALS Family- Trentham Monkey Powys International up, Wed 16 Apr, Ludlow covers the theory, friendly craft activity, Forest, Trentham EASTER BUNNY TRAIL Fri Convention Centre, Castle, South process and applica- Thurs 17 Apr, Museum Gardens, Stoke-on- 18 - Mon 21 Apr, Birmingham Shropshire tion of mould-making, of the Jewellery Trent Gregynog Hall, Nr MEET THE GRUFFALO with professional artist CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES - THE GREAT EGG ENIGMA Quarter, Birmingham CADBURY'S EASTER Newtown, Powys Mon 14 - Tues 15 Apr, Darren Fraser from The CHILDREN’S CRAFT TRAILS Fri 18 - Mon 21 FOXEY’S EASTER SPE- The Walker Memorial Wed 16 Apr, Castle Foundry, Tue 15 ACTIVITY Thurs 17 Apr, Apr, Attingham Park, CIALS Including face Hall, Edgbaston, Dudmaston Estate, Apr, The Willow Gallery, Sarehole Mill, Shrewsbury painting and egg hunts, Birmingham Bridgnorth, Shropshire Oswestry, North Birmingham CADBURY EASTER TRAILS Fri 18 - Mon 21 Apr, MINI MAMMALS TRAIL CHILDREN’S CRAFT Shropshire EASTER ART CLUB Fri 18 - Mon 21 Apr, Foxfield Steam Railway, Themed trail & holiday EASTER CRAFTS Tues 15 ACTIVITY Wed 16 Apr, Sarehole Mill, Themed drop-in ses- Chirk Castle, Nr Stoke-on-Trent activities, Mon 14 Thurs Apr, Dudley Museum & sions aimed at children Wrexham POP-UP FESTIVAL OF 17 Apr, Hanbury Hall, Birmingham Arts Gallery aged six to twelve, EASTER AT THE ESTATE STORIES Free one-day Worcestershire EASTER PAINTING WORK- SPRING FUN DAY Thurs 17 Apr, Royal Featuring traditional family-focused literary EASTER CERAMIC DROP- SHOP Promising lots of fun Have a go at cre- Pump Rooms, Easter activities, spring festival, Sat 19 Apr, IN WORKSHOPS Mon 14 activities for all the fam- ating your very own Leamington Spa trails, hidden bunnies, Coalbrookdale Museum - Fri 18 Apr, Coalport ily to enjoy, Wed 16 portrait using acrylic EASTER CRAFTS Thurs chicks and piglets, Fri of Iron, Ironbridge, China Museum, paint, Tues 15 Apr, Apr, Bilston Craft Gallery 17 Apr, Red House 18 - Mon 21 Apr, Shropshire Ironbridge Wolverhampton Art Glass Cone, Shugborough Estate, ST GEORGE’S DAY DRAG- EGGCELLENT EASTER EXHIBITALES Interactive Gallery Stourbridge Staffordshire ON STORIES Sat 19 Apr, EGGTIVITIES Create your EASTER CRAFT MAKING story, trail and simple craft, Wed 16 Apr, ART SPEAKING Audio- CADBURY’S EASTER Library of Birmingham own Easter basket and Tue 15 - Thurs 17 Apr, described tours of exhi- TRAIL Fri 18 - Mon 21 EASTER VINTAGE FAIR join the egg hunt, Mon Broadfield House Glass Weston Park, bitions for people with Apr, Biddulph Grange, Sat 19 Apr, Castle Hall, 14 - Sun 20 Apr, Selly Museum Staffordshire visual impairment, Staffordshire Bridgnorth, Shropshire Manor, Birmingham EASTER BUNNY’S BASKET HOW TO GET MORE FROM Thurs 17 - Fri 18 Apr, EASTER EGG TRAIL For YOUNG ARTISTS Weekly CHUCKLE ISLAND: THE YOUR URBAN VEG PATCH Workshop where visi- Wolverhampton Art the whole family... Fri sessions where visitors HUNT FOR THE MISSING A five-week course tors can make a mini- Gallery 18 - Mon 21 Apr, can learn new drawing, EGGS Brand new live (Wednesdays@7pm) clay basket in which to EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITY Westport Lake Visitor painting and sculpture show which follows the which takes an exten- collect their Easter Fri 18 Apr, Gladstone Centre, Tunstall, Staffs skills, Sat 19 Apr, Chuckle Beans and sive look at how to Bunny’s eggs, Tues 15 Pottery Museum, CADBURY'S EASTER EGG Wolverhampton Art their faithful compan- grow great vegetables - Fri 18 Apr, The Stoke-on-Trent TRAILS Follow the trail Gallery ions as they go in Potteries Museum & Art and tackle pests, dis- eases, watering and EASTER EGG HUNT Fri 18 around the park and DUNLOP MSA BRITISH search of the missing Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Apr, , claim your prize, Fri 18 TOURING CAR BOTTLE OVEN STORY- compost-making, Wed eggs, Mon 14 - Fri 25 Birmingham - Mon 21 Apr, Greyfriars CHAMPIONSHIP Apr, Cadbury World, TELLING 16 Apr - Wed 14 May, Travel back in CBEEBIES LIVE! Brand House & Garden, Arguably one of the Birmingham Winterbourne House & time to 1846 when new live arena show Worcester most exciting champi- EASTER TRAIL Mon 14 - Garden, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent was from the producers of EASTER EGG TRAIL Fri 18 onships, this paint-rub- Fri 25 Apr, RAF POM-POM ANIMAL DROP- covered in potbanks Justin & Friends, - Mon 21 Apr, The bing, gladiatorial-style Cosford, IN Thurs 17 Apr, and working canals. described as a 'music- Wolseley Centre, racing offers unmiss- Wolverhampton Walsall Leather Join ‘Toby Jugg’, a cos- themed extravaganza Stafford able entertainment, Sat EASTER - ALL THINGS Museum tumed storyteller, and bound to have pre- CADBURY'S EASTER 19 - Sun 20 Apr, SPRING Featuring WERE-RABBITS AND hear tales about work- schoolers rocking in TRAILS Fri 18 - Mon 21 Donington Park Easter trail & Pom Pom ing in the bottle ovens, EASTER CARDS Workshop where chil- the aisles' Fri 18 Apr, Apr, Carding Mill Valley CASTLE EGG HUNT Ruby,

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Storytelling followed by Easter adventures at English Heritage craft activities, Tues 22 Events LISTINGS Apr, Bantock House Museum For full listing information on Events, WILDPLAY Fun activities including times and dates, visit in great outdoors! Tue 22 Apr, The Wolseley www.whatsonlive.co.uk Centre, Stafford VICTORIAN CYCLES the Tamworth Castle ALICE IN WONDERLAND WORKSHOP Discover dragon, has mislaid her CRAFT, ACTIVITIES & more about the eggs and she’s hoping GAMES Themed fun for Victorian cycles and that visitors to the cas- Easter school holidays, how these strange- tle will be able to help Fri 20 - Mon 27 Apr, looking machines actu- her find them... Sat 19 - The Commandery, ally worked. Create Mon 21 Apr, Tamworth Worcester your own framed time- Castle line collage to show the EASTER EGG HUNT Sat Week Commencing many different cycles 19 - Mon 21 Apr, made in Coventry. Sarehole Mill, MON 21 APR Advance booking is Birmingham essential, as limited EASTER FAMILY FUN tickets are available, Hands-on activities for EASTER FAMILY FUN DAY Tue 22 Apr, Coventry all ages, Sat 19 - Mon Mon 21 Apr, Transport Museum 21 Apr, Tamworth Walsall Leather IRON AGE COSTUME & Castle, Staffs Museum BARBARIAN COSTUME EASTER EGG HUNT Sun WWI DISCOVERY DAY Choose from a jewel 20 Apr, Whittington Mon 21 Apr, studded brooch, war- Castle, Nr Oswestry, Staffordshire rior shield or spear and North Shropshire Regimental Museum, decorate your own BONSAI DEMONSTRATION Lichfield Little Barbarian tunic. Sun 20 Apr, MAD HATTER’S TEA Spaces are limited, so Birmingham Botanical PARTY & WHITE RABBIT booking is essential, Gardens EGG HUNT Mon 21 Apr, Tues 22 Apr, EASTER FUNDAY Sun 20 The Commandery, Worcestershire Apr, Birmingham Worcester Museum Botanical Gardens GLAM ROCK GUITARS EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITY MILE WALK, MILL WALK? Rock out with your own Tues 22 Apr, Gladstone Storytelling sessions for ON Interactive story- recycled materials, Wed Sun 20 Apr, Attingham personally decorated Pottery Museum, the under-fives, Tue 22 telling event where visi- 23 Apr, Shropshire Park, Nr Shrewsbury 1970s glam rock guitar! Stoke-on-Trent - Fri 25 Apr, Compton tors can meet the Wildlife Trust, Abbey EASTER EGGSPEDITION Drop in sessions, Mon TRUSTY'S TUESDAY CLUB Verney Gallery, patron saint of England Foregate, Shrewsbury Help the Easter bunny 21 Apr, Coventry Schools out, holiday Warwickshire and the dragon he PUPPET DROP-IN find the missing eggs, Transport Museum fun with craft sessions KITE CHAOS Follow the slayed, Wed 23 Apr, WORKSHOP Thurs 24 solve the clues and KNIGHTS OF THE DAMNED and fun in the park, Tue themed trail around the The Potteries Museum Apr, Walsall Leather gain your eggciting Jousting and Medieval 22 Apr, Attingham Park, garden and collect your & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- Museum reward, Sun 20 Apr, entertainment, featuring Shrewsbury prize, then enjoy 'make Trent SING-A-LONG BUGSY Cannock Chase Visitor a fight for the castle, BLAKESLEY’S GREAT OUT- and take' activities, Tue THE NATURAL WORLD: X- MALONE Watch the film, Centre, Staffs entertainment jesters, DOOR ADVENTURE Drop- 22 - Fri 25 Apr, Hanbury RAYED! A great chance play games, sing songs MILLING SUNDAY Listen medieval music, birds in activities for families, Hall and Gardens, to look at some of the and enjoy live music to volunteer millers as of prey displays, have- Tues 22 Apr, Blakesley Worcestershire museum's animal skele- while dining from they talk about the his- a-go archery, face- Hall, Birmingham EASTER - ALL THINGS tons and create your Jekyll’s food fusion tory of the mill and painting, willow artist JEPHSON’S SUITCASE SPRING Featuring own x-ray work of art, menu, Thurs 24 Apr, demonstrate how flour and food, Mon 21 Apr, Find out about Dr Easter trail & Pom Pom Wed 23 Apr, Herbert Art The Jekyll And Hyde, is produced. Sun 20 Ludlow Castle, South Henry Jephson on a Chick Workshops, Tue Gallery & Museum, Birmingham Apr, Sarehole Mill, Shropshire handling tour of items 22 - Fri 25 Apr, Coventry ASIAN BRITAIN: A Birmingham LEDBURY WAYTES, from the collection. Wedgwood Visitor ST GEORGE'S DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY MAD HATTER'S FAMILY MEDIEVAL MUSIC AND Learn about medicine Centre, Stoke-on-Trent CELEBRATIONS Wed 23 Susheila Nasta with FUN WEEKEND DANCE Meet the from the 1800s to the DRAGON WIND SOCKS Apr, Blists Hill, Florian Stadtler present Featuring historical Medieval minstrels, lis- mid-1900s, Tues 22 Create a ferocious Ironbridge, Shropshire a photographic history demonstrations, tradi- ten to their music, talk Apr, Royal Pump dragon wind sock to TEXTILE GROUP An which draws upon the tional crafts and activi- to them about their cos- Rooms, Leamington float in the wind, Tues opportunity to meet different phases of his- ties with a Wonderland tumes and try on some Spa 22 - Fri 25 Apr, The likeminded people in a toric settlement of theme and windmill armour, Mon 21 Apr, FAMILY DEN-BUILDING Potteries Museum & Art creative environment Asian migrants from the sailing, Sun 20 - Mon Brockhampton Estate, DAY Put your skills to Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent and swap knowledge subcontinent, the 21 Apr, Avoncroft Worcestershire the test with den-build- QUICK ON THE DRAW - and skills, Wed 23 Apr, Caribbean and East Museum, Bromsgrove ALL CREATURES GREAT ing and survival skills in CHILDREN'S WORKSHOP Bilston Craft Gallery Africa. The authors will EARLY TUDOR LIVING AND SMALL Chance to the woods. Take along WITH JIM MORRIS Wed NATURE TOTS Nature be in conversation with HISTORY Celebrate meet a variety of scaly, a picnic and eat it in 23 Apr, Walsall Leather themed activities for Raj Pai from the South Easter with a tour of the feathered and furry your new shelter. Museum under 5's and their car- Asian Alliance, Thurs hall, where a re-enact- friends. The event also Reward yourself with CADBURY'S EASTER ers. Wed 23 Apr, The 24 Apr, The Drum, ment group will bring features displays of fal- roasted marshmallows TRAILS - THE GREAT EGG Wolseley Centre, Birmingham the Early Tudor period conry, Mon 21 Apr, on the fire... Tue 22 Apr, ENIGMA Weds 23 Apr, Stafford BLAKESLEY’S GREAT OUT- to life with cooking Hartlebury Museum, Brockhampton Estate, Dudmaston Estate, Nr SPORTY WEDNESDAYS DOOR ADVENTURE Drop- demonstrations, cos- Worcestershire Worcester Bridgnorth, Shropshire Wed 23 Apr, Attingham in activities for families, tumes, dancing and EASTER-THEMED TILE EASTER ART SCHOOL: EASTER HOLIDAY Park, Nr Shrewsbury Thurs 24 Apr, Blakesley music, Sun 20 - Mon 21 DECORATING WORKSHOP DASTARDLY DRAGONS ACTIVITY WEDNESDAYS EASTER MASKS Chance Hall, Birmingham Apr, Harvington Hall, Nr Mon 21 - Fri 25 Apr, Design your own drag- Featuring castle tours to get creative and WILLOW NESTS Learn Kidderminster Jackfield Tile Museum, on on day one, then with Lady Caroline, make your very own how to work with willow WESTON PARK Ironbridge, Shropshire bring it to life via sculp- birds of prey flying dis- collaged mask to take and create a small wil- TRANSPORT SHOW Sun EASTER CERAMIC DROP- ture on day two, Tues plays, living history, home, Wed 23 Apr, low nest to take home, 20 - Mon 21 Apr, IN WORKSHOPS Mon 21 22 - Wed 23 Apr, The have-a-go archery, Bilston Craft Gallery Thurs 24 Apr, Bilston Weston Park, - Fri 25 Apr, Coalport Barber Institute, activities and dressing BIRDS WATCHING FOR Craft Gallery Staffordshire China Museum, Birmingham up, Wed 23 Apr, Ludlow KIDS Wed 23 Apr, HOLIDAY SCHOOL Thurs CADBURY'S EASTER Ironbridge EASTER HOLIDAY FUN: Castle, South Carding Mill Valley & 24 Apr, Red House TRAILS - THE EASTER THE NATURAL WORLD: MAGIC AND TRICKERY Shropshire The Shropshire Hills Glass Cone, BUNNY'S GREAT BEASTLY BUGS Use art Featuring Magic Bob, CHILDREN’S CRAFT A WALK THROUGH TIME A Stourbridge EGGSPEDITION Sun 20 - straws, model-making children's activities, ACTIVITY Wed 23 Apr, walk which explores the CHILDREN’S CRAFT Mon 21 Apr, techniques and colour- crafts, balloon-model- Sarehole Mill, natural and man-made ACTIVITY Thurs 24 Apr, Dudmaston Estate, Nr ful materials to make a ling and games, Tue 22 Birmingham landscape, discovering Sarehole Mill, Bridgnorth, Shropshire beastly bug of your - Thurs 24 Apr, DENS & MARSHMALLOWS the roots of both, going Birmingham EASTER FAMILY FUN own design. There will Avoncroft Museum, Build your very own back to the CREATIVE CRAFTS: GET Featuring Easter egg be bugs from the Bromsgrove den before having a go Carboniferous Period AHEAD WITH A HAT hunt, face-painting, museum's natural histo- EASTER CRAFT MAKING at fire-lighting and some 310 million years Victorian and children's fairground ry collection on hand Tue 22 - Thurs 24 Apr, marshmallow-toasting, ago, Wed 23 Apr, Edwardian hat and rides, falconry display for inspiration, Tue 22 Weston Park, Wed 23 Apr, Cannock Himley Hall, Dudley accessory-making, and craft activities, Sun Apr, Herbert Art Gallery Staffordshire Chase Country Park, FLOWER POWER AND inspired by outfits at 20 - Mon 21 April & Museum, Coventry CONNIE AND VERNE Staffs BEES Make colourful Bantock House Ragley Hall, Alcester ONCE UPON A TIME EASTER ADVENTURES GEORGE AND THE DRAG- flowers and bees from Museum, Thurs 24 Apr,

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Shakespeare Aloud! bring Shakespeare’s Events LISTINGS complete works to life in just two hours, Sat For full listing information on Events, 26 Apr, Shakespeare’s including times and dates, visit Birthplace, Stratford- upon-Avon www.whatsonlive.co.uk BASKETWEAVING WORKSHOP Sat 26 Apr, Bantock House ON CHILDREN’S CRAFT Fordhall Organic Farm, Museum ACTIVITY Craft a dragon Nr Market Drayton, JUNGLE FEVER Make a in celebration of St Shropshire Baloo or baby Hathi George’s Day, Fri 25 BEN HART - MAGIC mask and join in the Apr, Weoley Castle, WORKSHOP Magician fun with some jungle Birmingham Ben Hart holds an hour- inspired games. Age GREGYNOG FASHION long workshop. For all 6+, under 8s must be SHOW Fri 25 Apr, ages from eight-plus, accompanied, Thurs 24 Gregynog Hall, Nr Sat 26 Apr, Solihull Arts Apr, Ludlow Assembly Newtown, Powys Complex Rooms, South WENLOCK POETRY PATCHWORK QUILT Shropshire FESTIVAL Taking place WORKSHOP Booking EASTER TOY WORKSHOP for the fifth time and essential, Sat 26 Apr, Family-friendly work- continuing to gather Birmingham Back to shop inspired by toys pace, the Wenlock Backs from the past, Thurs 24 Poetry Festival this year VAISHAKI This year’s Apr, Wolverhampton Art features no fewer than event explores the Gallery thirty much-admired involvement of Sikhs SINGING SHAKESPEARE practitioners, Fri 25 - during the First World Enjoy musical settings Sun 27 Apr, Various War, Sat 26 Apr, The of Shakespeare, with venues in Much New Art Gallery, Walsall world premieres by Wenlock, South DECOUPAGE PICTURES composer David Shropshire Drop-in sessions where Wordsworth and award- RUN WHAT YA BRUNG visitors can create their winning composer Gary George and the Dragon - The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent The chance to take very own decoupage Carpenter, Thurs 24 your car or motorcycle picture - a popular pas- Apr, Holy Trinity 2.30pm) ending at ACORNS CHILDREN’S spring displays out on the famous time in Edwardian Church, Stratford-upon- Colmore Row HOSPICE SUPERHERO between 10am and quarter-mile dragstrip times, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Avon TRIBUTES TO THE 1940S DOG WALK Fundraising 3pm daily. Join head and test its perform- Apr, Coventry Transport HIDEOUS HISTORIES Be transported back in event, Sun 27 Apr, gardener Ross Barbour ance limits in a safe Museum GUIDE TO FIENDISH FASH- time with an event fea- Sutton Park, Sutton as he talks about how and legal environment, NATURE PRINTS Design IONS Find out more turing re-enactments, Coldfield they’re conceived and Sat 26 Apr, Santa Pod and print your own about how Victorian military vehicle dis- DRIVE IT DAY An annual carried out, Mon 28 - Raceway, Northampton work of art, inspired by ladies and gentlemen plays, vintage market national event launched Tue 29 Apr, Ragley Hall, SPRING FAIR AND PLANT the beautiful patterns of kept up appearances, stalls and musical and publicised by the Alcester SALE Sat 26 Apr, the natural world, Sat Thurs 24 - Fri 25 Apr, entertainment, Sat 26 - Federation of British SIR EDWARD GERMAN Shropshire Wildlife 26 - Sun 27 Apr, Haden Hill House Sun 27 Apr, Churnet Historic Vehicle Clubs MUSIC FESTIVAL A cele- Trust, Abbey Foregate, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Sandwell Valley Railway, Froghall, (FBHVC), Drive It Day bration of the life of Shrewsbury Museum, Coventry INTERNATIONAL DANCE Staffordshire commemorates the composer Sir Edward YOUNG ARTISTS Weekly GT & FORMULA CAR FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM AMERICAN WAR OF sixty-four cars that left German, Mon 28 Apr - sessions where visitors RACES Sat 26 - Sun 27 2014 The return of one can learn new drawing, INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND London on a 1000-mile Fri 2 May, The Parish Apr, Donington Park Sat 26 - Sun 27 Apr, trial in April 1900, Sun Church of St. Alkmund, of Europe’s largest painting & sculpture ST GEORGE AND THE dance festivals, Thurs Avoncroft Museum, 27 Apr, Heritage Motor Whitchurch, Shropshire skills, Sat 26 Apr, DRAGON Discover the 24 Apr - Sun 25 May, Bromsgrove Centre, Gaydon, IN CONVERSATION WITH Wolverhampton Art legend of St George, various locations INTERNATIONAL CARTOON Warwickshire TERRY RILEY Terry Riley Gallery patron saint of both including Birmingham FESTIVAL Unique oppor- SOUTH STAFFS BONSAI has been an advocate SIMPLY MESSING ABOUT England and soldiers, Hippodrome, Warwick tunity to see artists at SHOW Sun 27 Apr, for British Sign WITH BOATS Join mem- as his story comes to Arts Centre and work, creating giant Birmingham Botanical Language for over forty bers of the Bournville life in the castle Birmingham Repertory cartoons on the streets Gardens years, and has been boat club, who’ll be grounds, Sat 26 April - Theatre. See page 46 of Shrewsbury, Sat 26 - SWALLOWS AND RAM- instrumental in bringing demonstrating some of Sun 27 Apr, Kenilworth for more details... Sun 27 Apr, SONS Join the ranger it to mainstream socie- their model boats on Castle WILDPLAY Shrewsbury Town for a gentle three-hour ty, Tue 29 Apr, Arena Fun activities the mill pond, Sat 26 SHAKESPEARE BIRTHDAY in great outdoors! Fri Centre stroll through the Theatre, Apr, Sarehole Mill, CELEBRATIONS Featuring 25 Apr, The Wolseley 5TH ANNUAL FOXY meadows and wood- Wolverhampton Birmingham tours with William Centre, Stafford VARIETY SHOW land around Froghall, TILE DECORATING ST GEORGE’S DAY CELE- Shakespeare - in per- EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITY Featuring almost twenty Sun 27 Apr, Froghall WORKSHOPS Drop-in BRATIONS Featuring son - and supper with Fri 25 Apr, Gladstone acts, including vocal- Wharf Visitor Centre, Nr sessions where partici- medieval re-enact- the Bard... Sat 26 - Sun Pottery Museum, Stoke- ists, musicians, Cheadle, Staffs pants use the tech- ments, a knight’s tour- 27 Apr, The Falstaff's on-Trent dancers, comedians, MSA SPRING CLASSIC nique known as tube nament and joust, Experience, Stratford- FUSED GLASS BUNNY an acrobat, a harpist Sun 27 Apr, Heritage lining to decorate their medieval games, pot- upon-Avon ORNAMENT WORKSHOP and a tenor opera star, Motor Centre, Gaydon, very own tile to take tery making and BIG BRUM OPEN-TOP BUZ Fri 25 Apr, Broadfield Sun 27 Apr, Tamworth Warwickshire home, Tue 29 Apr, archery, Sat 26 Apr, SIGHTSEEING TOUR Sat House Glass Museum, Assembly Rooms BIKE4LIFE FEST Sun 27 Jackfield Tile Museum, Tamworth Castle 26 - Sun 27 Apr, start- Dudley TOY AND COLLECTORS Apr, RAF Cosford, Ironbridge, Shropshire A SHAKESPEARE ing at Victoria Square ST GEORGE’S DAY DRAG- MARATHON Watch on as FAIR Sun 27 Apr, Wolverhampton AN AUDIENCE WITH (10.30am, 12.30pm & Heritage Motor Centre, SPRING CELEBRATION HOWARD MARKS Wed 30 Bike4Life Festival, RAF Cosford Gaydon, Warwickshire Sun 27 Apr, Fordhall Apr, The Assembly, THE CENTRAL FORD RS Organic Farm, Nr Leamington Spa OWNERS CLUB DAY Open Market Drayton, North AFTERNOON TEA DANCE RWYB with competition Shropshire Wed 30 Apr, The Tower to find the fastest road- GREGYNOG WEDDING Ballroom, Edgbaston, legal Ford, concours, FAIR Sun 27 Apr, Birmingham traders, jet car and Gregynog Hall, Nr SOUTH STAFFS EXPLORER more, Sun 27 Apr, Newtown, Powys A 10k walk encompass- Santa Pod Raceway, MILLING SUNDAY Listen ing Himley & Northampton to volunteer millers as Baggeridge Parks, AZAD KASHMIR AND they talk about the his- together with the South BRITISH KASHMIRI tory of the mill and Staffs Railway Walk. DIASPORA Three demonstrate how flour This is a free event but esteemed Kashmiri is produced, Sun 27 pre-booking is essen- authors and political Apr, Sarehole Mill, tial, Wed 30 Apr, Himley activists come together Birmingham Hall, Dudley to discuss the contest- MEET ME AT WAG ed militarised state of Week Commencing Regular conversation Kashmir, Sun 27 Apr, club for people aged The Drum, Birmingham MON 28 APR fifty-plus, Wed 30 Apr, MORRIS MINOR CLUB Wolverhampton Art RALLY Sun 27 Apr, Gallery Hall GARDEN WALKS - TULIPS Gardens & DAFFODILS Enjoy the www.whatsonlive.co.uk 79 Eating Out April Region two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:08 Page 1

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Partners: Eating Out April Region two_Layout 1 24/03/2014 17:08 Page 2 Eating Out Dim sum delights... Located in the hub REVIEW of Colmore Row, the recently opened Chung Ying Central is the only Chinese restaurant in Birmingham’s thriving busi- ness district. Offering high-quality dim sum, pan Asian noodles and a selection of cocktails and oriental drinks, the eatery has inherited an excep- tional reputation from sister venues Chung Ying and Chung Ying Garden, both of which are locat- ed in the city’s popular China Town. Owner James Wong hopes that, by moving busi- ness out of the Chinese quarter, he can bring Chinese culture into the wider community. On arrival, we were welcomed by hospitable waitresses who promptly took our coats and guided us to a cosy booth in the heart of the restaurant. Whilst waiting to order, we took in the modern yet authentically oriental atmosphere that Chung Ying boasts. The walls draped in Chinese lanterns and tables littered with tea lights gave the room a warm and inviting glow. The a la carte menu showcases an extensive but not overwhelming list of Chinese dishes, and the staff were more than happy to guide us through them. To start, a choice of thirty-two dim sum. The steamed chiu chow, along with pork and king prawn dumplings, were the obvious choice - and one that we most certainly didn’t regret. Mouths still watering from dim sum, we eagerly anticipated the mains - and were not disappoint- ed. We were presented with a banquet of fried beef in Cantonese sauce, sweet and sour pork and deep-fried duck in plum sauce; all very dif- Quirky venue hits the mark... ferent but equally delicious. To accompany, we cheese sauce. The por- tooth! sipped a fruity pinot noir which managed to com- REVIEW tions are very generous. The Hundred House plement every single dish. With a lot happening on adopts a friendly, laidback Chung Ying Central seems to have struck a The Hundred House Hotel the plate, light eaters form of service, with chat- unique balance between quality, quantity and has been a firm favourite could quite easily stop ty staff who’re happy to variety. It should do well. Very well. Laura Scott of mine for a couple of there with a satisfied belly. share their opinions about years now. Aside from We continued to the the food and drink. I see IIIII Food: being the quirkiest venue mains, however, selecting from Trip Advisor reviews IIII Service: I’ve been to in Shropshire, a medium-rare steak with that the restaurant isn’t to Ambience: IIIII the food and service is Dijon sauce, chunky chips everyone’s taste - but Overall value IIII consistently good - a and all the trimmings, and quite how ‘good food with OVERALL IIII virtue that can be hard to - from the specials menu - a smile’ can disappoint, I find nowadays. pan-fried monkfish with really don’t know! ‘Fine Chung Ying Central, 126 Colmore Row Opening the Lord Of The king prawns served with dining’ it isn’t, but if you Birmingham, B3 3AP Tel: 0121 4000 888 Rings-style front door braised fennel, cherry want rustic, hearty, real reveals a cosy fire, a ceil- tomatoes and a lobster dill food in a totally individual ing filled with dried wild bisque. country pub, it’s a no- flowers, giant high-backed As always, the steak was brainer. The Hundred chairs and the rich smell tender and juicy all the House Hotel gets my vote of game and ale. In short, way through, the monkfish every time. Jessica Aston the venue absolutely hits chunky and flavoursome. the mark right from the My husband and I fought Food: IIII off! The uber-chatty staff over the last king prawn. Service: IIII sat us down at our table Although we didn’t finish Ambience: IIII with a glass of merlot, every mouthful, it was Overall value IIII warm bread and some purely in order to leave OVERALL IIII lovely canapes. space for the desserts! To start, we had the Cue a large, light crème The Hundred House Stilton-stuffed mushrooms brulee with sweet rose- Norton wrapped in bacon and mary shortbread, and a Ironbridge Gorge served with tomato chut- surprisingly weightless Telford ney & toasts, and the sticky toffee pudding - the Shropshire black pudding, apple and perfect answer to my TF11 9EE chorizo stack with smoked pregnancy-induced sweet Tel: 01952 580240

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THE BLUE BRICK 7EQ 01902 700 253 5DL 01952 882004 01691 670970 LISTINGS Broad Gauge Way, Claverley, THE KNIGHTON HOTEL ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 Restaurant Wolverhampton WV1 Wolverhampton WV5 Broad Street, Knighton, High Street, Shrewsbury 1AA 01902 875301 7DG 01746 710 553 Powys LD7 1BL 01547 SY1 1SF 01743 353232 For full listing information on restau- BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper 520530 rants, including opening times and Green, Wolverhampton LA BÉCASSE 17 Corve St, WV6 8QQ 01902 Shropshire Ludlow, SY8 1DA 01584 Staffordshire type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- 756052 AFTAB 25 High St, 872 325 NO 5 Gaol Mews, Stafford live.co.uk CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- Ironbridge TF8 7AD LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills ST16 3AN 01785 22 9900 255 Bilston Road, Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 LOVES The Glasshouse, 01952 432055 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock. Wolverhampton WV2 1QU 01743 249126 Browning St, B16 8FL 2JN 01902 458024 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY WS11 1BH 01543 Birmingham 0121 454 5151 Ellesmere Rd, LA LANTERNA The Old 573905 CASA CASITA Upper Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF Vestry, St Julian's AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel MECHU 47 - 59 Summer 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 Gornal, Dudley. DY3 01939 290 523 Church, Shrewsbury La Tour, Albert Street, Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 1UP 01902 676754 Lombard St, Lichfield. BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a SY1 1UH 01743 233552 WS13 6DP 01543 Birmingham B5 5JT 1661 CATELLANI’S 6 School St, Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 LION & PHEASANT 50 257986 0121 718 8000 METRO BAR & GRILL 73 Wolverhampton, WV1 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury 1PZ 01743 272586 BELLA ITALIA 20 Greengate AIR RESTAURANT LG Cornwall St B3 2DF 4LR 01902 428928 SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 BUFFALO STEAK HOUSE St, Stafford, ST16 2HS Arena, Bickenhill Rd, 0121 200 1911 CINNAMON COURT Bentley 125 Frankwell, THE LION QUAYS Moreton, 01785 211968 0844 338 0333 MINT Yew Tree Retail Mill Way, Walsall WS2 Shrewsbury SY3 8JX Oswestry SY11 3EN BANK 4 , Park, Stoney Lane 0BP 0121 568 6664 CHANDLERS Corn 01743 537523 01691 684300 Exchange, Conduit St, B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 Yardley, B25 8YP THE COWSHED Clive 0121 789 8908 BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, LOCH FYNE Talbot House, Lichfield, WS13 6JU BAR ESTILO 10-114 Farm Clive Rd, Market Street, MOUNT FUJI The Bullring, TF11 9BA 01952 01543 416688 Wharfside St, The Pattingham, WV6 7EN Shrewsbury SY1 1LG Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 B5 4BH 0121 633 9853 01902 701888 460662 THE CORNER HOUSE 01743 277140 Second Avenue,Burton- 643 3443 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, THE CROOKED HOUSE CASA NARANJO Barracks LUDLOW KITCHEN On-Trent DE14 2WF BARAJEE 265 Broad B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 Coppice Hill, Himley DY3 Passage, Wyle Cop, Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 01283 542321 Street, B1 2DS 0121 643 THE ORIENTAL The 4DA 01384 238583 Shrewsbury SY1 01743 588165 2JR 01584 856020 CURRY KUTEER 31 6699 Mailbox, 128-130 THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, THE MALTHOUSE The Greengate Street, Stafford BELLA ITALIA 102 New Wharfside St, B1 1RQ Walsall, WS1 2EU CASA RUIZ 45 High Wharfage, Ironbridge ST16 2HY Street, B2 4HQ 0121 0121 633 9988 01922 643215 Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4DX 01746 218 084 TF8 7NH 01902 433712 01785 253279 643 1548 PEACHYKEENS 1741 DON SALVO 25 Darlington MORGANS 1 Bellstone, ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT BLUE MANGO Regency Coventry Road, B26 Street, Wolverhampton CHEZ MAW Best Western 27 Broad Eye, Stafford Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS 1DS 0121 764 5519 WV1 4HW 01902 712819 Valley Hotel, Buildwas Shrewsbury SY1 1HU 0121 633 4422 PENNY BLACKS Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW 01743 239114 ST16 2QB 01785 DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley 229988 BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT The Mailbox, 132-134 Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU 01952 432247 MR UNDERHILLS Dinham FOUR SEASONS Swinfen AND BAR 24-26 Harborne Wharfside St, B1 1XL 01384 877077 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, Weir, Ludlow Shropshire Hall Lichfield, WS14 Rd, B15 3AA 0121 454 0121 632 1460 Market Drayton TF9 3PX SY8 1EH 01584 874431 FARADAYS The 9RE 01543 481494 6877 PICCOLINO Waterfront, Brierley Hill, 01630 638984 THE MYTTON & MERMAID THE GREEN ROOM Castle BUONISSIMO 1 Albany 9 Brindleyplace B1 2HS Dudley, DY5 1UR CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Dyke, Lichfield WS13 Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX 0121 634 3055 01384 482 882 Shrewsbury SY1 1EN SY5 6QG 01743 761220 6HR 01543 412121 0121 426 2444 PITCHER & PIANO FIVE RIVERS Vicarage 01743 361440 THE OLD ORLETON INN INDIAN VILLAGE CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells Brindleyplace, B1 2HP Place, Walsall WS1 3NA DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Holyhead Rd, Wellington, 8 Lombard St, Lichfield. Square, Brindleyplace, 0121 643 0214 01922 646164 Ironbridge, TF8 7AD TF1 2HA 01952 255011 WS13 6DR 01543 B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 POPPY RED Arcadian 01952 432250 FOUR STONES Adam’s THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL & 253415 CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s Centre, Birmingham B5 Hill,Clint, Stourbridge, DORRINGTON OLD HALL RESTAURANT Lowe Hill INDICA Virage Park, Edge, Brindleyplace 4TD 0121 687 1200 DY9 9PS 01562 883260 PERSIAN CUISINE Main Road, Wem, Shropshire Cannock. WS11 0HN B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall Road, Dorrington, FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, SY4 5UA 01939 233233 08712 070417 CENTENARY BAR & St, B3 2DH 0121 212 Smethwick, B67 5BN Shropshire SY5 7JD THE PEACH TREE 21 Abbey LA DOLCE VITA 19 Stafford 9799 0121 429 7920 01743 719100 BRASSERIE Broad Street, Foregate, St, Stone ST15 8QW PURNELL’SBISTOR & GIN- DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St B1 2EP 0121 245 2080 FRENCH CONNECTION Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE 01785 817 985 CHUNG YING GER’S BAR 11 Newhall 3 Coventry St, Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ 01743 355055 Street, B3 3NY, 0121 Stourbridge DY8 1EP 01743 344679 THE LODGE 24 16-18 Wrottersley Street, THE PLUME OF FEATHERS Birmingham Road, 2000 1588 01384 390940 THE FEATHERS Brockton, B5 4RT 0121 622 5669 Harley, Shrewsbury SY5 Shenstone. WS14 0LQ Much Wenlock TF13 CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 THE RECTORY 50-54 St FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove 6LP 01743 727360 01543 483334 Thorpe St, B5 4AT Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS Rd, Clent, Stourbridge 6JR 01746 785202 0121 605 1001 DY9 9PY 01562 883040 PORTER HOUSE 15 St MALABAR 1-2 Water 0121 666 6622 FENNELS 8 Market Place, Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, Street, Stafford, ST16 GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 CIELO 6 Oozells Square, RED PEPPERS 117 Shifnall TF11 9AZ SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 2AG 01785 227 500/600 Wharfside St, B1 1RF Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 01952 463020 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB THE POUND AT LEEBOT- MARLOES 13 London 0121 643 4202 2EQ 01922 640363 THE FOX INN 46 High St, 0121 632 6882 WOOD Leebotwood, Nr Road, Newcastle under SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Much Wenlock TF13 COAST TO COAST 9 Church Stretton SY6 6ND Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 Mill Street, 6AD 01952 727292 Brindleyplace, Broad Kidderminster. DY11 01694 751477 661983 SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Street, B1 2HJ 6UU 01562 744976 RENAISSANCE, 29a THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, St, B15 1AY 0121 633 Frankwell, Shrewsbury COTE The Mailbox, MADE IN THAI Darlington Princess St, Shrewsbury, ST15 8BA 01785 0366 SY3 8JX 01743 354422 B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 St, Wolverhampton WV1 SY11LW 01743 354289 818456 CUCINA RUSTICA 24 SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield 4HW 01902 312512 THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 THE NAVIGATION INN Rd, Edgbaston B13 3DU ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower Princess St, Shrewsbury, Newport Road, Gnosall, 0121 454 3434 SY1 1LP 01743 362507 shrewsbury SY1 1HH 0121 233 2277 Mill Street, Kidderminster 01743 233244 Stafford ST20 0BN THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, DY11 6UU 01562 60479 GRANARY BAR & GRILL 01785 822327 DEL VILLAGGIO SARACENS Shrewsbury Unit 528, Middle Mall, Brindley Place, THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst Weston Park, Weston- OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, Birmingham B1 2HL under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 The Bullring. B5 4BE Lane, Tipton DY4 9AB 210877 Branston, Burton, DE14 0121 643 1400 0121 633 3049 0121 557 1402 TF11 8LE 01952 3EX 01283 533222 SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, EDMUNDS 6 Brindley STRADA 109-111 RED FORT Fold St, 852107 PASTICHE BISTRO Oswestry SY11 1AQ 1 - 2 Mill place, B1 2JB 0121 633 Wharfside St, The Wolverhampton, WV1 THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- Street, Stafford, ST16 01691 655444 4944 Mailbox B1 1XL 4LP 01902 424440 167 Frankwell, 2AJ 01782 263 737 0121 643 7279 SHALIMAR 23 Abbey FLEET STREET KITCHEN RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 Shrewsbury SY3 8LG THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, Foregate, Shrewsbury Fleet Street, Islington THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, Upper Green, Tettenhall, 01743 361672 Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR Gates, B3 1JH 0121 236 B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 Wolverhampton WV6 HADLEY PARK HOUSE SY2 6AE 01743 366658 01543 481807 8QQ 01902 756052 0100 WAGAMAMA Brindley Hadley Park, Telford TF1 SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 Place, birmingham B1 SAFFRON Wolverhampton 6QJ 01952 677269 Shrewsbury SY1 1UT St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 1JL 0121 212 3383 Road, Oldbury B69 4RR THE HAYWARDS at The 01743 242321 1JD 01782 209444 0121 552 1752 JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle Black Country Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, THE SILVERTON the Old THE RED ROOM 7 Mall, Bullring Shopping SIMON’S 520 Chester Rd, Shrewsbury SY1 1UY Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, Newcastle Road, Centre, B5 4BE Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 01743 353107 Shrewsbury SY3 8JY Congleton CW12 4HN ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 0PU 0121 580 9293 0121 270 3610 Lichfield Street, Walsall HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 01743 248000 01260 297871 SPICES Hollywell Rd, JIMMY SPICES Regency WS1 1SY 01922 613361 Barracks Passage TIN TINS Wellington Road, THORNBURY HALL, RASOI Wednesbury. WS10 7PA Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS Shrewsbury SY1 1XA Telford TF2 8AJ BANKS BISTRO Chapel 0121 502 0720 Lockwood Rd, Kingsley 0121 643 2111 Ash, Wolverhampton 01743 361666 01952 608688 Holt, Stafford ST10 2DH THE SPRINGHILL LAS IGUANAS WV1 4EP 01902 238433 HILL VALLEY HOTEL TRAITORS GATE Castle St, 01538 750831 Arcadian Warstones Rd, Penn, Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, Tarporley Road, Water Lane, Shrewsbury WOLSELEY ARMS Wolverhampton WV4 Whitchurch SY13 4HA 0121 622 4466 Wolverhampton. 01902 4LB 01902 342530 SY1 2BX 01743 249152 Wolseley Bridge, Stafford 0844 879 9049 ST17 0XS LASAN 3-4 Dakota 427555 THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 THE WALLS Welsh Walls, THE INN AT GRINSHILL 01889 883179 Buildings, James St, St BENGAL FUSION 174 High Gospel End Rd, Dudley Oswestry SY11 1AW Paul’s Square, B3 1SD St, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 The High Street, DY3 4AN 01902 676 Grinshill, Shrewsbury, 0121 212 3664 8LN. 01384 891111 102 SY4 3BL 01939 220410 THE LOFT LOUNGE BILASH 2 Cheapside, THORNESCROFT For full Restaurant listings 143 Bromsgrove St, KING & THAI Avenue Rd, Wolverhampton, WV1 Bridgnorth Rd, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 1TU 01902 427762 Wolverhampton, WV6 Broseley, Telford TF12

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MON 31 MARCH - SAT 5 APRIL SUN 6 APRIL TUES 8 - SAT 12 APRIL A BRAND NEW RE-STAGED VERSION OF THE CLASSIC AMERICAN FRONTIER DANCE MUSICAL! BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS the Faaaabulous ceri

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