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WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’SWARWICKSHIREON THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE WARWICKSHIRE ISSUE 339 ISSUE MARCH 2014 MARCH ’ JACK Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sOnISSUE 339 MARCH 2014 WHITEHALL KING OF COMEDY IN THE MIDLANDS

WARWICK DAVIS

PARTOF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS talks about The Reduced Height Theatre Company interview inside...

CANDOCO DANCE presents a triple bill of works in Coventry

@WHATSONWARWICKSWWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK MAXWELL CAULFIELD Singin’ In The Rain interview inside...

wed 26 Mar - sat 19 apr 024 7655 3055 I www.belgrade.co.uk grand_whatson FP March_Layout 1 24/02/2014 09:16 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

MON 3 - SAT 8 MARCH TUES 11 - SAT 15 MARCH MON 17 - TUES 18 MARCH

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS

PAUL BUNYAN BRITTEN THE MAGIC FLUTE MOZART

“AS GOOD AND MAD AS OPERA GETS.” OBSERVER

IT’S BACK -AND IT’S GONNA LIVE FOREVER!

THU 20 - FRI 21 MARCH WED 26 - SAT 29 MARCH MON 31 MARCH - SAT 5 APRIL

##### A BRAND NEW RE-STAGED VERSION OF THE CLASSIC AMERICAN ‘AN EVENING OF RARE, RAW POWER’ FRONTIER DANCE MUSICAL! THE INDEPENDENT

Book by Directed and Choreographed by and DAVID S. LANDAY PATTI COLOMBO LAWRENCE KASHANew Songs by Music by Lyrics by and JOEL HIRSCHORN GENE DE PAUL JOHNNY MERCER AL KASHA

TUES 8 - SAT 12 APRIL ALSO BOOKING WED 23 - SUN 27 APRIL SAT 22 MARCH LESLEY JOSEPH HOT FLUSH ...... SUN 30 MARCH THE SOLID SILVER 60s SHOW ...... SUN 6 APRIL Adapted by THE FAAABULOUS Paul Allen CERI DUPREE SHOW Based on the ...... Screenplay by SUN 13 APRIL BEYOND THE BARRICADE Mark Herman ...... Directed by MON 14 - TUES 15 APRIL Damian Cruden TAP FACTORY Designed by ...... Dawn Allsop FRI 18 APRIL THAT’LL BE THE DAY Starring ...... John McArdle SAT 19 APRIL THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS’ SPACE ODDITY ‘IT IS A STORY FULL OF BELLY ...... TUES 29 APRIL - SAT 3 MAY LAUGHS, FULL OF HUMAN SPIRIT’ THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG THE INDEPENDENT

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk Contents- Region One - March_Layout 1 24/02/2014 13:13 Page 1

March 2014

Editor: Davina Evans INSIDE: [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: Singin’ In The Rain Brian O’Faolain [email protected] Maxwell Caulfield stars... 01743 281701 interview p10 Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Sales & Marketing: Jon Cartwright [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Warwick Davis Managing Director: talks about his new venture Paul Oliver [email protected] interview p8 01743 281711 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry King of Comedy - Jack Whitehall back in Birmingham, preview page 22 [email protected] 01743 281717 Website Development: Jim Pallett TO GET THE VERY Let It Be Contributors: p4 Beatles musical arrives Graham Bostock: Theatre LATEST LISTING News James Cameron-Wilson: in the Midlands p6 Film; Anita Champaneri: INFORMATION, Eating Out; Music p13 Alev Dervish: Music VISIT: Eva Easthope, Kate whatsonlive.co.uk Evans, Jessica Aston, Comedy p22 Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, INCLUDING Jan Watts, Reggie White BOOKING ONLINE Theatre p25 Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, The Midlands’ most Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE comprehensive p40 Tel: 01743 281777 entertainment website Dance e-mail: [email protected] Follow us on... Film/DVD p43 This publication is Visual Arts p53 printed on paper from a sustainable source and is March 2014 produced without the use Birmingham p57 of elemental chlorine. @whatsonbrum Events MTWTFSS We endorse the recycling Warwickshire 1 2 of our magazine and @whatsonwarwicks p65 would encourage you to Eating Out 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 pass it on to others to Worcester read when you have @whatsonworcs 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 finished with it. facebook.com/whatsonlive 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 What’sOn 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless MAGAZINE GROUP otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any 31 means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. News March region one_Layout 1 24/02/2014 12:31 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

RSC invites the public to share wartime memories Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre is on the lookout for members of the public who’re willing to share stories and memories of their family’s involvement in the First World War. In November, as part of the 2014 commemo- ration of the Great War’s centenary, the RSC is staging a new play entitled The Christmas Truce. Inspired by real events, the story is set on the Western Front on Christmas Eve, as soldiers leave their trenches to meet their ene- mies in No Man’s Land, to talk, exchange gifts and play football. Currently being penned by Phil Porter and directed by RSC Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman, The Christmas Truce will draw on the true stories of soldiers in the Warwickshire Regiment. Keen to enrich their understanding, Phil and Erica are appealing for people from Warwickshire and the sur- Cape Town Opera brings Show Boat to Brum rounding region to step forward with their rec- ollections, and are hoping that an informal Following a much-acclaimed production of Porgy & Bess at Birmingham Hippodrome in drop-in event at the Royal Shakespeare 2012, Cape Town Opera is returning to the venue this July with a new version of Show Boat. Theatre on Saturday 8 March will provide Based on Edna Ferber's novel of the same name, Show Boat is one of America’s oldest musi- them with plenty of information. cals. Premiered on Broadway in 1927, it tells the story of the old American south by following Representatives from the Royal Regiment of the lives of performers, stagehands and dock workers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi Fusiliers Museum (Royal Warwickshire), a his- River Show Boat. torian who specialises in helping people dis- After kicking off its four-date UK tour at the Hippodrome from 2 to 5 July, the show then visits cover their family history, and a number of The Lowry, Salford, from 8 to 12 July; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 22 to 26 July; and computers with relevant online resources will Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy Theatre, 29 July to 2 August. all be available on the day. Commenting on Cape Town Opera’s return to Birmingham, Stuart Griffiths, Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “We’re very excited to be opening the first ever UK tour of Cape Town Opera’s Show Boat here at the Hippodrome in July. This is part of the theatre’s Birmingham’s New Street ongoing ambition to bring the city the best in international performance from the finest companies across the world. It’s another hugely busy and exciting year for us, with visits by inter- Station on the right track national companies in the spring for our Dance Festival, from St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Birmingham’s New Street Station has beaten Opera in the autumn for The Ring Cycle, and now, with this return visit after their great suc- off stiff global competition to make it through cess with Porgy & Bess, Cape Town Opera performing once again in Birmingham.” to the finals of the ‘best urban regeneration project’ at the world’s biggest property trade fair. The £600million renovation takes its Board of Directors. The Belgrade’s also public art project in Birmingham’s Erdington place in the MIPIM Awards 2014 final along- recently announced that acclaimed chil- district. London-based Rajkowska, best side three other finalists - London’s dren’s theatre director Tony Graham has known for Greetings From Jerusalem Battersea Power Station, Saint-Michel’s taken the role of Creative Associate. Avenue - a fifteen-metre-tall artificial palm Village in Paris and Kö-Bogen in Düsseldorf. Graham, who has a wealth of experience in tree installed in the city centre of Warsaw - The winner will be announced during the theatre for young people, will be tasked with recently completed a residency in Erdington, prestigious MIPIM Awards Ceremony at the building and maintaining relationships with during which she determined the concept Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals, theatres and producers around the country, and nature of her new project. The artist’s Cannes, on Thursday 13 March. Fingers in order to raise the profile of the Belgrade practice focuses on ‘the body and language crossed... as a producing house and to explore the as the foundations of social relationships’. possibility of joint productions. Pollock, It’s anticipated that the Erdington project will meanwhile, has written extensively for TV, reach completion in May. including BBC2’s Attachments, starring David Walliams. Theatre Seeking poets in Lichfield... works include Too Much Pressure (also for the The Lichfield Poets, a group formed in 2006 Belgrade), and The Death for likeminded wordsmiths, is inviting fellow Of Cool, which, originally poets to submit entries for a new competi- produced for Hampstead tion. Poems can be on any topic and in any Theatre, is currently being style. They should be in English (or English developed as a film. dialect) and not have been published or accepted for publication elsewhere, including online publications. Since its formation, Coventry theatre welcomes Polish artist commissioned to the Lichfield Poets group has contributed to new members to its team the Lichfield Mysteries, the Lichfield Festival, create new public art and performed at the Lichfield Garrick. Alan Pollock (pictured), the writer behind For further information on details, rules, reg- The Polish Expats Association (PEA) has Coventry Belgrade Theatre’s blitz play, One ulations and information, email appointed internationally acclaimed Polish Night In November, is to join the venue’s [email protected] artist Joanna Rajkowska to create a new

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Birmingham gallery takes art into the Black Country Arts Council England has awarded Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery £210,000 to enable it to take art into the Black Country - by boat! Part of a three-year programme, Black Country Voyages will see Ikon’s Slow Boat travel along the region’s industrial canal routes - from Smethwick to Stourbridge, Sedgley to West Bromwich and Birchills to Aldridge. Along the way, the boat will host various art-led activities, including workshops and performances. Those lucky enough to encounter Slow Boat on its journey will be invited to get involved by contributing thoughts and ideas, and in so doing may influence the development of the programme. The funding has been awarded as part of Arts Council England’s £45million Strategic Touring programme.

RSC gears up for three special anniversaries in 2014 The Royal Shakespeare Company is gearing up to mark three very special anniversaries in 2014. First up, next month, is the four hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth, an event commemorated by the company with a special fireworks display from the top of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Two months later, Midsummer Mischief, a month-long festival of new plays, celebrates the fortieth anniversary of the RSC’s Other Place venue. The festival features four specially commis- Jersey Boys out on tour sioned plays which respond to the provocation that ‘well-behaved women rarely make history’. Then, to commemorate the centenary of World War One, during its winter 2014 season One of the West End’s most successful the RSC will present The Christmas Truce (see page 4), a specially commissioned play by musicals embarks on its first ever UK tour Phil Porter which draws on true stories of soldiers in the Warwickshire Regiment. The play later this year, stopping off at two Midlands focuses in particular on the experiences of local cartoonist Bruce Bairnsfather, who worked at venues along the way. The multi-award-win- the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre as an electrical engineer. ning Jersey Boys uses a documentary-style New versions of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing - the latter on this occa- format to present the story of Frankie Valli sion retitled Love’s Labour’s Won - also feature in the RSC’s World War One centenary sched- And The Four Seasons, and features ule, with both plays being set in the shadow of war. For more information, visit www.rsc.org.uk numerous iconic hits, including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and My Eyes Adored You. The Jersey Boys shows at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tuesday 28 IN BRIEF Epic encounters with Brecht in Birmingham October to Saturday 8 November, and at the The works of German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht form the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from DMS extends a basis of a diverse programme of events taking place at Birmingham’s Tuesday 9 December to Saturday 3 January. warm welcome to Repertory Theatre this month. Tickets for both dates are now on sale. Ugandan children Curated by playwright Mark Ravenhill (pictured), Epic Encounters fuses theatre, politics and science to offer ‘a feast of inspiring theatre, Children’s choir stimulating debate and hands-on activities for all ages’. Destiny Africa, from the Central to the programme are performances on the main stage of Kampala Centre in Brecht’s A Life Of Galileo, The Threepenny Opera and The Mother, Uganda, fly into the UK while a Young REP production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle shows this month to take part at The Door. Other highlights include Star Gazing, a Language Alive in a show fusing music production that promises a fun and interactive show for seven to and dance. Dressed in eleven-year-olds (8 March); Have Your Say, which encourages audi- their native costumes, ences to think about how they’d change the world (15 March); Ask the children will join Me More About Brecht - a theatrical reconstruction of the conversa- DMS in concert at tions between Hanns Eisler and Hans Bunge (22 March); Eisler Birmingham’s Shorts, providing a Symphony Hall, per- chance to watch rare forming on stage in short films with original The Circle Of Life, Hanns Eisler scores per- Kinks frontman to headline which incorporates formed live by drums brought over Stratford literary festival Birmingham from Uganda. Legendary rock musician Ray Davies, Conservatoire musicians Featuring over three design guru Emma Bridgewater and come- (22 March, The Door); hundred musicians, dian and writer Tim Brooke-Taylor are and O Moon Of Alabama, the 16 March event amongst a host of well-known names set to which reunites stars of includes contributions appear at this year’s prestigious Stratford- stage and screen Walter from Bev Bevan, Geoff upon-Avon Literary Festival (26 April to 4 van Dyk and Liza Sadovy Turton and James May). Now in its seventh year, the festival in a celebratory compila- Renford. The children boasts a wide-ranging programme of author tion of Kurt Weil’s most will also present an a- events, topical panel discussions, creative popular works (22 March, capella performance at writing workshops and lectures. Other head- The Studio). a drinks reception liners booked to appear at the nine-day get- For full listings of Epic attended by the Mayor together include Baroness Shirley Williams, Encounters events, visit and various dignitaries gardening guru Chris Beardshaw and 2013 www.birmingham- prior to the concert. Orwell Prize-winner Andrew Williams. rep.co.uk.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Let It Be feature LW_Layout 1 24/02/2014 14:23 Page 1

celebrating the music of The Fab Four in the Midlands

A hit West End and Broadway jukebox musical, reflects the Fab Four’s evolution, presenting a Let It Be debuted in London in 2012 and tells non-stop parade of some of the most famous the story of Britain’s most famous pop group, songs ever written, from early-days hits such as The Beatles. The show offers a nostalgic but She Loves You to later-career studio vital journey through the 1960s, as John, Paul, masterpieces like Revolver and Sgt Pepper’s George and Ringo transform from happy-go- Lonely Hearts Club Band. lucky mop-tops to peace-loving hippies. As It goes without saying the show is an absolute you’d expect, the production’s soundtrack must for all fans of The Beatles!

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Let It Be feature LW_Layout 1 24/02/2014 14:23 Page 2

feature...

Today’s Beatles... Did you know... With Let It Be about to embark on its first ever UK tour, What’s On takes a look at the stars who’ll be portraying the Fab Four at venues across the country, including Birmingham’s New Let It Be was the twelfth official Beatles Alexandra Theatre and the Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent (see below for dates). studio album released by EMI. The Beatles themselves were not happy with Reuven Gershon Ben Cullingworth the recordings, and the project was as John Lennon as Ringo Starr temporarily shelved. Eventually, the Birmingham-born Reuven Moving to the capital in tapes were given to Phil Spector, who has played John Lennon 2009 to study at the was credited as producer. McCartney on stage and screen on Institute of Contemporary was furious with some of Spector’s over- many occasions, most Music Performance, Ben dubbing, and spearheaded the release recently in Richard has since made a name for of Let It Be Naked in 2003, which Bacon’s Beer And Pizza, in comedian Tony himself on the London live music scene, stripped the songs of Spector’s input. Hawks’ feature film Playing The Moldovians taking part in recording sessions with some Abbey Road (released in 1969) was the At Tennis, and in Lennon At 70 for the BBC. of the industry’s biggest names. The Beatles last album The Beatles actually Reuven also performs live with The Magic Of have always been Ben’s favourite band, with recorded, and was released before Let The Beatles, and has played with The Ringo a particular influence on him. Ben It Be (released in May 1970) Bootleg Beatles. considers it a real honour to have represented the band in the West End and Let It Be was the only Beatles studio Favourite Beatles song: I Feel Fine now out on tour. album with George Martin not Favourite Beatles song: Yesterday accredited as producer. Stephen Hill as George Harrison The original UK album release of Let It Michael Gagliano Be came in a lavish box-set with a 160- Music has always played as John Lennon an important part in page book (if you have a copy, it’s worth Stephen’s life. After getting A self-taught musician, about £500 in good condition!). an acoustic guitar at the Michael formed his first Currently on eBay, someone is asking age of eleven, he formed band at thirteen and has £1,750 for a mint condition unplayed his first band at just thirteen, earning £50 a since performed (as a copy. night playing upstairs at Wolverhampton’s Beatle) on some of the King’s Jazz Bar. Originally from world’s biggest stages, including Liverpool’s Let It Be originally had the working title Wolverhampton, Stephen began touring Cavern Club and at Japan’s Fuji Rock Get Back (the book included with the nationally and internationally with various Festival. He’s also performed, by personal original UK album was entitled Get groups - including The Beatles’ old pals request, for Mick Avery (The Kinks) and at Back). Gerry And The Pacemakers, The Searchers an intimate party at the home of Oasis and The Swinging Blue Jeans - before frontman Liam Gallagher. As a lifelong The Let It Be album cover photo shoot landing a part in Let It Be. Beatles fan and aficionado, Michael is the was originally meant to be an update of proud owner of a personal collection of the Please Please Me album cover, Favourite Beatles song: Help Beatles instruments and equipment. He’s taken on the stairs at the EMI head also contributed to the Beatles Gear Book, office. This cover image finally emerged Luke Roberts and has toured the UK with its author to on the 1971 compilation album 1967- as Ringo Starr promote it. 1970, also known as the ‘Blue’ album. Birmingham-born Luke is Favourite Beatles song: Penny Lane no stranger to the stage, It was during the Let It Be rehearsals at having performed in a Twickenham Studios that George variety of musicals John Brosnan Harrison walked out of a session, including Les Miserables, as George Harrison announcing he was leaving The Beatles Sweeney Todd and West Side Story. On a London-based musician following an argument with Paul musical note, Luke achieved a first class BA and songwriter John started McCartney. (Hons) degree from the Academy of playing the guitar at ten. At Contemporary Music. Moving to London in eighteen, he got his first The film Let It Be, directed by Michael 2008 to pursue a career as a session professional job - in the Lindsay Hogg, was the last movie drummer, he’s since performed with some orchestra pit for a musical theatre released by United Artists featuring The very high-profile pop artists, including production. The next ten years were spent Beatles. The film included the famous Sophie Ellis Bextor, Kevin Rowland and playing in original bands both in the UK and 42-minute concert on the Apple Sinead Quinn. the US. When he’s not being a Beatle, John Headquarters rooftop on 30 January 1969. The concert concluded with John Favourite Beatles song: Come Together tours as a guest artist with some of the world’s best symphony orchestras. Lennon saying, "I'd like to say thank you on behalf of the group and ourselves, Favourite Beatles song: Dear Prudence Emanuele Angeletti and I hope we've passed the audition". as Paul McCartney The Let It Be rooftop concert was The Having trained at Italy’s James Fox Beatles’ last public performance, and Academy of Music, as Paul McCartney also featured keyboard player Billy Emanuele’s first Beatles Cardiff-born James first Preston. Preston is the only artist who performance came in trod the boards playing was equally credited on any Beatles 2000, when he was Judas in the UK tour of recordings. chosen to become a Jesus Christ Superstar in member of the Fab Four tribute band, The 2004. In the same year he The Beatles won an Oscar for Let It Be Apple Pies. In 2005, the band won a represented the UK in the Eurovision Song in the category”Original Song Score”. recording session in Abbey Road’s Studio 2, Contest with Hold On To Your Love, which The soundtrack also won a Grammy for the same studio in which The Beatles later peaked at number thirteen in the UK ‘Best Original Score. recorded many of their albums. In 2009, the charts. As a solo performer, James has band were chosen to perform at the only supported an array of big stars, including official EMI presentation of The Beatles’ Tina Turner and Will Young. Let It Be shows at New Alexandra Theatre, digitally-remastered collection. Birmingham, from Mon 17 to Sat 22 March and Favourite Beatles song: The Long And Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from Mon 31 Favourite Beatles song: Winding Road The Long And Winding Road March to Sat 5 April www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Warwick Davis interview_Layout 1 24/02/2014 09:22 Page 1

Coming from a film and TV background, and doing that “ most of the year, it’s lovely to be part of a live audience and to have that discipline of ‘no second take’.”

Warwick Davis talks about his new company and his travels with Karl...

For those not in the know, Warwick Davis is the most successful short actor in Britain. During the past thirty years, he’s graced the cinematic screen in some of the most iconic movies ever made - appearing in both the Star Wars and Harry Potter film franchises. His two TV series, Life’s Too Short and An Idiot Abroad, have also been met with great acclaim. Now Warwick is venturing into unexplored territory, taking his brand new theatre company out on the road with its first ever production. What’s On recently caught up with him to find out more...

How did the Reduced Height Theatre documentary for ITV about the Ovitz family, their own sets and costumes, and it was all Company come into being, Warwick? who were a family of dwarfs. There were about them being good at what they did, not It’s an idea I had probably a year or two ago. seven of them in total, and they performed in about them being short. That really struck a It comes from me going to see shows and central and eastern Europe in the 1930s and chord with me. The third thing that came into enjoying theatre, as I do, and sitting there ’40s. They were actually captured and sent play was that I was thinking about other wishing I was on stage with the actors, but at to Auschwitz. It’s an amazing story. What short actors, and the fact that a lot of them the same time knowing I’m never going to struck me about them as performers was have trained through drama school, studied be considered for plays like the ones I enjoy that they didn’t sell themselves on their size. the art of performing, and yet have never unless I produce them myself and cast They were brilliant performers in their own really had a chance to challenge themselves myself in them! Also, I was making a right. They played musical instruments, built in the roles that they get. I consider myself 8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Warwick Davis interview_Layout 1 24/02/2014 09:22 Page 2

interview...

quite fortunate that I’ve been able to do that. Up until now, most of your acting has What’s Karl really like? Those three things combined led me to form taken place in front of the camera... I get asked this all the time. He’s just like you the Reduced Height Theatre Company, so Yes, but I’m quite experienced with see him on the show. That’s who he is. He’s that I can produce plays that I want to see stagework, although I’ve never appeared in a Karl, whether the camera’s rolling or not - and want to be in. It also gives other short farce before. Coming from a film and TV cracking jokes and moaning about stuff. actors the chance to challenge themselves background, and doing that most of the year, There’s not an on-screen and off-screen Karl. and produce some great work. it’s lovely to be part of a live audience and to With him, it’s what you see is what you get. have that discipline of ‘no second take’. We Has it been a difficult journey to get it have to get it right first time, whereas with Did you find you had very much in from concept to stage? film and TV you can become a little lazy. If it common with him? It’s sort of had a life of its own. It’s been a lot doesn’t work out, you can just start again. The more you get to know someone - as you of work but it hasn’t been a difficult journey. We don’t have that luxury in See How They begin to talk about more obscure things - the Some projects you do are really hard to get Run. That’s fun, exciting, thrilling, and a little more you find that you do. There were going, but people were immediately scary at times... certain things we had in common and certain enthusiastic about this. It wasn’t something I things we didn’t. For instance, Karl doesn’t had to persuade people to be involved with You’re also in the middle of shooting a like dressing up, whereas I do. I do it for a from a production or performing standpoint. new film. What’s it about? living. The whole process of bringing the project I can’t say too much about it, apart from that together has been really easy. Challenging, it’s a Christmas film called Get Santa. It stars Were there many awkward moments? but not a hard task. Everyone involved has Jim Broadbent as Santa, and we’re in Leeds Yeah, when there were things that we didn’t worked really hard, and I’m keen to make filming at the moment. Juggling the schedule agree on, like with the Spider Sisters in India. this the best it can be. on the film with rehearsals for the stageshow He wanted me to appear with them on stage has been interesting. I’ve been learning my and I said, ‘I’m an actor, I’m a performer, and Why choose Philip King’s See How They lines for the film and See How They Run at I haven’t rehearsed anything. I don’t just go Run as your first show? the same time. on stage for the sake of it’. Karl didn’t seem I’d considered a lot of other plays. Originally, to understand that kind of concept. There I’d wanted to do something along the lines of You’re a family man. How do you achieve were times when we didn’t get on, but by the An Inspector Calls or The Important Of Being the work-life balance? end of it we saw eye to eye. It was a great Ernest. Then I started to think about other My family are very understanding. They journey, not only in the travelling sense but genres, and farce is something I’ve always know how much the Reduced Height Theatre mentally as well. been fascinated with. It’s performed at an Company means to me and they’re right extremely fast pace, and the characters are behind it as a project. They’re very Which culture did you embrace the most caricatures in a sense, so it really requires supportive, and we try and spend as much on your travels? very big performances. I was already familiar time together as we can. We’ll see each India. It’s an astonishing country. Full of life, with See How They Run, but when I read it other in passing over this weekend, but next noise, people, colour. It’s a very warm again, I thought ‘yes, this is the one’. I could week we’ll see each other in tech rehearsal country and the people are very welcoming. I visualise it immediately. I understood from at the theatre, as it’s half-term and the kids never once felt threatened. They take a real the outset that it was probably one of the will be able to come over. interest in anyone from the West, but when more challenging projects that I could have you’re only three-foot-six, there’s an added chosen to start the company with, but I Do your kids think you’re cool? interest - but it was always very good- thought, ‘let’s aim high - quite literally!’. I hope so. I try and embarrass them when I natured. I just found the whole experience During the first few days of rehearsals, it was can, but it doesn’t seem to work! I get very inspiring and would recommend it to quite hard getting the play to the right level. slightly annoyed at that! But no, I think so. anyone. It felt like we were all overacting. I’m used to They get to see and do some amazing things doing quite realistic TV stuff that has to be because of what I do. They get to meet their You’ve achieved one of your goals with naturalistic. Then, all of a sudden, you’re heroes more often than most youngsters. the Reduced Height Theatre Company. doing a character who’s at a big level. What What else is on the list? happens in the play is quite chaotic, and it Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have Having a chat show would be my next one. has to be performed with the upmost produced both your TV series. What was Watch out, Jonathan Ross! precision. The audience might think it’s out- your first encounter with Ricky like? of-control chaos but, in fact, it’s a well It was on the phone. He called me up at After thirty years in the business, do you thought-out and choreographed home and said, ‘this is Ricky Gervais here’, ever take time out to reflect on your performance. and I was like, ‘Oh yeah! Who is it really?’. success? He started laughing like a lunatic and I I don’t think we reflect enough on our lives in You’re both an actor in the play and its thought, ‘nobody else laughs like that, it’s general, do we? For me, the time I reflected director, which adds another dimension... got to be him’. most was when I wrote my autobiography. I When I’m acting, I leave my producing hat started to think about what to write. I started on the seat. I don’t make a brilliant producer, There seems to be a real working looking back at old photographs, and began to be honest, because I won’t compromise chemistry between the two of you... to think how lucky I’ve been with the on anything. Producing is all about making Yeah, we get on really well. We click opportunities I’ve been given, the people I’ve compromises and coming up with solutions, creatively. He gets what I do and I get what met and things that I’ve done. Beyond and I tend not to want to compromise. If we he does. On everything we’ve done together, writing the book, it made me think about need something, then I say ‘let’s have it’, it’s always worked really well. I’d certainly appreciating every day. We’re all living our even if it pushes us over budget. I want it to want to work with Ricky again in the future, lives at one hundred miles per hour, and are be the best. I don’t want to look back in six when time permits. guilty of not living in the moment. It’s all months’ time and think ‘if we’d have done about the future and not about now. I that, it could’ve been better’. In everything I What’s your most memorable moment appreciate I’m working on a film now. How do, I like to make sure I’ve thought it from An Idiot Abroad? lucky am I to be working with Jim through. I imagine producing will become It’s difficult to choose one thing, but I think it Broadbent? I now appreciate every moment I very satisfying, especially as we move further has to be jumping off the Macau Tower, a have, and view every job as though it were towards opening night. To walk up onto that seven hundred-and-fifty-foot drop. What was my last. After all, there are no rules which stage - as an actor - and not only to have I thinking?! Actually, I know what I was say I’m going to be employed in anything that feeling, which is terrific, but also to feel thinking. I was thinking that if I did it, Karl else. As long as you don’t have expectations, that this wouldn’t be here and the audience Pilkington would do it too, and I wanted him you can never be disappointed. wouldn’t be watching if I hadn’t done this. It’s to feel good about himself. In the end, an extra sense of accomplishment you get though, he didn’t do it. I did - and I think it’s The Reduced Height Theatre Company brings from it, I suppose. the maddest thing I’ve ever done. See How They Run to the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Mon 3 to Sat 8 March

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Maxwell Caulfield interview_Layout 1 24/02/2014 09:14 Page 1

It has the scale of a Hollywood production, “ and to deliver anything else would be false advertising.”

Maxwell Caulfield on getting a soaking in the Midlands...

A star of stage and screen, Maxwell Caulfield is probably best known for his TV work, including 1980s US dramas Dynasty and The Colbys. On this side of the Atlantic, he’s appeared as a series regular in both Casualty and, more recently, Emmerdale. Married to John Mills’ daughter Juliet, Maxwell is currently playing some of the country’s major venues, starring as theatre boss RF Simpson in a critically acclaimed new version of Singin’ In The Rain. What’s On recently caught up with him in Nottingham to find out more...

What gives Singin’ In The Rain the wow know how she can feign that strained voice for Has the show been pared down prior to factor? as many weeks as she has. She’s a marvel. being taken on tour? Well, it delivers on every level. It has this No, not at all. We’ve actually been told that the deservedly famous score and some great hit On a personal level, what’s the appeal for show has been souped-up a bit, because tunes. It’s a simple story, but rather irresistible. you of performing in the show? we’re playing such big houses. That’s why it It’s got humour, romance, spectacular I get to play the big cheese. I enjoy preening takes us a couple of days to get into each dancing, and then, to top it all off, we have around in these fabulous suits. Hand-selecting venue. The boys - the crew - have to these amazing rain effects. The musical really the girls for my chorus line is a bonus. The practically build a swimming pool at each new is ‘lights, camera, sound’. The light show is boys are pretty easy on the eye too. We have location. It has the scale of a Hollywood terrific - and we have a screen projector, so a very good-looking company but, kidding production, and to deliver anything else would you get to go to the movies when you come apart, touring around the British Isles is a real be false advertising. We have twelve thousand to this show! The show also has Faye Tozer in kick. The variety out on the road makes it a lot gallons of water cascading down on our all her glory, sounding like a scolded cat for more appealing than staying put in the West hapless hero’s head. Well, he’s not really two hours. She’s a great sport, and I don’t End. hapless, as he manages to get the girl, but I’m

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interview...

glad it’s not me who’s getting the nightly Do you see a real difference in the way in a natural soap actress, but she had a style soaking. which live theatre is received in the States, which was very convincing. as opposed to here in the UK? Surely there’s a health and safety issue? No, not really. The thing about the Brits is Is appearing in soaps something you see Has anyone ever got hurt? they’re so enthusiastic. When they like yourself returning to, or do you see your We’ve had a couple of backstage issues that something, boy do they let you know about future predominantly on the stage? the audience haven’t been aware of. One time, it! There was a reason why Beatlemania took There are times when I think this is what I at Cardiff’s Millennium Centre, someone forgot off in this country! We’re known for being so should’ve been doing all along - more to turn the taps off, and suddenly we had a very reserved, and maybe we don’t leap to theatre. Then maybe I would have developed minor flooding. All I can say is that it was our feet at every curtain-call, as they do on into a finer actor. That’s one of the things rather swamp-like backstage! We had to take Broadway. Over there, they seem to give that’s good about going out there eight times an extended intermission. Fortunately, there everything a standing ovation, regardless. It a week - you really do get to hone your craft. were some young Welsh choristers in the maybe takes a little bit more to impress the And particularly with comedy; it’s a very house who kept the audience entertained with British, with their incredibly high standards. subtle art, and they often say it’s harder. Christmas carols while buckets and mops, and Testament to the success of British theatre is Dramatic actors are a dime a dozen. That anything else to hand, was deployed to clear that Broadway is grabbing everything coming said, the work being exhibited by the likes of the deluge of water. out of the West End which is of high calibre. Michael Fassbender, Leonardo DiCaprio, In fact, the West End is reviving American Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey - Expectations are high. Is there anything shows and then exporting them back to the in fact, it’s a fifty/fifty split between American that’s proving a particular challenge? Yanks. When the Brits do enjoy something and British actors - is really raising the bar on On a very personal level, missing my missus is and leap to their feet, you know you’ve film performance. Their dedication and work a challenge. She looks in, and comes and delivered - and those are the responses we’re is just startling. spends as much time with me as she can, but getting with Singin’ In The Rain. We’re not she’s got her own life and I can’t expect her to getting to kick half as much water as we’d Is it true you started out as a Go-Go schlep around. We love being in each other’s like at the patrons on the first few rows! dancer? pockets, and we’ve toured together too, but It wasn’t like I was a Go-Go dancer. I got she’s too great a talent to be sitting around Your base is in the States. Do you notice plucked from obscurity and very briefly waiting for me. The other great challenge, as big changes every time you return to the appeared in the West End with other nubile with any long run, is sustaining a performance UK? types. It was a means to an end, the aim of - but then again, everyone’s job is repetitive by I mostly see changes when I’m in London; which was to get my Equity card in a hurry. I nature. the architecture which is springing up around was done with that very quickly. In fact, I Canary Wharf is staggering. It’s so futuristic, seem to remember getting into a stage fight Is it true that you’d never seen the film and the Brits, rightly so, have always credited with one of my fellow cast members. It was a version in its entirety prior to being involved themselves as being on the cutting-edge. bit like a scene from Women In Love. in the stage production? Everyone thinks America is very innovative, That’s very true - although I’m a little loathe to but it’s the British who’re leading the way in And do you have an all-time favourite admit it, as it shows a certain ignorance of many ways. musical? Hollywood law. I honestly didn’t even know it The Chorus Line. When I was about was set in the world of Hollywood! I’d seen the So would you ever consider moving back seventeen, I worked as a dresser at the Royal famous dance sequence. I’m a come-lately to to the UK? Ballet - I was determined, by hook or by the undeniable talents of Gene Kelly. I didn’t I’ve not ruled it out. It’s very easy to spin your crook, to get into the business. Opposite us realise his great personal charisma. I had other wheels in Hollywood. The whole country was the Drury Lane Theatre, where The screen idols when I was younger - but then flocks to the West Coast and the end of the Chorus Line was showing. Every night I again, I’m a come-lately to the whole musical rainbow to make their dreams come true. It’s would go over to the theatre to watch the last theatre scene. I didn’t do Chicago, my first a very crowded environment. This is very fifteen minutes of the show. I was drawn to it professional musical theatre performance, until much a youth-driven industry and I ain’t like a magnet; the whole thrill of musical almost ten years ago, but once you enter that getting any younger. The Brits appreciate theatre was like being under a spell. world, you realise it’s a joyous environment. their venerable actors. It’s not full of neurotic actors, it’s more like the Have you ever turned down a role and aforementioned smiley showgirls and great So is age more of an issue in the States later regretted it? band members/musicians. They’re all a great than here in the UK? I’m sure there must be a couple - but like breed. We’re all entertainers at the end of the Definitely! Helen Mirren is extraordinary, and most actors, I’m not in a position to pick and day, and we’re there to take people out of she’s the only person over sixty who’s choose. Early on, when I had a three-picture themselves for two-and-a-half hours. With allowed to be a sex symbol in America. It deal at Paramount, which in the end only today’s crazy pace, it’s great to take the takes a British woman to do it. America’s so lasted for one picture - Grease 2 - there were audience back to a different time, when committed to turning over the soil, whereas a couple of opportunities where I blinked. In communication was really very different. We’re over here there’s a wider range of outlets for hindsight, I was foolish to do that. If I’d had almost like dinosaurs up there, with the idea of actors, like radio theatre, which is still very any sense, I would’ve got another film in the transitioning from a silent picture to a talking viable in this country. On the West Coast can before Grease 2, so that all my chips one. you’re kind of committed to working in front weren’t in the same basket. of the camera. In other words, you can Do you see your future involving more deprive yourself of the opportunity to tread Will you take some time out to visit musical theatre? the boards. If you’re based in the UK, and Birmingham’s landmarks when you’re in I hope so, if I’m not too late. By ‘too late’ I you’re lucky to be part of this business, you the city? mean age-wise, in respect to some of the can transition between the various media and Hopefully. I like to visit museums and get a great musical theatre roles. Since Chicago, I’ve do it all within a single year. sense of the history. That’s the beauty of developed the pace quickly, and played performing in a show in an evening; you get George in La Cage Aux Folles. I enjoyed that You’ve become a familiar face on many TV time off to see and do things in the day. experience immensely. soaps, both here and across the pond. Is it right to assume that’s a genre you feel Finally, have you got any plans for after Have you toured with much musical theatre very comfortable with? Singin’ In The Rain? in the States? I’ve done soaps because that’s where I’ve Goodness, I’m just hoping to get to the end I had a brief stint playing Billy Flynn in Chicago been asked to work. I actually think that in of the tour. Hopefully I won’t get topped, soap on Broadway. It would’ve been longer, but Emmerdale, my style of performing didn’t opera-style! there was a wretched stagehand strike which necessarily work. It worked in a larger-than- interrupted the show. Also, they tend to rotate life situation like Dynasty, but with Singin’ In The Rain shows at the role of Billy Flynn a lot more frequently in Emmerdale, I consistently felt out of place. Birmingham Hippodrome the States. Amanda Donohoe had it down to an art. I’m from Tues 18 March to Sat 5 April not suggesting for one minute that Amanda is Read the full interview online at www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Fall Out Boy National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Sun 16 March Following a sell-out US arena tour last year, Fall Out Boy are back in the UK for seven dates. Show- casing the Save Rock And Roll tour, the multi-plat- inum Grammy Award-winning four-piece have earned themselves a new fanbase with fifth studio album and lead single My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up), which made the UK top five. Keen to start a new project after a five-year hiatus, their return was called ‘a rather stunning renaissance’ by Rolling Stone magazine. The Pretty Reckless and New Politics support.

Goldfrapp Natives Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 26 March O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 22 March The unique sound of Goldfrapp returns to the Midlands following the Autumn 2013 release of the duo’s latest album, the ten-track Tales Of Us. Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gre- Natives are a New Forest quintet who burst onto gory established the band in 2000 and have released six albums in total, with Tales Of Us the music scene in 2012. Filed under Fall Out Boy having been generally well received by the critics. Well known for their willingness to ex- (above) and Foster The People, they’ve toured with plore various musical styles, Goldfrapp’s sound has, at different points, incorporated trip- Don Broco, Mallory Knox and The Summer Set, hop, electronic, synthpop, glam rock and folk music. Their impulse to experiment is and play SXSW later this year. Signing a publishing hardly surprising, given the wide range of music which has influenced them. Will cites and recording deal Ennio Morricone as his main inspiration, while Alison has revealed that movies such as with Transmission Roman Polanski's Cul-de-sac, cult 1973 film The Wicker Man, and the James Bond fran- Recordings and Not- chise have all helped mould her as a musician. ting Hill Music in 2013, they’re this month releasing Tinie Tempah their first full-length Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Tues 25 - Wed 26 March album, Indoor War. Having started out by releasing music independently on his Disturbing London label, Tinie was spotted playing at Wireless in July 2009 and signed up to Parlophone three Polar Bear months later. His first album, Disc-Overy, debuted at Number One in the UK in 2010. The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Thurs 27 March following year saw him win two Brit Awards - for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single. Pass Out, Frisky, Written In The Stars and ET are just a few of the chart Defying convention, Polar Bear is an experimental successes that have turned him into a music megastar. Due to popular demand, an extra jazz group led by Rising Star-nominated drummer Wolverhampton date has been added to this UK tour, which is taking place in support of Seb Roachford. Hitting the big time in 2005 when new album Demonstration. they received a Mercury Music Prize nomination for Held On The Tips Of Fingers - a crossover of jazz, funk, dance music, free jazz, electronica and drum & bass - they’re now back with new album In Each And Every One, their first recording since 2010. This King’s Heath show is one of ten UK dates for the group.

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BRAIN YEATES ASSOCIATES PROUDLY PRESENTS... Stand Up & Rock

# # # FEATURING # # # JASPER CARROTT THE BEV BEVAN BAND TREVOR BURTON GEOFF TURTON JOY STRACHAN-BRAIN

SEPTEMBER 2014

Tue 16th Sept - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton - 01902 429212 Fri 19th & Sat 20th Sept - Concordia Theatre, Hinckley - 01455 615005 Tue 23rd - Fri 26th Sept - Arts Complex, Solihull - 0121 704 6962 OCTOBER 2014

Thurs 16th Oct - Town Hall, Dudley - 01384 812812 Wed 19th March - Arts Complex, Solihull - 0121 704 6962 Fri 17th Oct - Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury - 01684 295074 Thur 27th March - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester - 01905 611 427 Tues 21st Oct - Town Hall, Birmingham - 0121 345 0600 Fri 28th March - Garrick Theatre, Lichfield - 01543 412121 Thurs 23rd - Sat 25th Oct - Palace Theatre, Redditch - 01527 65203 Fri 11th Apr - Palace Theatre, Redditch - 01527 65203 Sun 26th Oct - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury - 01743 281281 Thurs 30th & Fri 31st Oct - Town Hall, Sutton Coldfield - 0121 464 8990 NOVEMBER 2014

Sat 1st Nov Civic Theatre, Bedworth 02476 376707 Tues 11th - Sat 15th Nov Garrick Theatre, Lichfield 01543 412121 Mon 17th Nov Playhouse, Nottingham 01159 419419 ...truly

a night to BEV TONY PHIL TREVOR remember. BEVAN KELSEY TREE BURTON

Hits include - G Blackberry Way G Flowers In The Rain G Fire Brigade G I Can Hear The Grass Grow G California Man G Do Ya GNight Of Fear G Brontosaurus

Fri 28th March - Marr’s Barr, Worcester - 01905 613336 Fri 11th April - The Roadhouse, Birmingham - 0121 246 2273 Thur 15th May - The Musician, Leicester - 01162 510080 Fri 23rd May - The Crown Hotel, Nantwich - 01270 625283 Thur 5th June - Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton - 01902 401211

www.brianyeates.co.uk Music March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 10:59 Page 4

Music PREVIEWS Backstreet Boys & All Saints LG Arena, Birmingham, Wed 26 March The Backstreet Boys' back-catalogue includes two of the most successful albums of all time, each boasting in excess of twenty million sales. In total, the fellas have notched up more than one hundred-and-thirty million album sales - making them the best-selling boy band in history - and are responsible for hits like Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), As Long As You Love Me and I Want It That Way. This latest tour sees them hitting the road with All Saints, whose early-career success included nine top ten singles (five of which went to number one), two multi-plat- inum albums, two gold albums and ten million-plus record sales worldwide.

Jason Derulo National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Sat 22 March Scoring the hit of his life with Talk Dirty, which made it to number one in the UK and New Zealand, Jason Derulo returns with an eight-date tour, his biggest ever in the UK and Ireland. A talented writer, Jason penned every song on new album Tattoos - including Vertigo, his collaboration with girlfriend Jordin Sparks. Recently revealing a secret skill on Instagram - the ability to tap dance - he’ll here be singing songs from his three-album back-catalogue, and is supported by Conor Maynard. Chvrches The Institute, Birmingham, Mon 10 March Coming together on a writing project, Lauren Ella Eyre Thomas J Speight Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty then Kasbah, Coventry, Sat 8 March; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 7 March decided to form a band, so gave life to The Institute, Birmingham, Fri 14 March Chvrches in 2011. Thanks to the phenomenal This singer-songwriter was brought up on a As well as being BBC Sound Of 2014 runner- online success of Lies, the Glasgow-based cocktail of musical influences, from The Beat- up, Ella Eyre has also been listed in MTV’s synth-pop trio quickly realised they needed to les to Joni Mitchell, and started writing at the 2014 Top 10 Ones To Watch - so it’s fair to get out of the studio and start playing live. A tender age of twelve. Stints in various indie say the London-born singer-songwriter has couple of years down the line, they’re still bands followed, after which he went solo, made a pretty big splash for a nineteen-year- achingly cool, thanks in no small measure to with debut EP Willow Tree introducing his old! The soulful vocalist behind Rudimental’s their huge online following. Boasting their melodic stylings to the world. Produced by Number One single, Waiting All Night, Ella is own record label, Goodbye Records, they’ve two ex-Keane members, it was described by a BRIT School alumni, and already had a just signed up Soak, who’ll be supporting Ryan Adams as ‘so beautiful’. Thomas plays publishing deal before her singing talents them at this gig. Chvrches’ Institute show the Glee following the release of debut single were discovered. Releasing her first EP, takes place on the same day they release Just Where I Want To Be. Deeper, last year, she’s launching her debut The Recover EP. album in the summer.

Dub Pistols & Neville Staple Band The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Sat 22 March Dub Pistols’ sound - a combination of big beat, ska, punk and hip hop-dub music - has featured on numerous film and video-game soundtracks, including Blade II and Fre- quency. The notorious party rockers are here joining up with ska legend Neville Staple from The Stranglers The Specials, and will play ten UK dates The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Tues 11 ahead of a summer of festivals. Hailing from Azealia Banks March; O2 Academy, Birmingham, nearby Coventry, the band is very much view- O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thur 27 March Sat 22 March ing this Leamington show as a homecoming Bursting onto the scene in 2008, when she Formed forty years ago, The Stranglers were gig. adopted the pseudonym ‘Miss Bank$’ and major players in the instigation of the UK began releasing her music through MySpace, punk rock scene, although later-career en- Harlem-born bisexual singer Azealia Banks’ deavours have seen them explore a variety of career really took off three years later when musical styles, including new wave, art rock, she topped NME’s Cool List. A third-place fin- gothic rock and pop. Mainstream success ish in the BBC’s Sound Of 2012 competition came their way courtesy of 1982 single provided her with plenty more gratefully re- Golden Brown, with other notable hits includ- ceived exposure. ing No More Heroes, Peaches, Always The She’s certainly no shrinking violet, and thinks Sun and Skin Deep. With twenty-three UK nothing of peppering her song lyrics with a top-forty singles and seventeen top-forty al- selection of profanities - her debut single, bums to their name, there’ll certainly be 212, saw her using the C-word more than ten plenty of great music to enjoy in this fortieth times. anniversary gig.

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BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR PARTY AT THE NAILCOTE HALL HOTEL

SPRING & SUMMER EVENTS 2014 SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND ANNUAL EVENTS

Sat 8th SWINGING 60’s PARTY MARCH WITH CUPIDS INSPIRATION AND AFTER SHOW DISCO £32.50

Sat 5th THE SPRING APRIL PINK BALL WITH THE 80’s EXPERIENCE IN SUPPORT OF BREAST CANCER CHARITIES AND AFTER SHOW DISCO £49.50

Fri 21st ‘HEART & SOUL’ PARTY MARCH WITH HARRY CAMBRIDGE Tribute to Luther Vandross £29.50 MOTHERING Sun 30th MARCH SUNDAY IN THE OAK ROOM RESTAURANT Celebrate Mother’s Day with guitarist Stuart Toogood in beautiful surroundings £32.50

Sat 12th DOWNTON ABBEY APRIL DINNER & DANCE WITH MANHATTAN A Night of Nostalgia and Dressing For Dinner £39.50

Sun 20th EASTER SUNDAY APRIL IN THE OAK ROOM RESTAURANT Enjoy Easter Sunday Lunch in beautiful surroundings £32.50 MOTOWN LEGENDS Fri 25th APRIL PARTYWITH SOUL LEGEND Enjoy hit from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and more £29.50

Sat 3rd THE BEATLES MAY WITH THE NAKED BEATLES All the hits and the unmistakable sounds from the Fab Four £32.50 TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGMENT BOOKING HOTLINE 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk Nailcote Hall Hotel, Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE

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MusicGIG REVIEWS Music LISTINGS FRI 7 MAR THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE New For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk For full listing information on gigs, Alexandra Theatre, including times and dates, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE JOHNNY CASH ROAD- Depeche Mode SHOW Solihull Arts LG Arena, Birmingham Complex GOLDIE Hare & Hounds, Depeche Mode brought their Delta Machine show to Birmingham’s LG SAT 1 MAR NICK MULVEY The Glee Birmingham Arena for the one and only UK date on their European winter tour. In a Club, Birmingham VELVET TEXAS CANNON- THE CARRIVICK SISTERS career spanning over thirty years, the band have garnered a reputa- ROCKET The Jam BALL, THE MIGHTY Kitchen Garden Cafe, YOUNG & THE KALEIDO- tion for electric live performances. They also have a large back-cata- House, Birmingham MIKE AND THE MECHAN- Birmingham SCOPES Hare & logue to raid, so expectations were certainly high. ICS & SADIE AND THE THE DUNNETT/BAXTER Hounds, Birmingham Kicking off with Welcome To My World and Angel, both from their most HOTHEADS Symphony BIG BAND The Yardbird ALBERT LEE & HOGAN’S recent release, Delta Machine, lead singer Dave Gahan enticed us into Hall, Birmingham Jazz Club, Birmingham HEROES Huntingdon THE DETAILS The Cres- a dark and tantalising realm with his strong vocals and seductive THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- Hall, Worcestershire cent Theatre, B’ham HERE & NOW The As- moves. The band were complemented on stage by Christian Eigner, ENCE The Roadhouse, Birmingham sembly, Leamington whose sharp and powerful drums gave extra weight to the synth VIBRATORS The Marr’s TUE 4 MAR Spa basslines. The piano accompaniment of Peter Gordano came into its RONIN The Marr’s Bar, Bar, Worcester FROM THE JAM Bed- own when Martin Gore took his turn in the spotlight, presenting haunt- BLACK STONE CHERRY Worcester worth Civic Hall, War- THE MOONSHAKERS ing renditions of Slow, Not Tonight and (later, during the encore) Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- wickshire Drummonds Bar, hampton FAIRPORT CONVENTION Shake The Disease. Worcester OUTBREAK SPRING FESTI- Birmingham Town Hall The bulk of the set took in classic mid-’80s to early-’90s albums Music TG COLLECTIVE Ikon VAL Ricoh Arena, CYPHER 16 & 61 INCH O2 For The Masses, Songs Of Faith And Devotion and Violator, with the Gallery, Birmingham Coventry Academy, Birmingham SOLID SOUL The Jam tracks Behind The Wheel and Personal Jesus being my favourites. It BILLY LUNNKasbah, DISCLOSURE O2 Acad- was great to hear Martin’s lead guitar coming to the fore, giving the Coventry House, Birmingham emy, Birmingham THE DUBLIN LEGENDS DRUM & BASS AWARDS EAGULLS Hare & show a rockier edge. Just Can’t Get Enough, I Feel You and Never Let Birmingham Town Hall 2014 The Institute, Birm- Hounds, Birmingham Me Down were encores that topped off an exhilarating experience. CHARLIE BARNES The ingham TEMPLES The Institute, IIII Actress & Bishop, Birm- Ted Finlay GROOVE ARMADA DJ SET Birmingham ingham The Rainbow, B’ham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE KHAOS THEORY & OUT OF TALON - THE BEST OF EA- The Jam House, B’ham Suzanne Vega GLES Solihull Arts Com- SANITY The Asylum, plex Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham LOUISE PETIT Ort Cafe, WED 5 MAR RUTHIE HENSHALL Malvern Theatres, With a black top hat lending her an air of mystique, New York singer- Birmingham SHAKATAK The Jam ACOUSTIC BLUES HOUSE Worcestershire songwriter Suzanne Vega announced her comeback in style with a House, Birmingham PARTY AC/DC UK The River Artrix, Broms- MIKE PETERS O2 Acad- phenomenal opening performance of my favourite track, 1985’s Mar- grove Rooms, Stourbridge lene On The Wall. Vega swiftly struck up a great rapport with her audi- emy, Birmingham GREEN HAZE & LINK 182 LABOUR OF LOVE - UB40 BLACKBERRY SMOKE ence, while her sheer musical brilliance ensured that I barely TRIBUTE The River The Roadhouse, B’ham Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- SO CALLED ENEMY, registered the absence of a backing band (she was accompanied Rooms, Stourbridge hampton PANACEA & A SUITCASE CRASH CALLS, HIDDEN solely by guitarist Jerry Leonard, resulting in the creation of an inti- CHRIS WOOD The Red FULL OF OWLS The Ac- SKIES & COLD OCEAN mate ‘unplugged’ vibe). Her flawless delivery of Luka, and the title- Lion Folk Club, Birm- LIES O2 Academy, tress & Bishop, B’ham ingham track of her Grammy-nominated second album, Solitude Standing, WILD IRISH Irish Centre, Birmingham were well-received, but there was a heavy focus on promoting her first TWO MAN TING The THOMAS J SPEIGHT The Birmingham Yardbird, Birmingham new album in seven years, Tales From The Realm Of The Queen Of ELECTRIC ELECTRIC The Glee Club, Birmingham ANAIS MITCHELL The FREE AT LAST Route 44, Pentacles. The album’s beautiful vignettes strived to connect the mate- Tin Music And Arts, Glee Club, Birmingham Coventry Birmingham rial world with the beyond, and Vega’s inimitable knack of infusing STRAIGHT LINES, HEY ENOS, SHEBREW, LUKE WYLDE AND THE VANITY & THE POET THE magic into the mundane made me feel privileged to be sharing her ex- JAPES ABRAHMA & MOTHER CO- O2 Academy, PEOPLE Hare & Hounds, traordinary, folk-inspired vision. Birmingham RONA Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham Birmingham Her distinctive vocals still possessed that crystal clarity, soaring on MICHAEL CHAPMAN heavenly tracks Jacob And The Angel and Horizon (There Is A Road), SUN 2 MAR HOSPITALITY The Rain- Kitchen Garden Cafe, bow, Birmingham the more exuberant Crack In The Wall, and a genius sampling of 50 Birmingham THE RYANS Irish Centre, THE RAT PACK VEGAS JOE MCELDERRY Eve- Cents Candy Shop on the catchy Don’t Uncork What You Can’t Con- SPECTACULAR Stratford Birmingham tain. I Never Wear White was just pure fun. Older mainstream classics, sham Arts Centre, Civic Hall Worcestershire SAT 8 MAR The Queen And The Soldier, Rosemary, and her most commercially 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER SUZI & THE BACKBEATS successful song, Tom’s Diner, emphasised her highly literate brand of The Institute, B’ham The Actress & Bishop, SOLID SOUL The Jam storytelling. The new album ably illustrates what a continually evolving GEORGE EZRA Hare & Birmingham House, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham THE ANDALES, JEAN EL- and uniquely talented artist Vega is. Her remarkable longevity is no EVAN CHRISTOPHER’S HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- LIOT SENIOR & HE IS A surprise. Welcome back, Suzanne. DJANGO A LA CREOLE LIN O2 Academy, Birm- PEGASUS The Tin Music Malaka Chowdhury IIII Huntingdon Hall, ingham And Arts, Coventry JOHN LENNON MCCUL- Worcestershire LAGH Hare & Hounds, WILDFLOWERS The Sun- Birmingham THU 6 MAR flower Lounge, B’ham Rizzle Kicks JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN HIGHER ON MAIDEN The O2 Academy, Birmingham WALKER Kitchen Gar- THE MEATLOAF STORY Marr’s Bar, Worcester New Alexandra Theatre, BILLY MITCHELL AND RAY From the moment British hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks took to the stage, I den Cafe, Birmingham FINIAN’S RAINBOW Irish Birmingham LAIDLAW - THE LINDIS- could sense we were in for a great show. When they kicked off with Centre, Birmingham CRAOBH Huntingdon FARNE STORY Artrix, That’s Classic, it became clear my instincts were right. The two Rizzle GHOULS, ENQUIRY & RO- Hall, Worcestershire Bromsgrove Kicks frontmen, Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule, were full MANS The Flapper, ED HAINE MAJOR PROJ- JONI MITCHELL TRIBUTE of energy from the get go, urging the mostly twentysomething crowd Birmingham ECT BAND The Yardbird NIGHT Ort Cafe, Birm- Jazz Club, Birmingham to really get involved with the show. As expected, the duo played their NORTHERN SOUL & ingham SALSA CELTICA BUZZCOCKS The Assem- most popular hits, including Lost Generation, Skip To The Good Bit TAMLA MOTOWN NIGHT The River Rooms, Birmingam Town Hall bly, Leamington Spa and Mama Do The Hump, as well as their favourite tracks from their Stourbridge GET THE BLESSING Hare BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB most recent album, Roaring 20s. The two Brighton boys didn’t once & Hounds, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham stand still during the show, and were backed by an equally energetic MON 3 MAR BROTHER & BONES O2 SWINGING 60S PARTY five-piece band and DJ. When some confusion about which song was Academy, Birmingham WITH CUPID’S INSPIRA- BOY JUMPS SHIP Hare & TION Nailcote Hall, to be played next resulted in a humourous argument between the gui- ME FIRST & THE GIMME GIMMES O2 Academy, Hounds, Birmingham Berkswell tar player and Stephens, the crowd lapped it up, as they did the whole Birmingham FAULKNER The Jam BLACK COUNTRY METAL performance. The boys ended the gig with their much-loved debut sin- DIANA JONES Hare & House, Birmingham FEST The Slade Rooms, gle, Down With The Trumpets. Hounds, Birmingham PARADISE 9, TANG & THE Wolverhampton Ryan Humphreys IIII R5 The Institute, B’ham ROZ BRUCE INFUSION ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S V The Roadhouse, B’ham 80S The River Rooms, Stourbridge

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Sunflower Lounge, MARIKA HACKMAN Hare Town Hall NEVILLE STAPLE BAND LISTINGS Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham JUST GROOVE BAND The The Assembly, Leam- Music THE QUICK Fleet Street THE BORN AGAIN BEATLES Jam House, B’ham ington Spa Kitchen, Birmingham The Roadhouse, Birm- THE MISERS Hare & THE NOTORIOUS BROTH- SALOPIA, DAN BECKETT, ingham Hounds, Birmingham ERS Route 44, B’ham For full listing information on gigs, SPOOKY WAGONS, DANIEL JUNGLE Hare & Hounds, SAMANTHA LINDO Ort including times and dates, KIRK & MIKEY MARKS O2 MON 17 MAR Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Academy, Birmingham JONATHAN SILK QUINTET FOUR ACES Irish Centre, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS CLANNAD & MARY BLACK The Yardbird, B’ham Birmingham The Assembly, Leam- Symphony Hall, Birm- SPACE & REPUBLICA Kas- MOTORKILL AND STONE- Indoor Arena, B’ham ington Spa ingham bah, Coventry BROKEN Route 44, Birm- ARCHITECTS The Insti- FRI 21 MAR THE ROYAL BLASPHEMY TOM PAXTON & JANIS IAN WINTER MOUNTAIN Artrix, ingham tute, Birmingham The Asylum, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall DRAKE National Indoor Bromsgrove MID-DAY MANTRA - GOSPEL CENTRAL The THE COAL PORTERS Arena, Birmingham MONSTER JAW & JOOLZ BENARES TO BIRMING- Jam House, B’ham Kitchen Garden Cafe, FRANZ FERDINAND O2 DENBY The Slade HAM Symphony Hall, SAM CARTER TRIO The SAT 15 MAR Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton Birmingham Red Lion Folk Club, MR SCRUFF Hare & BLACK JACK DAVEY Irish THE SUBTERRANEANS CREAM TOURS The Insti- Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- SUN 23 MAR tute, Birmingham NAVI - KING OF POP Bel- THE AUSTRALIAN PINK ingham UNDER THE COVERS Irish grade Theatre, Coven- FLOYD SHOW National ENDORPHINMACHINE - THE FOUR TOPS AND THE Centre, Birmingham try TUE 18 MAR Indoor Arena, B’ham PRINCE TRIBUTE The TEMPTATIONS National ELLA EYRE Kasbah, VOODOO SIX The Slade STUNTDOG The Marr’s SPIERS AND BODEN Wul- Roadhouse, B’ham Indoor Arena, B’ham Coventry Rooms, Wolverhampton Bar, Worcester fun Hall, Wolverhamp- STIFF LITTLE FINGERS STIFF LITTLE FINGERS THE NOTEBENDERS The THREE STEP MANOEUVRE ELLEN ALLIEN The Rain- ton Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- The Assembly, Leam- Drum, Birmingham FUNKY ORGAN TRIO The bow Venues, Birming- TOVEY BROTHERS The hampton ington Spa QUEEN ALIVE The Road- Yardbird, Birmingham ham Jam House, B’ham THE DECADES BAND The DAN CROLL The Institute, house, Birmingham ONEDUB Hare & HIGH TYDE, THE ASSIST, River Rooms, Stour- Birmingham ANGEL HAZE O2 Acad- THU 13 MAR Hounds, Birmingham ATLAS, DEMMA The bridge UGLY DUCKLING Hare & emy, Birmingham ANDY MCKEE Birming- Roadhouse, B’ham METRONOMY The Insti- Hounds, Birmingham ALSO EDEN & MORPHEUS FROM THE JAM Artrix, ham Town Hall ONE REPUBLIC O2 Acad- tute, Birmingham MILES KANE Kasbah, RISING The Asylum, Bromsgrove WEATHERBIRD, SUGAR emy, Birmingham QUILL Solihull Arts Cen- Coventry Birmingham THE SELECTER O2 Acad- MAMA, ENDORPHINS GREGORY PORTER Birm- tre CURTIS ELLER’S AMERI- emy, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, ingham Town Hall LOVEABLE ROGUES The CAN CIRCUS Kitchen YBY TRIO The Yardbird SUN 9 MAR Birmingham LISBEE STAINTON Solihull Institute, Birmingham Garden Cafe, Birming- Jazz Club, Birmingham 4 PARTS GUITAR Hunting- Arts Complex BANKS The Institute, ham DAR WILLIAMS Hare & MICHAEL BUBLE National don Hall, Worcester THE ANSWER Kasbah, Birmingham OCTANE UK O2 Acad- Hounds, Birmingham Indoor Arena, B’ham WE ARE SCIENTISTS The Coventry HEY YOU GUYS The emy, Birmingham EAGLES BORN VULTURES, ALL TIME LOW O2 Acad- Institute, Birmingham Marr’s Bar, Worcester DERRICK RYAN Irish Cen- THEIR SOULS FOR GOLD, emy, Birmingham SIMON GOODALL PER- THE DECADES BAND The tre, Birmingham THIS MEMORY & WHERE WED 19 MAR THE ENGLISH BEAT O2 FORMS CLIFF RICHARD River Rooms, Stour- HEARTBREAKER & MISS- Academy, Birmingham I’M BOUND O2 Academy, LED The Roadhouse, SONGBOOK The Cres- THE QUIK BEATS The Jam bridge CARLO MAHALO & THE G Birmingham Birmingham cent Theatre, B’ham House, Birmingham THE YOUNG KNIVES The STRINGS Kitchen Gar- JOHN BRAMELL The As- THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL BARNT GREEN CHORAL UFO The Assembly, Assembly, Leamington den Cafe, Birmingham sembly Rooms, Leam- Midlands Arts Centre, SPRING CONCERT Artrix, Leamington Spa Spa BLAKE & BRAZIL Irish ington Spa Birmingham Bromsgrove LOVE/HATE The Slade DIRTY BLONDE, CHICKEN Centre, Birmingham LUKE CONCANNON & STEEL PANTHER Civic Rooms, Wolverhampton FILTH, SOURMASH, ANIMA IDIOM The Flapper, JIMMY DAVIS Hare & Hall, Wolverhampton BELINDA O’HOOLEY & & RICARDO THOMPSON MON 24 MAR Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham THE ZZ TOPS The Road- HEIDI TIDOW The Red Route 44, Birmingham WOODEN HORSE War- MOOD INDIGO The Jam house, Birmingham Lion Folk Club, B’ham ARABELLA SPROT QUAR- RUSSELL WATSON Sym- wicks Arts Centre, House, Birmingham BONAFIDE The Institute, JACK BRUCE AND HIS BIG TET Symphony Hall, phony Hall, B’ham Coventry PECKHAM COWBOYS Birmingham BLUES BAND Royal Spa Birmingham DAUGHTRY O2 Academy, FOOD FIGHTERZ The Scruffy Murphys, Birm- LOVATS, ATLAS, THE Centre, Leamington ANDY ORME The Actress Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham ingham SCRIBERS & LARANJA & Bishop, Birmingham THE RADIOPHONIC WORK- THINK FLOYD The Swan Spa Hare & Hounds, Birm- SUZI & THE BACKBEATS TOWNS The Sunflower SHOP Birmingham Town Theatre, Worcester MON 10 MAR ingham The Actress & Bishop, Lounge, Birmingham Hall JOHNNY NORMAL - Birmingham RUDIE & THE REVOLVERS CHVRCHES The Institute, FRI 14 MAR AMONG THE ECHOES & THE MIDNIGHT BEAST The Fleet Street Kitchen, TUE 25 MAR Birmingham SINESTAR EURASIANEYES Institute, Birmingham Birmingham CAMEL Birmingham DETROIT SOUL The Jam The Flapper, Birming- THE MAJOR BRASS PROJ- TINIE TEMPAH Civic Hall, Town Hall House, Birmingham ham THU 20 MAR ECT Adrian Boult Hall, Wolverhampton ROVO AND SYSTEM 7 The DAS SEXY CLAP The GERRY CROSS THE Birmingham LLOYD COLE Artrix, Assembly, Leamington Marr’s Bar, Worcester MERSEY Royal Spa Cen- GRAHAM BONNET’S THE JONATHAN SILK BIG Bromsgrove Spa MAXIMO PARK The Insti- tre, Leamington Spa CATCH THE RAINBOW The BAND CBSO Centre, INTERPOL, TEMPLES, MR APPOLLO The Cres- tute, Birmingham DIRTY LITTLE LIES The River Rooms, Stour- Birmingham ROYAL BLOOD & CIRCA cent Theatre, B’ham MILES KANE Wulfrun Actress & Bishop, Birm- bridge CHIMARIA The Slade WAVES O2 Academy, MELLOW BAKU Warwick Hall, Wolverhampton ingham KODALINE O2 Academy, Rooms, Wolverhampton Birmingham Arts Centre, Coventry KILLERSTREAM Drum- CLEAN BANDIT Kasbah, Birmingham I AM GIANT The Slade GET THE BLESSING War- monds Bar, Worcester Coventry CANDYRAT GUITAR NIGHT SAT 22 MAR Rooms, Wolverhampton wick Arts Centre, MR SCRUFF Hare & SOLIWORK The Institute, The Marr’s Bar, Worces- Coventry Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham ter THE SUBTERRANEANS WED 26 MAR ELLA EYRE The Institute, ELVIS NIGHT The River OBZIDIAN, STRANGER IN The Jam House, Birm- TUE 11 MAR Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge DEATH, THIS MEMORY & ingham TINIE TEMPAH Civic Hall, KATHERINE PRIDDY, THE FULLY LOADED Route 44, ENRAPTURED The Road- JAMES HOLROYD Hare & Wolverhampton THE STRANGLERS - 40TH CADBURY SISTERS & Birmingham house, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham THE BACKSTREET BOYS DRAKELOW ANNIVERSARY TOUR The Ort Cafe, SHE’KOYOKH Symphony SWEET BABY JAMES NATIVES O2 Academy, LG Arena, Birmingham Assembly, Leamington Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham THE ACOUSTIC STRAWBS KINGS OV LEON Spa The BLACK JACK DAVEY Irish Worcester RUMOURS OF FLEET- The Red Lion Folk Club, TOM HILL AND ZZ BOP River Rooms, Stour- Centre, Birmingham RED FANG The Institute, WOOD MAC Birmingham Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- bridge RADIO CHARMERS O2 Birmingham Town Hall JAMES SAYER BAND The EDDIE FITZ’S BEST IRISH ingham Academy, Birmingham THE WANTED LG Arena, ONLY REAL Sunflower Jam House, B’ham PARTY EVER LISSIE The Institute, The Assem- DETROIT SOUL The Jam Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham GOLDFRAPP Symphony Birmingham bly, Leamington Spa House, Birmingham MERCURY The Swan MIKE PETERS The Marr’s Hall, Birmingham THE DOORS EXPERIENCE RODRIGUEZ Symphony Theatre, Worcester Bar, Worcester THE WEBB SISTERS The Hall, Birmingham Route 44, Birmingham SUN 16 MAR THE SELECTER The As- THE STRANGLERS O2 Glee Club, Birmingham FRIDAY CLUB, MIR- RUTH ANGELL & SID PEA- sembly, Leamington Academy, Birmingham EMILY MACQUIRE Kitchen RORHALL, PINK VIOLENCE COCK BAND Symphony DMS IN CONCERT Sym- Spa JASON DERULO National Garden Cafe, B’ham & LAST MASQUERADE Hall, Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham 911 The Institute, Birm- Indoor Arena, B’ham STORY BOOKS Hare & GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT The Actress & Bishop, FALL OUT BOY National ingham JOHNNY FOREIGNER The Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Indoor Arena, B’ham THE OVERTONES Sym- Flapper, Birmingham AS ELEPHANTS ARE LADY MAISERY Kitchen Hare MARTHA TILSTON & THE phony Hall, B’ham SHERRY BABYS The THU 27 MAR Garden Cafe, B’ham & Hounds, Birmingham SCIENTISTS Kitchen Gar- DRAKE National Indoor Swan Theatre, Worces- FRAN THE MAN BREED 77 The Institute, Irish Cen- den Cafe, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham ter DEL CAMINO The Jam Birmingham tre, Birmingham CONAN The Asylum, MONSTER TRUCK & THE FORTUNES Artrix, House, Birmingham JEF LEPPARD THE TELESCREEN Hare & The Road- Birmingham SCORPION CHILD O2 Bromsgrove AZEALIA BANKS O2 Hounds, Birmingham house, Birmingham STAR OF THE SEA Irish Academy, Birmingham PRETEND BEST FRIEND Academy, Birmingham WED 12 MAR THE GRAMOTONES, MOD- Centre, Birmingham THE FORTUNES Solihull The Actress & Bishop, BONAFIDE The Assem- ERN MINDS, EGO HONEY STU LARSEN The Flap- Arts Complex Birmingham bly, Leamington Spa MICHAEL BUBLE National & CRAIG LENNON The per, Birmingham GABRIELLE Birmingham DUB PISTOLS AND POLAR BEAR Hare &

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Hounds, Birmingham THE JUST GROOVE BAND Actress & Bishop, Birm- REBECCA FERGUSON Sym Symphony Hall, Birm- ingham Music Venues Box Office phony Hall, Birmingham ingham HEAVEN’S BASEMENT O2 THE ORB The Assembly, Academy, Birmingham PAT BRESLIN Irish Cen- Birmingham THE YARDBIRD Staffordshire Leamington Spa tre, Birmingham FOUR TET The Rainbow 0121 212 2524 TEMPLE SONGS Sun- THE BUSBY BABES Fleet Venues, Birmingham 02 ACADEMY FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK 0121 622 8250 01538 386112 flower Lounge, B’ham Street Kitchen, B’ham KICK UP THE 80’S The Black Country SAINT RAYMOND The In- THE DOLL MECHANIC, River Rooms, Stour- THE ACTRESS & BISHOP LICHFIELD GUILDHALL 0121 236 7426 CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 01543 262223 stitute, Birmingham BLUE NATION & SWEET bridge 0870 320 7000 DAN WHITEHOUSE Sym- LILY Route 44, B’ham IVOR & LYNN’S CLASSIC ADRIAN BOULT HALL THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY 0121 331 5901 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL STOKE-ON-TRENT phony Hall, Birmingham ROCK DISCO Route 44, 01384 815577 THE ASYLUM 01159 454 593 LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The SAT 29 MAR Birmingham FOREST ARTS CENTRE 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS Marr’s Bar, Worcester VALOUS O2 Academy, 0845 111 2898 THE BARBER INSTITUTE 01827 709618 THE X FACTOR TOUR Birmingham 0121 414 7333 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE THE FATHER TEDS Irish 01902 572090 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY FRI 28 MAR Chance to catch up with BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0870 060 6649 this year’s finalists, in- Centre, Birmingham ROBIN 2, BILSTON 0121 780 3333 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE LIFESIGNS The Assem- cluding Sam Bailey, ROCKABILLY ALL DAYER 01902 401211 bly, Leamington Spa CBSO CENTRE 01785 254653 Luke Friend & Sam Irish Centre, B’ham 0121 780 3333 SLADE ROOMS STUART MCCALLUM Ikon THE STRANGE DOORS The WOLVERHAMPTON Callahan at the LG FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 0870 320 7000 Warwickshire Gallery, Birmingham Arena, B’ham Marr’s Bar, Worcester THE X FACTOR TOUR LG THE GLEE CLUB STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON Arena, Birmingham SUN 30 MAR 0871 472 0400 01384 812812 01926 311311 ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW HARE & HOUNDS WULFRUN HALL, THE KASBAH, COVENTRY WIN TICKETS !!! 0121 444 2081 & THE LOW RIDERS Hunt- WOLVERHAMPTON 024 7655 4473 What’s On has joined EMILY SMITH Artrix, 0870 320 7000 ingdon Hall, Worcester THE INSTITUTE NAILCOTE HALL, with organisers of this Bromsgrove 0121 643 0428 HIGHER ON MAIDEN The BERKSWELL year’s X Factor Live THE SWINGING BIG BANDS Shropshire Roadhouse, B’ham IRISH CENTRE 02476 46 6174 Tour to offer readers Birmingham Town Hall 0121 622 2314 BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY HOWLER The Institute, STRATFORD CIVIC HALL the chance to win a MC DEVVO The Flapper, THE JAM HOUSE 01952 882210 01789 207100 Birmingham pair of tickets to the Birmingham 0121 200 3030 THE BUTTERMARKET, YASHIN The Asylum, THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, event on 29 March. RAYMOND FROGGATT The THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE SHREWSBURY COVENTRY Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- 0121 443 4725 01743 355055 0247 655 9958 Visit www.whatson- B’SPOKE The Jam hampton LG ARENA THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, live.co.uk for details House, Birmingham BIPOLAR SUNSHINE The 0844 338 8000 MUCH WENLOCK Worcestershire 01952 728911 KATY B The Institute, Institute, Birmingham NIA ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Birmingham 0844 338 8000 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 01527 577330 B’SPOKE The Jam PHILLIP HENRY & HAN- SHREWSBURY ABC Symphony Hall, THE RAINBOW House, Birmingham NAH MARTIN Kitchen 01743 361666 HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN Birmingham 0121 772 8174 THEATRE 01905 611427 TALON The Rose The- Garden Cafe, B’ham THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY FIVE FINGER DEATH RED LION FOLK CLUB atre, Worcester BELLA DIEM The Actress 01743 234970 MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER PUNCH O2 Academy, 0121472 4253 01905 613336 HUSTLE! XIII Hare & & Bishop, Birmingham LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS Birmingham THE ROADHOUSE 01584 878141 THE RIVER ROOMS, THE MOVE Marr’s Bar, Hounds, Birmingham 0121 459 5660 STOURBRIDGE LILY AND MEG Ort Cafe, MON 31 MAR THEATRE SEVERN, Worcester ROUTE 44 SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 01384 397177 THE SOUL SURIVIORS The Birmingham 0121 708 0108 SOULED OUT 2 FUNK The JACK SAVORETTI The THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, River Rooms, Stour- Slade Rooms, Wolver- SYMPHONY HALL TELFORD 01952 382382 bridge Roadhouse, B’ham 0121 780 3333 For additional information hampton WEM TOWN HALL and to find out What’s On WINSTON’S BIG BROTHER RUNRIG Symphony Hall, THE VICTORIA DOM KENNEDY The Insti- 01939 232299 at these venues. O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham 0121 633 9439 tute, Birmingham Visit: MARTIN TROTMAN AND AGAINST THE WHEEL The www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Stratford Civic Hall Stoke Victoria Hall Sunday 2nd March Saturday 31st May 01789 207 100 0844 871 7649 For full details on all shows visit www.ratpack.biz

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PREVIEWS Tamsin Waley-Cohen Classical Music Stratford Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 11 March; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 19 March Described by The Guardian as a performer of ‘fearless intensity’, Tamsin Waley-Cohen is an acclaimed violinist who’s much in demand. As well as performing with some of the world’s most reputable orchestras, Tamsin is also a sought-after recitalist, the founder of the Honeymead Ensemble, and an Associate Artist with the Stratford-based Orchestra of the Swan - with whom she’s performing in both of these concerts. Bringing a touch of Eastern promise to the Midlands, and under the baton of David Curtis, Tamsin performs a programme of pieces by Vien- nese masters whose work has been inspired by Turkish music. Boccherini’s Symphony No11, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.5, Turkish Rondo for violin and orchestra in B flat, and Haydn’s Symphony No 22, The Philosopher, all feature.

Pavel Haas Quartet Birmingham Town Hall, Sunday 23 March Taking its name from the acclaimed Czech composer, the Pavel Haas Quartet formed in 2002, won the prestigious Paolo Borciani competition in 2005, and is now widely regarded as one of the great chamber ensembles of modern times. Regularly performing at some of the world’s most reputable concert halls, the Prague-based group this month performs the second concert in its Town Hall residency, presenting a programme of three central European classics: Haydn’s String Quartet in D, Op 76, No5; Dvorak’s String Quartet No 10 in E flat, Slavonic; and Brahms’ String Quartet No 2 in A minor.

Russell Watson The English Concert Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 24 March The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Often referred to as ‘the people’s tenor’, Rus- Wed 26 March sell Watson first came to the nation’s attention Formed by Trevor Pinnock in 1973, the when he sang God Save The Queen to a English Concert boasts a fine reputation packed Wembley Stadium in 1999. Having for its inspiring performances of Baroque made his mark, Russell was then invited to and classical music. The 2013/14 season sing a full set at the Barcelona final of the sees the Concert undertake a wide touring UEFA Champions’ League competition that brief, performing at venues across the very same year. In 2001, debut album The country as part of the Arts Council National Voice topped the classical charts, with Russell Portfolio programme. Here, under the title making history by becoming the first British of Godfather, Father And Son - and featur- artist to hold both the US and UK classical ing Alfonso Leal del Oja on violin, Lisa number one slot. Working in the genres of Birmingham Choral Union Beznosluk on flute and Katharina Spreck- classical, pop rock and operatic pop, Watson’s Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, elsen on oboe - they perform Telemann’s Birmingham, Sat 29 March soaring voice has garnered him an army of Tafelmusik Suite in B flat TWV, 55:B1; CPE fans, despite him often being criticised for sit- Founded in the 1880s, Birmingham Choral Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, ting on the fence musically. Union is one of the longest established BWV 1050; Telemann’s Concerto in E for Touring ahead of the release of his much-antic- choirs in the Midlands. Now well into its flute, oboe d’amore, viola d’amore and ipated new album Only One Man, Russell this second century, the choir regularly per- strings, TWV 53:E1; and JS Bach’s Over- month returns to the Midlands to present a forms across the region, and in 2012 ture No. 1 in C, BWV 1066. selection of old favourites alongside a number played its part in the Birmingham REP’s of new songs writ- Berlin Love Tour production, performing on ten especially for the roof of Brindleyplace car park. Return- him. Claude-Michel ing to Bramall Music Building’s Elgar Con- Schönberg and cert Hall, the choir and orchestra this Alain Boublil, the month present one of the best loved of all writers behind choral works, Mozart’s Requiem Mass, blockbuster musi- alongside another great choral work, cals Les Miserables Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42. and Miss Saigon, Colin Baines conducts, with contributions have contributed to coming from Jaclyn Lewis (soprano), Ellie the new material. Edmonds (mezzo), Stephen Mills (tenor) and Matthew Durkan (baritone).

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lin, cello & piano, Fri 14 don Hall, Worcester Orchestra and Birming- includes works by LISTINGS Mar, The Barber Insti- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ham Conservatoire Mendelssohn & Mozart, Classical tute, Birmingham Programme includes Chorus. Programme Sat 29 Mar, Elgar Con- MUSIC FOR LUNCH works by Liley, Elgar & includes works by cert Hall, Bramhall For full listing information on classical RECITAL WITH MICHAEL Vaughan Williams, Sun Faure & Mozart, Fri 28 Music Building, B’ham concerts, including times and dates, STODDART Fri 14 Mar, 23 Mar, Elgar Concert Mar, Adrian Boult Hall, LAST NIGHT OF THE visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham Cathedral Hall, Bramhall Music Birmingham SPRING PROMS Sun 30 BARNT GREEN CHORAL Building, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM JUNIOR Mar, Symphony Hall, BRAZILLIAN BAROQUE: A DES CARMELITES Thurs 6 SOCIETY Programme SIR ROGER NORRINGTON CONSERVATOIRE END OF Birmingham MUSICAL ELDORADO Fea- - Sat 8 Mar, Birming- comprises Karl Jenkins’ CONDUCTS MOZART Fea- TERM CONCERT Sat 29 THOMAS TROTTER CPE turing Ex Cathedra ham Conservatoire The Armed Man & Bar- turing Zurich Chamber Mar, Adrian Boult Hall, Bach 300th anniversary Choir and Baroque JUBILEE QUARTET Pro- ber’s Agnus Dei, Sat 15 Orchestra, Sir Roger Birmingham concert, Mon 31 Mar, Orchestra, Sat 1 Mar, gramme includes works Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Norrington (conductor) BIRMINGHAM BACH Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Town Hall by Mozart, Beethoven & FLORILEGIUM Pro- and Jonathan Biss CHOIR: SONGS OF THE MELODY MUSIC BIRMING- PAUL LEWIS PLAYS Mendelssohn, Fri 7 Mar, gramme includes works (piano), Tue 25 Mar, LAMB Sat 29 Mar, The HAM SPRING CONCERT MOZART Featuring Man- The Roses Theatre, by Telemann, CPE Symphony Hall, Birm- Oratory, Birmingham Mon 31 Mar, Birming- chester Camerata. Pro- Tewkesbury Bach, Leclair, JS Bach, ingham MOZART’S REQUIEM WITH ham Conservatoire gramme includes works NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Marais & Rebel, Sun 16 STILE ANTICO Pro- BIRMINGHAM CHORAL by Mozart & Beethoven, Featuring music Mar, Bridge House The- gramme includes works UNION Programme Sat 1 Mar, Malvern The- inspired by Asia, includ- atre, Warwick by Byrd, Tallis, Morley, atres ing the UK premiere of PAUL BUNYAN Presented Gibbons, White, PRINCE IGOR A Metro- Jonathan Harvey’s by English Touring Weelkes & Taverner, Classical Box Office politan Opera HD Live Vajra, Fri 7 Mar, The Opera, Mon 17 - Tue 18 Tue 25 Mar, St Mary’s production, Sat 1 Mar, Barber Institute, B’ham Mar, Wolverhampton Church, Warwick The Roses Theatre, SHOSTAKOVICH’S FIFTH ADRIAN BOULT HALL, B’HAM CBSO CENTRE, Grand Theatre GERGELY BOGANYI Pro- 0121 331 5901 BIRMINGHAM Tewkesbury Featuring Michael Seal ORGAN CONCERT WITH gramme includes works 0121 780 3333 CBSO FAMILY CONCERT - and Paul Rissman, Sat THOMAS TROTTER Pro- by Liszt, Bartok & ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE CARNIVAL OF ANIMALS 8 Mar, Symphony Hall, gramme includes works Schumann, Tue 25 Mar, 01527 577330 HUNTINGDON HALL, Featuring Michael Seal, Birmingham by Handel, Martin, Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- BARBER INSTITUTE, WORCESTER Nikky Smedley and LA BOHEME Ellen Kent Elgar & Reubke, Mon ingham BIRMINGHAM 01905 611 427 CBSO Young Voices, Opera present Puccini's 17 Mar, Birmingham THE ENGLISH CONCERT 0121 414 7333 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS, Sun 2 Mar, Symphony romantic opera. Sung Town Hall Wed 26 Mar, The Bar- BIRMINGHAM LEAMINGTON SPA Hall, Birmingham in Italian with English PERFORMANCE PLAT- ber Institute, B’ham CONSERVATOIRE 01926 742700 VIENNA TONKUNSTLER surtitles, Sat 8 Mar, FORM - THOMAS RIEBL KING’S MEN CONCERT ORCHESTRA AND JOHN New Alexandra Theatre, 0121 331 5901/2 ST MARY’S CHURCH, Programme includes Capella singing by WARWICK LILL PLAY BEETHOVEN Birmingham works by J.S Bach, BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND choral scholars of 01926 403940 Featuring Andres Oroz- ASHLEY FRIPP: ANNEES Rudolf Jungwirth & King’s College, Cam- INSTITUTE co-Estrada and John DE PELERINAGE Pro- Schubert, Tue 18 Mar, bridge, Thurs 27 Mar, 0121 236 3591 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL Lill, Sun 2 Mar, Sym- gramme includes works Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- Birmingham Cathedral BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 01789 207100 phony Hall, B’ham by Haydn, Thomas ingham BENJAMIN BAKER & CAR- 0121 780 3333 SYMPHONY HALL, RISING STARS: JANOS Ades and Liszt, Tue 11 CAMERON CARPENTER IN OLE PRESLAND Pro- BRAMALL CONCERT HALL, BIRMINGHAM BALAZS JR Programme March, Birmingham CONCERT Programme gramme includes works BIRMINGHAM 0121 780 3333 includes works by Town Hall includes works by J S by Strauss & Heinrich Beethoven, Chopin, TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN 0121 414 3344 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE Bach & Vaughan Ernst, Fri 28 Mar, The 02476 524524 Mendelssohn & Liszt, PERFORMS MOZART’S Williams, Wed 19 Mar, Barber Institute, B’ham BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, Sun 2 Mar, Birmingham TURKISH CONCERTO Tue Symphony Hall, B’’ham REQUIEM Performed by WARWICK Town Hall 11 Mar, Stratford Civic TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN the Birmingham Con- 01926 776438 MONDAY SHOWCASE Fea- Hall PERFORMS MOZART’S servatoire Repertoire turing Jessica Wilkes ROBIN IRELAND AND CON- TURKISH CONCERTO Wed (flute) & Joanne Sealey SERVATOIRE STUDENTS 19 Mar, Birmingham (piano), Mon 3 Mar, Programme to include Town Hall Birmingham Conserva- works by Mozart, Tue MELODIAS ESPANOLAS toire 11 Mar, Adrian Boult Thurs 20 Mar, Sympho- PERFORMANCE PLAT- Hall, Birmingham ny Hall, Birmingham FORM Featuring Isabel CBSO PLAYERS Pro- ALEXANDER PANFILOV Villanueva (viola) & Ste- gramme includes works Programme includes fan Stroissnig (piano). by Haydn & Mozart, works by Debussy & Programme includes Wed 12 Mar, CBSO Rachmaninov, Fri 21 works by Schumann, Centre, Birmingham Mar, The Barber Insti- Britten & Brahms, Tue 4 CBSO RACHMANINOV’S tute, Birmingham Mar, Adrian Boult Hall, SECOND SYMPHONY Fea- CAVALERI QUARTET WITH Birmingham turing Mikhail TIMOTHY ORPEN Fri 21 LA TRAVIATA Welsh Tatarnikov and Peter Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove National Opera present Donohoe. Programme BENJAMIN GROSVENOR Verdi's tragic opera. includes works by Mus- Programme includes Linda Richardson, sorgsky, Dohnayi & works by Mendelssohn, Leonardo Capalbo & Rachmaninov, Wed 12 - Schubert, Schumann & Alan Opie star, Tue 4 - Thurs 13 Mar, Sympho- Ravel, Fri 21 Mar, Sat 8 Mar, Birmingham ny Hall, Birmingham Malvern Theatres Hippodrome MARTINU STRING QUAR- JOHANNES THORELL Fri COULL QUARTET - NOC- TET Thurs 13 Mar, Royal 21 Mar, Birmingham TURNE Featuring Roder- Pump Rooms, Leam- Conservatoire ick Williams (baritone). ington Spa BINCHOIS CONSORT, Programme includes EUROPEAN UNION CHAM- BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY works by Bloch, Gorec- BER ORCHESTRA Thurs SINGERS & UNIVERSITY ki, Barber, Beamish & 13 Mar, Warwick Arts WOMEN’S CHOIR Fri 21 Borodin, Wed 5 Mar, Centre, Coventry Mar, Elgar Concert Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, BIRMINGHAM SMALL Bramhall Music Build- Coventry ENSEMBLE SERIES - ing, Birmingham MANON LESCAUT Welsh SPOTLIGHT ON HARP BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC National Opera present Thurs 13 Mar, Birming- WINDS Featuring Keith Mariusz Trelinski’s con- ham Conservatoire Allen (conductor), Han- temporary production SAN FRANCISCO SYM- nah Marcinowicz (saxo- of Puccini's tale of PHONY AND MICHAEL phone) & the Solihull obsession and self- TILSON THOMAS Pro- Youth Wind Orchestra, destruction, Wed 5 Mar gramme includes works Sat 22 Mar, CBSO Cen- - Fri 7 Mar, Birmingham by Ives (arr Brant), tre, Birmingham Hippodrome John Adams & Berlioz, THE LONDON CONCER- BOULEVARD SOLITUDE Fri 14 Mar, Symphony TANTE CHAMBER ENSEM- Thurs 6 Mar, Birming- Hall, Birmingham BLE Present Vivaldi’s ham Hippodrome FEELIN’ BLUE - BEAUFORT Four Seasons by Can- CBSO RACHMANINOV’S ENSEMBLE Fri 14 Mar, dlelight, Sat 22 Mar, SECOND PIANO CONCER- Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- Birmingham Cathedral TO Featuring Michael ingham PAVEL HASS QUARTET Seal and Gabriela Mon- CHETHAM’S SCHOOL OF Sun 23 Mar, Birming- tero, Thurs 6 Mar, Sym- MUSIC Programme ham Town Hall phony Hall, B’ham comprises Messiaen’s THE ERATO PIANO TRIO POULENC’S DIALOGUES quartet for clarinet, vio- Sun 23 Mar, Hunting-

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Rich Hall Comedy The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 3 March; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Weds 12 March; Box Office Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Fri 25 April; Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Thurs 8 May; ALEXANDRA THEATRE, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 10 May BIRMINGHAM His official biography somewhat less than mod- 0844 871 3011 estly describes American funnyman Rich Hall ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 as ‘a grouchy, deadpan, comic genius’. It also BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL explains that he ‘quit his job as a hurricane- 02476 376707 namer for the United States meteorological BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL service’ more than two decades ago - since 0121 780 3333 which time, it’s fair to say, the sun has been THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM smiling rather warmly on the hugely talented 0121 333 2444 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL Virginian. With much of his comedy centring on 01384 815 577 making fun of life GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM across the pond in 0871 4720400 his homeland, Rich is HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, perhaps best known 0844 844 0044 HUNTINGDON HALL, for his creation of WORCESTER, Otis Lee Crenshaw, a 01905 611427 bourbon-swilling red- FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, neck jailbird from LEEK, STAFFS Tennessee whose 01538 386112 many wives have all KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM been named Brenda. 0121 443 4725 LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM Jack Whitehall 0844 338 8000 National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Fri 14 Mar LUDLOW ASSEMBLY Sean Hughes ROOMS mac, Birmingham, Fri 7 March; Royal Spa A fella who’s had no trouble whatsoever getting his boat race on the 01584 878141 Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 3 April goggle-box, Jack Whitehall’s highly animated style of delivery is MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 The complete renaissance man, Sean Hughes developing all the time - as is his repertoire of material, which regularly includes such subject matter as his father’s shameless PALACE THEATRE, is an actor, a musician, a writer, a TV star and a REDDITCH playwright. Nonetheless, he’s probably at his attempts to get quoted in his show, his comical schooldays and the 01527 65203 best when doing stand-up comedy - dealing, in experience of being caught snorting coke by the News Of The THE PUBLIC, WEST World. Jokes include: “If my dad could see me up here now, he'd BROMWICH his own inimitable style, with the anxieties of 0121 533 7161 home-owning, having a girlfriend, and the many be very impressed. But you know, I'm sure wherever my dad is now, he would be looking down on us. He's not dead, just very conde- DRUMMONDS BAR, and varied other chattels of middle-age. His live WORCESTER work also has a serious side, featuring some scending.” 01905 28190 very personal and often moving material. RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY 0844 873 6565 THE ROSES THEATRE Tom Wrigglesworth TEWKESBURY Daliso Chaponda Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 13 March; Huntingdon Hall, 01684 295074 Worcester, Fri 11 April; mac, Birmingham, Sun 13 April; The Glee Bramall Music Building, Birmingham, Mon 3 ROYAL SPA CENTRE, Club, Birmingham, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 April; The Highlight Comedy LEAMINGTON SPA March; Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Thurs 3 Mar Club, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sat 7 June 01926 334418 Malawian Daliso has blended the slick North Whimsical storytelling and twisted logic, stylishly wrapped in some STAFFORD GATEHOUSE American style of comedy he learned while THEATRE elegant flourishes of language, are the lifeblood of Chortle Award- 01785 254653 working in Canada with a real talent winner Tom Wrigglesworth’s highly rated act. Yorkshire-born Tom SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX for brevity, ensuring that his scored a big hit in Edinburgh a couple of years back, since which 0121 704 6962 gags, although not one-liners, time he’s been ploughing all the usual comedy furrows, particularly THE SLADE ROOMS, nonetheless come thick and those available on WOLVERHAMPTON fast. Like all good comedi- 0870 320 7000 BBC Radio Four. THE GEORGE HOTEL, ans, he can adapt his act to Likened by The BURSLEM, STAFFS suit his audience, and on a Guardian to Mark 07763301081 previous trip to the Thomas in the way he TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY Midlands performed a ROOMS crusades for social 01827 709618 filthy set in justice, ‘albeit in a THEATRE SEVERN, Birmingham’s more homely fashion’, SHREWSBURY Silhouettes Tom is here presenting 01743 281281 Strip Club VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, his latest show, Utterly STOKE-ON-TRENT before heading At Odds With The 0844 871 7649 off to regale Universe, described by WARWICK ARTS CENTRE family audi- his publicity as ‘an 02476 524524 ences at the emotional journey from WEST BROMWICH TOWN Greenbelt HALL childhood to adult- 0121 596 4429 Christian hood, exploring Tom’s WULFRUN HALL, Festival! poignant and profound WOLVERHAMPTON relationship with his 0870 320 7000 granddad’.

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& MRS BARBARA NICE Place, Oakengates LUKE TOULSON Sat 22 COLMAN Fri 28 Mar, Tues 11 Mar, The Light Theatre, Telford Mar, Highlight Comedy National Brewery Comedy LISTINGS House Media Centre, JO CAULFIELD Thurs 20 Club, Birmingham Centre, Burton upon Wolverhampton Mar, Royal Spa Centre, ANDY WILKINSON, Trent For full listing information on comedy JOE LYCETT, IAN SMITH, Leamington Spa DOMINIC WOODWARD, DAVE FULTON, CRAIG JOHN KEARNS AND KEVIN MCCARTHY, JOHN GARETH RICHARDS & HILL, STEVE GRIBBIN & gigs including times and dates visit ROMESH RANGANATHAN FOTHERGILL, JUNIOR MARC LUCERO Sat 22 PETE OTWAY Fri 28 Mar, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Weds 12 Mar, Henry SIMPSON & LEE EVANS Mar, Coventry The Glee Club, B’ham Tudor House, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Mar, Showcase Cinema, CARL DONNELLY Fri 28 MARLON DAVIS, ANDY & LOU CONRAN Thurs 6 Shrewsbury The Glee Club, B’ham Coventry Mar, The Glee Club, ASKINS, MIKE BUBBINS & Mar, Foxlowe Arts RUSSELL KANE Weds 12 COMEDY CLUB Fri 21 PARTICK MONAHAN, Birmingham LEE EVANS Sat 1 Mar, Centre, Leek, Mar, New Alexandra Mar, Hereford TAMER KATTAN, MO THE MARTIN MOR, TANYALEE The Glee Club, B’ham Staffordshire Theatre, Birmingham Courtyard Theatre COMEDIAN & IMRAN DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK & ADAM BLOOM, CHRIS MARK NELSON, ROGER LAURENCE CLARK Weds STAND-UP STAIRS YUSUF Sun 23 Mar, The DAVE TWENTYMAN Fri 28 CAIRNS, MAT REED & MONKHOUSE & ANDY 12 Mar, mac, B’ham COMEDY SHOW Fri 21 Glee Club, Birmingham - Sat 29 Mar, Highlight GARETH BERLINER Sat 1 ROBINSON Thurs 6 Mar ANNETTE FAGON, IVY Mar, The Palace DAVID BADDIEL Sun 23 Comedy Club, B’ham Mar, The Highlight The Glee Club, B’ham DEXTROSE, ROSIE WILBY Theatre, Redditch Mar, Theatre Severn, BARNSTORMERS COMEDY Club, Birmingham SARAH MILLICAN Fri 7 - & MAUREEN YOUNGER DAVID HADINGHAM, Shrewsbury NIGHT Sat 29 Mar, Artrix, KEN DODD Sat 1 Mar, Sun 9 Mar, Warwick Weds 12 Mar, The RICHARD MORTON, WAYNE ROLLINS, MO THE Bromsgrove Dudley Town Hall Arts Centre, Coventry Kitchen Garden Cafe, JOHNATHAN MAYOR & COMEDIAN, AURIE STYLA LINDA HARGREAVES Sat RUSSELL KANE Sat 1 ANDREW LAWRENCE Fri 7 Birmingham PAUL MCCAFFREY Fri 21 & KANE BROWN Sun 23 29 Mar, Old Joint Stock Mar, Stafford Mar, Stafford RICH HALL Wes 12 Mar, Mar, Highlight Comedy Mar, The Glee Club, Theatre, Birmingham Gatehouse Theatre Gatehouse Theatre The Glee Club, Club, Birmingham Birmingham DAVE FULTON, CRAIG GYLES BRANDRETH Sat 1 SEAN HUGHES Fri 7 Mar, Birmingham RUSSELL HOWARD Fri 21 MILES JUPP Weds 26 HILL, STEVE GRIBBIN & Mar, Huntingdon Hall, mac, Birmingham WITTANK Weds 12 Mar, - Sat 22 Mar, LG Arena, Mar, Royal Spa Centre, GEORGE ZACH Sat 29 Worcester MALCOLM STENT Fri 7 Warwick Arts Centre, Birmingham Leamington Spa Mar, The Glee Club, JOSH WIDDICOMBE - Mar, The Palace Coventry SARAH MILLICAN Fri 21 - ROBIN INCE Weds 26 Birmingham INCIDENTALLY Sat 1 Mar, Theatre, Redditch ROBIN INCE Thurs 13 Sun 23 Mar, Symphony Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove HOWARD READ, SIMON Evesham Arts Centre, JOEL DOMMETT Fri 7 Mar, The Station Pub, Hall, Birmingham BILLY PEARCE Weds 26 BLIGH, DAVE GIBSON & Evesham Mar, The Slade Rooms, Sutton Coldfield COURTLAUGHING Mar, Crewe Lyceum JACK CAMPBELL Sat 29 JOHN LYNN, RICHARD Wolverhampton ROB BECKETT Thurs 13 KEVIN MCCARTHY, JOHN RUSSELL BRAND Thurs Mar, Coventry MORTON, ANDY ASKINS & DAVID BADDIEL Fri 7 Mar, Mar, Royal Spa Centre, FOTHERGILL, JUNIOR 27 Mar, De Montfort Showcase Cinema SAM GORE Sat 1 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Leamington Spa SIMPSON & COMIC TBC Hall, Leicester MILES JUPP Sun 30 Mar, Coventry Showcase Coventry TOM WRIGGLESWORTH Sat 22 Mar, The Glee STAND UP COMEDY Theatre Severn, Cinema DOMINIC WOODWARD, Thurs 13 Mar, Warwick Club, Birmingham SHOWCASE Thurs 27 Shrewsbury SILKY, KEVIN DEWSBURY SULLY O'SULLIVAN, MATT Arts Centre, Coventry ED BYRNE Sat 22 Mar, Mar, mac, Birmingham JASON MANFORD Mon & DAMION LARKIN MC. REES & ALAN DONEGAN ANDY ROBINSON, Bedworth Civic Hall ROBIN INCE Thurs 27 31 Mar, The Place, Sat 1 Mar, The Slade Fri 7 Mar, The George ANDREW RYAN & ROB JO CAULFIELD Sat 22 Mar, The Glee Club, Oakengate Theatre, Rooms, W’hampton Hotel, Burslem, Stafford DEERING Thurs 13 Mar, Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Telford ANDREW LAWRENCE MARK NELSON, ROGER The Glee Club, Worcester DAVE FULTON, CRAIG MILES JUPP Mon 31 Sun 2 Mar, Warwick MONKHOUSE, DAN Birmingham SHAPPI KHORSANDI Sat HILL, STEVE GRIBBIN & Mar, Stafford Arts Centre, Coventry NIGHTINGALE & JORDAN ALAN CARR Thurs 13 - 22 Mar, The Edge Arts COMIC TBC Thurs 27 Gatehouse Theatre SHOULD I STAY OR BROOKES Fri 7 Mar, The Fri 14 Mar, The Edge Centre, Much Wenlock, Mar, The Glee Club, ANDY KIRKPATRICK Mon SHOULD I GO Sun 2 Mar, Glee Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Much South Shropshire Birmingham 31 Mar, Town Hall, Drummonds Bar, BENNETT ARRON, Wenlock, South DAVID HADINGHAM, MATT PRICE, MARTIN Birmingham Worcester STEPHEN GRANT, Shropshire RICHARD MORTON, EVANS, TREV TOKABI, GARY DELANEY Sun 2 BRENDAN DEMPSEY & JACK WHITEHALL Fri 14 JOHNATHAN MAYOR & MATT BANKS & GARY Mar, Arena Theatre, JOE ROWENTREE Fri 7 - Mar, NIA, Birmingham Wolverhampton Sat 8 Mar, Highlight BILLY PEARCE Fri 14 Mar, JENNY ECLAIR Sun 2 Comedy Club, B’ham Royal Spa Centre, Mar, Warwick Arts JIMMY CARR Fri 7 Mar, Leamington Spa Centre, Coventry Royal Spa Centre, KERRY GODLIMAN Fri 14 BARNSTORMERS COMEDY Leamington Spa Mar, The Glee Club, NIGHT Tues 4 Mar, Royal NINA BENJAMIN, JUNIOR Birmingham Spa Centre, SIMPSON, KANE BROWN CAREY MARX, JOHNNY Leamington Spa & JOHN SIMMIT Fri 7 CANDON, ZOE LYONS & LIAM WILLIAMS Tues 4 Mar, The Drum, B’ham BILLY KIRKWOOD Fri 14 - Mar, The Slade Rooms, CARL DONNELLY Sat 8 Sat 15 Mar, Highlight Wolverhampton Mar, Stafford Comedy Club, B’ham ROB BECKETT Weds 5 Gatehouse Theatre STUART MITCHELL, ROB Mar, Theatre Severn, LEE HURST Sat 8 Mar, ROUSE, ANDREW RYAN & Shrewsbury Solihull Arts Complex, ROB DEERING Fri 14 - Sat RICH HALL Weds 5 Mar, Solihull 15 Mar, The Glee Club, The Roses Theatre, GARY DELANEY Sat 8 Birmingham Tewkesbury Mar, Royal Spa Centre, COMEDY IN THE MET Sat DALISO CHAPONDA, THE Leamington Spa 15 Mar, Stafford NOISE NEXT DOOR AND MARK NELSON, ROGER Gatehouse Theatre MATT RICHARDSON MONKHOUSE, DAN FOGHORN IMPROV Sat 15 Weds 5 Mar, Bramall NIGHTINGALE & RYAN Mar, mac, Birmingham Music Building, B’ham CULL Sat 8 Mar, The CLEVER PETER Sat 15 RUSSELL BRAND Thurs 6 Glee Club, Birmingham Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Mar, Warwick Arts BRENDAN DEMPSEY, Leamington Spa Centre, Coventry COLIN OWENS, YIANNI ZOE LYONS, TOM PRICE, JAMES BEAUMONT, AGISILAOU & KATE LUCAS FIN TAYLOR & DANNY PATRICK DRAPER, Sat 8 Mar, Coventry O'BRIEN Sat 15 Mar, RICHARD JAY, ALEX Showcase Cinema, Coventry Showcase HOYLE, BECKY BRUNNING, Coventry Cinema, Coventry EMILY ROSE & JONNY RUBY WAX Sat 8 Mar, MILES JUPP Mon 17 GREATREX Thurs 6 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Evesham Arts Centre, JIMMY CARR Sat 8 Mar, ROB DEERING, ANDY Evesham The Place, Oakengates ROBINSON, KAREN PAUL SINHA Thurs 6 Theatre, Telford BAYLEY & MRS BARBARA Mar, The Slade Rooms, ROUGH WORKS New NICE Tues 18 Mar, Artrix, Wolverhampton material night, Sun 9 Bromsgrove HIYA AND HIGHER - WITH Mar, The Glee Club, ED BYRNE Weds 19 Mar, MRS BARBRA NICE Thurs Birmingham Crewe Lyceum 6 Mar, Niorthampton RICHARD HERRING Sun 9 ROB BECKETT Weds 19 Arts Centre, Mar, The Glee Club, Mar, The Glee Club, Wolverhampton Birmingham Birmingham STEPHEN GRANT, ROB THE LAUGHTER CREWE ANDREW LAWRENCE DEERING, SEAN Sun 9 Mar, Crewe Thurs 20 Mar, Artrix, HEGGARTY & SALLY-ANN Lyceum Bromsgrove HAYWARD. Thurs 6 Mar, WITTANK Sun 9 Mar, HAL CRUTTENDEN Thurs The George Hotel, The Slade Rooms, 20 Mar, The Slade Lichfield Wolverhampton Rooms, W’hampton DALISO CHAPONDA, ROB ROB DEERING, SUSAN ROY CHUBBY BROWN ROUSE, PETE PHILLIPSON MURRAY, MATT HOLLINS Thurs 20 Mar, The

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Singin’ In The Rain Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 18 March - Sat 5 April The 1952 Gene Kelly film version of Singin’ In The Rain remains a Broadway Melody. jewel in the Hollywood crown, while Tommy Steele and Paul Nicholas Maxwell Caulfield and Faye Tozer star in this latest incarnation of the have both enjoyed reasonably recent success with a revival stage stage show, which visits the Midlands direct from the West End. production. As well as the title song, the musical also showcases the Read the interview with Maxwell Caulfield on page 10 unforgettable Good Morning, Make ’em Laugh, Moses Supposes and Henry IV Part I Birdsong and Part II The REP, Birmingham, Mon 17 - Sat 22 March Sebastian Faulks’ bestselling epic novel is set both Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues before and during the Great War, and follows the for- 18 March - Sat 6 September tunes of the young Stephen Wraysford as he (part I), Fri 28 March - Sat 6 embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with September (part II) the beautiful Isabelle Azaire. This stage version has Shakespeare’s famous epic garnered plenty of praise since premiering in the offers up some of his most West End in 2010, with a screening on BBC1 bring- beautifully drawn charac- ing it to wider public attention. ters, including Mistress WIN Quickly, Pistol, Justice Shal- TICKETS low and irrepressible comic whatsonlive.co.uk knight Sir John Falstaff. to enter With England in turmoil, the king’s position weak and the Prince of Wales under the corrupting influence of Falstaff, civil war is inevitable... This new RSC production sees the company’s Associ- ate Artist Antony Sher (pictured) returning to the fold to star as the larger-than-life Falstaff. Check out the interview with Sir Antony in next month’s issue of What’s On.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Tonight’s The Night: The Rod Stewart Musical until Sat 1 March, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 24 - Sat 29 March Ben Elton’s show, inspired by the music of legendary Scottish rocker Rod Stewart, has earned plenty of plaudits since debuting in the West End in 2003. And as with all such endeavours, the storyline’s far less important than the music for which the production offers a vehicle. But, for the record, this one tells the story of a tongue-tied young man who trades his soul for that of Mr Stewart’s in a desperate attempt to win the hand of the girl he loves. Maggie May, Baby Jane, Hot Legs and Sail- ing are among the timeless classics that ensure the evening moves along at a brisk ol’ pace. Former Sugababe and 2009 Eurovi- sion finalist Jade Ewan stars as Dee Dee. See How They Run Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 3 - Sat 8 March Signature elements of a good farce include slamming doors, outraged vicars and cases of mistaken identity - all of which are present and correct in this much-loved offering from the pen of Philip King. But this latest version of a play first performed in 1944 does stray from the norm in one particularly significant way - all the members of the cast are under four foot tall! This is the first theatre tour to be presented by The Reduced Height Theatre Company, the most famous member of which is Warwick Davis, best known for his roles in Willow, Star Wars, the Harry Potter films, and Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant television series Life’s Too Short and An Idiot Abroad 3. All in all, this sounds like an evening of theatre that definitely won’t be ‘short’ on laughs! Read the interview with Warwick Davis on page 8 Fiddler On The Roof Birmingham Hippodrome, How To Occupy An Oil Rig Bertolt Brecht Season Tues 11 - Sat 15 March Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Starsky And Hutch star Paul Michael Glaser Tues 4 - Wed 5 March; mac - Midlands Arts The REP, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 20 March top-bills in this hit musical. Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, the story of Fid- Described as a show that’s ‘for everyone dler On The Roof centres on the character of who’s ever wanted to change anything’, How The Mother Sat 15 March To Occupy An Oil Rig is a playfully provoca- Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his This early Brecht work is one of his most tive new production. It’s based around the desperate attempts to maintain his family explicitly revolutionary plays, and focuses on subject of ‘protest’, and offers its audience and religious traditions even as outside influ- the journey of Pelagea Vlassova as she bat- the chance to learn some brand new skills - ences encroach ever more profoundly upon tles to protect her son from imprisonment, in including 'how to blend in on a march', 'how their lives. the process becoming the to crash a boardroom meeting', and 'how to First produced for the stage in 1964, Fiddler strong-willed figurehead for avoid becoming romantically attached to an is best known from its 1971 movie incarna- the war against the corrupt undercover police officer'! And as if all that tion starring Topol in the title role. Hit songs ruling classes. The produc- isn’t enough, the show’s producers, ARC include Matchmaker, Matchmaker and the tion features local perform- Stockton, are also keen to stress that the hugely famous If I Were A Rich Man. ers and a community choir. evening’s entertainment includes the chance to play with plasticine. If you weren’t hooked before, we bet you are now... The Threepenny Opera Thurs 27 March - Sat 12 April When Polly Peachum marries Macheath, her Fame The Musical father is less than impressed and hatches a Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 3 - Sat 8 plot to arrest his ne’er-do-well son-in-law. But March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon the law is fickle, and there’s every chance 28 April - Sat 3 May; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 2 - Sat 7 June Macheath won’t hang - particularly as the Chief of Police, Tiger Brown, is an old army The original mega-hit film and its spin-off TV comrade! Features The Ballad Of Mac The series are now both so old that their once- Knife. Tabletop Games nimble dancers might soon be reaching for Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, zimmer frames! Fri 14 - Sat 15 March; Artrix, Bromsgrove, By contrast, Fame The Musical continues to The Caucasian Chalk Circle Sat 29 March get up a sweat on a regular basis. And as Sat 29 March Focusing on the question of whether religion high-octane, choreographed-to-the-rafters is killing faith, this thought-provoking play is stage musicals go, it hits the Midlands this The Caucasian Chalk Circle is considered to set in a cafe in a dreary out-of-season seaside month with a reputation second to none. be one of Brecht's greatest plays. Set in the town, its centrepiece attraction being a game Set in New York’s legendary High School For heat of civil war, it tells of the sacrifice made of tabletop football. The world which is depict- The Performing Arts, the show focuses on the by a peasant girl to ed is one in which ritual takes precedence highs and lows of the students who’re des- protect an abandoned over belief or faith, and where moral ambiva- perately seeking success, and offers a daz- baby. But when peace lence reduces human relationships to a series zling evening of foot-tapping music and is finally restored, the of brutal power struggles. Ian Kendall’s new breathtaking dance. Re-envisioned songs boy’s parents turn up play is here being presented by Midlands- include Let’s Play A Love Scene and the title to claim him... Present- based theatre company Wild Edric Media. hit itself. ed by The Young REP.

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Theatre PREVIEWS We Will Be Free Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 19 March Championed by no less a legendary British movie director than Ken Loach, this new production focuses on the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, the Dorset farm labourers convicted of forming a Trade Union in 1834 to fight against a succession of wage cuts inflicted by the local landowner. The show combines storytelling, puppetry, animation and music, and is presented by the team who previously brought Edinburgh Fringe hit The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist to the venue.

Hot Flush Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 13 March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 19 March; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 22 March; The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wed 2 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 26 April Advertised as being 'more fun than joining the gym and cheaper than botox', this touring musical focuses on the ups and downs of four ordinary women - Myra, Sylvia, Helen and Jes- sica - who get together at the same bar at the same time every week to discuss the lives they’re living and the men they’re loving or loathing. Midlands favourite Lesley Joseph, fresh Kindertransport from her return to TV screens in the rejuvenated sitcom Birds Of A Feather, takes top billing. Read the interview with Lesley Joseph online at www.whatsonlive.co.uk Malvern Theatre, Tues 11 - Sat 15 March Diane Samuels’ Kindertransport premiered in the early-1990s and in its time has gone from cillor... The Sisteren is the latest offering from being a quiet piece presented in a London highly rated theatre company Gazebo, Spanish Golden Age fringe theatre to a modern classic frequently whose previous works include Rivers To taught as a set text in schools. Cross, Jamaica 50 and Sorry! No Coloureds, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Telling the story of the evacuation of Jewish No Irish, No Dogs. children to England as the Second World War loomed, it focuses on a desperate moth- A Lady Of Little Sense er as she forces nine-year-old daughter Eva onto a train, sending her out of danger and Wed 26 March - Thurs 17 April into the arms of strangers. Lope de Vega’s romantic comedy La Dama Decades later, in the peaceful suburbia of Boba is here translated by David Johnston, 1980s England, Eva has become Evelyn, a and tells the story of famous beauties Nise proud mother preparing to say farewell to and Finea, and their father Don Octavio’s her grown-up daughter. But then a chance increasingly desperate discovery opens an unhealed wound... attempts to marry them off. Beautiful they may be, but one is way too clever for her own good, the other notori- ously stupid. Disney On Ice: Worlds Of Fantasy Don Gil Of The LG Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 13 - Sun 16 March Green Breeches Get your skates on for the return of Disney’s Thurs 27 March - Sat 19 April ever-popular ice spectacular, complete with This anarchic and original comedy is here high-energy music, glittering sets and dramat- presented in a new translation by Sean ic choreography. This particular theatrical O’Brien. It finds the indomitable Doña Juana extravaganza brings together characters from pulling on a pair of green breeches and four favourite Disney stories - CARS, The Little heading for Madrid in hot pursuit of Don Mar- The Sisteren Mermaid, Disney Fairies and Toy Story - and tin, a dashing fellow who rejected her in Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 12 - is sure to enchant children of all ages, even favour of the charms of the wealthy Doña Thurs 13 March; The Heritage Centre, the grown-up ones! Ines. Wolverhampton, Fri 14 March; The Drum, WIN Birmingham, Fri 21 March; Artrix, Broms- TICKETS grove, Mon 24 March whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Punishment Without Revenge Powerful drama here combines with sharp Fri 28 March - Sat 19 April humour in a play that’s been described as ‘compelling, funny and moving’. In her hour When his subjects demand that the woman- of need, a woman finds that help is very ising Duke of Ferrara provides them with a much at hand - and that it comes in the form legitimate heir, to supercede his bastard of three extraordinary players in the fight for only-son, the beautiful Duchess of Mantua is women's rights: Mary Wollstonecraft, consid- sent to be his bride. A pas- ered to be the founder of modern feminism; sionate and all-consuming Claudia Jones, a Black nationalist thought by love affair soon develops - many to be the mother of the Notting Hill but not, as his subjects had Carnival; and Emma Lloyd Sproson, suffra- hoped, between the Duke gette and Wolverhampton's first female coun- and Duchess...

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of the complex and Tue 4 - Wed 5 Mar, The- the Jane Austen clas- ty, Mon 10 - Sat 15 Mar, LISTINGS unique intellect of the atre Severn, Shrews- sic, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex Theatre world's greatest fictional bury Old Joint Stock The- POCKET HENRY V The detective, Sat 1 Mar, HOW TO OCCUPY AN OIL atre, Birmingham heroic tale of England’s For full listing information on theatre Stafford Gatehouse RIG ARC Stockton pres- MACBETH Presented by greatest warrior, pre- productions, including times and dates, Theatre ent Daniel Bye's playful Blue Orange Arts, sented by Propeller, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE REAL HOUSEWIVES and provocative show Thurs 6 - Sat 15 Mar, Tues 11 Mar, Roses OF BRIXTON Lavern about protest, Tue 4 - The Blue Orange The- Theatre, Tewkesbury, Archer’s new comedy, Wed 5 Mar, Warwick atre, Birmingham FIDDLER ON THE ROOF A Swan Theatre, Strat- packed with explosive Arts Centre, Coventry AN EVENING OF BUR- new production of one From ford-upon-Avon characters, each THE HUSBANDS Sharmila LESQUE Fri 7 Mar, of the world’s favourite WOLF HALL SAT 1 MAR Mike Poul- attempting to be the Chauhan's play about Stafford Gatehouse musicals, starring Paul ton's dramatisation of most successful, love, jealousy and a Theatre Michael Glaser and Hilary Mantel's Man unique and fabulous woman's right to ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE An directed and choreo- LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN Booker Prize-winning Presented by Nonenti- individual they can be, choose, Wed 5 Mar, intimate evening with graphed by Craig Revel novel, until Sat 29 Mar, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Mar, The Arena Theatre, Wolver- actor John Challis, Fri 7 Horwood, Tue 11 - Sat ties, until Sat 1 Mar, The The Swan Theatre, Rose Theatre, Kidder- Drum, Birmingham hampton Mar, Lichfield Garrick 15 Mar, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon SERGEANT MUSGRAVES MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS BRUMMIE SPOKEN HERE! Hippodrome minster OZZIE AND THE SECRET DANCE The Crescent Featuring the award- One-man show of ALL MY SONS Swan The- LITTLE SHOP OF HOR- FOREST Angela Lany- RORS The Vocalize Per- Theatre present their winning Flying Trapeze laughter and song from atre Amateur Company on’s play for children version of John Arden's of Alievs White Birds, Midlands favourite, Mal- presents Arthur Miller’s forming Arts Academy weaves together songs presents its version of 1959 classic, set in a whirlwind rollerskaters colm Stent, Fri 7 - Sat 8 acclaimed play, Tues 11 and audience participa- northern town in the the Veslovskis, elegant Mar, Palace Theatre, - Sat 15 Mar, Swan The- the cult classic spoof tion, and is suitable for comedy/horror musical, grip of a miners' strike, hand-balancer Vladislav Redditch atre, Worcester two to nine-year-olds, Sat 1 - Sat 8 Mar, Cres- Khostik and ariel artist WAR HORSE National GREASE Presented by until Sat 1 Mar, Palace Sat 1 Mar, Swan The- Theatre, Redditch cent Theatre, B’ham Natalia Goncharova, Theatre Live screening, Wolverhampton Musical atre, Worcester Wed 5 - Thurs 6 Mar, Fri 7 - Tue 11 Mar, Comedy Company, Tue TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT: TWELFTH NIGHT Filter THE ROD STEWART MUSI- Malvern Theatre Artrix, Bromsgrove 11 - Sat 15 Mar, Wolver- and the RSC present a Week Commencing GREASED LIGHTNIN' STARGAZING Language hampton Grand The- CAL Smash-hit West new take on the Bard's End musical comedy MON 3 MAR North Bromsgrove High Alive presents an inter- atre lyrical tale of romance, School present an ama- active experience that SWEENEY TODD Walsall inspired by the songs satire and mistaken of the man himself, until ANDY ROUSE: WILD teur production of the explains Galileo's theo- Operatic Society pres- identity, Sat 1 Mar, War- much-loved musical ries of planetary ent an amateur produc- Sat 1 Mar, New Alexan- wick Arts Centre, ABOUT ANIMALS Mon 3 dra Theatre, Birming- Mar, Theatre Severn, charting the lives and motion, Sat 8 Mar, The tion of the musical Coventry loves of the students of REP, Birmingham thriller set in Victorian ham MAMMALS Warwick Uni- Shrewsbury LOOT Joe Orton’s black BLINK Soho Theatre Rydell High, Wed 5 - Fri ERIC AND LITTLE ERN London, Tues 11 - Sat versity Drama Students 7 Mar, Artrix, Broms- Homage to Britain’s 15 Mar, Lichfield Gar- comedy, until Sat 1 present Amelia Bull- and Nabokov present a Mar, Highbury Theatre dysfunctional love story grove greatest double act, Sat rick more's darkly humor- DIRTY DUSTING Heart- 8 Mar, Royal Spa Cen- KINDERTRANSPORT Mag- Centre, Sutton Coldfield ous look at the flip side which brings together DOGS DON'T DO BALLET two shy individuals, warming comedy star- tre, Leamington Spa gie Steed & Janet Dib- of home-sweet-home, ring Crissy Rock, THE GHOST HUNTER ley star in Diane Little Angel Theatre Sat 1 Mar, Warwick Arts Mon 3 - Wed 5 Mar, bring to life the story of The REP, Birmingham Dolores Porretta Brown, Stewart Pringle’s ghost- Samuels’ award-win- Centre, Coventry Leah Bell and Jason ly tale, Sat 8 Mar, Swan ning classic, Tues 11 - the small dog with a big MISS SAIGON (SCHOOL'S KIDNAPPED Sell A Door Jones, Thurs 6 Mar, Theatre, Worcester Sat 15 Mar, Malvern personality and even EDITION) Presented by Theatre Company pres- bigger dreams through ent an imaginative re- Palace Theatre, Red- GRANDPA'S RAILWAY M6 Theatre SOSage Factory, Sat 1 ditch Theatre Company pres- THE BELIEVERS Frantic puppetry, ballet music Mar, Solihull Arts Com- telling of Robert Louis and 'dazzling' comedy, Stevenson's classic FOR THEIR OWN GOOD ent a brand new origi- Assembly and Bryony plex Untied Artists fuse pup- nal production for chil- Lavery present a viscer- until Sat 1 Mar, Arena THE LIFE OF GALILEO story, Mon 3 - Wed 5 Theatre, Wolverhamp- Mar, New Alexandra petry with new writing dren and families, Sat 8 al exploration of love Bertolt Brecht's play and documentary mate- Mar, Warwick Arts Cen- and loss, Tue 11 - Sat ton explores the struggle Theatre, Birmingham THE PERFECT MURDER BUDDY - THE BUDDY rial in an award-winning tre, Coventry 15 Mar, Warwick Arts between scientific dis- show which centres on ONLY FOOLS AND... BOY- Centre, Coventry Les Dennis and Clare covery and religious HOLLY STORY Award- Goose star in a stage winning musical, Mon 3 the only certain thing in CIE An intimate evening THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF fundamentalism, until life - death! Thurs 6 with actor John Challis, VARIETY THEATRE Pre- version of Peter James' Sat 8 Mar, The REP, - Sat 8 Mar, Regent best-selling crime Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Mar, mac - Midlands Sat 8 Mar, Arena The- sented by New College Birmingham Arts Centre, B’ham atre, Wolverhampton Performing Arts Stu- thriller, until Sat 1 Mar, KEN DODD Sat 1 Mar, FAME - THE MUSICAL Hit Belgrade Theatre, West Ender on tour, THE HUSBANDS Sharmila HIGH VIS Robert Cohen dents, Wed 12 Mar, Dudley Town Hall Chauhan's play about presents a one-man Artrix, Bromsgrove Coventry THE MAN WHO LIKED Mon 3 - Sat 8 Mar, love, jealousy and a tragicomedy about a THE SISTEREN Gazebo ETERNAL LOVE English ORDER Drama by Mike Wolverhampton Grand Touring Theatre pres- Theatre woman's right to traffic warden under Theatre present a funny Richardson, Sat 1 Mar, choose, Thurs 6 Mar, siege, Sat 8 Mar, Lich- and moving new play ents the Shakespeare's Palace Theatre, Red- THE TEMPEST Presented Globe production of by the Belgrade's Roses Theatre, Tewkes- field Garrick which follows three ditch bury KNOW ONE’S FOOL Mas- women each fighting Howard Brenton's spell- GILES BRANDRETH: LOOK- Young Company in BLUEBEARD Bluebeard ter Fool Jonathan Kay for their rights, Wed 12 binding tale, until Sat 1 ING FOR HAPPINESS Sat association with Frantic Mar, Wolverhampton Assembly, Mon 3 - Sat invites audiences to presents an evening of - Thurs 13 Mar, Arena 1 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, join him in his chamber improvisation, fooling Theatre, Wolverhamp- Grand Theatre Worcester 8 Mar, Belgrade The- WENDY AND PETER PAN atre, Coventry to share and delight in and spectacular per- ton LIVE MET BROADCAST - the violent passion of formance, Sat 8 Mar, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Ella Hickson's new ver- PRINCE IGOR SEE HOW THEY RUN The Sat 1 Mar, his deviant sexual The Edge, Birmingham Amateur production sion of JM Barrie's clas- Malvern Theatres, The Reduced Height The- sic tale of the boy who atre Company present acts... Thurs 6 - Fri 7 City Centre presented by Shrews- Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Mar, Warwick Arts Cen- MACBETH Presented by bury Amateur Operatic never grows up, until bury; Warwick Arts Philip King's English Sun 2 Mar, Royal farce. Warwick Davis tre, Coventry Blue Orange Arts, Sun Society, Wed 12 - Sat Centre, Coventry A FLY IN THE OINTMENT 9 Mar, Artrix, Broms- 15 Mar, Theatre Severn, Shakespeare Theatre, SPLOSH! A production stars, Mon 3 - Sat 8 Stratford-upon-Avon Mar, Belgrade Theatre, The Limelight Players grove Shrewsbury for young children present Derek Ben- THE MERRY WIDOW AN AUGUST BANK HOLI- which fuses dance, Coventry DAY LARK Northern LA TRAVIATA Welsh field's classic farce, Week Commencing Atswood Bank Operatic music and puppetry, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 Mar, Society presents Franz Broadsides present Sat 1 Mar, The REP, National Opera present Deborah McAndrew’s Verdi's tragic tale. Linda Dovehouse Theatre, MON 10 MAR Lehar’s comic opera, Birmingham Birmingham Wed 12 - Sat 15 Mar, moving drama, poised TIERNAN DOUIEB Brand Richardson, Leonardo at the tipping point Capalbo & Alan Opie STEPPING OUT Comedy READY STEADY COOK Palace Theatre, Red- new family comedy about the attempts of a LIVE ON STAGE One of ditch between peace and show, Sat 1 Mar, Lich- star, Tue 4 - Sat 8 Mar, war, until Sat 11 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- group of working class Britain's most popular STEVE HEWLETT Britain's field Garrick amateurs wanting to TV cookery pro- Got Talent contestant New Vic Theatre, New- TEN THOUSAND MILLION drome overcome their inhibi- grammes comes to the and ventriloquist Steve castle-under-Lyme LOVE STORIES POWER GAMES Altered Improvi- tions and two left feet in stage in a new show Hewlett takes to the NEVER TRY THIS AT HOME sation workshop and Skin blend character- Birmingham Repertory driven physical theatre a low-rent dance studio hosted by Lesley Wal- road with award-win- performance, Sat 1 Mar, in North London, Thurs ters, Mon 10 - Tue 11 ning illusionist Richard Theatre and Told By An The Blue Orange The- with contemporary and Idiot present a disturb- South Asian dance to 6 - Sat 8 Mar, The Nor- Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Griffin in a brand new atre, Birmingham bury Theatre, Droitwich Coventry show which promises ing homage to Satur- PINOCCHIO explore the forces that Breaking HOT FLUSH New musical BUDDY - THE BUDDY to 'delight and amaze day morning TV, until Cycles & Z-arts promise shape our destiny, Tue Sat 15 Mar, The REP, 4 Mar, Arena Theatre, featuring Matt Slack HOLLY STORY Award- the whole family', Thurs a 'fast-paced, funny and and Lesley Joseph, winning musical, Mon 13 Mar, Royal Spa Cen- Birmingham magical show for all the Wolverhampton BRING UP THE BODIES PEPPA PIG'S BIG SPLASH Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Mar, 10 - Tue 11 Mar, Bel- tre, Leamington Spa family', Sat 1 Mar, mac - Lichfield Garrick grade Theatre, Coven- HOT FLUSH New musical Mike Poulton's new Midlands Arts Centre, All-singing, all-dancing dramatisation of Hilary adventure, full of songs, EMMA Sutton Arts The- try featuring Matt Slack Birmingham atre present Martin Mil- A TALE OF TWO CITIES An and Lesley Joseph, Mantel's Man Booker SHERLOCK HOLMES THE games and muddy lar and Doon Mac- amateur production by Thurs 13 Mar, New Prize-winning novel, LAST ACT An exploration puddles for children, until Sat 29 Mar, The kichan's adaptation of Knowle Musical Socie- Alexandra Theatre,

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BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, MARCH 2014 LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday 13th March Sunday 16th March Tuesday 18th March FROM THE JAM SWAN LAKE LAUGHING FOR THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET A CHANGE ACOUSTIC SET WITH ROB DEERING & BARBARA NICE

Tuesday 25th March Wednesday 26th March Sunday 30th March LLOYD COLE ROBIN INCE EMILY SMITH SOLO ACOUSTIC TOUR COMEDIAN & SCIENCE AWARD-WINNING SCOTTISH ENTHUSIAST FOLK SINGER

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Inside Llewyn Davis (15) // American Hustle (15) The Wolf Of Wall Street (18) // 12 Years A Slave (15) The Lego Movie (U) // The Monuments Men (12A)

The new Artrix brochure is available to download on www.artrix.co.uk For bookings & full details log onto www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

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ingham Antony Sher plays infa- PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE: mous comic knight Fal- Theatre LISTINGS FACING THE MUSIC In staff in Shakespeare’s conversation with writer history play. Jasper Brit- For full listing information on theatre and broadcaster ton and Alex Hassell productions, including times and Edward Seckerson, also star, Tues 18 Mar - dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Patricia Routledge Sat 6 Sep, Royal recalls a special part of Shakespeare Theatre, her career, Sun 16 Mar, Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham feel to Bram Stoker’s Malvern Theatre A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT PRONOUN The Belgrade Victorian Gothic adven- OUT The cream of Black Youth Theatre present ture, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Mar, Week Commencing Country entertainment Evan Placey's drama, Swan Theatre, Worces- come together again to which follows Isabella, ter MON 17 MAR raise the roof with a boy trapped in a girl's TABLETOP GAMES laughter, Wed 19 Mar, body who’s finally Thought-provoking play SALLY MORGAN An Solihull Arts Complex decided to do some- which questions evening of psychic HOT FLUSH New musical thing about it... Thurs whether religion is entertainment, Mon 17 featuring Matt Slack 13 - Sat 15 Mar, Bel- killing faith, Fri 14 - Sat Mar, Theatre Severn, and Lesley Joseph, grade Theatre, Coven- 15 Mar, Old Joint Stock Shrewsbury Wed 19 Mar, Theatre try Theatre, Birmingham BIRDSONG An epic tale Severn, Shrewsbury THE ANATOMY OF MELAN- CIRCUS OF HORRORS: of love and war set WE WILL BE FREE! The CHOLY Stan's Cafe bring LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT both before and during Tolpuddle Martyrs story, ‘the world's most Featuring sword swal- the Great War, Mon 17 - told via puppetry and extraordinary self-help lowers, daredevil bal- Sat 22 Mar, The REP, animation, with musical manual' to the stage, ancing acts, hair hang- Birmingham arrangements from folk Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Mar, ers, demon dwarfs, a THE DISHWASHERS artist John Kirkpatrick, Lichfield Garrick pickled person and David Essex stars in Wed 19 Mar, Artrix, STEPPING OUT Amateur astounding aerial acts, Morris Panych's play Bromsgrove production from the Sat 15 Mar, New about the Zen of dish- IN PRAISE OF ELEPHANTS Norbury Players, Thurs Alexandra Theatre, washing, Mon 17 - Sat Farnham Maltings The- 13 - Sat 15 Mar, The Birmingham 22 Mar, Malvern Theatre atre present a celebra- Norbury Theatre, WERTHER Two of LET IT BE The Beatles tion of the greatest ani- The Dishwashers - Malvern Theatre Droitwich opera’s greatest artists musical, Mon 17 - Sat mal on the planet in a DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS - Jonas Kaufmann and 22 Mar, New Alexandra play full of surprises, teur production pre- O MOON OF ALABAMA WORLDS OF FANTASY Elina Garanca - appear Theatre, Birmingham live, music - and bis- sented by AC Pro in Kurt Weill cabaret night, Family adventure which together for the first GMTG SPRING SHOWCASE cuits!, Wed 19 Mar, association with the Sat 22 Mar, The REP, takes audiences on a time at the Met in 2014 Featuring a collec- Newhampton Arts Cen- Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham journey to four magical Massenet’s sublime tion of musical theatre tre, Wolverhampton Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Mar, THE 22ND WORCESTER- destinations, including adaptation of Goethe’s greats, Tues 18 Mar, D-DAY DARLINGS Nostal- Belgrade Theatre, SHIRE THEATRE FESTIVAL the auto-racing terrain revolutionary and tragic mac - Midlands Arts gic show which fuses Coventry OF ONE-ACT PLAYS of Cars, Andy's bed- romance, Sat 15 Mar, Centre, Birmingham film footage with 1940s THE QUIET COMPERE Drama groups compete room from Toy Story 3, Malvern Theatres; The FIRST ENCOUNTER: TAM- songs to tell the story TOUR OF THE NORTH Ten against each other in the undersea world of Roses Theatre, Tewkes- ING OF THE SHREW A of wartime Britain, Wed poets, on for ten min- the Worcestershire Ariel, and Tinker Bell's bury; Warwick Arts perfect introduction to 19 Mar, Roses Theatre, utes each with The round of the All Eng- home in Pixie Hollow, Centre, Coventry Shakespeare for any- Tewkesbury Quiet Compere of Man- land Theatre Festival, Thurs 13 - Sun 16 Mar, LITTLE RED HEN Lan- one aged eight and HIS DARK MATERIALS chester, Fri 21 Mar, mac Sat 22 - Sun 23 Mar, LG Arena, Birmingham guage Alive present an over, Tue 18 Mar, New PART I Presented by - Midlands Arts Centre, The Norbury Theatre, THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS interactive version of Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Birmingham Ormiston Birmingham Droitwich LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT the well-loved children's under-Lyme Academy, Wed 19 - Fri THE SISTEREN Gazebo BIG RED BATH Half Moon Featuring sword swal- story, with puppetry, GOING DARK BY HATTIE 21 Mar, The Old Rep, Theatre present a funny & Full House Theatre lowers, daredevil bal- games - and lovely TAYLOR Sound & Fury Birmingham and moving new play fuse music, song and ancing acts, hair hang- fresh bread!, Sat 15 use their innovative the- THE VICAR OF DIBLEY All which follows three humorous characters in ers, demon dwarfs, a Mar, The REP, Birming- atre vocabulary of & Sundry present a women fighting for their a tale for two-to-five- pickled person and ham immersive surround- stage version of the rights, Fri 21 Mar, The year-olds, Sun 23 Mar, astounding aerial acts, THE MOTHER Mark sound design, total much-loved TV come- Drum, Birmingham mac - Midlands Arts Fri 14 Mar, Victoria Hall, Ravenhill's adaptation blackout and imagina- dy, Wed 19 - Sat 22 THE MUMMY Jason Durr, Centre, Birmingham Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent of Bertholt Brecht's ear- tive lighting to reawak- Mar, Palace Theatre, Susie Amy & Denis Hill A FEAST OF GILBERT & NICHOLAS NICKLEBY Ger- liest and most explicitly en our wonder at the Redditch star in 'the mother of all SULLIVAN A concert ald Dickens, the great, revolutionary play, Sat cosmos and reveal how THE OPPOSITE SEX St horror comedies', Fri 21 recapturing the fun and great grandson of 15 Mar, The REP, Birm- one man’s vision John’s Players present - Sat 29 Mar, Belgrade magic of the original Charles, presents his ingham becomes illuminated by David Tristram’s adult Theatre, Coventry D'Oyly Carte Opera personal version of the CHILDREN'S THEATRE The darkness, Tues 18 - comedy, Wed 19 - Sat ASK ME MORE ABOUT Company, Sun 23 Mar, Victorian author’s Norbury Players pres- Wed 19 Mar, Malvern 22 Mar, Swan Theatre, BRECHT Theatrical Lichfield Garrick famous novel - and ent a short play per- Theatre Worcester reconstruction of con- GREAT EXPECTATIONS plays all the characters formed by adults espe- WHAT THE LADYBIRD DANIEL BYE: HOW TO versations between Holdsworth Drama himself!, Fri 14 Mar, cially for children aged HEARD Stage adaptation OCCUPY AN OIL RIG Play- Hanns Eisler and Hans present Nick Ormerod Tamworth Assembly four to ten, Sat 15 Mar, of Julia Donaldson’s ful and provocative Bunge, translated and and Declan Donnellan's Rooms The Norbury Theatre, much-loved story for show about protest, performed by Sabine version of Charles Dick- NATALIE HAYNES - Droitwich children, Tue 18 - Wed Thurs 20 Mar, mac - Berendse & Paul ens' classic tale, Sun 23 WORDS Fri 14 Mar, DIRTY DUSTING Heart- 19 Mar, Regent Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, Clements, Sat 22 Mar, - Mon 24 Mar, Crescent Artrix, Bromsgrove warming comedy star- Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham The REP, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE An ring Crissy Rock, EGUSI SOUP Menagerie MORBID CURIOSITIES THE TELL TALE HEART Lit- intimate evening with Dolores Porretta Brown, and Theatre Royal Bury Don’t Go Into The Cel- tle Earthquake present actor John Challis, Fri Leah Bell & Jason St Edmunds present lar Theatre Company Edgar Allan Poe's edge- 14 Mar, Stafford Gate- Jones, Sat 15 Mar, Bed- Week Commencing Janice Okoh's fast and present a chilling new of-the-seat thriller, Sat house Theatre worth Civic Hall furious drama about theatre show which 22 Mar, Lichfield Gar- MON 24 MAR DRACULA Blackeyed AN INSPECTOR CALLS JB inter-generational and blends original stories rick Theatre in association Priestly's classic thriller, cross-cultural relation- and new adaptations of HOT FLUSH New musical OTHELLO Icarus Theatre with South Hill Park Sat 15 - Sat 22 Mar, ships, Tue 18 - Sat 22 Poe, Stevenson & featuring Matt Slack Collective present bring a contemporary Crescent Theatre, Birm- Mar, The REP, Birming- Conan Doyle, Thurs 20 and Lesley Joseph, Sat Shakespeare’s tragedy ham Mar, Library of Birming- 22 Mar, Wolverhampton of scandal, intrigue, Circus Of Horrors - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE PHANTOM OF THE ham Grand Theatre lust and vengeance, OPERA Amateur produc- HIS DARK MATERIALS EISLER SHORTS Chance Mon 24 Mar, Stafford tion presented by Lich- PART II Presented by to witness rare short Gatehouse Theatre field Garrick Youth The- Birmingham Ormiston films, with their original THE SISTREN Gazebo atre, Tues 18 - Sat 22 Academy, Thurs 20 - Fri Hanns Eisler scores Theatre present a funny Mar, Lichfield Garrick 21 Mar, The Old Rep, performed live by Birm- and moving new play SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Birmingham ingham Conservatoire which follows three Chichester Festival The- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S musicians. Presented women fighting for their atre production of the DREAM The Crescent by Flatpack Film Festi- rights, Mon 24 Mar, much-acclaimed musi- Youth Theatre present val, Sat 22 Mar, The Artrix, Bromsgrove cal. Maxwell Caulfield & Shakespeare's comical REP, Birmingham TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT: Faye Tozer star, Tue 18 and heartwarming play, NAUKAR WOTI DA 2014 THE ROD STEWART MUSI- Mar - Sat 5 Apr, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Mar, Punjabiwood comedy CAL Smash-hit West Birmingham Hippo- Crescent Theatre, Birm- play from Matribhoomi End musical comedy drome ingham Theatre, Sat 22 Mar, inspired by the songs HENRY IV PART I Sir WEST SIDE STORY Ama- The Drum, Birmingham of the man himself,

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34 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March region one_Layout 1 24/02/2014 14:27 Page 12

duction, which explores Arena, Birmingham combining music from killing faith, Sat 29 Mar, LISTINGS the nature of flying, WANTED Riverside Per- the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre falling, and the relation- forming Arts fuse with wacky comedy THE CAUCASIAN CHALK ship between the two, humour, metaphor, routines, Sat 29 Mar, CIRCLE The Young REP For full listing information on theatre Thurs 27 Mar, mac - music and real-life sto- Theatre Severn, presents a new produc- productions, including times and Midlands Arts Centre, ries in an engaging, Shrewsbury tion of Brecht’s epic dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham episodic show that GOING DARK BY HATTIE play, Sat 29 Mar, The FOGHORN IMPROV: MADE challenges our thinking TAYLOR Sound & Fury REP, Birmingham UP MAYHEM Thurs 27 about what it means to use their innovative the- WAR HORSE National 26 Mar, Old Joint Stock Mar, Old Joint Stock fit in, to belong and to atre vocabulary of Theatre Live screening, Mon 24 - Sat 29 Mar, Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham be wanted, Fri 28 - Sat immersive surround- Sun 30 Mar, Ludlow Regent Theatre, Hanley, ANON Welsh National LUCY WORSLEY: A VERY 29 Mar, mac - Midlands sound design, total Assembly Rooms, Stoke-on-Trent Opera fuse live sound- BRITISH MURDER Histori- Arts Centre, B’ham blackout and imagina- South Shropshire DREAMBOATS AND PETTI- scapes and contempo- an and Chief Curator LOVE ON THE DOLE tive lighting to reawak- DYLAN THOMAS: RETURN COATS: THE MUSICAL rary theatre in a live for the charity Historic Ronald Gow's stage en our wonder at the JOURNEY Bob King- Featuring songs from screening of a ground- Palaces, Dr Lucy Wors- adaptation of Walter cosmos - and to reveal dom's portrayal of Roy Orbison, The breaking new opera ley, here explores Greenwood's powerful how one man’s vision Wales' famous play- Shadows, Eddie written by Paralympic Britain's obsession with novel depicts Lan- becomes illuminated by wright as he toured Cochran, Billy Fury, Games opening cere- cold-blooded murders, cashire life during the darkness, Sat 29 Mar, America towards the Chuck Berry and many mony composer Errol- detection and punish- Great Depression, Fri mac - Midlands Arts end of his life, Mon 31 more, Mon 24 - Sat 29 lyn Wallen, Wed 26 Mar, ments, Thurs 27 Mar, 28 Mar - Sat 5 Apr, Hall Centre, Birmingham Mar, New Vic Theatre, Mar, New Alexandra mac - Midlands Arts Ludlow Assembly Green Little Theatre, SING SOMETHING SIMPLE Newcastle-under-Lyme Theatre, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Rooms, South Shrop- Birmingham Dark Horse Theatre SEVEN BRIDES FOR FASCINATING AIDA Star- THE TWO WORLDS OF shire PUNISHMENT WITHOUT Company present SEVEN BROTHERS Star- ring Dillie Keane, Liza CHARLIE F Wed 26 - Sat AROUND THE WORLD REVENGE Meredith Vanessa Brooks’ bitter- ring Sam Attwater & Pulman & Adele Ander- 29 Mar, Wolverhampton WITH GILBERT AND SUL- Oakes’ translation of sweet comedy, Sat 29 Helena Blackman, Mon son, Tue 25 Mar, The- Grand Theatre LIVAN Thurs 27 - Fri 28 Lope de Vega's dark Mar, Theatre Severn, 31 Mar - Sat 5 Apr, atre Severn, Shrews- BETRAYAL Harold Pin- Mar, The Norbury The- and thrilling drama, per- Shrewsbury Wolverhampton Grand bury ter’s comment on love atre, Droitwich formed at The Belgrade SPOKEN ENCOUNTERS Theatre ANON Welsh National and relationships, Wed OUR HOUSE Birmingham as part of the theatre's Evening of performance THE TWO WORLDS OF Opera fuse live sound- 26 - Sat 29 Mar, Ormiston Academy Spanish Golden Age poetry by Beat Freaks CHARLIE F A new play scapes and contempo- Malvern Theatre Musical Theatre present Season, Fri 28 Mar - & Burn After Reading. by Owen Sheers that rary theatre in a live HOBSON’S CHOICE Tim Firth's acclaimed Sat 19 Apr, Belgrade Presented by Apple & provides a soldier’s screening of a ground- Harold Brighouse’s musical, with music and Theatre, Coventry Snakes, Sat 29 Mar, view of service, injury breaking new opera classic northern come- lyrics by Madness, HENRY IV PART II The The REP, Birmingham, and recovery, Mon 31 written by Paralympic dy, Wed 26 Mar - Sat Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Mar, third installment in HEROES AND VILLAINS Mar - Sat 5 Apr, Games opening cere- 12 Apr, New Vic The- Crescent Theatre, Birm- Shakespeare’s history Encore Theatre Acade- Malvern Theatres mony composer Errol- atre, Newcastle-under- ingham play, exploring loyalty, my present an amateur LET IT BE The Beatles lyn Wallen, Tues 25 Lyme TEECHERS John God- betrayal and the experi- revue celebrating musi- musical, Mon 31 Mar - Mar, Newhampton Arts A LADY OF LITTLE SENSE ber’s much-acclaimed ence of growing old. Sir cal theatre’s classic Sat 5 Apr, Regent The- Centre, Wolverhampton Big-hearted romantic schoolroom comedy, Antony Sher stars... Fri heroes and villains, Sat atre, Stoke-on-Trent SING SOMETHING SIMPLE comedy which cele- Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Mar, 28 Mar - Sat 6 Sep, 29 Mar, The Norbury DREAMBOATS AND PETTI- Dark Horse present the brates the power of Swan Theatre, Worces- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Droitwich COATS Rock’n’roll musi- story of Spencer Parkin love, presented at The ter Theatre, Stratford-upon- TABLETOP GAMES cal featuring some of - the boy who can't Belgrade as part of the THE THREEPENNY OPERA Avon Thought-provoking play the greatest songs from sing... Tue 25 - Wed 26 theatre's Spanish Gold- A collaboration THAT'LL BE THE DAY which questions the era, Mon 31 Mar - Mar, Arena Theatre, en Age Season, Wed between Birmingham Rock’n’Roll spectacular whether religion is Sat 5 Apr, Malvern The- Wolverhampton 26 Mar - Thurs 17 Apr, Repertory Theatre MACBETH Geg present Belgrade Theatre, Company, Nottingham Shakespeare’s bloodi- Coventry Playhouse Theatre est play, Tues 25 - Wed A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT Company, Graeae The- 26 Mar, Palace Theatre, OUT The cream of Black atre Company, New VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET presents Redditch Country entertainment Wolsey Theatre & ETERNAL LOVE English comes together again Ipswich And West York- Touring Theatre pres- to raise the roof with shire Playhouse, Thurs ents the Shakespeare's laughter, Thurs 27 Mar, 27 Mar - Sat 12 Apr, Globe production of Huntingdon Hall, The REP, Birmingham Howard Brenton's spell- Worcester DON GIL OF THE GREEN binding tale, Tues 25 - AN AUDIENCE WITH COLIN BREECHES Sean Sat 29 Mar, Malvern FRY Thurs 27 Mar, O'Brien's new transla- Theatre Prince Of Wales Centre, tion of Tirso de Molina's Swan Lake THE SORCERER Birming- Cannock exuberant comedy ham Savoyards present RAGBONES Tom Dale Sun 16th March, 2pm & 5pm blends mistaken identi- Artrix, Bromsgrove 01527 577330 one of Gilbert & Sulli- Company presents an ty, role-reversal, ghosts, van’s lesser known interactive dance piece and green trousers. Wed 26th March, 7.30pm operas, Tues 25 - Sat for children, exploring Presented as part of Civic Hall, Bedworth 02476 376707 29 Mar, The Old Rep, the concept of a digital The Belgrade's Spanish Birmingham funhouse that’s able to Golden Age Season, Fri 28th March, 7.30pm OLIVER! Amateur pro- warp and shift the per- Thurs 27 Mar - Sat 19 William Aston Hall, Wrexham 01978 293293 duction presented by ceptions of reality, Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Thurs 22nd - Sat 24th May, 7.30pm Coleshill Operatic Soci- Thurs 27 Mar, Warwick Coventry ety, Tue 25 - Sat 29 Mar, Arts Centre, Coventry THE DON BLACK SONG- Lichfield Garrick 01543 412121 Solihull Arts Complex SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC BOOK: FROM HACKNEY TO A VOYAGE AROUND MY SALLY ON THE ROAD HOLLYWOOD Celebrating FATHER The Lichfield Thurs 27 Mar, Crewe and telling the story of Players present an Lyceum Theatre the life and career of amateur production of AN EVENING WITH DEREK Oscar winner Don John Mortimer's humor- ACORAH Thurs 27 Mar, Black, and featuring ous play, Tues 25 - Sat Lichfield Garrick music from both stage 29 Mar, Lichfield Gar- A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT and screen, Fri 28 Mar, rick OUT An evening of Malvern Theatre Cinderella STEEL MAGNOLIAS laughter and song with DOWN TO EARTH: AN Robert Harlings drama, Dandy, Giggetty, Ian EVENING WITH MONTY set in an American 'Sludge’ Lees, Peter DON Hear Monty's sto- beauty shop, Tues 25 - Lee and Jonny Cole, ries about his travels Sat 29 Mar, Highbury Thurs 27 Mar, Hunting- and visits to gardens all Theatre Centre, Sutton don Hall, Worcester over the world, Fri 28 Coldfield MIDDAY VARIETY Coven- Mar, The Place, Oaken- AN EVENING WITH DAVID try’s finest variety show, gates Theatre, Telford SEDARIS Wed 26 Mar, with live music and a A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT The Assembly, Leam- star line-up, Thurs 27 OUT The cream of Black Easter Monday 21st April, 5pm, Arts Centre, Evesham 01386 446944 ington Spa Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Country entertainment MAD(E) IN HADES Three Coventry comes together again Wed 23rd April, 7.30pm, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 retellings of the myth of THE FALLING SONG to raise the roof with Heracles, based on Award-winning dance laughter, Fri 28 Mar, Fri 2nd May, 7.30pm, Rose Theatre, Tewkesbury 01684 295074 Euripides' tale of theatre company Junk Lichfield Garrick domestic murder and Ensemble presents its THE X FACTOR LIVE 2014 demented dogs, Wed critically acclaimed pro- Fri 28 - Sat 29 Mar, LG www.viennafestivalballet.com

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Tue 4 Mar 7:30pm, THEATRE SEVERN SHREWSBURY www.theatresevern.co.uk 01743 281 281

Wed 5 Mar 7:30pm, ARENA THEATRE WOLVERHAMPTON www.arenatheatre.info 01902 321 321

Thu 6 Mar 7:30pm, ROSES THEATRE TEWKESBURY www.rosestheatre.org 01684 295 074

Fri 7 Mar 7:30pm, LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 01584 878 141

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Theatre REVIEWS

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Swan Lake Birmingham Hippodrome Everyone should see this masterpiece of dazzling dance, which Matthew Bourne, the genius behind the production, refers to as ‘contemporary dance/theatre’ rather than ballet. Tchaikovsky’s music is so familiar, yet the interpretation still so new. It’s unbelievable that this production first found its wings eighteen years ago. It was revolutionary then, and it still is today. Swan Lake with male swans? Oh yes - and with the raw, powerful energy of their performance, we know these swans are real creatures. We must also acknowl- edge the fantastic contribution of the female cast Seven Brides For Seven Brothers members, who actually constitute a third of the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham company. Coventry-born Andrew Monaghan Based on the smash-hit 1954 Hollywood musical of the same title and the short story delights as the Prince, with Jonathan Olliver as the The Sobbin’ Women, this classic tale has stood the test of time and remains a crowd- charismatic Swan. This production takes the audi- pleasing favourite. Alex Hammond would’ve stolen the show as Adam, the confident ence on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, embrac- leader of the rambunctious Pontipee brothers, had his performance not been matched ing both humour and tragedy, and boasts not only by that of Helena Blackman, who played his steely bride Milly. On being whisked back a fabulous set but also exquisite costumes, to Adam’s secluded Oregon mountain home, Milly discovers that ‘wedded bliss’ designed by Lez Brotherston. equals ‘becoming housekeeper to his slovenly siblings’. Cue much hilarity, as her A standing ovation from the whole of the audience valiant attempt to teach the brothers civilised manners in lively number Goin’ Courtin’ rounded off the evening in appropriate style. leads to a meeting with the local women and numerous abductions-cum-betrothals! Catch it when you can - you’re in for a treat. Social Dance was easily the highlight of the entire show, which did wear on at times, Jan Watts IIIII and the talented young cast displayed keen athleticism during some inventively choreographed routines. Indeed, these sequences brimmed with tremendous energy, leaving the bizarre plot feeling like little more than an afterthought. I must confess to being somewhat underwhelmed by the lacklustre songs, though one number belted out with genuine passion was Hammond’s powerful Where Were You? The second half, during which the abductees adjusted to mountain life and Adam and Milly separated, was stultifying, never regaining the momentum of the first half. At least the two leads’ reunion and final wedding extravaganza delivered a feelgood ending. A classic musical, but not for this modern woman. Malaka Chowdhury I I I

Theatre Box Office

Hofesh Shechter: Sun Birmingham GRAND THEATRE, Warwickshire 01902 429212 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 0844 871 3011 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 024 7637 6707 Sun marks the much-anticipated return of Israeli- 01902 572090 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY born choreographer Hofesh Shechter - and what a 0844 338 5000 OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY 024 7655 3055 0121 552 2761 return it is! Living up to all expectations, it’s a work BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK boasting everything you’d expect from Shechter, 0121 236 4455 Shropshire 01926 776438 and plenty more besides. THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE DREAM FACTORY THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 As the auditorium is plunged into darkness - a reg- 01952 222277 CRESCENT THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE ular feature of Sun - Shechter personally addresses THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON his audience, reassuring them that everything’s 01952 728911 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0844 800 1110 ‘going to be just fine’. Seventy minutes of chaos THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE then ensues, via an eclectic mix of movement, 01743 234970 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY music and laughter. WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY HALL GREEN LITTLE THEATRE ROOMS 01584 878141 But don’t be mistaken; Sun is no comedy. Instead, 0121 707 1874 02476 524524 the piece introduces episodes of violence and war THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD MAC 0121 446 3232 01952 382382 interrupted with scenes of grazing sheep and pry- Worcestershire MIXING BOWL THEATRE THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY ing wolves, all of which serve as a constant 0121 224 7545 01743 281281 ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 reminder of the dangers that lurk in everyday life. OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE WEM TOWN HALL Some of the movements make a nod in the direc- 0121 200 0946 01939 232299 THE HIVE tion of a more classical style, imitating port de bras OLD REP 0121 245 4455 01905 822866 (another regular feature of the choreographer’s SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Staffordshire HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER 01905 611427 work), box steps and Charlestons. It’s in the build 0121 704 6962 LICHFIELD GARRICK 01543 412121 MALVERN THEATRE up of the chaos that we see Shechter at his best - 01684 892277 Black Country NEW VIC 01782 717962 the familiarity of intricate stepping patterns, NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH ARENA THEATRE PRINCE OF WALES grounded and heavy movement. A high-level of 01905 770154 WOLVERHAMPTON CENTRE, CANNOCK sound compliments what we see and feel, while 01902 321321 01543 578762 PALACE THEATRE REDDITCH 01527 65203 Shechter’s ability to build drama with his creations BLOXWICH THEATRE REGENT THEATRE, STOKE - both visual and aural - generates a real air of dis- 01922 653183 0870 060 6649 ROSE THEATRE, 01562 743745 comfort. This is a somewhat beautiful work, albeit a DUDLEY CONCERT HALL RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE very complex one, and Shechter delivers on pretty 01384 812812 01889 584036 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427 much every level. The only thing missing, his live FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL STAFFORD GATEHOUSE 01785 254653 orchestra, would really have pushed the piece over 01922 654555 STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE that edge. Jamie Ryan IIII 01782 209784 www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Theatre March region one_Layout 1 24/02/2014 14:27 Page 15

COMING SOON TO THEATRE SEVERN

THURSDAY 6 MARCH 2014 NICHOLAS RIVER MONSTERS NICKLEBY face to face 7.30pm 7.30pm Performed by 7.30pm ‘Charles Dickens’ great grandson iMAGICIAN Gerald Dickens A One Man Show 14 March March March 14 24 14 March March 14 Tickets £14 Tickets £14 Tickets THE EVOLUTION OF MAGIC (£12) £16 Tickets With Jeremy Wade

Jamie Allan is one of the greatest inno- vators of modern magic and has devised HERMAN’S HERMITS illusions that have stunned audiences

across the globe. 7.30pm

11am & 2pm & 11am DOUG ALLAN 'Beautiful, Artistic' Andrew Marr In the Company of Giants

Wildlife Cameraman 1 April 1 One of the most sucessful groups world-wide (£12) £16 Tickets 28 March March 28 Tickets £17.50 Tickets FRIDAY 21 MARCH 2014 18+ 18+ 7.30pm 11am & 2pm & 11am 7.30pm CARA DILLON ROY CHUBBY BROWN WITH SUPPORT FROM Tickets £21 Tickets

Tickets £21 Tickets ReturnsCBeebies with favouritehis bluest double show actyest! 13 April 13 April 11 Returns with his bluest show yest! (£10) £12 Tickets WINTER MOUNTAIN April 11 Book Online www.tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk "Cara Dillon is one of Ire- Box Office: 01827 709618 land’s truly great singers" Guardian

Coronation Street, Tamworth, Staffs, B79 7DN

SUNDAY 23 MARCH 2014

Fame: our society is obsessed with it – but who will talk honestly about what it’s really like? THE EASY WAY TO David Baddiel, in his first full show for fifteen years, does. BOOK YOUR TICKETS FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2014 ONLINE AN EVENING WITH RUTHIE HENSHALL Musical Theatre’s Leading Lady and her Band whatsonlive.co.uk

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW MORE The most comprehensive what’s on listings website SHOWS! for Birmingham and the West Midlands

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

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Theatre WEST END Casting confirmed for Shakespeare In Love Tom Bateman and Lucy Briggs-Owen are to play star-crossed lovers William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps in the much-anticipated stage version of 1998 film Shakespeare In Love. Bateman’s stage credits include The Duchess Of Malfi at the Old Vic and Much Ado About Nothing at Wyndham’s Theatre, while Briggs-Owen has appeared in productions of Boris Godunov, The Orphan Of Zhao and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Based on Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard’s Academy Award-winning screenplay, this major new version is brought to the stage by Lee Hall, the man behind multi-award-winning musical Billy Elliot. Shakespeare In Love opens at the Noel Cow- ard Theatre on 23 July.

Director, Sean F Goold unveils two new plays at the Almeida Theatre Great Gatsby star Carey Mulligan to make her West End debut Almeida Theatre’s new Artistic Director A brand new production of David Hare’s Sky- old flame Tom Sergeant, here played by Bill Rupert Goold has announced he’s to direct light is to open at Wyndham’s Theatre in Nighy. As they attempt to rekindle their for- the world premiere of a controversial new June. mer feelings for one another, Sergeant and ‘future history play’ about the early reign of The passionate drama received much Hollis engage in an evening of brutal debate Prince Charles. King Charles III explores not acclaim when it premiered at the National in - one that’s dangerously compromised by only the people underneath the crown and 1995, going on to win the Oliver Award for their opposing ideologies and mutual lust. the unwritten rules of Britain’s democracy, but best new play. Having since been resurrect- Matthew Beard, who starred alongside Mulli- also the conscience of the country’s most ed both in the West End and on Broadway, gan in the 2009 coming-of-age film An Edu- famous family. this latest revival sees Inside Llewellyn cation, makes his West End debut as Tom’s The production runs at the Almeida from 3 Davies and Great Gatsby actress Carey Mulli- son. April to 31 May, and is the first of two new gan make her West End debut, playing Directed by Stephen Daldry and featuring plays programmed at the venue by Goold. schoolteacher Kyra Hollis. designs by Bob Crowley, Skylight starts its The second, Anne Washburn’s Mr Burns, Set in present-day London, Skylight is a two-month run at Wyndham’s on 18 June. shows at the theatre from 5 June to 19 July. three-hander in which Hollis is reunited with

booking until 8 Mar Shakespeare’s Globe Vaudeville Theatre, 3 Gielgud Theatre, book- WEST END LISTINGS: 2014 Theatre, 17 May - 24 Apr - 2 Aug 2014 ing until 7 June 2014 THRILLER LIVE Aug 2014 KING LEAR DUCK HOUSE LES MISÉRABLES MUSICALS Lyric Theatre, booking DOCTOR SCROGGY’S WAR Olivier National Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre, Queen's Theatre, book- until 28 Sept 2014 BILLY ELLIOT – ing until 25 Oct 2014 Shakespeare’s Globe booking until 28 May booking until 29 Mar THE MUSICAL WE WILL ROCK YOU Theatre, from 12 Sept 2014 2014 LION KING Victoria Palace Theatre, Dominion Theatre, 2014 Lyceum Theatre, book- OTHER DESERT CITIES KNIGHTS OF THE booking until 16 May booking until 5 Apr ing until 28 Sept 2014 FATAL ATTRACTION Old Vic Theatre, 13 Mar BURNING PESTLE 2015 2014 Haymarket Theatre - 24 May 2014 Old Vic Theatre, 20 Feb MAMMA MIA! Novello BODYGUARD Adelphi WICKED Royal, 11 Mar - 21 Jun - 30 Mar 2014 Theatre, booking until Apollo Victoria Theatre, Theatre, booking until 2014 TWELFTH KNIGHT 25 Oct 2014 booking until 25 Apr COMEDY 30 Aug 2014 GHOST STORIES RE-IMAGINED MATILDA THE MUSICAL 2015 39 STEPS Criterion The- BOOK OF MORMON Cambridge Theatre, Arts Theatre, booking atre, booking until 18 Open Air Theatre, Prince Of Wales The- booking until 21 Dec until 24 May 2014 Oct 2014 Regent’s Park, atre, booking until 28 DRAMA 2014 HANDBAGGED 21 Jun - 12 July 2014 June 2014 ANTONY & CLEOPATRA BLITHE SPIRIT MISS SAIGON CHARLIE AND THE Prince Edward Theatre, CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Fatal Attraction - Haymarket Theatre Royal 3 May - 25 Oct 2014 THE MUSICAL Drury Lane Royal, ONCE booking until 30 May Phoenix Theatre, 13 2015 Mar - 4 July 2015 COMMITMENTS PAJAMA GAME Victoria Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Theatre, 1 booking until 14 Sept May - 13 Sep 2014 2014 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA DIRTY ROTTEN Her Majesty's Theatre, SCOUNDRELS booking until 25 Oct Savoy Theatre, 10 Mar 2014 - 29 Nov 2014 PORGY AND BESS FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Open Air Theatre, Shaftesbury Theatre, Regents Park, 17 Jul - booking until 29 Mar 23 Aug 2014 2014 STEPHEN WARD I CAN’T SING! THE Aldwych Theatre, book- X FACTOR MUSICAL ing until 31 May 2014 London Palladium The- STOMP atre, booking until 25 Ambassadors Theatre, Oct 2014 booking until 21 Dec JERSEY BOYS 2014 Piccadilly Theatre, 14 TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Mar - 25 Oct 2014 Duchess Theatre,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Dance March_Layout 1 24/02/2014 11:10 Page 1 Dance

Mana Solihull Arts Complex, Tues 4 March; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 7 March; No.8 Pershore, Worcestershire, Fri 14 March; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 28 March Presented by Birmingham-based ACE dance and music, Mana is described as a ‘thought-provoking’ double-bill that blends Afro-fusion movement styles, martial arts techniques, and an essence of flamenco and ballet. Set to ‘a stunning backdrop’ of commissioned music and cutting- edge lighting design, the performance promises ‘a journey so powerful it will send shivers down the spine’. The two featured pieces include Spanish choreographer José Agudo’s A Thousand Shepherds - a celebration of discipline and dedication inspired by tradition - and South African choreographer, Vincent Mantsoe’s Mana (the same name as the double-bill), which evokes ‘the spirit and earthy ambience of African dance and traditions’. Founded in 1996, ACE dance and music combine African and Caribbean movement aesthetics with contemporary techniques to create high quality, innovative performance work.

Candoco Dance Company Love&Sex Aka Per-mission Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, The Drum, Birmingham, Fri 28 March Tues 4 - Wed 5 March This hard-hitting new dance show is delivered by Somerset-based State Of Founded in 1991 by Celeste Dandeker and Adam Emergency. Described as a journey in two parts, Love&Sex starts with the expectation Benjamin, Candoco Dance Company comprises dis- of a girls’ night out, and invites audiences to question their own behaviour and that of abled and non-disabled dancers who present a others. In part two, choreographer Alesandra Seutin has created a world of love and diverse repertoire of contemporary works. During its hope amidst the negative pressures of modern life. twenty-three-year history, the ensemble’s produc- Founded in 1986, at a time of political unrest both in the UK and globally, State Of tions have received plenty of critical praise, The Emergency was named after the mid-1980s dictate imposed by the apartheid govern- Observer describing them as ‘delicious and very ment in South Africa. funny’, and The Stage as ‘utterly cool’. This Warwick date, which sees Candoco present a triple-bill of works, showcases a new, full-company presentation by the award-winning Thomas Hauert. The choreographer’s piece challenges dancers’ habitual ways of moving, and features ‘patterns of swirling, pushing, jittering and side-stepping in and out of formations, shifting and changing like a flock of birds.’ A restaging of Trisha Brown’s signature work Set And Reset/Reset, performed to Laurie Anderson’s score, also features, as does Two For C from award-winning choreographer Javier de Frutos.

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SWAN LAKE Vienna Mar, Malvern Theatre James Wilton Dance - mac, Midlands Arts Centre, LISTINGS Festival Ballet present GISELLE The Russian Birmingham Dance one of the best-known State Ballet & Orchestra love stories, Sun 16 of Siberia present the For full listing information on dance, Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove heart-rending tale of including times and dates, visit THE SLEEPING BEAUTY love, treachery and for- www.whatsonlive.co.uk Royal Opera House giveness from beyond Live screening, Wed 19 the grave, Mon 24 Mar, Mar, The Edge Arts Wolverhampton Grand AN EVENING OF DIRTY vive, Wed 5 Mar, mac - Centre, Much Wenlock, Theatre DANCING Midlands Arts Centre, A tribute show South Shropshire SWAN LAKE The Russian Birmingham featuring great songs & Ludlow Assembly State Ballet & Orchestra MANA Fri 7 Mar, Arena and memorable danc- Rooms, South of Siberia present the Theatre, Birmingham ing, Sat 1 Mar, The Shropshire greatest romantic ballet AN EVENING OF Swan Theatre SWAN LAKE Moscow of all time, Tue 25 Mar, BURLESQUE Britain’s Worcester City Ballet present their Wolverhampton Grand EMBRACED BURLESQUE biggest burlesque interpretation of the Theatre spectacular, Fri 7 Mar, Evening of cabaret, world-famous ballet, SWAN LAKE Presented Stafford Gatehouse music, comedy and Thurs 20 Mar, Crewe by Vienna Festival Theatre burlesque..., Sat 1 Mar, Lyceum Ballet, Wed 26 Mar, ANTON DU BEKE Best Newhampton Arts THE LITTLE MERMAID Bedworth Civic Hall known for starring in Arena Theatre, from the Bolshoi Theatre Centre, Wolverhampton World premiere, pre- THE FALLING SONG Junk ESSENCE OF IRELAND BBC1’s Strictly Come Wolverhampton Moscow, Sun 30 Mar, sented by Ballet Ensemble push physi- Dancing, Anton Du BOLSHOI: THE GOLDEN Malvern Theatres Exploration of Irish Theatre UK, Sat 22 Mar, cality to the extreme in Beke is back with a AGE LIVE HD Broadcast myths through narra- Bridge House Theatre, a performance which stunning new show, Sat tion, Irish music and Warwick explores the dangerous 8 - Sun 9 Mar, Irish dancing, Sun 2 SLEEPING BEAUTY The relationship between Symphony Hall, Mar, Theatre Severn, Russian State Ballet of flying and falling, Thurs Birmingham Dance Box Office Shrewsbury Siberia present the 27 Mar, mac - Midlands MANA SWAN LAKE Presented A production of classic story of love and Arts Centre, B’ham by Moscow Ballet La African dance and innocence, mystery and MANA Fri 28 Mar, Artrix, ARENA THEATRE, NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, Classique Thurs 13 - Fri Shaman traditions. magic, set to Bromsgrove WOLVERHAMPTON BIRMINGHAM 14 Mar, Belgrade 01902 321321 0121 230 9082 Presented by ACE Tchaikovsky’s sublime LOVE & SEX AKA PER- Theatre, Coventry dance and music, Tue 4 score, Sun 23 Mar, MISSION State Of ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ROYAL SPA CENTRE, IT’S SHOWTIME 2014 Mar, Solihull Arts Wolverhampton Grand Emergency present 01527 577330 LEAMINGTON SPA Presented by Ami Complex Theatre their brand new, hard- BIRMINGHAM 01926 334418 Ashton Dance CANDOCO DANCE A NIGHT IN THE WEST hitting dance theatre HIPPODROME SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX COMPANY TRIPLE BILL Company, Wed 12 - END Presented by show, Fri 28 Mar, The 0844 338 5000 0121 704 6962 Tue 4 - Wed 5 Mar, Thurs 13 Mar, Bedworth Yvonne’s School of Drum, Birmingham DOVEHOUSE THEATRE STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Civic Hall Warwick Arts Centre, Dance and Curtain Call HOLI: A CELEBRATION OF 0121 706 7139 THEATRE GISELLE Moscow Ballet Coventry Productions, Sun 23 COLOUR Jai Jashn 01785 254653 JAMES WILTON DANCE: La Classique present LICHFIELD GARRICK Mar, Crewe Lyceum Dance and Arena 01543 412121 THEATRE SEVERN, LAST MAN STANDING the most romantic of Theatre Theatre present an SHREWSBURY James Wilton's first full- classical ballets, Thurs LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS, ESSENCE OF IRELAND evening of music and SHROPSHIRE 01743 281281 13 - Sat 15 Mar, length work, which Sun 23 Mar, The Roses dance which celebrates 01584 873229 Belgrade Theatre, WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, explores ‘threats to life’ Theatre, Tewkesbury India's rich and diverse and man's desire to sur- Coventry MAC, BIRMINGHAM COVENTRY PASHA & KATYA Sun 23 culture, Sat 29 Mar, 0121 446 3232 02476 524524

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Film TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

From FRI 14 MAR

Grace Of Monaco CERT tbc Starring Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth, Frank Langella, Parker Posey, Milo Ventimiglia, Derek Jacobi, Paz Vega, TOP 5 Robert Lindsay Directed by Olivier Dahan (USA/Monaco/France/Belgium/Italy) As Grace of Monaco has been chosen to open this year’s Cannes Film Festival, one hopes that it will FILM BOX OFFICE receive a warmer reception than last year’s Diana. The latter, which starred Nicole’s friend Naomi Watts as Princess Diana, was given an unwarranted critical mauling - it was obviously too fragile a subject for a film. Here, Olivier Dahan’s biography deals with the marital crisis of the former Grace Kelly, who went from being The Lego Movie (U) Hollywood royalty to bona fide European sovereignty. Tim Roth, a fine actor, seems an odd choice to play 1 Prince Rainier III, but then Dahan did help to earn Marion Cotillard an Oscar for playing Edith Piaf (in La Vie En Rose). The Monuments 2 Men (12a) Captain America: RoboCop (12a) The Winter Solider CERT tbc 3 Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson, Mr Peabody Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper 4 And Sherman (U) Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (USA) The Wolf Of At the end of Captain America: The First Wall Street (18) Avenger (2011), CP - aka Steve Rogers - 5 found himself transported from the Second World War to present-day America. As if adjusting to Twitter and climate change weren’t enough, CP now finds himself pitted against a ruthless Soviet assassin, the Winter Soldier, who happens to have been CP’s old friend of yore (aka James ‘Bucky’ Barnes). But, luckily for CP, he now has the help of the From Black Widow (Johansson) and the Falcon FRI 28 (Mackie). But are they enough to save the MAR future of the planet? Shown in both 3D and the IMAX format.

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FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 7 Mar

The Grand Budapest Hotel CERT 12a (100 mins) Starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Edward Norton, Mathieu Amalric, Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson Directed by Wes Anderson (UK/Germany) For those who like their entertainment a little mannered and askew, then Wes Anderson is their man. Following the cult euphoria that greeted his The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Darjeeling Limited and Moonrise Kingdom, Anderson now brings us an original story about a concierge in an imaginary European country. Ralph Fiennes plays the porter of the eponymous establishment (in the Republic of Zubrowka) and his adventures prove to be pre- dictably unconventional. Paranoia CERT 12 (102 mins) 300: Rise Of An Empire Starring Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman, CERT 15 (102mins) Amber Heard, Harrison Ford, Lucas Till, Starring Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Embeth Davidtz, Richard Dreyfuss Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Rodrigo Directed by Robert Luketic (USA) Santoro, David Wenham Although shot in the summer of 2012, Paranoia Directed by Noam Murro (USA/Bulgaria) is only being released now - rushed into cine- Seven years ago Zack Snyder’s sword-and- mas in the silly season - sandal epic 300 made Gerard Butler a major after a tsunami of hos- star. Now we have the sequel in which the tile reviews in the US. A Australian actor Sullivan Stapleton (Animal story of corporate greed Kingdom) plays the Greek general and skulduggery, it’s Themistokles who defends his people from based on the novel by invading Persian forces led by Xerxes Joseph Finder and has (Santoro). Expect lots of fighting. In 3D and a cast to die for. Pity. (in some cinemas) IMAX.

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Escape From Planet Earth CERT U (89 mins) With the voices of Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rob Corddry, William Shatner, Craig Robinson, Jessica Alba, Ricky Gervais Directed by Cal Brunker (Canada/USA) Scorch Supernova (Fraser) is a heroic astronaut from the Planet Baab and gets an SOS call from Earth - aka the Dark Planet. But it’s a trap and Scorch is captured and tranquilized by the dastardly General Shanker (Shatner) and taken to Area 51 where the army hotshot keeps a variety of aliens… The American reviews were not kind. In 3D

Released from Weds 12 Mar From FRI 21 MAR Need For Speed CERT 12a (130 mins) Starring Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Scott CERT 12a (96 mins) CERT 15 (100 mins) Mescudi, Imogen Poots, Ramon Rodriguez, The Rocket About Last Night Michael Keaton, Dakota Johnson Starring Sitthiphon Disamoe, Loungnam Starring Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Directed by Scott Waugh (USA) Kaosainam, Suthep Po-ngam, Sumrit Warin Hall, Joy Bryant, Paula Patton, Christopher Directed by Kim Mordaunt McDonald Directed by Steve Pink (USA) Yet another film based on a video game, this (Australia/Thailand/Laos) is yet another story about a man - a speed A remake of the 1986 romcom that starred racer, no less - who is wrongly imprisoned. Considering the country’s extraordinary Rob Lowe and Demi Moore, this version has There are also the familiar ingredients of a topography and political and cultural legacy, changed the colour of the characters and frame-up and then revenge. Mr Paul, of it is astonishing that Laos has not served as switched the locale from Chicago to Los course, is most famous for playing Jesse the backdrop for a major film until now. Angeles. But it’s still about the complications Pinkman in the cult TV series Breaking Bad. Marking the feature directorial debut of the of love, from the first bloom through to a time In 3D. Australian documentarian (and former actor) of reconciliation. And like the first film, it’s a Kim Mordaunt, The Rocket explores the dis- rough adaptation of David Mamet’s 1974 play placement of a rural Lao community as a Sexual Perversity In Chicago. new dam is constructed. The central character is Ahlo, a ten-year-old boy believed to bring bad luck wherever he goes. Veronica Mars CERT tbc Nonetheless, Ahlo is filled with a sense of Starring Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Krysten adventure and mischief as befits a boy of his Ritter, Ryan Hansen, Francis Capra age. And even with his home and family in Directed by Rob Thomas (USA) tatters, Ahlo resolves to build a rocket (of the Nine years after the TV series ended, the fea- firework variety) to prove his worth… ture film version of Veronica Mars arrives, with Working with non-professional actors and Kristen Bell reprising her role as the former shooting on the hoof in amongst the gor- teenage sleuth. Although reluctant to return to geous jungle her hometown of Neptune, California, Veronica scenery, Mordaunt goes there to investigate a murder to clear her has created a old boyfriend’s name. The Zero Theorem CERT 15 (106 mins) bewitching fable Starring Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Thierry, that is at once David Thewlis, Lucas Hedges, Matt Damon, magical, heart- Released from Fri 21 Mar Tilda Swinton breaking, earthy, Directed by Terry Gilliam (UK/Romania) relevant and Prior to the Monty Python team getting back breathtakingly A Long Way Down CERT 15 (96 mins) together again, its American member managed beautiful - one of Starring Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Aaron to direct one of his increasingly rare and the most distinc- Paul, Imogen Poots, Rosamund Pike, Sam unconventional movies. This one is a science tive and unusual Neill, Tuppence Middleton fiction fantasy films you are likely Directed by Pascal Chaumeil (UK) about a com- to see all year. Johnny Depp bought the rights to Nick puter hacker Hornby’s 2005 novel before it was even pub- (Waltz) looking lished, but has taken a back seat on this all- for the mean- Under The Skin CERT 15 (108 mins) British production. It’s the story of four people ing of life. Of Starring Scarlett Johansson, Antonia who decide to commit suicide by jumping off a course, it’s all Campbell-Hughes, Paul Brannigan tall building in London on New Year’s Eve. The Directed by Jonathan Glazer (UK) there in the twist is that they’re all strangers and each char- algebra, From the director of Sexy Beast and Birth, this acter’s attempt to end his life in solitude is except that science fiction thriller stars Scarlett Johansson ruined by the appearance of the other. Knowing Life keeps on as an alien who preys on hitchhikers in Hornby, there’ll be quite a lot of humour in getting in the Scotland. Apparently, you’ll either love it or hate amongst the soul searching. way… it.

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Starred Up CERT 18 (106 mins) Starring Jack O'Connell, Ben Mendelsohn, Rupert Friend, Sam Spruell Directed by David Mackenzie (UK) Written by the former prison therapist Jonathan Asser, Starred Up is the story of a teenage inmate (O’Connell) who, because of his predilection for violence, is moved from a young offender’s institution to an adult jail. There, he not only encounters an unconventional therapist (Friend) but his own father (Mendelsohn). Expect some pretty strong violence (and language).

From WEDS The Unknown Known CERT tbc 28 MAR Directed by Errol Morris (USA) With films like The Thin Blue Line and The Fog Of War under his belt, Errol Morris has proved Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Orange Prize- winning novel set during the Nigerian-Biafran Muppets Most Wanted himself to be one of the pre-eminent documen- CERT U (113 mins) tary filmmakers working today. Here, he turns War of 1967-1970. While Adichie and the director Bandele are Nigerian, the two leads Starring Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, his attention to Donald Rumsfeld, the former Tom Hiddleston, Zach Galifianakis, Kermit, US Secretary of Defence. And, yes, the 2003 are played by the London-born Thandie Miss Piggy, The Great Gonzo invasion of Iraq will be under discussion. Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Olanna and Directed by James Bobin (USA) her lover Odenigbo. While they are both very Following the unexpected critical and com- good, Bandele (a prominent novelist and mercial success of The Muppets (2011), playwright) is unable to draw convincing per- Yves Saint Laurent CERT 15 (106mins) Kermit & co. are back for more songs and formances from the rest of his cast and the Starring Pierre Niney, Guillaume Gallienne, adventures. This time the gang are on tour in film, at best, is workmanlike. And, spanning Charlotte Lebon, Laura Smet Europe (London, Berlin, Madrid) and find Directed by Jalil Lespert (France) most of the 1960s, it fails to find a cohesive themselves involved in an international crime narrative, although under the guidance of With a title like this, you can expect a good racket headed by Kermit’s double. deal of fashion. Indeed, this is a biog of the cinematographer John de Borman it does Frenchman once described as the most influ- look terrific. power of detail and he draws the viewer into ential fashion designer of the latter part of the his sun-dappled, off-kilter scenario with cine- twentieth century. However, Lespert’s film matic finesse. The humour is there, but it’s tackles more than the catwalks and explores the humour that arises out of life, not a fabri- Saint Laurent’s long-term friendship, love cated line of dialogue. The production values affair and business partnership with Pierre are ace and the central performances of Bergé. Amazingly, this is the fifth film to have Winslet and Josh Brolin are pitch perfect: been made about Saint Laurent. Winslet at once con- fused, fragile and protective of her son; Brolin strong, warm and vigilant. If the film never entire- ly sheds its novelis- tic genesis, it is nonetheless an Labor Day CERT 12a (111 mins) engrossing, gripping Starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Tobey and moving tale. Maguire, Gattlin Griffith, Clark Gregg, Brooke Smith Directed by Jason Reitman (USA) Released from Fri 28 Mar The films of Jason Reitman (Juno, Up In The Air, Young Adult) tend to be about the jour- neys taken by a single character - usually with a good deal of humour. Labor Day, The Legend Of Hercules Half Of A Yellow Sun CERT 12a (99 mins) CERT 15 (111 mins) adapted from the novel by Joyce Maynard, is different in that it is about a family. One might Starring Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Starring Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, even accuse it of Norman Rockwell-esque Adkins, Roxanne McKee Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle, John Directed by Renny Harlin (USA) Boyega Directed by Biyi Bandele (Nigeria/UK) aspirations of Americana, but then this is no ordinary family. Kate Winslet’s Adele Wheeler K.Lutz played Emmet Cullen in the Twilight It is perhaps ironic that great African parts is suffering from a degenerative psychologi- saga and here gets to flex his pecs as Greek are so often played by the English. Winnie cal disorder, her thirteen-year-old son Hank mythology’s great hunk. Unfortunately, the film Mandela has been played by the London- (Griffith) is taking on the responsibilities of was a massive flop in the US, augmented by born Sophie Okonedo and Naomie Harris, the house and Mr Wheeler has run off with excoriating reviews. Let’s hope that the August Nelson Mandela by Idris Elba, and (wince) another woman. Then a killer forces his way release Hercules - with Dwayne Johnson as the Muhammad Ahmad by Laurence Olivier (in into their home… Reitman appreciates the eponymous hunk - is a better proposition. Khartoum). Now comes the adaptation of www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Film March 2014 for website_Layout 1 25/02/2014 08:51 Page 7

celebrate his memory Garner. Showing at mac, Hannah Arendt 12a Wolverhampton, until A-Z LISTINGS before they scatter his Birmingham, Sat 1 - Thurs While reporting on the Thurs 6 Mar Film ashes in the garden. Stars 2 Mar Nazi war crime trial of Kiss The Water PG Emma Garden, Anna Adolf Eichmann, Hannah False Trail 15 A portrait of the extraordi- All films are currently on general release Mottram. Showing at mac, Arendt became When Erik’s boss orders nary, eccentric Megan unless otherwise stated. For full listing Birmingham, Mon 17 - embroiled in controversy him back to his home Boyd, who lived a hermit’s Thurs 20 Mar when she tried to under- information, including times and dates, town to solve a brutal existence in the Scottish stand how such an ordi- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Blancanieves 12a murder, he hesitantly Highlands, where she nary person could be part A black and white silent film returns, the thought of became the world’s most of something so evil. Tewkesbury, Weds 19 Mar retelling Snow White and going back stirring up celebrated maker of 12 Years A Slave 15 Showing at The Edge Arts Based on the autobiogra- set in 1920s Seville. unpleasant memories. salmon fishing flies. The Armstrong Lie 15 Centre, Much Wenlock, phy of Soloman Northup, Showing at Foxlowe Arts And what at first appears Showing at Ludlow The extraordinary story of Mon 31 Mar who was kidnapped and Centre, Leek, Tues 25 Mar to be a simple murder Assembly Rooms, South the Tour de France cham- sold into slavery in 1841. soon proves to be some- Her 12a Shropshire, Thurs 6 Mar; pion Lance Armstrong, his Blue Jasmine 12a Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and thing much more compli- In the not-too-distant Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs fight with testicular and New York socialite Jasmine Michael Fassbender. cated. Showing at future, Theo, who’s going 13 Mar brain cancer, his astonish- Francis has got a major Showing at Old Market Foxlowe Arts Centre, through a divorce, down- ing comeback and then case of the blues. She’s Le Weekend 12a Hall, Shrewsbury, until Sat Leek, Tues 4 Mar loads a voice-activated his terrible shame. also forced to move in with A couple take a trip to 1 Mar; Ludlow Assembly operating system. Showing at mac, her sister when her mar- Fill The Void U Paris to rejuvenate their Rooms, South Shropshire, Choosing a female identi- Birmingham, Sat 1 - Mon riage to a rich businessman Set in the highly orthodox marriage. While there, Sat 1 - Tues 4 Mar; Wem ty for his new programme, 3 Mar self-destructs. Stars Alec world of the Haredi they bump into an old Town Hall, North he finds himself becoming Baldwin and Cate Jewish. Shira is an eight- friend who acts as a cata- Shropshire, Tues 4th & totally reliant on ‘Her’. Blanchett. Showing at The een-year-old girl looking lyst for things to come. Thurs 6 Mar; Roses Stars Joaquin Phoenix Edge Arts Centre, Much forward to marriage when, Jim Broadbent and Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun and the voice of Scarlett Wenlock, Mon 3 Mar out of the blue, her older Lindsay Duncan star. 9 - Mon 17 Mar; Stoke Johansson. Showing at sister dies. So, in keeping Showing at The Edge Arts Film Theatre, Fri 14 - Warwick Arts Centre, The Book Thief 12a with tradition, she’s forced Centre, Much Wenlock, Sat 15 Mar; The WATCH Coventry, Sun 2 Mar; mac, A young girl sent to to marry her late sister’s Mon 10 Mar Festival Drayton Birmingham, Fri14 - Thurs live with a foster family husband… Showing at Centre, Fri 21 - Sat 20 Mar THE FILM in World War Two Hereford Courtyard The Life Of Pi PG 22, Mon 24 - Tues Germany learns to The story of a sixteen- Theatre, Mon 24 - Weds The Innocents 12a 25 Mar read with encourage- year-old Indian boy 26 Mar Based on the novella The TRAILERS AT ment from Max, a stranded on a lifeboat in 1395 Days Without Turn Of The Screw, by Jewish refugee who Fires Were Started U the Pacific with a Bengal Red tbc whatsonlive.co.uk Henry James, this 1961 they’re hiding under the Tells of the London fire- tiger, a spotted hyena, a A woman makes her way psychological thriller stairs. Showing at Wem service battling in the Blitz. zebra and an orangutan. through an eerily quiet city. returns to the big screen. Town Hall, Tues 11 & Showing at The Hive, Showing at The Norbury At every crossing she Deborah Kerr stars as a Thurs 13 Mar; Old Market Shrewsbury, Fri 7 Mar Theatre, Droitwich Spa, stops. Should she wait or governess who becomes The Artist 15 Theatre, Shrewsbury, until Weds 19 Mar should she run? Should convinced that the chil- It’s 1927, and George Thurs 13 Mar; mac, Frozen PG she wait for others or take dren in her care are pos- Valentin is a silent movie Birmingham, Fri 21 - Thurs Loosely based on Hans Lift To The Scaffold PG the risk on her own? The sessed. Showing at megastar whose fame is 27 Mar Christian Andersen’s The One of the seminal city is Sarajevo, and the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, threatened by the advent Snow Queen, in which French films of the 1950s. route the woman takes South Shropshire, Thurs of the ‘talkies’. Dismissing Captain Phillips 12a the kingdom of Arendelle A handsome veteran of became known as Sniper 20 Mar this technological Tom Hanks plays the is turned into an eternal the Indo-China and Alley during the siege of the eponymous captain, who winter by the Princess Algerian Wars and his advance as a fad, he Inside Llewyn Davis 15 city endured by its citizens was abducted by Somali Elsa. Showing at Malvern lover plan the murder of stubbornly ploughs on Set in Greenwich Village, for 1395 days between pirates in 2009. Showing Theatres, Sat 1 - Sun 2 her arms-manufacturer with a big budget silent New York, in 1961, and 1992 and 1996. Stars at The Edge Arts Centre, Mar husband. Stars Maurice epic. Showing at Warwick loosely based on the Maribel Verdú. Showing at Much Wenlock, Mon 24 Ronet, Jeanne Moreau. Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat memoir of folk singer mac, Birmingham, Sat 22 Mar The Great Flood U Film score by Miles Davis. 1 Mar Dave Van Ronk. Stars Mar A documentary built up Showing at mac, Oscar Isaac. Directed by August: Osage County Cinema Paradiso 15 from hours of archive Birmingham, Tues 4 - All Is Lost 12a the Coen brothers. 15 Salvatore, now a success- footage filmed in 1927, Thurs 6 Mar A story of survival, when Showing at Wem Town Adapted from the 2007 ful film director, returns when the Mississippi’s the craft of a lone sailor Hall, North Shropshire, play by Tracy Letts, this is home for the funeral of banks broke in one hun- Lore 15 takes on water after a col- Mon 3 - Weds 5 Mar; a black comedy set in an Alfredo, his old friend who dred-and-forty-five differ- In Nazi Germany during lision with a shipping con- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 3 Oklahoma household was projectionist at the ent places and forced the dying days of World tainer. Robert Redford & Fri 14 Mar; Stoke Film where a crisis reunites the local cinema throughout thousands of people from War Two, five destitute sib- stars. Showing at Ludlow Theatre, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Mar; women in the family. his childhood. Soon, their homes. And, like lings must travel 900km to Assembly Rooms, South Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Meryl Streep and Julia memories of his first love Hurricane Katrina, it’s a their grandmother's home Shropshire, Sat 8 - Mon South Shropshire, from Fri Roberts star. Showing at affair and all the highs and natural disaster that after their Nazi parents are 10 Mar 28 Mar mac, Birmingham, Fri 14 - lows that shaped his life throws man-made arrested by Allied Forces. come flooding back. inequality into sharp relief. Showing at The Hive, American Hustle 15 Tues 18 Mar; Roses The Invisible Woman Showing at Roses Showing at mac, Shrewsbury, Fri 21 Mar Christian Bale plays Irving Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 12a Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun Birmingham, Weds 26 Rosenfeld, a 1970s con- 29 Mar - Tues 01 Apr The film focuses on 16 Mar Mar Mandela: Long Walk To man coerced into helping Back To The Garden Dickens’ extra-marital rela- Freedom 12a the FBI ensnare a cadre tionship with Ellen ‘Nelly’ 12a The Dallas Buyers Club The Great Gatsby 12a The late anti-apartheid of corrupt politicians. Ternan. Stars Ralph It’s a year since the death 15 Baz Luhrmann’s produc- activist Nelson Mandela Based on real events. Fiennes and Felicity of an inspirational theatre Based on a lengthy article tion of the famous F Scott has been played by sev- Showing at The Festival Jones. Showing at director, and his widow is in the Dallas Morning Fitzgerald novel stars eral actors, but this is the Drayton Centre, Fri 7 & Warwick Arts Centre, struggling to come to terms News, this is a true story Leonardo De Caprio and first film to be based on Mon 8 Mar; Ludlow Coventry, Sun 2 Mar; with her loss. So a group of about a homophobic Carey Mulligan. Showing Mandela’s autobiography. Assembly Rooms, South Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 3 close friends come to rodeo jock who contracts at Forest Arts Centre, Stars Idris Elba. Showing Shropshire, Mon 17 - Tues & Fri 14 Mar; Light House spend the weekend, to Aids. Starring Matthew Walsall, Thurs 20 Mar at Roses Theatre, 18 Mar; Roses Theatre, Media Centre, offer their support and to McConaughey, Jennifer Tewkesbury, Sun 2 - Tues

WALSALL 01922 645 555 ODEON TELFORD ODEON TAMWORTH Worcestershire 0871 224 4007 0871 224 4007 CINEMA Box Office ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Shropshire OMH SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 01743 281281 Warwickshire Birmingham SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY MALVERN THEATRE VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 0871 200 2000 WEM TOWN HALL ODEON COVENTRY 0845 287 2146 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 01939 232299 0871 224 4007 240 240 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, THE NORBURY THEATRE, 0871 200 2000 MUCH WENLOCK Staffordshire ODEON NUNEATON DROITWICH SPA CINEWORLD Solihull Black Country 01952 728 911 0871 224 4007 08444 777 1000 0871 200 2000 CINEWORLD W’HAMPTON CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPON- SHOWCASE, COVENTRY FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE, TRENT 0871 200 2000 WAREHOUSE, ELECTRIC, B’ham 0871 200 2000 MARKET DRAYTON 0871 220 1000 KIDDERMINSTER THE STAFFORD CINEMA, 0121 643 7879 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- 01630 654 444 VUE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01562 747773 STAFFORD EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 TRE, W’HAMPTON 01902 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 08712 240 240 VUE, WORCESTER 0207 438 9580 MILLENNIUM POINT 716055 01743 234 970 PICTURE HOUSE, 0871 224 0240 0121 202 2222 ODEON MERRY HILL, LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON THE ROSE’S THEATRE, DUDLEY 0871 22 44007 LEEK 01538 386 112 MAC 0121 446 3232 01584 878 141 0871 902 5741 TEWKESBURY STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782 ODEON 0871 224 4007 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 01684 295 074 0871 220 1000 411188 COVENTRY 02476 524524 REEL Quinton 0121 421 5316 01746 761815 FOREST ARTS CENTRE, Film March 2014 for website_Layout 1 25/02/2014 08:51 Page 8

2 - Mon 10 Mar; Ludlow ride to Earth on a passing Showing at Ludlow Stiller, is the ultimate Showing at Roses restore order. Voiced by Assembly Rooms, South comet.Showing at Roses Assembly Rooms, South dreamer, who embarks on Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon David Jason and Michael Shropshire, Sun 23 - Mon Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat Shropshire, Tues 4 - Wes extravagant adventures 24 - Tues 25 Mar Hordern, among others. 24 Mar 22 Mar 5 Mar inside his own head. Showing at mac, Showing at Roses Up U Birmingham, Sat 8 Mar The Madness Of King The Night Of The Philomena12a Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun This charming and visual- George12a Hunter12 Dame Judi Dench plays 2 - Mon 3 Mar; Hereford ly stunning family film fol- The Wolf Of Wall Street The story of King George The story of a religious Philomena Lee, an elderly Courtyard Theatre, Mon lows grumpy old widower 18 III of England's slide into fanatic who marries a woman who decides to 17 - Weds 19 Mar Carl as he and his house Over its three-hour running insanity and its resulting gullible widow whose search for the son taken travel to Venezuela with time, there’s so much bad effects on both his family young children are reluc- from her when she was Stranger By The Lake the help of thousands of behaviour, so much profan- and the government of tant to tell him where their just a teenager. Also stars 18 balloons.Showing at ity, so much cocaine and the time. Stars Nigel ‘real daddy’ hid ten thou- Steve Coogan.Showing Alain Guiraudie’s atmos- Warwick Arts hookers and parties that it’s Hawthorne and Helen sand dollars he’d stolen in at Stourbridge Town Hall, pheric thriller is set at a Centre,Coventry, Sat 15 like The Hangover that Mirren.Showing at Stoke a robbery. Stars Robert Mon 3 Mar; Foxlowe Arts beautiful lakeside spot in Mar swallowed Wall Street. Film Theatre, Tues 11 Mar Mitchum and Shelly Centre, Leek, Tues 18 southern France, fre- Leonardo DiCaprio stars. Winters. Showing at mac, Mar; Hereford Courtyard quented by men sun- Walking With Showing at Ludlow The Missing Picture12a Birmingham, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Theatre, from Sun 30 Mar bathing in the summer DinosaursU Assembly Rooms, South Rithy Panh uses clay fig- Mar; Hereford Courtyard heat and seeking out State-of-the-art computer Shropshire, Tues 25 - ures, archival footage and Theatre, Thurs 27 Mar The Railway Man15 anonymous casual animation and real-life Weds 26 Mar; Roses narration to recreate the Based on the autobiogra- encounters in the nearby backgrounds are used to Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat atrocities Cambodia's Only Lovers Left Alive phy of Eric Lomax who, woods. Franck bears wit- tell the story of three 22 - Tues 25; Hereford Khmer Rouge committed 15 as a POW for the ness to a murder and, as dinosaurs from infancy to Courtyard Theatre, from Fri between 1975 and 1979. A reclusive, centuries-old Japanese, helped build a silent witness, must adulthood.Showing at 28 Mar Showing at Stoke Film vampire rock star is find- the Thai-Burma Railway. choose between his pas- Roses Theatre, Theatre, Tues 11 Mar ing it hard to keep up with Colin Firth and Nicole sion and his moral integri- Tewkesbury, Sat 15 Mar The World’s End15 modern technology. In Kidman star.Showing at ty. Showing at mac, Having failed with a pub The Monuments Men fact, it’s all getting so Malvern theatres, until What Maisie Knew15 crawl twenty years previ- 12a Birmingham, Sun 9 - Seven-year-old Maisie much that he decides to Thurs 6th Mar; Stoke Film Thurs 13 Mar ously, five childhood friends Based on the book by take his own life… Stars Theatre, Thurs 6 Mar; finds herself used as a meet up in order to re- Robert M Edsel, this is the Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Wem Town Hall, North Sunshine On LeithPG bargaining tool as her par- attempt their alcoholic feat. true story of a group of art Swinton.Showing at mac, Shropshire, Weds 26 - A musical following the ents part and try to start But before they reach The historians and curators Birmingham, Fri 21 - Weds Thurs 27 Mar story of two soldiers from new lives with new lovers. World’s End alehouse, they who’re conscripted to infil- 26 Mar Afghanistan who have to Julianne Moore and realise that the planet has trate Nazi Germany in Rush PG adjust to civilian life in Alexander Skarsgård star. been invaded by aliens order to track down The Patience Stone15 The film charts the rivalry Edinburgh.Showing at Showing at Foxlowe Arts Stars Simon Pegg. invaluable works of art. Somewhere in an between Formula One Stourbridge Town Hall, Fri Centre, Leek, Tues 11 Mar Showing at Forest Arts Showing at The Light unnamed Middle Eastern racers James Hunt and 7 Mar Centre, Walsall, Fri 7 Mar House Media Centre, country, a loyal, thirty- Niki Lauda as they com- The Wind In The Wolverhampton, until something wife faithfully pete for the 1976 World Teenage12a WillowsU Zero de ConduitePG Thurs 6 Mar; mac, sits watch over her vege- Championship. Chris Teenagers didn’t exist A stop-motion animation Director Jean Vigo’s tale of Birmingham, Fri 7 - Thurs tative husband, who’s all Hemsworth and Daniel much before the 1950s. version of Kenneth an uprising in a French 13 Mar but been forgotten by his Brühl star.Showing at The Or did they? This kaleido- Grahame's classic chil- boarding school.Showing fellow Jihadists. Over Edge Arts Centre, Much scopic collage of rare dren's book. The Wild at The Hive, Shrewsbury, The Moon ManU time, she gathers the Wenlock, Mon 17 Mar archive footage, diary Wood is disturbed by Fri 7 Mar Meet the man in the courage to tell him all of entries and Super 8 recre- Toad's latest eccentric moon, whose solitary the things she remained The Secret Life Of ations follows their evolu- scheme, and it's up to existence comes to an silent about during their Walter MittyPG tion during the first half of Mole, Ratty and Badger to end when he hitches a ten years of marriage. Mitty, played by Ben the twentieth century. For full listings visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

DVD NEW RELEASES Ender’s Game 12a The Counsellor 18 Our planet has been invad- Michael Fassbender ed. Again. In anticipation of plays the counsellor of the a follow-up attack, ‘The title, a lawyer whose International Fleet’ decides greed leads him into deep to train children for battles water when he teams up in the future. Stars Asa with a drug trafficker and Butterfield and Harrison attempts to smuggle $20 Ford. Based on the novel million-worth of cocaine by Orson Scott Card. across the Mexican bor- Released 10 March der. Released 17 March Jeune & Jolie 18 That’s ‘Young & Beautiful’ in English. The drama focuses on a year in the life of a seventeen-year- old French prostitute. Stars Marine Vacth. Released 24 March Dom Hemingway 15 Drinking Buddies 15 Kate and Luke work in a Homefront 12a was penned by Steve Fill The Void U small brewery in Chicago. Jason Statham plays a Coogan and Jeff Pope, and With films like Eyes Wide Oldboy 18 While they both have signif- former DEA agent who won the Best Screenplay Open, Lemon Tree and Here, Josh Brolin (No icant others, they love their moves his family to a Award at Venice. Judi Waltz With Bashir, Israel is Country For Old Men, time together and are actu- quiet town to escape his Dench plays the epony- proving to be a leader in Gangster Squad) plays ally rather perfect for each violent past, only to find mous heroine, while world cinema. This one is the detainee with retribu- other. Stars Olivia Wilde the place is ruled by a Coogan plays journalist set in the highly orthodox tion on his mind. Expect and Jake Johnson. meth drug lord. Also stars Martin Sixsmith. world of the Haredi Jewish some strong adult con- Released 10 March James Franco and Released 24 March community in Tel Aviv. Shira tent. Winona Ryder. Mendelman is an eighteen- Released 31 March Released 31 March year-old girl looking forward Dom Hemingway is a safe- to her marriage when, out cracker who’s just spent of the blue, her older sister the last twelve years in Philomena 12a dies in childbirth. So, in prison. Now he’s out - and Philomena Lee is an elderly keeping with the levirate tra- wants his reward for keep- woman who decides to dition, she’s forced to marry ing his mouth shut. Stars search for the son taken her late sister’s husband. Jude Law. from her when she was just Stars Hadas Yaron and Released 24 March a teenager. The script, Chaim Sharir. inspired by a true story, Released 24 March Frontiers Feature PO_Layout 1 24/02/2014 18:36 Page 1

Two worlds collide... bringing Downtown New York to Birmingham

Birmingham will be filled with the sounds of Birmingham’s own vibrant music scene, with its Downtown New York this month, when Frontiers strong young voices and bold new work, adds Festival hits venues across the city. Presented to the programme. Visitors can expect by Birmingham Conservatoire and Third Ear, performances taking in everything from jazz to Frontiers looks to the collaborative and do-it- post-punk, with experimental new sounds and your-own-way traditions of New York, and to the cutting-edge technology. Plus there’s sounds, ideas and iconic moments from that performance art, exhibitions, performance city which have fuelled music culture. poetry, workshops, talks and film screenings.

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Frontiers Festival Producer Ed McKeon has had a career spanning two decades, presenting over 200 events and commissioning 100 new musical works during that time. He is also a lecturer and broadcaster. What’s On recently caught up with Ed to ask him about his favourite picks for Frontiers Festival:

What can we expect in Frontiers Festival? So what do you mean by ‘Downtown New York’? Frontiers Festival is an invitation to lose yourself ‘Downtown New York’ is the term given to the in a parallel world - but it isn’t the fantasy New musical and artistic scene which began in New York of yellow cabs, Times Square and Sinatra’s York in the 1960s. Artists began to use non- ‘city that never sleeps’. traditional venues, such as lofts The Downtown that Frontiers offers is an and industrial spaces, to make and perform experience of being more alive, super-alert, experimental music and art. The rule book was torn astonished by sounds, performance, poetry, up; it was a case of ‘anything goes’. film and visual music that has changed your world. The musicians, artists and poets who What’s the link between Downtown New York make these experiences have done it their own and contemporary Birmingham? way, creating paths into new realities that we’re Even though much of this work is thirty or forty invited to follow. In Frontiers, you’ll find work years old, it’s hugely relevant today. Dig a little that seeks the ‘extra’ in the ‘ordinary’, offering beneath the surface of the culture around us and experiences that are joyful, hilarious, ecstatic, you’ll find a network of connections to the energy, surreal and generous. ideas and ingenuity of the Downtown New York scene. Ed’s top five highlights...

Pauline Oliveros: Decibel performing Quartetto Telematico works by Robert Ashley Parkside Studio, Millennium Point, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Tues 1 April, 7 - 8pm Conservatoire, Fri 4 April, 7.30pm - 9.30pm Pioneering American composer Pauline Robert Ashley is a key member of the Oliveros directs a real-time improvised Downtown scene. His life’s work is here performance linking musicians in California, honoured in a special ceremony at the New York and Montreal using superfast Adrian Boult Hall. Resident ensemble broadband. Leading the event from Decibel performs his Outcome Inevitable Birmingham, this will be the first global and Hidden Similarities, presented alongside telematic concert attempted by the works by composer in the UK. Now aged eighty-one, Apartment House: Birmingham Oliveros is a Songs For Drella Conservatoire legendary figure composers Ed Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham in contemporary Sun 30 March, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, £10/£7 Bennett, Joe American music. Cutler, Michael Her career spans This is a rare performance of numbers from Wolters, some fifty years of Songs For Drella, Lou Reed and John Cale’s Andrew boundary-breaking 1990 tribute to Andy Warhol. It’s performed by Hamilton and musicmaking, Leo Chadburn and Apartment House, one of Damien Harron. working as a the most exciting groups in Europe who composer, writer create memorable performances of new, and campaigner. improvised and experimental music. Carl Stone: Fujiken Ikon Gallery, Wed 2 April, 9pm - 10pm This is the UK Première of Carl’s new work. A pioneer of live computer music, Carl has been dubbed ‘the king of sampling’. Fujiken is a blend of field recordings made in Southeast Asia, including meandering on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok, a fire outbreak in Phnom Pehn and college sports practice in Toyota City Japan. Carl’s presentation is the culmination of Festival In A Day, a whole day filled with film and performance

Elliot Sharp’s Foliage And SCORE Elliot Sharp’s Foliage: Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire, Thurs 3 April, 9pm - 10pm SCORE - Trace That Sound: Spotlight Exhibition Area, Library of Birmingham, Sat 22 March - Sat 5 April, 8am - 8pm (Mon - Fri), 9am - 5pm (Sat), 11am - 4pm (Sun) Elliott’s Sharp’s Foliage is an extraordinary graphic score which is interpreted differently with each performance. It’s here presented in a big band style, with a stellar line-up from the Conservatoire’s jazz department and special guests. You can see the score itself in SCORE, an exhibition of graphic scores at the Library of Birmingham, which is well worth a visit.

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PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE Laurie Waste Paper The Young Steve Reich’s Thallein Anderson’s As If Opera Company Composers Electric Performs Works Saturday 22 March, presents Bastien Project Showcase Counterpoint By Brown, 12noon und Bastienne by Friday 28 March, Sunday 30 March, Feldman & Cage 7.45pm-9pm 6-7pm CENTENARY SQUARE, James Oldham Monday 31 March, FREE TO ATTEND 7-8pm Tues 25 March and RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM NO BOOKING NECESSARY CONSERVATOIRE, CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE Wed 26 March, RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM TICKETS: £6 / £4 / PLACE, B3 3HG Sarah Farmer responds to and 7.30-8.30pm CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE FREE (UNDER 16s) TICKETS: £5 (£3) re-imagines Laurie Anderson’s PLACE, B3 3HG As:If, playing her violin whilst THE RAINBOW WAREHOUSE, wearing ice skates frozen into Thirteen young composers Steve Reich’s minimalist TICKETS: £10 (£7) 160 DIGBETH HIGH STREET, blocks of ice. showcase their work, from composition Electric B12 0LD group song-writing with Jack Counterpoint has inspired The Three works all explicitly TICKETS: £8 (£5) McNeill to composing music for Orb and many others. Here it inspired by the work of visual short animations and writing will be performed by solo guitar artists, performed by the Thallein ensemble. PERFORMANCE Picture a quaint Classical opera music for professional with a mix of classical, steel (Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne musicians. string and electric bass tracks, Ryan Probert: to be precise, written 250 years devised by Matthew O’Malley. Thirty-Six Views ago when Mozart was just PERFORMANCE twelve) that has been dragged TALK of Mount Fuji carelessly through time, picking PERFORMANCE European Première up various references and Henry Hills Morton Feldman’s Saturday 22 March, influences along the way. Then Songs For Drella Workshop 12-1pm prepare yourself for a thorough Sunday 30 March, The Swallows Of and at times brutal reworking of Friday 28 March it. This is 21st century theatre at 7.30pm-9.30pm Salangan BY THE 3RD FLOOR GALLERY: 7:30pm-9pm LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM, its best. STUDIO THEATRE: LIBRARY Monday 31 March, CENTENARY SQUARE, B1 2ND EASTSIDE PROJECTS, 86 OF BIRMINGHAM 8.30-8.40pm FREE TO ATTEND PERFORMANCE HEATH MILL LANE, B9 4A TICKETS: £10 / £7 NO BOOKING NECESSARY TICEKTS: £4 (£2) ADRIAN BOULT HALL: Hot Potato Regarded as one of the most BIRMINGHAM The Vickers-Bovey Guitar Duo A long-time resident of New exciting groups in Europe, perform the popular work by Wednesday 26 March CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE York's East Village, Henry Hills Apartment House together with Birmingham Conservatoire 7-8pm discusses his connections to Leo Chadburn will perform PLACE, B3 3HG composer Ryan Probert, and ‘survival’ of the downtown numbers from Songs for Drella, inspired by conscious and Howard Skempton conducts NEW LECTURE THEATRE: art scenes in New York in the Lou Reed and John Cale's 1990 unconscious memory. players from BCMG and ‘80s alongside some of his tribute to Andy Warhol, BIRMINGHAM Thallein Ensemble, and alongside works by Phill CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE videos, including the rarely seen members of Via Nova, in the Niblock, Alvin Lucier, Chadburn Naked City Series (Gotham, European première of Morton PLACE, B3 3HG - £4 TICKETS himself, and songs by the late EXHIBITION Igneous Ejaculation, & Osaka Feldman’s The Swallows of AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR great Arthur Russell and by the Bondage). Salangan (1960), a work for SCORE – Trace Velvet Underground. Robert Nettleship and his chorus and orchestra. That Sound ensemble Hot Potato, present a Saturday 22 March – set of striking contemporary PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE music infused with a strong PERFORMANCE Saturday 5 April flavour of jazz. Hans Koller European Première 8am - 8pm (Mon – Quartet featuring Robert Ashley’s David Lang’s Fri) 9am - 5pm (Sat) PERFORMANCE Maneuvers for The Passing 11am - 4pm (Sun) John O’Gallagher Spectrum Saturday 29 March Small Hands Measures SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITION AREA: Thursday 27 March 8-9.45pm Monday 31 March, Monday 31 March, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM - 7.30-9.30pm 3-4pm 9.15-10pm FREE ADMISSION CBSO Centre, Berkley NEW LECTURE THEATRE: Street, B1 2LF - RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM ADRIAN BOULT HALL: Sock puppets, playing cards, telephone doodles… This BIRMINGHAM TICKETS: £15 CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE BIRMINGHAM exhibition is a snapshot of the CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE plus transaction fee* PLACE, B3 3HG CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE incredible variety of musical PLACE, B3 3HG. FREE TICKETS: £10 (£7) PLACE, B3 3HG The great jazz pianist and scores that have emerged since ADMISSION – NO BOOKING TICKETS: £10 (£7) for both events the 1950s. Featuring artists from composer Hans Koller is joined NECESSARY Maneuvers For Small Hands is Janet Boulton to Wadada Leo by saxophonist John one of Ashley’s first major Birmingham Contemporary Smith, Christian Marclay to O’Gallagher, fast becoming a works, a wild and at times This programme of choral and Music Group perform the Claudia Molitor and Gavin key figure on the New York theatrical compendium of chamber music demonstrates acclaimed work of David Lang. Bryars, and precedents from scene, and is a member of radical music from the ‘60s the broad spectrum of music ancient Egypt and the Middle drummer Jeff Williams’ New performed for the first time in being written and performed at Ages. York Quartet. The quartet is over 40 years by Dutch pianist Birmingham Conservatoire, and completed by Percy Pursglove, Reinier van Houdt. PERFORMANCE features both new works and a Jazzlines Fellow supported by Conservatoire classics. the Jerwood Charitable Pauline Oliveros PERFORMANCE Foundation, on bass. TALK with special Beat it! READING Pauline Oliveros guests Percussionists PERFORMANCE Beats and In conversation with Tuesday 1 April, led by Maraca2 Five Encores to Birmingham – Frances Morgan 7-8pm Monday 24 March, Dynamic Motion 5-6pm Poets and the City (The Wire) RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM Sunday 30 March CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE Friday 28 March, Monday 31 March, MOOR STREET STATION 5.30-7.30pm 12.15-1.15pm PLACE, B3 3HG FREE TO ATTEND – 5-6.15pm TICKETS: £10 (£8) NO BOOKING NECESSARY CAFÉ MEZZANINE: LIBRARY RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE LEARNING SPACE: CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM, Pauline Oliveros is interested in OF BIRMINGHAM, the 'super human' qualities of Birmingham Conservatoire FREE ADMISSION - PLACE, B1 3HG CENTENARY SQUARE, B1 2ND Percussion Ensemble Maraca2 TICKETS: £5 (£3) which we're all capable, explores the pulsating NO BOOKING NECESSARY Free admission – no especially our ability to be attuned to the world when minimalist rhythms of Downtown Dynamic young pianist Vicky The Institute of Creative and booking necessary enhanced by technology. Here New York from the bustling Bonham presents a programme Critical Writing brings Beat she presents a solo accordion environment of Moor Street of music by two wild men of poetry into dialogue with Pauline Oliveros has been performance with special Station. American music together with Birmingham for a meditation on exploring the potential for guests. new commissions from the city and the poetry of city listening and technology for the Birmingham Conservatoire life. Enjoy readings of the Beats past 60 years to reveal to us our composers. - Ginsberg, Kerouac, Burroughs innermost humanity. She is and Corso - alongside poets of interviewed by Deputy Editor of the city Luke Kennard, Bohdan The Wire, Frances Morgan. Piasecki and Louis MacNeice.

For more information on Frontiers Festival visit: www.frontiersmusic.org

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PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE Howard UK Première Thirty Minutes Decibel performs PERFORMANCE Philip Glass Skempton with Carl Stone: On The Subject (UK Première) Tuesday 1 April, Via Nova Fujiken Of Soap Operas 7.30pm-10pm Wednesday 2 April Wednesday 2 April, Friday 4 April, Rhys Chatham: 2.30-3pm 9pm-10pm 3-4.15pm A Secret Rose IKON GALLERY, 1 OOZELLS STREET, B1 2HS RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM IKON GALLERY, 1 OOZELLS RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM For 100 Guitars TICKETS: £12 (£8) CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE STREET, B1 2HS CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE Saturday 7 June, PLACE, B3 3HG TICKETS: £10 (£7) PLACE, B3 3HG 7-8.15pm Ensemble in Residence for Frontiers Festival, critically- TICKETS: £4 Carl Stone is one of the TICKETS: £5 (£3) acclaimed group Decibel gives pioneers of live computer AVAILABLE IN THE DOOR TOWN HALL, VICTORIA a rare performance of Philip Contemporary vocal ensemble music, hailed by the Village SQUARE, B3 3DQ Glass’ ground-breaking early Via Nova, with Howard Voice as "the king of sampling". Seán Clancy’s Thirty Minutes TICKETS: £15 minimal compositions. Skempton and conducted by Composed in Tokyo, Fujiken of Music on the Subject of blends field recordings made PLUS TRANSACTION FEE Daniel Galbreath, present two Soap Operas, Andrew through Southeast Asia works exploring our Hamilton’s Friendly Place and relationship to language; (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia No Wave pioneer Rhys Howard Skempton’s Selection PERFORMANCE Oliveros’ Sound Patterns, and Japan) with appropriated Chatham, section leaders winner of the Gaudeamus music from street cassettes, of Accordion solos. David Daniell, Seth Olinsky, and Pauline Oliveros: International Composers Award processed and resynthesized. Toby Summerfield, in 1962, and She Was a Visitor PERFORMANCE and Birmingham-based rhythm Deep Listening® section Laurence Hunt of Pram from Ashley’s 1967 opera That CEREMONY Morning Thing. and bassist Sebastiano Meditation PERFORMANCE Dessaney are joined by 100 Wednesday 2 April, Decibel perform guitarists perform his works by Robert mesmerizing piece, A Secret 9.30-11am PERFORMANCE Elliott Sharpe’s Rose, in the magnificent setting Ashley and of Town Hall. A truly awe- IKON GALLERY, 1 OOZELLS Decibel Foliage Thursday 3 April, inspiring and unifying once-in- STREET, B1 2HS Wednesday 2 April Birmingham a-lifetime event. 9-10pm TICKETS: £15 (£10) 4.30-5.30pm Conservatoire RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM Pauline Oliveros leads a Deep Composers PERFORMANCE Listening event at Ikon Gallery, RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE in an event that will expand CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE PLACE, B3 3HG Friday 4 April, Warren Smith your consciousness while also PLACE, B3 3HG 7.30-9.30pm TICKETS: £12 (£8) Thursday 5 June, being a lot of fun! TICKETS: £4 The first big-band performance ADRIAN BOULT HALL: 8-10pm of Elliott Sharpe’s classic work The Frontiers Festival Resident BIRMINGHAM Ensemble presents a Foliage in the UK, performed THE HARE AND HOUNDS, PERFORMANCE by a stellar line up from CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE programme of works by Birmingham Conservatoire’s 106 HIGH STREET, KINGS World Première Birmingham Conservatoire PLACE, B3 3HG Jazz Department including HEATH, B14 7JZ students alongside music by TICKETS: £9 (£7) The Elysian Jazzlines Fellow Percy TICKETS: £10 (£7) young New York composers Pursglove, Grammy award Robert Ashley is awarded an Quartet, Tristan Perich, Anna Clyne and winner Jean Toussaint, Graham Missy Mazzoli. Honorary Doctorate of Music In the company of Thurston Sibly (tuba), the Conservatoire’s Moore (Sonic Youth), Dominic Nuntempa, James Head of Jazz Jeremy Price, by Birmingham City University and Birmingham Conservatoire. Lash, Pat Thomas, Alex Ward, BBC Big Band Drummer and players from Birmingham Dooley and 42 winner Andrew Bain, and To commemorate this important PERFORMANCE Conservatoire, Warren Smith pianist for Stan Sulzmann Liam occasion the festival’s Resident electronic artists demonstrates why he is Noble. Ensemble, Decibel, present Noszferatu deserving of his reputation as a Wednesday 2 April, Ashley’s Outcome Inevitable Wednesday 2 April, and Hidden Similarities master percussionist and 12.15pm-1.20pm alongside works by drummer, and why such a 6pm-7pm PERFORMANCE Conservatoire composers Ed ‘who’s who’ list of musicians RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM Bennett, Joe Cutler, Michael across such a vast range of RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Automatic Writing Wolters, Andrew Hamilton and genres have chosen to work CONSERVATOIRE Damien Harron. with him. Together, this stellar TICKETS: £12 (£8) TICKETS: £10 (£7) Composed by line up present music that moves from big band jazz to The Elysian Quartet and 42 Noszferatu work across a wide Robert Ashley the frontiers of improvised electronic artists work together PERFORMANCE sound. to give the world première of range of genres including Thursday 3 April, contemporary classical, jazz, 7-8pm Robert Ashley’s mind-blowing Musical Marathon PERFORMANCE String Quartet Describing The tango, pop, experimental music and theatre. Today they perform #2: The Monkathon Motion of Large Real Bodies, STUDIO THEATRE: LIBRARY (World Première) alongside the European new works from Birmingham Conservatoire, with plenty of OF BIRMINGHAM, Monday 2 – première of Elliott Sharp’s CENTENARY SQUARE, B1 2ND David Lang: stunning double quartet room for improvisation. Thursday 5 June Occam’s Razor and Meredith TICKETS: £12 (£8) Crowd Out Monk’s Stringsongs. The UK première of Robert VARIOUS VENUES Sunday 8 June PERFORMANCE Ashley’s Automatic Writing, written in 1979, performed by Birmingham Conservatoire’s 2.30-3.30pm UK Première Jazz Department proudly PERFORMANCE New York’s radical performance and 4.30-5.30pm company Object Collection on presents Birmingham’s first Elliot Sharp: ever Monkathon – a celebration Andy Ingamells a stage strewn with television MILLENNIUM POINT, CURZON Momentum monitors, video cameras, and of the music of American jazz Wednesday 2 April dim pools of slowly shifting giant Thelonious Monk. Monk’s STREET, B4 7XG 1.30-2.30pm Anomoly light. entire back catalogue, all 70 of FREE TO ATTEND – ADVANCE his compositions, will be BOOKING NECESSARY Wednesday 2 April performed in venues across the ARENA FOYER: BIRMINGHAM city, and in a variety of 7.30-8.15pm PERFORMANCE Birmingham Contemporary CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE interpretations over the course Music Group lead 1000 people PLACE, B3 3HG RECITAL HALL: BIRMINGHAM of four days. in an all-singing, all-shouting £4 – individual event ticket CONSERVATOIRE, PARADISE Terry Riley’s In C super group as a fitting finale. Tickets available on the door Friday 4 April This will be the world première PLACE, B3 3HG performance of Lang’s new TICKETS: £10 (£7) 12:15-1:15pm piece Crowd Out, and one of Andy Ingamells returns to the largest vocal events that the Birmingham for a repeat Elliott Sharp is a stunning BOOK ROTUNDA: LIBRARY city has ever seen! performance of his celebrated musician and composer, and Piano Recital. Watch, listen and OF BIRMINGHAM, when it comes to his CENTENARY SQUARE, B1 2ND keep your distance, as he compelling work on the electro- battles with himself, his piano, acoustic guitar, he is regarded FREE TO ATTEND red paint and his assistant, as one of the best there is. The NO BOOKING NECESSARY playing as best he can as the remarkable solo-performance Legend has it that composer music stutters to its sticky piece Momentum Anomaly Terry Riley was on a bus in San conclusion. illustrates Sharp’s technical Francisco when the idea came command of his guitar and his to him for one of the most ability to exploit it in remarkable important and influential pieces ways. of the 20th century. This performance is led by Northern Irish band-leader Sid Peacock Look out for the official with musicians from his Surge Orchestra, Thallein Ensemble Frontiers Festival programme and special guest Christopher available from Monday 10 March Hobbs.

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Family Circles The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Mon 26 May Contributions from some of the ‘greatest masters’ in miniature portraiture feature in this new Barber Institute offering. Focusing on the family, and how its members and dynasties were depicted between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, the exhibition comprises a series of portraits of children, brothers, husbands and wives. The showcase of art, which is supported by renowned auctioneer house Bonhams, features work by artists Nicholas Dixon, Bernard Lens, James Scouler, John Smart, William Ross, and the brothers Isaac and Peter Oliver.

BP Portrait Award Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 1 March - Sat 14 June The BP Portrait Award is the world’s most prestigious portrait competition - 2013's contest saw nearly two thousand artists from seventy-seven countries competing for the top prize. Submissions were presented in a variety of contemporary styles, and ranged from informal and personal studies of friends and family to revealing portraits of famous faces - including those of Alistair Campbell, Frida Kahlo and Emeli Sande. This Wolverhampton showcase features the Award’s winning entry - Pieter by Susanne du Toit - and Second Prize-winner The Uncertain Time (pictured above), by Coventry- Songs Of The Sea based artist John Devane. Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, until Sat 26 April New Art West Midlands For over a century the Cornish town of St Ives has been visited by artists from across the world, all of Grand Union, Birmingham, until Sat 15 March; The Barber whom have been eager to capture its breathtaking Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 27 beauty and the rich colours of the British coast- April; Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until line. Highlighting the period prior to 1914, a time Sat 10 May; Birmingham Museum & when painting large works outdoors was popular Art Gallery, until Sun 18 May with artists, this new exhibition showcases the A major Turning Point West Midlands wealth of material produced by the St Ives colony initiative, New Art West Midlands pro- of artists. Stunning seascapes and landscapes vides a showcase for the work of twen- from artists including Adrian Stokes, John ty-four artists, all of whom have gradu- Amesby Brown and Julius Osson all feature. ated from one of the region’s under- As well as viewing the exhibition, visitors can also graduate or post-graduate fine art enjoy two related events. On 4 March, the muse- degree courses within the past three um curator offers an insight into one of the years. Demonstrating the depth of the venue’s many sea-related objects, while eight region’s artistic talent across a variety days later, on the 12th, David Tovey hosts a talk of media, works by past students at entitled Masters And Pupils: The St. Ives Schools Birmingham City University, Coventry Of Landscape And Marine Painting. University, Staffordshire University and the University of Wolverhampton this month go on show at four of the region’s most prestigious galleries. New Art West Midlands also provides five artist prize-winners with an opportunity to undertake exhibitions, residen- cies or projects at other regional galleries and venues, including New Art Gallery Walsall, mac Birmingham, the Library of Birmingham, Airspace Gallery in Stoke and A3 Project Space in Digbeth. Lucy Hutchinson: Blonde www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Visual Arts March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 14:34 Page 3

VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS For full listing information on Visual Art Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Ikon Icons: John Salt BIRMINGHAM TODAY until Sat 22 Mar, RBSA, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Mon 21 April COMPETITION A selected Birmingham exhibition which cele- Playing a pivotal role in Ikon’s fiftieth anniver- THE BETTER PLACE TO brates the second city SHOP: THE STORY OF sary celebrations, Ikon Icons sees the return in all its aspects, until Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences - BEATTIES Featuring cata- Birmingham Museum& Art Gallery of five British artists who’ve made a major Sat 1 Mar, RBSA, logued material relating contribution to the gallery’s exhibition pro- Birmingham to Wolverhampton’s bilia to celebrate the for- CHROMA COLLECTIVE gramme over the past five decades. SOMETHING FOR NOTHING famous department tieth birthday of one of Exhibition featuring the world’s most suc- works from four con- Birmingham-born John Salt, the first artist Featuring the art collec- store, until Sat 29 Mar, tion and artworks of Wolverhampton City cessful pop stars, temporary jewellers with ever to exhibit at Ikon when it opened in Steve Corfield, until Sat Archives Robbie Williams, until a shared goal of raising 1965, kicks off the series, with the display of Sun 6 Apr, The Potteries awareness of the craft 1 Mar, Harborne Art RAW CRAFT: FINE THINK- his early-career paintings, prints and sculp- Gallery, Birmingham Museum, Stoke-on- within Birmingham’s ING IN CONTEMPORARY Trent Jewellery Quarter, until tures reflecting ‘a pop sensibility, a subtle DOROTHEA WIGHT & FURNITURE Showcase of STUDIO PRINTS Sun 4 May, Museum of sense of humour and an abiding interest in MARC BALAKJIAN imaginative contempo- the Jewellery Quarter, cars’. Exhibition celebrating rary furniture by seven Exhibition featuring the work of artists and print- Birmingham Two years after making his Ikon debut, Salt the duo’s contribution designers that’s charac- to British printmaking, terised by careful use of makers Dorothea Wight MADE AT MAC: FROM THE moved to the States, where he engaged with until Sun 2 March, The materials and a prob- and Marc Balakjian, INSIDE Featuring art the artistic discipline of Photorealism. New Art Gallery, Walsall lem-solving approach to until Tues 15 Apr, New works from the Many of Salt’s Photorealism works from this making, until Sat 29 Art Gallery, Walsall Introduction To Art SPRITE SYMPHONY Techniques course, led time are on show at Birmingham Museum & Embark on a journey Mar, Bilston Craft DAVID TREMLETT EXHIBI- Gallery TION Large-scale, site- by artist-tutor Helen Art Gallery until the end of March. into a world of magical Tarr, until Sun 4 May, fairies and sprites, as PHOTOREALISM: 50 specific wall drawings of geometric arrange- mac - Midlands Arts you follow the trail to YEARS OF HYPERREALIS- Centre, Birmingham discover the installation TIC PAINTING The first ments, abstract compo- around the building and large-scale retrospec- sitions of arcs, circles, ALL IN A DAY’S WORK find enchanted fairies tive of its kind in trapezoids and line, Insight into some of the trapped in jam jars, until Europe, until Sun 30 until Mon 21 April, Ikon large manufacturing Sun 2 Mar, PACCAR Mar, Birmingham Gallery, Birmingham companies which once Room, Royal Museum & Art Gallery JAMAL PENJWENY made their home in the Shakespeare Theatre, Exhibition comprising Black Country, until CHIHARU SHIOTA: DIA- Mon 5 May, Bantock Stratford-upon-Avon LOGUES Two new site- twelve images of Iraqi people holding a lifesize House & Park, UNCOMMON GROUND specific installations Wolverhampton Regarded as the most and a selection of draw- picture of Saddam comprehensive exhibi- ings and films which Hussain in front of their SPRING SHOWCASE tion of British Land Art aim to embrace the own, until Mon 21 Apr, Featuring an eclectic to date, until Sat 8 Mar, viewer and challenge Ikon Gallery, mix of ceramics, tex- The Mead Gallery, their perspective of the Birmingham tiles, homewares & deli- Warwick Arts Centre, immediate environment, EXPOSED: THE BODY IN cate paper jewellery, Coventry until Sun 30 Mar, The ART FORM FROM DURER until Sat 10 May, Bilston Craft Gallery JUNCTION 5 Exhibition of New Art Gallery, Walsall TO FREUD Exhibition Bill Drummond: contemporary art by WALK ON Touring exhibi- which explores artistic GRAYSON PERRY: THE five local artists with tion which explores the responses to the VANITY OF SMALL DIF- The 25 Paintings varying techniques and universal act of taking a human body, with FERENCES Exhibition Eastside Projects, Birmingham, artistic approaches, walk, until Sun 30 Mar, works by Albrecht charting the story of Fri 14 March - Sat 14 June until Sat 8 Mar, mac - Midlands Arts Dürer, Dante Gabriel class mobility while Wolverhampton Art Centre, Birmingham Rossetti, Barbara examining the influence Probably best known as co-founder of ’80s Gallery Hepworth, Helen of social class on aes- pop group KLF, Bill Drummond is also highly NIKHIL CHOPRA: SPACE Chadwick, Francis thetic taste, until Sun 11 AT PASSION’S EDGE Sid ODDITY Personal histo- Bacon, Gillian Wearing May, Birmingham regarded as both a writer and artist. This Turner’s exploration, in ries and India's colonial unique exhibition marks the beginning of a and Lucian Freud all Museum & Art Gallery sculpture and imagery, past are explored using featured, until Mon 21 ten-year journey which, starting off beneath of the Latin verb performance, painting DALE N MARSHALL: Apr, Herbert Gallery & WALLS WITH WOUNDS Spaghetti Junction, will see Drummond tour ‘devoid’, until Sat 8 Mar, and photography, until Museum, Coventry Bilston Craft Gallery Sat 5 Apr, Exhibition which con- twelve cities across the world. Residing in IKON ICONS: JOHN SALT sists of vibrant abstract SHENAC ROGERSON Wolverhampton Art each city for three months, he will work on Gallery The first artist ever to and layered multimedia various strands of his practice. These may ARBSA Linoprints featur- exhibit at Ikon, in 1965, works which reference ing blocks of colour and MELTING POT CRAFT until Mon 21 Apr, Ikon the artist’s life, until Sun include - but are not restricted to - making line that create clean EXHIBITION Showcasing beds on streets from wood, extending the Gallery, Birmingham 18 May, Herbert Art and spacious composi- the diverse and eclectic Gallery & Museum, soup line around the globe, or giving per- tions with dynamic cultural influences pres- DAVID CARPANINI: A PAINTER-PRINTMAKER Coventry formance lectures. An exhibition in each of statements of colour, ent within the British AND HIS WORLD FAMILY CIRCLES the visited cities will signpost, reflect and until Sat 8 Mar, RBSA, craft scene, until Sat 5 Birmingham Apr, RBSA, Birmingham Retrospective exhibition Featuring contributions document what Drummond is doing in any featuring some of from some of the great- place at any given time, and will be repre- ALEX ROBINSON-SUTHER- MARGARET FAIRHEAD Carpanini’s most iconic est masters in miniature LAND: THE STORY SO FAR RBSA A series of sented by text painted in acrylic on canvas. works, dating back to portraiture, until Mon 26 Uplifting and inspiring stitched pieces inspired 1964, alongside recent- Bill began producing The 25 Paintings in May, The Barber abstract works, thought- by observations of flow- ly completed etchings, Institute, Birmingham 2001, and anticipates completing the set in provoking pieces that ers from her garden, drawings & paintings, automatically engage until Sat 5 Apr, RBSA A BIG BANG: THE ORIGINS 2025. until Mon 21 Apr, OF POP ART COLLECTION the viewer and encour- Gallery, Birmingham Leamington Spa Art age active involvement The first in a two-part CHRIS CLINTON, DEAD Gallery & Museum display exploring some in art, until Sun 9 Mar, MEDIA Birmingham- The Drum, Birmingham DAVID ROWAN: THE DARK of the biggest names in based artist Chris RIVER A body of work the Pop Art industry, GEORGE GROSZ: THE BIG Clinton uses familiar which navigates the until Sat 21 June, NO Exhibition of works objects and reclaimed course of Birmingham’s Wolverhampton Art produced by one of ‘the materials to create art- River Rea. This exhibi- Gallery greatest satirical artists works which refer to tion forms part of FOR THE RECORD of the twentieth centu- contemporary popular Flatpack Festival, ry’, until Sun 16 Mar, culture and our disre- Exploring themes of Birmingham’s annual preservation and The New Art Gallery, gard for out-of-date film jamboree which Walsall media, until Sun 6 Apr, recording in the work of takes place in the city female artists, until Sun PETER WAREING A col- The New Art Gallery, from 20 to 30 March, Walsall 29 June, Birmingham lection of new ceramics until Sun 27 Apr, mac - Museum & Art Gallery with imagery influenced PORTRAIT OF A POTTER- Midlands Arts Centre, by natural forms found IES POPSTAR A selection Birmingham ARTISTS’ STUDIO: SARAH in South West Scotland, of objects and memora- TAYLOR SILVERWOOD

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the recruitment of sol- show which focuses on diers from the Jewellery a year of travelling, as Museums & Art Galleries VisualArts LISTINGS Quarter, until Sun 14 experienced by the Dec, Museum of the artist, Mon 10 Mar - Sat RED HOUSE GLASS CONE For full listing information on Visual Art Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham 3 May, RBSA, 01384 812750 exhibitions, including times and dates, Birmingham Birmingham ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield 0121 323 3776 WOLVERHAMPTON ART visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk TRACED Permanent exhi- LEARNING TEAM SHOW- GALLERY 01902 552055 bition tracing the suc- CASE Exhibition of work BARBER INSTITUTE 0121 414 7333 Exhibition from Warwickshire cess of art & design in from the WAVE learning Wolverhampton while team during 2013/14, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & Shropshire Birmingham-based YOU - THE 12TH PLINTH ART GALLERY 0121 303 artist Sarah Taylor bringing together works Sat 15 Mar - Sat 12 Apr, BEAR STEPS GALLERY, Stand on the empty 2834 SHREWSBURY Silverwood, whose by local artists from the Wolverhampton Art 12th plinth, strike a THE BURROWS GALLERY, 01743 344994 practice is grounded in museum’s collection, Gallery pose and create a living until Wed 31 Dec, THE CUSTARD FACTORY TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, drawing, narrative and sculpture by becoming JOHN RIDOUT: A LIFE IN 0121 224 7344 landscape, until Sun 20 Wolverhampton Art PAINTING Retrospective MUCH WENLOCK an artist’s model, inspir- Gallery CASTLE GALLERIES 01952 727952 July, New Art Gallery, ing a composition for a exhibition of paintings 0121 633 0015 Walsall CRAFTSENSE Featuring which catalogue THE WILLOW GALLERY, new sculpture, until GRAND UNION over one hundred of the changes in the OSWESTRY WE WORKED AT THE Sun 31 Aug, Compton 0121 643 9079 01691 657575 PORCELAIN world-renowned Bilston Midlands over scores of Verney, Warwickshire IKON GALLERY Photographic exhibition enamels which show- years, Sat 15 Mar - Sat IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- case the links between 12 Apr, Wolverhampton 0121 248 0708 Staffordshire focusing on some of TION OF RSC COSTUME Royal Worcester’s many eighteenth century local Art Gallery NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & until Mon 1 Sep, Royal 0121 643 9099 craftsmen and women, industry and contempo- FRIENDS’ EXHIBITION ART GALLERY 01782 232323 Shakespeare Theatre, rary craft, until Wed 31 RBSA GALLERY until Fri 1 Aug, The Stratford-upon-Avon Friends of the RBSA SHIRE HALL GALLERY Museum of Royal Dec, Bilston Craft show off their talent in a 0121 2364353 STAFFORD 01785 278345 Worcester BACK TO FRONT: 40 PER- Gallery range of media, Wed 19 THREE WHITE WALLS STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, MANENT COLLECTION GALLERY THE ROGER PILKINGTON SENSING SCULPTURE - Sat 29 Mar, RBSA, SHUGBOROUGH GEMS Exhibition which 0121 643 0078 01889 881388 GLASS COLLECTION Featuring new sculp- Birmingham celebrates the fortieth tures alongside old Exhibition which shows anniversary of the ANDREW MATHESON the development of favourites, Sun 2 Mar - RBSA Solo show featur- Black Country Warwickshire gallery’s Garman Ryan Wed 31 Dec, BANTOCK HOUSE English drinking glass- ing a display of forms in COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY collection, until Sat 16 Wolverhampton Art WOLVERHAMPTON es from the late-seven- porcelain, experiment- 01926 645500 Nov, New Art Gallery, Gallery 01902 552195 teenth to the late-nine- ing with barium glaze, HERBERT ART GALLERY Walsall BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY teenth century, until Sun 40 YEARS OF WOMEN Mon 24 Mar - Sat 17 COVENTRY 02476 832386 10 Aug, Broadfield FAITH AND FORTUNE ARTISTS The strong May, RBSA, 01902 552507 MEAD GALLERY WARWICK House Glass Museum, Exhibition exploring the BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS female characters in the Birmingham 02476 524524 Dudley early histories of two of Garman Epstein family MUSEUM, DUDLEY the world’s great reli- FOUND EXHIBITION 01384 812745 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS MOORE RODIN Works and their circle of Second group exhibi- gions, until Sun 30 Nov, DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART 01926 742700 from two major players friends are captured in tion held at the gallery The Barber Institute, GALLERY in the world of modern this exhibition of works Birmingham by Quatrefoil artists 01384 815575 sculpture feature in this from the gallery's Jacqueline Calladine, Worcestershire exhibition in celebration THE JEWELLERY QUARTER Permanent Collection, Annette Lucas ARBSA LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WORCESTER CITY ART of Compton Verney’s DURING THE FIRST Sat 8 Mar - Sun 29 Jun, and Stephanie Redfern WOLVERHAMPTON GALLERY 01905 25371 01902 716055 tenth anniversary, until WORLD WAR Exhibition The New Art Gallery, RBSA, Mon 31 Mar - Sun 31 Aug, Compton of artefacts, images and Walsall Sat 12 Apr, RBSA, THE NEW ART GALLERY Visit whatsonlive.co.uk Verney Gallery, oral histories relating to PAT LANDON RBSA Solo Birmingham WALSALL 01922 654400 for venue website details

For more visual arts listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Events March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:58 Page 1 THE UK’S BIGGEST CRAFT SPECTACULAR! 3 SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF 1

STITCHCRAFT BEADING PAPERCRAFTS FASHION Thurs 20 - Sun 23 March Open 9.30am - 5.30pm (Sun 5pm) NEC, Birmingham OVER 300 EXHIBITORS! KIDS SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE: GO N N N FREE Les Misérables Papercrafts & Beading Patchwork & Quilting * Costumes N Exquisite Palenstinian N FREE Workshops, N Catwalk Fashion Embroidery Collection Talks & Shows N Knitting & Stitching Demonstrations N N The Giant Textile N The Sewing Club Jewellery Making Books Display & Beading

Buy tickets on-line www.ichfevents.co.uk SAVE or phone Ticket Hotline 01425 277988 Tickets: Adults £10 in advance, £12 on the door £2 OFF EACH ADULT AND SENIOR TICKET ORDERED Seniors £9 in advance, £11 on the door BY 5PM MON 17TH MARCH 2014 *Children under 16 FREE if acc by parent Events March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:58 Page 2

Events

Billy Smart’s Circus Warwick Racecourse, Tues 25 - Sun 30 March Founded in 1946 by its namesake, Billy Smart’s Circus soon became visually thrilling two-hour show. a household name with its regular TV appearances and tours. Back Expect great entertainment from Australia’s Flying Aces, Russia’s ten- on the road for 2014, and with Billy’s granddaughter Yasmine at the handed Assadulin Troupe, Romanian acrobatic trio The Extreme helm, the circus promises a real family spectacle, with award-winning Brothers, Italian clown Jonny Bogino and French foot juggler artistes from around the world coming together in a fast-moving and Germaine Delbosq. O Yonex All England Badminton Championships National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Tues 4 - Sun 9 March One of the oldest and most prestigious open badminton tournaments in the world returns to the Midlands this month. The event, which brings together the top ten international players from each discipline to compete for the Costumes coveted title, is being advertised as 'fast- paced sporting action at its best'. Embroidery Collection Hoping to make their mark at the 2014 event Shows are Chris and Gabby Adcock. Currently fifth in the world rankings, the couple aim to become England’s first All England champions since Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms won the Books Display mixed doubles title back in 2005. International Craft And Hobby Fair

(c) Badmintonphoto.com NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 20 - Sun 23 March Britain’s biggest and best event of its kind brings together three distinct shows - Sewing For Pleasure, Hobbycrafts, and Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch - with more than three hundred exhibitors on hand to showcase the latest trends and offer visitors plenty of expert advice. Presenting the stitching world’s latest supplies, ideas and innovations, Sewing For Pleasure features numerous hands-on activities, one of which, the Sewing Club, sees author Laura Strutt running mini-workshops for beginners. In addition to the usual displays and associated materials for sale, Fashion Embroidery & Stitch this year provides an added attraction in the form of a display of costumes worn by the likes of Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe in the film version of Les Miserables. The award-winning Hobbycrafts, meanwhile, offers numerous Mini Make & Take sessions, where visitors are encouraged to ‘get crafty’ using the wealth of materials on offer.

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Events PREVIEWS Kokora Martial Dance mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 20 March This unique event blends the art of Oriental martial dance and music. Using Tessen fans and Samurai swords, the two-hour show celebrates the artistry of sixteenth century Miyamoto Musashi, and includes a Samurai sword performance set to a three thousand- year-old piece of traditional tabla music by Mohinder Singer. The evening also features performances of Indian Gatka and Chinese Tai Chi martial dances, and music reflecting both eastern and western influences.

The National Homebuilding And Renovating Show NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 27 - Sun 30 March Whether you’re looking to build a new home from scratch or considering a home renovation Flatpack Film Festival project (regardless of size), a visit to the National Homebuilding And Renovating Show is sure to prove a good starting point. Aimed at the self-builder, the 2014 event features a host Various Birmingham locations, Thurs 20 - Sun 30 March of new attractions - such as the Energy Saving Home and Sustainable Homes Show - and plenty of familiar features, including the Advice Centre, Ask The Experts, numerous specialist Ten years after it made its debut as a month- exhibitors and the chance to peruse hundreds of niche products. ly night at a Digbeth pub, Birmingham’s Flatpack Festival continues to thrive as an annual celebration of film, holding a unique place in the UK movie scene. Organisers are Crufts Sooty’s Wacky Workshop promising the 2014 event will offer ‘an eye- NEC, Birmingham, Cadbury World, Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Sun 9 March Sat 15 - Sun 16 March popping line-up of new features, shorts and special guests, as well as providing an alter- The world’s most prestigious dog show Taking time out from his CITV show to visit native route-map to Birmingham via walking returns to the Midlands this month, promis- Birmingham, Sooty is joined at Cadbury tours, installations and pop-up screenings ing ‘a fantastic day out for all the family’. World by close friends Soo and Sweep. across the city’. It’s anticipated that this year’s event will see In a brand new show that’s brimming with This year’s highlights include The World approximately twenty-two magic, music and mess, the chums find Made Itself - an immersive piece of myth- thousand dogs from a themselves hoping that Sooty’s latest inven- making from LA-based artist and performer total of forty-five countries tion, the Super Sonic Sootamatic, can save Miwa Matryek - the UK premiere of The Great heading to the LG Arena the day... Flood, which provides a portrait of the dev- to compete in the various astation caused by the Mississippi floods of canine competitions pro- 1927, Birmingham On Sea - a tale of a land- grammed over the four locked city’s love affair with water - and an days. immersive and horizontal screening of 1972 sci-fi movie Silent Running. The Big Bang Fair NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 13 - Sun 16 March Recognised as the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people, The Big Bang Fair brings together leading business and industry experts for four action-packed days of theatre shows, interactive workshops and exhibits. Highlights of the 2014 event include Gastronaut Extreme, with TV presenter Handmade And Vintage Stefan Gates promising ‘an explosive, stom- Wedding Fair ach-churning journey into the science of Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 16 March your lunch’. There’s also Greg Foot’s new Featuring handmade and vintage products show Kaboom!, which explores the science for couples who dream of a bespoke wed- behind the explosions that shape our mod- The Fast Show ding, this special event in the unique setting ern world. CSI workshops, meanwhile, offer of Wolverhampton Art Gallery offers some- Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton, visitors the chance to try their hand at being Sun 23 March thing just that little bit different for brides-to- a real-life forensic sci- be. The fair comprises numerous stalls - set The first performance and modified car event entist, while The Big up within the gallery spaces - and showcas- on the Santa Pod calendar, The Fast Show Bang Fair Family Fun es handmade jewellery, wedding photogra- offers plenty of high-octane action, both on Day (Saturday and phy and personalised gifts. The event also and off track. Highlights include club stand Sunday only) features features a trail of vintage and antique wed- displays, Run What Ya Brung, FWD drag rac- plenty of fun activities ding dresses, a fashion show of gowns and ing, drifting, stunt displays, jet car, a trade vil- to keep children of all haridressing demonstrations.. lage and funfair rides. ages entertained.

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Events LISTINGS

For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Stourbridge from PUNJABI WOLVES KING SAT 1 MAR OF THE RING Sat 1 Mar Civic Hall, Wolverhampton INTERNATIONAL FASHION DRUM & BASS AWARDS WEEK until Sat 1 Mar, Sat 1 Mar, The Institute, The Council House, Birmingham Birmingham TEN THOUSAND MILLION SPRITE SYMPHONY LOVE STORIES Embark on a journey Improvisation workshop into a world of magical and performance, Sat 1 fairies and sprites as Mar, The Blue Orange you follow the trail to Theatre, Birmingham discover the installation THE BIRMINGHAM around the building ALTERNATIVE & and find enchanted BURLESQUE FAIR Sat 1 The Origins of Middle Earth - Sarehole Mill, Birmingham fairies trapped in jam Mar, The Rainbow jars, until Sun 2 Mar, Venues, Birmingham own masterpiece to the theme of Women In working layouts in celebration of science, Royal Shakespeare HISTORY SEEKERS take home, Tues 4 Mar, Art, Sat 8 Mar, many scales and forty technology, engineer- Theatre, Stratford-upon- Discover fascinating Jackfield Tile Museum, Wolverhampton Art traders, Sat 8 - Sun 9 ing and maths for Avon facts about history and Ironbridge, Shropshire Gallery Mar, Stoneleigh Park, young people, Thurs 13 THE NATIONAL WEDDING hear the amazing sto- PUBLIC TALK: SOME WAL- TOURISM & ATTRACTIONS Warwickshire - Sun 16 Mar, NEC, SHOW Hints, tips and ries about local people SALL ASTRONOMERS IN SHOW Sat 8 Mar, WILLOW WEAVING WORK- Birmingham ideas galore for the Big and events from the HISTORY A lost Walsall Enginuity, Ironbridge, SHOPS Sun 9 Mar, WINTER GUIDED TOUR Fri Day, until Sun 2 Mar, past using real histori- astronomical society of Shropshire Weoley Castle, 14 Mar, Sarehole Mill, NEC, Birmingham cal documents at the the 1920s is uncovered SILVER DECORATIVE PEN- Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham City Archives, Sat 1 in this talk from Stuart DANTS & CHARMS WORK- RUN WHAT YA BRUNG THE ORIGINS OF MIDDLE CULTURE VULTURE: Mar, Wolverhampton Williams... Tues 4 Mar, SHOP Sat 8 Mar, Bilston The chance to take EARTH Take part in a SCRIPT-READING WORK- City Archives Walsall Museum Craft Gallery your car or motorcycle guided walk and dis- SHOPS Learn and per- GALLERY TOUR Informal ECHOES OF ALL OUR STORY HOARD Creative out on the famous cover the childhood form the works of some tour of the gallery to PASTS Paul Quigley writing workshops quarter-mile dragstrip playground of JRR of the greatest and find out more about the from the Black Country based on the and test its perform- Tolkien, Fri 14 Mar, most iconic writers of history of the building Echoes project talks Staffordshire Hoard, ance limits in a safe Sarehole Mill, our time. Just turn up and Wolverhampton’s about celebrating the facilitated by writer and legal environment, Birmingham and get involved! Every renowned collections, communities built Helen Cross, Sat 8 Mar, Sun 9 Mar, Santa Pod ARTIST TALK: BEN JOHN- Tuesday until 25 Mar, Sat 1 Mar, around Black Country Birmingham Museum & Raceway, Northampton SON Accompanying the Library of Birmingham Wolverhampton Art manufacturing, Tues 4 Art Gallery ULTIMATE DUBS UK 2014 gallery’s Photorealism BROOCH MAKING Gallery Mar, Bantock House TALK AND WALK Offering The UK's largest Indoor exhibition, Sat 15 Mar, WORKSHOP WITH HERITAGE WEEKEND Museum, a chance to learn more VAG enthusiasts event, Birmingham Museum & MELANIE TOMLINSON Sat Guided walks which Wolverhampton about one of bringing VW, Audi, Seat Art Gallery 1 Mar, Walsall Leather showcase the rich his- TUESDAY TOUR Discover Birmingham’s hidden and Skoda show cars GHOST HUNT With para- Museum tory of Bournville more about Blakesley gems, Sat 8 Mar, from all over Europe normal events compa- CLUB EXPO An event Village, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Hall and Yardley, Tues 4 Weoley Castle, together under one ny Eerie Evenings, Sat packed full of advice, Mar, Cadbury World, Mar, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham roof, Sun 9 Mar, Telford 15 Mar, Dudley Castle tips and suppliers for all Birmingham Birmingham MIDLANDS FISHING International Centre, STORY HOARD Creative clubs, Sat 1 Mar, OUTBREAK SPRING FESTI- THE YONEX ALL ENGLAND SHOW Now in its third Shropshire writing workshops Heritage Motor Centre, VAL Sat 1 - Sun 2 Mar, OPEN BADMINTON year, the Midlands MEDIEVAL WALK Sun 9 based on the Gaydon, Warwickshire Ricoh Arena, Coventry CHAMPIONSHIPS One of Fishing Show features Mar, Attingham Park, Staffordshire Hoard, DRAWING THE BODY TRACTOR WORLD the oldest and most talks, demonstrations & Shrewsbury facilitated by writer Guided by visual artist Celebrating the vintage, prestigious open bad- celebrity appearances, ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS Helen Cross, Sat 15 Frieda Van de Poll, par- classic and new ages minton tournaments in Sat 8 - Sun 9 Mar, FAIR Sun 9 Mar, Three Mar, Birmingham ticipants are invited to of mechanised farming, the world, Tue 4 - Sun 9 Ricoh Arena, Coventry Counties Showground, Museum & Art Gallery develop their drawing Sat 1 - Sun 2 Mar, Mar, National Indoor LIVING HISTORY WEEK- Malvern WRITER NETWORKING technique while experi- Three Counties Arena, Birmingham END Featuring the MORNING: ASIAN WRIT- menting with mixed Showground, Malvern WINTER GUIDED TOUR 5/60th Royal American Week Commencing ERS IN THE WEST MID- media. Working from a THOMAS LAND WEEKEND Wed 5 Mar, Aston Hall, (Rifles), Napoleonic drill MON 10 MAR LANDS Join Writing life model inspired by Sat 1 - Sun 2 Mar, Birmingham displays, weapons, West Midlands and the Exposed exhibition, Drayton Manor Theme CRUFTS 2014 The demonstrations & talks, Sampad for a free each workshop offers Park, Tamworth, Staffs world's largest dog Sat 8 - Sun 9 Mar, morning of discussion new and challenging DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY show returns, with Whittington Castle, Nr TILE DECORATING WORK- and networking for poses, Sat 1 Mar, HISTORY Maggie activities for the whole Oswestry, North SHOP Drop-in workshop emerging and estab- Herbert Art Gallery & Loughran, an expert in family to enjoy, Thurs 6 Shropshire where visitors can relax lished writers from the Museum, Coventry British and Irish geneal- - Sun 9 Mar, NEC, THOMAS LAND WEEKEND while creating their very Asian community, Sat A SHORT HISTORY OF ogy, offers advice and Birmingham Sat 8 - Sun 9 Mar, own masterpiece to 15 Mar, Wolverhampton DRAWING Art historian practical tips on how to WINTER GUIDED TOUR Fri Drayton Manor Theme take home, Tues 11 Art Gallery David Packwood offers discover more about 7 Mar, Sarehole Mill, Park, Tamworth, Staffs Mar, Jackfield Tile THE SOOTY SHOW Brand a brief history of draw- your ancestors, Sat 2 Birmingham CHARACTER WEEKEND Museum, Ironbridge, new exclusive live show ing, referencing the Mar, Birmingham Back CARIBBEAN BEACH PARTY Celebrate Cadbury's Shropshire for Cadbury World. Join diverse artworks on dis- to Backs. WEEKEND Fri 7 - Sat 8 most colourful charac- ART WALK Amble up to Sooty as he tries out play in Exposed, Sat 1 WEDDING FAIR Held in Mar, Alton Towers ters with an unmissable the Old Yardley Village his latest inventions on Mar, Herbert Art Gallery conjunction with the Resort, Staffordshire weekend starring before returning to Sweep and Soo, Sat 15 & Museum, Coventry Bromsgrove Standard, BOWMAN ANTIQUE FAIR Caramel Bunny, Freddo Blakesley for a collage- - Sun 16 Mar, Cadbury BIRMINGHAM COMMUNI- Sun 2 Mar, Avoncroft Featuring up to four and more! Sat 8 - Sun making workshop, Tues World, Birmingham TY HERITAGE DAY Sat 1 Museum, Bromsgrove hundred stands selling 9 Mar, Cadbury World, 11 Mar, Blakesley Hall, THE MIDLANDS GARDEN Mar, Library of INTERNATIONAL MG & antiques, curios, vin- Birmingham Warwickshire RAILWAY SHOW Sat 15 - Birmingham TRIUMPH SPARES DAY tage, retro and collecta- AWAKEN YOUR SENSES: PARK CHECK Join the Sun 16 Mar, STORY HOARD Creative Sun 2 Mar, Stoneleigh bles, Fri 7 - Sun 9 Mar, SOLIHULL MIND BODY ranger for an early Warwickshire Exhibition writing workshops Park, Warwickshire Stafford Bingley Hall, SOUL WEEKEND Two-day morning walk which Centre based on the Stafford event featuring over provides a great insight CLASSIC COMMERCIAL Staffordshire Hoard, Week Commencing ANDREW DEE - BLACK OR thirty exhibitors show- into the workings of the ENTHUSIAST SHOW Sat facilitated by writer WHITE TOUR An evening casing a diverse range estate, Tues 11 Mar, 15 - Sun 16 Mar, Three Helen Cross, Sat 1 Mar, MON 3 MAR of mediumship, Sat 8 of complimentary thera- Charlecote Park, Counties Showground, Birmingham Museum & Mar, Solihull Arts pies and healing, Sat 8 Warwickshire Malvern Art Gallery Complex - Sun 9 Mar, Ramada WINTER GUIDED TOUR THOMAS LAND WEEKEND STAINED GLASS DAY TILE DECORATING WORK- INTERNATIONAL Solihull Hotel Wed 12 Mar, Aston Sat 15 - Sun 16 Mar, WORKSHOP Facilitated SHOP Drop-in workshop WOMEN’S DAY A morn- THE 39TH LEAMINGTON & Hall, Birmingham Drayton Manor Theme by designer & maker where visitors can relax ing exploring works WARWICK MODEL RAIL- THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG Park, Tamworth, Staffs Paul Floyd, Sat 1 Mar, while creating their very from the Art Gallery's WAY EXHIBITION SCIENTIST & ENGINEERS AVONCROFT THROUGH Ruskin Glass Centre, collection which reflect Featuring twenty-six FAIR The UK’s largest THE AGES Featuring www.whatsonlive.co.uk 61 Events March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:58 Page 7

62 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:58 Page 8

Kidderminster LEATHER IPAD/TABLET Events LISTINGS CASE WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS with The For full listing information on Events, Identity Store, Sat 22 including times and dates, visit Mar, Walsall Leather www.whatsonlive.co.uk Museum MGCC T-REGISTER Roman, Viking, Tudor & club for people aged REBUILD 2014 Sat 22 Victorian re-enactors, fifty and over, Tues 18 Mar, Heritage Motor Sat 15 - Sun 16 Mar, Mar, Bantock House Centre, Gaydon, Avoncroft Museum, Museum, Warwickshire Bromsgrove Wolverhampton SATURDAY NIGHT YVON BONENFANT: VOLUNTEER OPEN DAY SPECIAL Run What Ya ULUZUZULALIA Pop along for a cuppa Brung till late. Track Pronounced OO-LOO- and a chat, and get open from 9am to 8pm, ZOO-ZOO-LAY-LIA, this information regarding with evening entertain- is a vivacious and inter- volunteer roles and ment and camping, Sat active voice playground opportunities at the 22 Mar, Santa Pod for families to enjoy castle, Tues 18 Mar, Raceway, Northampton together. The Tongue Powis Castle, Nr TOUR OF THE LIBRARY OF Wizards: Queen Victor Welshpool, Powys CULTURES EXHIBITION the Fabulous, and GHOST WALK The origi- Led by one of the Volumia the Librarian, nal Dudley Ghost Tour, library’s Collections will help you to explore starting and finishing at curators, Sat 22 Mar, two worlds: Squeak the town’s most haunt- Library of Birmingham and Speak, Sat 15 - ed buildings, Wed 19 SNIPPETS OF SHAKE- Tue 18 Mar, mac - Mar, Station Hotel, SPEARE Mini-scenes Midlands Arts Centre, Dudley from Shakespeare, Birmingham ART WORKSHOP Thurs enacted at various ST PATRICK’S DAY 20 Mar, Witley Court, times of the day, Mon PARADE Sun 16 Mar, Worcestershire 17 - Wed 19 Mar, Digbeth, Birmingham VALUATION DAY: FINE ART Moseley Old Hall, Handmade & Vintage Wedding Fair - Wolverhampton Art Gallery INTERNATIONAL JAGUAR & ANTIQUES Hosted by Wolverhampton SPRINGTIME IN SMESTOW SPARES DAY Featuring Fieldings Auctioneers, castle’s period rooms Museum, Ironbridge, JUNE FIELD - PSYCHIC Join the rangers in dis- over two hundred stalls Thurs 20 Mar, Bantock and learn about Shropshire covering the delights of Sat 29 Mar, Huntingdon from all over the UK, House Museum, Victorian fashion. The WILLIAM MORRIS & THE springtime on the Hall, Worcester Sun 16 Mar, Stoneleigh Wolverhampton weekend also offers an KELMSCOTT PRESS CLASSIC VIRGINS reserve, Thurs 20 Mar, An Park, Warwickshire SHARE YOUR MEMORIES opportunity to learn Chance to view the Smestow Valley, active and informative CARRIAGEWAY WALK & OF THE 1960S Handle about some of the site’s collection of Wolverhampton day for people contem- WORK CLUB Discover objects from the period site’s costumes not books, made by BATTLEFIELD ARCHAEOL- plating classic car own- the hidden history and and share your memo- normally on display, Sat William Morris’ private OGY OF THE ENGLISH ership, Sat 29 Mar, archeology of the old ries with museum staff 22 - Sun 23 Mar, printing press, as part CIVIL WAR Thurs 20 Mar, Heritage Motor Centre, carriageways in in this special hands-on Tamworth Castle of a talk on Morris’ life, The Commandery, Gaydon, Warwickshire Fishpool Valley, Sun 16 session, Thurs 20 Mar, THE FAST SHOW The Tues 25 Mar, Wightwick MIDLANDS WHISKY FES- Worcestershire Mar, Croft Castle, Walsall Museum season-opening show Manor, Wolverhampton TIVAL VINTAGE TEA PARTY Sat Sat 29 Mar, Leominster MARTIAL DANCE & MUSIC for all performance and AN EVENING WITH DAVID 22 Mar, Bantock House Stourbridge Town Hall TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Two-hour show cele- modified car enthusi- SEDARIS Following three RUN WHAT YA BRUNG Museum, Sun 16 Mar, Three brating the artistry of asts. FWD drag series, sell-out runs in London Wolverhampton The chance to take Counties Showground, sixteenth century RWYB, show‘n’shine, and two sell-out HANDMADE & VINTAGE your car or motorcycle Malvern Japanese swordsman stunt shows, traders, Edinburgh Fringe WEDDING FAYRE Sat 22 out on the famous Miyamoto Musashi, car clubs and a heated Festival stints, David Mar, Wolverhampton quarter-mile dragstrip Thurs 20 Mar, mac - nightclub on the Sedaris embarks on his Week Commencing Art Gallery and test its perform- Midlands Arts Centre, Saturday night all fea- first ever UK tour, Wed FRIENDS OF WOLVER- ance limits in a safe MON 17 MAR Birmingham ture, Sun 23 Mar, Santa 26 Mar, The Assembly, HAMPTON CITY ARCHIVES and legal environment, SEWING FOR PLEASURE... Pod Raceway, Leamington Spa MEETING Duncan Sat 29 Mar, Santa Pod Incorporating Northampton DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG Nimmo talks about Raceway, Northampton SNIPPETS OF SHAKE- Hobbycrafts and BUILDING CONSERVATION Chance to practice RAG RUG WORKSHOP inter-war suburbia in SPEARE Mini-scenes Fashion Embroidery & DAYS Sat 22 - Sun 23 drifting in safe and Wolverhampton, Sat 22 With specialist Jessie from Shakespeare, Stitch, Thurs 20 - Sun Mar, Avoncroft legal conditions on Mar, Wolverhampton Lindon, Sat 29 Mar, enacted at various 23 Mar, NEC, Museum, Bromsgrove some of the Pod's thirty City Archives Birmingham Back to times of the day, Mon Birmingham AWAKEN YOUR SENSES: acres of open tarmac, THE GREAT HISTORIC Backs 17 - Wed 19 Mar, FLATPACK FILM FESTIVAL BROMSGROVE MIND where there are begin- VICTORIAN HOUSEHOLD BAKE OFF Make ginger- Moseley Old Hall, Cinematic extravaganza BODY SOUL EVENT One- ners, intermediate and HINTS bread from Mary Wise’s A new addition to Wolverhampton fusing new talent, for- day event featuring advanced tracks open 18th century recipe the Blists Hill calendar, HERBERT ILLUMINATION: gotten classics and live over thirty exhibitors at the same time each book in historic sur- this event offers visitors CURATOR TALK Join music, Thurs 20 - Sun showcasing a diverse DWYB day, Wed 26 roundings, Sat 22 Mar, an opportunity to pick Victoria Osborne as 30 Mar, various loca- range of complimentary Mar, Santa Pod St John’s Museum, up some good old- she explores selected tions throughout therapies and healing, Raceway, Northampton Warwickshire fashioned housekeep- works within the Birmingham www.flat- Sun 23 Mar, BRIGHTWELLS PERFORM- A TASTE OF JAPAN ing tips, Sat 29 - Sun Exposed exhibition packfestival.org Bromsgrove Hilton ANCE HORSE AND PONY Featuring an abun- 30 Mar, Blists Hill from a curatorial per- WINTER GUIDED TOUR Fri Hotel SALE Wed 26 Mar, dance of themed activi- Victorian Town, spective, Tue 18 Mar, 21 Mar, Sarehole Mill, GREAT MALVERN SPRING Three Counties ties, demonstrations & Ironbridge Herbert Art Gallery & Birmingham INTERNATIONAL MILITARY Showground, Malvern GO OVER THE TOP ABSEIL performances, Sat 22 Museum, Coventry LOCAL HISTORY TALK: CONVENTION Sun 23 WINTER GUIDED TOUR Mar, The Potteries Sat 29 - Sun 30 Mar, St TUESDAY TOUR: FOOD & HIDDEN HISTORIES A talk Mar, Three Counties Wed 26 Mar, Aston Museum & Art Gallery, Mary’s Church, DRINK IN TUDOR TIMES by Councillor Claire Showground, Malvern Hall, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Dogpole, Shrewsbury Tues 18 Mar, Blakesley Darke and Dr Paul HEAD GARDENER SPRING PRINTMAKING WITH MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND Hall, Birmingham Darke about the first TOUR Thurs 27 Mar, NAOMI GREAVES Taster Week Commencing Each visiting mum will ENTERTAINMENT IN 18TH female doctors in Witley Court, workshop where partici- be treated to a minia- CENTURY BIRMINGHAM A Wolverhampton, and MON 24 MAR Worcestershire pants can explore lino ture box of Cadbury gallery talk with Applied the patients, places and EARLY YEARS PLAY DAYS and mono printing chocolates, Sat 29 - Art curator Sylvia institutions they Providing an opportuni- methods, and have a Sun 30 Mar, Cadbury Crawley, Tues 18 Mar, would’ve visited, Fri 21 WALSALL DANCE FESTI- ty for children aged go at creating their very World, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Mar, Wolverhampton VAL Showcase of work between one and three MOTHERING WEEKEND own species of butter- Art Gallery Art Gallery from local schools, col- to explore and investi- fly, Sat 22 Mar, Shire Sat 29 - Sun 30 Mar, TILE DECORATING WORK- SPRING STEAM GALA leges and community gate through sensory Hall Gallery, Stafford Hanbury Hall & SHOP Drop-in workshop Three-day event for groups, Mon 24 Mar, play, Thurs 27 - Fri 28 SCIENCE WEEKEND Sat Gardens, Droitwich where visitors can relax steam enthusiasts fea- Forest Arts Centre, Mar, Herbert Art Gallery 22 - Sun 23 Mar, Spa, Worcestershire while creating their very turing visiting locomo- Walsall & Museum, Coventry STRAIGHTLINERS Cadbury World, Bike- own masterpiece to tives, including the TILE DECORATING WORK- WINTER GUIDED TOUR Fri Birmingham only RWYB, including take home, Tues 18 1638 Hawksworth SHOP Drop-in workshop 28 Mar, Sarehole Mill, THOMAS LAND WEEKEND Round One of the Mar, Jackfield Tile Pannier tank from the where visitors can relax Birmingham Sat 22 - Sun 23 Mar, Straightliners Museum, Ironbridge, Kent & East Sussex while creating their very THE X FACTOR LIVE 14 Drayton Manor Theme Championship, Sun 30 Shropshire Railway, Fri 21 - Sun 23 own masterpiece to Fri 28 March - Sat 29 Park, Tamworth, Staffs Mar, Santa Pod MEET ME AT BANTOCK Mar, Severn Valley take home, Tues 25 Mar, LG Arena, COSTUME COLLECTION Raceway, Northampton Regular conversation Railway, Bewdley, Nr Mar, Jackfield Tile Birmingham WEEKEND Explore the

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Eating Out March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:55 Page 1

Friday 28 March 2014 International Convention Centre Birmingham A glittering night of action-packed entertainment including a special guest star

Tickets inclusive of 3 course meal, live entertainment and disco Dress code: Smart lounge suits, black tie, ball gowns and frocks!

SAVE £100 PER TABLE WHEN YOU BOOK & PAY BEFORE 28 FEB! BOOK ONLINE NOW AT www.prideball.co.uk or CALL RYAN HUMPHREYS ON 01743 281722 Save or email: [email protected] £££’s This is THE LGBT party of the year! ‘Early Bird’ Tickets & Tables - book your table now! UNTIL 28 FEB! THE UK’S BIGGEST LGBT BALL Eating Out March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:55 Page 2 Eating Out A taste of Asia comes to The Cube A restaurant and cocktail bar selling authentic Indian cuisine opens at top Birmingham leisure venue The Cube next month. The Master And Margarita will join numerous highly rated restaurants already housed in The Cube, including Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Brazilian chur- rascaria Rodizio Rico, and recently-opened burg- er and shrimp restaurant Bun & Bowl.

Wake up and smell success... A barista from Birmingham’s independently owned coffee shop Six Eight Cafe has won a place in the national semi-finals of the industry’s Waters’ genius strikes again... prestigious UK Barista Championship. Eighteen- ish cream. The salmon desserts. And oh boy, year-old Imogen Ludman recently impressed REVIEW was the finest I’ve ever were they good! The clas- judges at the competition’s regional heats at tasted (and I don’t usually sic apple crumble satisfied Millennium Place, and will take on other regional Andy Waters is not the like salmon!). My compan- my incorrigible sweet champions in the London semi-final on 5 April. sort of chef to let success ion plumped for the mush- tooth, and the lemon go to his head. And actu- room soup of the day, cheesecake was declared Buonissimo! Spring arrives ally, that’s just as well - remarking on its rich ‘divine’. because if he were, he’d depth of flavour. Our taste- This was an exquisite fine at Harborne restaurant have a pretty big head by buds were genuinely tan- dining experience enjoyed now! An Italian restaurant recently given top marks talised. at a moderate price. We Andy earned a Michelin across the board by What’s On magazine has I savoured every bite of left feeling supremely Star for Warwickshire fami- launched a new menu for the Spring season. my comforting main impressed and pampered. ly restaurant Edmunds, Based in Harborne, Birmingham, Buonissimo course (requested from I urge you to (a) book a prior to its 2008 offers an array of authentic Italian dishes which the lunch menu) - wild table, and (b) tell every- Brindleyplace relocation. are prepared using local suppliers wherever pos- mushroom risotto. At the one you know to do the Then, last year, he sepa- sible. Sure to tantalise the tastebuds, the new same time, I watched my same. Rival restaurants rated from his partners to menu features an array of reasonably priced usually reticent compan- beware: Waters’ eminent join now-celebrated dishes. These include Sgombro capperi agilo a ion devour her meal at an genius has yet again cre- Worcestershire dining pub burro - fresh mackerel coated in oats and fin- alarming speed! Her ated an experience that’s The Queens. ished with a round of caper, parsley and garlic grilled fillet of sea bass sheer culinary bliss. I Little wonder, then, that I butter; Ravioli al tartufo - artisan-filled pasta with (with scallops and lemon couldn’t help but feel that had high hopes for his ricotta and wild truffles in a cream, roast garlic & dill sauce) was, she pro- this is exactly how ‘excel- new Edgbaston venture, and mushroom sauce; and Fegato al balsamico - claimed, exactly how fish lent cooking’ really should Waters On The Square. pan-seared calves liver glazed in red wine and should be - flavoursome be done. After a warm welcome balsamic vinegar, served with homemade potato and flaky. Oh, and far Malaka Chowdhury from the unassuming chef gratin and spinach. For full details of the new superior to her recent patron himself and atten- Food: IIIII menu and to book a table, visit www.buonissi- meal at Jamie Oliver’s tive service from our bub- IIIII mouk.com. restaurant! Service: bly waitress, we settled This was simple, quality Ambience: IIIII back in the understated- food, cooked to perfec- Overall value IIIII yet-classy venue and tion. Shunning alcohol for OVERALL IIIII allowed the day’s stresses fresh juice seemed only to melt away. natural. Waters On The Square I opted for a beautifully Adopting comedian Peter Chad Square presented starter of beet- Kay’s diet mentality of Hawthorne Road root, smoked salmon, ‘start on Monday’, we Edgbaston sweetened endive and dived into our delectable Birmingham B15 3TQ cucumber with horserad-

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Eating Out March Region One_Layout 1 24/02/2014 16:56 Page 3

The Mailbox, 132-134 End North, Kenilworth Rajdoot Tandoori, Birmingham LISTINGS Wharfside St, B1 1XL CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 Restaurant 0121 632 1460 BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, PICCOLINO Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 For full listing information on restau- 9 Brindleyplace B1 2HS 7622 9274 rants, including opening times and 0121 634 3055 BROWNS Earl St, Coventry type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- PITCHER & PIANO CV1 5RU 0247 622 1100 Brindleyplace, B1 2HP live.co.uk CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, 0121 643 0214 Stratford-Upon-Avon POPPY RED Arcadian Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX CV37 6BA Centre, Birmingham B5 01789 267424 0121 233 2277 4TD 0121 687 1200 Birmingham DEL VILLAGGIO CASTLES 6 Castle Street, PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall CV34 4QU 01926 495421 AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel Unit 528, Middle Mall, St, B3 2DH 0121 212 CATALAN 6 Jury St , La Tour, Albert Street, The Bullring. 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B95 Charles House, New St, 6877 5QR 01564 793783 01789 295252 Worcester WR1 2D THE LOST & FOUND TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley BUONISSIMO 1 Albany THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West 01905 22449 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS Road, Edgbaston, B16 FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX 9NY 0121 454 1930 Terrace, St, Warwick CV34 6AW L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 0121 426 2444 0121 643 9293 Leamington Spa, CV31 07873 219005 Graham Rd, Malvern. LOVES The Glasshouse, THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 3AB 01926 431999 WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith WR14 2HU 01684 Square, Brindleyplace, Browning St, B16 8FL 0121 454 5151 THE VAULTS Newhall GEORGETOWN 23 Sheep Street, CV34 4HS 01926 572427 B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 St, Stratford-Upon-Avon, 491736 MECHU 47 - 59 Summer Place, Newhall Hill, LANGTREYS 89a High St, CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 CV37 6EF 01789 204445 ZIZZI 85-87 Regent Bromsgrove. B61 8AQ Edge, Brindleyplace Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 1661 WAGAMAMA Brindley GRANTS OF SHEEP ST 21- Square House, Parade, 01527 878242 B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 Leamington Spa CV 32 METRO BAR & GRILL 73 Place, birmingham B1 23 Sheep Street, LITTLE VENICE 1 - 3 St CENTENARY BAR & 4NL 01926 432532 Cornwall St B3 2DF Stratford-upon-Avon, Nicholas St, Worcester BRASSERIE Broad Street, CV37 6EF 01789 290 008 WR1 1UW 01905 B1 2EP 0121 245 2080 0121 200 1911 Warwickshire MINT Yew Tree Retail HIGH PAVEMENT BAR & DIN- Worcestershire 726126 CHI BAR & GRILL 61 ING 3 High Street, CV34 LOTUS HOUSE 33 Park, Stoney Lane 7 SQUARE 7 Old Square, Newhall Street, B3 3RB 4AP 01926 494725 ANAKARI 47 The Tythings, Ombersley St East, 0121 233 3150 Yardley, B25 8YP Warwick CV34 4RA 0121 789 8908 HELP OUT MILL Heather Worcester. WR1 1JT Droitwich, WR9 8QX CHUNG YING 01926 411 755 Rd, Shakerstone, 01905 21412 01905 770079 16-18 Wrottersley Street, MOUNT FUJI The Bullring, NO. 9 CHURCH STREET B5 4BH 0121 633 9853 Nuneaton. CV13 0BT ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, MAEKONG THAI 12 B5 4RT 0121 622 5669 Stratford upon Avon, 01530 260666 NUVO BAR 11 Brindley Worcester WR1 3QT Worcester Road, CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 Warwickshire CV37 6HB Place, B1 2LP 0121 631 INDIA RED 25 Abbey 01905 731131 Bromsgrove B61 7AE Thorpe St, B5 4AT 01789 415522 1600 Street, Nuneaton, CV11 ANUPAM 85 Church 01527 578888 0121 666 6622 AGRA PLACE 12 Abbey 5BX 024 7634 2090 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, Street, Malvern. WR14 MASSALLA LOUNGE 35 CIELO 6 Oozells Square, Green, Nuneaton, CV11 B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 JIMMY SPICES 64-66 2AE 01684 573814 Broad St, Worcester Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 5DR 024 7635 0515 THE ORIENTAL The Station Rd, Solihull, B91 BACCHUS 44 Worcester WR1 3NH 01905 0121 632 6882 THE ALMANAK Abbey End Mailbox, 128-130 3RX 0121 709 2111 Road, Bromsgrove B61 729955 COAST TO COAST 9 Wharfside St, B1 1RQ North, Kenilworth, CV8 LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans 0TA 01527 877557 MUG HOUSE Claines Brindleyplace, Broad 1QJ 01926 353 637 0121 633 9988 Nest, Bridgford, Stratford BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, Lane, Worcester WR3 Street, B1 2HJ PEACHYKEENS 1741 AUBERGINE 32 Smith St, upon Avon. CV37 7LT Worcester WR1 2HZ 7RN 01905 456649 COTE The Mailbox, Warwick CV34 4HS 01789 264804 Coventry Road, B26 01905 21444 ON THE ROCKS 44 B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 01926 400 086 1DS 0121 764 5519 MALLORY COURT Harbury BINDLES BAR & BRASSERIE Worcester Road, CUCINA RUSTICA 24 PENNY BLACKS THE ALMANACK Abbey Lane, Leamington Spa, 55 Sidbury, WR1 2HU Bromsgrove, B61 7AE CV33 9QB, 01926 330214 01905 611120 01527 882412 MATRICARDIS 97 High St, BRAMBLINGS Hither Green PORTOFINO, 6 Worcester Henley in Arden. B95 5AT Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE Rd, Droitwich. WR9 8AD 01564 792735 01527 406600 01905 794799 MERCHANTS Swan Street, (ESt 86) BRIDGE INN Plough Road, PORTWAY ITALIAN, thE dINNEr cLub Warwick CV34 4BJ 01926 Droitwich WR9 7NQ Alcester Rd, Redditch. 403833 a rEcIpE for fINE food aNd Good compaNy 01905 345874 B48 7HT 01564 824794 NICOLINIS 14 The Parade, BROWNS 24 Quay St, PUCCINI'S, 12 Friar St, Leamington Spa, CV32 Worcester WR1 2JJ Worcester WR12LZ 4DW 01926 421620 01905 26263 01905 27770 SINGLE? ONE ELM 1 Guild St, CHADDESLEY RESTAURANT RAJDOOT Cutnall Green, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Brockencote Hall Hotel, Droitwich. WR9 0PW For the more discerning CV37 6QZ 01789 404919 Kidderminster DY10 4PY 01299 851000 unattached person, age 40+ PREZZO 1-3 High St, 01562 777876 ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, Warwick CV34 4AP THE CHASE INN Chase Rd, Aston Fields, Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls, 01926 475867 Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls, Upper Colwall, Malvern. Bromsgrove. B60 2DZ theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. RESTAURANT 23 WR13 6DQ 01684 01527 889948 34 Hamilton Terrace, Holly 540276 SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New Walk Leamington Spa, CHESTERS 51 New St, St, Worcester WR1 2DP Not a datING aGENcy CV32 4LY 01926 422422 Worcester, WR1 2DL 01905 610505 RISTORANTE DA VINCI 50 01244 677030(day)/01244 548816(Eve/W-end) Earlsdon Street, Coventry, CV5 6EJ 024 7671 3554 ROBBIE’S RESTAURANT 74 For full Restaurant listings www.thedinnerclubuk.com Smith Street, CV34 4HU visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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