Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover

Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover January 2018 .qxp_Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover 15/12/2017 13:25 Page 1

WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2018 WILL SELF AT WOLVERHAMPTON Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 385 JANUARY 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk

inside:

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

HEDDA GABLER hotly anticipated touring show stops off in Wolverhampton TWITTER:@WHATSONWOLVES

TORVILL AND DEAN talk Dancing On Ice interview inside... AEOK @WHATSONWOLVERHAMPTONFACEBOOK:

FIRE RED EMPRESS stoner rock riffs and soaring WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK anthems at The Slade Rooms (IFC) Wolverhampton.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:59 Page 1 Contents January Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:11 Page 2

January 2018

Contents

Hedda Gabler - Patrick Marber’s new version of the Ibsen classic visits Wolverhampton feature on page 8

Nine Below Zero Brendan Cole Midlands Makers the list

keep it up close and personal at brings his critically acclaimed showcasing the region’s hottest Your 16-page Henry Tudor House solo show to the Regent Theatre new artistic talent week-by-week listings guide feature page 14 page 39 feature page 46 page 55 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 13. Music 26. Comedy 30. Theatre 43. Film 48. Visual Arts 51. 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 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

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Entertainment news from around the region

Buddy Holly concert marks 60th Wolves anniversary Tribute band Buddy Holly And The Cricketers play the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on 7 March - 60 years to the very day after the real Buddy and the Crickets made their one and only appearance in the city. As part of a 25-venue tour of England, the legendary American singer headlined a variety bill at the Wolverhampton Gaumont on 7 March 1958, with none other than Des O’Con- nor hosting the show. One of rock'n'roll's earliest and brightest stars, Buddy was killed in a plane crash just 10 short months after playing Wolverhampton, but left behind him a back catalogue of songs that have certainly stood the test of time. For more information, visit grandtheatre.co.uk

Burma veterans exhibition showcase the extraordinary artform in its an- Produced by the Original Theatre Company niversary year’. and starring Gwen Taylor as Lady Bracknell at National Arboretum Commenting on the project, New Vic Artistic and Susan Penhaligon as Miss Prism, the Director Theresa Heskins said: “Circus trav- show stops off at the Courtyard Theatre, erses boundaries, crossing languages, conti- Hereford, from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 Feb- nents and even the centuries to appeal to ruary. It then visits the Lichfield Garrick The- audiences of all ages. This year offers us the atre from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 March. chance to celebrate it as an artform and to shine a spotlight on Newcastle-under-Lyme, the place where Philip Astley, its creator, was born. We can’t wait to share our work with audiences.”

New play pays tribute to

A new photographic exhibition paying trib- Holocaust survivors ute to the World War Two British and Allied A brand new play telling the story of two Jew- forces who fought in Burma has been un- ish prisoners in the Second World War Nazi veiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in concentration camp of Auschwitz is being Staffordshire. staged at Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock The- Burma Veterans: Unforgettable features im- atre next month. ages taken by photographer Wendy Aldiss, Presented in association with Lying Lips The- whose father fought in Burma (now Myan- atre Company, Kanada has been written in mar) with the British Army’s 2nd Infantry Di- honour of the Holocaust survivors, one of vision... The exhibition is on display until 25 whom, Zigi Shipper, will be attending the February. opening night. The production shows from Tuesday 6 to Sat- urday 10 February. On your marks for the New Vic leads the way in Shrewsbury Half Marathon! celebrating the circus Hit Oscar Wilde comedy Registration for the Shrewsbury Half The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under- Marathon is now open. Taking place on Sun- Lyme is this year leading a celebration of 250 heads for the Midlands day 17 June, the event is ideal for runners of years of circus. A brand new production of classic Oscar all abilities and starts and finishes at the Circus Past, Present And Future is a pro- Wilde comedy The Importance Of Being Shropshire County Show Ground. gramme of events, taking place in the town, Earnest is visiting two Midlands venues this For information about how to register, visit which has been designed to ‘spectacularly spring as part of a UK tour. shrewsburyhalf.co.uk

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First Word

Get booking! Pantos announced for Xmas 2018/19 If you just can’t get enough of panto, you’ll be delighted to learn that three of the region’s major theatres are already making preparations for their 2018/19 festive offerings. The Wolverhampton Grand has announced that Sleeping Beauty will be catching some shut-eye at the venue from 8 December to 13 January, while Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent The- atre will be offering Robin Hood the chance to take a yuletide break from life in the depths of Sherwood Forest (14 December - 6 January). Meanwhile, at Theatre Severn Award-winning festival reveals initial line-up for 2018 event in Shrewsbury, the ever-egg- cellent Brad Fitt will once Folk legends Steeleye Span, American singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters, Irish supergroup Usher’s again be donning the drag to Island, festival favourites Show Of Hands and former Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden with his band play the Dame, on this occa- The Remnant Kings (pictured above) are among the acts who’ll be headlining this year’s Shrewsbury sion Mother Goose (28 Novem- Folk Festival. They will be joined by, among many others, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band, BBC ber - 6 January). Folk Award winner Daoirí Farrell and Scottish folk rockers Skerryvore. Commenting on the 2018 edition of the award-winning event, Festival Director Sandra Surtees said: “The line-up is shaping up to be as eclectic as ever, with something for everyone. We pride ourselves A new plan for on catering for a wide range of musical tastes, from traditional folk music to more contemporary performers, and with a selection of world music bringing a global element to the festival. Himley Hall “There will be bands from all four corners of the UK - showcasing some of the best acts in today’s Plans to maximise the poten- folk and acoustic scene - with some of the North American flavour for which the event is renowned.” tial of the historic Himley Hall The festival takes place at the West Mid Showground from 24 to 27 August. & Park have been given the green light as part of a Dudley Council review of council The write stuff? buildings and land. Spring into spring at Birmingham theatre The council will now look at Staffordshire author Mor- Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella (pictured), spectacular Bollywood musi- new ways of using the Grade II ton Morelli is this month cal Taj Express and West End phenomenon The Play That Goes Wrong listed building to generate in- taking time out from writ- are among the shows visiting Birmingham Hippodrome this year. come for the authority. Himley ing his second novel to Commenting on the venue’s recently announced spring season, Hip- Hall is already a popular host a series of exclusive podrome Artistic Director & Chief Executive Fiona Allan said: “Many of venue for weddings and con- masterclasses for people the stories you’ll see on our stage this year feature strong female char- ferences. wanting to learn how to acters. From Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked, to Puccini’s tragic Tosca, The Himley estate was once put pen to paper. to everyone’s favourite schoolgirl, Matilda. We also have stories of real home to the Earls of Dudley. It Morton’s first novel, the women who had huge impact on the world around them - Carole includes the Great Pool and a self-published Sardine King’s story unfolds in Beautiful and Ballet British Colombia return nine-hole golf course set in Packing, is a fictional with a programme of 180 acres of Capability Brown story that shifts in time three breathtaking mod- landscape and woodland. from World War Two to ern dance pieces, all by the present day. The au- internationally acclaimed thor is hosting his writing female choreographers.” classes at Hoar Cross For more information Hall, with a three-course about these and the buffet lunch included in venue’s other 2018 shows, the £87 per person price. visit birminghamhippo- The classes take place on drome.com 12, 19 and 26 January. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:13 Page 3

First Word

Time to get your skates on! It’s All About Me: With the return to TV screens this month of Joanna Lumley Dancing On Ice, what better time could there takes to the road possibly be to get your skates on and head Joanna Lumley is heading for Telford Ice Rink? out on her first-ever live tour The popular venue regularly offers extensive in the autumn. ice-skating lessons packages, from beginners The popular actress, who be- level through to intermediate. The next six- came a household name week package begins on 20 January. when she starred in 1970s TV A crash course is also available, taking place action series The New during half-term week from Monday 19 to Fri- Avengers, will take her It’s day 23 February. All About Me show on a 30- For further details or to enrol on a course, date UK tour, en route stop- ring 0845 155 9966 or visit telfordandwrekin- ping off at Birmingham’s leisure.co.uk/iceskatinglessons Symphony Hall and Coven- try’s Warwick Arts Centre. For more information and to New Wolves show Not-for-profit trust takes control of high- purchase tickets, visit ticket- recalls childhood profile council-run Stafford attractions master.co.uk TV favourites A number of high-profile venues in Stafford have been taken over by A new exhibition at Wolver- a not-for-profit trust. Beauty blogger hampton Art Gallery is set to Previously under the control of Stafford Borough Council, the venues - which include the Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford Castle and Izaac honoured in Brum bring back nostalgic childhood An award-winning blogger memories for fans of TV Walton Cottage - will be operated by the Freedom Leisure trust for the next 10 years. The trust has promised to spend a total of £6.4mil- who racks up more than one favourites Pogles’ Wood, Noggin million YouTube views per The Nog and Ivor The Engine. lion improving its newly acquired sites. As part of the deal, Freedom Leisure will also take responsibility for month is being honoured by Clangers, Bagpuss & Co, a tour- Birmingham City University. ing show from the V&A Museum running numerous annual events, including Shakespeare In The Cas- tle, the Stafford Half Marathon and the Stafford 10k. Beauty and lifestyle blogger of Childhood, pays homage to and ‘vlogger’ Lily Pebbles, a the creations of Oliver Postgate former student at the univer- and Peter Firmin, who started sity, will receive an Alumni of collaborating on children’s tele- the Year award at a gradua- vision programmes back in the tion ceremony on Tuesday 9 1950s. January. The exhibition shows at the The coveted award recog- gallery from 10 February to 29 nises and celebrates the April. achievements of graduates who are making a difference across the globe.

Shrewsbury’s international comedy festival welcomes back Abandoman The Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival Gala is making a welcome return this summer. Taking place on Sunday 22 July, the event will once again feature ‘the hip-hop improv genius’ of Abandoman. Commenting on the 2018 show, Festival Co-Director Kevin Bland said: “It’s a great feeling introducing audiences to new experiences, and we had that last year with Abandoman. They absolutely took the roof off. And they had so much fun themselves that they immediately told their agent to get in touch with us and have us book them in for this year, which we were only too happy to do.” 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:13 Page 4 Hedda Gabler DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:16 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Hedda Gabler DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:17 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

THE DREAD OF

APatrick Marber’s SCANDAL take on Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler comes to Wolverhampton

Fresh from a celebrated National Theatre This freed-up approach is not unique to the and free from clutter. But for all its elegance, premiere, Patrick Marber’s new version of portrayal of Hedda. In fact, it’s a defining there’s an unsettling air of decay about the Hedda Gabler is now embarking on a hotly feature across the work of the production’s place, a sense of something hastily thrown anticipated UK tour, stopping off at the Belgian director, Ivo van Hove. Actors learn up and incomplete - a little like the Wolverhampton Grand this month. their lines before rehearsals start, and the unfulfilling future to which Hedda has Widely viewed as one of the greatest female idea is that by homing in on the script and condemned herself. roles in theatre history, the title character of working through it chronologically, the story “It’s really key that everything you see is from Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 masterpiece already will emerge more organically than in a Hedda’s point of view,” explains associate comes laden with a huge weight of rehearsal process stuffed with director Rachel Lincoln. “There’s a sort of expectation for any actor with the courage to supplementary research and studied vast, empty space that Hedda inhabits, but take her on. But with Ruth Wilson’s character development strategies. there are no doors, so no way to escape from devastating star turn in London having been “We’ve never really talked about specific her prison. You’ll also see buckets and old declared one of the top performances of the psychologies behind any of the characters,” tables and scruffy sofas, like everything is in year, for her touring counterpart Lizzy Watts, says Richard Pyros, who plays Eilert Lövborg, a state of construction or deconstruction - there’s even more than usual to live up to. Hedda’s ex-lover and her husband’s former almost like the builders have just kind of “I was really nervous before I started,” she colleague. “Instead, you sort of just have abandoned it and gone home.” admits. “But as soon as you start getting into bodies in a space acting really impulsively, It’s oddly exposing, the fiery Hedda thrown it, it becomes much easier. What’s so brilliant and the way the audience reads that into sharp relief against the blandness and about playing Hedda is that she seems to information can be filtered through their own emptiness of the world around her. Much like change so much from one day to the next. ideas of what the characters’ psychologies the satin nightdress that she wears She’s all over the place, and that’s actually are. In a way, it feels a lot more like real life. throughout, it’s both luxurious and rather really fun. It’s the first time I’ve played a part You don’t tend to sit back and think, ‘Am I insubstantial. anxious? Am I depressed?’ It usually takes where I don’t feel like I can go too far with “There’s an idea that she never gets dressed someone else to tell you that.” her.” because she never really wants to leave the In some readings of the play, there’s been an “It’s the sort of thing that, as actors, we house,” explains Watts. “But also when she’s impulse to delve into Hedda’s psychology for might have been apprehensive about going not wearing her dressing gown, it’s very explanations of her erratic behaviour. in,” adds Adam Best, who plays family friend exposing. It’s great for accessing her Trapped in an unhappy marriage by her own and would-be lover to Hedda, Judge Brack. vulnerability, which isn’t always the thing professed cowardice and paralysing fear of “But it’s been really interesting. Having you first think of with Hedda Gabler, but is public opinion, the newlywed becomes learned all the lines before you start actually something this production taps into a lot.” feels very freeing, because all the emphasis is increasingly unpredictable, her frustration at Music, too, is modern and accessible, with on the relationships.” her lot manifesting in everything from extra- Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Nina Simone’s Wild marital flirtations and emotional blackmail It’s not the only way in which van Hove has Is The Wind used to evoke particular moods. to - in this production at least - a chaotic stripped away the standard features of It’s “almost like a film score”, says Christine episode in which she ends up stapling dying traditional approaches to the text. Working Kavanagh, who plays Aunt Juliana, adding, flowers to the walls that imprison her. In this together with designer and long-term “I think the Patrick Marber adaptation is very version, however, the team prefer to let the collaborator Jan Versweyveld, he has fresh and contemporary. Together with the text and actions speak for themselves. developed an unspecified, loosely defined music, I think it will be hugely appealing for “It’s really liberating not having to get modern setting, removing the stiffness of younger audiences.” bogged down in questioning every action and period costume without adding in the digital pulling apart every emotional turn,” Watts distractions that tend to dominate our lives continues. “Not having to explain too much today. Hedda Gabler shows at Wolverhampton as I was going along actually helped me to A simple set evokes the minimalism of a chic, Grand Theatre from Tuesday 23 until develop the character quicker than normal.” contemporary apartment, all neutral colours Saturday 27 January.

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Food

melting away in the mouth. The moreish okra pieces were de- licious - salty little bits of heaven. I could’ve eaten the dish three times over, despite ordering more than our fair share of food. The mushroom rice and garlic & chilli naan were extremely tasty and the perfect main-course accompaniments. Although both feeling suitably full, the offer of sampling an au- thentic Indian dessert was one we just couldn’t turn down. We shared the gulab jamun (milk dumpling deep fried and soaked in scented sugar syrup) and the white chocolate mousse. Both were served with vanilla ice cream and a selection of fruit. The sweet, sticky dumplings REVIEW: The Bilash chicken breast marinated in gar- were as naughty as they sound; lic and ginger puree, salt, pepper the mousse, nothing short of out- Michelin-rated Indian restaurant still and sesame oil, then cooked standing. The smooth, creamy with fresh onions, ground co- taste and texture was to-die-for, going strong after 35 glorious years riander, curry leaves, fresh mint, and something I seriously urge chives, finely chopped tomatoes, everyone to try when they visit. Having now been established for and Batata Vadas (battered spicy chopped coriander, homemade A perfect end to a perfect dining 35 years, award-winning fine din- potato balls). My partner and I tomato paste and green chillies, experience. ing restaurant The Bilash is opted for the spicy tandoori lamb it was extremely tasty. Served All in all, our night at The Bilash renowned for its modern and in- chops and the Jalpari Kebab, with stir-fried noodles, it wasn’t couldn’t have gone any better - novative Bangladeshi and Indian which comprised saffron- your average Indian dish, but the it’s no surprise that the restau- cuisine. flavoured fish rolls stuffed with flavour combination was abso- rant has been in operation for prawns to share. The kebab was lutely spot on. Situated opposite Wolverhamp- more than 35 years! The food was a dish I’d never come across be- ton’s Civic Centre, the family- The real star of the show, how- exemplary, the flavours excep- fore. Light, and packed full of de- owned eatery boasts many an ever, was the Maacher Jhool. The tional and every course was a licious flavours, it’s something impressive accolade - including a beautiful Bengali fish was soft to showcase of excellent technical I’ll most certainly be ordering if I Michelin rating - and has fea- the bite and fell apart at barely a ability. The service was fantastic see it on a menu again. tured in the Sunday Times’ list of touch. Boasting just the right too, with the staff being both The spicy tandoori lamb chops the top 10 restaurants in the Mid- amount of heat, the seasoning, knowledgable and friendly. lands. were divine; juicy, nicely sea- comprising ground spices, gin- I can’t wait to make a return soned and ever so flavoursome. ger, fresh chillies and turmeric, The Bilash is on two floors and visit, to sample some more of the So far, so good. We were seri- was an incredible medley of blends a modern style with a re- outstanding cuisine that this ously impressed. stunning, full-bodied flavours. laxed and welcoming ambience. gem of a restaurant has to offer. Making our way down the menu, Every mouthful was an absolute On arrival we were politely Lauren Foster there wasn’t a single dish that joy to eat, and the dish proved to greeted and shown to our table, sounded less appealing than its be the highlight of my Bilash ex- which was located on the lower predecessor, which made choos- perience. Food: nnnnn floor of the restaurant. Service: nnnnn ing our mains quite a problem! We ordered sides of bhindi bha- We perused the mouthwatering Ambience: nnnnn After much deliberation, we se- jee (stir-fried spicy okra), shahi menu over a cold Tiger and some Overall value nnnnn lected the Maacher Jhool (spicy paneer (cottage cheese cooked in poppadoms - surely a necessity OVERALL nnnnn hot Bengali fish curry) and the tomato, yoghurt and cashew nut when visiting an Indian restau- Murgi Diya Doniya. The latter paste), mushroom basmati rice rant. The Bilash won Curry Of The Year in the and a garlic & chilli naan. No 2 Cheapside The starter menu featured tiger 1999 and 2001 Wolverhampton & The shahi paneer was quite sim- Civic Centre prawn in pepper sauce, Neza Central Region championships, ply the most gorgeous paneer Wolverhampton Kebab (marinated chicken leg and also came runner-up in the dish I’ve ever tasted, with the WV1 1TU with flavour of green cardamom) national finals. Comprising soft Indian cheese effortlessly Tel: 01902 427762

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Gigs

Blue Rose Code Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Mon 22 January; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Tues 30 January Edinburgh-born singer and creative Ross Wil- son, musically known as Blue Rose Code, released his much-anticipated fourth studio album, The Water Of Leith, in November. Commenting on the album, Ross said: “It speaks to the journey home, my journey home, the man that I am today, so changed from the wee boy that ran away. I’ve found a peace that I left looking for, back on the same cobbled streets, looking at my life through a fresh pair of glasses. Controversially for a songwriter, it seems, I am contented; happier than I’ve ever been. Given up all hope of a better past, I’m rejoicing living in this beautiful series of moments.”

Paramore album, the band have enjoyed a remarkable run of critically acclaimed releases. Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sun 14 January Best known for hit numbers Misery Busi- Fronted by Hayley Williams, award-winning ness, Still Into You, The Only Exception and band Paramore are well established on the Ain’t It Fun, the hugely popular three-piece international rock star circuit. head to Birmingham this month in support From 2005’s gold-certified debut, All We of latest album After Laughter. Know Is Falling, through to 2013's self-titled

Steve Knightley Martyn Joseph Lichfield Guildhall, Wed 31 January Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 January Award-winning songwriter and Show Of There’s a versatility to Martyn Joseph’s Hands frontman Steve Knightley stops off in music that’s hard to categorise. Many have Lichfield on his highly anticipated solo tour, tried, resulting in labels such as folk, rock, Fire Red Empress Songs & Stories, inviting his audience on a soul, folk-funk and Americana all being ap- musical journey that charts ‘the winding The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, plied to his sound. Sat 20 January roads’ of his impressive career. Nominated in the Hardest Working Artist Classic Rock Magazine once described five- category at the UK Independent Music piece rock band Fire Red Empress as ‘burst- Aynsley Lister Band Awards 2016, Joseph’s overwhelming pas- ing from the gates with a hard-charging, sion, unique percussive style and powerful, The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 18 January riff-fuelled, radio-baiting monster that showstopping voice make for a memorable sounds like all your favourite bands beating With over 100,000 albums sold, plenty of and thoroughly enjoyable live show. each other to death’. Enough said, we think. critical acclaim and years of high-profile They play Wolverhampton this month as part touring behind him, Aynsley Lister has of a UK tour. firmly secured his position as a leading light in the revival of British blues-infused music. Commenting on his 2016 release, Eyes Wide Open, Lister said: “I wanted to keep the raw edginess and energy of a band, so that meant minimal takes and going with the ones that had the most spirit and passion over those with technical perfection. To me, music isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to grab you and move you both emotionally and physically; it’s supposed to connect with you.” whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Nine Below Zero DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:12 Page 1 Nine Below Dennis Greaves and Mark Feltham get up close and personal at Zero Henry Tudor House

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South London blues band Nine Below Zero boast a cult following in Europe and a history stretching back 40 years. What’s On caught up with founder member Dennis Greaves ahead of their early-February performance at Shrewsbury’s Henry Tudor House

You’re returning to Henry Tudor House weekly. How was that experience? sax. The reason we do this is so we stay fresh with Mark Feltham next month, following You get used to it. TV programmes at the time and don’t become a cover band of ourselves, a sell-out show there in 2015. What can loved NBZ because they knew we would playing the same old stuff. I think it’s your audience expect from this headline deliver and not be trouble with egos etc. important to keep moving when you’ve been show? Going to the TV studios was amazing. We still around as long as us. Mark and I have been doing the duo now for bump into cameramen now who talk fondly a couple of years. It will be an intimate of us. You’re well known for your stylish attire. evening where we play songs that have Who are your favourite designers? influenced our career. We also chat about the You recently supported Squeeze on tour... I’m getting a lot of stuff from second-hand great musicians we’ve had the luck to play Well, they come from Deptford and we came shops as well as a bespoke company called with. from the Old Kent Road. We both used to play Art Gallery. My wife used to work at Gucci the same gigs in South London. We also were when Tom Ford was designing, which was You’ll be playing some unplugged both signed by Derek Green to A&M Records. handy. I get my scarves from Tootal. I like versions of well-known Nine Below Zero We have so much in common, so the tour was things in second-hand shops because material... a pleasure and their fans loved us. Mark and normally they will be a one-off. Its quite nice stripping those songs back to I got up and played a few songs with them, their creation. You tend to find new things in and we’re on the last two Squeeze albums. And your favourite outfit from over the them that you never knew existed. years? R&B has remained popular for more than My wedding suit, made by Max Cohen, which Your father bought you your first guitar. 70 years. Why is this? was in the Aldgate, East End. He used to fit Did you come from a musical family? If I knew, I’d be a millionaire. All I know is the Krays, and he still had his old patterns Yes, he was a big inspiration to me. He sang that if you play a Robbie Williams track from from the ’60s buried away in the back of the but didn’t play an instrument. It was my 10 years ago, it sounds dated. Play Smoke shop. grandad who played almost anything he put Stack Lightning by Howlin Wolf and it his hand to. The Boston Arms in Tufnell Park sounds so fresh. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s What’s your favourite hobby outside of is where me, my father and grandad have all real musicians playing a groove with no click music? sang and performed. track? It just still feels so great. I really don’t have any - maybe clothes and my Edwardian house. Both my sons are Nine Below Zero were originally formed in Nine Below Zero have been going for four drummers and we jam together locally. My South London. How big an impact did that decades now. Did you ever imagine that hobby is music, I suppose. have on your musical style and early would be the case when you first started career? out? Are there any up-and-coming bands or artists you’d like to champion? Well, it was a place where you either boxed, No, you just do it thinking it won’t last long, played football, were a musician or became a so enjoy it while it lasts. But then it becomes I’ve championed The Strypes and love what thief, to get out of the gutter. I went to a lifestyle and career, you perfect your craft they’re doing. Walworth School in the Old Kent Road. The and every day is a new challenge. In Keith school backed onto the famous Thomas A Richards' book, he mentions this very subject What does the future hold for Dennis Becket pub, where loads of bands would and almost says the same thing. Greaves and Nine Below Zero? play. After school one night, I went to see Wow! I suppose just to keep on going. I really Beryl the owner and asked for a gig. She gave As mentioned previously, you’re playing love what I do, so just to keep playing and me a Monday night residency. This is where next month’s acoustic show alongside touring and keeping fit. we were spotted. South London made you a fellow founding member Mark Feltham, fighter in many ways. yet Nine Below Zero now boast eight members and perform as a big band. Do Following the release of your second you have a preference? Nine Below Zero perform at Henry album in 1981, there was a period when I love them all. We have duo, eight-piece and Tudor House, Shrewsbury, on Sunday Nine Below Zero were on TV almost a five-piece where Chris Rand plays keys and 4 February whatsonlive.co.uk 15 The Cribs DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:52 Page 1 The Cribs DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:52 Page 2

the cribs Lauren Foster chats to Gary Jarman ahead of the band’s Coventry show

The Cribs’ seventh album, 24-7 Rock Star The Cribs are a family band. Does being with us recently. They have to be DIY by Shit, was released last year. Can you tell brothers have a greater number of necessity. They’re totally unspoilt, super- us a bit about it… positives or negatives? dedicated and motivated, and it’s by We recorded it in five days and released it More positives, for definite. The negatives necessity. There are no major labels with no promo. It’s probably my favourite can suck, for sure - you take criticism etc a mollycoddling and throwing money at guitar Cribs record. little more personally cos you’re naturally bands nowadays, like there used to be back defensive of your siblings - but the positives in the 2000s. We were always more DIY than How does it differ from your previous of solidarity, integrity and commitment to a our contemporaries, who were signed to big albums? specific vision are worth so much more than labels and had massive promo campaigns It has most in common with our debut, those trivialities. etc. As a result we always felt like outsiders. probably because of how quickly we made it. The kids coming through now are way more It’s the only record we’ve ever made where How would you describe the evolution of on our wavelength than the bands back then, we specifically knew it was going to be non- the band’s sound? who all expected success and fame. commercial, which was very liberating - to We started off being pigeonholed as ‘lo fi’, The Cribs are playing Coventry’s Empire not have to worry about all the industry stuff which I always had a problem with cos we this month. What can your audience that, even subliminally, ends up seeping into were trying to make the best-sounding expect from your headline show? the mindset when releasing a record. records we could - we just had no money! Surprise-releasing it, not doing any promo or We’ve always preferred the approach of We just honestly and sincerely put everything servicing any songs to radio was very passion over precision, so while the records into it as much as we can. People who know liberating, as it took that whole element off were spirited, people thought they were ‘raw’ the band know what to expect in terms of the table. or ‘lo fi’ or whatever. We made a couple of enthusiasm and effort. To people who don’t records for a major US label which sounded know us, it probably seems really wild and Why 24-7 Rock Star Shit? technically better - and that was cool, I guess crazy, but to people who do, they know it’s Just seemed to typify a mindset, really. We - but our heart has always been in trying to just borne out of trying to make sure we give felt that we’d already eschewed a lot of the get the energy down, and we prioritise that 100%, and that everyone who’s paid for a usual formalities of releasing a record, so it above labouring over things for too long. I ticket gets their money’s worth. was already a pretty serious gamble. We felt think that’s always something we return to. Which UK city has the best audience? like we could get away with a name like that cos it wasn’t gonna be available in your local Career-wise, what are you most proud of? Hard to say - Leeds is our sorta ‘hometown’ supermarket anyway. We’ve been lucky to tour and play shows with show, so is always really awesome. Glasgow some of our heroes - the Sex Pistols, Queen, is crazy, as is Manchester. But a lot of the The Cribs first became active on the gig Dave Grohl etc - but I would honestly say that time, when we get off the beaten path and go circuit in 2002. Why do you think the band what we’re most proud of is having built a to cities that don’t get as many shows as the has remained so popular? fanbase that believes in us and has been with big cities, that’s where things can get really Hopefully it’s because the people who like us for 15 years. They’re the reason we’ve had exciting. the band get something from us that’s a bit four top-10 records and headlined Leeds And finally, what does the future hold for less superficial than whatever is currently ‘on Arena and stuff like that. It’s allowed us to The Cribs? trend’. We’ve tried to represent a specific operate outside the mainstream and still be ethos and approach that operates outside of able to sustain our momentum without We have a big stadium show with Foo and independently from the pop-culture having to constantly look over our shoulders. Fighters in the summer, and we’re maybe realm. Hopefully that’s what’s been It’s hugely empowering and also humbling, heading to Australia and Asia - but this is our translated to the people who care about the all at the same time. last UK tour for the foreseeable future. band, and they appreciate and understand that. It’s almost like we have our own small What’s your opinion of the current music scene in some ways - the fans have always scene in the UK? been really engaged and clued-in, which is We feel way more affinity with the new The Cribs perform at The Empire, just awesome. generation of bands that we’ve had on tour Coventry, on Saturday 27 January Classical January Wolverhampton_Staffs_Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:17 Page 1

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical January Wolverhampton_Staffs_Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:17 Page 2

Classical

The Halle Orchestra Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 5 January One of the UK’s top symphonic ensem- bles, the Manchester-based Halle is admired around the world for its extensive orchestral repertoire. This Victoria Hall concert sees Stephen Bell taking the helm for a New Year celebration of Vienna. Austria’s capital city attracted many great classical composers during the 19th century and was home to the famous Strauss family, whose works feature heavily in the concert programme. Soprano Jennifer France (pictured) also contributes to what will surely be an evening of exceptional musicmaking.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 11 January The fact that Anton Bruckner heard the beginning of his seventh symphony in a dream, played by an angel, is perhaps not surprising, given the piece’s distinctive ‘other worldly’ quality. At various times hailed as mystical, serene and ghostly, the work was largely mis- understood by audiences when it was first performed - a fate which befell a good deal of Bruckner’s output... The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is here conducted by Omer Meir Wellber and joined by pianist Yeol Eum Son. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No21 com- pletes the programme.

Innovation Ensemble: K’antu Ensemble Quintets At Twilight New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wed 24 January The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sunday 14 January This six-year-old ensemble was founded by Innovation Ensemble comprises five vocalist and violinist Ruth Hopkins to ‘ex- highly respected chamber musicians plore the less-trodden territories of early drawn from the circle of colleagues and music’. friends of the late Peter Cropper. Compositions from Spain and South America Viennese Strauss Gala feature heavily in K’antu’s repertoire, as does Repeatedly hailed for his creativity and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, fearlessness, and often lauded for an un- the playing of an array of instruments from Sun 21 January around the world. doubted streak of genius, violinist Peter The 33-piece British Philharmonic Concert was the leader of the Lindsay Quartet for Orchestra kickstart 2018 in style with a almost four decades. He died suddenly in concert recalling the glories of Johann late May 2014 at the age of 69. Strauss, Franz Lehar and Viennese op- Among the musicians performing this eretta. early-evening concert are his son, Martin, Featured works include Strauss’ By The and Ben Nabarro, both of whom are vio- Beautiful Blue Danube, The Thunder And linists. Robin Ireland and Sarah-Jane Lightning Polka and a taste of his master- Bradley accompany on the viola, while piece, Die Fledermaus. Richard Jenkinson plays cello. Highlights from Lehar’s Merry Widow also The programme features Mozart’s Quintet feature, along with a wealth of operetta in G min K.516, Vaughan Williams’ Phan- favourites from, among other works, The tasy Quintet and Brahms’ Quintet in G maj Student Prince, The New Moon, The Op.111. Gypsy Baron and The White Horse Inn. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Joshua Bell DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 14:26 Page 1

Joshua Bell I’ve always really enjoyed playing concertos as a soloist, but“ “ now with the Academy I still get to do that, while also working in much finer detail on what I want from them Joshua Bell DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 14:26 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Classical musician Joshua Bell & the Academy of St Martin in the Fields bring a new tour to Symphony Hall this month, presenting a programme fusing Vivaldi’s classic Four Seasons with a brand new commission by Edgar Meyer...

There are few classical musicians who can honest, and I find that quite refreshing.” today, whereas with new work it’s still hit lay claim to a fame that reaches beyond those and miss. Previous collaborations between the two already interested in their field, but even if include a double concerto for violin and “Also I think in recent years there’s been a lot you’re not familiar with the work of violin bass, as well as the chamber music album of music that seems quite random and virtuoso Joshua Bell, there’s a chance you’re Short Trip Home. As a bright, ambitious high dissonant that people have struggled to at least vaguely aware of the 2007 schooler, Bell first met the older Meyer at connect with. But listen, I’m one of those Washington Post experiment that saw him Indiana University, where he was double people who is pleasantly surprised when I busking incognito in a New York subway. majoring in Mathematics and Music. like a piece of new music myself! I think it’s Over 10 years later, the story still crops up important to keep challenging people with “He plays to what he thinks are my strengths, more often than he’d like - not least because new work, but when I hear a piece that I can’t but I sometimes think he overestimates my he has much more to say about his relate to as a musician, it makes me wonder abilities! He has a brilliant mathematical phenomenal body of work before and since. how someone who is outside the music world mind and creates these incredibly complex, Having made his solo debut aged just 14, he’s can get anything from it.” precise rhythms that I sometimes wonder if gone on to become one of the world’s most I’ll be able to pull off at all. Those seeking the reassurance of more celebrated classical performers, winning familiar titles will find it in the pieces multiple awards and being colourfully “Luckily the Academy is really quick and programmed alongside Meyer’s. In described as ‘the Poet of the Violin’. open to new challenges. I think a lot of particular, The Four Seasons should be a European orchestras would have struggled Latterly, he’s been taking up new challenges significant draw - if you want to know why, with a piece like this - the first time we as music director of the acclaimed Academy look up Bell’s superb 2008 recording (there’s performed it we were just happy to get of St Martin in the Fields, succeeding its late a Spotify link on the Academy website). through it without falling apart! But when we founder, Sir Neville Marriner. It’s in this Beethoven’s Second, meanwhile, will be a premiered it at the Bravo! Vail festival in capacity that he’ll be heading to first for him - one of just two Beethoven Colorado, they had a lot of fun with it and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall this month, symphonies he has yet to perform. As usual, Edgar was really pleased, so I’m excited leading the orchestra in performances of he’ll also be managing the tricky balancing about taking it out on tour.” Beethoven’s exuberant Second Symphony, act of leading the orchestra while performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and a brand new, 10- Attracting large and diverse audiences for himself, without the help of a separate minute commission by his old friend and classic concerts can be difficult in and of conductor. frequent collaborator, Edgar Meyer. itself, a challenge that’s magnified where “I love it! I’ve always really enjoyed playing new compositions are involved. At the Bravo! “Edgar comes from a background in concertos as a soloist, but now with the Vail premiere, says Bell, people told him Nashville, Tennessee, where as well as Academy I still get to do that, while also afterwards how “surprised” they were that studying classical music, he was a bluegrass working in much finer detail on what I want they’d enjoyed it. It’s not unusual for double bass player,” says Bell. “He also from them. After years of playing these audiences to be so apprehensive, and as far played a lot of jazz, so his musical language pieces, I have very strong convictions about as Bell’s concerned, he doesn’t blame them. brings together a real mix of different how I want every aspect of them to be, and influences. It’s hard to describe but I would “Partly I think people in the classical world now I can control that without having to say that although it’s rhythmically very can be sceptical about new compositions just work through a conductor. I also really enjoy complex, it’s also very tonal and accessible. because we have so much great music that the way the orchestra responds without has stood the test of time. People know that a having a middle man with a stick. It feels “What I like about it is that it’s something Beethoven symphony is going to move them - more like playing chamber music and it’s that has emerged very organically out of who what are the chances that a new piece is exciting for me as well.” he is as a musician. A lot of composers who going to have that kind of effect? Of course in are focused on being different and finding every generation there is some great music their own voice can end up with something and a lot of not so great music, but with older that sounds quite artificial and gimmicky. Joshua Bell and the Academy of St Martin classical music, we’ve weeded out everything But somehow Edgar’s music is always very in the Fields play Symphony Hall, that’s not so good from our programmes Birmingham, on Tuesday 23 January. Reader's Awards (DOWNSAVE).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:12 Page 1

Get VOTING for your favourite Midlands events and venues in the... What’sOn Readers’ Awards 2018

Some of last year’s winners...

Doreen Tipton - Midlands Personality Of The Year Birmingham Hippodrome - Best Midlands Large Theatre Wolverhampton Grand Theatre winners of Best Midlands’ Panto and Best Arts/Theatre Venue in Wolverhampton

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Reader's Awards (DOWNSAVE).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:12 Page 2

#culturematters #artsmatters

Yes, it’s time for you to show just how much CATEGORIES INCLUDE: you appreciate Birmingham and the West Best Large Regional Theatre Midlands’ ever-vibrant arts and Best Small Theatre entertainment scene. Best Touring Musical Best Home Produced Show Nominate and vote online for your Best Home Produced Theatre favourites to help them secure a place in our Best Touring Show What’s On Readers’ Awards Top 5 Best Kids Show Shortlist. Best Panto Best Panto Dame The shortlist will be announced in our Best Arts Venue February issue, when you’ll have another Best Large Music Venue chance to VOTE for your WINNER in each Best Independent Live Gigs Venue category. So get voting now! Best Gallery Best Exhibition And, complete our Readership Survey for Best Midlands Band the chance to WIN £1000 cash! Best Dance Production Best Operatic Production VOTE for your NOMINATIONS Best Midlands Personality by Monday 15 January 2017 Best Midlands Comedian Best Place To Visit The Top 5 Shortlist in each category will be Best Event announced at the end of January - you’ll then get Best Festival the chance to VOTE one more time for your Best Restaurant WINNER. Voting closes the end of February. Best Nightclub WINNERS will be announced in the Spring Best Regional Orchestra Best Independent Cinema Best Amateur Theatre Company Best Amateur Production What’s On Achievement Award VOTE today at whatsonlive.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals 2018 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:56 Page 1

Festivals

When it comes to music, regardless of your preference - be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival in the Midlands to suit your taste. And 2018 looks set to be another bumper year for the region’s festival-goers. Get your diary out and get booking!...

sic.org Sanchez. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, Seven tion at rockandbowlfestival.com End Country Estate, Hanley Castle, APRIL FIELDBOUNCE New for 2018. Line-up in- HIP HOP COLOUR POWDER FESTIVAL Worcestershire. More information at cludes Scouting For Girls, Dappy and Line-up to be announced. Sun 27 May, mellofestival.co.uk NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC FESTI- Danny Howard. Sat 5 May, The Venue, SK Cash & Carry, Digbeth Birmingham. VAL Line-up includes Glenn Tilbrook, Oswestry. More information at field- GLASTONBUDGET Line-up includes DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- Thea Gilmore, Dennis Greaves and bounce.co.uk Antarctic Monkeys, Coldplace, Four nounced. Sun 27 May, various venues Mark Feltham from Nine Below Zero Fighters, Happy Mondaze and Letz- HANDMADE FESTIVAL Line-up includes in Nottingham. More information at and Dr Feelgood. Thurs 29 Mar - Mon 2 Zep. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, Turnpost Circa Waves, Idles, Little Comets, Di- dottodotfestival.co.uk Apr, various venues in Nantwich. More Farm, Leicestershire. More information nosaur Pile Up and Protomartyr. Sat 5 - information at nantwichjazz.com at glastonbudget.org SLAMDUNK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Sun 6 May, O2 Academy, Leicester. Good Charlotte, Jimmy Eat World, Tak- More information at handmadefesti- STAFFS FEST Line-up includes Mick ing Back Sunday, Sleeping Sirens and val.co.uk Moylan, Mick Oakden, Mark Morris State Champs. Mon 28 May, Genting MAY and Gary Lees. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, SWINGAMAJIG Brought to you by Elec- Arena, Birmingham. More information Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge. More tric Swing Circus, Swingamajig is back at slamdunkmusic.com CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- information at staffsfest.co.uk for its 6th year. Line-up to be an- cludes Randy Crawford, Beth Hart, WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be nounced. Sun 6 May, The Digbeth Tri- HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN The world’s Christian McBride Big Band and Ka- announced. Thurs 31 May - Sun 3 Jun, angle, Birmingham. More information largest philosophy and music festival. masi Washington. Wed 2 - Mon 7 May, The Whitby Club, Cheshire. More infor- at swingamajig.co.uk Line-up includes The Orb, The Corre- various venues in Cheltenham. More mation at wirralfolkonthecoast.com spondents, Laura Wright and Nerina information at BEARDED THEORY Line-up includes The Pallot. Fri 25 - Mon 28 May, Hay on cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz Jesus & Mary Chain, Fun Lovin Crimi- Wye, Hereford. More information at nals, Jimmy Cliff and Reverend And JUNE UPTON UPON SEVERN FOLK FESTIVAL hay.htlgi.iai.tv The Makers. Thurs 24 - Sun 27 May, Line-up includes Mike Wilson & Catton Hall, South Derbyshire. More CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- Damien Barber, Monty's Maggot En- WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up information at beardedtheory.co.uk cludes Jez Lowe, Greg Russell & Ciaran glish Ceilidh & Country Dance Band includes Buzzcocks, The Levellers, Or- Algar, Hannah James and Jim Moray. and Granny's Attic. Fri 4 - Mon 7 May, BREAKING BANDS Line-up includes Red chestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Billy Fri 25 - Mon 28 May, Kelsall Village. various venues, Upton upon Severn, Rum, Skaciety, Estrella, New Genera- Bragg and Dhol Foundation. Fri 1 - Sun More information at chesterfolk.org.uk Worcestershire. More information at tion Superstars, Chris Slade and 3 Jun, Cheltenham Racecourse. More uptonfolk.org Wicked Stone. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Line-up to be an- information at wychwoodfestival.com Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, nounced. Sat 26 - Sun 27 May, Birming- LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN Bromsgove. More information at ham Gay Village. More information at includes Pražák String Quartet, The Line-up includes Ferocious Dog, Tom breakingbandsfestival.com birminghampride.com Guarneri Piano Trio, Jana Nováková Dibb, Steve Harley, Chris Difford and and Martin Kasík. Fri 4 - Tues 8 May, MELLO Line-up includes Soul II Soul, ROCK AND BOWL Line-up to be an- The Brandy Thieves. Fri 1 - Sun 3 Jun, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa. Toploader, Badly Drawn Boy, The Jive nounced. Sat 26 - Mon 28 May, Picnic Uttoxeter Racecourse. More informa- More information at leamingtonmu- Aces, The Mariachis and Mike Area, Market Drayton. More information at acousticfestival.co.uk

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2018 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:56 Page 2 Festivals 2018 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:56 Page 3

Festivals

GATE TO SOUTHWELL FOLK Line-up in- Centre, Napton On The Hill, Warwick- Hall, Leicestershire. More information CREAMFIELDS Carl Cox announced as cludes Nine Below Zero, Lindisfarne, shire. More information naptonfesti- at barefootfestival.com Friday night headliner. Thurs 23 - Sun The Young 'Uns, Cara Dillon, Dalla- val.co.uk 26 Aug, Daresbury, Halton, Cheshire. CARFEST NORTH Line-up includes Ba- han, The Furrow Collective and More information at creamfields.com MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL Line-up nanarama, Billy Ocean, Jools Holland, Habadekuk. Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Jun, to be announced. Fri 6 - Sun 8 Jul, Rick Astley, Status Quo, Texas and The BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- Southwell Racecourse, Notting- Moseley Park, Birmingham. More in- Feeling. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Bolesworth cludes Haerken, Footprints in The Cus- hamshire. More information at south- formation at mostlyjazz.co.uk Castle, Chester. More information at tard, Shadowflag and Fjords. Fri 24 - wellfolkfestival.org.uk carfest.org Sun 26 Aug, Stoke Prior Sports & Coun- CAMPERJAM Line-up to be announced. DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Line-up includes try Club, Bromsgrove, Worcester. More Fri 6 - Sun 8 Jul, Weston Park, Shrop- INDIE TRACKS Line-up to be an- Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, information at beermageddon.co.uk shire. More information at camper- nounced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Butterley Avenged Sevenfold, Rise Against and jam.com Station, Derbyshire. More information SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Status Quo an- Marilyn Manson. Fri 8 - Sun 10 Jun, at indietracks.co.uk nounced as first headliner. Fri 24 - Sun Donington Park, Derby. More informa- THE ROCK AND BIKE FEST Line-up in- 26 Aug, Fish Meadow, Upton upon Sev- tion at downloadfestival.co.uk cludes Sham 69, Evil Scarecrow, Circus MIDDLE OF NOWHERE FESTIVAL Line-up Of Horrors, (Alice Cooper tribute act) ern, Worcestershire. More information SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 2018 Line-up in- to be announced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul. and Gallus Cooper. Thurs 12 - Sat 14 at uptonfestival.co.uk cludes Evil Blizzard, Senser, Astrala- Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire. Jul, Carnfield Hall, Derbyshire. More sia, Sonic Black Holes and Here & More information at monmusicfesti- SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up information at rockandbikefest.co.uk Now. Thurs 14 - Mon 18 Jun, Stoke val.co.uk includes Steeleye Span, Gretchen Pe- ters, Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings Prior Sports and Country Club, Worces- BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up LUNAR FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- and O'Hooley & Tidow. Fri 24 - Mon 27 ter. More information at sonicrocksol- includes The Damien Barber Road- nounced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Umber- Aug, Greenhous West Mid Show- stice.com show, Cosmotheka, Dave Gibb, Ursula slade Farm Park. More information at Holden Gill and Mumbo Jumbo. Thurs ground, Shrewsbury. More information FOXTON LOCKS FESTIVAL Line-up to be lunarfestival.co.uk 12 - Sun 15 Jul, various venues across at shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk announced. Sat 16 - Sun 17 Jun, Foxton MADE BIRMINGHAM Line-up to be an- Bromsgrove. More information at STONEDEAF Line-up includes Anvil, Locks, Leicestershire. More informa- nounced. Sat 28 Jul, The Digbeth Trian- bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk The Graham Bonnet Band, Massive tion at foxtonlocksfestival.co.uk gle, Birmingham. More information at Wagons and Hand of Dimes. Sat 25 FUSE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- madebirmingham.com NORTHAMPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line- Aug, Newark Showground, Notting- up to be announced. Sun 17 Jun, Mar- nounced. Fri 13 - Sun 15 Jul, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire. More in- hamshire. More information at ket Square, Northampton. More stonedeaffestival.co.uk information at northamptonmusicfes- formation at fuselichfield.org.uk AUGUST tival.co.uk LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY Line-up in- OFF THE TRACKS Line-up to be announced. Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 Sep, Don- UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- cludes UB40, Kim Wilde, Midge Ure, 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- Go West, Jason Donovan, From The nounced. Fri 3 - Sun 5 Aug, Gospel Hall ington Park, Derbyshire. More nounced. Thurs 21 - Sun 24 Jun, The information at offthetracks.co.uk Riverside, Upton-upon-Severn, Worces- Jam and Imagination. Sat 14 Jul, The Farm, Leicestershire. More information tershire. More information at upton- Quarry, Shrewsbury. More information at 110above.com MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be at letsrockshrewsbury.com jazz.co.uk BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- announced. Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 Sep, DEERSTOCK Line-up includes The King cludes Judas Priest, Gojira, Nightwish, Moseley Park, Birmingham. More in- BEARDY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up information at moseleyfolk.co.uk cludes Nick Heyward, Skerryvore, Blues, April Towers, Blackballed and Emperor and DevilDriver. Thurs 9 - Sun False Lights, Jim Moray, 3 Daft Mon- John Otway. Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jul, Newton 12 Aug, Catton Hall, Derbyshire. More keys and Chris Helme. Fri 22 - Sun 24 Cross Country Course, Notting- information at bloodstock.uk.com hamshire. More information at deer- SEPTEMBER Jun, Hopton Court, Cleobury Mortimer, LAKEFEST Line-up to be announced. stock.co.uk Shropshire. More information at Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, Eastnor Castle, BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to beardyfolkfestival.co.uk NOZSTOCK Line-up to be announced. Herefordshire. More information at be announced. Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Sep, Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jul, Rowden Paddocks, lakefest.co.uk SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- announced. Fri 22 - Sun 24 Jun, various FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line-up to be mation at bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk mation at nozstock.com venues in Birmingham. More informa- announced. Fri 10 - Sun 12 Aug, near WORCESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up tion supersonicfestival.com THE BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL JAZZ & Gatten Farm, Shropshire. More infor- to be announced. Fri 14 - Sun 16 Sep, TEXFEST Line-up includes Example & BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- mation at farmerphilsfestival.com venues across Worcester. More infor- DJ Wire, Nick Grimshaw (DJ set), We nounced. Fri 20 - Sat 29 Jul, various THE MOIRA FURNACE FOLK FESTIVAL mation at worcestermusicfestival.co.uk venues around Birmingham and Soli- Are Scientists, Tinchy Stryder and Line-up includes Elbow Jane, Other hull. More information at birmingham- ROCKSTOCK AND BARREL Line-up to be Beans on Toast. Fri 29 Jun - Sat 1 Jul, Road, Vicki Swan & Johnny Dyer, Mike jazzfestival.com announced. Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Sep, The Market Harborough Showground, Le- Silver and Risky Business. Fri 17 - Sun Chimneys, Willington, Derbyshire. icestershire. More information at SPLENDOUR Line-up to be announced. 19 Aug, Moira Furnace Museum and texfest.co.uk More information at rockstockandbar- Sat 21 Jul, Wollaton Park, Nottingham. Monument Site, Derbyshire. More in- relfestival.co.uk More information at splendourfesti- formation at moirafurnacefolkfesti- JULY val.com val.co.uk WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up to be OCTOBER cludes Show of Hands, Jon Boden & announced. Fri 17 - Sun 19 Aug, Rode NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- the Remnant Kings and Korrontzi. Hall Parkland, Cheshire. More infor- nounced. Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Jul, Coney LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK Line-up Thurs 26 - Sun 29 Jul, Warwick School mation at justsofestival.org.uk Woods at Noseley Hall, Leicestershire. includes Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys and Warwick Town Centre. More infor- More information and tickets at noisi- SHAMBALA Line-up to be announced. and Megson. Fri 19 - Sun 21 Oct, venues mation at warwickfolkfestival.co.uk lyfestival.com Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Aug. A secret loca- around Lichfield, Staffordshire. More BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- tion in Northampton. More informa- information at lichfieldarts.org.uk NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be nounced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Prestwold tion at shambalafestival.org announced. Fri 6 - Sat 7 Jul, Village

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2018 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:56 Page 4 Jonathan Pie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:20 Page 1

A SLICE OF PIE Actor and comedian Tom Walker talks about creating cult character, YouTube sensation and ranting reporter Jonathan Pie...

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Jonathan Pie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:20 Page 2

by Brian O’Faolain

So I made a few little films, one of them “went viral and that was it. I suddenly had a career back

What made you create the character of comes to Brexit he’s actually pretty balanced. have been more open to it - I don’t know if Jonathan Pie, Tom? Because he’s an old-school lefty, he knows the BBC would make The Thick Of It now. I what’s wrong with the EU. He knows that” it’s think from my few encounters with TV Desperation, really. I’d been out of work for a long time as an actor, and I felt that if I didn’t not this eutopia full of different creeds people, they’re very risk-averse. I would love do something myself nothing would ever holding hands and singing. He knows that to see Pie evolve, but I need someone to take happen. So I had him in my head for a while it’s a corporate block which is all about the a punt on him first. and I thought, just do it. So I made a few little interest of corporations, but he also knows If Jonathan Pie existed in the real, minute- films, one of them went viral and that was it. that economically we’re better off in it. So by-minute world and you met him in a I suddenly had a career back. actually, when it comes to Brexit, he speaks for leavers and remainers. So I think, as I pub, do you think you’d get on well? Many people thought, at least on the first said, the satire is more balanced than he is. I’m not sure, actually. Like I say, everyone viewing, that Jonathan was real… wants to talk to me about politics in the pub, Would you say that most people’s politics I think the first time you see him or come and on my downtime I’m not that interested are more nuanced than Pie’s? As a across him, you kind of go, ‘God, is this for because I spend my day following the news character he simplifies things and people real?’ I think by the second time, you go, and reading articles. Every comedy character maybe find that more engaging? ‘Oh... no, it’s not’. Nobody loses it that badly has a fault at their core, and Pie’s is that he every week. It is simplified because I’m writing a three or can’t not talk about politics, and when he four-minute piece each week, and normally talks about politics, he can’t not get angry. So How did you go about evolving him as a there’s one, maybe two, points that I’m trying I think after about half an hour I’d be like, character? to make. So he does over-simplify. But I don’t “Can we talk about something else?” So I The evolution had to come very quickly think that people recognise their political don’t know. because the first couple of videos I did views are nuanced. I think these days, Have you found yourself in any awkward happened to be about politics. The first one especially on the left, people go, “You either situations midst recording your outside was about Jeremy Corbyn, and then the next agreed with me 100% or you’re on their side.” broadcasts? week the story about our prime minister at You know what I mean? Anyone who votes the time and a pig got released, and you go, Conservative is a bigot and anyone who voted No, not at all. Because I’m still cult - niche, if “I can’t ignore that”. Very quickly I realised it leave is a bigot. So I think the left are in you like - the people who recognise me are was the politics that people were tuning in danger of forgetting political nuance. I hope, the people who know me, and the people for; it was the satire of it. Originally I actually, that Pie reminds them of it. who know me are the people who like me. So conceived him as ‘Isn’t it funny when things I’ve never had anyone really have a go. I’ve How does that transpire in the live show? go wrong to newsreaders’ or ‘Isn’t it funny had people interrupt recording, as they think when a newsreader flips’. That’s what it was Well, I’ve got an hour or so to actually it’s funny to stick two fingers up at the all about, really - the political satire wasn’t explore things harder, and so I’m much more camera, and that’s when you can’t really there when I originally conceived it, but very able to have a go at the left because they’re distinguish between the two of us, because I quickly I realised that people were seeing it not going to turn off. In this new show I’ve do tear them a new one. When I’ve got a suit as a piece of political satire, so that was what just written, a main section in the middle is on and a camera there, everyone recognises I needed to go with. I never once, before Pie, having a go at us lefties and saying where me; when I’m walking around in my hoody had been in the pub having a discussion we’re going wrong. I’m much more able, and have a hat on, looking scruffy, no one about politics, but now that seems to be all when I’ve got a bit of length to the show, to recognises me at all. anyone wants to talk to me about - which is explore where the Tories are going wrong, So in real life you’re not sweary but really fine - but I don’t care as much as the where Trump is going wrong, but also where polite? character does, which I think actually helps we’re going wrong. So I think the satire is me write him. much more balanced in the live show. No, unfortunately not. I am a bit sweary. We have a similar vocabulary… He certainly has left leanings, would you Do you think that Jonathan will evolve say? further - for example, as Steve Coogan evolved Alan Partridge? Yes, he does. He’s a lefty, a proper old-school Tom Walker appears as Jonathan Pie at lefty, which is why he likes Corbyn. But I That would be great. I mean, I’d love to see Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on think the satire is more balanced than he is. Pie on TV, and I’d like to see where he comes Thursday 1 March; Warwick Arts Centre, It’s quite easy for him to hate Trump because from and where he works and to meet who he Coventry, on Wednesday 7 March; and I’ve not met anyone in this country who likes works with. But I don’t think there’s a TV New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on him, so that’s a universal thing. But I think channel out there that’s quite ready for Pie. I Thursday 8 March. the other hot potato is Brexit, and when it think maybe 10 or 15 years ago they might

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Comedy January 2018 (2017).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:35 Page 1

Comedy

Chris Rock Arena Birmingham, Thurs 25 January Grammy and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, director, writer and producer Chris Rock has certainly courted his fair share of controversy during a career spanning more than 30 years. At the 2007 London Live Earth concert, for instance, his de- cision to call the crowd ‘mother******s’ led to the BBC immediately terminating its live broadcast of the event, then issuing numerous apologies for having inadvertently aired the swear word at a pre-watershed time. Rock has also been slammed by his hero Bill Cosby, both for his willingness to use the ‘n’ word and for his view that high-profile celebrities shouldn’t be under extra pressure to behave as role models. "Why does the public expect entertainers to behave better than everybody else?” he questioned in his memoir. “It's ridiculous. Of course, this is just for black entertainers. You don't see anyone telling Jerry Seinfeld he's a good role model, because everyone expects whites to behave themselves. Nowadays, you've got to be an entertainer and a leader. It's too much.” Rock’s jokes include: “White man makes guns? No problem. Black rapper says ‘gun’? Congressional hearing. ‘Oh my God, that n***** said gun, and he rhymed it with fun!’”. And also: “I had a cop pull me over the other day - scared me so bad, made me think I stole my own car. ‘Get out of the car,’ he said, ‘get out of the f****** car! You stole this car!’ I was like, ‘Damn, maybe I did!’” And finally... “We got so much food in America that we’re allergic to food. Allergic to food! Hungry people ain’t allergic to s***. You think anyone in Rwanda’s got a f****** lac- tose intolerance?” Touring the UK for the first time in 10 years, Rock stops off in Birmingham this month with his critically acclaimed Total Blackout show.

James Redmond & Adam Kay Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 26 January One-time international model James Redmond is relatively new to standup, having initially made a name for himself as an actor - most notably in the long-running BBC TV series Casualty. Former obstetrician and gynae- cologist Adam Kay has been playing the comedy circuit for a good while longer than James. He counts Stephen Fry among his many fans and always brings a palpable feelgood factor to his shows. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy January 2018 (2017).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:35 Page 2

Adam Rowe MAC, Birmingham, Wed 24 January Adam Rowe well remembers the day he died in Stockport (only on stage, of course). ”It was the day I got my A-Level results and realised I wasn't going to university for another year,” recalled the 25-year-old Liver- pudlian in a recent interview with The Skinny. “I decided to rant about my day and not do my material. I died on my arse and got gonged off. Awful.” Fortunately for Adam, most of his gigs bear no resemblance to that one. Blending an affable persona with a quick wit and material that’s seen him likened to Jason Manford, he’s widely considered to be one of the most promising new acts on the UK comedy circuit.

Bill Bailey Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 29 & Tues 30 January Bill Bailey thinks his comedy should be edu- worthwhile. Obviously, I want people to cational. “From an audience perspective, it’s come along and be entertained, have a laugh great if they can leave one of my shows more and get taken out of themselves for a couple informed than when they arrived,” he says. of hours, but if they can also glean some- “I’m delighted when I get messages from thing a bit longer-lasting than a couple of people saying, ‘I was in a lecture and I knew laughs, then all the better.” Guz Khan who this artist was because I’d seen your Bill is visiting Coventry with his show, Larks show’, or ‘I was in a pub quiz and I got the In Transit - “a compendium of travellers’ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 8 January answers right because I’d seen your show’. tales and the general shenanigans of 20 Former school teacher Guz is fairly new to “I’m delighted by that, and it makes it all years as a travelling comedian.” the comedy scene, but he’s certainly made a big impact in a short time. He shot to rela- tive fame a handful of years ago after seeing Ed Byrne his YouTube clips go viral. Since then, the only way’s been ‘up’ for the one-time Hu- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 26 January; Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 27 January manities teacher at Grace Academy in Coventry. “I think it’s important to push A highly regarded master of observational comedy, Ed Byrne against boundaries with comedy,” says Guz, admits to being a little uncomfortable about some of the “and although I like to make people laugh ‘more laddish’ material he used in the early days of his while exploring issues such as religion, race standup career. and gender, I’m not somebody who’s look- “My comedy reflected my life at that time - single and enjoy- ing to cause offence just because I can.” ing myself. Most of it was fairly harmless, but some of the stuff about an ex-girlfriend I can see was a bit angry, and I wouldn't do it now.” So 20-plus years after first dipping his toes into the decidedly dangerous waters of standup comedy, does Ed still enjoy touring? “Apart from the travel involved, which no comic likes, I love it. You have people responding to something that you’ve written alone in your office, and the work comes alive in a roomful of people. I like the TV things I do, but nothing can beat a live comedy audience.” Ed tours to the Midlands this month with brand new show Spoiler Alert. whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Beautiful DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:29 Page 1

BeautifulThe Carole King Musical returns to the Midlands

It’s an amazing night! It’s like a rock concert at “ the end - there’s no other feeling like it! ”

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Beautiful DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:29 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Having enjoyed great acclaim during its debut Midlands run late last year, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical makes a welcome return to the region. What’s On recently caught up with leading lady Bronté Barbé to find out more....

After kicking off its first ever UK tour late last her relationship with husband and long-term was a real eye-opener. Despite considering year, smash-hit Carole King musical Beauti- writing partner Gerry Goffin breaks down herself a fan, it wasn’t until she saw friends ful enjoyed a warmly received run at Birming- during the 12-year period the show covers, performing in the West End production that ham Hippodrome in November. But even If there’s plenty of tugging at heartstrings be- she realised quite how prolific a songwriter It’s Over and you missed out, don’t think that fore the feelgood finale. King was. It’s Too Late. Though touring may have taken “I think Carole actually found it very hard to “I had her album Tapestry on vinyl because the show Way Over Yonder and So Far Away, listen to the initial read-throughs of the show, my mum told me I had to get it when I first it turns out pretty soon it’s Goin’ Back - on because in a way it was like living through it got a record player, and I just absolutely Wednesday 31 January to be precise. again. But then I know she later went to the loved it. I probably overplayed it, actually. So It seems something told the Hippodrome it Broadway show in disguise and absolutely I already thought she was fantastic, but I had was into something good… loved it. She even ended up getting on stage no idea she’d written all of these other songs. And word must’ve filtered through to fellow to sing with the cast! I knew like The Locomotion and Will You Still Midlands venues the Wolverhampton Grand “It’s a very different process playing a part Love Me Tomorrow?. There’s a huge back cat- and Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre too, be- like this. Because she’s a real person, she’s alogue of songs in the show.” cause they’ve booked the hit show as well. still alive and she worked so hard for this, It’s partly this that makes Beautiful stand out “It sold really well, and the theatre is so sup- you do want to honour her. I haven’t met her from the numerous other biopic-style juke- portive of the work that arrives there,” and I don’t know if I will - though I’d abso- box musicals around in theatreland at pre- gushes Bronté Barbé, who takes over the lutely love to! - but I have watched lots of in- sent. tremendous task of playing Carole King from terviews and documentaries and videos of “There’s no other show that I know of where West End star Cassidy Janson. “They laid on her, and I’ve read her book. So hopefully I’m one character can present a song and then a a lovely welcome for us, and we had a great living up to the task!” whole other group of characters can sing the time in Birmingham. The audiences were fan- The trick, you might say, is not to play her as same song without you getting bored of it. tastic!” your typical, emotionally demonstrative Like with Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, I Telling the extraordinary story of the song- stock musical theatre character, but rather to present it and then The Shirelles sing it in a writer-turned-performer’s rise to fame, the make her feel like a Natural Woman. Para- completely different way. The combination of show takes us through King’s personal trials doxically, though, seeming natural and spon- that and the fact that it isn’t just about her and tribulations: overcoming her own inse- taneous actually takes a lot of hard work and and Gerry Goffin but also the other writing curities, kicking back against convention, attention to detail, particularly when it duo, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, means and breaking into what was then a very comes to the vocals. With big fans of Carole there’s a great variety of music in the show.” male-dominated 1960s music industry. King coming into theatres expecting to Feel For those of an age to remember when King “One of the first lines in the show is Carole’s The Earth Move, getting the singing right was first made it big, the music and nostalgia it mum saying to her, ‘Girls don’t write music, always Going To Take Some Time… inspires will surely be the main draw, with they teach it,’” says Barbé. “She was so brave “It was quite a long process because I wanted many coming just to hear that one special at that time, to go into those offices to pre- to get as close to Carole as I could without Song Of Long Ago. Yet there’s more to it than sent her songs. What’s amazing is that de- doing an impression, because that’s not what that. Beautiful aims to be a show not just for spite her insecurities, she had the it’s about. So I listened to her intently for a one generation, but for Anyone At All, guar- determination to stick at it and get what she long time, broke down what I thought were anteed to have you Dancing With Tears In wanted, especially when she was so young.” ‘Carole-isms’, wrote them out, put them in Your Eyes. Evidently, this ‘Sweet Young Thing’ ‘Wasn’t different places, and sang the songs over and “There’s so much heart to the piece and it’s Born To Follow’: we know that she eventually over again with and without them.” so incredibly relatable that I think there’s plucked up the courage to enter the limelight For Barbé, as for many audience members, something for everyone. It’s an amazing and became a star in her own right. But as seeing the show for the first time in London night! It’s like a rock concert at the end - there’s no other feeling like it!”

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical returns to Birmingham Hippodrome from Wed 31 January to Sat 3 February. The show then plays at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tues 24 to Sat 28 April and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues 12 to Sat 16 June.

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Brief Encounter DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:48 Page 1

“Thanking you for coming back to me” Kneehigh’s Brief Encounter returns to Birmingham REP Brief Encounter DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:48 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid It’s really important to me that you see the “ “ different layers of society, and that’s something that Noel Coward did beautifully

There may come a time in the future where extent to which this production feels like a that: you’ve got first love with the young kids we shan’t mind about it any more, but for love letter to the strange magic of the cinema. in the tea room; you’ve got impossible love now, Kneehigh Theatre’s spectacular stage With her reputation for breaking theatrical between these two middle-aged, married adaptation of Brief Encounter continues to conventions, it’s no surprise that Emma Rice people in Alec and Laura; and you’ve got tour to international acclaim. would love to see her work freed from the last-chance love or surprise love between the perceived rules for theatre audiences, instead older couple that find their way to each other. Ten years after its 2008 premiere, the show enjoyed in much the same way as a film. returns to where it all started in a run at “It’s really important to me that you see the Birmingham REP that might mark the “For one thing, cinema audiences tend to be different layers of society, and that’s beginning of the end of its long life. But not younger and poorer. But generally I think something that Noel Coward did beautifully. quite yet. there’s a sort of freewheeling sense of a good It’s no mistake that he set Still Life in the tea night out at the cinema which I would love to room - it’s a great leveller, isn’t it? Everyone “It’s one of those rare instances where if you be what people felt when they come to the who’s waiting for a train goes in there for a could always make shows like this, you theatre.” cup of tea.” would, but in reality they don’t come along very often in a lifetime,” says writer and One might well wonder, then, what’s to be While elements of Still Life have been added, director Emma Rice. “Every time we’ve taken gained from presenting the story live on stage some features of the film have had to be cut, it out, we’ve made it a little bit better, a little as opposed to simply screening the film. Her notably the voiceovers which offer a window bit deeper. It’s 10 years old this year, and still answer is surprisingly straightforward. into Laura’s private thoughts - though certain retains this incredible magic, so it felt lines from these internal monologues have “You can’t really do magic on film. I know absolutely right to bring it back again.” made their way into song lyrics. Arguably, that sounds silly when there are so many this helps to spread our sympathies between Those who saw the show in its original special effects nowadays, but as a medium the characters. The film perhaps feels more incarnation will notice a few changes this it’s much more, ‘what you see is what you like Laura’s story, while there’s a kind of time round, the story having been tightened get’. If you go and see Harry Potter, they have ambiguity to Alec: we’re never quite sure if up and distilled down to a “perfect gem”. to show you the witches and wizards flying his motives are as honest and genuine as around on broomsticks, whereas in the “On a really practical level, it used to have an hers. theatre, you only need to suggest it, and interval but doesn’t now, so it runs more like there’s a kind of magic to what happens in “It’s true that he’s not as well-drawn as Laura a film. I remember re-watching the film after that moment.” - I think mostly because Noel Coward had I’d made it and thinking there was something less empathy with the straight man than he extraordinary about following this journey Interestingly enough, the plot of Brief did with the trapped housewife. There’s an from beginning to end without getting off - a Encounter first appeared on stage in Noel interesting unanswered question there, and bit like being on a train.” Coward’s short play Still Life. Set entirely in you could certainly read him as a predator, the station tea room where Alec and Laura Attempts to recreate the atmosphere of a visit but I’m a romantic, so mine is quite a pure have their first chance meeting, the original to the cinema have been a feature of the play telling of the story. play harks back to a long theatrical tradition since its inception. Upon arrival, audiences by making much more of the working-class “I always felt it was really important that are greeted by 1940s-style ushers and characters whose own romantic subplots they’re both in this together. To use the popcorn sellers. Meanwhile, the show itself reflect on the main action. Rice’s version is fairytale language I prefer, it’s like they’re incorporates pre-recorded film footage in an amalgamation of the two, with songs and both asleep. They’re sleepwalking through which the stage cast recreate scenes from the poems by Coward thrown in for good their lives and then they meet each other and David Lean original, combining them with measure. awaken something in each other and have to live performance in clever effects. decide what to do with it.” “The original play is much more of a six- Much like its 1945 inspiration, in which the hander, and I loved that. There’s a beautiful thrill of an illicit trip to the pictures is what Paula Rego painting called The Dance Of Life kicks off the quiet romance between the which shows love in all these different Brief Encounter shows at Birmingham separately married Alec and Laura, there’s an stages, and I think Brief Encounter’s a bit like REP from Friday 2 to Saturday 17 February. Theatre January-3.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:30 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Strangers On A Train Brought to the New Alexandra Theatre by the company which recently visited the venue with Gaslight, Strangers On A Train stars Christo- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 29 January - Sat 3 February pher Harper (Nathan Curtis in Coronation Street), John Middleton Two strangers meet on a train journey and start chatting. One talks (Vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale), Jack Ashton (Call The Midwife) about an unfaithful wife; the other, a hated father. As the conversa- and Hannah Tointon (Mr Selfridge). tion continues, the charming but spoilt Charles Bruno hatches a plan, The production is based on the 1950 novel of the same name by Patri- proposing to ambitious architect Guy Haines that they execute the cia Highsmith. Her book was made universally famous the following perfect murder - by each killing the other’s victim. Guy initially laughs year thanks to an Academy Award-winning ‘film noir’ adaptation by off the suggestion, but then things start happening... the legendary ‘master of suspense’, Alfred Hitchcock.

The Death Show The pair here invite audience members to cel- Austen The Musical ebrate their own mortality, ‘laugh, cry and The REP, Birmingham, Fri 26 & Sat 27 January stick two fingers up’ at the aforementioned Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sat 13 January grim reaper, and discover why talking about death can be a life-affirming activity. Having previously played both the Edinburgh Fringe and the Jane Austen Festival to great critical acclaim, Rob Winlow’s celebration of The Late Marilyn Monroe the life, times and works of one of England’s greatest ever writers stops off in Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Tuesday 30 January - Saturday 3 February as part of a nationwide tour. Broadway director Tim Trimingham is the Marilyn Monroe was widely considered to be man at the helm of a production that re- the sexiest female movie star of the 20th cen- counts Austen’s struggle to get published in a tury - except maybe by Tony Curtis, who once male-dominated society. said that making love to her was like ‘kissing Much admired for their playful and dynamic Hitler’. The woman who began life as Norma approach to making original, contemporary Jeane Mortenson courted controversy work, independent theatre makers Lucy throughout her Hollywood career, her trou- Nicholls and Antonia Beck here get to grips bled life coming to an end at the tragically with the grim reaper. young age of 36. Preparation for The Death Show has included This brand new production takes a look at the duo working as artists-in-residence at a the events of August 5 1962, the last day of funeral parlour and spending time with pa- Marilyn’s life, and asks that eternally unan- tients at a hospice. swerable question: what really happened?...

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January-3.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:30 Page 2

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Wed 4 - Tue 1 - Tue 15 - Sun 29 Apr Sat 12 May Sat 19 May From £28 £19.50 From £23 Theatre January-3.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:30 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Gallowglass This latest offering from the Worcestershire-based company - veterans of more than 40 productions since forming in 1988 - is a stage version Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 January; Malvern Theatres, Wed 24 - Sat 27 January; Theatre Severn, of the same-named 1990 thriller by Ruth Rendell, writing under her Shrewsbury, Tues 1 - Sat 5 May pseudonym of Barbara Vine... When Sandor snatches homeless youngster Little Joe from the path of Middle Ground Theatre Company have some seriously impressive a London tube train, the latter finds himself taking on the role of a form when it comes to delivering highly charged stage adaptations of ‘gallowglass’ - the servant of a chief - and becoming embroiled in a literary works - recent successes have included productions of The bizarre plot to kidnap a former model... Verdict and A Murder Is Announced.

Quentin Crisp: Teechers The Wizard Of Oz Naked Hope Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Fri 12 Wed 31 January - Sat 3 February January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 14 January; Lichfield Garrick, Fri 19 January MAC Birmingham, Wed 21 & Thurs 22 Quentin Crisp certainly had a talent for outra- February geous self-publicity. Back in the mid-20th Although zany funsters Oddsocks are proba- century, ‘mincing’ around the streets of Lon- bly best known for their humorous takes on don in gaudy makeup and dying one’s hair the works of William Shakespeare, they occa- crimson was a pretty good way for a gay man sionally like to shake things up a bit by look- to get himself not only noticed but also thor- ing for their inspiration elsewhere. This is oughly duffed up - and Quentin certainly one such occasion... L Frank Baum’s splen- bagged a beating or two en route to the fame did tale is here presented with a hearty dol- and fragility of his old age. lop of the company’s trademark comedy - not This ‘glorious, uplifting celebration of the ur- to mention brand new songs to add to the raft gent necessity to be your true self’ is directed of classic numbers adored by generations... by Linda Marlowe, who played Sylvie Carter John Godber's highly acclaimed comedy tells in EastEnders for more than two years. the story of three school leavers, Salty, Hobby and Gail, who offer an account of their time in high school. Their memories focus mainly on their experience of Mr Nixon, the drama teacher who inspires them with his belief that all children should be treated equally... A play which deals with the sense of disillu- sionment evident not only in students but in many of those who educate them, Teechers remains as relevant today as it was when first performed at the Edinburgh Festival way back in 1987.

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Pantomimes and festive shows in January

Cinderella rock’n’roll flavour has proved so popular in Snow White And The previous years that the venue is giving the Malvern Theatre, until Sun 7 January; Seven Dwarfs Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 13 exact same treatment to its 2017 production. January; Birmingham Hippodrome, So... they’ve taken the story of Robin Hood, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, until Sun 28 January added a Babe In The Wood or two, stirred in a until Sun 7 January The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking few time-honoured pantomime favourites of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince and then seasoned liberally with all manner sion is always a surefire winner... Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- of rock’n’roll hits. All the usual panto elements are present and only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably correct in this brand new Theatre Severn of- lay claim to being the most popular of all Sleeping Beauty fering, including a rouged-up Dame in pantomimes. Swan Theatre, Worcester, until Sun 7 January colourful costumes, oodles of hearty thigh- Midlands-born soul diva Beverley Knight slapping, singalong songs aplenty, slapstick stars as the fairy godmother in the Hippo- The tragic tale of a young princess who’s comedy, and even a few naughty jokes to drome’s spectacular version of the story. tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger make sure the grown-ups don't feel too left She’s joined in the show by Danny Mac, on a spinning-wheel, causing her to fall out of things. Shropshire's ‘favourite Dame’, Suzanne Shaw, Matt Slack and the Grumble- asleep for 100 years, offers a great story Brad Fitt, once more dons the dress. weeds. Ceri Dupree and David Dale don the around which to build a pantomime produc- giant wigs and altogether unpleasant manner tion. And that’s exactly what Worcester to play the not-very-nice Ugly Sisters... Repertory Company have done, with a show Aladdin This year’s Belgrade Theatre version of the that’s so far earned plenty of plaudits. Lichfield Garrick, until Sat 6 January; Regent famous fairytale features all the usual panto Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 7 January elements and has been written and directed Jack And The Beanstalk A perfect story for an evening of family enter- by Mr Coventry Panto himself, the inimitable tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying Iain Lauchlan... Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, until Sun 14 January against all odds to win the hand of the beau- Meanwhile, in Malvern, former Strictly Come tiful princess - and being helped in his efforts Dancing contestant and This Morning regular Gareth Gates stars as Jack, with Lisa Riley re- by the mystical genie of the lamp... Alison Hammond is joined by Gemma Naylor turning to the venue as the wand-waving ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes stars from Nick Jr’s Go! Go! Go! show and Paul Spirit of the Beans. as the lad himself at the Regent, with his big Hawkyard from CBeebies’ Old Jack’s Boat. Also getting back in the Grand Theatre pan- pal Christian Patterson giving his usual tomime saddle is ‘queen of the Black Coun- larger-than-life performance as the Dame, on try’ Doreen Tipton. Panto ‘Dame’ Ian Adams this occasion Widow Twankey... Robin Hood And The also features, with familiar television face Over in Lichfield, CBeebies Cat Sandion stars Babes In The Wood Graham Cole starring as the oh-so-evil in the Garrick’s version of the classic Arabian Fleshcreep. Stafford Gatehouse, until Sun 7 January Nights tale. She’s joined by Sam Rabone as Adam C Booth, meanwhile, is two potatoes Widow Twankey and Ben Thornton as Wishy Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used strategy of im- short of a Christmas dinner in the comedy Washy. buing their annual pantomime with a real role of Simple Simon.

Robin Hood And Babes In The Wood - Stafford Gatehouse Jack And The Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Severn

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Theatre more theatre productions showing in January

The Hundred And One Dalmatians The Jersey Boys We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

The Hundred And One The Jersey Boys Catchy songs and interactive scenes are com- bined with no shortage of swishy swashy Dalmatians New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, grass and oozy, squelchy mud, in a show that until Sat 6 January The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 13 January seems certain to keep youngsters well and Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Birmingham Rep has gone dotty for dogs this truly entertained. Valli And The Four Seasons scored some Christmas, courtesy of its brand new stage massive hits during the mid-1960s, with best- version of The Hundred And One Dalmatians. known numbers including Walk Like A Man, The Wind In The Willows The REP’s Associate Director, Tessa Walker, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry and Albany Theatre, Coventry, takes the helm for the festive-season family December 1963 (Oh, What A Night). until Sat 6 January show, having previously directed the venue’s This massive jukebox musical tells their A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s yuletide productions of A Christmas Carol story. Taking a documentary-style format, the classic story ably demonstrates the way in and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. show is structured as four ‘seasons’, each which one life can command the full atten- Dodie Smith’s delightful tale has been trans- being narrated by a different member of the tion of three others! formed for the stage by Debbie Isitt, writer band. The award-winning production is visit- Mole, Badger and Ratty simply don’t have and director of the hugely popular Nativity! ing Birmingham as part of a UK tour. time for any of their own interests - they’re films. Isitt’s stage show, Nativity! The Musi- way too busy having to look after their reck- cal, began its national tour at The REP in Oc- less and irrepressible friend, Toad... tober. Stick Man Commenting on the venue’s 2017 Christmas Birmingham Town Hall, until Fri 12 January offering, Tessa Walker said: “I’m delighted to “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my Treasure Island be bringing to life the magic of The Hundred spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, And One Dalmatians in our unforgettable ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely until Sat 27 January production, which features wonderful pup- popular children’s book on which this show When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his pets and new music. Debbie’s adaptation is is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws packed with enchantment and humour, and love their production of Stick Man, and so do young Gem into the adventure of a lifetime, brings a thrilling new sense of adventure to the audiences.” one which will see her not only setting sail in the story, making it fun for families and Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely search of buried treasure, but also spending friends of all ages.” do love the show, as a smash-hit season in time in the company of a one-legged pirate the West End ably demonstrated. with murder in mind... A Christmas Carol Featuring a trio of performers, the production Boasting live music, puppetry and swash- brings together puppetry, songs, live music buckling sword fights, this brand new stage Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, until Sun 4 February and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story of Stick version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s high-seas Man’s attempts to get back to the family tree. adventure is helmed by New Vic Artistic Di- Of all Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Suitable for children aged three and older. rector Theresa Heskins. Carol reigns supreme. The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the eternal hope of- Treasure Island fered by Tiny Tim, and the eerie visions of re- We’re Going On A demption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of three yuletide ghosts (four if you count the Bear Hunt chain-clanking Marley) - all combine to give Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, the tale a real olde worlde charm. until Sun 7 January The RSC version of the story has been penned Written for children aged two-plus, this new by David Edgar, whose previous work for the adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Ox- Company includes his award-winning adap- enbury’s popular picture book follows the ex- tation of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. Phil citing adventures of a family as they head out Davis stars as Scrooge. on an intrepid quest to find a bear. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Shrek feature.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:32 Page 1

I’M A BELIEVER! SHREK THE MUSICAL BACK IN BRUM

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by Patsy Moss

Described as ‘larger than life’, Shrek The Musical next month returns to the Midlands for a second outing. What’s On caught up with producer Caro Newling to track the journey of this ogre of a show...

If anything’s got layers, it’s Shrek The Musi- Jeffrey Katzenberg keen on the concept, but Theatre in New York. cal. If you thought Shrek and Donkey had a Bill Damaschke, Head of Creative, was a With musical stalwart Brian D’Arcy James as long journey to Duloc and back, it’s got noth- dyed-in-the-wool musicals man. And so Shrek and the award-winning Sutton Foster ing on what’s gone into the making of this Newling and Damaschke set out to assemble as Fiona, the show became a top-five, Tony- mega show. a team who could bring Shrek to the stage. nominated hit, running for 444 performances Once upon a time (2002) in a land not so far First on board in 2004 was David Lindsay- until January 2010 and departing on a mam- away (Covent Garden), director Sam Mendes Abaire, the American writer of Fuddy Meers, moth North American tour that July. and producer Caro Newling were brainstorm- Neal Street’s first production. Since then, London was in the picture from day one, ac- ing ideas for new theatre pieces. he’s gone on to be a Tony-nominated, cording to Newling. “DreamWorks recognised The co-founders of London’s Donmar Ware- Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. And crucially, it would go down well in the UK because of house were leaving to set up their own inde- he got what they wanted to do with Shrek. our phenomenal response to the original pendent film and theatre company, Neal Shrek was never a simple screen-to-stage Shrek movies. A lot of the humour of the first Street Productions, which, from the off, had adaptation. Mendes and Lindsay-Abaire Shrek (on which this show is based) is very strong ties to DreamWorks, the Hollywood spent a year knocking a new script into British: pun, satire, that subtle updating of studio behind Mendes’ biggest movies, in- shape. Meanwhile, a small show called Av- the fairytale. There’s a darkness to it, but also cluding the Oscar-winning American Beauty. enue Q was making big waves Off-Broadway. lots of self-deprecation and a big heart.” DreamWorks had expressed an interest in Damaschke was onto director Jason Moore The Muffin Man must be happy. “That was making theatre with Neal Street, and it was like a shot, convinced he’d found the right one of the running jokes with the original Mendes who realised they had the ideal story man for the Shrek project. Shrek team, that if we ended up in London, in the form of their 2001 animated hit, Shrek. Moore took over script development with we’d be on Drury Lane,” laughs Newling. “It “Musicals were a big part of what we did at Lindsay-Abaire (freeing Mendes up for film really was a dream come true.” And nearly the Donmar,” recalls show producer Caro work) and was later joined in the directorial wasn’t, she adds, with Shrek waiting in line Newling, “And Sam was clear that the ingre- chair by Rob Ashford, choreographer of such for the theatre behind Oliver! dients of Shrek were brilliant for a musical. West End hits as Guys And Dolls and Thor- Three years on from the opening on Drury oughly Modern Millie. “While Jason was busy “For a start, it’s a big old love story as well as Lane, Shrek The Musical embarked on its dramaturging, Rob took on the big stage pic- a search for friendship by people who feel a first UK and Ireland tour to huge acclaim. ture,” says Newling. “The perfect pairing.” bit lost. Then there’s the idea of updating a Now the tour hits the road for a second time. fairytale and the battle of good versus evil. When it came to composers, Jeanine Tesori “We’re very excited to be bringing Shrek The And those characters, even the fairytale crea- was high on everyone’s wish-list. The native Musical to the best venues across the UK and tures - they’re all so brilliantly drawn.” New Yorker, best known for scoring Tony Ireland once more,” says Newling. “It was a Kushner’s Caroline Or Change, was “abso- Visiting the DreamWorks campus in Glen- joy bringing this much-loved story to cities lutely a woman of the theatre,” says Newling. dale, California, and seeing the original de- across the country three years ago, and we’re signs and models for Shrek, Newling was “She writes music for plays as well as being thrilled to be giving audiences another struck by the parallels between animation a composer of musicals, but she’s also writ- chance to experience their beloved swamp- and theatre-making. “The ingenuity involved ten for Disney and knows a lot about the film dwelling ogre, Princess Fiona, Donkey and in making the whole Shrek franchise live and world. So she became more and more obvi- all their fairytale friends live on stage.” breathe was quite extraordinary,” she says. ous a fit.” “And an idea that was floated over dinner Shrek The Musical made its debut at the 5th and could have flopped around indefinitely Avenue Theatre in Seattle in September 2008, Shrek The Musical shows at Birmingham’s got picked up immediately.” before heading back into rehearsals for its New Alexandra Theatre from Wednesday Not only was DreamWorks Animation CEO big opening on 14 December at the Broadway 14 to Sunday 25 February.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Swan Lake Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 7 January The highly regarded St Petersburg Classic Ballet here presents its production of a timeless favourite, set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising score. Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess who, caught under the spell of the evil Von Rothbart, must spend the daytime hours as a swan, returning to human form only when night falls... A sumptuous visual feast, the production offers an evening of ballet which is ideal both for the first-time trier and the more- seasoned dance-goer.

Brendan Cole: All Night Long The Nutcracker Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 29 January; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 16 March; Sun 28 January Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 20 March Along with Coppélia, Swan Lake, Sleeping Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole makes a Beauty, Romeo And Juliet, Cinderella and welcome return to the Midlands with this critically Giselle, The Nutcracker is one of the most acclaimed solo spectacular. frequently performed productions in the As anyone who's seen any of Brendan's previous repertoire of the Russian State Ballet of live productions will know, they offer a five-star Siberia, a company which is this year cele- all-round entertainment package, complete with brating its 40th anniversary. incredible costumes, fabulous sets and carefully Boasting a magnificent Tchaikovsky score, chosen music - all designed to appeal to an audi- The Nutcracker tells the story of a young ence that spans generations. girl named Clara as she’s swept up in a fan- “There's no through-narrative to the show,” says tasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, Brendan, “but what it offers is a chance for people magic and mystery, before finally being to experience a bit of Strictly magic first hand. transformed into a beautiful ballerina. When creating modern productions, I think it's re- A magical, must-see show for little ally important to have something for everybody. princesses everywhere… Strictly has a very diverse audience covering all ages, and we have to try to cater for all of them. Hopefully it will be a really good night out, where people can celebrate what they know and love.”

Anton And Erin: From Broadway To Hollywood Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 27 January Celebrity dancing duo Anton du Beke and Erin Boeg return to Symphony Hall this month with their brand new show. Blending smart choreography, sassy tunes and sparkly costumes, the production features a host of much-loved numbers, including Cry Me A River, Mr Bojangles and New York, New York. The popular pair are joined by a 25- piece orchestra, six ensemble dancers and guest singer Lance Ellington. Richard Balcombe conducts.

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GET YOUR SKATES ON Ice skating superstars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean found worldwide fame at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, where they memorably took gold with their spectacular free programme, performed to the music of Maurice Ravel's Boléro. In more recent times, they returned to the limelight in ITV1’s Dancing On Ice, a series that’s back on our screens this very month following a four-year break. Jayne and Chris are back too, and will also be heading out on tour with the live version of the show. What’s On caught up with the dynamic duo to find out more...

Dancing On Ice returns to ITV this month on, I think he would’ve been a champion - he Is ice skating as popular as it used to be? following a four-year hiatus. How will it just had a natural ability on the ice. He really Jayne: Oh, definitely! When the first series of differ from previous years? blew everybody away. There’s the likes of Dancing On Ice came out, there were people Jayne: For us personally, the big difference is Hayley Tamaddon too, who brought all her flocking to local ice rinks. From that, over the that we’re actually going to be judging on the theatrical performance to the ice, which re- years, more and more seasonal rinks are pop- show. Chris and I are head judges. In the ally moved people. Then there were sports ping up around the country. They’re continu- past, we’ve been responsible for chore- people like Beth Tweddle. ing to pop up because the skating and the ographing all the routines for the celebrities social side of it has become really, really pop- as well as the opening numbers and our own Who are you looking forward to seeing on ular. routines. This time, workload wise, it’s a lot the ice this year? less - but then we have that pressure on Sun- Christopher: I’m a big Corrie fan, so I’m What have been the highlights of your day night to come up with the right points looking forward to seeing Brook. career? and the right decisions. It’s quite different for Jayne: I’m looking forward to seeing all the Jayne: Obviously winning the Olympics was us. We’re really excited that it’s coming back. boys because on all the pictures, none of a massive highlight. Having a gold medal It was a big part of our lives, and one that them have got their shirts on! puts you in a special club and opens up lots was very much missed in that January, Febru- of doors for the future. It certainly did for us. ary, March period of the year. It left quite a What are you looking forward to most We’ve had lots of opportunities and enjoyed big void for a lot of people. We’ve had such about the Dancing On Ice UK tour? real longevity... Another highlight was going positive feedback from people after hearing Jayne: We’ve hosted before, but we’re going back to Sarajevo 30 years on, which is what that it’s coming back. to be hosting and judging, so pretty busy! we did in 2014, and being able to perform Bolero again in the same rink - it had actually The 2014 edition was due to be the last Will you be skating on the tour? been bombed but rebuilt - in front of a crowd show. Why the return? Christopher: We haven’t hung up our boots of people who were so excited that we’d gone Christopher: That’s when we kind of retired, yet. It’s more than a maybe. back there. you might say. But having retired for a year or Christopher: We’ve also been given OBEs, so, we got itchy feet again. We’re really happy How active are you both on the ice which we’re very humbled about. that it’s coming back and really excited about nowadays? the new role. Christopher: I never leave the ice. I live in What would be your dream project? America and coach and choreograph out Christopher: I’d like to put on a skating Following the increase in reality TV pro- there. I’ve been working with a lot of Olympic show in a permanent theatre space, custom- grammes, is there pressure to compete skaters this year, so I'm really looking for- built with all the whizzes and bangs that the with other shows? ward to seeing their progress in the Cirque Du Soleil has. Christopher: I think everybody compares ev- Olympics. Jane has had her skates on a little Jayne: I could help him with that! erything - but from our point of view, the less. show is unique. It’s the only show on TV now Jayne: Where I live, I'm not close to an ice What’s the secret of your longstanding that has all the jeopardy involved. It’s a skill rink - it’s about a two-hour drive to get to a friendship and professional partnership? to be learned, to be able to do it in any com- rink, which takes a whole chunk out of your Christopher: Tolerance! No, I'm being funny petent way. day. there. Jayne: At the same time, it’s entertaining as Jayne: We never got married - I think that well. It’s a family show that everyone can sit What’s the most important piece of advice was a good thing! down and enjoy. you’d give to a budding skater? Christopher: I think you said it - it’s friend- Jayne: We always say bend your knees so ship. Which celebrity surprised you the most in that you lower your centre of gravity. previous shows? Christopher: Skating is all about bending Christopher: We had the likes of Ray Quinn, the knees. It’s a different feeling from ballet - Torvill & Dean’s Dancing On Ice Live Tour who was just unique - he just seemed to be you’ve got to bend down and get the glide. visits Arena Birmingham from Friday 13 to able to skate. If he’d been a skater from early Sunday 15 April.

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Film

Coco CERT PG With the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Edward James Olmos Directed by Lee Unkrich (USA) Footloose meets The Book Of Love in this cartoon from Pixar and Walt Dis- ney. Twelve-year-old Miguel has always harboured an ambition to become a famous guitarist, like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. But music is banned in his family, an embargo that has lasted generations. So Miguel pur- sues his dream to the Land of the Dead, where he believes his great- great-grandfather, a singer, resides... Here, Disney continues to expand its ethnic net, following its animated features Mulan, The Princess And The Frog and Moana. With a budget in the $175–200million range, it is the most expensive cartoon ever to feature an all-Latino cast. In 3D. Released Fri 19 January EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in January...

Brad’s Status CERT 15 (102 mins) All The Money In The World Starring Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fis- cher, Luke Wilson, Jemaine Clement, Michael CERT 15 (133 mins) Sheen Directed by Mike White (USA) Starring Michelle Williams, Christopher Plum- Brad, the manager of a non-profit consul- mer, Mark Wahlberg, Romain Duris, Charlie Plummer, Timothy Hutton tancy firm in Sacramento, is suffering from Directed by Ridley Scott (UK/USA) peer envy. More significantly, he’s having a The man with the money is the oil tycoon midlife crisis. Then he finds himself becom- Jean Paul Getty (Plummer). Then, when his ing jealous of his own son, who looks like he grandson is kidnapped, his daughter-in-law has a good chance of getting into Harvard. Gail (Williams) begs him to pay the ransom. If the message of Mike White’s grey comedy Originally, Ridley Scott had directed Kevin is a little pat, it is engagingly enough played Spacey as the billionaire but, following to hold the attention and to prompt the odd CERT 15 (133 mins) Hostiles Kevingate, Ridley re-shot all the scenes again wry smile. And few actors do pent-up angst Starring Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, with Christopher Plummer in the role. Char- as well as Ben Stiller. Wes Studi, Jesse Plemons, Adam Beach, Ben Foster, Timothée Chalamet, Peter Mul- lie Plummer, who plays Jean Paul Getty III, is Released Fri 5 January lan Directed by Scott Cooper (USA) no relation to the actor who now plays his In the year 1892, a legendary captain in grandfather. Released Fri 5 January the American army reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous terrain. Scott Cooper previously directed Chris- tian Bale in the suspenseful and com- pelling Out Of The Furnace (2013) and here, by all accounts, Bale delivers one of the best performances of his career. Be warned, though, it is incredibly violent. Released Fri 5 January

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Film highlights released in January...

was looking at a life behind bars, she re- Molly’s Game CERT 15 (140 mins) Eric Clapton: fused to name names. The film marks the Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin directorial debut of the scenarist Aaron A Life In 12 Bars Costner, Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong, Chris O'Dowd Directed by Aaron Sorkin (USA) Sorkin, whose screenplays include A Few CERT 15 (128 mins) Good Men, The Social Network and Steve Directed by Joe Wright (UK) Jessica Chastain turns in another sizzling Jobs - and his dialogue here positively As with Asif Kapadia’s documentary about performance as the real-life ‘Poker crackles. But sometimes Sorkin is too smart Amy Winehouse (2015), Eric Clapton’s life Princess’ Molly Bloom. After working as a for his own good: real people are seldom as story is related by interviewees off-camera. hostess for someone else’s game, Molly set articulate as his keyboard. Nevertheless, he The widow of George Harrison and the ob- up her own high-stakes enterprise at a supplies an extraordinary true-life episode ject of Clapton’s fixation, Pattie Boyd, has high-end hotel and was soon entertaining with polish and pizzazz. There are mo- much to say, as do family members and the movie stars, real-estate magnates, sporting ments here of blistering electricity. late BB King. But it’s Clapton himself who legends and top-drawer aristocrats. How- narrates most of his own story, pieced to- ever, when the FBI took her down, and she Released Mon 1 January gether with home movies, concert footage and news reportage. And it’s a gripping narrative, a film that should appeal to those who don’t actually care a jot that Clapton won 18 Grammys and was inducted three times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is the story of a man who admits he was a racist, a heroin addict, a drunk and that he slept with his best friend’s wife, that friend being George Harrison. Released Fri 12 January CRITIC’S CHOICE

Darkest Hour CERT PG (125 mins) Three Billboards Outside Starring Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Ebbing, Missouri Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ben Mendelsohn, Samuel West Directed by Joe Wright (UK) CERT 15 (115 mins) Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrel- Joe Wright, who brought us Pride And Preju- son, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish, John dice and Atonement, is a terrific director, al- Hawkes, Peter Dinklage though his last outing, Pan, was a Directed by Martin McDonagh (USA/UK) horrendous flop. However, the word is that When the police fail to solve the rape and his latest drama is outstanding, helped no murder of her daughter, Missouri divorcee end by Gary Oldman’s extraordinary reincar- Mildred Hayes (McDormand) decides to draw nation as Winston Churchill during the initial attention to the fact. So she rents three bill- stages of the Second World War. boards just outside Ebbing to shame the local Released Fri 12 January constabulary. From the writer-director of In Bruges and The Guard. Released Fri 12 January

Insidious: The Last Key CERT 15 (103 mins) Starring Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Josh Stewart, Caitlin Gerard, Bruce Davison Directed by Adam Robitel (USA) The dead horse, which started with James Wan’s genuinely unnerving Insidious seven years ago, is being flogged again. This time, the medium Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) heads to New Mexico to sort out a haunting. This is the fourth chapter to date. Released Fri 12 January 44 whatsonlive.co.uk Film January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:40 Page 4

Film

The CommuterCERT 15 (104 mins) Starring Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Jonathan Banks, Elizabeth McGovern, Sam Neill, Florence Pugh Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (UK/France/USA) An insurance salesman on his regular com- mute finds himself at the heart of a criminal conspiracy as he is forced to uncover the identity of a fellow passenger. The Catalo- nian filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra previously directed Liam Neeson in Unknown, Non-Stop and Run All Night. Released Fri 19 January

Downsizing CERT 15 (119 mins) Steven Spielberg’s political thriller centres The Post CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong on the presidential cover-up of the US’s mili- Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis Directed by Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paul- tary involvement in Cambodia and Laos dur- Alexander Payne (USA) son, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Matthew Rhys Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) ing the Vietnam war. With global resources running low, occupa- Tom Hanks plays the newspaper’s editor, That’s The Post as in The Washington Post tional therapist Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) Ben Bradlee. decides to have himself shrunk to four inches and Meryl Streep plays Kate Graham, the Released Fri 19 January in height in order to reduce his environmen- newspaper’s publisher. More particularly, tal footprint. There will be problems, though. From the director of Sideways and The De- scendants. Released Fri 19 January Maze Runner: The Death Cure CERT tbc Starring Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Nathalie Em- manuel, Will Poulter, Patricia Clarkson Directed by Wes Ball (USA) Every maze has an end, we are told. Let’s hope so, as the conclusion to this dystopian fantasy sees Thomas (O'Brien) search for a cure to the disease that has ravished the land. Released Fri 26 January

12 Strong CERT 15 (119 mins) Early Man CERT tbc Starring Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Navid Negahban, Elsa Pataky, With the voices of Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, William Fichtner Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall, Richard Ayoade, (USA) Johnny Vegas Directed by Nick Park (UK) Following the attacks on the World Trade The latest full-length plasticine project from Aard- Centre, 12 American soldiers were hand- man Animations takes us back to the dawn of time. picked to fly to Afghanistan. Their mission: Here, a goofy caveman called Dug (Redmayne) finds to take down the Taliban. Based on a true himself at loggerheads with Lord Nooth (Hiddle- story. ston), who’s already got one foot in the Bronze Age. Released Fri 19 January Released Fri 26 January whatsonlive.co.uk 45 New Art West Midlands DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:31 Page 1

Lily Wales - Airspace Gallery, Stoke Larissa Shaw - Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Bryony Loveridge- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery MIDLANDS MAKERS New Art West Midlands showcases the region’s hottest new artistic talent

Recent graduates from the region’s six art audiences, which are quite different in each though they’re obviously all different sizes. schools will have the chance to see their work location. For example, Airspace is a Birmingham City University has a huge professionally exhibited this spring when dedicated contemporary art space that only number of students, so we do get a lot of New Art West Midlands (NAWM) returns with has one exhibition at a time, whereas in submissions from there, but I think the fact its annual showcase. Birmingham, we’ve got lots of things going that the exhibitions are still quite well- on at once and all sorts of different visitors, balanced really demonstrates the quality of Now in its sixth year, the exhibition forms from families to art students and from people the work that’s coming through all of the art part of the NAWM organisation’s wider who are already really engaged with art to schools.” mission to develop new talent and promote people who may never have come into a engagement with visual arts. While gallery curators have the final say over gallery before. So all of that contributes to which works they display, the selection The show is this year being hosted by three the choices we make.” actually begins with external judges working venues: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Featuring work by a total of 28 artists, all of their way through hundreds of submissions (BMAG), Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in whom have completed either undergraduate and picking out the most promising. Unlike Coventry and Airspace Gallery in Stoke-on- or postgraduate courses within the last three the artists, these selectors aren’t necessarily Trent. BMAG curator Lisa Beauchamp tells us years, the 2018 exhibition marks the second from the region: this year’s trio are Patricia more... year running that Hereford Arts College has Fleming (director of Patricia Fleming Projects “The idea is that this is a multi-site been involved, taking part alongside in Glasgow), Sinead McCarthy (curator of exhibition rather than a tour, so there will be Coventry University, Birmingham City Liverpool Biennial) and Ingrid Pollard (a different artists presenting work at each of University, Staffordshire University and the London-based artist and photographer). the galleries. Each venue curates their own universities of Wolverhampton and “All of our selectors are art professionals,” exhibition, so they will all be communicating Worcester. says Lisa. “We always have at least one different themes and ideas through the work “We do always get good coverage from each practising artist on the panel, and often the of the artists they show. of the universities taking part,” continues others teach art or lecture in higher “Part of that will be based on what we feel is Lisa, “and that just happens without us education institutions. It’s really important going to resonate with and appeal to our deliberately trying to get a spread, even that they understand the level that these

46 whatsonlive.co.uk New Art West Midlands DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:31 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Tony McClure- Airspace Gallery, Stoke Keri Jayne- Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Valerija Zukoba- Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry

Olivia Peake- Airspace Gallery, Stoke Sarah Walden - Airspace Gallery, Stoke Maggie Shuter - Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry

recently graduated artists are working at, and installations. There’s a really fun piece by work by artists from previous years. that they also have an awareness of what’s Larissa Shaw called Flesh Party, which uses “Obviously this is the first major public happening in art schools across the country, sampled music to reference the late Hacienda exhibition that most of the artists have been so we like to have a real mix.” nightclub in Manchester. It has speakers that involved with,” says Lisa, “and it can take produce soundwaves to make parts of the Unsurprisingly, among the trends currently time for them to really flourish. But most of sculpture vibrate, and visitors will be able to influencing young creatives is an interest in the work in the exhibition is for sale, and in touch and interact with the vibrating parts.” digital technology. Used variously as a previous years we’ve had plenty of artwork medium, tool or theme, it’s something that’s Although it’s only been running since 2013, purchased by visitors and other been prominent across many of this year’s the scheme has already boosted the careers organisations. Mainly, though, it’s the submissions. of many of its former exhibitors, including publicity and promotion and advocacy Lucy Hutchinson and Chris Clinton - who’ve around the exhibition that really helps them “There are quite a few artists working in both had work enter the national Arts career-wise. This is a very competitive digital mediums, and also others who are Council Collection - and Sikander Pervez, industry, so it’s great for them to have a referencing ideas around social media, who’s since held a solo exhibition at platform at an early stage in their connectivity and surveillance, particularly in Walsall’s New Art Gallery. More recently, development.” our selection in Birmingham. Hereford graduate Lorna Brown was “On the other hand, there are also artists who commissioned by the National Trust for a have taken a completely different direction project at Berrington Hall, while Emily and gone back to exploring the handmade Sparkes’ An Ode To Christian Joy has been and found materials, looking at things like acquired by the Birmingham Museums New Art West Midlands 2018 shows at everyday domestic items and the urban Trust’s own collection. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from environment. Thurs 15 February to Sun 13 May; Airspace In recognition of this success, Birmingham Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent from Fri 23 “There’s a lovely playfulness to a lot of the Museum & Art Gallery will be running a ‘Five February to Sat 31 March, & Herbert Art work, with some of the artists creating quite Years On’ NAWM alumni showcase alongside Gallery & Museum in Coventry, from Sat immersive, large-scale sculptures and the main exhibition, displaying more recent 24 February to Sun 13 May

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Visual Arts January 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:25 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender & Identity Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 15 April As the UK marks 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of ho- mosexuality in 1967, this new exhibition explores how shifting atti- tudes towards the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) experience have influenced visual art. Part of a three-year national partnership between the Arts Council Collection and four UK galleries, Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender And Identity comes to Birmingham fresh from its opening at Liver- pool’s Walker Art Gallery - but it’s not simply been a case of trans- ferring the exhibition wholesale... The show has been ‘reimagined’ for Birmingham audiences, featuring new items and with an extensive engagement programme and gallery-trail running alongside. Among the pieces which have joined the exhibition is Grayson Perry’s Claire’s Coming Out Dress, which he designed and wore to mark his entry into the art world as a transvestite. The dress is being shown alongside his 1996 ceramic Who Am I?, marking stages in the artist’s personal journey. Local artists also get a look in, notably with three prints by Birming- ham photographer Vanley Burke, capturing scenes from a Pride demonstration called in protest against the infamous 1988 Section 28 Act.

Birmingham @WHATSONBRUM Wolverhampton @WHATSONWOLVES Shropshire @WHATSONSHROPS staffordshire @WHATSONSTAFFS Worcestershire @WHATSONWORCS warwickshire @WHATSONWARWICKS

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Claire Woods DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:51 Page 1 Claire Woods DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:51 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

reality dimmed Clare Woods’ new exhibition debuts at Warwick Arts Centre

“Disquieting”, “disorienting”, “sensuous”, It’s not so much a case of form taking The transformation works both ways, then: “dangerous and beautiful”, “vibrant, raw precedence over subject matter, then, as it is on the one hand, something as unassuming and exciting” - all words used to describe the a sense that form is content, the means by and everyday as a piece of domestic furniture strange, abstracted works of contemporary which an apparently random source image is can take on an uneasy, even sinister British painter Clare Woods, whose brand made to express a personal way of looking at appearance, while on the other hand, scenes new solo exhibition, Reality Dimmed, opens the world - by which, if you like, we’re invited of genuine horror are cut loose from their at the Mead Gallery this month. to journey into the Woods… original context, reinterpreted and even Straddling the divide between abstract and “I wouldn’t normally disclose my source rendered oddly beautiful through paint. figurative art, Woods’ large-scale works use material directly because it really is just a It’s here that the title of her latest exhibition thick, sculptural layers of brightly coloured springboard for the painting. I’m using it as a comes in. Taken from Viktor Frankl’s 1946 paint to transform real subjects pictured in starting point rather than making direct book Man’s Search For Meaning, the quote found photographs. Close-up, visible copies. The way I pick an image is, I find a refers to his observations of the brushstrokes distort and break up images, photograph that works on a really practical, psychological defence mechanisms while from a distance, they coalesce into formal level, so I know it’s going to be really employed by Auschwitz prisoners. “Reality dimly recognisable shapes, like hidden challenging to paint. The question I’m asking dimmed, and all efforts and all emotions thoughts and feelings slowly surfacing from myself is, ‘How am I going to actually were centred on one task: preserving one’s the subconscious. Indeed, Woods has structurally form this in paint?’ own life and that of the other fellow,” he described her own work as a means of “I spent a lot of time trying to work out how writes. As a psychiatrist, his own experiences painting out buried anxieties, and the overall all the source material linked up and fitted as a Holocaust survivor led to a belief in the effect is startlingly immediate and visceral. together, but eventually I realised that it importance of finding meaning in even the Comparisons have been made to Munch’s doesn’t at all. It’s quite disparate. The only most brutal forms of existence, and thereby a Scream - and it’s easy to see why - while connection is that it all has some effect on reason to continue living. Woods herself cites artists like Bacon and me emotionally or conceptually. For me to While few can claim to have experience of Guston as influences. But such parallels want to paint something, it has to have some anything comparable, the idea of finding a don’t quite do justice to her distinctive way of sort of emotional attachment, and then the means of processing trauma to get on with working: it’s the method and medium she act of painting it is a way of breaking that our lives is surely something to which anyone uses to express her ideas that are uniquely down.” can relate, and chimes with Woods’ own Woodisan. Originally trained in sculpture, Critics and commentators on her last method of obscuring observed reality to she now brings to her painting a sculptor’s exhibition - Victim Of Geography at Dundee reveal some personal truth. eye for three-dimensional form, approaching Contemporary Arts - have picked up on what “I read the book a long time ago, actually, but it as a sort of construction process. appears to be a focus on scenes of trauma in it’s something that’s really stayed with me - “I use aluminium (as a base) because it’s a her latest work. Where early paintings were the idea that to really find meaning you have very stable, solid structure to paint onto,” predominantly based on her own landscape to strip everything away, strip it right back. I she explains. “I always work flat, and photography, there’s since been a shift often collect titles from reading and hearing because I use quite a lot of paint, if I was towards exploring human figures and man- things, and this is one of those instances working this way onto canvas it would sag.” made objects and settings through images where the two words seemed to really fit When she talks about her influences, she gathered from magazines, newspapers and what I was thinking about and what I was describes the work of other artists in online. War zones, hospital corridors and making at that moment, the notion of similarly practical terms, honing in on terror attacks are subjects mentioned in abstracting what you’re actually looking at or specific details or techniques that she is reviews, but it’s something that Woods what you’re feeling.” grappling with, such as a given artist’s use of herself downplays. orange or pink. But her real interest lies in “There was an image in Dundee that came why those choices produce the particular from September the 11th, but it’s actually just Reality Dimmed shows at the Mead effects they do, on the responses - conscious of a person so you wouldn’t necessarily know Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, or otherwise - that they provoke from that from looking at it. They’re quite from Monday 8 January until viewers. ambiguous. One of them was just based on a Saturday 10 March. photograph of a chair.” Visual Arts January 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:25 Page 2

Visual Arts

Edmund Clark: In Place Of Hate Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 11 March Engaging with issues of censorship, security and control to create work that explores ideas of visibility, representation, trauma and self- image, Edmund Clark is Ikon’s artist-in-residence at Europe’s only entirely therapeutic prison - HMP Grendon in Buckinghamshire. This new exhibition of work, the culmination of his residency at the prison, comprises photographs, videos and installations.

Saddleworth: Responding Murray’s photographs all the more impressive. His images manage to look beyond To A Landscape the ever-present shadow cast by the Moors MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 21 January Murders and present the landscape in a far Saddleworth Moor in the South Pennines more positive way - as a picturesque, is a location that will forever be associated dreamlike and strangely beguiling space. with the grotesque crimes of Ian Brady and Murray’s epic series of photographs was Myra Hindley. made over a period of four-and-a-half The moorland’s connection to those hor- years. This exhibition marks the first time rific events of the 1960s makes Matthew the pictures have been on public display.

Warhol To Walker: Nine American Prints From Pop To Today Worcester City Art Gallery, until Sat 6 January Works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Jim Dine are among the highlights of this exploration of great American printmaking. Covering the period from the Pop Art era of the 1960s to the present day, the display features nine key works from the British Museum’s collection. Pieces from the Worcester City Collec- tion are also included, highlighting the ways in Crafts Of The Punjab arts and crafts from the second to the 19th which artists have pushed century, and includes a number of never- the boundaries of print- Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, before-exhibited works. until Sun 21 January making while exploring Among the featured items are examples of subjects as diverse as the An exhibition specially created for the Her- Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sculpture, deli- bert and featuring items from the impres- Vietnam War, Bing Crosby, cately carved ivories, elaborate musical in- picnics and the universe. sive collections of the Victoria & Albert struments and gold-inlaid steel artefacts. Museum, Crafts Of The Punjab celebrates An undoubted highlight of the show is the Image credit: Andy Warhol, the delicate and detailed artistry of crafts- Golden Throne, made by a Muslim crafts- Campbell’s green pea soup, people from the region. 1968, Colour screenprint, man in Lahore for Ranjit Singh, the first 1981,0620.37 © The Trustees of The display boasts an extensive range of Sikh Maharaja of the Punjab. the British Museum

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Events January-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:24 Page 1 Events January-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:24 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 21 January The Strictly Come Dancing Live UK tour waltzes back into Birmingham this month. The 2018 edition of the show sees Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood joined on the judging panel by ballet star Darcey Bussell. Reigning Strictly champion Ore Oduba hosts the show, while taking to the dance- floor this year are, among others, comedian Susan Cal- man and double paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock.

British Basketball Arenacross 2018 Genting Arena, Birmingham, Cup Finals Sat 20 January Arena Birmingham, Sun 28 January An absolute must for extreme One of the most eagerly antici- sports fans, the 2018 Arenacross pated dates on the British Basket- tour brings indoors all the spec- ball League (BBL) calendar, this tacular elements of Motorcross annual event sees stars of the na- for a ‘non-stop white-knuckle tional game go head-to-head in ride’. pursuit of coveted silverware. Set to a pumping soundtrack and The get-together also features laser show, the event sees some some of Europe’s top slam of the world’s top freestylers hit- dunkers, giving it their all in a bid ting the track to present what or- to become the BBL Slam Dunk ganisers describe as ‘truly Champion. awe-inspiring entertainment’.

The National Running Show NEC, Birmingham, Sat 20 - Sun 21 January Dame Kelly Homes (pictured) opens this brand new addi- tion to the NEC’s calendar, a show designed as a one-stop shop for running enthusiasts. Highlights of the event include ‘inspirational’ talks from running experts, free advice on nutrition, training and equipment, the latest product launches, free trainer fitting and gait analy- sis and the chance to enter numerous on-site competitions. whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Events January-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:24 Page 3

52 whatsonlive.co.uk Events January-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:24 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

Autosport New Year Family Fun International British Motor Museum, Gaydon, NEC, Birmingham, Tues 2 - Sun 7 January Thurs 11 - Sun 14 January Early-January visitors to the British Motor Museum can certainly expect Described as ‘the world’s greatest an all-action start to the year. four-wheel indoor extravaganza’, Young motor enthusiasts can get Autosport International caters for 2018 under way in style by using industry professionals and motor- Lego to design a new car, then step- sport fans alike. Featuring every ping back in time to find out about level of motor racing - from kart- the most popular automobiles of ing through to Formula One - the 1927. A Motoring Treasures trail event offers visitors the chance to adds to the fun. check out the latest performance road cars, chat to club members and watch precision-driving dis- plays in the Live Action Arena. Ex-Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell makes a special guest appearance at the show.

Tattoo Freeze Telford International Centre, Sat 13 - Sun 14 January Twelfth Night Following on from the success Wassail And Ceilidh of previous shows, this spe- The Other Place and various venues cialist two-day event offers around Stratford, Sat 6 January members of the general public The Royal Shakespeare Company is the chance to get themselves hosting this special event in order tattooed by one (or more!) of to celebrate the last night of Christ- the 200 talented tattooists mas. who’ll be in attendance. Choirs from across the Midlands Show highlights include Katie sing traditional wassailing songs Dee and her ‘burlesque and and carols, after which there’s a magical fire show’, robot- winter procession and special building, felt & fibre, BMX ceilidh. and circus workshops, a Roughly translated as ‘be in good Scalextric rally challenge and health’, wassailing is an English a 10ft-long python named tradition - taking place on the Julius! Twelfth Night of Christmas - which involves singing to the health of apple trees, in the hope that they Wolverhampton Literature Festival might yield a good harvest. The RSC wassail includes four spe- Venues across Wolverhampton city centre, Fri 26 - Sun 28 January cially commissioned arrangements by ex-Bellowhead member and Wolverhampton’s second literature festival features ac- choral arranger Paul Sartin. claimed authors, musicians, workshops and children’s The event coincides with the Com- events. pany’s staging of Shakespeare’s Included among the festival’s highlights is an appearance by popular comedy, Twelfth Night. novelist, journalist, political commentator and television personality Will Self (pictured). Commenting on the 2018 festival, Councillor John Reynolds said: "The pilot festival was made possible by the generous contributions of artists and local businesses, and was a great celebration of literature in our city. I’m pleased that the festival will take place again in 2018. Already there’s a great variety of entertainment lined up during the three-day festival, with even more authors and events soon to be announced."

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Cover January Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:16 Page 1 The List Cover January Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:16 Page 2

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

Circus of Horrors: Voodoo at Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on Fri 26 January

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 January Mon 8 to Sun 14 January Mon 15 to Sun 21 January Mon 22 to Wed 31 January

Black Country Communion at Oddsocks’ The Wizard Of Oz From The Jam at The Jenny Eclair at Civic Hall, Wolverhampton at The Place, Oakengates Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Tues 2 January Fri 12 January Fri 19 January Sat 27 January

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Fri 1 - Sun 7 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:10 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT JANUARY Gigs Comedy Wolverhampton Art Gallery EDWINA HAYES Mon 1 Jan, Kitchen ANDREW BIRD, ROGER MONKHOUSE, Visual Arts CLIVE BARKER: POP ART. 1961 – 1981. Garden Cafe, Birmingham ASHLEY FRIEZE, ROB MITCHELL & SAM Exhibition which concentrates on HARLAND Thurs 4 Jan, Foxlowe Arts New Art Gallery - Walsall works from the 1960s and early Centre, Staffordshire 1970s, illustrating Barker’s important COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY LEGACIES: JMW TURNER AND CONTEM- contribution to the story of Pop Art, RICHARDSON AND COMIC TBC Thurs 4 PORARY ART PRACTICE Exhibition con- until Mon 1 Jan sidering the ongoing legacy of JMW Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham MICHAEL LYONS: FULL CIRCLE Exhibi- Turner through the lens of contempo- JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, IAN D MONTFORD, tion tracing the roots of Michael rary art, highlighting the enduring rel- HARVEY HAWKINS & SCOTT BENNETT Lyons’ sculpture to the natural and evance of his work for artists Thurs 4 Jan, The George Hotel, Lich- industrial landscape of the West Mid- practising today, until Sun 14 Jan field lands, until Sun 28 Jan WALSALL SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 68TH AN- JEN BRISTER, BEN NORRIS, PAUL TONK- STILL LIFE AND THE SACRED Exhibition NUAL EXHIBITION Featuring paintings, INSON & ROBIN MORGAN Fri 5 - Sat 6 exploring ‘the secret beauty and hid- drawings, prints, watercolours, sculp- Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham den stories’ behind the spiritual and BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION Tues 2 ture and craft, until Sun 21 Jan sacred messages that the included Jan, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 6 Jan, The WANTING TO SAY - FINDING A PLACE IN works convey, until Sun 4 Feb THE PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Wed Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent THE PAST Exhibition launching the 3 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire Midlands Art Papers online research Other VISUAL ARTS DINO BAPTISTE TRIO Thurs 4 Jan, The resource, developed by the Depart- Jam House, Birmingham ment of Art History, Curating & Visual ART OF THE COMMUNITY EXHIBITION Ex- Studies at the University of Birming- hibition forming part of a celebration GUNS WITH ROSES Thurs 4 Jan, The ham, until Sun 11 Feb to mark the Trust’s 50th anniversary, Robin, Bilston until Tues 2 Jan, Coalbrookdale Theatre CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. 14 PIECES Fri 5 PEOPLE'S CHOICE Featuring the voting Gallery, Ironbridge public’s favourite works from the Per- Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION ALADDIN Family panto starring CBee- manent Collection, until Sun 25 Feb NEARLY DAN Fri 5 Jan, The Robin, Bil- Showcasing the work of David Jones bies favourite Cat Sandion. Sam ston Rabone also stars, until Sat 6 Jan, Newcastle Borough Museum and Freda Wem, until Fri 5 Jan, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri 5 - Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield Garrick & Art Gallery The Jam House, Birmingham WINTER FEST EXHIBITION VAN mem- CRIMES ON THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS ANTHONY HAMMOND Exhibition of bers' festive exhibition of paintings, ROD STEWART & THE FACEZ Fri 5 Jan, Inspired by Agatha Christie, The 39 work by the North Staffordshire- textiles, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture The River Rooms, Stourbridge Steps and the Jason Bourne movies, based artist, sculptor and craftsman, and cards, until Tues 16 Jan, VAN a cast of four bring to life a host of who works predominantly on large- THE BRYAN ADAMS EXPERIENCE Fri 5 Gallery, Shrewsbury Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent characters, until Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield scale public art projects and is skilled Garrick in a number of green wood disci- SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY Exploration BOWIE Sat 6 Jan, The Night Owl, plines, until Mon 8 Jan of the history of perfumery and the Birmingham SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS use of glass as a product to contain Brad Fitt returns as the Dame in this B(U)Y ME! FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas JEAN GENIE Sat 6 Jan, The Robin, Bil- and preserve scent, until Sat 27 Jan, festive family favourite, until Sun 7 craft exhibition, until Mon 8 Jan, ston Red House Glass Cone, Wordsley, Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Stourbridge ANNIE DUGGAN Sun 7 Jan, Kitchen ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE Potteries Museum & Art Garden Cafe, Birmingham WOOD Innovative rock’n’roll staging of Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent BURMA VETERANS: UNFORGETTABLE Photographic exhibition by Wendy NIK TURNERS NEW SPACE RITUAL Sun 7 the traditional adventure story, until FIRST WORLD WAR REPLICA TRENCH Aldiss paying tribute to the British Jan, The Robin, Bilston Sun 7 Jan, Stafford Gatehouse The- until Sun 11 Nov and Allied forces who fought in atre MINI MUSEUM Reflecting all the collec- Burma during World War Two, until TALL STORIES: THE SNOW DRAGON Toe- tions held by the museum, this fam- Sun 25 Feb, National Memorial Ar- tapping songs and ‘lots of laughs’ for ily-friendly exhibition will be asking boretum, Alrewas everyone aged three and older, until visitors what their favourite objects NEW ENJOYMENT OF COLOUR - A RETRO- Classical Music Sun 7 Jan, The Patrick Centre, Birm- are and how they would like to see SPECTIVE BY RITA BANKS Exhibition ingham Hippodrome them displayed, until Sun 3 Jun about the enjoyment of painting and JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Featuring the ALADDIN Starring Jonathan Wilkes & the pleasure it gives, both to the artist Johann Strauss Dancers & Orches- Christian Patterson, until Sun 7 Jan, Shrewsbury Museum & Art and the viewer, Mon 8 Jan - Fri 23 tra in period costume. John Rigby Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Gallery Feb, Museum of Cannock Chase, (conductor), Corinne Cowling (so- THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS Staffordshire SAMURAI: WARRIORS OF JAPAN An ex- prano) & Nicky Spence (tenor), also Dodie Smith’s delightful tale, adapted hibition that graphically brings to life NEW BATTLEFIELD BLOOMS EXHIBITION star, Mon 1 Jan, Symphony Hall, for the stage by Nativity! writer Deb- the story of the Samurai and their fall Exhibition presented by VAN to coin- Birmingham bie Issit, until Sat 13 Jan, The REP, from power, as Japan opened up to cide with the performance premiere CBSO VIENNESE NEW YEAR Featuring Birmingham the West, until Sun 21 Jan of the musical, Poppyfields. The exhi- Martin Yates (conductor) & Ilona JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Starring bition commemorates the end of the Domnich (soprano). Programme in- Gareth Gates, Lisa Riley, Ian Adams First World War, Sat 13 Jan - Sat 31 The Willow Art Gallery, cludes works by Supp , J. Strauss & Doreen Tipton, until Sun 14 Jan, Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Oswestry II, Lehâr & Novello, Fri ė5 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NEW CLAUDE CAHUN: BENEATH THIS Malvern Theatres WINTER OPEN EXHIBITION Exhibition of TREASURE ISLAND A journey across MASK This Hayward Touring exhibi- work by both established and emerg- VIENNESE NEW YEAR Featuring Martin the high seas, complete with larger- tion features the work of French fe- ing artists, until Sat 6 Jan Yates (conductor) & Ilona Domnich than-life characters and swashbuck- male photographer Claude Cahun BIJOUX Affordable, original pieces of (soprano). Programme includes ling sword fights, until Sat 27 Jan, (1894-1954), whose practice investi- art by members of Borderland Visual works by Suppé, J. Strauss II, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- gates gender and identity, Mon 15 Arts (BVA). Featuring prints, ceram- Lehár, Waldteufel, Novello & Josef Lyme Jan - Sat 17 Mar, Keele University, Strauss, Sat 6 Jan, Symphony Hall, ics, paintings, tapestry, jewellery and CINDERELLA Soul diva Beverley Staffordshire Birmingham sculpture, until Sat 6 Jan Knight makes her pantomime debut 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Fri 1 - Sun 7 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:10 Page 2

Friday 1 to Sunday 7 January

alongside Strictly finalist Danny Mac, THE STAR (U) Animation/Adventure. Birmingham panto favourite Matt With the voices of Steven Yeun, Slack, pop and television star Kristin Chenoweth. Ludlow Assembly Suzanne Shaw and comedy duo The Rooms, South Shropshire, until Thurs Grumbleweeds. Ceri Dupree and 4 Jan David Dale star as the Ugly Sisters, PADDINGTON 2 (U) Adventure/Comedy. until Sun 28 Jan, Birmingham Hippo- Starring Sally Hawkins, Brendan drome Gleeson. Stoke Film Theatre, Sat 6 A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s Jan adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive WONDER (PG) Drama/Family. Starring classic. Phil Davies stars, until Sun 4 Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson. Light Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- Stratford-upon-Avon ton, Fri 5 - Thurs 11 Jan IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART I PRETTY WOMAN (15) Comedy/Ro- CONSPIRATOR Mike Poulton turns his mance. Starring Richard Gere, Julia pen to the thrilling world of power Roberts. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- politics in the Ancient Rome of Robert ingham, Mon 1 Jan Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Doran directs, until Sat 10 STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12a) Ac- Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- tion/Adventure. Starring Daisy Ridley, upon-Avon John Boyega. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 1 - Thurs 4 Jan; IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART II Light House Media Centre, Wolver- DICTATOR Mike Poulton turns his pen hampton, Tues 2 - Thurs 11 Jan to the thrilling world of power politics in the Ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ BATTLE OF THE SEXES (15) Biogra- best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory phy/Comedy. Starring Emma Stone, Doran directs, until Sat 10 Feb, The Steve Carell. Ludlow Assembly Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Jan Blue Man Group TWELFTH NIGHT Ade Edmondson & Kara Tointon star in Shakespeare’s SUBURBICON (15) Action/Adventure. International Convention Centre, Birmingham, until Sat 6 January tale of unrequited love, until Sat 24 Starring Julianne Moore and Matt Close friends Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton came up Damon. Light House Media Centre, Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with the Blue Man Group (BMG) concept in New York City in 1991, Stratford-upon-Avon Wolverhampton, Tues 2 - Thurs 4 Jan since which time the famously blue and bald performers have en- THE PARTY (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- STICK MAN Scamp Theatre’s adapta- tertained a staggering 35 million people across the world. Present- tion of Julia Donaldson & Alex Scef- ring Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy fler’s popular children’s book of the Spall. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, ing shows that combine art, music, comedy and cutting-edge same name, Tues 26 Dec - Fri 12 Jan, Tues 2 - Thurs 4 Jan technology ‘to create a sublime celebration of human connection’, Birmingham Town Hall FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL BMG is visiting the UK for the first time in nine years. Expect a BLUE MAN GROUP Global smash-hit (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jamie blissful party atmosphere and innovation aplenty. fusing art, music, comedy and state- Bell, Annette Bening. Festival Drayton of-the-art technology to create an ‘un- Centre, Market Drayton, Fri 5 Jan; forgettable celebration of the human Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Tues 9 & ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (tbc) ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Enjoy this win- Thurs 11 Jan connection’, Thurs 28 Dec - Sat 6 BRAD'S STATUS (tbc) ter sport in beautiful city surround- Jan, International Convention Centre JULIETA (15) Drama/Mystery. Starring ings, until Sun 7 Jan, Eastside City HOSTILES (tbc) (ICC), Birmingham Emma Suárez, Adriana Ugarte. Fore- Park, Birmingham JUPITER'S MOON (15) CINDERELLA DE Caversmill Theatre gin language, subtitled. The Hive, CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Raising Company presents its version of the Shrewsbury, Fri 5 Jan money for Dudley Mind, the YMCA festive family favourite, Fri 5 & Sun 7 CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (15) and Dudley Alzheimer's Society, until Jan, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke- Drama/Romance. Starring Armie Sun 7 Jan, Red House Glass Cone, on-Trent Hammer, Timothée Chalamet. Old Wordsley, Stourbridge Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 5 - Thurs Events THE FANTASTICAL WINTER TOYBOX Dis- 11 Jan cover the toys which have been scat- JUSTICE LEAGUE (12a) Action/Adven- MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Prepare to tered around the grounds, from a ture. Starring Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot. enter a magical experience and dis- giant working zoetrope to oversized Dance Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, cover life-sized and larger-than-life babushka dolls. Visitors can explore Fri 5, Sun 7 - Thurs 11 Jan lanterns in all shapes and forms, until surprising and fantastical installa- Mon 1 Jan, Kings Heath Park, B’ham tions, until Fri 9 Feb, Erddig Hall, SWAN LAKE St Petersburg Classic Bal- PITCH PERFECT (12a) Comedy/Music. Wrexham let bring to life the greatest romantic Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany CHRISTMAS AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL ballet of all time, Sun 7 Jan, Sym- Snow. Highbury Theatre, Birming- GARDENS There’s something for ev- NEW YEAR CRAFTS: CREATE A CALENDAR phony Hall, Birmingham ham, Sat 6 Jan eryone at this festive time of year, Use a variety of craft materials to de- with a sparkling path winding its way sign and create a unique calendar, BREATHE (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- through the Gardens as part of a Wed 3 - Thurs 4 Jan, Blakesley Hall, ring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy. Fes- magical after-dark experience, until Birmingham tival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Mon 1 Jan, Birmingham Botanical South Shropshire, Sat 6 Jan MANSION WINTER TOURS Experience Film Gardens the atmospheric mansion and dis- WINTER WONDERLAND STOKE ON TRENT cover its stories, Sat 6 Jan - Sun 11 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Featuring ice skating, Santa in his Feb, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Released from Mon 1 Jan, showing beautiful wooden cabin, numerous Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth NEW YEAR’S WALK Three-and-a-half- at selected cinemas rides, a Bavarian bar & food, games, mile walk exploring areas of the park Branagh, Johnny Depp. Ludlow As- and music, until Tues 2 Jan, Opposite sembly Rooms, South Shropshire, MOLLY’S GAME (15) not normally accessible to the visiting Hanley Bus Station, Stoke-on -Trent public, Sun 7 Jan, Weston Park, Nr until Thurs 4 Jan Released from Fri 5 Jan, showing at City Centre selected cinemas Shifnal whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wovles/Staffs/Shrops 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:09 Page 1

2018 HIGHLIGHTS

26 JAN

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Thursday 1 February, 7.30pm

£21.00 NATHAN CARTER

21 FEB

Wednesday 7 February, 7.30pm GERMAINE GREER HORRIBLE HISTORIES- MORE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN £14.00, £12.00 Child Sunday 11 February, 2pm & 6.30pm 22 FEB CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA

MILKSHAKE! LIVE Wednesday 21 February, £17 .00, £15.00 U16’s 12pm & 3.30pm MILKSHAKE! LIVE 24 FEB

Thursday 22 February, 7.30pm JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW THE CROONERS £25.00

3 MAR Friday 23 February, 7.30pm ALL STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING 2018

SWING WITH LAUGHTER £25.50 Friday 2 March, 8.00pm CRAIG CAMPBELL 8 MAR

Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm CILLA & THE SHADES OF THE 60S PURPLE ZEPPELIN £21 - £23

15 MAR Wednesday 14 March, 7.00pm THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

TEECHERS

£18.00, £14.50 Students

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, TWC GP 01227 LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wovles/Staffs/Shrops 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:09 Page 2

thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 January take of L Frank Baum’s classic ad- Classical venture, Fri 12 Jan, The Place, Oak- engates Theatre, Telford ALADDIN Traditional family pan- Music tomime written by Ian Thompson, Fri 12 - Sat 20 Jan, Oldbury Rep BRUCKNER’S SEVENTH Featuring Omer Meir Wellber (conductor) & THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black Yeol Eum Son (piano). Programme Country theatre favourites Fizzog comprises Mozart’s Piano Concerto present their version of The Wizard No.21, K.467, 29’ & Bruckner’s Of Oz, Sat 13 Jan, Crescent Theatre, Symphony No.7, 68’, Thurs 11 Jan, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham FUTURETHEATRE: 90 DAYS & INVISIBLE CENTRE STAGE: CBSO STRING ENSEM- DOUBLE BILL Thought-provoking dou- BLE Programme includes works by ble bill featuring a play set in the Schubert, Gade & Shostakovich, past - in 1972, in Uganda - and one Fri 12 Jan, CBSO Centre, B’ham set in the future - in 2025, in Birming- ham, Sat 13 Jan, MAC, Birmingham IN ECHO Period instrument ensemble featuring Gawain Glenton (cor- THRILLER LIVE Musical celebration of Michael & The Jackson 5, Mon 15 - The Blue Jays - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme netto/recorder), Uri Smilansky (viol/recorder), Kirsty Whatley Sat 20 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Bilston Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on- (harp), Richard Boothby (viol) & on-Trent Gigs T.REXTASY Fri 12 Jan, Trent Katherine Hawnt (soprano), Fri 12 BONES Poignant and emotionally Regent Theatre, BLACK ELVIS Sat 13 Jan, The Barber Institute, B’ham charged monologue about a young man trying to find his place in a THE JEEPS Tues 9 Jan, Stoke-on-Trent Jan, The Night Owl, ELIAS STRING QUARTET Sat 13 Jan, world that doesn’t want him, Tues 16 The Jam House, Birm- Birmingham Henderson Hall, Moor Park, Lud- BENNETT FAMILY - Wed 17 Jan, Old Joint Stock The- ingham low, South Shropshire SINGERS Fri 12 Jan, SCOTT HAMILTON QUAR- atre, Birmingham ARCHER & TRIPP’ Kitchen Garden Cafe, TET Sat 13 Jan, Pizza THE SOUND OF MUSIC West End star TRANCE SEND Tues 9 Birmingham Express Live, B’ham Lucy O’Byrne stars as Maria in Jan, Kitchen Garden THE SUBTERRANEANS PROGRESS WRESTLING what’s widely regarded as one of the Cafe, Birmingham Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jan, PRESENTS CHAPTER 61: Comedy greatest musicals of all time, Tues 16 GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed The Jam House, Birm- DON’T TOUCH ME … - Sat 20 Jan, New Alexandra The- 10 Jan, The Jam ingham DON’T … DON’T TOUCH ANGELA BARNES, MAUREEN YOUNGER atre, Birmingham House, Birmingham THE MODFATHERS Sat ME Sun 14 Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham Wed 10 Jan, Kitchen Garden Cafe, GALLOWGLASS Middle Ground The- JAMIE FLANAGAN AS 13 Jan, The Robin, Bil- Birmingham atre Company present the stage pre- MICHAEL BUBLÉ Wed ston THE SURFING MAGA- ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, PAUL THORNE & miere of the 1990 thriller by Barbara 10 Jan, The Robin, Bil- ZINES Sun 14 Jan, JEFF WILLIAMS QUINTET COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Vine (aka Ruth Rendell), Thurs 18 - ston Sat 13 Jan, The Hive, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Sat 20 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand ingham SON Thurs 11 Jan, The Glee Club, THE BLUEJAYS Wed 10 Shrewsbury Birmingham Theatre Jan, New Vic Theatre, DISSIDENT PROPHET FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE THE COMEDY HUT Acts tbc, Fri 12 Jan, QUENTIN CRISP - NAKED HOPE Much- Staffordshire TO GEORGE MICHAEL Sun 14 Jan, Kitchen acclaimed production which follows Garden Cafe, B’ham The Civic, Stourport THE HUNNA Thurs 11 Sat 13 Jan, Regent Quentin’s story from the dawn of the TOM BINNS Fri 12 Jan, Katie Fitzger- Jan, O2 Academy, Theatre, Stoke-on- BRAVADO Sun 14 Jan, 1970s through to his final years, Fri ald's, Stourbridge Birmingham Trent The Robin, Bilston 19 Jan, Lichfield Garrick ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, PAUL THORNE, CAPITAL GROOVE Thurs RODDY RADIATION & THE STEVIE NIMMO Sun 14 THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black FIN TAYLOR & JAKE LAMBERT Fri 12 - 11 Jan, The Jam SKABILLY REBELS & THE Jan, Lichfield Guildhall Country theatre favourites Fizzog Sat 13 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham House, Birmingham SKA45S Sat 13 Jan, BRONNIE - REJEX TOUR present their version of The Wizard Hare & Hounds, Birm- MATT REED, SUZI RUFFELL, CHRISTIAN Of Oz, Fri 19 Jan, The Place, Oaken- IN HER OWN WORDS + 2018 Sun 14 Jan, O2 ingham REILLY & JOSH PUGH Sat 13 Jan, The gates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire FOR THE WIN + BETTER Academy, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham THAN NEVER + VICTORY BAD PRACTICE Sat 13 PARAMORE Sun 14 Jan, LANE + YOU KNOW THE Jan, Hare & Hounds, Genting Arena, Birm- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 13 Jan, The DRILL Thurs 11 Jan, Birmingham ingham Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent The Flapper, B’ham SACK SABBATH Sat 13 OSCAR YOUNG 'WE ARE Film YOUNG' - EP LAUNCH Thurs 11 Jan, Hare & INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Hounds, Birmingham Theatre KENI BURKE Thurs 11 KALEIDOSCOPE (15) Thriller. Starring Jan, Hare & Hounds, CLAIRE DOWIE DOUBLE BILL Stage2 Anne Reid, Sinead Matthews. Mock- Birmingham Theatre Company present two of the author’s monologues as full-cast ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 8 ASOMVEL Thurs 11 one-act plays, Wed 10 - Sat 13 Jan, Jan; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Jan, The Robin, Bil- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Fri 12 - Mon 15 Jan ston AUSTEN THE MUSICAL New musical CHURCHILL (PG) Biography/Drama. CATAPULT CLUB FT. ALI production exploring Jane’s strug- Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richard- GILBERT Fri 12 Jan, O2 gles to have her work published in a son. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 8 Academy, Birmingham male-dominated world, Thurs 11 - Jan; Edge Arts Centre, Much Wen- 6LACK Fri 12 Jan, O2 Sat 13 Jan, The Old Joint Stock The- lock, Shropshire, Mon 8 Jan Institute, Birmingham atre, Birmingham TROPHY (15) Documentary. Mocking- ONE NIGHT WITH ELVIS THE WIZARD OF OZ Zany funsters bird Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 9 Fri 12 Jan, The Robin, Jeff Williams Quintet - The Hive, Shrewsbury Oddsocks present a lighthearted Jan whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wovles/Staffs/Shrops 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:09 Page 3

COMING IN 2018...

16th – 20th Jan, 7.30pm 2.30 Sat Mat

The Mellow Dramatics: Miracle on 34th Street Tickets: £12, £10 Thu Eve & Sat mat.

24th Jan, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday: The Pongo's Dream by Sef Townsend

Tickets: £6 adv, £8 otd

31 Jan, 7.30pm In Good Company: Playshuffle

Tickets: FREE

1 Feb, 7pm Catch Up Film Club: Baby Driver (15)

Tickets: £6

1 & 2 Feb, 8pm Aynsley Lister

Tickets: £10 adv, £12 otd

9 Feb, 7pm Floyd in the Flesh

Tickets: £12 adv, £14 otd

10 Feb, 1pm Louise White: The Dead Sea Tickets:TicTickets:kets: ££12,1 £6,2, ££10 £2010 SSatFamilyat MMatat of 4

14 Feb, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday: Christine Genders – LOVE

Tickets: £6 adv, £8 otd

20 - 24 Feb, 7.30pm 2.30 Thu & Sat Mat Burton Amateur Stage Entertainers: Cinderella Tickets: £12, £11 conc, £40 family

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

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wovles/Staffs/Shrops 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:09 Page 4

thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 January BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (PG) Comedy, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Drama. Starring Audrey Hepburn, Released from Fri 12 Jan, showing at George Peppard. Ludlow Assembly selected cinemas Rooms, South Shropshire, until Tues 9 Jan DARKEST HOUR (PG) FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jamie INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY (15) Bell, Annette Bening. Stoke Film The- THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING atre, Tues 9 - Thurs 11 Jan MISSOURI (15) INVESTIGATION OF A CITIZEN ABOVE SUSPICION (18) Crime/Drama. Starring Gian Maria Volontè, Florinda Bolkan. Foreign language, subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 10 Jan Events BATTLE OF THE SEXES (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring Emma PERFORMANCE CAR SHOW Featuring Stone, Steve Carell. Stoke Film The- iconic brands like Lamborghini, Fer- atre, Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jan rari, McLaren, Aston Martin and ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) Porsche, the show is the ultimate Documentary. Mockingbird Cinema, destination for performance-car afi- Birmingham, Fri 12 - Thurs 18 Jan cionados, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 Jan, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (tbc) Biogra- NEC, Birmingham phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- GHOST TOURS A tour of one of son, Hugh Jackman. Light House Britain’s most haunted buildings, Sat Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 12 13 Jan, Aston Hall, Birmingham Tattoo Freeze - Telford International Centre, Shropshire - Thurs 18 Jan AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL Must-visit MOLLY’S GAME (15) Biography/Drama. event for motorsport fans and perfor- TATTOO FREEZE Admire great artists CAMPER MART One-day VW buying Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba. mance-car aficionados, featuring and artwork and get some new ink, extravaganza, Sun 14 Jan, Telford In- Light House Media Centre, Wolver- cars, stars and action, Sat 13 - Sun Sat 13 - Sun 14 Jan, Telford Interna- ternational Centre, Shropshire hampton, Fri 12 - Thurs 18 Jan 14 Jan, NEC, Birmingham tional Centre, Shropshire

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 15 - 21 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:08 Page 1

thelist BRAD O'NEILL & MYLO MEM- Theatre, Telford Gigs PHIS Thurs 18 Jan, Hare & TO KILL A KING Sat 20 Jan, Hounds, Birmingham Mama Roux’s, Birmingham SEAWAY Mon 15 Jan, O2 In- KING KING Thurs 18 Jan, ALEX OHM Sat 20 Jan, The stitute, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Sunflower Lounge, B’ham JACOB & DRINKWATER Mon 15 CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. THE AT- HUDSON TAYLOR Sat 20 Jan, Jan, Kitchen Garden Cafe, TICS Fri 19 Jan, O2 Academy, O2 Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham CLAUDE BOURBON Sat 20 Jan, CREATE TO INSPIRE Tues 16 SUPERSKAS Fri 19 Jan, The Birchmeadow, Broseley, Jan, The Asylum, B’ham Robin, Bilston South Shropshire AND YOU KNOW US Tues 16 THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Fri 19 JAKE MITCHELL Sat 20 Jan, Jan, The Jam House, B’ham Jan, Lichfield Garrick O2 Academy, Birmingham RUBY TURNER Wed 17 Jan, CRAIG CHARLES Fri 19 Jan, FIRE RED EMPRESS Sat 20 New Vic Theatre, Staffs Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Jan, The Slade Rooms, THE DECADES BAND Wed 17 FROM THE JAM Fri 19 Jan, The Wolverhampton Jan, The Jam House, B’ham Buttermarket, Shrewsbury HELLBENT FOREVER Sat 20 GEOFF TATE Wed 17 Jan, The TALON Fri Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jan, Jan, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Robin, Bilston Prince Of Wales Theatre, THE ONE LOVE BAND Sat 20 Cannock SINACH WAYMAKER Thurs 18 Jan, The River Rooms, Stour- Jan, O2 Institute, B’ham G2 - DEFINITIVE GENISES Fri 20 bridge Jan, The Robin, Bilston LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Thurs 18 WOMEN IN ROCK Sat 20 Jan, Jan, Foxlowe Arts Centre, 36 CRAZYFISTS Sat 20 Jan, O2 Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire Academy, Birmingham RAVENEYE Sun 21 Jan, The RICKY COOL & IN THE CROWD THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE Sat Slade Rooms, Wolverhamp- Thurs 18 Jan, The Jam 20 Jan, Ludlow Assembly ton House, Birmingham Rooms, South Shropshire LIFESIGNS Sun 21 Jan, The AYNSLEY LISTER BAND Thurs MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Sat 20 Robin, Bilston Jan, The Place, Oakengates Ruby Turner - New Vic Theatre, Staffs 18 Jan, The Robin, Bilston

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 15 - 21 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:08 Page 2

Monday 15 - Sunday 21 January

GUZ KHAN, MICKEY P KERR, STEFANO Classical Music PAOLINI & JESSICA FOSTEKEW Sat 20 Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham INNOVATION ENSEMBLE: QUINTETS AT MATT REED Sat 20 Jan, Regent The- TWILIGHT Featuring Ben Nabarro & atre, Stoke-on-Trent Martin Cropper (violins), Robin Ire- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 20 Jan, The land & Sarah-Jane Bradley (violas) Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent & Richard Jenkinson (cello). Pro- gramme includes works by Mozart, Vaughan Williams & Brahms, Sun 14 Jan, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Theatre THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes works by J.S Bach, C.P.E THRILLER LIVE Musical celebration of Bach, C.H.H Parry, E.H Lemare & Michael & The Jackson 5, Mon 15 - Wagner, Mon 15 Jan, Symphony Sat 20 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Hall, Birmingham on-Trent BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION Thriller Live BONES Poignant and emotionally ARTISTS: MARIAM BATSASHVILI Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 15 - Sat 20 January charged monologue about a young (PIANO) Programme includes works man trying to find his place in a world In a career spanning 40 years, Michael Jackson sold a phenomenal by Bach/Busoni & Liszt, Tues 16 that doesn’t want him, Tues 16 - Wed Jan, Royal Birmingham Conserva- 750 million records worldwide, with his Thriller album becoming 17 Jan, Old Joint Stock Theatre, the world’s bestselling recording of all time. This high-energy stage toire Birmingham BARTÓK'S CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA tribute includes more than two hours of non-stop hit songs, in the THE SOUND OF MUSIC West End star process paying homage to the breathtaking spectacle of Jackson’s Featuring the City of Birmingham Lucy O’Byrne stars as Maria in what’s Symphony Orchestra, Mirga widely regarded as one of the great- legendary live performances. Expect all your favourite numbers, in- Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Ning est musicals of all time, Tues 16 - Sat cluding I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Beat It, Billie Jean Feng (violin).ė Programme includes 20 Jan, New Alexandra Theatre, and, of course, Thriller. works by Haydn, Bruch, Brahms & Birmingham Bartok, Wed 17 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GALLOWGLASS Middle Ground The- atre Company present the stage pre- Dennis Quaid. Edge Arts Centre, guage, subtitled. Stoke Film Theatre, DOMONKOS CSABAY PIANO RECITAL miere of the 1990 thriller by Barbara Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jan Programme includes works by Vine (aka Ruth Rendell), Thurs 18 - Mon 15 Jan THE POST (tbc) Biography/Drama. Schubert, Bartók, Janá ek & Britten, Sat 20 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Wed 17 Jan, Birminghamč Town Hall SUBURBICON (15) Drama/Mystery. Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. Theatre Starring Matt Damon, Julianne Light House Media Centre, Wolver- KENNETH HAMILTON LECTURE-RECITAL QUENTIN CRISP - NAKED HOPE Much- Moore. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, hampton, Fri 19 - Thurs 25 Jan Programme comprises works by acclaimed production which follows Tues 16 - Thurs 18 Jan THE DINNER (15) Drama/Thriller. Star- Frédéric Chopin, Fri 19 Jan, The Quentin’s story from the dawn of the Barber Institute, Birmingham BATTLE OF THE SEXES (15) Biogra- ring Richard Gere, Laura Linney. 1970s through to his final years, Fri phy/Comedy. Starring Emma Stone, Light House Media Centre, Wolver- BARTÓK'S CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA 19 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Steve Carell. Wem Town Hall, North hampton, Fri 19 - Thurs 25 Jan Featuring the City of Birmingham THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black Shropshire, Tues 16 & Thurs 18 Jan Symphony Orchestra, Mirga Country theatre favourites Fizzog pre- HAPPY END (15) Drama. Starring Is- Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Ning sent their version of The Wizard Of NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Feng (violin).ė Programme includes abelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintig- Oz, Fri 19 Jan, The Place, Oaken- nant. Foreign language, subtitled. Released from Fri 19 Jan, showing at works by Haydn, Bruch, Brahms & gates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire selected cinemas Bartok, Sat 20 Jan, Symphony Hall, Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 16 & Thurs Birmingham 18 Jan COCO (tbc) A VIENNESE STRAUSS GALA Pro- FERRARI: RACE TO IMMORTALITY (15) THE COMMUTER (15) gramme includes works by Strauss Documentary. Old Market Hall, DOWNSIZING (15) Shrewsbury, Thurs 18 Jan & Lehar, Sun 21 Jan, Wolverhamp- THE POST (tbc) ton Grand Theatre Dance STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12a) Ac- tion/Adventure. Starring Daisy Ridley, AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND DANCE WITH John Boyega. Wem Town Hall, North BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET Featuring Shropshire, Fri 19 Jan BRB director David Bintley, the Royal Comedy Ballet Sinfonia and world class THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (tbc) Biogra- Events dancers from the Company, Fri 19 phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- son, Hugh Jackman. Old Market Hall, Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE ARENACROSS TOUR 2018 Are- TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 15 Jan, Shrewsbury, Fri 19 - Thurs 25 Jan The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham nacross is ‘short, sharp and shock- THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (12) Com- ingly spectacular’, with huge triple NATHAN CATON, CARL DONNELLY, BEN edy/Drama. Starring Ville Virtanen, jumps, killer mogul sections and fast, VAN DER VELDE Thurs 18 Jan, The Dome Karukoski. Foreign language, banked corners all designed to pro- Bramall, Birmingham Film subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri vide a high-octane sensory feast, Sat PETER WHITE, CARL DONNELLY & COM- 19 Jan 20 Jan, Genting Arena, Birmingham EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON ONLY THE BRAVE (12a) INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: NATIONAL RUNNING SHOW Brand new Thurs 18 Jan, The Glee Club, Birm- Biography/Drama. Starring Josh show for running enthusiasts, Sat 20 ingham LOVING VINCENT (12A) Animation/Biog- Brolin, Miles Teller. Festival Drayton - Sun 21 Jan, NEC, Birmingham raphy. With the voices of Douglas Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- ANDY ZALTZMAN Fri 19 Jan, Glee Club, WEDDING OPEN DAY Couples can view Birmingham Booth, Jerome Flynn. Stoke Film shire, Fri 19 Jan Theatre, Mon 15 Jan the venue, speak to catering man- PETER WHITE, CARL DONNELLY, KATE BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL (18) agers and chat to the registrars about LUCAS & NATAN CATON Fri 19 - Sat 20 A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) Action/Drama. Starring Takuya the special day, Sun 21 Jan, Himley Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham Comedy/Drama. Starring Josh Gad, Kimura, Hana Sugisaki. Foreign lan- Hall & Park, Dudley whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:43 Page 1

thelist BOOTLEG ABBA + JIVE KATE ROYAL (SOPRANO) & JOSEPH TALKIN Sat 27 Jan, The Classical MIDDLETON (PIANO) This evening Robin, Bilston concert features a programme of DIRT BOX DISCO Sat 27 works by Lieder, and art song, as Jan, The Asylum, Music well as operatic arias from some of Birmingham the many roles that Kate has JOSHUA BELL - VIVALDI’S FOUR SEA- played over the years, Wed 31 Jan, MONGOL HORDE Sat 27 SONS Also featuring the Academy The Barber Institute, Birmingham Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- of St Martin in the Fields. Pro- ingham gramme includes works by Vivaldi, ALVAREZ KINGS Sat 27 Edgar Meyer & Beethoven, Tues 23 Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ingham BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION Comedy STAMINA TOUR Sat 27 ARTISTS: ASHLEY RICHES (BASS BARI- Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- TONE) Also featuring Sholto Kyn- ADAM ROWE Wed 24 Jan, MAC, Birm- ingham toch (piano). Programme includes ingham ALVAREZ KINGS Sun 28 works by Schubert, Dvorak & CHRIS ROCK Thurs 25 Jan, Arena Jan, O2 Academy, Brahms, Tues 23 Jan, Royal Birm- Birmingham Steve Knightley - Lichfield Guildhall ingham Conservatoire Birmingham MIKE BUBBINS, ANGELA BARNES & THE QUIREBOYS - BERNSTEIN - STAGE AND SCREEN Fea- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- ELVIS TCB BAND WITH turing John Wilson (conductor), Vo- SPECIAL GUESTS THE ACOUSTIC Sun 28 Jan, SON Thurs 25 Jan, The Glee Club, Gigs The Robin, Bilston calists to include Kim Criswell & the Birmingham IMPERIALS & DENNIS University of Birmingham Voices, JALE Thurs 25 Jan, MARTYN JOSEPH Sat 28 ED BYRNE Fri 26 Jan, Stafford Gate- LOUISE Mon 22 Jan, Wed 24 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birm- Birmingham Town Hall Jan, Theatre Severn, house Theatre O2 Institute, B’ham ingham EAST OF THE SEVERN Shrewsbury JAMES REDMOND, ADAM KAY & CHRIS BLOODSHOT DAWN + THE CLASSIC FM MOVIE: MUSIC HALL Thurs 26 Jan, The ANNETTE GREGORY Sun PURCHASE Fri 26 Jan, Wolverhamp- GEHTIKA + REPRISAL + OF FAME Featuring Michael Seal Slade Rooms, Wolver- 28 Jan, The Hive, ton Grand Theatre XVII Mon 22 Jan, The (conductor) & Tommy Pearson hampton Shrewsbury Flapper, Birmingham (presenter), Fri 26 Jan, Symphony FERN BRADY Fri 26 Jan, Glee Club, UK GUNS N’ ROSES WILL VARLEY Tues 30 Hall, Birmingham Birmingham BLUE ROSE CODE Mon Thurs 26 Jan, The Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- 22 Jan, Newhampton CENTRE STAGE: CBSO BAROQUE EN- MIKE BUBBINS, ANGELA BARNES, PHIL River Rooms, Stour- ingham Arts Centre, Wolver- SEMBLE Fri 26 Jan, CBSO Centre, JERROD & IAN SMITH Fri 26 - Sat 27 bridge hampton THE CLASSIC ROCK Birmingham Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham BAI BAND + BARA- SHOW 2018 - GUITAR BLACK VEIL BRIDES & KENNETH HAMILTON LECTURE-RECITAL ED BYRNE Sat 27 Jan, Birmingham NOVICH Thurs 26 Jan, GREATS Tues 30 Jan, ASKING ALEXANDRIA Programme comprises works by Town Hall Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Town Hall Tues 23 Jan, O2 Frédéric Chopin, Fri 26 Jan, The GEOFF BOYZ, ALISTAIR BARRIE, NOEL Academy, Birmingham THE SIMON & GAR- MOON DUO Tues 30 Barber Institute, Birmingham JAMES & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Sat 27 FUNKEL STORY Thurs Jan, Hare & Hounds, JOE BROWN Tues 23 ORGAN PROM WITH IAN TRACEY Sat Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham 26 Jan, Lichfield Gar- Birmingham Jan, Theatre Severn, 27 Jan, Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke- COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 27 Jan, rick Shrewsbury BLUE ROSE CODE Tues on-Trent Stafford Gatehouse Theatre WITT LOWRY Fri 26 Jan, 30 Jan, Henry Tudor THE SIMON AND GAR- BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC JENNY ECLAIR Sat 27 Jan, Theatre O2 Academy, B’ham House, Shrewsbury FUNKEL STORY Tues 23 GROUP - CELEBRATING CARTER Fea- Severn, Shrewsbury Jan, Regent Theatre, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE PAUL DUNMALL/JOHN turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (con- Stoke-on-Trent Fri 26 Jan, O2 Insti- O'GALLAGHER/JOHN ED- ductor) & Pierre-Laurantė Aimard tute, Birmingham WARDS/MARK SANDERS (piano). Programme includes THIS IS THE KIT Wed 24 Tues 30 Jan, Mac, works by Elliott Carter, Sun 28 Jan, Jan, Glee Club, B’ham HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD Fri 26 Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall RAVENEYE Wed 24 Jan, Birmingham THE HEMPOLICS Tues CHRISTOPH SIETZEN IN RECITAL The Sugarmill, Stoke- 30 Jan, Theatre Sev- Featuring the WAVE Quartet & on-Trent AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH MARK STANWAY ern, Shrewsbury Christoph Sietzen (percussion). JOE BROWN Wed 24 Fri 26 Jan, Newhamp- PETE FIJ & TERRY BICK- Programme includes works by J. Jan, Regent Theatre, ton Arts Centre, ERS Tues 30 Jan, Groban, J.S Bach, I. Boumanns, Pi- Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton Newhampton Arts azzolla & Rodrigo y Gabriela, Mon BILLY WALTON BAND 29 Jan, Birmingham Town Hall BRYAN ADAMS EXPERI- Centre, Wolverhamp- Wed 24 Jan, The ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 27 Jan, The ENCE Fri 26 Jan, The ton LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Robin, Bilston Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent Robin, Bilston YUNGBLUD Wed 31 THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- SAM LAVERY Wed 24 cludes works by J.S Bach, I. Fla- ROUGH WORKS - NEW MATERIAL NIGHT YOUR ALIBI Sat 27 Jan, Jan, The Sunflower Jan, The Sunflower gler, R. Downes, A. Wammes, P. Sun 28 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham O2 Academy, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham Whitlock & Saint-Saëns, Mon 29 JONN'S ATOMIC MEMOIR THE WEATHER STATION AUGUST ALSINA Thurs Jan, Birmingham Town Hall WON'T WRITE Sat 27 Wed 31 Jan, Hare & 25 Jan, O2 Institute, BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION Jan, The Slade Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham ARTISTS: QUATUOR AROD Programme Rooms, W’hampton LADY GAGA Wed 31 KING PLEASURE AND includes works by Mozart & SONGWRITING WORK- Jan, Arena B’ham THE BISCUIT BOYS Mendelssohn, Tues 30 Jan, Royal Theatre SHOP WITH DAN WHITE- STEVE KNIGHTLEY Wed Thurs 25 Jan, The Birmingham Conservatoire HOUSE Sat 27 Jan, 31 Jan, Lichfield Guild- Robin, Bilston CBSO: RACHMANINOV'S SECOND Fea- HEDDA GABLER Contemporary pro- Newhampton Arts hall THE COUNTERFEIT turing Kazuki Yamada (conductor) duction of Ibsen’s masterpiece, Tues Centre, Wolverhamp- BARRY STEELE AND STONES Thurs 25 Jan, & Dejan Lazi (piano). Programme 23 - Sat 27 Jan, Wolverhampton ton FRIENDS Wed 31 Jan, Theatre Severn, includes works by Glinka, Grand Theatre THE JAM’D Sat 27 Jan, Grand Theatre, Shrewsbury Beethoven & Rachmaninov, Wed ELF THE MUSICAL (JR) Amateur stag- Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton 31 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham THE ORIGINAL 1968-77 ing presented by Face2Face Perfor- 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 22 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:43 Page 2

Monday 22 - Wednesday 31 January

mance Academy, Thurs 25 - Fri 26 LET THE RIGHT ONE IN The Crescent Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Theatre Company present an ama- Circus Of Horrors: Voodoo teur staging of John Ajvide Lindqvist's THE GIN CHRONICLES - A SCOTTISH AD- Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 26 January VENTURE ‘Delightfully silly’ show fea- Swedish vampire novel of the same turing an Australian, a pair of name, Sat 27 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, Cres- “Our show contains some nudity and language of an adult nature,” Spaniards, a reindeer, some bag- cent Theatre, Birmingham warn the Circus Of Horrors. “It is not suitable for children, people pipes and a band of pirates... Thurs DI JAMAICAN BIG BROTHER HOUSE of a nervous disposition, chavs and sissies. This show contains 25 - Sun 28 Jan, Old Joint Stock The- Glenda Jaxson & Charles Tomlins nuts!” atre, Birmingham star in Devon Morgan’s comedy of An off-kilter affair that bears more resemblance to a freak show love, envy, jealousy and backstab- DICK WHITTINGTON Amateur staging than any modern definition of a circus, the one-time Britain’s Got presented by CCDS, Thurs 25 - Sun bing, Sun 28 Jan, New Alexandra 28 Jan, Prince Of Wales Centre, Can- Theatre, Birmingham Talent finalists here present a world beyond political correctness nock SNOW WHITE: THE RETURN OF THE LIT- and taste. With the performers dressed in a manner reminiscent of VAMPIRES ROCK GHOST TRAIN Steve TLE THINGS Angel Heart present ‘a The Rocky Horror Show, there’s no denying the skill of those partic- Steinman ramps up the vamp in the heartwarming introduction’ to theatre ipating, or indeed the ensemble’s sheer ‘wow’ factor. sequel to the phenomenally success- for audiences aged four-plus, Sun 28 This latest offering, which sees a voodoo curse causing all manner ful Vampires Rock, Fri 26 Jan, The- Jan, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton of devastation, comes complete with ‘devil-driven rock’n’roll’ and atre Severn, Shrewsbury ‘the darkest of magic’... FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S STRANGERS ON A TRAIN Christopher WHODUNNIT Rob Gee’s award-win- Harper, John Middleton, Jack Ashton ning one-man show explores how we & Hannah Tointon star in a ‘gripping’ of primal passion and timeless SULLY (12) Biography/Drama. Starring perceive people with dementia, Fri 26 thriller based on a fateful encounter, tragedy is brought to life by Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart. Forest Jan, Harley Village Hall, Harley, Mon 29 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, New Alexan- Prokofiev’s soaring score, Mon 29 Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues 23 Jan dra Theatre, Birmingham Shropshire, SY5 6LP Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE LOST HONOUR OF KATHARINA BLUM CIRCUS OF HORRORS: VOODOO Amalga- NO SEX PLEASE WE'RE BRITISH Amateur BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Ex- (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Angela mation of bizarre and fantastic circus staging presented by the Nonentities, pect tantalising tango, fiery paso Winkler, Mario Adorf. Foreign lan- acts, all woven into ‘a sensational Mon 29 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, The Rose doble, elegant foxtrot, breathtaking guage, subtitled. Stoke Film Theatre, shock/horror story featuring the dark- Theatre, Kidderminster waltz - and a few surprises in be- Tues 23 Jan est of magic’, Fri 26 Jan, Victoria Hall, THE LADYKILLERS The Lichfield Play- tween, Mon 29 Jan, Regent Theatre, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12a) Ac- Stoke-on-Trent ers present an amateur staging of Stoke-on-Trent tion/Adventure. Starring Daisy Ridley, Graham Linehan’s classic black com- SWAN LAKE The Russian State Ballet John Boyega. Wem Town Hall, edy, Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, Lichfield of Siberia bring to life the greatest ro- Shropshire, Tues 23 & Thurs 25 Jan Garrick mantic ballet of all time, set to THE HEADLESS WOMAN (12) TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre pre- Tchaikovsky’s haunting score, Tues Mystery/Thriller. Starring María sents its version of John Godber’s 30 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- Onetto, Claudia Cantero. Foreign lan- classic comedy about life at a strug- atre guage, subtitled. The Hive, Shrews- gling school, Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 bury, Wed 24 Jan Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE PRINCE OF NOTHINGWOOD (15) BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Documentary. Starring Qurban Ali, A ‘joyful story of musicality, success Sonia Kronlund. Stoke Film Theatre, and self-discovery’ which tells the in- Talks Thurs 25 Jan spiring true story of King’s remark- THE DEATH SHOW Two-hander cele- INGRID GOES WEST (15) able rise to stardom, Wed 31 Jan - AN AUDIENCE WITH MATT DAWSON brating mortality, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jan, Comedy/Drama. Starring Aubrey Sat 3 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome Thurs 25 Jan, The Bramall, B’ham The REP, Birmingham Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen Stoke Film STEVE PARRISH M.A.D TOUR Hosted by HAYFEVER Amateur staging of Noel Theatre, Fri 26 Jan Steve’s daughter, Frankie, the M.A.D Coward's riotous comedy, Fri 26 Jan - DARKEST HOUR (PG) tour sees the British motorcycling Sat 3 Feb, Hall Green Little Theatre, Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- champion talk candidly about his life, Birmingham man, Lily James. Old Market Hall, loves and experiences, Wed 31 Jan, Shrewsbury, Fri 26 - Wed 31 Jan FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S Dance Stafford Gatehouse Theatre WHODUNNIT Rob Gee’s award-win- MY COUSIN RACHEL (12) Drama. Star- ning one-man show explores how we DANCE TO THE MUSIC New touring pro- ring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin. Edge perceive people with dementia, Sat duction featuring ex-Strictly dancer & Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South 27 Jan, The Talbot Theatre, choreographer Kristina Rihanoff and Shropshire, Mon 29 Jan Whitchurch, North Shropshire singers Chris Maloney (X Factor final- THE LOST HONOUR OF KATHARINA BLUM ist) and Beth Sherburn, Wed 24 Jan, Film (12) Crime/Drama. Starring Angela Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Winkler, Mario Adorf. Foreign lan- THE NUTCRACKER Presented by INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: guage, subtitled. The Hive, Shrews- Moscow City Ballet, Thurs 25 - Sat 27 bury, Wed 31 Jan Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent LOST IN PARIS (12a) Comedy. Starring Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel. ANTON & ERIN Featuring Anton du Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 22 Jan NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Beke & Erin Boag, Richard Balcombe (conductor) and Lance Ellington (star GIFTED (12A) Drama. Starring Chris Released from Fri 26 Jan, showing at vocalist), Sat 27 Jan, Symphony Hall, Evans, Mckenna Grace. Edge Arts selected cinemas Birmingham Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- 12 STRONG (tbc) shire, Mon 22 Jan THE NUTCRACKER The Russian State EARLY MAN (tbc) HAPPY END (15) Drama. Starring Is- Ballet of Siberia presents its version MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE (tbc) of the most famous of fantasy ballets, abelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintig- WHITE BOY RICK (tbc) Sun 28 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand nant. Foreign language, subtitled. Theatre Light House Media Centre, Wolver- hampton, Mon 22 - Thurs 25 Jan ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare’s tale whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Competitions.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:21 Page 1

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66 whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham Conservatoire F/P January 2018.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:56 Page 1 Sold Out F/P Artric Fire Jan 18.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:56 Page 1