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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands Birmingham ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sISSUE On 364 APRIL 2016 JULIAN CLARY SHARES THE JOY OF MINCING

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

PIXIE LOTT talks about playing Holly Golightly on tour interview inside... Tom Jones (FP- April 16).qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 09:33 Page 1 Contents April Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:54 Page 1

April 2016

Contents

Pixie Lott - talks about playing the lead in Breakfast At Tiffanys. Interview page 22

Alice Zawadzki Rob Delaney The Young’uns the list

musician of many talents the ‘funniest person on Twitter’ talk about finding themselves Your 16-page at the Glee Club at The REP on a winning streak week-by-week listings guide page 14 page 26 page 25 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 26. Comedy 30. Theatre 38. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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Editorial Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 MAGAZINE GROUP Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Adam Jaremko, Kathryn Ewing, David Vincent 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 April Birmingham Only.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 17:15 Page 1

First Word

Big names announced for Birmingham Pride

The organisers of Birmingham’s annual gay Pride celebration are aiming to make the 20th festival one to remember. The 2016 event takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend of 28 & 29 May. It will feature live performances from, among many others, Erasure’s Andy Bell, Grammy- nominated Lisa Stansfield (pictured), Vengaboys and chart-topping headliners Katy B, MNEK and Fleur East. The festival also features a dance arena, cabaret marquee, funfair and women’s arena, in addition to a host of community stalls and refreshments. This year’s Carnival Parade is taking ‘A Generation of Pride’ as its theme. Commenting on the event, Birmingham Pride Festival Director Lawrence Barton said: “We're expecting a record turnout, attracting people from throughout the UK. And, with over 100 artists and DJs performing during the weekend, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy.” For full details, visit: birminghampride.com

New and beautiful at BBC show A comic history at the Crescent

Birmingham youth theatre group Stage2 is presenting a comic history of English Literature at the city’s Crescent Theatre this month. A Fallible Lecture, origi- nally a short prose poem BBC Gardeners’ World Live is looking for emerging talent by Liverpool poet Brian Birmingham Children’s in garden design to create fun and attractive borders for Patten, has been extend- Hospital goes bananas this year’s show. ed and adapted for the The selected creations will feature in the Beautiful Borders stage. Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is and brand new Edible Borders elements of the event. The show is being pre- calling for fundraising families to put their Beautiful Borders has a literary theme for 2016, while sented in the Crescent best feet forward and take part in its Minion Edible Borders takes a 5-a-day theme. Studio Theatre from 13 to Mini-Marathon to raise money for its Eye Commenting on the competition, 2015 Beautiful Borders 16 April. Believe Appeal. Gold Medal winner Lisa Niemy, of Beautiful Borders The event takes place in the city’s Cannon Garden Design, Guildford, said: “After a lifetime of watch- Hill Park on Saturday 23 April (11am) and ing others produce stunning borders at garden shows and costs £5 per adult and £2 per child. All par- on TV, it’s fabulous to turn your hand to designing and ticipants are asked to seek sponsorship to building a border at a show. A rollercoaster of challenges, complete the 5k course. it’s helped kick-start our business and really put us on the The Eye Believe Appeal aims to raise map.” £300,000 to totally transform the hospital’s Applications are open until 8 April. Each accepted eye department, creating a bright, comfort- Beautiful and Edible Borders applicant will be given £50- able waiting area and interactive play space worth of National Garden Gift Vouchers to contribute suitable for children with impaired vision. towards plants for their border at the show. For more information on the Eye Believe For more information and an application form, contact: Appeal and to register for the Minion Mini- [email protected]. Marathon, visit Birmingham Children’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place at Birmingham’s Hospital Charity at bch.org.uk/eyebelieve, or NEC from 16 to 19 June. email [email protected].

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Entertainment news from around the region

Blues and jazz Phill Jupitus to join aplenty in Lichfield Chitty cast at the

Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival has Hippodrome announced its line-up for 2016. Comedian Phill Jupitus and West End The popular event will this year fea- starlet Carrie Hope Fletcher will join Lee ture performances from, among others, The Birmingham Jazz Mead and Michelle Collins in the star- Orchestra, The Callum Roxburgh studded cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Swing Orchestra, Steve Ajao Blues when it flies into Birmingham Giants, Rebecca Downes, The Hippodrome in September. Steve Waterman Quartet, leading The hit musical also features ‘sensation- solo bassist Fred Thelonius Baker, al’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects and, of The Nick Dewhurst Quintet and The Zappatistas. course, a memorable score by the Commenting on this year’s festival, Sherman Brothers, which includes such organiser Brian Pretty said: “As well classics as Truly Scrumptious, Toot as the quality music, we will have Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the workshops to join in with, and Oscar-nominated title song itself. entertainment throughout the The show runs at Birmingham weekend. The festival offers incredible value for money, and we can Hippodrome from Wednesday 7 to guarantee you a good weekend of Sunday 18 September. great music and entertainment.” Tickets are available from £23.50 and The festival takes place at various can be booked at birminghamhippo- Lichfield venues from 24 to 26 drome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000. June. For further details and to book tickets, visit lichfieldarts.org.uk

New Artistic More Electro Swing in Digbeth Director at Electro Swing lovers and vintage connoisseurs are being urged to BCMG take to the streets and party in style when the Swingamajig festival arrives at Birmingham’s Rainbow venues on 1 May. Birmingham The unique event, Contemporary Music now in its fourth year, Group (BCMG) has brings the ‘sounds appointed Stephan Meier and styles of the Cass Art in Brum as its new Artistic 1920s up to date with Director. a modern twist’. The UK’s leading independent art Stephan is currently the To check out who’s supplies retailer has opened a new Artistic Director of appearing at this store in Birmingham. Hanover’s Das Neue Cass Art is committed to providing year’s festival, visit ‘the world’s best art materials at Ensemble. He will join swingamajig.co.uk the guaranteed lowest prices’, and BCMG in August. to inspiring everyone to make and Commenting on his new do art. role, Stephan said: “This is our 11th shop in the UK,” “Birmingham Ruthie Henshaw in says founder Mark Cass, “and Contemporary Music we’re thrilled to be opening in the Group is one of the That’s Entertainment! largest city outside the capital. Birmingham has a rich cultural her- world’s finest new music Musical theatre favourite Ruthie itage and continues to be a bea- ensembles, admired for Henshall is heading to Birmingham this con of innovation. With a vibrant its joyous, uncompromis- summer with a brand new song & dance artist community and international- ing championing of the production. ly acclaimed arts venues, there’s music of today. It is, Ruthie, who’s starred in numerous West no shortage of creative talent. With therefore, a privilege to be IKON gallery and Birmingham End and Broadway shows, including Museum & Art Gallery on our its next Artistic Director, Chicago, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, doorstep, we’re excited to be at the and to be asked to lead a Cats and Crazy For You, will visit the heart of it all.” new phase in the ensem- New Alexandra Theatre with That’s ble’s life.” Entertainment!, a celebration of big hits from the 1940s and ’50s that features the music of Lerner & Loewe, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. The show runs at the venue from 19 to 23 July.

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First Word

All Saints back on the road bbopLive with Red Flag tour in Brum Pop group All Saints will visit Birmingham’s 02 Academy A live, star-studded event in in the autumn (14 October) as part of their first full UK front of 15,000 people at headline tour in over 15 years. Birmingham’s Genting Arena The group are hitting the road in support of Red Flag, their is one of three special EU first album in 10 years, which is released on 8 April. Referendum festivals In a statement about the autumn tour, All Saints said: announced by the “Playing live is our favourite thing to do as a band and we Grassroots Movement. can’t wait to perform all our hits plus some new tracks The festival, featuring some from Red Flag. It’s incredible to think our last proper tour of Britain's hottest artists - was over 15 years ago. So we’ve been waiting for this as well as speeches from moment for a very long time. We can’t wait to get out there leading personalities and and see everyone." politicians who support leaving the EU - will be the first of its kind in the UK. Branded BpopLive, the event will bring together a broad New Midlands Birthday celebrations at Symphony Hall audience, united by a love of folk festival Birmingham’s Symphony Hall is this month celebrating its 25th great music, to raise awareness of the importance of A brand new Birmingham anniversary with a special concert - and anyone aged 25 or under is invited to attend the event free of charge. the EU Referendum in the folk festival will make its UK. Now that the date for debut at the city’s Town Taking place on 15 April, The Next 25 features the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and three talented musicians who’re celebrating the Referendum has been set Hall in May. for 23 June, the relevance of Imagined Isle brings togeth- their 25th birthdays in 2016 - Lukas Geniušas, Jamie Phillips and Ryan Latimer. BpopLive has never been er a line-up of nationally clearer, especially in terms and internationally The concert programme comprises performances of of engaging younger voters. renowned artists with a Contributors include Sigma selection of local and Stravinsky’s Firebird, Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a new com- (pictured), Sigala, Phats & emerging musicians. Small, DJ Luck & MC Neat Performers include The mission by Latimer. Tickets for people 25 and under and Electric Swing Circus, Songs Of Nick Drake, Kate with more to be announced. Rusby, The Ukulele must be reserved at the Symphony Hall Box Office bpopLIVE comes to Genting Orchestra of Great Britain Arena on Sunday 8 May. and Eric Bibb. ahead of the event, and ID Commenting on the event, must be shown. Richard Hawley, Head of Over 25s who wish to purchase Artistic Programming at the tickets to the concert can do so city’s Town Hall and at: thsh.co.uk/SH25 Symphony Hall, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing Imagined Isle as a new festival for Fourth outing for Soul Acoustic Birmingham. Working closely with artists and in This year’s Soul Acoustic tour, which visits Birmingham’s Glee Club partnership with many pro- on 28 April, will feature an all-female line-up in honour of women’s moters, we’ve curated a contribution to music. wonderful line-up of excep- Now in its fourth year, the developmental tour is a celebration of NEW GIGS tional talent, both estab- songwriting, singing and performance. Confirmed artists for 2016 lished and emerging, with include one-time X Factor finalist ANNOUNCED! Misha B (pictured). many performers coming LAURA MVULA Sat 21 May - from the West Midlands. “We’re proud to be rolling out Year O2 Institute While we still have a few Four of Soul Acoustic”, says Ammo CYNDI LAUPER Wed 22 Jun - events to announce, please Talwa, CEO of Punch, the music & Symphony Hall do join us for an unforget- arts development agency behind RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Fri 15 table weekend of music the tour. “Live music, and the Jul - Symphony Hall opportunity to perform in such a ALL SAINTS Fri 14 Oct - from folk origins that will O2 Academy capture hearts and imagina- pure style, has always been a vital JEAN-MICHEL JARRE Sat 8 tions.” component of the black music mar- Oct - Barclaycard Arena ket. I’m pleased to see that some of Tickets for the festival are NICKELBACK Fri 14 Oct - now on sale at: the artists we’ve championed previ- Genting Arena thsh.co.uk/imagined-isle- ously have gone from strength to PLACEBO Thurs 8 Dec - 2016 strength.” Barclaycard Arena

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FEATURE

Jolly good show, chaps!

Graham Seed talks about Rattigan, romance and how wearing a uniform might give his wife ideas…

With the tractors and traumas of Ambridge well and truly behind him (he played Nigel Pargetter in radio soap The Archers for an incredible 27 years), award-winning actor and broadcaster Graham Seed continues to work extensively. Just starting out on a national tour, Graham plays Squadron Leader Swanson in Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path, directed by Justin Audibert. “It’s going very well and we have a terrific cast,” beams Graham, a self-confessed Rat- tigan fan. “As an actor, I’m really enjoying it because Rattigan writes such good characters; he just didn’t write bad parts. One of his best plays is The Deep Blue Sea, and this has early elements of that. It’s rather delightful and I like the play enormously.” Based on Rattigan’s own experiences as a tail gunner during World War Two, the play is rooted in wartime Britain, where the life- and-death existence of the RAF bomber crews, and the wives and sweethearts who were on tenterhooks awaiting their return, created a permanent state of high anxiety. The story tells of former actress Patricia, the wife of RAF pilot Teddy. When Patricia’s ex lover and Hollywood idol Peter arrives ‐ out of the blue, her emotions are thrown into turmoil and the survival of her marriage to Teddy becomes uncertain. As the conflict rages in the skies above, on terra firma feelings simmer, threatening to become every bit as explosive. A romance with shades of Brief Encounter, then? Graham nods. “She has to decide

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by Vicky Edwards

It’s rather romantic and like being with a family. For me, as an older member of ‘‘ the company, there’s a responsibility to make sure that everyone’s happy. ” what she’s going to do, but it does have hu- about 20 years older than everyone else!” audience. He was about to cast a young mour, too. It’s a very evocative and powerful But there’s something about this particular character called Nigel, so I was spotted in play. My character is quite funny and rather production that’s had a rejuvenating effect Birmingham. And, of course, The Archers is charming. He’s a frightfully good chap; full on Graham. Botox? A bit of a nip-and-tuck? recorded up there, so I can visit old friends.” of that stiff upper lip phlegm.” As it transpires, nothing so drastic. With all the schlepping about he does for In pitching his performance, Graham has “I know it sounds slightly immature for a 65- work, how does Graham relax? had to take care not to stray into parody. “If year-old man to say it, but it’s quite nice to “I find it very hard to relax,” he confesses. “I you did it wrong, you’d be into Black Adder put on an air force uniform. I look pretty do What The Papers Say every other Sunday, or Monty Python territory, which you don’t chipper. It’s like evening dress - if you’re a so don’t get many Sundays off. You always want at all.” woman and you suddenly look at your old worry about your next job, and even at 65 But it’s not just the good of the play that man in evening dress, you say, ‘Goodness, I’m always worried that I’ll be found out. Graham is mindful about; he clearly has he polishes up well!’ When my wife sees me But I’m actually pretty content. Getting great respect for the real-life pilots who car- in my RAF uniform, I hope she thinks that older makes you less ambitious; there are ried out such dangerous missions. there’s life in the old dog yet!” more important things, like your health. So “These boys were incredibly brave and they Certainly on the work front Graham contin- now I’m absolutely thrilled to play good understated the danger always. The play is ues to have offers lined up. Although he’s supporting roles and to really enjoy them.” set against the backdrop of planes taking off best remembered for The Archers, his CV is Anxious that he doesn’t come across as and not coming back. You can see why crammed with credible theatre, film and TV “worthy” (he doesn’t), Graham believes that Churchill loved it. The Great War was so credits. “That’s because I’m so old,” he there’s a duty to tour good plays around the ghastly that it became romantic, but in the twinkles. “I’ve ducked and dived. I’m what country, especially to unsubsidised theatres. Second World War, far more civilians were they call a jobbing actor.” Speaking of which, it’s time for him to head bombed.” As for life on tour, Graham doesn’t mind liv- off to transform himself into a fine young Mixing history with an intriguing story gives ing out of a suitcase in the least. man in uniform for the evening perform- Flare Path broad appeal, and the cast are “It’s rather romantic and like being with a ance. delighted that the show is attracting audi- family. For me, as an older member of the “I’m revving up for chocks away,” he grins, ences of all ages. company, there’s a responsibility to make before adding: “It’s not a bad life.” “It’s definitely a play that’s suitable for all sure that everyone’s happy. But it’s a lovely Indeed. And he’s a jolly good egg. A jolly the family, and I do hope that lots of young way to see friends in other parts of the coun- good egg in a jolly good show. Go and see people will come to see it,” says Graham, try and to visit wonderful theatres.” for yourself. who admits that these days he isn’t feeling Asked to name the theatres around the as sprightly as he once did. country that he’s most looking forward to “I’m suddenly feeling my age,” he confides. playing, Graham doesn’t hesitate: “Birming- Flare Path shows at the The REP, “For years, you’re the youngest in the com- ham! As a young actor I was at Birmingham Birmingham from pany, and now I’m suddenly the oldest - I’m Rep and the editor of The Archers was in the Monday 25 – Saturday 30 April.

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Food

A little bit of India opens in Chinatown

Birmingham’s Chinatown has a sophisticated place in which to brand new eatery - a premium dine, enjoy an evening of fine fine-dining Indian restaurant! food and experience excellent James Dahl is situated in The customer service. I know The Arcadian Centre and is the first Arcadian is known for its restaurant to be opened by local Chinese restaurants, but I want- businessman Mohammed ed to put a little bit of India in Husban Ahmed. there too.” “It’s been my dream to open a For information about James restaurant for years,” says Dahl, visit: Husban, “and I’ve put my heart thearcadian.co.uk/food-drink- and soul into creating a very entertainment

REVIEW: San Carlo, Temple Street Con Spinaci, lightly fried in With such incredible choice of white wine and presented still in starter and main course, it Oozing freshness with every bite... their shells. My partner opted for would be easy for the dessert the Grilled Goats Cheese, menu to become an after- Sesame Seeds and Balsamic driz- thought. Not in San Carlo’s case. zle - refreshingly mild in flavour For the perfect palate cleanser, I with a light crumble and accent- recommend the Panna Cotta ed perfectly by the peppery kick served with fresh fruit compote, of fresh rocket. deliciously light and bursting After another round of lengthy with the intense flavour of fresh deliberation - aided by a Bellini raspberries. Or for something a cocktail of prosecco and fresh little more substantial, you can’t peach juice - our choice of main go far wrong with San Carlo’s course did not fail to impress. In homemade Baked Italian fact, it exceeded all expecta- Cheesecake. tions. Deciding on the ‘mixed In a market that sometimes feels pasta’ platter - a choice of three saturated with inoffensive high signature pasta dishes as select- street chains, it’s refreshing to ed by the Head Chef at £11.95 come across a restaurant for per head - the ‘star turn’ of the whom passion for produce It was back in 1992 that Sicilian and a genuine passion for his evening came in the form of the remains a guiding principle. entrepreneur and businessman craft, our Maitre’d was on hand Tagliolini Lobster - special pasta At the heart of Carlo Distefano’s Carlo Distefano first set up shop to guide us through the over- with lobster, brandy, tomato, business empire lies a real in Birmingham’s Temple Street, whelming choice of dishes, cream and petit-pois. Succulent, appreciation for quality ingredi- after travelling to England with a which included both a varied beautifully sweet and infused ents - and it shows! mere £12 in his pocket to work in mix of classic pastas and a selec- with an unmistakable taste of Simple, heartfelt and infused a barber’s shop. tion of lesser known regional the sea, the freshness of the lob- with a genuine passion for the Fourteen years on and with over specialities. ster married perfectly with the culture and cuisine, San Carlo is 20 Italian eateries to his name, Special mention too must go to lightness of the tomato and big on flavour and even bigger the San Carlo group has gone San Carlo’s enviable choice of cream sauce. An absolute on heart! Bellissimo! from strength to strength, estab- fish dishes, which includes the delight to eat and by far one of Katherine Ewing lishing international roots in lavishly named Mixed Shellfish the best shellfish dishes I’ve ever Thailand and the Middle East Royale - a tantalising combina- had the good fortune to sample. Food: n n n n n alongside its ever-growing UK tion of roasted giant prawn Accompanying this was the Service: n n n n n base of wine bars, pizzerias, crevettes, scallops and mussels Garganelli Salsiccia & Porcini - a Ambience: n n n n n ‘Cichetti’ cafes and traditional with garlic butter - and Mixed rich egg pasta dish with Overall value n n n n n Italian restaurants. Yet despite Seafood platter for two, simply Cambrain-imported spiced OVERALL n n n n n its global reputation, San Carlo prepared and oozing freshness sausage and porcini mushroom has never lost sight of its hum- with every bite. which, whilst a little rich for my ble beginnings - and therein lies After sampling San Carlo’s deli- taste, was nevertheless a fine San Carlo, the secret to its hard-won suc- cious home-made pizza bread example of a traditional dish, 4 Temple Street, cess. with passata sauce (a triumph in simply prepared and executed Birmingham, B2 5BN Exuding a characteristic warmth itself), I finally opted for a with panache. starter of Scallops Capesante Tel: 0121 633 0251 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD April - Region Brum - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:50 Page 3 FOOD April - Region Brum - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:50 Page 4

Food

Alison Hammond to host food awards Brummie TV presenter Alison Hammond is to host this summer’s inaugural Birmingham Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards. Best known from ITV1’s This Morning show, Alison will host the awards ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium on Monday 6 June. Commenting on the forthcom- ing engagement, Alison said: “I’m delighted to be taking the helm of these awards. I love Birmingham and we’ve never had it so good when it comes to going out to great places for fabulous food and drink. I’m looking forward to celebrating the best of the best in the city.”

Glynn Purnell’s Friday Night Kitchen is back...

Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell will be Glynn. “I’m looking forward to hearing about joined by X Factor winner Sam Bailey when he her favourite food, so I can think up some deli- opens the doors of his Friday Night Kitchen at cious recipes for everyone on the night. I’m Villa Park’s Holte Suite in the autumn (7 delighted with the way the event has grown October). Sam and other celebrities will be over the last two years, and proud to have assisting Glynn with the cooking in what prom- helped raise such a phenomenal figure for Cure ises to be a fun-filled live show. Leukaemia. I can promise that it will be anoth- Glynn’s previous two Friday Night Kitchens er night full of fun, laughs, amazing music have raised over £100,000 for Cure Leukaemia, and, of course, great food!” a charity for which the chef is a trustee. For more information, “I can’t wait to welcome Sam and other guests visit purnellsrestaurant.com to my Friday Night Kitchen this October,” says

Nozomi to open on Fleet Street Pop up restaurant at Six Eight Kafe International Food A new sushi and Japanese tapas A food company specialising in taking its diners on a nostal- court to open in restaurant is opening on gic journey inspired by cuisine from the prohibition era is Digbeth Birmingham’s Fleet Street this hosting two pop-up restaurants in Birmingham this month. The Digbeth area of Birmingham month. A Lost Society is the brainchild of Josh Porter and Jade looks set to get its own interna- An export from Knightsbridge in Hollingworth, whose stated aim is “to educate, excite and tional food court. London, Nozomi Birmingham will evoke memories for all our guests”. The food court would sit adja- offer a Japanese take on the perenni- Josh and Jade’s restaurants pop up at Six Eight Kafe on 9 & 23 cent to the new 108-bedroom ally popular tapas style of dining, April. with small plates served for sharing. Adagio apart-hotel complex. It Commenting on the new eatery, a would be five storeys high and spokesperson for Nozomi said: “We’re feature stalls selling healthy very excited about opening our new snack foods from around the restaurant in Birmingham - and the world, including Japanese sushi, first in the UK outside London. The South American cajun chicken, menu will be the same as London but Chinese rice dishes and African with a few additions.” market dishes. The new restaurant opens at the end The food court would be part of of April and will be housed in a her- the regeneration project current- itage building, close to Coffin Works ly being undertaken in Digbeth. in the Jewellery Quarter. We’ll keep you posted.

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Gigs

Muse Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 2 April Since their debut in 1994, Muse have released seven studio albums - including Absolution (2003), Black Holes And Revelations (2006) and The 2nd Law (2012) - selling upwards of 17 million copies worldwide. Seventh album Drones topped the UK charts for two weeks last June. The talented three-piece, comprising Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard, have also won numerous awards for their work, including two BRITs, two Grammys and eight NME gongs. Renowned for their exceptional live performances, the band’s Drones World Tour sees them performing for the first time ‘in the round’, from the middle of the arena. This stage design and configuration gives fans a true 360-degree audio/visual sensory experience.

The Cat Empire Gregory Porter O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 2 April Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 24 April Brooklyn-based vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter has been called ‘one of the most captivating voices in contemporary jazz’. Not bad for a fella who didn’t follow his dream of becoming a professional musician until he was nearly 40 - a step he took to fulfill his dying mother’s wish for him. A move from Southern California to New York kickstarted his success story, with his album, Liquid Spirit, bagging a coveted Grammy Award. In the UK alone, the album is certified gold and has shown For over a decade, Australian ska/jazz band plenty of staying power in the Official The Cat Empire have been showcasing their Album Charts. trademark high-energy live gigs around the Porter has performed with such greats as world. Martin Gaye, Nat Cole and Donny This month, the six-piece return to the UK in Hathaway. support of their new album, Rising With The Sun, which was released in March. Noel Gallagher’s “There's a lot of celebration on Rising With High Flying Birds The Sun,” says man main Felix, “in terms of Genting Arena, Birmingham, Fri 29 April ‘celebrating’ what The Cat Empire is, and Last year saw ex-Oasis member Noel what it means to people to come to the Gallagher and his High Flying Birds complete shows and be a part of that celebration and a worldwide tour that included a sell-out self-abandon for a night. I don't want to round of UK arena shows and headline per- make grand statements about whether it's formances at major summer festivals, includ- our best album or not. It doesn't really mat- ing T In The Park and Latitude. The band’s album, Chasing Yesterday, went straight to ter. It's true to what the band is, and to number one in the Official UK Album Charts what’s kept people coming back to our and has received huge critical acclaim. shows for quite a long time, and that’s some- The boys are back on the road alongside thing that's really great.” Super Furry Animals, who take the support slot on this new UK tour. 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - April - Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:51 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Betty Wright The Drum, Birmingham, Sat 9 April

Jeff Lynne’s ELO received rave reviews from the critics. As With a career spanning over four well as embarking on this 10-date UK tour, decades, Betty Wright is arguably Genting Arena, Birmingham, the band have also announced that they’ll Sat 16 - Sun 17 April one of the most talented vocalists of be playing Glastonbury’s famous Legends her generation. She rose to fame With a unique sound blending rock, pop slot, which has featured the likes of Dolly when just 17 years old, following the and classical, ELO have produced 26 UK Top Parton and Lionel Richie in recent years. release of her most famous song, 40 singles and sold over 50 million records As with ELO’s previous chart-topping Clean Up Woman. throughout their career. Alone In The albums, Jeff Lynne continues to serve as the Tonight Is The Night, She’s Got Universe - the band’s first album in 15 years group’s producer, songwriter, arranger, lead Papers On Me and No Pain, No Gain - was released last November and has singer and guitarist. also feature in her repertoire of classics.

Talon Alice Zawadzki U.K. Subs Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs 14 The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 22 April The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 21 April April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington With 2016 marking their 40th anniversary, Spa, Sat 30 April Alice Zawadzki is a musician of many talents. Not only is she a phenomenal vocalist, this legendary band represent the true spirit Talon here present a brand new pro- she’s also a violinist, a songwriter, a com- of punk rock and continue to tour the world. duction of their award-winning Best poser and an improviser. Her journey into Expect to hear classics from their UK top-10 Of Eagles. jazz started at just 12 years of age. By the albums, Brand New Age and Crash Course, The first half of the show takes an in- time she was 15, she was a backing vocalist as well as songs from latest offering Yellow depth look at the ‘early Eagles roots’ for Lillian Boutté. Alice has since brought Leader, released last year. before making the journey from Hell her ‘distinctive and individual presence’ to Freezes Over to the critically most major venues and festivals in the UK. acclaimed Long Road Out Of Eden. The second half celebrates the band’s ‘greatest hits'. After 19 successful years together, Talon have certainly fulfilled their mission to ‘faithfully recreate the music of the Eagles with honesty, respect and reverence”. Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 20 April Having racked up over 20 years of music- making, not only together but with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Levellers, Kate Rusby and Show Of Hands, partners Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have firmly established themselves as pillars of the modern British folk scene. So much so, in fact, that the pair have been nominated for Best Duo in the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards 2016.

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Classical Music

Birmingham Philharmonic Ex Cathedra: Concerto Shakespeare Odes Birmingham Conservatoire, Sun 24 April Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 22 April; Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 24 A collaborative project between Birmingham April; Hereford Cathedral, Fri 6 May; Conservatoire and Birmingham Philharmonic St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Orchestra, the Concerto Prize concert features Wolverhampton, Sat 7 May performances from the coveted competition’s This latest Ex Cathedra presentation sees three finalists - Yu-Cheng Chen (marimba), the talented early music ensemble turn- Michael Webb (clarinet) and Yuting Guo ing its attention to Shakespeare, in a con- (piano). cert performed in recognition of the 400th The concert, introduced by BBC TV presenter anniversary of the bard’s death. Michael Collie, sees former Prize winner Presented in partnership with the Michael Seal making a welcome return to con- Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the duct the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra. Left to right: Yu-Cheng Chen, Yuting Guo & Michael Webb Shakespeare Institute and in association Commenting on the event, Julian Lloyd with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Webber, Principal of Birmingham Conservatoire, said, “The chance to take part in this concert features a staged, period-instru- famous competition, and to perform a concerto with such an expert orchestra as the ment performance of actor David Birmingham Philharmonic, is a fantastic experience for these students as they take their Garrick’s 1769 Shakespeare Ode, with first steps on the professional ladder. And for the audience, this will be an exciting oppor- music by Thomas Arne (Rule Britannia). tunity to hear three exceptional musicians in an afternoon of thrilling performances.” The evening also includes a new Ode, written by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, which has been composed for Ex Cathedra and a ‘broken consort’ of instruments by Sally Beamish. Tamsin Waley-Cohen And City Of Birmingham Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra Stratford Artshouse, Tues 12 April; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 13 April Wed 27 - Thurs 28 April Acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen once again joins forces with the Stratford- based Orchestra Of The Swan, for whom she is an Associate Artist. Described by The Guardian as a performer of ‘fearless intensi- ty’, Tamsin here plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, a piece which was considered unplayable at the time it was composed. The concert also features Mozart’s Symphony no25 in G minor and, to maintain the Orchestra Of The Swan’s season of Shakespeare-connected work, Shostakovich’s Hamlet Suite.

A conductor much admired for his

great sensitivity, Ilan Volkov (pictured Ex Cathedra above) here digs beneath the surface of Mahler’s playful and melodic Fourth Symphony in search of its rich vein of black comedy. Nigel Kennedy’s New Both concerts also feature a delightful Four Seasons And new version of Debussy’s Children’s Dedications Corner. Malvern Theatre, Sat 16 April The programme on the 27th is com- pleted by Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D Perhaps in an attempt to distract himself major, and on the 28th by the first UK from the feelings of utter misery that are performance of a brand new piano part and parcel of supporting Aston Villa, concerto. The new work has been spe- maverick violinist Nigel Kennedy has cially written by Danish ‘sonic magi- headed out on tour with an acoustic ver- cian’ Hans Abrahamsen for the soloist sion of his groundbreaking Four Seasons. in both concerts, Alexandre Tharaud. Alongside his rendition of this Vivaldi Soprano Sarah Tynan also contributes favourite, the concert also sees him per- to both evenings. forming his own eclectic Dedications.

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SUMMER FESTIVAL Guide

As another summer sets in, we're already looking forward to the warm weekends of the 2016 festival season, promising pop parties, metal mayhem, indie extravaganzas and some folking good fun, along with (mostly) jazz, funk and blues. Over the winter, we asked you to vote for the best venues and events across the region, and now the polls have closed, we can officially reveal a handful of the finalists. Here are your favourite music festivals, plus a few more to watch out for in the coming months.

Slam Dunk Festival Moseley Folk Festival Shrewsbury Folk Festival NEC, Birmingham, Sun 29 May Moseley Park, Birmingham, West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Sun 4 September Fri 26 - Mon 29 August With rainbow colours, floral stages and Long recognised as a hand-made crafts filling the stunning sur- key date in any roundings of Moseley Park, our next top fi- folkie's calendar, this nalist is a festival of a rather different four-day festival character. Tucked away from busy city streets takes the last top in an eleven-acre woodland glade, Moseley spot in our festival Folk feels a world away from the bustle of category as voted for central Birmingham, with a laid-back, fam- by you. The pictur- ily-friendly atmosphere offering the perfect esque, historical town of Shrewsbury, where way to unwind at the end of the summer. the West Midlands meets the Welsh and Nominally a folk festival, it incorporates a North West borders, provides the perfect set- huge array of styles and genres, program- ting for a festival focused on unearthing tra- ming top quality performers from both tradi- ditions from diverse cultures. Just don't be Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, tional and contemporary music scenes. fooled into thinking it's old-fashioned: as punk and ska, the three-stop touring festival medieval instruments meet modern effects this year moves its Midlands date from The 2016 line-up is yet to be announced, but and global grassroots cultures collide to form Wolverhampton to the NEC. Associated with expect accomplished artists ranging from the dynamic fusion styles, folk is fast becoming the Leeds-based club nights and indie record unsigned to the internationally successful. one of the most innovative musical genres label of the same name, Slam Dunk Festival today. As mainstream music becomes in- celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, creasingly industry-dominated, it's also meaning that attendees in 2016 can expect to where you'll find some of the most passion- experience the biggest and best Slam Dunk ate protest songs. Falling during the school party to date. Over 50 artists will play across holidays, Shrewsbury Folk offers something seven stages, alongside DJ sets, exclusive for all the family, with dancing, music work- signings and a riotous afterparty to round shops and children's activities. It's also been things off. known to broadcast performances live online, so even those at home can join the fun. 2016 Line-up Includes: Panic! at the Disco, Of Mice & Men, New Found Glory, Mallory 2016 Line-up Includes: Eliza Carthy & the Knox, Yellowcard, Shikari Sounds System, Wayward Band, The Levellers, Show of Mayday Parade, The King Blues and The Hands, Treacherous Orchestra, Lady Maisery Story So Far and A Day's Work – a folk opera by Mick Ryan

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Download Festival V Festival Mostly Jazz, Funk & Donington Park, Leicestershire, Weston Park, Staffordshire, Soul Festival Fri 10 - Sun 12 June Fri 19 - Sun 21 August Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Sun 10 July Bringing together the biggest artists from across all genres, Virgin's V Festival has, over the last 20 years, blossomed into one of the UK's biggest and best-known music events. Born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker put forward the idea of playing in two outdoor venues over two days, V Festival is unique in taking place in two separate locations simultaneously. Chart-topping acts take With top billing consistently taken by some to stages in Staffordshire and Chelmsford, of the biggest names in rock and metal, it's visiting one on Saturday and the other on not hard to see why Download Festival made Sunday. it into our Readers' Awards finals. Conceived as a follow-up to Donington Park's previous 2016 Line-up Includes: Rihanna, Justin Monsters of Rock Festival, Download makes Bieber, David Guetta, Sia, Faithless, Kaiser Brought to you by the masterminds behind its 14th outing this year, owing its name Chiefs, Bastille, Little Mix, Jess Glynne, Jake Moseley Folk and the Lunar Festival, Mostly partly to its pioneering use of technology to Bugg, Years & Years, Rita Ora and Tini Tem- Jazz, Funk and Soul does exactly what it says connect with audiences and build a commu- pah on the tin. World-class artists come together nity around the event. But while it's cutting with the leading lights of the local jazz scene edge on one hand, its genre of choice is also in a laid-back, family-friendly event that cele- steeped in local history. Emerging against a brates the city's cultural heritage. Like its sis- backdrop of thumping, grinding machinery ter festival Moseley Folk, it's also located in in the country's industrial heart, early heavy the gorgeous Moseley Park. metal acts have left an unmistakable legacy in the Midlands, and as long as Download continues, they'll always have a home here. 2016 Line-up Includes: De La Soul, Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Show 2016 Line-up Includes: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Korn, Megadeth, Deftones, Nightwish, Alien Ant Farm, Kill- switch Engage, Atreyu, Billy Talent, Jane's Addiction and Disturbed

Lunar Festival Godiva Festival MADE Birmingham Umberslade Estate, Tanworth-in-Arden, War Memorial Park, Coventry, Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham, Sat 30 July Fri 3 - Sun 5 June Fri 1 - Sun 3 July Combining live music with visual street art The third in the Moseley Folk/Mostly and design, the Metropolitan Arts & Dance Jazz/Lunar trio, the Lunar Festival takes Event celebrates the contemporary art and place in a different setting to its sister festi- culture scene in the UK's second city. Cutting- vals, this time in the gorgeous grounds of edge electronic acts and live DJ sets find their Tanworth-in-Arden's Umberslade Estate. Ex- ideal home at this adults-only festival in Dig- pect an eclectic mix of music, local ales, beth, the city's dynamic youth culture quar- cabaret, all manner of creative workshops ter. (from ska aerobics to guerilla archaeology), and general malarkey. 2016 Line-up Includes: Rudimental, 2016 Line-up Includes: Super Furry Ani- Stormzy and Andy C mals, Mercury Rev, Television, Badly Drawn Boy, The Zombies, Matt Berry and the May- poles, Bentley Rhythm Ace and Martin One of Coventry's greatest cultural assets, the Carthy. Godiva Festival claims the title of the UK's biggest free music festival, attracting ever- growing audiences and a diverse array of performers. Over the years, its line-ups have covered big Britpop bands, emerging indie talents, ’80s electronic pop, familiar ska and two-tone favourites and even international acts.

2016 Line-up Includes: The Charlatans, Mystery Jets, Space and The Boomtown Rats

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FEATURE Pixie Lott

As musician Pixie Lott prepares to play Holly Golightly in director Nikolai Foster’s new 1940s-set touring production of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, she explains why she’s returning to acting after an absence of 12 years - and how her portrayal of Holly is far-removed from Audrey Hepburn’s…

“I realised the other day that I actually have that famous black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s on a coaster next to my bed for my cup of tea,” laughs Pixie Lott. “I’ve had it there for ages, long before I found out I’d be playing Holly on stage. It was ob- viously meant to be!” In a temporary departure from her career as a singer/songwriter, Pixie is taking on the iconic role of the free-spirited, guitar-playing, cat-loving party girl in the touring production of Richard Green- berg’s new play. However, she’s keen to stress that this iteration of Holly is truer to the character as she’s portrayed in Truman Capote’s original 1958 novella, rather than in the better-known big-screen version. In fact, Pixie hasn’t even watched the film since being cast in the play, as she ‘didn’t want to get too caught up in it’. “Our play still has all those wonderful characters, the different personalities that make up New York, just as Capote brilliantly wrote them,” Bromley- born Pixie, 25, explains. “When you think about it, the story was incredibly ahead of its time, which is what makes it still so relevant today, a genuine modern classic. “This really is the dream role for me to take on for my first play. I feel incredibly lucky. Of course people will make comparisons with Audrey Hepburn, but I would never try to replicate an icon like her, as she was a one-off, truly unique. I hope audiences feel I bring my own interpretation and per- sonality to the role. My Holly is free-spirited and has lots of energy, and we also see glimpses of the secrets of her past. But she’s a survivor. She makes it through.” Capote himself was famously against casting Hep- burn as Golightly, instead wanting Marilyn Monroe for the role, but her agent advised her against playing ‘a lady of the evening’. Did Pixie have any reservations about playing such an iconic and con- troversial character? “Not at all,” she smiles. “After all, Holly isn’t actually a prostitute, but an ‘Ameri- can geisha’, as Truman Capote described her. Once you get to know her in the play, she’s both fabulous and very endearing.” Some may say that playing Holly Golightly is quite a departure for Pixie, who, after all, is best known for a string of chart-topping hits including Mama

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by Jeremy Mark

Do and All About Tonight. As a teenager, she did in to explore parts of the UK and Ireland that I’ve fact train as an actress at Italia Conti Academy of never visited before, and also to get to know places Theatre Arts, appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which I already love even better.” at the London Palladium before moving into Like Holly Golightly, though, Pixie is a self-con- music. So why has she decided to make a return to fessed scatterbrain, short-sighted (in the novel, the stage? “I’ve always believed in being as Holly’s famous sunglasses apparently had pre- rounded a performer as possible, and it’s always scription lenses) and she’s equally as untidy. “I’m good to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I “If my a really messy person, so my dressing room will be

did that when I took part in Strictly Come Dancing ‘‘ fairly chaotic. Lots of make-up and clothes, maybe in 2014. I learned ballroom and Latin from scratch, dressing- a candle and some pictures from the 1940s. If any- which I really loved, and this year it’s been really one complains about the mess, I’ll just blame it on amazing to focus on acting. I’ll still be working on room is Holly!”

my own music alongside the play, and in the two breaks I have from the tour. I’ve been writing new messy, I’ll songs at every opportunity I can, and hope to have just blame new music ready towards the end of the year, with ‘‘ a little teaser or two in the summer.” it on Holly Pixie set herself a further challenge for this role: learning how to play the guitar. “I’d always wanted Golightly to learn, and the play has given me the perfect ex- cuse. It was really hard, though!” As a nod to the film, she performs Henry Mancini’s Oscar-winning Moon River. “It’s such a timeless song,” she says, “so beautiful. And it appears at a very intimate moment in the play, it sits really well.” Pixie also performs what she describes as “a little hillbilly ballad” which reflects Holly’s past, but this is by no means a musical version of the story. “It’s a play with music. There are songs from the era and a new score written by Grant Olding which scoots in and out throughout the performance. It brilliantly evokes the 1940s.” Playing opposite Pixie as her confidant, ‘Fred’, is actor Matt Barber, who played Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey. “We get on brilliantly, but I Breakfast at Tiffany’s shows haven’t yet dared to tell him that I didn’t watch at New Alexandra Theatre, Downton!” she admits. And, of course, there’s also Birmingham from Holly’s feline pet, Cat. “I’m still getting used to the Mon 18 to Sat 23 April cat,” she says. “I’m more of a dog person really, so I’m not familiar with being with cats or how to hold a cat. Thankfully, I’m not allergic to them.” The play’s New York setting hugely appeals to the actress. “It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. I actually went and checked out the Tiffany’s store, which is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the last time I was in New York. It was stunning! I’ve always been a fan of Tiffany’s, but I’ve never done the whole ‘coffee and Danish’ thing outside the store. I’d say I’m more of a tea and toast kind of girl!” Holly Golightly’s 1940s look is intrinsic to the play’s authenticity, and something that definitely excites style-fan Pixie. “Holly has lots of costume changes, and wearing actual, fabulous vintage pieces and accessories from the era really helps me with her character. They’re not custom-made Givenchy gowns like Audrey’s, which would be incredible, but they’re the next best thing. I love ex- perimenting with the way I look, with different hairdos and make-up, and this is so far removed from my usual get-ups.” Life on the road is something that Pixie has become used to as a musician. “I’m actually looking forward to spending time in cities where, ordinar- ily on a music tour, I would only get to be for one night, maybe two. The play will give me the chance

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FEATURE by David Vincent

The Young’uns The North East folk trio find themselves on a winning streak...

There's nothing like a good award to boost a “In the past, songs have been inspired by biggest band, with 21 nominations and eight career - just ask Teesside's The Young'uns. history,” says Eagle, “of where we’re from, of wins, they seemed unbeatable. After a decade plying their trade at festivals the landscape, and we talk about things in “People kept telling us we were the under- and around the folk clubs of the North East, the past. But we became more inspired by dog - and I think we felt we were the under- the now not-so-young trio are one of the things now. We approach folk music as sto- dog - but I’m sure a lot of other [nominated] biggest acts in the folk/acoustic world, ries and songs and anecdotes. Every gig is people felt that way about themselves too. It thanks (in part) to their Best Group win at about storytelling, so our songwriting has was a complete surprise to win.” become more sophisticated. We’re talking the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards. Re-nominated for the BBC Radio Two Folk about things that are actually in the now. We “People do put their trust in these things, Awards Best Group this year, The Young’uns know what we like, we’re more unabashed, they do hold weight,” says singer and accor- are no longer the outsiders, as they find we know who we are.” dion player David Eagle of their gong. “We themselves up against Londoners Stick In always felt that people enjoyed us live, but Eagle cites The Biscuits Of Bull Lane and The Wheel, Dublin’s Lynched and Leveret, didn’t think there was much interest in us Lovely Cup Of Tea, penned in the wake of featuring Andy Cutting and Bellowhead's from the industry, but the BBC award soldier David Rigby’s 2013 murder in Wool- Sam Sweeney - who've both won the Musi- showed different.” wich, as two songs that borrow from folk cian Of The Year award. music traditions yet are utterly contempo- The Young'uns career started by chance as “Stick The Wheel we heard quite early on. rary: “The English Defence League came to 16-year-old school pals David, Sean Cooney They had this really interesting, raw EP. I re- protest at Bull Lanes Mosque, in York, and (vocals) and Michael Hughes (vocals, guitar) ally liked it. A lot of people are talking about they were greeted with biscuits and tea! popped out for a spot of underage drinking, them - you hear a lot about them. Lynched That’s a story! That’s a folk song!” and accidentally stumbled into a folk club. seem to have risen in the past few months Intrigued by the sing-arounds - where indi- Across 2014's Never Forget and 2015's An- and sound brilliant. And Leveret are an ab- viduals kick-start a traditional song, unac- other Man's Ground, they’ve also explored solutely brilliant band as well. They have companied, with everyone then joining in - such issues as honour killings (The Streets such a rapport - great musicianship.” Of Lahore), Channel Four's Benefits Street they returned, and elder regulars eventually Asked what he reckons The Young’uns (You Won't Find Me On Benefits Street) and asked “the young'uns” if they’d like to par- chances are of retaining the award, Eagle re- war. ticipate. A couple of years later, they be- sponds by discussing how impossible it is to came a band. Of their rise in popularity, Eagle says: “A lot rank the nominees when all are arguably at “I say we’ve been together for 10 years, but of things came together in a six-month pe- the top of their game. riod over 2014/15. We did a session for BBC the first two to three years we were rub- “They’re all very different,” he says. “You’ve Radio Two which bought a lot of new people bish!” recalls Eagle with a hearty laugh. always got to realise that when someone to our shows, then did The Unthanks sup- “July 2005 was the first gig, but we were very says you’re the best group, you’re not. It’d be port in February 2015, which a lot of people different to who we are now. It’s crazy to see ridiculous. You’re not really the best.” how we’ve developed. There wasn’t the came to see, and then there was the BBC same reliance on YouTube and the internet Radio Two Folk Awards and the win. It was a back in 2005, so no-one saw us play. I combination of all of those things - that’s when we started to get a lot of people com- played triangle, penny whistle, kazoo, and The Young’uns play Theatre Severn, ing to our gigs who’d not seen us before.” we did unaccompanied things.” Shrewsbury on Monday 18 April, and From wobbly early appearances, the friends The Beeb win came as a shock for the three Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre have gained confidence - firstly as perform- folkateers, as they were up against the on Thursday 28 April ers, more recently as songwriters. mighty, all-conquering Bellowhead. Folk’s

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Comedy davina.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 16:02 Page 1

Comedy

Rob Delaney: Meat The REP, Birmingham, Sat 23 April American comic Rob Delaney was once voted the funniest person on Twitter. He bagged the accolade from Comedy Central for his line in gleefully juve- nile and sometimes overtly sexual offerings. At this point, we could reproduce his rude’n’crude musing on whether the contents of Catwoman’s lit- ter tray acts like an aphrodisiac on Batman - but we won’t. More palatable Twitter fare includes, “As far as I’m concerned, the scariest thing to come out of the Muslim world is algebra”, and “WiFi at my uncle's funeral is a ****ing joke...” Rob’s visiting the Midlands this month with his latest stand-up show, Meat. He’s touring on the back of a hugely successful year during which he co- starred in two series of hit Channel Four comedy show Catastrophe.

Four of the best...

Julian Rob Danny Clary: Beckett: Buckler Mouth Of Arena Theatre, The Joy Of Wolverhampton, Mincing The South Thurs 14 April New Alexandra The Place, Oakengates, More than once Theatre, likened in style to Birmingham, Shropshire, Sat 2 Wed 27 April April; Stafford the legendary Tony Gatehouse Theatre, Hancock, Danny Sat 16 April Julian Clary’s win- Buckler started out ning line in ‘saucy postcard’ humour and First tickling the nation’s collective funny as a magician working the shop floor of innuendo disguises an intelligent sarcasm bone in 2009, Rob Beckett’s TV work Harrods, his talent for conjuring securing that digs fun at both himself and his audi- includes 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Celebrity Juice. him invitations to perform at numerous ence. A perennial favourite in the stand-up A high-tempo comedian who’s been celebrity bashes. Appearances at private comedy world, his forays into TV haven’t described by one newspaper as ‘a little short functions for the likes of Liam Gallagher, always been as successful - a long-ago gag at of a revelation’, Rob claims his relationship Bruce Willis and the Sultan of Brunei all fea- the expense of Norman Lamont saw him with comedy began as a youngster. “I was ture on his impressive CV. blacklisted by television producers for some the middle child and desperate for atten- Nowadays a regular performer on the stand- considerable time. tion,” he explains, “so I decided to try and up circuit, Danny is a solid rather than spec- Julian’s here making a welcome return to the get it by making my friends and family tacular purveyor of mirth, but his light Midlands with his latest touring show, The chuckle - or better still, belly laugh.” touch, easy manner and intriguing dress Joy Of Mincing, an offering which his website Gags include, “You know you're working- sense ensure that an evening in his company promises will be ‘a masterclass in camp com- class when your TV’s bigger than your book- is very definitely an evening well spent. edy’. case,” and “My girlfriend worries about me cheating on a night out. I say to her, ‘Why would I have a burger when I’ve got steak at home?’ The only problem is, when you’re drunk, burgers are well nice.”

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The All-Star Stand Up Tour Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 12 April; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 13 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 4 May Four highly rated comedians for the price of one is the mouthwatering prospect on offer here. Kiwi compere Jarred Christmas is joined by ‘king of the one-liners’ Gary Delaney, ‘master of stand-up satire’ Sean Hughes and Magicians star Pete Firman, a man once described by Time Out as ‘more magical than Dumbledore on a good day’. Four comedians, four styles of comedy - and therefore, no doubt, a suitably wide range of amused responses from the sure-to-be- appreciative audience. Expect to hear chuck- les, giggles, belly laughs and ribs being mer- cilessly tickled (although we’re not entirely sure what that last one actually sounds like)...

Jamie On the rise... ing Sarah Millican, Rob Beckett and many Wood: more now-established comedians. Oh No! Adam Jaremko takes a look at Most clubs will be contacted by a per- what makes someone a comedian? former for a gig request; they normally pro- mac, Birmingham, vide a video clip and some text about Fri 8 April The comedians you see on TV, on tour and themselves. If they’re interesting enough, “O No! is a psyche- in comedy clubs every week all started out they’ll be invited along to do a five or 10- delic ride and a at the same point - standing on stage for minute set. This is what’s called an ‘open wonky homage to the very first time, trying to make strangers spot’ - a chance to perform and impress the woman laugh. Years later, they’re still doing the both the audience and the venue staff/ damned for destroying the Beatles,” explains same, but the rooms are grander, audi- management. If that goes well, it’s on to a Jamie Wood in talking about his latest tour- ences bigger and they even get their own ‘half spot’, normally 15 minutes on stage ing production. “The show borrows Yoko bottled water. with a fee to cover travel and performance. If THAT goes well, then it’s on to the big Ono’s art instructions to ask whether falling But what makes someone a comedian? in love is always catastrophic. In my family, time - but all in good time, of course. Being funny is the obvious starting point, Yoko was deeply distrusted for the effect It’s refreshing and reassuring to see that but the fact that they even got up on stage - she'd had on John. I love Yoko Ono's art, I the comedy industry has a system that’s and their willingness to continue to do so - love her seemingly endless positivity and it thorough, fair and works. There’s a journey is what makes them real comedians. Oh, makes me laugh. “This is basically a show for all comics to take, and Michael and being funny. Did I mention that? about reckless optimism, avant-garde art - McIntrye is a good example of someone and what we might yet have to learn from When they start out, they’ll travel the who’s travelled it. He first played the Glee the hippies!” country and perform for free just for the in 2003, had his first paid spot in 2004 and chance to make progress and to grace the was on TV with his own show in 2009. stages their heroes once did. UK clubs such There are plenty of funny people out there, as The Stand, Komedia and the Glee Clubs but it takes a lot to become a comedian - so continue to witness the progression of here’s to the stars on the rise! tomorrow’s stars. The Glee, for example, still has a paper file of ‘act reviews’ featur-

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Shakespeare 400 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:43 Page 1 Shakespeare 400 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:43 Page 2

It’s all about the Bard Stratford celebrates its ‘Famous Son’

Every April the 23rd, Shakespeare's home- At 10.30am on Saturday the 23rd, the Birth- Strange. There'll also be opportunities to town bursts into life as theatre enthusiasts day Parade kicks off at Shakespeare's Birth- meet the artists and ask them all your burn- come together to celebrate his life and works. place, led by the Head Boy of Shakespeare's ing questions, or to participate in a self- In case the buzz has passed you by, 2016 is a alma mater, King Edward VI School. From guided tour of Stratford devised by Stan's bit of a big year for the Bard, marking the there, a colourful procession travels through Café, using speech bubbles at eight locations 400th anniversary of his death. As such, this town, ending at Holy Trinity, where Shake- as instructions to act out mini dramas. year's celebrations look set to be the most speare is buried. The birthday itself culminates in an exclu- spectacular yet, with a weekend full of work- At the Royal Shakespeare theatres, part of sive, balloted event inside the theatre, broad- shops, tours, live shows, screenings, con- the newly refurbished Swan Wing is un- cast live on BBC2 and in select cinemas. With certs, visual art and more. veiled, complete with an original artwork by a stellar guest list including David Tennant, In the build-up to the big day, on Tuesday the Steven Follen. Comprised of over 2,000 stain- Judi Dench and Ian McKellen, the variety bill 19th, tenor Joseph Calleja and soprano Angel less steel stars, For All Time is the RSC's features ballet, opera, hip-hop, scenes from Blue perform operatic classics inspired by largest ever site-specific art commission. Shakespeare and more, and ends with a free, Shakespeare's works in a gala concert at Holy Meanwhile, in the Paccar Room, an exhibi- public fireworks display outside. Trinity Church. tion called Well Said! displays Shakespeare Don't stay out too late though: there's more The same day, Stratford Picturehouse begins quotes selected by actors and artists, includ- to come! For those up early enough on Sun- a Shakespeare-themed film festival by ing playwright Tanika Gupta, Hamlet star day morning, a Shakespeare-themed service, screening Michael Elliot's 1963 version of As Paapa Essiedu and rapper Doc Brown. broadcast on Radio Four, takes place at Holy You Like It. Home to the RSC's costume store, the re- Trinity, with music from Orchestra of the Swan. This is also the day of the Shakespeare On Friday the 22nd, Margaret Drabble, Stan- cently relaunched Other Place will also be Marathon and Half-Marathon. ley Wells and Michael Wood discuss Shake- open for Page To Stage Tours. speare's family and friends in a special Outside, visitors can enjoy live music and Meanwhile, at the Birthplace, New York rap- birthday lecture at The Shakespeare Centre, sonnets on the ferry, or get stuck in to work- per Devon Glover embarks on a marathon of ending with a poetry reading from Wendy shops on stage fighting, dance and voice his own as he races through all 154 of Shake- Cope. That evening at Holy Trinity, Ex Cathe- work. Active Storytelling workshops engage speare's sonnets. dra perform Garrick's Shakespeare Ode, set with current RSC productions, while in There'll be plenty more as the month and by Thomas Arne, alongside a brand new ode Blood, Guts And Gore, make-up artists create year continue - this is just a flavour of what's with words by Carol Ann Duffy and music by realistic cuts and bruises. on offer for the main event. Sally Beamish. Featuring period instruments, At 2 and 4pm, Mimbre present a 30-minute Of course, Stratford's not the only town to be this concert goes on to tour the Midlands. acrobatic performance called Wondrous celebrating...

A sample of what’s happening elsewhere in the Midlands...

AN ELIZABETHAN TRAVELLING THE- OUR SHAKESPEARE EXHIBITION A SHAKESPEARE’S WILL Performed by SHAKE UP SHAKESPEARE FAMILY DAY ATRE COMPANY Looking at how free exhibition of Shakespeare-re- Rain Or Shine Theatre on Sat 2 Fun and interactive family day for Shakespeare’s plays were per- lated items from around the world, April, Severn Valley Country Park, children and their parents which formed at the time, Sat 23 Apr, Fri 22 April - Sat 2 September, Bridgnorth and Love Lee Produc- brings two of the Bard’s best- The Potteries Museum & Art Library of Birmingham tions on Wed 27 - Sat 30 April, known plays to life, Sat 23 April, Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent EX CATHEDRA SHAKESPEARE The Wightman, Shrewsbury The REP, Birmingham FROM BARD TO VERSE The original MASQUE CONCERT A reconstruction SHREWSBURY SHAKESPEARE DAY HENRY V Antic Disposition pres- music of Shakespeare’s plays per- of Thomas Arne’s An Ode To Music, songs and combat from ents its critically acclaimed pro- formed by The Night Watch, Sat Shakespeare, Fri 22 April, Holy Shakespeare’s time are just some duction as part of a UK cathedral 30 April, Palace Theatre, Redditch Trinity Church, Stratford-upon- of what’s on offer here, Sat 23 tour, Thurs 28 April, Worcester Avon April, The Square, Shrewsbury Cathedral

For more Shakespeare 400 events, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre

Mary Poppins Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 April Zizzi Strallen here takes the lead in Julian Fellowes’ reworking of the much-loved family musical. PL Travers’ popular fictional character has been a global superstar since Julie Andrews brought her to life in Walt Disney’s hugely successful 1964 movie. Not surprisingly, the success of the film led to a stage version, albeit some 40 years later - and Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musical has been doing great business in theatres across the world ever since. The show’s timeless score includes the songs Jolly Holiday, Step In Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed The Birds. New songs and additional music and lyrics are provided by the Olivier Award- winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Read more about Mary Poppins at whatsonlive.co.uk

The Rotters’ Club 1970s to 2010, it compares and contrasts the Island. A spirited girl, Anne soon makes a lives of a group of Bangladeshi bachelors, big impression - and not only on the siblings Birmingham REP, Sat 2 - Sat 9 April living together in a cramped house in who’ve adopted her... Birmingham, with the experiences of an This particular production is brought to the extended Asian family who’re living in a sim- stage by Redhead Reach. ilarly cramped house in the same area. Although their respective experiences seem starkly different, it soon becomes clear that The Dishonoured they have far more in common than at first mac, Birmingham, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 April; meets the eye... Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 4 - Sat 7 May Kali Theatre’s reputation for creating inspir- Diary Of A Madman ing, award-winning theatre based around challenging and thought-provoking issues is Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, further enhanced by this powerful new pro- The REP’s one-time associate director, Thurs 7 - Fri 8 April duction. Gwenda Hughes, returns to the venue to This acclaimed one-man show finds low- Described by the company as ‘a compelling helm Richard Cameron’s adaptation of ranking Russian civil servant Poprishchin political thriller’, The Dishonoured takes Jonathan Coe’s well-regarded novel. moving from obsession to psychosis... place in a world of espionage and secret Set in Birmingham during the 1970s, it fol- Gogol’s dark comedy, exploring the experi- agents - a world in which a highly decorated lows the fortunes of five teenagers as they ences of a man driven to insanity by govern- war hero suddenly finds himself unexpected- struggle to grow up in the shadow of a rapid- ment bureaucracy and hierarchy, is here per- ly out of his depth... ly changing and increasingly troubled socie- formed by award-winning actor Robert ty. Bowman and directed by Olivier Award nom- The 9 April performance is preceded by an In inee Sinéad Rushe. Conversation session with Jonathan Coe and Richard Cameron, during which the pair will discuss the production and their careers. Anne Of Green Gables Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Bangla Brummies Fri 15 - Sat 16 April The Drum, Birmingham, Sun 24 April The central character in Lucy Maude Montgomery’s 1908 novel, Anne Shirley is Murad Khan’s sparky new offering has been mistakenly sent to live with a middle-aged described as a play blending satire, dreams brother and sister on Green Gables farm in and fantasies. Spanning 40 years, from the the Canadian province of Prince Edward

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Theatre previews from around the region

WIN! TICKETS To enter, visit whatsonlive.co.uk The Importance Of Being Earnest Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 28 April - Sat 7 May This famous Oscar Wilde work is a rightly-adored piece of farce that has stood both the test of time and countless dire amateur productions, rising unscathed to take its place at the very pinna- cle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the attempts of Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is mas- querading as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the redoubtable Lady Bracknell, and there’s little wonder that disas- ter looms large on Jack’s hori- zon.

Annie The Musical The heart-warming rags-to-riches tale of a little girl who finds herself transported from a Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, New York orphanage to the luxurious world Mon 4 - Sat 9 April of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show fea- Birds Of A Feather actress Lesley Joseph stars tures plenty of memorable songs, including as the far-from-pleasant Miss Hannigan in It's A Hard Knock Life and the legendary this latest version of the oft-touring Broadway Tomorrow. hit.

Heartbeat Shadowlands New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until Malvern Theatres, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April All Our Cost Sat 2 April; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April; Wolverhampton Grand Birdsong Productions here joins forces with The Old Rep, Birmingham, Theatre, Tue 5 - Sat 9 July Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to pres- Wed 20 - Fri 22 April ent William Nicholson’s powerful biographi- The relationship between the- cal drama - best known, of course, from its atre and history, in particular 1993 film version starring Anthony Hopkins with regard to The Holocaust, is and Debra Winger. At its centre is the story of the shared theme of All Our the late-flowering love between Oxford aca- Cost’s three plays, each of which demic CS Lewis and American poet Joy is presented on a different night. Davidman, a relationship which would ulti- Performed by Birmingham mately lead to Lewis profoundly questioning Ormiston Academy’s Acting his devoutly held Christian faith... Pathway, the productions are: Ghetto, which analyses the role The long arm of the law is much in evidence of theatre within the Jewish in the Midlands this month, courtesy of this community in the Vilna ghetto; brand new stage version of ITV1’s long-run- The Investigation, a verbatim ning rural police drama. play retold through physical the- The hugely popular 1960s-set television series atre; and The Merchant Of Vilna, ran from 1992 to 2010, regularly drawing an adaptation of Shakespeare’s viewing figures in excess of 10 million. Merchant Of Venice, reflecting This new touring version, which stars mem- how the Jewish community bers of the TV cast and boasts a brand new might have used art to comment script, is making its world premiere at the on their situation. New Alex.

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sat 9 April Jason Manford, Michelle Collins and Phill Jupitus star in a new touring production which sees everybody's favourite flying car make a welcome return to the Midlands. Complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects, the Sherman Brothers’ memorable score and a high-energy cast, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the story of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Manford) who creates an amazing flying car to take his family to the fictional country of Vulgaria. But all is not well in the European barony, where the sinister Baron Bomburst has decided to make children illegal... Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song feature among the show’s best-known musical numbers.

Menopause The Musical The Ladykillers A Machine They’re The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Secretly Building Thurs 14 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Thurs 14 - Fri 15 April Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Trent, Sun 24 April; New Alexandra Theatre, Wed 27 April Birmingham, Tues 26 April; Belgrade Theatre, Based on the iconic Ealing comedy, this Coventry, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 April easy-to-follow story concerns a dear old lady (Mrs Wilberforce) who, well known to the local constabulary for reporting unsubstanti- ated crimes, unwittingly becomes an acces- sory to a brilliantly conceived heist when she rents a room to a small-time crook posing as a musician named Professor Marcus. Marcus then proceeds to bring his gang of criminal misfits, disguised as a quartet, into Mrs Wilberforce’s home, to finalise the details of their plan... The multi-disciplinary Proto-type Theater get seriously topical with this thought- provoking show, which takes a look at the insidious machine of surveillance. “This show is about how we got to the point where our governments are spying on us and how that’s changing who we are,” says Proto-type. “It charts a course from the Top Secret secrets of World War One intelligence rehearsal image through to 9/11, the erosion of privacy, Female TV stars ‘of a certain age’ are much Edward Snowden and the terror of a future in evidence in this well-reviewed show, with that might already be upon us...” Linda Nolan, EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison The Debt Collectors and Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley taking top Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 8 - Sat 9 billing. April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 12 April When four menopausal women meet in a John Godber's popular comedy features two department store, conversation quickly turns out-of-work actors who’re so desperate for to the one thing they all have in common - cash that they take a job they absolutely the menopause. Cue innumerable one-liners loathe - as debt collectors. Nonetheless, on subjects including forgetfulness, mood they're good at what they do, and when all's swings, wrinkles, night sweats and uncon- said and done, the job does have its perks... trollable chocolate binges... Presented by Reform Theatre Company.

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A new look for Spring 2016

Until Mon 25 - Tue 24 - Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr Sat 28 May From £25 From £13.50 From £20

Thu 16 - Sat 18 Jun The Taming of the Shrew

Wed 22 - Sat 25 Jun Mon30 May Thu 16 - Tue 28 Jun- -Sat 4 Jun Shakespeare Sat 25 Jun Sat 3 Sep From £20 Triple Bill From £10 From £28

Nederlands Carlos Acosta Cloud Gate Dance Dance: Sampled Ballet BC Theatre of Taiwan

Tue 3 & Thu 5 - Tue 10 & Tue 17 & Fri 20 & Wed 4 May Sat 7 May Wed11May Wed18May Sat 21 May From £15 From £15 From £15 £15 From £15

Produced by DanceXchange in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome, funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council.

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min. plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre April.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:36 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Calamity Jane The Mousetrap Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Lichfield Garrick, Mon 4 - Sat 9 April; Regent Tues 19 - Sat 23 April Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 11 - Wed 13 April

Boasting songs such as The Not only has everyone heard of The Mousetrap, Deadwood Stage, Black Hills Of everyone has seen it too - haven't they? Okay, Dakota, Windy City and Secret maybe not, but as the show recently celebrated Love, Calamity Jane tells the its 60th year in the West End, it's fair to say its story of the Wild West’s most capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely notorious female outlaw, along beyond doubt. The world's longest running the way offering an all-in com- show, the famous Agatha Christie play has been bination of music, comedy, performed over 25,000 times. Its touring version drama and dance. here makes a welcome return to the Midlands. The famous ’50s film version, starring Doris Day and Howard Keel, remains one of the best- regarded Hollywood musicals of its era. This particular production is brought to the stage by Stafford A Black Country Night Out Best Of BE Festival Operatics. Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 April; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 19 April; Kidderminster Town Hall, Fri 15 April; Aston Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 3 May; The Wood, Sutton Coldfield, Thurs 21 April; Lichfield Bramall, Birmingham, Thurs 5 May Our Gracie Garrick, Thurs 28 April; Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Fri 29 April; Solihull Arts Complex, Highly acclaimed for its daring and innovative New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Thurs 5 May programme of theatre, dance, circus, live music, under-Lyme, Wed 6 - Sat 23 April This show is almost as old as the Black Country visual arts, talks and workshops, BE Festival itself and has matured just as beautifully! takes place in Birmingham every June. This new play by Philip Bringing a fresh look to proceedings, the 2016 This touring ‘best of’ production showcases Goulding sees the New Vic col- version features some of the region’s most ‘bril- three of the event’s most popular pieces. laborating with Oldham liantly talented’ acts - including Jonny Cole, The featured presentations are: #sobrejulieta by Coliseum Theatre to tell the who’s earning himself quite a reputation for his Grumelot, a stripped-back, one-woman take on story of the legendary Gracie musical parodies of Romeo And Juliet; The Whistle by Squarehead Fields, a working-class woman modern local life. Productions, a show packed to its proverbial fr om Rochdale who became Joining Jonny is rafters with ‘deft circus skills’; and Beating one of Britain’s best-loved Dandy and The Quintetto by Tida, an interactive comedy, dance female entertainers - and in the Fizzogs, while music and physical theatre piece dealing with the reali- process was declared an enemy from The Ronaldos ties of shoestring-budget entertainment. of the Third Reich by Adolf promises to get peo- Hitler! ple well and truly The show combines Gracie’s rocking in the aisles. Paul Zerdin own words with some of her Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 12 April most well-known songs. Former Coronation Street, Comedian and ventriloquist Zerdin, a three- Casualty and Dinnerladies star 3 Days And 3 Minutes times contributor to the Royal Variety Sue Devaney takes the title With Larry Performance, here returns to the Midlands with role. a show that’s defi- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 April; nitely not suitable Malvern Theatres, Fri 29 - Sat 30 April for children. “They Chris Mellor’s affectionate tribute to one-time might be cute little Generation Game host Larry Grayson focuses on puppets,” Paul says the three days leading up to his final perform- of his numerous ance - the Royal Variety Show of 1994. The three characters, “but days were spent trying to get together three min- leave the kids at utes’-worth of material for the production - an home!” undertaking which saw Grayson employ the Just to confirm, the assistance of a spiritual healer... show is suitable for Mellor’s play features plenty of Larry’s best audience members Photo credit: Joel Chester Fildes comic material and has been developed with the aged 14 and over. assistance of the late comedian’s family.

For full theatre listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre Kids shows this month...

The Cat In The Hat

Disney On Ice The Girl Who Fell In Love With The Moon Stig Of The Dump Elf The Musical The Wizard Of Oz mac, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Sat 2 April; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 7 April Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 17 April Wed 13 - Sat 16 April This classic story from the pen of L Frank Stig wears rabbit skins, has his own lan- Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre showcase Baum has been delighting children for over a guage and uses empty tin cans for a chim- their talents in this new musical version of century. A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem ney. Barney has scuffed shoes, grazed knees Will Ferrell’s big-screen festive favourite, Elf. and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy and dirty fingernails. Together, they’re set for For those not already in the know, the story Gale and her unexpected trip over the rain- a magical adventure... follows the adventures of Buddy, an orphan bow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she London Contemporary Theatre present this boy who grows up in the North Pole with meets the scarecrow, the tin man and a cow- timeless children’s classic for a whole new Santa and his elves. Buddy thinks he’s an elf ardly lion, heads off on a journey along the generation of youngsters. too, but his enormous size and inability to yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, make toys tells an altogether different story... and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the Disney On Ice - Silver James And The West. Anniversary Giant Peach If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a Genting Arena, Birmingham, wizard... Wed 6 - Sun 10 April The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Mon 25 - Tues 26 April This action-packed adventure, celebrating a Three Keepers Roald Dahl’s classic yarn tells the story of a quarter-century of Disney On Ice, invites Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 5 April audiences to enjoy ‘the ultimate sightseeing young orphan boy named James who’s sent holiday’. to live with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. If you’re looking for a relatively short but The anniversary show sees Goofy, Mickey Two of the most horrid aunts in the whole of imaginatively entertaining night out, this and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy England, the wicked pair make his life an could well be the show for you. A 55-minute visiting the magical African domain of The utter misery. Then, one day, James meets a silent comedy blending physical theatre, Lion King and the underwater kingdom of mystical old man who gives him a bag that original music, dance and slapstick, Three The Little Mermaid. There's also the chance contains the strongest magic the world has Keepers is set on Flounder Rock Lighthouse, to join Peter Pan on his journey from London ever known. When the put-upon young lad where wise old Tom, uptight Dick and wet- to Neverland. accidentally spills the contents of the bag behind-the-ears ’Arry have only the seagulls Fans of Frozen, meanwhile, will no doubt be near an old peach tree, the most wondrous for company. It’s a peaceful existence - until, delighted by a stop-off in the wintry world of things start to happen - and an opportunity that is, the storm of the century strikes... Arendelle, where princesses Anna and Elsa to escape his unhappy existence opens up to 'Let It Go' with Kristoff and the huggable James in a weird and wonderful way he snowman, Olaf. could never have imagined... My Pet Monster And Me The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 9 April The Cat In The Hat The Girl Who Fell In Love The highly regarded Blunderbus Theatre are the ensemble behind this brand new show Lichfield Garrick, Mon 18 - Tues 19 April With The Moon blending puppetry, music and song. It tells mac, Birmingham, Sat 9 April Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss, the story of a little girl named Sophie, whose this latest theatrical version of The Cat In Humanity's eternal fascination with the skies wish for a friend with whom to share her The Hat has been designed to engage and is the subject of the ever-inventive Human down-on-the-farm adventures is answered in (hopefully) delight youngsters aged three Zoo’s latest high-energy offering. A giddy the shape of ‘a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby and older. patchwork of puppetry, poetry, movement monster’. The only trouble is, the little crea- The Cat In The Hat is the funniest, most mis- and live music, the production has earned ture just keeps on growing... chievous cat that Sally and her brother have some rave reviews during its time on the ever met - and what’s more, he’s got a fantas- road, and perfectly showcases the company’s tic talent for turning the rainiest of after- dynamic and visually inventive approach to noons into the most amazing of adventures... theatre.

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For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film April - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:38 Page 1

Film

The Jungle Book CERT PG Starring Neel Sethi as Mowgli, with the voices of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken Directed by Zack Snyder (USA) Following the enormous success of Disney’s live-action adaptations of their animated classics Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty (Maleficent) and Cinderella, The Jungle Book is destined for great things. The voice cast alone is a thing of wonder. Here, Mowgli is played by the twelve-year-old New York-born American-Indian Neel Sethi, while Kipling’s famous animal characters are ren- dered in CGI. Bill Murray is Baloo the bump- tious bear, Ben Kingsley the black panther Bagheera and Idris Elba the predatory tiger Shere Khan. As in the original 1967 cartoon, there will be songs to accompany the action, including new numbers composed by the original songwriter Richard M. Sherman (now eighty-seven), as well as some of the old favourites, such as Baloo’s ‘The Bare Necessities.' In 3D, too. Released Fri 15 April

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in April...

Dheepan CERT 15 (115 mins) The Huntsman: Starring Antonythasan Jesuthasan, Kalieaswari Winter’s War CERT 12a tbc Srinivasan, Claudine Vinasithamby Starring Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Directed by Jacques Audiard (France) Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost, Arguably the most highly-acclaimed director Sam Claflin, Rob Brydon working in French cinema today, Jacques Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan (USA/UK) Audiard invariably delivers credible and per- This is an odd one. Following the success of tinent dramas that explore the world we live Snow White and the Huntsman (worldwide in. Here, he focuses on Dheepan, a Tamil gross: $396 million), Universal Pictures have Tiger fighter who flees to Paris for political ushered up a sequel-cum-prequel – but with- asylum with a fake identity. Winner of the out Snow White. Here, it’s the hunky woods- Palm d’Or at last year’s Cannes festival. man (Chris Hemsworth) who takes centre Released Fri 8 Apr Hardcore Henry CERT 15 tbc stage as two princesses declare war on each other and amass enormous armies to do their Starring Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Andrei business. Not to be confused with Captain Dementiev, Tim Roth America: The Winter Soldier. In 3D. Directed by Ilya Naishuller (Russia/USA) Released Fri 8 April Filmed entirely from the viewpoint of the eponymous protagonist, this Russian-American actioner takes no prisoners. Henry remembers nothing of his past life, but knows that he is a target and discovers that he has had a cybernetic make-over that makes him pretty damn dangerous to his adver- saries. Expect some pretty strong violence, drug use and nudity. Released Fri 8 April

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Film releases in April

CRITIC’S CHOICE Eddie the Eagle CERT PG (106 mins) Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Mark Benton, Keith Allen, Tim McInnerny Directed by Dexter Fletcher (UK/USA/Germany) With lashings of comedy, this is the true story of Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, a young Englishman who was determined to become an Olympic skier – against improbable odds. Taron Egerton previously played ‘Eggsy’ in Kingsman: The Secret Service and ‘Mad Teddy’ in Legend. Released Fri 1 April

delicate disposition. It follows 36 hours Son of Saul CERT 15 (107 mins) in the life of Saul Ausländer (Röhrig) Starring Géza Röhrig, Levente Molnár, Urs whose job in Auschwitz is to burn the Rechn, Sándor Zsótér bodies of his own Jewish-Hungarian com- Directed by László Nemes (Hungary) patriots. Then he comes across the Son of Saul started its glittering trail of corpse of a boy, a child he believes to be accolades at last year’s Cannes Film his son… The last Hungarian film to win Festival, where it won the Grand Prix. an Oscar was István Szabó's Mephisto in Along the way it picked up umpteen 1981. gongs for best foreign language film, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars. Its Released Fri 29 April subject, though, is not for those with a

Midnight Special Nasty Baby CERT 15 (101mins) CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Kristen Wiig, Sebastián Silva, Tunde Adebimpe, Reg E. Cathey, Mark Margolis Starring Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Sam Shepard, Directed by Sebastián Silva Jaeden Lieberher (Chile/USA/France) Directed by Jeff Nicholls (USA) Fans of Kristen Wiig will be surprised to find When both the government and an extreme her in a Chilean-American drama, but we say religious sect find out that the eight-year-old good on her. She plays the friend of a gay Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) has supernatural couple of immigrants living in Brooklyn who powers, his father (Michael Shannon) is des- decide to have a baby. She agrees to carry it perate to protect him. So father and son – but outside forces conspire to destroy their and later the boy’s mother – hide out before world, not least a threat of deportation and a meddlesome forces can have their own way. particularly homophobic neighbour… Shannon and the director Jeff Nicholls previ- The Man Who Knew Infinity Released Fri 8 April ously collaborated on the films Shotgun CERT 12a (109 mins) Stories, Take Shelter and Mud. Starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Toby Jones, Released Fri 8 April Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Kevin McNally Directed by Matt Brown (UK) This is a must for those who adored A Beautiful Mind and Good Will Hunting. Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel) is a young man who, after an impoverished childhood in Madras, managed to secure a place at Trinity College in Cambridge. He later went on to lead the field in mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. Gosh. Released Fri 8 April

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Film

Criminal CERT 15 (113 mins) Louder Than Bombs Captain America: Civil War Starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy CERT 15 (109 mins) CERT 12a tbc Lee Jones, Alice Eve, Gal Gadot, Ryan Starring Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg, Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Reynolds Directed by Ariel Vromen (USA/UK) Isabelle Huppert, Amy Ryan, David Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony In an age of mind transplants, the memories, Strathairn, Rachel Brosnahan Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Directed by Joachim Trier Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth skills and secrets of a deceased CIA agent are (Norway/France/Denmark) Olsen, Paul Rudd Directed by Anthony Russo implanted in the body of a former Death Row and Joe Russo (USA) In spite of its provenance, this is actu- inmate. It’s a dangerous move but with the ally a drama filmed in New York, in It looked like Avengers: Age of Ultron was clock ticking it may be the only solution to which a family struggles to come to going to be the biggest box-office behemoth foil a monstrous plot. Ryan Reynold’s last terms with its differences. Long of 2015 until Star Wars and Jurassic World film about a mind transplant was in estranged from his father, Jonah Reed came along. Nonetheless, it did make a tidy Self/less, released here last July. (Eisenberg) returns to his old home in $1,405,413,868 worldwide. Now we have Released Fri 15 April order to celebrate an exhibition of his Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow late mother’s work, a series of war and Ant-Man teaming up for another colli- photographs. However, it seems that sion course at the multiplex with the first each member of the Reed family has two superheroes, thanks to new government different memories of the woman they rules, failing to see eye-to-eye. A perfect called wife and mother. time, then, for a new arch-enemy to step into the breach… It’s all too much. In 3D, of Released Fri 22 April course. Released Fri 29 April Miles Ahead CERT 15 tbc Starring Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, LaKeith Lee Stanfield, Michael Stuhlbarg Directed by Don Cheadle (USA) Eye in the Sky CERT 15 (102 mins) For a while last year Don Cheadle was Starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan mooted as a serious contender for an Rickman, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Iain Oscar nomination for his role as the Glen Directed by Gavin Hood (UK) jazz musician Miles Davis. But then the Striding across the same moral minefield as OscarsSoWhite controversy kicked in. last year’s Good Kill with Ethan Hawke, this Still, Cheadle as first-time director was British drama stars Dame Helen as a colonel praised for his approach to film biogra- forced to weigh up the consequences of a phy, creating a free-flowing style in drone strike in Kenya. The target is a group keeping with his subject’s music. Ewan Demolition CERT 15 (101 mins) of terrorists planning a McGregor plays an unscrupulous jour- Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris major suicide attack, nalist attempting to get the inside skin- Cooper, Judah LewisDirected by Jean-Marc but then a nine-year- ny on the reclusive trumpeter, band- Vallée (USA) old girl is seen entering leader and composer. Jake Gyllenhaal would seem to favour the kill zone. The film Released Fri 22 April Quebec-born film directors. After working marks Alan Rickman’s with Denis Villeneuve on Prisoners and last appearance in front Enemy, he now teams up with Jean-Marc of the camera. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild) on this Released Fri 15 April drama. He plays a successful investment CERT 15 (112 mins) banker who completely loses his grip after Starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin his wife is killed in a car crash. Then, when CERT 15 (92 mins) Freeman, Alfred Molina, Billy Bob Bastille Day Thornton Directed by Glenn Ficarra and he starts to write a stream of self-incriminat- Starring Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte John Requa (USA) ing letters to a vending machine company, Le Bon, Eriq Ebouaney, Kelly Reilly, José the firm’s customer service rep (Naomi Garcia Directed by James Watkins (USA) One doesn’t usually associate Afghanistan with belly laughs but, Watts) takes up his cause… Not to be confused with a French Revolution hey, this is Fey. The actress plays Kim Released Fri 29 April romp, this is actually an American actioner Baker, the television correspondent shot in London and Paris. With the threat of whose brief excursion to Afghanistan a terrorist attack, a con man and a former turned into something entirely more CIA agent team up to pool their resources. serious – and occasionally hilarious. With Idris Elba in the driving seat this It’s based on Baker’s own memoir The should be good value, while the director Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in James Watkins previously brought us the Afghanistan and Pakistan (2011). The chilling Eden Lake and The Woman in Black. directors previously brought us Crazy, Released Fri 22 April Stupid, Love and Focus (also with Margot Robbie). And we dig the title. Released Fri 22 April

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Visual Arts

Dan Flavin: It Is What It Is And Ain’t Nothing Else Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 13 April - Tues 26 June Taking its title from the artist's own descrip- tion of his work, this major exhibition presents a series of fluorescent light works. Associated with the 20th century Abstract Expressionist movement, Dan Flavin is one of America's most important post-war artists. Flavin rejected notions of symbolism and spirituality in art, sharing with Donald Judd an interest in work that refers to nothing but its own presence, often with an emphasis on industrial materials and intense colour. Steering clear of conventional, chronologi- cally ordered retrospectives, this exhibition instead makes use of the varied spaces inside the gallery to faithfully replicate Flavin's “sit- uational” approach, focusing on how each piece interacts with its environment. “I wanted it to feel as if Dan Flavin had been here and responded characteristically to the nature of the space,” explains Ikon director Jonathan Watkins, “so it will be quite an enveloping experience for the audience. It's an exhibition that will look beautiful, but that will be quite provocative and raise a lot of questions about art.”

Grayson Perry: The Vanity Prem Sahib Solo Big Ceramics Of Small Differences Exhibition Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sat 28 May Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Grand Union, Birmingham, Challenging expectations of the clay object Fri 22 April - Sun 3 July Fri 22 April - Thurs 23 June while celebrating the drive, creativity and skill involved in creating large-scale ceram- Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry With a title inspired jointly by the ics, this visually arresting exhibition brings here takes his inspiration not only from his gallery's own name and the idea of together monumental pieces by eight con- own 2012 television documentary series, All coming together, this installation by temporary artists. Featured ceramicists In The Best Possible Taste, but also from Prem Sahib focuses on the use of include Felicity Aylieff, who explores con- William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress - a materials, bringing objects made from temporary translations of traditional Chinese series of canvases depicting eighteenth cen- wood, metal, tiles, rubber and resin techniques to produce giant pots and vases, tury society which the artist produced in the into choreographed conversation. and Clare Twomey, who makes extensive use early 1730s. Sahib's predominantly sculptural of clay in her multi-component installations Charting the story of class mobility and work is informed by the atmosphere and site-specific works. examining the influence of social class on of queer meeting places and encoun- aesthetic taste, the exhibition comprises ters in physical environments, many of the characters, incidents and whether social, sexual or confronta- objects that Perry encountered while making tional. his BAFTA award-winning documentary A short story by Huw Lemmey called series. Using these characters to weave a nar- Dank And Rare accompanies the exhi- rative, the artist has produced a social com- bition, and a limited edition print will mentary which focuses on the minutiae of be available in the shop. contemporary taste, in so doing paying due homage to Hogarth’s collection of 18th century paintings.

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Barbara Walker: Shock And Awe The Humble Vessel mac, Birmingham, Sat 23 April - Sun 3 July New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 29 April - Sun 24 July Developed in collaboration with the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, this major new commission from acclaimed Birmingham artist Barbara Walker examines the many Ships, seas and difficult journeys contributions of black servicemen and women to British war efforts from 1914 to the across the waves have long been a present day. Acknowledging an absence of representation over the last 100 years, favourite subject among artists, Shock And Awe alludes to Britain's imperial past as well as the physical and psycho- used to represent diverse themes logical impact of war and ideas. on soldiers returning Developed by Pakistani curator Aziz to civilian life. Sohail, this evocative exhibition In this series of explores what sea crossings might large-scale drawings, mean for artists and audiences Walker highlights the today, in a world where perilous work of the British voyages are often undertaken by West Indies refugees desperately fleeing con- Regiment and the flict. A newly commissioned film King's African Rifles, from Fazal Rizvi explores multiple as well as the key narratives around the sea, shifting role played by between fiction and reality. Other women in the featured artists include Eric Caribbean and West Ravilious, William Scott, Sarah India Regiments dur- Taylor Silverwood, Dayanita Singh ing World War Two. and Bob and Roberta Smith.

For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events April - 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:11 Page 1

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Events

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 7 - Sun 10 April Last year celebrating its 30th anniversary, Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The show features displays of antique and decorative furniture, treen, ceramics, kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery, arms and armour, maps, dolls, bears and an array of vintage and decorative collectables. With more than 230 dealers showcasing their wares - and with items ranging in price from as little as £10 right up to £100,000 - this ever-popular event offers the perfect opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts and mix the antique with the modern. Commenting on the show, Mary Claire Boyd, the Fair’s Director, said: “We’re always seeking out new exhibits and new stories to excite visitors to the fair and to inspire them with fresh ideas. The addition of contemporary pieces and 20th century specialists ensure that the fair reflects the latest trends.”

St George’s Day Flatpack Film Festival Who Do You Think You Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 23 April Various venues across Birmingham, Are? Live Tues 19 - Sun 24 April NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 April Birmingham Conservatoire, Adrian Boult Hall, the Electric Cinema and the Old Rep Theatre are just some of the venues selected to host this year’s 10th anniversary Flatpack Festival. The popular event has built its reputation on presenting a package of entertainment that brings together animation, music, artists’ film, archive discoveries, off- beat shorts for kids and live cinema. This year’s highlights include the presentation of new live scores to Carl The world’s largest family history show is Theodor Dreyer’s landmark 1932 movie, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary. Vampyr, and FW Murnau’s Faust Who Do You Think You Are? Live brings (1926). There’s also a showing of the together some of the most renowned experts Harold Lloyd classic, Girl Shy (1924), in family history, all of whom will be on and a project offering its audience the hand to help visitors with ongoing research chance to experience a film while or offer advice about how to start an investi- blindfolded, with only the soundtrack gation into a family tree. There’s the chance to sample a taste of and whispered narration by a group of The show also features Antiques Roadshow Medieval Britain at Tamworth Castle this schoolchildren offering clues as to the favourite Eric Knowles, who’ll be helping to month, as the venue celebrates Saint film’s content. identify and date family treasures, and One George’s Day. Show presenter Anita Ranie, who’ll take Attractions include weapons and armour audiences behind the scenes of the hit TV demonstrations throughout the day, a special series. medieval jousting tournament, a living histo- Other attractions include a packed pro- ry encampment, children’s medieval activi- gramme of workshops, treasure hunts for ties and numerous street entertainers plying children, a replica Spitfire plane from World their trades. Within the castle, medieval War Two and a specialist military area to households prepare laundry and armour, commemorate ancestors involved in conflict. while Lady Freville offers a selection of The show’s Education Zone area features a games and activities for all the family to roadshow to commemorate the centenary of enjoy. the Battle of the Somme.

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more events from around the region

Events

May Day Bank Holiday Fun Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs, Sat 30 April - Sun 2 May The brand new Tamarin Trail - comprising eight enclosures hous- ing a variety of tamarins and mar- mosets - is just one of the attractions for visitors to enjoy at Drayton Manor Park this May Day bank holiday. As well as the trail, the venue also features the ever-popular Thomas Land and a wealth of enjoyable rides, including Flynn’s Fire And Rescue, Captain’s Sea Adventure and Toby’s Tram Express. Thrill seekers are well catered for too, A Day At The Lake courtesy of (among other white- Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire, and features a series of arts-based presenta- knuckle attractions) Shockwave, Sat 30 April - Mon 2 May tions on and around the lake, including a Apocalypse and Maelstrom. Across the May Bank Holiday, Rudyard Lake performance by the City of Birmingham in Staffordshire will be reimagined as it was Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. in the late 1800s - a period of time which saw On the shore, circus sideshows, marching Shrewsbury thousands of day-trippers visit the location to bands, and a helter skelter are just some of Bookfest relax and enjoy a range of outdoor arts and the highlights from the jam-packed programme. You may even spot some real life Various venues across entertainments. This weekend event is being Shrewsbury, produced by Cheshire company Wild Rumpus mermaids... Fri 29 April - Mon 2 May Former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson and comedian- turned-author Julian Clary top the Homebuilding And The Fast Show bill at this year’s festival. The high- Renovating Show Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton, profile pair are joined at the event Sun 10 April NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 April by, among others, Charlie And Lola author Lauren Child, Clarice This is the biggest event of its kind in the UK, Bean novelist Vicki Archer, screen- bringing together self-build specialists, tal- writer Frank Cottrell Boyce and ented renovators and a host of leading performance poet, comedian and brands. New for 2016 are one-hour work- musician John Hegley. shops - providing visitors with the chance to The festival also features Shaun chat to the experts - and a Kitchen Design & the Sheep model-making work- Planning feature, with experienced kitchen shops, a chance for Star Wars fans studio owners on hand to offer free consulta- to learn to draw some of their tions. Seminars, masterclasses, a home secu- favourite characters, and a draw- rity advice centre, design consultations and ing and storytelling event for DIY demonstrations are among the event’s younger children with Hugless already established features. Douglas creator David Melling

The first ‘performance and modified car’ event on the 2016 calendar, The Fast Show features club stand displays, Run What Ya Brung, FWD and JDS drag racing, drifting, stunt displays, jet car, a trade village and funfair rides. The show’s organisers reckon they’re pretty much offering ‘something for everyone’, whether your car is about ‘show’ or ‘go’, a modified hot-hatch, a retro classic or a supercar.

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more events from around the region

Events

Horrible Histories Maze: The Dana Get Lost In Time! Prison Tours Warwick Castle, Warwickshire The Dana Prison, Shrewsbury The long-ago past is brought to life in this brand HM Prison Shrewsbury was built new attraction. The multi-sensory maze features in 1877, close to the site where moving walls, interactive puzzles and plenty of Thomas Telford built the Dana Horrible Histories’ ‘foul facts and crazy cartoons’. Gaol in 1793. Visitors to the maze are challenged to reorder the This tour provides the opportuni- muddle that the mischievous Rattus Rattus has ty to explore the history of one of made of time - and then to find their way out Shrewsbury’s most famous again. buildings, within the walls of Commenting on the new attraction, Horrible which seven people were execut- Histories’ author, Terry Deary, said: “The history ed by hanging between 1902 and in my books is horrible. But to experience it live in 1961. Warwick’s maze will be most horrible of all. I may Visitors taking the tour can find not have the nerve to do it myself unless I’m wear- out what it was like for convicts ing one of the castle’s suits of armour!” entering prison for the first time, check out the solitary confine- ment and condemned-man cells, walk the wings and step inside the execution room, where sen- Stratford-upon-Avon Harlem Globetrotters tences were carried out. Literary Festival Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 30 April Various locations Sun 24 April - Sun 1 May The Harlem Globetrotters have been playing exhibition basketball games for the best part of a century, participating in more than 20,000 matches in 100-plus countries. Regular visitors to the UK and the Midlands, the fellas are well worth a look. This year’s touring show boasts a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi- Meccanuity Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Cheese Chisholm - not to mention female Sat 30 April - Mon 2 May stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu. Slam-dunkin' magic is a guarantee. This popular event, facilitated by the Telford & Ironbridge Meccano Society, features an impressive array of large and Shropshire Kids Festival small models for enthusiasts The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, young and old to enjoy. As well Sat 23 - Sun 24 April as marvelling at displays of giant Stratford Literary Festival is one of the most ‘Education through fun’ lies at the heart of cranes, steam engines, pattern- significant get-togethers of its kind in the UK. this high-energy weekend for kids of all ages. drawing machines, fairground Offering a fusion of celebrity-author events, There’s entertainment available for babies rides and clocks, visitors can debates and workshops, this year’s festival and toddlers, and plenty of arts & crafts also construct their own models takes the theme of ‘legacies, memories and events and workshops for older children, all using the abundance of available great classics - from Charlotte Brontë to . of which have been designed to allow young- Meccano parts Agatha Christie and from Gruffalos to Peter sters to get hands-on while they learn. Rabbit’. “Education is about expanding the world of Familiar names taking part in the event youngsters,” say the event’s organisers, “and include Julia Donaldson, John McCarthy, we will be doing that through play, science, Howard Jacobson and Mary Portas (pictured). drama, engineering, technology and much DJ Paul Gambaccini makes a contribution more!” too, not only discussing his career but also giving an account of his harrowing year spent under investigation by Operation Yewtree. For a full festival line-up, visit www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk See thelist for all your events listings

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Tickets to Bring On Tickets to Superbike Tickets to Save The Last The Bollywood World Championship Dance For Me

Closes Friday 15 April Closes Friday 20 May Closes Monday 9 May Tickets to Folk at The REP Tickets to Breakfast At Tiffany’s Tickets to Slam Dunk Festival

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To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter for more great competitions whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover April Birmingham ONLY.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 17:31 Page 1 The List Cover April Birmingham ONLY.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 17:31 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide April 2016 thelist 5Seconds Of Summer at Genting Arena, Birmingham -Thurs 14 April

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

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 3 April Mon 4 to Sun 10 April Mon 11 to Sun 17 April Mon 18 to Sun 24 April Mon 25 to Sat 30 April

The Gadget Show Live Shazia Mirza at The Old Big Fish Little Fish Family Troye Sivan at O2 Institute at NEC Rep Theatre Rave at The Rainbow Sat 23 April Russell Kane at until Sun 3 April Sat 9 April Venues Birmingham Town Hall Sun 17 April Sat 30 April

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List 1-10 April - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:38 Page 1

thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April EDDI READER Sun 3 Apr, Apr, Symphony Hall THROUGHOUT APRIL Gigs The Glee Club JACK GARRATT Fri 8 Apr, O2 Institute an exhibition of ceramics, Mon 4 Apr LITTLE MIX Sun 3 Apr, Genting Arena Visual Arts - Sat 28 May YEARS & YEARS Fri 1 NEW! CANDIDATES EXHIBITION Work by Apr, Barclaycard Arena ELIZA SHADDAD Sun 3 Apr, The Sunflower Birmingham Museum & artists seeking to become Associates ADELE Fri 1 - Sat 2 Apr, Lounge Art Gallery or Members, Mon 11 - Sat 23 Apr Genting Arena THE GALLEONS Sun 3 THE BESNARD LAKES Fri BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN The Barber Institute Apr, Hare & Hounds THE INNER-CITY Exploring the ways in 1 Apr, Hare & Hounds INHERITING ROME Exhibition using FEAR OF MEN Mon 4 which ordinary Brummie folk have DEAD PLUS YOUTH MAN, money to explore and question our Apr, Hare & Hounds been represented in art during the deep-seated familiarity with the A PROMISE TO FORGET & OVERKILL Tues 5 Apr, 20th and 21st centuries, until Thurs Roman Empire’s imagery, until Sun LED BY LANTERNS SUP- The Rainbow Venues 31 Mar. 24 Apr. PORT Fri 1 Apr, The Asylum JIM JONES AND THE WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS CHANCE, ORDER, CHANGE: ABSTRACT Installation made up of many parts, NOTHING BUT THIEVES RIGHTEOUS MIND Tues 5 PAINTINGS 1939 - 1989 A great oppor- URBAN FOLK QUARTET from small jewels in frames to large, Fri 1 Apr, O2 Institute Apr, Hare & Hounds tunity to enjoy abstract art at its Fri 8 Apr, mac freestanding furniture, until Sun 1 purest, until Sun 8 May. THE RED LEMONS Fri 1 - JULIE DEXTER Tues 5 ZOE GILBY QUARTET Fri 8 May. Sat 2 Apr, The Jam Apr, The Jam House PRESTIGE & POWER Artists, writers, Apr, Symphony Hall NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 politicians and royalty are the sub- House SCREAMIN' MISS TELEMAN Fri 8 Apr, The Exhibition of works by graduates jects in this display of works by FRED ZEPPELIN - JACKSON Tues 5 Apr, Rainbow Venues from various West Midlands art Rubens, Van Dyck and Charles Le TRIBUTE BAND TO LED Kitchen Garden Cafe schools, until Sun 15 May and until Brun, until Sun 15 May. ZEPPELIN Fri 1 Apr, The THE NECKS AND JAMES SEBASTIAN TREE Fri 8 Sun 10 Apr. Also showing at mac, Roadhouse MCVINNIE: THE SECRET Apr, O2 Institute Birmingham, Wolverhampton Art INTO THE WOODS Featuring stylistically LIFE OF ORGANS Tues 5 HARVEY SUTHERLAND Fri Gallery & Herbert Art Gallery, diverse works by distinguished JOHN LAW'S NEW Apr, Birmingham Town 8 Apr, Hare & Hounds Coventry artists, including Jacob van Ruisdael, CONGREGATION Fri 1 Theodore Rousseau & Samuel Apr, Symphony Hall Hall JOHNNY KOWALSKI AND HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS An exhibi- Palmer, until Sun 12 June. MATT & KIM Wed 6 Apr, THE SEXY WEIRDOS Fri 8 tion of work by young West Midlands PIGHEAD + IN DEMISE + O2 Academy Apr, Hare & Hounds students and tutors, until Sun 10 Apr mac, Birmingham HUMAN WASTE + SPAWNED FROM HATE Fri THE SIMON AND DIRTY STERLING Fri 8 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY CONNECTING SPACES An exhibition 1 Apr, Scruffy Murphys GARFUNKEL STORY Wed Apr, The Rainbow IN 130 YEARS The story of the showcasing the creative work of MUSE Sat 2 Apr, 6 Apr, Solihull Arts Venues Museum & Art Gallery, told via a spe- community groups and artists work- Barclaycard Arena Complex cial anniversary exhibition, until ing in collaboration, until Sun 10 Apr. BALLS DEEP (ALBUM THE CAT EMPIRE Sat 2 RICK ASTLEY Wed 6 Apr, LAUNCH) Fri 8 Apr, The Thurs 1 Sept MADE AT MAC: LIFE DRAWING The art- Apr, O2 Institute Symphony Hall Roadhouse Grand Union works featured were created on the life drawing course, led by artist tutor THE SURRENDERS Sat 2 KREPT & KONAN Wed 6 HIGHER ON MAIDEN Fri 8 NEW! PREM SAHIB A solo show of new Sally Delany, until Sun 15 May Apr, O2 Academy Apr, O2 Institute Apr, Route 44 work, Fri 22 Apr - Fri 3 June. NEW! PRINTS: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SARTAAJ LIVE AUSTINN Wed 6 Apr, SPUNK VOLCANO & THE Ikon Gallery SERIES AND 11 DRYPOINTS BY LOUISE Outstanding poet and The Asylum ERUPTIONS / SKURVI / BOURGEOIS Two collections of works singer from India, Sat 2 THE VRYLL SOCIETY Wed BORN TO DESTRUCT / by one of the most influential artists Apr, Symphony Hall 6 Apr, Hare & Hounds VINCENT AND THE JANET MENDELSOHN - VARNA ROAD ONEPOTTS Fri 8 Apr, of recent decades (1911-2010), Sat GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed 6 Exhibition featuring original prints The Flapper 23 Apr - Sun 19 June Apr, The Jam House from Mendelsohn’s archive of over PVRIS Sat 9 Apr, O2 3,000 photographs taken predomi- Millennium Point & Eastside MARTIN CARTHY Wed 6 Institute nantly in the Balsall Heath area of Apr, Kitchen Garden Park, Birmingham THE SUPERSKAS Sat 9 Birmingham, until Sun 3 Apr. Cafe WELLCOME IMAGE AWARDS EXHIBITION Apr, O2 Academy DINH Q LÊ Video installation, organ- THE TERRORSAURS + Exhibition displaying the Wellcome THE KING PRESLEY LIVES ised in collaboration with Artangel, JACK O'BONES + Image Awards winners' work, until 111Sat 9 Apr, Solihull until Sun 3 Apr. COLORADO LOUNGE + Sun 10 Apr Arts Complex The Library of Birmingham DEATH SEX BLOOD BATH Newman Brothers + KHAOS THEORY Wed BETTY WRIGHT Sat 9 NEW! OUR SHAKESPEARE the Library of Coffin Works, Birmingham 6 Apr, The Sunflower Apr, The Drum Birmingham has joined forces with Lounge A GUY CALLED GERALD & the British Library to stage a colour- WHAT REMAINS Mixed-media exhibi- RICK ROSS Sat 2 Apr, DAME MITSUKO UCHIDA NIGHTMARES ON WAX ful free exhibition, Fri 22 Apr - Sat 3 tion by Maureen Cooper, until 28 Apr O2 Academy Thurs 7 Apr, Sat 9 Apr, Hare & Sept Eastside Projects BETTER THAN NEVER + Birmingham Town Hall Hounds Parkside Gallery, BCU RICHARD WOODS: DUCK WEAVE A COAST TO COAST KING PLEASURE AND THE JAMIE CROFT Sat 9 Apr, FLOCKOMANIA 2 A solo exhibition and development of a 1000-year-old Sat 2 Apr, The Asylum BISCUIT BOYS Thurs 7 Ort Cafe installation by Zoe Robertson featur- building technology recently redis- BIG UPS Sat 2 Apr, The Apr, The Jam House DRAGSTER Sat 9 Apr, ing a display of wearable sculpture, covered by Woods, until Sat 9 Apr. Sunflower Lounge BRIAN FALLON & THE The Rainbow Venues until Fri 1 Apr. BOM (B’ham Open Media) THE SHEEPDOGS Sat 2 CROWES Thurs 7 Apr, OCEANS ATE ALASKA Sat Apr, The Rainbow O2 Institute RBSA Gallery NEW! INGENIOUS AND FEARLESS 9 Apr, The Asylum Venues ZIBRA Thurs 7 Apr, The Venue ROB HAND RBSA On The Edge - A col- COMPANIONS The first ever exhibition SPEEDOMETER Sunflower Lounge lection of pit-fired and raku pieces, by the High Altitude Bioprospecting Sat 2 REBEL REBEL: DAVID including a range of jewellery, until (HAB) science-art collective, Fri 1 Apr Apr, Hare & Hounds BRAINSTORM Thurs 7 BOWIE TRIBUTE Sat 9 Sat 2 Apr. - Sat 11 June. HOTTER THAN HELL - Apr, O2 Academy Apr, Route 44 TRIBUTE TO KISS OPEN ALL MEDIA EXHIBITION Annual Article Gallery, School of Art, THE KVB Thurs 7 Apr, NATASHA WATTS Sun 10 open exhibition for all media, this Sat 2 Apr, The Hare & Hounds Apr, Hare & Hounds Birmingham City University Roadhouse year for the first time including pho- NEVER THE BRIDE Thurs BETH SHERBURN Sun 10 THIS FRONTIER SO FAMILIAR, SO tography, until Sat 9 Apr LESLEY WOODS (AU 7 Apr, The Roadhouse Apr, Hare & Hounds STRANGE James Irwin, Laura PAIRS) / THE CRAVATS / ECO-CRAFT EXHIBITION Showcasing ROBERT HAWKINS + GLASVILLE Sun 10 Apr, O'Connor, Jack Marder & DEPARTMENT S Sat 2 designer makers with an ethical GEORGE WILSON + MEG O2 Institute Christopher Liam Oakes, until Thurs Apr, The Flapper approach to craft-making, until Sat 7 14 Apr. YATES Thurs 7 Apr, THE RAILSPLITTERS Sun MARK PADMORE AND May. Route 44 10 Apr, Kitchen Garden PAUL LEWIS Sun 3 Apr, NEW! JEFF LOMAS RBSA Grasslands - MICHAEL BOLTON Fri 8 Cafe Birmingham Town Hall 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1-10 April - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:38 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April

James Rowney, Little Jim & ANDRE VINCENT & GARETH RICHARDS May, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- Classical Music Orchestra of the Swan Sun 10 Apr, Fri 8 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham upon-Avon Birmingham Town Hall TEZ, TOBY HADOKE, STUART MITCHELL & HAMLET Simon Godwin directs Paapa ANDY ASKINS Fri 8 - Sat 9 Apr, Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare's SUNDAY CLASSICS Presenting young Jongleurs Comedy Club, searing tragedy, until Sat 13 Aug, stars of the future from the classical Birmingham Royal Shakespeare Theatre, world, including opera singers, violin- Comedy Gigs Stratford-upon-Avon ists & harpists, all of whom are at the JAMIE WOOD - O NO! Fri 8 Apr, mac, very start of their careers… Sun 3 Birmingham DOCTOR FAUSTUS Maria Aberg returns Apr, The Spotted Dog, Digbeth, SLIM, TOJU FEATURING MR CEE & REM SHAZIA MIRZA - THE KARDASHIANS to the RSC to direct Marlowe's notori- Birmingham CONWAY, Fri 1 Apr, The Drum, MADE ME DO IT Sat 9 Apr, The Old ous tale of vanity, greed and damna- tion, until Thurs 4 Aug, The Swan MARK PADMORE (TENOR) & PAUL LEWIS Birmingham Rep Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon (PIANO) Programme includes works ANDREW BIRD, GARETH RICHARDS by Beethoven & Schubert, Sun 3 Apr, FEATURING ANDRE VINCENT & STEPHEN HEARTBEAT ITV's popular Sunday Birmingham Town Hall BAILEY Sat 9 Apr, The Glee Club, evening police drama makes its stage debut. Set in rural Yorkshire in LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Birmingham the 1960s, Heartbeat on stage fea- KONSTANTIN VOLOSTNOV Moscow tures a brand new script, video organist Konstantin Volostnov is well footage and 'clever set'. Steven known for his recitals throughout Blakeley & David Lonsdale star, Mon Russia and Europe. Here he per- 28 Mar - Sat 2 Apr, New Alexandra forms works by JS Bach, A.G Ritter, Theatre Theatre, Birmingham Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Vierne & Dianov, Mon 4 Apr, Birmingham Town JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAMIAN CLARK, AMERICAN IDIOT Lichfield Garrick TRAINSPOTTING A co-production from Hall DAVID WARD & SAM AVERY Fri 1 Apr, Youth Theatre present an amateur King's Head Theatre, In Your Face THE NECKS AND JAMES MCVINNIE: THE Jongleurs Comedy Club, production of the two-time Tony Theatre Company and mac SECRET LIVES OF ORGANS Music by Birmingham Award-winning musical, Tues 29 Mar Birmingham, featuring full-frontal Tom Jenkinson, Philip Glass and The - Sat 2 Apr, Lichfield Garrick 3-MINUTE GONG SHOW Sat 2 Apr, The nudity, strong language and scenes Necks, performed on Birmingham Dark Horse, Moseley, Birmingham of a violent and sexual nature, until HAY FEVER The Crescent Theatre Town Hall’s magnificent organ, Tues JARRED CHRISTMAS, JOHN MOLONEY, Sat 2 Apr, Rainbow Venues, Digbeth Company present Noel Coward's 5 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall comedy of manners, Wed 30 Mar - JEN BRISTER & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Apr, MARY POPPINS The supercalifragilistic DAME MITSUKO UCHIDA IN RECITAL Thurs 7 Apr, Crescent Theatre, The Glee Club, Birmingham international hit arrives in Brum as Programme includes works by Birmingham JUNIOR SIMPSON, LOU CONRAN. part of a UK tour, until Sat 23 Apr, Schubert & Beethoven, Thurs 7 Apr, DAMIAN CLARK & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Apr, Birmingham Hippodrome HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG Join Birmingham Town Hall Karen The Koala as she heads a cast Jongleurs Comedy Club, DON QUIXOTE James Fenton's staging Birmingham of wild characters in a fun-filled fami- of Cervantes' comic novel - a work ly musical written especially for par- COLIN COLE, PETER BRUSH regarded as one of the foundation ents to enjoy with their children, Fri 1 FEATURING SIMON BLIGH Sat 2 Apr, stones of modern fiction, until Sat 21 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Faces, Wolverhampton CHRIS RAMSEY: ALL GROWED UP Sun 3 Apr, Bedworth Civic Hall MARK STEEL - WHO DO I THINK I AM? Sun 3 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove MOCK THE FLOCK Wed 6 Apr, The Mockingbird, Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, ANDRE VINCENT, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 7 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 7 Apr, The Victoria, Birmingham ANDREW LAWRENCE - UNCENSORED Fri 8 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa LAST NIGHT OF ROTARY PROMS Sat 9 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JOE LYCETT Fri 8 Apr, Stratford Artshouse THE RELAXED CONCERT featuring ANDREW BIRD, STEPHEN BAILEY,

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thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT the longest running show in the his- Featuring some of the funniest come- tory of British theatre, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Talks Events dy acts from the Black Country, Apr, Lichfield Garrick including Jonny Cole, Dandy and FLIRT OFF Brand new open-mic story Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos cabaret featuring true stories about IN CONVERSATION WITH JONATHAN COE HIPPITY HOPPITY HURRAY! also features, Fri 1 Apr, dating and relationships, Wed 6 Apr, & RICHARD CAMERON Presented by Chick out the fantastic Easter activi- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Writing West Midlands and recorded ties and make a cracking Easter MY PET MONSTER AND ME Birmingham for broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Arts card, a rocking chick and play lots of and Ideas Programme, Jonathan fun games. Plus, take part in the egg Blunderbuss Theatre bring to life the THE BEST THING Vamos Theatre pres- story of Sophie Bucket, a young girl Coe, the author of The Rotters’ Club, hunt, until Fri 1 Apr, Selly Manor, ent a fully masked performance of a and Richard Cameron who has Birmingham who spends her time alone and day- Swinging ’60s story of unconditional dreaming, wishing she had a friend adapted it for the stage, discuss this EASTER HALF TERM FUN Award-win- love, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 Apr, Arena new production and their careers, with whom she could share her Theatre, Wolverhampton ning clown and children’s entertainer adventures. A tale especially for little Sat 9 Apr, The REP, Birmingham Bibbledy Bob - with music, fun and monsters and their grown-ups, Fri 1 YARNING Through spoken word, games on the lawn, until Fri 1 Apr, Apr, Solihull Arts Complex music, image and sound, Trevor Pitt Birmingham Botanical Gardens reflects on the collected stories from STIG OF THE DUMP London women around the UK about their Film THE GADGET SHOW LIVE The UK’s Contemporary Theatre presents its relationship with wool - knitting, spin- largest consumer technology show, version of the timeless children’s Thurs 31 March - Sun 3 Apr, NEC, ning, felting and weaving, Thurs 7 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: classic, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Apr, mac, Apr, mac, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham BATMAN VS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF EGG HUNT Ruby the Castle Dragon A DRAGON'S TALE Magical story based JUSTICE (12a) VIRTUAL REALITY Postcard Theatre Batman decides to pick has hidden her eggs from the das- on the legend of Lambton Worm, a spat with Superman and while the present Maria de la Roche's debut told through puppets, changing tardly dragon hunter. Visitors will be play, which provides a modern-day superheroes are having their argy- invited to help locate Ruby’s eggs, scenery, music and sound effects, bargy, Lex Luthor sees an opportuni- look at the virtual world of internet Thurs 7 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex until Fri 8 Apr, Tamworth Castle, sex and female empowerment, Fri 1 - ty to unleash his ultimate secret Staffs DIARY OF A MADMAN New adaptation weapon on Metropolis: Doomsday. Sat 2 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, EGG DANCING Once blindfolded, the Birmingham of Gogol's dark comedy, Thurs 7 - Fri Thank God, then, for Wonder 8 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Woman… Stars Ben Affleck, Henry townsfolk will dance across the street HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG Join Birmingham Cavill & Amy Adams. Until Thur 14 without stepping on eggs carefully Karen The Koala as she heads a cast Apr, Electric Cinema, Birmingham placed along their route, until Sun 10 of wild characters in a fun-filled fami- Apr, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire SLOW WEST (15) ly musical written especially for par- A bounty hunter (Michael Fassbender) keeps his true EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES ents to enjoy with their children, Sat Hop on over to the canalside village 2 Apr, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton motive a secret from the naive Scottish teenager (Kodi Smit- where a cracking programme of THE ROTTERS CLUB Jonathan Coe's McPhee) he's offered to serve as Easter fun is ready and waiting, until award-winning novel is here adapted bodyguard and guide while the Sun 10 Apr, Black Country Living for the stage by Richard Cameron. youth searches for his beloved in Museum, Dudley Set against the backdrop of an ever- 1800s Colorado. Fri 1 Apr, The DESIGN A TRAIN until Mon 11 Apr, changing Birmingham in the 1970s, Mockingbird Theatre, Birmingham Wonderful World of Trains and The Rotter's Club is inspired by Coe's ERNEST & CELESTINE (PG) Planes, Birmingham personal experiences growing up in Deep below EASTER FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT the Midlands, Sat 2 - Sat 9 Apr, The the streets lives a civilization of hard- REP, Birmingham working mice, terrified of the bears Enjoy live shows from the resident who live above ground. Unlike her magicians and ventriloquists, with MONOLOGUE SLAM MASTERCLASS 2016 fellow mice, Celestine is an artist and giggles and games for the whole A fun, interactive and constructive a dreamer - and when she nearly family, until Sun 17 Apr, Cadbury masterclass for aspiring actors, Sat 2 SHEILA’S MHS - MENTAL HEALTH SHOW ends up as breakfast for ursine trou- World, Bournville Apr, The REP, Birmingham As a qualified councillor and a come- badour Ernest, the two form an MIDLANDS WHISKY FESTIVALOne of the MACBETH Award-winning 30-minute dian, Sheila here shares her own unlikely bond. But it isn't long before experiences of mental health, high- UK's biggest whisky events, Fri 1 - performance of The Bard’s shortest their friendship is put on trial by their Sat 2 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall tragedy, performed by Jamaica’s lighting self-sabotaging behaviours respective bear-fearing and mice-eat- MONOLOGUESLAM MASTERCLASS 2016 Campion College. Performances and educating us on how we can be ing communities. Sat 2 Apr, mac, from Young Drum & The Hip Hop less hard on ourselves, Fri 8 Apr, Birmingham Fun, interactive and constructive ses- Shakespeare Theatre also feature, Lichfield Garrick sion suitable for those over 16, Sat 2 LA CLAVE (18) A feature-length docu- Apr, The REP, Birmingham Sat 2 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham CALLING FOR HELP! - NEXT PAGE mentary by Charlie Inman sees him FEMINISM AND YA FICTION: A BLUE STOCKINGS Little Arden Theatre PRODUCTIONS A new interactive com- explore the roots of rumba through DISCUSSION Company present a moving, comical edy by the writers of Invisible, Fri 8 - interviews with leading figures of the A discussion about femi- and eye-opening story of four young Sat 9 Apr, mac, Birmingham rumba scene in Cuba. Fri 1 Apr, The nism in YA literature, taking a look at women fighting for education and MY PET MONSTER AND ME Mockingbird Theatre, Birmingham the way the conversation has evolved recently, the problems and self-determination against the larger Blunderbuss Theatre bring to life the CATHY COME HOME (15) A 50th backdrop of women's suffrage, Sun 3 story of Sophie Bucket, a young girl opportunities facing YA authors and anniversary screening of the classic readers, and ways to get the agenda Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham who spends her time alone and day- Ken Loach film followed by a Q & A dreaming, wishing she had a friend moving forward, Mon 4 Apr, ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Timeless with veteran producer Tony Garnett Waterstones - High St, Birmingham Theatre present a musical journey with whom she could share her hosted by Professor Roger Shannon. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE through six decades, Mon 4 - Tues 5 adventures. A tale especially for little Tony will be joined by Cath Gilliver - Apr, Solihull Arts Complex monsters and their grown-ups, Sat 9 CEO of local Birmingham homeless The world’s largest family history Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, charity SIFA Fireside. Sat 9 Apr, The show, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 Apr, NEC, ANNIE Birds Of A Feather actress Birmingham Birmingham Lesley Joseph stars as the far-from- Mockingbird Theatre, Birmingham ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR pleasant Miss Hannigan in this latest THE ENDURING ROMANCE OF CATHY & HEATHCLIFF Dark romantic comedy Featuring special exhibitions, celebri- version of the oft-touring Broadway NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: hit, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Apr, set in the 1950s that follows the lives ty talks and over 250 dealers, Thurs Wolverhampton Grand Theatre of Cathy & John, as he tries to prove Released from Fri 1 April, showing at 7 - Sun 10 Apr, NEC, Birmingham to her that he can be her perfect man selected cinemas. PIZZA MAKING AT SAREHOLE MILL REHEARSAL FOR MURDER Agatha - her Heathcliff, Sat 9 Apr, Lichfield EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) Fun and informal baking class. Learn Christie thriller starring Robert Daws, Garrick Amy Robbins, Robert Duncan, Susan VICTORIA (15) to make dough, see the mill in action THE GIRL WHO WELL IN LOVE WITH THE & create and bake your own deli- Penhaligon and Ben Nealon, Mon 4 - DHEEPAN (15) Sat 9 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, MOON Puppetry, poetry, movement cious pizza, Sun 10 Apr, Sarehole HARDCORE HENRY (18) Birmingham and live music explore humanity’s Mill, Birmingham external fascination with the skies, THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR (tbc) THE MOUSETRAP Touring production Sat 9 Apr, mac, Birmingham of Agatha Christie's famous thriller - THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (12a)

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thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 April Water, The Prayer (Wagner), The Classical Music Peacemakers, Rule the World, Gigs Sine Nomine, Love Changes Everything, The Lord’s Prayer, We ABI MOORE Mon 11 Apr, G4 BACK FOR GOOD UK TOUR Mon 11 Are The Champions, Crescent Theatre Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Sun 17 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall WITH THE DEAD + SUNDAY CLASSICS Presenting young BEASTMAKER Mon 11 stars of the future from the classical Apr, O2 Institute world, including opera singers, violin- TREMBLING BELLS Mon ists & harpists, all of whom are at the 11 Apr, Kitchen Garden very start of their careers… Sun 17 Cafe Apr, The Spotted Dog, Digbeth, Birmingham THE BODY & FULL OF HELL Mon 11 Apr, The Rainbow Venues ROLO TOMASSI Mon 11 Comedy Gigs Apr, The Sunflower Lounge Nerina Pallot at the O2 Institute, Fri 15 April HANS ZIMMER Tues 12 LOUDEEMY SOUP COMEDY NIGHT DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tues Mon 11 Apr, The Blue Orange Apr, Barclaycard Arena Thurs 14 Apr, Route 44 Jam House 12 Apr Symphony Hall, Birmingham Theatre BRY Tues 12 Apr, O2 INTO THE SHADOWS Fri WOLFMOTHER Sat 16 BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE REPER- CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Institute 15 Apr, Dovehouse Apr, O2 Academy TOIRE ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Tues 12 Apr, The Dark Horse, Theatre, Solihull HONKY TONK ROSE Tues MOOSE BLOOD Sat 16 Rosina (conductor) & Elsabe Reath Moseley 12 Apr, The Jam House UP FOR THE DOWN- Apr The Slade Rooms, (viola). Programme includes Chris THE ALL-STAR STAND-UP TOUR STROKE Fri 15 Apr, The Wolverhampton THE VIEW Tues 12 Apr, Cresswell’s New Work; Forsyth’s Wed 13 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall O2 Academy Jam House BATTLE OF THE BANDS Concerto for Viola & Orchestra in G minor & Brahms’ Symphony No 2 in MOCK THE FLOCK Wed 13 Apr, The DAN OWEN Tues 12 Apr, NERINA PALLOT Fri 15 Sat 16 Apr, The Slade D major, Op.73, Tues 12 Apr, Adrian Mockingbird The Sunflower Lounge Apr, O2 Institute Rooms, Boult Hall, Birmingham JO ENRIGHT, SUZY BENNETT, HELEN HEY! HELLO! Fri 15 Apr Wolverhampton THE BELLRAYS Tues 12 Conservatoire THORN & MAUREEN YOUNGER The Slade Rooms, SOUL FOOD PROJECT Apr, Hare & Hounds Wed 13 Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe Wolverhampton PRESENTS CRAIG GERARD MCCHRYSTAL (SAXOPHONE) BRONWYNNE BRENT CHARLES Sat 16 Apr, INTERFUSE Tues 12 Apr, Adrian Boult COMEDY CLUB Thurs 14 Apr, Arena Tues 12 Apr, Kitchen ANDY SMITH PRESENTS Hare & Hounds Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire Theatre, Wolverhampton Garden Cafe THE DOCUMENT Fri 15 Apr, Hare & Hounds SIGNS OF FIRE + PELU- CBSO: BRUCKNER'S NINTH Featuring ANDREW O'NEILL, STEVE SHANYASKI FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND James Feddeck (conductor) & PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY TALON: THE BEST OF THE GION + INTERROBANG + Wed 13 - Thurs 14 Apr, Michael Collins (clarinet), Wed 13 ROBINSON Thurs 14 Apr, The Glee EAGLES Fri 15 Apr, The TOROUS + INCLOSURE O2 Institute Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Club Slade Rooms, Sat 16 Apr, The THE CHICAGO BLUES Wolverhampton Rainbow Venues ANDREW O'NEILL, CHARLIE BAKER, BROTHERS Wed 13 Apr, STEVE SHANASKI & ANDREW STANLEY MOON SUGAR Fri 15 Apr, SPECIAL KINDA New Alexandra Theatre Fri 15 Apr, The Glee Club The Rainbow Venues MADNESS Sat 16 Apr, ELIZA AND THE BEAR The Roadhouse GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP'S TROPHY Wed 13 Apr, O2 MATT RIDLEY QUARTET MIKE FLETCHER JAZZ COLLECTION Fri 15 Apr, mac Institute Fri 15 Apr, The Red Lion ORCHESTRA Sat 16 Apr, JAMES ALDERSON, TIM FITZHIGHAM UNDERCOVER HIPPY Adrian Boult Hall, & IVO GRAHAM Fri 15 - Sat 16 Apr, STEVE GIBBONS & DAVE Wed 13 Apr, Hare & Birmingham Jongleurs Comedy Club Hounds SCOTT MORGAN Fri 15 Apr, mac CHAS & DAVE Sat 16 KEN DODD Sat 16 Apr, New Alexandra THE FROE Wed 13 Apr, Apr, The Robin, Bilston Theatre The Red Lion Folk Club SHAI HULUD Fri 15 Apr, The Asylum Venue VIC GODARD & SUBWAY ROB BECKETT: MOUTH OF THE SOUTH NIGHT Thurs 14 Apr, SECT / YEAH YEAH NOH / Sat 16 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse SPILT MILK SOCIETY + mac HARRY STAFFORD (INCA IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL A mini festi- Theatre HALF ASLEEP + SUNDAY 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER BABIES) Sat 16 Apr, The val which provides a platform to SERVICE Fri 15 Apr, O2 ANDREW O'NEILL, ANDREW STANLEY, Thurs 14 Apr, Genting Flapper showcase classical students, high- Institute lighting where they collaborate with CHARLIE BAKER & STEVE SHANYASKI Arena MISTY MILLER Sun 17 the jazz department, Wed 13 - Fri 15 Sat 16 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham THE TOM WALKER TRIO Apr, The Sunflower BELLOWHEAD Thurs 14 Apr, various locations within Fri 15 Apr, Route 44 Lounge Apr, Symphony Hall Birmingham Conservatoire MOSAIC Fri 15 Apr, TREETOP FLYERS Sun 17 MERCURY Thurs 14 Apr, COMPLETELY BRAHMS Featuring Pavel Symphony Hall Apr, Hare & Hounds New Alexandra Theatre Fischer (violin) & John Thwaites DISCHARGE Sat 16 Apr, ALXNDR Thurs 14 Apr, THE FUNKY KNUCKLES & (piano). Programme comprises The Rainbow Venues O2 Academy MARK LETTIERI TRIO Sun Brahms’ Violin Sonata No.1 in G, JEFF LYNNES ELO Sat 16 17 Apr, Hare & Hounds PATENT PENDING Thurs Op78 & Violin Sonata No,2 in A, Op - Sun 17 Apr, Genting 14 Apr, O2 Academy LAURA CORTESE & THE 100, Fri 15 Apr, Recital Hall, Arena DANCE CARDS Birmingham Conservatoire DARK CIRCUS Thurs 14 MIKE DIGNAM Sat 16 Sun 17 Apr, Kitchen Apr, Hare & Hounds CBSO: DISNEY FROZEN IN CONCERT Apr, O2 Institute Garden Cafe Featuring Simon Lee (conductor) & DANA IMMANUEL & THE NEWTON FAULKNER Sat CALLUM KERRIGAN Sun CBSO Chorus, Sat 16 Apr, STOLEN BAND Thurs 14 16 Apr, O2 Institute 17 Apr, The Rainbow Symphony Hall, Birmingham Apr, Kitchen Garden Venues, Birmingham Cafe CAST Sat 16 Apr, O2 LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS - IN Academy ORCHARD HILL Sun 17 EVERY CORNER SING Featuring Ben CONAN Thurs 14 Apr, Lamb (conductor) & Martin Rawles THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Apr, The Rainbow The Rainbow Venues (organist). Programme includes 2016 - LIVE! Sat 16 Apr, Venues TYTAN Thurs 14 Apr, works by Mendelssohn & Vaughan mac THE HEATHER FINDLAY The Robin, Bilston Williams, Sat 16 Apr, Lichfield HOLY ESQUE Sat 16 Apr, BAND Sun 17 Apr, The GABBIDON Thurs 14 Apr, Cathedral The Sunflower Lounge Robin, Bilston The Jam House ALCESTER MALE VOICE CHOIR Featuring DESOLATED / RESTRICT UP FOR THE DOWN- an eclectic programme of works, REAL ZEKS +TBC + Sun 17 Apr, STROKE Sat 16 Apr, The including Bridge Over Troubled JORDON FITZGERALD The Flapper 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 11 - 17 April - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 17:13 Page 2

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thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 April tale, Sat 16 Apr, Birmingham REP American legal system that is as riv- FERAL Tortoise In A Nutshell present eting as it is spare, this iconic adap- an innovative piece of visual theatre tation of Reginald Rose’s teleplay which creates and destroys a world stars Henry Fonda as the dissenting in front of the audience’s eyes, Sat member on a jury of white men 16 Apr, Lichfield Garrick ready to pass judgment on a Puerto Rican teenager charged with murder- MY FRIEND PETER Hookhitch presents ing his father. Sat 16 Apr, Electric a family-friendly folk musical for all Cinema those who seek big adventures in little places, Sun 17 Apr, mac, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 15 April, showing at selected cinemas. Talks CRIMINAL(15) AN EVENING WITH LEMM SISSAY EYE IN THE SKY (15) Captivating spoken word & poetry THE JUNGLE BOOK (15) from the award-winning playwright & popular broadcaster, Thurs 14 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham REBUILDING SELLY MANOR - HERITAGE Events TALK Talk by Dr Simon Davies using innovative methods in 3D digital THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & Twelfth Night at Birmingham REP, Tues 12 to Sat 16 April modelling, Thurs 14 Apr, Selly Manor RENOVATING SHOW Four days of unlimited inspiration with hundreds of of food, fun, frolics, fantasy - and exhibitors on hand to dish out some hard thoughts about what Theatre advise. The UK’s largest event of its makes us all tick, Wed 13 Apr, Arena kind, the show also features an array Theatre, Wolverhampton DERREN BROWN: MIRACLE The award- Film of must-see masterclasses for self- THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS New winning master of psychological illu- build enthusiasts, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 stage production featuring over two sion returns to the Midlands, Mon 11 Apr, NEC, Birmingham hours of the best blues, Motown, INDEPENDENT CINEMAS: - Sat 16 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand STRATFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL soul and comedy from both of the Theatre BICYCLE THIEVES (U) Adapted from a Exciting mixture of debate, ideas, Blues Brothers movies, Wed 13 Apr, novel by Luigi Bartolini, the quiet celebrity author events, workshops & New Alexandra Theatre tragedy of a father’s desperate hunt humour. Featured events include a THE FALLIBLE LECTURE A comic history for a stolen bicycle that he depends fun & interactive show which sees of English Literature, from Geoffrey on for his work has a fable-like sim- children’s author Julia Donaldson act Chaucer to Kate Tempest, Wed 13 - plicity. For all its vivid documentation out her stories and sing her songs Sat 16 Apr, Crescent Theatre of a downtrodden Rome, it is as a aloingside a cast of five, Thurs 14 universal tale of human striving. Stars ELF - THE MUSICAL Performed by Apr - Sun 1 May, Stratford Town Lamberto Maggiorani & Enzo Staiola. Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre, Centre Tues 12 Apr, Electric Cinema Group 7, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Apr, WWE LIVE WWE superstars and Stafford Gatehouse Theatre LAPSE OF HONOUR (tbc) Set in a tough divas, all under one roof including part of Manchester where drugs and FOLK Tom Wells' hilarious and not-so- Roman Reigns vs Bray Wyatt & the gangs rule, young couple Tom and holy story of hope, coming together New Day vs The League Of Nations Eve are head over heels in love. Tom and finding your feet when your Sheamus & Rusev, Sat 16 Apr, wants a career in graphic design; MALC STENT IN THE AFTERNOON Music, world is turned upside down, Thurs Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Eve is an aspiring grime artiste who mirth and stories that’ll take you back 14 - Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham REP QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY DECORATIVE RAG in time, Tues 12 Apr, Solihull Arts wants to change her life by becom- IRELANDS CALL Musical which tells of WREATHS WORKSHOP Create a red, Complex ing a successful artiste. When Eve dreams, enduring love and the discovers she’s pregnant, they make white and blue wreath in celebration THE CHAIRS A rare opportunity to see resilience of the human spirit - a pact to raise enough money to get of Queen Elizabeth's birthday, Sat 16 a live performance of this ground- inspired by true events spanning out of town sooner rather than later. Apr, Birmingham Back to Backs breaking absurdist play. Performed three decades, Fri 15 Apr, New Tom mistakenly believes he can take BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE by Extant, the UK’s leading blind and Alexandra Theatre a short cut and make quick money, A jungle and safari-themed family visually impaired theatre company, BEST OF BE FESTIVAL BE Festival cura- bringing mayhem and tragedy into event with multi sensory dance floor, Tues 12 - Wed 13 Apr, mac tors and directors Miguel Oyarzun the lives of all. The screening will be glitter cannons, bubbles and giant COPACABANA The Peterbrook Players and Isla Aguilar have chosen three followed by an informal discussion. parachute dance, Sun 17 Apr, The present an amateur production of the acts that best encapsulate the ethos Wed 13 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham Rainbow Venues, Birmingham Barry Manilow musical, Tues 12 - Sat and energy of European theatre, 12 ANGRY MEN (U) 12 Angry Men, by GTI SPRING FESTIVAL RWYB event for 16 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex dance and circus, Fri 15 Apr, Arena Sidney Lumet, may be the most radi- watercooled VWs with show’n’shine, TWELFTH NIGHT Riotous gig meets Theatre, Wolverhampton cal courtroom drama in cinema histo- clubs, an autojumble and more, Sun Shakespeare in Filter's innovative ry. A behind-closed-doors look at the 17 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway staging of The Bard's tale of satire, romance and mistaken identity, Tues 12 - Sat 16 Apr, Birmingham REP The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, NEC, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 April JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Amateur production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, presented by Lichfield Operatic Society, Tues 12 - Sat 16 Apr, Lichfield Garrick USHERS: THE FRONT OF HOUSE MUSICAL The Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company present a new jukebox musical which portrays the hilarious, THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE 2016 - LIVE! Sat ridiculous and frequently moving sto- 16 Apr, mac, Birmingham ries of ice cream and programme sellers who dare to dream, Tues 12 - FIRST STAGES: RUMPELSTILTSKIN Big Sun 17 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre Brum Theatre presents a new version of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy- MISSING AT THE MISSING CAFE Evening whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 18 - 24 April - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:26 Page 1

thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April Classical Music Comedy Gigs

LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! THOMAS TROTTER Also featuring the Mon 18 Apr, The Blue Orange Birmingham Conservatoire Choir, Theatre, Birmingham Programme includes works by Joubert, Howells & Parry, MOCK THE FLOCK Wed 20 Apr, The Mon 18 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Mockingbird, Birmingham CBSO: ROMEO AND JULIET Featuring PAUL THORNE, IAN MOORE, COMEDY Lahav Shani (conductor). Programme CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs comprises Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and 21 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Juliet Overture: Bernstein’s West Side SHIP OF FOOLS WITH COMPERE ALAN Story - Symphonic Dances & SEAMAN Fri 22 Apr, Palace Theatre, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Wed Redditch 20 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham NATHAN CATON, PAUL THORNE, CBSO CENTRE STAGE: CELLOS THE IAN MOORE & KATE LUCAS Gregory Porter, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 24 April AMERICAS! Programme includes Fri 22 Apr, The Glee Club, O2 Academy Robin, Bilston works by Villa Lobos, Piazzolla, Birmingham Gershwin & selections from ABBA MANIA Thurs 21 BOOTLEG BLONDIE Fri 22 Gigs Gerhswin’s West Side story, Thurs 21 Apr, Wolverhampton Apr, The Roadhouse Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Grand Theatre THE BIG WOLF BAND & BENJAMIN APPL Mon 18 DODDERHILL SCHOOL 70TH KINGS OF COOL WITH THE ZOE GREEN BAND Fri Apr, Birmingham Town ANNIVERSARY EXTRAVAGANZA Thurs 21 MATT FORD Thurs 21 22 Apr, Route 44 Hall - Fri 22 Apr, Bramall Music Building, Apr, Solihull Arts ED DONOVAN AND THE DETROIT SOUL Fri 22 Birmingham Complex Apr, The Jam House WANDERING MOLES Mon CBSO SHAKESPEARE IN FILM Featuring BEN HAENOW Thurs 21 18 Apr, Kitchen Garden BRASSICK ANGRY ITCH Robert Ziegler (conductor). Apr, O2 Institute Cafe, Birmingham AND THE BRANDONS Programme includes Shostakovich's FENRIR Tues 19 Apr, MARLON WILLIAMS SUPPORT Sat 23 Apr, Hamlet Ball at the Palace, Duel and The Flapper Thurs 21 Apr, Hare & The Rainbow Venues Death of Hamlet; Walton's Richard III Hounds RICHMOND FONTAINE AND FINALLY... PHIL Prelude, Warbeck's Shakespeare in Tues 19 Apr, Hare & MATRIX Thurs 21 Apr, COLLINS Sat 23 Apr, Love; Doyle's Henry V: St Crispin's Hounds The Jam House Solihull Arts Complex Day, Rota's Romeo and Juliet: A Time for Us & Rozsa's Julius Caesar: Now COUNTERFEIT Thurs 21 TROYE SIVAN Sat 23 CURTIS ELLER Tues 19 Be Still, Fri 22 Apr, Symphony Hall, Apr, O2 Institute Apr, O2 Institute Apr, Kitchen Garden Birmingham Cafe POLICE DOG HOGAN DETROIT SOUL Sat 23 THE MIDLAND CHAMBER PLAYERS: THE Thurs 21 Apr, Apr, The Jam House RENAISSANCE Tues 19 FRENCH ROMANTICS Programme Kitchen Garden Cafe Apr, The Robin, Bilston BUTCHER BABIES Sat 23 includes works by Saint-Saens & HIGH TYDE Tues 19 Apr, UK SUBS Thurs 21 Apr, Apr, O2 Academy Lalo, Fri 22 Apr, Birmingham & The Robin, Bilston The Sunflower Lounge THE BEAT Sat 23 Apr, Midland Institute CARL DONNELLY, JOJO SMITH, MARK TOM HILL & ZZ BOP Tues HANNAH LOU CLARK The Rainbow Venues COMPLETELY BRAHMS Featuring The NELSON & FREDDIE FARRELL 19 Apr, The Jam Thurs 21 Apr, The THREE TRAPPED TIGERS Gildas Quartet, Anton Clarke-Butler Fri 22 - Sat 23 Apr, Jongleurs House Sunflower Lounge Sat 23 Apr, The (clarinet) & Tingting Yao & Daniel Comedy Club, Birmingham KATHRYN ROBERTS AND AND FINALLY... PHIL Rainbow Venues Tong (pianos). Programme comprises TIFF STEVENSON - MAD MAN Sat 23 Apr, Brahms’ Clarinet Sonata No 1 in G, SEAN LAKEMAN COLLINS Fri 22 Apr, SLAM CARTEL Sat 23 The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Op78 & Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Wed 20 Apr, Artrix, Wolverhampton Grand Apr, The Slade Rooms, minor, Op34, Fri 22 Apr, Recital Hall, ROB DELANEY: MEAT Sat 23 Apr Bromsgrove Theatre Wolverhampton Birmingham Conservatoire The REP, Birmingham LOGIC Fri 22 Apr, O2 TIGERTAILZ Wed 20 Apr, THE QUO Sat 23 Apr, PATRICK MONAHAN Sat 23 Apr, The Institute The Asylum The Roadhouse Drum, Birmingham OLLY MURS TRIBUTE Fri MARTIN STEPHENSON THE SEX PISSED DOLLS NATHAN CATON, KATE LUCAS, IAN MOORE 22 Apr, The Belfry, Wed 20 Apr, Sat 23 Apr, The Robin, & PAUL THORNE Sat 23 Apr, The Glee Sutton Coldfield Solihull Arts Complex Bilston Club, Birmingham THE JAMES HUNTER SIX THE SPITFIRES Wed 20 GREGORY PORTER Sun JAMES COOK - READY, STEADY, JAMES Fri 22 Apr, Apr, Hare & Hounds 24 Apr, Symphony Hall Sat 23 Apr, mac, Birmingham O2 Institute CODE 46 Wed 20 Apr, SOLID SILVER 60'S Sun Hare & Hounds HUNTER AND THE BEAR 24 Apr, Wolverhampton Fri 22 Apr, Artrix, NAO + DEMO TAPED Grand Theatre Bromsgrove Wed 20 Apr, THE LOVELY EGGS + O2 Institute THE SOLID SILVER 60S OKINAWA PICTURE SHOW SHOW Fri 22 Apr, DEVONBIRD / SI BARRON Sun 24 Apr, Hare & Birmingham Town Hall Wed 20 Apr, Hounds EX CATHEDRA, SHAKESPEARE ODES The Red Lion Folk BLAIR DU NLOP Fri 22 THE FLATLINERS Sun 24 Narrated by Samuel West & featuring Club Apr, The Rainbow Apr, O2 Academy Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Sun 24 Venues ISLA GRANT Scottish RAYMOND FROGGATT Apr, Birmingham Town Hall contemporary country VANT Fri 22 Apr, The Sun 24 Apr, The Slade BIRMINHAM PHILHARMONIC CONCERTO singer, Wed 20 Apr, Sunflower Lounge Rooms, PRIZE FINAL 2016 Featuring the Solihull Arts Complex ALICE ZAWADZKI Fri 22 Wolverhampton Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Seal (conductor), Michael SHALAMAR Wed 20 Apr, Apr, The Glee Club BEACH BABY Sun 24 Webb (clarinet), Yuting Guo (piano), The Jam House FAMILY TIES + ARRON Apr, The Sunflower Yu-Cheng Chen (marimba). COLIN BLUNSTONE & ERSKINE + QUARRY + Lounge DEMAREO + MYLES Programme includes works by John BAND Wed 20 Apr, The KATY ROSE BENNETT Foulds, Gerald Finzi, Franz Liszt, Robin, Bilston MANDERS Fri 22 Apr, Sun 24 Apr, Kitchen Keiko Abe & Hector Berlioz, Sun 24 THE LAUGHING SOLE - COMEDY CLUB O2 Institute Garden Cafe HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD Apr, Adran Boult Hall, Birmingham FOR KIDS Sun 24 Apr, mac, QUILL Fri 22 Apr, The Thurs 21 Apr, Conservatoire Birmingham

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Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April

great American songwriter, from his NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: birth to his untimely death at the age Released Fri 22 April, showing at of 37, Sat 23 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove selected cinemas. STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD DOUBLE BILL A BASTILLE DAY (15) double-bill of plays inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard, featuring: JANE GOT A GUN (tbc) Tranklements, Caroline Horton's LOUDER THAN BOMBS (tbc) funny solo performance about home, MILES AHEAD (tbc) underdogs and the Midlands spirit; and Gold - a one-woman show from SING STREET (12A) REP Foundry graduate Francesca WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (15) Millican-Slater using story-telling, THE PEARL BUTTON (tbc) power-point, lyricism and possibly some classic gold tracks. Includes a RISEN (12a) viewing of actual items from the col- ROCK THE KASBAH (tbc) lection, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, The REP, See Film section for previews on p40 Birmingham

The Devil Inside, Birmingham REP, Mon 18 April TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Jodie Prenger stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber and plays that looks at the Holocaust and Don Black’s one-woman musical the relationship between theatre and charting the misadventures of a Events Theatre history, Wed 20 Apr, The Old Rep young English girl in New York in the Theatre, Birmingham heady days of the 1980s, Sun 24 UNCOVERED BIRMINGHAM Whether THE DEVIL INSIDE Music Theatre Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, DORIAN GRAY Tin Robot Theatre pres- you’re into wines, cocktails, or are Wales, in a co-promotion with Birmingham ent a radical adaptation of Oscar simply looking for some inspiration Scottish Opera, present a gritty, glit- Wilde's masterpiece, Wed 20 - Sat 23 BANGLA BRUMMIES Murad Khan’s for your drinks offering, this event tery, Faustian folktale, set firmly in Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, new comedy looks at the lives of has something for everyone, Tues 19 the 21st century, Mon 18 Apr, The Birmingham Asian immigrants in Birmingham. Apr, New Bingley Hall, Birmingham REP, Birmingham THE INVESTIGATION Part of Performed in English, Sun 24 Apr, END OF THE RAINBOW Judy Garland Birmingham Ormiston Academy's The Drum, Birmingham makes her explosive London come- Acting Pathway season of plays that MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda back at the height of the Swinging looks at the Holocaust and the rela- Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) ’60s, Mon 18 - Wed 20 Apr, tionship between theatre and history, and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Thurs 21 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, star in a brand new musical parody, DR SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT Lively Birmingham Sun 24 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke- and engaging theatre experience for A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT on-Trent young children aged three-plus, Mon Featuring some of the funniest come- 18 - Tues 19 Apr, Lichfield Garrick dy acts from the Black Country, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S The classic including Jonny Cole, Dandy and tale of Holly Golightly, starring Pixie Fizzog. Music by The Ronaldos also Lott in the title role, Mon 18 - Sat 23 features, Thurs 21 Apr, Aston Wood, Film Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Sutton Coldfield ELIZABETHAN & EARLY STUART M Birmingham THE DISHONOURED Kali Theatre pres- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CLOTHING, AN ILLUSTRATED TALK IN THE DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER Marc ent a compelling political thriller TOKYO STORY (U) Regularly voted "the NEW GUESTEN HALL Learn about what Camoletti's fast-paced farce, present- about surviving in a world of deceit greatest film ever made", this charm- people wore in the late 16th and ed by the Lichfield Players, Tue 19 - and violence, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Apr, ing, gentle and melancholy tale of early 17th centuries. The talk is Sat 23 Apr, Lichfield Garrick mac, Birmingham the ups and downs of family life by accompanied by a wide selection of JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL director Yasujiro Ozu has moved reproductions of period costumes for Bournville Musical Theatre Company generations of cinema-goers. you to handle, Thurs 21 Apr, present a musical thriller adaptation Foreign language, subtitled. Sat 23 Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove of the Robert Louis Stevenson story, Apr, Electric Cinema, Birmingham ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION Tues 19 - Sat 23 Apr, The Crescent FLATPACK FILM FESTIVAL: RECRUITMENT EXHIBITION Meet Theatre, Birmingham FILM ADVENTURER KAREL ZEMAN (U) recruiters from the industry’s top WEST SIDE STORY Amateur production Tues 19 Apr, Electric Cinema, employers and get one-to-one presented by Stoke Youth Musical Birmingham advice, Fri 22 - Sat 23 Apr, NEC, Theatre Company, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Birmingham Apr, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke- VAMPYR (PG) Tues 19 Apr, Adrian Bolt BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS SHOW on-Trent Hall, Birmingham The first and friendliest VW show on DALLOWAY Dyad Productions present LUNCH SHORTS (PG) Wed 20 Apr, the calendar. Despite high-octane Birmingham Museun and Art Gallery an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s cel- THE MERCHANT OF VILNA Part of racing and two music arenas, the ebrated map of hearts, minds and Birmingham Ormiston Academy's A TASTE OF FLATPACK (PG) Wed 20 festival remains as laid-back and memories..., Wed 20 Apr, mac, Acting Pathway season of plays that Apr, Birmingham Museun and Art family-friendly as ever, Fri 22 - Sat 23 Birmingham looks at the Holocaust and the rela- Gallery Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants tionship between theatre and history, PICK ‘N’ MIX 1 (PG) Wed 20 Apr, Fri 22 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Museun and Art Gallery Birmingham MUSTANG (15) Wed 20 Apr, mac, THE DARK ROAD Ian Rankin’s tense, Birmingham gritty and hard-hitting stage play, Fri OUTSIDERS (15) Wed 20 Apr, Electric 22 - Sat 30 Apr, Hall Green Little Cinema, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham JOURNEYS (15) Thurs 21 Apr, Electric AN EVENING WITH DES O'CONNOR Cinema, Birmingham Brand new show celebrating the stage and screen career of a show- MOOONSTRUCK (PG) Thurs 21 Apr, business legend, Sat 23 Apr, University College Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CRUMBS (15) Thurs 21 Apr, Electric I GOT GERSHWIN! Award-winning Cinema, Birmingham GHETTO Part of Birmingham Ormiston singer Robert Habermann’s new LOST IN SOUND (15) Fri 22 Apr, PETER KAY'S DANCE FOR LIFE Award- Academy's Acting Pathway season of show presents a unique look at the Birmingham and Midland Institute winning comedian Peter Kay hosts a

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April for themselves, Sat 23 Apr, 24 Apr, Staffordshire County Selly Manor, Birmingham Showground SHAKE UP SHAKESPEARE FAMILY DAY ST GEORGE'S WEEKEND Hands-on fun Rehearse and perform plays, with and games, including a battle with a costumes, props and sound, Sat 23 mighty dragon to save a fair maiden, Apr, The REP, Birmingham Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, Kenilworth Castle PENGUIN WEEK Learn all about penguin leader Alf and his other pals. Get involved in numerous activities and celebrate World Penguin Day on the 25th, Sat 23 Apr - Mon 2 May, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham SONNET RAP MARATHON Sun 24 Apr, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford- upon-Avon Penguin Week at The National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Sat 23 - April - Mon 2 May WORLD PENGUIN DAY Fun activities to series of ambitious fundraising CELEBRATIONS Live street entertain- help raise awareness for Humboldt 'dance-athon parties', with all profits ment across the town and a Penguin Conservation in support of going to Cancer Research UK, Sat Shakespeare show broadcast live Sphenisco, Sun 24 Apr, Cotswold 23 Apr, Barclaycard Arena from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Wildlife Park ST. GEORGE'S DAY AT TAMWORTH followed by spectacular fireworks, WAKE UP THE ZOO An early-morning CASTLE Medieval living history in the Sat 23 Apr, Stratford Town Centre guided tour giving visitors the oppor- castle and re-enactments in the cas- ST GEORGE’S DAY Remember THE BIRMINGHAM COMICS FESTIVAL tunity to go behind the scenes and tle grounds, Sat 23 Apr, Tamworth England’s patron saint with a day at Featuring the creators of 2000AD, get close to a variety of exotic ani- Castle Avoncroft, complete with knights and The Beano, Marvel, DC and Image, mals, Sun 24 Apr, Dudley Zoological dragons, Sat 23 Apr, Avoncroft Sat 23 Apr, Edgbaston Stadium, Gardens ST GEORGE'S DAY CELEBRATIONS Birmingham Featuring a re-enactment encamp- Museum, Bromsgrove SPRING CRAFT FAYRE A variety of stalls ment, magic, crafts and much more, SILK PAINTING WORKSHOP Led by silk THE 36TH CAROLE NASH INTERNATIONAL selling lots of different crafts, includ- Sat 23 Apr, Manor House Museum, painter Clive Garner, participants will CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW ing prints, pottery, jewellery and can- West Bromwich be able to create their own designs A flagship event on the classic dles, Sun 24 Apr, Highbury Hall, motorcycling calendar, Sat 23 - Sun Birmingham SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY and complete a unique silk painting

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whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 25 April - 1 May - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:27 Page 1

thelist Monday 25 April - Sun 1 May MOCK THE FLOCK Wed 27 Apr, Classical Music The Mockingbird, Birmingham FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 27 Apr The Patrick Kavanagh, Moseley, NICHOLAS MORRIS ORGAN RECITAL Birmingham Programme includes works by Alain, Durufle, Landmann & Reger, Mon 25 CARL DONNELLY - JIVE ASS HONKY Apr, St Chad’s Cathedral, FEATURING ADAM HESS Thurs 28 Apr, Birmingham The Mockingbird, Birmingham YU CHENG CHEN PERCUSSION RECITAL DAVID TRENT, TOM DEACON FEATURING Featuring 2-You Duo, Yu-Cheng Chen COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY & Shih-Han Lee (percussion). ROBINSON Thurs 28 Apr, The Glee Programme includes works by Club, Birmingham Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, Zenakis, DAVID MORGAN BLAMMO! Fri 29 Apr, Askell Masson, Ivan Trevino, Solihull Arts Complex Donatoni & Jesse Monkman, Tues 26 BEN NORRIS, ERIC LAMPAERT Apr, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham FEATURING TOM DEACON & PETER CBSO: MAHLER'S FOURTH Featuring WHITE Fri 29 Apr, The Glee Club, llan Volkov (conductor), Alexandre Birmingham Tharaud (piano), Sarah Tynan SEAN PERCIVAL, ROGER MONKHOUSE (soprano). Programme includes FEATURING JOE BROMEHEAD & JOE Dixie Chicks, Barclaycard Arena, Fri 29 April works by Debussy, Haydn & Mahler, ROWNTREE Fri 29 - Sat 30 Apr, Wed 27 Apr, Symphony Hall, Jongleurs Comedy Club, WE ARE SCIENTISTS Wed KATY B Fri 29 Apr, The Birmingham 27 Apr, O2 Institute Assembly, Leamington Birmingham Gigs CBSO: ABRAHAMSEN & MAHLER Spa RUSSELL KANE - RIGHT MAN, WRONG STRAWBS Wed 27 Apr, Featuring llan Volkov (conductor), The Robin, Bilston DAVID RODIGAN Fri 29 AGE Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham Town KIP MOORE Mon 25 Apr, Alexandre Tharaud (piano) & Sarah Apr, Hare & Hounds Hall O2 Institute THE GLAMOPHONES Wed Tynan (soprano). Programme 27 Apr, The Jam House VALOUS Fri 29 Apr, The includes works by Debussy, Hans DEBRA STEPHENSON: NIGHT OF ONE BROKEN HANDS Mon 25 HUNDRED VOICES Sat 30 Apr, Palace THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Roadhouse Abrahamsen & Mahler, Thurs 28 Apr, Apr, Hare & Hounds Theatre, Redditch Thurs 28 Apr, BON GIOVI Fri 29 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham NEW FACES BIRMINGHAM New Alexandra Theatre The Robin, Bilston EMMA JOHNSON AND FRIENDS The Mon 25 Apr, The Carducci String, Alec Frank-Gemmill Rainbow Venues MAC MILLER Thurs 28 OCCOEUR Fri 29 Apr, Apr, O2 Institute Route 44 (horn), Philip Gibbon (bassoon) & BLUES CARAVAN 2016 - Chris West (double bassoon). BLUES SISTERS FEATUR- SPEAR OF DESTINY MR BEN Fri 29 Apr, The Programme includes works by ING LAYLA ZOE, INA Thurs 28 Apr, Hare & Jam House Weber, Mozart & Schubert, Thurs 28 FORSMAN + TASHA Hounds BRYAN ADAMS Sat 30 Apr, Malvern Theatres TAYLOR Mon 25 Apr, SOUL ACOUSTIC Thurs Apr, Genting Arena The Robin, Bilston 28 Apr, The Glee Club MACKLEMORE & RYAN KATHRYN WILLIAMS LEWIS Tues 26 Apr, Thurs 28 Apr, Barclaycard Arena Kitchen Garden Cafe THE YOUNG'UNS Thurs ERIC LAMPAERT, BEN NORRIS FEATURING 28 Apr, Warwick Arts TOM DEACON & PETER WHITE Sat 30 Centre, Coventry Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham MELLOW PEACHES, SMALL CHANGES & CAR- SHOWADDYWADDY Sat OLINE SEVERN Thurs 28 30 Apr, New Alexandra Apr, The Roadhouse Theatre Theatre ASHESTOANGELS Thurs MR BEN Sat 30 Apr, The SHAKEY GRAVES Tues 26 28 Apr, The Rainbow Jam House CBSO BRASS Featuring the 10-piece Apr, O2 Institute Venues CBSO Brass ensemble with KEITH BARRY: BRAIN HAKER Ireland’s JIVE TALKIN' Sat 30 Apr, Percussion students from RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS CASH - JOHNNY CASH biggest touring entertainment star Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Conservatoire. Tues 26 Apr, The Tribute Thurs 28 Apr, uses a combination of mind control, BLOODY CEREMONY Sat Programme includes Britten's Fanfare Robin, Bilston The Robin, Bilston deception, mentalism and hypnotism 30 Apr, The Rainbow for St Edmundsbury; Arnold's to hack into the brains of the audi- DIXIE CHICKS Fri 29 Apr, METHOD MAN & REDMAN Venues Fantasy for Horn, Bliss' Fanfare ence, Mon 25 Apr, New Alexandra Tues 26 Apr, Barclaycard Arena UK FEDS ONE WEEK Homage to Shakespeare; Howells' Theatre, Birmingham O2 Institute NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH STAND AND THE STRIKE Paean & Walton's 3 Movements from LET IT BE Concert-style show featur- FLYING BIRDS Fri 29 Apr, KORPIKLAANI Tues 26 Sat 30 Apr, O2 Institute Henry V Suite & Movements from ing over forty of the Fab Four’s great- Apr, O2 Academy Genting Arena Facade, Fri 29 Apr, Symphony Hall, GLAM 45 Sat 30 Apr, est hits, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS CISSY STONE “WORTH The Roadhouse Birmingham Hippodrome Tues 26 Apr, The Jam THE WAIT” Fri 29 Apr, MILLIE MANDERS Sat 30 FLARE PATH Terrence Rattigan's House The Blue Piano Apr, The Actress & evocative portrait of life in wartime KATH BLOOM & BAND LEFT FOR RED & THE Bishop Britain. Graham Seed stars as FEATURING SPLINTERED ANEMICS Fri 29 Apr, Swanson and Charlie G Hawkins SHE DREW THE GUN Sat Comedy Gigs MAN & CAPT.LOVELACE The Roadhouse (EastEnders) as Percy, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr, The Sunflower Tue 26 Apr, Kitchen 30 Apr, The REP, Birmingham THE CARPENTERS STORY Lounge Garden Cafe Fri 29 Apr, New CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 26 Apr THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST SOLELY MOURNING Sat DEAD HARTS Tues 26 Alexandra Theatre The Dark Horse, Moseley, Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece, 30 Apr, The Slade Apr, The Rainbow Birmingham presented by The Pantaloons, Tues UNDER A BANNER & THE Rooms, Venues 26 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove LEYLINES Fri 29 Apr, Wolverhampton JULIAN CLARY - THE JOY OF MINCING MEILYR JONES Wed 27 The Slade Rooms, Wed 27 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda SOUL'D OUT Sat 30 Apr, Apr, The Sunflower Wolverhampton Birmingham Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) The Robin, Bilston Lounge U2UK Fri 29 Apr, Artrix, ROMESH RANGANATHAN - IRRATIONAL and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) ICONIC EYE Sat 30 Apr, INHEAVEN Wed 27 Apr, Bromsgrove Wed 27 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, star in a brand new musical parody, O2 Academy, Tues 26 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Hare & Hounds AQUILO Fri 29 Apr, O2 Coventry Birmingham Birmingham Institute 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 25 April - 1 May - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:27 Page 2 The List 25 April - 1 May - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:27 Page 3

thelist Mon 25 April - Sun 1 May NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 29 April, showing at Film selected cinemas. CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (tbc) INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: DEMOLATION (15) SPEED SISTERS (PG) Documentary fol- SON OF SAUL (tbc) lowing The Speed Sisters the first all- See Film section for previews on p38 woman race car driving team in the Middle East. Grabbing headlines and turning heads at improvised tracks across the West Bank, these five women have sped their way into the Events heart of the gritty, male-dominated Palestinian street car scene. Mon 25 HERITAGE SKILLS WORKSHOP: BASKET - Thurs 2 Apr, mac, Birmingham WEAVING Try your hand at this HIGH RISE (15) The director Ben ancient craft and make two function- Wheatley has garnered considerable al, attractive items for your home, acclaim following his films Down Tues 26 Apr, Avoncroft Museum, Terrace, Kill List and A Field in Bromsgrove England. Here, he untangles an eco- NAIDEX Tues 26 - Thurs 28 Apr, NEC, system preserved in a luxury London Birmingham tower block, where a young doctor 2016 BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS (Hiddleston) moves to the twenty-fifth Thurs 28 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, floor to discover fierce dissent Birmingham between the residents. Stars Tom Hiddleston & Jeremy Irons. From Fri FLORALIA FESTIVAL Flower arrange- 29 Apr, mac, Birmingham ments through the ages, Fri 29 Apr - Mon 2 May, Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Family show featuring 'incredible ball han- dling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, comedy and fan interac- The Beanfield, Birmingham REP, Tues 26 - Wed 27 April tion’, Sat 30 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham THE BEANFIELD Breach Theatre fuse part of a UK cathedral tour to com- documentary footage with new writ- memorate the 400th anniversary of EXCALIBUR PAPER CRAFTING FAIR ing in a multimedia show about state Shakespeare’s death, Thurs 28 Apr, Papercrafting and Stamping Show, violence and national heritage, Tues Worcester Cathedral Sat 30 Apr, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull 26 - Wed 27 Apr, The REP, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Birmingham Blue Orange Arts presents its version TUG BOAT GATHERING Tug boats from DIAL M FOR MURDER Stourbridge of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of near and far make a rare appearance Theatre Company presents its ver- manners, Thurs 28 Apr - Sat 7 May, at the museum as they manoeuvre sion of Frederick Knott's erotic tale of The Blue Orange Theatre, their way along the canal arm, Sat 30 betrayal, passion and, ultimately, Birmingham Apr - Mon 2 May, Black Country FUTURE SHOCK! THE STORY OF 2000AD murder, Tues 26 - Sat 30 Apr, Living Museum, Dudley CALLING FOR HELP! - NEXT PAGE (15) This documentary offers an llu- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PRODUCTIONS A new interactive com- minating overview of the magazine's PIRATE WEEKEND Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 FAME Presented by Solihull On edy by the writers of Invisible, Fri 29 history: a warts and all look at the May, Cadbury World, Bournville Stage. Featuring songs such as I Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove various highs and lows, a peek IRONBRIDGE GORGE WALKING FESTIVAL Want To Make Magic, Hard Work and inside the creative process of some Now in its 11th year, offering nine Dancin’ On The Sidewalk, Tues 26 - of its most legendary creators, and a days of free, varied and rewarding Sat 30 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex funny, moving and passionate chron- walks in and around Telford’s stun- FERAL Tortoise In A Nutshell present icle of how a disparate band of tal- ning Ironbridge Gorge, where the an innovative piece of visual theatre ented eccentrics came together to Industrial Revolution began over 300 which creates and destroys a world create something both visionary and years ago, Sat 30 Apr - Sun 8 May, in front of the audience’s eyes, Wed extraordinary. From Sat 30 Apr, mac, Ironbridge, Shropshire 27 Apr, mac, Birmingham Birmingham IRELAND’S CALL Musical which tells of dreams, enduring love and the resilience of the human spirit, inspired by true events spanning three decades, Wed 27 Apr, Lichfield (EST 86) SINGLE? Garricky THEFOR THE MOREDINNER DISCERNING CLUBUNATTACHED PERSON A MACHINE THEY'RE SECRETLY BUILDING Proto-type Theater combine original text and classified intelli- AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING gence documents to vent their frus- Concert celebration of the iconic tration at the insidious machine of movie’s award-winning soundtrack, surveillance, Wed 27 Apr, Warwick Fri 29 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Arts Centre, Coventry CYMBELINE Melly Still directs A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Shakespeare's rarely performed Featuring some of the funniest come- romance, Fri 29 Apr - Fri 12 Aug, FRIDAY 8 APRIL dy acts from the Black Country, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, including Jonny Cole, Dandy and Stratford-upon-Avon Wrexham Road,Pulford, Chester, CH4 9DG £70.00 Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos Booked for 100 also features, Thurs 28 Apr, Lichfield MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS A whistle- 7.30 for 8pm - Pre-dinner drink, 3 course meal with ACCOMODATION Garrick stop tour of London’s West End and the glitz of Broadway, Sat 30 Apr, wine, coffee and dancing till late (disco) ALSO AVAILABLE HENRY V Antic Disposition presents (01244) 677030 weekdays or 548816 eve/weekends BOOK THROUGH Lichfield Garrick THE DINNER CLUB its critically acclaimed production as www.thedinnerclubuk.com 66 whatsonlive.co.uk grand_whatson FP April:Layout 1 16/03/2016 17:15 Page 1

Great Theatre at the Grand!

MON 9 - TUE 10 MAY WED 11 MAY THU 12 MAY

A CELEBRATION OF JOHN DENVER

SAT 14 MAY TUE 17 - SAT 21 MAY TUE 24 - SAT 28 MAY

BOOK BY RICHARD BEAN MUSIC BY DAVID ARNOLD LYRICS BY RICHARD THOMAS

Based on the Wooley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture. Financed by the BBC, BMS Film Finance. BFI and Lip Sync Productions. Directed by Nigel Cole. Screenplay by William Ivory

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd

TUE 31 MAY THU 2 JUN MON 13 - SAT 18 JUN

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 Book online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk Stafford Gatehouse Othello.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:45 Page 1