Staffordshire Cover October 2018.qxp_Staffordshire Cover 24/09/2018 15:38 Page 1

DOREEN BRINGS HER Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands BIG TOP TO STAFFS STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S OCTOBER ON 2018

Staffordshire ISSUE 394 OCTOBER 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On staffordshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

CelebrityJOHN MasterChefPARTRIDGE star appears in classic thriller WTE:@WHATSONSTAFFSTWITTER:

THE HUT PEOPLE take to the stage at Lichfield Folk Festival FACEBOOK:@STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON

DISNEY ON ICE Dream Big tour set to delight Midlands audiences STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:46 Page 1

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

BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS THE ROY ORBISON STORY 30 YEAR SPECIAL

FRI 5 OCTOBER, 7.30PM ALL TICKETS: £23.50

THE SELFISH GIANT

SAT 6 OCTOBER, 11.30AM TICKETS: £9.00, FAMILY TICKET: £34.00

MICHAEL STARRING BEN

SAT 6 OCTOBER, 7.30PM ALL TICKETS: £23.00

16+ DOREEN’S BIG TOP

WED 10 & THUR 11 OCTOBER, 7.30PM ALL TICKETS: £17.00

SHACKLETON'S CARPENTER

MON 22 OCTOBER, 7.30PM ALL TICKETS: £15.00

16+ DARREN HARRIOTT 'VISCERAL'

SAT 27 OCTOBER, 8.00PM ALL TICKETS: £15.50

for more information visit: www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Contents October Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:34 Page 2

October 2018

Contents

Everybody say yeah! - hit West End musical Kinky Boots tours to the Midlands... feature on page 8

Blair Dunlop Doreen’s Big Top Backlash Ballroom the list

Award-winning artist on tour Tipton’s ‘lazy cow’ fire-eats high-energy dance magic at Your 16-page with Notes From An Island a Black Country vindaloo! Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 23 page 35 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 22. Comedy 24. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP 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

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Entertainment news from around the region

Anita Dobson to star as West End star to make her Blood Brothers debut Miss Hannigan in Annie A new tour of smash-hit show Blood Broth- Anita Dobson will take top billing in hit ers gets under way here in the Midlands musical Annie when the show stops off in this month. the Midlands next year. Willy Russell’s internationally acclaimed Best known for having played pub landlady ‘play with music’ runs at Theatre Severn, Angie Watts in BBC soap EastEnders, Anita Shrewsbury, Monday 8 to Saturday 13 Octo- will star as Miss Hannigan at the ber and later in the month as the Regent Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 19 to 23 Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, where it shows February. Tickets for Annie are now on sale from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 October. and can be purchased by calling 01902 42 92 Olivier Award-nominated West End veteran 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk. Linzi Hateley will make her debut as Mrs Johnstone. Telling the story of twin boys separated at birth, the show’s memorable score in- cludes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True.

Grease is the word as Simulation enthusiasts set Peter Andre gets angelic to fly high at RAF Cosford Grease is the word! The hit high-school musi- Aviation fans can this month experience ‘the cal is making a welcome return to Birming- best that virtual flight has to offer’ at the ham Hippodrome next summer - with none Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. other than Peter Andre taking on the role of The popular venue is once again hosting Teen Angel. Flight Sim, a major one-day event providing The new touring production features chore- flight simulation enthusiasts with the chance ography from one-time Strictly Come Danc- to try some of the very latest aircraft and ing judge Arlene Phillips and is helmed by other software. Visitors can view new tech- Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director at Leicester’s nology from specialist flight sim PC and Curve theatre, where the show recently en- cockpit equipment builders, chat with devel- joyed a sold-out eight-week run. opers, publishers and fellow virtual aviators, Commenting on the new production, Nikolai and ‘maybe even pick up a bargain or two’. said: “Grease provides a gripping snapshot Flight Sim 2018 takes place at RAF Cosford of a country on the cusp of social change, all on Saturday 6 October. set to one of the greatest rock’n’roll scores ever written.” The show runs at the Hippodrome from 13 to Exciting times ahead at 24 August. For more information, visit birm- Walsall’s A3 Arena inghamhippodrome.com There’s plenty to enjoy this month in Forest Arts Centre’s new multi-purpose perfor- Booking now open for mance space, the A3 Arena. Included in the Walsall venue’s line-up of shows are appear- charity biker event ances by comedians Jethro and Omid Djalili, Online booking for next spring’s Bike4Life and youth theatre versions of hit shows Av- Ride Out & Festival is now open. enue Q, Madagascar The Musical Adventure The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity biker and Rent. Looking further ahead, the venue event, which takes place on Sunday 28 April, is presenting will see 3,500 bikes travel a 23-mile route a panto pro- from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cos- duction of ford. Beauty & The To find out more about the event or secure Beast as its your place in the Ride Out, visit bike4life- Christmas fest.com show.

4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:27 Page 2

First Word

New Aspects at Staffs Arboretum The National Memorial Arbore- tum in Staffordshire will this month open Aspects, an £8.1million events building. A flexible, modern space offer- ing ‘stunning and inspirational views across the Arboretum’s landscape’, the new centre has room to accommodate confer- ences of up to 500 delegates and banquets of up to 300 people.

Oktoberfest returns to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park New trail honours Shropshire’s biggest beer festival is making a welcome return after enjoying a hugely successful inau- Thomas Telford gural year in 2017. The three-day Oktoberfest takes place in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park this month - from Friday the 5th to Sunday the 7th - and features around 200 real ales, a lager bar, prosecco par- A new trail commemorating lour, gin den, rum shack and cider area. Live music and a comedy club are also included in the line- Shropshire engineer Thomas Telford has been opened as part up of attractions. For more information and to book tickets, visit shropshirefestivals.digitickets.co.uk of Telford’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Incorporating key landmarks with which Telford was involved Film festival Kevin Clifton and Antony Costa get ready during his time as the county’s to mark war to rock out in smash-hit musical engineer, the trail is the basis of a travelling exhibition detailing anniversary Hit West Ender Rock Of Ages is heading for his links with each location. A new movie by Lord Of the Midlands, with Strictly Come Dancing Commenting on the new attrac- The Rings director Peter favourite Kevin Clifton and Blue singer tion, Councillor Rae Evans, Cab- Jackson is the highlight Antony Costa taking top billing. inet Member for People A musical comedy featuring more than 25 Services, Visitor Economy & of a 14-day Shropshire film festival commemo- classic rock anthems, the show visits Stoke- Partnerships, said: “We hope on-Trent’s Regent Theatre from Tuesday 12 to many people will want to use rating the 100th anniver- Saturday 16 February. It then returns to the this trail to discover the beauti- sary of the end of World ful landscapes in and around War One. region the following month, showing at the our borough and its rich indus- Jackson's They Shall Not Coventry Belgrade from Monday 11 to Satur- trial history - and to understand Grow Old will be shown day 16 March, and stops off at the Wolver- the influence Thomas Telford in Shrewsbury on 16 Oc- hampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 28 May had here. I’m sure the trail will tober, at the same time to Saturday 1 June. soon become an attraction point as its world premiere at for both residents and visitors alike.” the London Film Festi- val. The festival runs from 10 October to 23 November and comprises 24 screenings of 13 films at 15 venues, ‘with more in the pipeline’... The full programme can be viewed at firstworld- warfilmfestival.com

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:27 Page 3

First Word

Pop-up theatre returns to Stoke-on-Trent A unique pop-up theatre is making a return to Stoke-on-Trent this month to present ‘four days of extraordinary en- tertainment’. Roundabout is the world’s first ‘pop- up, plug-and-play theatre’, stopping off at venues across the country to showcase new writing for the stage. Presented by Paines Plough, the UK’s national theatre of new plays, the pop- up attraction is visiting the Potteries as part of local arts organisation Ap- petite’s ongoing programme of events. Roundabout ‘pops up’ in Longton Park from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 Octo- ber.

Movie magic with Hit musical ghosts Janette and Aljaž into the Grand Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Hit musical Ghost is returning Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec to the Midlands. will visit the Midlands next Based on the Oscar-winning spring with a brand new show. 1990 movie starring Patrick Following on from their two Re- Swayze, Demi Moore and membering Fred shows, which Whoopi Goldberg, the show paid homage to legendary Hol- stops off at the Wolverhampton lywood dancer Fred Astaire, Grand Theatre from Tuesday 22 Remembering The Movies takes Shrewsbury theatre aiming to serve up to Saturday 26 January. a ‘star-studded rollercoaster Tickets can be bought online at ride through some of the most the Mother (Goose) of all pantomimes grandtheatre.co.uk or by call- successful and memorable Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn is gearing up for an egg-citing Christ- ing 01902 42 92 12. films of all time’. mas season, with the venue this year presenting a pantomime ver- The show visits Birmingham sion of Mother Goose. Symphony Hall on 23 March The show will star Theatre Severn’s favourite panto Dame, Brad and Shrewsbury’s Theatre Sev- Fitt. BBC Radio Shropshire’s Eric Smith also features in the cast. ern on 17 April. Mother Goose shows from Wednesday 28 November to Sunday 6 January. For more information and to book tickets, visit theatresev- ern.co.uk

An Unmissable trip from the Midlands to Lapland Midlands families have the chance to visit Father Christmas in his Lapland home this December - thanks to experienced travel specialists Unmissable. The company has put together a four-day Lapland experience for children and their parents or guardians to enjoy. The trip comes complete with a fam- ily snowmobiling adventure and the chance to meet Father & Mrs Christmas, their reindeer, huskies and elves. Flights depart from Birmingham International Airport. For more information, visit unmissablelapland.com or call 0207 428 1221.

6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:27 Page 4 Cyndi Lauper .qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:25 Page 1

everybody say yeah! Hit Broadway and West End musical tours the Midlands

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Cyndi Lauper .qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:25 Page 2

Kinky Boots tells the inspiring story of a Northampton shoe manufacturer’s decision to make ladies’ footwear for men. The show’s music was written by ’80s pop legend Cyndi Lauper. What’s On recently caught up with the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun star to find out more...

“There’s no book on ‘how to be famous for opened in Chicago in 2012, moved to singing.” dummies,’” says Cyndi Lauper, who, at 65, Broadway the following year, and made its She didn’t really think about writing for retains her New York drawl. “You just do way to the West End in 2015. It’s also gone specifically English characters. “When what you can. All of a sudden, you get to all around the world to countries including England started doing pop music, it the top of the mountain and everybody Canada, Australia, Germany and Japan. sounded like American music. Their around is like, ‘You can’t do that! Don’t do But now it’s come home: the tour recently translation of Duane Eddy and the Everly this! You’ll be ruined!’” opened at the Royal & Derngate in Brothers and Chuck Berry was the Mersey Above all, the 1980s’ punkiest pop queen, Northampton, the quiet town in Middle Beat. It was different but still based on who was catapulted to stardom with Girls England where the story began. rhythm & blues. It wasn’t like Harvey asked Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time, Lauper would have loved to have been me to write some foreign stuff. You’re not was warned off musical theatre. “I was there at the opening as she believes “that going to ask me to write an opera. I don’t always being beckoned, ‘Come this way’, particular part of it is special.” But she study opera.” and I was like, ‘I can’t, because if I do my counsels against thinking of Kinky Boots as What she did study as a child was her career is over’. I would lose my credibility a specifically English show. “It’s a story mother’s record collection, which was full in pop. It was really a big divide. After a about a really great friendship and two of soundtracks from musicals such as My while, you get to a point where you say, very, very opposite people. And there’s a Fair Lady - another study of the English ‘Well, I think I’ve been ruined enough; it great redemption in the end. I’m a sucker written by Americans. “I did what kids do: doesn’t matter now - I can do whatever the for redemption.” I would play each character. I sang Stanley hell I want.’” Perhaps there’s been some redemption for Holloway’s part, Rex Harrison’s part and And what she did was Kinky Boots, the Lauper, too. She was a huge star in the Julie Andrews’ part.” mega-hit musical that conquered Broadway 1980s, but - as happened to all her At the Tony Awards in 2013, Kinky Boots and the West End, and which is now going contemporaries bar Madonna - she was up against Matilda The Musical, with on a UK tour. The songs were written by gradually slipped from the top of the chart. words by Tim Minchin, which was Lauper, and in New York they won her a She was thinking of creating a musical considered the favourite to win. “I was Tony Award for best original composition. about her upbringing in Queens when she constantly asking Harvey if Kinky Boots In 2016, the show won three Olivier Awards. got a call from her friend, Harvey Fierstein. was a hit, and he was saying, ‘I don’t know It also bagged the London Evening Fierstein is theatre royalty, the writer of hit yet, Cyn. We have to win best musical’. So Standard BBC Radio Two Audience Award play Torch Song Trilogy, about a gay drag when it won best musical, I said, ‘Is it a hit for best musical and three WhatsOnStage performer, and the cross-dressing star of now?’” Awards. the musical Hairspray. See it and judge for yourself. You’ll never Cyndi had never written for theatre before, “He said, ‘I’m doing a show called Kinky think about shoes in the same way again. and became the first woman ever to win the Boots. Would you like to write the music for Tony in the ‘best score’ category on her me?’ I thought, wow. He told me I had to own. “What I was really taken with was watch the film. I loved it. I thought, oh I get that the community accepted me. To have it. He wants me to write 12 good pop songs Kinky Boots shows at Wolverhampton these people, who are literally in my own with a good hook. I figured I could do that. Grand Theatre from 16 to 27 October; backyard on Broadway, take me in was Then I realised, oh, you have to move the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from what kinda got me.” story along.” 28 January to 9 February 2019, and Aptly enough, acceptance is the take-home Birmingham Hippodrome from She set about composing anywhere and 11 to 23 March 2019. message of Kinky Boots. “Accepting everywhere. “I brought my phone along yourself, you’ll accept others. It’s a very with me and I recorded melodies on it. I important show at this time in the world.” belonged to a gym that had a track on an Kinky Boots is loosely inspired by the story upstairs roof, so I would walk and sing and of an old family firm of Northampton shoe write. When I woke up in the middle of the manufacturers that manages to stay afloat night, I picked up my iPhone.” after discovering a niche in the market: The result of Cyndi’s endeavours is a string ladies’ footwear worn by men who like to of catchy numbers, from wig-out dance dress up. anthems to heart-stopping ballads, among The BBC told the story of the firm’s rebirth them The Most Beautiful Thing In The in the series Trouble At The Top. In 2005, World, The Sex Is In The Heel and Not My the story became a charming independent Father’s Son. Ideas came from surprising British movie starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as sources. She thought of the shoe factory Lola, a fictional cross-dressing diva workers as Monty Python’s knights of the demanding sturdy stilettos. But the round table. The History Of Wrong Guys, a ultimate destiny for such a fabulous story comic scene-stealer about a woman who was always going to be the stage. Kinky has bad luck with men, was inspired by a Boots The Musical, which explored the line from Kung Fu Panda. “I gave everybody unlikely friendship between Lola and a different style because everybody has a straight-laced factory owner Charlie, different jam when they’re in the shower

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 The Messiah REP.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:44 Page 1 The Messiah REP.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:44 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

HALLELUJAH! The Messiah comes to Birmingham... Starting its tour at Birmingham Repertory Theatre this month, The Messiah promises to present a nativity show like no other, as two out-of-their-depth actors travel the length and breadth of the country to put on a production of ‘biblical proportions’. Taking the role of Maurice is Hugh Dennis, best known from hit TV comedy series Out- numbered. What’s On caught up with him to find out more about The Messiah...

“This is the revival of a play from the 1980s,” really because it’s all very out of hand. Mau- Then The Now Show is great because being explains Hugh Dennis in talking about The rice also employs an opera singer, played by on radio is an incredibly privileged position. Messiah. “It’s really about a two-man theatre Lesley Garrett, to improve the performance, On telly you have to go through so many dif- group trying to stage the nativity story. It’s so she pops up every now and again too.” ferent layers of commissioning, editing, com- very funny and moving. We try to play all the pliance and all the different people who look Having made a name for himself as one half characters between the two of us - so as you at it. But on radio, you can say something in of a comedy double act with Steve Punt in the can imagine, we play lots of different charac- a recording on the Thursday night and know 1980s, Hugh has since enjoyed a varied ca- ters each. The premise of it is that it’s a bit of that more than likely it’ll be broadcast the reer on television, radio and in the theatre. a farce because we’re way out of our depth next day because there are fewer filters to get with it all. We’re terribly well intentioned, but “I like to mix it up and do a bit of everything, through. Also, you can just read your script we have no particular idea how we’re going really - I’m greedy like that. The thing I enjoy rather than having to learn it - always handy! to pull it off. It’s the first time our characters most is generally not the thing I’m doing at I’ve just done a second year of Fleabag for have actually performed their nativity show, the time. When I’m doing telly, I want to be BBC Three, which is another highlight, but I and funnily enough, it will be the same for us on stage and vice versa. I’m very lucky, do hope there are even more ahead of me.” - Birmingham is the first stop on our tour. though, because I do like all of it. It’s good to Hugh doesn’t spend too much time planning have a varied career. If you were doing the The Messiah is mainly comic rather than his career, preferring to see where life takes same thing on telly year after year, it’d be satirical. It’s about desire to stage something, him: “Actors just want to carry on doing good quite tricky. It’s just about exercising all the longing for a nicer, kinder world - which is stuff and pushing themselves to see where it different brain muscles, really.” probably where some satire would come in, goes, rather than thinking about a set desti- actually - and it’s about middle-age angst. Even when a career choice doesn’t go accord- nation. I just like life to take me on a ride and But it’s all very funny.” ing to plan, Hugh always manages to see the see what lies ahead. But for now, I’m happy positives: “Actually, I’ve been quite lucky in to concentrate on The Messiah. The show The other half of the nativity-performing the- that respect - there’s no job I regret taking. I was quite a success last time round, so I hope atrical duo is played by John Marquez - best think it’s an attitude-to-life thing, where even we can do that again.” known for his role as gullible but loveable PC if things are terrible, I tend to look back and Joe Penhale in ITV drama series Doc Martin. think it’s all been pretty interesting and en- Hugh continues: “My character, Maurice, has tertaining. employed John’s, so he’s my baby to nurture. The Messiah shows at Birmingham “In terms of highlights, I’ve been even luck- I think he’s possibly the only person Maurice Repertory Theatre from Thursday 18 ier. In my acting career, Outnumbered is the could have convinced to do this - make of to Saturday 27 October. highlight because it was such incredible fun. that what you will! I’m in charge, but also not Habit of Art Matthew Kelly(1).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:46 Page 1

TheMatthew KellyHabit talks about OfAlan Bennett’s Art ‘filthily funny’ play... Habit of Art Matthew Kelly(1).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:47 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

A witty and compassionate play, Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art next month graces the Coventry Belgrade stage and Malvern Theatres, with Olivier Award-winning actor Matthew Kelly in the lead role. What’s On recently caught up with Matthew to find out more... The Habit Of Art is one of renowned play- chose to structure The Habit Of Art as a play regarded as well as the voice behind the great wright Alan Bennett’s more recent offerings. within a play? work. Those who are lauded, who are stars The play explores a fictitious meeting be- like Britten and Auden and so admired for "It gives it a neat little framework and allows tween poet WH Auden and composer Ben- their work, are often misrepresented in biog- Bennett to comment on his own creation jamin Britten. It’s been described as raphy. A lot of what is passed off as biogra- through the four actor characters. It’s cheeky, ‘wonderfully and sometimes filthily funny, phy is in reality just idle curiosity, general really, because it means he can comment on but also deeply and unexpectedly moving’. tittle-tattle and impertinence.” things he’s written as part of Caliban’s Day. “It’s a play within a play,” says Matthew So it’s very funny because you can deliver in- Matthew has certainly made a name for him- Kelly, who plays Auden. “So four of us play formation about what’s going on in Caliban’s self in the theatre world since the days when actors who are also playing parts in a play Day through hindsight in the wider setting of he rarely seemed to be off our television called Caliban’s Day. There’s Auden and Brit- the entire play. screens. Coming to people’s attention in TV ten, their biographer Humphrey Carpenter, shows like Game For A Laugh, You Bet! and “Actually, Caliban’s Day was inspired by and Auden’s rent boy. So really, that’s quite Stars In Their Eyes, he’s more recently earned Auden’s poem, The Sea And The Mirror, tricky because it’s hard to know what Auden rave reviews in stage productions of classic which was a commentary on Shakespeare’s was actually like. I’ve seen a few interviews plays including Of Mice And Men, for which The Tempest; he thought that Caliban hadn’t and listened to his accent because I know he won an Olivier Award, and Waiting For had his say. But the poem is very hard to ac- Richard Griffiths adopted a very high-pitched Godot. cess. I’m sure Auden understood what he voice when he played the part originally in wrote, but for the rest of us mere mortals, we “I could never go back to Stars In Their Eyes London, and that was very, very effective. can’t quite get it. So if the play Caliban’s Day or something like that because I can’t do Sat- With acting, you don’t have to be exactly the was on its own and just a reflection of that urday night big show presenting anymore. person you’re playing if they’re a historical poem, I think the audience would be very But I would if it came up. I mean, I have an figure - but at the same time, you kind of do. confused. To make it a play within a play insatiable desire to be the centre of attention, It’s a weird one.” makes it easier to understand what Auden so why wouldn’t I?! I’m just as happy in a Matthew is very much looking forward to and Bennett are trying to get at - that the or- sound booth doing a voiceover, though. But I playing Auden: “It’s lovely for me to play this dinary man is unspoken and unregarded. do love theatre. Acting isn’t super hard work; part because it was played by Richard first it’s nothing like working down a mine or dig- Matthew also explains how the play com- and he and I were at college together. I mean, ging up a road. I’m just playing with a giant ments on artistic endeavour: “What matters honestly, Auden as a man was just a com- dressing-up box really, but the hours are is the artistic work - it’s the work that keeps plete mess. At one point in the play, they ask long. You have to be patient and have lauded artists like Auden and Britten going. my character if I’ve got my props to play stamina. Still, theatre keeps me going - The It’s our artistic work that identifies us and Auden in the Caliban’s Day play. My line in Habit Of Art speaks true after all! - and I al- that we identify with. Auden says, ‘If I don’t response to that is, ‘Yes - I have my cigarettes, ways believe that the thing I’m doing at the work, then who am I?’ He sees poetry as a my elephantine urine-stained trousers, my time is the best thing I’ve ever done. If I craft as much as an art. Auden insisted he’d disgusting handkerchief and my plastic bag’. didn’t think that, I don’t know if I’d be able to write a poem for anything, so he was a re- carry on with this job. Generally, I just love “I think he was a good-hearted man, but markable man in that way. His artistic output the company of actors; they’re kind, gener- Auden’s face has been compared to a scro- became very small towards the end of his life ous, spirited and supportive people, even if tum, so he was quite an unfortunate man too! because he became almost too venerated to they are completely bonkers!" The original line reads something like, ‘When really truly speak through his work. He was you see his face, one wonders what his scro- shackled by his own importance in the artis- tum looks like’. But he had a condition called tic world, which is really sad, I think.” Touraine-Solente-Golé Syndrome that made The Habit Of Art shows at Coventry’s The Habit Of Art is about plenty more than him look that way, so I did wonder what to Belgrade Theatre from 6 to 10 November artistic endeavour, though. “It’s also about think when I was approached to do the role!” then at Malvern Theatres from 27 Novem- sex, death, creativity and biography. So ide- ber to 1 December. So why does Matthew think Alan Bennett ally, its messages are giving a voice to the un- Food October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:28 Page 1 Food October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:28 Page 2

Food

homemade sweet chilli sauce. other fantastic choice. Featuring They were cooked to perfection, a breaded chicken breast stuffed with the gooey mozzarella oozing with Serrano ham and cheese, out with every bite we took. topped with mayo and crispy Lyons’ Den mozzarella sticks are onions, it was certainly an op- by far the nicest I've eaten to tion I’d be happy to devour date, and I would return to the again. The flavour combination restaurant for those and the was spot on - hats off to the chef! frickles alone! The burgers were served with a Our table was booked for 7pm on generous portion of twice- a Thursday evening. Over the cooked chips. Lyons’ Den cer- course of our visit, the restaurant tainly doesn’t skimp on its filled up nicely. This is always a portion sizes. This is always a good sign when visiting some- winning factor with us, as to say where new - and if the starters that we’re big eaters is most defi- were anything to go by, we were nitely an understatement. in for quite an evening. Despite feeling suitably full, we Although predominately a burger decided to share a dessert. I’d restaurant for meat eaters, heard good things, so felt it nec- Lyons’ Den caters for diners with essary to try one. We opted for special dietary requirements too. cheesecake of the week, which, Alongside the substantial burger to my delight, was dark choco- REVIEW: Lyons’ Den menu are four veggie burger op- late and pistachio. Rich, naughty tions, two vegan burger options, and incredibly filling (it was a Generous portions and exemplary a range of salads, sides and huge slab!), it provided a fantas- service at Shrewsbury burger joint lunchtime lighter bites - think tic end to our first Lyons’ Den ex- buns, wraps and mini burgers. perience. Lyons’ Den - Shrewsbury’s first Comprising pickles deep fried in Burger options include: Fresh Alongside the extensive main dedicated gourmet burger restau- a homemade beer batter and Twist - a 6oz beefburger, menu, the restaurant boasts a rant - is located on Traitors Gate, served with a deliciously creamy caramelised red onions, sautéed reasonably priced children’s one of the town’s most historic mustard mayo, the frickles were garlic mushrooms, lettuce, menu featuring such options as locations. The popular eatery tasty little morsels of heaven. tomato and dijon mustard; Filthy chicken strips & chips, bacon opened in the winter of 2015 and, Although a simple dish, they Burger - a 6oz beefburger, Mone- cheeseburger & chips and hot despite being one of the me- were ridiculously good and tary Jack cheese, local dry cured dog & chips, making it a perfect dieval town’s better-hidden showcased a perfect batter-to- streaky bacon, onion ring, bbq dining-out option for families. gems, quickly built up a reputa- pickle ratio. pulled pork, lettuce and tomato; The Lyons’ Den service is exem- tion as ‘the place to go’ if you Next up, the chicken. Diners can and Gigantor - 2 x 6oz burgers, plary, the polite and welcoming fancied a burger. have their homemade breaded chicken breast, halloumi burger, staff being both knowledgable Featuring exposed-brick under- chicken strips - it’s worth noting local dry cured streaky bacon and attentive, and I’m certainly ground arches and dimmed light- that everything is homemade at and creamy cheddar cheese looking forward to visiting again ing, the restaurant itself is Lyons’ Den - coated in buffalo, sauce. in the near future for feast num- stunning and boasts a warm and bbq, sweet chilli or chipotle We opted for Cordon Bleu ber two. Lauren Foster cosy laid-back atmosphere. sauce, or they can have them chicken and a special - The plain if they prefer. Being huge Located in the town centre and Strog. The latter comprised a per- fans of spice, we opted for the Food: nnnnn just a couple of minutes’ walk fectly cooked 6oz ground beef buffalo sauce. The chicken was Service: nnnnn from Shrewsbury train station, patty, topped with a field mush- cooked nicely and boasted a suc- Ambience: nnnnn the eatery is perfectly located for room and filled with the most de- culent texture. The buffalo sauce Overall value nnnnn locals and visitors alike. liciously creamy stroganoff had a kick but nothing that was OVERALL nnnnn Perusing the menu over a cold sauce. This needs to be a perma- too overpowering. Another suc- pint of lager - although the mon- nent fixture on the menu be- Lyons’ Den cessful starter indeed. sterous milkshakes did look very cause it was truly phenomenal. It Traitors Gate appealing - we ordered a portion We were then treated to some in- was a really unique concoction - 1 St Mary's Water Lane of frickles and some buffalo credible homemade mozzarella I’ve never seen anything like it Shrewsbury chicken strips. My partner and I sticks. These weren’t your bog- on a burger menu before - and SY1 2BX Tel: 01743 233225 absolutely adore pickles, so frick- standard mozzarella sticks; they boy, was it good! were about three times the usual les will always be a ‘go to’ order Our other selection, the Cordon size and served with a delicious of ours if they’re on the menu. Bleu chicken burger, was an-

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Christmas Parties 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 19:17 Page 1

There ain’t no party like a Peach Tree Christmas Party!

SO BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR BIG PARTY THIS CHRISTMAS!

LUNCH FROM £12.50! EVENINGS FROM £14.50!

Call Steve or Paul now on 01743 355055 or email [email protected] The Peach Tree, 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY2 6AE Food October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:28 Page 4

Food

Dine In The Dark in Shrewsbury Guide Dogs Shrewsbury Fundraising Group are holding a Dine In The Dark event at Shrewsbury College on Wednesday 31 October. Attendees will experience what it’s like to dine without sight at the college’s Origins Restaurant. Tickets cost £18 - including a complimentary drink - and can be bought via telephone on 01743 342611 or via email at [email protected]

Wands at the ready in Wolverhampton... The Grain Store in Wolverhampton is holding a Harry Potter-themed gin event on Saturday 27 October. Ginistry Of Magic - Second Annual Muggle Ball will feature smoking gin potions, fire & ice cocktails, butterbeer, pumpkin juice, magical entertainment, BEAR coffee house set to open in Stone next month music and dancing. Definitely a must- An innovative and independent local coffee house, kitchen and bar is set to breathe new life into attend event for any Harry Potter fan Stone High Street when it opens on Thursday 1 November. aged 18 or older! Branding itself as #notanothercoffeeshop, BEAR was founded in 2014 by entrepreneurs Craig Bunting and Michael Thorley. The Stone store will be the pair’s third venture, with coffee houses already open in Uttoxeter and Derby. Wholey Moly vegan BEAR sources local and fairtrade produce wherever possible and promotes a positive, healthy lifestyle through its menus. Small plates include chickpea & coriander falafel with paprika cookies arrive in yoghurt, salami milano with fennel & blood orange salad, and ancho pulled pork tacos. Selfridges Birmingham A range of sourdough pizzas, sharing boards, bagels, sandwiches, salads, breakfast & brunch options, cocktails and coffee is also available. Premium vegan cookie Wholey Moly is now available exclusively in Selfridges Birmingham. The cookie comes in three flavours - Brazilian restaurant chain to open in the Midlands cacao & orange, cacao & hazelnut, and Brazilian restaurant chain almond, hemp & chia - and contains no Fazenda is set to open on refined sugars or processed Birmingham’s Colmore Row this ingredients. winter. “We spent two years trying out different Founded in Leeds, Fazenda recipes,” says founder Meenesh, already has sister restaurants in “baking thousands of cookies in our Manchester, Liverpool (pictured) small London flat until we found the and Edinburgh. combinations that really hit the spot. Guests control the service with a They’re all vegan, high in fibre, very small double-sided card. The low in salt and have as little as 5g of green side signals the chefs to sugar, which is 50% less than your bring out skewers of sizzling average healthy snack bar.” meats one by one, the red side indicates a resting point. The lunchtime menu costs £18.50 on weekdays and £20.50 on weekends and bank holidays. The evening menu costs £32.50 from Monday to Sunday. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Project6_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:41 Page 1 GIGS October Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:30 Page 2

Gigs

Zion Train Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 4 October Having collaborated with the likes of UB40, Gentleman, Gregory Isaacs, Beenie Man and Tippa Irie, Zion Train are one of the most unique dub acts around. Boasting dynamic mixing and exceptional vocals, they’ve played Glastonbury 14 times and are this year celebrating their 30th anniversary.

Blair Dunlop fewer than four albums. For his critically acclaimed and award-win- The Robin, Bilston, Tues 2 October; Lichfield Festival Of Folk, Sun 21 October; Henry Tudor ning debut offering, Blight And Blossom, House, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 October Blair was joined by dad Ashley Hutchings - the famed co-founder of Fairport Conven- Ferocious Dog Singer-songwriter and guitarist Blair Dunlop tion - and has since released House Of Jacks, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, has certainly showcased his talents over the Sat 27 October Gilded and, earlier this year, Notes From An last few years - since 2012 he’s released no A popular act on the festival scene and well Island. known for their high-octane live perform- ances, Ferocious Dog are a full-on six-piece band that play folk music infused with rock, Goat Girl The Lichfield Festival reggae and Celtic vibrations. The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Of Folk 2018 Each gig sees them liaising with local food Sat 20 October Various venues around Lichfield, banks to organise a charity food drop for the “Simply put, it’s an album that comes from Fri 19 - Sun 21 October homeless. It’s an undertaking which their growing up in London and the first-hand ex- It’s fair to say that this annual event, other- fans have very much bought into, taking perience of our city’s devolution,” explain wise known as L2F, absolutely lives up to its along non-perishable food, blankets, toi- Goat Girl in talking about their self-titled mission statement - to provide visitors with letries and plenty more to their shows. debut offering. “We wanted to think of it as the opportunity to appreciate the very best a place seen not necessarily just through our in folk music in a friendly and welcoming eyes, but through those of someone who environment. The 2018 line-up includes can’t get past the abnormalities and strange Sam Kelly And The Lost Boys, Megson, The happenings. We think this creates the free- Mighty Doonans, Dark Horses and The Hut dom lyrically and musically to explore un- People (pictured below). spoken truths that we all feel as humans.”

Stephen Fearing The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 26 October One of Canada’s most respected performers, Stephen Fearing is a hugely talented guitar player with a smooth, intimate and powerful voice. He’s back on the solo scene after a busy few years performing and writing with Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Fearing & White, and is well worth a look when he stops off in the Midlands this month.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical October Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:31 Page 1 Classical October Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:31 Page 2

Classical

London Mozart Players St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury, Sat 27 October Britain’s longest-established chamber or- chestra is here joined by Turkish cellist Jamal Aliyev for a concert that features Haydn’s cello concerto, a lost work that was rediscovered in a museum in Prague in 1961. The evening’s programme also includes Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence - a piece inspired by the composer’s visit to the Italian city - and Grieg’s Holberg Suite - a pastiche suite of 18th century dances.

St Matthew Passion Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 29 October One of classical music’s most profound experiences and a particular favourite at Easter, Bach’s piercingly beautiful work - a moving retelling of the Passion story - is here given an autumn outing by English Touring Opera (ETO). The highly regarded company will present a simple staging of the work, with ETO’s soloists being joined for the performance by pe- riod instrument orchestra The Old Street Band and a number of local choirs.

Joanna MacGregor plays Ex Cathedra: In 40 Parts Symphonic Fantasy the Goldberg Variations Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 21 October Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 19 October St Laurence's Church, South Shropshire, Sat 6 October Birmingham’s Symphony Hall hosts the St Laurence’s new Steinway is here given a London Concert Orchestra and the Can- full and vigorous workout by the spectacu- zonetta choir as they present an evening larly talented Joanna MacGregor as she per- of music from the world of film and epic forms Bach’s Goldberg Variations. fantasy. Joanna is joined for the concert by fellow The programme features music from pianist Eleanor Alberga, who’ll be present- movies including Lord Of The Rings, Pi- ing two of her own works. Also featuring is rates Of The Caribbean, Jurassic Park, violinist Thomas Bowes, playing Bach’s Harry Potter and The Chronicles Of Nar- Chaconne, and baritone Thorvald Blough, Jeffrey Skidmore once again picks up the nia... Toby Purser (pictured) conducts. who opens the concert with a spiritual baton to conduct Birmingham’s highly rated song. early music ensemble, this time in a concert comprising five 40-part pieces. Included in the programme is Thomas Tallis’ Sing And Glorify and his monumen- tal yet rarely performed Spem in alium. There are also two works written specifi- cally for Ex Cathedra - Gabriel Jackson’s Sanctum est verum lumen (2005) and Alec Roth’s Earthrise (2010). The latter was in- spired by the famous photograph of the same name, taken 50 years ago by the Apollo 8 crew. Striggio’s Ecce beatam lucem completes the programme. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Black History Living Month.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:19 Page 1 Black History Living Month.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:19 Page 2

black history month

Every October, people in the Midlands and across the UK come together to celebrate iconic individuals and landmark events in celebrating 50 years of reggae the history of the African diaspora. Here’s a sample of what’s The impact, legacy and heritage of 50 years of happening in our own region during the course of the month... reggae music is celebrated in BASS2018 festival this month. BLACK HISTORY FILM FESTI- ACTIVITY BOOKS LAUNCH ‘A SOUL II SOUL Fri 19 Oct, Taking place at various Birmingham venues, the VAL Series of themed films family day full of fun and Birmingham Town Hall event features concerts, films, exhibitions and dis- every Wednesday through- edutainment’, Sun 7 Oct, DARIUS RUCKER Darius cussions. Highlights include appearances by Toots out October, Wednesbury The H Suite, Icknield Rd, found fame with the Library Birmingham Grammy Award-winning And The Maytals and Loversrock pioneer Carrol UNWRITTEN Inviting poets HARDY CAPRIO ANNOUNCES Hootie & the Blowfish. Thompson (pictured below). The festival also com- from the international THE HARDY SEASON TOUR Since reintroducing himself memorates the 40th anniversary of the release of Caribbean diaspora to tell Someone whose career is to the world as a country iconic Steel Pulse album Handsworth Revolution - the story of the Caribbean definitely on the up, Hardy artist, he’s released four al- see more on page 20. men who fought alongside was tipped as an artist to bums, Sun 21 Oct, Sym- the British Army in the First watch out for in 2018 by phony Hall, B’ham World War, Thurs 4 Oct, BBC 1Xtra, the Indepen- Royal Birmingham Conser- dent, Music Week, the Sun, vatoire Nation of Billions and Clash THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING magazine, Mon 8 Oct, O2 EARNEST Two Gents Produc- Institute, Birmingham tions present a new take on CARIBBEAN CULTURAL DAY Oscar Wilde’s tale of man- Featuring a Windrush dis- ners, Thurs 4 Oct, play, a Black Heroes dis- Newhampton Arts Centre, play, Caribbean foods, arts Wolverhampton & crafts, health & wellbeing SONS OF KEMET Hypnotic OLIVA TWEEST Afrobeats mu- products and much more... double drum rhythms frame sical which follows the am- Sat 13 Oct, All Saints the colourful interplay of bitions of self-proclaimed Church, Kings Heath, Birm- saxophone and tuba as gyalis (ladies’ man) and ingham original compositions are what. when. where. club promoter Tobi, as he MOKOOMBA Zimbabwe’s brought to life by four navigates comedic and most celebrated young fiercely creative musicians, MUSIC TALKS/WORKSHOPS sometimes explosive band, Tues 16 Oct, Birming- Fri 26 Oct, Hare & Hounds, TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS REVOLUTION! Forty years of clashes with women, family ham Town Hall Birmingham FEAT. CAPTAIN ACCIDENT Steel Pulse’s Handsworth Wed 10 Oct, O2 Institute Revolution, Fri 13 Oct, traditions and his reawak- THE ETTA JAMES STORY Vika BLACK STEAM Inspirational Handsworth Wellbeing ened conscience, Thurs 4 - Bull tells the story of soul talks and performance cele- CARROLL THOMPSON Wed Centre (2pm unveiling); Sat 6 Oct, Belgrade The- legend Etta James’ turbu- brating black brilliance and 17 Oct, The Jam House atre, Coventry living history makers in sci- Handsworth Library (4pm lent life while singing some TYRONE MELODY PRESENTS: ence, technology, engineer- Q&A) JEAN TOUSSAINT QUINTET of her best-loved songs, BIRMINGHAM’S NEW WAVE ing, arts and mathematics, Featuring music from Thurs 18 Oct, Birmingham Mon 22 Oct, Hare & REGGAE 100 Discussing the Sun 28 Oct, Thinktank Sci- Jean’s 11th album, Fri 5 Town Hall Hounds next 50 years... Tues 30 Oct, Birmingham Conserva- ence Museum, Birmingham Oct, ACMC, 339 Dudley FREDDIE MCGREGOR Wed 24 toire COBO: BACK TO THE OLD Road Oct, The Jam House BEING BUILT TOGETHER Pho- SKOOL Featuring Rudi Lick- WINTA JAMES: A REGGAE THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS Fri tographic exhibition by Van- wood, Curtis Walker, Slim & PRODUCER MASTERCLASS 26 Oct, O2 Institute2 ley Burke celebrating the John Simmit, Sun 28 Oct, Wed 31 Oct, Access Cre- diversity of Birmingham and The Glee Club, Birmingham ative College, 68 Heath Mill the UK, Sat 6 - Sat 20 Oct, BLACK HISTORY MONTH COM- FILM Lane St Philip’s Cathedral, Birm- EDY SPECIAL Featuring ROCKSTEADY: THE ROOTS OF ingham KRS-ONE - UK TOUR + DJ Simon Clayton, Aurie Styla, REGGAE FT SPECIAL PERFOR- ART AN OFFICER AND A LADY The PREDATOR PRIME The rap Lateef Lovejoy & Slim, Mon MANCE FROM CHRISTOPHER THE ART OF REGGAE Exhibi- story of Elizabeth Barker icon performs in Birming- 29 Oct, Belgrade Theatre, ELLIS Thurs 4 Oct, The tion showcasing 101 reg- Johnson, an African Ameri- ham as part of a four-date Coventry Mockingbird Cinema gae-inspired posters, can woman who led an UK tour, Thurs 18 Oct, O2 BLACK BRITISH ARTS & CUL- THE HARDER THEY COME designed by artists and il- army unit of women in Birm- Institute, Birmingham TURE FAMILY WORKSHOP A Thurs 11 Oct, The Mock- lustrators from around the ingham. There will also be a INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERA- presentation and creative ingbird Cinema world, range of stalls and talks TION - OUR BLACK ROLE MOD- writing workshop about the 2 - 18 Oct, which focus on Birmingham ELS IN THE COMMUNITY Free Victorian black British actor HOMELANDS: JAMAICA AND Medicine, and its connection with conference celebrating cur- Ira Aldridge. The workshop BRUK OUT! A DANCEHALL 69 New Black Heritage, Sun 7 Oct, rent and historical black is suitable for children aged QUEEN DOCUMENTARY Fri 26 Street Soho House, Birmingham role models, Thurs 18 Oct, 10 to 17, Tues 30 Oct, Li- Oct, The Mockingbird Cin- ema THE OFFICIAL BLACK HISTORY Wolverhampton University brary of Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Steel Pulse.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:02 Page 1

Finger on the Pulse Steel Pulse’s ex-percussionist and backing vocalist Mykaell Riley talks about the band’s 40-year-old album, Handsworth Revolution

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Steel Pulse.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:02 Page 2

By Steve Taylor

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Birmingham band Steel Pulse’s debut album, Handsworth Revolution. To celebrate the birthday - and as part of BASS Festival 2018 - a public mural is this month being unveiled at Handsworth Wellbeing Centre. Former band member Mykaell Riley talks to What’s On about the critically acclaimed 1978 release, an album which had a major impact on the UK’s reggae music scene...

One of the most enduring images of the UK “My vague memory is that it started with, music scene in 1978 was the sight of a reggae ‘What are you trying to say?’ So we said, it’s band with frontmen clad in white hoods and about Handsworth. As we were discussing robes, performing a song about racism enti- the whole concept, we told them it was about tled Ku Klux Klan. what was happening in Handsworth, and that we had a song called Handsworth Revo- The group was Steel Pulse. They came from lution. Birmingham and later that year, the band’s debut album, Handsworth Revolution, would “They said, ‘How do you depict that revolu- leave an indelible mark on the face of British tion? What is it and what does it look like vi- reggae music. sually?’ We discussed this with the marketing department and the album design depart- The idea to wear Ku Klux Klan regalia on ment, David [Hinds] did some sketches and stage came from the band’s percussionist then it was translated by the art director. and backing vocalist, Mykaell Riley, who was well aware of the impact that the costumes “We were keen to project this dystopia that is would have at the time. Handsworth. It’s the idea that, on one hand, this is the reality - it’s blocks of flats, it’s bro- “We were trying to communicate, in the most ken-down buildings, it’s burnt-out cars - but article in the Guardian newspaper, calling for succinct way possible, If you don’t under- you can escape. So there’s a guy that’s run- the reactivation of RAR, included Riley as stand the hoods, then the lyrics are a transla- ning away somewhere, and also there’s a ray one of its signatories. tion of that,” says Riley. “You bring the two of light coming down on the individuals - together and that’s the history there that “That was instigated by the originator of these faceless but black individuals standing we’re trying to communicate, alive and kick- Rock Against Racism, Red Saunders. When next to the car.” ing in Handsworth in Birmingham. Red called me, he said, ‘Look, what do you Riley stresses that the band wanted to project think about all this racism and fascism that’s “In one simple act, one simple bit of white a positive message on the cover: “The image taking off everywhere?’ material, we were explaining decades of is there to offer hope, to say that you can es- racial tension and racial abuse to our com- “If you travel around Europe, it’s much, cape this. With the palm trees, based on the munity. The hoods were a shorthand way of much more in your face than it is here. Look- conversations we had with the guy who put it bringing all of that into one space. ing back at where we were back then, and together, there was this idea that, back then, then jumping back to where we are now, “You couldn’t just rock up to Woolworths and you aspired to get home. Home wasn’t the what we’re looking for is some level of say, ‘I’ve lost my hoods, mate, can you pre- UK, home was Jamaica - and so we’ve got this progress, but we’re moving back to that posi- pare three hoods, I’ve got a gig tonight’. dichotomy, which is, are we more Jamaican tion so fast that it’s scary. So of course I have at that point, or are we more British? “Once you had the hoods on, you couldn’t to stand up and support a viable movement see to play your guitar, so it turned into being “And the truth is, we’re both. It’s looking at that’s challenging fascism.” myself and Alphonso [Martin], the other vo- the challenge of identity back then, which And what about the UK’s impending depar- calist, wearing them. But even then we si- was deciding which of these dominated. And ture from the EU? lenced many an audience just by putting on if one did, it was the reality on the ground. the hoods.” We have to survive Handsworth, and to do “Brexit became a question of identity, and that as a community we need to somehow within that, what’s British, what’s English, The back cover of Handsworth Revolution force a revolution, which means standing up what does it mean? I think for many in the bears the words ‘Album dedicated to the peo- and being counted. And if that means you community, they were seeking to create an ple of Handsworth’, so it’s fitting that the leave, you leave.” identity that didn’t really exist - Britain has 40th anniversary of the album’s iconic art- always been multicultural.” work will be commemorated in Handsworth These days, Riley is a principal investigator of by a celebratory public mural, unveiled as the Black Music Research Unit at the Univer- part of Birmingham’s month-long BASS 2018 sity of Westminster, but his involvement with Festival. Steel Pulse up to and including that seminal BASS Festival 2018 (1-31 October) features first album remains an important part of his the unveiling of a public mural at While the original visual idea for the sleeve career. emanated from the band, the album lists An- Handsworth Wellbeing Centre on drew Aloof as illustrator, with credit for the Apart from the release of Handsworth Revo- Saturday 13 October to commemorate the design going to Bloomfield/Travis. Riley re- lution, 1978 also saw Steel Pulse open for Bob 40th anniversary of the release of calls the creative process that led to the final Marley And The Wailers on their European Handsworth Revolution. artwork. tour and become a powerful voice in the Rock For more information, visit Against Racism (RAR) movement. A recent wearepunch.co.uk/bass-festival

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Comedy October 2018 -2.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:07 Page 1

Comedy

Jimeoin Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 12 October Fancy a straightforward comedy night with a straight-talking - well, actually, a bit of a rambling - comedian? If so, then the sub- lime Jimeoin is the man for you. A gimmick- free one-man comedy machine, Jimeoin's proved he's got what it takes on all manner of top TV shows, including Michael McIn- tyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Jason Man- ford’s Comedy Rocks. Check him out!

Gina Yashere The REP, Birmingham, Sun 21 October Gina's latest show, Funkindemup, finds the London-born comedian on fine form as she contemplates the state of British race relations and Anglo Nigerian manners. Gina's best known from television shows like Mock The Week, but a well-received perfor- mance on US TV's Last Comic Standing saw her career heading in another direction, with plenty of work coming her way from across the pond. The 44-year-old comedian is suitably appreciative of her new opportunities in the US, where she last year became a fixture on late-night news satire programme The Daily Show. “There’s a glass ceiling for black come- Ali Cook dians in America too,” she observes, “but by the time you hit it, you’re a multi-millionaire.” Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 21 October Escapologist, sleight-of-hand expert, street magician, stage illusionist, thought con- troller, writer, actor and ‘historian of decep- Darren Harriott tion’ - comedy magician Ali Cook is certainly Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 27 October; Slade Rooms, no one-trick pony. Widely acclaimed for his Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 November; Artrix, Bromsgrove, highly innovative live shows, Ali has re- Sat 17 November ceived The Magic Circle’s highest accolade, Darren Harriott’s new show, Visceral, takes a look back at joining, among others, his childhood in Oldbury - and to a time when, at the age HRH The Prince of of 13, he began carrying a knife. Wales and David Cop- Fortunately for the 29-year-old comedian, he man- perfield as a Member aged to turn away from a potential life of crime, of the Inner Magic instead finding his salvation in the business of Circle with Gold making people laugh. Star. “For me,” “I need to get this stuff out,” he explained in says Ali, “the real a recent interview with the Evening Stan- joy is being able dard. “All I’ve really got as a stand-up is my to perform so honesty. I’m okay if audiences hate me. many types and What I don’t want is pity. These stories styles of magic. I might sound like tragedy, but I don’t com- live by what Paul pute it as tragedy. I’m enjoying this roller- Daniels said: "A coaster. I just worry that it could all go. magician can do it This is the most important time in my ca- all. He is, after all, reer, but my main goal is to have fun.” magic.”

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy October 2018 -2.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:07 Page 2

Felicity Ward The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 19 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 3 November Australian comedian Felicity Ward visits the Midlands with her second nationwide tour, Busting A Nut. Felicity went down a storm with the show at this summer’s Edinburgh Festival, where she’s a well-established con- tributor. “Busting A Nut was my eighth stand-up show there, so I’ve had some prac- tice,” says Felicity. “What’s different this time is that the show doesn’t have a theme - it’s just an hour of jokes.”

Doreen’s Big Top Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 10 - Thurs 11 October; Oakengates Theatre@The Place, Telford, Tues 16 - Wed 17 October; Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Tues 23 - Wed 24 October; Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 25 - Fri 26 October; The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 29 - Tues 30 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 2 November; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 14 November In February 2012, Doreen’s Story - a five- appearing in pantomime and heading out on minute mockumentary written by playwright the road with shows like this one. David Tristram - went viral on the internet. The new production sees Doreen exploring The video, which satirised benefit the history of the circus, complete with scroungers, starred actress Gill Jordan as the ‘breathtaking feats of laziness’ and a not-to- Black Country-born Doreen. Since then, the be-missed attempt at fire-eating with a Black character has blossomed into one of the 21st Country vindaloo. century’s finest comic creations, regularly

Vikki Stone MAC, Birmingham, Sat 13 October Juliette Burton Sara Pascoe Described by The Scotsman as the bastard Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sun 7 October; Birmingham Town Hall, love child of Victoria Wood and Tim Fri 12 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 28 November Minchin, Vikki Stone is not only a comedian Sat 10 November At a time when the rifts between the haves but a composer and musician. The various Is being nice out- and have nots, the pro-EU and anti-EU, the hats she wears have en- dated, or can small tolerant and the prejudiced are becoming sured she’s had a far- acts of kindness ever wider, Sara Pascoe is clear about one from-standard make a big impact?... thing - there are no off-limit subjects when it career, with high- This is the question comes to comedy. lights including being asked by “People forgive the subject matter when they giving a TED Talk award-winning co- find something funny,” she says, “but that at CERN, playing median Juliette Bur- doesn’t mean the comedian has no responsi- the typewriter ton as she hits the bility to question their own material. If with the BBC road on her first ever they’re going to tell a joke about rape, they Philhar- UK tour. should first consider how you might feel if monic Entitled Butterfly Effect, Juliette’s new you’ve been a victim of Orchestra, show sees her finding out whether kind- it. If, after that, they and being ness holds the power to change lives, cure still feel it’s a joke part of the mental health conditions, make friends, worth telling, then presenting restore hope, dispel despair, end poverty they’ll be doing so with team at the and even defeat death... complete faith in their BBC Proms. It’s a weighty subject for a stand-up gig, own material, which is so you’ve got to admire her ambition! great.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:56 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

War Horse novel, it tells the story of a young man named Albert whose horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France at the beginning of Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 10 October - Sat 3 November; Regent the First World War. Joey’s subsequent adventures lead to him finding Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 27 Mar - Sat 6 April himself alone in a no man's land - but Albert is in no mood to give up Described as ‘the theatrical event of the decade’ when it opened in on his beloved companion, and sets out to find him and take him London’s West End, War Horse has continued to garner great praise in home to Devon. the ensuing years. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s hugely popular 1982

The Lovely Bones David Edgar: Trying It On brand new stage show to Coventry. Rifco Theatre’s Dishoom! is a comedy-drama The REP, Birmingham, MAC, Birmingham, Fri 12 October; featuring music from the smash-hit Bolly- Tues 30 October - Sat 10 November The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 October wood movie, Sholay. The production is This poignant human drama, based on Alice helmed by the company’s Artistic Director, David Edgar is used to Sebold’s best-selling novel, concerns a mur- Pravesh Kumar. Pravesh started Rifco in 1999, writing plays; he’s not dered girl who watches from heaven as her to make ‘a different kind of theatre for a com- so used to performing family attempts to cope with their devastat- munity that couldn’t see themselves repre- in them. But that’s all ing loss... sented on English stages’. Author Alice Sebold will discuss her wide- changing with Trying It ranging career in a special In Conversation On. event on 1 November, to tie in with the stage The Birmingham-born adaptation’s stay at The REP. playwright has marked his 70th birthday by taking to the stage in this one-man show, during which he contemplates the ways in which both the world and his own views have changed over the last 50 years.

Dishoom! Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 16 - Sat 20 October A theatre company that specialises in cele- brating and reflecting contemporary British Asian culture and society is bringing this 24 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Oct. RIGHT HAND FP 2018.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:28 Page 1

Unforgettable performance, powered by you 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 6% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person, postage from £1.50.

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Wed 3 Wed 10 Oct Mon 5 - - Sat 6 Oct - Sat 3 Nov Sat 10 Nov From £12 From £29.50 From £18

La traviata Verdi

Wed 14 & Fri 23 Nov - Mon 17 Dec Fri 16 Nov Thu 13 Dec - Sun 6 Jan From £20 Birmingham Royal Ballet From £20 £12.50

Wed 19 Dec Tue 5 - Mon 11 - - Sun 27 Jan Sat 16 Feb Sat 23 Mar From £16 From £21 From £26

Tue 26 & Tue 2 Apr - Tue 28 May - Pepperland Wed 27 Mar Sat 11 May Sat 8 Jun Mark Morris Dance Group From £20 From £31 From £25 No KidsHippodrome.qxp_Layout125/09/201814:39Page new gender-bending attheHippodrome musical Are youkidding?

(c) Alex Brenner No Kids Hippodrome.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 14:39 Page 2

Making the decision to have children should never be taken lightly by a couple. In a brand new show called No Kids, real-life partners Nir Paldi and George Mann blend physical storytelling with gender-bending musical cabaret and verbatim theatre to explore the issues around that decision-making process. What’s On caught up with Nir and George to find out more...

Why do you think that bringing into Do you think similar prejudices would George: Birmingham Hippodrome have discussion the topic of parenthood for apply to lesbian couples and other cou- supported the making of No Kids and have gay couples is so important now? ples where one or both are members of been really wonderful. They had the idea Nir: Many people struggle to have kids the LGBTQ+ community? to programme it as part of SHOUT. We even though they really want to, while George: I imagine the prejudices would be were really excited about that because many others do it just because it’s some- very similar. Obviously it’s hard for us to while we want this piece to reach out to thing you naturally do as part of your life’s comment on the experiences of other indi- many, many different audiences, it’s also journey, without thinking about it seri- viduals from the LGBTQ+ community, but important to us that the LGBTQIA+ com- ously. We know now, thanks to science, we have a few lesbian friends, and being munity engage with it. It’s useful to them that choosing not to have a child is the any part of the LGBTQ+ community means on so many levels. We’re really excited to best thing you can do as a human being to having to stand up to many societal be bringing it to Birmingham and to help the planet, so I think in that way it prejudices. I feel that for gay or lesbian SHOUT. may help people decide. Or it may give couples, having a child is a bit like coming How important do you think festivals those who’re struggling to have children out over and over again. People often as- focusing on just queer arts & culture are some positives to take away from not hav- sume people to be straight before they’re to the LGBTQ+ community? ing kids. Now that members of the LGBTQ+ told or shown otherwise. You can’t choose George: It’s always super-important to en- community can become parents if we whether to reveal your sexuality or not gage with minority voices. The LGBTQ+ want to, I think there’s something very in- when you have a child with your same-sex community in this country over the last teresting in taking myself and George as a partner because having that child with you few decades has really progressed because kind of case study. We’re using this huge and acting as that family unit in public is those voices are heard, but I still don’t decision we have to make and magnifying almost like an outward display of your think that journey is over for us. We’re liv- it to form the basis for a piece of theatre, so sexuality. I think there are a lot of fears ing in a time now with right-wing and that people from all sexual orientations and challenges for us that come with that. conservative movements where we’re see- can really investigate fully the choices they Even though society is in a much better ing rights and freedoms around the world have available to them. place now than it was a few decades back, sliding backwards for many minorities. It’s What prejudices do you think gay par- I think there are still people out there fac- now important more than ever to embrace ing all of those prejudices. ents face? the rich and diverse culture we have in this Nir: It’s interesting for us to explore the What genres of theatrical performance country, and that includes queer culture. concept of some still believing that to be can audiences expect to see in No Kids? There are other countries around the world gay is to not be ‘normal’. Getting married Nir: Each little scene has its own number where people don’t have these opportuni- and having children are considered very with its own theatrical style, using a lot of ties to express themselves and therefore straight things to do. George and I have different aspects of theatre, dance and pop suffer as a result, so I think it’s important been together for many years and culture to emphasise how insane the world to celebrate what we have. monogamy is, sometimes, also perceived is, and how the process of choosing to Nir: It’s great to have a festival that’s dedi- as a wholly heterosexual concept. I think have kids comes with so many pros and cated to unashamedly and directly facing there are many interesting things for the cons. I always end up performing in drag the issues within our community. And to LGBTQ+ community to discuss, especially because I feel that there’s something so do that through our art is even better. what it means to be gay nowadays. Is it as liberating about that. I don’t often per- controversial to be gay and is it controver- form, I usually direct, but it was funny sial for LGBTQ+ couples to have children? when I realised that I more often end up No Kids shows at Birmingham Hippo- Or is it even more controversial for us to be on stage dressed as a woman! drome on Saturday 10 November as part thankful that the law now says we can of annual queer arts & culture festival No Kids is part of SHOUT Festival. How SHOUT. have children but nevertheless to choose did you get involved with SHOUT? not to? The Unreturning.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 1 The Unreturning.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 2

The Unreturning What’s On caught up with playwright Anna Jordan about her latest work...

What inspired you to write The a dream for me. Although the work they do to what the future of war could be as well Unreturning? is very physically challenging and quite as back at what we’ve known. There is technical, it’s hugely accessible for also, of course, the centenary of the First The idea was born out of lots of exciting audiences which I think is the most World War. discussions with Neil and Scott and the exciting thing about it. It does shape how team at Frantic. We were interested in I’m aware this all sounds heavy – but there you write - something I’ve been aware of is exploring how it feels to come home after a is lightness and laughter in the play too – that writing long, very naturalistic scenes transformative experience; particularly and hope. It’s a lot about friendship and is not always the best fit for Frantic’s work through the eyes of a young man - as this camaraderie and it was important for us as (in my opinion) and lots of The project was inspired by Frantic’s Ignition a team to find those moments of light. Unreturning is quite poetic and rhythmic scheme which celebrates its 10th birthday Those will be brought out not just through and full of imagery, which I imagine the this year. (All of the cast of The the writing but through Frantic’s company creating physically with great Unreturning are made up of Ignition movement language. impact. It’s about leaving space for the graduates). We then explored lots of movement to tell the story too. The What do you hope audiences will take avenues – lots of different situations in Unreturning moves very quickly, away from the play? which you might spend time away from sometimes through short staccato scenes, home as a young man – and eventually seamlessly changing time and location in Essentially, I want to tell dramatic and after quite a bit of development the idea of a heartbeat. The idea is that the scene can invigorating stories about the way young returning home after an experience of war magically transform in a matter of men are affected by war – whether they started to show itself as the most dramatic. moments; this idea of magic was are fighting or fleeing it. Theatre’s greatest We’ve looked at how you change when you important to us from the beginning. It’s gift is that it can generate empathy and are away from home, or how your home really allowed me to be daring and that’s a that is something we need more than ever can change – be that emotionally or gift for any writer. in today’s world. With suicide being the physically. It’s a way of exploring what leading cause of death for men under 45 in home means. How do you feel this is relevant to this country I jumped at the chance to audiences today? write a piece that explored themes of How does working with Frantic masculinity and male mental health, and I Assembly compare with other Sadly, it feels incredibly relevant now, hope it will be enlightening and companies? Are there extra things you especially with the Syrian Conflict and the entertaining for an audience. I hope they need to consider when you know you refugee crisis filling our news feeds every will feel they have gone on an epic journey are writing a piece that will incorporate day as well as rising tensions across the with each of the characters. movement? world and a growing sense of uncertainty about the future. I suppose for me as a Yes, I think it changes the experience writer, The Unreturning was a way of completely in a wonderful way. I’ve been a exploring and exorcising some of those The Unreturning plays The Old Rep, huge admirer of Frantic’s work and the uncertainties – as the play looks forward Birminghamfrom Tuesday 30 October chance to work with them has been a bit of - Friday 2 November Jinkx Monsoon (FOR ONLINE WHAT'S ON).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 1

T e G n e np e

She’sShe’s back!back! DragDrag RaceRace ffavouriteavourite JJinkxinkx MonsoonMonsoon nextnext monthmonth returnsreturns toto thethe MidlandsMidlands alongsidealongside herher musicianmusician palpal - andand therapisttherapist - MajorMajor Scales.Scales. TheThe duoduo willwill taketake toto thethe stagestage toto exploreexplore thethe darkdark sideside ofof dragdrag fame.fame. MidlandsMidlands ZoneZone recently caught up with Jinkx to find out what audiences can expect. Will the ginger finally snap? You’ll have to bag yourself a ticket to find out the answer to that one...

What would you say is your star What do you think sets you apart from movies and stuff, so you’ve gotta find quality? other performers? something really special and hideous to To find humour in everything. I’ve always The extensive training and research I’ve put on stage to grab people’s attention wanted to be a performer, so when I’m on done for the style of performance that I away from their screens. stage performing in front of people, I feel give. Being a cabaret performer, being a Can you tell us a bit about your new like I come to life in a way that I don’t in live stage performer, is very different from album with Major Scales? any other realm of my life. I’m just very a lot of other mediums. lucky because I do what I want. Our society is drifting away from live per- Well, the album came out in January and formance and going into internet content, it’s called The Ginger Snapped. If anyone’s Jinkx Monsoon (FOR ONLINE WHAT'S ON).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 2

followed my music, my first album was things is living in a Drag Race time of life jokes immediately. mostly show tunes, and was really inspired post-Drag Race phenomenon where the I don’t have to over-explain anything, by Bette Middler’s bad house days. After queens are making it big and becoming in- which leaves me free to do more non-se- we’d accomplished that album, we wanted ternational superstars. I spend 80% of my quitur stuff and off-the-wall dry humour. to explore a different style of music. year on the road touring, and it’s hard We both really like those ’90s grunge, finding that balance of having my personal Looking back, is there anything you garage bands, and we worked really hard life and staying up to date with my friends wished you’d done differently? on the new album. It’s mostly all original and family. music by Major Scales and myself. It’s got No, I’ve never dwelt on how I could’ve a couple of covers, but it’s kinda got a vin- Are there any benefits to doing your done things differently. If you had the abil- tage No Doubt sound to it. We took a lot of own shows as opposed to being in a big- ity to change the past, you don’t know in inspiration from female rock stars of the ger ensemble - such as Drag World, for what ways you might affect the present. ’90s like Courtney Love, the bands instance? I always say in terms of Drag Race, even though I won and had a great experience Garbage, Portishead and, of course, early I love doing big ensemble shows and al- with it, I wish I’d known things back then No Doubt. I’m really happy with it because ways make time in my schedule to do a that I know now. But I wouldn’t tamper it’s edgier than my first album and it’s got couple of tours with my drag sisters, be- with anything; tampering may change the more pop and rock influences in it, but it’s cause talking about the dark side of drag is outcome and I’m really happy with the out- our writing and sound. always easier when you’re touring with come. Do you have a favourite track from the other drag queens who know exactly what Have you set yourself any goals for the album? you’re going through. I’m really passionate about creating my own work, especially next 10 years? It has to be Cartoons And Vodka, which is with Major Scales, because we pour so I’m currently auditioning for roles in a song about just that. much of ourselves into our music and the Broadway shows. As a live performer, My favourite line is, ‘Life is twice as hard scripts we write. It’s a really rewarding ex- Broadway seems like the prize at the end when you’re living life half on a stage’. It’s perience to create something from the of the rainbow, so I’m constantly striving all about what she wants in a man; it’s not ground up. Audiences are receptive to it for that and looking for opportunities. someone who’s going to dote on her, or and really enjoy it. I also get to go a little I’d also like to do more TV. Television is a who’s going to require a lot from her. All deeper. All my shows are tongue-in- cheek brilliant way to reach a lot of people all at she wants to do is come home and relax and not too heavy, but I always find a way once. I’m also passionate about being an with cartoons and vodka. to incorporate an under-lying message that advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community Obviously you’re bringing the album to I care about into the show. and creating positive changes in the world. the stage and you say it’s based on per- You recently celebrated your 31st birth- You recently moved from Seattle to San sonal experiences. Do you have any day. Do you really think your best years Francisco. How’s life there treating you? concerns about unveiling your vulnera- are behind you? bility on stage? I completely love it. I lived in downtown The way we tackle it in the show is Jinkx Seattle in a quaint two-bedroom apartment No. The last two shows I’ve written were currently wondering if her best years are for about 11 years and absolutely loved the full-exposure, full in-depth looks into my behind her, and it incites this on-stage culture and community there, but I was personal life. I find it really rewarding be- mental breakdown which puts the whole ready to move out of the city and enjoy my cause I’m able to turn some of my more show into motion - but I don’t actually feel downtime more. embarrassing moments and some of my that way. Like I said, I spend so much of my time on more harrowing experiences into enter- At one point in my life, I thought Drag the road that when I’m home, the last tainment. Race was my big break, but now my idea is thing I want to do is go out and party. With The Ginger Snapped tour, the premise very different. Breaks come in waves. You Not only did I move into the suburbs of is that Jinkx is seeing her pyschiatrist live get multiple big breaks in life, and it’s all San Fransisco, where we have a beautiful on stage, and the music punctuates the about moving from one big break to the garden and a house that feels like a man- psychotherapy session she’s having. It next as positively, efficiently and confi- sion compared to my tiny apartment, but I deals heavily with my sex life, and the dently as possible. also moved in with my best friend and cho- darker side of being a drag superstar. The sen family members. goal of the show is to de-stigmatise the How do audience reactions in the UK So when I’m home, I’m with the people idea of talking about your own mental ill- differ to those in the States? who I like spending my time with, the peo- ness and mental affliction - but even with Because I watched so much British com- ple who’ve made such a positive impact on that subject matter, it’s very lighthearted edy, the British sense of humour has been my life. and tongue-in-cheek. infused in me from a very young age. I Jinkx Monsoon And Major Scales: The Can you provide an example of the dark learned so much about comedy from Ab- Ginger Snapped shows at Stafford side of being a superstar drag queen? solutely Fabulous, Harry Enfield and Keep- Gatehouse Theatre on Wednesday 7 ing Up Appearances. I think that had a We tackle this a lot in our music and in a November and then at Birmingham strong influence on the way I write and Hippodrome on Saturday 17 November. lot of the shows we do. One of the big perform, and my UK audiences get my Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:00 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Troilus And Cressida Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, Fri 12 October - Sat 17 November There’s no shortage of drama and intrigue in Shakespeare's rarely performed play, which finds the Greeks and Trojans still at war a full seven years after the Trojan prince Paris's ab- duction of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, from her Greek husband Menelaus. With the Greeks quarrelling amongst themselves, and their champion Achilles in no mood to fight, it falls to rival warrior Ajax to meet the Trojan champion Hector in one-to-one combat. Meanwhile, Troilus is much distracted by his love for Cressida, the daughter of Calchas, a Trojan who’s defected to the Greek camp whilst leaving his daughter in Troy... Virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie has here collaborated with RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran to create ‘a satirical futuristic vision of a world resounding in battle’. This new RSC version of Troilus And Cressida will be broadcast live from Stratford-upon- Avon to cinemas on 14 November.

My Mother Said I Suggs: What A King Cnut Duet For One Never Should Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 15 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Tues 16 October Thurs 4 - Sat 6 October New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 2 - Sat 6 October After selling out his previous touring produc- Belinda Lang and Jonathan Coy star in Tom Chosen by the Royal National Theatre as one tion, Madness frontman Suggs here takes a Kempinski’s critically acclaimed two-hander, of the 100 most significant plays of the 20th lighthearted look at a career that’s featured first performed in 1980. While the play fo- century, My Mother Said I Never Should plenty of memorable moments - from experi- cuses on the fictitious character of Stephanie moves back and forth through the lives of encing vertigo on the roof of Buckingham Abrahams, it’s actually based on the story of four women, in the process setting the enor- Palace, to nearly Jacqueline du Pré, the legendary cellist mous social changes of the last century blowing the closing whose life and career were tragically cut against the desire to love and be loved. ceremony of the short by multiple sclerosis. Written in 1985 and first staged at Manch- London Olympics. “It’s very sad and even brutal at times,” says ester’s Contact Theatre, Charlotte Keatley’s Oh, and watching Belinda Lang of Duet For One, “but the flip award-winning play is the most commonly his underpants fall side of it is very funny. Stephanie has a sar- performed work by a female playwright in to earth on David castic wit which I personally find funny - and the world. Bowie’s driveway... fortunately the audience find it funny too!”

Dracula The War Of The Worlds The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sat 20 October Wed 24 - Sat 27 October Dracula is best known from its many and var- HG Wells’ classic tale of Martian invasion is ied cinematic incarnations - but as stage pro- here reimagined for a post-truth world. ductions like The Woman In Black have ably Blending ‘powerful’ storytelling and an inter- illustrated, a well-presented work of theatre active soundscape, the new adaptation is can be every bit as spinetingling as anything being presented by the critically acclaimed the big screen has to offer. Tin Robot Theatre. The company has previ- Better make sure you pack some bulbs of gar- ously visited the Old Joint Stock with sell-out lic and a wooden stake, just to be on the safe productions of The Tell Tale Heart and A side... Clockwork Orange.

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Nativity! The Musical Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 23 - Sun 28 October The Belgrade gets into the Christmas spirit a few weeks early with this hit stage musical based on the popular film franchise. The show is written and directed by Debbie Isitt, who also created the movies. “I’ve always believed that Nativity! would make a fantastic stage musical,” says Debbie. “It’s so full of joy, the children are so sweet and funny and the songs so catchy that it lends itself to being the perfect Christmas musical. The songs really do change the dynamic. It gives you much more insight into the characters and their backsto- ries. And the emotions are more intense, like with the love story between Mr Maddens and Jennifer - it feels even bigger now because they’re singing duets.”

The Case Of The the icy wastes and also his volatile relation- Not Yet Suffragette ship with Shackleton - a key reason, many Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 12 October Frightened Lady feel, why he never received the coveted Polar The tampon tax, public breast-feeding, mar- Lichfield Garrick, Mon 15 - Sat 20 October Medal. riage, child birth and the gender pay gap are among the subjects given a thorough airing by Natalie Cutler in her one-woman show, an Private Peaceful hour’s-worth of performance that brings to- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, gether comedy, music, dance and political in- Fri 12 - Sat 13 October correctness. Private Peaceful is a short play that packs a “It’s a show about how far we’ve not come real punch. Based on the book by War Horse and the reasons why,” explains Natalie. author Michael Morpurgo and perfectly “Women are still being asked the same ques- pitched for the young audience at which it’s tions and told the same things - ‘How come aimed, the stage production has been hailed you’re not married? How come you don’t have for being “as moving as the poetry of Wilfred a baby? You should dress like this, don’t Owen and as painfully memorable as white- dress like this’. They’re all the same issues hot shrapnel”. that were there 100 years ago. But there are First World War soldier Private Tommo plenty of people in the world trying to ad- Peaceful is awaiting the firing squad at dawn. dress inequality - my show doesn’t pretend to After enjoying a hit with their adaptation of With his young life about to be cut tragically have any answers; it simply takes a look at Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement In Stone, the short, he recalls his joyful past growing up in where we’ve travelled over the last century.” Classic Thriller Company now turn their at- rural Devon, his schooldays, his father, and tention to a 1931 play from the prolific pen of the love of his life - a girl named Molly... Edgar Wallace. When Inspector Tanner investigates a grue- some murder at an ancestral home, it isn’t long before he realises that nothing is quite as it seems... John Partridge (pictured) stars.

Shackleton’s Carpenter Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 22 October Gail Louw’s one-man play focuses on the character of Harry McNish - explorer Ernest Shackleton’s carpenter on the ill-fated polar expedition ship, Endurance. Destitute in Wellington, Harry recalls his adventures in

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stripped bare The Full Monty returns to the Midlands

Critically acclaimed movie The Full Monty sees six unemployed Sheffield men, four of whom are former steel workers, form a male striptease act to earn some much-needed cash. Gaz and his best mate Dave begin to recruit men to their act, claiming they’re better than anything anyone has seen before because they’re willing to go ‘the full monty’. The hit 1997 comedy touches on many social issues still relevant today, including sexuality, body image and mental health. The latest tour of the film’s stage version features a cast that includes James Redmond and Joe Gill, who both play gay characters. What’s On caught up with the duo to find out more about what audiences can expect...

Who do each of you play in The Full nick of time. I join in from there because I love it! It’s a great feeling in the theatre Monty and why do they get involved in think I’m a bit lonely, really. Plus, because you really get to feel the arc of the Gaz’s striptease plan? Lomper’s other personal struggle within performance properly, and you get swept James: All the characters are quite funny, himself is with his sexuality... I worked on along by it. The live, instant feedback is and I’ve got a couple of funny lines. But Emmerdale for such a long time, and they amazing too. When I’ve done comedy stuff it’s how I look that’s more the funny thing were really good at finding relevant stories for the telly, nobody laughs, whereas in because of my ridiculous penis. That’s the that aimed to help people who were theatre you get that laugh straight away. reason my character, Guy, gets chosen to watching. I don’t think this play is any Joe: The instant gratification with theatre be a part of the group. But there’s a reason different to that. I think that if a show like is amazing, so you get laughs and tears. I to love and relate to all six of the main The Full Monty can encourage even one think the comparison between telly and characters. Each of them has their own person to talk about their body issues, theatre is kind of like the difference for a challenge to meet, and they’re challenges their sexuality or their mental health, then music artist between being in a recording that I think are still relevant today. Joe and it’s a privilege to be part of something as studio and performing live. I think most of I have this really lovely scene with our powerful as that. them would say they prefer performing characters Guy and Lomper; Lomper You’ve both appeared on TV. What are live. For me as an actor, it’s no different. comes out, and I, as the slightly older guy the main ways in which performing on The buzz you get in the theatre is the best who’s already gone through that, take him stage is different to acting on telly? feeling I’ve had as an actor. I’ve done a lot under my wing. It’s nice because the James: This is my first theatre of filmed stuff and not a lot of theatre, and audience always knows exactly how to performance, and I’m kinda bricking it a they’re very different techniques, so respond. We can go from lots of laughs one bit because you know that, for each shot theatre is exciting new territory at the minute to complete silence for the really on telly, you get five or six takes to get it moment. It’s definitely something I’d like moving moments. right and you can really perfect it. Every to pursue more in the future. I think all Joe: I play Lomper, who’s the first guy Gaz member of the team - lighting, sound actors should do it. Young actors, for some and Dave recruit to be part of their strip director etc - helps you figure out how to reason, don’t seem to appreciate theatre or group. It’s quite a dark way in which they nail it. But here, you get just the one take, even consider it as a preferred option, and meet. I won’t give too much away, but my and you do it all in one go over the that’s a real shame. I’m loving it - what a character attempts to take his own life, performance - no breaks and no second great play to be a part of! It’s really funny which they save him from doing in the chances. So yes, it’s very daunting, but I and will have you in stitches, but it’s also so heartwarming.

Full Monty.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 14:40 Page 3 If you’re on the front few rows, “ “ you might get more than you bargained for...

Did either of you have experience with bargained for, but for everyone else it’s Joe: You meet all the characters in their stripping before joining the cast? slightly more obscured. But I’ve got a very sense of desperation, and that’s one of the James: I’ve actually done nudity on telly large penis, so I’m hard to miss! It’s all best things about the play - they’re all before, so I’m not worried about that. I’m real, you know! doing this full monty strip for a reason. more focused on it being my first time on Joe: Oh yes, you’ll see James’ big penis - They’re not just thinking about having a stage. Of course, for the actual strip, you won’t miss that. But trust me, it’s his laugh and getting their kit off; they’re all nerves really kick in and you start to character’s penis, not his. I can confirm trying to get out of a tricky situation. second-guess yourself, however many it’s definitely not his. What are your plans for the future? times you rehearse. I have no stripping Do you think Gaz and the rest of the James: After this, I really hope I can do background, although I did do a strip in characters took the right path to get some more theatre. Being on stage, getting Casualty once, but there was very little cash quick? that immediate feedback from audiences choreography and I was just kind of and getting to know the rest of the cast has copying the guys next to me. But that was James: I’ve got my stand-up as my talent to get rich quick like these guys from been a real privilege. They’re a really great a New Year’s episode, so a lot of people bunch of people. You can’t really do a job tuned in and saw it. Sheffield try to do. But yes, in their situation I think I’d do something similar. like this without being both easy-going Joe: Have I? None that I can tell you about! Maggie Thatcher encouraged them to buy and professional, and all these guys are Professionally, no, but who knows their own council houses and then closed good for that. My background is in telly, whether I’ve done it after a night out to most of the steel industry, so they had no but now I’ve experienced theatre, I’d like someone very, very unlucky? work. They were trapped because the to do some more and add even more The burning question is, do you house they’d just bought had dropped strings to my bow. actually go ‘the full monty’ on stage? significantly in value because no one Joe: That’s the thing about acting. Most James: We do - every single time. It’s not wanted to live in an area with no work, so people don’t have a set plan. I’ve got this like the film, where you get the view from they couldn’t move away to use their skills for 10 months and then I’ll see what just the back in the final shot - it’s totally elsewhere. Many had families they opportunities come along. You never full frontal. The work with the lighting couldn’t leave. They were desperately know, maybe I’ll end up in Magic Mike or makes it slightly less in your face, but broke, so I think what these characters do something! I know so many talented we’re right at the front of the stage and is incredible. For me, though, I’d people in our business who’re out of work. it all comes off. If you’re on the have my comedy act - although gay I’m very fortunate in that I’ve managed to front few rows, you might get porn is always an option! pretty much be constantly employed in the more than you acting world since I was 18. Touch wood that continues, so as long as I’m still enjoying it and I’m making enough to live on and have a decent time, life’s good.

The Full Monty shows at: Birmingham Hippodrome from 5 to 10 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 19 to 24 November; Nottingham Theatre Royal, 4 to 9 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, 25 February to 2 March; and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4 to 9 March. Full Monty.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 14:40 Page 4 Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:01 Page 7

Theatre theatre for younger audiences...

Maison Foo: Doctor Dolittle Tabby McTat A Thing Mislaid Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 27 October; Albany Albany Theatre, Coventry, Friday 12 October; Theatre, Coventry, Sun 28 October; Lichfield Garrick, Sun 28 October MAC, Birmingham, Wed 10 October; Arena Oakengates Theatre, @ The Place, Telford, Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 17 October: Tues 30 October A life providing shelter and plenty of home Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, comforts would suit most cats, but it doesn’t Thurs 18 October suit Tabby McTat. Tabby’s problem is that he An unlikely friendship between two lonely remembers his old life with his now-missing travellers and a mysterious bird lies at the friend, Fred the guitar player. So Tabby for- heart of this 90-minute show for children sakes the good life and hits the streets in aged 10 and older. Presented by the well-re- search of his long-lost buddy... garded Maison Foo and exploring the themes A heartwarming tale of friendship and loy- of migration and journey, the production alty from the winning team of Julia Donald- blends the company’s trademark style of vi- son and Alex Scheffler, Tabby McTat is sual storytelling, clowning and humour with brought to the stage by Freckle Productions, new experiments in miniature puppetry and the team behind Tiddler And Other Terrific live camera. Tales.

Hugh Lofting's delightful character is a friend to all manner of furry four-legged creatures - and he certainly knows how to have an ad- venture or two!... Featuring original music, lots of audience participation and some ‘amazing’ puppets, this brand new show is suitable for youngsters aged seven and older.

The Tiger Who Milkshake! Live Came To Tea Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 27 October; Stafford Gatehouse, Mon 29 October Palace Theatre, Redditch, Mon 29 - Tues 30 October; Birmingham Town Hall, Here taking youngsters on a journey through Dinosaur World Live Wed 26 December - Sun 13 January the world’s favourite fairytales are, among others, Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 30 October - Thurs 1 November Noddy, Fireman Sam and Shimmer & Shine. If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been Dinosaurs are once again roaming the earth to a previous live production, you’ll already this autumn, thanks to this interactive show know what to expect. If not, get ready for an for all the family to enjoy. event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- Youngsters get to meet a host of impressive loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- prehistoric creatures - including, of course, pation and plenty of singing and dancing. every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Promising to be an absolute monster of an ex- perience, the show may well leave a T-Rex- Mother Goose size imprint on your child’s memory for many Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, a year to come. Tues 30 October Most familiar, of course, as a pantomime, the story of Mother Goose offers its per- formers plenty of opportunity to make all manner of eggstravagantly funny and The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- eggcruciatingly unfunny egg-re- ping in on Sophie and her mum just as lated jokes. Wolverhampton’s they’re settling down for an afternoon favourite pantomime Dame, cuppa... Ian Adams (pictured), stars Adapted by David Wood OBE from Judith alongside another big panto Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show fea- favourite, Julie Paton, in a tures singalong songs and boasts plenty of family-friendly show that's sure magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, of to be sizzling with plenty of course! Suitable for youngsters aged three yolks, sorry! we mean and older. jokes. 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:01 Page 8 Motown the Musical (1)_9e3dc00d17e399362d81d87d0f41204e.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:09 Page 1

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Motown the Musical (1)_9e3dc00d17e399362d81d87d0f41204e.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:09 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Let’s get it on... Motown The Musical arrives in the Midlands...

Motown Records and its artists certainly made their mark on the world and its music, producing some of the greatest chart-topping songs from the 1950s through to the 1980s. A West End musical telling the story of the legendary label is coming to Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with the show’s producer, Adam Spiegel, to find out more...

Think Motown and heaven knows how many Adam agrees with the man himself, Berry be singing My Girl or something by the Jack- famous songs spring readily to mind. From Gordy, when he said that Motown was made son 5, Stevie Wonder or Smokey Robinson. Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The to be on the stage. It’s an intensely vibrant and exciting environ- Grapevine to The Supreme’s Stop! In The ment. We have a great time doing it, but I "I think any music that makes people auto- Name Of Love, the Detroit-based record label hope people who come to see the show enjoy matically want to sing and dance deserves to scored hit after massive hit, year after year, it even more.” be on stage. Also, with this show, we’re in a decade after decade. Along the way, it rou- situation where we’re telling the story of an Picking just one stand-out track from Mo- tinely took top spot as the highest-earning iconic record label that changed the world - it town’s repertoire is a real task, but Adam African American business in the United couldn’t be more deserving of the stage spot- does have a favourite: “There are over 50 States. light.” songs in the show and it’s extremely hard to This month sees the arrival in Birmingham of select just one, but I would have to say Danc- And Motown The Musical is absolutely the a show dedicated to the magic of the now-leg- ing In The Streets by Martha And The Vandel- real deal: it’s being produced in collabora- endary label. Motown The Musical celebrates las. It makes everybody just want to jump up tion with Berry Gordy himself, to ensure the the sensational Motown sound by telling the and down. story is as authentic as possible. story of its founder, Berry Gordy; from his “I honestly think Motown The Musical is the humble beginnings on a car production line "I feel very lucky. We’ve worked very hard at best time you’ll have in the theatre, not least to a career spent signing some of the greatest it, and yet being associated with something because it’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy artists of the 20th century and beyond. like this remains a huge privilege. Being able the best music ever written!" to spend time with Berry himself is extraordi- Starting with just an $800 loan from his fam- nary, and it’s something that I’m enormously ily, Gordy’s passion for music and desire for grateful to be able to do. But also, the whole success catapulted Motown into the limelight team of designers, directors, writers, musi- and helped to unite a racially divided nation. cians, actors for the show have really been of “The thing about Motown,” reflects producer the very highest quality, and it’s been lovely Adam Spiegel, “was that it made a consider- to be a part of putting Motown The Musical able contribution to the changes that took together.” place in the ’60s and ’70s in America, in The cast and crew behind the production terms of racial integration and some kind of have plenty of fun making the show, but equality. Suddenly, ‘black’ music was being Adam is sure its Midlands audience will listened to by everyone in the country, rather enjoy it even more. than just on ‘black’ radio stations, and that was a huge change. I think the stars of Mo- “The more fun you have making something, Motown The Musical shows at town became the icons of the whole country, the more fun it is to watch - those do go Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, so those same stars became the face of Amer- hand-in-hand. Working with the music of from Thursday 11 October to Saturday ica all across the world.” Motown is a constant pleasure. You walk into 3 November. the rehearsal room and someone is going to whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance October 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:05 Page 1

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Seeta Patel: Not Today’s Yesterday Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 23 October Described as a poetic narrative with the beauty and disquiet of a Brothers Grimm fairytale, Not Today’s Yesterday sees award- winning artist Seeta Patel blend techniques from the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam with contemporary dance and theatre. Although a champion and exceptional expo- nent of Bharatanatyam, Seeta is uncomfort- able about referring to the dance form as ‘traditional’ in the typical sense of the word. “If you attribute that word to Bharatanatyam, you automatically give it cultural baggage,” she says. “The sense in which I think you can apply the word is in terms of the communication of Bharatanatyam through the generations, and in terms of the teaching of it. In that sense, its tradition is beautiful.”

Vienna Festival Ballet: Motionhouse: Charge The Nutcracker MAC, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sat 20 October Oakengates Theatre, @ The Place, Telford, Leamington-based Motionhouse’s multimedia Tues 2 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 14 show about energy is the third element of October; Bedworth Civic Hall, Wed 24 October Artistic Director Kevin Finnan’s Earth Trilogy, developing on themes explored in Scattered One of the great ballet staples, (2009) and Broken (2013) about man’s rela- Tchaikovsky’s enchanting tale of Clara tionship with water and the earth. and her nutcracker doll has been delight- Making use of digital projections to create an ing audiences for generations. The fantasy on-stage world in which dancers and images of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic interact seamlessly, the show features six per- and mystery this month visits the region formers using dance and acrobatics to explore courtesy of Vienna Festival Ballet. the human body, ‘tracing the incredible story Featuring a talented array of young of energy in our lives’. dancers, the company was founded in “Charge is an amazing collaboration between 1980 and typically spends eight months a artists and scientists,” explains Motionhouse year performing works from its extensive co-founder Finnan. “I find the science behind repertoire in smaller venues across the UK. the show fascinating, and I want to use my in- spiration from this to create a presentation for audiences to enjoy - but which also makes Backlash Ballroom them think about the role energy plays in our Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 October lives.” The producers of this new touring show reckon that if you love Strictly, you’ll really love Back- lash Ballroom - and the show certainly seems to have all the necessary components to pro- vide an evening of high-energy dance magic. Featuring six professional ballroom and Latin dancers, including world, European and na- tional champions, the production pays homage to the movies and includes, among other dance styles, the waltz, the quick step, the Argentine tango and the charleston. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:43 Page 1

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Film

Venom CERT tbc Starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Jenny Slate, Woody Harrelson Directed by Ruben Fleischer (USA) There’s always excitement surrounding the launch of a new Marvel superhero. Eddie Brock - aka Venom - is an investigative journalist who in- vestigates a survivalist group too closely and is infected by an alien ‘symbiote.’ So he and the ex- traterrestrial occupy the same body, two individ- ual entities with superhuman powers and a nasty temper. Tom Hardy takes on the role of the hy- brid, and he’s a class act - as is Michelle Williams, who plays Eddie’s girlfriend, Anne Weying, a district attorney (aka She-Venom). Director Ruben Fleischer previously brought us the critically acclaimed Zombieland (2009) and the terrific, all-star (and underrated) crime thriller Gangster Squad (2013). In 3D. Released Wed 3 Oct

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in October...

Blindspotting CERT 15 (95 mins) Columbus Johnny English Strikes Starring Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal, Janina CERT 12a (104 mins) Again CERT PG (88 mins) Gavankar, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Ethan Starring John Cho, Haley Lu Richardson, Embry, Wayne Knight Starring Rowan Atkinson, Ben Miller, Olga Parker Posey, Rory Culkin, Michelle Forbes Directed by Carlos López Estrada (USA) Kurylenko, Jake Lacy, Emma Thompson, Directed by Kogonada (USA) Adam James Directed by David Kerr Collin has just three days left of his proba- (UK/France) tion. But if he is to turn his life around, he At last, another spy spoof. Actually, it’s been may have to re-think his relationship with the seven years since Johnny was reborn as a psychotic Miles, the friend he has known all martial artist and that sequel did have a his life… Daveed Diggs, who plays Collin, co- smidgen of old-fashioned charm. Here, JE produced and wrote the screenplay with his pops out of retirement to track down a ruth- real life-long friend, Rafael Casal, who plays less hacker who has exposed the identity of Miles. Interesting. all of the active undercover agents in Britain. Released Fri 5 Oct That’s Columbus, Indiana, and is not to So, while we’re waiting for Mr Craig... be confused with the other 18 towns in the Released Fri 5 Oct US with the same name. Anyway, it’s here that Jin (John Cho), a Korean-born trans- lator, finds himself stranded, alongside his father, who is in a coma. Jin then meets Casey (Richardson), who’s stuck in the same town with her mother, a recover- ing drug addict. Together, they discover a love of the town’s modern architecture, for which Columbus is famous. Released Fri 5 Oct whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:43 Page 3

Film highlights released in October...

Strangeways Here We Come Bad Times At Smallfoot CERT PG (96 mins) CERT 15 (86 mins) The El Royale With the voices of Channing Tatum, James Cor- Starring Elaine Cassidy, Michelle Keegan, Lau- den, Zendaya, Common, LeBron James, ren Socha, Chanel Cresswell, Oliver Cooper- CERT tbc Danny DeVito, Gina Rodriguez smith, Stephen Lord Directed by Chris Green Starring Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick and Jason Reisig (UK) Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis (USA) Pullman, Chris Hemsworth It’s just a theory, but a Yeti called Migo Not to be confused with Ben Wheatley’s Directed by Lewis Pullman (USA) dystopian drama High-Rise (2015), this is a (Channing Tatum) thinks humans really do Jeff Bridges plays Daniel Flynn, an aging comedy set in a multi-storeyed building in exist. But how can he convince his tribe of criminal masquerading as a priest who which the tenants gang together to over- this preposterous notion? From the Warner pitches up at the rundown hotel of the title. throw a ruthless loan shark. Filmed in Sal- Animation Group. In 3D. There, he encounter six strangers, each with ford, Manchester. And be prepared for some Released Fri 12 Oct a mysterious past that has a fateful impact sexual violence. on a hellish night… Drew Goddard previously Released Fri 7 Oct directed Chris Hemsworth in the thrilling, ingenious Cabin In The Woods (2012). Released Fri 12 Oct First Man CERT tbc (135 mins) Starring Ryan Gosling, Jason Clarke, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciarán Hinds Directed by Damien Chazelle (USA) Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon, and that’s quite a ‘first’ for any guy. This biog, based on the book by James R Hansen, follows Armstrong up to the histori- cal mission of Apollo 11 in 1969. Dogman CERT 15 (103 mins) From the Oscar-winning director of Whiplash Starring Marcello Fonte, Edoardo Pesce, Alida and La-La Land. Baldari Calabria, Nunzia Schiano Directed by Released Fri 12 Oct Matteo Garrone (Italy) The director of Gomorrah and Tale Of Tales now brings us a crime thriller in which a mild-mannered dog groomer (Fonte) finds himself at loggerheads with a local gangster. Fonte won the best actor award at Cannes for Sink CERT 15 (85 mins) his role. Starring Martin Herdman, Ian Hogg, Marlene Sidaway, Tracey Wilkinson, Joshua Herdmann Released Fri 19 Oct Directed by Mark Gillis (UK) Working on a zero hour contract, Micky Mason (Herdman) is finding it hard to make ends meet, to support both his ailing father and his offspring. Then he makes a rash deci- sion, something that he knows is not right, but just right under the circumstances… Released Fri 12 Oct

Mandy CERT 18 (121 mins) Starring Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Linus Roache, Bill Duke, Richard Brake, Ned Dennehy Halloween CERT tbc Directed by Panos Cosmatos (USA/Belgium) Starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Madison Nicolas Cage is on the rampage again, this Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Caleel Harris, Chris Parnell, Ken Jeong Directed by Ari time meting out punishment to those who Sandel (USA/Australia) have kidnapped his girlfriend, Mandy When two lads open a book that once be- Bloom (Riseborough). Expect some pretty longed to the author RL Stine, they inadver- strong violence, gore and horror. Filmed in tently unleash ‘Slappy’ and his Halloween Belgium. Apocalypse. Expect lashings of CGI. Released Fri 12 Oct Released Fri 19 Oct

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:43 Page 4

Film

Halloween CERT tbc (109 mins) Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Nick Castle, Andi Matichak, Will Patton Directed by David Gordon Green (USA) The death of Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween: Resurrection (2002) was greatly exaggerated. This reboot-cum-sequel throws out previous plot points to reintroduce Laurie Strode’s tor- tured relationship with the serial killer Michael Myers (aka The Shape). Green, who’s directed such highly acclaimed films as George Washington (2000) and Stronger (2017), should give the franchise a leg up. Released Fri 19 Oct

CRITIC’S CHOICE Hunter KillerCERT 15 (121 mins) Starring Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Com- mon, Linda Cardellini, Michael Nyqvist, Caro- A Star Is Born CERT 15 (135 mins) line Goodall, Toby Stephens Directed by Starring Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew The film premiered to ecstatic reviews at the Donovan Marsh (USA) Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Sam Elliott, An- Venice film festival, and the erstwhile Stefani The Russian president has been kidnapped thony Ramos and Alec Baldwin Directed by Bradley Cooper (USA) Germanotta is generating phenomenal Oscar by his own defence minister and it’s up to buzz, as is the movie and Cooper as both di- For his directorial debut, Bradley Cooper has the tyro US submarine commander Joe Glass rector and actor. Here, Cooper plays Lady certainly chosen some tried-and-tested mate- (Butler) to save him - in Russian waters. Gaga’s mentor as a Country musician with al- rial. The original film starred Janet Gaynor Nyqvist, who plays the commander of a Rus- cohol issues and follows in the footsteps of and was released in 1937, followed by two re- sian sub, passed away last year. Fredric March, James Mason and Kris Kristof- makes, with Judy Garland (1954) and Barbra Released Fri 19 Oct ferson. The music, too, has been praised for Streisand (1976). Here, Lady Gaga takes on being ‘electrifying.’ the mantle of the wannabe singer with stars in her eyes and is said to be sensational. Released Fri 5 Oct Bohemian RhapsodyCERT tbc Starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Mike Myers Directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher (UK/USA) The Hate U Give CERT tbc Leading up to Queen's Live Aid performance Starring Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, at Wembley in 1985, this biopic focuses on Russell Hornsby, KJ Apa, Common, Anthony the band’s flamboyant lead singer Freddie Mackie Directed by George Tillman Jr (USA) Mercury (played by Malek, from TV’s Mr A 16-year-old girl (Amandla Stenberg) sees Robot). Due to bouts of absenteeism, the her childhood friend shot dead by police and film’s original director Bryan Singer was re- at great personal risk turns activist. Based on placed in the later stages by the London- the Young Adult novel by Angie Thomas. born Dexter Fletcher. Released Fri 26 Oct Released Wed 24 Oct

Slaughterhouse Rulez CERT tbc Starring Asa Butterfield, Finn Cole, Hermione Corfield, Michael Sheen, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg Directed by Crispian Mills (UK) When a fracking operation opens up a sink- hole near an exclusive English boarding school, an unspeakable evil is unleashed. Co- scripted by the film critic Henry Fitzherbert and singer-songwriter Crispian Mills (son of Hayley Mills), the horror comedy unites Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on the big screen for the fifth time. Released Wed 31 Oct

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Tom Clarke.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:46 Page 1

Tom Clarke Inspired by and named after local band The Enemy’s debut album, made-in-Coventry musical We’ll Live And Die In These Towns is showing at the city’s Belgrade Theatre this month. What’s On found out more from The Enemy’s frontman - and the show’s musical director - Tom Clarke...

In 2007, British indie rock band The Enemy “If you came into this with an ego, you’d leave dence hours before the biggest performance released their debut album, We’ll Live And with a deflated one because Geoff and of his life in a huge homecoming concert. His Die In These Towns. The record went to num- Hamish are both so supremely talented,” says manager, unable to convince him to sing, ber one in the British album charts in its first Tom Clarke, The Enemy’s frontman, who’s sends him away to revisit his past and decide week of release and was given platinum certi- acting as the show’s musical director. his future. So Argy walks the streets of his fication the following year. “To watch Hamish work is addictive, and home town, visiting family and friends in a Geoff’s script is genius. Geoff makes the bid to make sense of his feelings and find a Eleven years on and the album that stole the seamless transition from script into lyrical way forward. hearts of the nation with its adrenaline-rush content and back out again. Hamish is just an energy and working-class poetry has inspired “It’s a really heartfelt story,” says Tom. “I absolute powerhouse of a director. He’ll say a gritty and compelling new musical drama. cried in auditions the first time I saw it being four words that completely change the dy- acted. I don’t think I’ve cried in front of adults Based on an ancient Hindu tale - The namic and enrich the acting. It’s amazing to who are total strangers, ever. I was literally Bagavad Gita - the new musical, named after watch.” sat next to Geoff in auditions sobbing in some the album, comes from the pen of acclaimed The musical tells the story of a young rock of the scenes. I was sat there thinking, ‘This is Coventry writer Geoff Thompson. It’s being musician named Argy, who sits on the cusp of absolutely brilliant, they couldn’t act this out helmed by the Belgrade Theatre’s Artistic the big time, only to suffer a crisis of confi- any differently or any better’. Director, Hamish Glen. Tom Clarke.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:46 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

“When Geoff first approached me and said, Dave, the main directors, do a superb job, and ‘We’re doing this and I'd like you to be in- I don’t need to be down there every night any- volved as musical director’, I read the script more. I was mopping up sick and blood at one and it could’ve gone either way, I was so point, though - it was an interesting experi- scared. I could’ve quite easily passed it off ence! and said, ‘No, get someone who’s done this Tom has also been working hard on his debut before’. I agreed to do it on the proviso that if solo album. I was rubbish at it, they would sack me in week one. I got through week one without “I got probably about a third of the way being sacked, so I can’t be that bad at it!” through recording the solo album, all acoustic with no drums, and then had a conversation Although Argy isn’t based on Tom, the charac- with my bandmate. We’ve decided that we’re ter is certainly one to whom The Enemy’s going to do it full band, so it’s back to the frontman can relate: “The fact that Argy suf- drawing board on that. We’re going to record fers with anxiety and panic attacks is some- the album over the next year. It’s really excit- thing I completely relate to. I’ve always ing!” suffered with huge anxiety, and I used to deal with it by drinking. Last year I finally spoke to So could we ever see an Enemy reunion? a professional about how to exist in the world without being absolutely terrified of life. The “We’re all on okay terms, we don’t hate each journey that Argy goes on, I’ve been there and other’s guts. We’d done it for a decade, and I really get it. It’s quite cathartic seeing it like with any creative endeavour, music acted out in front of you. should be challenging - but it had stopped being challenging and it had stopped being “I can’t think of anywhere better to do this fun. The industry was finding it increasingly show than the Belgrade. Geoff is a Coventry hard to find a place for us - there wasn’t a writer, and our debut album was made in place for us on radio. When you’re up against Coventry. The Belgrade is such an amazing all that, you kind of think, ‘Well, you know place. I played a gig there years ago with the what, maybe the universe is trying to tell me band that I was playing in before The Enemy. something here and maybe we should go and The theatre was a staple of Coventry for try different things’. I wouldn’t rule out a re- decades before I even existed. Hamish is an union one day, but I doubt you’ll see it in the absolute Coventry legend, and I think with immediate or near future. the three of us together, it wouldn't have been right for the production to be shown any- “If ever the opportunity presents itself again where else.” to be part of another musical, I’ve already said to Hamish that if it’s something I would Following The Enemy’s split in 2016, Tom be right for, I'm in! It’s a yes before he’s even opened Coventry’s newest music venue, The told me what it is! Empire. “It’s nice to have a music venue back in the city, and it’s nice to be the driving force be- hind it. It’s established now and is running it- We’ll Live And Die In These Towns shows self. A lot of what we do is student and club at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre on night-orientated, and that effectively funds selected dates until Saturday 20 October. keeping a music venue in the city. Phil and Visual Arts October-2 copy.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:04 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Whistler And Nature Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 20 October - Sun 16 December The style of art produced by American artist James McNeill Whistler was shaped by numerous influences. Among them - and the focal point of this new exhibition - were his family’s involvement in early 19th century industry and his own pursuit of a career in the US military. Featuring a collection of paintings, sketches and prints, Whistler And Nature also looks at the artist’s work in the context of attitudes to landscape in British art and design; attitudes which were shaped not only by classical revivalism but also by a desire for landscape improvement and productivity.

40 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts October-2 copy.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:04 Page 2

Visual Arts

BP Portrait Award Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Fri 12 October - Fri 30 November The prestigious BP Portrait Award makes a wel- come return to Wolverhampton this month. Now in its 39th year, the free-to-view exhibition showcases outstanding and innovative new por- traits from around the world. In total, the 2018 competition attracted 2,667 en- tries from 88 countries. First prize went to Barcelona-born artist Miriam Escofet, whose portrait of her mother drinking tea was de- scribed by the judges as ‘a very sensitive depic- tion of an elderly sitter’.

Maman and across Europe. Vuillard produced small-scale work featur- The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 19 October - Sun 20 January ing domestic subject matter during those initial 10 years as an artist, painting his Marking the 150th anniversary of French mother on numerous occasions. Indeed, artist Édouard Vuillard’s birth and focus- during the course of his career, Vuillard ing on the first decade of his career, this painted her in excess of 500 times, and it’s brand new exhibition features a selection with this use of his mother as model that of paintings, pastels, prints and pho- the exhibition primarily concerns itself. tographs lent by collections both in Britain

For The Fallen World War, is the centrepiece of this exhibition. The Potteries Museum & Gallery, Presented in recognition of the 100th an- Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 18 November niversary of the Armistice that brought A 22-metre-long painted wall hanging, the four-year conflict to an end, the dis- depicting a panorama of the battlefields play also includes archives and objects fought over by the 5th Battalion North relating to the end of the war. Staffordshire Regiment during the First Polly Apfelbaum: Waiting For The UFOs Creating The Spectacle! art and video works of an underwater Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 18 November wheelchair. This major exhibition of new and recent work by Immersed In 360 The artwork has received plenty of interna- internationally renowned artist Polly Apfelbaum MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 25 November tional attention during the past six years, features large-scale colourful installations of textiles, ceramics and drawings. Multimedia, performance and installation and is estimated to have been viewed by Taking a political and feminist position, the New artist Sue Austin is a woman on a mission - 400 million-plus people. York-based Apfelbaum produces artworks de- to represent her experience as a signed to challenge notions of entitlement and wheelchair user in a brighter light, while to promote social equality. at the same time “challenging the idea of The exhibition’s unusual title is taken from disabled as ‘other’”. British singer-songwriter Graham Parker’s 1979 Sue’s MAC presentation was created in song, Waiting For The UFOs, recalling, as the ex- 2012 for the Cultural Olympiad In Britain - hibition’s publicity describes it, ‘the vast empty the celebration of the arts that led up to spaces of the American landscape, and the char- the Olympic and Paralympic Games - and acters who anxiously anticipate extra-terrestrial comprises a groundbreaking series of live visits’.

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Little Geeks (2).qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:07 Page 1

IMAGE: Tom Dale Company: I Infinite - see festival highlights section for details

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS...

RETRO GAMING NIGHT SMART PLAY ZONE world thanks to the virtual reality headset, a FOR BIG GEEKS Sat 27 - Tues 30 Oct combination of animal-like sight, a 360º film Sat 27 Oct The main event for little (and big) geeks is the and an accompanying soundtrack will Have you been missing all those video games supercool Smart Play Zone. MAC’s Little provide you with an artistic interpretation of you used to play as a kid? Well this is your Geeks HQ will be jam-packed full of the very what it’s like to be one of four British species. chance to revel in being a big kid and best retro games. The tech hub will also rediscover some of those retro classics with feature drone demos, and you can even help Dead Pixels, including Street Fighter 2, build a Raspberry Pi weather station. Mortal Kombat, Doom, Sonic The Hedgehog and Mario Kart. Plus, now you’re a big geek MARSHMALLOW LASER FEAST: instead of a little geek, you can play your IN THE EYES OF THE ANIMALS favourite video games whilst enjoying a Sat 27 - Sun 28 Oct delicious pint of craft beer! Discover what it’s like to be a creature of the forest. Once you’re immersed in a whole new

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Little Geeks (2).qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:08 Page 2

By Lauren Cole LITTLE GEEKS a brand new digital festival lands in Birmingham for October half term...

Created by Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) guess we just wanted to prove that the digital ensure is that girls gain more confidence and Birmingham, Little Geeks is an innovative world doesn’t just exist indoors in a darkened become inspired by the digital world. new festival exploring the digital world. room when staring blankly at a screen. “We have this day which is going to be ‘girls Artists have imaginative ways of bringing out The inaugural programme has something for only’, and we’re inviting schools to bring new experiences for people.” everyone but is particularly geared towards pupils along to the event. Hopefully we can families with children, as MAC Chief Little Geeks’ activities come with a family- make young women realise that they can Executive & Artistic Director Debbie Kermode friendly price tag. contribute to this extremely exciting but often explains: “Little Geeks came out of male-dominated area. The progression of “A lot of our activities are free because we recognition that technology is such a huge technology is moving so fast and girls can’t were very generously supported by the part of every generation’s lives today. We love be left behind.” players of People’s Postcode Lottery. There intergenerational activities here at MAC, and are a few paid events, but they’re very Debbie has high hopes for the future of Little we’re very aware that there is this reasonably priced thanks to our support. The Geeks. extraordinary approach to learning that’s free events allow people to pop by with their called reverse mentoring. This is where “I think what we’ll do is learn from our families and have a go at what Little Geeks is children, even very little ones, are teaching audience - we’re an organisation that listens all about without even buying a ticket.” mums, dads, grandparents and other older to people. From there, we’ll begin to progress people how to do little digital tricks. We’ve Little Geeks will also see MAC working and make Little Geeks a brand. We’ll see, but seen this process in some of our other closely with local communities and schools, there’s been such an exciting response activities at MAC, and we thought it’d be a particularly with regard to the Girls That already that we’re really keen to continue it. wonderful festival idea to bring families Geek conference day which takes place prior We hope in the future some of the universities together. to the festival. will come on board because it could be a great opportunity for them to showcase their “For mums and dads, digital can be a “There should be a concern within the work. I think Birmingham needs festivals like negative thing in children’s lives when education and jobs sectors that more boys are Little Geeks because there’s so much terrific they’re poring over iPads and other going into technology careers than girls. It’s a work being done across the city. It’s nice to technology instead of playing with other massive issue because technology is for bring it all together in one place.” things. So what we wanted to do is show the everybody; it’s a very creative output and is creative side of technology. For example, really the future for us all. I think it’s we’ve also tried to bring nature into important that girls get the opportunity to Little Geeks runs at Midlands Arts Centre, technology here, because technology really explore that career possibility. Although the Birmingham from Saturday 27 October to can be a useful tool to understand wildlife. I day is open to all, what we really want to Friday 2 November. ils

MESHWORK ORCHESTRA Set in a white, digitally animated decidedly haunted feel to it. Get ready for Wed 31 Oct - Fri 2 Nov environment, I Infinite combines dance, spooky goings-on as the building gets an Make music by weaving textiles with music, art and design to explore the instant digital makeover with some eye- conductive materials and become part of the boundaries between the digital and organic catching visuals that simply have to be seen Meshwork Orchestra. You’ll be able to create world. to be believed… textile sensors as part of an electronic VISUAL POKE: SPOOKY DIGITAL musical instrument which you can play. This PROJECTION MAPPING is a commissioned installation by acclaimed Fri 2 Nov artist-educator Becca Rose Glowacki. You may think you know MAC well - but do TOM DALE COMPANY: I INFINITE you? Keep your eyes peeled because it’s Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov about to be temporarily transformed - on the A digitally animated live dance show inspired outside, at least - with digital projection by the digital world’s quest to recreate life. mapping from Visual Poke that has a

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Events Events previews from around the region

China Revealed Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Wed 3, Fri 5 and Sun 7 October

Compton Verney’s annual festival exploring Chinese art and culture makes a welcome return. A celebration of ancient China and its continuing cultural traditions, the event features, among other at- tractions, a hands-on tour of the Horse Of The Year Show and international showjumping classes, with gallery’s ancient Chinese bronze competitors battling to be crowned champion. collection, a lecture on the Terra- NEC, Birmingham, Wed 3 - Sun 7 October This year’s show also features more displays cotta Army and a family fun day Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Horse Of than ever before, including contributions from full of dance, music and song. The Year Show gallops back into Birmingham the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Mu- this month. sical Ride and Alizée Froment, who will be The five-day event includes a range of national making a UK debut. Dive 2018 NEC, Birmingham, Sat 27 & Sun 28 October Wartime Hangar Dance RAF Museum, Cosford, Shropshire Sat 13 October Back by popular demand, RAF Cosford’s 1940s Hangar Dance takes place inside Hangar One, the home of the museum’s collection of World War Two aircraft and artefacts. Participants are encouraged to don their finest wartime costumes for the event. Motorhome And Caravan Music is provided by Paul Drakeley and his All Show 2018 Stars Band & Singers. NEC, Birmingham, Tues 16 - Sun 21 October Returning to Birmingham’s NEC for another year, the Motorhome And Caravan Show is the indus- Boasting hundreds of exhibitors - try’s one and only new-season launch event in including manufacturers and re- the UK. tailers of diving equipment, and With over 370 exhibitors to discover, visitors travel agents offering a wide range have the opportunity to chat to manufacturers of dive holiday destinations - Dive about a wide range of product launches, from 2018 also features an unrivalled caravans and lodges to holiday homes and ac- programme of guest speakers. cessories. Other elements of the show in- The show also features talks by industry experts, clude two large in-hall presenta- enthusiasts and celebrity speakers, and tion stages, pools, mini-theatres, free expert-led tuition covering a range of essen- TekDeck and prominent dive- tial skills to help you prepare for your next big travel, training and underwater adventure. photography areas. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:04 Page 3

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Events Events previews from around the region

Destination Star Trek NEC, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 21 October With 2018 marking the 25th an- niversary of TV show Deep Space Nine, Europe’s official Star Trek convention is this month bringing the celebrations to the NEC. As well as featuring interactive ex- hibits with genuine props and cos- tumes from Star Trek’s 50-plus years, the three-day event also provides fans with the chance to come face to face with stars from the franchise, including original- series favourites William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols.

Disney On Ice: Dream Big mance filled with ‘high-flying jumps and breath- taking skating’ from much-loved characters in- Arena Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 28 October cluding Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and Olaf and Disney Moana, one of the latest additions to the Disney princesses both past and present. franchise, makes her European debut in this Those who arrive early to the show will be treated brand new Disney On Ice production. to a special 90th birthday celebration in honour Audiences can expect an action-packed perfor- of Walt Disney’s ‘true original’, Mickey Mouse. The 25th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Grand Designs Live Mechanics Show Staffordshire County Showground, NEC, Birmingham, Wed 10 - Sun 14 October Sat 13 & Sun 14 October Based on the popular Channel Four series and Club stands, live action, autumn packed with inspirational ideas, Grand Designs sales, classic off-road machines Live comprises six project zones and features and special guest stars from iconic new product launches and specialist exhibitors. eras of motorcycling are all fea- The TV show’s presenter, Kevin McCloud, will be tured in a show which regularly on stage across the weekend, taking part in edu- welcomes more than 30,000 en- cational seminars and debates with a host of in- thusiasts through its doors. dustry experts. Celebrating the growing popular- ity of emerging and modern clas- sics from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, Flame And Thunder the event features hundreds of traders and dealers, as well as nu- Santa Pod Raceway, Northants, Sat 27 October merous autojumble stands offer- A regular on the Santa Pod calendar, the fam- ing a wealth of parts and spares ily-focused Flame And Thunder show brings for every project. together monster trucks, jet cars and drag cars for plenty of spectacular main-track ac- tion. Other highlights include numerous sideshows, a range of funfair rides, and sure- to-be-breathtaking displays from Rodrigo the human cannonball and a pyrotechnic aero- batics display team. The event is brought to a close with a ‘spectacular’ firework display.

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Halloween

Halloween Family Boat Trips Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, Fri 26 - Weds 31 October

What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by exploring Dudley Canal Trust’s naturally Great spooky tunnels and caverns? The Trust is running special chil- half-term dren’s boat trips this half-term hol- events iday, during which youngsters will encounter some truly impressive glow-in-the-dark Halloween pup- pets. of family-focused fun. Halloween Nights The boat trips are ‘spooky’ but not Attractions include fire breathers, stilt walkers, scary, and should be suitable for Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, live music and tales told by eerie candlelight. Fri 26 - Sat 27 October children over three years of age. There’s also a haunted mine experience to sam- Expect a frightfully good evening of spine-tin- ple and an opportunity for youngsters to trick- gling entertainment as the Black Country Living or-treat their way around the museum’s houses Museum transforms into a spooktacular world and shops. More Treat Than Trick Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Sat 20 October - Screamfest Fri 2 November Drayton Manor Park is inviting National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire, Thurs 11 October - Sat 3 November families to dust off their broom- If you’re looking to get your heart rate up this sticks and batwings and treat Halloween, Screamfest will surely do the trick. themselves to some ghoulish Hal- With five ‘scares’ available to explore - including loween fun this month. a Mexican Day Of The Dead-inspired maze and a Creepy capers to enjoy include the circus-themed funhouse full of freaks and creeps chance to see the ever-popular - visitors are promised ‘the fright of their lives’. Thomas Land attraction trans- Away from the scares, there’s also live entertain- formed into the ‘spooktacular’ Is- ment throughout the night, with DJs, extreme land of Sodor. More-courageous performers and street theatre all featuring. youngsters can face their fear of the unknown by taking part in the ‘five mystery boxes’ challenge. The theme park’s fabulous white- knuckle rides, meanwhile, provide the perfect opportunity to add a churning stomach to that Hal- Spooky Science Week loween-induced tingling spine! Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Sat 27 October - Sun 4 November Little monsters are invited to try their hand at some spooky science at Thinktank this half-term. Interactive drop-in sessions in the museum’s slime labs take place throughout the week, while budding ‘mad scientists’ get the chance to create their very own monster, screeching ghost or fizzing slime. 48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:04 Page 6

Spooky previews from around the region

Dr Nerium’s Garden Of Ghouls Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Fri 26 October - Sun 4 November A brand new attraction for 2018, this live-action scaremaze takes visitors through Birmingham Botanical Gardens via a fully im- mersive experience. The challenge for participants is a straightforward one: to do what many before them have failed to manage and make it through the maze - despite the attentions of the weird, wonderful and terrify- ing creatures that have escaped Dr Nerium’s world famous labo- ratory. For those who make it to safety, there’s a special entertain- ment zone to enjoy, complete with street food traders, bars, music and circus-themed attrac- Candy And Cobwebs best Halloween attire for an evening spent explor- tions. ing the historic streets of the Victorian town. Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, With lanterns, cobwebs and carved pumpkins Fri 26 October much in evidence, event highlights include au- Blists Hill Victorian Town is this month hosting a tumnal candle dipping, spinetingling ghost sto- brand new Halloween event created especially for ries and the chance to trick-or-treat the youngsters. Suitable for under-eights, Candy And ever-so-spooky townsfolk. Cobwebs invites children to come dressed in their

Scarefest Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Sat 6 - Sun 7, Sat 13 - Sun 14, Fri 19 October - Fri 2 November Filled with spooks, frights and thrills for Ghost Search everyone, Alton Tower’s popular Halloween Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, season returns for another year. Wed 31 October An extension of opening hours means that Take an after-hours walk around guests can enjoy their favourite rides after Tamworth Castle in search of dark, as well as checking out loads of extra ghouls and ghosts. There’ll be entertainment. vigils in some of the castle’s re- Younger visitors can take part in spooktacular putedly haunted rooms too, family fun and shows, including the brand where visitors might snatch a new CBeebies Monster Ball. glimpse of the Black Lady or the For older thrill-seekers, the park’s award-win- Fright Street White Lady, two of the venue’s ning scare mazes make a welcome return, notorious ghostly residents. complete with the newly added Project 42. Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 27 October - Sat 3 November Taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon’s most haunted building, Tudor World will be celebrat- ing Halloween with lots of activities for both young and old. Daytime activities include a chil- dren’s Halloween trail and the chance to have your fortune read by the resident fortune teller. After dark, spooky tours will be available for the adults through the building’s labyrinth of shad- owy hallways, all by the lantern light.

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NHS doctor and BBC broadcaster Dr Phil Hammond talks about the importance of the National Health Service...

The NHS is 70 years old in 2018. Is it regicide, admitted his actions in a House tants mouths with gold’. At the time, it worth celebrating? of Lords debate, arguing there was no need seemed a small price to pay for nationalis- to legalise euthanasia in the UK because ing an entire health service overnight, to Absolutely. We invented universal health- ‘good doctors already helped their patients allow everyone access to care regardless of care and, as Nye Bevan observed, we re- to die’. Today, we all too often use our wealth. moved the shadow of fear from millions of power and paternalism for the opposite ef- homes where people had suffered great But can we afford the NHS? fect. As the joke goes; ‘Why do they put riv- harm because they couldn’t afford to call ets on coffin lids? To stop oncologists Of course we can. The economic argument the doctor, nurse or midwife. A bit like trying one last dose of chemotherapy’. for investing in health, education, hous- America today. Within a decade of the ing, food and transport is as strong now as NHS, child mortality had plummeted and Doesn’t the BMA oppose assisted dying when Attlee’s government delivered ex- life expectancy had increased dramati- as well? traordinary regeneration and investment cally. However, the National Health Service Yes, but remember the BMA also opposed at a time of such austerity. We now know was largely a National Illness Service. We the NHS. Seventy years on, with thousands that the die for human health are cast in still spend a fortune diving deeper and of doctors marching in the streets to ‘save the womb, or even before, and that if a deeper into the river of illness, heroically our NHS’, it’s easy to forget that 85% of child has four or more Adverse Childhood dragging patients back to the bank and them opposed its introduction in a BMA Experiences (placental poisoning, poverty, trying to put them back together again, plebiscite less than six months before abuse, neglect etc), their future health and with neither the time nor energy to wander launch day. The unspoken reason was that attainment are irreparably blighted. upstream and stop them falling in. As both consultants and GPs feared their pri- The challenge now for health and social technology advances, we can be tricked vate income might take a substantial hit if care is how to prioritise whatever spending into treating the untreatable, prolonging they were forced to be full-time state em- our politicians see fit to hand us, and I’d life when a gentle death would be a much ployees. More reasonably they worried make a strong case for sorting out the wiser and kinder option. what might become of them, and the NHS, bookends of life. We all deserve a wise and And how will your new comedy show if it was starved of cash and had a health gentle death when the time comes, so let’s help improve the NHS? secretary who was a power-hungry con- at least get the conversation going. After trol-freak with a scant grasp of statistics. all, we are all going to die not matter how I’m going around the UK telling the story much we put into the NHS. I’d also argue of the NHS and asking audiences for their So how did Nye Bevan get past the doc- that if the welfare of children is suggestions on improving health and so- tors? paramount, as enshrined in the Children’s cial care. We debate them, I add my own Bevan had the confidence of overwhelm- Act, then so should the funding be. Any thoughts and then the audience votes on ing public support, and cleverly played lifestyle and life-circumstance changes we them. At the end of the tour, I’ll have a medical establishment top trumps by pay- can make to nudge-up the life trajectory of People’s Plan for the NHS that I guarantee ing a Harley Street visit to Lord Moran, endangered children will have lifelong will make far more sense than anything president of the Royal College of Physi- benefits for them and us. that comes out of any government. And cians (RCP). Bevan, an uncompromising it’ll be a lot funnier. Trust me. Is the NHS still a National Illness Ser- socialist in opposition, was far more prag- vice? Will you be using it in your stand matic in office and forged an unlikely al- against Jacob Rees-Mogg at the next liance with Moran, nicknamed Corkscrew Yes, and it’s likely to remain so for some election? Charlie because of his cunning. Together while yet. The real National Health Service they hatched a plan to allow consultants to belongs to homes, communities, schools, Definitely. We have to move the debate be- practise privately on NHS premises using higher education, workplaces, food manu- yond Brexit to the parlous state of our pay beds, and for GPs to be self-employed facturers, libraries, recreation facilities, pubic services. But if we take the Rees- rather than salaried civil servants at the water companies, sustainable transport Mogg/Boris/Trump superhighway, we will whim of the state. etc, etc - and to all of us. Healthcare and be stuffed on so many levels. Moran, who was Churchill’s personal selfcare are a delicate balance of both col- Do you and Rees-Mogg disagree on physician, faced fierce competition at the lective and individual responsibility for Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS)? RCP from Lord Horder, a brilliant diagnos- ourselves and our planet. We must all do tician, George VI’s personal physician and what we can to help ourselves, and others I’m sure we do. I’m a patron of My Death, outspoken opponent of the NHS. The fu- less fortunate, from falling into that river My Decision. We certainly need to debate ture of the NHS may well have hinged on of illness well before our time. Nye Bevan PAS. Personally, if I don’t go suddenly I’d their 1948 battle for president, which was lost four siblings in childhood and died at like to be able to see myself out before I decided by members each placing a silver 62. His legacy is that most of us no longer lose all dignity, or choose to be despatched coin in a silver bucket as it was passed suffer such devastating loss. like George V, whose physician, Lord Daw- around the room. Moran won by just a few son, eased his passage in 1936 with a votes and his, and Bevan’s, plan was Dr Phil Hammond: Happy Birthday lethal injection of morphine and cocaine hatched. Bevan later regretted supporting NHS? will be at Huntingdon Hall, directly into the imperial jugular vein. the growth of private practice within the Worcester, on Friday 26 October. Dawson, who was made a viscount for his NHS, declaring that he had ‘stuffed consul- B'ham Comedy Fest F/P Oct 2018.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:48 Page 1 The List Cover October Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 12:19 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide OctoberOctober 20182018 thelist

Halloween Nights at Black Country Living Museum 26-27 and 30-31 October

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

What’s On Mon 1 to Sun 7 October Mon 8 to Sun 14 October Mon 15 to Sun 21 October Mon 22 to Wed 31 October

My Mother Said I Never Should Tim Vine at Oakengates Beauty & The Beast at Prince Karine Polwart at at New Vic Theatre, Theatre @ The Place, Telford of Wales Centre, Cannock Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Newcastle-under-Lyme Wed 10 October Thurs 18 October Wed 31 October Tues 2 - Sat 6 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 1 - Sun 7 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:00 Page 1

thelist Katie Fitzgeralds, SENTS THE JONI THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Gigs Stourbridge MITCHELL SONGBOOK VIRGINIA WING Thurs 4 Sat 6 Oct, The Hive, KOJO FUNDS Mon 1 cialises in producing large-format Oct, Hare & Hounds, Shrewsbury Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- documentary-style photographs. His Birmingham BEN - THE ULTIMATE Visual Arts ingham work is included in the collections of LET’S HANG ON Thurs 4 MICHAEL JACKSON TRIB- WARWICK/JOHNSON the V&A, the Imperial War Museum Oct, Oakengates The- UTE Sat 6 Oct, Stafford New Art Gallery - Walsall Mon 1 Oct, The Robin, and the National Media Museum, Sat atre @ The Place, Gatehouse Theatre 6 Oct - Sun 2 Dec Bilston NEW ELIZABETH MAGILL - HEADLAND Telford, Shropshire MIKE CHRISTIE Sat 6 Exhibition of new work, Wed 17 Oct - LARRY CARLTON Tues 2 THE BARRON KNIGHTS Oct, Theatre Severn, Sun 20 Jan Oct, Birmingham Town Other VISUAL ARTS Thurs 4 Oct, Lichfield Shrewsbury Hall SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION Garrick ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN CAROUSEL Tues 2 Oct, Newcastle Borough Museum Showcase of work by Maggie ANNA CALVI Thurs 4 Sat 6 Oct, Oakengates Hare & Hounds, Birm- & Art Gallery Humphry and Bob Charlesworth, Oct, Birmingham Town Theatre @ The Place, ingham BACK IN TIME WITH TEXTILES Fashion until Fri 5 Oct, St Mary's Church, Hall Telford THE NIGHTINGALES, and textiles collection from the early Shrewsbury CHINA CRISIS Thurs 4 SPICE GIRLS TRIBUTE NEAR JAZZ EXPERIENCE 1800s to the 1980s, until Tues 13 Nov ROOM CURATED BY PETER SALTER Exhi- Oct, Pizza Express, Sat 6 Oct, Havana Re- & STEWART LEE Tues 2 bition of works by architects and pho- Brindley Place, B’ham public, Shrewsbury Oct, Hare & Hounds, tographers in conjunction with artists, DIAMOND HEAD Sat 6 Potteries Museum & Art Birmingham THREE DAYS GRACE Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ceramicists and textile makers, until Thurs 4 Oct, O2 Insti- Oct, The Robin, Bilston Sat 6 Oct, Twenty Twenty Gallery, THE AMITY AFFLICTION tute, Birmingham RHYTHM OF THE 90S Sat ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD: Ludlow Tues 2 Oct, O2 STAFFORDSHIRE LUSTREWARE Explore BARRY STEELE & 6 Oct, The Sugarmill, EXPERIENCECOLOUR Hands-on exhibi- Academy, Birmingham over 200 years of lustreware produc- FRIENDS AS THE ROY Stoke-on-Trent tion inviting visitors of all ages and THE CHRIS BEVINGTON tion in The Potteries; from early 19th ORBISON STORY Fri 5 WHOLE LOTTA DC Sat 6 abilities to explore the fascinating sci- ORGANISATION Wed 3 century Wedgwood to 21st century Oct, Stafford Gate- Oct, The Slade ence and art of colour through large- Oct, The Robin, Bilston Emma Bridgwater, until Sun 4 Nov house Theatre Rooms, W’hampton scale installations, displays and KOVIC Wed 3 Oct, Hare REVEALING VOICES Celebration of the CATAPULT CLUB Fri 5 THE RIFLES Sat 6 Oct, experiments, until Sun 14 Oct, Ruskin & Hounds, B’ham 50th anniversary of Radio Stoke, fea- Glass Centre, Stourbridge Oct, O2 Academy, O2 Academy, B’ham CHRIS SHERBURN & turing a selection of photographs, Birmingham COL3TRANE Sat 6 Oct, SCHOOLING GOOD TASTE Exhibition cel- DENNY BARTLEY Wed 3 archival material and film, until Sun THE SNUTS Fri 5 Oct, The Castle & Falcon, ebrating Coalbrookdale School of Art Oct, Red Lion Folk 23 Dec The Sugarmill, Stoke- Birmingham and the artists and artwork that came Club, Birmingham THIS PATH, ONE TIME, LONG TIME AGO out of the school, until Fri 21 Dec, on-Trent REBEL REBEL Sat 6 Oct, THE GUY TORTORA BAND Series of sculptures and interventions Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge BEE GEES FEVER Fri 5 Route 44, Birmingham reflecting on our relationship with the Wed 3 Oct, Foxlowe SECRET SEVERN ART TRAIL Showcase Oct, Theatre On The environment, until Wed 2 Jan Arts Centre, Leek HUNTER AND THE BEAR for both new and established artists Steps, Bridgnorth, Sat 6 Oct, O2 Institute, ACRES Wed 3 Oct, The in and around the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham Qube Gallery, Oswestry Fri 28 Sept - Sun 7 Oct, Ironbridge, NUCLEAR WEASELS Fri 5 TOM SPEIGHT Sat 6 Oct, HOPE & SOCIAL Wed 3 QUBE OPEN 2018 Annual competition Telford Oct, Albert’s Shed, Ort, Birmingham Oct, MAC, Birmingham Shrewsbury inviting artists from all over the coun- NEW SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY AU- THE JONI MITCHELL THE BEATLES UN- try to submit work on a particular TUMN EXHIBITION Featuring original SLADE SHOWCASE Fri 5 SONGBOOK Sat 6 Oct, PLUGGED Wed 3 Oct, theme. This exhibition features the framed and unframed pictures for Oct, The Slade The Hive, Shrewsbury shortlisted entries, until Tues 30 Oct sale, Mon 1 - Sat 13 Oct, The Bear Theatre On The Steps, Rooms, W’hampton Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury Bridgnorth, Shropshire ROXY MAGIC Sat 6 Oct, THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Lichfield Guildhall Weston Park, Shifnal NEW MAN UP EXHIBITION Exhibition LUKE COMBS Wed 3 ENCE Fri 5 Oct, The about masculinity and mental health, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- River Rooms, Stour- BACKSTREET THUNDER 100 HEARTS WAR STORIES A thoughtful curated and designed by artist-evalu- ingham bridge Sat 6 Oct, Eleven, exhibition to commemorate all those Stoke-on-Trent ator Nicola Winstanley working DANIEL O'DONNELL Wed who took part in World War One. Tex- MAINLY MADNESS Fri 5 alongside artist Rob Pointon and 3 Oct, Victoria Hall, THE SUBTERRANEANS tile artists interpret the stories using Oct, The Robin, Bilston photographer Jenny Harper, Thurs 4 Stoke-on-Trent Sat 6 Oct, The River cloth and thread as both a medium - Tues 30 Oct, Keele University, RAMMLIED Fri 5 Oct, Rooms, Stourbridge CHRIS BEVINGTON OR- and metaphor, Sat 29 Sept - Tues 30 Staffordshire Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent GANISATION Wed 3 Oct, BETHEL MUSIC Sun 7 Oct THE CORAL Fri 5 Oct, NEW BRINDLEY VILLAGE - A LEGACY OF The Robin, Bilston Oct, O2 Academy, THE GREAT WAR Exhibition capturing O2 Institute, B’ham Birmingham PAUL YOUNG Wed 3 The Willow Art Gallery, the essence and spirit of the villagers ANNA MEREDITH & Oct, Birmingham Town MY DARLING CLEMEN- Oswestry as they developed a close-knit com- SOUTHBANK SINFONIA Hall TINE Sun 7 Oct, Henry AUTUMN OPEN EXHIBITION 2018 Show- munity in the aftermath of war, Mon 8 Fri 5 Oct, Birmingham Tudor House, Shrews- LUCA STRICAGNOLI casing work by Outline Art, a group - Fri 12 Oct, Museum of Cannock Town Hall bury Thurs 4 Oct, Hare & of professional artists who live on the Chase, Staffordshire NAMIWA JAZZ Fri 5 Oct, Hounds, Birmingham THE STORY SO FAR Sun borders of Cheshire East and NEW CENTRALA POP-UP GALLERY AT Pizza Express, Brind- 7 Oct, O2 Institute, THE THREE DEGREES Staffordshire, until Sat 27 Oct FUNNY THINGS FESTIVAL Pop-up ley Place, Birmingham Birmingham Thurs 4 Oct, The Jam WAR & CONFLICT, POETRY & PEACE AS gallery presenting a group exhibition KRYSTHLA Fri 5 Oct, O2 of graphic design and illustration by House, Birmingham FXLW AMERICANA Sun 7 PART OF WILFRED OWEN FESTIVAL Exhi- Institute, Birmingham Oct, Foxlowe Arts Cen- young and established artists, Tues 9 ZION TRAIN Thurs 4 bition of remembrance and com- STEVE HACKETT GENE- tre, Leek Oct, Wulfrun Shopping Centre, Oct, Theatre Severn, memoration to mark the centenary of SIS REVISITED Fri 5 Oct, Wilfred Owen’s death and armistice Wolverhampton Shrewsbury JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Symphony Hall, Birm- Sun 7 Oct, The Robin, day, until Sun 11 Nov NEW WINTER LANDSCAPES Mixed- RAYMOND FROGGATT ingham Bilston media show of painters, printmakers Thurs 4 Oct, Prince of INTO THE SHADOWS Fri and potters, featuring Zoë Taylor, Wales, Cannock WANNABE: THE SPICE Wolverhampton Art Gallery Carol Saunderson and Gary Grou- 5 - Sat 6 Oct, Lichfield GIRLS SHOW Sun 7 Oct, BIG JIM AND BLACK CAT NEW SITES OF MEMORY II Chris Harri- cutt, Sat 20 Oct - Sat 24 Nov, Twenty Garrick Sutton Coldfield Town BONES Thurs 4 Oct, son is a photographic artist who spe- Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock BOTH SIDES NOW PRE- Hall 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 1 - Sun 7 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:00 Page 2

Monday 1 - Sunday 7 October

COLLARD & JAMES COOK Thurs 4 Oct, Classical Music Foxlowe Arts Centre, Staffordshire ANDREW LAWRENCE, ALFIE MOORE, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH LINDSEY SANTORO & TOM HOUGHTON THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- Thurs 4 Oct, The George Hotel, Lich- cludes works by Widor, J.S Bach, Gi- field nastera, Best, Gounod & Rossini, Mon 1 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall BREAKING TALENT AWARD 2018 Fri 5 Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY AND BEETHOVEN Featuring Constantinos Carydis (con- TONY WRIGHT, ROB MULHOLLAND, ductor) and Yulianna Avdeeva STEPHANIE LANG & COMIC TBC Fri 5 (piano). Programme includes works Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham by Skalkottas, Tchaikovsky, Koukos JETHRO Fri 5 Oct, Forest Arts Centre, and Beethoven, Thurs 4 - Sun 7 Oct, Walsall Symphony Hall, Birmingham DANNY O'BRIEN, GARETH RICHARDS, AN- BENYOUNES QUARTET Featuring Zara DREW RYAN & COMIC TBC Fri 5 - Sat 6 Benyounes & Emily Holland (violin), Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham Sara Roberts (viola) & Kim Vaughan CHRISTIAN REILLY, SARAH CALLAGHAN, (cello). Programme includes works JARLATH REGAN & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 6 by Purcell, John Woolrich & Haydn, Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Fri 5 Oct, The Barber Institute, B’ham DEANO MAC, JASON PATTERSON, JUDIE SOLO, SPIRITUAL, BACH (ARCADIA 2018) LOVE & SMASH Sat 6 Oct, MAC, B’ham Featuring Tim Gill (cello), Karen Jones (flute), Thomas Bowes (violin) JUNIOR JESTERS Sun 7 Oct, Theatre My Mother Said I Never Should - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme & Thorvald Blough (baritone). Pro- Severn, Shrewsbury gramme includes works by J.S Bach, IAN D MONTFORT, LEE KYLE, IVAN performers tell a story from three per- ALL YOU NEED IS LSD Darkly humorous Fri 5 Oct, St Mary Magdalene BRACKENBURY & DAN NIGHTINGALE Sun spectives, Wed 3 Oct, Arena Theatre, new play illuminating the drugs de- Church, Leintwardine, Shropshire 7 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton bate and examining the freedom we JOANNA MACGREGOR PLAYS THE GOLD- GARY POWNDLAND & FRIENDS Sun 7 DR KING THE AFTERMATH Tonia Daley- have to make our own choices, Thurs BERG VARIATIONS Also featuring Oct, the Glee Club, Birmingham Campbell explores the legacy left by 4 - Sat 13 Oct, The REP, Birmingham Eleanor Alberga (piano), Thomas THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS Dr Martin Luther King, Wed 3 Oct, THE THINKING DRINKERS PUB CRAWL Bowes (violin) & Thorvald Blough Sun 7 Oct, MAC, Birmingham Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- Enjoy five free drinks as the award- (baritone), Sat 6 Oct, St Laurence’s hampton winning experts take you from the Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT symposiums of Ancient Greece to the BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Presented by Shrewsbury Amateur classic British boozer via Wild West TRA Featuring Michael Lloyd (conduc- Operatic Society, Wed 3 - Sat 6 Oct, saloons, Victorian gin palaces and tor) & Natasha Day (soprano). Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury the secret Speakeasy, Fri 5 Oct, The Programme includes works by Holst, Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Theatre THE IMPROLECTUALS An evening of Berg & Vaughan Williams, Sun 7 Oct, LITE One-woman multimedia show REBUS: LONG SHADOWS Brand new comedy improv games featuring the The Bramall, Birmingham exploring the issues of identity, self- play based on Ian Rankin’s fictional best of Birmingham's improv talent, image and skin lightening through A MUSICAL OFFERING (ARCADIA 2018) detective, John Rebus, until Sat 6 Thurs 4 Oct, Arena Theatre, the eyes of a young black woman, Fri Featuring Thorvald Blough (baritone), Oct, The REP, Birmingham Wolverhampton Shaun Ward (harpsichord & organ), 5 Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton TAMBURLAINE ATLANTIC LADIES Musical play about Jane Marshall (oboe), Karen Jones Michael Boyd directs a the true adventures of Shropshire’s WE ARE BRONTË Morecambe & Wise (flute), Thomas Bowes (violins), new staging of Christopher Mar- ‘Atlantic Ladies’ as they attempt to meet David Lynch in Publick Trans- Clifton Harrison (viola) & Tim Gill lowe’s famous play, until Sat 1 Dec, become the oldest female team to port’s madcap reimagining of the (cello), Sun 7 Oct, Ludlow Assembly Royal Shakespeare Theatre row right across the Atlantic Ocean, Bronte myth, Fri 5 Oct, Edgton Vil- Rooms, South Shropshire Stratford-upon-Avon Thurs 4 Oct, Festival Drayton, Market lage Hall, Craven Arms, South Shrop- TARTUFFE New version of Moliere’s Drayton, North Shropshire shire provocative French classic, until Sat ATLANTIC LADIES Musical play about 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- CONFESSIONS OF A REDHEADED COF- the true adventures of Shropshire’s upon-Avon FEESHOP GIRL One-woman show for anyone who’s ever had a job they ‘Atlantic Ladies’ as they attempt to ONE MAN STRANGER THINGS - A PARODY Comedy didn’t like, Thurs 4 Oct, Wem Town become the oldest female team to Canadian actor Charles Ross single- row right across the Atlantic Ocean, HARRY & CHRIS: SAVE THE WORLD Tues Hall, Wem, North Shropshire handedly recreates season one of the Fri 5 Oct, Sir John Bayley Club, 2 Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Netflix sensation, Mon 1 Oct, Stafford HALFWAY TO PARADISE - THE BILLY Wellington, Shropshire ingham Gatehouse Theatre FURY STORY Set against a backdrop of the 1960s and including personal PRIVATE PARTS LIVE TV stars Jamie JASON MANFORD Wed 3 Oct, Dudley BEYOND THE BARRICADE The UK’s movie footage of Billy, Thurs 4 Oct, Laing and Francis Boulle tread the Town Hall longest-running musical theatre con- Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent boards with their live 'laugh-a-minute HARRY & CHRIS: SAVE THE WORLD Wed cert tour, Tues 2 - Wed 3 Oct, Lich- extravaganza', developed from their 3 Oct, Henry Tudor House, Shrews- field Garrick FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre present hit podcast, Sat 6 Oct, The Old Rep their acclaimed show about demen- bury SUMMER HOLIDAY Ray Quinn stars in a Theatre, Birmingham tia, Thurs 4 - Fri 5 Oct, MAC, B’ham ROBIN INCE Thurs 4 Oct, The Old Rep new musical based on the iconic JUST LIKE THAT! THE TOMMY COOPER Theatre, Birmingham 1960s film of the same name, Tues 2 BISMILLAH A story of disenfranchise- SHOW Highly acclaimed tribute to a ment, social alienation, prejudice, THE IMPROLECTUALS Thurs 4 Oct, - Sat 6 Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke- comic genius, Sat 6 Oct, Rose The- radicalisation and the rock band Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton on-Trent atre, Kidderminster Queen, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Oct, Old Joint MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD Lon- GARETH RICHARDS, COMEDY CAROUSEL Stock Theatre, Birmingham BREAKING THE CODE The Crescent WITH ANDY ROBINSON PLUS COMIC TBC don Classic Theatre present a story Theatre Company present Hugh DUET FOR ONE Belinda Lang & Oliver Thurs 4 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham of love, jealousy and the price of free- Whitemore's ‘compassionate, amus- dom, Tues 2 - Sat 6 Oct, New Vic Cotton star in a new staging of Tom KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs ing and ultimately tragic play’, Sat 6 - Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Kempinski’s award-winning play, Sat 13 Oct, Crescent Theatre, B’ham 4 Oct, Stourbridge Town Hall Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Oct, Wolverhampton SUMMIT In a blend of languages, in- Grand Theatre BUFO BUFO The Awkward Silence re- MANDY MUDEN, MICKY P KERR, GRAEME cluding fully integrated BSL, three whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 1 - Sun 7 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:00 Page 3

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Mon 1 - Sun 7 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:00 Page 4

thelist Monday 1 - Sunday 7 October turn with another multi-character THE NEW ANTIBIOTIC? Dr Sara Jabbari Drucker, Denis Ménochet. Foreign COLUMBUS (tbc) comedy set in a strange and captivat- from the University of Birmingham language, subtitled. Stafford Gate- JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (tbc) ing world, Sun 7 Oct, Old Joint Stock talks about her work using mathemat- house Theatre, Tues 2 Oct Theatre, Birmingham ics to help accelerate the journey to- HURRICANE (15) Drama/War. Starring wards new treatments for bacterial Iwan Rheon, Milo Gibson. Subtitled. infections, Tues 2 Oct, Thinktank Sci- Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Tues 2 ence Museum, Birmingham Oct Events NEIL OLIVER - THE STORY OF THE UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. THE PLANETS 2018 Written out of a fas- Kids Show BRITISH ISLES IN 100 PLACES Join Neil Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, as he talks about his 20 years travel- cination with astrology, Holst’s The THE SELFISH GIANT Sealegs Puppet Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- ling to every corner of Great Britain, Planets was first performed 100 years Theatre presents its version of Oscar guage, subtitled. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 4 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse The- ago. But what would it sound like if Wilde’s tale for younger audiences, Thurs 4 Oct atre created by today’s composers? Tues Sat 6 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse The- CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) 2 Oct, Thinktank Science Museum, atre RAF STORIES TALKS - CANDIDA ADKINS Adventure/Comedy. Starring Hayley Birmingham Daughter of famous female spitfire BING LIVE! The first ever Bing stage Atwell, Ewan McGregor. Festival BEATBOX WORKSHOP pilot Jackie Moggridge, Candida Ad- Wed 3 Oct, Brew- show, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Oct, Lichfield Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, kins shares stories about her mother, house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Garrick North Shropshire, Fri 5 Oct Thurs 4 Oct, RAF Cosford, Shifnal HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW This year PROFESSOR MARSTON & THE WONDER JAMES MARTIN ON THE ROAD AGAIN the show celebrates its 70th anniver- WOMEN (15) Drama/Biography. Star- sary, Wed 3 - Sun 7 Oct, NEC, B’ham Join James as he reflects on his love ring Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall. Old of hearty food and various other pas- Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 5 Oct CLASS 50 GOLDEN JUBILEE Celebrating sions, Fri 5 Oct, Victoria Hall, Stoke- 50 years of the Class 50 diesel-elec- on-Trent SUMMER 1993 (12A) Drama/Family. tric locomotive, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Oct, Starring Laia Artigas, Paula Robles. HIT THE ODE Unique performance-po- Severn Valley Country Park, Nr Bridg- Foreign language, subtitled. Ludlow north, Shropshire etry night which sees one regional, Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Fri 5 one national and one international Oct TRAM DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join poet perform alongside open micers, the expert team to learn all about the Fri 5 Oct, The Patrick Studio, Birming- BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) history and workings of the trams in ham Hippodrome Biography/Comedy. Starring John the collection, Fri 5 Oct, Black Coun- David Washington, Adam Driver. try Living Museum, Dudley THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- NEIL OLIVER - THE STORY OF THE Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Oct LOWED A FLY Singalong songs, BRITISH ISLES IN 100 PLACES Join Neil IRONBRIDGE LATES: SILENT DISCO Fri 5 colourful animal characters and as he talks about his 20 years travel- A MOMENT IN THE REEDS (18) Oct, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge heart-warming family fun, Sun 7 - ling to every corner of Great Britain, Drama/Romance. Starring Janne Pu- ustinen, Boodi Kabbani. Foreign lan- SHROPSHIRE OKTOBERFEST Featuring Mon 8 Oct, The Place, Oakengates Fri 5 Oct, Lichfield Garrick over 150 real ales, Fri 5 - Sun 7 Oct, Theatre, Telford, Shropshire guage, subtitled. Old Market Hall, LOVE THE ARCHERS? Get the low-down Shrewsbury, Sat 6 Oct The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury on Ambridge with Archers scriptwriter SNAPSHOTS Drama. Starring Piper TUNNEL TEDS Take your furry friend Keri Davies and performers Charlotte along for a ‘ted-tastic day of bear- Martin (Susan Carter) & Emerald Laurie, Brooke Adams. Screening fol- lowed by a discussion & short film - themed fun on and around the canal’, O’Hanrahan (Emma Grundy), Sun 7 Sat 6 Oct, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Marguerite. Old Market Hall, Shrews- Dance bury, Sat 6 Oct Trust THE NUTCRACKER Vienna Festival Bal- ALASKA IS A DRAG Drama. Starring MARSTONS BEER FESTIVAL Featuring let presents its staging of the much- Martin L. Washington Jr., Maya Wash- Madness tribute band One Step Be- loved ballet, Tues 2 Oct, The Place, ington. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, hind, Sat 6 Oct, Wolverhampton Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shrop- Sat 6 Oct Racecourse shire Film PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- SCAREFEST Enjoy your favourite rides SHOW Shechter II present a ‘wild and INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ture. Starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- wicked’ three-act production, Tues 2 - Grant. Belmont Hall, Wellington, tainment, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Oct, Alton Wed 3 Oct, DanceXchange, The THE LITTLE STRANGER (12a) Shropshire, Sat 6 Oct Towers, Staffordshire Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippo- Drama/Horror. Starring Domhnall IN BETWEEN (15) Drama. Starring HARVEST IN THE HOME Experience the drome Gleeson, Ruth Wilson. Light House harvest season from the Edwardian Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 28 Mouna Hawa, Sana Jammelieh. For- FIRE & FURY Birmingham Royal Ballet era to the 1940s and transform Sept - Thurs 4 Oct eign language, subtitled. Old Market present a double bill featuring David Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 7 Oct home-grown fruit and vegetables into Bintley's The King Dances and KING OF THIEVES (15) Crime/Drama. thrifty dishes, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Oct, Black A FANTASTIC WOMAN (15) Drama. Star- Juango Arqués' Ignite, Wed 3 - Sat 6 Starring Michael Caine, Michael Country Living Museum, Dudley ring Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes. Oct, Birmingham Hippodrome Gambon. Light House Media Centre, DINING CRUISE - HIGH TEA Enjoy a high Wolverhampton, Fri 28 Sept - Thurs 4 Foreign language, subtitled. Old Mar- AKAAR Sonia Sabri Company show- tea out on the canal - with a Black Oct ket Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 7 Oct case some of the region’s emerging Country twist, Sun 7 Oct, Dudley MARIO (18) Drama. Starring Max talent alongside guest artists, Sun 7 SUFFRAGETTE (12a) Biography/Drama. Canal and Tunnel Trust Hubacher, Aaron Altaras. Foreign lan- Oct, MAC, Birmingham Starring Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie APPLE & CIDER DAY Find out about the Duff. The Edge Arts Centre, Much guage, subtitled. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 7 Oct history of the apple and how it was Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 1 used in Tudor times, Sun 7 Oct, Oct Blakesley Hall, Birmingham THE BIG LEBOWSKI (18) NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: OKTOBERFEST RACEDAY Enjoy a taste Talks Comedy/Crime. Starring Jeff Bridges, Released from Fri 5 Oct, showing at of Germany with an ice-cold bier and John Goodman. With 90s Movie selected cinemas a traditional bratwurst, while a COLIN STAFFORD-JOHNSON: LIVING A Quiz. Cineworld Telford, Mon 1 Oct strolling oompah band entertains you WILD LIFE Evening with ‘one of the VENOM (tbc) AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (U) Musical/Ro- throughout the day, Sun 7 Oct, Uttox- world's most acclaimed filmmakers’, mance. Starring Gene Kelly, Leslie A STAR IS BORN (15) eter Racecourse, Staffs Mon 1 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, Caron. Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- BLIND SPOTTING (15) Birmingham ANTIQUES FAIR Sun 7 Oct, Bantock shire, Mon 1 Oct STRANGEWAYS HERE WE COME (15) House, Wolverhampton CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE: MATHEMATICS – CUSTODY (15) Drama. Starring Léa whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 8-14 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:22 Page 1 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 8-14 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:22 Page 2

thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 October SAINT AGNES Thurs 11 RED RUM CLUB Fri 12 Rooms, Wolverhampton Gigs Oct, The Actress & Oct, Albert’s Shed, Classical DANA ALEXANDER, CAREY MARX, Bishop, Birmingham Shrewsbury BOBBY MAIR & MAFF BROWN Fri 12 - GREG RUSSELL & JACK ROSS FROM FRIENDS OUR GIRL Fri 12 Oct, Sat 13 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham RUTTER Mon 8 Oct, Thurs 11 Oct, Hare & The Sunflower Music Stafford Gatehouse THOMAS GREEN, DOUG SEGAL & Hounds, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham CBSO: YAMADA CONDUCTS BERNSTEIN Theatre COMICS TBC Fri 12 Oct, The Comedy DARWIN DEEZ Thurs 11 PURE MCCARTNEY FEAT. Featuring Kazuki Yamada (conduc- Loft, Birmingham HARDY CAPRIO Mon 8 Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- TONY COBURN Fri 12 tor) & Baiba Skride (violin). Pro- Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- JEREMY HARDY Fri 12 Oct, Foxlowe ingham Oct, The Robin, Bil- gramme includes works by Ravel, ingham Korngold & Bernstein, Wed 10 Oct, Arts Centre, Staffordshire THE ALTER EAGLES ston TONY HADLEY Mon 8 Symphony Hall, Birmingham TOM BINNS Fri 12 Oct, The Glee Club, Thurs 11 Oct, Oaken- MADE FOR THE WEEK- Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham gates Theatre @ The END Fri 12 - Sat 13 MIAH PERSSON (SOPRANO) & JOSEPH Birmingham STEWART FRANCIS Sat 13 Oct, Dudley Place, Telford, Shrop- Oct, Genting Arena, MIDDLETON (PIANO) Programme in- Town Hall ANNA PANCALDI Mon 8 shire Birmingham cludes works by Clara Schumman, Oct, The Sunflower Robert Schumann, Duparc, Nys- BARBARA NICE'S RAFFLE ROSS THE BOSS + HOL- THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Sat 13 Oct, Lounge, Birmingham troem & Sibelius, Wed 10 Oct, The The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- LOWPOINT Thurs 11 Sat 13 Oct, Stafford Barber Institute, Birmingham podrome GOLDEN CAVES Mon 8 Oct, Eleven, Stoke-on- Gatehouse Theatre Oct, The Robin, Bil- CBSO: THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER RICH WILSON, TOM HOUGHTON, DAVE Trent CHINA CRISIS ACOUSTIC ston Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) LONGLEY & LEO KEARSE Sat 13 Oct, THE JAM'D Thurs 11 Sat 13 Oct, Theatre and the CBSO Youth Chorus. Pro- CHILDCARE & LAZY DAY The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Oct, Theatre Severn, Severn, Shrewsbury gramme includes music from The Tues 9 Oct, The Sun- VIKKI STONE Sat 13 Oct, MAC, B’ham Shrewsbury THE RONALDOS Sat 13 Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Se- flower Lounge, B’ham KEE MARCELLO 'SCALING Oct, Havana Republic, crets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of OMID DJALILI Sat 13 Oct, Forest Arts TOOTS AND THE MAY- UP' TOUR Thurs 11 Oct, Shrewsbury Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half- Centre, Walsall TALS Wed 10 Oct, O2 The Robin, Bilston THE JAM’D Sat 13 Oct, Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows, FAT PENGUIN IMPROV Sun 14 Oct, The Institute, Birmingham ROBIN NOLAN TRIO Fri Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Fri 12 Oct, Symphony Hall, B’ham Victoria, Birmingham MNEK Wed 10 Oct, O2 12 Oct, Theatre Sev- LIVE/WIRE Sat 13 Oct, ZOE BEYERS: BACH BY CANDLELIGHT TOM BINNS Sun 14 Oct, Foxlowe Arts Institute, Birmingham ern, Shrewsbury The Sugarmill, Stoke- Programme comprises Bach’s Centre, Staffordshire THE JOHNNY CASH ENSLAVED + HIGH ON on-Trent Sonata No.2 in A minor (BWV 1003), ROADSHOW Wed 10 Partita’s No.1 in B minor (BWV 1002) FIRE Fri 12 Oct, The ULTRA 90S Sat 13 Oct, Oct, Lichfield Garrick Mill, Digbeth, B’ham & Sonata No.3 in C major (BWV The River Rooms, 10045), Fri 12 Oct, Cound Church, JEFF LYNNE’S ELO Wed U2 2 Fri 12 Oct, The Stourbridge Nr Shrewsbury 10 Oct, Arena B’ham River Rooms, Stour- Theatre QUADROPHENIA NIGHT ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: OMYO Wed 10 Oct, O2 bridge Sat 13 Oct, Oaken- SHOSTAKOVICH'S FIFTH Featuring Xian UNSPOKEN Bravo 22 Company's new Academy, Birmingham JILTED JOHN Fri 12 Oct, gates Theatre @ The Zhang (conductor) and Fatma Said drama of love, loss, loneliness and JO HARMAN & ERNIE The Slade Rooms, Place, Telford (soprano). Programme includes hope, performed by ex-service per- HALTER Wed 10 Oct, St Wolverhampton ONE TREE CANYON Sat Shostakovich's Symphony No 5, 44’ sonnel, Mon 8 - Tues 9 Oct, The Mary’s Church, ERADIKATOR Fri 12 Oct, 13 Oct, Katie Fitzger- and works by Rachmaninoff and Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippo- Shrewsbury Route 44, Birmingham alds, Stourbridge Strauss, Sat 13 Oct, Symphony Hall, drome DIAMOND HEAD Wed 10 YOU WIN AGAIN Fri 12 UK BLONDIE Sat 13 Oct, Birmingham BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s Oct, Eleven, Stoke-on- Oct, Oakengates The- Theatre On The Steps, PERSHORE TOWN CHOIR Also featuring award-winning show about twins Trent atre @ The Place, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Kidderminster Male Choir, Sat 13 separated at birth who grow up on opposite sides of the track, only to STRANGE BONES Wed Telford, Shropshire LE CLUB FONDUE PRE- Oct, Kidderminster Town Hall meet again with fateful conse- 10 Oct, The Sugarmill, JEFF LYNNE’S ELO Fri 12 SENTS MOSELEY DANCE quences, Mon 8 - Sat 13 Oct, The- Stoke-on-Trent - Sat 13 Oct, Arena CENTRE Sat 13 Oct, atre Severn, Shrewsbury CRYWANK, KERMES, YR Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- ROLLING BACK THE YEARS Music, POETRY & A BULL Wed HEAVY BEAT HOUSE ingham dance and laughter as Timeless Pro- 10 Oct, Hare & PARTY Fri 12 Oct, Hare DEFINITELY MIGHTBE Comedy ductions take audiences on a roller- Hounds, Birmingham & Hounds, B’ham Sat 13 Oct, O2 TIM VINE Wed 10 Oct, Oakengates coaster ride through the 1950s, ’60s, Academy, Birmingham TOM ROBINSON Wed 10 CLIFF RICHARD LIVE: Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shrop- ’70s and more... Tues 9 Oct, Dudley Oct, The Glee Club, 60TH ANNIVERSARY JORJA SMITH Sat 13 shire Town Hall Birmingham TOUR Fri 12 Oct, The Oct, O2 Academy, SEANN WALSH Wed 10 Oct, Theatre TOP HAT Amateur staging presented Edge Arts Centre, Birmingham THE DANIEL WAKEFORD Severn, Shrewsbury by South Staffs Musical Theatre EXPERIENCE Thurs 11 Much Wenlock, Shrop- THE PARROTS Sun 14 DOREEN'S BIG TOP Wed 10 - Thurs 11 Company, Tues 9 - Sat 13 Oct, Oct, O2 Academy, shire Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Birmingham IMPERIAL LEISURE Fri Birmingham JOKING APART Alan Ayckbourn’s 12 Oct, O2 Academy, DALISO CHAPONDA Thurs 11 Oct, The JACKSON LIVE IN CON- GET CAPE WEAR CAPE ‘painfully funny’ comedy - part of an Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton CERT Thurs 11 Oct, FLY Sun 14 Oct, O2 Ayckbourn double-bill, Tues 9 - Sat ROBERT WHITE, TOM HOUGHTON & Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- BECKY HILL Fri 12 Oct, Academy, Birmingham 27 Oct, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- RAHUL KOHLI Thurs 11 Oct, The Bra- Trent O2 Institute, B’ham under-Lyme KEE MARCELLO Sun 14 mall, Birmingham A VISION OF ELVIS JILTED JOHN Fri 12 Oct, Oct, Eleven, Stoke-on- BREAKING THE CODE Ambient Night DANA ALEXANDER, CAREY MARX & Thurs 11 Oct, Lichfield The Slade Rooms, Trent Productions present a biographical COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Garrick Wolverhampton drama about eccentric genius Alan DURAN Sun 14 Oct, SON Thurs 11 Oct, The Glee Club, KEE MARCELLO Thurs Turing, Wed 10 - Thurs 11 Oct, LOSKI Fri 12 Oct, O2 The River Rooms, Birmingham 11 Oct, The Robin, Bil- Institute, Birmingham Stourbridge Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock PAUL SINHA Thurs 11 Oct, MAC, ston WAR HORSE Acclaimed West End PUNKY MEADOWS AND PUNKY MEADOWS & Birmingham MOBIUS LOOP Thurs 11 FRANK DIMINO Fri 12 FRANK DIMINO OF drama based on the novel by ROBIN INCE Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, Eleven, Stoke-on- ANGEL Sun 14 Oct, The Fri 12 Oct, Station Pub, Michael Morpurgo, Wed 10 - Sat 3 Birmingham Trent Robin, Bilston Sutton Coldfield Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome JILTED JOHN Fri 12 Oct, The Slade whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 8-14 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:16 Page 3

A3 Arena, Walsall

12th Oct, 8pm Standby Theatre: The Room at the Top of the House Tickets: £10, £8 conc, £5 student

OMID DJALILI 18th Oct, 7pm SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER Maison Foo: 8PM A Thing Mislaid Tickets: £10, £8 conc, £5 student

21st Oct, 12 - 3pm The Big Draw

Tickets: FREE

21st Oct, 3pm Age 3+ Hiccup Theatre in association with Derby Theatre Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Special Preview Tickets:TiTickets:ckets: ££12, Pay12, ££10What10 SSat Youat MMt Thinkt

SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER 7.30PM 24th Oct, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Maria Whatton & Sarah Matthews Tickets: £7adv, £8.50 otd

27th Oct, 7.30pm SOMEONE LIKE YOU At Burton Town Hall Nosferatu, with Live THE ADELE SONGBOOK Wurlitzer Organ SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER Tickets: £12, £10 conc. 7.30PM

31st Oct, 10am - 3.30pm Halloween Funday

Tickets: £15 inc. all materials

1st - 3rd Nov, 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 8pm Sat Night Pangottic Half Term Workshops £20.00 for 3 days including a ticket to see Pangottic: Long Shot Performance

3rd Nov, 7pm Pangottic Long Shot

Tickets: £8 Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre FRIDAY 14 - SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA 0300 555 2898 Forest Arts Centre, Hawbush Road www.forestartscentre.co.uk Walsall WS3 1AG

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thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 October BULLISH New play with songs, negoti- SCHOOL FOR LOVERS, A MUSICAL SEX- JAMES MARTIN ON THE ROAD AGAIN Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- ating ancient and new territories in TET-A-TETE Opera Novella present a Join James as he reflects on his love Trent, Thurs 11 Oct trans-masculine gender and identity, modern version of Mozart’s Cosi Fan of hearty food and various other pas- UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. Thurs 11 Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolver- Tute, complete with dialogue and a sions, Sun 14 Oct, Symphony Hall, Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, hampton small orchestra, Fri 12 - Sun 14 Oct, Birmingham Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featur- MAC, Birmingham guage, subtitled. Ludlow Assembly ing Dandy, The Empty Can, Ollie TROILUS AND CRESSIDA Virtuoso per- Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 12 Oct Spencer, Joe Thomas & Wayne cussionist Evelyn Glennie collabo- THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST Beese, Thurs 11 Oct, Rose Theatre, rates with Artistic Director Gregory Dance (15) Drama. Starring Chloë Grace Kidderminster Doran to create a satirical futuristic vi- UNKNOWN PLACES Contact Dance Moretz, Steven Hauck. Stoke Film ISLAND TOWN Paines Plough present sion of a world resounding with the Company present a new multi-lay- Theatre, Fri 12 October rhythm of battle, Fri 12 Oct - Sat 17 a bitter-sweet story about friendship, ered ensemble piece choreographed THE SEAGULL (12a) Adventure/Com- hope and dreams of an escape, Nov, Royal Shakespeare Theatre by Joanna Young, Wed 10 Oct, Arena Stratford-upon-Avon edy. Starring Elisabeth Moss, Saoirse Thurs 11 Oct, Longton Park (Queen’s Theatre, Wolverhampton Ronan. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Park), Longton, Stoke-on-Trent CROSSINGS Pentabus Theatre present Fri 12 - Thurs 18 Oct; Stoke Film The- PARLOUR GAMES A ‘right royal romp’ a new play by Deirdre Kinahan to atre, Sat 13 Oct through British history, exploring poli- mark the centenary of the end of World War One, Sat 13 Oct, Ludlow FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) tics, passion and parlour games, Comedy/Drama. Starring Imelda Thurs 11 - Sat 13 Oct, Old Joint Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Film Shropshire Staunton, Celia Imrie. Belmont Hall, Stock Theatre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Wellington, South Shropshire, Sat 13 STICKS AND STONES Paines Plough DRACULA New staging of Bram THE LEISURE SEEKER (15) Oct Stoker's gothic novel, Thurs 11 - Sat present ‘a razor-sharp satire about the search for a sure footing in an un- Comedy/Drama. Starring Helen Mir- 20 Oct, The Blue Orange Theatre, ren, Donald Sutherland. Stourbridge Birmingham certain world', Sat 13 & Sun 14 Oct, Longton Park (Queen’s Park), Long- Town Hall, Mon 8 Oct BETTER OFF DEAD Alan Ayckbourn’s ton, Stoke-on-Trent 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (U) Adven- comedy of confusion about a grumpy ture/Sci-Fi. Starring Keir Dullea, Gary Events old man who might not be so grumpy ISLAND TOWN Paines Plough present a bitter-sweet story about friendship, Lockwood. Cineworld Telford, Shrop- ILLUSTRATING THE TALES OF BEEDLE after all... Part of an Ayckbourn dou- shire, Mon 8 Oct ble-bill, Thurs 11- Sat 27 Oct, New hope and dreams of an escape, Sat THE BARD WITH CHRIS RIDDELL Join Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme 13 & Sun 14 Oct, Longton Park MCQUEEN (15) Documentary/Biogra- the bestselling author/artist and for- (Queen’s Park), Longton, Stoke-on- phy. Starring Bernard Arnault, Joseph mer Children’s Laureate as he talks MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Hit West End Trent Bennett. Old Market Hall, Shrews- about the inspiration behind the art show about Motown founder Berry bury, Mon 8 - Tues 9 Oct for his book, and what it was like to il- Gordy, Thurs 11 Oct - Sat 3 Nov, New lustrate JK Rowling’s words, Mon 8 Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE SOUND OF MUSIC (U) Biography/Musical. Starring Julie An- Oct, Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featur- drews, Christopher Plummer. Intro- GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Expert advice, ing Dandy, The Empty Can, Ollie Kids Show duced by comedian Barbara Nice. new product launches and specialist Spencer, Joe Thomas & Wayne Oakengates Theatre at The Place, exhibitors, Wed 10 - Sun 14 Oct, Beese, Fri 12 Oct, Theatre On The A THING MISLAID Maison Foo present Telford, Shropshire, Tues 9 Oct NEC, Birmingham Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire a tale ‘full of footsteps, hope and an unlikely friendship between two AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (12a) Ac- QUIZ & GIN FUNDRAISER Evening of NOT YET SUFFRAGETTE Natalie Cutler’s tion/Adventure. Starring Robert quiz fun to raise money for The Hive. one-woman show fusing feminist the- lonely travellers and a mysterious bird’, Wed 10 Oct, MAC, Birmingham Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth. Lich- Organised by INC Shropshire, Fri 12 atre with stand-up comedy to explore field Garrick, Tues 9 Oct Oct, The Hive, Shrewsbury how far women’s rights haven’t come HOW TO HIDE A LION Helen Stephen’s since winning the vote, Fri 12 Oct, magical book for young children is THE THIRD MURDER (15) Drama/Mys- OKTOBERFEST Beer, live music, a DJ Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton brought to life with humour, puppets tery. Starring Masaharu Fukuyama, and plenty of cheesy tunes, Fri 12 - Kôji Yakusho. Foreign language, sub- Sat 13 Oct, The National Brewery DAVID EDGAR: TRYING IT ON The Birm- and jazz, Thurs 11 Oct, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent titled. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Centre, Burton-upon-Trent ingham-born playwright takes to the Tues 9 Oct stage in a one-man show and con- HOW TO SPOT AN ALIEN Join Jelly and WARTIME HANGAR DANCE 1940s-style templates the ways in which both the Jonjo on their quest to discover the THE GLENN MILLER STORY (U) event with the Aerospace Museum world and his own views have truth, in a rip-roaring adventure Drama/Biography. Starring James Society, Sat 13 Oct, RAF Cosford, changed over the past 50 years, Fri through space full of friendship, fun Stewart, June Allyson. Ludlow As- Shifnal 12 Oct, MAC, Birmingham and flying saucers, Fri 12 & Sat 13 sembly Rooms, Shropshire, Tues 9 THE SPICE TRAIN A chance to marvel Oct THE ROOM AT THE TOP OF THE HOUSE Oct, Longton Park (Queen’s Park), at the massive locomotives on dis- Standby Theatre present a show Longton, Stoke-on-Trent HUMAN FLOW (12a) Documentary. Di- play before heading into the restau- about fear and the impact our deci- GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU ‘En- rected by Ai Weiwei. Foxlowe Arts rant to try a variety of curries from sions have on those we care about, chanting’ tale of love and nature, vi- Centre, Leek, Staffs, Wed 10 Oct around the world, Sat 13 Oct, Severn Fri 12 Oct, The Brewhouse Arts Cen- brantly brought to life with puppets, THE ESCAPE (15) Drama. Starring Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- tre, Burton-upon-Trent live music and interactive play, Sun Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper. minster BISMILLAH A story of disenfranchise- 14 Oct, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Wed 10 SCAREFEST Sat 13 - Sun 14 Oct, Alton ment, social alienation, prejudice, Stoke-on-Trent - Thurs 11 Oct Towers, Staffordshire radicalisation and the rock band THE RAPE OF RECY TAYLOR (15) Docu- SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Ride the Queen, Fri 12 Oct, Lichfield Garrick mentary. Starring Tommy Bernardi, pumpkin express, hear the spookley STANDING IN LINE Story about the Robert Corbitt. Malvern Theatres, story, pick your own pumpkin from Great War, Fri 12 Oct, Harley Village Thurs 11 Oct the pumpkin patch and carve it in the Hall, Harley, Nr Shrewsbury AMERICAN ANIMALS (15) Crime/Drama. carving cavern, Sat 13 - Sun 14 Oct, Talks Apley Farm Shop, Norton, Shifnal, PRIVATE PEACEFUL Staging of Michael Starring Spencer Reinhard, Warren AN EVENING WITH STACEY DOOLEY Rare Lipka. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 11 Shropshire Morpurgo's book, reliving the life of live appearance during which Stacey Private Tommo Peaceful, a young Oct THE 25TH CAROLE NASH CLASSIC MO- discusses everything from gender TORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW Sat 13 - First World War soldier awaiting the equality and domestic violence to sex BATTLE OF ALGIERS (15) Drama/War. firing squad at dawn, Fri 12 - Sat 13 Starring Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin. Sun 14 Oct, Stafford Country Show- trafficking and sexual identity, Tues 9 ground Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Foreign language, subtitled. The whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 15-21 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:35 Page 1

thelist Theatre Severn, ANTARCTIC MONKEYS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Gigs Shrewsbury Sat 20 Oct, O2 Classical SON Thurs 18 Oct, The Glee Club, EDITORS Fri 19 Oct, O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham CORKY LAING Mon 15 Academy, Birmingham ASH Sat 20 Oct, O2 In- PAUL FOOT Oct, The Robin, Bil- Fri 19 Oct, Stafford Gate- stitute, Birmingham Music house Theatre ston THE CLONE ROSES Fri 19 Oct, The Sugarmill, RAINBOW RAISING Sat YEVGENY SUDBIN IN RECITAL Featuring SARAH KEYWORTH, STEVE GRIBBIN, MICHAEL BOLTON Mon Stoke-on-Trent 20 Oct, Eleven, Stoke- Yevgeny Sudbin (piano). Programme JOHN LYNN & STEVE BUGEJA Fri 19 - 15 Oct, Symphony includes works by Scarlatti, BLACK CELEBRATION Fri on-Trent Sat 20 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham Hall, Birmingham Tchaikovsky, Scriabin and Prokofiev, 19 Oct, The River ALL YEARS LEAVING Sat KAI SAMRA Sat 20 Oct, The REP, BLACK HONEY Mon 15 Mon 15 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Rooms, Stourbridge 20 Oct, Hare & Birmingham Oct, O2 Academy, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH DERANGE Fri 19 Oct, Hounds, Birmingham LIVE AT THE CIVIC Birmingham THOMAS TROTTER Programme com- Sat 20 Oct, Brierley Scruffy Murphy’s, GOAT GIRL Sat 20 Oct, Hill Civic Hall, Dudley GUVNA B Tues 16 Oct, prises Wagner’s (trans. Edwin Birmingham The Sugarmill, Stoke- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Lemare) Overture from Rienzi, Mon LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 20 Oct, The on-Trent ingham THE MANOR Fri 19 Oct, 15 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton O2 Institute, B’ham THE MARLEY EXPERI- THE HOT SPROCKETS CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- STEVE ROYLE, WOUTER MEIJS, PAUL ENCE Sat 20 Oct, The Tues 16 Oct, The THE CHATS Fri 19 Oct, CHESTRA Featuring François Leleux PIRIE & DAMION LARKIN Sat 20 Oct, Robin, Bilston Robin, Bilston O2 Institute, B’ham (director / oboe / Cor Anglais). Pro- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent UPFRONT Sat 20 Oct, THE BRIAN JONESTOWN THE SPACEHOPPERS Fri gramme includes works by Brahms, ALI COOK Sun 21 Oct, Theatre Sev- Albert’s Shed, Shrews- MASSACRE Tues 16 19 Oct, Katie Fitzger- Haydn, Debussy (arr. Silvestrini) & ern, Shrewsbury bury Bizet, Wed 17 Oct, Birmingham Oct, O2 Academy, alds, Stourbridge JAMALI MADDIX Sun 21 Oct, The Glee Town Hall Birmingham SOUL II SOUL Fri 19 SHOW OF HANDS Sat 20 Club, Birmingham Oct, Birmingham Town NIGEL KENNEDY The multi-million sell- JACK WHITE Wed 17 Oct, Birmingham Town MAT RICARDO Sun 21 Oct, MAC, Hall ing virtuoso violinist will perform Oct, O2 Academy, Hall Birmingham pieces by Bach, Gershwin, as well Birmingham RAINBREAKERS Fri 19 NOTHING, NOWHERE Sat as his own self-penned pieces, GINA YASHERE, MAUREEN YOUNGER & Oct, Albert’s Shed, 20 Oct, O2 Institute, TUNNG Wed 17 Oct, Thurs 18 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birm- PRINCE ABDI Sun 21 Oct, The REP, Shrewsbury Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- ingham Birmingham ingham MAET LOAF Fri 19 Oct, ROCK OF AGES EXPERI- ENCE Sun 21 Oct, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: SYM- GUS G Wed 17 Oct, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Stafford Gatehouse PHONIC FANTASY Also featuring Toby The Robin, Bilston ROXY MAGIC Fri 19 Oct, Theatre, Stafford Purser (conductor) & the Canzonetta LEVEL 42 Wed 17 Oct, Theatre On The Steps, Choir. Programme includes film GLENN MILLER ORCHES- Symphony Hall, Birm- Bridgnorth, Shropshire scores from Harry Potter, The Hob- Theatre TRA Sun 21 Oct, Dud- ingham bit, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Twi- THE ULTIMATE EAGLES ley Town Hall SUGGS: WHAT A KING CNUT Madness STEPHEN JAMES SMITH Fri 19 Oct, The Robin, light, Dragonheart and more... Fri 19 TOM ODELL Sun 21 frontman Suggs takes a lighthearted FT ENDA REILLY Wed 17 Bilston Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Oct, O2 Academy, look back at his career, Mon 15 Oct, Oct, Henry Tudor THE PHONENIX SINGERS AUTUMN CON- HICKMAN AND CASSIDY Birmingham Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury House, Shrewsbury CERT Programme comprises JS Fri 19 Oct, The Edge MACBETH: DIRECTORS CUT Untradi- TOM BAXTER Sun 21 Bach’s Mass in B minor, BWV 232, TOM WALKER Thurs 18 Arts Centre, Much tional Shakespeare featuring ‘strik- Oct, Henry Tudor Sat 20 Oct, St Chad’s Church, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Wenlock, South ing design and sensory surprises’, House, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury ingham Shropshire Mon 15 Oct, MAC, Birmingham ERIC MARTIN Sun 21 GALIN GANCHEV (PIANO) Programme TRIPLE J Thurs 18 Oct, SIGALA Fri 19 Oct, O2 SALT Play exploring colonial history’s Oct, O2 Academy, includes works by Sibelius, Schu- Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Institute, Birmingham existence in the everyday and the Birmingham bert, Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev, Sat SARABETH TRIO Thurs ANNABEL ALLUM Fri 19 politics of grief, Mon 15 - Tues 16 EMMA BLACKERY Sun 20 Oct, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 18 Oct, Hare & Oct, The Cuban Em- Oct, The REP, Birmingham 21 Oct, O2 Institute, South Shropshire Hounds, Birmingham bassy, Birmingham THE ADDAMS FAMILY Presented by Birmingham MUSIC AT THE EDGE ANNIVERSARY BLACK PEAKS Thurs 18 GLASS CEILINGS Fri 19 Stourbridge Amateur Operatic Soci- ALL YEARS LEAVING CONCERT FEAT. MUCH WENLOCK MALE Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, The Victoria, ety, Mon 15 - Sat 20 Oct, Stour- Sun 21 Oct, Hare & VOICE CHOIR & RHOS MALE VOICE Birmingham Birmingham bridge Town Hall Hounds, Birmingham CHOIR Sat 20 Oct, The Edge Arts AVELINO Thurs 18 Oct, RICHARD THOMPSON - Centre, Much Wenlock, South ALL SHOOK UP Carpet Trades Musical WHY DON’T WE Sun 21 O2 Institute, B’ham THE 13 RIVERS TOUR Shropshire Theatre Company present an ama- Sat 20 Oct, Victoria Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- teur staging of the musical comedy DAUGHTRY Thurs 18 EX CATHEDRA: IN 40 PARTS Featuring Hall, Stoke-on-Trent ingham that’s built around Elvis Presley hits, Oct, O2 Academy, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor). Pro- LUNA ROSSA Sun 21 Mon 15 - Sat 20 Oct, Rose Theatre, Birmingham EASTWOOD Sat 20 Oct, gramme includes works by Tallis, Katie Fitzgeralds, Oct, The Robin, Bil- Kidderminster KRS-ONE Thurs 18 Oct, Striggio, Jackson, Roth and Tallis, Stourbridge ston THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY O2 Institute, B’ham Sun 21 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall KATE RUSBY Sat 20 DARIUS RUCKER Sun 21 John Partridge stars in a new stag- CULTURE ABUSE + Oct, Theatre Severn, Oct, Symphony Hall, ing of Edgar Wallace’s classic thriller, GOUGE AWAY Thurs 18 Shrewsbury Birmingham Mon 15 - Sat 20 Oct, Lichfield Gar- Oct, The Actress & rick Bishop, Birmingham Comedy DIRTY DANCING Much-acclaimed mu- ULTIMATE COLDPLAY sical featuring a host of hit songs, in- Thurs 18 Oct, The DOREEN'S BIG TOP Tues 16 - Wed 17 cluding the iconic The Time Of My Robin, Bilston Oct, Oakengates Theatre at The Life, Mon 15 - Sat 20 Oct, Regent AT LAST: THE ETTA Place, Telford Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent JAMES STORY Thurs 18 ABANDOMAN, Wed 17 Oct, The Glee BEYOND THE BARRICADE The UK’s Oct, Birmingham Town Club, Birmingham longest-running musical theatre con- Hall JAMALI MADDIX Thurs 18 Oct, The cert tour, Tues 16 Oct, Theatre Sev- THE SENSATIONAL 60S Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ern, Shrewsbury EXPERIENCE Fri 19 Oct, Kate Rusby - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury SARAH KEYWORTH, STEVE GRIBBIN & NOT ABOUT HEROES Stephen Macdon-

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Monday 15 - Sunday 21 October

ald’s Fringe First-winning play about Oct, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Birmingham the unique friendship between cele- Drayton, Shropshire YOUR TOYS Slot Machine Theatre pre- Events brated World War One poets Wilfred THE MESSIAH Hugh Dennis, John Mar- sent a heartwarming tale about Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, Tues quez & Lesley Garrett star in a Christ- friends pulling together, Sun 21 Oct, THE MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW 16 Oct, The Roses, Kidderminster mas comedy that promises to MAC, Birmingham Featuring new and exclusive leisure vehicle launches by major manufac- THIS MIGHT HURT Reform Theatre pre- conjure up the sublime, the ridiculous GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS sent John Godber's play about the and the angelic, Thurs 18 - Sat 27 turers, Tues 16 - Sun 21 Oct, NEC, Hiccup Theatre present a new ver- Birmingham NHS, Tues 16 Oct, Arena Theatre, Oct, The REP, Birmingham sion of the classic tale for children, Wolverhampton DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH Comedy Sun 21 Oct, Brewhouse Arts Centre, LICHFIELD OKTOBERFEST All the fun of ART WITH HEART: DECLARATION A ‘vi- revealing the true story of the famous Burton-upon-Trent the most famous beer festival in the brant and daring adventure’ of school count, Fri 19 Oct, Victoria Hall, Stoke- world... right in the middle of Lich- day survival tactics, superhero alter- on-Trent field, Fri 19 - Sat 20 Oct, Beacon Park, Lichfield egos and the stumbling blocks to LIBRARY OF SCREAMS Featuring clas- self-acceptance, Tues 16 Oct, MAC, sic spine-tinglers from the golden DESTINATION STAR TREK BIRMINGHAM Birmingham age of horror, Fri 19 Oct, The Potter- Talks The only official Star Trek event in Eu- AVENUE Q Walsall Youth Theatre pre- ies Museum & Art Gallery, Hanley, rope, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Oct, NEC, Birm- sent an amateur staging of the Tony Stoke-on-Trent AN EVENING WITH KATE MACRAE Spend ingham the evening with the Springwatch, Award-winning musical, Tues 16 - A SQUARE WORLD Quirky story about DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DREAM BIG Thurs 18 Oct, Forest Arts Centre, Autumnwatch and Countryfile star as Disney’s most adventurous dream- three friends and what happens when she talks all things wildlife, Wed 17 Walsal an unexpected change leaves one of ers, including Moana, Anna, Elsa, Oct, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Olaf and more... Fri 19 - Sun 28 Oct, BEN HUR Amateur staging presented them out in the cold, Fri 19 Oct, Wenlock, South Shropshire by Stoke Rep Players, Tues 16 - Sat Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Arena Birmingham, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH SIMON REEVE Join 20 Oct, Stoke Repertory Theatre, RUSH FEATURING THE J A REGGAE BAND SCAREFEST Enjoy your favourite rides Stoke-on-Trent journalist Simon as he recounts tales in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- Rush Theatre Company celebrate from over 15 years of travelling to the KINKY BOOTS Acclaimed musical Reggae music, Fri 19 Oct, Crescent tainment, Fri 19 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Alton most remote corners of the world, Towers, Staffordshire which takes its audience on a journey Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 18 Oct, Theatre Severn, from a factory floor in Northampton to SUSIE SELF: QUILT SONG Upbeat musi- Shrewsbury FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on ex- the glamorous catwalks of Milan. cal opera emulating hit West Ender perience of blacksmithing, Sat 20 Songs come courtesy of pop icon PLAY READING: JOHN DRINKWATER'S Oct, Black Country Living Museum, Hamilton and featuring rising stars ABRAHAM LINCOLN Reading of John Cyndi Lauper, Tues 16 - Sat 27 Oct, from Birmingham's Ormiston Dudley Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Drinkwater’s Abraham Lincoln, to Academy, Fri 19 - Sat 20 Oct, The Old mark the centenary of the play’s pre- DIWALI Hindu festival of light featuring MISSION ABORT A one-woman play Rep Theatre, Birmingham mière on the very same stage, Sat 20 stage programme, stalls & firework which offers a 'frank and funny' FRED AND GINGER Comedy drama Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham display, Sat 20 Oct, Wolverhampton glimpse into the mental and physical paying homage to ‘those halcyon Parks trauma of abortion, Wed 17 Oct, days at school’, Sat 20 Oct, Arena SHREWSBURY MODEL RAILWAY SHOW Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhampton Sat 20 Oct, United Reformed Church, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featur- WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE Shrewsbury ing Dandy, The Empty Can, Ollie A tale of deadlines, distractions... and FANTASTICAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Fea- Spencer, Joe Thomas & Wayne a talking duck, Sat 20 - Sun 21 Oct, Dance turing artisan chocolate traders, free Beese, Wed 17 Oct, Prince Of Wales The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham PUZZLE CREATURE Neon Dance pre- themed photo booths, themed char- Centre, Cannock ALI COOK - PRINCIPLES OF DECEPTION sent Adrienne Hart’s brand new work, acters & story corners, chocolate STUFF Janice Connolly & Michael An evening of ‘awe-inspiring’ magic which unscrambles attitudes to both sculpting, craft stations and more... Crouch shine light on the subject of and off-beat comedy, Sun 21 Oct, age and the body, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 Sat 20 Oct, The H Suite, Edgbaston, hoarding, Wed 17 - Sat 20 Oct, The Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Oct, DanceXchange, The Patrick Stu- Birmingham REP, Birmingham MAT RICARDO VS THE WORLD One-man dio, Birmingham Hippodrome PAW PATROL VISIT Ride out into the BLITHE SPIRIT Noel Coward's popular variety show featuring ‘world-class BEAUTY & THE BEAST Presented by countryside on one of the trains and play, presented by Mad Cow Produc- juggling, magic & illusion, escapol- Ballet Theatre UK, Thurs 18 Oct, see PAW Patrol's Marshall & Rubble, tions, Wed 17 - Sat 20 Oct, ogy, sleight of hand, knife throwing, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock Sat 20 - Sun 21 Oct, Severn Valley Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury stand-up comedy, feats of strength Railway, Bewdley KUKUNOR/KALAHARI Production pre- and demonstrations of dexterity’, Sun ROCK SCHOOL MUSIC WORKSHOP Sat sented with spoken and sign lan- 21 Oct, MAC, Birmingham 20 - Wed 24 Oct, Newhampton Arts guage on an equal footing and Centre, Wolverhampton dealing with a person's physical, spir- SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Ride the itual, real and imaginary limitations, pumpkin express, hear the spookley Thurs 18 Oct, Old Joint Stock The- story, pick your own pumpkin from atre, Birmingham Kids Show the pumpkin patch and carve it in the HYMN FOR ROBOTS Performance fus- A THING MISLAID Maison Foo present carving cavern, Sat 20 - Sun 28 Oct, ing Noctium Theatre’s unique height- a tale ‘full of footsteps, hope and an Apley Farm Shop, Norton, Shifnal ened performance style with unlikely friendship between two MORE TREAT THAN TRICK Family Hal- analogue and digital music to explore lonely travellers and a mysterious loween activities and eerie entertain- ‘an extraordinary life that was almost bird’, Thurs 18 Oct, Brewhouse Arts ment, Sat 20 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Drayton forgotten’, Thurs 18 Oct, Arena The- Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs atre, Wolverhampton MADAGASCAR A MUSICAL ADVENTURE HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Join Der- LIGHT THE LIGHTS Musical Theatre Amateur staging of the much-loved mot O'Scary for a ‘spooktacular Stafford present a tongue-in-cheek musical adventure, Fri 19 - Sat 20 show’, Sat 20 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Cad- look at ‘the wonderful world of musi- Oct, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall bury World, Birmingham cals’, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 Oct, Stafford MOTIONHOUSE: CHARGE Six dancers FIRST STAGES: HANSEL AND GRETEL Gatehouse Theatre fuse dance and acrobatics in a per- SAREHOLE MILL AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR Interactive theatre experience which formance inspired by the role of elec- Featuring a variety of craft and gift CURTAIN UP ON MURDER Presented by brings to life the famous Brothers tricity in the human body, Fri 19 - Sat stalls, Sun 21 Oct, Sarehole Mill, Market Drayton Amateur Operatic & Grimm story, Sat 20 Oct, The REP, 20 Oct, MAC, Birmingham Birmingham Dramatic Society, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 12:18 Page 1

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

6 & 7 OCT

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Thursday 1 November, 7.30pm roy chubby brown BISMILLAH!

15 - 20 OCT Friday 2 November, 7.30pm genesis connected

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26 OCT

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62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 12:18 Page 2

thelist Monday 22 - Sunday 28 October RICHARD THOMPSON Fri ern, Shrewsbury DEERING & NIGEL NG Fri 26 Oct, The Gigs 26 Oct, Birmingham JUST FLOYD Sat 27 Oct, Classical Glee Club, Birmingham Town Hall Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent JAMES ACASTER, IVO GRAHAM, LIND- MAGGIE BELL & DAVE BROKEN MINDS - HAL- SEY SANTORO, DANNY CLIVES & ANDY KELLY Mon 22 Oct, NATALIE HOLMES Sat 27 LOWEEN JUNGLE Fri 26 Music ROBINSON Fri 26 Oct, Dudley Town Festival Drayton Cen- Oct, The Cuban Em- Oct, Hare & Hounds, BENJAMIN GROSVENOR: MOZART Also Hall tre, Market Drayton, bassy, Birmingham Birmingham featuring Vassily Sinaisky (conduc- North Shropshire FEROCIOUS DOG Sat 27 SEANN WALSH Fri 26 Oct, Foxlowe THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS tor), Benjamin Grosvenor (piano) Arts Centre, Staffordshire THE SPACE LADY Mon Oct, The Slade Fri 26 Oct, O2 Insti- and City of Birmingham Symphony 22 Oct, Hare & Rooms, Wolverhamp- ZOE LYONS Sat 27 Oct, The Edge Arts tute, Birmingham Orchestra. Programme includes Hounds, Birmingham ton works by Wagner, Mozart and Centre, Much Wenlock, South JIVE TALKIN’ PERFORM Shropshire RUDIMENTAL Mon 22 CHASE RICE Sat 27 Oct, Sibelius, Thurs 25 Oct, Symphony THE BEE GEES Fri 26 Oct, O2 Academy, O2 Institute, B’ham Hall, Birmingham SIMON LOMAS, RUSSELL HICKS, ROB Oct, Festival Drayton DERRING & NIGEL NG Birmingham TWISTED WHEEL Sat 27 JOANNA GUTOWSKA (CELLO) Pro- Sat 27 Oct, The Centre, Market Dray- Glee Club, Birmingham DRAKE WHITE AND THE ton, North Shropshire Oct, The Actress & gramme includes works by Cas- BIG FIRE Mon 22 Oct, Bishop, Birmingham sadó, David Matthews, Manos JIM DAVIDSON Sat 27 Oct, Stafford STEPHEN FEARING Fri O2 Institute, B’ham Charalabopoulos & JS Bach, Fri 26 Gatehouse Theatre 26 Oct, The Hive, COAST TO COAST Sat 27 Oct, The Barber Institute, B’ham KNOCK KNOCK COMEDY Sun 28 Oct, THE FEELING Mon 22 Shrewsbury Oct, The Asylum, Oct, Birmingham Town Birmingham BENJAMIN GROSVENOR (PICTURED) The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham DAVID BYRNE Fri 26 Hall THE VOIDZ Sat 27 Oct, PLAYS MOZART Featuring the City of GLEE FAMILY COMEDY SHOW Sun 28 Oct, Genting Arena, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra & THE BLINDERS Mon 22 The Mill, Digbeth, Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Vassily Sinaisky. Programme in- Oct, The Sugarmill, Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, CURTIS WALKER, SLIM IDLES Fri 26 Oct, O2 cludes works by Wagner, Mozart & Stoke-on-Trent & JOHN SIMMIT Sun 28 Oct, The Glee Institute, Birmingham THE JACKS Sat 27 Oct, Sibelius, Fri 26 Oct, Victoria Hall, SKINNY MOLLY Mon 22 O2 Academy, B’ham Club, Birmingham TRACKSUIT & TRANCE: Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Oct, The Robin, Bil- THE 90S RAVE FT. UL- CORROSION OF CONFOR- ston TRABEAT Fri 26 Oct, O2 MITY & ORANGE GOBLIN TOM GRENNAN Tues 23 Institute, Birmingham Sat 27 Oct, O2 Insti- Oct, O2 Academy, tute, Birmingham SONS OF KEMET Fri 26 Birmingham Theatre Oct, Hare & Hounds, THE STARS FROM THE BC CAMPLIGHT Tues 23 Birmingham COMMITMENTS Sat 27 SHACKLETON'S CARPENTER Gail Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, The Robin, Bil- Louw’s one-man play about Harry BUGZY MALONE Fri 26 Birmingham ston McNish - explorer Ernest Shackle- Oct, O2 Academy, ton’s carpenter on ill-fated polar ex- LUCY SPRAGGAN Tues Birmingham THE UNIT AMA Sun 28 23 Oct, O2 Institute, Oct, Hare & Hounds, pedition ship Endurance. Mon 22 EVIL SCARECROW Fri 26 Birmingham Birmingham Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Oct, The Slade STOURBRIDGE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA KUNG FU RINTINTIN Sun BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s THE LOVELY EGGS Tues Rooms, Wolverhamp- ARMISTICE CONCERT Sat 27 Oct, 28 Oct, The Sunflower award-winning show about twins 23 Oct, Hare & ton Stourbrdge Town Hall Hounds, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham separated at birth who grow up on FM Fri 26 Oct, The NOSFERATU With live wurlitzer organ, opposite sides of the track, only to KACEY MUSGRAVES Sun MELVINS Tues 23 Oct, Robin, Bilston Sat 27 Oct, Brewhouse Arts Centre, meet again with fateful conse- 28 Oct, O2 Academy, O2 Academy, B’ham Burton-upon-Trent quences, Mon 22 - Sat 27 Oct, Re- MAET LOAF Fri 26 - Sat Birmingham MAX & HARVEY Wed 24 27 Oct, The River LONDON MOZART PLAYERS Featuring gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE WHITNEY HOUSTON Oct, O2 Academy, Rooms, Stourbridge Jamal Aliyev (cello). Programme in- THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILAN- SHOW Sun 28 Oct, Birmingham cludes works by Grieg, Haydn & THROPISTS Based on the book of the ENRIQUE IGLESIAS Sat Wolverhampton Grand YUSUF - CAT STEVENS Tchaikovsky, Sat 27 Oct, St Alk- same name, Tues 23 Oct, Theatre 27 Oct, Genting Arena, Theatre TRIBUTE BY KEITH Birmingham mund’s Church, Shrewsbury Severn, Shrewsbury JAMES Wed 24 Oct, KOKOMO Sun 28 Oct, COASTS Sat 27 Oct, O2 CBSO: SOUNDS OF THE SEA Featuring AN EVENING OF CLAIRVOYANCE WITH The Robin, Bilston The Robin, Bilston Institute, Birmingham Timothy Redmond (conductor) & PHILIP SOLOMON Tues 23 Oct, The JACK MAYNARD Wed 24 THE LIONEL RICHIE Tom Redmond (presenter). Pro- Robin, Bilston ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? SONGBOOK Sun 28 Oct, gramme includes works by Menken, Oct, O2 Academy, STILL NO IDEA Mischievous exposé of Sat 27 Oct, Theatre Theatre Severn, Zimmer, Vaughan Williams & De- Birmingham good intentions gone bad. Part ver- On The Steps, Bridg- Shrewsbury bussy, Sun 28 Oct, Symphony Hall, MILES HUNT (THE WON- batim theatre, part improv, part com- north, Shropshire Birmingham DER STUFF) Thurs 25 BLAIR DUNLOP Sun 28 edy sketch show, Tues 23 - Sat 27 BARRON KNIGHTS Sat Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, Henry Tudor Oct, The REP, Birmingham 27 Oct, Theatre Sev- House, Shrewsbury Birmingham RENT Musical about friends and RODDY FRAME Thurs 25 artists struggling with addiction, Oct, Birmingham Town poverty, disease & love, presented Hall Comedy by Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre, EVIL SCARECROW Thurs DOREEN'S BIG TOP Tues 23 - Wed 24 Tues 23 - Sat 27 Oct, Forest Arts 25 Oct, The Sugarmill, Oct, Prince Of Wales Centre, Can- Centre, Walsall Stoke-on-Trent nock 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Amateur staging MARTIN TURNER EX ROB DEERING, NIGEL NG, SADIA AZMAT of the Dolly Parton musical, pre- WISHBONE ASH Thurs & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY sented by CLOC Musical Theatre 25 Oct, The Robin, Bil- ROBINSON Thurs 25 Oct, The Glee Company, Tues 23 - Sat 27 Oct, ston Club, Birmingham Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, B’ham FICKLE FRIENDS Fri 26 DOREEN'S BIG TOP Thurs 25 - Fri 26 TITANIC THE MUSICAL Amateur stag- Oct, O2 Academy, Oct, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ing presented by Newcastle Oper- atic Society, Tues 23 - Sat 27 Oct, Birmingham ROB KEMP Fri 26 Oct, The Glee Club, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on- DAVID LIVE Fri 26 Oct, Birmingham Blair Dunlop - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Trent Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent BRENNAN REECE, TIM RENKOW, ROB whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 12:18 Page 3

thelist Monday 22 - Sunday 28 October ELEPHANT & CASTLE Gig theatre show Oct, Festival Drayton, Market Dray- State Ballet and Opera House, Sun Museum, Birmingham about how honest it’s possible to be ton, North Shropshire 28 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre GHOSTLY GASLIGHT Dress up in your and have your relationship survive, most frightening Halloween costume Wed 24 Oct, MAC, Birmingham and join the ghosts, ghouls and mon- THE CAPITAL Stan's Cafe explore sters, Sat 27 Oct, Blists Hill Victorian themes of financial inequality and Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire strained human relationships in a Kids Show Events story told without words, Wed 24 - KNOCK KNOCK Hot Coals return with a OCTOBER HALF TERM Sat 27 Oct, The REP, Birmingham Autumn family fairytale of love and longing, Wed 24 fun, Mon 22 - Fri 26 Oct, Birmingham MY FAIR LADY Presented by TADLOP, Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Botanical Gardens Wed 24 - Sat 27 Oct, The Place, Oak- PETER PAN THE MUSICAL Amateur pro- PUMPKIN CARVING engates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire Wed 24 - Wed 31 duction presented by Get Your Wigle Oct, Chirk Castle, Wrexham THE WAR OF THE WORLDS HG Wells’ On, Wed 24 - Sat 27 Oct, CANDY AND COBWEBS masterpiece, vividly reimagined for Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury A Halloween trick or treat event for under-eights, the post-truth era, Wed 24 - Sat 27 MILKSHAKE LIVE! Sat 27 Oct, Birming- Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Fri 26 Oct, Blists Hill Victorian Town, ham Town Hall Ironbridge, Shropshire AUSTENTATIOUS - THE IMPROVISED JANE TABBY MCTAT Heartwarming tale of HALLOWEEN CHILDREN'S SPOOKTACU- AUSTEN NOVEL Improvised comedy friendship and loyalty based on Julia LAR play based on a title suggested by Spooky activities for all the fam- Donaldson's book of the same name, ily, including apple bobbing and the the audience, Thurs 25 Oct, Stafford Sun 28 Oct, Lichfield Garrick A NIGHTMARE ON DUDLEY STREET Ex- Gatehouse Theatre FEAR challenge, Fri 26 Oct, The British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry, pect spooks, ghouls, witches and a THE TOWN THE GREAT WAR BUILT Local North Shropshire whole host of unsavoury characters, story performed by Stafford Gate- Sat 27 Oct, Dudley Town Centre HALLOWEEN NIGHTS A ‘frightfully good’ house Youth Theatre, Thurs 25 - Fri DIVE 2018 Sat 27 - Sun 28 Oct, NEC, 26 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre evening of entertainment, Fri 26 - Sat Talks 27 Oct, Black Country Living Mu- Birmingham MOP THE HOUSE - A SHORT GUIDE TO STEVE PEAT: BIKES & BEERS Mountain- seum, Dudley MUSEUMS ARE MAGIC Celebrate Muse- VOGUE ‘Intimate extravaganza for two biking superstar Steve Peat tells the FRIGHT NIGHTS: ASTON ALIVE! ums At Night with wand whittling, po- actors, one DJ, an audience and a Visit the story of his illustrious racing career, tion making, spell writing, face runway that could go anywhere’, Museum of Curiosities in ‘spooktacu- Mon 22 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse The- painting, balloon animals and a Thurs 25 - Fri 26 Oct, Arena Theatre, lar circumstances’, Fri 26 - Sat 27 atre Oct, Aston Hall, Birmingham magic show by Rob Chapman, Sat Wolverhampton 27 - Sun 28 Oct, Shrewsbury Mu- CRIMINAL QUILT TALKS: CRIMINAL HER- FAMILY HALLOWEEN BOAT TRIPS SWING WITH LAUGHTER - WITH BOBBY Fri 26 - seum & Art Gallery STORIES Join artist and researcher DAVRO Also featuring Kenny Lynch, Wed 31 Oct, Dudley Canal and Tun- Ruth Singer to find out more about nel Trust SPOOKY SCIENCE WEEK Family activi- Anita Harris, Jessica Martin & The Rat ties throughout the school holiday, the women convicted of crimes and HALLOWEEN FUN Pack, Fri 26 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Fri 26 - Sun 4 Nov, Sat 27 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Thinktank imprisoned in Stafford Gaol between Park Hall Farm, Shropshire TAIKO MEANTIME: RESONANCE TOUR 1877 and 1916, Tues 23 Oct, Brew- Science Museum, Birmingham FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD Featuring a new repertoire ranging house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Carnival-esque TERRIFYING TALES Discover spooky from delicate composition to explo- pageantry, giant skull processions, AN EVENING WITH GEOFF HURST & GOR- Black Country legends and separate sive crowd-pleasing barnstormers, Fri acrobats, dancers, decorative art & DON BANKS Thurs 25 Oct, Molineux folklore from fact, Sat 27 Oct - Sun 4 26 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham costumes, Sat 27 Oct, Starworks Stadium, Wolverhampton Nov, Black Country Living Museum, SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB Featur- Warehouse, Wolverhampton Dudley MICHAEL BRANDON STAND UP STORY An ing The Lindy Hop Dance Company GCCF SUPREME CAT SHOW The UK’s evening of ‘eye-widening Hollywood SPOOKY SCIENCE WEEK: OCTOBER HALF & The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Or- premier cat show, Sat 27 Oct, NEC, truths’ from the Dempsey And Make- TERM Family activities, Sat 27 Oct - chestra, Fri 26 Oct, The Roses, Kid- Birmingham peace heartthrob, Fri 26 Oct, Theatre Sun 4 Nov, Thinktank Science Mu- derminster Severn, Shrewsbury BACKSTAGE TOUR Sat 27 Oct, The REP, seum, Birmingham I USED TO HEAR FOOTSTEPS Haunted Birmingham ERIC CANTONA The legendary Manch- SPOOKY STOKESAY Craft activities, Sat by curiosity, a young man attempts to ester Utd player talks about his life, ROYAL RUMBLE ALL-STAR SUPERSLAM 27 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Stokesay Castle, piece together the ghost story of his Fri 26 Oct, Regency Banqueting WRESTLING Sat 27 Oct, Dudley Town Nr Craven Arms, South Shropshire childhood home, Fri 26 Oct, Lichfield Suite, Birmingham Hall Garrick NIMROD TOURS Learn about the Nim- AN EVENING WITH BRIAN BLESSED GINISTRY OF MAGIC MUGGLE BALL Pre- rod’s intelligence-gathering role in ONE MAN STRANGER THINGS - A PARODY Join the larger-than-life actor as he talks pare your finest robes and ready your the Royal Air Force, Sat 27 Oct - Sun Canadian actor Charles Ross single- about his career on stage and wands for a night of magical drinks, 4 Nov, RAF Cosford, Shifnal handedly recreates season one of the screen, Sat 27 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Sat 27 Oct, The Grain Store, Wolver- ASTON HALL LATE: GHOSTLY ENCOUN- Netflix sensation, Sat 27 Oct, hampton Birmingham Town Hall TERS Theatrical ghost tour, Sun 28 GHOST TRAINS Are you brave enough Oct, Aston Hall, Birmingham LANDS Antler Theatre Company pre- to climb aboard the Ghost Train? Sat sent a ‘playful, intimate dissection’ of MAGIC & MYSTERY Featuring ghoulish 27 Oct, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- ghost stories, a spooky pumpkin a relationship teetering on the edge ley, Nr Kidderminster of collapse, Sat 27 Oct, MAC, B’ham Dance walk and themed events for all the FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD Featuring a family, Sun 28 Oct, Fordhall Organic SEETA PATEL - NOT TODAY'S YESTERDAY SHAKUNTALA Subrang Arts present 15ft-tall vulture roaming the crowd, Farm, Nr Market Drayton, North International collaboration between Kalidas' epic tale of love, loss and re- giant skulls and carnival processions, Shropshire demption, Sat 27 Oct, Crescent The- award-winning Bharatanatyam artist Sat 27 Oct, O2 Academy, B’ham atre, Birmingham Seeta Patel and choreographer Lina HALLOWEEN LIGHTS OUT TOUR Do you Limosani, Tues 23 Oct, The Patrick CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN EVENING Get dare to walk the museum at night? FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre’s ac- Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome dressed up in your spookiest cos- Adults-only tour, Sun 28 - Wed 31 claimed show about dementia, Sat 27 tume to enjoy the ghostly goings-on Oct, The National Brewery Centre, INFUSION EMPORIUM 8 Showcasing in- Oct, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South around the castle, Sat 27 Oct, Tam- Burton-upon-Trent Shropshire novative contemporary choreogra- worth Castle phers and dancers... Sat 27 Oct, HAUNTED CASTLE A week of ghostly INSTANT WIT! THE QUICK FIRE IMPROVI- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton SPOOKY SCIENCE NIGHT Spooky party goings-on, Sun 28 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, SATION SHOW An evening of sketches, for mad scientists, witches and wiz- Tamworth Castle songs and general silliness, Sat 27 SWAN LAKE Presented by Russian ards, Sat 27 Oct, Thinktank Science

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 12:18 Page 4

Monday 29 - Wednesday 31 October

Theatre, Telford Classical BAD GIRLS Brownhills Musical The- atre Company present an amateur staging of the hit musical based on Music the award-winning television series, ST. MATTHEW PASSION English Tour- Wed 31 Oct - Sat 3 Nov, Prince Of ing Opera present a new version of Wales Centre, Cannock Bach’s masterpiece, Mon 29 Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- cludes works by Ireland, Distler, Kids Show Franck, J. Francaix & L. Boellmann, MILKSHAKE! LIVE 'THE MAGIC STORY Karine Polwart - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Mon 29 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall BOOK' Mon 29 Oct, Stafford Gate- HALLOWEEN SILENT MOVIE SPECIAL house Theatre ANTI FLAG + CANCER Hounds, Birmingham Featuring Nigel Ogden on organ. CRAFTY’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Gigs BATS Tues 30 Oct, The HARRY MANX Wed 31 Programme comprises Robert Louis Song-filled action-packed perfor- Asylum, Birmingham Oct, The Robin, Bil- Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr BLOXX Mon 29 Oct, mance for younger audiences, Mon VIDEO GAMES LIVE Tues ston Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Wed 31 Oct, The Sunflower 29 Oct, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, 30 Oct, O2 Institute, Birmingham Town Hall Lounge, Birmingham STATE CHAMPS Wed 31 Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- THE BLACK EYED PEAS ERIC MARTIN Tues 30 ingham HANUMAN MOVES A MOUNTAIN & AT- Mon 29 Oct, O2 Oct, Eleven, Stoke-on- TEMPTS TO EAT THE SUN A Diwali chil- Academy, Birmingham GABIDDON Wed 31 Oct, dren’s theatre special provides a Trent The Jam House, Birm- THE KVB Mon 29 Oct, comic take on the earliest Hanuman MATTHEWS SOUTHERN ingham Comedy Hare & Hounds, Birm- stories, Tues 30 Oct, Newhampton COMFORT & MAGNA DYLAN MORAN Tues 30 Oct, Theatre ingham INSECURE MEN Wed 31 Arts Centre, Wolverhampton CARTA Tues 30 Oct, Oct, Mama Roux’s, Severn, Shrewsbury FREYA RIDINGS Mon 29 DOCTOR DOLITTLE Brand new show The Robin, Bilston Birmingham ELIS JAMES & JOHN ROBINS Tues 30 - Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- for youngsters, complete with origi- THE STYLISTICS Wed Wed 31 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham ingham FIL CAMPBELL & TOM nal music, puppetry and audience 31 Oct, Wolverhamp- MCFARLANE Wed 31 participation, Tues 30 Oct, The THE PROCLAIMERS Mon ton Grand Theatre Oct, Red Lion Folk Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, 29 Oct, Symphony SNACK FAMILY Wed 31 Club, Kings Heath, Shropshire Hall, Birmingham Oct, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham MOTHER GOOSE Wolverhampton’s CARO EMERALD Tues 30 Birmingham KARINE POLWART Wed Theatre favourite Dame, Ian Adams, teams Oct, Symphony Hall, SHE MAKES WAR Wed 31 Oct, Theatre Sev- up with Julie Paton to present the Birmingham THE WALPURGISNACHT HAUNTINGS 31 Oct, Hare & ern, Shrewsbury Three chilling tales by popular fan- ever-popular story, Tues 30 Oct, tasy fiction writer AG Smith, Mon 29 - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Tues 30 Oct, Old Joint Stock The- atre, Birmingham FRANTIC ASSEMBLY: THE UNRETURNING New play by Anna Jordan exploring the profound effect that war has on Talks young lives, Tues 30 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, NEIL OLIVER - THE STORY OF THE The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham BRITISH ISLES IN 100 PLACES Join Neil CROSSINGS Pentabus Theatre pre- as he talks about his 20 years travel- sent a new play to mark the cente- ling to every corner of Great Britain, nary of the end of World War One, Mon 29 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Tues 30 Oct, Theatre Severn, BENEDICT ALLEN: ULTIMATE EXPLORER Shrewsbury Join Benedict as he talks about his BEAUTIFUL THING Razor-sharp depic- most recent adven- tion of life and love on a post-war ture - a solo expedi- council estate... Tues 30 Oct - Sat 3 tion to Papua New Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Guinea, Mon 29 Oct, under-Lyme Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE LOVELY BONES Stage premiere of Alice Sebold's coming-of-age tale, ALAN JOHNSON: IN MY LIFE Alan tells Tues 30 Oct - Sat 10 Nov, The REP, his personal story with the help of Birmingham some of the music that has sound- tracked his life... Wed 31 Oct, Festi- DRACULA - THE BLOODY TRUTH A new val Drayton, Market Drayton, North telling of Bram Stoker’s classic, Wed Shropshire 31 Oct, Lichfield Garrick THE GREAT BRITISH TAKE-OFF Starring comedian & impressionist Jon Cul- shaw & comedy producer Bill Dare, Wed 31 Oct, Theatre Severn, Dance Shrewsbury ROBIN WINDSOR - THE FAREWELL TOUR THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK: WONDER Strictly’s Robin Windsor heads out WOMAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR on tour for the very last time, Mon 29 ‘Cabaret show with a difference’, Oct, Lichfield Garrick Caro Emerald - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Wed 31 Oct, The Place, Oakengates whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 12:18 Page 5

thelist Monday 29 - Wednesday 31 October spooky craft activities and pumpkin HALLOWEEN NIGHTS Tues 30 - Wed 31 GHOST SEARCH Ghost walk around the Events carving, Mon 29 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, We- Oct, Black Country Living Museum, castle, with vigils conducted in reput- ston Park, Staffordshire Dudley edly haunted rooms, Wed 31 Oct, HALLOWEEN HOCUS POCUS Trick-or- GHOSTLY TALES: FAMILY-FRIENDLY THE GHOST WALK Let the tour guide Tamworth Castle treat trail around the castle, Mon 29 - GHOST TOUR Daytime tour of one of lead you through the ghostly avenues FAMILY PUMPKIN CARVING WORKSHOP Wed 31 Oct, Dudley Zoological Gar- Birmingham’s most haunted build- and alleyways of ancient Bridgnorth, Wed 31 Oct, Lichfield Garrick dens ings, Tues 30 Oct, Aston Hall, B’ham where 10 ghosts lurk in the shadows, TRICK OR TREAT: SPOOKY STORIES & HALLOWEEN HORRORS Including Tues 30 - Wed 31 Oct, Bridgnorth CHILLING TALES With Jonny McClean, Town Hall, Shropshire Wed 31 Oct, Lichfield Garrick GHOST TRAINS Are you brave enough BLEEDING HEARTS & DRY BONES - AN to climb aboard the Ghost Train? EVENING WITH DRACULA Enter into the Tues 30 - Wed 31 Oct, Severn Valley twilight world of the vampire... Cos- Railway, Bewdley tumed guests welcome, Wed 31 Oct, HALLOWEEN HALF TERM & CRAFT DAYS Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery See the venue dressed for Hal- GET GEOCACHING Wed 31 Oct, Atting- loween, take part in Halloween- ham Park, Shrewsbury themed craft days and try the haunted house and gruesome gar- HUBBLE BUBBLE TRICK OR TREAT Do den trails, Tues 30 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, you dare to explore the spooky cel- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham lars at Soho House? Wed 31 Oct - Thurs 1 Nov, Soho House, B’ham ASTON HALLOWEEN See the venue transformed into a haunted mansion, Wed 31 Oct, Aston Hall, Birmingham PUMPKIN FLOTILLA Wed 31 Oct, Sare- hole Mill, Birmingham HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN Eleven-mile return journey through Staffordshire’s ‘spooky valley’, Wed 31 Oct, Churnet Halloween at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Valley Railway, Staffordshire

66 whatsonlive.co.uk (IBC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:54 Page 1 SNOW, ICE & LEISURE TAMWORTH