Coventry & Warwickshire Cover

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VAMOS THEATRE BRING Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands FINDING JOY TO STRATFORD COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ONNOVEMBER 2018

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 395 NOVEMBER 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

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

EVELYN GLENNIE on composing for the RSC interview inside... WTE:@WHATSONWARWICKSTWITTER:

KAMALA DEVAM stop off in the Midlands as part of their first ever UK tour... FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

MICHEL ROUX JR celebrity chef at the BBC Good Food Show WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:15 Page 1 Contents November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 18:35 Page 2

November 2018

Contents

I’ll be Damned - punk rock legends bring Evil Spirits to Coventry’s Empire - page 15

Evelyn Glennie Hal Cruttenden Michel Roux Jr the list

talks about composing for the brings new show Chubster to joins the celebrity chef line-up Your 16-page RSC’s Troilus And Cressida Bromsgrove’s Artrix at the BBC Good Food Show week-by-week listings guide page 8 page 21 page 49 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 39. Film 45. Visual Arts 47. Events

fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire 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 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281706 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee 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 Warwickshire November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 15:59 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Operatic treatment for Tolstoy’s classic Welsh National Opera (WNO) make a welcome return to Birmingham Hippodrome this month to present their autumn season. Highlight of the company’s line-up of shows is David Pountney’s War And Peace (pictured), a new production which WNO promise will be as ambitious and epic in scale as Tolstoy’s famous novel itself. Also featuring on the autumn programme are two timeless classics - Verdi’s La traviata and Rossini’s retelling of Cinderella, La Ceneren- tola... WNO perform at the Hippo- drome from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 November. For more information, visit wno.org.uk

New lease of life for lic and the United Kingdom on the occasion Demon Barbers invite of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Stratford arts venue Czechoslovakia’. audiences to The Lock-In An arts centre in Stratford-upon-Avon has Over the years, Richard has invited numerous A leading folk and hip-hop dance company been given a new lease of life as a family- Czech musicians to perform in festivals and and an award-winning folk band are teaming focused venue. concert series that he’s directed. The Leam- up to present a Christmas show at The Core Stratford ArtsHouse has been renamed Strat- ington Music season 2018/19 includes a per- theatre next month. ford Play House and reopened for business formance by the Czech Republic’s Martin Breaking Tradition and the Demon Barbers last month. The 455-seat venue is run by tour- String Quartet, taking place at the town’sů will perform The Lock-In ‘Christmas Carol’ at ing theatre company Proon Productions, who Royal Pump Rooms on 30 November. the Solihull venue on Tuesday 4 December. will be placing an emphasis on staging ‘qual- Intriguingly described as ‘half gig, half dance ity alternative theatre’. show and half panto’(!), the production has The Play House’s first season of productions previously been performed to rave reviews. includes feelgood 1940s show Hits From The Blitz (8 November), Oh What A Carry On (17 November) - an affectionate celebration of 60 Matthew Bourne’s new years of one of cinema’s best-loved comedy show to visit the Midlands series - and Christmas With Steptoe And Son Matthew Bourne’s new production of Romeo (24 November), which includes a recreation And Juliet will stop off at Birmingham Hippo- of a rarely seen sketch from 1962. drome next autumn (Tuesday 10 to Saturday The venue’s Christmas show is a production Coventry to host its first 14 September). of Snow White, performed by a professional same-sex dancing comp The touring show will see the title roles being cast but with the seven dwarfs being played played by six rising stars of Bourne’s dance by local youngsters. Coventry is this month hosting a same-sex dancing competition to raise funds for a good company, New Adventures, and two new cause. dancers making their professional debuts. Prestigious award for Coventry Does Strictly LGBT+ hits the dance- floor on Saturday 3 November. Joining forces Leamington Music director to host the event are Coventry businesses Leamington Music Festival Director Richard Dancing Feet and The Yard, which are aiming Phillips has been awarded the Honorary Sil- to raise as much money as possible for ver Medal of Jan Masaryk at a ceremony at PRISM, a charity working within the Coven- the Czech Embassy. try & Warwickshire LGBT+ community to pro- The Ambassador of the Czech Republic pre- vide a free and open space for young people. sented him with a medal and a diploma ‘for Tickets for the event, which takes place at outstanding contributions to the develop- The Yard, are now on sale and can be pur- ment of relations between the Czech Repub- chased at ticketsource.co.uk

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First Word

War Horse writer to visit Warwick War Horse writer Michael Mor- purgo (pictured) visits War- wick this month to talk about his latest novel, In The Mouth Of The Wolf. The book is based on the true story of his two uncles in the Second World War - his Uncle Pieter, who was a pilot in the RAF, and his Uncle Francis, a pacifist who became a secret agent. The event takes place at Warwick Hall on Thursday 22 November and will include an opportunity to ask Michael questions about his books and career. For further information, visit bridgehousethe- atre.co.uk

RSC hosts Big Backstage Weekend for theatre lovers The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon is this month hosting an ‘unforget- table’ theatre experience which will provide participants with the opportunity to work alongside technical, design and stage management teams. The Big Backstage Weekend (Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 November) also includes behind-the-scenes access to the RSC’s technically innovative new production of Troilus And Cressida, as well as the chance to watch the show itself on the Saturday evening. For more information, visit rsc.org.uk.

Malvern Youth Robert De HS2 design vision for two new stations Theatre to hold Niro’s waiting HS2 has released images for two of its Midlands stations. open auditions Fancy spending an Curzon Street station in central Birmingham will be the first brand new evening in the company intercity station built in Britain since the 19th century. Opening with Malvern Theatres Young Com- of one of the world’s most seven high-speed platforms in 2026, the station will also provide a new pany are holding open audi- legendary actors? public space in the city centre. tions for their summer 2019 If so, you’ll be interested Interchange station, meanwhile, will be a major gateway station for the production of Dylan Thomas’ to know that Hollywood region - part of a new public transport interchange serving Solihull, the Under Milk Wood. movie star Robert De Niro West Midlands, Birmingham Airport and the NEC. The auditions take place be- is visiting the Midlands The station will help deliver longer-term development and growth pro- tween 20 & 30 January. this month. Robert will be posals for the immediate surrounding area, including new homes, Applicants must be available appearing at a black-tie business spaces and jobs. for all rehearsals - starting dinner event, which will from Saturday 20 July - and also include an on-stage until the end of performances interview with the man at the Edinburgh Fringe on himself and an auction of Sunday 18 August. Prior to Ed- De Niro memorabilia. inburgh, the show will be per- An Experience With formed at Malvern Theatre. Robert De Niro takes Interested parties should place at Birmingham’s In- email: rhiannon@malvern- ternational Convention theatres.co.uk or ring 01684 Centre on Tuesday 27 580943. The closing date for November. applications is Monday 14 Jan- For more information, uary. visit eventbrite.co.uk

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First Word

Gatecrasher at the Skydrome Arena Following a hugely successful summer event within the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, international clubbing brand Gate- crasher is returning to Coventry to play the city’s Skydrome Arena. The 28 December show will feature a new track list - including Insomnia by Faithless and Power Of Love by Frankie Goes To Hollywood - numerous special acts, live performances and a full laser & light presenta- tion. For more information and to book tickets, visit gatecrasher.com/coventry

Plans to develop Change of venue for Leamington’s BBC’s Rickshaw Worcester revealed ever-popular lantern parade Challenge stops A plan which would see the Leamington Lantern Parade (Sunday 2 December) is this year moving off in Malvern creation of parks, public to Jephson Gardens. The switch is happening due to restoration work Residents of Great Malvern spaces, cycle routes and 3,000 taking place at the parade’s usual home of the Royal Pump Room Gar- are being urged to turn out new homes in Worcester has dens. in force to welcome the BBC been put out for public consul- Commenting on the event, Alison Shaw, project manager at BID Leam- Children In Need Rickshaw tation. ington, said: “We would like to hear from community groups who Challenge on Tuesday 13 Commenting on the proposals, would be keen to run a lantern-making workshop or who have an idea November. the council said: “Our aim is to of how they might want to light up an area of Jephson Gardens.” The fundraising event will create a successful and growing Any groups who would like to be involved should contact BID Leam- see a team of six young peo- cathedral and university city, ington on 01926 470634 or email [email protected]. ple - all of whom have been with more homes, businesses supported by BBC Children and jobs; a city with prestige In Need-funded projects - tourist, education and retail at- Action sports icon headlines Nitro Circus pedal 423 miles across the tractions; and a place that UK to raise money for the maintains its 'city in the coun- The best athletes in FMX, BMX, Scooter and Inline - including multiple X Games medalists and several Nitro World Games champions - will be charity... You can view the try' feel, its valued heritage as- full Rickshaw Challenge sets and environmental taking part in this month’s Nitro Circus touring show at Arena Birming- ham (Tuesday 20 November). route at rickshaw.bbcchil- quality.” The deadline for pub- dreninneed.co.uk. lic responses is 7 November. Action sports icon Travis Pastrana will lead the international line-up as they attempt a range of never-before-seen tricks and dangerous stunts. The all-new production comes complete with huge new ramps Worcester young More Disney magic and ‘outrageous contraptions’. For more info, visit arenabham.co.uk in the Midlands poet search The search is on to find A magical medley of classic Worcestershire's next Young and modern tales - including Poet Laureate. The Lion King, Frozen and, for To be eligible, young people the first time in the UK, Finding need to be aged between 13 Dory - awaits Midlands audi- and 19 and live in Worcester- ences when The Wonderful shire, or attend a school, col- World Of Disney On Ice skates lege, university or youth club into Birmingham next spring in the county. (Genting Arena, 3 - 7 April). Application forms can be For more information about the downloaded from worcester- production, head to disneyon- shire.gov.uk/wordup. ice.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 15:59 Page 4 Evelyn Glennie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:45 Page 1

Evelyn

GlennieBy Dame Evelyn Glennie’s own admission, composing the music for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Troilus And Cressida has meant stepping outside her comfort zone. Prior to the play opening in Stratford last month, What’s On chatted to the virtuoso percussionist to find out more...

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by Reggie White

How did your collaboration with the RSC decide what the sound of the character may It has taken me a while to get into this play, come about? be. That can really only happen once you see but now I absolutely love it. The play is hard I was simply asked out of the blue by the the actors in action during rehearsals and be to define, just like a lot of the music I play, so show’s director, Greg Doran, if I would con- part of the dialogue between the director and I see it as very contemporary - something that sider writing the music for Troilus And Cres- the whole team. There’s no way that music for is relevant to us all. It’s more about the indi- sida. this scenario can be written in isolation. vidual characters as opposed to the actual plot or location. No matter where a war is tak- What did you initially find attractive about More specifically, what was the most ing place, the same human emotions arise. the project, and has it fulfilled your challenging aspect of providing a sound- No matter where two people fall in love, the expectations? track for Troilus And Cressida? same human emotions arise, and so on. It’s a It took me a long time to accept the invitation I’m writing with just under a week before we play that taps into every emotion possible, to write the music because this was com- go into technical rehearsals, so a lot will still from funny to the horrible, quirky, mundane pletely out of my comfort zone. I had never have to be adjusted with the score as we ad- and serious. For me, as a composer, this is written for theatre before and have worked just to the theatre and set. But so far the most heaven! The casting is brilliant and inspira- very little in that kind of setting. However, I challenging aspect is to get cohesiveness be- tional. was immediately made welcome by the whole tween the characters from the Greek camp What do you hope that your soundtrack RSC team and was struck by the fact that they and those from the Trojan side. Percussion will add to the experience of watching wanted something different sound wise, and has a huge dynamic range and therefore we Shakespeare from an audience’s point of that Greg really wanted to make the music an have to achieve high energy in places but still view? integral and influential part of the play. I have allow the spoken word to come through; found the whole experience to be such a privi- working out the frequencies/soundscape that I hope that the audience will embrace the lege and a massive learning curve. It has to- can work with the spoken voice so as not to sound as an integral part of how a play has tally fulfilled my expectations. cancel the voice out. Many of the percussion been designed and interpreted; appreciating sounds I recorded with Dave Price in my stu- that all elements of a play are essential and Generally speaking, do you enjoy dio, and so we’re bringing them together with equal. Theatres are meant for each discipline Shakespeare plays? What are their pros the live percussion. A challenge is knowing to be displayed, and so it’s fantastic that Greg and cons from your point of view? how long musical passages will be, based on has given such a platform and emphasis to At school I found Shakespeare hard work, how an actor may recite something or how music. and I have never really embraced the plays long it takes them to move. They need to be What have you learned from the since, which was another reason why it took free to interpret what they do, and so the experience? me some time to accept being involved in this music score needs to be prepared to elongate project. I felt I could only write for something or shorten right on the spot. I have always been aware of the importance of that I enjoyed or could latch onto. However, teamwork, but this experience really has Your soundtrack has been described as since being involved and witnessing the heightened that. There are so many creative, satirical and futuristic. Did you produce whole rehearsal process from the beginning, I talented and extremely hard-working people the music to fit Greg Doran’s interpreta- have been totally converted! I even went to a who put a project like this together. The re- tion of the play, or did your ambitions for very local production near where I live and spect and value towards what each person the music define the path he decided to was hooked. I now see Shakespeare and his does is crucial, and I have very much felt in- take with the production? work in a totally new light and would eagerly cluded in the process. The ebb and flow of attend more productions in the future…and Both, really. Greg has been open right from embracing ideas means that you know the who knows, perhaps even compose for more! the start and has given me free range as to score will always be fluid, right up to the final I think the pros come from the vision of the what to do. He was clear that he wanted the performance. director, and in this case Greg is so embracing score to be percussive, dynamic and surpris- Would you contemplate future work with of the creativity of all involved, which makes ing. He wants the audience to physically feel the RSC, and if so, which other everything such an organic and ‘living’ pro- the music and soundscape, and for the stage Shakespeare play would you like to get cess. The challenges are more logistical, in to almost become an instrument. This has your teeth into musically? that there are so many elements to come to- opened up possibilities of having musicians gether. This means that the music score will come on stage to play, and for certain props, Absolutely, I would not wish for this to be a be constantly tweaked and balanced accord- such as the crates where the Greeks enter one-off. I would certainly be a lot more aware ing to the movements and projection of the from, to become things that can be struck. as to the working process and what is re- actors, how the set feels, lighting, sound ef- Even the motorbike sounds become part of quired. I would never have imagined embrac- fects and so on. It’s an exciting process. the soundscape. It’s still evolving, as we are ing Troilus And Cressida, but (thanks to still in the rehearsal process, so until the Greg’s incredible direction) here I am loving On a general level, what are the main music and musicians are on set with the ac- the actual play. Based on that, I would be challenges of producing music for theatre tors, so much more may change in the next completely open to any play! work as opposed to a concert performance two weeks. The main thing is that there is or an album? constant dialogue between all parties, both Embracing all elements of the set, costumes, on a creative level and of course while making sure that the aims are realistic and practical. voice projection, speed and feel of the actors’ Troilus And Cressida shows in the Royal movements, timings, balancing live playing What are your thoughts about Troilus And Shakespeare Theatre until Saturday 17 with recorded sounds and so on. Also, the Cressida, Shakespeare’s ‘most November. The play will also be music cues are more fragmented than writing testosterone-fuelled play’, being the RSC’s broadcast live into cinemas on for the concert platform or for an album. One first gender-balanced production? Wednesday 14 November. has to know each character in the play and whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food November Warwicks_Worcs-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:47 Page 1 Food November Warwicks_Worcs-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:47 Page 2

Food

a flexible choice of seasonal the potato hash complemented party packages for groups of up the dish beautifully. to 50, and you have every excuse Bringing our evening to a tri- you need to escape to the coun- umphant close, there was just try! enough time to tuck into a richly Opting for an appetiser of Gam- indulgent dessert of banoffee bas Pil Pil - sautéed prawns sundae (chocolate brownie cooked in garlic, chilli, white pieces, Madagascan Bourbon wine and tomato sauce, accom- vanilla ice cream, mascarpone panied by a side-serving of char- cream, sliced banana, crushed grilled puccia bread - it was clear biscuit and baked banana that every possible effort had caramel sauce) before braving been made to ensure an authen- the autumn chill once more. tic taste of the Mediterranean Special mention must go to our was present in each bite. Served wonderful waiter, Matt, whose al dente and infused with a sub- friendliness, charisma and atten- tle but tangible kick of chilli, tion to detail left us feeling REVIEW: The Four Alls both the freshness of the seafood warmly welcomed, well-nour- Cosmopolitan refinement fuses with and intensity of the tomato sauce ished and eager to return as soon really shone through. Similarly, as possible. rural tranquility at Warwickshire pub my partner’s choice of lamb With the UK’s once-flourishing meatballs served in harissa pub industry in steady decline, Perched on the picturesque ian pizzas cooked fresh by wood- sauce was testament to the it’s refreshing to see a franchise banks of the River Avon and lo- fired oven alongside house spe- venue’s absolute commitment to like The Four Alls thriving in cated just a short drive from ciality fillet, sirloin and rump fresh produce. Generously sea- these turbulent times. Combin- Stratford, The Four Alls has un- steaks, roasted leg of lamb and soned, made with only the finest ing cosmopolitan refinement dergone its very own renaissance pollo picante chicken with seasonal lamb and finished with with an atmosphere of cosy rural of late, courtesy of an extensive harissa mayonnaise; each lov- an earthy kick of rich Italian- tranquility, its strength lies in £1.9million redevelopment and ingly grilled over Jospher char- style tomato sauce, it was simply knowing its market inside-out. restoration project earlier this coal for all to see. Added to this delicious! year. With it, this quiet Warwick- was a generous selection of Whether catering for a hungry shire pub has flourished into one ‘build your own’ salads - with After sampling a glass or two of family holidaying in the nearby of the region’s most sought-after optional toppings such as char- Yealands Sauvignon Blanc, it Cotswolds, dishing up Sunday rural dining hotspots, marrying grilled halloumi, Loch Duart was time to put the venue’s sig- lunch for day-trippers or pulling both the warmth and opulence of salmon, avocado and beetroot nature ‘Jospher grill’ menu to the out all the stops for a special-oc- its historic surroundings with the falafel - alongside fireside ‘pub test. Opting for the pub-grub casion birthday or christening effortless sophistication of the grub’ favourites like ham, egg classic of 8oz sirloin steak served meal, The Four Alls’ affordable very best in 21st century pub- and chips, fish of the day and with dressed rocket, garlic & yet up-market ethos, resounding chains. roasted pork belly. Also available basil-marinated tomatoes and commitment to quality produce was the more daring choice of house fries, my fear that excess and friendly yet sophisticated Entering The Four Alls to the of style might somehow triumph warming glow of a traditional in- Eastern-inspired Moroccan- approach to service makes it spiced cauliflower steak, served over substance dissolved with wholly deserving of its success. glenook fire, exposed oak my very first bite. Mouthwater- with superfood grains, rocket, All’s well that ends well - so Will beams, intimate booths and ingly tender, chargrilled to per- courgette, red pepper & garlic Shakespeare once said - and plentiful wood panels quickly fection yet lifted by the sharp, hummus and toasted pumpkin that’s certainly true in this case... give way to the hustle and bustle peppery kick of fresh rocket, my seeds. Katherine Ewing of a contemporary bistro. This steak was not only generous in marriage of old and new creates With optional breakfast, brunch size but packed full of great Food: nnnnn an atmosphere of relaxed sophis- & lunch and dinner packages - flavour. For his choice of the Jo- tication, successfully capturing not forgetting the obligatory lazy Service: nnnnn spher-grilled sea bass, served Ambience: nnnnn the authentic spirit of rural War- Sunday roast - this is a restaurant with courgette & pepper, kale & wickshire… but with a distinctly chain that knows its audience Overall value nnnnn pumpkin seed pesto and sweet OVERALL nnnnn continental twist. down to a T, combining tried- potato hash, my partner was and-tested gastro-pub classics A brief glance at the evening equally awash with praise! Per- The Four Alls with an imaginative menu of menu revealed an equally imagi- fectly cooked with a light flake, Binton Bridge native and varied choice of mod- gluten-free, vegetarian and the smokiness of the sea bass Binton Road ern Mediterranean-inspired vegan dishes and regular daily married exquisitely with the Welford-on-Avon dishes. These included a deli- specials. Throw in a surprisingly earthy, salty notes of the pesto, CV37 8PW cious range of hand-crafted Ital- affordable kids menu, copious whilst the sweet creaminess of Tel: 01789 332184 cocktail and spirit selection and whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food November Warwicks_Worcs-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:47 Page 3 Food November Warwicks_Worcs-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:47 Page 4

Food

Coventry venue bags best restaurant gong The Royal Bengal in Earlsdon has been named the best Asian restaurant in the West Midlands at a prestigious awards ceremony. The restaurant has been operating since 1986, building up an excellent reputation both with locals and diners from further afield. To book a table, call 02476 712345. Warwickshire venue wins fifth pub award Welford-on-Avon’s Bell Inn has won the Good Pub Guide’s Warwickshire Dining Pub of the Year award for the fifth year in a row. Deep in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, the venue is a 17th century inn which boasts fantastic service and serves a great pint and quality food. To book a table, visit thebellwelford.co.uk

Belfry’s Bates on Chef of the Year shortlist Ooh la la! French restaurant opens its doors in Coventry The award-winning Belfry Hotel & Popular French restaurant chain Bistrot Pierre has officially opened its latest premises, in Coventry Resort’s Executive Head Chef, Robert city centre. Bates, has been shortlisted as Hotel The new venue, located on the first floor of Cathedral Lanes, seats 124 diners and boasts both a Chef of the Year in The Caterer’s Hotel dining area for private bookings and an outside terrace overlooking Broadgate Square. Cateys 2018 Awards. Commenting on the newly opened eatery, Simon Barnes, regional manager of Bistrot Pierre, said: The awards celebrate the most “We’ve had an incredibly warm reception from the people of Coventry and have already taken a lot successful hotels, hoteliers and hotel of bookings, which is really positive. The bistrot was fully booked for our launch event, and our employees across the UK. guests enjoyed food and drink in our buzzing bistrot atmosphere.” The winner will be announced at a special ceremony in London on 23 November. Stratford restaurant awarded prestigious Michelin star The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2019 has awarded a Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant its first Michelin star. The only restaurant in the region to achieve the prestigious status, Salt also received its third AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence in September. Chef Paul Foster commented; “I’m absolutely delighted to receive my very first Michelin star. This is a dream of a lifetime, and something I’ve been working towards my whole career. I’m incredibly proud of everything my team and I have created, but I couldn’t have got to where I am today without the support of my family, friends and fellow chefs. Salt is now entering an exciting new era.” To book a table, visit visit salt-restaurant.co.uk.

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Gigs

Faustus RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 17 November Comprising three highly accomplished musicians - Benji Kirkpatrick, Saul Rose and Paul Sartin - who between them have performed as part of Bellowhead, Seth Lakeman Band and in the National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse, Faustus are one of Britain’s outstanding folk bands. Boasting striking harmonies and inventive, energetic arrangements, their gigs are must-see events for any folk enthusiast.

Seth Lakeman he’s played to audiences around the world, performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Leamington Assembly, Fri 23 November become a dad of twins and toured with Starting out in the 1990s alongside brothers Robert Plant after featuring on his latest Sam and Sean, Seth Lakeman boldly album, Carry Fire. stepped into the solo spotlight in 2002. He Joined for this Leamington gig by a new immediately found an audience with debut band line-up, the award-winning multi-in- album The Punch Bowl, before going on to strumentalist will be performing both estab- The Damned bag a Mercury Prize nomination for follow- lished hits and tracks from his ninth studio The Empire, Coventry, Fri 30 November up offering Kitty Jay. album, The Well Worn Path. To say 2018 has been a successful year for In between writing and recording albums, punk rock band The Damned would be an understatement. Their latest album, Evil Spir- its, peaked at number seven on the UK album King Pleasure & year. The trio, comprising Peter Knight, charts and is the band’s first top-10 release The Biscuit Boys Roger Flack and Sacha Trochet, will here be since their inception in the 1970s. The closest performing tracks from both their new they’d previously got was the number 11 spot Huntingdon Hall, Worcestershire, album and their back catalogue. with 1985’s Phantasmagoria. Fri 30 November “In the early days,” reflects lead singer David Local lads King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys Vanian, “so much of the focus was on our celebrate three decades on the road this craziness as people, and not enough was said year. During that time, they’ve performed Gaz Brookfield about the fabulous music we were creating. alongside BB King, Cab Calloway, Ray The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Thurs 15 November Looking back, maybe we were our own worst Charles and Blues Brothers Band, playing enemies sometimes. We’d do gigs where we nearly 6,500 shows in 21 countries. Since winning Acoustic magazine’s 2010 were out of it and drunk - brilliant gigs, but Happy anniversary, fellas! singer-songwriter of the year award, Bristol- for different reasons!” based musician Gaz Brookfield has shared the stage with the likes of Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Frank Turner, New Model Army Gigspanner and Nick Harper. Gaz remains the only un- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 November signed solo artist to sell out The Fleece in Gigspanner present a carefully curated and Bristol, an achievement he has now man- skilfully narrated programme of material aged an impressive five times. that goes way beyond the folk genre’s usual boundaries. Modern in interpretation yet classical in its virtuosity, it’s music that con- tinues to inspire audiences of all leanings, almost inevitably enticing them back for more. The band’s November 2017 release, The Wife Of Urban Law, received several ‘best of’ accolades, including being listed as one of Mojo’s 10 best folk albums of the whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical November Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 12:01 Page 1

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Classical

Martinu String Quartet Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Fri 30 November Formed in 1976 by students of the Prague Conservatoire and here performing for Leamington Music for a 12th time, the Martin Quartet present programmes of work whichů combine music by legendary composers with neglected compositions and world premieres. Currently touring to mark the centenary of the founding of the Republic of Czechoslovakia, they here perform works by Haydn, Schulhoff and Dvo ák. ř

Czech National Symphony Orchestra Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 28 November Now in its 25th year, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra is one of Europe's top symphonic ensembles. With a repertoire that regularly encompasses both classical and contemporary, the orchestra this month visits the Midlands to present Antonín Dvo ák’s rarely performed Third Symphony. The programme also features, among other works, řElgar’s Nimrod, Strauss’s Thunder And Lightning and Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance. Former BBC Young Musician of the Year Jennifer Pike (pictured) joins the orchestra to play Bruch’s First Violin Concerto. Stile Antico St Mary’s Church, Warwick, Atea Wind Quintet Orchestra of the Swan Tues 13 November Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 November Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Innovative vocal ensemble Stile Antico Tues 6 November The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s As- comprises a dozen performers who work Julian Lloyd Web- sociate Ensemble in Residence make the without a conductor and aim to shine new ber is the conduc- short trip to Bromsgrove to present a pro- light on Renaissance music. The London- tor for this gramme that includes works by Neilsen, based group has a uniquely collaborative Playhouse con- Bridge and Bach. Atea are widely consid- style of working, its members rehearsing cert, which sees ered to be the foremost British wind quintet and performing as chamber musicians, the Stratford- of their generation, so expect an evening of each contributing artistically to the musi- based orchestra musicmaking that should live long in the cal results. The ensemble are annual visi- turning their at- memory. tors to Warwick, and on this occasion tention to the present a programme exploring the way in works of two cele- which music was used to gain favour with brated musical prodigies. The concert is Queen Elizabeth I. topped and tailed with pieces by Mozart, opening with his Overture to The Marriage Of Figaro and closing with Symphony no25, the first movement of which is probably best known from the Oscar-winning movie, Amadeus. Between the two Mozart works, the orchestra perform a brace of Mendelssohn compositions - one of his eight Sinfonias for Strings and his Violin Concerto in E minor. The latter sees the orchestra joined by American violinist Tai Murray (pictured). whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Dance November 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:01 Page 1

NOVEMBER 2018 www.artrix.co.uk

Thursday 8 November Friday 9 November Saturday 10 November MUGENKYO TAIKO GIGSPANNER JULIETTE BURTON DRUMMERS SKILL, STAMINA & RED-HOT PETER KNIGHT’S GROUND- EDINBURGH FRINGE SELL-OUT RHYTHMS TO STIR YOUR SOUL BREAKING FOLK TRIO SHOW BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Saturday 10 November Friday 16 November Wednesday 28 November RICKY COOL & HAFDIS HULD DAN PATLANSKY THE IN CROWD RED HOT RHYTHM & BLUES ICELAND’S PREMIER SOUTH AFRICAN BLUES- AND JAMAICAN GROOVES ACOUSTIC POP/FOLK SINGER ROCK SINGER-GUITARIST

COMING SOON: Mark Thompson, Led Hendrix, Felicity Ward, The Fureys, Hal Cruttenden Gigspanner, ELO Experience, Raymond Froggatt, Simon & Garfunkel Story, Abba Forever Robinson-Stone, Barnstormers Comedy, Glenn Tilbrook, Graham Fellows, Matt Richardson The Upbeat Beatles, Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, Barbara Nice, The Dylan Project Tenors Unlimited, Cara Dillon…

Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330 Dance November 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:01 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Emerald Storm Lichfield Garrick, Fri 2 November Performers from Lord Of The Dance, Riverdance and Ireland’s Call present this new Irish dance sensation - a show that features everything from ‘traditional soft-shoe choreog- raphy and explosive Irish tap routines to the sensual fire of salsa, the smooth coolness of jazz and the prim precision of ballroom’. Classic songs including Danny Boy also feature, as does contemporary acoustic music ‘in the style of Ed Sheeran’. For those who like a strong storyline to accompany their fix of dance, the show should prove to be a real winner, telling the tale of how mortals battle to save the mythological heaven of the Celtic Otherworld from utter destruction.

Ankusha And Other Mysteries MAC, Birmingham, Sun 4 Nov; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 26 November The highly rated Kamala Devam Company are very much in the business of seeking answers to unanswerable questions in this latest work: Does fate or free will have a greater hand in shaping the course of our lives? How do we define ourselves without limiting our potential? In a battle against ourselves, who will come out as victor? Run- ning for 100 minutes, the show features three classical and contemporary South Tom Dale Company: Asian dance solos, an explosive trio and a I INFINITE multi-award-winning dance film. It visits the Midlands as part of the com- MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 1 & Fri 2 November pany’s first ever UK tour. Part dance and part video installation, I Infinite explores the boundaries between artificial and real, digital and organic Hansel & Gretel worlds. A solo dance piece, the work is Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, presented in a white, digitally animated Fri 30 November & Sat 1 December environment around which the audience New York club styles of house, waacking and is free to move throughout the perform- vogue, presented alongside African and con- ance. temporary dance, ensure that this version of “The synergy between dance and the dig- Hansel & Gretel is like no other. A contempo- ital arts is the major artery pumping rary retelling by Uchenna Dance choreogra- through our practice,” explains choreog- pher and founder Vicki Igbokwe, the show rapher Tom Dale. “It’s woven into all our finds the famous fairytale siblings lost and programmes of work. The company’s vi- overwhelmed in the city (rather than in the sion, through its collaborations with the traditional setting of the forest). But can they digital arts, is to reimagine dance and in- outwit the adults and find their way back to spire the next generation of dance mak- their family?... ers.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy November 2018 -2.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 15:14 Page 1

Comedy

Ross Noble Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 11 November Geordie comic Ross Noble may not have hit the heights once expected of him, but he’s undoubtedly one of the UK’s most talented funnymen. He also has a nice line in surreal comedy, never gives an audience the same show twice, and boasts an impressive number of followers on Twitter. Ross heads for the Midlands this month with his new show El Hablador. Zoe Lyons Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 18 November High on confidence and blessed with a razor-sharp wit (always useful when you’re a comedian), Zoe Lyons creates funny routines based on astute observation of life’s absurdities. Her latest show takes a look at the impact of technology on people’s ability to stay human, and also at our increasingly evident desire to detach from community as we get older.

Dave Gorman Stephen K Amos Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 17 & Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 4 November; Sun 18 November; Symphony Hall, B’ham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 22 November; Aldersley Leisure Sat 26 January Village, Wolverhampton, Sun 25 November "I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to Dave Gorman's idea of stand-up comedy wait for Lenny Henry to die before I could seems to be that as long as there's room for get on television," says Stephen K Amos, him to stand up, he'll do some comedy! referring to his belief that big breaks for Ahir Shah Why else would this intrepid funnyman black comedians are few and far between. The REP, Birmingham, Fri 16 November; have made the decision a few years back to Whatever the truth, there's little question Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 25 play not only 2,000-seater theatres when that Stephen's very much basking in the November; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 9 February he headed out on tour but also 30-seat televisual lime- village halls, a barn and even a railway light these days. Ahir Shah is happy to describe his act as a dining car! Dave is His success is no blend of ‘philosophical inquiry, political still touring, but is surprise, mind, vigour and sweet gags’, and realises that the now being a bit given the quality path to comedy stardom can be a long and choosier about of his material arduous one. “Over the course of the last the venues! and his effortless decade,” he says, “my status on the circuit ability to strike all has skyrocketed from ‘curiosity’ to the right chords ‘interloper’!” Ahir’s latest touring show, with his ever-ap- Duffer, contemplates three subjects - ‘life preciative audi- and what comes after, death and what ence. comes before, and Bohemian Rhapsody’.

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy November 2018 -2.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 15:14 Page 2

Phil Nichol MAC, Birmingham, Sat 10 November; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 11 November High-energy comedy blended with humor- ous storytelling is the name of the game when Phil Nicol comes to town. Canadian Phil's a real bare-all kind of comedian, who's happy to expose the peculiarities of his personality to anybody who fancies taking a peek - and all in the name of great comedy... What a guy!

Geoff Norcott The Core, Solihull, Fri 16 November Geoff Norcott is one of the sharpest tools in the comedy shed, presenting shows which blend observational humour with satire - and even the odd impression or several! Being a former teacher, plenty of Geoff’s gags relate to school experiences and the Jen Brister education system. He’s also made some- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 2 November; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 4 November; thing of a name for himself in the field of Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 20 November sports-related humour, a niche that’s yielded him plenty of work both on Jen Brister is a busy woman. As well as mak- cause these days I have to make time even to television and radio. ing time and space to further develop her go to the toilet. stand-up career, she’s nowadays also busy “It’s Mama’s special time in the toilet… Sorry, being a mum. why are you in the toilet with me? No, put Hal Cruttenden “I remember having the time to watch a box the toilet paper down… Don’t put that in your set, or go for a long walk in the park, or even mouth… I don’t need you to hold my hand, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 7 November; meet a friend for coffee,” recalls Jen of her that’s just for your number twos not mine… Oakengates Theatre @The Place, Telford, Wed 14 November bygone days of freedom. “I look back at that Seriously, get that out of your mouth!” time like it was a golden era - and it was, be- Hal Cruttenden places great emphasis on cleverly constructed punchlines, and is always happy to ridicule himself if he thinks there’s a laugh to be gained by doing so. Chris Ramsey Phill Jupitus Alongside his stand-up, he’s also a success- Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, ful actor, appearing in numerous TV shows - William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Thurs 8 Fri 16 November November; Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, including EastEnders - and on film in The Thurs 22 November Well known for the unusual spelling of his Madness Of King George. Christian name, his memorable surname (an As well as being a highly rated stand-up His new touring show is called Chubster, a anglicised version of the original surname on the UK comedy circuit, Geordie boy title chosen by his daughters. Hal wants it Šeputis) and his well-padded Chris has also developed an impressive known that he is now on a diet... physique, Phill Jupitus is telly career, appearing on shows includ- an actor, performance ing 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Celebrity Juice and poet, cartoonist and South Shields-set sitcom Hebburn. Gags podcaster as well as a include: "My venue for the Edinburgh stand-up comedian. Festival is a He describes his latest portacabin; it's touring show, literally a porta- Juplicity, as ‘contain- cabin! I'm a ing adult themes and Geordie, in a situations, but portacabin. I delivered was going to childishly’. call the show Auf Wiederse- hen Pet Live".

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Zoe Lyons for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:55 Page 1

ZOE LYONS brings her Entry Level Human tour to the Midlands

Award-winning comedian Zoe Lyons returns to the Midlands this month with her new stand- up show, Entry Level Human. Zoe took time out from her busy schedule to talk to Midlands Zone about motivation, inspiration and her recent stint on television’s Celebrity MasterChef... Zoe Lyons for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:55 Page 2

What’s your earliest memory of being Apart from being funny, what would festival, and the atmosphere was electric. funny, Zoe? you say makes a good comic? What do you like to do when you’re not Oh, crikey! I think probably at primary In your bag of human skills, you need to being funny? school. I wasn’t a class clown in any shape be good at being on your own; you need to or form, but I did used to entertain the par- be able to entertain yourself. If you don’t I like to cook and to eat. I like to plan trips ents at the school gate. I would act out lit- have that skill, you’ll go nuts. You need to away, and I like scuba diving. The wife and tle stories in front of them. In class, I was learn to be grounded. It’s a competitive I are either planning trips, going on a trip as dull as ditchwater, so definitely wasn’t business and one based on showing off. or buying ridiculous stuff made out of the joker of the class. I suppose I just felt You need to be able to manage your ego neon print to go on trips. We also read up more comfortable in the company of the and keep it in check, otherwise it could fly about fish... parents. I always longed for a life of dinner off like a buzzard on amphetamines, so parties, even at the age of eight! you need to tether it like a robin in clogs. Talking of cooking, has your recent ex- You do need to have an ego, but it needs to perience on Celebrity MasterChef Who would you say has inspired you be proportionate in size. I guess you also changed you in any way? the most? need an inquisitive mind, be able to drive I’m definitely more adventurous in the It’s a mixture of people. I suppose when I and be good at using Google maps. That’s kitchen. I’ll give stuff a go that I wouldn’t was growing up it was the likes of Billy essential! have done before. I was typically one of Connolly and Victoria Wood. I still enjoy those people who would read a recipe, get watching Victoria’s stuff. She was such a Is there any subject matter that should halfway though and go, God, I don’t know warm writer and brought out some lovely be off-limits in comedy? how to do that. Now I’ll give it a go. characters. No, I don’t think anything is off-limits as long as it has a point and it’s done well. How do you put your new-found skills Can you tell us a bit about Entry Level But there are people who should be off- to use? Do you plan massive dinner par- Human? limits from doing comedy - for example, if ties for friends and family? It’s a new tour show that’s loosely based their skill level isn’t adequate enough to No, that’s the sad bit. Because I work on the idea of human nature and stupidity portray what they’re trying to say funnily. I nights, I’m normally sat eating a pot noo- - a rich scene these days for comedians, don’t talk about certain subjects because I dle with a teaspoon in a hotel room. So and I include myself in that. It’s a poke at just don’t have the skills to articulate them when I have a bit of time and I’m home human stupidness. My shows combine and deliver them properly. and it’s just me and my wife, I’ll try and being slightly topical with my own take on cook something different or new. I like to things, which veers towards stupidness Is there anything you’ve ever said on mix things up and not stick to recipes like and silliness. My shows aren’t aimed at stage that you’ve later regretted? most people do. changing the world; I just want to alter Probably ‘it’s lovely to be here’. You say and iron out people’s lives. that many times, but in your head you’re What would you have done as a job if thinking, I can’t wait to get in the car and you hadn’t become a comedian? What motivates you to get up on stage? leave this dump! No, not really! Joking Absolutely nothing that involved being in- Do you have a regular pre-show rou- apart, I don’t think I have, although I’ve side and wearing a suit. I think I’d have tine, and how do you wind down post- told some awful jokes, especially during liked to be a ski instructor, a landscape show? the first two years of my career. gardener, a forest ranger or a fisherman. Like a lot of performers, I like to have a little bit of space before I go on stage. I know What’s the best heckle you’ve ever re- You’ve been on the circuit for 14 years we’re not performing at the London Phil- ceived? now. How have attitudes changed to- harmonic or on a bazooka, but comedy The weirdest one I ever got was when wards female comedians during that does require a bit of head space. I don’t someone shouted at me, ‘What made you time? have any weird rituals. I used to have some choose those shoes?’ That stuck with me I’ve had audiences walk out and shout at little lucky ‘donks’ and things, but I lost so for years because it was just such an odd me, fold their arms saying that they’re not many of them that I decided they weren’t thing to say in what I thought was a really going to listen to a woman. D’you know all that lucky after all and I’m not supersti- good gig. what, though - it being harder initially has tious, so I got rid. probably made it better for us now. Female Have you ever walked off stage during a “Coming down’ post-show is the hard bit. I comedians had to work harder; we had to set? find it really difficult to go to sleep when come up with more diverse material be- I’ve been on stage. My adrenaline is up Oh yeah, I’ve cut the set short on occasion cause we were always judged so harshly. and seems to hang around for ages, so I and have endured an awful death - a terri- It wouldn’t matter if there were four blokes tend to watch a movie and have a cup of ble death that felt like it lasted four weeks who’d all done material about Star Wars - cocoa. I try not to have alcohol, as that’s when in reality it probably lasted 12 min- they wouldn’t be judged on that, but if you the worst thing. Post-show is very dull, to utes - when the audience have just stared were to get up on stage and say something be honest - not very rock’n’roll. at you like you’ve done something un- that was typically female, you were imme- speakable to their dinner, in a space where diately picked up on it. That’s now You’ve performed in Birmingham nu- the sound is quieter than silence. changed because of television - it’s a much merous times. Is there anything that more balanced environment nowadays. sets the city’s audiences apart from oth- Where’s the best place you’ve ever per- ers? formed? Zoe performs her new show, Entry I like playing in Birmingham. It’s very di- Crikey, they all vary, but I suppose it has to Level Human, at Nottingham Glee Club verse and you get a great mix, which is re- be Kilkenny. I played the festival there for on Thursday 8 November and then at ally lovely. the first time a few years ago. It was magi- Birmingham Glee Club on Sunday 18 cal, and they were such an energetic audi- November. ence. The whole town was there for the Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Rock Of Ages between a smalltown girl and a big-city rocker, and is packed to its proverbial rafters with classic 1980s numbers. So if you’re someone Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 13 - Sat 17 November; Regent for whom the decade of Glasnost, yuppies, Miami Vice and mullet Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 12 - Sat 16 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 March; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, hair-dos took place against a soundtrack of pounding rock anthems, Tues 28 May - Sat 1 June. this is a show well worth catching. Former Coronation Street favourite Cinema-goers who caught the 2012 movie version of Rock Of Ages, Kevin ‘Curly Watts’ Kennedy stars, and is joined in the cast by one- starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Catherine Zeta- time Pop Idol contestant and Big Brother housemate Zoe Birkett when Jones, will know exactly what to expect from this feelgood musical. the show rocks into Birmingham this month. Casting will differ for For those who didn’t and therefore don’t, it focuses on the romance other Midlands dates.

Orange Polar Bear Beauty And The Beast: periences of the conscripts who lived and died in the trenches, and of the civilians The REP, Birmingham, A Musical Parody whose loved ones never returned home from Thurs 1 - Sat 10 November The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, the Front. Powerful visuals and inventive staging are Sat 24 November - Sun 2 December cleverly combined in this brand new produc- Fat Rascal Theatre show that there’s plenty Romeo And Juliet tion, co-written by award-winning play- more to the fairytale story of Beauty And The wrights Evan Placey and Sun-Duck Ko. Beast than meets the eye. Gender swapping The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 3 - Sat 10 November Performed in English and Korean, the play the lead roles, the company present a high- tells the story of William and Jiyoung, two 15- energy musical parody that finds a castle- Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth year-olds living on opposite sides of the dwelling she-beast hoping against hope that tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret globe who are both trying to make their way a handsome young bookworm will fall for love tends to fair less well critically than the in an increasingly challenging and fast- her feminine charms - in spite of all her fur... rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. Its changing world. popularity is nonetheless ensured by its timeless themes and its regular appearance A Journey Through War as a study text on the National Curriculum. Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 5 - Sat 10 November On The Floor Theatre Company are the ensemble behind this thought-provoking new work, presented during the week leading up to the centenary anniversary of the First World War armistice. Combining literature from the time of the 1914-18 conflict with brand new writing, the show explores the ex-

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 2 Pinocchio Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:52 Page 1 Pinocchio Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:52 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Festive fun with no strings attached! The highlight of The Old Rep Theatre’s festive season is family favourite Pinocchio - the much-loved story of a puppet who’s brought to life... What’s On recently spoke to director Alec Fellows-Bennett about the show and his ongoing love affair with The Old Rep...

Pinocchio is the walking, talking puppet who character learning what it means to be a went. In my early 20s I returned for a few countless generations have come to know human being. Pinocchio takes every new sit- roles, and I was always keen to get back. The and love - along with his chirruping side-kick uation at face value because it doesn’t under- Old Rep is probably my favourite theatre be- and his mischievous nose that grows and stand basic human concepts. For example, cause of its great history and all the people grows whenever he tells even the smallest of Pinocchio doesn’t realise the fox and the cat and companies who’ve worked and per- porky pies. are robbers, so when told one coin is worth formed there. So when they started produc- more than three, Pinocchio just assumes ing their own Christmas shows, I was keen to Director Alec Fellows-Bennett, who helms they’re telling the truth. Holly has such an in- get involved.” The Old Rep’s stage adaptation of Carlo Col- nocence about her - just like Pinocchio. She lodi’s classic story, thinks the tale perfectly This time around, however, Alec wanted to was just brilliant at portraying the charac- captures the spirit of Christmas: “I think that direct: “I very much go between being an ter’s growth.” it’s good for the festive season because it’s a actor and being a director. I want to direct very recognisable title. Actually, the story Alec is very keen to promote theatre as an in- things in which I’m very invested in the story isn’t going to be exactly what people expect clusive, social, family environment: “I don’t as a whole, and I like to act in things where a because everyone's so used to the Disney think anybody anywhere should ever think particular character really sparks my interest. film, and the original story differs from that a that they can’t take their child to the theatre. This is a brand spanking new adaptation little bit. For our signed and relaxed performances, written for The Old Rep, and I’ve worked with “Pinocchio is fundamentally not so much a hardly anything changes. It’s so lovely to the writer, Toby Hulse, before. It’s a play per- story about a puppet as a story about human- watch those in the audience who don’t need fect for the venue, and it has the perfect origi- ity, and about how our behaviour, traits and the signing just accepting the presence of nal music accompaniment too, written by conduct give us this quality. It’s about that feature as part of the performance. Steve Allan Jones to match the script.” whether it really matters that you’re made of Equally, the only changes made to the show Alec discovered his passion for directing wood when you exhibit the humanity and in- for the relaxed performance is that we may completely by chance - with a little help from nocence that Pinocchio does. I see this as re- remove certain loud noises or strobe lighting British stereotyping: “I ended up acting in ally fitting with the festive season, a time and similar things that could cause distress. America and, because I had an English ac- that’s so giving and celebratory, with 'good In the actual content of the performance, cent, I guess they assumed I knew what I was will to all men’. Plus, of course, it’s about nothing changes other than that we might talking about! I was asked by a company over puppets and bright, colourful theatre, with take some sections slightly slower to make there if I would direct their next production, toys that come to life. So for the little ones, sure everything is audible. which happened to be a Shakespeare - I it’s their Christmas presents coming to life in “It’s incredibly important to develop theatre guess that fact was very much on my side front of their eyes.” for families as a social thing. It’s not like the too! From there, I realised I liked the direct- cinema, where you sit in the dark so ab- Many of us think of Pinocchio as a puppet ing side of the theatre world. From that time sorbed in the film that it’s like there’s nobody dreaming of becoming a real boy. The Old onwards I’ve taken each project as it comes, else with you. Theatre is one of the few Rep’s version sees the part played by young getting a lot of satisfaction from either acting things that forces you to be a collective, actress Holly Sayer... or directing - providing the project has been forces you to be an audience and become a suitable, of course.” “When we put the casting call out, we didn’t collective group all interacting with and remake it specific to a gender, and it was Holly sponding to the same piece of work. I want who best fitted with our vision for the charac- this to be open to absolutely everybody.” ter. I wouldn’t say it’s an androgynous Pinoc- Alec is a very familiar face at The Old Rep chio either because Holly won’t be able to Pinocchio shows at The Old Rep Theatre, and has a long-standing relationship with the help bringing who she is to the role. We’re fo- Birmingham, from Sat 17 November to theatre: “The Old Rep was the home of Birm- cusing on Pinocchio being a non-human Sunday 30 December. ingham’s stage school, and that’s where I Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Bram Stoker’s Dracula Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 20 - Sat 24 November Dracula is best known from its many and varied cinematic incarnations - but as stage productions like The Woman In Black have ably illustrated, a well-presented work of theatre can be every bit as spinetingling as anything the big screen has to offer. This brand new version of Bram Stoker’s famous gothic horror story features ‘breath- taking illusions’, ‘spine chilling effects’ and a cast that includes veteran actress Cheryl Campbell, a familiar face from television series such as Call The Midwife and Peep Show. Better make sure you pack some bulbs of garlic and a wooden stake, just to be on the safe side...

Sherlock Holmes: talia than the average red-blooded male. Jinkx Monsoon & Who’d have thought, for example, that a The Sign Of Four fella’s meat and two veg could be trans- Major Scales Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 November; formed into the Loch Ness Monster or the Eif- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 7 November; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, fel Tower? Hefty heroes in the groin Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 17 November Thurs 29 November - Sat 1 December; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 23 - Fri 25 January department though the show’s stars may be, Following last year’s sell-out show, RuPaul’s they’re sensible enough to know that back- Drag Race favourite Jinkx Monsoon returns to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous creation row admirers might have problems seeing the Midlands alongside ‘lyrical genius’ Major makes a welcome return in one of the novel- the more subtle nuances of their genital acro- Scales, to showcase music from their upcom- ist’s most frequently adapted stories. batics. To address the situation, they tend to ing album. The new show sees music and The Sign Of Four finds Sherlock Holmes em- employ a video camera and a large screen, to mental health collide in what’s being de- broiled in a murky world of deception and ensure everyone can enjoy a piece of the ac- scribed as ‘a witty and biting look at the dark trickery, as he and his faithful companion, Dr tion. side of drag fame’. John Watson, attempt to locate their latest client’s missing father. The production is presented by the highly regarded Blackeyed Theatre and comes com- They Don’t Pay? plete with ‘original live music, stylish We Won’t Pay! theatricality and magical storytelling’. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 6 - Sat 10 November After Accidental Death Of An Anarchist, this 1974 political satire is probably Italian playwright Dario Fo’s best-known work. This new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew sees the action transposed to Brexit Britain, where the unemployed and Wicked Wizard Of Fizzog debt-ridden Maggie re- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, alises that a riot at the Sat 17 November local supermarket offers This chuckleworthy parody of Wicked and her the perfect opportu- The Wizard Of Oz is presented by Black Puppetry Of The Penis nity to stock her empty Country favourites Fizzog. The company are cupboards... Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 November; suitably proud of their Midlands roots and The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Sat 17 Nov; Presented by urge anybody who enjoys a good laugh to get Prince Of Wales Centre, Sat 1 December Northern Broad- along to this latest production. “Our shows Puppetry Of The Penis entails its performers sides in collabo- are riotous, poignant and nostalgic,” say Fiz- finding far more ways to utilise their geni- ration with York Theatre zog, “but most of all, hysterically funny.” Royal.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 4 Calendar Girls.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:54 Page 1

CalendarTim Firth and Gary Barlow’s award-winningGirls musical comedy heads to the Midlands Calendar Girls.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:54 Page 2

Over a cuppa with three of the cast of Calendar Girls The Musical, Vicky Edwards discovers that Ruth Madoc is ‘perky,’ Fern Britton’s intuition sometimes malfunctions, Denise Welch can’t be doing with temper tantrums, and Gary Barlow and Tim Firth are to musical comedy what Mary Berry is to baking…

If Calendar Girls The Musical were a cake, the “And then I realised that my agent had been the genre. “The music expands the subject recipe would read something like this: Take working on it for the past six months, so I far bigger than the play ever was. It’s fabu- an inspirational true story, add one super-tal- thought I’d jolly well better go and do the au- lous, and audiences are in for a real treat. ented writer and one world famous pop star, dition! I expected them to want me to play The music makes it a wonderful, emotional and mix their expertise thoroughly. Once you Marie again, but they said they wanted me to journey, but it’s seamless; it slides into the have a perfect blend of warmth, humour, play the older woman this time, which is dialogue. It never feels like ‘here comes a poignancy and music, line a 12-inch diameter wonderful; Jessie has got some fantastic song’, and that makes it a very powerful cake tin with an accomplished production lines.” piece of theatre. I’m really on the boil about team and a cast featuring a clutch of our Based on a true story, Tim Firth’s film and his it!” finest actors and singers. Lace with a sublime subsequent award-winning play, Calendar But the show has even more to offer. Having supporting cast and rehearse well. Garnish Girls is a reworking of the award-winning and already raised huge amounts of money with a stunning set and gorgeous lights and critically acclaimed The Girls, which played through merchandise and bucket collections serve to rapturous applause up and down the to packed houses in the West End last year at each performance, the production will country. and is now returning home to Yorkshire to continue to benefit the charity Bloodwise - a Thrilled to be one of the girls (but keeping kick off a new UK & Ireland tour. fact of which the ladies are extremely proud. her kit firmly on - “I’m playing Marie, so no Loose Women’s Denise Welch stirs her tea Discussing the tour, which takes them all nips or noo for me!”), presenter and best- and reflects on why the story, in various in- over the UK, Ruth says she’s looking forward selling novelist Fern Britton cheerfully ad- carnations, has endured: “It’s about friend- to seeing new places and revisiting old mits that she almost missed out, initially ship and community, and I think we all relate friends: “I prefer touring to being in the West telling her agent that on instinct it wasn’t for to that. Celia, my character, has been off as End. I like the feel of companies; the family her. an air hostess and has always been looking orientation, which harks back to how it was “And then came the call saying that Gary Bar- for something more. When she comes back, when I started out 60 years ago. The kids and low would like to have a cup of coffee and a she realises that it was already there. As we the grandchildren will come in dribs and chat with me!” she exclaims, eyes bright and get older, we all realise that.” drabs. I’m a National Trust fan, so we’ll be ex- smile wide. “Suddenly I found myself in a The first question Denise asked when she ploring and will see lots of friends along the room reading the script, with Gary, Tim Firth was approached about appearing in Calendar way.” [writer], the producers and the casting direc- Girls was who else was in the show: “I’m too So is Ruth worried about disrobing on stage - tor. And boy, am I glad that they persisted! old and long in the tooth to be dealing with does ‘the Great British Take Off’ hold any “Never was I happier to be wrong about egos and temper tantrums. Thankfully we all fears? She waves any concerns aside: “We’ll something. Some people don’t like musicals get on, but second to the script, that was the have great big pineapples or whatever in because of all the bursting into song, but most important thing to me.” front of us, so the audience won’t see much. with this you hardly know that a song has The show attracts a hugely diverse audience - And besides,” she adds, with a naughty glint started until it’s halfway through. You’re to- so why do the ladies think that is? in her eye, “at 75, you really don’t care!” tally pulled along by your earholes, and the “It’s an incredibly human story,” says Fern songs really advance the story. Tim Firth is a Britton. “Life is all about loss, love, making a god! He wrote the play, the movie and the mess, making mistakes, clearing it up and musical - he’s like a Yorkshire Stephen Sond- Calendar Girls The Musical visits the atoning. It’s a terribly hackneyed phrase, but heim with the lyrics. As for Gary, he’s written Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from our show is life-affirming.” some incredible songs.” Tues 13 to Sat 17 November. “And it is a different proposition when you The show returns to the Midlands region Having previously starred in the stage play have music to the extent that we have,” says next year, stopping off at Birmingham version, Ruth Madoc is the old hand of the Ruth Madoc, who, as an experienced musical Hippodrome from 28 May to 8 June. assembled cast, but she wasn’t convinced theatre actress, knows a thing or two about about returning to the subject. Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 5 Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 6

Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

The Full Monty Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 5 - Sat 10 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 19 - Sat 24 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Mon 4 - Sat 9 March When six men find themselves unemployed, dignity, hope and self-belief are suddenly in short supply. Until, that is, they take the plunge and become male strippers... This brand new stage version of the hit 1996 movie stars Hollyoaks’ Gary Lucy in the lead role of Gaz. He’s joined by, among others, Joe Gill, best known as Finn Barton in Em- merdale. “You meet all the characters in their sense of desperation,” says Joe. “That’s one of the best things about the play - they’re all doing this full monty strip for a reason. They’re not just thinking about having a laugh and getting their kit off; they’re all trying to get out of a tricky situation.”

life, Hamnet died three years before Shake- Tartuffe The Habit Of Art speare wrote Hamlet. With his life moving to- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, wards its end, the boy Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Selected dates until Sat 23 February Tues 6 - Sat 10 November; Malvern Theatres, pieces together a por- Tues 27 November - Sat 1 December trait of his famous fa- A comedy about faith, family and faking it, With his new opera, Death In Venice, Ben- ther, a man by whom this brand new version of Moliere’s 17th cen- jamin Britten knows he’s sailing pretty close he has been aban- tury masterpiece brings events bang up to to the wind. No wonder he turns for advice to doned as Shakespeare date. The story centres around the wealthy his former collaborator and friend, WH pursues a career in Pervaiz family. Living in modern-day Birm- Auden. But 25 years after they last met, can London’s theatre ingham, they have in their midst the charis- these two difficult men finally find a way to world... matic and devout Muslim cleric Tartuffe. But satisfy their unsettling creative impulses?... is their guest all that he seems - and will fam- A play about creativity, biography, sex and ily life ever be the same again?... death, Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art Still Alice scored a huge hit for the National Theatre Malvern Theatres, Tues 20 - Sat 24 November back in 2010. This new touring version stars Finding Joy Neuroscientist Lisa Genova’s bestselling Matthew Kelly and David Yelland. novel is here adapted for the stage, four years Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 November; Studio Theatre @The Other Place, after the release of the critically acclaimed Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 9 & Sat 10 November; movie version, for which Julianne Moore won Coach House Theatre, Malvern, Tues 20 a best-actress Oscar. Telling the story of Har- November vard professor Alice Howland’s battle with A work of full mask early-onset Alzheimer’s, it stars Scottish ac- theatre based on tress Sharon Small - best known from BBC true stories, Vamos’ television’s Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Finding Joy has The show has garnered plenty of acclaim on been described as a its travels across the UK over the last couple funny and fearless of months. piece that’s posi- tively brimming Hamnet with visual inven- tiveness. When Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 November Danny decides to become his grandmother Joy’s carer, their new-found bond is some- With award-winning productions already what unexpected. Joy is creative, funny and gracing their CV, Dublin-based theatre com- losing her memory; Danny is rebellious and pany Dead Centre stop off in Shakespeare always getting into trouble. Yet bond the pair country with a well-reviewed show about the most certainly do. The question is, where will Stratford bard’s one and only son. Eleven their newly developed connection lead years of age when illness claimed his young them?... whatsonlive.co.uk 27 The Lovely Bones for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 10:14 Page 1

The Lovely Bones Alice Sebold’s world-famous novel premieres on the Birmingham REP’s stage... The Lovely Bones for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 10:14 Page 2

“Your characters never really go away - of challenges. “I love it. I get to be the junior Still, in revisiting The Lovely Bones Sebold course you feel a fondness towards them.” writer to great writers. But the main thrill is must also revisit a very real trauma of her Novelist Alice Sebold has recently had reason to make it a theatrical-shaped piece of work own. In 1981, when she was a student, she to revisit the characters of The Lovely Bones, rather than a novel, and each one has was raped and beaten while walking home her 2002 globally best-selling novel about a different problems and different joys.” one evening. young girl, Susie Salmon, who watches her Lavery’s initial idea for staging this story was The novel is certainly not about her, but the family from heaven after she’s raped and to have very defined heaven and earth spaces attack was a spur. murdered by a serial killer. on different physical levels. But after “When people say ‘it’s autobiographical’ the For those who’ve never encountered the workshops with actors and the show’s first thing I say is ‘but I’m not dead’,” she novel, it might sound like grim reading. In director, Melly Still, they discovered that comments dryly. And while she fact, The Lovely Bones found a huge heaven could be everywhere - because “that’s acknowledges that, without that experience, audience due to its tenderly drawn portrait of the magic of theatre.” she might not have written The Lovely Bones, a family coming to terms with grief. Millions “The most wonderful thing about it is our she says that her true inspiration was “all of of readers felt a fondness of their own for Susie wanders through her family [on earth], those girls who never had a voice because Susie and the Salmon family. but of course they can’t see her,” explains they died, unlike myself.” Now, they’re coming to life onstage. Bryony Lavery. “So one feels incredible empathy She recalls how, in the Seventies - when the Lavery has adapted the novel, for the first with her, because she’s this child that’s being story is set - there seemed to be “so many theatrical version of The Lovely Bones ignored.” serial killers”, and so many young female anywhere in the world. This adds a degree of poignancy - but also, a victims. “And we were fascinated by serial What was her initial reaction to being asked degree of humour. This Susie has a very killers like Ted Bundy, but we didn’t really to turn this smash hit book into a stage play? familiar teenage stroppy exasperation with know anything about the women he killed. I her situation in the afterlife, and at her was very aware of this voiceless mass of “I think it was ‘yikes!’” laughs Lavery. “It’s family not listening to her. women – that was pretty much the not a straight narrative - it’s like loads of inspiration for me,” she says. paths through a rather beautiful and “That yields a lot of comedy and texture, disturbing forest. Which doesn’t make it easy because she’s so furious about it; she’s a Sexual violence is certainly not something to adapt at all…” wonderful pouty teenager at times,” Lavery we’ve done away in the intervening decades. says. And she adds that laughter is really But The Lovely Bones has also proved a Still, the playwright is no stranger to crafting necessary in this often dark story. timeless story, and one worth revisiting for stage versions of classic novels, from altogether more hopeful reasons. Brighton Rock to A Christmas Carol to 101 “You can’t hold your breath for two hours; Dalmatians – and she’d add The Lovely you need to open a steam valve and let There is something comforting in the Bones to their rank. “It is a classic. It always something out.” balanced structure of the story: not only do brings us comfort, because of its strength and the family on earth slowly come to some Working on dark material can be harrowing – its honesty and its toughness, actually.” acceptance of their grief - a process anyone but the process here has, in fact, proved to be who’s lost anyone will recognise - but in But what did the American writer think of her really rather good fun. Because of this, heaven, too, Susie must go on the same novel being turned into a play? Sebold has ended up being rather more journey of letting go. involved in the production than she had “I liked the idea - I think there are things you expected. “It’s not about murder; it’s about can do onstage that you can’t do in any other redemption,” agrees Lavery. “’The lovely medium,” says Sebold. She’s been reading Speaking warmly of pinging emails back and bones’ refers to the lovely new bones that drafts and offering feedback, but she’s happy forth across the Atlantic with Lavery, she grow around this reconfigured family. It’s a to cede control of the material. “I just trust says; “One of my favourite words is ‘moxie’, tough book – it doesn’t do ‘oh the murderer’s the people who are performing it and and she seems to have quite a bit of it…” going to get caught and everybody’s going to directing it – they know what happens to For Lavery, it’s not so common to be adapting be happy’ - but it's about reconstruction after words when you put them on stage, and I material where the original writer is still with terrible disasters. don’t.” us. But working with Sebold has been “And it’s about family - even if one of them is Plus, part of the appeal was that Sebold wonderful, she says. “I was quite daunted at in heaven.” couldn’t imagine quite how the story, which first, because Dickens and Graham Green moves seamlessly between heaven and earth, and people don’t send notes… but a writer’s Sebold still often hears from readers that the could actually be realised on stage. notes to another writer are always thrilling book provided solace when trying to come to and challenging.” terms with a death in the family, even if in “For me, it’s going to be amazing to see: how very different circumstances. do they have different levels, heaven and Is she looking forward to Sebold seeing it? earth, and the various places that are in the “Of course - because she sounds fun. But I’ll “That was a wonderfully unexpected result of novel? How do they make it real, but not too be as nervous as anything.” writing the book,” she says. “It’s like a play real? That’s one of the reasons why I think being written: you just can't predict where How does it feel for Sebold, handing over her theatre can be fascinating: there are lots of your work is going to go.” much-loved characters to someone else? imaginative recesses for the audience to fill.” “There are some authors who like a sense of The process of adaptation is something control where those things are concerned, The Lovely Bones shows at The REP, Lavery gets great satisfaction from - partly but I really enjoy seeing what other people Birmingham from Tuesday 30 October because of the need to solve these do with my stuff,” she says sanguinely. until Sat 10 November Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 7

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 8

theatre for younger audiences... Theatre

Awful Auntie Sleepyhead How To Hide A Lion Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 & Sat 10 Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 8 November Tues 27 November - Sat 1 December Nov; Smethwick Library, Birmingham, Sun 18 Nov; MAC Birmingham, Tues 20 November - Based on Helen Stephens’ magical book of Frights, fights and friendships are the order Sun 2 December the same name, this new stage production of the day in this lively adaptation of David promises young audiences a roaringly enjoy- Walliams’ much-loved story. At the centre of able 45 minutes. ‘Music, song, playful hu- the tale is a young girl named Stella. The sole mour, dazzling puppets and some rip-roaring heir to Saxby Hall, she finds herself in dan- jazz’ all feature, as a little girl named Iris ger of losing both her inheritance and her life helps to hide a lion from the townsfolk when she comes up against her thoroughly who’re hunting him. unpleasant Aunt Alberta... Produced by the team behind the hugely successful stage adaptation of Walliams’ Gangsta Granny, the Guess How Much show comes complete with a very old car, a very large owl, a very small ghost and plenty I Love You of opportunity to enjoy a jolly good chuckle. Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 3 November Little Angel Theatre make a welcome return to MAC with a show that features ‘a pinch of With highly praised productions of James circus and a large dollop of silliness’. Telling And The Giant Peach, Seussical and The the tale of a tired dad’s efforts to get his baby Quite Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl to go to sleep, and the tiny tot’s desire to stay And The Pussycat behind them, Selladoor awake and play with his friend Rabbit, the Family here present a theatre work inspired show has been created for youngsters aged by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram’s best- between two and five. Its running time is 45 selling 1994 picture book. Combining pup- minutes. pets, live music and interactive play for children aged three and older, the show finds Little & Big Nutbrown Hare waking up to discover the delights and colours of each sea- Stick Man son. Lichfield Garrick, Sun 11 & Mon 12 November; Egg And Spoon Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November The REP, Birmingham, Sat 17 November “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my Presented as part of First Stages, a Birming- spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- ham Rep programme of shows designed to ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely introduce young children to theatre, Egg And popular children’s book on which this show Spoon is performed by the Aberdeen-based is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I Lyngo Theatre. “The show is an interactive love their production of Stick Man, and so do romp through the seasons,” Lyngo explain, the audiences.” Featuring a trio of talented “where you come in and out of our magic cir- performers, the show brings together pup- cle and get to open all the gifts of nature. petry, songs, live music and ‘funky moves’ to We'll run through the rain and the falling tell the story of Stick Man’s desperate at- leaves and sleep under the snow till spring tempts to get back to the family tree. Suitable wakes us up for the butterfly party.” for children aged three and older.

CBeebies Thumbelina Oskar’s Amazing Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 3 & Sun 4 November Adventure Justin Fletcher, Ben Faulks and Andy Day are Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, among the CBeebies stars taking part in a Thurs 22 - Sat 24 November brand new show that blends dance, action- Theatre Fideri Fidera are the talented com- packed comedy and 1960s-influenced music. pany behind this original play for young chil- Born inside a flower, the ever-so-tiny Thum- dren. Recounting the story of a puppy’s belina finds herself living in an oversized search for friendship in the wilderness of the world of woodland creatures and giant Alps, the show brings together music, song, plants, but without having a clue who she is storytelling, physical theatre, clowning and or where she’s come from. Maybe the bugs, puppetry. Each performance will be followed spiders, toads and mice at a nearby animal by a 10-minute playtime, where youngsters party can help shed some light on the subject in the audience can meet the performer and for her... play with the production’s animal puppets. whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Jorgie Porter Fame DPS.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:02 Page 1

Remember My Name 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Jorgie Porter Fame DPS.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:02 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The new UK tour of smash-hit West Ender Fame The Musical dances into the Midlands this month. What’s On caught up with Jorgie Porter, who’s starring as ballet dancer Iris in the new production, to find out more...

One of the world’s best-loved musicals, Fame will be evident to the general public that it will encourage more people to consider explores the tumultuous teenage years of Jorgie herself has little in common with the going to ballet shows.” students at New York’s High School for the character she’s playing: “I want to change Jorgie is a firm believer in the universal Performing Arts. Many of us already know roles and be taken out of my comfort zone. qualities of Fame The Musical. Because the how the youngsters fair with the ups and Doing reality shows has been a really good plot deals with many issues close to the downs of life, thanks to the sensational 1980s thing for me in revealing to people who I hearts of young people, such as prejudice, pop-culture movie that inspired both the truly am. I think I’m very lucky in that way identity, sexuality and first love, she feels musical and a television series. But if you’re because it’s not an opportunity many people that the show is able to touch everyone - as yet unaware of the joys of Fame The get. It also shows all the different roles I can musical fans and sceptics alike. Musical - or maybe you just wish to play, and that I’m not typecast in any way. I experience them again - then this particular like the fact that I can go into any role and “These days adolescents are more involved in tour is not to be missed, as it marks the step out of myself, but also that the public tackling these issues head-on, and it’s production’s 30th anniversary. know me for me. Fame shows all different definitely interesting to see how a musical aspects of performance, and Iris is not the that originally came from a film made in the It would be understandable if the musical’s musical-theatre type; obviously I still sing in 1980s can still be so relevant now. It’s good past successes weighed heavily on the the production, because it’s a musical, but that the production shows these mature shoulders of the current cast, but for former she’s more calm and lady-like. I, on the other themes in relation to teenagers because I Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter, who’s set to hand, will be singing my heart out in the car, think it’s easy for adults to overlook the make her stage debut with this tour, the pretending I’m in a music video!” ability of young people to really have overriding feeling is one of sheer excitement: important things to say about them. So “I literally can’t wait for this to happen - this Jorgie loves the fact that she relates so closely although the musical is so much fun, it’s also will be my stage debut and I want it to start to the show as a whole: “I can definitely got a message behind it that can be relevant right now! I love Fame. I think it’s incredible, relate to Fame, from growing up in a dance to everyone.” and when I listen to every song I get college. You might think that the singing. goosebumps because it’s just such good dancing, constant performing and rehearsing It’s the rollercoaster ride of uncertainty that music. I’m super-excited - I really can’t that the Fame characters do in their day-to- Jorgie enjoys so much about being an actress. contain myself, to be honest!” day lives is quite far-fetched, but it really With that in mind, does she have any plans isn’t. If anything, people were swinging from for the future? Taking on the role of Iris in the musical the ceilings in college! The fact that I get to means that Jorgie will be returning to her play a role that’s in a production so close to “I love being on telly and on stage. I’m very ballet roots: “I was dancing from the age of me is so nice because I can put a bit of myself lucky that I’m about to get the opportunity to three and have trained in classical ballet for and my own memories in there.” do both. Future-wise, I don’t think you can almost all of my life. While I was in ever tell, and that’s why I love this job so Hollyoaks, the dancing element became more She also hopes that productions such as much. One minute I’m jumping out of an of a passion than a job, so I’m even more Fame, featuring elements of classical dance airplane in a jungle, the next I’m on a TV quiz excited to do a U-turn and get back to ballet or other dance genres, will help widen the show or hopping onto the stage to do ballet! in this role. It was my dream from when I was demographic at dance shows and put paid to I’m just happy to see what comes along, a kid, and not many people get to actually the misconception that straight ballet really.” fulfil that, so when the opportunity came productions are too high-brow. along I grabbed it. My career took me on a “Fame is a really good opportunity to show little journey somewhere else, but the fact off all sorts of dancing and performance I’ve been able to come back to this is Jorgie Porter stars in Fame The Musical through each of the character’s journeys and amazing. I’m just so excited!” at Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, their different performance passions. There from Mon 19 to Sat 24 November; Theatre On the surface, Jorgie’s character in Fame really is something for everyone, and it’s an Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 28 January - Sat seems like the stereotypical ‘rich girl’ you see opportunity for audiences to sample different 2 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- in films and musicals; spoilt and stuck-up. bits and pieces of the performing arts in a fun Trent, Mon 15 - Sat 20 April; Malvern Thanks to recent reality TV appearances, it and relaxed atmosphere. So I definitely hope Theatres, Mon 9 - Sat 13 July

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

There’s plenty of opportunity for Midlanders to get into the festive spirit over the next few weeks. The region is hosting some of the best pantos and Christmas shows in the land, not to mention a wide range of other activities to enjoy - from checking out a magic lantern trail and searching for Santa to wrapping up your Christmas shopping at Birmingham’s splendidly festive German market. You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...

The Wizard Of Oz The REP, Birmingham, Sat 24 November - Sun 13 January This classic story from the pen of L Frank Baum has been delighting children for over a century. A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy Gale and her unexpected trip over the rainbow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she meets the scarecrow, the tin man and a cowardly lion, heads off on a journey along the yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West. If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a wizard...

Sleeping Beauty Dick Whittington Mother Goose Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Lichfield Garrick, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 21 November - Sat 5 January Thurs 29 November - Sat 5 January Wed 28 November - Sun 6 January The story of a young man who heads for It may not be one of the most frequently London in search of fame and fortune is performed pantos, but Mother Goose one of the most popular of all pan- nonetheless has plenty going for it, includ- tomimes, not least because of the top ad- ing the opportunity to make all manner of ventures in which the happy-go-lucky eggstravagantly funny and Dick finds himself involved. With Sarah eggcruciatingly unfunny the Cook and King Rat both putting in an egg-related jokes. The appearance, and heady romance with the show stars delightful Alice also on the cards for Theatre young Dick, this is a show that promises Severn’s The tragic tale of a young princess who’s to be packed to its festive rafters with ac- favourite panto tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger tion, comedy and fun. Dame, Brad Fitt, on a spinning-wheel, causing her to fall CBeebies star Katrina Bryan joins return- in the role of asleep for 100 years, offers a great story ing panto favourites Sam Rabone and Ben Mother around which to build a pantomime produc- Thornton. Goose. tion of real quality. BBC Radio And Sleeping Beauty 2018 is likely to be just Shropshire’s that, given the Belgrade’s exemplary record Eric Smith when it comes to presenting top-notch panto also fea- magic. tures in the Indeed, we’re so confident you’ll be wide- cast. eyed with excitement that we’ll even bet our best antique spinning-wheel that the only person in the auditorium who won’t be wide awake will be the ever-so-sleepy title character herself! As is usual for the Belgrade panto, the show is written and directed by Iain Lauchlan (pictured). whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Christmas pages November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:41 Page 3 Christmas pages November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:41 Page 4

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

Pinocchio Wilde Creatures The Old Rep Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Birmingham, Sat 17 November - Wed 28 November - Sun 30 December Sun 30 December “Wilde Creatures has four acting-musicians who’re The legendary tale of the extremely talented and manage to bring Oscar wooden child with a disap- Wilde’s stories to life in a very imaginative and pointing propensity for telling modern way.” porky pies - to the detriment of So says Toby Mitchell, the co-founder of Tall Sto- his fast-growing proboscis - is ries, the theatre company bringing this high-en- here presented as the Old Rep’s ergy celebration of Wilde’s classic fairytales to Christmas treat for families. Coventry this Christmas. Carved by lonely toymaker “There’s a seamlessness to the productions. Al- Geppetto, Pinocchio - accom- though the stories are complex and there are lots of panied by a trusty Cricket com- scene changes and props, we make it flow so that it panion - heads out on an doesn’t seem clunky. But that doesn’t mean it’s exciting journey, eager to dis- simple to achieve... We may look like swans from cover what it will require of the front, but you don’t realise how much furious him to become a real boy. But paddling is going on behind the scenes!” there’s plenty of danger lurking in wait for the adventurous friends, not least in the shape of the less-than-entirely-pleas- The Nutcracker ant puppet master, Mangia- Birmingham Hippodrome, fuoco... Fri 23 November - Thurs 13 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this The Wind In month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. The Willows Created in 1990, Wright’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- magnificent and mesmerising score. under-Lyme, Sat 17 November - Sat 26 January In true Christmas spirit, the story follows a young girl named Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of Artistic Director Theresa Hes- soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mys- kins’ stage adaptation of Ken- tery, before finally being transformed into a beau- neth Grahame’s much-loved tiful ballerina. riverside tale ably demon- A magical must-see show for little princesses strates the way in which one everywhere… life can command the full attention of three others! Mole, Badger and Ratty simply don’t have time for any of their own interests - they’re far too busy Rudolf having to look after their reck- MAC, Birmingham, less and irrepressible friend, Sat 17 November - Mon 31 December Toad... Puppetry, songs, laughter and fun are among the “The wit and charm of Kenneth family-friendly ingredients being promised by Pins Grahame’s novel is such a de- And Needles as they return to MAC to offer up an- light,” says Theresa Heskins. other festive feast of theatrical magic. Having previ- “No matter how many times I ously scored yuletide hits with their productions of read it, it makes me chuckle. Raymond Brigg's Father Christmas and The Bear, the And Toad’s zest for adventure talented company this year turn their attention to I’ve found utterly irresistible. Santa’s most famous reindeer. Bringing these characters to Rudolf has landed in a zoo, and her big red nose and New Vic audiences will be a joy flashy antlers are making her less than popular with and a privilege.” the other reindeer. The production features a large And as if that’s not bad enough, she also can’t quite cast, live music and ‘plenty of shake the feeling that she really should be some- cunning, courage and friend- where else, on some kind of big snowy adventure... ship’. Expect your children to be suitably enchanted.

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Festive attractions opening in November Christmas

Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 15 November - Sun 23 December This is the largest outdoor Christ- mas market in the country and sits at the centre of Birmingham’s festive celebrations. Drawing crowds from across the city and further afield, the Frank- furt Markets feature a wide range of traditional handmade toys, artwork and items from across the world. There’s plenty of food and drink to sample too, including mulled Ice Skate Birmingham wine, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German Eastside Green, Birmingham, Thurs 15 November - Sun 27 January beer. Carol singers, live music and Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome return 300 people per session. Younger or inexperi- a carousel further enhance the fes- to the city centre this month. Year on year voted enced skating enthusiasts can keep upright by tive atmosphere. one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the using special penguin skating aids, which can UK, the popular visitor attraction can hold up to be booked online in advance. Cathedral Christmas Market Santa’s Winter Wonderland Santa Hunts Cathedral Square, Birmingham, SnowDome, Tamworth, Staffs, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Thurs 15 November - Sun 22 Fri 16 November - Mon 31 December Sat 24 November - Mon 24 December December The rumour that’s flying like a magic reindeer Brand new for this year and com- around the region is that Santa has been spotted ing complete with a Santa’s at the Black Country Living Museum. He seems Grotto, this outdoor market also to be a little limelight-shy, mind - which is why boasts one of the city’s biggest young visitors to the venue are being invited to Christmas trees. join festive costumed guides in a ‘fun-filled’ Commenting on the new attrac- search to find him. Along the way, kids can solve tion, Birmingham Cathedral Chief magical clues, sprinkle Executive Anna Pitt said: “Those dust on reindeer shoes who visit the cathedral this year, and even send letters up whether for worship, the market, the chimney to Santa’s carols or events, will find a very workshop. A surprise gift warm welcome.” awaits anybody who suc- ceeds in finding the jolly- This year’s all-new Santa Show sees Santa want- faced bearded one... Switching on the ing to recount his favourite story - but finding Christmas lights... that his efforts are compromised by the unex- Magical Lantern Festival Here are just a few of the festive light pected arrival of some very famous faces... switch-ons taking place across the Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one Birmingham Botanical Gardens, region. For more, visit element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s Fri 23 November - Tues 1 January whatsonlive.co.uk snowy indoor attraction. Visitors can also ex- As Christmas experiences go, this one is particu- BIRMINGHAM Thurs 15 Nov, City Centre plore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk larly ‘illuminating’. COVENTRY Wed 21 Nov, Broadgate through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of The grandeur of the Botanical Gardens, with its snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. dense woodlands and winding pathways, pro- SHREWSBURY Wed 14 Nov, The Square The less adventurous will be able to observe all vides the perfect backdrop against which to STAFFORD Sat 17 Nov, Market Square the action as they amble along the promenade enjoy a trail of giant lanterns, including ones STOKE-ON-TRENT (HANLEY) Thurs 15 walkway. representing Santa and his reindeers. Nov, Hanley Town Hall There’s even an animal village to visit, where A food & drink area and an opportunity to buy WARWICK Thurs 29 Nov, Market Place you can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hi to festival merchandise as a memento of the experi- WORCESTER Thurs 22 Nov, Worcester some of the big fella’s furry friends. ence also features. High Street whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 1 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 2

Film

Widows CERT 15 (128 mins) Starring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Jacki Weaver, Carrie Coon, Robert Duvall, Liam Neeson Directed by Steve McQueen (UK/USA) With just three films to his name, Steve McQueen has established himself as one of the leading lights of British cinema - and the recipient of a host of international honours. Here, the London-born former video artist has adapted Lynda La Plante's London-set TV series (1983-1985) to the big screen and has attracted an extraordinary cast. Following in the wake of the recent Racer And The Jailbird, Ocean's Eight, American Animals and King Of Thieves, Widows is a heist thriller, but with a difference. A botched robbery in Chicago leads to the death of its four perpetrators - and a huge hole in the lives of the men’s widows. And a terrible debt - something the women decide to settle in their own unique way. The reviews have been ecstatic. Released Tues 6 Nov EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in November...

Juliet, Naked CERT 15 (98 mins) The Nutcracker And Peterloo CERT 12a (153 mins) Starring Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, Chris O’ The Four Realms Starring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, Pearce Dowd, Megan Dodds, Denise Gough, Phil Quigley, David Moorst, Alastair Mackenzie Davis Directed by Jesse Peretz (UK/USA) CERT PG (99 mins) Directed by Mike Leigh (UK) Starring Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Juliet’s not naked, of course, she’s a track on Misty Copeland, Helen Mirren, Morgan The Peterloo Massacre, in 1819, was one of the new album of American singer-song- Freeman, Matthew Macfadyen, Richard E the most shameful episodes in British his- writer Tucker Crowe (Hawke), beloved by Grant Directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe tory, when a gathering of over 60,000 peace- Johnston (USA) music fan Duncan Thomson (O’Dowd). She is ful demonstrators in Manchester was acoustic, though. But what’s really annoying dispersed by government troops, leading to is that Duncan’s girlfriend Annie (Byrne) gets several deaths and the serious injury of many to listen to it first… Based on the hilarious hundreds. novel by Nick Hornby. Released Fri 2 Nov Released Fri 2 Nov

Based on ETA Hoffmann's The Nutcracker And The Mouse King and also inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet, this has Disney written all over it. Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar) plays the girl who has to deal with gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice. Helen Mirren plays Mother Ginger. In 3D. Released Fri 2 Nov Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 3 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 4

Film highlights released in November... Film

Overlord CERT 18 (109 mins) The Girl In The Robin Hood CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Jacob Spider’s Web CERT tbc Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Anderson, Dominic Applewhite, Pilou Asbæk, Mendelsohn, Eve Hewson, Tim Minchin, Jamie Bokeem Woodbine Starring Claire Foy, Sverrir Gudnason, LaKeith Dornan Directed by Otto Bathurst (USA) Directed by Julius Avery (USA) Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant, Claes Bang An outlaw and veteran of the Crusades teams Of course, Overlord is Directed by Fede Álvarez (USA/Sweden) up with a Moorish soldier to fight the corrup- the codename for the You just can’t keep Scandi noir away. Follow- tion of the English monarchy. Tim Minchin, invasion of Nor- ing the American remake of The Girl With of all people, plays Friar Tuck. Filmed in mandy during the The Dragon Tattoo with Daniel Craig, here Croatia. Second World War, comes the sequel to the remake. This time Released Wed 21 Nov but here there’s even the maverick hacker Lisbeth Salander is worse. When two played by Claire Foy, while the consummate American paratroop- Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Locke) fine- ers are caught behind tuned the adaptation. Expect plenty of cyber- enemy lines, they discover something far crime and corrupt politicians. more terrifying than German soldiers. Expect excessive violence. Released Wed 21 Nov Released Wed 7 Nov

The Grinch CERT PG (60 mins) Assassination Nation With the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, CERT 18 (108 mins) Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Starring Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Seely, Angela Lansbury, Pharrell Williams Nef, Abra, Anika Noni Rose Directed by Sam Directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney Levinson (USA) (USA) There’s a data breach in the quintessentially The Grinch is back. Again. Following the fes- American town of Salem, Massachusetts, tive curmudgeon’s previous incarnations on and four high school students find them- TV and in the form of Jim Carrey, we now selves fighting for their lives. The black com- have the full-length animated version. For edy is the second directorial work from Sam those who don’t know, it’s based on the chil- Levinson, son of the Oscar-winning film- dren’s book by Dr Seuss (Theodor Geisel) and maker Barry Levinson. Expect extreme vio- is about a misanthropic green thing that sets lence. out to ruin Christmas for the Whos. In 3D. Released Fri 23 Nov Released Fri 9 Nov

Fantastic Beasts: The custody, forcing Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Newt Scamander (Eddie Red- Crimes Of Grindewald mayne) to join forces to stop the dark wiz- Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Water- ard’s dastardly plans. The film is the 10th ston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Jude Law, chapter in the so-called ‘Wizarding World Johnny Depp Directed by David Yates (UK/USA) franchise’ and is scripted by JK Rowling. In 3D. The thoroughly reprehensible Gellert Grindewald (Johnny Depp) has escaped Released Fri 16 Nov Suspiria CERT 18 (152 mins) Starring Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloë Grace Moretz Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Italy/USA) A young American Mennonite joins a dance academy in Berlin and is plagued by un- speakable phenomena. The original Suspiria (1977) was one of the scariest horror films of all time, helped no end by its demonic soundtrack. Here, the director of the Oscar- winning Call Me By Your Name plunges headfirst into the fear and loathing. Note the 18 certificate. Released Fri 16 Nov Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:57 Page 5 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:57 Page 6

Film highlights released in November... Film

Nativity Rocks!CERT tbc Starring Simon Lipkin, Celia Imrie, Anna Chan- cellor, Helen George, Ruth Jones, Meera Syal, Hugh Dennis Directed by Debbie Isitt (UK) What we do know is that this is the fourth family comedy in the Nativity franchise created by Debbie Isitt. However, at the time of going to press no plot details were available, but there will be schoolchildren, rock’n’roll and a return to St Bernadette’s Catholic school in Coventry. Happy Christmas. Released Fri 23 Nov

CRITIC’S CHOICE

their 14-year-old son, Joe (Oxenbould) - starts Wildlife CERT 12a (104 mins) to come apart at the seams, echoed in the Starring Carey Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ed raging wildfires in the nearby mountains. Oxenbould, Bill Camp Directed by Paul Dano (USA) Unlike many an actor cutting his directorial teeth, Dano resists the temptation to show Richard Ford is a quintessentially American off, instead laying out his tale in a punctil- writer and, in its way, this adaptation of his Nobody’s FoolCERT tbc iously straightforward manner. Thus we are 1990 novel is a quintessentially American Starring Tiffany Haddish, Tika Sumpter, Omari drawn into the interior lives of these ostensi- film. First-time director Paul Dano - the actor Hardwick, Amber Riley, Whoopi Goldberg bly ordinary souls, so that when they start Directed by Tyler Perry (USA) - captures the milieu perfectly and aestheti- lying to each other, the transgressions gen- cally, aided by first-class performances from Danica (Tika Sumpter) is on course to be- uinely rankle. It’s a compelling, deeply dis- his two leads as a couple who, in 1960, have come the first black woman to be promoted turbing piece. to vice-president of her company. Then her just moved to Great Falls in Montana (a Released Fri 9 Nov sister (Tiffany Haddish) is released from favourite Richard Ford location). There, their prison… Directed by the comedian and film- marriage - as witnessed through the eyes of maker Tyler Perry, who, in 2011, was the highest paid man in showbusiness (accord- ing to Forbes magazine). Disobedience CERT 15 (114 mins) Ralph Breaks The Internet Released Fri 23 Nov Starring Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, CERT PG Alessandro Nivola, Anton Lesser, Bernice Ste- gers, Allan Corduner Directed by Sebastián With the voices of John C Reilly, Sarah Silver- Lelio (UK/Ireland/USA) man, Jane Lynch, Taraji P Henson, Gal Gadot, Creed II CERT tbc Kristen Bell, Kelly Macdonald Directed by Rich Starring Michael B Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Moore and Phil Johnston (USA) Tessa Thompson, Florian Munteanu, Dolph Following on from his exploits in Disney’s Lundgren, Brigitte Nielsen Directed by Steven ingenious Wreck-It-Ralph (2012), the arcade Caple Jr (USA) game villain embarks on a new adventure You just can’t beat nostalgia. Now that Ado- thanks to the discovery of a wi-fi router. It’s a nis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, is whole new world. Available in 3D and IMAX. crowned light heavyweight champion - Released Fri 30 Nov thanks to the guidance of Rocky Balboa - he finds himself defending his title against Vik- tor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph The daughter of a rabbi in a North London Lundgren), who killed his father. This is the Orthodox Jewish community, Ronit Krushka eighth instalment in the Rocky franchise. (Rachel Weisz) now works as a photographer Released Fri 30 Nov in New York, having been shunned by her family. However, she returns to London to attend her father’s funeral, where ghosts from her past catch up with her. Based on the award-winning novel by Naomi Alderman, who grew up in an Orthodox Jewish environment herself. Released Fri 30 Nov

BMAG.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:18 Page 1 ©Kelly-Angela-Womens Identity Series Series Identity ©Kelly-Angela-Womens WOMEN. POWER. PROTEST. What’s On chats to Emalee Beddoes-Davis, Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at Birmingham Museums Trust, about Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s new exhibition...

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How did Women Power Protest come continue to demand equal terms across the the sitters incredibly powerful. about, Emalee? intersections of gender, sexuality, race and Give an example of how local history - We proposed the concept of the exhibition as class. Looking to modern and contemporary Birmingham’s role in the suffrage part of the Arts Council Collection National artworks allows the exhibition to explore movement - is represented within the Partnership Programme, which Birmingham how women’s experiences have changed exhibition... Museums Trust is part of. The programme since 1918, and frame questions about the aims to make incredible artworks from the issues that still need to be addressed. As part of a weekend of celebratory women’s national Arts Council Collection accessible to events for the Women Power Protest The exhibition doesn’t shy away from more people across the country and increase exhibition, taking place from Friday 16 to difficult issues. What’s the most extreme engagement with contemporary art. The Sunday 18 November, a blue plaque will be example of this? exhibition follows other successful revealed in Birmingham Museum & Art partnership shows, including Coming Out There are a number of pieces which deal with Gallery on the Friday, commemorating and The Everyday And Extraordinary. difficult issues, but for me the most suffragette Bertha Ryland. In 1914, Bertha In 1918, the Representation of the People Act challenging is Apocalypse by Susan Coe. The entered the museum and attacked a painting made the first women in the UK eligible to piece is from a body of work by the artist as part of the militant campaign for women’s vote. Women Power Protest is part of a about a news story of a woman who was rights. programme of events and displays gang-raped in a bar in New York while a Women Power Protest is in homage to the commemorating this important date, and crowd of people watched and no one stopped suffrage movement, rather than a historical takes a more contemporary look at women’s or reported it. It speaks of the culture of exploration of the journey to suffrage. It rights. silence around sexual assault, which is only focuses on artworks exploring the activism As curator, I selected the artworks from a now beginning to be challenged in and experiences of modern and shortlist and have been working with mainstream culture. These issues are contemporary artists. A zine we are creating colleagues in our learning and outreach extremely important to explore, but we’re to accompany the exhibition draws more on teams to develop the exhibition. aware that for many this can be too troubling. Birmingham’s role in historic and We have arranged the exhibition so that contemporary activism, including an essay Can you give a brief overview of the Apocalypse and other graphically violent written by Dr Nicola Gauld about Bertha exhibition? pieces are placed in a way that can be Ryland, as well as artwork by Sarah Taylor- Women Power Protest will explore the avoided by visitors who feel the need to do Silverwood about campaigning group genius, activism, experiences and creativity so. Feminist Work For Change, among other acts of selected female artists in the Arts Council of creative activism. How are women from black and minority Collection and Birmingham’s collection. The The weekend will continue with an afternoon ethnic backgrounds represented? exhibition traces the suffragettes’ legacy of of performances in the exhibition space on activism, hope and dignity through a number A number of pieces explore the experiences Saturday 17 November, including spoken-

of poignant and powerful contemporary art of people of colour, including cotton.com by word poetry and music performed by exciting y pieces by artists including Susan Hiller, Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid Birmingham artists Amerah Saleh, Jasmine Lubaina Himid and Mary Kelly. and Maud Sulter’s As A Black Woman. Gardosi and Affie Jam. We strive to make our exhibitions as We’ll also be hosting a Women In Parliament The exhibition includes works by 55 representative as possible. Over a quarter of discussion event on this day. To female artists. What was the selection the artworks in the exhibition were created commemorate 100 years since women were criteria and who was involved in this? by women from BAME backgrounds, but we able to stand for parliament, there will be a y g The selection was made by myself, my recognise the historic bias in collections and panel discussion with four female MPs from predecessor Lisa Beauchamp, and Ann Jones, how this puts limits on the selections for Birmingham and Solihull, chaired by leading Curator of the Arts Council Collection. Our exhibitions like this. We have to continue to feminist campaigner Caroline Criado Perez. criteria were women artists who are known to strive to ensure female artists, and in There are more details on the website, be invested in issues related to women’s particular those from black and minority birminghammuseums.org.uk. rights. We worked with local people, ethnic backgrounds, are given the platform Finally, what lasting impression do you including the Precious Trust, Shelter and they deserve, so that exhibitions can hope visitors will take away from the Birmingham LGBTQ, to interpret these works continue to become more representative. Women Power Protest experience? and the themes of hope, dignity and activism We are actively increasing the representation which were inspired by the suffragettes. of BAME artists, designers and makers in The exhibition is an emotional rollercoaster Birmingham’s collection, and many of the of hope, beauty, tenderness, insecurity, fear, As a curator, what has the exhibition learning events and activities for Women anger, discomfort and pain. It shows not only taught you personally about women’s Power Protest aim to address the topic of the multiplicity of experiences of being a suffrage? representation as part of modern-day woman, but also the important artists who The 1918 Representation of the People Act women’s rights. are able to capture these experiences. I hope gave suffrage to all men over 21 and women the exhibition offers insight into the Do you have a favourite in the collection? over 30 who met property-based incredible resilience, talent and bravery of qualifications. Under these terms, I wouldn’t I love Claudette Jonson’s Trilogy series from women over the past century. have been given the right to vote. This year is the Arts Council Collection. Portraiture is one the anniversary of a momentous occasion for of the most interesting traditions in the women, but the limitations of the act are an history of British art, and Johnson’s work re- Women Power Protest shows at important reminder that while we should appropriates this with such knowing beauty Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from celebrate successes, it is essential that we and strength. I find the firm, serious Saturday 10 November until Sunday 31 expressions and relaxed body language of March

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Visual Arts

The First Casualty Of War Is Truth Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire, until Sun 2 December Forming part of Shropshire’s programme of commemorative events to honour and remember the lives of those who served in and were af- fected by the Great War, this thought-provoking exhibition examines how the 1914-18 conflict has been represented in the media. The show has been curated by a group of Shrop- shire artists and aims to expose truths obscured by time, loss and misinformation. Some of the included pieces have previously been exhibited at Shrewsbury’s St Chad’s Church and Theatre Severn.

Face Of Suffrage New Street Station, Birmingham, Thurs 15 November - Fri 14 December A unique art installation celebrating the show such a huge artwork in such an excit- Suffragette movement, Face Of Suffrage is ing public space,” says Helen. "The idea a giant mosaic comprising 3,500 photos of came from my personal experience as a fe- women from the West Midlands and be- male achieving my dream to be an artist, yond, including images of individuals in- and from my wish for women to become volved in the movement during the early more visible, as they have been so invisible 1900s. throughout art history, both in representa- In My Shoes: Art & The Self The 200 metre-square floor-based mosaic tion in portraiture and as artists in their Since The 1990s has been installed in New Street Station’s own right.” large concourse and is the work of artist This exhibition is complimented by a se- Helen Marshall, who’s previously created ries of photographs on show at the city’s similar projects across Britain to mark Birmingham Hippodrome. other historic occasions. Image: Maud Arncliffe-Sennett c 1908 “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to

Elizabeth Magill: Headland New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 20 January

“Although my work refers to landscape,” of her most recent works and seems cer- explains Elizabeth Magill, “it’s more like tain to secure her a whole new fan base. an exterior view, an attempt to create a set- PACCAR Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, ting or space to place things; a kind of de- Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 6 January posit of thoughts and observations within This Arts Council Collection national touring ex- the framework of a personal and painting hibition - featuring works by Hayley Newman, practice.” Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin - Born in Canada and brought up in North- explores the ways in which UK-based artists ern Ireland, Elizabeth is one of her genera- have included them selves in their work since the tion's leading painters, first coming to the 1990s. Reflecting society’s ever-increasing inter- attention of the art world in the early est in self-expression, the show presents a wide 1990s. range of contemporary approaches across a This latest exhibition presents a selection number of different art forms. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 14:27 Page 1

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Events Events previews from around the region

Remember, remember the 5th of November...

WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT Fri 2 Nov, from 5pm, Wolverhampton Racecourse TAMWORTH'S BONFIRE NIGHT Sat 3 Nov, from 6pm, Tamworth Castle SIXWAYS BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sat 3 Nov, from 5pm, Sixways Stadium, Worcester BLISTS HILL FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 3 Nov, from 6pm, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge EDGBASTON FIREWORKS Sat 3 Nov, from 5.30pm, Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham BONFIRE NIGHT WITH A TUDOR Russia, with more than 1,000 performers taking TWIST Sat 3 Nov, Anne Birmingham International part in the show. Hathaway's Cottage & Tattoo 2018 The event would not be complete without the Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon ever-popular closing ceremony, which features SOLIHULL FIREWORKS Sat 3 Nov, Arena Birmingham, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November from 4.30pm, Tudor Grange, the Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour and Celebrating its 30th year in style, Britain’s biggest Solihull Escort, the traditional Land Of Hope And Glory, indoor international tattoo showcases bands from HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS the Evening Hymn and The Lone Piper. across the United Kingdom, Poland, Austria and Sat 3 Nov, from 4.30pm, Himley Hall, Dudley SHREWSBURY’S CHARITY FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE SPECTACULAR Sat 3 Nov, from Ludlow Medieval Gorgeous Christmas Craft 4pm, West Mid Showground, Christmas Fayre And Food Fair Shrewsbury Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, CONKERS FIREWORKS AND LASER Sat 24 & Sun 25 November Sat 24 & Sun 25 November SHOW Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Conkers, Rawdon This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ludlow’s Road, Moira hugely popular Medieval Christmas Fayre. ALTON TOWERS RESORT ULTIMATE The event sees more than 100 stalls fill the castle FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Sat 3 grounds, selling seasonal wares and historical & Sun 4 Nov, Alton Towers goods & crafts throughout the weekend. Visitors Theme Park, Staffordshire can also enjoy a wide range of medieval games and WARWICK TOWN BONFIRE & entertainment, including jesters, interactive the- FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from atre and the epic Tournament of Knights. 4.30pm, Warwickshire Racecourse WESTON PARK BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS Sun 4 Nov, from 3pm, Weston Park, Shifnal Designer-makers from across the West Midlands head to Ironbridge this month for the 2018 Gor- BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS FIREWORKS Mon 5 geous Christmas Craft Fair. From one-off designer Nov, from 5pm, Birmingham pieces to affordable goods, the show features a Botanical Gardens wide variety of hand-made designs and individual artworks, all of which are available to purchase. Not only will visitors be able to stock up on Christ- mas gifts, they can also watch exhibitors demon- strating their craft and providing an insight into their work. Some of the region’s best food & drink providers are on hand too, offering tons of tasty treats for browsers who fancy taking a break from shopping and watching. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 14:27 Page 3

Events

Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival NEC, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sun 4 November The Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival makes a welcome return to Birmingham this month. The three-day event offers ‘spiritual seekers’ a safe place in which to commune and share their ideas, beliefs and philosophies. Attractions at this month’s show include a workshop programme presenting new ideas on relationships, awakening, inspired living, NLP, yoga, meditation, science and angels. New for this year is Nourish - providing top tips to enhance your nutritional wellbeing - and Oasis Of Sound, a meditational therapy experience created with a sound bath.

MCM Birmingham Comic Con NEC, Birmingham, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November Fans of comics, movies, TV shows, cosplay and gaming can rejoice - ‘the ultimate pop- culture experience’ is back at the NEC! Check out interactive features, stroll around the Comic Village and catch up with your favourite stars when they participate in the Theatre Panels - events in which they’ll be taking questions from the audience and shar- ing plenty of behind-the-scenes gossip. Baby To Toddler Celebrity guests at this year’s exhibition in- NEC, Birmingham, clude Twin Peaks’ Sherilyn Fenn and The Sat 24 & Sun 25 November Walking Dead’s David Morrissey. From the organisers of The Baby Show comes this brand new one- stop-shop for parents and parents- Lancaster Insurance to-be. Classic Motor Show From buggies and car seats to toys and feeding accessories, the show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 9 - Sun 11 November provides everything you need for Covering over one million square feet and show- your little ones, and all under one casing more than 3,000 classic and vintage cars roof. And as the event is taking and motorbikes, the Classic Motor Show is the place in late November, visitors biggest event of its kind in the country. will also be able to take advantage Popular elements of the show include the auto- of numerous Black Friday deals. jumble area - where car fanatics can get their If you’ve got your youngsters in hands on a ton of parts and spares for their vehi- tow, fear not - the event has been cles - and the exhibition zone, bringing together created with the whole family in 500 specialist automotive exhibitors and traders mind. From the purpose-built offering a mix of products and services. changing area to the ‘non-stop fun’ Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead of KidsZone, everything has been will also be putting in an appearance, along designed to make your day out as with a number of other celebrity guests. hassle-free as possible.

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events November.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 14:27 Page 4

A jam-packed November at the NEC

BBC Good Food Show NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 29 November - Sun 2 December A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events calendar, the BBC Good Food Show heads back to Birmingham with its winter edition, once again offering samples to try and items to buy. This year sees TV favourites Mary Berry, Michel Roux Jr and Paul Hollywood (amongst others) cooking up a storm live on stage across the weekend. Other attractions include book signings with star chefs and the chance to stock up on festive food & drink from the show’s 450-plus independent and artisan exhibitors.

Arts & Antiques BRICK Live For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 November NEC, Birmingham, Hailed as the UK’s largest Lego exhibition, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 November BRICK Live features numerous popular displays Bringing together more than from previous years - including Star Wars, Duplo 200 specialist art and antique and Minecraft - alongside a new-for-2018 interac- dealers, Arts & Antiques For Ev- tive experience entitled Mythical Beasts. eryone is the largest and best- Enthusiasts can also access exclusive Lego established vetted art, interiors pieces for their collection at the show’s BRICK and antiques fair outside of Lane, whilst over in the race ramps and brick London. The show offers the pits, visitors can get hands-on by building their perfect opportunity for enthusi- very own creations. asts and collectors to browse, purchase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture Festive Gift Fair and collectables. A diversity of periods and styles NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 November crossing a variety of disciplines Now in its 23rd year, the Festive Gift Fair features features at this latest show, in- more than 320 stalls and boasts thousands of glo- cluding ceramics, glass, paint- rious gift ideas and colourful Christmas decora- ings, jewellery and both British tions. and continental furniture. Live bands, stilt walkers and pantomime characters are also on hand to entertain the crowds and further enhance the festive mood. And you’ll be able to stock up on an array of tasty Christmas treats in the foodie section, where award-winning and artisan companies will be exhibiting across the weekend. Oh, and a delightfully jocular fellow with a big white beard and a fat sack of prezzies is in atten- dance too - probably on the lookout for a nice glass of sherry and a delicious mince pie, we’d imagine...

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover November Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:35 Page 1 The List Cover November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:42 Page 2

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

Ventoux - The Core, Solihull, Wed 14 November - The Core, Solihull, Wed Ventoux

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 4 November Mon 5 to Sun 11 November Mon 12 to Sun 18 November Mon 19 to Fri 30 November

The Proclaimers - Juliette Burton - All You Need Is LSD - The Habit Of Art - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Artrix, Bromsgrove Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Malvern Theatres Fri 2 November Sat 10 November Thurs 15 - Sat 17 November Tues 27 November - Sat 1 December

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Warwicks/Worcs 1-11 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:15 Page 1

thelist Fri 2 Nov, The Tin LEWIS CAPALDI Sat 3 THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Gigs Music And Arts, Canal Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Basin, Coventry ingham BRUNO MARS: 24K The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- WISHBONE ASH Fri 2 ANNIVERSARY TOUR FT. MAGIC Thurs 1 Nov, seum Nov, The Assembly, DJ NATE Sat 3 Nov, O2 Visual Arts Wolverhampton Grand Leamington Spa Institute, Birmingham JOURNEYS WITH ‘THE WASTE LAND’ Ex- Theatre hibition exploring the contemporary RED SHOES Fri 2 Nov, TONY CHRISTIE Sat 3 Artrix, Bromsgrove RAYE Thurs 1 Nov, O2 significance of TS Eliot’s seminal Palace Theatre, Red- Nov, Wolverhampton Academy, Birmingham NEW LICKEY HILLS ART SOCIETY The poem, and the way it has resonated ditch Grand Theatre 35th annual exhibition of members’ ELDER ISLAND Thurs 1 with artists over the years, until Sun THE LEYLINES Fri 2 Nov, THE HAWKLORDS Sat 3 work, Wed 7 Nov - Sun 2 Dec Nov, Hare & Hounds, 18 Nov The Marr's Bar, Nov, The Marr's Bar, Birmingham NEW DEGAS: PASSION FOR PERFECTION CÉZANNE: MONTAGNE SAINTE-VICTOIRE Worcester Worcester Exhibition On Screen journeys from JACKSON- LIVE THE CON- Opportunity to see a post-impres- THE SHEEPDOGS & THE FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS the streets of Paris to the heart of an CERT Thurs 1 Nov, sionist masterpiece and a much- GOOD WATER Fri 2 Nov, Sat 3 Nov, Birmingham exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum Huntingdon Hall, loved work from the Courtauld The Actress & Bishop, Town Hall in Cambridge, which houses Britain’s Gallery’s world-class collection. Also Worcester most representative collection of Birmingham SLAWOMIR Sat 3 Nov, on show are landscape paintings by SHRED KELLY Thurs 1 Degas’ works, Mon 12 Nov IVORY WAVE Fri 2 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham artists like Paul Nash, David Nov, The Marr's Bar, O2 Institute, B’ham Bomberg, LS Lowry and Prunella Worcester RAINBOW KITTEN SUR- Birmingham Museum & Clough, until Sun 20 Jan WILL HAVEN Fri 2 Nov, PRISE Sat 3 Nov, O2 In- HEADIE ONE Thurs 1 Art Gallery The Asylum, B’ham stitute, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS The Hive, Worcester ingham FAITH - THE GEORGE AC/DC, ZEPPELIN AND BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- MICHAEL LEGACY Fri 2 HENDRIX TO ROCK THE NEW BIOMORPHICA - DIANA CURLEY THE LEGENDS OF AMERI- tions that reflect the experiences of Nov, Bedworth Civic ARTRIX Sat 3 Nov, Ar- Diana’s relief and sculptural work is CAN COUNTRY TRIBUTE diverse Birmingham people - from influenced by memories of her par- Hall trix, Bromsgrove working lives to community activists SHOW Thurs 1 Nov, ents. She uses their presence and BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY - KILLERSTREAM Sat 3 and protest movements, until Sun 27 The Core Theatre, absence to explore strength and 10TH ANNIVERSARY Nov, The River Rooms, Oct 2019 Solihull fragility in her art, Sat 3 - Thurs 29 TOUR Sat 3 Nov, Stourbridge NEW WOMEN POWER PROTEST Inspired Nov MUTUAL BENEFIT Thurs Palace Theatre, Red- MAMMA MIA PARTY by the bold work of feminist artists 1 Nov, Hare & Hounds, NEW RIVERS OF THE WORLD Exhibition ditch WITH VIVA ABBA Sat 3 and activists, Women Power Protest Birmingham of river-inspired artwork - created by ANTARTIC MONKEYS + Nov, Nailcote Hall, aims to raise awareness, provoke de- TOVE STYRKE Thurs 1 young people around the world in IDLE NOISE Sat 3 Nov, Berkswell, Warks bate and assess how much has collaboration with professional artists Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- The Empire, Coventry PRESS TO MECO Sat 3 changed for women, Sat 10 Nov - - which explores and expresses what ingham THE LITTLE MIX EXPERI- Nov, The Asylum, Sun 31 Mar rivers mean to communities today, Fri THE BON JOVI EXPERI- ENCE Sat 3 Nov, The Birmingham ENCE Thurs 1 Nov, 16 - Thurs 29 Nov Swan Theatre, Compton Verney Gallery, Lichfield Garrick SIGRID Sun 4 Nov, O2 Worcester Academy, Birmingham Worcester City Museum & Art 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER Warwick VIEON, MADMOIZEL, JAN Gallery Thurs 1 Nov, O2 TIDE LINES Sun 4 Nov, SIX ARTISTS CELEBRATE ENID MARX AND DOYLE BAND + MO- Academy, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham THE BRITISH FOLK ART COLLECTION Col- NEW CRAFTED FOR YOU Featuring an ROCCO DAVE Sat 3 Nov, laboration with Coventry University array of jewellery, glassware, ceram- THINK FLOYD Fri 2 Nov, The Tin Music And CALIGULA'S HORSE Sun featuring the responses of six artists ics and other handmade crafts, Sat The Swan Theatre, Arts, Canal Basin, 4 Nov, Mama Roux’s to Compton Verney’s Marx-Lambert 17 Nov - Sat 5 Jan Worcester Coventry Birmingham collection of popular art, until Sun 16 THE SMYTHS Fri 2 Nov, DEBORAH BONHAM Sat GODSMACK Sun 4 Nov, Dec Other VISUAL ARTS The Empire, Coventry 3 Nov, Huntingdon O2 Institute, B’ham WHISTLER AND NATURE Exhibition re- Hall, Worcester NATTY 'MAN LIKE I' 10TH TRUTH HATH A QUIET BREAST Exhibition ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri vealing new research into the influ- ANNIVERSARY Sun 4 by Eve Parnell of exquisite pencil-on- 2 Nov, The River ONLY SHADOWS Sat 3 ence of industry, the military and Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- tissue-paper drawings inspired by the Rooms, Stourbridge Nov, Kasbah, Coventry historical revivalism on one of the ingham surroundings of Hall’s Croft, until Sun greatest artists of the 19th century, THE PROCLAIMERS Fri 2 TINY MAGNETIC PETS 4 Nov, Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon- THE ESKIES Sun 4 Nov, through his depictions of natural and Nov, Warwick Arts Sat 3 Nov, The Flap- Avon Hare & Hounds, Birm- industrial landscapes, until Sun 16 Centre, Coventry per, Birmingham ingham Dec SHAKESPEARIANNE Carrie Reichardt, COME TOGETHER WITH artist-in-residence at the Shake- BLANK GENERATION Fri 2 Forge Mill Needle Museum, speare Birthplace Trust, presents a Nov, The Night Owl, Redditch radical perspective on Anne Hath- Birmingham away, William Shakespeare’s wife, KARINE POLWART Fri 2 HISTORY THAT FLOWS THROUGH THE and demonstrates how con- RIVER ARROW Exhibition by the Red- Nov, Birmingham Town sumerism, popular culture and social Hall ditch Local History Society using media are changing the way we view photographs, maps and artefacts to and interpret history, until Fri 21 Dec, CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. illustrate the River Arrow’s impor- Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford WAKENING THE HOLLOW tance to the local area, until Sun 25 Upon Avon COPY Fri 2 Nov, O2 Nov Academy, Birmingham IN MY SHOES: ART & THE SELF SINCE THE 1990S This Arts Council Collec- FAT FREDDY’S DROP Fri Leamington Spa Art Gallery & tion national touring exhibition - fea- 2 Nov, O2 Academy, Museum turing works by Hayley Newman, Birmingham NEW AMY SHARROCKS Exhibition by Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry and AIDAN MOFFAT & RM sculptor, filmmaker and live artist Tracey Emin - explores the ways in HUBBERT Fri 2 Nov, O2 Amy Sharrocks, showing works from which UK-based artists have included Institute, Birmingham over a decade of making, collecting them selves in their work since the LUNA KISS, + AGORA- and conversations, Fri 30 Nov - Sun 1990s, until Sun 6 Jan, PACCAR PHOBIA, THE ELLIPSIS 24 Feb Room, RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon The Proclaimers - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 1-11 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:15 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 November

KAREN BAILEY & TWO COMICS TBC Fri 2 from ‘The UK’s most famous girls’ lust, men, marriage, pregnancy, Classical Music Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham night out’, Thurs 1 Nov, Royal Spa childbirth, mastitus, sexist bosses THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, KEITH FARNAN, Centre, Leamington Spa and more... Sat 3 Nov, The Core The- CBSO: DVORÁK'S CELLO CONCERTO Fea- JOSH PUGH & SHANE MAUSS Fri 2 - Sat ORANGE POLAR BEAR New play giving atre, Solihull turing Alexander Vedernikov (conduc- 3 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham voice to a young generation trying to ROMEO & JULIET The Crescent Theatre tor) and Paul Watkins (cello). find their place in a fast-changing Company present a fast-paced con- Programme includes works by ALFIE MOORE Sat 3 Nov, Lichfield Gar- world, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 Nov, The REP, temporary take on Shakespeare's fa- Beethoven, Dvo ák and rick Birmingham mous love story, Sat 3 - Sat 10 Nov, Shostakovich, Thurs 1 Nov, Sym- ř FELICITY WARD Sat 3 Nov, Artrix, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham Bromsgrove AUSTENTATIOUS - THE IMPROVISED JANE AUSTEN NOVEL Featuring a cast of ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE CHRIS WASHINGTON, STEVE SHANYASKI, quirky comedy performers, this im- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring TUDUR OWEN & MANDY KNIGHT Sat 3 provised play is based on nothing Michael Seal (conductor). Pro- Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham more than a title suggested by the gramme comprises Stravinsky’s The JOHN SIMMIT, DREW FRASER, FELICITY audience, Fri 2 Nov, The REP, B’ham Rite Of Spring, Thurs 1 Nov, Sym- Kids Shows ETHNIC & SIDEMAN Sat 3 Nov, MAC, phony Hall, Birmingham WINTER TALES Three spine-tingling DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE An interactive Birmingham tales for a winter's evening, including THE OPERA BOYS Fri 2 Nov, The Roses new show for all the family, Tues 30 JEN BRISTER Sun 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Henry James' classic ghost story, Theatre, Tewkesbury Oct - Thurs 1 Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- Centre, Coventry The Turn Of The Screw, Fri 2 Nov, tre, Coventry VIENNA TONKÜNSTLER: BEETHOVEN'S The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham FIFTH Featuring Yutaka Sado (con- LITTLE HOWARD'S BIG SHOW FOR KIDS FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S ductor), and Angela Hewitt (piano). Following the success of their TV WHODUNNIT Comic, poet and psychi- Programme includes works by Bern- show, real human Big Howard and atric nurse Rob Gee presents a mur- stein and Beethoven, Fri 2 Nov, Sym- Theatre animated six-year-old Little Howard der-mystery set on an Alzheimer’s fuse interactive stand-up and anima- phony Hall, Birmingham THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: FIRST ENCOUN- ward, Fri 2 Nov, Henry Sandon Hall, tion in a show for all the family, Thurs DVORÁK'S CELLO CONCERTO Featuring TERS Shakespeare’s tale of comic Worcester 1 Nov, MAC, Birmingham Alexander Vedernikov (conductor) & confusion and mistaken identity PSYCHIC SALLY - 10TH ANNIVERSARY Paul Watkins (cello). Programme in- aimed at 7 to 13 year olds, until Fri 2 DOCTOR DOLITTLE Featuring original TOUR Fri 2 Nov, Palace Theatre, Red- cludes works by Beethoven, Dvo ák Nov, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- music, puppetry and an abundance ditch & Sibelius, Fri 2 Nov, Malvern The-ř upon-Avon of audience participation, Thurs 1 DRACULA - THE BLOODY TRUTH A new Nov, Stratford Playhouse, Stratford- atres QUARTET The Priory Theatre presents telling of Bram Stoker’s classic tale, upon-Avon FITZWILLIAM STRING QUARTET WITH SO- an amateur staging of Ronald Har- Fri 2 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leam- PHIE RENSHAW (VIOLA) Also featuring wood’s warm, witty and poignant DINOSAUR DETECTIVES Clydebuilt Pup- ington Spa Lucy Russell and Marcus Barcham comedy, until Sat 3 Nov, Priory The- pet Theatre use rod puppets, shadow Stevens (violins), Alan George (viola) atre, Kenilworth THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE play and large-scale projections to JOBS Leave your iPhone at home, if search for clues about the past, & Sally Pendlebury (cello). Pro- MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Hit West End you dare, and check out this 'funny, Thurs 1 Nov, Henry Sandon Hall, gramme includes works by Bach, musical telling the story of the man thought-provoking and insightful Worcester Mozart & Bruckner, Fri 2 Nov, Royal who broke barriers and fought story, full of inconvenient truths.', Fri 2 Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa against the odds to create something MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCI- - Sat 3 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, COVENTRY PHILHARMONIC CHOIR: HAN- more than a record label, until Sat 3 ENCE SHOW Explore the strange and Birmingham DEL’S MESSIAH Also featuring Ori- Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham magical properties of matter, with fire- BLACKADDER GOES FORTH David Mears balls, fire tornadoes and explosive flamme Orchestra, Antoine Mitchell TROILUS AND CRESSIDA Virtuoso per- directs Richard Curtis & Ben Elton's chemical reactions, Thurs 1 Nov, Ar- (conductor), Victoria Adams (so- cussionist Evelyn Glennie collabo- much-loved comedy, Fri 2 - Sat 10 trix, Bromsgrove prano), Urszula Bock (mezzo so- rates with Artistic Director Gregory Nov, The Bear Pit Theatre - The prano), Richard Lloyd Owen (tenor) & Doran to create a satirical, futuristic DOCTOR DOLITTLE Featuring original United Reformed Church, Stratford- Wesley Biggs (baritone), Sat 3 Nov, vision of a world resounding with the music, puppetry and an abundance upon-Avon Bedworth Civic Hall rhythm of battle, until Sat 17 Nov, of audience participation, Fri 2 Nov, THE CIRCLE SINGERS OF ROYAL LEAM- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSI- The Civic, Stourport INGTON SPA Featuring Adrienne Lloyd ford-upon-Avon CAL Brand new musical comedy cre- THE CHILDREN IN THE MOON The ated from scratch at each (organ) & Peter Sheppard (director). TAMBURLAINE Michael Boyd directs a Makeshift Ensemble presents a cele- performance with audience sugges- Programme includes works by Duru- new staging of Christopher Mar- bration of discovery, courage and ditions transformed on the spot into all- fle & Parry, Sat 3 Nov, St Margaret’s lowe’s famous play, until Sat 1 Dec, versity, Fri 2 Nov, Number 8, Pershore singing, all-dancing productions, Sat Church, Whitnash, Warwickshire The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- 3 Nov, The REP, Birmingham THE SHOWSTOPPERS' KIDS SHOW Im- BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR MALE CHOIR: Avon provised musical show which takes DAD'S ARMY RADIO HOUR Two actors REMEMBRANCE Featuring Birmingham TARTUFFE New updated version of kids' ideas and turns them into musi- play 25 characters in a new staging Canoldir Male Choir with the English Moliere’s provocative French classic, cal adventures from scratch, Sat 3 of three classic radio episodes based Association of Male Voice Choirs, until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Nov, The REP, Birmingham on favourite scripts from the original Sun 4 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Stratford-upon-Avon TV series, Sat 3 Nov, The Old Rep, HOW TO HIDE A LION Helen Stephens’ CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: LENINGRAD VULCAN 7 New comedy reuniting Birmingham book is brought to life with the aid of SYMPHONY Featuring Michael Seal Adrian Edmondson & Nigel Planer on humour, puppets and jazz, Sat 3 Nov, THE MEN WHO MARCHED AWAY A mix- (conductor). Programme includes the set of a fantasy movie, Mon 29 The Roses, Tewkesbury ture of soldiers’ songs, music hall works by Britten and Shostakovich, Oct - Sat 3 Nov, Malvern Theatres A SPELL OF BAD WEATHER Fun, songs Sun 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham numbers, war poems set to new THE UNRETURNING Compelling new music and original compositions tell and audience participation in popular play by Anna Jordan which explores the story of ‘the war to end all wars’, plays for two to nine-year-olds, Sat 3 the profound effect that war has on Sat 3 Nov, Albany Theatre, Coventry Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester young lives, and asks - what does THE EXPLODED CIRCUS Mimbre present GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU Pre- coming home really mean? Tues 30 a story without words, where six fe- sented by Selladoor Family, Sat 3 Comedy Oct - Fri 2 Nov, The Old Rep, B’ham male performers come together to Nov, Birmingham Town Hall THE NOISE NEXT DOOR & KEITH FARNAN THE LOVELY BONES Stage premiere of seek order in chaos and create a new CRAFTY’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Alice Sebold's coming-of-age tale, normal, Sat 3 Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- Brand new show from the team be- ROBINSON Thurs 1 Nov, The Glee Tues 30 Oct - Sat 10 Nov, The REP, tre, Coventry hind Marty MacDonald’s Farm, Sat 3 Club, Birmingham Birmingham KATHY LETTE'S GIRL'S NIGHT OUT Join Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove LIAM PICKFORD, SULLY O'SULLIVAN, THE DREAMBOYS Brand new show Kathy as she shares tales of love, whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warwicks/Worcs 1-11 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:15 Page 3

thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 November showing, as Frankie Frankenstein, show, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Nov, NEC, B’ham Dance Film Witchy Woo Woo and Wolfy the Wolf- SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL! Join experts man compete for this year's 'mystery from the Shakespeare Birthplace SWAN LAKE Presented by Russian INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: prize', until Sun 4 Nov, Cadbury Trust as they read through Shake- State Ballet & Opera House, Thurs 1 World, Birmingham speare’s Complete Works, Sat 3 Nov, Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry LUIS & THE ALIENS (U) Animation/Ad- venture. With the voices of Callum THE HAUNTED CASTLE Featuring ‘won- Stratford-upon-Avon Library and In- SILK ROAD Flamenco roots are Maloney, Dermot Magennis. Number drous witches, Horrible Histories and formation Centre blended with a unique, contemporary 8, Pershore, Worcs, Thurs 1 Nov the return of the spectacular fire FIREWORKS FRENZY Spectacular fire- style in this story of East meets West, joust’, until Sun 4 Nov, Warwick Cas- SUMMER 1993 (12A) Drama/Family. works plus live-action attractions in- Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov, The Patrick Stu- tle cluding Podzilla the monster truck, a dio, Birmingham Hippodrome Starring Laia Artigas, Paula Robles. Foreign language, subtitled. Number SPOOKY SCIENCE WEEK Featuring a stunt display, a bonfire, a funfair and 8, Pershore, Worcs, Thurs 1 Nov host of family activities, until Sun 4 family entertainment, Sat 3 Nov, Nov, Thinktank Science Museum, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE (15) Birmingham Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring John Barry- THE GIN TRAIN Gin-tasting experience more, Martha Mansfield. Silent film OCTOBER HALF TERM Family-friendly with a festive twist, Sat 3 Nov, Severn with live score. Albany Theatre, half-term activities, until Sun 4 Nov, Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- Coventry, Fri 2 Nov Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham minster KING OF THIEVES (15) Crime/Drama. TERRIFYING TALES Discover spooky FAWKES FEAST 2018 Exclusive black- Starring Michael Caine, Michael Black Country legends and separate tie event featuring a Champagne re- Gambon. Number 8, Pershore, folklore from fact, until Sun 4 Nov, ception followed by a private tour of Worcs, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Nov Black Country Living Museum, Dud- the house, Sat 3 Nov, Coughton TOM DALE COMPANY: I INFINITE Explo- ley Court, Warwickshire ration of the boundaries between the OCTOBER HALF TERM 2018 Get your BONFIRE NIGHT WITH A TUDOR TWIST artificial, real, digital and organic NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: detective caps on and help the junior Sit round the campfire at Anne Hath- worlds, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov, MAC, Released from Fri 2 Nov, showing at designer find the missing plans, until away's Cottage and listen to the Yarn- Birmingham selected cinemas Sun 4 Nov, British Motor Museum, smith of Norwich telling Tudor tales, GISELLE Presented by Russian State JULIET, NAKED (15) Gaydon, Warwickshire Sat 3 Nov, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon Ballet and Opera House, Fri 2 Nov, MIRAI (PG) LITTLE HORRORS HIDE AND SHRIEK Join Belgrade Theatre, Coventry the Victorian Investigators for a para- AFFORDABLE PRINT AND CERAMICS FAIR PETERLOO (12a) THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Rus- normal quest around Kenilworth’s Celebrate the beauty and style of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR sian State Ballet and Opera House, creepy castle, until Sun 4 Nov, Kenil- handcrafted prints and ceramics by REALMS (PG) Sat 3 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coven- worth Castle the region’s most talented artists, Sat try FAMILY FUN DAY Take a family-friendly 3 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry ANKUSHA & OTHER MYSTERIES Via guided tour of the Smith & Pepper three distinctive classical & contem- jewellery factory, Thurs 1 Nov, Mu- HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN FLOAT Lots of porary South Asian dance solos, Ka- seum of The Jewellery Quarter, Birm- fun activities for families, including mala Devam Company seek answers Events ingham star gazing with the Astronomy Soci- ety and traditional fairground games, to unanswerable questions... Sun 4 HUBBLE BUBBLE TRICK OR TREAT Do THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A haven for Sat 3 Nov, Hartlebury Castle, Kidder- Nov, MAC, Birmingham you dare to explore the spooky cel- knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, minster lars at Soho House? until Thurs 1 jewellery, dressmaking and stitching Nov, Soho House, Birmingham enthusiasts, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Nov, THE NATIONAL PET SHOW Find out NEC, Birmingham more about your favourite pet and SCAREFEST Enjoy your favourite rides how to take care of them, Sat 3 - Sun in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- INTERNATIONAL DIRT BIKE SHOW Eu- 4 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Talks tainment, until Fri 2 Nov, Alton Tow- rope’s leading indoor off-road event, ers, Stoke-on-Trent Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Nov, Stoneleigh Park, DISCOVER. GATHER. GIVE Popular arts IN CONVERSATION WITH ALICE SEBOLD Warwickshire fair featuring 40-plus artists exhibiting HALLOWEEN HALF TERM & CRAFT DAYS The award-winning author of The an eclectic mix of paintings, illustra- See the hall dressed for Halloween, SIMPLY CHRISTMAS - THE CRAFTY Lovely Bones discusses her wide- tions, ceramics, jewellery, glasswork, take part in Halloween-themed craft CHRISTMAS SHOW Retail show featur- ranging career in a special event to decoupage, textiles, wood turning, days and try the haunted house and ing bespoke and unusual gifts, Thurs tie in with the stage adaptation of her digital art, scultpture & book binding, gruesome garden trails, until Fri 2 1 - Sun 4 Nov, NEC, Birmingham novel, Thurs 1 Nov, The REP, B’ham Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov, Stratford Town Nov, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham BRICKLIVE The ultimate weekend for JOANNA LUMLEY: IT'S ALL ABOUT ME! Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon HAUNTED CASTLE A week of ghostly Lego lovers, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Nov, Joanna recounts some never-before- ‘LEST WE FORGET’ – CELEBRATION OF goings on at Tamworth Castle’s NEC, Birmingham heard stories from her career in THE CENTENARY OF THE END OF WWI haunted spooktacular, until Fri 2 Nov, showbusiness, Thurs 1 Nov, Warwick CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO Costumed reenactors bring the World Tamworth Castle Arts Centre, Coventry BACKS Hear stories about the people War One period to life, Sat 3 - Sun 4 MORE TREAT THAN TRICK who called Court 15 home for over ESTHER RANTZEN: THAT’S LIFE! Broad- Family Hal- Nov, Harvington Hall, Worcestershire loween activities and eerie entertain- 160 years, Fri 2 Nov, Birmingham casting legend Dame Esther Rantzen WWI COMMEMORATION DAY Marking ment, until Fri 2 Nov, Drayton Manor Back to Backs and her daughter, the presenter and the centenary of the armistice that Theme Park, Tamworth journalist Rebecca Wilcox, discuss GRADJOBS LIVE! The UK’s leading ended World War One, Sun 4 Nov, their illustrious careers, personal lives FRIGHT STREET Visit the spookiest graduate job fair, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Nov, Birmingham Botanical Gardens street in Stratford-upon-Avon this Hal- NEC, Birmingham and family ties, Thurs 1 Nov, The GUY FAWKES DAY Learn all about the loween, until Sat 3 Nov, Tudor World, Roses, Tewkesbury MIND BODY SPIRIT Featuring inspira- Gunpowder Plot, Sun 4 Nov, Stratford-upon-Avon AN EVENING WITH SNOOKER GREATS... tional speakers, musicians, artists Blakesley Hall, Birmingham SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Witches, wiz- and performers, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Nov, Dennis Taylor, ‘Whirlwind’ Jimmy THE CHAMPAGNE TRAIN Travel through ards and werewolves abound!, until NEC, Birmingham White and John Virgo discuss the the Severn Valley in a luxurious 1936- Sun 4 Nov, West Midland Safari and highs and lows of their careers, Sat 3 BEST OF BRITISH FIREWORKS SPECTAC- built first-class carriage (once hauled Leisure Park, Bewdley, Nr Kiddermin- Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ULAR Fri 2 - Sun 4 Nov, Drayton by the Flying Scotsman), Sun 4 Nov, ster OWEN JONES: BUILDING A NEW BRITAIN Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Sun 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Join Der- CAKE INTERNATIONAL The UK's leading Kidderminster Coventry mot O'Scary for this spooktacular cake decorating, sugarcraft & baking

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Monday 5 - Sunday 11 November

Birmingham Town Hall THE TOTAL WHO SHOW Sun 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham Gigs THE NEWGRASS CUT- Sat 10 Nov, Hunting- Classical STILE ANTICO: QUEEN OF MUSES Sun TERS Thurs 8 Nov, The don Hall, Worcester 11 Nov, St Mary's Church, Warwick SHINEDOWN Mon 5 Core Theatre, Solihull SAM FENDER Sat 10 Nov, O2 Academy, LLYR WILLIAMS (PIANO) Part of Nov, The Castle & Fal- Music Birmingham OLD DOMINION Thurs 8 Worcester Concert Club, Sun 11 Nov, O2 Institute, con, Birmingham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: TAI MURRAY Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester GOSPEL GOES CHARITY Birmingham R.E.M. BY STIPE Sat 10 PLAYS MOZART Featuring Julian Lloyd 2018 Mon 5 Nov, Birm- Nov, The Marr's Bar, Webber (conductor) & Tai Murray (vi- ingham Town Hall MUGENKYO TAIKO olin). Programme includes works by DRUMMERS: TRIBE Worcester JOHNNY MARR: CALL Mendelssohn & Mozart, Tues 6 Nov, Thurs 8 Nov, Artrix, GROOVERIDER, SHADES THE COMET TOUR Mon Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon- Bromsgrove OF RHYTHM, FULL IN- 5 Nov, O2 Institute, Avon Comedy TENTION, JAMES OF Birmingham MARTIN STEPHENSON & MILOŠ KARADAGLIC: VOICE OF THE GUI- THE COMEDY HUT Tues 6 Nov, The THE DAINTEES Thurs 8 CHRIS & JAMES Sat 10 DEVILSKIN Mon 5 Nov, TAR Programme includes works by Civic, Stourport Nov, Hare & Hounds, Nov, Hare & Hounds, O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Mozart, J.S Bach, Boccherini, En- HAL CRUTTENDEN Wed 7 Nov, Artrix, Birmingham rique Granados, Astor Piazolla & AN EVENING WITH KING Bromsgrove THREATIN Thurs 8 Nov, DEREK WARFIELD & THE more... Wed 7 Nov, Warwick Arts CRIMSON Tues 6 Nov, FIN TAYLOR Wed 7 Nov, The Glee The Asylum, B’ham YOUNG WOLFE TONES Centre, Coventry Symphony Hall, Birm- Sat 10 Nov, The Em- Club, Birmingham HITZ FROM THE BLITZ ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: TAI MURRAY ingham pire, Coventry MARLON DAVIS & ABIGOLIAH Thurs 8 Nov, Stratford PLAYS MENDELSSOHN Featuring Ju- MICHAEL SCHENKER SCHAMAUN PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL Playhouse THE HIGH KINGS Sat 10 lian Lloyd Webber (conductor) & Tai FEST Tues 6 Nov, O2 WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 8 Nov, Nov, Birmingham Murray (violin). Programme includes Institute, Birmingham S-X Fri 9 Nov, O2 Town Hall The Glee Club, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham works by Mendelssohn & Mozart, THE FUREYS: 40TH AN- SLEEPER Sat 10 Nov, Wed 7 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, MARLON DAVIS, ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, NIVERSARY CONCERT THE LENNON MANTRA O2 Institute, B’ham Royal Birmingham Conservatoire CHRIS MACARTHUR-BOYD & JOE BOR Tues 6 Nov, Artrix, Fri 9 Nov, Huntingdon Fri 9 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham GIANT & THE GEORGES CBSO: SYMPHONIC DANCES Featuring Bromsgrove Hall, Worcester Sat 10 Nov, O2 Insti- Elim Chan (conductor) and Jeremy FREDDIE FARRELL, BRENDON BURNS & CURTIS STIGERS Tues 6 TREVOR NELSON'S SOUL tute, Birmingham Denk (piano). Programme includes JACK CAMPBELL Fri 9 Nov, The Com- Nov, Huntingdon Hall, NATION Fri 9 Nov, The edy Loft, Birmingham RICKY COOL & THE IN works by Dukas, Mozart and Rach- Worcester Assembly, Leamington CROWD Sat 10 Nov, Ar- maninov, Thurs 8 Nov, Symphony PHIL NICHOL Sat 10 Nov, MAC, B’ham Spa Hall, Birmingham HAYLEY Tues 6 Nov, trix, Bromsgrove DAVID O'DOHERTY Sat 10 Nov, War- The Glee Club, B’ham BLACKBERRY SMOKE THE ARMED MAN: A MASS FOR PEACE wick Arts Centre, Coventry Presented by Armonico Consort & VADER /ENTOMBED AD / Sat 10 Nov, O2 JULIETTE BURTON Sat 10 Nov, Artrix, AC Academy, Fri 9 Nov, Warwick HELLAVISTA / THE Academy, Birmingham Bromsgrove DROWNING Tues 6 Nov, Arts Centre, Coventry SCOUTING FOR GIRLS JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, JOE BOR, ABIGO- The Empire, Coventry KOSMOS Sat 10 Nov, Kasbah, Featuring Harriet Mackenzie LIAH SCHAMAUN & CHRIS MACARTHUR- (violin), Meg Hamilton (viola) & Miloš FRIGS Wed 7 Nov, Coventry BOYD Sat 10 Nov, The Glee Club, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Milivojevi (accordian). Programme THE PRODIGY, JOINT Birmingham ingham includes music from around the SHOW WITH PUBLIC world, from Bach to contemporary, ROB ROUSE, ROBERT WHITE, ROGER TOM BAXTER Wed 7 ENEMY Sat 10 Nov, Fri 9 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leam- MONKHOUSE & COMIC TBC Sat 10 Nov, Nov, The Glee Club, THE SIMMERTONES Fri 9 Arena Birmingham, ington Spa The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham Nov, The Marr's Bar, Birmingham Worcester ATEA WIND QUINTET Programme in- PHIL NICHOL Sun 11 Nov, Warwick FOUR OF DIAMONDS HOLY MOLY AND THE cludes works by Bach, Bozza, Mike Arts Centre, Coventry Wed 7 Nov, O2 Insti- ARRESTED DEVELOP- CRACKERS Sun 11 Nov, Mower, Frank Bridge & Nielsen, Fri 9 BOX OF FROGS Sun 11 Nov, The Glee tute, Birmingham MENT Fri 9 Nov, Birm- Hare & Hounds, Birm- ingham Town Hall Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Club, Birmingham FIRST AID KIT Wed 7 ingham SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Featuring the MICKEY SHARMA, JAY SODAGAR, Nov, O2 Academy, GIGSPANNER Fri 9 Nov, SUN RECORDS - THE City of Birmingham Symphony Or- SINDHU VEE & CHUCKLE SINGHS Sun Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove CONCERT Sun 11 Nov, chestra, City of Birmingham Choir & 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham MIC LOWRY Wed 7 Nov, KILLING JOKE Fri 9 Nov, The Roses Theatre, Anthony Inglis (conductor). Pro- O2 Institute, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham Tewkesbury gramme includes works by SLAYER Wed 7 Nov, LIVE WIRE & GUNS OR LESS THAN JAKE & REEL Prokofiev, Orff, Grieg, Bizet, Verdi, Arena Birmingham ROSES Fri 9 Nov, The BIG FISH Sun 11 Nov, Strauss, Ravel, Rossini, Jenkins, Empire, Coventry O2 Academy, B’ham Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Handel & Wood, THE LEGENDS OF AMERI- Sat 10 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham Theatre CAN COUNTRY Wed 7 REEF Fri 9 Nov, The As- BEN MCKELVEY Sun 11 A JOURNEY THROUGH WAR On The Nov, Palace Theatre, sembly, Leamington Nov, Hare & Hounds, REQUIEM FOR HUMANKIND Featuring Floor Theatre Company fuse famous Redditch Spa Birmingham Lichfield Cathedral Choral Founda- tion & Chamber Choir with Darwin World War One literature with origi- JIVE TALKIN PERFORM THE SPITFIRES Fri 9 THE UKULELE ORCHES- Ensemble Chamber Orchestra, Sat nal new writing to take audiences on THE BEE GEES Thurs 8 Nov, The Assembly, TRA OF GREAT BRITAIN 10 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral a journey from 1914 to 1918, Mon 5 - Nov, The Assembly, Leamington Spa Sun 11 Nov, Birming- Sat 10 Nov, The Blue Orange The- Leamington Spa TALON - THE BEST OF ham Town Hall WE WILL REMEMBER - DURUFLÉ RE- atre, Birmingham QUIEM AND READINGS Readings of KLUB KIDS PRESENTS THE EAGLES Fri 9 Nov, ROY WOOD - ROCK & World War I poetry interwoven with THE FULL MONTY Simon Beaufoy’s THE ROAST BATTLES Royal Spa Centre, ROLL BAND Sun 11 Duruflé's masterpiece to explore the award-winning stage play, starring Thurs 8 Nov, O2 Leamington Spa Nov, Royal Spa Cen- themes of prayer, anguish and salva- Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis Em- Academy, Birmingham DANCING QUEEN 'THE tre, Leamington Spa tion that permeate Duruflé’s Re- erick, Joe Gill, Kai Owen & James CONCERT' Fri 9 Nov, GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB LEON BRIDGES Sun 11 quiem. Alex Laing conducts, Sun 11 Redmond, Mon 5 - Sat 10 Nov, Birm- Palace Theatre, Red- Thurs 8 Nov, The Mill Nov, O2 Institute, Nov, St Mary's Church, Warwick ingham Hippodrome Digbeth, Birmingham ditch Birmingham REMEMBRANCE CONCERT Celebration THE THRILL OF LOVE The Nonentities TEENAGE FANCLUB Fri 9 JUDIE TZUKE, BEVERLEY SOEUR Sun 11 Nov, of music, art, readings & poetry, cul- present a dramatisation of the true - Sun 11 Nov, O2 Insti- CRAVEN & JULIE FORD- The Marr's Bar, minating in Mozart’s Requiem con- story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to tute, Birmingham HAM Thurs 8 Nov, Worcester ducted by the CBSO’s Michael Seal, be hanged in Britain. Please note whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs 1-11 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:15 Page 5

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 1-11 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:15 Page 6

thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 November that this production contains adult tional fallout triggered by addiction, SUMMER 1993 (12a) Drama/Family. content, Mon 5 - Sat 10 Nov, The Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Nov, Old Joint Stock Talks Starring Laia Artigas, Paula Robles. Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Theatre, Birmingham Foreign language, subtitled. Number TWO LITTLE DUCKS ‘Powerful, personal DIRTY DANCING The hit musical makes SCROOGE! The Manor Players present 8, Pershore, Worcs, Wed 7 Nov and political’ spoken-word show from a welcome return! Mon 5 - Sat 10 a musical version of Charles Dickens’ KING OF THIEVES (15) Crime/Drama. rising poet Matt Abbott, Wed 7 Nov, Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B‘ham A Christmas Carol, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Starring Michael Caine, Michael Albany Theatre, Coventry SONS OF PITCHES Fast-paced medleys Nov, The Roses, Kidderminster Gambon. Number 8, Pershore, BRIGHT SMOKE Inua Ellams & MalakaÏ and mind-bending mashups from the SHERLOCK HOLMES: SIGN OF FOUR Worcs, Thurs 8 Nov Sargeant feature in a poetry night award-winning British vocal group, Blackeyed Theatre world-premiere TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (12A) Drama/Bi- with a difference, Thurs 8 Nov, The Tues 6 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall their version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s ography. Starring Alicia Vikander, Kit Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon A CHRISTMAS CAROL Amateur staging famous tale, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Nov, Harington. Number 8, Pershore, AN EVENING WITH NIGELLA LAWSON presented by Masqueraders Theatri- Lichfield Garrick Worcs, Sat 10 Nov Thurs 8 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birm- cal Society, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov, TERROR ON THE TRACKS Original stage ingham Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton adaptation of Charles Dickens' The NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ANIMAL FAMILIES AND ME Wildlife film- THE FULL MONTY: THE MUSICAL Pre- Signal Man, accompanied by other maker and presenter Gordon Released from Tues 6 Nov, showing sented by Bilston Operatic Company, tales of menace and melodrama, Fri Buchanan tells ‘spellbinding stories at selected cinemas Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov, Wolverhampton 9 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch of the natural world’, Thurs 8 Nov, Grand Theatre FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre present a WIDOWS (15) Huntingdon Hall, Worcester THE HABIT OF ART Matthew Kelly and life-affirming story of lost memories OVERLORD (18) MUSIC & READINGS FROM THE GREAT David Yelland star in Alan Bennett's and discovered love, Fri 9 - Sat 10 THE GRINCH (tbc) WAR Programme includes Stravin- play about a meeting between poet Nov, The Other Place, Stratford-upon- sky's The Soldier's Tale, performed by WILDLIFE (12a) WH Auden and composer Benjamin Avon students and staff of Warwick School Britten, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov, Belgrade ARMISTICE: THE LONG ROAD TO PEACE A & King's High, interspersed with read- Theatre, Coventry group of fallen solders gather to- ings from contemporary poets and gether in a forgotten Flanders field to OTHELLO English Touring Theatre, Ox- writers, Fri 9 Nov, Bridge House The- share their stories, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Nov, ford Playhouse and Shakespeare At atre, Warwick Events The Tobacco Factory present a new Albany Theatre, Coventry TRACY BORMAN: HENRY VIII AND THE MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS Get prob- version of Shakespeare's famous NO KIDS Gender-bending musical MEN WHO MADE HIM Tracy brings the lem-solving and explore the vehicles tragedy, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov, Warwick cabaret questioning society’s attitude Tudor court to life and presents in this new family session, Wed 7 Arts Centre, Coventry to the idea of two dads, Sat 10 Nov, Henry in a different light, Fri 9 Nov, Nov, Coventry Transport Museum The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- A CHRISTMAS CAROL - THE MUSICAL Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO ‘Sparkling’ Christmas musical by podrome NEIL OLIVER: THE STORY OF THE BRITISH BACKS Hear stories about the people STAMPS, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov, The DOWN RIGHT PERFECT An entertain- ISLES IN 100 PLACES Fri 9 Nov, who called Court 15 home for over Core Theatre, Solihull ment-filled showcase to raise money Malvern Theatres 160 years, Thurs 8 Nov, Birmingham MIDDAY VARIETY: PACK UP YOUR TROU- and awareness for the Down Syn- Back to Backs TREASURED TALES: WOMEN’S LIVES IN BLES Good Old Days star Jan Hunt drome Association, Sat 10 Nov, Bed- COVENTRY DURING WWI Cathy Hunt POPPY FIELDS Poignant interior son et presents an authentic music hall worth Civic Hall looks at the experiences of women in lumiere includes bespoke perfor- show to mark the centenary of WE WILL REMEMBER - DURUFLÉ RE- Coventry between 1914 and 1918, mances by the Oscar-winning actor Armistice Day, Wed 7 Nov, Belgrade QUIEM AND READINGS Readings of Sat 10 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- Eddie Redmayne, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Theatre, Coventry World War One poetry interwoven seum, Coventry Nov, Lichfield Cathedral with Duruflé's masterpiece. Alex JULIET AND ROMEO Lost Dog's show LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC Laing conducts, Sun 11 Nov, St fuses dance, theatre and comedy to MOTOR SHOW Mary's Church, Warwick The biggest event of its reveal the true story of Romeo & kind, the show this year boasts more Juliet, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Nov, Warwick HOMECOMINGS Large-scale prome- than 2,500 vehicles covering an area Arts Centre, Coventry nade performance piece from Birm- Dance of over one million square feet, Fri 9 - JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- ingham Hippodrome's Musical THE KNOT Didy Veldman's latest Sun 11 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Theatre Youth Company and their dance creation centres on ritual, COLOR DREAMCOAT Amateur staging INTERNATIONAL MODEL BOAT SHOW families, exploring the after-effects of doubt, nerves and the sheer magic of presented by Coventry’s Youth Oper- Featuring more than 600 models, Fri Armistice Day, Sun 11 Nov, New weddings - a production where the atic Group (YOG), Wed 7 - Sat 10 9 - Sun 11 Nov, Warwickshire Event Street Station, Birmingham bride, groom, best man and brides- Nov, Albany Theatre, Coventry Centre, Leamington Spa maids are all world-class dancers THE GIRL BEHIND THE GLASS Explo- A GARLAND OF POPPIES Evening of and audience members are the wed- THE CLASSIC MOTORBIKE SHOW A ration of sexual violence, Thurs 8 songs, sketches and poems woven ding guests, Thurs 8 Nov, The Patrick chance for enthusiasts to share their Nov, MAC, Birmingham together to pay tribute to the men and women of the First World War, Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome passion for classic motorbikes, Fri 9 - MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS: TRIBE Sun 11 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Sun 11 Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kid- ROBIN WINDSOR: THE FAREWELL TOUR Brand new show blending skill, derminster Strictly’s Robin Windsor heads out on THE GIN TRAIN Gin-tasting experience stamina and red-hot rhythms, Thurs 8 tour for the very last time, Thurs 8 - with a festive twist, Sat 10 Nov, Sev- Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kid- ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE An intimate derminster evening with Only Fools & Horses CORSETS AND CODPIECES Delve into actor John Challis, Thurs 8 Nov, Kids Shows the intimate world of Tudor fashion, Malvern Theatres HOW TO HIDE A LION Helen Stephens’ Sat 10 Nov, The Shakespeare Centre, THAT’LL BE THE DAY - THE CHRISTMAS book is brought to life with the aid of Film Stratford-upon-Avon SHOW Rock’n’roll variety show featur- humour, puppets and jazz, Thurs 8 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: FIREWORK FESTIVAL WEEKEND Featur- ing all your favourite Christmas clas- Nov, Albany Theatre, Coventry ing late-night rides and music to sics from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s, Thurs FAHRENHEIT 11/9 (12a) Documentary. SLEEPYHEAD Little Angel Theatre fuse bring the party alive, Sat 10 - Sun 11 8 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Starring Michael Moore. Artrix, ‘magic, circus, a dollop of silliness Nov, West Midland Safari and Leisure Spa Bromsgrove, Mon 5 Nov and plenty of laughs’ in a show for Park, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster THE STARS THAT REMAIN Drama explor- young audiences, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Nov PUZZLE (15) Drama. Starring Kelly FAMILY MAGIC WEEKENDS Sat 10 - Sun ing the endurance and erosion of Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Macdonald, Irrfan Khan. Number 8, 11 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham love, the fragility of life and the emo- Pershore, Worcs, Mon 5 Nov

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thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 November MATTIEL Thurs 15 Nov, Nov, Malvern Theatres BOX OF FROGS Thurs 15 Nov, The Gigs O2 Institute, B’ham FLORENCE + THE MA- Classical Core Theatre, Solihull THE AUSTRALIAN PINK CHINE Fri 16 Nov, JOHN FOTHERGILL & TOM WARD FEA- EZRA COLLECTIVE Mon FLOYD SHOW Thurs 15 Genting Arena, B’ham TURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY 12 Nov, Hare & Music Nov, Arena B’ham THE DOORS ALIVE Sat ROBINSON Thurs 15 Nov, The Glee Hounds, Birmingham CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY'S FIFTH Featuring RICK ASTLEY Thurs 15 17 Nov, O2 Academy, Club, Birmingham HOTHOUSE FLOWERS Stanislav Kochanovsky (conductor) Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham HARRIET BRAINE, ROSIE JONES, Mon 12 Nov, Birming- and Sergej Krylov (violin). Pro- Birmingham GRÁINNE MAGUIRE, RACHEL FAIRBURN, ham Town Hall WINTER’S EDGE, FAIRY- gramme includes works by Janá ek, GAZ BROOKFIELD Thurs TALE & SYMMETRY OF SIAN DAVIS & THANYIA MOORE Thurs ALEX CLARE - ACOUSTIC Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, Wed č14 15 Nov, The Marr's SOULS Sat 17 Nov, 15 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- TOUR Mon 12 Nov, O2 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Bar, Worcester Scruffy Murphys, Birm- try Institute, Birmingham CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY'S FIFTH Featuring THE SPITFIRES Thurs 15 ingham PHILL JUPITUS Fri 16 Nov, Hunting- TONIGHT ALIVE- FULLY Stanislav Kochanovsky (conductor) Nov, Hare & Hounds, THE MERSEY BEATS Sat don Hall, Worcester PLUGGED PERFOR- and Sergej Krylov (violin). Pro- Birmingham 17 Nov, Albany The- AHIR SHAH Fri 16 Nov, The REP, Birm- MANCE Mon 12 Nov, gramme includes works by Janá ek, atre, Coventry ingham O2 Institute, B’ham T.REXTASY Thurs 15 Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, Wed č14 Nov, The Core The- THE FAMILY VALUE TOUR Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GEOFF NORCOTT Fri 16 Nov, The Core TOM MISCH Mon 12 atre, Solihull 2018 Sat 17 Nov, The Theatre, Solihull Nov, O2 Academy, MAKEDONISSIMO: MUSIC FROM MACE- Assembly, Leamington Birmingham FROM THE JAM - ALL DONIA Featuring Simon Trp eski SEAN HEYDON, GERRY KYEI, PATRICK MOD CONS 40TH AN- Spa (piano), Hidan Mamudov (clarinet,č DRAPER & STEVIE GRAY Fri 16 Nov, SEAMUS FOGARTY Tues NIVERSARY TOUR Thurs FAUSTUS Sat 17 Nov, saxophone & kaval), Aleksandar Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton 13 Nov, Hare & 15 Nov, The Assembly, The Other Place, Strat- Krapovski (violin), Alexander Somov Hounds, Birmingham TEZ ILYAS, NEIL MCFARLANE, WILL DUG- Leamington Spa ford-upon-Avon (cello) & Vltako Nushev (percus- GAN & TWO COMICS TBC Fri 16 Nov, YAZMIN LACEY Tues 13 sion), Wed 14 Nov, The Barber Insti- THE LITTLE UNSAID Fri BILLY OCEAN Sat 17 The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Nov, The Sunflower tute, University of Birmingham 16 Nov, MAC, B’ham Nov, Symphony Hall, JOHN FOTHERGILL, TOM WARD, BARRY Lounge, Birmingham BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S WAR REQUIEM NECROW PRESENTS Birmingham DODDS & JACK GLEADOW Fri 16 - Sat GARY NUMAN WITH THE WODE, BAST, DAEMONA THE ELO EXPERIENCE: Wed 14 Nov, Coventry Cathedral 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham SKAPARIS ORCHESTRA AND HEX MORBIDITY Fri GREATEST HITS AND CBSO: CLASSIC FM HALL OF FAME Fea- Tues 13 Nov, Sym- THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, JOE SUTHER- 16 Nov, Scruffy Mur- MORE TOUR 2018 Sat turing Michael Seal (conductor), phony Hall, B’ham LAND, PAUL PIRIE & JESSICA FOSTEKEW phys, Birmingham 17 Nov, Artrix, Broms- John Suchet (presenter) and Julian Sat 17 Nov, The Comedy Loft, B’ham HAZEL O'CONNOR & GIMME!, GIMME!, grove Wilkins (organ). Programme in- BREAKING GLASS Tues cludes works by Orff, Smetana, ANDY HAMILTON Sat 17 Nov, The GIMME! Fri 16 Nov, BOURBON ALLEY Sat 17 13 Nov, The Core The- Fauré, Elgar, Williams, Holst, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Mama Roux’s, B’ham Nov, The Marr's Bar, atre, Solihull Vaughan Williams, Sibelius, Mozart DAVE GORMAN Sat 17 - Sun 18 Nov, RALPH MCTELL Fri 16 Worcester BERNHOFT AND THE and Prokofiev, Fri 16 Nov, Symphony Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, Albany Theatre, METRIC Sat 17 Nov, O2 FASHION BRUISES Tues Hall, Birmingham Coventry Institute, Birmingham 13 Nov, O2 Institute, THALLEIN ENSEMBLE Featuring Birmingham THE JAM DRC Fri 16 THE CLONE ROSES VS. Daniele Rosina (conductor). Pro- Nov, The Night Owl, KAZABIAN Sat 17 Nov, YXNG BANE Wed 14 gramme includes works by Dobrinka Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Nov, O2 Institute, Tabakova, Joe Cutler, Emily Abdy & Theatre PEARL JAM UK Fri 16 SURFS UP Sat 17 Nov, Maarten Benschop, Fri 16 Nov, The Birmingham SEX EDUCATION A show for anyone Nov, O2 Academy, Huntingdon Hall, Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham STRAWBS - 50 YEARS who's wondered why they want what Birmingham Worcester Conservatoire ON Wed 14 Nov, Hunt- they want, Mon 12 Nov, Old Joint ingdon Hall, Worcester CULTURE CLUB Fri 16 TOTAL 80'S Sat 17 Nov, CWMBACH MALE CHOIR Sat 17 Nov, Stock Theatre, Birmingham Nov, Arena B’ham Bedworth Civic Hall Malvern Theatres GRETA VAN FLEET Wed MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS: TRIBE 14 Nov, O2 Academy, MAXWELL AVENUE Fri RAYMOND FROGGATT THE BACH BOYS Featuring University Brand new show combining skill, Birmingham 16 Nov, O2 Institute, Sun 18 Nov, Artrix, Chamber Orchestra & Andrew Kirk- stamina and red-hot rhythms, Tues Birmingham Bromsgrove man (director). Programme includes THE ACES Wed 14 Nov, 13 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leaming- works by JC Bach & CPE Bach, Sat Hare & Hounds, Birm- HAFDIS HULD Fri 16 JESS GLYNNE Sun 18 ton Spa 17 Nov, The Barber Institute, Univer- ingham Nov, Artrix, Broms- Nov, Genting Arena, ROCK OF AGES Smash-hit musical fea- grove Birmingham sity of Birmingham WAND turing classic rock anthems, big hair, Wed 14 Nov, CHANDOS 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Hare & Hounds, Birm- AC/DC UK Fri 16 Nov, CHRIS HELME, MARK big dreams and some serious rock- Programme includes works by Parry, ingham The River Rooms, MORRISS & NIGEL ’n’roll debauchery. Danielle Hope, Stourbridge CLARK TRIPLE HEADER Elgar & Bruckner, Sun 18 Nov, Sam Ferriday & Kevin Kennedy star, TONIGHT ALIVE 10 YEAR Sun 18 Nov, The Malvern Theatres Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, The Alexandra ANNIVERSARY ACOUSTIC THE SIMON AND GAR- Marr's Bar, Worcester ENGLISH STRING ORCHESTRA: THE Theatre, Birmingham PERFORMANCE Thurs FUNKEL STORY Fri 16 FOUR SEASONS Featuring Zoe Beyers 15 Nov, O2 Institute, CALENDER GIRLS - THE MUSICAL Gary (director & violin soloist). Pro- Birmingham Barlow & Tim Firth’s hit musical stars gramme includes works Finzi, Dvo- Fern Britton, Anna-Jane Casey, Sara KOJEY RADICAL Thurs rak, Bartok & Vivaldi, Sun 18 Nov, Crowe, Karen Dunbar, Ruth Madoc, 15 Nov, O2 Academy, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Rebecca Storm & Denise Welch, Birmingham Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, Regent The- EASY LIFE Thurs 15 atre, Stoke-on-Trent Nov, Hare & Hounds, GREASE Limelight present an ama- Birmingham teur staging of the much-loved high NIGHTS IN THE GARDENS Comedy school musical, Tues 13 - Sat 17 OF SPAIN Thurs 15 Nov. Nov, The Civic, Stourport JOE LYCETT Mon 12 Nov, Symphony Shakespeare Street MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD Hall, Birmingham Cocktail Bar & Night- London Classic Theatre present a club, Stratford-upon- JOE LYCETT Thurs 15 Nov, Warwick story about love, jealousy and the Avon Arts Centre, Coventry price of freedom, Tues 13 - Sat 17

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thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 November Nov, Malvern Theatres podrome JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Amateur JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES - THE staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber & GINGER SNAPPED Ru Paul’s Drag Race Tim Rice’s legendary rock opera, star Jinkx Monsoon and lyrical genius Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, Evesham Arts Major Scales take a witty look at the Centre dark side of Drag fame, Sat 17 Nov, AN EVENING OF ERIC AND ERN Homage The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- to Morecambe & Wise featuring ren- podrome ditions of the duo’s best-loved com- POST New theatre show by Xavier de edy sketches, Wed 14 Nov, Sousa, inviting audiences to ‘join the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre table, eat yummy Portuguese food, VENTOUX 2Magpies present a restag- drink potent Cachaça, get merry, ing of the dramatic battle between make new friends and challenge ex- Lance Armstrong & Marco Pantani in actly what makes a nation’, Sun 18 the 2000 Tour de France, Wed 14 Nov, MAC, Birmingham Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull WNO: LA TRAVIATA Welsh National Ventoux - The Core, Solihull Opera presents its version of Verdi's of London, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Nov, tragic love story, Wed 14 - Fri 16 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome Kids Shows Film SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Santa A LAUGHING MATTER School produc- TABBY MCTAT Heartwarming tale of returns with a brand new show for tion of April De Angelis' comedy of INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: friendship and loyalty, based on Julia 2018, Fri 16 Nov - Mon 31 Dec, The manners, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Nov, Donaldson’s book of the same name, THE WIFE (15) Drama. Starring Chris- Snowdome, Tamworth Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Wed 14 - Thurs 15 Nov, Swan The- tian Slater, Glenn Close. Number 8, CRAFT & FLEA Event combining the WNO: LA CENERENTOLA Welsh National atre, Worcester Pershore, Worcs, Mon 12 - Tues 13 best of the city's local produce with Opera presents Rossini's delightful PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE Brand new Nov street food and flea market stalls, Sat retelling of Cinderella - with a few live show which sees Peppa and WASTED (tbc) Drama. Starring George 17 Nov, Coventry Cathedral twists along the way, Thurs 15 Nov, friends embark on a camping adven- Welton. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, THE GIN TRAIN Gin-tasting experience Birmingham Hippodrome ture, Wed 14 - Thurs 15 Nov, Malvern Thurs 15 Nov - with a festive twist, Sat 17 Nov, Sev- THAT’LL BE THE DAY - THE CHRISTMAS Theatres POSSUM (15) Drama/Horror. Starring ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kid- SHOW Rock’n’roll variety show featur- LITTLE RED ROBIN HOOD Garlic Theatre Sean Harris, Alun Armstrong. Q&A derminster ing all your favourite Christmas clas- presents a slapstick glove-puppet with writer-director Matthew Holness. DAD'S DAYS OUT - A CELEBRATION OF sics from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s, Thurs show, Sat 17 Nov, Henry Sandon MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 15 Nov FIREWORKS Experiment with cause & 15 Nov, W’hampton Grand Theatre Hall, Worcester A STAR IS BORN (15) Drama/Music. effect and light & dark, to create a ALL YOU NEED IS LSD World premiere Starring Lady Gaga and Bradley craft that celebrates ‘all things fire- of Leo Butler's play, which fuses his- Cooper. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, work’, Sat 17 Nov, Coventry Transport tory, fantasy and dark humour to ex- Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Nov; Artrix, Broms- Museum plore the continuing debate on drugs grove, Fri 16 - Sat 17 Nov and freedom. Recommended for Talks JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (PG) ages 14-plus, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Nov, DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE; LUCKIEST Comedy. Starring Rowan Atkinson, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry MAN ALIVE TOUR Showcase of spoken Emma Thompson. Number 8, Per- MARTYR Playbox Theatre present an word, Fri 16 Nov, Birmingham Town shore, Worcs, Sat 17 Nov amateur staging of Marius Von Hall Mayenburg’s provocative play, Thurs THE DRAMA CHAMBER - THE SPOKEN 15 - Sat 17 Nov, The Dream Factory, WORD Featuring poetry, monologues, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Warwick dualogues and works-in-progress, Fri Released from Fri 16 Nov, showing at IN PRAISE OF FOLLY Foppish Theatre 16 Nov, Stratford Playhouse, Strat- selected cinemas perform a farce of all ages - present- ford-upon-Avon FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF ing 21st century views through an JIM CRACE: WORDS Part of Broms- GRINDELWALD (tbc) 18th century lens, Fri 16 Nov, The grove Words, Sun 18 Nov, Artrix, SUSPIRIA (18) Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Bromsgrove FRINGE WIVES CLUB: GLITTERY CLIT- AV EVENING WITH CAROL ANN DUFFY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Festive day TERY ‘Sequin-covered, Champagne- Sun 18 Nov, Coventry Cathedral out with a chocolatey twist and the fuelled, cosmic feminist chance to see Father Christmas in his extravaganza’ that’s ‘guaranteed to Events very own stage show, Sat 17 - Sun 18 blow your mind and your pants!’, Fri Nov, Cadbury World, B’ham 16 - Sat 17 Nov, Old Joint Stock The- MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS Get prob- WINTER CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Week- atre, Birmingham Dance lem-solving and explore the vehicles end celebrating all things chocolate, in this new family session, Wed 14 THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG A Black Sat 17 - Sun 18 Nov, FarGo Village, THE WOLF AND PETER CoisCéim Dance Nov, Coventry Transport Museum Country fairytale, presented as a play Theatre present an energetic new Coventry within a play, Sat 17 Nov, Wolver- version of the timeless tale, this time WORLDSKILLS UK LIVE The UK’s MOTORCYCLE LIVE 2018 One of the hampton Grand Theatre experienced through the eyes of the largest experiential skills, training and UK’s top shows for biking enthusi- careers event, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Nov, PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS ‘Australia's wolf, Tues 13 - Wed 14 Nov, Warwick asts, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, Birm- NEC, Birmingham greatest theatrical export’ celebrates Arts Centre, Coventry ingham its 20th anniversary with a ‘greatest FREEFALL - CHAIRS TOO Freefall Dance FESTIVE GIFT FAIR One of the most DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Fea- bits’ tour, Sat 17 Nov, Swan Theatre, Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s popular Christmas shopping events turing live shows, carols, presents, Worcester own company of highly gifted in the UK, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Nov, light shows, festive food, Father NEC, Birmingham WNO: WAR & PEACE Welsh National dancers with learning disabilities, pre- Christmas and a ‘magnificent’ fire- Opera present David Poutney's ambi- sents its annual performance show- ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE The works display, plus so much more, tious staging of Leo Tolstoy's epic case, Thurs 15 Nov, The Patrick largest and best-established vetted Sat 17 Nov - Mon 31 Dec, Drayton novel, Sat 17 Nov, Birmingham Hip- Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome art, interiors and antiques fair outside Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwicks/Worcs 19-25 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:43 Page 1

thelist grove Birmingham works by J.S Bach & Mozart, Sun 25 Gigs YOU ME AT SIX Thurs 22 THERAPY? Fri 23 Nov, Classical Nov, Malvern Theatres Nov, O2 Academy, The Asylum, B’ham ROGER TAYLOR'S QUEEN Birmingham EXTRAVAGANZA Mon 19 BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND Music Nov, Symphony Hall, JAYKAE Thurs 22 Nov, Fri 23 Nov, Stratford COULL QUARTET: EMOTION AND TRAN- Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Playhouse Comedy QUILITY Programme includes works JEN BRISTER Tues 20 Nov, The Glee VENNART Mon 19 Nov, THE RAMONAS, HACK- CHORUSGIRL, MAM- by Haydn, Pamela Harrison & Club, Birmingham The Castle & Falcon, SAW, THE WILD STRAYS, MOTH PENGUINS Fri 23 Brahms, Wed 21 Nov, Warwick Arts Birmingham TINFISH & QUEEN MAN- Nov, The Tin Music Centre, Coventry RICH HALL Wed 21 Nov, The Civic, TIS Fri 23 Nov, The And Arts, Canal Basin, WSTRN Mon 19 Nov, Stourport Sunflower Lounge, Coventry CBSO: FAITHFUL JOURNEY Featuring O2 Institute, B’ham Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & BONGO'S BINGO Thurs 22 Nov, The Birmingham PLAY IT COOL – CELE- UNKNOWN MORTAL OR- Mary Bevan (soprano).ė Programme Assembly, Leamington Spa STEWART MAC + SPE- BRATING 60 YEARS OF CHESTRA Mon 19 Nov, includes works by Panufnik & PAUL MCCAFFREY PLUS COMEDY CIAL GUESTS Fri 23 BILLY FURY Sat 24 O2 Institute, B’ham Tchaikovsky, Wed 21 Nov, Sym- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Nov, The Castle & Fal- Nov, Huntington Hall, phony Hall, Birmingham Thurs 22 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham COURTNEY BARNETT con, Birmingham Worcester Mon 19 Nov, O2 ARMISTICE CENTENARY CONCERT Fea- DAVE GORMAN Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Nov, VICKERS BOVEY GUITAR BOOTLEG BLONDIE Sat Academy, Birmingham turing James Gilchrist (tenor), Philip Symphony Hall, Birmingham DUO: THE BEST PARKS 24 Nov, The Assembly, Dukes (viola) & Anna Tilbrook JESSIE J Tues 20 Nov, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Fri 23 Nov, IN BIRMINGHAM Fri 23 Leamington Spa (piano). Programme includes works O2 Academy, B’ham Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Nov, The MAC, B’ham FREE RADIO LIVE 2018 by Purcell arr. Britten, Rebecca DANNY GOFFREY (SU- MICHAEL BUBLE TRIB- Feat. Demi Lovato, Clarke, Britten, David Bednall, Elgar ADAM ROWE Fri 23 Nov, The Glee PERGRASS) Tues 20 UTE NIGHT Fri 23 Nov, The Script, Liam arr. Tertis, Gurney, Ireland & Club, Birmingham Nov, The Sunflower The Southcrest Manor Payne, Craig David, Vaughan Williams, Thurs 22 Nov, TOM WARD, SUSAN MURRAY, CATHER- Lounge, Birmingham Hotel, Redditch George Ezra, The Malvern Theatres INE BOHART & TWO COMICS TBC Fri 23 BASEMENT Tues 20 THE MEN THEY COULD- Vamps, Jonas Blue, RECITAL DOUBLE BILL Featuring Gen Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Anne-Marie, Louisa Nov, O2 Institute, N'T HANG Fri 23 Nov, Li & Ryan Drucker (pianos). Pro- TOM STADE, PAUL MCCAFFERY, JOHN Johnson and Jax Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham gramme includes works by SCOTT & DAVE LONGLEY Fri 23 - Sat 24 Jones, Sat 24 Nov, DARIO NAPOLI MODERN BRING ME THE HORIZON Beethoven, Debussy, Prokofiev & Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Genting Arena, B’ham Franck, Thurs 22 Nov, Birmingham MANOUCHE PROJECT Fri 23 Nov, Arena MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE Sat 24 Nov, THE MUSIC OF CREAM: Town Hall Tues 20 Nov, Hunting- Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry don Hall, Worcester 50TH ANNIVERSARY INVENTUS WIND QUINTET Programme MOGWAI + THE TWI- WORLD TOUR Sat 24 GAVIN WEBSTER, JULIAN DEANE & PHIL CAMPBELL & THE includes works by Debussy, Ibert, LIGHT SAD Fri 23 Nov, Nov, The Assembly, BARRY DODDS Sat 24 Nov, The Com- BASTARD SONS Tues 20 Françaix, Ravel & Piazzolla, Thurs 22 The Mill, Digbeth, Leamington Spa edy Loft, Birmingham Nov, The Asylum, Birmingham Nov, Royal Pump Rooms, Leaming- Birmingham THE BIG BIRMINGHAM ton Spa BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 24 AMY WINEHOUSE TRIB- SOUL NIGHT Sat 24 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove CAVETOWN Wed 21 UTE WITH MARINA CBSO: KREMERATA BALTICA Featuring Nov, Birmingham AHIR SHAH Sun 25 Nov, Warwick Arts Nov, O2 Academy, COOMBES Fri 23 Nov, Gidon Kremer (violin / director). Pro- Town Hall Centre, Coventry Birmingham The Night Owl, B’ham gramme includes works by Desyat- ROBINSON - STONE: THE nikov, Bach-Busoni, Weinberg & GUZ KHAN, DANE BAPTISTE, BA- ALFA MIST Wed 21 Nov, RALPH MCTELL Fri 23 MUSIC OF CLIFFORD T. Schubert, Sat 24 Nov, Birmingham BATUNDE, DARREN HARRIOTT, QUINCY & Hare & Hounds, Birm- Nov, Birmingham WARD Sat 24 Nov, Ar- Town Hall AURIE STYLA Sun 25 Nov, The Glee ingham Town Hall trix, Bromsgrove BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: BRILLIANT Club, Birmingham MAXIMUM R&B WITH ABBA FOREVER Fri 23 EYES OF THE RAVEN Sat BACH Featuring Paul Spicer (conduc- THE MANFREDS SUP- Nov, Artrix, Broms- 24 Nov, O2 Academy, tor), Simon Ponsford (countertenor), PORTED BY GEORGIE grove Birmingham Daniel Auchincloss (tenor), Julian == FAME. Wed 21 Nov, SETH LAKEMAN Fri 23 Debreuil (bass), The Musical & Ami- Birmingham Town Hall NOTHING BUT THIEVES Theatre Nov, The Assembly, Sat 24 Nov, O2 cable Society Orchestra & Martyn THE DEAD DAISIES Wed FAME THE MUSICAL The 30th anniver- Leamington Spa Academy, Birmingham Rawles (organ), Sat 24 Nov, St 21 Nov, O2 Institute, sary tour, starring Keith Jack, Mica SLAVES Fri 23 Nov, O2 Philips Cathedral, Birmingham Birmingham YAMA WARASHI Sat 24 Paris and Jorgie Porter, Mon 19 - Sat Academy, Birmingham Nov, The Tin Music STRATFORD-UPON-AVON CHORAL SOCI- 24 Nov, Alexandra Theatre, B’ham STEPHEN DALE PETIT MUSED (MUSE TRIBUTE) And Arts, Coventry ETY Featuring Stephen Dodsworth Thurs 22 Nov, Hunt- FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre present Fri 23 Nov, The Marr's (conductor), Sat 24 Nov, Holy Trinity ington Hall, Worcester PEACE Sat 24 Nov, O2 Church, Stratford-upon-Avon a life-affirming story of lost memories Bar, Worcester Institute, Birmingham and discovered love, Tues 20 Nov, THE FOUR TOPS AND MORGAN JAMES - FROM WARWICK & KENILWORTH CHORAL SO- Malvern Theatres THE TEMPTATIONS JADE BIRD Sat 24 Nov, WHITE TO BLUE TOUR Fri CIETY Featuring Colin Druce (organ) Thurs 22 Nov, Arena O2 Institute, B’ham HAMNET Dead Centre presents an in- 23 Nov, O2 Institute, & Benedict Wilson (conductor). Pro- Birmingham LONDON CALLING Sat gramme includes works by Faure & novative production about Shake- Birmingham speare’s son, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 SCOTT BRADLEE'S POST- 24 Nov, The Asylum, John Rutter, Sat 24 Nov, St John’s BEYOND CREATION Fri Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry MODERN JUKEBOX Birmingham Church, Kenilworth 23 Nov, The Asylum, Thurs 22 Nov, Warwick CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: DREAM DRACULA European premiere of a Arts Centre, Coventry OF GERONTIUS Also featuring Birm- brand new stage adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic horror story, Tues 20 BONGO'S BINGO Thurs ingham Philharmonic Orchestra, - Sat 24 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand 22 Nov, The Assembly, Adrian Lucas (conductor) & Kathryn Theatre Leamington Spa Rudge, David Butt Philip & Morgan Pearse (soloists), Sun 25 Nov, Birm- TREACLE TOWN TOMMY Sudden Im- AMY RIGBY Thurs 22 ingham Town Hall pulse Theatre Company present a Nov, The Marr's Bar, show based on research about peo- Worcester MALVERN FESTIVAL CHORUS Featuring ple and events in and around THE SIMON AND GAR- Louise Wayman & Alison Hill (sopra- nos) & James Oxley (tenor), Simon Nuneaton 100 years ago, Tues 20 - FUNKEL STORY Thurs Ponsford (countertenor) & Jamie Sat 24 Nov, Abbey Theatre, 22 Nov, Artrix, Broms- Yama Warashi - Tin Music & Arts, Coventry Hall (bass). Programme includes Nuneaton 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 19-25 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 17:43 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 November

HEART OF DARKNESS Joseph Conrad's about the history of Huntingdon Hall, is for parents and parents-to-be, Sat classic story of lies and brutal greed, the growth of Worcester Live, includ- Events 24 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, Birmingham transported to a forsaken Europe and ing the takeover of the Swan Theatre, WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EX- presented as a tale for our time. and the arts in Worcester today, Tues NITRO CIRCUS YOU GOT THIS TOUR Fea- HIBITION The 51st annual Warley Think Apocalypse Now meets The 20 Nov, Henry Sandon Hall, Worces- turing Travis Pastrana and the best show and the 26th national event at Road meets Double Indemnity, Tues ter athletes in FMX, BMX, Scooter and the NEC, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, 20 - Sat 24 Nov, The REP, B’ham DAN SNOW: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY Inline, including multiple X Games Birmingham medalists and several Nitro World WHITE CHRISTMAS Redditch Operatic Britain’s favourite historian tells the MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON The ulti- Society present Irving Berlin’s fa- story of an important event that hap- Games champions, Tues 20 Nov, Arena Birmingham mate pop-culture experience returns mous festive musical, Tues 20 - Sat pened on each day of the year, Wed for a weekend of geeky goodness! 24 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch 21 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leaming- CREATE CHRISTMAS Series of special Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, B’ham ton Spa courses to learn a new skill and also STILL ALICE Sharon Small takes the CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME A celebration lead in a staging of Lisa Genova’s SIR MICHAEL MORPURGO Join master to tick off a few gifts on your shopping list, Tues 20 - Thurs 29 Nov, of festive domestic bliss, complete bestselling novel about a woman storyteller Michael Morpurgo as he with a selection of seasonal activities fighting to maintain her identity as her talks about his latest novel, In The Jackfield Tile Museum, Telford, Shropshire to enjoy, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, Black world changes, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Nov, Mouth Of The Wolf, based on the true Country Living Museum, Dudley Malvern Theatres story of two uncles in the Second MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS Get prob- World War, Thurs 22 Nov, Bridge lem-solving and explore the vehicles THE 2018 BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL HAIRSPRAY Amateur staging pre- TATTOO Britain’s biggest event of its sented by The Broadway Musical St House Theatre, Warwick in this new family session, Wed 21 Nov, Coventry Transport Museum kind, featuring more than 1,000 per- Augustine's MTC, Tues 20 - Sun 25 formers and culminating in a ‘spec- Nov, The Core Theatre, Solihull CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO tacular grand finale’, Sat 24 - Sun 25 SLEEPING BEAUTY High-energy pan- BACKS Hear stories about the people Nov, Arena Birmingham who called Court 15 home for over tomime fun, written and directed, as Dance CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Featuring ever, by Iain Lauchlan, Wed 21 Nov - 160 years, Fri 23 Nov, Birmingham BEAUTY AND Back to Backs more than 70 local artists, food pro- Sat 5 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coven- THE BEAST ducers and craftspeople, Sat 24 - try Presented FROST FAIR Returning for a second Sun 25 Nov, Dudmaston Estate, BIN & GONE The untold story of 3-2-1 by Ballet year and providing plenty of ideas for Bridgnorth, Shropshire host Ted Rogers and his son... Thurs Theatre UK, Christmas gifts and festive treats, Fri 23 Nov, Ragley Hall, Alcester CHRISTMAS AT COUGHTON 2018 Featur- 22 Nov, Stratford Playhouse, Strat- Fri 23 - Sat ing festive shopping in the coach ford-upon-Avon 24 Nov, ARROWS OF TIME Celebration of the house shop, traditional Christmas THE BELIEVERS ARE BUT BROTHERS A Malvern 55th anniversary of the first broadcast decorations in the house, seasonal bold show exploring the smoke-and- Theatres of Dr Who, Fri 23 Nov, Thinktank Sci- food in the cafe and a weekends-only mirrors world of online extremism, THE NUTCRACKER BRB presents its an- ence Museum, Birmingham Christmas market in the stableyard, anonymity and hate speech, Thurs 22 nual staging of Sir Peter Wright’s VINTAGE SLEIGH RIDE Take a sleigh Sat 24 Nov - Sun 2 Dec, Coughton - Fri 23 Nov, The Patrick Studio, Birm- world famous festive production, Fri ride to Lapland, pulled along by two Court, Warwickshire ingham Hippodrome 23 Nov - Thurs 13 Dec, Birmingham trusty reindeer, Fri 23 Nov, Coventry MEET SANTA Visit the North Pole of the CHRISTMAS WITH STEPTOE & SON An Hippodrome Transport Museum city in the Antarctic Ice Cave, meet evening of festive misadventures in SANTA’S LITTLE MAKERS MARKET Fea- the man himself and check out the the company of TV’s favourite rag- turing live performances, delicious cheeky Gentoo penguins in the Ice and-bone men, Sat 24 Nov, Stratford street food, mulled wine and ‘30 of Adventure area, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 23 Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon Film the best designers, artists and Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Birm- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A MUSICAL INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: crafters the Midlands has to offer’, Fri ingham PARODY Fat Rascal Theatre explore 23 - Sat 24 Nov, FarGo Village, ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS KINGDOM A JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (PG) whether fairytales really can come Coventry magical festive experience for the Comedy. Starring Rowan Atkinson, true - even when the princess doesn’t CREATE A CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH Sat whole family including puppet show, Emma Thompson. Number 8, Per- quite fit the slipper, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 24 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs magician, gingerbread decorating shore, Worcs, Mon 19 Nov 2 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- GREAT MALVERN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL with Mrs Claus & Reindeer Quest, Sat FIRST MAN (12a) ingham Biography/Drama. Festive family day out featuring 24 Nov - Mon 24 Dec, Hatton Adven- Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy. Ar- THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow Christmas light switch on, lantern pa- ture World, Warwick trix, Bromsgrove, Wed 21 & Fri 23 brick road to the Emerald City this rade, Santa’s grotto, live music, vin- Nov Christmas, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 13 Jan, tage cars and more... Sat 24 Nov, The REP, Birmingham C’EST LA VIE! (15) Comedy/Drama. Great Malvern Town Centre Starring Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jean-Paul FESTIVE ANTIQUE AND GIFT FAIR Featur- Rouve. Foreign language, subtitled. ing items for your Christmas table, Number 8, Pershore, Worcs, Thurs 22 Hanukkah gifts and quirky presents Kids Shows Nov for the person who has everything, DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES (15) Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, British Motor PINOCCHIO Brand new staging of Drama/Music. Starring Pete Postleth- Museum, Gaydon Carlo Callodi's classic tale about an waite, Freda Dowie. Number 8, Per- GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR inquisitive wooden puppet, Sat 17 shore, Worcs, Fri 23 Nov Nov - Sun 30 Dec, The Old Rep The- Featuring designer-makers from atre, Birmingham across the West Midlands, plus local NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: fine food producers and retailers, Sat RUDOLPH Festive treat for younger au- 24 - Sun 25 Nov, Enginuity Museum, Released from Wed 21 Nov, showing CHRISTMAS NATIVITY TRAIL Follow the diences, fusing puppetry, laughter, Ironbridge, Shropshire song and mischief, Sat 17 Nov - Mon at selected cinemas stars and visit the live Nativity scene CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Festive day in the farmyard barns, Sat 24 Nov - 31 Dec, MAC, Birmingham ROBIN HOOD (12a) out with a chocolatey twist and the Tues 1 Jan, Bodenham Arboretum, THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB (tbc) chance to see Father Christmas in his Kidderminster ASSASSINATION NATION (tbc) very own stage show, Sat 24 - Sun 25 SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham NATIVITY ROCKS! (tbc) magical festive sleepover at one Talks BABY TO TODDLER From the organisers Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 25 NOBODY'S FOOL (tbc) THE ARTS IN ACTION Chris Jaeger talks of The Baby Show, Baby To Toddler Nov, Alton Towers, Staffs whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 26-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 18:54 Page 1 The List Warwicks/Worcs 26-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 18:54 Page 2

thelist Monday 26 - Friday 30 November SHALAMAR Wed 28 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Birmingham Gigs Nov, The Jam House, Stourbridge Classical DARA O'BRIAIN Thurs 29 Nov - Sat 1 Birmingham FOLK IN THE FOYER: Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CLEAN CUT KID Mon 26 BLAKE Wed 28 Nov, CLIVE GREGSON Thurs Nov, Hare & Hounds, The Core Theatre, 29 Nov, Evesham Arts Music Birmingham Solihull Centre QUATOUR AROD Featuring Jordan Vic- CHRISTINE AND THE BARRY STEELE & PEARL JAMM Fri 30 toria & Alexandre Vu (violins), Tan- QUEENS Mon 26 Nov, FRIENDS AS THE ROY Nov, The Marr's Bar, guy Parisot (viola) & Samy Rachid O2 Academy, B’ham ORBISON STORY Thurs Worcester (cello). Programme includes works JAMIE ISAAC Mon 26 by Haydn, Webern, Benjamin Attahir 29 Nov, Palace The- A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - Nov, Hare & Hounds, & Schumann, Mon 26 Nov, Birming- atre, Redditch NEIL DIAMOND Fri 30 Birmingham ham Town Hall RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS Nov, Malvern Theatres RALEIGH RITCHIE Mon CBSO: BUCHBINDER PLAYS BRAHMS Thurs 29 Nov, Birming- BLACK STAR RIDERS Fri 26 Nov, O2 Institute, Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (con- ham Town Hall 30 Nov, The Assembly, Birmingham ductor) & Rudolf Buchbinderė THE COMEDY HUT Fri 30 Nov, The UK SUBS Thurs 29 Nov, Leamington Spa (piano). Programme includes works Civic, Stourport GLENN TILBROOK Tues The Marr's Bar, KING PLEASURE AND by Brahms & Tchaikovsky, Tues 27 27 Nov, Artrix, Broms- JOSH JONES, CRAIG MURRAY, SARAH Worcester THE BISCUIT BOYS Fri Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham grove CALLAGHAN & MIKE WILMOT Fri 30 THEA GILMORE: ACOUS- 30 Nov, Huntington ENGLISH TOURING OPERA: ST MATTHEW Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham CHILDREN OF ZEUS TIC CHRISTMAS PARTY Hall, Worcester PASSION Featuring Jonathan Peter CHARLIE BAKER, ROGER MONKHOUSE, Tues 27 Nov, Hare & Thurs 29 Nov, The YEARS & YEARS Fri 30 Kenny (conductor), Tues 27 Nov, EMANUEL SONUBI Fri 30 Nov, The Hounds, Birmingham MAC, Birmingham Nov, Arena B’ham Great Malvern Priory, Worcestershire Comedy Loft, Birmingham G4 CHRISTMAS Tues 27 THE BURNING HELL, THE DAMNED Fri 30 CZECH NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHES- Nov, Coventry Cathe- GROTBAGS & NINE DART Nov, The Empire, TRA Featuring Jennifer Pike (violin). dral, FINISH Thurs 29 Nov, Coventry Programme includes works by YOUTH CLUB Tues 27 The Sunflower RÜFÜS DU SOL + Smetana, Dvorak, Bruch, Khacha- Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham ICARUS + ZOLA BLOOD turian, Elgar & Debussy, Wed 28 Lounge, Birmingham Theatre TANNAHILL WEAVERS Fri 30 Nov, The Mill, Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry WEST SIDE STORY A West Bromwich HAZEL O’CONNOR & 50TH ANNIVERSARY Digbeth, Birmingham CASTALIAN QUARTET Featuring Sini Si- Operatic Society production, pre- BREAKING GLASS Tues ALBUM RELEASE TOUR monen & Daniel Roberts (violin), KATIE MELUA & GORI sented to celebrate their 80th an- 27 Nov, The Assembly, Thurs 29 Nov, Number Charlotte Bonneton (viola) & Christo- WOMEN’S CHOIR Fri 30 niversary and Leonard Bernstein's Leamington Spa 8 Community Arts pher Graves (cello), Wed 28 Nov, Nov, Symphony Hall, centenary, Tues 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Centre, Worcestershire The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- MILES KANE Tues 27 Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Nov, O2 Institute, BARBARA MORGEN- ham Conservatoire 80S MANIA AT CHRIST- A CHRISTMAS CAROL Patrick Barlow’s Birmingham STERN & EARTH IS FLAT MARTINU STRING QUARTET Featuring Thurs 29 Nov, The Tin MAS Fri 30 Nov, Palace adaptation of Dickens’ festive ghost HUDSON TAYLOR Tues Lubomír Havlák and Libor Ka ka (vi- Music And Arts, Canal Theatre, Redditch story, Tues 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, The 27 Nov, O2 Institute, olins), Zbyn k Pa ourek (viola)ň & Basin, Coventry MY NU LENG Fri 30 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Jitka Vlašánkováě (cello).ď Programme KIRAN LEONARD Thurs The Assembly, Leam- includes works by Haydn, Schulhoff THE MOUNTAINTOP Award-winning MS. LAURYN HILL Tues 29 Nov, Hare & ington Spa & Dvo ák, Fri 30 Nov, Royal Pump play taking an intimate look at the 27 Nov, Arena B’ham Hounds, Birmingham UB40 - LABOUR OF LOVE Rooms,ř Leamington Spa quieter moments in Dr Martin Luther ELEVENSES CHRISTMAS King's life, Tues 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, KINDRED THE FAMILY Fri 30 Nov, The River ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE 2018 Wed 28 Nov, The REP, Birmingham SOUL & CONYA DOSS Rooms, Stourbridge SYMPHONIC BRASS & BRASS BAND Palace Theatre, Red- Thurs 29 Nov, Hare & TESSERACT Fri 30 Nov, Featuring Amos Miller & Ian Port- THE HABIT OF ART Matthew Kelly and ditch Hounds, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham house (conductors). Programme in- David Yelland star in a new staging ARKELLS Wed 28 Nov, of Alan Bennett’s play about a meet- AS IT IS Thurs 29 Nov, SCRUFFYFEST 2018! Fri cludes works by Rautavaara, Hare & Hounds, Birm- ing between poet WH Auden and O2 Institute, B’ham 30 Nov, Scruffy Mur- Janacek & Tchaikovsky, Fri 30 Nov, ingham The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- composer Benjamin Britten, Tues 27 DAVE ONIONS Thurs 29 phys, Birmingham BANDSTAND SHOWCASE ham Conservatoire Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Malvern Theatres Wed 28 Nov, Bridge GOULD PIANO TRIO Featuring Ben- ELEVENSES CHRISTMAS 2018 Festive House Theatre, War- jamin Frith (piano), Robert Plane entertainment with Kelly Louise and wick (clarinet), Lucy Gould (violin) & Dave Chance, Wed 28 Nov, Palace PETE TONG & THE HER- Richard Lester (cello). Programme Theatre, Redditch ITAGE ORCHESTRA PER- includes works by Ravel, Huw GREASE Amateur staging presented FORM IBIZA CLASSICS Watkins & Rimsky-Korsakov, Fri 30 by Stratford Musical Theatre Com- Wed 28 Nov, Arena Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove pany, Wed 28 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Birmingham MARTINU STRING QUARTET Pro- Bridge House Theatre, Warwick DAN PATALANSKY Wed gramme includes works by Haydn, WILDE CREATURES Tall Stories present 28 Nov, Artrix, Broms- Schulhoff & Dvorak, Fri 30 Nov, bring Oscar Wilde's classic fairytales grove Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington to life, Wed 28 Nov - Sun 30 Dec, Spa THE ELVIS YEARS AT Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CHRISTMAS Wed 28 Nov, Malvern Theatres SHAME Wed 28 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham Comedy KIOKO Wed 28 Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham JOE LYCETT Tues 27 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MARTIN TAYLOR & MAR- TIN SIMPSON Wed 28 MIKE WILMOT & JIMMY MCGHIE PLUS Nov, Huntingdon Hall, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- SON Thurs 29 Nov, The Glee Club, Worcester Ms. Lauren Hill - Arena Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Warwicks/Worcs 26-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 18:54 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Friday 30 November UNDERNEATH Fishamble: The New the classic fairytale, combining New CANDLELIGHT COUGHTON Enjoy a tradi- Play Company present a darkly York club styles of house, waacking tional three-course festive meal, and comic tale of a life lived in secret... Talks and vogue with African and contem- then view the beautifully decorated Thurs 29 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, MICHAEL PORTILLO - LIFE: A GAME OF porary dance, Fri 30 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, house, Tues 27 - Wed 28 Nov, Coventry TWO HALVES Portillo interweaves his The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- Coughton Court, Warwickshire views on democracy, Donald Trump’s LET'S TWIST AGAIN Touring show fus- podrome MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS Get prob- election and Brexit with stories about ing music, fun and laughter with the lem-solving and explore the vehicles his travels and why the railways were greatest hits of Elvis, Dusty, Lulu, The in this new family session, Wed 28 once so important to Britain, Mon 26 Beatles, Sandie Shaw, The Drifters, Nov, Coventry Transport Museum Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Frankie Valli & Cilla, Fri 30 Nov, The Film VICTORIAN EVENING AND CRAFT FAIR BENEDICT ALLEN The adventurer/ex- Core Theatre, Solihull INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Browse gift-selling stalls, visit Father plorer tells of his recent adventure - a Christmas and encourage your little solo expedition to Papua New FIRST MAN (12a) Biography/Drama. ones to take part in the children’s Guinea, Tues 27 Nov, Birmingham Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy. Ar- craft activity, Thurs 29 Nov, Market Town Hall trix, Bromsgrove, Mon 26 Nov Kids Shows Hall Museum, Warwick POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH BEN TOGETHER (12a) Drama. Starring THE WITCHES The Nonentities present BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER PARKER Fri 30 Nov, Henry Sandon Sylvia Syms, Peter Bowles. Number their version of Roald Dahl’s award- Celebrity line-up includes Mary Berry, Hall, Worcester 8, Pershore, Worcs, Mon 26 - Tues 27 winning tale, Mon 26 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Nov The Hairy Bikers & Michel Roux Jr, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Thurs 29 Nov - Sun 2 Dec, NEC, DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES (15) Birmingham AWFUL AUNTIE David Walliams’ tale of Drama/Music. Starring Pete Postleth- frights, fights and friendship, Tues 27 waite, Freda Dowie. Number 8, Per- FARGO’S VEGAN FESTIVAL Featuring Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Alexandra Theatre, Dance shore, Worcs, Wed 28 Nov more than 20 totally vegan stallhold- Birmingham ANKUSHA & OTHER MYSTERIES Via ers celebrating ‘a cruelty-free Christ- three distinctive classical & contem- mas’, Fri 30 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, FarGo porary South Asian dance solos, Ka- Village, Coventry mala Devam Company seek answers Events MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS AT to unanswerable questions.... Mon 26 CHARLECOTE PARK Bring your list Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Festive fun along and show it to Father Christ- HANSEL & GRETEL Uchenna Dance at the castle, Mon 26 Nov - Mon 31 mas, Fri 30 Nov - Mon 24 Dec, present a contemporary retelling of Dec, Warwick Castle Charlecote Park, Warwickshire

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