Birmingham Cover December 2019.qxp_Birmingham Cover 22/11/2019 15:54 Page 1
JIM JEFFERIES AT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ARENA BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2019 Birmingham ISSUE 408 DECEMBER 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk
PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP WTE:@WHATSONBRUMTWITTER: FACEBOOK:@WHATSONBIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK BRB Nutcracker Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:45 Page 1 Contents December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 13:12 Page 2
December 2019
Contents
The King And I - West End and Broadway hit comes to the Alexandra Theatre for Christmas feature on page 20
The Snow Queen Ex Cathedra Fairy Tale Christmas the list
casts her icy spell on Midlands perform festive favourites from Aston Hall shows off its finest Your 16-page audiences around the globe... festive decor week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 15 page 49 page 51 inside:
4. First Word 13. Food 17. Gigs 19. Comedy 24. Theatre 34. Film 36. Visual Arts 41. Events
@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbrum Birmingham What’s On Birmingham What’s On What’s On Birmingham
Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:15 Page 1
First Word Entertainment news from around the region
Christmas at The Mailbox Searching for a place to celebrate Christmas this year? If so, check out Birmingham’s Mailbox, a venue that’s confident it’s offering the very best in entertainment this festive season. Visitors to the popular lifestyle destination can indulge in a hot mulled wine whilst enjoying a screening of a Christmas classic at Everyman Cinema, or maybe raise a glass to the festivities in a cosy canalside igloo. The Mailbox is also hosting a choice of yule- tide activities on selected dates throughout December - including a wreathmaking work- shop - and in addition will feature a pop-up Christmas market in partnership with Birm- ingham School of Jewellery. For more information about everything The Mailbox has to offer, visit mailboxlife.com
Arts Council funding for ing den filled with retro arcade games and orchestra’s new label, ROOTS. classic consoles. Featuring a drinks list of Timelapse will be recorded at the Royal Birm- Midlands Arts Centre specially selected craft beers, themed cock- ingham Conservatoire at the start of 2020 and tails and sodas, the venue’s selection of will feature music from across the centuries, games will include Space Invaders, Pac Man, including works by Schubert, The Smiths, Tekken, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Street Vivaldi and Radiohead. Fighter II, Guitar Hero, Mortal Kombat and X- Commenting on the news, David Le Page, the Men... For more information, visit nq64.co.uk orchestra’s artistic director, said: “Although the music we play was written hundreds of years apart, it’s striking how much these Treecycle your Christmas contrasting works inhabit such similar tree for a good cause emotional space. I want the album to be a Arts Council England has awarded Birming- Take the hassle out of recycling your place where time and style have become ham’s Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) £400,000 Christmas tree this New Year by allowing a irrelevant - good music is good music, how- as part of its National Lottery-funded Small local hospice to take it away for you. ever and whenever you look at it.” Capital programme. St Mary’s Hospice’s Treecycling campaign For more information about Timelapse, visit With support from Arts Council, MAC will will see volunteers collect thousands of used orchestraoftheswan.org repurpose and create new, accessible artist Christmas trees from properties across studios, with a focus on environmental Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, in sustainability. The new studios will help the return for a donation to the charity. Having a festive craic at venue meet an increasing demand for partici- The initiative takes place on Saturday 11 and Symphony Hall pation work, allowing it to run more courses Sunday 12 January and will see trees recycled Brum Craic is back for Christmas, and as and workshops onsite. into compost and biomass fuel. always will be celebrating some of the coun- Commenting on the news, Peter Knott, Area All funds raised from Treecycling will go try’s most promising up-and-coming acts. Director for Arts Council England, said: “This towards the Hospice, which provides vital This year’s line-up of funny-bone ticklers is fantastic news for the West Midlands. Arts care to local people who are living with life- includes Alfie Brown (pictured), Danny Clive & culture play a vital role in making the area limiting illness... For more information, visit and host Hannah a great place to live, and we’re pleased to be birminghamhospice.org.uk/treecycling Silvester... The supporting Midlands Arts Centre as it creates Christmas Spe- new opportunities for artists to develop and cial edition takes audiences to experience creativity in an envi- Orchestra of the Swan place at Sym- ronmentally friendly way.” campaign launched phony Hall on Sunday 15 Games galore in Digbeth The Stratford-upon-Avon-based Orchestra of December. For the Swan has launched a campaign to raise more informa- A new arcade bar is opening in Birmingham’s £18,000 to support the recording of its latest tion, visit Digbeth district next year. album, Timelapse. thsh.co.uk NQ64 is described as an underground drink- The recording will be the first from the 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:15 Page 2 First Word Birmingham December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:15 Page 3
First Word Entertainment news from around the region
A Question Of Sport marks Pivot and shoot 50th birthday with a live tour in the Arena! The BBC’s A Question Of Sport - the world's longest-running TV sports quiz - is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020 with a live tour. Since debuting on television in January 1970, more than 1,000 episodes of the programme have been broadcast, with over 2,000 of the biggest names in British and international sport having appeared as panellists. The Vitality Netball Super- The new live version of the show features host league makes a welcome Purpose-built Dance Hub Sue Barker, resident team captains Matt Dawson return for its 15th year at Birmingham studio opens and Phil Tufnell, and a number of big-name Arena Birmingham on Satur- guests from across the sporting world. A new purpose-built dance studio has opened in day 22 February. The tour stops off at Birmingham’s Symphony The season-opening event the city centre. Hall on Monday 27 April. The Dance Hub Birmingham facility is part of boasts a brand new format, Tickets are now available and can be purchased with the 10 participating the creative campus housing Birmingham Hip- by visiting ticketmaster.co.uk podrome, DanceXchange and Birmingham Royal teams coming up against their Ballet. closest league rival to produce Commenting on the new venue on behalf of five games that organisers Dance Hub Birmingham partners, Birmingham promise will be ‘full of goals, City University’s Dr Polly Hudson said: “At this interceptions, explosive exciting time for dance in Birmingham, we’re athleticism and exhilarating delighted to be able to welcome people into the netball’. beautiful new studio facility, and to share Dance Hub Birmingham’s ambitions for how dance can Brum university make a significant and continuing impact in our singers get new city and beyond.” conductor Internationally renowned conductor, composer and Circus skills on show in city Hit West Ender heading to singer Bob Chilcott has taken The circus is coming to town this month... Birmingham next summer up a new role at the Univer- Bringing together talented performers from sity of Birmingham as princi- across the globe, Continental Circus Berlin pal conductor of Birmingham pitches its big top at Birmingham’s NEC from University Singers. Thursday 19 December to Saturday 4 January. Commenting on his appoint- Highlights of the show include performances by ment, Bob said: ‘I feel so hon- the death-defying Berlin stunt riding team and oured to have the opportunity some sure-to-be-breathtaking highwire antics to work with the Birmingham from Columbia’s Robles Troupe. University Singers. In my For more information, visit circusberlin.co.uk work as a composer and conductor, I’ve been fortunate to guest-conduct many choirs all over the world. This will be A hit West End and Broadway show is visiting the first time for me to work the Midlands next year as part of its first ever UK with such an excellent group tour. on a regular basis in an insti- Based on the cult 2007 Irish indie movie of the tution that shows such great same name, Once tells the uplifting story of two support for choral music.” lost souls - a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician - who unexpectedly fall in love. Featur- ing the Oscar-winning song, Falling Slowly, the production has also won a Grammy, eight Tonys and an Olivier Award. It stops off at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from Tues 10 - Sat 14 March and The Alexandra, Birmingham, from Monday 1 to Saturday 6 June.
6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:15 Page 4 The Snow Queen Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 13:58 Page 1
Let it snow...
Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen is casting her icy spell over Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre this festive season. The show’s director, Alec Fellows-Bennett, explains more...
Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the infa- explains Alec. “The title immediately says looking after your own interests - the things mous Snow Queen has had a profound winter, and because of films like Frozen, that lead to people’s ruin. Whereas if you’re impact on countless other stories, including which take a very different interpretation of inclusive and look at things from other peo- The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Hans Christian Andersen’s story, there’s a ple’s perspectives, then the ice melts and we Disney’s Frozen and classical ballet The very particular vision and a widespread popu- get to the spring. The Snow Queen has comic Nutcracker. This Christmas sees Birming- larity surrounding The Snow Queen. Its characters and lots of goblins, fairies and ham’s Old Rep theatre present its own take on themes are also what I look for in a good other beasties and mythical creatures, while The Snow Queen, a show that’s directed by festive yarn. Dickens started it off by writing A also conforming to that tradition of the moral Alec Fellows-Bennett. Christmas Carol and injecting morals and the quest, where all the characters get it right in ‘Christmas message’ into his story. The Snow the end.” “The Snow Queen has all the elements you’d Queen certainly carries on that idea of coming want from a Christmas period show,” Alec firmly believes that the changes made to together. It’s a story of isolation, and about 8 whatsonlive.co.uk The Snow Queen Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 13:58 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
The Snow Queen by writer Toby Holst have cause we’ve got the Birmingham Ormiston signer. In fact, one of the dance routines for ransformed the story: “Hans Christian Ander- Academy (BOA) students working with us, last year was made up entirely of sign. We sen’s original isn’t actually very good! It’s Part of my responsibility is to run it like any didn’t know if it would work or not, but we bizarre because it has obviously influenced so other professional production, to give them had such positive feedback on last year’s many other stories. It’s iconic, but when you that insight. We don’t give them any special efforts that we’re getting even more sign actually sit down and read it, it’s almost like a treatment - they do a professional job on a language into the movement of the charac- repository for all the short stories that he professional schedule. We put on the same ters. Sign is fantastic for storytelling.” couldn’t work out how to finish or fit else- with the BOA students as we would with a So why has Alec continued to return to the where. This young boy, Kai, gets stolen by the professional chorus and dancers. Old Rep throughout his career? Snow Queen - no one knows why and it’s “When Barry Jackson first thought of the Rep never explained - and his best friend, Gerda, “They keep having me back! I started my pro- as a professional company, as opposed to a has to rescue him. Gerda goes on loads of fessional life in this theatre 20-odd years ago. pro-amateur company, the idea was that it adventures on the way to getting to the Snow I started in the youth theatre here, training would be where young actors came to cut Queen’s palace - none of which have anything since I was nine or 10. Back in those days, their teeth on new plays, new writing and to do with getting there. So the story sort of Birmingham Stage School was based here at new interpretations of classics like Shake- doesn’t hang together. the theatre, and they had a pool of young speare. George Bernard-Shaw wrote plays to actors and professionals who would get audi- “As a result, other versions of it have picked premiere here and be performed by bright tions first when the main Rep, Alexandra out other characters to carry the story along. young things. Those upcoming actors went on Theatre or the Hippodrome were casting. There’s a very tiny mention about the sisters to be Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson and Working here feels like going home. This was in the original story, and that’s what Disney Edith Evans - these great names of 20th cen- where I made all those early connections to picked out and ran with for Frozen. We’ve tury theatre. But they all came here to learn the theatre world and discovered what it was done a little prologue to the main story. I sup- their craft. I’m very proud to continue that like to be on stage. If I could only perform or pose it’s about how prejudice came into the legacy of the building and establishment.” direct for the last ever time in one place, I’d world. So when Gerda is on her adventures, As well as giving the performers of the future choose the Old Rep. Having gone on to be on it’s the people who help and hinder her - and a space to learn, The Snow Queen’s run will stage all over London, the UK and America, why they do so - that we’ve picked out to include relaxed and BSL performances. this would still be the place I’d come back to. I focus on. We’re hoping that this makes it into think what gives a theatre its personality, one coherent story.” “The key word is family. This is a show for identity and language is more what it pro- everyone. Theatre is a communal activity. We The Old Rep’s version of The Snow Queen is duces itself than what tours to it. I’m so proud do everything we can to be inclusive. I would more than just a play for the festive season… to be a part of that.” never want a person to sit at home and think it’s actually a Christmas musical! that, because their child has some sort of Alec’s focus is firmly on getting The Snow “Our original score has been written to coin- disability of any description, the theatre isn’t Queen right for Birmingham audiences: “We cide with our brand spanking new script. The for them. I understand, of course, parents can live in uncertain economic times, and for Snow Queen isn’t quite like a pantomime. It’s worry about affecting other people’s enjoy- many, the Christmas period is the only time of Christmas, and I can’t have a scene with a ment when, for example, they bring their year a family might splash out on theatre tick- goodie creeping up behind a baddie without autistic child to the theatre. Therefore, ets for everyone - even though we do try to someone shouting, ‘He’s behind you!’. I’m not relaxed performances are great, because par- keep our prices as affordable as possible. going to stop anyone from doing that, but it’s ent and child can feel absolutely happy that What I always want my audiences to leave not there as a traditional panto piece. We’re everyone in that room is either in the same feeling is that they shared a wonderful experi- doing something different, although it’s still boat, or completely understands what they’re ence. The 19th century idea of the fourth wall very funny. going through and doesn’t mind if they need between the actors and the audience is abso- to get up and move around or shout out. lute nonsense - the theatre is all about togeth- “Steve Allen-Jones is brilliant at composing, We had a massive uptake on our relaxed erness. We as actors and theatre-makers rely and he’s really got to know the Old Rep audi- performances last year and almost tripled our on the audience to lie and tell themselves that ence over the last few years. Toby Hurst will uptake on previous years. It’s wonderful! what’s happening on stage is real, and the go away and write a whole page of dialogue audience relies on us to tell a great story and and Steve will come back and say that he’s “We’re doing the same with the signed perfor- pretend the audience isn’t there at the same incorporated a song. So I would go as far as to mances. It’s all about making sure anyone time. Theatre is a load of people in a room say that what we produce here now are Christ- can see our show. Last year we experimented silently agreeing to all tell the most wonderful mas musicals. They’re not Les Mis or Phan- in seeing if we could somehow effectively get lie - and that makes anything possible. tom Of The Opera, where everything is sung sign language into the actual performance, Theatre is like nothing you can ever experi- all the way through, but I think that now the and we’re looking to expand that this year. ence elsewhere, and if people coming to see songs have become so integral to the story- The people who do the signing to accompany The Snow Queen leave believing in the magic telling, then yes, we do produce Christmas the show came into Pinocchio rehearsals last of theatre, then we will have done our jobs musicals here at the Old Rep. And it’s a year and helped us incorporate sign language right.” Christmas musical with puppets, too!” into our choreography. If you don’t speak sign, you wouldn’t have noticed it in our The Snow Queen’s cast combines professional shows, but if you do, then you can under- actors and students. The Snow Queen shows at The Old Rep, stand sections of the dialogue without having Birmingham, until Monday 30 December. “Our production doesn’t change simply be- to constantly look over to the side to see the
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10 whatsonlive.co.uk Alexandra Theatre Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 16:20 Page 1 The Floodgate 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 12:01 Page 1
Advertorial
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Food
Vietnamese Street Kitchen to open a second restaurant After opening earlier this year in tures street food-style snacks - Birmingham’s Brindleyplace, the including steamed bao buns and family-run Vietnamese Street summer rolls - and larger meals Kitchen is launching another such as hot bowls of pho and city-centre restaurant, this time banh mi. at Resorts World Birmingham. Vietnamese Street Kitchen will The popular eatery’s selection of open for both lunch and dinner authentic Vietnamese dishes is service. freshly made in-house and fea-
etable dumplings and chilli salt crispy batter, was devoured in no crispy squid, to name but a few. time at all. We enjoyed a warming miso Sticking with the Japanese soup - extremely welcome given theme, we ordered the Mochi the near-arctic temperatures out- Trio from the dessert menu, side - and perused OKO’s exten- which featured three balls of sive cocktail menu. I chose a sticky rice - chocolate, straw- lychee martini, my partner a berry and vanilla - coated around Haru-Hana - rhubarb gin, fraise an ice cream filling. Served with syrup, lemon juice and cherry fruit, it was a pleasant end to our juice. Both were incredibly sweet debut OKO experience. but nicely made and very enjoy- As well as those wanting the able. traditional starter/main/dessert If you fancy discovering the experience, OKO also caters for tricks of the cocktail trade for the more casual diner - so if you yourself, Nuvo offer master- fancy a crisp pint of Estrella and classes which can be tailor-made six pieces of eel maki as an after- to suit your taste. Every master- work snack, this is the place to class has a dedicated mixologist head for. who will talk you through each Although OKO wasn’t the very cocktail step-by-step in a private best Pan-Asian cuisine I've ever area of the venue. tasted, I couldn’t find fault with Next up, we enjoyed a platter of the dishes that we sampled. The salmon and tuna sashimi, Tobico presentation of the courses was REVIEW: OKO Rainbow uramaki and salmon aesthetically pleasing, the ingre- and tuna maki. The fish was dients tasty and fresh, the New-look Pan-Asian restaurant beautifully fresh and of a high service friendly - all of which relaunches in bustling Brindleyplace quality, the rice perfectly cooked combined to make our first visit and flavoursome. to the newly refurbished Brind- Back with a new look and a new specialities. Our last savoury dishes of the leyplace venue a thoroughly menu, Pan-Asian restaurant OKO OKO After Hours is open for evening came in the form of a enjoyable one. Lauren Foster has recently relaunched, bring- those guests who wish to con- generous portion of rock shrimp ing a contemporary Japanese tinue their night after dining. tempura and beef strips with Food: nnnnn dining and dancing experience Shortly after a warm welcome wasabi, ordered from the special- Service: nnnnn to the heart of Birmingham. from our exceptional waitress, ities & hot dishes section of the Ambience: nnnnn Situated in the bustling Brindley- my partner and I tucked into our menu. The beef was nicely Overall value nnnnn place, OKO sits on the ground first dish of the evening - a spicy seasoned and cooked medium OVERALL nnnnn floor of nightclub Nuvo - which edamame appetiser. You can’t rare and the creamy sauce it was has also undergone a renovation really go wrong with edamame, served alongside boasted a very OKO - and boasts a menu that spe- but the ever-so-tasty spicy sauce subtle hint of wasabi. I wouldn’t Eleven Brindleyplace cialises in delicately crafted certainly tickled the tastebuds. have minded a stronger wasabi 2 Brunswick Square sushi (prepared by a dedicated Birmingham Starters at OKO include much- flavour, but that’s my personal Sushi chef) as well as sashimi, B1 2LP loved classics like duck spring taste. The meaty rock shrimp, uramaki, tempura and chef Tel: 0121 631 1600 rolls, chicken dumplings, veg- which was coated in a light and
whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Classical December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 13:56 Page 1 Classical December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 13:56 Page 2
Classical
City of Birmingham Choir: Handel’s Messiah Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 6 December The City of Birmingham Choir’s December performance of Handel’s magnificent choral masterpiece is a well-established element of the Midlands’ festive music scene. In a Christmas nutshell - and as the choir itself describes it - the work ‘compresses the Old Testament prophesies of Jesus’ life into two-and-a-half hours and sets it to timeless and sublime music’. As re-tellings of the Christmas story go, this is definitely one worth hearing.
Ex Cathedra: Christmas Music By Candlelight St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 December; St John’s Church, Hagley, Birmingham, Tues 10 December; Coventry Cathedral, Mon 16 Dec; St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Wed 18 - Sat 21 & Mon 23 December What better way to get into the Christmas presenting its annual and atmospheric spirit than by enjoying an evening in the Christmas Music By Candlelight event, an company of one of the country’s finest evening that features festive favourites from choral music ensembles. around the globe and across the ages, inter- Under the directorship of its founder, spersed with a variety of seasonal readings. Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this month Beethoven’s Ninth Nadine Benjamin Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, A Choral Christmas Mon 30 December Thurs 12 December Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Beethoven fans will surely take a much- “I believe that my Wed 18 - Fri 20 December needed break from finishing off the festive voice is here to bring This lively evening in the company of the turkey in order to enjoy this Royal Philhar- joy into the world, in a City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra monic Orchestra concert, complete with frequency that can has become a firm festive family favourite, contributions from Birmingham Choral heal and touch the providing the perfect opportunity to tem- Union and the City of Birmingham Choir. hearts of humanity porarily park the pressures of preparing Alongside a performance of the composer’s while encouraging for Christmas in favour of enjoying a cou- monumental ‘Choral’ symphony, with its others to discover and ple of hours of traditional carols and ex- climactic Ode To Joy, the concert also fea- celebrate the power of cellent musicianship. There are singalong tures Beethoven’s piano concerto No5, their own true voice.” opportunities to savour too, not to men- Emperor. Solo contributors to the concert So speaks rising star of the classical music tion the added attraction of humorous include soprano Lauren Fagan (pictured). world Nadine Benjamin, who gave up her readings by the delightfully sardonic Hugh job as a city banker in order to follow her Dennis (pictured). dream of becoming an opera singer. Her career switch wasn’t all plain sailing, though, with the first vocal coach she approached advising her that she’d have better luck singing jazz! Nadine here gives a recital devoted entirely to Verdi, and along with tenor Gomez Ferrer and pianist Chris Hopkins, will perform extracts from Otello, Un Ballo in maschera and Il trovatore. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 GIGS December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 09:06 Page 1
16 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 09:06 Page 2
Gigs
Craig Charles The Mill, Birmingham, Sun 22 December “When BBC6 Music asked me to do a radio show, I only had one condition - it had to be a funk & soul show otherwise I wasn’t inter- ested.” The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show began in 2002 and is broadcast on BBC6 Music and BBC Radio Two on Saturdays. This month sees Craig bringing his hugely popular Funk & Soul Club to the Midlands, presenting a collection of tracks which have been covered and remixed by current leading bands and DJs.
The Libertines UK chart, but Barât’s refusal to continue alongside former best buddy Doherty O2 Academy, Birmingham, brought the curtain crashing down on the Sat 14 & Sun 15 December controversial four-piece. They finally re- The Libertines rose to fame in 2002 follow- united at Reading & Leeds in 2010. ing the release of debut album Up The As they put the finishing touches to their Bracket. The same year saw them named fourth album, the band visit Birmingham on best new band at the NME Awards and bag their first headline tour in over two years. support slots with Morrissey and the Sex Expect to hear favourites such as What A Pistols. In 2004, the band released follow-up Waster, Can’t Stand Me Now and Don’t Look record The Libertines. The album topped the Back Into The Sun.
Fickle Friends UB40 Emeli Sandé Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, Arena Birmingham, Sat 21 December Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 2 December After a busy 2019 spent touring the world to Mon 2 December Formed in Brighton in 2013, Fickle Friends is mark their 40th anniversary, UB40 are end- a four-piece specialising in exuberant, ing the year with a very special Christmas sophisticated ’80s-style synth pop. The show in their home town of Birmingham. band’s 2018 debut album, You Are Someone The reggae/pop band have had an impres- Else, entered the UK album chart at number sive 50 records in the UK singles chart since nine. their inception in 1978. Hit songs include One In Ten, Red Red Wine, Kingston Town, (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You and I Got You Babe.
Multi-platinum award-winning singer-song- Happy Mondays writer Emeli Sandé first came to prominence O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 14 December when she featured on rapper Chipmunk’s Fronted by Shaun Ryder, Happy Mondays 2009 track, Diamond Rings. were the pioneers of the Madchester sound Now established as one of the UK’s most back in the late 1980s, combining influences revered artists, her debut album, Our Ver- from funk, rock, house and psychedelia sion Of Events, broke the chart record for with the sounds of the UK's rapidly emerg- the most consecutive weeks inside the top ing rave scene. 10, beating a 50-year-old record held by The Best known for singles Step On, Kinky Afro Beatles. and 24 Hour Party People, the legendary She returns to the stage this month in sup- Manchester band here perform a variety of port of her critically acclaimed new album, hits from across their stellar career. Real Life. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Witley Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:13 Page 1 Comedy December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:17 Page 2
Comedy
Adam Kay Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 17 December After watching an Adam Kay performance, Stephen Fry declared, “This made me very, very happy.” Numerous sell-out years at the Edinburgh Fringe and tens of millions of YouTube hits later, former obstetrician and gynaecologist Adam is this month visiting the Midlands with his latest show about the NHS, Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas - ‘a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck...’
Jim Jefferies Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 5 December Boasting a brash confrontational style that observations along the same lines as the goes down a treat in all manner of far-flung following: “The Bible’s too wordy. The 10 destinations around the world, Australian- Commandments are a load of shit. You don’t born Jim Jefferies is one of the fastest-rising need all these things. The Bible should be stars on the global comedy circuit, delighting one sheet of paper, and on that sheet of and shocking his audiences in equal mea- paper it should say: ‘Try not to be a c**t’.” sure. Jim stops off in Birmingham this month with His brand of comedy is most definitely not for his latest show, The Night Talker Tour. the faint-hearted, and includes plenty of
COBO: Kings Of Comedy Justin Moorhouse Tom Binns The Glee Club, Birmingham, Stafford Gatehouse, Fri 6 December; Warwick Cornbow Hall, Halesowen, Fri 6 December Sun 29 December Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 7 December BRMB presenter Tom Binns became former Now here’s a show that should help keep Justin Moorhouse BRMB presenter Tom Binns on Christmas you in a festive mood post-Christmas and is a naturally and Day 2009. It was on that day that he stopped pre-New Year... COBO, standing for Comedy seriously funny the Birmingham radio station’s broadcast of Of Black Origin, makes a welcome return to stand-up - which the Queen's Speech, declared it to be “Two the Glee Club with this special yuletide isn’t something words: Bor-ring”, and played the Wham! edition. Taking to the stage on this occasion that can be said song Last Christmas instead. are Danny ‘Slim’ Gray and Kane Brown. about every co- According to Tom, there’s plenty more to median who picks that story than meets the eye, but the abso- up a mic and fires lute bottom line is that he was subsequently off an evening’s- sacked from the station. worth of material. Not that the dismissal has weighed too Audience mem- heavily on his career in the years which bers catching his have followed, thanks in no small measure act for the first time will find themselves in to his impressive comic talent. the company of a seasoned pro who knows He’s best known on the circuit for his alter exactly how to work a crowd. Although his egos, Ivan Brackenbury - accent and style of delivery call to mind Peter an inept hospital radio DJ Kay, Moorhouse is very much his own man, - and Ian D Montford - a presenting an evening of well-honed, hugely man whose propensity for enjoyable, adult-themed entertainment. getting things wrong He visits the Midlands with his Northern belies his belief that he’s Joker tour. Britain's top psychic. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Milton Jones online.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:20 Page 1 Milton Jones online.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:20 Page 2
MILTON: IMPOSSIBLE Comedian Milton Jones chats ahead of his brand new tour...
Forget James Bond, Jason Bourne, Ethan it stays in the show. So I would never have got myself, as the programme is endlessly re- Hunt. There’s a new spy in town - and he’s to point B without going through the dreadful peated on Dave. But I watch them from be- not dressed in a neat tuxedo or head-to-toe point A. hind a sofa a bit. I’m very grateful to Mock camouflage. He’s wearing a garish Hawaiian The Week for giving me a wider platform and Do you end up with a lot of great jokes that shirt! a slightly different audience. It’s a younger just don’t fit into the theme or narrative of That’s right, Milton Jones - Mock The Week’s audience, and those people will come to a the show? resident oddball, Radio Four regular and king tour show, sometimes even bringing their of the surreal one-liner - is back on tour; and Yeah, I do. As I said, there are about 250 jokes grandparents or parents. My audiences are a this time he’s an international man of mys- in the show, but I reckon I end up writing motley selection of people - which I quite like, tery. about 350. A lot of them are then used some- actually. The wild-haired joke-teller might not be the where else - in the next tour, on radio, on How do you cater for different generations obvious choice for a secret agent, but in Mil- Mock The Week - so they’re never wasted. And in the same audience? ton: Impossible, the 55-year-old comic will be if they’re particularly brilliant, then I might go taking his audience through an action-packed out of my way to include them in the show! I’m aware that if I make a reference to Insta- gram or something, I’m going to lose everyone story via hundreds of his trademark, When do you consider a joke ‘finished’? exquisitely crafted examples of wordplay. over 50. But that’s fine because overall my ref- What’s On caught up with the Live At The When I’ve got an idea across in the minimum erences are quite general, and even if you did- Apollo star ahead of his UK tour, to check he’s number of words, then I know it’s done. n’t get it, the joke’s only going to last 20 had the proper training... And what makes the perfect joke? seconds, so there’ll be something else along soon enough. The new tour is called Milton: Impossible. If a gag works, it makes a cartoon in some- What made you decide on the spy theme? one’s head - a very brief picture where they You have another Radio Four series in the works, then there’s the tour and more Basically I came up with the title before the think they know where it’s going, and then Mock The Week episodes. What’s next show! I thought to myself, that sounds good, you pull the carpet from under them and it after all that? so I made a rod for my own back by theming becomes apparent that the joke was all about it. But sometimes it’s easier to write to a something else all along. It’s reverse engi- I don’t have anything else planned, but who theme than have a completely blank page. neering from an idea or a phrase. knows what will turn up? Sometimes the un- The show is based on Mission: Impossible, Your last tour played to more than 100,000 expected things that come along are the most but Mission: Impossible has a huge budget people, and you’ve appeared on Mock The interesting - other quiz shows, a corporate and lots of special effects. My show is just me, Week over 40 times. What’s more fun to event abroad, Celebrity Mastermind. some hats and about 250 jokes. It’s low-tech do, a live show or a TV appearance? What was your specialist subject on instead of high-tech. They’re both good in different ways. Going to Celebrity Mastermind? a small place on a Saturday night where So just like your last two tours - Milton Potatoes. Jones is Out There and The Temple Of Daft they’re all determined to have a great laugh - - this show has a narrative element to it? in one sense I don’t think that can be beaten. Potatoes?! With radio or television, you’re only as good If you’re going to do a show for over an hour, I mean, if I’d taken it seriously I’d have done as the edit, and it’s out of your control. That you can’t just tell bits. That’s what I do on something like Arsenal. But when he an- may well work in your favour or it may not. Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo, nounced it - “your specialist subject is pota- With Mock The Week, when I think I’ve done which is fine, but you want something with toes” - the audience all laughed and I thought a bad show, I’ll watch it back and think, Oh, it the veneer of satisfaction, otherwise it’s too to myself, in a way, I’ve chalked up! I came was all right. But when I think I’ve done a re- fragmented. This show’s got an interrogation last obviously. But I’m employed as a come- ally good show, I’ll watch it back and think, scene, a car chase with a swivel chair, and I dian. It’s entertainment. If I get to do it again, “Oh, it was all right. It all evens out. end up escaping on top of a Vince Cable Car. I’ll choose carrots. It’s not strictly realistic; it’s as daft as ever. Do you always watch your Mock The Week Before touring, you perform work-in- appearances back? progress shows to test your material. How Yes, because I need to know what they used Milton Jones in Milton: Impossible stops important are those previews? and what they didn’t. Doing several episodes, off at Dudley Town Hall on 7 February, William Aston Hall, Wrexham, on 20 They’re very important. Even after all these the same subjects may come back, so obvi- February and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- years, I’ll think I’ve written the best joke ever ously I don’t want to say the same thing that’s Trent, on 21 February. and it turns out to be one of the worst jokes already been aired. And then, occasionally, ever. But what I’ve improvised off the back of I’ll be channel-flicking and I’ll come across The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 1
20 whatsonlive.co.uk The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 2
by Jenny Ell & Lauren Cole
West End and Broadway smash hit spends Christmas in Brum...
ShallThe King And I follows the flourishing We friendship ofDance? the mid-19th century King of Siam and Anna, his children’s recently widowed British governess. Returning performers Jose Llana and Annalene Beechey explain more about this regal musical...
Rodgers & Hammerstein are one of the most in each venue we go to. In America, whether Bart Sher is the Tony Award-winning director famous composer-lyricist duos of all time. the audience is more conservative or liberal, behind this particular production of The King The release of their musicals, The King And I, it’s cathartic to see a story that was set 150 And I. So what have Sher and the other The Sound Of Music and Oklahoma!, marked years ago still apply today. If our show can be creatives brought to the table? a golden age for the lavish world of musical an example of how you can lead with “We’re bringing the exact same show on tour theatre. kindness, as opposed to leading with failure, as was on Broadway,” explains Jose. “It’s a we’ve done our job. There’s a line in the show Reprising their roles in The King And I are different company, but still features Catherine that I say about the King fearing colonisation, Broadway’s Jose Llana and the West End’s Zuber’s costumes and Michael Yeargan’s sets. so he wants to build a fence around Siam. Annalene Beechey, Sher went directly to the source at the This often reminds people about Trump want- Rodgers & Hammerstein Foundation and Jose’s first professional acting role was play- ing to put up a wall. So that got lots of laughs found the original script that they rehearsed ing a supporting character in The King And I in the US - sometimes uncomfortable laughs, with on day one of the original 1951 Broadway over 20 years ago: “I can only describe the as it’s quite close to home! People thought production. He went back to that script to experience as someone inviting me to put on we’d written that line into the show, but it was revive many of the political lines that had my dad’s shoes and walk around the house actually in the original script from when the been lost on the way to Broadway, as he pretending to be him. My entry into perform- show premiered 70 years ago.” wanted to remind the audience of the political ing was playing the Young Lover in the last The King is quite a controversial character in climate in 1862. He also wanted to strengthen Broadway revival in 1996, so I always saw the terms of his attitude towards women, which Anna’s and Lady Thiang’s characters to a King as someone played by an older man; Jose certainly recognises: “I approach his greater extent than had happened in the past. men who I looked up to. It’s been a sexism as part of the growth that he makes complete joy and a profound experience to “We also have to remember that the show was within the show. I don’t defend the misogyny, come back to this show, but this time I’ll be written post-World War Two, when a lot of but I have to remind myself of the way that putting on the royal robes. Also, to have American and British audiences had never life was structured in the Siamese monarchy. someone like our director, Bartlett Sher, to been to Asia. There wasn’t a lot of Asian The polygamy was established so that he had guide me through the process has been representation back then, so there was a lot of blood ties to every province in Siam. The amazing. This production in particular has orientalism and otherness on stage. The power of the story is that through Anna’s abil- meant so much to me that I’ve stayed with it design was purposely slightly garish in order ity to show the King’s head wife, Lady Thiang, for the last few years. We did it on Broadway to be a little shocking. But now most people that a woman’s intelligence is not to be taken four years ago, toured the US for the last two have at least seen photos or videos of the for granted, nor underestimated, she is able years, and now I get to tour the UK with the East. The challenge was to make it as opulent to prove that she’s not only equal to the King lovely Annalene as Anna. It’s a very as they could, but also be respectful and but actually knows more than he does. We’re sentimental show for me in that way.” authentic to the actual time.” really proud that The King And I is one of It isn’t lost on Jose that The King And I seems many examples in the Rodgers & Hammer- So what does Jose think is the reason behind to have more resonance today than ever stein anthology where there’s a strong, out- the continuing popularity of Rodgers & Ham- before: “The biggest and most unfortunate spoken female character at the core. I’m merstein’s musicals? similarity that American and British people proud to have my niece come to see the show “They define family entertainment, and it’s currently share is that our governments are and look up to Anna, Lady Thiang and even great to be able to go home and talk about not really in the best situation right now. To Tuptim. All three women test the system in something important after a show too. A lot of perform in a show about a world leader very different ways, speaking their minds and their musicals - The King And I, The Sound Of bringing Anna - a foreigner - in to help him demonstrating enormous strength.” Music and South Pacific in particular - educate his children seems to read differently whatsonlive.co.uk 21 The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 3
address racism and difficult issues but in a all about you, getting to like you, getting to Such a huge role doesn’t come without its comfortable way so that you can bring your hope you like me’. It speaks volumes.” challenges, however... children along. I think the genius of Rodgers & The King And I is based on Margaret Landon’s “It’s a very physically and vocally demanding Hammerstein is that they’re able to relay these novel, Anna And The King Of Siam, which was part,” explains Annalene. “There’s a lot of really important life lessons in a package of in turn a fictional reimagining of the real Anna dialogue and long scenes, which are great to catchy melodies and beautiful songs. It’s so Leonowens’ memoirs. Anna was governess to get your teeth into as an actor, but then you lovely to look out to the audience and see sev- King Mongkut of Siam’s children in the early realise that you have to sing at the end too! eral generations watching together. There’s no 1860s. Added to this, I’m in a corset for the entire better way to spend an afternoon with the fam- three-hour show and carrying very heavy ily! “The company and associate director brought costumes - including the iconic dress for Shall some books into rehearsals early on and, with Annalene Beechey, who returns to the role of We Dance?, which weighs three stone!” huge respect to Deborah Kerr (who played the Anna Leonowens, agrees: “The King And I has part in the film version), they painted a slightly And yet Shall We Dance is a stand-out such a connection to family, so it’s appropriate different picture of Anna. This woman was ex- moment for both performers... that we’re playing in Birmingham over the traordinarily courageous. She was recently festive season; a time for families to come “If we’ve done our jobs properly throughout widowed and had a 12-year-old son, yet she together and share in something special. This the show, the audience will have been angry still moved to a country that wasn’t colonised certainly gives the show its longevity. with us or laughed with us,” says Annalene. to teach the King of Siam’s children. As a “So when we get to the moment during Shall “There are also some wonderful female mother myself, I don’t think I would be brave We Dance? when we come together and the characters in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s shows, enough to do that - even today, when everyone King takes Anna’s waist, you can often hear at a time when there generally weren’t great is more travelled. Anna is feisty, brave and not an audible gasp from the auditorium.” roles for women. Occasionally, female roles are afraid to stand up for something she believes just seen as money notes and big songs. We in. I wish I had a little bit more of that myself! “The audience has been waiting for this have beautiful musical numbers in this show But at the same time, she is very understand- moment,” Jose adds, “and it’s a legacy we are that involve intimate storytelling, such as ing of the King’s values and is accepting of happy to continue - if not a responsibility. during Getting To Know You, but they’re so what he’s trying to achieve. He’s trying to bring People are waiting for that dress, and it’s a much more than just pleasant tunes. Some- knowledge of her world into his, and in doing beautiful thing.” times when you know a song so well, you have so, make his court and country more under- to stop yourself and really listen to the lyrics. standing of other cultures. They want the two They’re so relevant to what we’re dealing with cultures to progress together, which is ex- The King And I shows at The Alexandra today in terms of the UK being divided. The tremely admirable.” Theatre, Birmingham, from Tuesday 10 lyrics are ‘getting to know you, getting to know December to Saturday 4 January.
Did you know...
The King & I has been seen by Each of the 22,000 flowers in the Over 250 sq. metres of gold leaf has 1 million people globally garden were made by hand been used in the production
The show is a winner of multiple Nearly 2 miles of fabric was used to It takes 8 trucks to move the production awards, including four prestigious create the award-winning costumes between theatres Tony Awards
22 whatsonlive.co.uk The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 4 Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 13:02 Page 1
Panto Festive favourites from around the region
Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa
Birmingham Hippodrome Swan Theatre, Worcester Snow White sion is always a surefire winner. Expect all heartland of Brummie territory... the usual elements, including rouged-up Presumably working on the principle that if Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 2 December - dames in colourful costumes, plenty of thigh- she keeps on the move, the Wicked Queen Sun 5 January; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 7 December - Sun 5 January; Artrix, slapping and slapstick comedy, singalongs will never catch her, Snow White is very sen- Bromsgrove, Sat 14 - Sun 22 December; aplenty to enjoy, and even a few naughty sibly taking shelter in a variety of locations The Regal, Tenbury, Wed 18 December - Fri 3 jokes to make sure the grown-ups don't feel across the Midlands this Christmas. She can January; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 21 December - Sun 2 February too left out of things. be seen getting along famously with her Lesley Joseph top-bills as the Wicked Queen seven new-found chums in all of the above- Everybody knows the story - the nasty old at Birmingham Hippodrome, where she’s listed venues. queen’s less than keen on her younger and joined by X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, the A notable contributor to one of the shows is more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes ever-popular Matt Slack, Coronation Street’s Imelda Staunton. The Oscar-nominated ac- refuge from her royal evilness by holing up in Faye Brookes and Britain’s Got Talent final- tress is the patron of Worcester’s Swan The- the deep, dark forest with a household of ists Flawless. Andrew Ryan is the man atre and is giving a voice to the Magic Mirror vertically challenged miners... charged with the task of getting all Damed in the venue’s Worcester Repertory Company The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic up, while ‘lazy cow’ Doreen Tipton brings her production. of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- ‘strung’ Black Country accent into the very
Cinderella Keatley as Cinders’ Fairy Godmother and sees the much-loved Sam Rabone making a wel- Lichfield Garrick, until Sun 5 January; Palace come return to the venue to play comedy Theatre, Redditch, Mon 9 December - Sun 5 January; Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock, sidekick Buttons. Sat 21 - Sun 29 December At the Palace Theatre in Redditch, X-Factor With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking winner Ben Haenow will have glass slipper in fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince hand as he searches for his true love, with Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- Emmerdale's Sapphire Elia (pictured left) only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably eventually providing the delightfully dainty lay claim to being foot he’s been looking for. the most popular of Meanwhile, Prince of Wales Centre patrons all pantomimes. who enjoyed last year’s adventure with Dick The Lichfield Gar- Whittington will be delighted to know that rick version stars it’s the same production team who’re present- ing this year’s pantomime. CBeebies' Rebecca Lichfield Garrick 24 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Dec. RIGHT HAND FP 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 11:25 Page 1
Audio Described BSL Interpreted Captioned Relaxed See website
Performance Performance Performance Performance for details. 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge.
Thu 6 & Until Sat 21 Dec - Sat 14 Dec Sun 2 Feb Fri 7 Feb
Tue 11 - Tue 18 - Wed 8 - Sat 15 Feb Sat 29 Feb Sat 11 Apr
Mon 13 - Mon 20 Apr Thu 7 May Sat 18 Apr - Sat 2 May
Tue 12 - Fri 19 - Tue 30 Jun -
Sat 30 May Sat 27 Jun Sat 18 Jul
Brad Fitt Theatre Severn.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:07 Page 1
if the shoe fitts...
Panto favourite Brad Fitt steps back into his high heels as he returns as the dame for Theatre Severn’s pantomime...
Firstly, how does it feel to be a new-found Arts Theatre, where I was the company man- What keeps drawing you back to Theatre international superstar? ager working backstage, and I used to write Severn? Is this because of Brad Pitt? It’s alright, actu- jokes for him. Then he left and they asked me This is my ninth year. Paul Hendy, the pro- ally. It’s actually happened before, when peo- to write the panto one year, so I fell into writ- ducer, came to see me in Cambridge when I ple have misspelt my name in reviews and ing it. Then they asked me to direct it, so I fell was there, and I think every year for about things like that, but I don’t think they’ve man- into directing it, and one year they asked me three years he kept offering me one of his aged to print such a large banner before. The to be in it, and I said, ‘That’s a stupid idea, shows, but I was under contract to Cam- next day, The Sun got in touch, it was on Sky I'm not going to do that, I've never been on bridge. One year he phoned me and asked News, the radio in Spain. He’s been after this stage before’. It was Cinderella and eventually whether I would like to go and do Chatham in job for years! He wouldn’t be able to do it, but I said I'd do it because I love panto. So then I Kent, and I said no. Then the next year, he then I wouldn’t be able to do what he does. did it and that was it, I've done it ever since. phoned and asked whether I wanted to do So every Christmas, there I am, putting the Crawley, but I wasn’t fussed on going there ei- You’re no stranger to the world of pan- tights on. It’s always a bit of a shock come the ther. The third year he phoned me, I hadn’t tomime. What is it that attracts you to autumn when I have to get everything down signed a contact with Cambridge and he said spending a season in panto? from the loft again, and my boobs have gone a that he had Shrewsbury available - a new the- I love it! I never trained as an actor, I trained bit flat in the suitcase and I need to plump atre that had just opened. I googled Shrews- as a stage manager. I used to work for Christo- them up a bit, and I get the makeup out. I love bury and I thought, ‘That looks nice, I like pher Biggins for years and used to write little it, though. I love panto! that’, so that was it. So then I came to Shrews- bits for him. He did five years at Cambridge Brad Fitt Theatre Severn.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:07 Page 2
by Lauren Foster
bury, loved it, and I've had a lovely time here. after year. It’s like seeing your friends again. then Boxing Day I'm up at 5am to drive back You have a shorthand with the audience be- You see the same families at the stage door. I here for 7am to get ready for a matinee. That’s cause you come back year after year, so you always used to go out and have pictures the toughest thing. don't have to do all that ‘my name’s Widow taken. Now people will show me pictures of You’ve played many a panto role. Which Twankey’ thing. People know what to expect, me with their kids when they were four, and character’s your favourite? so I can just come on and shout, ‘Hello now their kids are 13 and it’s part of their Shrewsbury’ and we’re back where we left off. Christmas tradition. I love meeting people. My favourite panto is Dick Whittington; I It’s like those close friends who you don’t Because I'm dressed as a Dame and have all think because Sarah the Cook is a good char- speak to for ages but when you phone them this makeup on, I go around Shrewsbury and acter, it’s a bit nautical, you get on the ship, up, you just pick up from where you left off. nobody knows who I am. I can slip out and go and I just like the story. When I did Cinderella That’s what my relationship is with Shrews- and buy unhealthy food and stuff like that here at Theatre Severn and I played Buttons, I bury. and nobody’s watching me. didn’t think I was going to enjoy it. I assumed I was going to be an Ugly Sister, and Paul said What are you looking forward to most Panto can be very gruelling. Do you have a that I couldn’t be one because we couldn’t about performing in Aladdin? fitness routine to get you festive-ready? have people booing me in Shrewsbury, so I'd Aladdin is a good one. It’s magical, it’s a I’m quite an active person in life; I'm always have to be either Buttons or Dandini. I’d never lovely story, and it’s nice to meet up with old busy. I’ve got three foster children who keep been on stage dressed as a man before, but I friends like Eric and Victoria, who I've worked me busy, I’ve got an allotment, I do loads of really enjoyed it - I had a great time! I wasn’t with a lot in the past. And then it’s nice to different jobs and I'm always on the go. I do getting changed 36 times a day either - I had have new people join the company too. It’s have a gym membership, which I haven’t re- just two costumes. When you’re doing this, nice to have a bit of familiarity, but Harry and ally used for a while, but I do have one. I’m you’re getting changed 30 times a day. That’s David I’ve seen before. I know that their work not sat there watching Homes Under The what keeps me fit - I don’t need the gym! is good, and I'm looking forward to working Hammer, eating pot noodles. When I'm doing When does your prep for panto begin? with them. I’ve worked with Phil before, but panto, I do take vitamins and things like that, not on stage, so I'm looking forward to that. as you do have to look after yourself. I have Before this one is over, Paul Hendy will be It’s nice. We all live all over the country, and my flu injection because you don’t want to be talking to me about what the next one is we’re all thrown together at Christmas and ill - that’s the worst thing! When I'm doing going to be. Once we’ve got through re- you have to get on. It’s a nice family atmo- the show, I make a drink with hot water, hearsals and we’re into the run of Aladdin, sphere. You bond quickly because you’re chopped-up ginger, apple cider vinegar, he’ll start talking about next year because thrown together over Christmas - you only get Manuka honey, lime juice and fresh rosemary. they’ll want to take pictures and they’ll want one day off - so if you don’t like each other, It’s all anti-inflammatory, healthy bacteria, to get posters up, etc. To be honest with you, you’re stuffed really. etc. Never use lemon juice! Lemon is acidic it’s continuous. You never, ever stop. and lime is acetic. Lemon juice will strip the Have you played the character of Widow Do you feel there are any subjects which lining of your throat whereas lime juice just Twankey before? are out of bounds in terms of making kills bacteria. There’s my tip for today - you jokes? She’ll be nine years older. She might not slip shouldn’t have hot honey and lemon. over as much. I have to think of my hips There are pantos that go a bit near the nowadays because it’s very dangerous when What’s your earliest memory of panto? knuckle. I don’t think we do, really. I would you get to my age. I don’t think she’ll be any Going to see the Norwich Theatre Royal panto never tell a joke that was offensive or rude. different at all. I don’t think my Dame is dif- when I was five or six. I remember coming Sometimes you can use a double entendre - ferent. You only get one thing with me. I’m home from school and my mum saying that but then that’s in your mind, that’s not me. not Brad Pitt; I can’t do Benjamin Button or we were going to the panto that evening and I'm just saying whatever it is that I'm saying, Mr & Mrs Smith. With me you get the one trying to make me sleep beforehand because and if you start laughing because you think character. it was an evening show. I remember having to it’s dirty, that’s your mind, not my mind. You lie down on the sofa and my mum closing the have to blame yourself. Why are Midlands audiences the best? curtains and not being able to sleep - I was Bar prep for Aladdin, what else have you They come year in, year out. They have the too excited! I think it was Benny from Cross- been up to since Mother Goose last year? same seats. It’s amazing. I’ll be here on Box- roads - I’m sure it was Cinderella. I remember ing Day, and you look out and think ‘That an Ugly Sister coming out, and she was quite This year I’ve booked tours of The Woman In family sat there last Boxing Day’. They go out tall and had ping-pong balls down her tights Black, An Inspector Calls and I've been asso- and they pick the same seats. I usually pick in front of her knees, which I thought was hi- ciate producer for Toast, which is a show on men in the audience, and I keep this little larious. I loved it. about Nigel Slater. So I’ve got three shows out book of their names, and it’s amazing how on the road. I’m going round the country at the very same day one year on, you see the What are your favourite and least favourite the minute with An Inspector Calls. I’ve writ- same people in the audience. When I see that, aspects of appearing in panto? ten Basildon and Welwyn Garden City panto I can look in my book and see that his name I love the families. It’s a feelgood thing. It’s a scripts - Dick Whittington and Snow White was Leonard, and low and behold you come wonderful thing to be able to do something And The Severn Dwarfs respectively. I’ve got out and there he is. They're thrilled because I that makes a lot of people happy. If you make my allotment as well, so I've grown some very come out and go, “Leonard, there you are’ someone happy or make somebody laugh, it’s nice asparagus this year. I’ve kept busy! and they go, ‘Oh my god, he remembers me’. I a nice feeling, isn’t it? If you do that twice a do remember; there are certain people who I day to 700 people, it’s a lovely feeling! That’s do remember - Leonard’s family, for example. what I like. It’s tough being away from your You can see Brad Pitt at Widow Twankey There’s a postman who comes; his family are family - I have children and I'm married. It’s in Aladdin at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury always in the same seats and they come year tough. You get one day really, Christmas Day, from Wed 4 December - Sun 12 January Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 3
Panto more festive favourites from around the region
Dick Whittington Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 7 December - Sun 12 January With ex-Corrie favourite Ryan Thomas taking the title role and one-time Hi-De-Hi! duo Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland lending their comic flair, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s 2019 pantomime production looks set to be every bit as energised and entertaining as any of its illustrious predecessors. The story of a young man who heads for London in search of fame and fortune is one of the most popular of all pantomimes, not least because of the top adventures in which the happy-go-lucky Dick finds himself involved. Joining Ryan, Su and Jeffrey in the cast are Ian Adams - taking on the role of the Dame for a fourth consecutive year at the Grand - and comedian and celebrity impressionist Aaron James, who’s making his Wolves pantomime debut.
Aladdin sal Friar Tuck from eating everything in his Sleeping Beauty path, the festive season also finds Sherwood Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Forest’s most famous resident getting tangled Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 4 - Sun 8 December; Theatre Severn, Fri 13 December - Sun 5 January Shrewsbury, Wed 4 December - Sun 12 up in all manner of pantomime traditions January; Malvern Theatres, Thurs 12 Decem- (custard pie, anyone?). The tragic tale of a young princess who’s ber - Sun 5 January With King Richard away negotiating a trade tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger deal with Europe - he may be some time! - the on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for sheriff hatches an evil plan. But he’s reck- 100 years, offers a great story around which oned without our dashing hero, a Santa’s to build a pantomime production of real Sack-worth of audience participation and quality. And judging by its festive offerings in more corny gags than you could fit into an previous years, the Regent’s 2019 presenta- oversized Christmas stocking. tion is likely to be just that. ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to take top billing in the ever-popu- Peter Pan lar pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan’s a festive fixture Stafford Gatehouse, Flying carpets at the ready, boys and girls... Mon 13 December - Sun 5 January at the Regent Theatre nowadays, and is set to play an inevitably significant part in making A perfect story for an evening of family enter- Coronation Street and EastEnders actor Ian Sleeping Beauty one of the region’s must-see tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying Reddington is delighted to be returning to pantos this Christmas. against all odds to win the hand of the beau- Stafford to play Captain Hook, particularly as Jonathan is joined by his faithful panto com- tiful princess - and being helped in his en- the town was the scene of what he considers panion, Christian Patterson, who will be get- deavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... to be his greatest ever theatrical triumph - ting all frocked up to star as the Dame. One of the Midlands favourite and best-es- Richard III at Stafford Castle back in the tablished pantomime Dames, Brad Fitt, is 1990s. once again being over-enthusiastic with the Peter Pan’s producers are promising ‘a high- A Christmas Carol eye-liner at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn energy, localised show packed with all the (pictured above). Malvern’s version of the fa- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, ingredients that make pantomime such an Tues 3 - Sat 14 December mous tale stars Only Fools And Horses unforgettable experience for the entire fam- Of all Charles Dickens’ festive stories, A favourite John Challis. ily”... What more could a panto-loving the- Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The cov- atre-goer possibly want? etous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the Robin Hood: The eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, the eerie Pantomime Adventure visions of redemption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of his long-deceased partner Jacob The Core, Solihull, Selected dates between Marley and three seasonal ghosts - all com- Fri 13 December - Sun 5 January bine to give the tale a real olde worlde charm. As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough Indeed, if you want to get yourself into the on his plate dealing with the dastardly Sher- festive spirit, there can surely be no better iff of Nottingham, wooing the delicious Maid way than by revelling in the magic of this Marion and wondering how to stop the colos- most famous of yuletide tales.
26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 4 Grandpa's Great Escape Dec online.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:08 Page 1 Grandpa's Great Escape Dec online.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:08 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
the elderly escape artist David Walliams talks about having his children’s book, Grandpa’s Great Escape, adapted for the stage - and the show is in Birmingham over Christmas!
David Walliams’ much-loved children’s book, we’ve got Kevin Cecil, who co-wrote the is something you really can’t find elsewhere.” Grandpa’s Great Escape, follows a young boy screenplay for Grandpa’s Great Escape with Writing his next story is continually at the named Jack as he tries to rescue his confused me, to do the script for the arena tour, and forefront of David’s mind... grandfather - a World War Two RAF veteran - Phil McIntyre Entertainments Ltd is also on from a retirement home... board. They’re a company that’s used to “I’m always writing a new book. There will be doing massive productions; they do the big more out by the end of the year. I had a Almost two years after a BBC film adaptation tours for popular comedians and things like novella in February, a book of short stories of the book lit up New Year’s Day, Grandpa’s the Strictly Come Dancing UK tour, so they over the summer and a novel. As soon as I fin- Great Escape visits Birmingham this month as definitely know how to do things on a big ish one, I’m starting the next, and the novels part of an arena tour. scale. Nigel Planer - who’s one of my comedy especially take a really long time to get right. “Grandpa’s Great Escape came from a number heroes from when I was a teenager, because Plus, now I’ve got an audience, they’re ex- of ideas for a story,” explains David Walliams. he was in The Young Ones - is a great choice pecting it to be as good as the last one, so I “I really wanted to do a great escape from an for Grandpa. I’m sure he’ll get all the comedy have to work doubly hard to get them as good old people’s home, and I wanted to write a and sadness out of the writing.” as I possibly can. Also, I don’t tend to write story for kids about dementia. I thought that sequels for anything; I always write stories David believes Grandpa’s Great Escape is the it would be really good to combine the comic with a new situation and a new set of charac- perfect feelgood family story for the festive idea with the more serious. Stories that have a ters, so I’m always moving forward. That’s season. range of emotions from sad to funny are al- quite exciting but also difficult. You go ways very engaging. It was kind of a hark “We’ve always made these little films for the through so many emotions writing a book, es- back to all the films I used to watch with my BBC around Christmas, so it seems natural to pecially when it’s late at night and you’re hit dad or grandad as a kid, like The Great Es- do the show around this time too. At Christ- by the enormity of the task and you despair cape, Reach For The Sky and Where Eagles mas, everyone is in the mood for a family and get a little tearful! I’m very, very lucky to Dare. thing. I think sometimes it feels like time just have all this variety in my career. I never get stops and everyone’s stuck in limbo between stuck in a rut, feeling like I’m doing the same “Sometimes as a writer you’re not completely the moment they’ve eaten the last bit of old thing. I always love the fresh challenges satisfied with your work. You’ll walk down Christmas dinner and given the last presents and doing something that has a chance of the street a couple of months later and think, until after Boxing Day. No one really knows failure. if only I’d done this or that. But with what to do with themselves. That’s why so Grandpa’s Great Escape, I was really, really “There’s great pleasure in books, and it’s a many TV things do so well over Christmas, pleased with the story and even more de- great shame if young people don’t get to expe- even if they’re not necessarily a Christmas lighted with the TV adaptation, which had rience that. I don’t think it’s a good idea to be story - as is the case with my adaptations. To Tom Courtenay as Grandpa and Jennifer snobby about books, especially when it go see a show together at the theatre is a wel- Saunders as the matron of the old people’s comes to kids, because they should read what come distraction. For many, Christmas might home. I then hoped that we’d be able to do they want for pleasure or they’ll never get into be the only time they treat the family to a something else with it, and the idea came up it. Some really reluctant readers want some- show all year. There’s definitely enough in the that we could turn it into a spectacular the- thing palatable - they want to read Wimpy story of Grandpa’s Great Escape for both kids atre show with a real-life Spitfire in the arena! Kid, not Dickens. I go into schools and talk to and adults to enjoy. kids to find out what they want. I always ask “I was really set on getting an amazing team “There’s something special about witnessing them who hates reading, and there are always together for it, and we got Sean Foley in to di- a live event. As much as I love going to the some who put up their hands. I feel like I rect. He’s an incredible performer, director cinema, it doesn’t quite do it in the same way want to inspire them and reach out to them.” and writer, especially in comedy, and was as the theatre because it’s a slightly colder ex- part of the amazing company, The Right Size. perience. No one claps at the end or laughs Grandpa’s Great Escape shows at Arena They’re particularly famous for The Play What out loud as much, but being in the theatre Birmingham on Monday 23, Tuesday 24 & I Wrote, about Morecambe & Wise. I was sure and right there sharing that special moment Thursday 26 December. that Sean would make it hilarious. Then It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 1
ItIt’s said that Takes good things come in pairs - think Two... Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, Ant & Dec, Laurel & Hardy, French & Saunders. The list goes on... Some pairings are long term, others are just for Christmas. We asked some of the region’s premier panto partnerships what they liked (and disliked) about their festive sidekick...
Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson star in Sleeping Beauty at the Regent Theatre, Stoke
Jonathan Wilkes stars as Most irritating thing about Christian? Funniest moment starring together? Muddles Hmm… He never shares food - he’s like Joey When we did Peter Pan, Jonny ripped his from Friends! trousers - and I mean really ripped his What do you like best about Christian? What would be the most apt Christmas gift trousers! We couldn’t continue for about five He makes me laugh on a minute-by-minute you could buy Christian? minutes because Jonny literally wanted every basis! He’s hilarious! single audience member to see just how badly It would have to be a vegan hamper because What’s his star quality? he’d ripped his trousers - they were literally he loves food. I don’t know if anyone’s hanging off him! I was laughing so much that Christian’s comedy timing is incredible, and noticed, but he loves food! his ability to know what I’m about to say I had tears in my eyes and pains in my stomach! before I say it is brilliant. Christian Patterson stars as Most irritating thing about Jonny? Funniest moment starring together? the Dame There are so many to choose from over the He has the concentration span of a streak of What do you like best about Jonny? years, but I think the funniest moment has to lightning! I always start the first day of be when we were in Dick Whittington and an Jonny is unbelievably kind - he’s incredibly rehearsals by telling the cast that we only inflatable sausage got bigger and bigger. So generous as a person and a performer. It’s have Jonny until 3.30pm every day... he funny! almost impossible for me even to imagine not literally can’t concentrate or sit still after that! standing next to Jonny at Christmas time! I I have to send people to look for him! Most of honestly believe that Jonny is the best the time he’s watching the ensemble rehearse frontman in panto...and he’s a very good or bothering his wife... the wonderful, friend too! I love him dearly. beautiful, kind and long-suffering Nikki Wilkes, the best choreographer in all of Pantoland! What do you consider to be What would be the most apt Christmas gift his star you could buy Jonny ? quality? Jonny doesn’t ask for much, his pleasures are His energy is beyond very simple! Two shows every day is compare! He’s like the incredibly hard work and takes its toll, so Duracell bunny! Honestly, after the shows Jonny likes to take a shower he’s like a big kid! Even and sit in his dressing room with a cold beer. Mickey, his son, calls him Last year I bought him a box of Corona and the ‘man-child’! He’s also put it in his dressing-room fridge. He was over incredibly charming! the moon! When you add those two factors to the fact that Catch Jonny and Christian in Sleeping he’s also incredibly Beauty at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- funny, it’s the perfect Trent, from Friday 13 December to Sunday combination! 5 January. It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 2
Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland star in Dick Whittington at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Su Pollard stars as Queen Rat doing his own one-man show based around What would be the most apt Christmas gift them, so what I’d like to do is edit a Laurel & you could buy Su? What do you like best about Jeffrey? Hardy film with him superimposed into the A grow bag, so that she could grow her own Jeffrey is such a warm and welcoming man. scenes. He’d love that! tomatoes, which she loves. He always makes you feel completely at ease, especially because he’s such a reliable person Jeffrey Holland stars as to work with. Catch Su and Jeffrey in Dick Whittington at Merchant Fitzwarren Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Sat- What’s his star quality? What do you like best about Su? urday 7 December to Sunday 12 January. He has a winning smile. Her presence on stage and screen. She’s a Funniest moment starring together? cut above the rest! It has to be one of our times together on Hi- What’s her star quality? de-Hi! One time, Jeffrey was dressed as a fire- place, so he couldn’t even go to the toilet and Her amazing singing voice. There’s had to move sideways like a crab! That was nothing she couldn’t sing. very funny. Also, one time, our characters Funniest moment starring were looking at old film reels that went in the together? projector at the pictures. My character, Peggy, Our funniest moment together has thought it was a wedding or a party, but it to be appearing in an early turned out to be a rather naughty adult film. episode of Hi-de-Hi dressed as Jeffrey and I were in stitches. a pantomime horse! She was Most irritating thing about Jeffrey? the back end and I was in I wouldn’t say it’s irritating, but Jeffrey can be front! a little over-cautious. That isn’t always a bad Most irritating thing thing, but I always want him to have as much about Su? fun as possible doing his work. We jokingly She’s always so nice to call him ‘the vicar’ because sometimes he people. She makes needs to loosen up a bit - but it’s all done in time for everyone, so good spirits. it’s hard to find a fault! What would be the most apt Christmas gift you could buy Jeffrey? Jeffrey is a massive Laurel & Hardy fan, even
Carl Dutfield and Tim Ames star in Jack And The Beanstalk at The Place, Telford
Carl Dutfield stars as Jack Tim Ames stars as Dame Trott Most irritating thing about Carl? What do you like best about Tim? What do you like best about Carl? His non-stop infectious enthusiasm before I’ve had my first coffee of the day. His professionalism and his ability to have a His non-stop infectious enthusiasm. He’s like laugh. a permanent little ray of sunshine. What would be the most apt Christmas gift you could buy Carl? What’s his star quality? What’s his star quality? A small step ladder. He seems like he’s always up for a laugh, The fact that he’s so tiny. He takes up very which for me is what a Dame needs in order little space in the dressing room. I do like to to be great. His star quality would be his give- spread out. Catch Carl and Tim in Jack And The it-a-go attitude. Funniest moment Beanstalk at The Place, Telford, from Funniest moment starring together? starring together? Wednesday 11 December to Sunday 5 January. That would be seeing Tim running around the The moment when nei- corn field, in the rain, dressed as a Dame. ther of us can remember Most irritating thing about Tim? the next line and we just stare at each other with Being bloody good at what he does, and blind panic in our eyes. knowing that I have to step up my game to Although that never reach his standard. actually happens, What would be the most apt Christmas gift of course, you could buy Tim? because we are A pair of doc martens - the masculine boot professionals, that any woman can wear. daaahling! It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 3
Eric Smith and Brad Fitt star in Aladdin at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Eric Smith stars as Brad Fitt stars as the audience, it was a very sombre moment Emperor of China Widow Twankey with suitably heart-wrenching music. We were back-lit from above, and the wig I was What do you like best about Brad? What do you like best about Eric? wearing gave me a shadow that looked like Brad has infinite patience - and he’s no doubt I like the fact that when I’m stood next to him Mickey Mouse. I pointed down to it and whis- told you that working with me over the years, on stage, he makes me look a better actor pered, ‘Hello Pluto’ into Eric’s ear. The next he certainly needs it! He is kind and has a than I really am! In all seriousness, though, I thing you could see was the shadow of Eric’s wicked sense of humour. You learn to watch love his attitude to everything I present him shoulders rising and falling like a fiddler’s out when you see that deadpan face, because with. Around September, when things start to elbow. We both lost it, and thankfully did a surely something is coming your way! ramp up for the pantomime season, Eric will lot of upstage acting during that scene. What do you consider to be his star get little texts from me saying things like, My favourite ever moment, though, I wasn’t quality? ‘What do you look like in lycra’ or ‘When did actually onstage with Eric. It was last year in you last shave your legs’, and Eric will know Mother Goose. Earlier in the year, I’d had an A critic once said of Brad that ‘he has funny that I’ve got something planned. I’ve yet to idea that Eric and Matt should come on bones’ - and indeed he has. He could read the suggest something to him that he’s not gone dressed as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman phone book and make it funny! He has that with. Even when he thinks it might not be - or Wrinkled Man, as the character became. I innate sense of comedy timing and does funny, he trusts me implicitly - which might hadn’t seen Eric in the whole get-up until the Dame better than anybody else I know - but well be his downfall! first show. When he walked on in hot pink don’t tell him I said that! What do you consider to be his heels and a black trouser suit, I completely Funniest moment starring together? star quality? lost it. At the time, I was stood in the wings It has to be in last year’s Mother Goose. All dressed as a flamingo, so I had nothing to His timing is impeccable - he always manages pantomimes have a party, and Brad’s idea laugh about really! to leave the bar before it’s his round! Eric is was that Matt Dallen (Billy Goose) and I wonderful to work with. Over the years, he’s Most irritating thing about Eric? (Squire Squashem) should host the party with grown as the foil or the butt of many of my Where do I begin?! To be fair, I can’t think of a Strictly Come Dancing theme. Brad and I jokes. It’s all done with sincerity, and I’m glad anything irritating about Eric. After nine years would do a quick change and come back on to say that Eric can always laugh at himself - together, we know exactly how the other one stage dressed as Tess and Claudia. The audi- which is great because otherwise he’d be works and we dovetail very nicely together ence were crying with laughter! There have missing out on the joke of the century… onstage and off. been so many funny moments. We laugh our way through the whole run each year! Funniest moment starring What would be the most apt Christmas gift together? you could buy Eric? Most irritating thing about Brad? I’ve had several He’s a man of simple pleasures is Eric. My He’s always right! You can deliver a line and funny moments on- first thought is a blow-up mattress for his think you’ve got it just about perfect, and stage with Eric. dressing room, but to be honest, Eric Smith then Brad, in his kind way, will take you to During Sleeping could fall asleep on a washing line or a one side and suggest it might be better if you Beauty many galloping hedgehog. If money were no object, did it a slightly different way. And he’s right years ago, I had to I’d get him a nice cruise or a couple of weeks every time. put my arm around on a Greek island. Eric values his downtime, What would be the his shoulder and and his wife, Linda, values her holidays. most apt Christ- console him at the fu- Perhaps I’d send him off on a family holiday mas gift you could neral of Sleeping with his nearest and dearest. Or maybe just buy Brad? Beauty. We had socks. A Girl’s World styling our backs to head. Hours of fun! Catch Eric and Brad in Aladdin at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Wednesday 4 December to Sunday 12 January. It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 4
Rebecca Keatley and Sam Rabone star in Cinderella at Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Rebecca Keatley stars as she have any eyebrows? All the best people loves playing with my Frankie - that's my dog! Fairy Godmother have a good fringe - Miss Keatley, Claudia So I think she'd love a puppy! Then a holiday Winkleman, Dawn French, the fairy in Yeovil! to New Zealand. She works so hard all year What do you like best about Sam? Long live the fringe! round, I think she could do with a break, and His voice. You know Sam's in the vicinity even What do you consider to be her star going to New Zealand would force her to have if you can't see him. His beautiful Sutton quality? some ‘me time’. That's what the 24-hour flight Coldfield tones fill a room. is for. Once she's there, she'll be white water She is a star - and like all the best stars, she rafting and scaring the locals with a haka in What do you consider to be Sam’s star should only come out at night. Everyone no time! quality? looks better by the light of the moon! She's a His sense of humour. He's always got a joke gem and gets the comedy of the fairy. She up his sleeve. delivers the lines with a twinkle in her eye - Catch Rebecca and Sam in Cinderella at Funniest moment starring together? try and spot it under the fringe! Lichfield Garrick Theatre from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 5 January. Probably when I messed up on stage. I mis- Funniest moment starring together? pronounced, in Welsh, the name of the The first time I called her Alex Jones on stage, longest train station in Wales. He absolutely she wasn't ready for it! I'm not sure who ribbed me for that on stage. He completely found it funnier, her or the audience! corpsed me. Last time we were on stage together was three Most irritating thing about Sam? years ago, and I've slept a few times since then, so that's the one I can remember. I'm His boundless energy. He never, ever tires. It's hoping for lots more this year in Cinderella. less irritating and more unbelievable. You'll have to book tickets to enjoy more What would be the most apt Christmas gift funny moments! you could buy Sam? Most irritating thing about Rebecca? Now, I may be way off the mark here, but I She doesn't like condiments of the reckon a cooking gadget. He's very handy in saucy variety! Who doesn't like the kitchen. His lemon drizzle is to die for. If ketchup with their chips! However, you're reading this, Sam, you know what you annoyingly she's one of those irritatingly can give me as a Christmas gift! lovely people who doesn't get on your nerves at all! She's just too damn nice. Sam Rabone stars as Buttons She's definitely hiding something under What do you like best about Rebecca? that fringe! Her fringe. Anyone who can keep a fringe that What would be the most apt Christmas well-maintained is a champion in my book! It gift you could buy Rebecca? offers intrigue and mystery. What's under I know you shouldn't give dogs as Christ- there? Where does the forehead end? Does mas gifts, but when she visits, she
Other festive shows in the Midlands this Christmas...
Snow White at Birmingham century and located in Birmingham) is The Boy In The Dress at the RSC, Hippodrome, Sat 21 Dec - Sun 2 Feb helmed by Liam Steel, who last Christmas Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 8 Mar Lesley Joseph tops the bill as the Wicked directed The Rep’s acclaimed production of David Walliams’ critically acclaimed Queen and is joined by X-Factor winner Joe The Wizard Of Oz. children’s story about friendship and the acceptance of others is here being McElderry, the ever-popular Matt Slack, Puss In Boots at Belgrade Theatre, performed on stage for the very first time. Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes and Coventry, until Sat 11 Jan Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless. Having not been performed at the Belgrade Peter Pan at Stafford Gatehouse, Andrew Ryan and Doreen Tipton also for many a year, this new production of Mon 13 Dec - Sun 5 Jan feature on the bill. Puss has been left in the capable hands of Coronation Street and EastEnders actor Ian Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory the ever-magnificent Iain Lauchlan, a man Reddington takes on the role of Captain Theatre, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 19 Jan who’s been writing and starring in the Hook in what the show’s producers are This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the venue’s festive shows for more years than promising will be ‘a high-energy, localised JM Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st he probably cares to remember. production’. Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 5
more festive favourites from around the region
Puss In Boots Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 11 January A show which is being referred to as ‘the cat’s whiskers’ by producers Imagine The- atre, Puss In Boots tells the tail, sorry, tale, of a fabulous feline who outwits both a king and an ogre to make his master the top, er, dog... Having not been performed at the Belgrade for many a year, this new production of Puss has been left in the capable hands of the ever-magnificent Iain Lauchlan, a man who’s been writing and starring in the venue’s fes- tive shows for more years than he probably cares to remember. Having written the script, Iain will once again be donning the comedy wig and applying far too much blusher to star as the show’s pantomime Dame, a role which he’s very much made his own in recent times. Expect an evening of purr-fectly splendid family entertainment.
Jack And The Beanstalk Adapted and helmed by the venue’s Artistic How The Grinch Director, Theresa Heskins, the production The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Wed 11 features ‘imaginative storytelling, live music, Stole Christmas! December - Sun 5 January; Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 12 December - humour, puppetry and plenty of festive Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 5 January magic’. Tues 3 - Sat 7 December Jack and his mum are hard-up and have no In a writing career spanning 60-plus years, choice but to take their cow to market to raise American author Theodor Seuss Geisel, bet- some much-needed cash. However, Jack ter known as Dr Seuss, produced some of the being Jack, he decides to trade her in (the 20th century’s best-loved children’s stories. cow, that is, not his mum) for a handful of Among these was his 1957 rhymed-verse magic beans, which then grow into a real book, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!. ogre of a beanstalk. And speaking of ogres... The famous festive tale finds the grumpy Coronation Street’s Oliver Mellor top-bills in Mount Crumpit-dwelling creature of the title Telford as Fleshcreep, while across the region deciding that it’s high time he stole Christ- in Stratford, a mas from the Whos, the endlessly joyful brand new townsfolk at the bottom of the mountain who version of the are positively bursting with annoying holiday popular fairytale The Snow Queen cheer... is presented by The Old Rep, Birmingham, X-Factor's Matt Terry stars as Young Max in until Mon 30 December; Albany Theatre, this musical version of the popular story. highly rated Coventry, Mon 9 - Sat 28 December theatre company Tread The The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys. Boards. When she kidnaps young Kai, it’s left to his Charlie And The friend, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future in the frostbitten wastelands... Christmas Cat This much-loved Hans Christian Andersen Lichfield Garrick, various dates between The Prince And story is presented at The Old Rep by the Fri 6 - Tues 24 December The Pauper creative team behind the theatre’s 2018 pro- Advertised as ‘festive, fun and purrfect for all New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, duction of Pinocchio. The new show comes the family’, Charlie And The Christmas Cat is until Sat 25 January complete with ‘an epic original score, spell- being presented by the Lichfield Garrick Pro- An interesting and imaginative choice for a binding storytelling and more than a pinch of duction Company for children aged between Christmas show, Mark Twain’s famous story Christmas magic’. two and seven. is here being produced by the creative team The Albany’s version, meanwhile, sees the It’s the most magical night of the year - what behind the New Vic’s adaptations of The Bor- critically acclaimed Ceridwen Theatre Com- better time for Charlie and his feline friend to rowers, Treasure Island and the UK Theatre pany making a welcome return to the Coven- head off on an unforgettable adventure?... Award-winning The Snow Queen. try venue.
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Theatre
Peter Pan The Rep, Birmingham, Sat 30 November - Sun 19 January Fly away to Neverland with the boy who wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and beware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock!). This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the JM Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st cen- tury and located in Birmingham) is helmed by Liam Steel, who last Christmas directed The Rep’s acclaimed production of The Wiz- ard Of Oz.
Raymond Briggs’ cheeky Elf, he finally settles on the perfect rations, disaster strikes. prezzie... Intending to begin his countdown to the big Father Christmas Youngsters get the chance to enjoy a meet- day by opening the windows of his giant Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, and-greet with Santa after the show. Christmas calendar, he finds that not only is until Sun 29 December said enormous item well and truly broken, but all the magical goodies contained inside Kipper’s Snowy Day it have mysteriously disappeared. With Christmas suddenly under threat, the Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Tues 31 December jolly bearded one needs as much help as he can get, which is where the show’s young Slot Machine Theatre present a show that’s audience comes in - not to mention Dotty the actually an amalgamation of two books by Elf, Dasher the Reindeer, Jack Frost and Pom- award-winning children’s author Mick pom the Penguin... Inkpen: Kipper’s Snowy Day and Kipper’s Presented by the company which last year Christmas Eve. performed Santa’s Christmas Party. For those not in the know, Kipper is a dog who’s been delighting generations of young Raymond Briggs is best known for his story readers for the past 30 years. Penguins about a little boy who makes friends with a This is Slot Machine’s first-ever stage adapta- tion of the much-loved books and sees Kip- The REP, Birmingham, snowman - but talented theatre company Wed 4 - Sat 14 December Pins And Needles are doing plenty to pro- per and his friends, Tiger and Arnold, going Friendship, fun, identity and the ever-chang- mote one of the author’s slightly less famous on an adventure in the snow. ing meaning of family are among the themes tales this festive season. Suitable for children being explored in this returning theatre & aged three and older, Father Christmas fea- dance production for children aged three and tures songs, live music, playful puppetry, older. secret doors, hidden hatches and plenty of Inspired by a true story reported in the New trademark Briggs humour. Expect your chil- York Times, the show focuses on two male dren to be suitably impressed. Chinstrap penguins named Roy and Silo. Living alongside other penguin pairs in Cen- Dear Santa tral Park Zoo, they determine to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg - a decision that sees Malvern Theatre, Tues 3 & Wed 4 December; Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 6 & Sat 7 Decem- them embarking on a most unexpected ber; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 13 - Tues adventure... 24 December Presented with the intention of giving chil- Santa’s Christmas dren aged two to seven both a fun introduc- Countdown tion to theatre and a memorable yuletide treat, Dear Santa tells the tale of Father Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Thurs 19 December; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Christmas’s backfiring attempts to sort out Mon 23 & Tues 24 December the most fantastic of festive gifts for a girl Just when Santa Claus thinks everything’s named Sarah. With the assistance of his going swimmingly with his Christmas prepa-
whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Nia Gwynne Peter Pan The REP.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 10:58 Page 1 Nia Gwynne Peter Pan The REP.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 10:58 Page 2
You’ll be Hooked... Nia Gwynne stars as Hook in the reimagined production of Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre...
How did your playing Captain Hook at The creates a world which is both fantastical and Have you noticed any significant changes Rep come about, Nia? weirdly familiar. The result is spooky and hi- in British theatre since you entered the Like most actors, it started with a phone call larious at times. Our Peter and Wendy are profession? from my agent asking me if I was interested in rooted in a contemporary world; they’re ut- The most significant change for me is a very the role and the project. After replying with a terly recognisable as modern children who recent one. It’s the opening up of casting to definite yes, I then went for an initial audi- sound and look like their audience. This gives include more women and BAME actors. It’s tion. I then had what’s called a recall - a fur- the story a freshness and vitality that will taken a while but hopefully people will see ther audition - where we read more of the hopefully resonate with a 2019 Birmingham themselves more diversely represented on script and had a short sword-fighting session. audience. stage. I bemoan the lack of stories being told A few days later, my agent called to say they Why do you think the story of Peter Pan about and by working-class voices. That feels wanted me to play the part. I said yes. Loudly. has been so successful over so long a pe- like it’s got worse. What attracted you to the role? riod of time? If you could make a single change to ‘how It’s Captain Hook! What’s not to love?! It’s ultimate fantasy. People fly, there are pi- things are’ in terms of British theatre, rates, fairies, a battle between innocence and what would it be? How are you hoping to make your inter- evil and a thoroughly nasty baddie. As an More money for arts organisations outside pretation of the character distinctive from adult, I think there are times when you long London. others? for the joy and irresponsibility of youth that I won’t be trying to make it consciously dis- Peter and the Lost Ones represent. As a child How will you be spending Christmas Day? tinctive; it’ll just be me trying to make it make you delight in seeing that portrayed. With my partner and our four-and-a-half-year- sense in our version of the story. I’m a mother, old son in front of the fire, eating too much Your theatre credits include films like so that may bring a different flavour to Hook’s and watching Christmas films. Tolkien and Darkest Hour and stage adap- relationship to the children in the play - what tations of classical works such as Timon Of What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever it means to be a mother or not. Really I’m just Athens and Titus Andronicus. If you could received and the one you’re proudest of trying to concentrate on making my character perform in only one of those genres for the having given? make sense. It’s great that the part is finally rest of your acting career, which would being played by women. JM Barrie wrote it for My partner always gives me really well- you choose and why? an actress, but the actor playing Mr Darling thought-out things - stuff he knows I’ll love. had a word and got to play the part instead. Theatre. I love the discipline, the camaraderie Anything that makes my son excited and my and knowing it’s different every night. Shame partner happy makes me proud. It’s usually What do you think The Rep’s version of the the money is terrible. chocolate. Job done. show will provide for audiences that’s dif- ferent from any other versions they might You trained at RADA. Do you believe that If you had to spend Christmas Day on a have seen? training at an academy or other such pres- desert island with just one character from tigious school gives you significant advan- Peter Pan, who would you choose and Where to start? As far as the staging, the tech- tages as an actor over performers who’ve why? niques used for the flying scenes are thor- entered the profession via a different oughly acrobatic and haven’t been seen at The Tinkerbell. She’s lawless; fairies don’t have to route? Rep before. Some of it is like aerial ballet. abide by the rules. And with a sprinkle of her Breathtaking! We’ve got street dance, rap, and It was my only way to get seen and get a foot fairy dust she could teach me to fly. the most kick-ass Wendy and Tinker Bell in the door. I cherish the voice training. I don’t think it’s necessary to go to drama you’re ever likely to see. They literally kick pi- Peter Pan: Reimagined shows at the Birm- rate butt. The design is stunning. In our con- school, but for me, I didn’t know how else to get into the business. ingham Repertory Theatre from Saturday temporary version, Neverland is magically 30 November to Sunday 19 January. created using mundane every-day objects. It Club 2B Belgrade.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:22 Page 1
LEAVE REALITY BEHIND... Director Corey Campbell talks about immersive theatre experience Club 2B, showing at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre this month...
Club 2B is an intriguing piece of immersive Hera and their reincarnations as iconic tion, revenge, adultery and the male-written theatre that tackles famous stories of love and figures we all know and love. female narrative. Throughout history men revenge throughout the ages - all with an have written for women. For example, Lady “We focus on Zeus and Hera’s quite danger- Ancient Greek twist. Presenting a fusion of a Godiva was depicted just as a woman who ous love for one another,” explains the 1930s Berlin cabaret club, a Secret Cinema rode a horse naked, rather than the powerful event’s director, Corey Campbell. “Zeus is event and an underground prohibition-era land-owning woman she really was. So what very unfaithful and Hera is very jealous, nightclub, it’s an exclusive event for theatre- we do with the script is suggest that Zeus had continually taking her anger out on women lovers, the adventurous and party animals his part to play in twisting her narrative - and he’s been unfaithful with. What Club 2B sug- alike. the same with figures like Marilyn Monroe. gests is that Zeus and Hera come back as all We take Zeus and Hera’s relationship right the Eat, drink and party alongside Zeus, the kinds of different characters we recognise, way through the ages to 2019, where Hera Greek King of all Gods and men (disguised as such as Marilyn Monroe and Jay Gatsby. We meets Zeus at this nightclub and demands her charismatic club owner ‘Z’), his jealous wife definitely address the themes of reconcilia- revenge on him for his treatment of her.” Club 2B Belgrade.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:22 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
So what can audiences expect from Club 2B? cal director. Then, after the show, we’re just ing on the role of Zeus in Club 2B.” free-styling. Our band are ready for requests “They can expect a lot of dancing, live music, So how did the show come about? and even karaoke-type singing. As our band singing, acting - this is an interdisciplinary takes a break and the night fades, a DJ takes “People would always contact me to ask me to performance. We’ll have magicians, photo over, and that will more than likely focus on bring my energy to their events, in the hope booths...there’ll also be some special guests popular culture. But within the show itself, that it would increase their footfall. So what on different days. You’ll get the same high- the genre really varies, and I’d say the only we started to do at Strictly Arts wasn’t neces- quality main performance, where you sit in thing we don’t cover is Heavy Metal. We’re sarily an immersive theatre experience but a cabaret seating and engage with the show, focusing on the eras the story comes from - so clubbing experience. We would have little but each fully immersive, improvised after- the Ancient Greek era will have folk music, shows in nightclubs. For example, we had a party will be slightly different. I think being the 1930s will be Gatsby’s era, the 1950s will Peaky Blinders room in a club in Birmingham. able to leave the theatre thinking, ‘Wow, I had have a heavy jazz sound - right the way They had a secret door in this nightclub via a a great dance and a good laugh’ is amazing. I through to the 2019 contemporary space, bookcase, which led to this little smoking know that this show will leave people where we can really experiment.” area. So Strictly Arts used to occupy that area surprised and saying they didn’t know theatre as Peaky Blinders or all sorts of other themes could be like this - so exciting, so innovative. Corey feels that Christmas through to New each week. People started to hear about this Audiences are so passive in the theatre some- Year’s Eve is the perfect time of year for an club that had a little show in it and it got times, and Club 2B is all about getting in- immersive theatre piece: “Around the festive really popular, so we started to move around volved. I’m expecting people to want photos period we have a lot of pantomimes, which to other cities like Manchester. I thought how with Zeus and to get up and dance with him. are really a phenomenal British art form of amazing it would be if we could establish that We’re definitely breaking convention - espe- their own, but I felt like Coventry needed and same feeling, energy and vibe in an actual cially because there’ll be a bar where you can deserved something that could bring a diverse theatre. Then along came the opportunity to get drinks within the theatre piece itself. Get- group of people together from different do Club 2B at the Belgrade.” ting a drink is part of the show, and Z is going cultures, backgrounds and religions. I find to give you the opportunity to do that that immersive theatre, where you allow your- Given his reputation for theatrical innovation, throughout the night. This is an experience self to be embedded into the narrative of the it’s no surprise that Corey will also be co-artis- like no other…” very performance you’ve gone to see, is a tic director of the Belgrade programme for really binding experience. There’s no better Coventry’s year as City of Culture in 2021. And what involvement will the audience have time for something of that nature than the in the storytelling? Christmas period. The opportunity to bring a “Strictly Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts com- pany telling the Afro-Caribbean story, which “Anyone coming to see Club 2B will have to be piece like Club 2B into the Belgrade Theatre in is something that I’m very, very passionate ready to become fully involved and throw this period is all about reconciliation of love. about. That’s obviously something I’ll take themselves into the whole experience. We Coventry has reconciled the masses, espe- forward to the Belgrade, but I’ll also be look- obviously don’t expect you to do anything in cially through music, since way back when - ing at the stories of other marginalised com- particular or get up and perform, but we may think of The Specials, and even before that munities. The Belgrade Theatre should be a refer to audience members as specific individ- with its nightclub scene. That’s a legacy of home and a hub, where any community can uals within the story. Those immersive Coventry that I want to continue.” come to express themselves - be it from the moments are embedded into the script, and Corey certainly boasts impressive credentials, stage or as an audience member in dialogue that character will be represented by a differ- as both a performer and a creative. As well as with a performance. I intend to plough that ent person each day. That’s what’s so exciting being artistic director of Strictly Arts Theatre vision right the way through the 2021 City of about this show - every single performance Company, who were behind critically ac- Culture programme. As an Afro-Caribbean will be unique. Then, at each after-event, you claimed Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show Free- man myself, my attention does tend to lie can fully place yourself in the world we’ve man, he was also associate & movement there, but diversity on the whole should be of created and can continue to enjoy the charac- director for the recent UK tour of Noughts And the utmost importance in theatre - and not ters you’ve seen and made. I would encourage Crosses - an adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s just when it comes to race, but a whole man- audiences to come as characters they’ve groundbreaking Young Adult novel. ner of things, from age and economic back- created - whether that be their own creation ground to religion. The next shows that I have or someone from their favourite book or film - “I was supposed to be stepping back from in mind will be new for Strictly Arts. Even and fully get into our nightclub experience.” performing for a little while because I’ve Club 2B is quite new for our style, but we’re headed up all of our shows at Strictly Arts Club 2B offers a fusion of eras not only in really going to start taking more risks. I would and really led from the stage. But when I terms of its characters but also its music. really love for Coventry to be behind me as we spoke to my team, they said it’d be a real embark on this journey.” Club 2B is the place “In the show itself we have near enough all shame if I didn’t perform in this one too. So to be.” genres of music. We have lyrics coming from I’ll definitely be making an appearance, along very recognisable songs in popular culture, with some of my colleagues from Freeman. but put over a very 1930s composition. Then It’s really exciting because I was going to Club 2B shows at the Belgrade Theatre, we’ve also done the same thing in reverse, really miss performing. I was trying not to tell Coventry, from Wednesday 11 to Tuesday where we have poetry that dates back to the you because it’s meant to be a secret, but 31 December. 1950s put into contemporary rap by our musi- you’ve really pulled it out of me - I will be tak- Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 16:23 Page 7
Theatre more festive favourites from around the region
The Nutcracker Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 14 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this festive family favourite shows at the Hippo- drome courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. Created in 1990, Sir Peter’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows a young girl named Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina. This is a magical must-see show for little princesses everywhere…
The Boy In The Dress Santa who reckons he’s the real Kris Kringle Grandpa’s Great Escape (which, like St Nick, is another name for Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Santa). Not that any of society’s serious Arena Birmingham, Avon, until Sun 7 March Mon 23 & Tues 24, Thurs 26 December grown-up types give his claim the time of David Walliams’ day, of course. After all, when it comes to It’s tough being in an old folk’s home when critically acclaimed believing in a supernatural entity whose once upon a time you were a World War Two children’s story about traditional visual presentation involves the flying ace. Even so, the spirit of adventure friendship and the sporting of a big white beard, the greater continues to burn brightly in Grandpa, who acceptance of others number of folk prefer to pin their colours to enlists the help of his grandson, Jack, to plot is here being per- the mast of that all-powerful fella in the a daring escape from Twilight Towers. But lit- formed on stage for Bible... tle do they know that the sinister Matron the very first time. Swine is onto them... “The Boy In The Dress is about what it means This first-ever staging of David Walliams’ to be different,” explains David. “I thought a My Cousin Rachel hugely popular children’s book stars former boy going to school dressed as a girl would Young One Nigel Planer in the title role. speak to the wider implications of being dif- Malvern Theatres, Tues 3 - Sat 7 December “It’s a great honour to be asked to play ferent, which is something most people prob- Daphne du Maurier’s menacing psychologi- Grandpa in the live version of this amazing ably feel at some point in their lives. cal thriller has twice been made into a film, and cockle-warming story by David “It’s ultimately a feelgood family show. Even most recently in 2017 starring Rachel Weisz. Walliams,” says Nigel. “It’s set to be such an though it’s a story with children at its centre This new touring production of the best- amazing spectacular, and I can’t wait to drive and is super-fun for a young audience, it’s selling novel sees the eponymous character a tank and fly a lifesize Spitfire over Birming- very grown up in other ways. I think everyone being played by Helen George, best known as ham audiences!” will feel really uplifted at the end of it!” Trixie Franklin in BBC One’s cosy Sunday night drama, Call The Midwife. While visiting Italy, wealthy landowner Miracle On 34th Street Ambrose Ashley meets and marries distant Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, relation Rachel and then unexpectedly dies. Thurs 5 - Thurs 24 December When Rachel disappears, Ashley’s young Most people who delight in the magic of the ward, Phillip, can’t help but wonder whether festive season will surely have seen at least his guardian’s new wife might have had one of the two movie versions of this splen- something to do with his untimely death. didly charming story. The more recent film, But when Phillip then encounters Rachel in made in 1994, starred Richard Attenborough Cornwall - and despite his considerable mis- as the sleigh-riding Saint Nicholas. givings about her - he soon finds himself The story revolves around a department-store falling for her undeniable charms.
30 whatsonlive.co.uk Mailbox Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 16:19 Page 1 G4 Christmas.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:22 Page 1
Dreaming of a G4 Christmas...
Classical popera stars G4 were runners-up on series one of The X-Factor. The quartet chat to What’s On ahead of their Christmas concert in Birmingham...
Vocal troupe G4’s classical-style delivery of or the worst idea in the world. G4 are ‘yes’ we owe it to them to give an honest and emo- pop songs has seen them enjoying plenty of men! It’s also rare to have such a range of tive performance of our work! chart-topping success, with two of their voices in one group, so we’re able to go to Mike: Even if a whacky idea doesn’t work out, albums going platinum. places other acts can’t. Particularly with Jon’s it always inspires something else totally voice going so high - the sky really is the limit. There have been a few line-up changes to the unique. We don’t like playing it safe, and While a lot of groups have to stick to one key, group since they finished runners-up on the when we’ve worked with people who want to we can change it up and keep pushing our- first-ever series of The X-Factor. Original kind of create us in this image of the typical selves. members Jonathan Ansell (tenor) and Mike classical crossover group, it just hasn’t Christie (baritone) are nowadays joined by Jonathan: Our shows are very much our own worked. When we launched, we were some- relative newcomers Lewis Raines (second takes, interpretations and creations on stage, thing totally new to the industry, and it’s tenor) and Duncan Sandilands (bass). which is what gets us so excited about important that we stay true to ourselves. singing. We sing our interpretations of what What’s the key to G4’s continuing success? What are the highlights of the Christmas the best parts of popular songs are, which tour for you as performers? Lewis: We always do our medleys and gives us such a unique personal connection to arrangements ourselves - for both Christmas everything we do. I think that’s why we’re still Mike: We get to perform in such amazing tours and our other tours. We’re never short of going 15 years on. If people have got through venues, particularly a lot of cathedrals and ideas, and we’re always willing to give some- the Christmas markets to our show without grand buildings, like Birmingham Town Hall. thing a go before deciding whether it’s genius getting delayed eating all the hotdogs, then That really sets the tone, and the tour takes
32 whatsonlive.co.uk G4 Christmas.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:22 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
on this really magical feeling. Last year’s ties to be in films and feature on soundtracks, Lewis: For me, it was when the Red Arrows Christmas tour saw us perform at Blackpool so I’m actually in the choirs of Four Weddings welcomed us to Jersey when we went to Tower Ballroom for the first time, so that was And A Funeral. Rowan Atkinson was so perform there. Obviously we also remember a particular highlight for us. It’s such an supportive. And the actress Sarah Crowe we the shows, but it’s always those little iconic building and so beautiful. We were instantly recognised because she was in a moments that stand out. For example, Jon has there just a week after Strictly Come Dancing certain cream cheese advert with a high, really got me into fishing. All our tours are full were, so we fed off the buzz from that, too. squeaky voice in the clouds. If you’re a certain of amazing memories, both on and off the age, you’ll know what I’m talking about! It stage, that we could sit and talk about for Lewis: As a local, I’ve been to Blackpool really was an amazing experience that hours. many, many times, but the ballroom was just inspired me to keep singing for life. I think it incredible to perform at, and we’re excited to Duncan: The first time we rehearsed together can be really difficult for boys because return this year too. What I love most about after I joined was a really exciting moment for singing just isn’t seen as cool. Bands and pop touring at this time of year, though, is that me. There’d been all this talk about G4’s fresh acts are different because obviously men like there are always amazing Christmas markets look, but we hadn’t sung together yet. When Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi are huge icons, right on our doorstep. we actually did, it was just the most lovely but classical singing, and choirs in particular, blend, and you don’t always get that straight Duncan: I’m a big kid and always will be. I are seen only as a thing for girls. away with groups - they can take a long time absolutely love Christmas, and being able to Lewis: I didn’t start singing until I was about to find their stride. Singing together for that work over this period and sing in some beau- 16. I was doing GCSE music because I thought first time in full voice and realising we worked tiful venues is a real treat. Talking of Black- it was one of those subjects where I could just together was amazing - and also a massive pool, it’s the Pleasure Beach I’m looking mess around. It got to the summer and I re- relief! forward to - great way to warm up the voice! alised I had an exam coming up, but I didn’t You also have some very dedicated fans... What’s different about G4 Christmas? actually play an instrument, so I ended up singing. I had a lovely school experience, but Lewis: We’re so lucky to have fans who just Jonathan: We do some of the same songs there’s still that stigma around boys singing. connect with us and keep coming back to see each year because there’s such a need for If you’re not in the sports teams with the lads us perform again and again. nostalgia around the festive period. We have being a manly man, then you’re admitting some great singalong moments. We’ve created that you’re different. That’s really hard, par- Jonathan: We literally do have women who our own version of Mariah Carey’s All I Want ticularly for youngsters. throw their bras onto the stage. There were For Christmas. It’s amazing to get that oppor- these two ‘bra ladies’ in particular - and some tunity to play with an entirely different ar- Duncan: I was lucky at my school in that we bras they were, too... more like UFOs! I was rangement of something the audience knows. were encouraged to do sport and music. You’d always concerned for the safety of people in It’s nice to see the audience like our version of see our headmaster both on the sidelines at their vicinity because they’d lift the bras up such a popular festive track. We don’t like to the rugby match and in the cathedral, cheer- and start swinging them around - everybody sing songs the exact same way the audience ing on the chamber choir. I should really pay near them had to duck! expects. We love medleys, particularly at tribute to my mother, who introduced me to Mike: We’re using their words, to be fair. They Christmas time because there are so many to such an eclectic mix of singers - from Gilbert were very open about their hammock-sized get in there. & Sullivan to Bessie Smith. I was unfortunate in my cathedral-choir aspirations, though, bras. We’ve had knickers thrown at us too, Mike: We also have some really wonderful because I auditioned a little late and my voice and flowers. All sorts. I think what’s so hum- children’s choirs at every date. They’re the had started to break quite early. That almost bling is having so many people supporting us. next generation of singers, and seeing their killed my singing career and I remember Our shows are great because we get a good enthusiasm, funny Christmas hats and smil- taking a few years out, but it was thanks to mix of superfans and people who’ve never ing faces is just lovely for us. Each choir will school again that I got back into it. seen us live before but remember us from The choose a soloist to sing the first verse of Once X-Factor or something similar. We also get a In Royal David’s City, which they will perform Do you have a favourite G4 moment? lot of husbands being dragged along by their a capella in front of the audience. That’s a wives to see us, and then they end up becom- Mike: I think for me it was when our first particularly special moment because you can ing bigger fans than their wives! They come album went to number one. We literally just see the confidence and joy that that opportu- along determined not to enjoy it, but in the went on The X-Factor for a laugh and didn’t nity brings them. end they have a great time. It’s really touch- really expect to get anywhere. Jennifer Lopez ing. We get so many gifts too, particularly What was the inspirational music moment had released an album that same day and we around Christmas, which is very generous of for each of you when you were youngsters? outsold her - it was incredible! We also did the everyone. Late Late Show in Ireland, and it was so weird Jonathan: For me, there wasn’t really a to be recognised by famous people. It didn’t moment - apparently I was just always loud! help that Andrea from The Corrs was there, so One day my shouting just turned into singing, I was a bit of a mess - and Caprice was one of I suppose! I confused everyone at school the guests too! We had to fly back to London G4 Christmas shows at Birmingham Town because I was a prop in the rugby team but for an early-morning interview, and she came Hall on Tuesday 10 December. The boys also sung ‘like a girl’ in the choir with my into our dressing room and invited us on a return to the region next autumn for G4 unbroken voice. night out after the show. We were gutted to Live 2020, playing Theatre Severn, Mike: I was a chorister from the age of eight have to turn her down. It’s moments like that Shrewsbury, on Sunday 13 September and to 13, and that really set me up for a music where we realised how insane the entire Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, on Saturday career. I had some really amazing opportuni- experience was going to be. 3 October.
whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Film December (2 pages).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 15:22 Page 1
Film
Motherless Brooklyn CERT 15 (144 mins) Starring Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones Directed by Edward Norton (USA) Based on the 1999 novel by Jonathan Lethem, this crime drama sees Edward Norton as a 1950s’ private investigator with Tourette’s syndrome. The actor previously directed the romantic comedy Keeping The Faith (2000). Released Fri 6 December
CRITIC’S CHOICE
balletic look at the life of a tribe of cats Cats CERT tbc called the Jellicles. However, a wonderfully Starring James Corden, Judi Dench, diverse cast and a screenplay by Lee Hall Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, CERT 12a (92 mins) Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and Tom Hooper promises much, once one Ordinary Love Francesca Hayward can come to accept James Corden and Starring Lesley Manville, Liam Neeson, Directed by Tom Hooper (UK/USA) Taylor Swift as credible kitties. Tom Hooper David Wilmot, Amit Shah Directed by Lisa Barros D'Sa and It’s hard to imagine a film version of previously brought the stage musical Les Glenn Leyburn (UK/Ireland) Andrew Lloyd Webber’s feline musical, but Misérables to the screen, following his A middle-aged woman struggles to come to then the stage show was no small feat, Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, so the terms with her breast cancer. From a screen- either. Essentially a musical adaptation of project is in good paws. TS Eliot's poetry collection Old Possum's play by the Northern Irish playwright Owen Released Fri 20 December McCafferty. Book Of Practical Cats, the show was a Released Fri 6 December
Honey Boy CERT 15 (94 mins) Lucy In The Sky Jumanji: The Next Level Starring Shia LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges, CERT 15 (124 mins) CERT 12a Noah Jupe, FKA Twigs, Maika Monroe, Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Starring Natalie Portman, Jon Hamm, Natasha Lyonne Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Zazie Beetz, Dan Stevens, Colman Directed by Alma Har'el (USA) Awkwafina, Danny DeVito Domingo, Ellen Burstyn Directed by Jake Kasdan (USA) Taking the title from his childhood nick- Directed by Noah Hawley (USA) name, Shia LaBeouf documents his early The success of Jumanji: Welcome To The years and relationship with his dad. He wrote Jungle (2017) surprised everyone, not least the film as part of his rehabilitation pro- Sony Pictures. Less surprising is the new gramme and plays his own father. sequel (Welcome To The Jungle was, itself, a sequel to the original Jumanji of 1995). Here, Released Fri 6 December Spencer has vanished into the world’s most dangerous video game and his friends must team up again to find him. Expect arid deserts and snow-whipped mountains. Released Wed 11 December
Loosely inspired by real events, the character of Lucy is based on the NASA as- tronaut Lisa Nowak who, following a lengthy period aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, began to lose touch with reality. It seems that there can be crime after space… Released Fri 6 December
34 whatsonlive.co.uk Film December (2 pages).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 15:22 Page 2
Film highlights released in December...
Black Christmas CERT tbc Starring Imogen Poots, Lily Donoghue, Aleyse Shannon, Brittany O'Grady, Cary Elwes Directed by Sophia Takal (USA/New Zealand)
This is unusual. This slasher pic set on a EDITOR’S CHOICE sorority campus happens to be a remake of the remake (2006) of the somewhat Star Wars: The Rise clash between the Resistance and the First unremarkable 1974 original Black Christmas. Order. The good news is that JJ Abrams Filmed in New Zealand (on the South Island). Of Skywalker CERT tbc returns to the fold, after directing Episode Released Fri 13 December Starring Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, VII - The Force Awakens (2015), the high- Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, est-grossing Star Wars film yet. And by Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E Grant, salvaging footage from the last two instal- The Courier CERT 18 (99 mins) Lupita Nyong'o, Keri Russell, ments, Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia will Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams Starring Olga Kurylenko, Gary Oldman, appear in a leading role, thanks to the leg- Directed by JJ Abrams (USA) Dermot Mulroney, William Moseley, Amit Shah erdemain of the various scriptwriters Directed by Zackary Adler (USA/UK) Are you excited yet? It’s been a long time employed on the project. Anthony Daniels, A London-based courier (Kurylenko) finds coming, but The Rise Of Skywalker is the who recreates his turn as the humanoid that a package she’s transporting is a bomb. final nail, um, segment, in the nine-part droid C-3PO, will be the only actor to have And, back in New York, a heinous Gary space opera that is Star Wars. It will high- appeared in all nine Star Wars films. light the end of the on-going tiff between Oldman tries out one of his interesting Released Thurs 19 December accents. Expect some strong violence and the Jedi and the Sith as well as an almighty bloody imagery. Released Fri 20 December Playing With Fire Spies In Disguise CERT PG CERT PG (106 mins) With the voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Little Women CERT PG (135 mins) Starring John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, John Leguizamo, Brianna Hildebrand, Rachel Brosnahan, Karen Gillan Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Greer Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (USA) Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep Directed by Andy Fickman (USA) Directed by Greta Gerwig (USA) We all know that children are a match for anybody (cf. Kindergarten Cop with Arnold Schwarzenegger). Here, in this family- friendly comedy, a gang of tough firefighters find themselves outclassed by three kids they have rescued. Released Thurs 26 December
Following the American Civil War, the four This is the third film this year in which Will March sisters adapt to a grown-up world. Smith has lent his voice to a digital version of Based on Louisa May Alcott's beloved 1868 himself. Here, he plays Lance Sterling, the novel, this is the eighth time that the story world's most awesome spy who is acciden- has been put on film. Scripted by the tally turned into a pigeon. From the company actresses Greta Gerwig and (an uncredited) that brought us Ice Age and Rio. It’s for kids, Sarah Polley. of course. Released Thurs 26 December Released Thurs 26 December whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Visual Arts December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 17:07 Page 1
Visual Arts previews from around the region
Dressed To The Nines Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 7 December - Fri 4 September Dressed To The Nines is a particularly appropriate exhibition to view at this time of year, with Christmas parties, nights on the town and more formal gatherings in plentiful supply and all requiring a serious amount of thought about what to wear. Taking a look at the subject of dressing up and going out, and covering the period from around 1850 up to the present day, the exhibition highlights some of the changes which have occurred in the types of clothing that are worn for special occasions. Featured in the show are a number of garments, accessories and full outfits from the city’s dress collection, included among which are a 1930s beaded evening dress, an embroidered court uniform which belonged to Neville Chamberlain and cocktail dresses by Christian Dior and Norman Hartnell. Oh, and shoes. Lots and lots of shoes...
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Visual Arts
Meryl McMaster: As Immense As The Sky Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 4 December - Sun 23 February “I want to bring specific awareness to the broad consequences of colonisation, and how the men- tality of greed and/or lack of foresight is still impacting us today,” explains Canadian artist Meryl McMaster, who is here presenting her first UK solo exhibition. “At the same time, my work isn’t intended to resolve this dilemma but rather to create an opportunity for introspection and conversation. “Each of us has a complicated relationship with the past, with gaps and biases. It’s important to expose and explore these gaps, so that we may encounter our next moments better prepared.” The Bloomsbury Effect Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 14 December - Sun 16 February This new exhibition is part of an ongoing a Courtaulds factory was in operation project by the Courtauld Gallery which is from 1927 to 1970. designed to reignite links between the The exhibition comprises three prestigious collection and its industrial heritage. early 20th century British paintings on The initiative sees the Gallery engaging loan from the Courtauld Gallery. with communities living in areas near to The paintings can be viewed alongside the where textile company Courtaulds Ltd Wolverhampton Society of Artists once had a significant industrial presence. Centenary Exhibition. One such place is Wolverhampton, where Crafting A Better Future Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Sun 1 March When is an exhibition of scarves more than just an exhibition of scarves? When it’s aiming to raise people’s awareness of homelessness, that’s when... The work of the West Midlands Craft Group, the 70-plus on-show creations have been produced as part of a project designed to be supportive of homeless people and those living in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation. The group elected to focus on the scarf in particu- lar because they considered it to be a symbol of something which many people are able to take for granted, but which the homeless most definitely are not - comfort. Alongside the display of scarves, the exhibition also features photographs of craft workshops which the group has been running in Birmingham for people who have experienced or are experi- Changing Times: Humour And Satire encing homelessness. Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron, Ironbridge, Shropshire, until Fri 28 February A free exhibition, Changing Times: and the possibilities that it held. Humour And Satire showcases a mix of Once ‘railway mania’ had gripped the na- satirical prints and objects from the mu- tion, music, books and games were quick seum’s Elton Collection, dating from the to feature the new wonders of steam, as mid-18th century onwards. well as to ridicule the popularity of cheap
credit: @kategreenphotog The prints and objects on show made fun excursion trains and the overcrowding at of new technology such as steam power train stations and seaside resorts.
whatsonlive.co.uk 37 8 Reasons to visit Bullring.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 12:19 Page 1
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Advertorial
8 REASONS TO VISIT BULLRING & GRAND CENTRAL
THISThe countdown to the big dayCHRISTMAS is on, and Christmas has never looked better at Bullring & Grand Central. There are so many reasons to visit the centre - we’ve picked eight of our favourites below…
The Bull’s Christmas Outfit Once Upon A Time in 1 5 Birmingham Would it even be Christmas if the Bull wasn’t all dressed up? He’ll be wearing his panto- Just imagine... 88,000 fairy lights inspired costume from Friday 29 November - and a whole lot of Christmas, and of course he’ll be selfie-ready. mixed with cocktails and a light refracting jelly dessert… Now you’ve got Once Upon A Time in Snow House Birmingham! Open daily until late in 2 the old Jamie’s Italian restaurant. The Snow House is back on St Martin’s Balcony, offering great views of the city and a range of beers and wine, mulled wine and 6 Christmas Boogaloo hot chocolate. Open daily until late. Bullring & Grand Central have teamed up with Birmingham Hippodrome to throw a Christmas party to rival all Christmas parties. 3 PAW Patrol Trail Intrigued? Head to St Martin’s Square on Help the pups save Christmas by taking part Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December. in the PAW Patrol trail. Maps are available from Bullring & Grand Central’s Customer Under Wraps Service Desks, with pups located throughout 7 Boutique the centre. If you’ve ever struggled with those difficult-to-wrap gifts, Christmas Movie Screenings we have great news - the 4 Bullring & Grand Central You can shop and dine, then watch some of Under Wraps Boutique will your favourite festive classics on the big be open on Thursday 19 & screen in St Martin’s Square on Thursdays Friday 20 December. With an and Sundays in December. international wrapping expert- Thursday 28 November 6pm: Elf led team, you’ll be able to choose from five different Sunday 1 December 2pm: The Grinch disguised options so that the Thursday 5 December 6pm: Nativity! recipient has no idea what’s inside. Sunday 8 December 2pm: Home Alone Thursday 12 December 6pm: And of course, the shops and Miracle On 34th Street 8 restaurants... Thursday 19 December 6pm: The Holiday With lots of new shops and restaurants, Sunday 22 December 2pm onwards: The including LEGO, H&M HOME, Levi’s and Muppet Christmas Carol and Polar Express Indian Streatery, your options are endless.
Find out more about what’s new and what’s happening at Bullring & Grand Central by visiting bullring.co.uk
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Events previews from around the region Events
Toy Collectors Fair NEC, Birmingham, Fri 27 December Britain’s biggest toy fair makes its way to Birmingham this month to showcase a huge array of collectables. From diecast models by Corgi and Dinky through to numerous TV and film-related items, this one-day event offers plenty of interest for enthusiasts. Expert toy valuers are on hand to assess visitors' items for free. So if you have a particular piece that you’d like to know a little bit more about - or that you’re maybe intending to sell - why not take it along and get it val- ued? Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised...
Marvel Universe LIVE Universe LIVE! returns to the city with a brand new show. The production features cutting- Wales Comic Con: Arena Birmingham, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 December edge special effects, pyrotechnics, 3D video Telford Takeover Comic book superheroes including Spider-Man, projection, aerial stunts, martial arts and dar- Telford International Centre, the Avengers and Doctor Strange smash their ing motorcycle displays. Shropshire, Sat 7 & Sun 8 way into Birmingham this month as Marvel December Wales Comic Con this month crosses the border to bring ‘a big- ger and better event’ to Telford for the very first time. A whole host of big names from the world of TV and film will be taking part in the event across the weekend, with Guardians Of The Galaxy’s Sean Gunn and Michael Rooker and Harry Pot- ter’s David Bradley and Matthew Lewis being joined by former Doctor Whos David Tennant (pictured) and Matt Smith.
PAW Patrol Pups Save pops up across Birmingham city centre. Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang will be in lo- Christmas Trail cations including Selfridges, John Lewis and The Birmingham city centre, until Fri 3 January Mailbox. Pick up a trail map to take part in a Pups Save PAW Patrol fans get to meet the canine stars of Christmas mission and be in with a chance of the hit Nick Jr TV show this Christmas, as a toy winning £250-worth of shopping vouchers. brick trail featuring 21 characters and buildings whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 3 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 4
Festive events previews from around the region Events
Christmas At The Castle Warwick Castle, until Tues 31 December If you’re looking for places to take the kids for some seasonal fun this Christmas, Warwick Castle should certainly be on your radar. Attractions include ‘magical sto- rytelling experiences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their merry elves, the chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa and his wife, Christ- mas feasts and medieval ban- quets, Santa sleepovers, a special carol-singing session and a brand new ice rink.
Ice Skate Birmingham accommodates up to 300 people per session and is this year weather-proofed thanks to the addi- Centenary Square, Birmingham, tion of a roof. Younger or inexperienced skating until Sun 12 January enthusiasts can keep upright by using special Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel make a penguin skating aids. And when skaters have welcome return to Centenary Square. finished their Torvill & Dean routine, they can While the wheel offers the opportunity to enjoy warm themselves up with some festive fare in the fantastic views across the city, the ice rink nearby Ice Lounge.
Santa At The Valley Candlelit Sandwell Park Farm, West Bromwich, Christmas every Sat and Sun between 7 - 22 December, plus Mon 23 December Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Sat 7 December Sandwell Park Farm this month opens its doors Guests are invited to enjoy a for families to visit Santa in his grotto. traditional English Christmas at Not only can little ones say hello to the cheery Avoncroft this month, as the bearded one himself, they can also meet and museum gets into the festive greet his trusty reindeer as they prepare for their spirit by presenting the sights Christmas duties. and sounds of Christmases past. Traditional Punch & Judy shows run throughout With costumed reenactors occu- each day, with other attractions including circus pying the historic buildings, skills workshops and children’s crafts. entertainment comes in the form Hot food & drink outlets ensure visitors young Santa Safari of street performances, star and old can keep up their energy levels as they West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, gazing and a selection of festive busy themselves getting into the festive spirit. various dates throughout December music performed by, among Families visiting West Midland Safari Park this others, choirs and bell ringers. festive season can meet an elf, climb on board a Younger visitors can enjoy a sleigh and head for the North Pole. special reindeer trail and railway And that’s just for starters! Having arrived at rides on the miniature Santa their destination, young visitors can then say Express. hello to Santa Claus, tell him what’s on their And to top off what promises to Christmas wish-list and pose with the great man be a throughly enjoyable day, while a helpful elf takes a picture. Father Christmas will be paying a But wait, there’s more... After meeting Santa, visit to the site too - a site, we children can also select their own present in the should add, that will be splen- elves’ workshop and sample a special walk- didly illuminated by candlelight! through ‘discovery trail’... whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 5
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Festive events previews from around the region Events
Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, various dates in December Throughout December, families can discover the stories behind some of Shakespeare's most famous ousted monarchs, includ- ing the likes of Caesar, Cleopatra and Richard III, to name but three... Other attractions at the venue this month include Flowers Of Winter (Sat 14 December - Sun 5 January) - an exhibition of floral displays inspired by traditional winter blooms - and Come A-Was- Victorian Christmas bands fill the streets with festive cheer. sailing (Mon 30 December - Wed 1 Families can enjoy a range of workshops, in- Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, January) - a chance to participate Sat 7 & Sun 8 and Sat 14 & Sun 15 December cluding candle dipping and Christmas card in the precursor to the modern- making, while entertainment in the Big Top day activity of carol singing. Enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas in the comes in the form of circus acts, Punch & Judy recreated town of Blists Hill at Ironbridge shows and pantomime performances. Gorge this festive season. Across two week- Visitors wanting to meet Santa and his elves ends, the site will be decorated with twinkling can board a train and journey along the wood- Ebenezer’s lights and sparkling snow as choirs and brass land to the hillside grotto. Christmas Carol Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, on selected dates between Wed 11 - Tues 24 December Meet Santa at Sea Life Santa’s Winter Wonderland National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffs, until Mon 23 December until Tues 31 December This year’s all-new Santa Show sees the white- bearded one preparing for his big festive per- formance of The Twelve Days Of Christmas - but finding his efforts somewhat hampered by two elves who have a decidedly different perspective on how to present a yuletide showstopper... Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s Back by popular demand, snowy indoor attraction. Ebenezer Crouch’s A Christmas Visitors can also explore Santa’s Christmas snow Carol tours will be haunting trail, take a walk through an enchanted forest, Tudor World in the lead-up to enjoy a game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a Christmas. sledge, meet Santa’s furry friends and check out Meet Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Mr & the brand new traditional children’s carousel. Mrs Cratchit and all the little The National Sea Life Centre is bringing the Cratchits, Mr & Mrs Fezziwig and North Pole to Birmingham’s Brindleyplace this a whole host of other equally Christmas. memorable characters - includ- Visit the Antarctic Ice Cave, take your little ones ing, of course, the ghosts of to meet Santa (and receive a free gift from him) Christmas Past, Present and Yet- and check out a family of cheeky Gentoo pen- To-Come. guins in the exclusive setting of the Ice Adven- There’s every chance that this will ture area. prove to be the very best fun Families can also pay a visit to the 4D cinema to you’ve ever had while in the enjoy a screening of classic festive favourite The company of a grumpy old man! Polar Express. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 7
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Festive events previews from around the region Events
The Polar Express Train Ride Train departs Birmingham Moor Street Station, until Sun 22 December The Polar Express train rides re- turn to Birmingham this Christ- mas. The popular motion picture film is being theatrically recreated so that families can immerse them- selves in the sights and sounds of a classic children’s story. Youngsters are invited to join in the fun with the movie’s charac- ters, while the event also features carol singing and a visit from Santa.
Santa Family Days biggest Christmas tree - standing at 39 feet and brought to life by 23,000 LED lights - taking pride Millennium Point, Birmingham, of place. Attractions include a host of free activi- Sun 8, Fri 13, Sat 19 December ties to keep youngsters entertained, and the Millennium Point is transformed into a winter chance to have a photo taken with Santa (who’ll wonderland this month, with Birmingham’s be handing out a special gift to every child).
Christmas Through Time Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Enchanted Weston until Tues 24 December Weston Park, Shifnal, nr Telford, Visitors to the Black Country Living Museum Shropshire, can take in the sights, sounds and smells of Fri 13 - Sat 21 December long-ago Christmases this month, thanks to a The Weston Park woods are this brand new immersive experience. month transformed into an illumi- Christmas Through Time starts way back dur- nated wonderland for a second ing Queen Victoria’s reign, carries on through year running, with towering trees to the 1930s, and provides plenty for families and historic landmarks colour- to see and do - from making plum puddings fully lit up along a half-mile route. and writing Christmas cards to enjoying a After completing the enchanted selection of classic movies in the venue’s walk, visitors can enjoy street 1920s Limelight Cinema. food and cocktails around fire pits in the courtyard, or pick up some Christmas at last-minute gifts from local pro- Compton Verney ducers at the indoor market. Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park, Warwickshire, Sun 1 - Sun 15 December Compton Verney is certainly helping families get into the Christmas spirit this month. Young visitors to the popular venue are invited to join Mother Christmas as she shares some of her favourite festive stories, while Father Christ- mas and his reindeer will also be on hand to say a cheery hello. There are Christmas paper crafts to enjoy too, providing families with the chance to make festive garlands, floral wreaths, tree decorations and advent calendars.
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Festive events previews from around the region Events
Statfold Santa Express Statfold Barn Railway, nr Tamworth, until Sun 22 December All aboard the Statfold Santa Express! Taking place every pre-Christmas weekend in December, this fam- ily-friendly event sees visitors climb aboard Santa’s magical steam train and journey to the North Pole. Once arrived, there’s plenty for youngsters to see and do, including paying a visit to Santa’s reindeer, decorating cook- ies with Mrs Claus and selecting their very own special gift on a visit to the toy shop.
Fairy Tale Christmas As visitors explore the mansion’s many magnifi- cent rooms, they’re in for a pleasant surprise or Aston Hall, Birmingham, Sat 7 & Sun 8, Sat 14 & Sun 15 December several, with much-loved fairytale characters and pantomime favourites turning up in all man- Aston Hall will be displaying its finest festive ner of places! The chance to warm up by a roar- decor mid-month, as it hosts a family-friendly ing fire further adds to the weekend’s appeal. weekend designed for people of all ages to enjoy
Enchanted Witley Court Witley Court & Gardens, Worcestershire, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 December The grounds of Witley Court are once again being transformed into an illuminated wonderland this festive season. An ‘enchanting experience of light, colour and Santa Safari sound’ sees tunnels and pathways lit with twin- kling lights, with glowing canopies and the Hawkstone Park, Weston-under- Redcastle, North Shropshire, grand fountain radiating a spectrum of colour. until Mon 23 December Once guests have made their way around the Little ones can enjoy a magical illuminated world, they can enjoy a selection of adventure and meet Santa at festive food & drink, numerous Christmas games Hawkstone Park Follies this and some sure-to-be-fun fairground rides. Vintage Sleigh Ride & Christmas. Jump into one of the park’s Land Winter Wonderland Rovers to enjoy a journey through Coventry Transport Museum, the illuminated woodland to Mon 2 - Mon 23 December Santa’s spectacular network of Coventry Transport Museum this year includes a caves. brand new walk-through winter wonderland in Hawkstone’s friendly elves will its line-up of Christmas attractions. keep you entertained as you wan- Also featured is a reindeer-pulled vintage sleigh, der around the fairy-lit caverns leading families to Lapland for a meet-and-greet and tunnels, finally arriving at with Santa Claus, who’ll be listening to Christ- your ultimate destination - the mas wishes and pointing youngsters in the direc- magical grotto itself, where every tion of the elf’s toy shop to pick up a special child will receive a special gift festive gift. from Santa.
whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Arena Cross Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 16:01 Page 1 The List Cover December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:09 Page 1
Your week- by-week listings guide December 2019 thelist
Moroccan Fire Nights at NEC, Birmingham - until Sunday 22 December
Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!
What’s On Sun 1 - Sun 8 December Mon 9 to Sun 15 December Mon 16 to Sun 22 December Mon 23 to Tues 31 December
Dear Santa at Christmas Celebrations at The Bootleg Beatles play Ice Skate Birmingham in Birmingham Town Hall Cadbury World Symphony Hall Centenary Square Fri 6 & Sat 7 December Sat 14 - Sun 15 December Tues 17 December until Sun 12 January
whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham 1 - 8 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:12 Page 1
thelist STATES Tues 3 Dec, O2 Birmingham THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Gigs Academy, Birmingham SAER + BLACK KNIGHT AMYL AND THE SNIF- SATELLITE Fri 6 Dec, BEER BLUES SUNDAY FT The Barber Institute FERS Tues 3 Dec, Hare The Cuban Embassy, CATWALK VILLAINS Sun & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham Visual Arts TRULY BRIGHT AND MEMORABLE: JAN DE 1 Dec, The Actress & Birmingham Museum & BEER’S RENAISSANCE ALTARPIECES Ex- Bishop, Birmingham THE OVERTONES XMAS VICE CITY: QUEEN NIGHT hibition focusing on the Barber’s own 2019 Tues 3 Dec, Sym- Fri 6 Dec, Hare & Art Gallery CHRIS CLEVERLEY Sun 1 double-sided altarpiece featuring the phony Hall, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham NEW BIRMINGHAM REVOLUTIONS - Dec, Hare & Hounds, Nativity and the apocryphal tale DONAE’O POWER TO THE PEOPLE Display explor- Birmingham JAZZ CANON: ORNETTE Fri 6 Dec, O2 of Joseph and the suitors, until Sun COLEMAN Tues 3 Dec, Academy, Birmingham ing Birmingham’s vibrant and varied THE XCERTS / SWIM 19 Jan Royal Birmingham history of protest and activism, Sat 7 SCHOOL Sun 1 Dec, CATAPULT CLUB: THE THE PRINTED WORD: IMAGE, TEXT AND Conservatoire Dec - Fri 4 Sept The Flapper, B’ham PUNK MONKEYS Fri 6 MEANING Exhibition focusing on Euro- CLAIRO Wed 4 Dec, O2 Dec, O2 Institute, ALLMAN BROWN Sun 1 pean prints from the 16th to the 20th Institute, Birmingham Birmingham century by or after artists as diverse Dec, The Cuban Em- KNOCKED LOOSE Wed 4 THE SMYTHS - 35TH AN- as Samuel Palmer, Goya, Grosz and bassy, Birmingham Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, NIVERSARY TOUR Fri 6 Miró, until Sun 26 Jan FRANK TURNER & THE Birmingham Dec, O2 Academy, THE MUGHALS: POWER AND BEAUTY AT SLEEPING SOULS Sun 1 EMIKA - FALLING IN LOVE Birmingham THE INDIAN COURT Exhibition exploring Dec, Symphony Hall, WITH SADNESS Wed 4 ENTER THE DRAGON courtly life, power and culture in the Birmingham Dec, Hare & Hounds, HOUSE CLASSIC CHRIST- Indian subcontinent under Mughal RIDE Sun 1 Dec, O2 In- Birmingham MAS SPECIAL Fri 6 Dec, rule (1526 - 1858), until Sun 2 Feb stitute, Birmingham OH, SLEEPER Wed 4 Hare & Hounds, B’ham A TALE OF TWO EMPIRES: ROME AND QUALITY REGGAE ROOTS Dec, The Flapper, JACK LUKEMAN Fri 6 PERSIA Exhibition exploring how the Sun 1 Dec, The Ac- Birmingham Dec, Midlands Arts ancient superpowers of Rome and tress & Bishop, B’ham UK SUBS XMAS BASH Centre, Birmingham Persia spun humiliating defeats and THE MAGIC GANG ALL- Wed 4 Dec, The Castle THE HIGH CONTRAST promoted their bloody victories on DAYER Sun 1 Dec, The Ikon Gallery & Falcon, Birmingham BAND Fri 6 Dec, O2 In- the small pieces of art circulating in Asylum, Birmingham NEW JOHN WALKER - NEW PAINTINGS the pockets of the masses, until Sun MUNA Wed 4 Dec, O2 stitute, Birmingham ECHOBELLY “STRIPPED Exhibition of new paintings by Birm- 15 Mar Institute, Birmingham BJORN AGAIN Fri 6 Dec, BACK” ingham-born artist John Walker, Wed Sun 1 Dec, O2 O2 Academy, B’ham 4 Dec - Sun 23 Feb Academy, Birmingham A CAUSLEY CHRISTMAS PLUS KATE GEE Wed 4 UK FOO FIGHTERS Sat 7 THE MIDNIGHT BEAST NEW MERYL MCMASTER - AS IMMENSE Dec, The Red Lion Dec, O2 Academy, Sun 1 Dec, O2 AS THE SKY Using photography to ex- Folk Club, Birmingham Birmingham plore identity and its distinct cultural Academy, Birmingham MIDLAND Thurs 5 Dec, THE FUTUREHEADS Sat landscapes, the exhibition features THE DARKNESS Sun 1 O2 Institute, B’ham 7 Dec, O2 Institute, new and recent work which sees Dec, O2 Academy, Birmingham Meryl drawing on her dual heritage to Birmingham SAM FENDER Thurs 5 examine broader questions about Dec, O2 Academy, D BLOCK EUROPE Sat 7 BILLY BRAGG Sun 1 - being in the world, Wed 4 Dec - Sun Birmingham Dec, O2 Academy, Tues 3 Dec, O2 Insti- 23 Feb Birmingham tute, Birmingham CALEB HAWLEY Thurs 5 NEW ZOUZOU GROUP – DOOR OPEN – Dec, Hare & Hounds, THE FAIM Sat 7 Dec, O2 SIGRID Mon 2 Dec, O2 Video installation by two anonymous Birmingham Institute, B’ham Academy, Birmingham artists - one Syrian, the other British. ARCHSPIRE Thurs 5 QUILL CHRISTMAS CON- FICKLE FRIENDS Mon 2 The work exposes the constraints Other VISUAL ARTS Dec, The Asylum, CERT Sat 7 Dec, Artrix, Dec, The Castle & Fal- and imbalances of working together PRE-WINDRUSH TO THE PRESENT DAY Birmingham Bromsgrove across the boundary of a war zone, con, Birmingham Heritage exhibition celebrating the KIT DOWNES QUARTET THE TELESCOPES Sun 8 Wed 4 Dec - Sun 23 Feb STRAY FROM THE PATH long history of black representation Thurs 5 Dec, Midlands Dec, Hare & Hounds, Mon 2 Dec, The Asy- on the Hippodrome stage, until Fri 21 Arts Centre, B’ham Birmingham Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome lum, Birmingham ANGEL HAZE Thurs 5 J.I.D Sun 8 Dec, O2 In- CAVETOWN Mon 2 Dec, HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRM- Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, stitute, Birmingham INGHAM Display of photographs from O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham DINOSAUR PILE-UP Sun the University Heritage Archive Col- EMELI SANDÉ Mon 2 THE TROUBLE NOTES 8 Dec, O2 Institute, lection of the Cadbury Research Li- Dec, Symphony Hall, Thurs 5 Dec, Cuban Birmingham brary, until Fri 31 Jan, Birmingham Birmingham Embassy, Birmingham MELANIE MARTINEZ : City University PLANES MISTAKEN FOR ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED THE K-12 TOUR Sun 8 TAKE 13 - A ROOM OF OUR OWN Exhibi- STARS, TO THE WALL, NIRVANA Fri 6 Dec, O2 Dec, O2 Academy, tion by a group of local female artists FINITE Tues 3 Dec, The Institute, Birmingham Birmingham who’ve met monthly for the past 10 Flapper, Birmingham ROB TAYLOR Fri 6 Dec, JAYA THE CAT Sun 8 years and exhibited regularly, sharing MEMPHIS MAY FIRE MAC, Birmingham Sky By The Water, Re- Dec, The Asylum, contemporary and often diverse art- Tues 3 Dec, O2 sorts World, B’ham Birmingham MADE @ MAC: ALL ABOUT TEXTILES Ex- work, until Tues 17 Dec, The Core Academy, Birmingham hibition of work from courses led by Theatre, Solihull FOREVANESCENCE WITH CARA DILLON Sun 8 artist tutors Penny Dixon, Helen Lane, BAD MANNERS Tues 3 SHORE Group exhibition by three SUPPORT FROM MALLEN Dec, Artrix, Broms- Claire Leggett and Rosie Moss, until Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, Quebec-based artists, showing as Fri 6 Dec, Route 44, grove Sun 19 Apr Birmingham part of Quebec City Biennial interna- Birmingham SKID ROW, THE QUIRE- DIZRAELI Tues 3 Dec, tional exchange, until Fri 20 Dec, THE CUREHEADS + BOYS, CRASHDIET, MATT Hare & Hounds, B’ham RBSA Gallery Stryx Gallery, Digbeth SIOUXSIE & THE BUD- MITCHELL & THE COLD MUNICIPAL WASTE Tues GIES Fri 6 Dec, The HEARTS Sun 8 Dec, RBSA MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES Annual GATHER Small selection from the port- 3 Dec, The Asylum, Night Owl, B’ham The Mill, Digbeth, selling exhibition of original artwork, folios of prints for sale from each Birmingham Birmingham until Tues 24 Dec artist, until Fri 20 Dec, Argentea BLACKBALLED Fri 6 Gallery, Birmingham WILD FRONT AND POLAR Dec, Scruffy Murphy’s, 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 1 - 8 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:12 Page 2
Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 December
Wed 4 Dec, Lichfield Cathedral Classical FRANÇOIS LELEUX PLAYS MOZART Also featuring Emmet Byrne (oboes), WIND BAND AND STRING ORCHESTRA An Oliver Janes & Joanna Patton (clar- eclectic performance by two of Birm- inets), Nikolaj Henriques & Margaret ingham University’s student lead en- Cookhorn (bassoons) and Elspeth sembles, Sun 1 Dec, Elgar Concert Dutch, Martin Wright, Mark Phillips & Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Jeremy Bushell (horns), Thurs 5 Dec, toire CBSO Centre, Birmingham EX CATHEDRA: BACH MASS IN B MINOR I FAGIOLINI: LEONARDO DA VINCI - SHAP- Featuring the Ex Cathedra choir & ING THE INVISIBLE Featuring Robert Baroque Orchestra, Jeffrey Skidmore Hollingworth (conductor) and Profes- (conductor) and Elizabeth Adams, sor Martin Kemp. Programme in- Katie Trethewey & Amy Wood (sopra- cludes works by Tallis, Howells, nos), Sun 1 Dec, Birmingham Town Cipriano de Rore, Monteverdi & Hall more... Thurs 5 Dec, Symphony Hall, BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Birmingham TRA: SNOW AT CHRISTMAS Featuring GRADUATE DOUBLE BILL: TOM NIBLOCK Richard Laing (conductor). Pro- QUARTET AND THE DAVE FERRIS/ CHRIS gramme includes works by Rimsky- YOUNG QUINTET Thurs 5 Dec, Royal Korsakov, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky & Birmingham Conservatoire Silvestri, Sun 1 Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall COMMUTER CONCERT: CELEBRATING MUSIC FOR VOICE AND GUITAR Pro- PREVIN Featuring Daisy Hibberd (so- gramme includes works of Villa- Jack Lukeman - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham prano), Jonathan French (piano) and Lobos and Falla, Thurs 5 Dec, Royal Lucy Samuels (cello). Programme in- Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- Birmingham Conservatoire cludes works by André Previn and Comedy atre, Stratford-upon-Avon A NEW SONG Featuring Marta poetry from Toni Morrison, Mon 2 KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Fontanais-Simmons (mezzo soprano) ELEANOR TIERNAN, CARL DONNELLY, Dec, Royal Birmingham Conserva- formed tale of a nation in turmoil, SCOTT GIBSON & COMIC TBC Wed 4 - toire & Christopher Glynn (piano). Pro- until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, gramme includes works by Brahms, Sun 8 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham ASHLEY WAGNER ORGAN RECITAL Pro- Stratford-upon-Avon Debussy, Turina & Martin Suckling, gramme includes works by JS Bach, JIM JEFFERIES THURS 5 Dec, Resorts Fri 6 Dec, The Barber Institute, Birm- THE GREATEST SHOW WENCH Holly- Messiaen & Anderson, Mon 2 Dec, World Arena, Birmingham ingham wood has The Greatest Showman, Birmingham Cathedral IAN BRACKENBURY, CHE BURNLEY & ROB the Black Country has The Greatest PETER DONOHOE PLAYS HAYDN Pro- XIZI ZHANG PIANO CONCERT Pro- MULLHOLLAND Thurs 5 Dec, The Show Wench! Fizzog are back with gramme includes works by Haydn, gramme includes works by Saint- George Hotel, Lichfield their latest production... Sun 1 Dec, Schubert, Webern and Brahms, Fri 6 Saëns and Schumann, Tues 3 Dec, NICK PAGE, SEAN PERCIVAL & DAVE LON- Artrix, Bromsgrove Dec, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire GLEY toire Fri 6 - Sat 7 Dec, The Comedy CURTAINS Jason Manford stars in a ZIYU HE & MARIE HAUZEL IN CONCERT Loft, Birmingham ‘hilarious’ whodunnit packed full of CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: MESSIAH Programme includes works by HAYLEY ELLIS & SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD ‘catchy songs, unforgettable charac- Fri 6 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Stravinsky, Franck, Bartok, Saint- Sat 7 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, ters and plot twists’, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Saens, Sarasate & Bazzini, Wed 4 CBSO: NOTELETS: CHRISTMAS TREATS Birmingham Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Featuring Jane Wright (presenter), Dec, The Barber Institute, B’ham LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY CLUB FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL Presented by The the CBSO String Quartet, Members FRANÇOIS LELEUX: MENDELSSOHN Fea- KIDS Crescent Theatre Company, Tues 3 - of the CBSO Chorus & the City of Sun 8 Dec, Midlands Arts Cen- turing François Leleux (conductor/ Sat 14 Dec, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, tre, Birmingham Oboe) and Hanna Hipp (mezzo so- Birmingham Fri 6 - Sat 7 Dec, CBSO Centre, Birm- prano). Programme includes works ingham SOME EXPLICIT POLAROIDS Royal Birm- by Mendelssohn & Berlioz, Wed 4 ingham Conservatoire’s Theatre Dec, Birmingham Town Hall PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Sat 7 Dec, Theatre Company presents Mark Ravenhill’s Elgar Concert Hall, Royal Birming- THE CASTALIAN QUARTET Programme satirical urban fairytale, Wed 4 - Sat 7 THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- ham Conservatoire Dec, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham includes works by Janacek & Dvorak, dersen's family classic follows the ad- LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS: MESSA Hippodrome Wed 4 Dec, The Bradshaw Hall, ventures of inseparable friends Kai & DI GLORIA Sat 7 Dec, Lichfield Cathe- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The Old HENRY V Royal Birmingham Conser- dral Rep Theatre, Birmingham vatoire Theatre Company presents its JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE END OF TERM version of Shakespeare’s epic history PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling CONCERT Sat 7 Dec, Royal Birming- play, Wed 4 - Sat 7 Dec, The Cres- creation flies into Birmingham for ham Conservatoire cent Theatre, Birmingham Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The REP, CAROL SINGING IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE Birmingham THE IMPROLECTUALS Improv ‘super- Sat 7 Dec, Cathedral Square, B‘ham group’ featuring improvisers from A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- around the Midlands, Thurs 5 Dec, THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY OR- sured history, desperate choices and Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton CHESTRA: PROMS NIGHT SPECTACULAR the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until Sat 7 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSI- UNIVERSITY CHORUS Sun 8 Dec, Elgar ford-upon-Avon CAL RADIO PLAY Featuring live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Concert Hall, Birmingham THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER Featuring Thurs 5 - Tues 24 Dec, The Old Joint imaginative storytelling, live music, BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCH- Stock Theatre, Birmingham ESRA: SNOWMAN AT CHRISTMAS Fea- humour, puppetry & festive magic, turing Richard Laing (conductor) and until Sat 25 Jan, New Vic Theatre, CHRISTMAS CAROL CASEBOOK: AWAY IN Chris Passey (narrator). Programme Newcastle-under-Lyme A DANGER Festive farce featuring ‘murder, mayhem and more Christ- includes the works of Blake, Rimsky- THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere mas puns than you can wave your BARCLAY’S PENSIONERS CAROL SERVICE Korsakov and Prokofiev, Sun 8 Dec, based on David Walliams' bestselling conductor’s baton at’, Thurs 5 Dec - Wed 4 Dec, Birmingham Cathedral Birmingham Town Hall book and featuring songs by Robbie Sat 4 Jan, Lichfield Garrick THE LEPROSY MISSION CAROL SERVICE Williams and Guy Chambers, until
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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 December Peter Wright’s world-famous festive Pantomime production, until Sat 14 Dec, Birming- ham Hippodrome ALADDIN X-Factor’s Wagner & Britain’s Got Talent’s Donchez Dacres star alongside TV & radio personality Dee ‘White Dee’ Kelly, until Sun 1 Talks / Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall CINDERELLA Festive family favourite Spoken Word starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) and Sam Rabone, until Sun 5 Jan, NO SUCH THING AS A FISH: THE BOOK OF Lichfield Garrick THE YEAR 2019 Join the award-win- ning podcast team as they fill us in PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- on the year we didn’t know we’d lived ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, through... Tues 3 Dec, Birmingham until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Town Hall Coventry ALADDIN Festive family show, Wed 4 - Sun 8 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Cabaret JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Family RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE Live on stage panto, Fri 6 - Sat 14 Dec, Hall Green and hosted by Drag Queen Extraordi- Little Theatre, Birmingham naire Alyssa Edwards, Sun 1 Dec, DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham How The Grinch Stole Christmas - The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, Aaron James & Ian Adams, Sat 7 Dec Haycock, Lucy Drive. With post film ema, Birmingham, Sun 8 Dec - Sun 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand director Q&A. Electric Cinema, Birm- THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM (PG) Docu- Theatre Film ingham, Thurs 5 Dec mentary. Starring John Chester, Molly INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SHIRO'S STORY (15) Drama. Starring Chester. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 8 THE GOOD LIAR (15) Drama. Starring Joivan Wade, Percelle Ascott. Mid- Dec Kids Shows Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen. Midlands lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thurs THE DIRTY WAR ON THE NHS (15) Docu- Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Thurs 5 Dec mentary. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS 5 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 6 - Wed LOVE ACTUALLY (18) Drama/Romance. ingham, Sun 8 Dec Join Santa on the busiest day of his 11 Dec Starring Hugh Grant, Martine Mc- TOMMY (15) Drama/Musical. Starring year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 THE AERONAUTS (PG) Adventure/Biog- Cutcheon. With gin tasting. Electric Roger Daltrey, Ann-Margret. Electric Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry raphy. Starring Felicity Jones, Eddie Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 5 Dec Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 8 & Thurs KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & Redmayne. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 29 GREMLINS (12a) Comedy/Horror. Star- 12 Dec music, puppetry and humour com- Nov - Thurs 5 Dec; Midlands Arts ring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates. bine in a stage version of Mick Centre, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Thurs 12 The Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues Dec ham, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Dec NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL (PG) DIE HARD (15) Action/Thriller. Starring HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Adventure/Family. Starring Angelina Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman. The Released from Fri 6 Dec, showing at Join in the festive fun with a produc- Jolie, Elle Fanning. Midlands Arts Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, selected cinemas tion which critics have called 'a ge- Centre, Birmingham, Sat 30 Nov - Fri 6 - Sat 7 Dec GREMLINS (12a) nius of a show’, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Dec, Sun 1 Dec THE ADDAMS FAMILY (PG) HONEY BOY (15) The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham LULLABY (15) Drama. Starring Karin Animation/Comedy. With the voices LUCY IN THE SKY (15) PENGUINS Show for children about Viard, Antoine Reinartz. Foreign lan- of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron. Mid- friendship, fun, identity and the ever- guage, subtitled. Midlands Arts Cen- lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 6 - MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN (15) changing meaning of family, Wed 4 - tre, Birmingham, Sun 1 Dec Sun 8 Dec ORDINARY LOVE (12a) Sat 14 Dec, The REP, Birmingham ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THESE LAST CHRISTMAS (12a) Comedy/Ro- DEAR SANTA Rod Campbell's festive THINGS (12a) Biography. Electric Cin- mance. Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry tale for younger audiences, Fri 6 - Sat ema, Birmingham, Sun 1 & Thurs 5 Golding. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 6 - 7 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Dec Wed 11 Dec Events DOCTOR SLEEP (15) Fantasy/Horror. MEETING GORBACHEV (12a) Documen- Starring Ewan McGregor, Rebecca tary/Biography. Foreign language, THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE The- Ferguson. The Mockingbird Cinema, subtitled. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- atrical recreation of the popular mo- Birmingham, Sun 1 - Thurs 5 Dec ingham, Fri 6 & Thurs 12 Dec tion picture film, until Sun 22 Dec, Birmingham Moor Street JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT (18) Com- THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (PG) edy. Starring Kevin Smith, Jason Comedy/Drama. Starring Michael MEET SANTA Visit the Antarctic Ice Mewes. The Mockingbird Cinema, Caine, Dave Goelz. Midlands Arts Cave, meet the man himself and Birmingham, Sun 1 - Thurs 5 Dec Centre, Birmingham, Sat 7 Dec check out a family of cheeky Gentoo MAKING WAVES: THE ART OF CINEMATIC penguins, until Mon 23 Dec, National CHARLIE & THE CHRISTMAS CAT ‘Adven- SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. SOUND (12a) Sea Life Centre, Birmingham ture-packed festive show that’s just Starring Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honey- Documentary. Starring CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Step back purrrfect for all the family’, Fri 6 - Tues wood. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 2 - Erik Aadahl, Ioan Allen. Midlands Arts in time to discover a brand new im- 24 Dec, Lichfield Garrick Thurs 5 Dec Centre, Birmingham, Sat 7 Dec mersive experience, taking in the WHEN MARGAUX MEETS MARGAUX (15) THE POLAR EXPRESS (U) Animation/Ad- sights, sounds and smells of Christ- Comedy. Starring Sandrine Kiberlain, venture. With the voices of Tom mases past, until Tues 24 Dec, Black Agathe Bonitzer. Foreign language, Hanks, Chris Coppola. Artrix, Broms- Country Living Museum, Dudley Dance subtitled. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- grove, Sat 7 Dec SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This ingham, Wed 4 Dec WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) Musical/Ro- THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal year’s all-new Santa Show sees the INVASION PLANET EARTH (15) mance. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Ballet presents its annual staging of white-bearded one preparing for his Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Simon Kaye. With wine tasting. Electric Cin- whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham 1 - 8 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:12 Page 5
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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 December big festive performance of The and journey to the North Pole, Sat 30 Twelve Days Of Christmas, until Tues Nov - Sun 22 Dec, Statfold Barn Rail- 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth way, Tamworth, Staffs DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet CHRISTMAS AT SHUGBOROUGH See the Father Christmas in the Castle of mansion, servants' quarters and Park Dreams, experience ‘magical’ char- Farm House decorated for Christmas, acter parades, live shows, falling Sat 30 Nov - Sun 22 Dec, Shugbor- snow and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, ough Historic Working Estate, until Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Stafford Theme Park, Tamworth SANTA'S GROTTO After receiving a spe- THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes cial gift from Santa, it’s off to see his a welcome return to Birmingham’s reindeer as they prepare for their Bullring, complete with its super-pop- busiest night of the year, Sat 30 Nov - ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The Tues 24 Dec, Dudley Zoological Gar- Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham dens CHRISTMAS AT SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTH- ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS KINGDOM Visit PLACE Attractions include floral dis- Father Christmas and receive a plays and a glass of Wassail, until golden key to unlock his magical Sun 5 Jan, Shakespeare's Birthplace, toyshop, where each child can Stratford Upon Avon choose their very own present, Sat ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate 30 Nov - Tues 24 Dec, Hatton Adven- Birmingham and the Big Wheel make ture World, Warwick a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Seasonal Moroccan Fire Nights - NEC, Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham build activities and holiday theming BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER Annual throughout the attraction, Sat 30 Nov find as you explore the museum, Sun Museum, Bromsgrove show offering plenty of opportunity to - Tues 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery 1 - Mon 23 Dec, Thinktank Science ADULT CRAFT WORKSHOP: MAKE A purchase tasty food & drink for Centre, Birmingham Museum, Birmingham CHRISTMAS WREATH Workshop led by Christmas, Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions I QUITE LIKE MONDAYS Musical quiz, designer maker Gilly Page, Sat 7 NEC, Birmingham include ‘magical storytelling experi- Mon 2 Dec, The Red Lion, Hockley, Dec, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE The ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their Birmingham ter, Birmingham largest vetted art, antiques and interi- merry elves, the chance to enjoy TUDOR CHRISTMAS TOURS Special CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say ors fair outside London and featuring breakfast with Santa and his wife, guided tours exploring Christmas in hello to the man himself in his wood- 180 specialist dealers, Thurs 28 Nov - Christmas feasts and medieval ban- the time of the Tudors, Wed 4 - Thurs land grotto, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Coal- Sun 1 Dec, NEC, Birmingham quets, Santa sleepovers, a special 12 Dec, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham brookdale Museum of Iron, carol-singing session and a brand Ironbridge MINICHRISTMAS Activities include tree new ice rink, Sat 30 Nov - Tues 31 GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS TOURS See the decorating, paper-chain making and Dec, Warwick Castle house decorated with festive green- SANTA AND STEAM Santa’s on board snowflake cutting, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 ery and find out how Boulton and his and bearing gifts for youngsters, Dec, Thinktank Science Museum, MORNING EXPLORERS The museum friends would have celebrated the while there’s a glass of sherry for the Birmingham opens early for those wanting to ex- festive season during the 18th cen- grown-ups, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Chur- plore in a quiet and welcoming envi- THE BABY TO TODDLER SHOW Featuring tury, Wed 4 - Thurs 19 Dec, Soho net Valley Railway, Froghall ronment, Sun 1 Dec, Thinktank House, Birmingham more than 100 brands covering ev- Science Museum, Birmingham VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Sat 7 - Sun 8 erything from prams and furniture to CHRISTMAS CRACKER CRAFTING AT Dec, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Iron- toys and clothing, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 SANTA'S SLEEPOVER Experience ‘the SOHO Get into the Christmas spirit by bridge, Shropshire most magical Christmas Escape’ with Dec, NEC, Birmingham designing your own cracker, Wed 4 - CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Enjoy some Santa's Sleepover, Sun 1 Dec & Sun Thurs 19 Dec, Soho House, B’ham SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on 8 Dec, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent yuletide cheer with the castle jester, board a sleigh and head for the North FESTIVE TOURS Learn about Christmas indulge in a treat in the tearoom, and Pole, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec & Wed GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS TOURS See the in the past, Wed 4 - Thurs 19 Dec, hand-deliver your Christmas list to 4 - Sun 8 Dec, West Midland Safari house decorated with festive green- Aston Hall, Birmingham Santa Claus, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Kenil- ery and find out how Boulton and his and Leisure Park, Bewdley, Nr Kid- BURGER BINGO Three hours of burgers worth Castle derminster friends would have celebrated the festive season during the 18th cen- and bottomless booze with non-stop SANTA'S GROTTO Make your museum SANTA HUNTS Help the museum's fes- tury, Sun 1 Dec, Soho House, B’ham entertainment, Thurs 5 Dec, The Red visit extra special by popping along tive costumed guides look for Santa, Lion, Hockley, Birmingham to the festive family grotto, Sat 7 - CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Featuring a va- Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Black Coun- MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Action-packed Sun 22 Dec, Birmingham Museum try Living Museum, Dudley riety of crafts and both vintage and And Art Gallery handmade goods, Sun 1 Dec, Sare- battle to defend the universe from CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a day hole Mill, Birmingham evil, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Dec, Arena Birm- CHILDREN'S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS out that's ‘choc-full of festive fun’, Sat ingham SANTA TRAILS Meet the Victorian 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec & Sat 7 - Sun 8 CHRISTMAS CRACKER CRAFTING AT household readying themselves for SOHO Get into the Christmas spirit by CHRISTMAS AT ANNE HATHAWAY'S COT- Dec, Cadbury World, Birmingham TAGE Anne Hathaway's Cottage pre- the annual visit of their very special designing your own cracker, Sun 1 guest, Sat 7 - Mon 23 Dec, Tamworth CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say Dec, Soho House, Birmingham pares for Christmas with a feast and a hello to Santa in his woodland grotto, visit from the lady herself, Fri 6 - Mon Castle Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Coalbrook- TALL TALES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 30 Dec, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy dale Museum of Iron, Ironbridge, STORY TOUR Interactive telling of the Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon warm drinks and mince pies, sing Shropshire traditional story, Sun 1 Dec, Aston along with carols and make Christ- Hall, Birmingham WHEN YOU WISH UPON A BRUNCH Walk MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS ‘Fusing in- into a musical whimsy, complete with mas decorations, Sun 8 Dec, Birm- credible entertainment with a deli- CHRISTMAS AT COMPTON VERNEY a singalong to your favourite fairytale ingham Back to Backs cious festive feast and a Compton Verney hosts a range of film tunes, while eating brunch and CHRISTMAS AT MILLENNIUM POINT Meet spectacularly themed environment’, festive activities, including story- drinking bottomless booze, Sat 7 Santa, take part in craft workshops, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birm- telling, crafts and trails, Sun 1 - Sun Dec, The Lord Clifden, Birmingham browse stalls and enjoy family enter- ingham 15 Dec, Compton Verney Gallery, tainment, Sun 8 - Thurs 19 Dec, Mil- Warwick CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS An evening of STATFOLD SANTA EXPRESS Climb festive activities, entertainment and lennium Point & Eastside Park, aboard Santa’s magical steam train THINKTANK ELF HUNT Pick up a finder’s refreshments, Sat 7 Dec, Avoncroft Birmingham sheet and record all the elves you whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 December Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:31 Page 1
58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 9 - 15 December Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:31 Page 2
thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 December Hounds, Birmingham DJ HYPE & DADDY EARL Turina, Monti & Arriaga, Fri 13 Dec, Gigs GINGER MINJ'S SUPER Sat 14 Dec, Hare & Classical The Birmingham Midland Institute SPECTACULAR (LOW Hounds, Birmingham RBC REPERTOIRE ORCHESTRA END OF BARNEY ARTIST Mon 9 BUDGET) HOLIDAY EX- CRYSTALINE, BAD LAMA, Music TERM CONCERT: DVORÁK'S EIGHTH Fea- Dec, Hare & Hounds, TRAVAGANZA Thurs 12 WHITE CROW & SEVEY turing Daniele Rosina (conductor) Birmingham Dec, O2 Academy, Sat 14 Dec, Scruffy WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR: and Daniel Lebhardt (piano). Pro- BIRMINGHAM JAZZ OR- Birmingham Murphy’s, Birmingham LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS MUSIC Featur- gramme includes works by Georgia CHESTRA Mon 9 Dec, HOBO JOHNSON & THE KING PLEASURE AND ing Andrew Lumsden (conductor) Denham, Mozart and Dvorák, Fri 13 Royal Birmingham LOVEMAKERS Thurs 12 THE BISCUIT BOYS Sat and Thomas Trotter (organ). Pro- Dec, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Conservatoire Dec, O2 Institute, 14 Dec, Pizza Express gramme includes works by Cor- toire Birmingham Live, Birmingham nelius, JS Bach and aar Wilberg, BOXWOOD & BRASS: A GEORGIAN TENNIS SYSTEM + SPE- Mon 9 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham CIAL GUESTS Mon 9 JAZZ DEPARTMENT GETTING AWAY WITH IT : COUNTRY HOUSE CHRISTMAS Featur- Dec, The Sunflower CHRISTMAS EXTRAVA- XMAS SPECIAL Sat 14 ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN CONCERTO ing Emily Worthington & Katherine Lounge, Birmingham GANZA Thurs 12 Dec, Dec, Hare & Hounds, COMPETITION Mon 9 Dec, Recital Spencer (clarinets), Richard Bayliss Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- & Kate Goldsmith (horns) & Robert SOLID SOUL Mon 9 Royal Birmingham Birmingham toire Percival (bassoon). Programme in- Dec, The Jam House, Conservatoire KATE RUSBY AT CHRIST- cludes works by JC Bach, Attr. Birmingham APOLLO SOUL Thurs 12 MAS Sat 14 Dec, Town SAINT LUCIA SERVICE Mon 9 Dec, Birmingham Cathedral Mahon & Brookes, Fri 13 Dec, The GEORGE HINCHLIFFE - Sat 14 Dec, The Jam Hall, Birmingham Barber Institute, Birmingham UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF House, Birmingham LUNCHTIME MUSIC: CHRISTMAS CAROL CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: STAR GREAT BRITAIN Mon 9 CONCERT Mon 9 Dec, The Bradshaw COUNTERFEIT Thurs 12 WARS Featuring Stephen Bell (con- Dec, Symphony Hall, Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Dec, O2 Academy, ductor), Fri 13 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham toire Birmingham Birmingham NEW POWER GENERA- G4 CHRISTMAS Tues 10 Dec, Birming- SENSATERIA WITH THE FRANCAIX TRIO Fri 13 Dec, Birming- TION - CELEBRATING ham Town Hall DC SPECTRES Fri 13 ham Museum & Art Gallery PRINCE Tues 10 Dec, Dec, The Night Owl, PASCAL PASCALEFF PIANO CONCERT O2 Institute, B’ham Birmingham Programme includes works by Bach, LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHOIR: CHRIST- ROY WOOD’S ROCKMAS MAS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 14 Dec, TORCHE Tues 10 Dec, ROD STEWART Fri 13 Schumann and Liszt, Tues 10 Dec, Sat 14 Dec, Sym- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Lichfield Cathedral Mama Roux’s, B’ham Dec, Arena B’ham phony Hall, B’ham BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR: HAN- HOT SNAKES Tues 10 QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL CAROL THIS FEELING - BIRM- MOTHER POPCORN Sat DEL’S MESSIAH Featuring David Dec, Hare & Hounds, SERVICE Tues 10 Dec, Birmingham INGHAM: YOUNG 14 Dec, The World Hardie (conductor), Sat 14 Dec, Birmingham Cathedral CHASERS, BARRACUDA Bar, Resorts World Birmingham Cathedral SOPHIELOU + + MORE Fri 13 Dec, PABLO FERRÁNDEZ PIANO RECITAL Also WE LOVE THE 90'S Sat THE PEOPLE’S ORCHESTRA: SOMETHING PLEASEPRETTYLEA + The Sunflower featuring Luis Del Valle (piano). Pro- 14 Dec, Arena Birm- MAGICAL Sat 14 Dec, West Bromwich PHELEBA + MADISASKIA Lounge, Birmingham gramme includes works by Bruch, ingham Town Hall Wed 11 Dec, The Sun- ALUNAH Fri 13 Dec, Brahms, Shostakovich and Anton flower Lounge, B’ham The Flapper, B’ham HAPPY MONDAYS Sat Garcia-Abril, Wed 11 Dec, Sym- BIRMINGHAM CITADEL SALVATION ARMY 14 Dec, O2 Institute, phony Hall, Birmingham CHURCH CONCERT Sat 14 Dec, The MERRY HELL PLUS WILL KYLE FALCONER Fri 13 Birmingham Bradshall Hall, Royal Birmingham KILLEEN Wed 11 Dec, Dec, The Castle & Fal- CAROLINE PETHER VIOLIN CONCERT Conservatoire The Red Lion Folk con, Birmingham ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS Also featuring the RBC Strings En- Club, Birmingham TOUR Sat 14 Dec, The MIGRATING SOUNDS Four different BIG COUNTRY semble. Programme includes works Fri 13 Asylum, Birmingham composers examine our relationship PETE TONG PRESENTS Dec, The Mill, Digbeth by Brahms, Wed 11 Dec, Royal with moving sounds and the role of IBIZA CLASSICS Wed 11 BROKEN WITT REBELS Birmingham Conservatoire CATAPULT FT. HIT THE music in the imaginative reconstruc- Dec, Arena B’ham Sat 14 Dec, O2 Insti- ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: UPON A FLOOR Fri 13 Dec, O2 tions of place, Sun 15 Dec, CBSO tute, Birmingham MIDNIGHT CLEAR Also featuring Papa- HISS GOLDEN MESSEN- Academy, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham GER Wed 11 Dec, Hare gena vocal quintet, Wed 11 Dec, GHETTS Fri 13 Dec, O2 EMERGENCY SERVICES CAROL CONCERT & Hounds, B’ham Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Institute, Birmingham Sun 15 Dec, Lichfield Cathedral DERMOT KENNEDY Wed CBSO: MIGRA CONDUCTS BRAHMS Fea- STRANGLERS & IAN BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: SERVICE OF 11 Dec, O2 Academy, turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- DURY TRIBUTE XMAS NINE LESSONS & CAROLS Service of Birmingham tor), Thomas E. Bauerė (baritone) & SHOW Fri 13 Dec, the CBSO Youth Chorus. Pro- bible readings & carols, Sun 15 Dec, THE CHATS Wed 11 Route 44, Birmingham gramme includes works by Elgar, St Alban the Martyr, Birmingham Dec, O2 Institute, BBMAK Fri 13 Dec, O2 THE LIBERTINES Sat 14 - Jörg Widmann and Brahms, Thurs LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA Featur- Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Sun 15 Dec, O2 12 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham ing Freddie Tapner (conductor), DWEEZIL ZAPPA - HOT Academy, Birmingham MOTIONLESS IN WHITE NADINE BENJAMIN IN CONCERT Also Laura Tebbutt & Tim Howar (guest RATS LIVE! Wed 11 Fri 13 Dec, O2 Insti- RUSS MB Sun 15 Dec, featuring Gomez Ferrer (tenor) and singers) & the Jingle Belle Dancers, Dec, Birmingham tute, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Chris Hopkins (piano). Programme Sun 15 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Town Hall DENIS COLEMAN Fri 13 BRONNIE Sun 15 Dec, includes extracts from Verdi’s Otello, MAX & IGGOR CAV- Dec, O2 Institute, The Asylum, B’ham Ballo and Il Trovatore, Thurs 12 Dec, ALERA: RETURN BE- Birmingham BLACK BOMBERS & Royal Birmingham Conservatoire NEATH ARISE Thurs 12 DAVE KUSWORTH BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY CAROL Comedy Dec, O2 Academy, GLOBAL SOUL SHOW- GROUP Sun 15 Dec, SERVICE Thurs 12 Dec, Birmingham GOD SAVE OUR QUEENS - THE TOUR Birmingham CASE Fri 13 Dec, The Bramall, University Of Hare & Hounds, Birm- Cathedral Tues 10 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE Birmingham ingham CATHEDRAL CHORUS & SALVATION SOL BERNSTEIN, ALLYSON SMITH, PAUL TO GEORGE MICHAEL BOTOWN- THE SOULS ARMY CAROLS Thurs 12 Dec, Lichfield MCCAFFREY & ANDY ROBINSON Wed Thurs 12 Dec, Arena PSYCHO DOLLS XMAS OF BOLLYWOOD Sun 15 Cathedral 11 - Sun 15 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham PARTY Sat 14 Dec, Route 44, Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, MIDLANDS HOSPITALS CHOIR: CAROLS Birmingham WONDERLAND Thurs 12 Birmingham FOR CLIC Fri 13 Dec, Birmingham ADAM BLOOM, LEO KEARSE & PETE Dec, The Castle & Fal- VETIVER + TREETOP IO EARTH CHRISTMAS Town Hall OTWAY Thurs 12 Dec, The Comedy con, Birmingham FLYERS Sat 14 Dec, The Cuban Embassy, PARTY Sun 15 Dec, MIDLAND CHAMBER PLAYERS: MAGICAL Loft, Birmingham THE UTOPIA STRONG Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- SPAIN Programme includes works by BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER Thurs 12 Dec, Hare & ingham whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 December Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:31 Page 3 The List Birmingham 9 - 15 December Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:31 Page 4
thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 December Thurs 12 - Fri 13 Dec, Midlands Arts CLUB 2B Immersive theatrical experi- THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE The- ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate Centre, Birmingham ence for the festive season - an event atrical recreation of the popular mo- Birmingham and the Big Wheel make DANIEL SLOSS Fri 13 Dec, O2 for 'anyone with a thirst for life, an tion picture film, until Sun 22 Dec, a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, Academy, Birmingham open mind and a sense of Birmingham Moor Street Centenary Square, Birmingham adventure.', Wed 11 - Tues 31 Dec, MEET SANTA Visit the Antarctic Ice SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on ADAM BLOOM, SEAN PERCIVAL & DAVE Belgrade Theatre, Coventry LONGLEY Fri 13 Dec, The Comedy Cave, meet the man himself and board a sleigh and head for the North Loft, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A festive feast check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Pole, Wed 11 - Sun 15 Dec, West of music, comedy & spoken word, penguins, until Mon 23 Dec, National Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- NIGEL NG, RIORDAN PATRICK, JEREMY Sun 15 - Tues 17 Dec, The Crescent Sea Life Centre, Birmingham wdley, Nr Kidderminster FLYNN & JESSIE NIXON Fri 13 Dec, Theatre, Birmingham Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy warm drinks and mince pies, sing ADAM BLOOM, LEO KEARSE & PETE along with carols and make Christ- OTWAY Sat 14 Dec, The Comedy Loft, mas decorations, Thurs 12 Dec, Birmingham Pantomime Birmingham Back to Backs CINDERELLA Festive family favourite MAC GIN & JAZZ CLUB: FESTIVE EDITION starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) Step into the festivities with a gin Theatre and Sam Rabone, until Sun 5 Jan, cocktail in hand, listening to ‘the best Lichfield Garrick live jazz around’, Fri 13 Dec, Midland MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSI- PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- Arts Centre, Birmingham CAL RADIO PLAY Featuring live Foley ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Step back CHRISTMAS TILE DECORATING WORK- effects and a score of holiday carols, until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, in time to discover a brand new im- SHOPS Try a fun tube-lining technique until Tues 24 Dec, The Old Joint Coventry to produce your own ceramic master- Stock Theatre, Birmingham mersive experience, taking in the DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- sights, sounds and smells of Christ- piece, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Dec, Jackfield THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, mases past, until Tues 24 Dec, Black Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire dersen's family classic follows the ad- Aaron James & Ian Adams, until Country Living Museum, Dudley ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS BRUNCH ventures of inseparable friends Kai & Sun 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Seasonal Featuring live music, performances, Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The Old Theatre quizzes, singalongs and giveaways, Rep Theatre, Birmingham build activities and holiday theming TINDER-ELLA Adults-only panto, Tues throughout the attraction, until Tues Sat 14 Dec, The Lord Clifden, B’ham PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling 10 - Sat 14 Dec, The Blue Orange 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Centre, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Sat 14 Dec, creation flies into Birmingham for Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham ALADDIN Traditional family pan- CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions tomime, Tues 10 - Tues 31 Dec, Sut- include ‘magical storytelling experi- CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- ton Coldfield Town Hall ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their hello to the man himself in his wood- sured history, desperate choices and merry elves, the chance to enjoy land grotto, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- breakfast with Santa and his wife, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Iron- Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- TURE Festive show featuring ‘daring Christmas feasts and medieval ban- bridge, Shropshire ford-upon-Avon duels, stunning sets, outrageous cos- tumes and a very merry man in a quets, Santa sleepovers, a special FATHER CHRISTMAS AT BLAKESLEY HALL THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere dress’, Fri 13 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, The carol-singing session and a brand Meet Father Christmas and see based on David Walliams' bestselling Core Theatre, Solihull new ice rink, until Tues 31 Dec, War- Blakesley Hall dressed for Christmas, book and featuring songs by Robbie wick Castle SNOW WHITE All & Sundry present a Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Blakesley Hall, Williams and Guy Chambers, until Birmingham Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- traditional family pantomime ‘packed atre, Stratford-upon-Avon with fun, laughter and plenty of audi- FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS Explore Aston ence participation’, Sat 14 - Sun 22 Hall and encounter some of your KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove favourite fictional characters, Sat 14 - formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Sun 15 Dec, Aston Hall, Birmingham until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Iron- A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A festive feast Kids Shows bridge, Shropshire of music, comedy & spoken word, Mon 9 - Tues 10 Dec, Highbury Hall, CHARLIE & THE CHRISTMAS CAT ‘Adven- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a day Birmingham ture-packed festive show that’s just out that's ‘choc-full of festive fun’, Sat purrrfect for all the family’, until Tues 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Cadbury World, THE KING & I Tony Award-winning 24 Dec, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Jose Llana & Annalene Beechey star, RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This Tues 10 Dec - Sat 4 Jan, The Alexan- Join Santa on the busiest day of his year’s all-new Santa Show sees the dra Theatre, Birmingham year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry white-bearded one preparing for his big festive performance of The KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & Twelve Days Of Christmas, until Tues music, puppetry and humour com- 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth bine in a stage version of Mick Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Father Christmas in the Castle of ingham Dreams, experience ‘magical’ char- acter parades, live shows, falling snow and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, until Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor THE GOOD SOUL OF SZECHUAN Royal Theme Park, Tamworth Birmingham Conservatoire’s Theatre Events THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes Company presents its version of MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS ‘Fusing in- a welcome return to Birmingham’s Bertolt Brecht’s exploration of the credible entertainment with a deli- Bullring, complete with its super-pop- SANTA'S SLEEPOVER ‘Experience the human soul, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Dec, cious festive feast and a ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The most magical Christmas Escape’ with The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- spectacularly themed environment’, Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham Santa's Sleepover, Sat 14 - Mon 23 podrome until Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham Dec, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent
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thelist until Tues 24 Dec, The Old Joint Gigs Classical Music Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- STEELEYE SPAN 50TH SING CAROLS WITH THE CITY ORGANIST dersen's family classic follows the ad- ANNIVERSARY TOUR AND LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHOIR Fea- ventures of inseparable friends Kai & 1969 - 2019 Mon 16 turing Thomas Trotter (organ), Mon Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The Old Dec, Birmingham 16 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Rep Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall REGGAE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: CLUB 2B Immersive theatrical experi- FUNZING TALKS: MANIP- FESTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA Wed 18 Dec, ence for the festive season - an event ULATION: WHY DO WE Birmingham Town Hall for 'anyone with a thirst for life, an ALLOW IT? Mon 16 CBSO: A CHORAL CHRISTMAS Featuring open mind and a sense of adven- Dec, Hare & Hounds, Simon Halsey (conductor) & the ture.', until Tues 31 Dec, Belgrade Birmingham CBSO Chorus. Hugh Dennis pre- Theatre, Coventry THE BEAT BROTHERS sents, Wed 18 - Fri 20 Dec, Sym- THE KING & I Tony Award-winning Mon 16 - Tues 17 Dec, phony Hall, Birmingham The Bootleg Beatles - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. The Jam House, Birm- EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Jose Llana & Annalene Beechey star, ingham JANE MCDONALD Fri 20 Birmingham CANDLELIGHT Popular festive concert until Sat 4 Jan, The Alexandra The- AITCH Tues 17 Dec, O2 Dec, Arena B’ham HERITAGE & TIN TINS featuring Jeffrey Skidmore at the atre, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham helm, Wed 18 - Sat 21 Dec, St Paul's METZ Fri 20 Dec, Sky CHRISTMAS PARTY Sat PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling Church, Birmingham THE BOOTLEG BEATLES By The Water, Resorts 21 Dec, Hare & creation flies into Birmingham for Tues 17 Dec, Sym- World, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR MALE CHOIR & Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The REP, phony Hall, B’ham THAT’LL BE THE DAY - ROCK BOTTOM Sat 21 PHOENIX SINGERS Two local choirs Birmingham combine, under the leadership of AMY LOUISE ELLIS, THE CHRISTMAS SHOW Dec, Route 44, B’ham A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- James LLewelyn Jones, Thurs 19 BRANDON RIVERS, EMILY Fri 20 Dec, Town Hall, TALON - THE BEST OF sured history, desperate choices and Dec, Birmingham Town Hall SAMBROOK & ISOLA- Birmingham THE EAGLES Sat 21 the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until BELLA MARSON Wed 18 THE SIX ON FIRE’S OFFI- Dec, Town Hall, Birm- BBC WM CAROL SERVICE Thurs 19 Dec, Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- Dec, The Cuban Em- CIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY ingham Birmingham Cathedral ford-upon-Avon bassy, Birmingham Fri 20 Dec, Route 44, GRAFTON ASH Sat 21 CHRISTMAS CRACKER WITH ALED JONES THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere JOHNNY AND THE BAP- Birmingham Dec, The Sunflower Also featuring Adrian Lucas (conduc- based on David Walliams' bestselling TISTS: LOVE BIRMING- KNE Fri 20 Dec, O2 In- Lounge, Birmingham tor), London Concert Orchestra, City book and featuring songs by Robbie HAM AND HATE of Birmingham Choir and Jennifer stitute, Birmingham UB40 - CHRISTMAS Williams and Guy Chambers, until BASTARDS Wed 18 France (soprano), Sat 21 Dec, Sym- BORN IN THE 80’S Fri 20 HOMETOWN SHOW Sat Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- Dec, Midlands Arts phony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The World Bar, 21 Dec, Arena B’ham atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Centre, Birmingham Resorts World TOWN HALL GOSPEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- ALTER BRIDGE Wed 18 SPECIAL Sat 21 Dec, The Bradshaw THUNDER - XMAS SHOW formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Dec, Arena B’ham Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Fri 20 Dec, O2 until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre toire THE MAD JOCKS AND Academy, Birmingham Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon ENGLISHMEN CHRIST- EX CATHEDRA: ANGELS, STARS & KINGS SWAMPMEAT FAMILY UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MAS EXTRAVAGANZA Featuring Ex Cathedra Academy of BAND XMAS PARTY Fri URSULA THE SEA WITCH Musical par- Wed 18 Dec, The Red Vocal Music, Jeffrey Skidmore (con- 20 Dec, The Castle & ody from the award-winning Fat Ras- Lion Folk Club, Birm- ductor) and Alexander Mason Falcon, Birmingham cal Theatre Company, Mon 16 - Sun ingham LOST SOCIETY: XMAS (organ), Sat 21 Dec, St Paul's 22 Dec, Patrick Studio, Birmingham TOMMY BLAIZE TRIO Fri HANNAH JOHNSON & PARTY, ROBERT NICKSON Church, Birmingham Hippodrome 20 Dec, Pizza Express THE BROKEN HEARTS & SAM MITCHAM Sat 21 SHOPPERS’ CAROL SERVICES Live, Birmingham Sat 21 SEARCH FOR THE SECOND STAR Immer- Wed 18 Dec, Hare & Dec, Hare & Hounds, Dec, Lichfield Cathedral sive theatre experience to coincide Hounds, Birmingham THE SIX ON FIRE Fri 20 Birmingham with the venue's Christmas produc- Dec, Route 44, B’ham SWIM DEEP Wed 18 THE CRAIG CHARLES tion of Peter Pan, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, LE FREAK: SOUL TRAIN FUNK & SOUL CLUB Sun Comedy Dec, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham SPECIAL Fri 20 Dec, 22 Dec, The Mill, Dig- JOURNEY OF THE MAGI - A SPECTACU- Night Owl, B’ham beth, Birmingham SONS OF PITCHES Thurs TOMMY SANDHU, ESHAAN AKBAR, MAU- LAR CHRISTMAS TREAT Festive feast 19 Dec, Hare & THE WONDER STUFF Sat NATHAN DAWE #0121 REEN YOUNGER & MARLON DAVIS Tues for families, fusing dance, theatre, Hounds, Birmingham 21 Dec, O2 Academy, Sun 22 Dec, O2 17 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham song & poetry, Sat 21 Dec, The Birmingham Academy, Birmingham DANA ALEXANDER, DALISO CHAPONDA, Church of Carrs Lane, Birmingham CHRISTMAS CRACKER SAVING GRACE FEATUR- ANDY ASKINS & MICKEY D Wed 18 - GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE Blue WITH ALED JONES Sat ING SUZI DIAN AND Sun 22 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham Orange Arts presents its version of 21 Dec, Symphony ROBERT PLANT Sun 22 DAVE LONGLEY, FREDDY QUINN & ALIS- the Roald Dahl classic, Sat 21 - Sun Hall, Birmingham Dec, Birmingham TAIR BARRIE Thurs 19 Dec, The Com- 29 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, THEN JERICO ACOUSTIC Town Hall edy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham CHRISTMAS SPECIAL NOW THAT’S WHAT I ALISTAIR BARRIE, DAVE LONGLEY & Sat 21 Dec, Pizza Ex- CALL CHRISTMAS Sun MATT RICHARDSON Fri 20 - Sat 21 Dec, SUPER SONIX 16+ press Live, B’ham 22 Dec, Symphony The Comedy Loft, Birmingham XMAS PARTY FT. MR Pantomime THE LITTLE EASY BAND / Hall, Birmingham TRAUMATIK Thurs 19 JAVIER JARQUIN & IAN STONE, TOM BLUE NATION / SLEEP SLADE - THE ROCKIN' SNOW WHITE All & Sundry present a Dec, O2 Institute, KING & PHILIP SIMON Sun 22 Dec, The PATTERNS + MORE Sat HOME FOR CHRISTMAS traditional family pantomime ‘packed Birmingham George Hotel, Lichfield 21 Dec, The Flapper, TOUR 2019 Sun 22 with fun, laughter and plenty of audi- HEAVY BEAT CHRISTMAS Birmingham Dec, O2 Institute, ence participation’, until Sun 22 Dec, HOUSE PARTY Thurs 19 Artrix, Bromsgrove GRAFTON ASH Sat 21 Birmingham Dec, Hare & Hounds, Dec, The Sunflower THE TWANG Sun 22 - ALADDIN Traditional family pan- Birmingham Theatre Lounge, Birmingham Mon 23 Dec, O2 Insti- tomime, until Tues 31 Dec, Sutton MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSI- MYRIAM ADAM Thurs tute, Birmingham Coldfield Town Hall THE CLAUSE Sat 21 CAL RADIO PLAY Featuring live Foley 19 Dec, The Flapper, CINDERELLA Festive family favourite Dec, O2 Academy, effects and a score of holiday carols, Birmingham starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 16 - 22 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:43 Page 2
Monday 16 - Sunday 22 December
and Sam Rabone, until Sun 5 Jan, mance. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny include ‘magical storytelling experi- THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes Lichfield Garrick Kaye. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their a welcome return to Birmingham’s ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- from Tues 17 Dec merry elves, the chance to enjoy Bullring, complete with its super-pop- TURE Festive show featuring ‘daring GUYS AND DOLLS (U) Crime/Musical. breakfast with Santa and his wife, ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The duels, stunning sets, outrageous cos- Starring Marlon Brando, Jean Sim- Christmas feasts and medieval ban- Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham tumes and a very merry man in a mons. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 17 quets, Santa sleepovers, a special ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate dress’, until Sun 5 Jan, The Core Dec carol-singing session and a brand Birmingham and the Big Wheel make Theatre, Solihull new ice rink, until Tues 31 Dec, War- a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (12a) wick Castle PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Daisy Rid- Centenary Square, Birmingham ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, ley, John Boyega. Electric Cinema, SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 18 Dec year’s all-new Santa Show sees the board a sleigh and head for the North Coventry white-bearded one preparing for his Pole, Wed 18 - Tues 24 Dec, West STAR WARS: TRIPLE BILL SCREENING big festive performance of The Twelve DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- (12a) Action/Sci-fi. The Mockingbird Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- Days Of Christmas, until Tues 31 Dec, wdley, Nr Kidderminster lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 18 Dec The Snowdome, Tamworth Aaron James & Ian Adams, until STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12a) Ad- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a day Sun 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet out that's ‘choc-full of festive fun’, Fri venture/Sci-Fi. Starring Daisy Ridley, Father Christmas in the Castle of Theatre John Boyega. Midlands Arts Centre, 20 - Mon 23 Dec, Cadbury World, Dreams, experience ‘magical’ charac- Birmingham SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Birmingham, Wed 18, Thurs 19, Sat ter parades, live shows, falling snow Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, 21& Tues 24 Dec and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, until Tues THE GREATEST BRUNCH Featuring ‘sen- Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, sational singers, amazing aerial less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, (12a) Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Billie Tamworth artists and fearless fire-breathers’, Sat 21 Dec - Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Lourd, Daisy Ridley. Electric Cinema, Sat 21 Dec, The Lord Clifden, Birm- Hippodrome Birmingham, from Thurs 19 Dec; The ingham Mockingbird Cinema, Thurs 19 - Tues CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say 24 & Thurs 26 - Tues 31 Dec hello to the man himself in his wood- JUDY & PUNCH (PG) Comedy/Crime. land grotto, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec, Kids Shows Starring Mia Wasikowska, Damon Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Iron- bridge, Shropshire CHARLIE & THE CHRISTMAS CAT ‘Adven- Herriman. Midlands Arts Centre, ture-packed festive show that’s just Birmingham, Fri 20 - Mon 23 & Thurs DIRTY VEGAN: FESTIVE EDITION Special purrrfect for all the family’, until Tues 26 Dec late-night festive edition, Sun 22 Dec, 24 Dec, Lichfield Garrick FROZEN 2 (PG) Animation/Adventure. Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS With the voices of Idina Menzel, Kris- Join Santa on the busiest day of his ten Bell. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 ingham, Fri 20 - Tues 24, Thurs 26 - Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Tues 31 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 20 - Tues 31 Dec KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & music, puppetry and humour com- THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS bine in a stage version of Mick (PG) Animation/Family. With the Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues voices of Danny Elfman, Catherine 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham O’Hara. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- ingham, Sat 21 Dec LITTLE STAR BABY SHOW Show for little ones aged six to 18 months, fusing puppetry, music & ‘captivating’ visu- als, Tues 17 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove Events SANTA IN LOVE ‘Fun-filled family musi- cal complete with games, giggles MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS ‘Fusing in- and all your favourite Christmas credible entertainment with a deli- songs’, Fri 20 - Tues 24 Dec, The cious festive feast and a Core Theatre, Solihull spectacularly themed environment’, until Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE The- atrical recreation of the popular mo- Dance tion picture film, until Sun 22 Dec, Birmingham Moor Street BALLET TRIPLE BILL Lisayne Ballet School present three classic works: MEET SANTA Visit the Antarctic Ice Peter And The Wolf, Ameliaranne And Cave, meet the man himself and The Green Umbrella and Christmas check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Extravaganza, Fri 20 - Sun 22 Dec, penguins, until Mon 23 Dec, National The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Sea Life Centre, Birmingham CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Step back in time to discover a brand new im- mersive experience, taking in the Film sights, sounds and smells of Christ- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: mases past, until Tues 24 Dec, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (PG) Comedy/Drama. Starring Michael CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Seasonal Caine, Dave Goelz. Arena Theatre, build activities and holiday theming Wolverhampton, Mon 16 Dec; Mid- throughout the attraction, until Tues lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sun 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Centre, 22 Dec Birmingham WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) Musical/Ro- CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham 23 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:53 Page 1 The List Birmingham 23 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:53 Page 2
thelist Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 December KANE BROWN, SLIM & COMIC TBC Sun Classical 29 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham GLEE FAMILY COMEDY SHOW Sun 29 EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham CANDLELIGHT Popular festive concert featuring Jeffrey Skidmore at the ROBERT WHITE, MICKEY D, ANDY ROBIN- helm, Mon 23 Dec, St Paul's Church, SON & COMIC TBC Tues 31 Dec, The Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- MAS CAROL SING ALONG Featuring Jonathan Cohen (conductor/ presen- ter), Louise Dearman (guest singer) & Theatre the London Concert Chorus, Mon 23 MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSI- Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CAL RADIO PLAY Featuring live Foley ef- MOZART FESTIVAL CHORUS: CAROLS BY fects and a score of holiday carols, CANDLELIGHT Featuring Susanna Hur- until Tues 24 Dec, The Old Joint Stock rell (soprano - pictured) & Steven Theatre, Birmingham Devine (conductor). Programme in- THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- cludes works by Cullen, Handel and dersen's family classic follows the ad- Bach, Tues 24 Dec, Symphony Hall, ventures of inseparable friends Kai & Birmingham Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The Old Rep Black Tree Vultures - Route 44, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham BASH Sat 28 Dec, Cas- NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH CLUB 2B Immersive theatrical experi- tle and Falcon, B’ham TRU GROOVE Tues 31 ence for the festive season - an event Gigs for 'anyone with a thirst for life, an THE KILLAZ Sat 28 Dec, Dec, The Jam House, MATT TAYLOR Mon 23 open mind and a sense of adventure.', Route 44, Birmingham Birmingham Dec, Night Owl, B’ham until Tues 31 Dec, Belgrade Theatre, THE SPECIALZ Sat 28 T.REXTASY - GET IT ON Coventry THE UPBEAT BEATLES Dec, The Night Owl, Tues 31 Dec, The Tues 24 Dec, The THE KING & I Tony Award-winning Birmingham Robin, Bilston Robin, Bilston Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Jose PAUL PETROV Sat 28 NEW YEARS EVE PARTY’ Llana & Annalene Beechey star, until BEATFACTORY Fri 27 Dec, Sky By The SUBLIME FT GOOD DAY Sat 4 Jan, The Alexandra Theatre, Dec, The World Bar, Water, Resorts World, Tues 31 Dec, The Sun- Birmingham Resorts World, B’ham Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: LAST PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling BLACK TREE VULTURES NEW YEAR’S EVE - NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS Fea- DIRTY DC Sat 28 Dec, creation flies into Birmingham for Fri 27 Dec, Route 44, MEGAN REECE Tues 31 turing Robin Lyn Evans (tenor), James The Robin, Bilston Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Dec, Sky By The Cleverton (baritone) & John Pryce- ‘1215’ Sat 28 Dec, The Jones (conductor). Programme in- Birmingham JAYME TOVEY Fri 27 Water, Resorts World, World Bar, Resorts cludes works by Strauss, Rossini and A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- Dec, Sky By The Birmingham World Rimsky-Korsakov, Fri 27 Dec, Sym- sured history, desperate choices and Water, Resorts World, NEW YEAR’S EVE phony Hall, Birmingham the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until Sat Birmingham NIGHTMARE BEFORE SHINDIG Tues 31 Dec, NYE Sun 29 Dec, Hare LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE BEST 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- GLENN MILLER ORCHES- The Night Owl, B’ham & Hounds, B’ham OF JOHN WILLIAMS Featuring Anthony upon-Avon TRA Fri 27 Dec, Sym- RAWRING 20S! Tues 31 Inglis (conductor ), Sat 28 Dec, Sym- THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere phony Hall, COZY POWELL BIRTHDAY Dec, The Asylum, phony Hall, Birmingham based on David Walliams' bestselling Birmingham BASH Sun 29 Dec, The Birmingham Robin, Bilston LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE book and featuring songs by Robbie NOW! THAT’S WHAT I TWISTED CIRCUS NYE MUSIC OF ZIMMER VS. WILLIAMS Fea- Williams and Guy Chambers, until CALL MANCHESTER 2 Fri RISKY BUSINESS Tues Tues 31 Dec, O2 turing Anthony Inglis (conductor ). Pro- Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- 27 Dec, Hare & 31 Dec, The World Academy, Birmingham gramme includes scores from Hans atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Hounds, Birmingham Bar, Resorts World, Birmingham THE CASTLE & FALCON Zimmer & John Williams, Sun 29 Dec, KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- NANNA RADLEYS Fri 27 - NYE PARTY Tues 31 Symphony Hall, Birmingham formed tale of a nation in turmoil, until Sat 28 Dec, The Jam NEW YEAR’S EVE CARNI- Dec, Castle and Fal- ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre Strat- House, Birmingham VAL Tues 31 Dec, Hare con, Birmingham ford, Stratford-upon-Avon & Hounds, B’ham BEETHOVEN'S NINTH Featuring Lauren BRUM PUNKS XMAS Fagan (soprano) & Kathryn Rudge (mezzo-soprano), Mon 30 Dec, Sym- phony Hall, Birmingham Pantomime LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA Featuring Ilona Dom- SNOW WHITE All & Sundry present a nich (soprano), Alexander James Ed- traditional family pantomime ‘packed wards (tenor) & Anthony Inglis with fun, laughter and plenty of audi- (conductor). Programme includes ence participation’, until Sun 22 Dec, works by Grieg, Puccini and Verdi, Artrix, Bromsgrove Tues 31 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham CINDERELLA Festive family favourite starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) and Sam Rabone, until Sun 5 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Comedy ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- MICKEY D, PAUL THORNE & COMEDY TURE Festive show featuring ‘daring CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Fri 27 duels, stunning sets, outrageous cos- Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham tumes and a very merry man in a MICKEY D, PAUL THORNE, LOUISE YOUNG dress’, until Sun 5 Jan, The Core The- & ANDY ROBINSON Sat 28 Dec, The atre, Solihull Nanna Radleys - The Jam House, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham ALADDIN Traditional family pantomime, whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Birmingham 23 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 17:53 Page 3
Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 December
theTues 10 - Tues 31 Dec,list Sutton Cold- KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & International Convention Centre ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The field Town Hall music, puppetry and humour com- (ICC), Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- bine in a stage version of Mick ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues Birmingham and the Big Wheel make until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, Coventry ingham Events Centenary Square, Birmingham DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN Join CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, Dotty the elf, Dasher the reindeer, include ‘magical storytelling experi- Aaron James & Ian Adams, until Sun Jack Frost and Pompom the penguin ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- in a ‘fun, festive, musical adventure merry elves, the chance to enjoy atre for younger audiences’, Mon 23 - breakfast with Santa and his wife, Tues 24 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Christmas feasts and medieval ban- Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, GRANDPA'S GREAT ESCAPE Nigel Planer quets, Santa sleepovers, a special Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- takes the lead in a brand new staging carol-singing session and a brand less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, of David Walliams’ bestselling chil- new ice rink, until Tues 31 Dec, War- Sat 21 Dec - Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham dren’s book, Mon 23 - Tues 24 Dec & wick Castle Hippodrome Thurs 26 Dec, Arena Birmingham SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This ALADDIN Mon 23 Dec, Dovehouse WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT ‘Catchy year’s all-new Santa Show sees the Theatre, Solihull songs, interactive scenes and plenty white-bearded one preparing for his of hands-on adventure’ combine in big festive performance of The TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore over this adaptation of Michael Rosen & Twelve Days Of Christmas, until Tues 500 stalls packed with all kinds of col- Helen Oxenbury's much-loved picture 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth lectable toys, trains and models for sale, Fri 27 Dec, NEC, Birmingham Kids Shows book, Thurs 26 Dec - Sun 12 Jan, DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet Birmingham Town Hall Father Christmas in the Castle of ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS BRUNCH CHARLIE & THE CHRISTMAS CAT ‘Adven- Dreams, experience ‘magical’ char- Featuring live music, performances, ture-packed festive show that’s just acter parades, live shows, falling quizzes, singalongs and giveaways, purrrfect for all the family’, until Tues snow and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, Sat 28 Dec, The Lord Clifden, B’ham 24 Dec, Lichfield Garrick Dance until Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS SHEN YUN Epic production fusing Theme Park, Tamworth board a sleigh and head for the North Join Santa on the busiest day of his classical Chinese dance, sceno- THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes Pole, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Dec, West Mid- year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 graphical effects and original orches- a welcome return to Birmingham’s land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry tral works, Tues 31 Dec - Thurs 2 Jan, Bullring, complete with its super-pop- ley, Nr Kidderminster
66 whatsonlive.co.uk Belgrade Theatre Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 11:45 Page 1 Millenium Point Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 09:50 Page 1