Staffordshire Cover May 2018.qxp_Staffordshire Cover 23/04/2018 18:33 Page 1

CHRIS RAMSEY AT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands STAFFORD GATEHOUSE STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S MAY ON 2018 Staffordshire ISSUE 389 MAY 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On staffordshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

forROLL a celebration UP! of circus feature inside... WTE:@WHATSONSTAFFSTWITTER:

showcaseREMI HARRIS a fusion of stylesTRIO in Lichfield return FACEBOOK:@STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON

GET 40% OFF admission to the National Sea Life Centre! Voucher inside... STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:15 Page 1

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT

TOM STADE - ‘I SWEAR’ 16+ THURS 3 MAY, 8.00PM £17.50

KATE RUSBY

SAT 5 MAY, 7.30PM £25.50, UNDER 16S £18.50

16+ QUENTIN CRISP - NAKED HOPE

SAT 5 MAY, 7.30PM £15.00

JASON DONOVAN AND HIS AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS WED 9 MAY, 7.30PM £25.50

LIZA PULMAN SINGS STREISAND

FRI 11 MAY, 7.30PM £21.50

PHIL JUPITUS ‘JUPLICITY’ 14+ SUN 13 MAY, 8.00PM £15.50

DAVID BADDIEL ‘MY FAMILY: NOT THE SITCOM’ 16+ FRI 18 & SAT 19 MAY, 7.30PM £26.00

VOICE OF THE HEART – KAREN CARPENTER

SAT 26 MAY, 7.30PM £20.50

for more information visit: www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Contents May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:10 Page 2

May 2018

Contents

Crazy For You - Tom Chambers shows he’s ‘got rhythm’ at the Wolverhampton Grand more on page 24

Circus250 Spamalot Jasmin Vardimon the list

exploring the legacy of Stoke’s misfit knights, killer rabbits and presents a new triple bill at Your 16-page forgotten hero dancing nuns at Theatre Severn Wolverhampton’s Arena Theatre week-by-week listings guide feature page 12 page 26 page 31 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 36. Film 38. Visual Arts 43. Events

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Ellie Hutchings [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Wolverhampton May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:57 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Steampunk magic at Blists Hill Victorian Town Grab your goggles and come dressed in your steampunk finery for the second Steampunk Weekend Festival at Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge, over the weekend of 23 & 24 June. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums have teamed up with the organisers of massive Lincoln steampunk festival Asylum to bring the two-day event back to Shrop- shire. Festival attractions will include eclectic market stalls, exhibitions, talks and shows celebrating all things steampunk. For further information, call the Iron- bridge Tourist Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or visit ironbridge.org.uk.

Cockney rebel Harley to Other attractions at the show include a street Strictly stars Neil & Katya food market, live music, family entertain- headline folk festival ment, vintage vehicle displays, a countryside create exclusive show for Rock icon Steve Harley will headline this retail village and fairground rides. 2018 Lichfield Festival year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Best known from his work with Cockney Rebel, with whom he enjoyed number one hit Soap favourites to star in Make Me Smile (Come Up & See Me), Harley Grand’s in-house show will perform on the first day of the event. Two popular TV soap stars will take the lead This year’s folk festival takes place from Fri- roles in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s in- day 24 to Monday 27 August. For more details house production of Ladies’ Day. about the 2018 line-up and to book tickets, Cheryl Fergison, best known for playing visit shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk Heather Trott in EastEnders, will share the bill with Deena Payne, who starred as Viv Hope in Emmerdale. The show also features the music of the leg- endary Tony Christie, best known for his recording of Is This The Way To Amarillo. Strictly Come Dancing stars Neil & Katya An exuberant comedy about four likely lasses Jones will create an exclusive show for this on a day trip to the races, Ladies’ Day shows year’s Lichfield Festival. at the Grand from Friday 13 to Saturday 28 The popular pair are headline performers at July. For tickets, call 01902 42 92 12 or visit the 11-day event, which takes place at a vari- grandtheatre.co.uk. ety of venues around the city from 4 to 14 July. Commenting on the 2018 edition of the festi- val, its Guest Artistic Director, Damian Thantrey, said: “Within Lichfield’s trademark eclectic mix of classical music, folk, jazz, comedy, dance and theatre, we’re particu- larly delighted to have woven into the festival Bake Off star set to make a season of events to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage - #ExtraordinaryWomen - his Shropshire debut which will celebrate the craft of female writ- The runner-up in last year’s Great British ers, artists and composers, as well as works Bake Off will be the star guest at this year’s written specifically with a woman’s voice in Newport Show, which takes place on 14 July. mind.” Steven Carter-Bailey will give two 45-minute For more information about the line-up and presentations in the event’s food theatre. to book tickets, visit lichfieldfestival.org 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:57 Page 2

First Word

The Pink Cottage opens its doors at Weston Park Weston Park country estate on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border has opened a new holi- day property ideal for two peo- ple. The charming and quirky Pink Cottage is nestled in the heart of the Capability Brown-created Temple Wood and was, for many years, the much-loved retreat of 18th century socialite Lady Bridgeman. The Pink Cottage is the latest of Weston’s many follies and houses to be transformed into a luxury holiday property, each with its own varied character. A holiday at the newly available property costs from £408 for a three-night stay. For more infor- mation or to book a break there, More stars announced for the Shrewsbury Flower Show visit Weston-park.com Rastafarian musician and entrepreneur Levi Roots and Food Unwrapped presenter Matt Tebbutt will both be making appearances at this year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show, which takes place in the town’s Quarry Park on Friday 10 & Saturday 11 August. Going quackers Horticulturalists Joe Swift and Penny Meadmore are also contributing to this year's event. in Ironbridge The 2018 edition of the show features headline acts The Abba Reunion Tribute and Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Other attractions include 12 hours of arena entertainment and a spectacular firework display Ten giant painted ducks are coming to Ironbridge this month on both days of the event. For more information, visit shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk (5 May to 8 July). The ducks, which will form a trail around the town for people to follow, are the idea of local Region set to Strictly star Debbie to resident Julie Ward. benefit from cast her spell over Julie was able to finance her new railways Wolverhampton panto project after securing an The West Midlands £18,000 grant from Telford & region is set to bene- Strictly Come Dancing star Debbie Wrekin Council’s Pride In Your McGee has joined the cast for the High Street Fund, an initiative fit from seven new railways, one of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s aimed at boosting local high 2018/19 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. streets and attracting visitors. which would serve Debbie, who starred in the 2017 series Sponsorship proceeds will be West Midlands Safari split equally between Severn Park. of the hit BBC One celebrity dancing Hospice & Jayne Sargent Foun- The multi-million show, will join returning panto dation. The ducks will then pound proposals rest favourites Doreen Tipton and Ian flock to Southwater, Telford, on the outcome of Adams in the sure-to-be-spectacular where they’ll be in residence ‘feasibility assess- production, running at the Grand from from 14 to 29 July. ments’ currently Saturday 8 December to Sunday 13 being undertaken. January. If the project gets the Commenting on the news, Adrian green light, it would Jackson, the theatre’s chief executive also mean 20,000 & artistic director, said; “Debbie will extra seats and certainly add extra sparkle to this standing room being year’s pantomime, and I know she will made available for an cha-cha-charm audiences when she additional 50,000 waltzes into Wolverhampton this fes- peak-time passengers tive season.” in and around Birm- Tickets for Sleeping Beauty can be ingham. booked by calling 01902 429212 or vis- iting grandtheatre.co.uk. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:57 Page 3

First Word

Les Misérables returning to the region Council funding The phenomenal Les Misérables is making a welcome return to Birm- for four Lichfield ingham Hippodrome next year. arts projects Cameron Mackintosh’s hit musical, based on the novel by Victor Hugo Lichfield District Council, in and written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, will visit partnership with Swinfen the Hurst Street venue from 2 April to 11 May. Broun Charitable Trust, has The part of Jean Valjean will be played by Killian Donnelly, who is cur- awarded a total of £134,000 rently starring in the role in the West End production. to four Lichfield City public Les Mis has been seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 45 art projects. countries and 22 languages. The projects which will bene- The epic show features a raft of now-classic songs, including I fit are: a permanent public Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear sculpture of St Chad at the The People Sing?, One Day More, Empty Chairs At Empty Tables and city’s cathedral; a perfor- Master Of The House. Tickets for the show’s Hippodrome perfor- mance space in St Mary’s in mances are on general sale from 21 June and can be purchased by call- the Market Square; a metal ing 0844 338 5000 or visiting birminghamhippodrome.com sculpture based on the work of Erasmus Darwin; and a puppet parade through the streets during the Lichfield Circus fun in the Hit movie The Hunger Festival. Potteries! Games in concert A colourful circus concert by Blockbuster movie The Hunger Games is a world-renowned ensemble being screened at Birmingham's Sym- of South American perform- phony Hall this summer, complete with ers is taking place in Newcas- live musical accompaniment from a full tle-under-Lyme’s Clough Hall symphony orchestra. Park this month. The hit movie, which stars Jennifer Circolombia’s Acéléré show Lawrence and Woody Harrelson, will be screened in HD on Sunday 15 combines ‘an intense, Latin- July. For more information, visit thsh.co.uk styled uptempo soundtrack with jaw-dropping contem- porary circus acts’. Storytelling, protest art and ‘enormous Series of events The production takes place amounts of Lego’ combine... to commemorate at the venue from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 May. A combined storytelling and protest art project ‘about cities, public WWI anniversary For more information, visit money and the possible end of life as we know it’ is being presented in Wolverhampton is set to appetitestoke.co.uk Wolverhampton this month. mark the 100th anniversary Entitled Nuketown, the project sees writer/performer Jack Dean work- of Armistice Day (11 Novem- ing with town planners, architects, live feeds and ‘enormous amounts ber 1918), which brought to Fundraising with of Lego’ to build a brand new model city. an end the First World War, Fun Family 5 walk The event takes place at the Arena Theatre on Saturday 19 May. with a number of commemo- For more information, visit wlv.ac.uk Birmingham Children’s Hos- rative events. pital Charity is calling on The extensive programme people to get involved in its Dudley’s Sir Lenny stars in Birmingham will include a series of second annual Fun Family 5 themed exhibitions and dis- five-kilometre walk. Conservatoire’s opening festival plays of memorabilia and art. Taking place in Sutton Park Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Commenting on the initia- on Saturday 16 June, the opening festival is now under way. tive, Keith Ireland, Managing event will raise vital funds A 15 month-long event, the festival Director of the City of Wolver- for the sick children and fam- features performances by, among hampton Council, said: “We ilies at the hospital, and aims many others, Dudley-born Sir have a duty to educate to raise in excess of last Lenny Henry, Julian Lloyd Webber, today's generation about year’s near-£20,000 total. Peter Donohoe, Nitin Sawhney and what the country went To sign up for the event and Jennifer Walshe. The event’s pro- through, and it’s important receive a fundraising pack, gramme also includes the Flatpack that as a city we remember visit bch.org.uk/Event/fun- Film Festival and the Supersonic this terrible conflict and the family5 Festival. For more information, sacrifices that were made a visit bcu.ac.uk/opening-festival century ago.” 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:57 Page 4 84 Charing Cross Road DPS 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:58 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk 84 Charing Cross Road DPS 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:58 Page 2

by Stephen Taylor

STEFANIE POWERS ON Best known from hit 1980s TV series Hart To Hart, Stefanie Powers talks to What’s On about her current role, starring as Helene Hanff in an adaptation of 84 Charing Cross Road which this month visits Wolverhampton...

In these days of Facebook, Twitter and stances, as the two actors who read the let- interesting exercise for the kids in the Snapchat, the thought of communicating by ters were sitting side by side at a table on a scheme, who don’t have smart phones, who letter may seem like an alien concept. But for stage.” don’t take selfies, who live, for the most part, Helene Hanff, author of the 1970 novel 84 in houses that don’t have electricity and 84 Charing Cross Road covers the post-war Charing Cross Road, the stage version of water and walk to school on dirt roads. It’s years from 1949 to the end of the 1960s, an which opens in Wolverhampton this month, been extraordinary over the years since we era that fascinates Powers. “I think it’s a this was how she satisfied literary urges that started the programme to see just how much lovely snapshot of the period, of what was couldn’t be met on the other side of the At- of an effect it’s made on the children who going on in both of their lives, what was lantic. participate.” going on in their time zones, and the chang- 84 Charing Cross Road focuses on the episto- ing times as they’re reflected upon by these Of course, for many theatregoers, it will be lary relationship between Hanff and Frank two people. So it’s a very nostalgic piece and Powers’ portrayal of Jennifer Hart in Hart To Doel, manager of Marks & Co, the London not without ironic humour.” Hart that will have lured them to the box of- book shop that shipped titles to her Manhat- fice: “It’s flattering. I had the good fortune of The play explores the cultural divide that ex- tan home for two decades. being in front of the public at a time when ists between Britain and the US, an aspect of people had tremendous loyalty to the actors In this production, Clive Francis plays the the script that appealed to the California- they saw on television. It was a much smaller part of Doel, while Stefanie Powers takes on born Powers. “I think there’s a great deal of world with fewer choices. It was on Sunday the role of Hanff. The two actors are reprising humour, so I think it will make an awful lot evenings in the UK and whole families would their roles following the play’s run in Cam- of people chuckle. The journey that these two be sitting around the television. It was a dif- bridge 18 months ago. people are on can be related to by all ages ferent world and we didn’t have 200 channels and all demographics, and the humour According to Powers, they’re hoping to give to surf.” comes naturally out of the human condition the piece a contemporary tweak: “At the time and the circumstances.” And it appears that the chemistry which Pow- the play was written [in 1981], the book was a ers enjoyed on screen with co-star Wagner re- bestseller, and the adaptation played for au- As a lover of book shops who admits that she mains as strong as ever: “We still make each diences that had read the book - but today, “can’t leave without buying”, Powers finds other laugh. There’s an invisible button that that’s no longer relevant. We need to bring the musty attraction of second-hand empori- we seem to press in each other. It’s wonder- some freshness to it that will make it more ums irresistible. “One of the advantages of ful. I adore him, and he’s a treasure in my relevant.” owning books that have been read before is life.” that it’s always fascinating when you open a The play sees each of the characters reading book that’s been nicely bound and it falls Powers recalls a childhood photograph their respective letters. Unlike in other two- open to places which the previous reader has snapped at her dance class that includes two handers, the pair never interact. For Powers, either bookmarked or read most often.” friends who would eventually form even this has created a curious on-stage chemistry stronger links with Wagner: “Jill (St John), with Francis: “There’s an extremely unusual For many readers of 84 Charing Cross Road, Natalie [Wood] and I were in the same ballet rapport there, because we can’t look at each the fact that Hanff and Doel only ever com- class, and I have a photograph of us. There’s other on the stage, but I can feel that he’s municate by letter is the enduring appeal of Natalie, looking absolutely gorgeous, and Jill there.” the story, as they might well have enjoyed - but it’s quite extraordinary that those three similar relationships with pen friends in far- For Powers, it’s not the first time she’s faced girls in that photograph were all married to flung parts of the world. the challenge of performing a two-handed Robert Wagner. I was his television wife and piece in the theatre. She appeared with Powers recognises the benefit of sharing the other two girls were his real wives. Isn’t Robert Wagner, her co-star in hit 1980s TV se- ideas globally in her role as president of the that crazy?!” ries Hart To Hart, in Love Letters by AR Gur- William Holden Wildlife Foundation. She set ney in the 1990s. up the charity to continue the conservation work of long-time partner Holden following “People always said, ‘Oh, Love Letters is like 84 Charing Cross Road runs at the his untimely death in 1981. 84 Charing Cross Road, and in a certain way I Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from suppose it is, but in very different circum- “We have a pen pal programme, and it’s an Tuesday 29 May until Saturday 2 June

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food May Shrops_Wolves_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:23 Page 1 Food May Shrops_Wolves_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:23 Page 2

Food

Whitchurch food fest back for a fifth year Whitchurch’s free-to-enter Food & Drink Festival returns to the town’s Civic Centre on 19 & 20 May. Back for the fifth year, the event showcases more than 80 trade stands, supported by an artisan craft market in Whitchurch high street. This year’s line-up of experts includes celebrity chef and TV personality Rosemary Shrager alongside local chefs Brian Mellor, Stuart Collins and James Sherwin. Bank holiday beer festival fun in Codsall Start the bank holiday the right way at Codsall Station Beer Festival, taking place from 3 to 7 May at Holdens Codsall Station Pub. The event features more than 30 real ales and ciders, on- site catering and live music.

Shropshire restaurant serves up taster menu The Great British Food Festival returns to Weston Park Wild Shropshire has recently dropped This month sees the return of the Great British Food Festival, taking place at Weston Park on the its ‘pop-up’ status and become Shropshire/Staffordshire border over the bank holiday weekend (26 - 28 May). permanent resident at Ternhill Farm Promising to be bigger and better than ever before, the event this year features more food & drink House in Market Drayton. stalls, a chef demo marquee, a bake stage and a new drinks stage. Crowd favourites the Great Having recently featured on BBC’s British Cake Off and the Man V Food Challenge stage will also be back, as will live music and kids Countryfile, the restaurant’s aim is to activities. The show’s line-up of experts includes Jane Beedle, Marcus Bean and James Sherwin. serve a multi-course surprise tasting To purchase tickets, visit greatbritishfoodfestival.com menu based on Shropshire Terroir. The featured dishes boast produce grown or foraged by Wild Shropshire or Cider and sausage festival heading for Battlefield 1403 supplied by local artisan producers. Available on Fridays and Saturdays, the A cider and sausage mini-fest is taking menu costs £40 per person, with pre- place at Shrewsbury’s Battlefield 1403 booking essential. To reserve a table, on Saturday 26 May. visit wildshropshire.net The event promises to be ‘a delicious combination of flavoured sausages - lovingly hand-made at Battlefield 1403 using locally sourced ingredients - and locally produced cider’. Pick up your ‘passport’ on arrival and taste your way ‘around the world’ via sausage-inspired dishes. Collect stamps for each one you try - a full passport will get you a free drink! Tickets cost £15 and include the taster dishes, taster passport and live music. Children’s tickets are £5 per child (up to 12 years old). Book via [email protected]. Vegetarian options will be available.

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Circus 250 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:07 Page 1

Circus Past, Present And Future The legacy of Stoke’s forgotten hero

12 whatsonlive.co.uk Circus 250 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:07 Page 2

by Chris Eldon Lee

He ought to be up there with those other of Hercules”, sitting on top of a giant horse. artiste Andrew Van Buren, who is co- famous sons of Stoke: Arnold Bennett, Josiah He also had “the voice of a centaur” as loud ordinating the celebrations. Wedgwood and Robbie Williams. as 50 men; which came in handy once he’d “That diameter makes the best use of invented the role of the red-uniformed centrifugal force to aid you to stand on the In his day, he was the toast of royalty right ringmaster. back of a horse,” adds Theresa, “so that has across Europe. Charles Dickens, Jane Austin become the standardised size of every circus and William Makepeace Thackeray all made Astley’s family lived just off the Ironmarket in ring since.” mention of his achievements. Millions of Newcastle-under-Lyme, and it is believed he people all over the world have been arrived into the world on 8 January 1742. He Presumably Astley discovered the perfect entertained by his invention. His legacy has became an apprentice cabinet maker to his dimension by falling off rather a lot. recently been celebrated in Paris and Monte father, Edward. But it seems the lad wanted a “Astley constructed 19 wooden Carlo, where a memorial has been placed in more exciting life than that and ran off to join amphitheatres all over the world - like the Princess Grace Gardens. the army. And now a new play - Astley’s wooden circus tents,” explains Andrew. “For Astounding Adventures - to be performed at And now, finally, in his home town of example, he built one in Paris at the the New Vic Theatre in his home town in July, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Philip Astley is no invitation of King Louis XIV. But then the will tell his tale. The theatre is billing it as longer a forgotten man. A statue that once lay French Revolution kicked off and he escaped their “most ambitious production to date”. locked up in a shipping container has been to London. He returned to find his Written by Stone-born author Frazer dusted down and put on display; a shopping amphitheatre was still standing and that Flintham, it is to be directed by New Vic centre has been named after him; a steel Napoleon had been using it as a barracks. So, Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, who’s been impression of a ringmaster has been erected like any good businessman, he charged researching Astley’s life story. on George Street; and months of celebrations Napoleon back-rent - and got his money.” will leave no one in doubt about the “Having been taught specialist skills in his The New Vic is one of Britain’s most famous importance of ‘the founder of modern circus’. cavalry training,” she says, “he set up a ‘theatres in the round’, but its stage is rather riding school to teach the gentry how to be Roll up! Circus 250 is well under way. smaller than a circus ring. So they are flashy on the back of a horse. Astley had a working up designs for gilded carousel It was 250 years ago, in 1768, that real sense of what audiences wanted.” horses rather than real ones. entrepreneur Philip Astley created a circle on Spotting the commercial potential of what he the ground measuring 42 feet in diameter was doing, he named his new public And they also have another challenge to and filled it with equestrians performing entertainment Astley’s Amphitheatre. He tackle... Astley’s worst enemy wasn’t his breathtaking displays. He drew quite a even employed his wayward father as a rivals, but fire. His roofed amphitheatres had crowd. Everybody who was ‘anybody’ rode a hostler, but Edward plotted with a colleague to be illuminated. The one in Paris was lit by horse back then because there was no to do the dirty on his son and set up a rival 2,000 candles and - like many of his wooden alternative. But nobody in the audience had concern - for which they borrowed the constructions - it disastrously burnt to the tried such risky and heart-stopping tricks as Roman name ‘circus’. ground. these; standing, facing backwards, on a “It was a rip off,” says Theresa, “but it was cantering horse’s back, or riding at speed, The New Vic production promises to the best thing that could have happened to wearing a swarm of bees on either arm. reproduce that particular theatrical spectacle further the art. The play will show how the According to the London Gazetteer, Astley - but hopefully without having to call the fire two rivals spurred each other on to ‘top’ each himself would “simultaneously ride three brigade. other’s shows. Astley even progressed as far horses” whilst performing even more death- as staging the Battle of Waterloo in the circus defying feats. ring.” Within a couple of years, to keep pace with Circus Past, Present And Future events The New Vic has featured circus skills in its public demand, Astley had considerably include: Circus!, an outdoor photographic shows before. Big-top expert Vicky Amedume broadened the scope of his show, pulling in exhibition in association with the Victoria orchestrated flying actors in productions acrobats and jugglers from the world of & Albert Museum, on display at Red Lion about Dracula and Peter Pan, and she’s back theatre, tightrope walkers from the market Square until Sat 4 August; Circolombia’s to co-direct this new play. place, and, from pantomime, a clown called Acéléré, which stops off at Clough Hill Mr Merryman. All these elements of circus “Astley’s Astounding Adventures will feature Park from Thurs 10 to Sun 13 May; Astley’s already existed, of course, but he was the four professional circus performers and Astounding Adventures - a story that genius who blended them into the regular New Vic actors executing circus and charts Astley’s rise to stardom, at the New entertainment we know and love today. clowning skills,” says Theresa. For the soft- Vic Theatre from Sat 7 to Sat 28 July, and hearted, there’s also a love story in the play - Cabinet Of Curiosities - a playful circus He must have been a most imposing man. He Astley’s beau, Patti, is the girl with the bees. adventure for younger audiences, also at had been a sargent major with the newly the New Vic Theatre, from Wed 18 to Fri 27 formed 15th Light Dragoons - the first Light It was Astley who predetermined the precise July. Cavalry Regiment of the British Army - and size of every circus ring. On 4 August, a professionally led was decorated as a gallant war hero. community performance, Roll Up! Roll “He discovered that a 42 feet diameter ring Contemporary accounts reckon he was six Up!, in partnership with the Philip Astley (12.8 meters) was the ideal size for a horse to feet six inches tall and needed an enormous Project, will form part of AstleyFest in get up to the gallop,” says former circus steed. He was a giant with “the proportions Lyme Valley Park.

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Festivals MAY-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 18:20 Page 1 Festivals MAY-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 18:20 Page 2

Festivals

Birmingham Pride of Be You. Tickets are available from birm- Staffs Fest inghampride.com. Birmingham Gay Village, Sat 26 - Sun 27 May Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire, Birmingham Pride attracts more than 2018 line-up includes: Courtney Act (pic- Fri 25 - Sun 27 May 50,000 visitors per year and boasts a diverse tured), Beth Ditto, Jake Shears, Rudimental Beginning as a small-scale blues festival in array of activities and entertainment, in- (pictured), Jax Jones, Stefflon Don, Howard Stafford, this ‘great-value-for-money’ event cluding music, cabaret, dance and a hugely Jones, Gorgon City, Louisa, Kim Petras, has expanded year on year to encompass an popular carnival parade. This year's two- Mnek, Louisa Redknapp, Twiggy, Tiara exciting array of rock, reggae, soul and day celebration is based around the theme Thunderpussy and Miss Penny. blues acts. In addition to enjoying live, loud and local music, visitors can take a stroll through the nearby woods, enjoy a guided tour of the farm on Farmer Ray's tractor trailer, and vote for the winner of the Star of Staffs competition, open to budding musi- cians aged 14 to 18. All tickets include free onsite camping, but rooms are also available in the farmhouse B&B for those who prefer their indoor comforts. 2018 line-up includes: The Rock Dogs, Cold Flame, The Gabbidon Band, Voodoo Stone, Slyder, Shallow Boys, The Sick Notes, Bloke, Pistol Pete Wearn, Pig-Man & The Rubber Band, Ged Wilson, Judy Emeline, Bobby KP Woods and The Spirit Drummers.

Bearded Theory Cheltenham Jazz Festival Slam Dunk Festival Catton Park, South Derbyshire, Various venues arounds Cheltenham, NEC, Birmingham, Mon 28 May Thurs 24 - Sun 27 May Wed 2 - Mon 7 May Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, Taking place in the grounds of Catton Hall in punk and ska, this three-stop touring festi- the heart of the National Forest, the 10-year- val returns to Birmingham’s NEC for the old Bearded Theory has been rapidly gain- third time since its move from Wolverhamp- ing a reputation as one of the UK's best ton. Linked to the Leeds-based club nights independent festivals. Ever expanding to and indie record label of the same name, meet demand, the award-winning event fea- Slam Dunk takes place over the May bank tures fantastic acts spread across six stages - holiday weekend and boasts more than 40 including a dance tent, a cinema and a com- acts across multiple stages. DJ sets, exclu- edy & cabaret area - as well as a superb Chil- sive signings and a riotous afterparty also dren's Village, top-notch facilities and an feature. award-winning bar with affordably priced 2018 line-up includes: Good Charlotte, drinks. Jimmy Eat World, Pvris (pictured), Frank 2018 line-up includes: Robert Plant & The Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Taking Back Sun- Sensational Space Shifters (pictured), Jimmy day, Sleeping With Sirens, State Champs, Cliff, Blossoms, Sleaford Mods, Jake Bugg, Creeper, Every Time I Die, The Skints, Four With 20,000-plus music fans attending the Jesus & Mary Chain, Fun Lovin Criminals, Year Strong, Thursday and Zebrahead. The Coral, Milburn and Gentleman’s Dub event each year, Cheltenham has become Club. one of the country’s best-loved jazz festivals. Showcasing its trademark mix of interna- tional icons, up-and-coming artists and unique performances, the festival includes Jamie Cullum and Moira Stuart among its le- gion of fans. 2018 line-up includes: Randy Crawford, Beth Hart, Caro Emerald (pictured), Chris- tian McBride Big Band, Kamasi Washington, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Portico Quartet, Imelda May, China Moses, Gilles Peterson & Jordan Rakei and Corinne Bailey Rae.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 GIGS May Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:59 Page 1

16 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS May Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 17:59 Page 2

Gigs

The Slow Readers Club The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 17 May; The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 26 May Comprising Aaron Starkie (vocals), Kurtis Starkie (guitar and vocals), James Ryan (bass) and David Whitworth (drums), Manchester band The Slow Readers Club specialise in a dark and brooding indie electro sound that’s drawn comparisons with Interpol, The Killers and The National. Having received acclaim from Steve Lamacq, Peter Hook and Eddy Temple Morris, to name but a few, the four-piece visit the Midlands this month in celebration of new album Build A Tower.

Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage Biddulph Arms, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 16 May; The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 19 May “I often think of folk music in cinematic the song is most important to me.” terms,” explains Ben Savage. “Scene-set- Sounding classically timeless yet feeling re- ting, emotional backdrops and detail are im- freshingly unique, Ben and Hannah uncov- portant, but choices around what you ered their shared musical passion at their present in front are huge. I think a lot on local folk club in Cambridge, and have been what notes need to be there; what they’re working together ever since. actually doing to people, and to the song; Remi Harris Trio George Hotel, Lichfield, Wed 16 May Showcasing gypsy jazz, blues, electronic and Calan With a new lineup in place - of Charlie, world music, Remi Harris returns to the re- Steve Straughan on guitar, Alvin Gibbs on Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 9 May; bass and Jamie Oliver on drums - the band gion this month following a triumphant per- Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, formance at the city’s 2017 Blues & Jazz Sat 2 June continue to entertain, enlighten and en- Festival. Having quickly established himself thuse audiences around the world. as one of Britain’s finest guitarists, Harris Expect to hear classics from albums such as showcases creative compositions and new Brand New Age and Crash Course, as well as arrangements of music by Django Reinhardt, tracks from more-recent offerings Yellow Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and Charlie Leader and Ziezo. Parker. Bryde Vibrant five-piece Calan have certainly Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Wed 23 May found their musical niche, showcasing a One half of South Wales indie-pop duo unique instrumental blend of accordion, fid- Paper Aeroplanes, Sarah Howells brings her dle, guitar, Welsh pipes, Welsh harp and the new solo project to Shrewsbury this month. percussive sound of the Welsh clogs. Taking With high-profile support from Radio One’s a contemporary approach, they breathe new Huw Stephens and life into old traditions. a ‘hottest track’ ac- colade from the Sunday Times, UK Subs she’ll be playing The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 3 May numbers from forthcoming album With 2016 marking their 40th anniversary, Like An Island, as UK Subs, led by 70-year-old Charlie Harper, well as songs from represent the true spirit of punk rock. her two EPs. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Lee Mead DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 10:49 Page 1 Lee Mead DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 10:50 Page 2

LeeJames Rampton talks to Lee MeadMead about his new album Lee Mead – 10 Year Anniversary and his tour Lee Mead – 10 Years – The Anniversary Tour.

Looking back on the last decade, how What will the show “Lee Mead – 10 Years – Now you’re starring in Holby City. How did would you encapsulate it? The Anniversary Tour” consist of? you land that role? I’m very happy with the way my career has I’ll be doing more than 20 songs. I really I was a guest in an episode of Casualty, gone. I don’t feel that I have had to believe in giving people their money’s worth. playing Harry, a schoolteacher. Afterwards I compromise along the way. I’ve been I’ll be doing the songs that have had an got a handwritten letter from Oliver Kent, the approached a few times to do reality TV and I impact on me over the last 10 years - for executive producer. He wrote, “We were so love watching some of those shows, but I’m instance, I’ll be performing Maria from West impressed with what you did. You were such not sure I would do very well on something Side Story which is one of, if not the, greatest a gentleman on set. We’ll keep our eye on like I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! The musical ever written. I thought it would be you.” I thought, “Yeah, you hear that all the idea of eating crocodile testicles is not on my really nice to perform my own take on that time.” But two years later, the producers agenda! Touch wood, I like to think that over particular song. asked, “Could you come and audition? We the last 10 years I’ve made the right career have a character called Lofty who we think choices. might be up your street.” Within two weeks, I You also have a new album out - tell us was in Cardiff filming my first scene with about the songs you have chosen on your Derek Thompson. He’s a lovely guy and has When you won the role of Joseph on the new album? become a close friend. TV show Any Dream Will Do, how did you Amongst the tracks are Dancing Through The opportunity to move over to Holby which feel? Life from Wicked, Hushabye Mountain from is filmed close to London has been fantastic Weird things go through your head when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Close Every Door as it allows me to spend more time with my Graham Norton says, “The winner is…” I was from Joseph, Bring Him Home from Les daughter Betsy. I see my life as a pyramid, thinking, “If I don’t win this, I don’t care Miserables, and As Long As You’re Mine, a and Betsy is at the top of that. I’m fortunate because I’ve had the most wonderful duet with Rachel Tucker from Wicked. I loved in that I have a very busy career. It’s great to experience.” Then Graham said, “3 million working on the album. have work, but if ever I feel I’m not getting people have voted.” the balance right, I check myself and get Are you looking forward to reconnecting back to the idea of the pyramid. Betsy always Did it feel like fate that you won Any with your very loyal fans on tour? comes first. Dream Will Do? Absolutely. Every singer needs that support. Yes. If I may say so, it did feel like it was my If you’re lucky enough to have it, then it’s time. Everything came together. Joseph was fantastic. People come to see me from LA, Lee Mead brings his 10 Years - The the first show I’d seen. It was my favourite Norway, Holland. There are about 400 of Anniversary Tour to Malvern Theatres, show and had always been part of my life. I them who are hard-core fans. They come lots Worcester on Sunday 20th May and Palace simply love performing it. of times to every show I am in. Theatre, Redditch on Sunday 28th October. Classical May Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:12 Page 1

Classical

The Opera Boys Lichfield Garrick, Sat 26 May Crossover artists are big business nowa- days, so there’s little wonder that The Opera Boys are enjoying such a successful career. They’re significantly assisted along the way, of course, by their remark- able talent, their classically trained voices combining in a powerhouse of vocal har- mony to deliver a winning blend of opera, pop and everything in between.

BBC Philharmonic Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 11 May Residing at the Corporation's Manchester home of Media City in Salford Quays, the BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke, regularly presenting Victoria Hall concert-goers with works from its impressive repertoire. This latest concert sees Ben Gurnon conducting the Joseph Calleja and orchestra as they perform Beethoven’s Seventh. Music by Wagner and Mozart also features. the CBSO Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 25 May Benjamin Grosvenor Llyr Williams: Malta’s superstar tenor, Joseph Calleja (pictured), has been attracting compar- & Friends A Schubert Experience isons with the young Luciano Pavarotti Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 26 May Concord College, Acton Burnell, Shropshire, and boasts an impressive fanbase, a good The winner, aged 11, of the keyboard sec- Sun 27 May number of whom will no doubt be making tion of the BBC Young Musician of the the journey to Symphony Hall for this Year 2004 award, Benjamin Grosvenor is a mouthwatering concert. still-rising star of the UK’s classical music Alongside the ever-wonderful City of scene. Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Calleja The evening’s programme features pieces performs a programme featuring pieces by Schubert, Brahms and viola player by, among others, Verdi, Massenet and Brett Dean, who also performs in the con- Puccini. Andrew Greenwood conducts. cert.

Hailed for performances displaying impres- sive musical insight, breathtaking virtuosity and profound understanding, pianist Llyr Williams here explores Schubert’s piano repertoire in two concerts - one in the after- noon, the second in the evening, with a complementary talk taking place between the two.

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical May Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:12 Page 2 Comedy May .qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:33 Page 1

Comedy

Simon Evans The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-on-Trent, Thurs 10 May; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 22 May The late Caroline Aherne considered Simon Evans ‘an absolutely brilliant comedian’ - and judging by the popularity of his shows over the last few years, hers was by no means a lone voice in the wilderness. Best known from shows such as The News Quiz, The Unbelievable Truth and Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive, Evans is un- doubtedly one of the most exciting and dis- tinctive talents to emerge from the UK comedy circuit in recent times.

Chris Ramsey Dudley Town Hall, Fri 18 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 23 May; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 25 May As well as being a highly rated stand-up on the UK comedy circuit, Geordie boy and one- time Newcastle United supporter Chris (he can’t be bothered supporting them anymore) Suzi Ruffell has also developed an impressive telly career, appearing on shows including 8 Out Of 10 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 20 May Cats and South Shields-set sitcom Hebburn. Gags include: "My venue for the Edinburgh Gay, quirky and delightfully self-deprecat- Festival is a portacabin; it's literally a portacabin! I'm a Geordie, in a portacabin. I was ing, Suzi Ruffell is making good progress in going to call the show Auf Wiedersehen Pet Live". the challenging world of stand-up comedy. Presenting an unquestionably likeable per- sona, she imbues her act with an impressive Phill Jupitus dynamism - although critics point out that Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 12 May; she’d probably benefit from developing a Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 13 May ‘unique selling point’. As well as being a co- Well known for the unusual spelling of his Christian median, Suzi’s also a writer, contributing to name, his memorable surname (an anglicised version of shows including 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Last the original surname Šeputis) and his impressively Leg and Stand Up For The Week. padded physique, Phill Jupitus is an actor, performance Away from comedy, she lists her ‘likes’ as poet, cartoonist and podcaster as well as a stand-up co- ‘cooking’ and ‘those cats with no hair’. median. Phill was also a team captain on BBC Two's long-running music quiz Never Mind The Buz- zcocks, his other work includes television’s QI and BBC Radio Four's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. He describes his latest touring show, Ju- plicity, as ‘containing adult themes and situations, but delivered childishly’.

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy May .qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:33 Page 2

The Indians Are Coming Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 14 May This touring show features some of India’s most accomplished comedians, with the Chuckle Singhs (pictured) acting as hosts for the night. Performers include Jay Sodagar, who de- scribes his act as “social conscience com- edy”, and Rahul Kohli, an up-and-coming Geordie Asian who combines fierce political satire with surreal storytelling.

Shazia Mirza clude: “My parents really want me to get mar- ried. But Muslim men don't want to marry me Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 11 May; because... I speak”, and “My dad said if I Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 26 May went out with a black man, he'd burn me. Alfie Moore Shazia Mirza is one of the UK’s most creative Which would be good, because then I'd be female comedians - and she’s a Brummie too! Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sat 5 May black too”. Muslim Shazia’s not averse to treading a deli- Not to everyone’s taste, obviously, but then Staunch Sheffield socialist Alfie Moore is a cate line when it comes to her material. Her which comedian ever could be? master raconteur and a very funny man. post-9/11 joke, “My name's Shazia Mirza - at Her latest stand-up offering is With Love He’s also a serving police officer. Indeed, least, that's what it says on my pilot's li- From St Tropez, a show which takes a look at referencing his two careers, his website ad- cence”, marked her out as a comedian happy lies and truth, nudity and the periodic table, vises that ‘if you would like to see Alfie live’, to balance on the very precipice of acceptable and the merits or otherwise of daring to wear your options are either to ‘catch him at one humour. ‘more than dental floss on a French beach’... of his gigs’ or ‘drive to Scunthorpe and park Other examples of her style and content in- on a double yellow line’. Alfie made it to week five of ITV’s Show Me The Funny back in 2011, and is a much-in-demand after-din- ner speaker. Jokes include: "I'm in a same- Michael McIntyre sex marriage... the sex is always the same." Arena Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 May For some, the very sight of Michael McIntyre is enough to make their blood pressure soar. For others - included among whom are those who ensure his tours are always a sell-out - he's one of the funniest comedians of the modern era. Like him or hate him, there's certainly no getting away from McIntyre - and with DVDs of his stand-up shows having sold in excess of three million copies, it's fair to assume he'll be popping up all over the place for many a year to come. He’s here making a Midlands stop off with his Big World Tour.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 An Officer & Gentleman DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:10 Page 1 An Officer & Gentleman DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:10 Page 2

an officer & a gentleman

The iconic 1982 Richard Gere movie An Officer And A Gentleman has been turned into a touring musical. We speak to Jonny Fines, who gets to don that legendary white suit in the drama-packed production hitting Birmingham this very month...

What was the first musical you saw? Was that quite a nervewracking Were you already aware of the story of An My dad was a teacher and took his school to experience for you? Officer And A Gentleman? see Jason Donovan in Joseph And The Oh god, yeah! I went to the School of Acting I knew the iconic theme. I knew of the white Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I think I for three years, and they train you for uniform and he sweeps the girl off her feet, tagged along and saw that. I think it was in auditions and to get a job, but you never and I think I’d seen a Friends episode where Leicester at DeMontfort Hall. expect it to happen so quickly. I was really they referenced it. I didn’t know the story, lucky, as it was one of the first auditions I though. I actually workshopped the musical Was theatre a big part of your childhood? went to. Then I went back for a few recalls about two years ago when they first thought My parents are both quite musical, plus I’ve and finally ended up getting the phone call. of it. Before the workshop started, I watched got a sister who’s in the industry. We always There’s nothing that can prepare you for the the film and can absolutely understand why did acting and singing lessons, and my sister realisation that something you love doing is it’s such a cult movie. danced too. It all kind of went from there, actually your job now! It was also quite really. When I was about 10, they saw nervewracking being thrown in with a lot of Can you tell us a bit about your character, something in the paper for Oliver! at the town experienced actors. It was quite daunting for Zack? hall in Loughborough, which is where I’m a lad of 21 who’d not done it before. Zack is fascinating. He’s got a lot of pent-up from, and I went and auditioned for it. I got frustration that he’s held down for a long the part and that’s where it all started. After Did it teach you things you hadn’t learned time. He’s got a fractured relationship with that, it was the only option for me. at acting school? his father - they don’t really get on - and his Oh yeah - 100% more. I’m sure any actor will mother died when he was very young. I think What was your first professional acting tell you that you learn on the job. I most he’s been repressing all of these feelings for a job? certainly learned a lot more in a short long time and goes to join the army. That’s The UK tour of The Sound Of Music in around amount of time. I think college can prepare what he wants to do; he wants to fly jets. 2010, which, weirdly, Jason Donovan ended you for the auditions but not for the industry. That’s when he meets Paula, and it’s the first up doing as well. You learn thick and fast with it. time he’s ever connected with a woman on An Officer & Gentleman DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:10 Page 3

that kind of level. It makes him feel things talked about it all and spent a lot of time might make life a little difficult,icult, bbutut iit’st’s jjustust he’s never felt before, and feeling those discussing how we feel comfortable in the something we have to adaptpt tto.o. MMyy ppartnerartner emotions is strange for him. He starts as a bit part, and what we feel is the right way to go and the baby will come to fivefive oorr ssixix vvenues,enues, of a loose character but becomes stronger with it. It’s quite an intimate time in and I can commute a few aass wwell.ell. TThat’shat’s nniceice throughout the journey. rehearsals. When you spend that amount of for them, too - that they cann ggetet ooutut ooff tthehe time with someone, you just become house and come to some niceice pplaces.laces. Was it a challenge to relate to him? comfortable together. It’s such a strange Everyone experiences hardships in their thing. We had to do a photoshoot just after What challenges have youu oovercomevercome iinn lives; his were pretty individual. It’s always we’d met for the first time. You meet and they your career? hard approaching a completely new say, “Right, you’re in love”, and that’s weird. The industry as a whole is a ddifficultifficult pplace.lace. character that’s got such a detailed past - so Being open in that kind of environment is There are so many young ppeopleeople wwhoho wwantant ttoo yeah, I did find it quite difficult. Luckily, key, and Emma most definitely is. We went do it for a living, but it’s hardard ttoo ggetet iinto.nto. FForor we’ve got a wicked crew around us to help for it from day one and said that if something instance, there’s no job security.curity. Onncece oonene with all that. They take the time to help us didn’t feel right, we’d address it there and contract finishes, you mightht nnotot ggetet aanother.nother. bed it in and think about where we need to then. It’s been amazing, and she’s so great in The most difficult thing is ttryingrying ttoo mmaintainaintain go. The script for the musical is written by the part too. a career that is constant. That’shat’s ssomethingomething Douglas Day Stewart, who wrote the original that you’re never prepared ffor.or. I rrememberemember screenplay for the film. He’s been here for the There are a lot of fantastic ’80s hits in the when I got my first job, I thoughthought I wwasas ssetet fforor entire process and always helps out when production. Which is your favourite? life and I’d just keep fallingg iintonto wwork.ork. I needed. The part of Zack was originally about Toy Soldiers and Family Man, probably the thought it would get easierr aandnd eeasier,asier, bbutut iit’st’s himself, so it was really helpful to have him least well known ones in the entire show! The not the case. You’ve really ggotot ttoo wwantant iitt aandnd there to give you the right answer. arrangements that George Dyer has done are keep working on your technique, and never amazing. They have a bit of a darker twist so let that drop. Being constantly employed is How does the story in the musical differ that they fit in with the narrative. certainly a challenge. You’ve always got to from the film? learn new skills. There are slight changes, small adaptations Why should people come to see An Officer but nothing big. If you know the story of the And A Gentleman? Looking ahead, are there any particular film, it follows a very similar path. People It’s a brilliant night out. The story is brilliant. roles that you’d like to play? want to see their favourite movie on stage, so It’s a tried-and-tested Oscar-winning film, I like creating new roles. Sure, it’s brilliant we try to give them the story that they want to and I’ve not met anybody yet who hasn’t said when you go into a production that’s been see. So yeah, there are slight differences but what a great night they’ve had. I think if you running for a long time, but for me, creating nothing major. go to the theatre to enjoy yourself, it’s a new character - whether on TV or in the difficult not to enjoy this show. It’s got theatre - is what I like to do. So I think Have you worked with any of the cast drama, with rock hits, happiness and anything new is great. As long as I’m before? sadness. It ticks pretty much every box for a creating, I’m happy. Yes, I’ve worked with quite a few of them good night out; there’s nothing else quite like previously. George Ioannides and Keisha it. Atwell I’ve worked with on Grease and Annie in the West End, which has just finished. I’ve Do you enjoy touring? An Officer And A Gentleman The Musical worked with the production team a lot too: It’s interesting. I’ve toured and worked in shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Nikolai Foster the director, George Dyer, places across the country quite a few times. Tuesday 15 until Saturday 19 May, and Sarah Travis the musical supervisor. It’s nice to have a residency, but it’s also nice then at Nottingham Theatre Royal from to see the world, or, specifically, England. Monday 23 until Saturday 28 July. How have you and Emma Williams There are so many places I’m looking forward Visit officerandagentlemanmusical.com managed to capture the romance in the to returning to, Birmingham being one of to book tickets. musical? them. They’re just great cities. If you’re not Emma is so open and such a lovely person, as working there, you might not get to see them well as a brilliant actor. It’s been so easy. We all. I have a four-week-old little girl, which An Officer & Gentleman DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:10 Page 4 GET YOUR COPY

DELIVERED BIRMINGHAMBIRMINGHAM WOLVERHAMPTONWO TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTHMONTH STAFFORDSHIRESTAFFORDSHIRE SHROPSHIRES

All you need to do now is choose the regional edition you would like... BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON WORCESTERSHIRE WHAT’S ON WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ON WOLVERHAMPTON WHAT’S ON STAFFORDSHIRE WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON

WARWICKSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE

At just £2 an issue to cover postage and packing, there’s never been a better time to get your What’s On magazine delivered! It’s easy - just call our Subscription Hotline on 01743 281714

YouYou jjustust ppayay fforor tthehe ppostageostage aandnd ppacking!acking! 6 Months £12, 12 Months £24, 2 Years £45

SIMPLY PAY THE POSTAGE AND PACKING COST OF £2 PER ISSUE BY DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD! Theatre May Davina 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:31 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

An Officer And A Gentleman The Musical set of fans. Boasting unforgettable 1980s anthems including Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Livin’ On A Prayer, Heart Of Glass, Material Girl Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May and The Final Countdown, the show world premiered recently at Le- An Officer And A Gentleman was the movie that really made a star of icester’s Curve theatre, and has proved so popular with audiences Richard Gere. Thirty-six years after the film hit the big screen, this that an extra matinee performance has been added to its run at the high-energy musical version promises to win the movie a whole new Hippodrome.

Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde Our Country’s Good Goldilock, Stock & Three Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, The REP, Birmingham, Smoking Bears Tues 1 - Sat 5 May Wed 23 May - Sat 2 June The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Doctor Jekyll is not himself! Robert Louis Wed 23 - Fri 25 May Stevenson’s classic gothic novella tells the This well-reviewed alternative comedy takes tale of a brilliant but obsessive scientist the much-loved fairytale about a blonde whose sadistic alter-ego wreaks havoc across girl’s run-in with a family of bears and adds Victorian London. in a liberal dose of inspiration from Guy This dark, twisted tale of love, redemption Ritchie’s 1990s gangster movie, Lock, Stock and the seductive power of evil stars And Two Smoking Barrels. Quadrophenia and one-time EastEnders Blending songs and in-jokes with rude’n’racy favourite Phil Daniels as the man of science humour, the show finds silver-tongued hero- struggling to control his evil other-self... ine Goldilock on the run from a pack of bears and a far-from-happy gangster. Expect multiple plot threads and plenty of Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company cockney chit-chat... here team up with Ramps On The Moon - a consortium dedicated to integrating disabled and non-disabled performers and practition- ers - to present a show about Australia's first theatrical production. In the late 18th cen- tury, a group of convicts and a young officer in a prison colony rehearse and perform a play, despite the very real possibility that their leading lady may soon be hanged...

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre May Davina 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:31 Page 2 Amelia Lily DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 10:50 Page 1 Amelia Lily DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 10:50 Page 2

FEELING GREEN

Amelia Lily joins the cast of the smash-hit musical Shrek

What do you hope to bring to the role of How does it feel to be joining the tour of quite honest, I don’t know how I’m going to Princess Fiona? Shrek the Musical? do that without laughing on stage, so that’s definitely one of my favourite songs. I love So many incredible females have taken on Shrek is such an upbeat and energetic show the whole soundtrack and I think it’s very the role and have put their own stamp on it and I’m really looking forward to it because rare to love every song equally. and I’d love to do the same. I’m quite young, it’s so iconic. Shrek is famous all around the only being 23, so I definitely want to bring a world and to step into a role like Princess young essence to the part and just have fun Fiona is just amazing. It’s a dream come true Why should everyone come and see Shrek with it. for me and I think I’m going to have such a the Musical? laugh on stage. We’ve got an incredible cast and I feel so What do you think the musical offers that lucky to be working with them and the the film doesn’t? Was a stage career something you ever director, Nigel Harman. It’s a great company envisaged after your success on the X with so much talent and so much joy as well. You really feel like you’re a part of the stage Factor? This is such a big show and for me, it’s a production. The beauty of Shrek is that it’s dream come true. I can’t wait to get on the suitable for anyone of any age but when you Before I entered the X Factor, I was looking to road and have the best time. go and watch something live, you feel more go to drama school so a stage career was involved and, as an audience member, it’s so always on the cards. The fact that the X important to feel like you’re a part of the Factor happened was a blessing in disguise Do you have any other projects in the show. as it got my foot in the door and gave me so pipeline? many opportunities. Now, to be able to go down the route that I always planned has just Shrek is taking up most of my time from now You’ve been on tour as both a musical been incredible. This is my fourth musical until the end of the year. No doubt I’ll start a theatre performer and as a solo artist, and I’m very grateful I was able to do both Christmas panto at the end of the year but what do you most and least enjoy about music and musical theatre. this is definitely my main priority right now. touring? My least favourite part is travelling! How would you describe the show to What drew you to the part of Princess Travelling tires you out and when you’re someone who hasn’t seen Shrek on stage Fiona? doing eight shows a week, the last thing you before? want to be is tired. Saying that, I find touring What I love about Princess Fiona is that she really exciting because you get to see all If you want to go to the theatre and leave is not your average princess. She wears the these different places around the country. with a smile on your face and have a blast all iconic green dress but still has this tomboy the way through, then this is the show for element to her character which I relate to. I you. You don’t even have to be a Shrek fan - remember watching Shrek for the first time If you could play any other character in it’s an amazing piece of theatre, and I’ve and loving her unpredictable nature. Shrek is the show, who would you want to play? never heard a soundtrack like it. It’s one of not your average fairytale yet it’s set in this fairytale land with lots of famous fairytale It would have to be Donkey. When I was my favourite musical theatre soundtracks characters. I would definitely say I’m like younger, he was always my favourite in the and it appeals to all ages. Fiona in many ways and I can’t wait to wear a film, with Eddie Murphy bringing so much princess frock every night AND burp on humour to the character. I’ve been quoting What’s your favourite moment or song in stage! his scenes since I was a little girl so it would the show and why? definitely have to be him. I’ve known Marcus for years who’s playing Donkey on the tour, The first time I heard ‘I Think I Got You Beat’ Amelia Lily stars as Princess Fiona in I’ll have to ask him one day if he wants to I couldn’t stop laughing because Princess Shrek The Musical, which will be at the swap roles one evening! Fiona and Shrek have a burping and farting Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from competition. I was in hysterics and, to be Wednesday 2nd - Sunday 13th May Theatre May Davina 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:31 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Crazy For You dancers and people who want to ‘do the show right here’, will be won over by the hit musical’s tongue-in-cheek charm. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 8 - Sat 12 May Based on George and Ira Gershwin’s original Girl Crazy, the show’s Just because Crazy For You plays to the old-fashioned strengths of the masterful score features some real all-time greats, including I’ve Got great American musicals doesn’t mean that it’s a tired, dated period Rhythm, Embraceable You and Nice Work If You Can Get It. piece. Quite the opposite, in fact. Indeed, even audiences with a Tom Chambers and Claire Sweeney star. painful aversion to hearty women in gingham dresses, grinning tap

The Magic Flute The Damned United The Complete Works Of Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 12 May Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 20 May; Shakespeare (Abridged) Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 21 May; The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 11 Trent, Thurs 7 June May; Albany Theatre, Coventry, Fri 8 June; The Old Rep, Birminghham, Tues 24 - Sat 28 July A brilliant turn from Michael Sheen as Brian Now if you feel you really should pay heed to Clough in the film version of David Peace’s the works of the world's greatest ever play- clever novel was somewhat undermined by wright but just don't fancy hour upon hour the curious decision to cast chubby-looking spent listening to some terribly earnest actors actors as Leeds United’s legendary foot- thee-ing and thou-ing in your general direc- ballers. tion, then this is the show for you! Red Ladder Theatre Company, producing this All of Shakey's 37 plays are covered in the touring stage adaptation in association with blink of an eye, allowing you not only to be- West Yorkshire Playhouse, will be hoping to come very learned very quickly, but also to avoid any such unwelcome distractions. get down the pub in time for last orders! Clough famously hated Leeds United, and Leeds United famously hated Clough. So the decision in the summer of 1974 to make him Love, Bombs And Apples Mozart's final masterpiece tells the story of their manager was not only a curious one but also doomed to failure. This is the story of his Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, two young lovers who, on a perilous journey Mon 21 - Tues 22 May through a mysterious land of sorcerers and 44 days in charge... Award-winning playwright Hassan magic, find themselves being assisted by a Abdulrazzak’s new one-man comic play curious cosmic character who dresses as a focuses on four men from different parts of bird... The production is being presented by the world, all of whom are experiencing a the award-winning OperaUpClose, a talented moment of revelation in their lives... ensemble who’ve been garnering plaudits The show scored a big hit at last year’s like they’re going out of fashion since bag- Edinburgh Festival, and visits the Midlands ging a coveted Olivier Award back in 2011. as part of a UK tour. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre May Davina 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:31 Page 4 ART DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 10:51 Page 1

A WORK OF ART Diane Parkes chats to Denis Lawson ahead of Art arriving at the Birmingham Hippodrome ART DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 10:51 Page 2

The play Art was a huge hit in the late 1990s “Art very engrossing. It’s not a long play, it’s Birmingham but I’ve never been on stage into 2000. Written by Yasmina Reza and first about an hour and 20 minutes, but for actors there so I’m looking forward to coming,” he performed in France, it was translated by it’s really very intense and full-on but also says. Christopher Hampton and opened on very funny. It just draws you right in because “We get this constantly when we tour – we London’s West End in 1996 to huge acclaim the writing is so good.” walk into these fantastic theatres we’ve not and a string of awards. Denis, first saw Art on the West End in the been into before. It’s part of the interest in It features three men who have been friends 1990s when the roles were played by Albert doing this, to walk into a new space every for 25 years but whose friendship is suddenly Finney, Tom Courtenay and Ken Stott. week – I’m really enjoying it.” rocked by one piece of art. When Serge buys “I saw the play when it was first done and I The national tour began in February and Art a huge white canvas, he expects Marc and thought it was wonderful then,” says Denis. comes to Birmingham Hippodrome on May Yvan to share his appreciation but is shocked “It never occurred to me that I might be in it 21-26. to discover they don’t like it. though. But that’s what I love about this “The response so far on the tour has been So much so that what begins as a discussion career, things come at you from left field and wonderful,” Denis says “One of the pleasures over a painting soon descends into a full-on then you think ‘yes, I really want to do this’. of this play is that audiences really respond argument in which all the hurts and slights of “I had never actually sat down and read the to it. It’s so funny we always get a really their decades of friendship bubble to the play but when they asked me to do it I read it strong reaction. Every night it’s my character surface. and I realised it was such a beautiful piece of who starts the play and I just can’t wait to get It’s been nearly 20 years since Art last came writing. For me, it always stems from the going - it’s like getting onto a fast moving to Birmingham but it’s now on tour again script itself so it felt like a natural thing to do. train.” with a cast featuring Nigel Havers as Serge, Saying yes was a very easy decision to “I hadn’t been on stage for a few years now Denis Lawson as Marc and Stephen make.” and I’m very pleased to be back on. And I’ve Tompkinson as Yvan. Denis was also pleased to be working always had a thing about comedy. It was And Denis is the first to admit that although alongside Nigel Havers and Stephen comedy which first drew me to want to be an he loves the play he’s not so sure the Tompkinson. actor – it was entertainers and comedians. So character of Marc is very loveable. my favourite stage experience is comedy. “I knew Nigel Havers and Stephen “Marc is a pain in the neck,” laughs Denis Tomkinson and have a lot of regard for them “To get up in front of 800 or 1,200 people and before trying to explain his character’s both. I’ve worked with them both in the past make them laugh a lot for an hour and a half behaviour. “Marc is quite highly strung, I – Stephen and I did a piece called Lucky Jim is so satisfying. It is also quite hard though, I feel, a bit neurotic, intelligent and a little bit on television and Nigel and I worked briefly think comedy is the hardest thing to do out there. together on something called Brian Pern because you have to concentrate so hard on about an ageing rock band. In fact Nigel and I keeping the timings and also keeping it “But first of all, we have to remember that it’s have gigged together – he was on keyboards realistic.” originally a French play so the characters are and I was on bass!” French and Parisians. Marc thinks of himself With a work of modern painting being the as an intellectual and in France that is a very Nigel toured with the show in 2000 when he catalyst in Reza’s play, the conversation turns particular thing with so-called intellectuals played Serge to Barry Foster’s Marc and to Denis’s response to art. held in very high regard. So Marc has this Roger Lloyd Pack’s Yvan. “I have bought original art and sculpture thing about himself as an intellectual and “Nigel has done this play more than anyone although nothing to the expense of this he’s very particular. else in the world I think,” laughs Denis. “And particular work of art which is huge. I do “The play is very much about the that’s a tribute to the play. He just loves doing have one big slightly abstract piece which I’m relationship these men have, this 25-year it. And I understand that. It’s a blast to do, very fond of,” says Denis. “Personally I quite friendship, and because his great friend it’s so satisfying.” like modern art. I go to a lot of different Serge buys a work of art which Marc exhibitions which I enjoy a lot. I’m very Seventy-year-old Denis first began his acting disapproves of, they have this massive crisis drawn to the Impressionists and onwards career in 1969 and has played countless of their friendship.” from there.” varied roles from Shakespeare to Star Wars And the differences in their characters over the ensuing decades. Taking the part of But Denis says his response to art might emerges as the drama progresses X-wing pilot Wedge Antilles, he was in the differ from his character’s. three films of the original Star Wars trilogy “It’s interesting that this is a play about male “If one of my friends had paid a lot of money and has appeared in television shows friendship written by a woman,” Denis for a painting I would certainly say it was including Robin Hood, Hornblower, observes. “In terms of the context of the play fantastic!” he laughs. “I would be very nice Marchlands, New Tricks and Bleak House. their relationship feels very real. about it because what does it matter to me? But despite a long career in theatre, I’m not going to go into someone else’s house “It’s a very natural piece in a lot of ways. I television and film, the spring tour of Art is and say ‘that’s awful, what have you done?’ I mean how do we all view things? We all view the first time Denis has been on stage in would never do what Marc does.” objects or so-called works of art in different Birmingham. ways. From movies and plays to sculpture and art, we have different views on it “I’ve worked in Birmingham a lot with Pebble Art plays Birmingham Hippodrome from depending on who we are. That’s part of Mill. I did a few television programmes in Monday 21st until Saturday 26th May. being human. Birmingham and I’m very fond of Theatre May Davina 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:31 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Thoroughly Modern Millie arrives in New York from Kansas in search of wealth, excitement and a man to marry. Deciding to stay at the Hotel Priscilla, she meets its Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 22 - Sat 26 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 26 - Sat 30 June proprietor, the eccentric Mrs Meers, before embarking on a series of riotous and not altogether planned adventures, all of which are pleas- Emmerdale and Strictly favourite Hayley Tamaddon stars in this latest ingly punctuated by dazzling musical numbers and stunning dance stage version of the hit 1967 film. Set in Manhattan during the Roaring routines. ’20s, the show tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young woman who

Monty Python’s Spamalot nuns and ferocious Frenchmen, not to men- tor Lucy Bailey once again takes up the reins, tion a mainly new score co-written by Idle this time to present a little-known work by Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May that includes Life Of Brian classic Always Agatha Christie and Frank Vosper. Look On The Bright Side Of Life. A whirlwind romance sees Cecily Harrington recklessly abandoning her old life to settle in the remote and blissful surroundings of a Hound Of The country cottage. But this being an Agatha Baskervilles Christie story, all is not quite as it seems... Stafford Gatehouse, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May Edges of your seats for this one, ladies and gentleman, and brace yourself for a typically Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is Christie ‘twist in the tail’. one of literature’s most enduring characters, The Hound Of The Baskervilles his most fa- mous adventure. Yet no matter how many ac- tors don the deerstalker and solve the mystery of the monstrous moorland beast, the story remains a popular choice for both stage and screen adaptation. This award-winning rip-off of classic 1975 This latest version offers another always-wel- movie Monty Python And The Holy Grail con- come opportunity to return to the lonely tinues to delight Python fans across the wasteland of the desolate moors... globe. Telling the tale of King Arthur and his hapless Knights of the Round Table as they head out on a quest for the elusive Holy Love From A Stranger Grail, the show is written by Python legend New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Eric Idle and bagged the Tony Award for best Tues 15 - Sat 19 May new musical back in 2005. With highly acclaimed versions of Gaslight Expect misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing and Dial M For Murder under her belt, direc-

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre May Davina 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:31 Page 6

Theatre for younger audiences

What The Ladybird Heard Pinocchio Dinosaur World Live Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 23 - Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 19 - Sun 20 May Thurs 24 May; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 26 May - Sat 9 June The Place In The Park, Telford, Shropshire, Tues 12 - Wed 13 June Tues 7 - Wed 7 August The legendary tale of the wooden boy with a This stage adaptation of the book by Julia disappointing propensity for telling porky Not surprisingly being advertised as a ‘dino- Donaldson and Lydia Monks finds Hefty pies - to the detriment of his fast-growing mite’ adventure, Dinosaur World Live pro- Hugh and Lanky Len attempting to steal the proboscis - is here presented by Blue Orange vides audience members with the chance to farmer’s prize cow. But the pair soon find out Arts. Toymaker Geppetto wants a son, and is meet a host of impressive creatures - includ- that the best-laid plans of mice and crafty granted his dearest wish by the Blue Fairy ing, of course, every child's favourite flesh- robbers can sometimes be undone by the (well, kind of!) in the form of Pinocchio. eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. tiniest and quietest of creatures - in this par- Problem is, Pinocchio is a magic boy puppet ticular case, one very small ladybird... without any strings. To become a real boy, he must show kindness, bravery, loyalty and honesty - all of which is easier said than done when all he really wants to do is have fun with his friends...

Mr Silly Pancake And The Land Of Cake & Biscuits MAC, Birmingham, Sat 26 - Sun 27 May The title says it all: Mr Silly Pancake pays a visit to the Land of Cake & Biscuits. And your youngsters are invited to join him. Original music and puppetry are combined in Ready Steady Whatever a show that sees our hero and his young au- The Weather Sarah & Duck’s dience visiting Jelly Fields, Marshmallow Big Top Birthday Castle and Milkshake River. Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 30 June Let’s just hope the sugar police aren’t visiting Award-winning theatre company M6 are the Swan Theatre, Worcester, Sun 13 May; The Old MAC over the weekend! talented people behind this humorous and Rep, Birmingham, Mon 14 - Tues 15 May highly visual production for the very young. Young fans of BAFTA award-winning CBee- A 2016 Off West End Theatre Awards winner, bies programme Sarah & Duck are sure to cry the show focuses on the little man and fowl (geddit?) if you fail to take them along to woman who inhabit ‘a weather house that this live version of the show. sits on a quiet wall’, along the way asking the Puppetry, storytelling and music are imagi- question, what would happen if they magi- natively combined as seven-year-old Sarah cally came to life? and her somewhat manic companion set out on another adventure. This one sees them planning a birthday party for Scarf Lady, ably Horrible Histories: assisted in their endeavours by fabulous friends The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, More Barmy Britain Flamingo & John and Umbrella. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Hoot Owl: Wed 30 May - Sat 2 June Master Of Disguise If you love the Horrible Histories series - and A Heart At Sea why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then the Barmy Stourbridge Town Hall, Sat 12 May Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Britain shows are well worth catching. Wed 23 - Sat 26 May Yet another kids’ theatre company that un- Alongside providing answers to such search- Original songs, ‘stunning’ visuals, echoing derstands the merit of combining original ing questions as ‘what would happen if a soundscapes, tiny boats, performing pup- songs with colourful puppets, Proon Produc- Viking moved in next door?’ and ‘would you pets, salty sea captains and great big beards tions here tell the twit-twooingly splendid stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, are all combined to excellent effect in this tale of a hoot owl who fancies himself a mas- the shows also invite their audience to escape whale of a tale from the ever-impressive Half ter of disguise, using clever camouflage to the clutches of Burke & Hare, move to the A String theatre company. conceal his real identity from the tiny ani- groove with the partying Queen Victoria and Running for 50 minutes and suitable for mals he plans to greedily gobble up. prepare to do battle in the Great War. youngsters aged seven and older, the show The only problem is, there’s a possibility he’s In short, and as their publicity says, they are tells the story of a boy who bottles up his not quite as clever as he thinks he is... truly horrible histories of Britain - ‘with all heart and throws it into the sea... Suitable for children aged four-plus. the nasty bits left in!’

whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Sea Life Centre DPS NEW.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 16:08 Page 1

UNDER THE SEA

Discover what lies beneath the water’s surface at Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Sea Life Centre DPS NEW.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 16:08 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

Merlin Entertainment owns some of the cost is an optional one - a behind-the-scenes them for their food. biggest and best attractions the UK has to tour that’s well worth the money for the extra Other National Sea Life Centre highlights offer, including Thorpe Park Resort, Shrek’s sights you’re shown and the expert include the 4D cinema, the zebra shark in Adventure! London, Alton Towers, knowledge provided by a tour guide. Shark Lagoon, the Clownfish Kingdom Chessington World of Adventure and There’s so much for the whole family to tunnel - a favourite with children who like Legoland Windsor, to name but a few. enjoy. People are advised to book their tickets Disney’s Finding Nemo - and the UK’s only It also owns Birmingham’s National Sea Life in advance (particularly during weekends tropical Ocean Tunnel, featuring darting Centre, which opened in 1996. and school holidays) and to allow at least sharks, gliding rays and rescued turtles. two hours to get the most out of the Located near the city’s Brindleyplace, the There’s so much that goes into the upkeep of attraction. venue houses more than 2,000 species from the centre. Every fortnight, a fresh batch of around the world and contains a one million Visitors can venture through the UK’s only sea water is brought up from the South Coast, litre ocean tank! Money is regularly invested fully transparent 360-degree underwater and every three months, a new shipment of in the attraction, the aim being to add at least tunnel, along the way enjoying views of 40- seaweed arrives. The cleaning and one new exhibit annually. But doing so is a year-old Molokai the Giant Sea Turtle and a maintenance of the tanks happens tall order. In 2014 the venue acquired the Bowmouth Guitar Shark, an attention- sporadically during visiting hours. Likewise, popular Penguin Ice Adventure. Costing seeking diva called Beyonc-ray! there are allotted feeding times during the £2million to build, the exhibit is home to 18 day, so if you want to see the inhabitants The centre dedicates a lot of time and hard Gentoo penguins. Last year’s new addition dining, plan your visit with this in mind. work to its Breed, Rescue And Protect was Octopus Hideout, featuring Beverley, the The centre also has a soft play area for conservation project. This includes running venue’s resident Giant Pacific Octopus. children to enjoy. programmes to help sustain endangered Exciting new exhibits for 2018 include the species, nursing sick creatures back to health Curator Jonny Rudd has been at the centre for interactive Piranha Tunnel and Jelly before returning them to the wild, and just under a year and has a great many plans Invaders. The latter features a variety of campaigning to protect the marine for the venue. Although most of these remain breeds from across the world, including the environment from exploitation or under wraps. Watch this space for news of moon jellyfish, the fascinating upside-down destruction. There’s currently a tank in the more exciting developments! jellyfish and the ghost-like Atlantic sea Jelly Invaders area which houses nothing nettles. other than a number of plastic bags. This is to highlight just how much these bags can Both new areas are included within the For more information and to book tickets, look like jellyfish, and the danger they can general admission fee. The only additional visit visitsealife.com/birmingham cause to underwater creatures who mistake

SAVE 40% ON ENTRY TO THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE - SEE PAGE 64 FOR DETAILS

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Dance May 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:28 Page 1

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance May 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:28 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Windrush: Movement Of The People MAC, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Sat 5 May “This is an uplifting dance production that’s not only enjoyable,” says Sharon Watson, artistic director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, “but will shine a light on an important era of the history of black people here in the UK. It highlights both the struggles and good times the Jamaican community experienced during those early years.” Phoenix’s contemporary dance piece cele- brates the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the UK’s first Caribbean migrants, transported to the country on board the SS Empire Windrush. Presented against an uplifting soundtrack of calypso, jazz, blues, gospel and reggae, the piece is a lively celebration of the rise of multi- cultural Britain... The evening also includes performances of Calyx, by Sandrine Monin, and Shadows, by Christopher Bruce OBE.

Jasmin Vardimon Company: JV2 Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 2 May Founded in 1997, the Jasmin Vardimon Com- pany tour both nationally and internation- ally, performing at theatres throughout the UK, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States. The company com- bine physical theatre and quirky characteri- sation with innovative technologies, text and (of course) dance, to create widely ac- cessible, socially relevant art. This new triple bill sees work by the award-winning Vardimon presented alongside pieces by two highly rated emerging choreographers, Yunkyung Song and André Rebelo.

Palmyra Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Balletboyz: Fourteen Days Tues 8 - Wed 9 May Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 9 May; The horrors of the conflict in Syria take centre Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 14 May stage in this thought-provoking new work by Balletboyz is a company of male dancers who Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutsas. The pair have previously toured with Eurohouse, a combine muscle with grace to present a dis- playful and highly acclaimed satire on the Eu- tinctive style that fuses energetic dance with ropean Union. music and film. Moving gracefully from the humour of that This latest touring show features works cre- earlier work to the tragic subject matter of ated in the space of just 14 days by choreogra- this latest offering, the duo explore the notion phers including Javier de Frutos and Craig of revenge and the politics of destruction. Revel Horwood. The show also features the Along the way, they invite their audience ‘to Russell Maliphant-choreographed Fallen, a step back from the news and look at what lies work that won the National Dance Award for beneath - and beyond - civilisation’. Best Modern Choreography in 2013. whatsonlive.co.uk 31 FINAL BIDF 4 page feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 16:26 Page 1 Get Dancing! with Birmingham International Dance Festival

Artistic Director Lucie Mirkova tells all...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk FINAL BIDF 4 page feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 16:26 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

The sixth Birmingham International Dance and beyond, the festival aims to show chore- gramme of exciting acts, activities and work- Festival (BIDF) takes place next month, and ographic practice at its best, pushing the shops suitable for any age with food and for 24 days will be doing its best to get the boundaries of dance as a contemporary art drink provided by local foodie favourites and people of the city up and dancing. form. So what does Lucie think is the most live music each evening from Hare & Hounds A programme of theatre performances will be adventurous aspect of this year’s program- of Kings Heath. The programme kicks off on supported by extensive outdoor activities - ming? 1 June with the first visit to the city of the in- the majority of which are free - spilling out “New Creation, by Cecilia Bengolea & Flo- credible Morning Gloryville with their high- onto Victoria Square and other city locations. rentina Holzinger, which hasn’t premiered energy empowering morning sober rave yet.” suitable for everyone. “We want to open up new and surprising Described as a ‘collaborative experimenta- ways for the people of the Midlands to experi- An event on the scale of Birmingham Interna- tion, reflecting on the interface of nature and ence dance,” says Lucie Mirkova, Artistic Di- tional Dance Festival doesn’t happen without the artifice of the human body’, New Creation rector at DanceXchange - the Birmingham support from numerous partners. New addi- is a brave move for the festival, but one -based dance house which produces the festi- tions to the partner programme for 2018 are which Lucie is confident will pay off. “We val. Colmore Business District, as Festival Square know the artists previous work. Although Sponsor, and West Midlands Railway, who’ve Well versed in every aspect of dance, this is they aren’t too well known in the UK, they are jumped on board as Official Travel Partner. Lucie’s first festival in this role, having previ- internationally so it’s very exciting.” ously worked as Executive Producer for the “I think it’s great that these big organisations Alongside UK star choreographers like company. Having “danced before I could see dance as a way to promote Birmingham Wayne McGregor (Atomos at New Alexandra walk”, Lucie’s passion for the art form shines as a destination, driving more people to visit Theatre, 1 & 2 June), audiences will enjoy a through. “It’s part of my life. Dance is an our vibrant city.” programme of work from numerous interna- amazing experience. It gives you the freedom tional artists. These include at The Patrick Birmingham is increasingly recognised as a to express yourself in so many ways...’ Studios an immersive virtual reality experi- city that’s good at delivering outdoor festivals Originally from Prague, Lucie founded a com- ence VR_1 from Company Gilles Jobin & Ar- which is very appealing for partners to be munity dance company before studying tanim (Switzerland); Guide, a dreamy audio part of.” choreography at the Academy of Performing visual experience by Vera Ondrasikova & Col- Before BIDF 2018 has even got off the ground, Arts in Prague, going to work as a producer lective (Czech Republic) which fuses the past Lucie is giving thought to the next festival for dance company DOT504. Moving to the with the present; and at Midlands Arts Centre and beyond. “You’re always thinking about UK in 2010, Lucie pursued her love of dance Only Bones, a display of physical buffoonery future programming and making connec- from another angle, undertaking an MA in from the Kallo Collective (Finland/New tions. It’s surprising how long it takes to ne- Arts Management & Policy before moving to Zealand). gotiate those big gigs. I’m already in Birmingham. Challenging preconceived ideas about what conversation for 2020 and 2022, to tie in with With Lucie at the helm and her ‘partner in dance is, the programme also features perfor- the Commonwealth Games. I’m talking to crime’ Paul Russ, the festival’s Associate mances that people might not normally asso- people about work that combines sports with Artistic Director , programming for this year’s ciate with a dance festival. Take ISH Dance dance.” festival sees a shift towards a more interna- Collective, for example. The Dutch company For now, though, it’s all about 2018 and mak- tional outdoor content, and more opportuni- brings Elements of Freestyle. ing sure that everything runs smoothly. Fin- ties for people to take part. Dominating Birmingham Hippodrome’s main gers crossed, then, that all goes well in terms “We wanted to open up the dialogue between stage on 14 June will be four skating ramps of the one thing that festival organisers can’t national and international practices, and which will be constructed and deconstructed influence - the British weather. BIDF is the perfect place to make this hap- in numerous formations while performers pen. demonstrate their skills in breakdance, inline skating, skateboarding, freerunning, BMX, What’s also very exciting is the Midlands and freestyle basketball. Birmingham International Dance Festival made programme, new commissions and “It’s a culture,” says Lucie. “It’s about break- takes place in the venues, streets and presentations created by artists living and ing barriers and realising that dance can be squares across Birmingham from 1 to 24 working in the Midlands. This is about how many things.” June. A programme of outdoor activities we bring local artists together and nurture will take place at Victoria Square from 1 to For 10 days Victoria Square in the heart of the their talents.” 10 June. Visit bidf.co.uk for details city will be transformed to create a fresh and Drawing audiences from across the Midlands vibrant festival vibe, with a wonderful pro-

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 FINAL BIDF 4 page feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 16:26 Page 3

birmingham international dance Festival highlights...

IN THEATRES Elements of Freestyle - ISH Dance Collective Thurs 14 June, Birmingham Hippodrome Challenging the notion of what can be pre- sented on a traditional stage, on 14 June ISH Dance Collective will bring vert ramps and extreme sports to the stage of Birmingham Hippodrome in Elements of Freestyle. A UK premiere, the show will feature a dynamic fu- sion of live music, dance and theatre with break dance, inline skating, free running, skateboarding, BMX and freestyle basketball. Age 8+

Morning Gloryville - part mass party, is a city premiere in col- Fri 1 June, Victoria Square laboration with firm favourites from the local music scene and a big headline DJ, to Opening the Festival Square on 1 June is be announced soon. Morning Gloryville, the original morning Suitable for all ages. ravers. The event, part exercise craze, and

Atomos - Face In & Let’s Talk About Dis - VR_1 - Cie Gilles Jobin & Artanim Company Wayne McGregor Candoco Dance Company Fri 1 to Mon 4 June, The Patrick Studio Fri 1 & Sat 2 June, New Alexandra Theatre Wed 13 & Thurs 14 June, MAC, Birmingham A fun, unforgettable, immersive Virtual Real- Atomising bodies, movement, film, sound ity experience. Ideal to share with friends and light morph into miniature shards of in- and family. Tracked by an optical motion tense sensation in a cutting-edge work by capture system, five participants at the same contemporary choreographer Wayne McGre- time become their own avatar, physically gor. Ten incredible dancers perform McGre- moving in a virtual environment, meeting gor’s unique style - sculptural, rigorous, five virtual dancers. jarring and hauntingly beautiful. Age 8+ 3D glasses are available to watch part of this cutting-edge show. Age 8+

Renowned contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled performers, Can- doco presents a brand new double bill of dra- matic and powerful choreography. Yasmeen Godder's new work, Face In, is loud, vibrant and intoxicating whilst Hetain Patel, the artist behind the TED Talk ‘Who am I? Think Again”, gets you thinking about political cor- rectness in his playful and charming piece Let’s Talk About Dis. Age 10+

34 whatsonlive.co.uk FINAL BIDF 4 page feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 16:27 Page 4

OUTDOORS The Midlands Made commissions will take over Victoria Square from 4-8 June, a new strand for BIDF 2018, with new commissions created by artists living and working in the Midlands including Andy Ingamells, Rebecca Randall and Mickael Marso Riviere. Age All (check individual shows for age guid- ance)

Victoria Festival Square with a lightness of expression and highly arresting and visually stunning perfor- Victoria Square in the heart of the city is mances from the funny and original AIR transformed for ten incredible days creating which sees four dancers perform dressed in a fresh and vibrant festival vibe right on inflatable latex suits to Simple Cypher’s your doorstep. Expect the best outdoor na- Roll Up, Roll Up which combines hip hop tional and international talent, constantly and circus. challenging perceptions and dance forms

Family weekend at MAC, Birmingham, ON TOUR AND UNUSUAL SPACES Origami – Satchie Noro and Silvain Ohl - Sat 16 & Sun 17 June Fri 22 & Sun 24 June, location tbc DeepSpace - James Batchelor and Collabo- Enjoy a host of performances and activities Watch out for the spectacular Origami, an el- rators Fri 22 & Sat 23 June, Quantum egant large-scale performance which will be for all the family at Midlands Arts Centre on Exhibition Space, The Works 16 and 17 June. TPO bring two amazing shows wowing audiences at outdoor locations for the youngest dance fans including the around the city between 22 to 24 June. magical interactive theatre experience Kindur Satchie Noro and Silvain Ohl, were inspired which sees the audience take on the role of by the ancient art of Japanese paper folding sheep and Mini bringing everyday situations to transform a 40-foot shipping container to life through dance. The weekend also fea- into a shape-shifting performance space. tures work by Rosie Kay Dance Company, Age 5+ 2Faced Dance Company and Candoco Dance Company. From Age 2+ (check individual shows for age guidance)

Combining dance, sound and installation, Deepspace is a mesmerising, intimate perfor- mance that examines our curiosity for the un- known. Playing at the intersection of art and science, the body is taken to the extremities of remoteness and proximity, connectedness and isolation, certainty and uncertainty. This is an immersive work where the audience moves through the space with the dancers. Age 8+ For all Birmingham International Dance Festival listings visit www.bidf.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film May - ONLINE.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:34 Page 1 Film May - ONLINE.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:34 Page 2

Film

Deadpool 2 CERT tbc Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, TJ Miller Directed by David Leitch (USA) Nobody expected the original Deadpool (2016) to be such a huge success, but the self-know- ing, violent and witty superhero movie accumulated an interna- tional gross of more than $783million. Ryan Reynolds returns as the ir- reverent Wade Wilson, the disfig- ured mercenary who recovered from cancer to become a mock- ing, sarcastic, self-healing crime- fighter. Here, Wade - aka Deadpool - rounds up a posse of mutants to combat the time-trav- elling cybernetic badass ‘Cable’ (Josh Brolin). Brolin, who plays the despotic Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, has already signed up to play Cable in a further three Deadpool sequels. Let’s hope the first film’s fondness for British cultural references con- tinues unabated. Released Tues 15 May EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in May...

I Feel Pretty CERT 12a (110 mins) Lean On Pete CERT 15 (112 mins) Starring Amy Schumer, Michelle Williams, Starring Charlie Plummer, Chloë Sevigny, Emily Ratajkowski, Rory Scovel, Aidy Bryant, Travis Fimmel, Steve Buscemi, Steve Zahn Naomi Campbell Directed by Abby Kohn and Directed by Andrew Haigh (UK) Marc Silverstein (USA) Shot in Oregon, this British drama stars Char- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and, fol- lie Plummer as a restless fifteen-year-old who lowing a fall, Renee Barrett (Schumer) be- befriends the eponymous racehorse and de- lieves she is a stunner. Thus transformed, cides to rescue him from the slaughterhouse. Renee sets out on a new path of confidence Adapted from the novel by the alt-Country and self-belief. Interesting premise. guitarist Willy Vlautin. Released Fri 4 May Released Fri 4 May Tully CERT 15 (96 mins) Starring Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, Ron Livingston Directed by Jason Reitman (USA) From Diablo Cody, the Oscar-winning writer of Juno, Young Adult and Ricki And The Flash, this promises much. Tully (Mackenzie Davis, from Blade Runner 2049) is a ‘night nanny’ who helps out the hard-pressed Marlo (Theron), mother of three. She is a gift from Marlo’s brother… Expect a lot of laughs, and some tears. Released Fri 4 May Film May - ONLINE.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:34 Page 3

Film highlights released in May...

On Chesil Beach CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Saoirse Ronan, Billy Howle, Emily Watson, Anne-Marie Duff, Samuel West, Adrian Scarborough Directed by Dominic Cooke (UK) When Florence and Edward fall in love during the summer of 1962, neither are prepared for the impact on their liaison that the sexual revolution will have. From the 2007 Booker-nominated novel by Ian McEwan. Released Fri 18 May

Redoubtable CERT 15 (108 mins) Starring Louis Garrel, Stacy Martin, Bérénice Bejo, Grégory Gadebois, Micha Lescot, Jean-Pierre Mocky Directed by Michel Hazanavicius (France/Myanmar/Italy) From the director of the Oscar-winning The and searches for a more profound way to ex- Artist (2011) comes another film exploring the press his political angst. Thus, the director rich canvas of cinema. Here, Hazanavicius fo- becomes cruel, selfish, insensitive, sour and cuses on the French filmmaker Jean-Luc Go- ungracious - in short, an existential carica- dard (Garrel), and in particular on his liaison ture. Stacy Martin is delightful as his young with the actress Anne Wiazemsky (Martin), gamine wife and there are some amusing, on whose memoir the film is based. meta moments, but not enough to relieve the Initially as playful and free with the grammar ultimate monotony of this strangely petulant of cinema as Godard’s own work, Re- character assassination. doubtable soon descends into domestic te- Released Fri 11 May CRITIC’S CHOICE dium as Godard renounces his earlier work

How To Talk To Girls At Parties CERT 15 (103 mins) Starring Elle Fanning, Alex Sharp, Nicole Kid- man, Ruth Wilson, Matt Lucas, Stephen Camp- bell Moore Directed by John Cameron Mitchell (UK/USA) An alien tourist, Zan (Fanning) finds herself stuck in the most dangerous place in the uni- verse: Croydon in south London. Nicole Kid- man plays the punk party animal ‘Queen Boadicea’. Based on the 2006 short story by Neil Gaiman. Life Of The Party Released Fri 11 May Sherlock Gnomes CERT U (86 mins) CERT 12a (105 mins) With the voices of James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Starring Melissa McCarthy, Gillian Jacobs, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mary J Blige, Johnny Depp, Maya Rudolph, Julie Bowen, Jacki Weaver Michael Caine, Maggie Smith Directed by Ben Falcone (USA) Directed by John Stevenson (UK/USA) When her husband dumps her, Deanna (Mc- When certain garden ornaments go missing, Carthy) decides to go back to college and Gnomeo and Juliet turn to the eponymous ends up in her own daughter’s class. College, sleuth to help track down the culprit. Deanna realises, is wasted on the young… A sequel to Gnomeo & Juliet (2011), the car- The producer-director is Ben Falcone, hus- toon is the first fully animated feature from band of Melissa McCarthy, with whom he co- Paramount Animation. The American re- wrote the screenplay. views were not charitable, though. In 3D. Released Fri 11 May Released Fri 11 May Film May - ONLINE.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:34 Page 4

Film

Entebbe CERT 12a (107 mins) Submergence CERT tbc Starring Rosamund Pike, Daniel Brühl, Eddie Starring James McAvoy, Alicia Vikander, Ha- Marsan, Ben Schnetzer, Lior Ashkenazi, Denis keemshady Mohamed, Alexander Siddig, Alex Ménochet Directed by José Padilha (UK/USA) Hafner, Charlotte Rampling Rosamund Pike and Daniel Brühl take up Directed by Wim Wenders (USA/France/Spain) arms to hijack the Air France Flight 139 from Two lovers find themselves in different parts Athens to Uganda in the fourth film to chron- of the world following a romantic Christmas icle the historic hostage crisis. Eddie Marsan together. As Danielle prepares to explore the co-stars as Shimon Peres under the direction ocean floor in a submersible, James is barri- of José Padilha (Elite Squad, RoboCop, etc). caded into a small room in Africa by jihadist fighters. Based on the novel by J.M. Ledgard. Released Fri 11 May Released Fri 18 May

Solo: A Star Wars Story Starring Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Paul Bettany Directed by Ron Howard (USA) The milking machine of Lucasfilm Ltd contin- ues apace with this stand-alone instalment of the Star Wars saga. Alden Ehrenreich plays Han Solo as a young man, long before he joined the Rebellion and met Luke Skywalker Breaking InCERT 15 (88 mins) and Princess Leia. The London-born Emilia Starring Gabrielle Union, Seth Carr, Ajiona Clarke plays Qi'ra, Han’s romantic interest, Alexus, Christa Miller, Billy Burke following in the footsteps of fellow English Directed by James McTeigue (USA) roses Daisy Ridley and Felicity Jones. In 3D. Moving into her late father’s Malibu mansion Released Thurs 24 May with her two children, Shaun Russell (Gabrielle Union) becomes the unwitting tar- get of four career burglars. But you really shouldn’t mess with Shaun… From the direc- The Breadwinner tor of V for Vendetta. CERT 12a (93 mins) Released Fri 11 May With the voices of Saara Chaudry, Soma Bhatia, Noorin Gulamgaus Directed by Nora Twomey (Canada/Ireland/Luxembourg) Based on the children’s novel by Deborah CERT 15 (93 mins) The Cured Ellis, this Oscar-nominated cartoon features Starring Ellen Page, Sam Keeley, Tom Vaughan- Parvana, a young girl living in Kabul, Lawlor Directed by David Freyne (Ireland/France) Afghanistan, under control of the Taliban. In order to provide for her family, she disguises After the zombie apocalypse, a miracle anti- herself as a boy and sustains herself with the dote has rendered the cannibalistic harmless fantastical stories she invents. Executive pro- – or, at least, most of them. But the former duced by Angelina Jolie. zombies are finding it hard to re-adjust to normal life, particularly due to the pressures Released Fri 25 May of prejudice and their own disturbing memo- ries… The US reviews have been highly favourable. Show Dogs CERT PG (92 mins) Released Fri 11 May Starring Will Arnett, Natasha Lyonne, with the voices of Ludacris, Jordin Sparks, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming Directed by Raja Gosnell (USA) Max is a Rottweiler who values his machismo reputation. But he’s a police dog and when he’s ordered to go undercover as a tarted-up show dog, he has to suffer the consequences. From the director of Scooby-Doo and The Smurfs. Released Fri 25 May Visual Arts May 1.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:29 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

John Piper Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 1 May - Thurs 21 June Official war artist during the Second World War, John Piper visited Coventry the day after the Blitz to make a series of drawings of the ravaged city, in particular of the cathedral and other gutted churches. He returned to Coventry in the 1950s, when he was commissioned, along with Patrick Reyntiens, to design a huge stained glass window for the city’s new cathedral. Given these strong connections to Coventry, it’s entirely welcome but not at all surprising that this Tate Liverpool show - the first major exhibition of Piper’s work since 2003 - is visiting Warwick Arts Centre. The display also includes a number of the artist’s idyllic images of pre-war rural Britain and a selection of his post-war romantic landscapes.

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts May 1.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:30 Page 2

Visual Arts

Miss Black And Beautiful MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 1 July An exhibition of photographs taken by the late Raphael Albert, Miss Black And Beautiful docu- ments numerous black British beauty pageants organised by Albert from the late 1960s on- wards. The pageants were a celebration of the 1970s’ ‘Black is beautiful’ aesthetic, the most notable among them being the annual Miss West Indies In Great Britain contest.

Mad King / Fat Knight ration from the rehearsal room and on- stage performances to create a visual ac- PACCAR Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, count of his experiences as an actor. Sat 19 May - Sun 23 September Featuring more than 40 pieces - bringing Wideley regarded as one of the finest stage together large-scale oil paintings with actors of his generation, Sir Antony Sher drawings and doodles - the exhibition of- has also made a considerable impact as an fers an insight into Sher’s preparation for artist - and now, for the first time ever, the two of his most memorable roles: King RSC is hosting an exhibition of his work. Lear and Sir John Falstaff. The Cape Town-born Sher has taken inspi-

Men Of The Docks Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 9 September Despite his significant standing in the US, early 20th century painter George Bellows remains a relatively unknown artist here in the UK - a perhaps unsur- prising fact given that there are only two of his paintings in British public collections. One of them, Nude, Miss Bentham, is a 1906 artwork acquired by the Barber in 2015. The other, Men Of The Docks, painted six years afterwards and hailed for its radical urban subject matter, is currently on loan to the Bar- ber from the National Gallery. The two paintings will hang side by side during Men Of The Docks’ stay in Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Dippy (single image) DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:32 Page 1

40 whatsonlive.co.uk Dippy (single image) DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:32 Page 2

by Ellie Hutchings

DIPPY THE ROCK STAR!

The Natural History Museum’s iconic will be focusing on the idea of birds as living Lukas. “Generations of people have seen him Diplodocus cast - fondly known as Dippy - is dinosaurs - as Lukas Large, curator of Natural and they always remember him.” currently on tour, and as of 26 May he’ll be on Science at Birmingham Museums Trust, “It’s like Dippy is a rock star,” Gurminder display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery explains: “We’ll be looking at the evolution adds, “and the people of Birmingham are so (BMAG) for the second leg of his road trip. of birds from their dinosaur ancestors into excited to see him.” the animals that we see today, and Tickets to see Dippy are completely free, and Since his time at the Natural History encouraging people to look at birds in a there are extensive additional activities Museum, Dippy’s had a makeover. Those different way, to get out into nature and taking place during his stay too, including who’re familiar with the Diplodocus may engage with wildlife.” group sleepovers, curator-led tours and even notice a few changes, the most notable being an opportunity to ‘dine with Dippy’. Thanks to funds from Friends of Birmingham his new hands. “The Diplodocus that Dippy Anticipation of his arrival is building around Museums, BMAG was able to carry out the is cast from didn’t actually have hands when Birmingham, with more than 76,000 tickets necessary conservation work on its bird it was found,” explains Lukas, “so examples already booked. collection, which hasn’t been out on display had to be used from a different skeleton. But for about 20 years. The birds will now be since digging up more Diplodocus skeletons, “People just love dinosaurs,” says Gurminder meeting their ‘distant cousin’ Dippy. we now know what Dippy’s real hands Kenth, manager at Birmingham Museum & would’ve looked like.” Art Gallery. “They’re so fascinating; they’re So it looks like BMAG is fulfilling the Natural impressive to look at, and there’s just so History Museum’s precedent in encouraging And this isn’t the first time that changes have much to learn from them.” visitors to explore nature, and drawing been made to Dippy since his installation in attention to an array of biodiversity. “That’s the Natural History Museum. Previously, his Some visitors may remember the much-loved what’s so great about Dippy’s tour,” adds tail used to lie flat on the ground; now it’s papier-mâché T-Rex that used to be on Gurminder. “Each venue is able to put their raised, to reflect how a Diplodocus would display at the museum. With that in mind, own stamp on the exhibition. There’ll be have used it to balance. “The Natural History Gurminder was keen to make sure that different interpretations and different Museum used to keep spare parts when Birmingham was a stop-off destination on storylines using Dippy, so there’ll be a lot of Dippy’s tail was on the ground, because Dippy’s tour. learning throughout the whole tour, which I pieces kept disappearing,” Lukas reveals. Not only have BMAG had to meet the Natural think is really exciting.” With Dippy being such an impressive History Museum’s credentials to secure But with Dippy’s stay at BMAG coinciding installation wherever he’s displayed, it’s Dippy’s visit, getting him into the exhibition with the May half term and the summer hardly surprising that visitors want to take a space will be a significant task. At an holidays, there’s limited opportunity for souvenir home with them. So what does impressive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide school trips and events. For this reason, the Birmingham have on offer for its Dippy- and 4.25 metres high, Dippy is expected to museum will be focusing on family adoring public? “We’re selling a Diplodocus take nine days to install, with help from the programmes throughout Dippy’s time at the pin badge online, and quite a few of those Natural History Museum’s own technical venue. Visitors will have the opportunity to have already gone,” says Gurminder. team. It may sound like quite a feat, but with experience what it’s like to be a “There’s also the Dippy cuddly toy, which is everything having run smoothly in Dorset palaeontologist in the giant sand pit, or in high demand at Dorset, and we can’t wait (the first stop on Dippy’s tour), Gurminder enjoy fun activities in the Dippy Family to get our hands on that!” doesn’t have any concerns. In fact, she’s Room. confident that Dippy will look better at BMAG than he ever has before. “Here at But it’s not all just for kids. Lukas himself Birmingham we differ from the Natural will be giving tours of the exhibition, and Dippy visits Birmingham Museum & Art History Museum and Dorset County Museum there’ll be additional talks from Gallery from 26 May to 9 September. in that we have a low roof, so I think Dippy paleontologists Professor Richard Butler and Tickets and more info is available at will look much bigger and very impressive in Dean Lomax. birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/what our space.” s-on/dippy-on-tour-a-natural-history- So what is it about Dippy that makes him so adventure But Dippy certainly won’t be on his own in iconic? “He’s been at the Natural History Birmingham. The exhibition in the Gas Hall Museum for over a hundred years,” explains whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 1

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

The Handmade Fair Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Fri 11 - Sun 13 May Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair makes a wel- come return to Warwickshire after its hugely successful Ragley Hall debut last spring. Bringing together Britain’s best handmade products, crafts supplies and artisan foods, the show also takes place at Hampton Court Palace, where it’s already enjoyed four highly successful years. Visitors to the Ragley show can learn how to make something for themselves or upcycle a piece they already own. The show’s attractions include the shopping villages, which are ‘full to the brim’ with handmade products of the highest quality and an impressive range of tools and materi- als. There’s also the Super Theatre, skills work- shops and light creative sessions to enjoy, all hosted by some of the UK’s most renowned experts.

The Baby Show This Morning Live NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 May NEC, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Sun 20 May Inspired by ITV1’s This Morning programme and returning for a second year, this four-day lifestyle show features appearances by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby (pictured), the presenters of the popular daytime television series. The event boasts numerous lifestyle elements, including fashion & style, food & drink, home, gardening, pets, beauty, and health & wellbeing. Commenting on the show, ITV’s Daytime Managing Director, Emma Gormley, said: “With our fantastic presenting talent and the wonderful mix of content that we'll be taking on the road, this event promises to delight fans of the show across the country.”

Sleep-deprived new parents would do well to call on their reserves of energy and get along to this popular show. Widely considered to be the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, The Baby Show brings together leading retailers and brands, includes one-to- one demonstrations and provides the opportunity to ‘touch, feel and compare’ items, enabling shoppers to make an informed decision about their purchases. The show also comes complete with a host of facilities to help you have a hassle-free day. Oh, and on the Saturday there’s a special live screening of Harry and Meghan tying the knot, meaning you can combine baby shopping with royal wedding watching! We’re fairly sure that if your baby could talk, they’d advise you to attend...

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 3

44 whatsonlive.co.uk Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

Queen Victoria’s Elizabethan Pageant Birthday Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, Sun 6 & Mon 7 May Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Queen Elizabeth I herself (not to be Sat 26 & Sun 27 May confused with our current queen, While our current Queen is cele- of course) will apparently be in at- brating her 92nd birthday, the good tendance at this event. And why folk of Blists Hill are putting out the devil wouldn’t she be, given the bunting in honour of another that it’s being advertised as ‘the ul- long-reigning monarch. timate party palace, featuring a This year’s birthday bash for Queen feast of entertainment fit for the Victoria features a special parade Virgin Queen’! (taking place on both days) and the Highlights include a colourful pro- chance for visitors to try their hand cession, impressive horsemanship, at a range of fun activities using falconry displays and storytelling Victorian techniques - candle dip- sessions. ping in the goods shed, anyone? A trip to the pub to toast Her Majesty and a tasty portion of tradi- tional fish & chips should ensure you’re splendidly replete as well as delightfully entertained.

Donington Historic Festival Donington Park, Fri 4 - Sun 6 May Donington Historic Festival is firmly established as a major fix- ture on the international historic Makers Central racing calendar. Featuring hun- dreds of world-class racing cars, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 5 - Sun 6 May huge numbers of classic car club This brand new event for the maker displays and a wealth of off-track community brings together entertainment, the three-day crafters, inventors, hobbyists and event is this month taking place artists. In attendance at the show for the eighth year. will be maker stars from YouTube and social media, while visitors can also watch some top-class demonstrations, try their hand at Shakespeare Family Homes making, purchase tools and equip- Shakespeare’s Family Homes, Stratford-upon-Avon, ment, and check out a range of Sat 26 May - Sun 3 June beautifully handcrafted goods. There’s a fun programme of activities to enjoy at Shakespeare's family homes this half term. Visitors to Shakespeare's Birthplace can be drawn by a caricature artist (but with a Tudor twist!), while anybody attending Shakespeare's New Place can pass judgement on some of the bard's most famous characters, deciding whether they’re a supervillain or a hero. Drop in at Hall's Croft if you fancy becoming a fairy or a sprite, while Anne Hathaway's Cottage is the place to head for if you’d enjoy making a bird feeder from recycled materials in the family activity tent. Mary Arden's Farm, meanwhile, is hosting Woolly Week, allowing visitors to try their hand at spinning wool and making a Tudor braid to take home.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 5

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 6

Events previews from around the region Events

Shropshire County Agricultural Show Greenhous West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury, Sat 26 May An event that first took place in the late 19th century, the Shropshire County Agricultural Show is an an- nual celebration of the local rural community, highlighting the role it plays in people’s daily lives. At- tracting thousands of visitors each year, the show boasts a wide selec- tion of local produce and a range of live entertainment and music. Castle Quest Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Mon 28 May - Fri 1 June Shropshire Kids Festival The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 19 & Sun 20 May If you’re a family of riddle-solvers ‘Education through fun’ lies at the heart of this missed’ foam parties. who enjoy have-a-go challenges, high-energy festival, with plenty of arts & crafts Donkey rides, active storytelling, a chance to Tamworth’s Castle Quest is defi- events and workshops allowing children to get check out solar activity with the Shropshire nitely an event for you. Questers hands-on while they learn. Astronomical Society, and a sure-to-be-popular test their wits to unravel puzzles Other popular attractions include ‘a battalion of family circus - providing the opportunity to from the clues presented, then use inflatables’ for youngsters to bounce around on, juggle, stilt-walk and unicycle - further add to a the knowledge they acquire to fin- a monster obstacle course and some ‘not to be weekend of top fun. ish the game. But that’s not the end of the challenge. The ultimate trial comes afterwards - namely, to walk the Quest grid blindfolded! Ludlow Spring Festival Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, The Staffordshire Sat 12 & Sun 13 May County Show Now in its 10th year, this popular festival ably Staffordshire County Showground, illustrates why Ludlow is one of the country’s Wed 30 & Thurs 31 May most reputable foodie towns. Staffordshire’s annual two-day The two-day event features more than 200 county show makes a welcome beers alongside an array of food stalls, with return, complete with its usual vendors offering delectable delights ranging eclectic mix of attractions and from artisan flours to charcuterie, award-win- entertainment. ning cakes, gourmet sausage rolls and local The main-ring programme of cheeses. Telford Balloon and events features displays from the The Marches Transport Festival and a wealth Kite Fiesta JCB Dancing Diggers, the of musical entertainment complete the week- Telford Town Park, Sat 12 & Sun 13 May Rockwood Dog Display Team and end’s programme of attractions. Weather permitting, a host of hot-air balloons young farmers floats. will take to the skies at this month’s Telford Bal- Highlights elsewhere at the loon & Kite Fiesta. Showground include falconry, And Telford residents should be particularly vig- horse shoeing, donkey rides and ilant on the Saturday night, when a number of sheepdog and duck displays. balloons will be transformed into beautiful floating lanterns to create a special 'night glow'. Acrobatic aerial displays with stunt kites and large-scale kites also feature at this year’s event. Balloon flights courtesy of Virgin will be avail- able over the weekend. They are also offering discounted vouchers to purchase with TELFORD50 code until 31 May. Flights can be taken any time during the next 18 months.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 7

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 12:27 Page 8

Events previews from around the region Events

Georgian House Party Aston Hall, Birmingham, Sat 12 May Visitors to this event are being in- vited to ‘party like a Georgian’, as Aston Hall celebrates its 400th an- niversary. Highlights include ‘exciting’ sword fight duels, the chance to learn the art of fan flirting, an opportunity to experience what went on in cof- fee houses and an insight into the secret messages a beauty patch could convey.

Malvern Spring Festival Fascinating stats connected to the show include the fact that the festival site is the size of a stag- Three Counties Showground, Malvern, gering 40 football pitches, while on average vis- Thurs 10 - Sun 13 May itors consume around 18,000 cups of tea and One of the venue’s first major shows of the year, 6,000 pieces of cake every year. the RHS Malvern Spring Festival is described as So if all that strolling around leaves you need- ‘opening the door to the summer season’. ing a breather, it’s safe to assume the festival’s Visitors can enjoy a walk around the show gar- light refreshments are well worth sampling - so dens, gain inspiration from exhibitors in the many thousands of tea drinkers and cake eaters floral marquee and access hints and tips via a surely can’t be wrong! range of talks and demonstrations. First World War Activities RAF Museum, Cosford, Red By Night Sat 26 May - Sun 3 June Black Country Living Museum, Half-term highlights at Cosford Dudley, Sat 19 May museum include a range of World War One-related activities. The Black Country Living Museum this month As well as the chance to gain an in- opens its doors after hours, to provide ‘an atmo- sight into the life of an RAF pilot spheric evening of industrial demonstrations, during the Great War, visitors can good food, living history and more’. take part in drop-in virtual-reality Visitors to the Red By Night evening will be in- sessions, viewing the content of a vited to step inside period houses and shops to World War One aircraft. discover how Black Country folk used to live. There’s also a ‘spot the slang’ trail The event also features street entertainment and to follow, highlighting the wartime the chance to try the museum’s 1930s-style fish use of slang by service personnel and chips! from different countries and back- The Coventry grounds. Steampunk Carnival Coventry Transport Museum, Sat 19 - Sun 20 May A subgenre of science fantasy that reimagines modern technology powered by 19th century steam, steampunk is all the rage nowadays. So why not get along to this three-day event and find out what all the fuss is about. There’s plenty of live entertainment to enjoy, in- cluding performances by the splendidly named Ichabod Steam And His Animatronic Band. Shopaholics, meanwhile, are sure to find some- thing to their liking in the steampunk market. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover May Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 14:52 Page 1 The Magic Flute DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:12 Page 1 The Magic Flute DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/04/2018 11:12 Page 2

The Magic Flute FollowingFollowing theirtheir criticallycritically acclaimedacclaimed EnglishEnglish mortals,mortals, manipulatingmanipulating themthem andand theirtheir AllAll thisthis isis notnot toto say,say, ofof course,course, thathat therethere isn’tisn’t llanguageanguage rreimaginingseimaginings ooff LaLa BohemeBoheme andand dedesiresires.s. InIn thisthis version,version, ourour hero,hero, Tamino,Tamino, isis plentyplenty forfor operopera enthusiastsenthusiasts toto enjoy.enjoy. ThisThis isis CCarmen,armen, tthehe OOlivierlivier AAward-winningward-winning drdraawnwn ttoo tthehe fflickeringlickering neonsneons ofof thethe night,night, stillstill a high-qualityhigh-quality interpretationinterpretation ofof a cclassiclassic OOperaUpCloseperaUpClose nnowow ttakeake oonn TheThe MagicMagic FluteFlute attractedattracted llikeike a mmothoth ttoo tthehe llifeife ooff tthehe rrichich byby a hugelyhugely acclaimedacclaimed companycompany – oonene tthathat iinn aann iinnovativennovative nnewew pproductionroduction hheadedeaded fforor aandnd ffamous.amous. IInn tthehe ooriginal,riginal, TTaminoamino ffindsinds aaimsims ttoo rremainemain ffaithfulaithful ttoo tthehe ccomposer’somposer’s tthehe BBelgradeelgrade TTheatreheatre nnextext mmonth.onth. ttruerue lloveove aatt tthehe eendnd ooff hhisis qquest.uest. InIn ourour ooriginalriginal vvision,ision, wwhilehile aatt tthehe ssameame timetime RRunningunning iinn CCoventryoventry fforor oonene nnightight oonly,nly tthishis vversion,ersion, hhee rrealisesealises itit wwasas therethere allall along,along, hehe oofferingffering eestablishedstablished aaudiencesudiences a ddifferentifferent innovative reworking of Mozart’s much-loved just needed to think he’d lost it to realise how way of looking at the work. flight of fancy uses new orchestration with much it meant to him in the first place.” electronic & urban sounds, stylish design There could hardly be a better time to bring a “People who know the opera really well and a poetic new libretto by Glyn Maxwell show like this to Coventry. Recently named as already have a very particular experience. bring the story firmly up-to-date. Ahead of its UK’s next City of Culture in 2021, the city’s You can hear them recognising references arrival on Saturday 12 May, director Valentina whole campaign for the title hinged upon its and being tickled by the innovations we’ve Ceschi tells us more about what to expect youthfulness, creativity and diversity – all made in our new version. It’s like a spot the from the production… very much in keeping with the OperaUpClose difference puzzle for them – they feel “Its youthful energy is exhilarating!” she ethos. complicit in the process somehow, and it exclaims. “For me it was all about harnessing If you’re unsure about opera or classical becomes a fun game.” this energy and bringing it to today’s music, this is a company that prides itself on In fact, as Ceschi herself argues, in some audience. We did an early R&D with some the accessibility of its productions. Aiming to ways, there’s a greater “authenticity” to this singers from a group of young people from provide an entry point for even total opera production than there is to some more high- Soho Young Company. It was important for newcomers, the company revitalise profile operas nowadays. For one thing, the me that this version of ours appealed to the established classics to create visceral mischievousness of her direction and new generation.” theatrical experiences that feel relevant to Maxwell’s writing are very much in keeping First staged at London’s Soho Theatre, the contemporary audiences from all walks of with the irreverent spirit of a composer well production shifts between states of confused life. Just take Valentina herself as an known for his colourful personality. For reality and disturbed dreams, recasting the example. another, opera hasn’t always been the way hero, Tamino, as a young man dazzled by the “I don’t have any formal music training,” she we tend to imagine it today. world of the rich and famous. Invited behind confesses. “I read music but not very well. I “I got involved with [OperaUpClose] a few the velvet rope at London’s “most exclusive” mostly rely on what I hear. I’ve grown up years ago when I worked on reviving La nightclub, The Queen of the Night, he has with a love and understanding of music from Boheme. This production made me fall in little time for beggars, paparazzi, or even his my family for which I am very grateful, but love with the company. It was in a tiny girlfriend, Pamina. our big thing as a family was musicals like theatre above a pub and part of it was even At the end of the night, following a blazing Guys and Dolls and Singin in the Rain.” performed in the pub itself during the row, the couple head to bed, only to relive the “I approach directing opera in very much the interval. events and encounters of the evening in same way as directing theatre, making sure “I loved the intimacy and the impact the dreams made extraordinary by the lateness the storytelling is clear and the audience music and the singing can have when you are of the hour, their befuddled senses, and of have a good time. There are more limitations up close. Opera really started in much course, a touch of magic. in opera but those restrictions can be smaller spaces than the big opera houses, so “I always thought the story in the original strengths and opportunities for invention there is also an authenticity to what we do. was problematic,” says Ceschi. “I don’t think and fun. I’ve learnt that the music, much like We aren’t as radical as people think.” I’ve seen one version where I understood the the text of a play, usually has all the answers plot or thought the characters’ journeys you need. So when in doubt, go back to what really made sense. Setting it in a dream (or the music is telling you.” various people’s dreams) meant we didn’t “I would say, like Shakespeare, if done well, The Magic Flute is at the Belgrade Theatre have to solve all the problems in the original, opera is no different to any other genre, and for one night only on Saturday 12 May. but it solved a few and freed us up to have a after that short shock of, ‘Gosh, it’s people Tickets are available to book now by bit of fun. singing instead of talking!’ it feels very calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or by visiting www.belgrade.co.uk, where “In our version, just like in the original, there normal. I’d also say if you like musicals you’ll prices are even cheaper are forces of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ that play upon probably like opera.” The List Cover May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:11 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide MayMay 22018018 thelist

Shrek The Musical at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent - Wed 2 - Sun 13 May

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

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

Jon Boden at Theatre Severn, Black Honey at The Sugarmill, Pasha Kovalev at The Rails at Henry Tudor Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton Grand Theatre House, Shrewsbury Sun 6 May Thurs 10 May Sun 20 May Thurs 31 May

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Tues 1 - Sun 6 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:13 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT MAY Gigs

rights and recognition, from Sat 26 CHRIS HOLMES May (W.A.S.P) MEAN MAN Visual Arts Tues 1 May, Eleven, New Art Gallery - Walsall Stoke-on-Trent Other VISUAL ARTS NEW ANDREW TIFT: IMMORTALISE An- SPICE OF LIFE Tues 1 drew presents a range of paintings, SARAH ROSS-THOMPSON Sarah spe- May, Arena Theatre, drawings, photographs and sketch- cialises in Collagraphy, a printmaking Wolverhampton books which combine his love of por- technique which requires a collage DALEY & ETTA BOND traiture with experimental works, Fri block rather than the more traditional Tues 1 May, Hare & 25 May - Sun 2 Sept use of wood, metal or lino, until Sat 5 May, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Much Hounds, Birmingham NEW MAHTAB HUSSAIN - GOING BACK Wenlock DON BROCO + THE LA- HOME TO WHERE I CAME FROM Exhibi- FONTAINES + YUNG- tion that presents a powerful and po- DE FERRERS ACADEMY: LYRICALLY BLUD Tues 1 May, etic reflection on ideas of home, Fri SPEAKING Exhibition by students from Keele University, 25 May - Sun 2 Sept the DeFerrers Academy in Burton who have used music as a source of Staffordshire Newcastle Borough Museum inspiration for their photography, until YO LA TENGO Tues 1 & Art Gallery Sat 19 May, The Brewhouse Arts May, Birmingham Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Town Hall NSAAA EXHIBITION Display of artwork CURATING DEVELOPMENT Exhibition of NOEL GALLAGHER'S by members of the North Staffs As- art by Filipino migrant workers in HIGH FLYING BIRDS perger/Autism Association, until Mon Tues London and Hong Kong, until Wed 6 7 May 1 May, Arena B’ham June, Keele University, Staffordshire PLANET OF ZEUS AND LI- CONSEQUENCE OF WAR Exhibition ex- ONIZE Potteries Museum & Art Wed 2 May, The Jon Boden - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ploring the immediate aftermath of Slade Rooms, Wolver- World War One and the quest for hampton River Rooms, Stour- HOTTER THAN HELL - CREATIVE RAGE Exhibition featuring peace that followed. Includes works bridge TRIBUTE TO KISS Sat 5 paintings, photographs, prints and AN EVENING WITH PUD- by Henry Moore and Paul Nash, pre- DLES PITY PARTY Wed 2 DJ RUSSKE LIVE Fri 4 May, Eleven, Stoke-on- ceramics by members of the progres- sented alongside Great War artefacts Trent sive LGBTQ artistic community, Sat May, O2 Institute, May, O2 Academy, and contemporary footage, until Sun Birmingham Birmingham SHOWADDYWADDY Sat 28 Apr - Sun 2 Sept 24 June, LIchfield Cathedral HER'S, PIZZAGIRL & BRUNO MAJOR Fri 4 5 May, Brierley Hill Qube Gallery, Oswestry A WILDLIFE WANDER ROUND THE CHARTREUSE Wed 2 May, O2 Institute, Civic Hall, Dudley WORLD Paintings by David Spencer May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LOVE/HATE Sat 5 May, NEW OW BIST Part of a two-year pro- focused on his interest in wildlife, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, ject taking quality art experiences out NICKELBACK'D Fri 4 until Sat 7 July, Himley Hall & Park, Wolverhampton into rural communities. The groups Dudley BABAJACK Wed 2 May, May, Eleven, Stoke-on- have tried their hand at textiles, mark The Robin, Bilston Trent KATE RUSBY Sat 5 May, NEW INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOG- making, printing, clay, drumming, Tai Stafford Gatehouse RAPHER Featuring the winners of TEEDRA MOSES Thurs 3 BON GIOVI Fri 4 May, Chi, environmental art and creative Theatre Competition 11, which attracted May, Hare & Hounds, The Robin, Bilston writing. This exhibition features some some 19,000 individual entries from Birmingham THE VAMPS Fri 4 May, JAZZIE B Sat 5 May, of their creations, Thurs 17 May - Fri over 50 countries, Thurs 3 May - Mon LE CLUB FONDUE Thurs Genting Arena, B’ham Hare & Hounds, Birm- 15 June ingham 17 Sept, Jackfield Tile Museum, 3 May, Hare & KLASSIDE Fri 4 May, O2 Telford Hounds, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham THE MICHAEL JACKSON Weston Park, Shifnal HISTORY SHOW Sun 6 NEW RECLAIMING OUR FUTURE Exhibi- THE KEEP IT COUNTRY GREG RUSSELL Fri 4 INTERNATIONAL WATERCOLOUR MAS- May, Wolverhampton tion showcasing a selection of prints SHOW Thurs 3 May, May, Newhampton TERS EXHIBITION: DAVID POXON WITH Grand Theatre from regional, UK and internationally Oakengates Theatre at Arts Centre, Wolver- SPECIAL GUESTS The world’s leading exhibiting photographers, Fri 4 - Wed The Place, Telford, hampton THE REMEDY CLUB Sun watercolour masters come to Eng- 30 May, Light House Media Centre, Shropshire 6 May, The Wightman land for the first time, for a unique, I Q Sat 5 May, The Fryer St, Wolverhampton JOE MCELDERRY Thurs Theatre, Shrewsbury contemporary exhibition, Sat 28 Apr - Robin, Bilston NEW MATERIAL STORIES 3 May, Prince Of Wales JON BODEN & THE REM- Thurs 31 May SURREAL PANTHER Four women explore evolving narra- Centre, Cannock Sat NANT KINGS Sun 6 May, 5 May, Eleven, Stoke- tives, weaving together themes of FISCHER-Z Thurs 3 May, Theatre Severn, The Willow Art Gallery, memory, materials and the passing of on-Trent Shrewsbury Oswestry O2 Academy, B’ham time, Sat 5 May - Sat 2 June, The SHANE FILAN Sat 5 AMANDA PALMER Sun 6 SPRING OPEN EXHIBITION 2018 Exhibi- Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- UK SUBS Thurs 3 May, May, New Alexandra The Robin, Bilston May, Birmingham tion of print, mixed-media and metal- Trent Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall work, until Sat 26 May NEW MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS AND CUL- BRAINSTORM Thurs 3 SHREYA GHOSHAL Sat 5 May, O2 Academy, APPARITION Sun 6 May, TURE FINAL YEAR SHOW Joint final-year May, Symphony Hall, The Robin, Bilston Wolverhampton Art Gallery multimedia exhibition featuring work Birmingham Birmingham MAETLOAF & THE NEVER NEW VIKING HEROES Genuine Viking by students from both the MA Global ERIC BIBB Thurs 3 May, THE ROLLING STONES NEVERLAND EXPRESS relics, replica objects and projections Media & Cultural Studies programme Birmingham Town Hall STORY Sat 5 May, Sun 6 May, The River provide an insight into the Viking and the BA Honours Media Commu- CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN Prince Of Wales Cen- Rooms, Stourbridge world, Sat 12 May - Sun 8 July nications & Culture programme, Fri Fri 4 May, Symphony tre, Cannock 11 - Fri 18 May, Keele University, WE ARE SCIENTISTS Sun NEW QUEEN STREET A look at the his- Hall, Birmingham MOMENTUM NIGHT Staffordshire 6 May, O2 Institute, tory of several properties along BALAAM & THE ANGEL FUNDRAISER FOR FUSE Birmingham Queen Street, Sat 26 May - Sun 22 NEW SEVERN ARTISTS Exhibition of Fri 4 May, The Slade 2018 Sat 5 May, Lich- July works by local art group Severn Rooms, Wolverhamp- field Guildhall FULL 100 2018! WITH Artists, Thurs 31 May - Thurs 28 TARRUS RILEY Sun 6 NEW THE FIGHT FOR WOMEN'S EQUALITY ton TRADAAR Sat 5 May, June, Wem Town Hall May, O2 Academy, Exhibition which explores the strug- LEGEND - LEGENDS OF Foxlowe Arts Centre, Birmingham gles local women faced to gain their ROCK Fri 4 May, The Staffordshire 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Tues 1 - Sun 6 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:13 Page 2

Tuesday 1 to Sunday 6 May

SHARMA & COMIC TBC Sat 5 May, The Classical Music Glee Club, Birmingham SOL BERNSTEIN, DARREN WALSH, GOR- SIR SIMON RATTLE & THE LONDON SYM- DON SOUTHERN & JAMES ALDERSON PHONY ORCHESTRA: MAHLER’S NINTH Sat 5 May, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Tues 1 May, Symphony Hall, B’ham CURTIS WALKER, BABATUNDE & NADZ SIBELIUS' SECOND Featuring the City of Sat 5 May, MAC, Birmingham Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Edward Gardner (conductor) & Baiba Skride (violin). Programme includes works by Strauss, Prokofiev & Sibelius, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 May, Sym- phony Hall, Birmingham Theatre EDUCATING RITA SIR LENNY HENRY: PETER AND THE Andrew Pollard and WOLF Sir Lenny Henry narrates the Lauryn Redding star in a new staging Royal Birmingham Conservatoire of Willy Russell’s classic comedy, opening concert. Christopher Hould- until Sat 5 May, New Vic Theatre, ing conducts. Programme includes Newcastle-under-Lyme works by Bernstein, Copland, THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH Prokofiev, Elfman & Williams, Fri 4 May, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Mary Pix's comedy of manners, com- toire bining mischief-making and a mind- bending plot, until Thurs 14 June, The Shrek The Musical - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent COALVILLE MALE VOICE CHOIR Pro- Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon gramme includes Benedictus, (Carl YVETTE THE DUCHESS OF MALFI China Plate present a one- May, Oldbury Rep Jenkins), Morte Christe, Lascia Ch'io Maria Aberg woman show based on a true story Pianga, Gwhodidad, You Raise me directs John Webster's tale of re- about a stolen childhood and growing Up, Rhythm of Life, The Rose, Let it venge, which asks how anyone can up with a secret, Tues 1 May, MAC, be Me, Sat 5 May, Birmingham survive in a world where masculinity Birmingham Dance Cathedral has become toxic, until Fri 3 Aug, GALLOWGLASS ENCORE: A 3RD YEAR PERFORMING ARTS Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Classy thriller from the BRUCKNER ORCHESTRA LINZ Featuring SHOWCASE Stratford-upon-Avon pen of Ruth Rendell, Tues 1 - Sat 5 The 17 strong cast per- Markus Poschner (conductor), Pro- MACBETH May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury form a range of diverse dance works, gramme includes works by Bruckner Shakespeare’s psychologi- BLOOD MONEY cal thriller marks Christopher Eccle- Thriller where nothing including Elite Syncopations, chore- & Mozart, Sun 6 May, Symphony ographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan Hall, Birmingham ston’s RSC debut and Niamh is as it seems, Tues 1 - Sat 5 May, Cusack’s return to the company, until Lichfield Garrick with the music of Scott Joplin, Tues 1 DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE May, MAC, Birmingham Tues 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Phil Daniels BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Midlands The- ROMEO AND JULIET takes the lead in this staging of Shakespeare's Robert Louis Stevenson's classic atre Ballet present a choreographed most famous story of love at first sight gothic thriller, Tues 1 - Sat 5 May, version of the much-loved fairy story, Comedy explodes with intense passion in a Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Tues 1 - Sat 5 May, The Old Rep ROB ROUSE, STEVE GRIBBIN & COMIC THE BAND Theatre, Birmingham contemporary production with heart- Tim Firth’s new musical, JV2 TBC Thurs 3 May, The Glee Club, breaking consequences. Erica Why- featuring the music of Take That, Jasmin Vardimon Company pre- Birmingham man directs, until Fri 21 Sept, Tues 1 - Sat 12 May, Birmingham sent a triple bill showcasing works by WES ZAHARUK, TOM HOUGHTON, RADU Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Hippodrome Vardimon and two emerging choreog- ISAC, JACK TOPHER & BARRY DODDS Stratford-upon-Avon THE TIN SOLDIER raphers - Yunkyung Song and André THE THRILL OF LOVE Performed by Thurs 3 May, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Rebelo, Wed 2 May, Arena Theatre, The Crescent Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre Leek, Staffs Wolverhampton Theatre Company presents its ver- Group, Wed 2 - Fri 4 May, WINDRUSH: MOVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE ALISTAIR BARRIE, GEOFF NORCOTT, BEN sion of Amanda Whittington's heart- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre BRIGGS & DAVE WILLIAMS Thurs 3 May, wrenching play, which looks at the life THE DRILL Phoenix Dance present a new con- Award-winning multimedia The George Hotel, Lichfield and times of Ruth Ellis, the last temporary dance piece which focuses woman to be hanged in Britain, Sat theatre-makers Breach consider anxi- on the story of some of the first Ja- TOM STADE Thurs 3 May, Stafford 28 April - Sat 5 May, Crescent The- eties around security and terrorism, maican people who came to Britain, Gatehouse Theatre Wed 2 - Sat 5 May, The REP, B’ham atre, Birmingham ANTIGONE Fri 4 - Sat 5 May, MAC, Birmingham DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 4 May, Theatre TOM & BUNNY SAVE THE WORLD: THE The Young Rep presents its ASIAN SPRING DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA Severn, Shrewsbury MUSICAL Fat Rascal Theatre presents version of Sophocles' tragedy, which Sampad’s popular showcase, Sun 6 IVO GRAHAM Fri 4 May, The Glee Club, an award-winning, gender stereotype- centres on fractured relationships and May, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Birmingham destroying comedy which explores a city in turmoil, Wed 2 - Sat 5 May, toire The REP, Birmingham JACK BARRY, SIMON LOMAS & HARVEY what it’s like to be British in a crisis, SHREK THE MUSICAL HAWKINS Fri 4 May, Cherry Reds Tues 1 May, Theatre Severn, Shrews- All-singing, all- Cafe-Bar, Birmingham bury dancing musical, where fairytales are turned upside down, Wed 2 - Sun 13 ROB ROUSE, STEVE GRIBBIN, MICKEY May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Talks SHARMA & RADU ISAC Fri 4 May, The AN EVENING OF NEW MUSICAL THEATRE Glee Club, Birmingham AN AUDIENCE WITH THE REV RICHARD COLES RICK KIESEWETTER, BETHANY BLACK & Presented by University of Wolver- hampton Musical Theatre, Fri 4 - Sat Join the Strictly star as he re- CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 4 May, Wolver- 5 May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhamp- counts his experiences both on the hampton Grand Theatre ton dancefloor and backstage, Wed 2 TOM STADE Fri 4 May, Oakengates QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE May, Oakengates Theatre at The Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shrop- One-man Place, Telford ONCE UPON A WEDNESDAY: JAN BLAKE, shire show which charts Crisp’s life from the 1970s to his final years, Sat 5 OLD WOMEN SHAPPI KHORSANDI Sat 5 May, Dudley May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Jan Blake contemplates Town Hall PLAYHOUSE CREATURES what happens when we misjudge our Amateur stag- elders, Wed 2 May, Brewhouse Arts ROB ROUSE, STEVE GRIBBIN, MICKEY ing of April De Angelis’ moving Centre, Burton-upon-Trent restoration comedy, Sat 5 - Sat 12 whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Tues 1 - Sun 6 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:13 Page 3

thelist Tuesday 1 to Sunday 6 May Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 1 Film May DARKEST HOUR (PG) INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- THE SQUARE (15) Comedy/Drama. man, Lily James. MAC, Birmingham, Starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss. Fri 4 May; Wem Town Hall, North Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Shropshire, Fri 4 & Tues 8 May until Wed 2 May; Ludlow Assembly PETER RABBIT (PG) Animation/Adven- Rooms, South Shropshire, Wed 2 ture. With the voices of James Cor- May den, Fayssal Bazzi. Festival Drayton WONDERSTRUCK (PG) Family/Mystery. Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- Starring Julianne Moore, Michelle shire, Fri 4 May Williams. Light House Media Centre, A MAN CALLED OVE (15) Wolverhampton, until Thurs 3 May Comedy/Drama. Starring Rolf Lass- THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO gård, Bahar Pars. Foreign language, PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/History. subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 4 Starring Lily James, Matthew Goode. May Light House Media Centre, Wolver- AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (tbc) Adven- hampton, until Thurs 3 May ture/Fantasy. Starring Robert Downey THE AFRICAN QUEEN (PG) Drama/Ad- Jr, Karen Gillan. Light House Media venture. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 4 - Thurs Katharine Hepburn. Mitchell Arts 10 May Centre, Stoke, Tues 1 May THE ICE KING (12A) Documentary. Star- ring John Curry. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 1 Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival May CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (15) Drama/Romance. Starring Armie NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: - Mon 7 May, Trentham Gardens, Hammer, Timothée Chalamet. Stoke-on-Trent Released from Fri 4 May, showing at selected cinemas SHREWSBURY BOOKFEST Complete with new activities and master- ANON (tbc) classes, Sat 5 - Mon 7 May, Shrews- I FEEL PRETTY (12a) bury Town Centre LEAN ON PETE (15) STORYTELLING AT TAMWORTH CASTLE MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER (U) Tales of knights, dragons and princesses, Sat 5 - Mon 7 May, Tam- TULLY (15) worth Castle SWASHBUCKLING PIRATES A weekend of pirate activities, Sat 5 - Mon 7 May, Cadbury World, Birmingham Events GREAT WESTERN TAKEOVER King Ed- ward II makes its last appearance on STEALTH - FINDERS KEEPERS! Put your the railway during the May Bank Holi- criminal minds together to pull off day, Sat 5 - Mon 7 May, Severn Valley Birmingham's biggest heist, Wed 2 - Railway, Bewdley, Worcestershire Thurs 3 May, Centrala, Birmingham TUG BOATS GATHERING See the canal SUPERNATURAL OFFICIAL CONVENTION come alive with traditional tug boats, Meet the stars from the show, includ- Sat 5 - Mon 7 May, Black Country Liv- ing Jensen Ackles and Jared ing Museum, Dudley Padalecki, Fri 4 - Sun 6 May, NEC, IRONBRIDGE GORGE WALKING FESTIVAL Birmingham A programme of 53 free walks in and JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK around the World Heritage Site, Sat 5 Sat 5 May, Museum of the Jewellery - Sun 13 May, Ironbridge Gorge, Quarter, Birmingham Telford, Shropshire TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE! Dud- GIN AND RUM FESTIVAL Sun 6 May, ley Zoo's annual sponsored charity Burton Market Hall, Burton-upon- walk - a 5km stroll around the 40-acre Trent woodland hillside, Sat 5 May, Dudley BEAUTIFUL BLUEBELL WALK Join TV's Zoological Gardens Keith Pybus for the popular Bluebell 'FEAST' STREET FOOD AND DRINK FESTI- Walk, Sun 6 May, Shropshire Hills VAL Sat 5 May, Enginuity Museum, Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, Ironbridge, Shropshire South Shropshire MAKERS CENTRAL A brand new event DUDLEY TRAIL Now in its 38th year, bringing together thousands of mak- Sun 6 May, Himley Hall & Park, Dud- ers, Sat 5 - Sun 6 May, NEC, B’ham ley SANDON SPRING FAIR A celebration of SPRING PLANT FAIR A must-attend food, craft & family fun, Sat 5 - Sun 6 event for both plantaholics and May, Sandon Hall, Stafford novices alike, Sat 6 - Mon 7 May, We- ARCHERY AT TRENTHAM GARDENS Sat 5 ston Park, Staffs 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Tues 1 - Sun 6 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:13 Page 4

Monday 7 to Sunday 13 May

BARBARA DICKSON Sat 12 May, Stafford CRAZY FOR YOU Thurs 10 May, Gatehouse Theatre Tom Chambers, Claire Gigs Classical Music Sweeney and Charlotte Wakefield Foxlowe Arts Centre, RAINBOW RISING Sat 12 MIDDAY MUSIC; EMILY SUN (VIOLIN) star in a new touring production of the Leek, Staffordshire May, Eleven, Stoke-on- JOHN WHEELER Mon 7 Also featuring Jennifer Hughes hit musical, Tues 8 - Sat 12 May, ROXY MAGIC Thurs 10 Trent May, The Glee Club, (piano). Programme includes works Wolverhampton Grand Theatre May, The Robin, Bil- AVENUE Q Birmingham HEATWAVE & ODYSSEY by Mozart, Fauré & Igor Frolov, Tues ston Amateur staging presented DANNY BRYANT Mon 7 Sat 12 May, Theatre 8 May, Royal Birmingham Conserva- by Lichfield Operatic Society, Tues 8 - May, The Robin, Bil- LAURENCE JONES Thurs Severn, Shrewsbury toire Sat 12 May, Lichfield Garrick 10 May, Hare & PYAR ACTUALLY ston LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Hounds, Birmingham A sparkling new com- JASON DONOVAN Tues 8 Sat 12 May, Theatre CHESTRA: BARTÓK'S PIANO CONCERTO edy by Sukh Ojla, Tues 8 - Sat 12 May, Oakengates The- BLACK HONEY Thurs 10 Severn, Shrewsbury Featuring Kazushi Ono (conductor) & May, The REP, Birmingham atre at The Place, May, The Sugarmill, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (piano), Wed 9 THE WIZARD OF OZ ALEX HITCHCOCK QUIN- Amateur staging Telford, Shropshire Stoke-on-Trent May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham TET Sat 12 May, The presented by Five Towns Theatre, DAN WALSH TRIO & NICKELBACK Thurs 10 Hive, Shrewsbury BBC PHILHARMONIC; BEETHOVEN’S SEV- Tues 8 - Sat 12 May, Stoke Rep The- KYSHONA Tues 8 May, May, Genting Arena, ROCK FOR SPON 7 Sat ENTH GALA FINALE Programme in- atre, Stoke-on-Trent Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham cludes works by Wagner, Mozart, CALAMITY JANE 12 May, The Robin, Cannock Wood and Theatre Weber & Beethoven, Fri 11 May, Vic- STRICTLY ABBA Fri 11 Bilston Gentleshaw Music Society present an toria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent KERRY ELLIS Tues 8 May, Theatre On The SHAKATAK Sat 12 May, amateur staging of the ‘barn-storm- May, Theatre Severn, Steps, Bridgnorth, Ludlow Assembly CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET: FROM BU- ing’ musical, Wed 9 - Sat 12 May, Shrewsbury South Shropshire Rooms, South Shrop- DAPEST TO NEW YORK Programme in- Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock cludes works by Haydn, Bartok & HELLO LA VOIX MARTIN HAYES & DEN- LIZA SINGS STREISAND shire An evening with the Dvorak’s, Sun 13 May, The Lion NIS CAHILL Tues 8 May, Fri 11 May, Stafford JUNGLE Sat 12 May, larger-than-life star from Absolutely Hotel, Shrewsbury New Vic Theatre, New- Gatehouse Theatre O2 Institute, B’ham Fabulous The Movie, Thurs 10 May, castle-under-Lyme DIIO - A TRIBUTE TO Crescent Theatre, Birmingham MERCURY - THE ULTI- GODSPELL CHRISTY MOORE Tues 8 RONNIE JAMES DIO, MATE QUEEN TRIBUTE Presented by Momentum May, Symphony Hall, SAXONISED Fri 11 May, Sat 12 May, New Performing Arts Production in associ- Birmingham Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Alexandra Theatre, ation with South Staffordshire Col- JASON DONOVAN Wed 9 NADINE COYLE Fri 11 Birmingham Comedy lege, Thurs 10 - Fri 11 May, Lichfield May, Stafford Gate- May, O2 Institute, THE COMEDY HUT Tues 8 May, The Garrick FAIRPORT CONVENTION THE WEDDING RECEPTION house Theatre Birmingham Sat 12 May, Forest Civic, Stourport Immersive CALAN Wed 9 May, FRUIT & RASCALTON Fri Arts Centre, Walsall JOHN FOTHERGILL, HENRY PARKER, experience from the team behind Theatre Severn, 11 May, The Sugarmill, GAZ COOMBES Sat 12 CAREY MARX & STEVE SHANYASKI Wed Fawlty Towers The Dining Experi- Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent May, William Aston 9 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham ence, Thurs 10 - Fri 11 May, The REP, Birmingham BROTHERS OSBORNE WILL POUND'S Hall, Wrexham IAN MOORE, SCOTT BENNETT & DAN OUR HOUSE Wed 9 May, O2 "THROUGH THE SEA- ETERNAL FEAR Sat 12 NIGHTINGALE Wed 9 May, Henry Tudor Youth Onstage present an Academy, Birmingham SONS" Fri 11 May, May, The Slade House, Shrewsbury amateur staging of the Tim Firth musi- Stafford Gatehouse cal set to the songs of Madness, TRAGEDY: A METAL Rooms, Wolverhamp- KEITH FARNAN, COMEDY CAROUSEL Theatre Thurs 10 - Sat 12 May, The Old Rep TRIBUTE TO THE BEE ton WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Theatre, Birmingham GEES & BEYOND Wed 9 LET'S HANG ON Fri 11 SHOW OF HANDS Sun Thurs 10 May, The Glee Club, B’ham ACÉLÉRÉ May, Theatre Severn, Circolombia sing, rock and May, The Robin, Bil- 13 May, Theatre Sev- SIMON EVANS Thurs 10 May, The Shrewsbury rap their way through an evening of ston ern, Shrewsbury Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- circus stunts, acrobatics, crazy tricks, MARY CHAPIN CARPEN- KING OF POP - THE LEG- CATRIN FINCH & SECKOU Trent END CONTINUES Fri 11 flips and aerial work, Sat 10 Mar - TER Wed 9 May, Birm- KEITA Sun 13 May, MICHAEL MCINTYRE Thurs 10 - Sun 13 May, The Robin, Bil- Sun 13 May, Clough Hall Park, ingham Town Hall Birmingham Town Hall May, Arena Birmingham, Birmingham ston Stoke-on-Trent ROB HERON & THE TEA BLACK COFFEE Sun 13 SUZI RUFFELL, ANGELA BARNES Fri 11 KATE RUSBY Fri 11 May, PAD ORCHESTRA Thurs May, O2 Institute, May, The Glee Club, Birmingham 10 May, Henry Tudor William Aston Hall, Birmingham KEITH FARNAN, BEC HILL, DANNY House, Shrewsbury Wrexham BREAST CANCER NOW: MCLOUGHLIN & MARKUS BIRDMAN Fri KING PLEASURE AND DAVE DAY Thurs 10 PETE BODDIS BAND + 11 - Sat 12 May, The Glee Club, Birm- THE BISCUIT BOYS May, Stafford Gate- Sat FREEWHEELIN' BAND ingham house Theatre 12 May, New Vic The- Sun 13 May, The atre, Newcastle-under- PHILL JUPITUS Sat 12 May, Theatre DON MCLEAN Thurs 10 Robin, Bilston Lyme Severn, Shrewsbury May, Symphony Hall, ROGER MONKHOUSE, BOBBY MAIR, Birmingham ISLANDS IN THE STREAM BARRY CASTAGNOLA & LAURA LEXX Sat 12 May, The Comedy Loft, B’ham PHILL JUPITUS Sun 13 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP WITH NIKKI Theatre KITT Fri 11 May, MAC, Birmingham BETTY BLUE EYES JONNY FLUFFYPUNK: HOW I CAME TO BE The University of WHERE I NEVER WAS Wolverhampton present a musical A story about comedy based on Alan Bennett’s finding yourself, unrequited love and award-winning film, A Private Func- the importance of a good record tion, Tues 8 - Wed 9 May, shop, Fri 11 May, Bitterley Village Black Honey - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Hall, Nr Ludlow, South Shropshire whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Tues 1 - Sun 6 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:13 Page 5

thelist ONE WOMAN SEX AND THE CITY A par- ody on love, friendship and shoes, Fri Kids Show Talks Film 11 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SISTER ACT HOOT OWL MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEGENDS LIVE! Final-year University of Inventive show for children THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Musical. Wolverhampton Musical Theatre stu- featuring original songs, colourful Five Midlands football legends talk Starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron. dents present their version of the feel- puppets, animation and rapid cos- about their careers - including Ron This showing is a sing-a-long. Electric good musical comedy, based on the tume change, Sat 12 May, Stour- Atkinson, Paul Merson and Peter Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 7 May bridge Town Hall Withe. Mon 7 May, New Alexandra film of the same name, Fri 11 - Sat 12 LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Theatre, Birmingham HEROES AN AUDIENCE WITH SIMON KING ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. The Crescent Theatre Com- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 8 pany present Tom Stoppard's transla- The star of Springwatch and Big Cat May tion of Gerald Sibleyras' play, Sat 12 - Dance Diary talks about his adventures as a Sat 19 May, Crescent Theatre, B’ham wildlife filmmaker, Wed 9 May, Oak- THE STRING QUARTET'S GUIDE TO SEX BALLETBOYZ - FOURTEEN DAYS engates Theatre at The Place, Ballet- AND ANXIETY Telford, Shropshire New production from Boyz are back with four brand new EDDIE HALL - THE WORLD'S STRONGEST one of Europe's most exciting theatre works and the return of an audience MAN directors, Calixto Bieito, Sat 12 - Sat favourite, Wed 9 May, Theatre Sev- Spend an evening with World’s 19 May, The REP, Birmingham ern, Shrewsbury Strongest Man Eddie Hall, as he talks BREAK THE LIMITS through his journey from being a Students from young rebellious child to becoming Steelworks Dance Academy present The Beast, Thurs 10 May, New Vic a groundbreaking show, Wed 9 - Sat Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme 12 May, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke- MONOLOGUESLAM MASTERCLASS 2018 on-Trent B-SIDE HIP-HOP FESTIVAL 2018 Workshop analysing how to perform a Week- monologue, Sat 12 May, The REP, end takeover of dance and rap bat- Birmingham tles, live music, workshops & graffiti in NARCOS - CAPTURING PABLO AND THE the streets around the Hippodrome. CALI CARTEL Lots will be free, with some ticketed Meet the men who were and some paid-for events too, Wed 9 the inspiration behind hit Netflix TV - Sun 13 May, B’ham Hippodrome series NARCOS, Sat 12 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Tues 1 - Sun 6 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:13 Page 6

Monday 7 to Sunday 13 May

OKLAHOMA! (U) Drama/Musical. Star- dancers, Mon 7 May, Black Country ring Gordon MacRae, Gloria Gra- Living Museum, Dudley hame. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, BODYPOWER EXPO 2018 Fitness event, Tues 8 May inspiring and motivating 90,000-plus MY GENERATION (12A) Documentary. health & fitness enthusiasts, Fri 11 - Starring Michael Caine, David Bailey. Sun 13 May, NEC, Birmingham Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 8 - HANDICRAFT WEEKEND Craft makers Wed 9 May are offered the chance to focus on THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, the handmade parts of the collection; MISSOURI (15) Mystery/Thriller. Star- from lace to embroidery, Fri 11 - Mon ring Frances McDormand, Woody 14 May, Sunnycroft, Wellington, Harrelson. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 8 Shropshire & Fri 11 May INFLATABLE 5K OBSTACLE RUN Pit your 70 YEARS FROM NAKBA: A PROGRAMME wits against 10 giant inflatable obsta- OF PALSTINIAN SHORTS This pro- cles on a fun 5k course, Sat 12 May, gramme of nine shorts includes the Wolverhampton Racecourse work of young and established Pales- BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 12 tinian filmmakers. Foreign language, May, Birmingham Hippodrome subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, Wed 9 May BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - A DRAMATIC, COSTUMED EVENING TOUR OF ATTING- YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (15) HAM Sat 12 May, Attingham Park, Mystery/Thriller. Starring Joaquin Shrewsbury Phoenix, Dante Pereira-Olson. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- 400 YEARS OF ASTON HALL: GEORGIAN ton, Fri 11 - Thurs 17 May HOUSE PARTY Witness sword fight duels, learn the art of fan flirting, ex- THE ITALIAN JOB (PG) Action/Comedy. perience what went on in coffee Starring Michael Caine, Noël Coward. houses, and find out what secret Beacon Park, Lichfield, Sat 12 May messages a beauty patch can tell you, Sat 12 May, Aston Hall, B’ham MONOLOGUESLAM MASTERCLASS 2018 Workshop led by Darren RL Gordon, Sat 12 May, The REP, Birmingham ZOMBIE ESCAPE RACE Zombies have taken over Hawkstone Park follies and the safe zone is on the other side. Do you have what it takes to make it through the 5k route of caves, obstacles and mud with your B-Side Hip-Hop Festival 2018 three lives still intact? Sat 12 May, Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 9 - Sun 13 May Hawkstone Park & Follies, Shrews- Birmingham Hippodrome’s free annual festival celebrating all bury things hip-hop makes a welcome return. TELFORD BALLOON AND KITE FIESTA Ac- Now in its third year, B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival features outdoor NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: robatic aerial displays with stunt kites and large-scale kites, Sat 12 - Sun 13 performances, pop-up dance events, interactive talks, live graffiti Released from Fri 11 May, showing at May, Telford Town Park, Shropshire art and a programme of high-energy workshops. For more informa- selected cinemas tion, visit birminghamhippodrome.com/bside and BREAKING IN (15) facebook.com/bside2018 ENTEBBE (12a) HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES (15) LIFE OF THE PARTY (12a) REDOUBTABLE (15) LIFE OF THE PARTY (12a)

REDOUBTABLE (15) WOOL @ J13 A wool festival for knit- SHERLOCK GNOMES (U) ters, crochet fans, felters, spinners THE CURED (15) and yarn specialists alike, Sat 12 - Sun 13 May, Lower Drayton Farm, Nr Penkridge LUDLOW SPRING FESTIVAL Beer, bangers, bread and classic cars, Sat Events 12 - Sun 13 May, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire MARVELLOUS MAY DAY A day of family STOURPORT STEAMPUNK & VINTAGE fun, Mon 7 May, Worcestershire SPECTACULAR Costume and gadget County Museum, Kidderminster displays, tea duelling and a vintage MAY DAY! Morris dancing, maypole fashion show, Sun 13 May, The Civic, dancing, games and more, Mon 7 Stourport May, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham BRITISH MINI DAY Featuring Minis MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS Grab a may- from 1959 to the present, Sun 13 pole ribbon and join the traditional May, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley British Mini Day - Himley Park, Dudley

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 14 - Sun 20 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:14 Page 1

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 14 - Sun 20 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:14 Page 2

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 May Thurs 17 May, The meadow Centre, LUCY PORTER Sat 19 May, Theatre Gigs Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Broseley, Shropshire Classical Music Severn, Shrewsbury Trent DILJIT DOSANJH Sat 19 ROB ROUSE, TOM TOAL, TUDUR OWEN & NORA FISCHER Mon 14 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THE WEST COAST EA- May, Arena B’ham CAIMH MCDONNELL Sat 19 May, The May, Birmingham THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- GLES Thurs 17 May, Comedy Loft, Birmingham Town Hall BOOT LED ZEPPELIN Sat cludes works by Handel, J.C Pe- Stafford Gatehouse 19 May, Victoria Hall, ADAM VINCENT, DANNY DEEGAN & KEITH THE BLUETONES Mon 14 pusch, W. Russell, A. Hollins & H. Theatre Stoke-on-Trent CARTER AS NIGE Sat 19 May, Regent May, O2 Institute, Mulet, Mon 14 May, Birmingham BLACKWATERS Thurs 17 Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham HANNAH SANDERS & Town Hall May, The Sugarmill, BEN SAVAGE Sat 19 STUART GOLDSMITH Sun 20 May, FOREIGNER Tues 15 MIDDAY MUSIC: BRAHMS, FAURÉ & Stoke-on-Trent May, The Hive, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury May, Symphony Hall, TOMASI Featuring Doris Kuo (violin) & CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. Shrewsbury Birmingham Ella Lee (piano), Mon 14 May, Royal MARK STEEL Sun 20 May, Theatre ROOKIE Fri 18 May, O2 THE CUTKELVINS Sat 19 Birmingham Conservatoire Severn, Shrewsbury IAN MOSS Tues 15 May, Academy, Birmingham May, O2 Academy, The Robin, Bilston CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- THE CHRISTIANS & HUE Birmingham CHESTRA: MARVELLOUS MOZART Fea- JON ALLEN Tues 15 AND CRY Fri 18 May, SARA COX PRESENTS turing Reinhard Goebel (conductor) May, Henry Tudor William Aston Hall, JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH & Mirijam Contzen (violin). Pro- House, Shrewsbury Wrexham 80S Sat 19 May, O2 In- gramme comprises J.C.Bach’s Theatre REMI HARRIS TRIO Wed RAYMOND FROGGATT Fri stitute, Birmingham Amadis de Gaule: Suite, 20’; Mozart’s 16 May, Lichfield Violin Concerto in D major, K.271a, NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 18 May, Theatre Sev- GROOVE CITY Sat 19 The Nonenti- Guildhall 29’ & Symphony No. 36 in C Major ern, Shrewsbury May, Albert's Shed Bar, ties present an amateur staging of (Linz), 28’; Mozart Idomeneo: ballet RITA ORA Wed 16 May, A SYMPHONY OF HOR- Shrewsbury Alan Ayckbourn’s character comedy, music, 10’, Wed 16 May, Symphony O2 Academy, B’ham ROR Fri 18 May, Tam- Mon 14 - Sat 19 May, The Rose The- FOO FIGHTERS GB Sat Hall, Birmingham TAKING PART - ESCAPE worth Assembly 19 May, Eleven, Stoke- atre, Kidderminster CBSO CENTRE STAGE: MOZART’S HORN HITZ FROM THE BLITZ 1940’S MATINEE Wed 16 May, The But- Rooms on-Trent QUINTET Featuring Michael Kidd SHOW termarket, Shrewsbury DURAN DURAN EXPERI- A nostalgic afternoon featuring ULTRA 90S Sat 19 May, (horn), Charlotte Skinner (violin), ENCE Fri 18 May, The- wartime hits from Glenn Miller, Anne WALK RIGHT BACK - THE The River Rooms, Catherine Bower & Amy Thomas (vio- atre On The Steps, Shelton, Vera Lynn and more, cour- STORY OF THE EVERLY Stourbridge las) & Catherine Ardagh-Walter BROTHERS Wed 16 Bridgnorth, Shrops tesy of Five Star Swing, Tues 15 May, EXPLOSIVE LIGHT OR- (cello). Programme includes works May, Oakengates The- Dudley Town Hall GALLUS COOPER AND CHESTRA Sat 19 May, by Beethoven & Mozart, Fri 18 May, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL atre at The Place, MAIDEN SCOTLAND Fri The Robin, Bilston CBSO Centre, Birmingham Musical par- Telford, Shropshire 18 May, The Robin, Bil- ody starring Cheryl Fergison (EastEn- OUT OF TIME MOD NIGHT CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- STEPHEN DALE PETIT ston ders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), 4TH ANNIVERSARY Sat CHESTRA: FAMILY FILM FAVOURITES Wed 16 May, Albert's Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Hi- A PARAMORE PARTY Fri 19 May, Newhampton Featuring Holly Mathieson (conduc- Shed Bar, Shrewsbury 18 May, Hare & lary O’Neil (ITV’s Copy Cats) star, Arts Centre, Wolver- tor) & Catherine Arlidge (presenter). Tues 15 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke- JOSH T. PEARSON Hounds, Birmingham Wed hampton Programme includes music from The on-Trent 16 May, The Glee ICONIC EYE Fri 18 May, STONE BROKEN Sat 19 Incredibles, Harry Potter, Frozen, Pi- MADE IN DAGENHAM Club, Birmingham Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent rates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, Curtain Call The- May, O2 Institute, atre Company present an amateur SARA COLMAN The Lion King, Wallace and Gromit, Wed 16 AERYNN Fri 18 May, Birmingham staging of the hit musical comedy, May, Symphony Hall, Mary Poppins & The Hobbit, Sun 20 Foxlowe Arts Centre, HEAVEN 17 AND THE Tues 15 - Thurs 17 May, Theatre Sev- Birmingham May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Staffordshire LIGHTNING SEEDS Sat ern, Shrewsbury NILS LOFGREN DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Wed 16 BLACKWATERS + FEED- 19 May, Uttoxeter Amateur May, Birmingham BACC + SPECIAL Racecourse staging presented by The Mellow Town Hall GUESTS Fri 18 May, The MOTHERSHIP - LED ZEP- Dramatics, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May, NINA NESBITT Wed 16 Sugarmill, Stoke-on- PELIN TRIBUTE Sun 20 Comedy The Brewhouse Arts Centre, May, O2 Institute, Trent May, The Glee Club, Burton-upon-Trent LEE NELSON Wed 16 May, The Old Birmingham THE BORN AGAIN BEAT- Birmingham DON’T PANIC! Rep Theatre, Birmingham Porthill Players present SOME GUYS HAVE ALL LES Fri 18 May, Lich- REAL TO REEL Sun 20 an amateur production based on the BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST Wed 16 May, THE LUCK - THE ROD field Guildhall May, The Robin, Bil- hit BBC sitcom, Dad’s Army, Tues 15 The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham STEWART STORY Thurs REBECCA DOWNES Fri ston - Sat 19 May, Stoke Rep Theatre, 17 May, Regent The- ROGER MONKHOUSE, COMEDY 18 May, The Slade THE CHRISTIANS & HUE Stoke-on-Trent atre, Stoke-on-Trent CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT Rooms, W’hampton AND CRY Sun 20 May, ‘Riotous’ COMIC TBC Thurs 17 May, The Glee THE SLOW READERS Oakengates Theatre at comedy featuring misfit knights, killer Club, Birmingham CLUB Thurs 17 May, The Place, Telford, rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious The Slade Rooms, Shropshire DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 18 May, Birm- Frenchmen, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May, Wolverhampton ingham Town Hall Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury MURDER BALLAD Sun AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN PLANET DURAN Thurs 20 - Mon 21 May, Al- CHRIS RAMSEY Fri 18 May, Dudley 17 May, The Robin, Bil- bert's Shed Bar, Town Hall Nikolai Foster's musical staging of the ston Shrewsbury GLENN WOOL Fri 18 May, The Glee Oscar-winning film starring Richard THE MEAT LOAF STORY TY Sun 20 May, Hare & Club, Birmingham Gere. Soundtrack includes Up Where We Belong, Girls Just Want To Have Thurs 17 May, Oaken- Hounds, Birmingham JASON BYRNE, PETE FIRMAN & BREN- gates Theatre at The Fun & Material Girl, Tues 15 - Sat 19 SPACE ELEVATOR Sun DON BURNS Fri 18 May, Brierley Hill Place, Telford, Shrops May, Birmingham Hippodrome 20 May, Eleven, Stoke- Civic Hall, Dudley LOVE FROM A STRANGER Brand new MACHINE HEAD Thurs on-Trent ROGER MONKHOUSE, RUDI LICKWOOD, production of Agatha Christie’s rarely 17 May, O2 Academy, A COUNTRY NIGHT IN PAUL MYREHAUG & MARK SIMMONS Fri SCOTT MATTHEWS Sun seen thriller, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May, Birmingham NASHVILLE Fri 18 May, 18 - Sat 19 May, The Glee Club, Birm- 20 May, St Paul's New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham FAIRPORT CONVENTION Regent Theatre, Stoke- Church, Birmingham ingham SOME MOTHERS DO 'AVE 'EM Joe Thurs 17 May, Foxlowe on-Trent DAVID BADDIEL Sat 19 May, Stafford JUST FLOYD Sun 20 Pasquale stars as the hapless Frank Arts Centre, Staffs NORTHERN SOUL NIGHT Gatehouse Theatre May, The Robin, Bil- Spencer and Sarah Earnshaw as his CONAN AND MONOLORD Sat 19 May, Birch- ston long-suffering wife, Betty, in the stage whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 14 - Sun 20 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:15 Page 3

MAY/JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

22 MAY

Tuesday 8 May, 7.30pm STACEY KENT JASON DONOVAN...AND HIS £25.00 AMAZING MIDLIFE CRISIS 24 MAY

Wednesday 9 May, 7.30pm AN AUDIENCE WITH SIMON KING

THE UPBEAT BEATLES £23.00

25 MAY Friday 18 May, 5.00pm & 8.00pm MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

SOMEONE LIKE YOU: THE ADELE SONGBOOK Saturday 19 May, 7.30pm £24.00 RADIO ACTIVE 26 MAY

Sunday 20 May, 7.30pm THE CHRISTIANS & HUE AND CRY THE OPERA BOYS £22.00

27 MAY Wednesday 23 May, 7.30pm AN AUDIENCE WITH KATE HUMBLE

PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE: FACING THE MUSIC £20.00 - £24.00 Sunday 27 May, 2.00pm BIG FISH LITTLE FISH 31 MAY

Monday 4 June, 2.00pm HAL CRUTTENDEN LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY £26.00

1 JUNE Thursday 7 June, 7.30pm MONEY FOR NOTHING - UK’S NO.1 DIRE STRAITS TRUBUTE ODDSOCKS: THE TEMPEST £18.00 - £22.00

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, TWC GP 01368 LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 14 - Sun 20 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 15:15 Page 4

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 May version of the hit 1970s sitcom, Tues 15 - Sat 19 May, Wolverhampton Kids Shows Grand Theatre HALF A SIXPENCE SARAH AND DUCK'S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY Amateur staging of the classic family show, presented by Brand new stage show featuring Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, characters from the BAFTA Award- Tues 15 - Sat 19 May, Lichfield Gar- winning CBeebies show, Mon 14 - rick Tues 15 May, The Old Rep Theatre, HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Birmingham Arthur THE MAGIC HAT SHOP Conan Doyle’s spinechilling mystery, Children’s musi- Tues 15 - Sat 19 May, Stafford Gate- cal show featuring original songs, in- house Theatre teractive adventures and ME AND MY GIRL larger-than-life historical characters, Amateur staging of Sat 19 May, Mitchell Arts Centre, the famous Broadway musical, Wed Stoke-on-Trent 16 - Sat 19 May, Stourbridge Town DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Hall Interactive new WEST SIDE STORY show for all the family, Sat 19 - Sun Amateur staging 20 May, Birmingham Town Hall presented by Aldridge Musical Com- edy Society, Wed 16 - Sat 19 May, Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock WHISKY GALORE New adaptation of Pasha Kovalev’s The Magic Of Hollywood - Dudley Town Hall & Wolves Grand Theatre Compton Mackenzie’s novel, paying Dance Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 18 May racing with monster trucks and much tribute to the feisty all-female touring BALLETBOYZ - FOURTEEN DAYS more, Fri 18 - Sun 20 May, Santa Pod companies of the post-war years, Ballet- GHOST STORIES (15) Drama/Horror. Raceway, Northants Wed 16 May - Sat 2 June, New Vic Boyz are back with four brand new Starring Alex Lawther, Martin Free- Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme works and the return of an audience man. Light House Media Centre, 100 COCKPITS AND CABS Get a closer FORBIDDEN NIGHTS Wolverhampton, Fri 18 - Tues 22 May look inside 100 cockpits and vehi- Featuring acro- favourite, Mon 14 May, Wolverhamp- cles, Sat 19 May, RAF Cosford, Shif- bats, fire acts, aerial artists and circus ton Grand Theatre FUNNY COW (15) Comedy/Drama. RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT - WITH IAN nal, Shropshire performers, Thurs 17 May, The Civic, WAITE & OTI MABUSE Starring Maxine Peake, Paddy Consi- Stourport-on-Severn A night of Latin & dine. Light House Media Centre, RED BY NIGHT Skilled craftsmen and TRUTH Wolverhampton, Fri 18 - Sat 24 May live demonstrations bring the reality New show which looks at the ballroom numbers, delivered with Ian of ‘black by day, red by night’ to life, once-simple notion of truth in the & Oti’s trademark high intensity, THE LEISURE SEEKER (15) Sat 19 May, Black Country Living Mu- messy modern age of fake news, Sat 19 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Comedy/Drama. Starring Helen Mir- on-Trent seum, Dudley Thurs 17 - Sat 19 May, The REP, PASHA KOVALEV'S THE MAGIC OF HOLLY- ren, Donald Sutherland. Light House SCI-FI WEEKEND Birmingham WOOD Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 18 Travel by Earth Train SHEN YUN - Sat 24 May to the planet Consall, or beam in Featuring one of the world’s Lights, Camera... Ballroom. dressed as your favourite superhero, oldest art forms - classical Chinese Pasha Kovalev (from BBC TV's DIRTY DANCING (15) Drama/Music. to join forces with Dr Who as he tries dance, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 May, Inter- Strictly Come Dancing) returns with a Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer to thwart the deadly Daleks, Sat 19 - national Convention Centre (ICC), brand new show packed with se- Grey. Beacon Park, Lichfield, Sat 19 Sun 20 May, Churnet Valley Railway, Birmingham quins, glitz and glamour, Sat 19 May, May RICH STOKES: I'M NOT FINE Dudley Town Hall Froghall, Staffs One-man PASHA KOVALEV'S THE MAGIC OF HOLLY- THE DAM BUSTERS (U) Drama/History. INDUSTRIAL MIGHT Discover the awe- musical tackling the subjects of anxi- WOOD Starring Richard Todd, Michael Red- inspiring industrial might of the Black ety, masculinity, parenthood and Lights, Camera... Ballroom. grave. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Country, Sat 19 - Sun 20 May, Black sewage through the medium of com- Pasha Kovalev (from BBC TV's Sun 20 May Country Living Museum, Dudley edy, songs and storytelling, Fri 18 Strictly Come Dancing) returns with a May, MAC, Birmingham brand new show packed with se- MIDLANDS AIR FESTIVAL Air display, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL quins, glitz and glamour, Sun 20 May, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: with classic WWI & II fighters, high- Musical par- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Released from Tues 15 May, showing energy aerobatics, classic jets, flying ody starring Cheryl Fergison (EastEn- at selected cinemas circus, parachutes, helicopters and ders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), gyrocopter. There will also be a full Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Hi- DEADPOOL 2 (tbc) hot-air balloon festival, with up to 50 lary O’Neil (ITV’s Copy Cats) star, Fri Released from Fri 18 May, showing at balloons, Fri 18 - Sun 20 May, Ragley 18 May, Oakengates Theatre at The selected cinemas Hall, Warwickshire Place, Telford, Shropshire Film JAMES PHELAN: TRICKSTER ON CHESIL BEACH (15) WAKE UP THE ZOO Follow the keepers Nephew of INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SUBMERGENCE (15) as they go about their daily duties, the late Paul Daniels, James presents GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) Bi- Sun 20 May, Dudley Zoological Gar- a unique magical prank show, Sat 19 ography/Drama. Starring Domhnall dens May, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Gleeson, Margot Robbie. Edge Arts RADIO ACTIVE WOOL-VES YARNIVAL Demonstrations Classic scripts from the Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- of traditional crafts, Sun 20 May, award-winning BBC Radio Four shire, Mon 14 May Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- show, presented live on stage, Sat 19 Events LAND OF MINE (15) History/War. Star- hampton May, Oakengates Theatre at The ring Roland Møller, Louis Hofmann. SPRING DIESEL FESTIVAL Featuring her- Place, Telford Foreign language, subtitled. Stafford itage and mainline diesels, Thurs 17 - DRAGON BOAT RACING All-action event NUKETOWN with teams battling it out in Chinese Combined storytelling and Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 15 May Sat 19 May, Severn Valley Railway, Dragon Boats, Sun 20 May, Himley protest art project about cities, public Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster GONE WITH THE WIND (PG) Drama/His- Hall & Park, Dudley money and the possible end of life as tory. Starring Clark Gable, Vivien THIS MORNING LIVE Live version of the we know it, Sat 19 May, Arena The- Leigh. Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke, This Morning TV show, Thurs 17 - MIXED TRACTION DAY Enjoy a ride on a atre, Wolverhampton Tues 15 May Sun 20 May, NEC, Birmingham number of steam and diesel trains VERTIGO operating along the line, Sun 20 May, Birmingham Institute of The- THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Fri 18 THE WHITE KNIGHTS (12) Drama. Star- Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr atre Arts present a showcase of musi- May, Genting Arena, Birmingham ring Vincent Lindon, Louise Bourgoin. Kidderminster cal theatre, Sat 19 - Sun 20 May, Foreign language, subtitled. The BIG BANG VW festival featuring drag The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 21 - Thurs 31 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:03 Page 1

2nd May, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday Jan Blake - Old Women

Tickets: £6, £8 otd

10th May, 8pm Simon Evans: Genius

Tickets: £14

15th - 19th May, 7.30pm 2.30pm Sat mat The Mellow Dramatics present Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical Tickets: £10 - £12

25th May, 7pm Beer Town Film Festival

Tickets:TiTickets:ckets: ££12, 1£52, ££1010 SSatat MMtt

26th May, 7.30pm Now That’s What I Call... Three’s Company Tickets: £12

2nd June, 11am & 2.30pm Tom Adams: My Dad, The Magician Tickets: £7, Family of 4 for £25

6th June, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday Shonaleigh, The Emerald Sea Tickets: £6, £8 otd

7th June, 7.30pm Red Ladder Thatre Damned United

Tickets: £12, £10 conc.

9th June, 7.30pm Patsy Cline & Friends Tickets: £17.50

Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 21 - Thurs 31 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:03 Page 2

thelist Monday 21 - Thursday 31 May VATOIRE FOLK ENSEM- VOICE OF THE HEART - ANDREW BIRD, WILL DUGGAN & CHRIS Gigs BLE Thurs 24 May, KAREN CARPENTER Sat Classical Music PURCHASE Fri 25 May, Wolverhamp- Foxlowe Arts Centre, 26 May, Stafford Gate- ton Grand Theatre TOMMY EMMANUEL BEETHOVEN'S TRIPLE CONCERTO Featur- Staffordshire house Theatre CHRIS RAMSEY Fri 25 May, Stafford Mon 21 May, Birming- ing Hagai Shaham (violin), Arnon JAPANESE BREAKFAST SOFT MACHINE Sat 26 Gatehouse Theatre ham Town Hall Erez (piano), Raphael Wallfisch Thurs 24 May, Hare & May, Eleven, Stoke-on- LARRY DEAN Fri 25 May, The Glee THE RUTLES MAJOR (cello) & David Curtis (conductor). Hounds, Birmingham Trent Club, Birmingham HAPPY TOUR 2018 Mon Programme comprises Beethoven’s HATS OFF TO LED ZEP- WHITNEY - QUEEN OF 21 May, The Robin, Bil- Coriolan Overture, Op.62 & Triple ALLYSON SMITH, ELLIOT STEEL, PELIN Fri 25 May, The- THE NIGHT Sat 26 May, ston Concerto in C major, Op.56 plus TANYALEE DAVIS & COMIC TBC Fri 25 - atre On The Steps, Theatre Severn, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No4 in A Sat 26 May, The Glee Club, B’ham COURTNEY PINE Mon 21 Bridgnorth Shrewsbury major, Op.90 'Italian', Wed 23 May, May, New Vic Theatre, JEREMY HARDY Fri 25 May, Ludlow As- BRYAN ADAMS Fri 25 KIRVANA (NIRVANA TRIB- Birmingham Town Hall Newcastle-under-Lyme sembly Rooms, South Shropshire May, Genting Arena, UTE BAND) Sat 26 May, CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- TOM STADE Fri 25 May, Theatre Sev- GAZ COOMBES Mon 21 Birmingham The Slade Rooms, CHESTRA: PROKOFIEV AND BERNSTEIN May, O2 Institute, ern, Shrewsbury BOWIE EXPERIENCE Fri Wolverhampton Featuring Ludovic Morlot (conductor) Birmingham NICK DOODY, DAVE LONGLEY, FUNMBI 25 May, Theatre Sev- THE BEAT, BUZZCOCKS, & Tasmin Little (violin). Programme OMOTAYO & ANDREW ROBINSON Sat 26 STACEY KENT Tues 22 ern, Shrewsbury THE SELECTER & STIFF includes works by Stravinsky, Bern- May, Lichfield Garrick stein & Prokofiev, Thurs 24 May, May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE COURTBETWEENERS LITTLE FINGERS Sun 27 Symphony Hall, Birmingham COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 26 May, INK. Tues 22 May, The Fri 25 May, The River May, Genting Arena, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Slade Rooms, Wolver- Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham JOSEPH CALLEJA AND THE CBSO Also hampton featuring Andrew Greenwood (con- IMPROV COMEDY WITH BOX OF FROGS CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. THE MIGHTY VIPERS Sun ductor). Programme includes works Sun 27 May, The Glee Club, B’ham CHRIS KING Tues 22 LONDON BLACK Fri 25 27 May, Albert's Shed by Verdi, Massenet, Bizet, Cilea, Puc- May, Forest Arts Cen- May, O2 Academy, Bar, Shrewsbury TIM VINE Wed 30 May, Victoria Hall, cini & Offenbach d’Hoffmann, Fri 25 tre, Walsall Birmingham WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN Stoke-on-Trent May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BRYDE Wed 23 May, THE WEDDING PRESENT - - CARPENTERS Sun 27 NICK DOODY, JIMMY MCGHIE & COMEDY THE OPERA BOYS Sat 26 May, Lichfield Henry Tudor House, "TOMMY" 30TH ANNIVER- May, Wolverhampton CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Garrick Shrewsbury SARY TOUR Fri 25 May, Grand Theatre 31 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham DIRE STRAITS UK Wed O2 Academy, B’ham HYSTERIA AND TALK OF BENJAMIN GROSVENOR & FRIENDS: HAL CRUTTENDEN Thurs 31 May, Lich- BRAHMS AND SCHUBERT. Featuring 23 May, The Glee BON GIOVI Fri 25 May, THE DEVIL Sun 27 May, field Garrick Hyeyoon Park (violin), Brett Dean Club, Birmingham Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent The Robin, Bilston (viola), Kian Soltani (cello) & Leon SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL NO AMPS, NO CHAT, NO 80'S NIGHT: THE BREAK- Bosch (double bass), Sat 26 May, Mon 28 May, NEC, CHARGE Wed 23 May, FAST CLUB, Fri 25 May, Birmingham Town Hall Arena Theatre, Wolver- Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Birmingham A SCHUBERT ENSEMBLE Featuring Llÿr hampton Dudley A CHANGE IS GONNA Williams on piano. Programme in- Theatre COME Tues 29 May, PIANO MAN - THE MUSIC THE SEX PISSED DOLLS cludes works by Schubert, Sun 27 THE DAMNED UNITED Birmingham Town Hall OF BILLY JOEL Wed 23 Fri 25 May, The Robin, May, Concord College, Acton Burnell, Adaptation of May, The Robin, Bil- Bilston BROOKE CANDY Tues 29 Shropshire David Peace’s ingenious novel about ston legendary football manager Brian GRETCHEN PETERS Fri May, The Glee Club, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN Featuring Clough, Mon 21 May, Theatre Sev- THE CHRIS BEVINGTON 25 May, Birmingham Birmingham Julian Lloyd Webber (conductor) & ern, Shrewsbury ORGANISATION Thurs 24 Town Hall EMMA STEVENS Tues 29 Jian Wang & Jiaxin Lloyd Webber LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL May, The Robin, Bil- Smash- LIVE AND PICKING Fri 25 May, The Robin, Bil- (cellos). Programme includes works ston hit musical starring Lucie Jones, Rita May, Newhampton ston by Elgar, Haydn & Vivaldi, Mon 28 Simons and Bill Ward, Mon 21 - Sat THE UP-BEAT BEATLES Arts Centre, Wolver- IAN PARKER & HIS BAND May, Royal Birmingham Conserva- 26 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Thurs 24 May, Lichfield hampton Wed 30 May, The toire Garrick Birmingham THE DMA'S Fri 25 May, Robin, Bilston CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- ART Nigel Havers, Denis Lawson and BREABACH Thurs 24 O2 Institute, B’ham THE SHADES Thurs 31 CHESTRA: FAURÉ'S REQUIEM Featuring Stephen Tompkinson star in the May, Theatre Severn, May, O2 Academy, Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), THE HUNNA Fri 25 May, award-winning comedy, Mon 21 - Sat Shrewsbury CBSO Chorus ė& CBSO Children's O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Chorus. Programme includes works 26 May, Birmingham Hippodrome PEACE Thurs 24 May, KING KING Thurs 31 HATS OFF TO LED ZEP- by Boulanger & Fauré, Thurs 31 May, O2 Academy, B’ham May, The Robin, Bil- PELIN Sat 26 May, The- Symphony Hall, Birmingham atre On The Steps, ston Bridgnorth, Shropshire KENT DUCHAINE Thurs THE SLOW READERS 31 May, Katie Fitzger- CLUB Sat 26 May, The ald's, Stourbridge Sugarmill, Stoke-on- THE RAILS Thurs 31 Comedy Trent May, Henry Tudor TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 21 May, House, Shrewsbury ECHO AND THE BUNNY- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham MEN Sat 26 May, Sym- SIMON EVANS Tues 22 May, The Glee COCO AND THE BUTTER- phony Hall, B’ham Club, Birmingham DELIVERED DOZEN - A MINERS' TALE FIELDS Thurs 24 May, THE UPTOWN MONO- CHRIS RAMSEY Wed 23 May, Theatre O2 Academy, B’ham TONES Sat 26 May, Al- Severn, Shrewsbury The true story of the Nine Locks Or- ANDY RICHARDS Thurs bert's Shed Bar, deal - a mining disaster in the Black BILAL ZAFAR Thurs 24 May, Forest Arts 24 May, Katie Fitzger- Shrewsbury Country in 1869, Tues 22 May, Centre, Walsall ald's, Stourbridge FATMAN ALLEY Sat 26 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ALLYSON SMITH, COMEDY CAROUSEL PSYCHIC SALLY MILES KANE Thurs 24 May, Katie Fitzgerald's, An evening with the WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC May, The Sugarmill, Stourbridge award-winning medium, Tues 22 May, Thurs 24 May, The Glee Club, B’ham Stoke-on-Trent ENEMO J Sat 26 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury JASON MANFORD Fri 25 May, Victoria THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE BIRMINGHAM CONSER- O2 Academy, B’ham Hayley Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Tamaddon takes the lead in the Tony whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 21 - Thurs 31 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:03 Page 3

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 21 - Thurs 31 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:03 Page 4

thelist Monday 21 - Thursday 31 May Award-winning musical based on the Helene Hanff’s bestselling book, Tues 1967 film of the same name, Tues 22 29 May - Sat 2 June, Wolverhampton - Sat 26 May, Regent Theatre, Grand Theatre Stoke-on-Trent STOMP GOLDILOCK, STOCK & THREE SMOKING Smash-hit production, combin- BEARS ing dance, comedy and music, in Original alternative comedy, which familiar objects - dustbin lids, Wed 23 - Fri 25 May, Old Joint Stock plastic bags and newspapers - are Theatre, Birmingham used to create a universal language, DARK CORNERS New storytelling per- Tues 29 May - Sat 2 June, Birming- ham Hippodrome formance from Polarbear (aka spoken FRANKENSTEIN 1899 word artist Steven Camden) about Don’t Go Into The how the decisions we're scared to Cellar present a reimagining of Mary make can come back to haunt us, Shelley’s Gothic horror story, Wed 30 Wed 23 - Sat 26 May, The REP, Birm- May, The Civic, Stourport-on-Severn ingham JOHN FILLMORE FLYING VISIT OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD The writer True story of a and star of the award-winning BBC group of convicts and a young officer radio programme brings his brand who rehearse and perform Australia's new live show to the stage, Wed 30 first theatrical production, Wed 23 May, New Alexandra Theatre, May - Sat 2 June, The REP, B’ham Birmingham KING LEAR GREASE Return of Gregory Doran's Get Your Wiglet On present acclaimed production, starring Antony an amateur staging of the original Delivered Dozen - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Sher, Wed 23 May - Sat 9 June, high school musical, Wed 30 May - Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Sat 2 June, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Stratford-upon-Avon bury 2 June, The Blue Orange Theatre, roasts, battles, stories and surprises, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL DEAR CHOCOLATE SOLDIER Birmingham Tues 22 May, Symphony Hall, Musical par- Historical THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- Birmingham ody starring Cheryl Fergison (EastEn- Theatre Company present a docud- LOWED A FLY AN AUDIENCE WITH KATE HUMBLE ders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), rama based on the First World War One of the world’s best- Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Hi- letters of Bombadier Edwin Hadsall, loved nursery rhymes, brought to life Wed 23 May, Oakengates Theatre at with singalong songs and colourful The Place, Telford, Shropshire lary O’Neil (ITV’s Copy Cats) star, Thurs 31 May, Foxlowe Arts Centre, AN AUDIENCE WITH HENRY BLOFELD Thurs 24 May, Stafford Gatehouse Leek, Staffs characters, Sun 27 May, Theatre CONCUBINE Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Spend an evening with the voice of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Amhara Spence's one- MY DAD THE MAGICIAN Tower woman show exploring womanhood, Inventive show Test Match Special, Fri 25 May, Festi- Players presents its version of one of sexuality and faith, Thurs 31 May - for children featuring handmade val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Agatha Christie’s darkest tales, Thurs Sat 2 June, The REP, Birmingham magic tricks, live music, cassette North Shropshire NEVILLE'S ISLAND players, DJ skills, audience interac- MCKELLEN: PLAYING THE PART LIVE 24 - Sat 26 May, Prince of Wales The Albrighton Play- Centre, Cannock tion and a rabbit called Horace, Thurs Celebrate one of Britain's true icons THE JEFF ASTLE STORY ers present an amateur staging of 31 May, MAC, Birmingham Celebration of Tim Firth’s comedy, Thurs 31 May - during his birthday weekend. Hosted the life of the West Brom footballing Sat 2 June, Theatre On The Steps, by Graham Norton and broadcast to hero. All proceeds go to the Jeff Astle Bridgnorth, Shropshire cinemas nationwide from London's Foundation, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 May, BFI Southbank, Sun 27 May, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham MAC, Birmingham CATALOGUE D’EMOJIS Dance PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE: FACING THE Interdisciplinary MUSIC music theatre event fusing traditional PASHA KOVALEV'S THE MAGIC OF HOLLY- Patricia Routledge in conver- piano playing with text, movement, Kids Shows WOOD sation with writer and broadcaster Ed- Lights, Camera... Ballroom. ward Seckerson, Sun 27 May, games and virtuosity, Sat 26 May, WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Pasha Kovalev (from BBC TV's Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Join the Lichfield Garrick MORGAN & WEST: TRAVELLING MAGI- woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat Strictly Come Dancing) returns with a CIANS red hen and the dainty dog in this mu- brand new show packed with se- Featuring ‘baffling magic, un- sical adaptation of Julia Donaldson & quins, glitz and glamour, Thurs 24 paralleled precognitive powers and a Lydia Monks' colourful farmyard ad- May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury genuine ability to travel through time’, PASHA KOVALEV'S THE MAGIC OF HOLLY- Film venture, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 May, WOOD Sat 26 May (8pm), Theatre Severn, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Lights, Camera... Ballroom. INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Shrewsbury MORGAN & WEST: MORE MAGIC FOR Pasha Kovalev (from BBC TV's URINETOWN THE MUSICAL KIDS THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) Presented Crazy capers for people of all Strictly Come Dancing) returns with a Horror/Mystery. Starring Douglas by the Crescent Theatre Company, ages, Sat 26 May (3pm), Theatre brand new show packed with se- Booth, Olivia Cooke. Edge Arts Cen- Sat 26 May - Sat 2 June, Crescent Severn, Shrewsbury quins, glitz and glamour, Sun 27 May, tre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- Theatre, Birmingham FIRST STAGES - TOM THUMB Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock GINGER JOHNSON: GLAMOROUS GRAN Lyngo THE LITTLE MERMAID shire, Mon 21 May AND OTHER TALL STORIES Theatre presents an innovative piece Ballet Theatre BEER TOWN FILM FESTIVAL Brewhouse A lively col- of theatre for younger audiences - UK revive their critically acclaimed Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Fri 25 lection of original children’s stories in- performed entirely on and under a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s May spired by the lives of LGBTQIA+ famous tale, Tues 29 May, The kitchen table, Sat 26 May, I GOT LIFE (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- people, Sun 27 May, Symphony Hall, The REP, Birmingham Roses, Kidderminster Birmingham MR SILLY PANCAKE AND THE LAND OF ring Agnès Jaoui, Thibault de Mon- JOHN HEGLEY: ALL HAIL THE SNAIL CAKE AND BISCUITS talembert. Foreign language, Poet Knees & Toes subtitled. Light House Media Centre, John Hegley takes his audience on a Theatre fuse original music & pup- Wolverhampton, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 humorous journey through his living petry to transport young audiences to May library of poems, songs, stories and Talks the land of Cake And Biscuits, Sat 26 EDIE (tbc) Drama. Starring Sheila Han- animal drawings, Tues 29 May, MAC, - Sun 27 May, MAC, Birmingham DAN AND PHIL: INTERACTIVE INTRO- Birmingham PINOCCHIO cock, Kevin Guthrie. Light House 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD Blue Orange Arts presents VERTS Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 25 Stefanie Join the internet-dwelling nerds its version of Carlo Collodi's much- for an interactive experience of rants, - Thurs 31 May Powers stars in the stage version of loved children's tale, Sat 26 May - Sat whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 21 - Thurs 31 May.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 19:03 Page 5

thelist Monday 21 - Thursday 31 May THAT GOOD NIGHT (12a) Drama. Star- 26 - Mon 28 May, Weston Park, Nr ring John Hurt, Sofia Helin. Light Shifnal, Shropshire House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- CREATE COLOUR Creative workshop, ton, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 May Sat 26 May - Sun 3 June, Ironbridge I KILL GIANTS (12a) Drama/Thriller. Gorge Museums, Shropshire Starring Madison Wolfe, Zoe Sal- MADE IN THE BLACK COUNTRY From dana. Light House Media Centre, door knockers to record-breaking Wolverhampton, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 cars, celebrate the Black Country's May manufacturing prowess, Sat 26 May - PETER RABBIT (PG) Animation/Adven- Sun 3 June, Black Country Living Mu- ture. With the voices of James Cor- seum, Dudley den, Fayssal Bazzi. Wem Town Hall, FIRST WORLD WAR ACTIVITIES Insight North Shropshire, Tues 29 - Wed 30 into life as a pilot during the First May World War, Sat 26 May - Sun 3 June, DUNKIRK (15) Drama/History. Starring RAF Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan. WITSUN WEEK HALF TERM Craft activi- Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues 29 ties and trails around the grounds, May Sat 26 May - Sun 3 June, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: HENRY BLOFELD - 78 RETIRED The Released from Thurs 24 May, show- golden voice of cricket shares un- ing at selected cinemas heard anecdotes from on and off the pitch, Sun 27 May, MAC, Birmingham SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY (tbc) Operation Earth BIG FISH LITTLE FISH Critically ac- Released from Fri 25 May, showing at claimed family rave, Sun 27 May, Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Mon 28 May - Fri 1 June selected cinemas Oakengates Theatre at The Place, Described by its organisers as ‘the ultimate interactive experience’, SHOW DOGS (PG) Telford, Shropshire Operation Earth is an exploration of environmental science, pro- THE BREADWINNER (12a) MEDIEVAL COURTLY COMBAT Experi- viding youngsters with plenty of information about how they can THE LITTLE VAMPIRE (U) ence the lives of Stokesay's medieval residents, Sun 27 - Mon 28 May, help to keep the planet healthy. Stokesay Castle, Nr Craven Arms, Activities include an indoor nature survey, air analysis and a mi- South Shropshire croscopic look at ‘the world around us’. ELIZABETHAN LIVING HISTORY EVENT Children can also get creative with a themed craft and borrow one Events Reenactors and historians transport of the event’s fun-filled backpacks, specially designed for young- visitors back in time to the Tudor Age, sters aged between three and seven. BEER TOWN FILM FESTIVAL A show- Sun 27 - Mon 28 May, Harvington case of emerging film talent, Fri 25 Hall, Kidderminster May, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, WORLD OF WEDGWOOD FOOD AND Burton-upon-Trent PICTURE THIS! FAMILY DRAWING TOUR and sow a seed to take home, Wed DRINK FESTIVAL Sun 27 - Mon 28 May, Have a go at drawing challenges, 30 May - Fri 1 June, Wightwick STOURPORT GIN JAMBOREE An oppor- World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent Wed 30 - Thurs 31 May, Aston Hall, Manor, Wolverhampton tunity to sample more than 100 gins, ROLLESTON TRANSPORT FESTIVAL Vin- Birmingham LITTLE TREKKERS Spring walk for all Fri 25 May, Civic Hall, Stourport- tage vehicles, bicycles, motorbikes, upon-Severn STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOW Featur- the family, led by the expert ranger stalls and fairground rides, Mon 28 ing JCB Dancing Diggers, Wed 30 - guides, Thurs 31 May, Carding Mill SHROPSHIRE COUNTY SHOW Celebra- May, Rolleston on Dove, nr Burton- Thurs 31 May, Staffordshire County Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Church tion of the rural community, highlight- upon-Trent Showground Stretton, South Shropshire ing the role it plays in our daily lives, OPERATION EARTH SHOW New family LITTLE SKIPPERS - BOSTIN BLACK COUN- WILD TIMES: BACK TO NATURE Join Sat 26 May, West Mid Showground, show exploring ‘the amazing stories Shrewsbury TRY Featuring activities and a boat WildLife Survival School for an hour and science of the environment’, Mon trip, Wed 30 - Thurs 31 May, Dudley of fun around the campfire. Hand- IAN BURRELL: THE GLOBAL AMBAS- 28 May - Fri 1 June, Thinktank Sci- Canal & Tunnel Trust craft something to take home, Thurs SADOR FOR RUM Learn all you need to ence Museum, Birmingham 31 May, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury know about the tropical tipple, while MAY HALF-TERM FAMILY CRAFTS Have a MAY HALF TERM - VIKINGS Mon 28 May go at bee-themed crafts, make a pot sampling a selection of world-class - Fri 1 June, Shropshire Hills Discov- varieties, Sat 26 May, MAC, B’ham ery Centre, Craven Arms, South DISCOVERY CLUB - BUG CITY Event en- Shropshire couraging children to get back to na- CASTLE QUEST Mon 28 May - Fri 1 ture, enjoy the outdoors and get June, Tamworth Castle creative, Sat 26 May, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, PIRATE WEEK Mon 28 May - Sun 3 South Shropshire June, Selly Manor, Bournville, B’ham IRONBRIDGE GORGE WWII WEEKEND MAY HALF TERM CRAFTS Animal- Community charity fundraising event themed craft activities, Tues 29 - in the historic Ironbridge Gorge, Sat Thurs 31 May, Blakesley Hall, B’ham 26 - Sun 27 May, Ironbridge, Telford ANIMAL MANIA Mobile zoo including CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF BBQ Sat 26 - lizards, snakes, chinchillas, hedge- Sun 27 May, National Brewery Cen- hogs, giant bunnies, tortoises, creepy tre, Burton-upon-Trent crawlies and much more, Wed 30 May, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham QUEEN VICTORIA'S BIRTHDAY Sat 26 - Sun 27 May, Blists Hill Victorian GET GEOCACHING Explore Attingham Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire as you hunt for hidden geocaches around the grounds, Wed 30 May, At- THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL Sat tingham Park, Shrewsbury Medieval Courtly Combat - Stokesay Castle, South Shropshire

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Contents May Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 14:41 Page 1 BRB Romeo F/P Pride 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/04/2018 18:35 Page 1