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DALISOO CHAPONDACHAPONDA PLAYSPLAYS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands MMACAC BIRMINGHAMBIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON MARCH 2018 Birmingham ISSUE 387 MARCH 20182018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.ukn.co.uk

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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geekyMCM goodness COMIC galore CON at NEC comic convention BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:35 Page 1 Contents March Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:43 Page 2

March 2018

Contents

Paloma Faith - talks music, motherhood and fashion... interview on page 14

The Kite Runner Opera For All MCM Comic Con the list

staging of Khaled Hosseini’s dispelling the myth that geeky goodness galore as comic Your 16-page best-selling novel at The REP opera is elitist... convention returns to the NEC week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 feature page 22 page 47 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 38. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbirmingham Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:40 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

International dance festival to return in the summer The hugely popular Birmingham International Dance Festival (BIDF) makes a welcome return from 1 to 24 June. Produced by the - based DanceXchange, the event will feature ‘fantastic dance in the city’s theatres and a takeover of Birmingham’s streets and squares, with show-stopping free performances and op- portunities to get dancing’. The programme, inspired and curated around themes of imagination and digital art, will present work that shows choreographic prac- tice at its best, pushing the boundaries of dance as a contemporary art form. Alongside the performance programme will be a series of professional and industry events, debates and workshops - creating a valuable space for dialogue, collaboration, the sharing of ideas and the development of skills... To find out more about the festival, visit bidf.co.uk

Popular film festival finest scores in film history (Symphony Hall, Planning to begin for 2019 Sunday 11 March). makes a welcome return Featured works will include Jaws, Out Of Birmingham Weekender Africa, Dr Zhivago, A Passage To India, Born Free, E.T., Star Wars, Lord Of The Rings and Schindler’s List. Award-winning conductor Anthony Gabriele is the man with the baton.

Inflatable theme park to open in in the city A giant indoor bouncy play space featuring slides, assault courses and ball pools will open in Birmingham in May at a yet-to-be- disclosed location. Culture Central, the development organisa- The 12th annual edition of one-of-a-kind film tion for culture in the Birmingham city re- fiesta the Flatpack Festival takes place at Inflata Nation has already proved to be a massive success in , where it cov- gion, has confirmed that planning will begin venues across Birmingham next month. this year for Birmingham Weekender 2019, Featuring ‘everything from animated sushi ers 17,500 square feet and welcomed 30,000 customers in the first four weeks after which takes place next year from 27 to 29 and Paper Cinema to Swedish witchcraft and September. the Solihull underground’, the event runs launching... For more details, visit inflatanation.com To coincide with the news, the team are re- from 13 to 22 April. For more information, leasing two short films: a highlight trailer visit flatpackfestival.org.uk from Weekender ‘17 and a film that shares the organisation’s wider ambitions for the cul- ture sector - particularly in light of the an- Hollywood glitz and nouncement that the Commonwealth Games glamour comes to Brum is coming to Birmingham in 2022. The films highlight the impact Weekender ’17 The full 60-piece London Concert Orchestra had across the city. Generating an economic will bring the glitz and glamour of the movie impact of £2.7million, the event saw more awards season to Birmingham this month, than 165,000 people attending an average of when they perform a concert of some of the three events across the three days.

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First Word

Local dancer coming home Central School of Ballet’s gradu- ate performing company, Ballet Central, brings its annual na- tionwide tour to Birmingham’s on Friday 6 April - with local dancer Imogen Ash, aged 18 from Wishaw, very much looking forward to per- forming on ‘home soil’. Commenting on the tour, the company’s Artistic Director, Christopher Marney, said: "Fol- lowing last year’s enthusiastic response to our varied pro- gramme of dance theatre, I have, alongside our valued part- ner choreographers, developed a programme for the 2018 tour that offers storytelling, tech- nique and drama.” For more information, visit bal- letcentral.co.uk It’s Stop Start! at Birmingham Arts & Science Festival Organisers of the ’s Arts & Science Festival have announced the programme for the sixth edition of the event, taking place from 12 to 18 March across the university’s campus and beyond. The popular festival will comprise 60-plus events exploring ‘art, science and the spaces between’. This year’s theme is Stop Start!, inspiring a diverse programme of events exploring subjects includ- ing time, movement, migration, behaviours, life and death. To check out what the festival has to offer, visit artsandsciencefestival.co.uk

Urban family Birmingham Contemporary Music Group event launches join in Debussy centenary tribute in Digbeth Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) is this month pre- Dionne Warwick senting four specially commissioned new works written in tribute to in the Midlands French composer Claude Debussy. The commissions will be performed in a Sunday 25 March concert at The legendary Dionne Warwick Symphony Hall. The concert forms part of the City of Birmingham will perform in Birmingham this autumn as part of a UK tour. Symphony Orchestra’s Debussy Festival, taking place to mark the cen- Don’t Make Me Over will see the tenary of the composer’s death. singer performing classic hits BCMG also contribute to the festival on Sunday 18 March, again at from her back catalogue, includ- Symphony Hall, when they perform Debussy’s Legacy, a concert which ing Walk On By, Any One Who explores how the Frenchman’s compositions changed music forever. Had A Heart, Do You Know The A daytime party for fami- For more information, visit bcmg.org.uk Way To San Jose and Heart- lies to enjoy is being breaker. She appears at Sym- launched in Birming- phony Hall on 20 September. ham’s Digbeth district For ticket information, visit seet- this Easter. ickets.com/tour/dionne-warwick #Gassed is a brand new concept featuring dance battles, street art, street food, DJ workshops, gam- ing and more. The event takes place at Mama Roux’s (pictured) on Saturday 31 March.

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First Word

Film festival puts out call for entries There’s still time - just! - to enter a movie in this year’s Satyajit Ray Short Film Com- petition. A celebration of new film- making talent that explores themes of South Asian expe- rience, the competition par- ticularly aims to highlight work that in some way links to the humanist vision of leg- endary Indian director Satya- jit Ray. Shorts should be no more than two years old, no longer than 20 minutes in duration, must be English subtitled and need to be submitted no later than Sunday 4 March. For more information, visit londonindianfilmfestival.co. uk Smash-and-grab West End comedy heading to The REP A brand new comedy described as ‘Ocean's Eleven sented by Mischief Theatre, the company behind meets the Marx Brothers’ is visiting Birmingham the award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong. Repertory Theatre this summer, direct from a run in The show runs at The REP from 23 August to 8 Sep- the West End. tember. For further information and to book tickets, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is being pre- visit birmingham-rep.co.uk

Have you got the Fun at the gallop! music in you? The 70th Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS) will take place Birmingham singers are at Birmingham’s NEC being given the chance to Genting Arena in the au- work with the iconic Kiki Dee tumn. at this year’s Choir Camp. The popular annual event is The national gathering takes being held at the venue place at Staffordshire's In- from Wednesday 3 to Sun- gestre Hall from 16 to 18 day 7 October. March. Commenting on the special For more information, email occasion, Emma Wardell, [email protected] HOYS’ Event Director, said: “With 60,000 visitors and 1,500 competitors across the five days, the show pro- History made as HRH Prince Edward duces an array of equestrian opens Royal Birmingham Conservatoire entertainment, as well as HRH Prince Edward will officially open Royal Birmingham Conserva- hosting National Showing toire on Sunday 11 March. and Showjumping Champi- As part of the event, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Or- onships.” chestra & Chorus will present a concert featuring works by Chopin, Tickets for the event are Ciurlionis and Ravel, and a world premiere from Joe Cutler. now on sale. For more infor- Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla conducts, with Andrey Ivanov on piano. mation, visit hoys.co.uk For more information, visit bcu.ac.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:40 Page 4 The Kite Runner DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:41 Page 1 FLYING HIGH

stage version of Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel comes to Birmingham

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by Stephen Taylor

One of the themes running through Khaled Matthew appreciates these qualities in drama misrepresenting something because I’m Hosseini’s best-selling novel The Kite Runner, not only as a writer but also as a member of collapsing two scenes together, which maybe the stage version of which shows at the audience. makes perfect sense in adapting a book, but Birmingham Repertory Theatre this month, is (not) in this cultural context.” “As a theatregoer, I like plays that are full of that of refugees. One-and-a-half decades on themes. I saw The Ferryman recently here in Music forms an important part of The Kite from the book’s publication, the man London, and that struck me as a similar Runner on stage. This production features responsible for adapting the story for the theme-heavy play; there’s a lot in it, and I renowned tabla player Hanif Khan, whose theatre is conscious that this aspect of the think that makes for great theatre.” audiences have included Prince Charles and novel still resonates. Sir Paul McCartney. The California-based Matthew’s first “That’s a bigger theme in the play now than it exposure to The Kite Runner happened more “Every production of The Kite Runner has was when we first produced it in 2009,” says than a decade ago. used live musicians, at my urging, and I’m playwright Matthew Spangler, “and it’s thrilled that this production has it. I think it certainly a bigger theme than when the book “Khaled Hosseini and I, we live in the same adds a lot, having that live musician on was published in 2003. city - well, the same area, I should say. We’re stage, and it can underscore scenes. There’s in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay “How does that affect the production? I something about that live person on stage area, and a lot of the book is set there. I read suppose I’ve changed a few lines to create which, for me, is part of the theatricality of it when it first came out in 2003, and I was words that would echo with the contemporary the piece.” drawn to the immigration story. I’m also a situation - nothing that you’d probably even professor at a university, and I teach courses For anyone who’s never seen The Kite Runner notice if you saw the other productions, but on immigration and the arts, so I thought it but is thinking about catching it at The REP, there are things that I’m aware of, a line here would be a good book to teach with my Matthew has this message: “It’s a great story and there, that echo with the situation we’re in students. - I think that’s the big thing in The Kite today.” Runner. It’s an amazing story, a rollercoaster “I wrote to Khaled and asked what he would The Kite Runner is the story of two boys of ups and downs, twists and turns. If you think of a play based on the book - almost all growing up in 1970s Afghanistan who share a like a good story, this is the play for you.” my plays are adapted from books - and we love of kite running, a national passion that met at a Starbucks in California. I introduced As for his future plans, Matthew is turning involves cutting the strings of opposing kite myself and told him about my work, and it his attention to another area of Asia for his flyers and then retrieving the kite from where it went from there. So there are some subtle next project. lands. An incident at a crucial kite-running differences between the play and the book, event becomes a pivotal moment in the story “I’m working on a new play, which is still in and a number of those are driven by Khaled and forms the basis for the play’s numerous draft form, about the 1953 coup in Iran, when himself.” strands. Britain and the United States put out of Once the idea was up and running, Matthew power Iran’s Prime Minister [Mohammad “One thing I like about The Kite Runner is that proceeded to thoroughly research the project. Mosaddegh] and installed the Shah. So this is there are a lot of themes,” says Matthew. “It’s a “I spent about nine months researching, and a play about the CIA and the British agents father-son story, a story about two best friends, one of my best sources was Khaled’s father- who pulled off that coup. a love story, a story about betrayal, regret and in-law. He lives in the San Francisco Bay redemption, and a story about global politics area, so I would meet with him, read books and refugees - and it’s all these things together. on Afghan history and culture, and then I In any other play, it would be reasonable just would go over to his house and we would sit The Kite Runner shows at Birmingham to focus on one of those themes, but The Kite down and I would talk to him about it. Repertory Theatre from Tuesday 13 to Runner has them all together, and you see Saturday 24 March them in relationship to each other, and at “I wanted to be very careful about not taking different points in the evening one of those something out that was really essential in themes comes to the forefront.” some way to Afghan culture or politics, or

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MISTRESS AND MISFIT

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi comes to Birmingham Shappi Khorsandi for online 2.qxp_Layout 1 28/02/2018 17:14 Page 2

Shappi Khorsandi’s brilliant new show, funnier. I relate Emma’s life to modern harlot’.” Mistress And Misfit, focuses on Emma, Lady women and, like all stand-ups, I draw people Mistress And Misfit is also full to the brim Hamilton, the mistress and misfit who lit up into the world as I see it, so it’s still a very with wonderfully offbeat facts about Emma, the life of Admiral Nelson and added to the personal show.” many of which make for hilarious routines. “I gaiety of nations during the Georgian era. Shappi has notched up numerous high- did a lot of research to find quirky things that The comedian has had a ball writing the profile television appearances during the would work in stand-up. For instance, I show. “It’s about passion and tragedy,” she course of her career, and is also a bestselling discovered that there was something called says. “What better things are there to write author, having released A Beginners Guide to the Harris List, which reviewed all the comedy about?” Acting English in 2009 and her critically prostitutes in London. It was like a Trip After an acclaimed sell-out run at the lauded debut novel, Nina Is Not OK, in 2016. Adviser of its time for prostitutes. At the time, Edinburgh Festival last summer, Shappi is So does she see any similarities between one in six women in Covent Garden worked now about to embark on her biggest Emma and herself. as a prostitute. So if you were visiting Covent nationwide tour yet, performing Mistress And “We were both artist’s models. She modelled Garden, you would take along your Harris Misfit at 50 venues around the country. “It’s for great artists, I modelled for GCSE students List to see who tickled your fancy. Crazy.” like skydiving. The adrenaline rush is in Tower Hamlets. I have never worked in a For all that, Shappi emphasises that the incredible. It’s probably the only time in my brothel, but I have had moments that I would show is not meant to be a lecture. “It’s not a day when I’m utterly focused and have no only tell you about on stage or when very history lesson. It’s about now. It’s not my responsibility to anyone else apart from the drunk. I will be sharing some of those stories intention to make anyone learn anything. It’s audience. in Mistress And Misfit.” up to people if they want to take notes. But if “It’s like a lovely, warm, relaxing bath, but a The comedian, who since 2015 has held the they bring a notebook, that might put me off very high-octane one! You can’t reproduce role of President of Humanists UK, also sees because I would think they were critics and that feeling. If I haven’t done stand-up for a many parallels between the attitudes towards pick on them!” while, I just have to get back on stage. I need women then and now. “Any woman who does Shappi’s already high profile was further it like oxygen!” anything seen as salacious is still demonised enhanced last year by her appearance on I’m “When you’re a stand-up, people have come today. That’s a very modern theme. It’s not A Celebrity. She laughs that one of the knock- to see you and share the experience with you. exclusive to Georgian times. on effects of the programme is that it’s made They can read a book about Emma, Lady “In the show, I talk about Emma being her a better driver. Hamilton, but the way I tell her story draws married to a man 30 years older than her. If “I’m not very good at parallel parking. But people into my stand-up, which I hope is why they were from a lower class, women had no jumping out of an aeroplane on I’m a they bought a ticket in the first place!” financial independence and no options. That Celebrity made me put things into In Mistress And Misfit, Shappi recounts the happened 200 years ago, but much more perspective. Now I think, ‘What was I worried largely untold story of England's unsung recently, my grandmother was married when about? If someone is beeping their horn as I heroine, Emma, Lady Hamilton. For too long, she was 13 to a man in his 30s. So perhaps my try to park, they can just wait’. she’s been reductively tagged as Nelson's gran was the Emma of her time! “I’m A Celebrity makes you really look at life mistress and a bit of a harlot (you work in a “The term ‘gold-digger’ is still banded about from a different angle. You’re too hungry to brothel for one night and there goes your willy-nilly, when we don’t know anything think of anything apart from what to do with reputation). about that woman. Women who are viewed your life. You have time to figure that out. Women's lib wasn't uppermost in people’s as marrying above their station are still And financially, it’s meant that I can now minds in Georgian times. Emma moved derided. There are massive parallels with afford to lose money putting on my play! As a heaven and earth to drag herself from today.” creative person, I’m happy to do certain well- scullery maid to Lady Hamilton. So maybe The Establishment closed ranks against paid jobs that fund my labours of love.” she occasionally danced naked on tables to Emma after Nelson’s death. “Just before the Speaking of jobs, what would Shappi be get a jump on her rivals, but who hasn't done Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson wrote an add-on to doing if she weren’t a stand-up? “I’d have my that? As a fellow naked dancer on tables, his will asking that Emma and his daughter own cleaning company. I once was a cleaner. Shappi is eager to celebrate the woman be looked after in the event of his death: ‘that That’s another thing I have in common with England betrayed. is the only favour I ask of my king and Emma because she worked as a cleaner, too!” “I was fascinated by Emma. She was really country as I go to fight their battle’. clever and compassionate and very hard “But Emma ended her days derelict, done by. She was also a master of re- penniless and alcoholic in Calais. There was invention and a fantastically creative person. no monument to her. We haven’t been told Shappi Khorsandi will be at The I initially tried to write a novel about Emma, what a massive impact Emma had on Theatre, Birmingham, on Sunday 25 but it was too hard, so I thought I’d do a Nelson’s life. Historians have wanted to make March show about her instead. That was easier and Trafalgar about Nelson and not about ‘this Food March Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:28 Page 2

Food

Birmingham gets its first monthly vegan street food festival Birmingham’s first monthly vegan street food festival is now up and running. Located at Hawkery Yard in Pershore Street, at the back of the Arcadian and close to the Bullring Fish Market, the event takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Participating traders include No Baloney, Absolutely Vegan, Vegivores, Numinums, Vegan Junk and Biddulph's Pizzeria. For more information, visit hawkeryardbirmingham.co.uk

prawns and tasty whitebait in charging. batter. Served with a creamy Because it sounded so delicious, Florida tartare sauce, it was a not because we needed it to ac- starter I'd happily order again. company either of the main The buffalo wings were smoth- courses, we also ordered a side ered in smoked butter and a deli- of sausage gravy. Made with cious habanero sauce. Both the country pork sausage and wings and all elements of the smoked bacon, it was absolutely seafood dish were cooked to per- incredible, and easily the most fection, successfully whetting flavoursome sauce for chip-dip- our appetite for the feast that ping I've ever tried. I thoroughly was to follow. recommend all meat-eating din- As naughty as the Truffle ers follow suit and give it a go. Mac’n'Cheese Burger and the We didn’t manage to squeeze in Double-Dutch Chicken Waffle dessert, but for those who wish sounded, we decided to opt for to participate, Nosh + Quaff offer the Smokey-Dokey Sassafras rocky road, cheesecake, hot Beef Brisket as our second main cookie dough and a sharing waf- course, to accompany the fresh, fle. The sharing waffle is topped whole lobster on which we’d al- with banana, toffee, peanut but- ready set our heart. ter ice cream and crunchy bits. It REVIEW: Nosh + Quaff Expertly steamed, grilled and would definitely have been our A taste of America in Birmingham split, and served with a rich gar- sugar hit of choice if we’d had lic lemon butter sauce, the lob- room. ster was devoured in no time at Situated on Colmore Row, one of lovers, to say my partner and I All in all, if you’re a fan of Ameri- all. I’ve eaten nicer, but given the Birmingham’s most desirable were excited to visit would be an can cuisine and after an infor- £25 price tag and the fact that areas, American restaurant Nosh understatement. mal, tasty plate of grub, then this Nosh + Quaff isn’t a high-class + Quaff have built up a fine repu- is the place for you. The quirky We arrived to find the restaurant seafood restaurant located on tation as the city’s favourite decor, allied with the friendly packed out - always a good sign the coast, there were certainly no American restaurant. and attentive service, made for when you’re visiting somewhere complaints from our end. Part of the Lasan Group, which new. Comprising a unique blend an enjoyable evening indeed. The star of the show, however, also comprises Lasan, Fiesta Del of Victorian - it’s a grade II listed Lauren Foster was the irresistibly juicy beef Asado and Raja Monkey, the building - and industrial decor, brisket. Cooked slowly in root restaurant is just a two-minute the venue was loud, fun and Food: nnnnn beer and coated in a sticky mo- walk from Birmingham New hugely welcoming. Service: nnnnn lasses glaze, the flavour sensa- Street train station. The conve- Ambience: nnnnn We perused the menu over a tion was simply stunning. A real nient city centre location makes Overall value nnnnn Long Island Iced Tea - the cock- melt-in-the-mouth experience, it a perfect spot for diners both OVERALL nnnnn tails came highly recommended, the meat was perfectly cooked from within and outside the city. so it would’ve been foolish not to and without doubt the nicest Nosh + Quaff Although showcasing a mouth- sample what was on offer. brisket I've had in some consid- 130 Colmore Row watering menu of gourmet burg- To start, we shared the buffalo erable time. Served with home- Victoria Square ers, hot dogs, ribs and juicy wings and a dish called Pearls Of made corn bread and Boston Birmingham steaks, Nosh + Quaff is best The Deep. The latter comprised beans, it was well worth the B3 3AP known for its lobster. Being both tender squid, juicy coconut £18.95 that Nosh + Quaff were Tel: 00121 236 4246 huge carnivores and crustacean whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food March Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:28 Page 3

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Food

New party venue opens in Edgbaston A unique event space has opened in Birmingham’s Edgbaston suburb. The High Field Studio can accommodate 80 guests for drinks and buffets or 60 guests for seated occasions. The venue comes complete with its own private bar. Solihull’s Mell Square welcomes Esabella’s Solihull shopping centre Mell Square is now home to Esabella's social eating house. With menus inspired ‘by land, sea and garden’, the venue provides a wide array of imaginative dishes for customers to enjoy. Favourites include crispy goats cheese with pineapple and red pepper, and rump of beef served with truffle cauliflower cheese, bone marrow and cabbage. Indian street food chain comes to Popular Lebanese restaurant chain set to open premises Selfridges in Birmingham’s New Street Station this month Popular chain Rola Wala has opened a Lebanese chain Comptoir Libanais is opening in Birmingham’s New Street Station this spring. new restaurant in Birmingham’s Guests can enjoy delicious food all day, including warm Lebanese wraps, marinated grills, tagines, Selfridges. man’ousha, mezze and mezze platters, breakfast options and much more. The company, which produces street A selection of baklawa and Lebanese desserts will also be on offer, as well as homemade foods ‘discovered on Kolkata lemonade, fresh rose mint tea, juices, cocktails and a selection of Lebanese wines and beers, backstreets, Bombay beaches and specially imported from the Bekaa Valley... Comptoir Libanais is set to open on Monday 26 March. Keralan waterways’, describes itself as For more information, visit comptoirlibanais.com serving 'twisted Indian street food'. Its menu features sourdough naan rolls, grain bowls and cauliflower rice Birmingham’s first whisky bar opens in the city centre’s bowls, with all but one of the available Museum of the Jewellery Quarter dishes being under 500 calories. For more information, visit rolawala.com The Birmingham Whisky Club & Festival have opened the city’s first whisky bar. Set inside the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter on Vyse Street, the venue boasts 300-plus whiskies and will host a regular calendar of tastings and events. Commenting on the opening, Whisky Club founder Amy Seton said: “I set up the club six years ago and have helped to build up a thriving community of whisky lovers. Opening a bar was the logical next step, giving our members a home and creating a space to introduce more people to the exciting world of whisky.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Paloma Faith DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:55 Page 1

14PALOMA whatsonlive.co.uk FAITH Paloma Faith DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:55 Page 2

Bursting onto the scene back in 2009 with Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?, Paloma Faith is on course to become the first British female artist to have four consecutive double platinum albums. Lauren Foster caught up with the London-born singer ahead of her show at Birmingham’s Genting Arena this month...

You’re bringing The Architect tour to atmosphere is great and people seem very art house/indie films, like the British version Birmingham’s Genting Arena this month. calm and relaxed. They usually spend quite a of Precious or something like that. What can audiences expect from your bit of time there, having a picnic and stuff. show? It’s really nice. Hopefully we’ll have good How’s parenthood treating you? I think that I'm going to try and do something weather this year. It’s the best and the worst thing that’s ever a little bit more forward-looking and modern happened to me. Once you get past six this time round - I like to reinvent all the You’re playing multiple festivals this months, it becomes the best thing, but I feel time. I’ve been embedded in the world of summer, including a headline slot at before that it’s like hell. You have to provide nostalgia for a while, and now I feel like it’s Splendour Festival. Did you ever imagine for this person who doesn’t even care if you time, socially and politically, to look forward you’d be headlining festivals when you exist or not. because I think we’re in a moment in time first started out? where we absolutely must make some When I first started, I thought I'd just do one What was behind the decision to keep the positive changes. I’ll be singing a mix of old album to say I’ve done it, and then I'd sex of your child private? and new songs. probably get dropped. But now here I am, It’s just about keeping a few details about my nearly 10 years on! child out of the public eye. I don’t think Your new album, also titled The Architect, celebrity culture is a healthy environment for is currently on course to become your You’ve got a busy few months ahead. Do children. I think when they’re 18, they can fourth double platinum album in a row - a you like being busy? What do you always make a decision for themselves. chart-history record for a British woman. make time for despite the heavy How does that make you feel? workload? You have an impeccable sense of style. Well, thank god Adele takes her time, is all I I love being busy; I thrive on it, I think. I Who’s your favourite designer? can say. I think it’s amazing, I have to pinch always prioritise sleep. I'd rather not go out At the moment it’s Alessandro Michele, who myself. and instead have a good night’s sleep designs for Gucci, but I'm not sure he wants because I actually think it’s my favourite to be friends with me because they don’t lend What’s your favourite song off the new thing to do. I sometimes spend half of my day me any clothes. I’ve always been into style album? looking forward to going to bed. I’ve got a more than fashion, I guess. I have lots of favourites for different reasons. really nice bed, though. I think the overall favourite for me is The Tell us something about yourself that we Architect because it summarises the whole Do you prefer performing in arenas or at probably won’t already know or that isn’t gist of what I was feeling when writing the festivals? well documented. record. It’s the world singing to humanity. There’s a massive difference, but I like them I feel like I overshare. I’m not actually that There’s a mothering theme to it because it’s for different reasons - I’d never want to give mad; I'm very measured - and quite sensible, mother nature and that feels appropriate. I up one of them. I like playing small and big perhaps. I love travel. I particularly like the think all of the things I’ve discussed on the and would always want to. I’m not as popular south of Italy, and I've been to Thailand and record, like people in power, homelessness, in certain territories in the world, but I quite the Maldives and Mexico and Cuba, and I had loneliness, poverty, the refugee crisis and enjoy that because I get to do shows that are amazing times there. I really like Japan, even Brexit, fall under the umbrella of that song, in small venues, trying to convince people to though there are lots of people. which is basically that we’ve messed up listen. I still really enjoy doing that. I think What does the future hold for Paloma massively in the world and we need to start it’s really good for me as an artist and as a Faith? reversing it. I spoke to an environmentalist, performer to be able to do both. and he said if we stopped all anti-the-world Hopefully lots more touring and a good activity, like using power sources that weren’t Do you have a favourite festival? work/home balance. That’s really important natural and driving cars and taking flights I really enjoy Bestival and Latitude. I also like now. And hopefully starting a new album and switching on lights, it would only take the little boutique festivals that you don’t and breaking some more self-imposed five years for the world to completely really know, because usually you get a nice records. rejuvenate itself. It’s insane. community feel.

You’ve recently announced that your You’ve branched into television and film. Paloma Faith plays Genting Arena, summer tour includes Forest Live dates. Would you consider taking on more acting Birmingham, on Wednesday 21 March Are you looking forward to them? roles in the future, and what would be and Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire, I’ve done stuff in the forest before, and I'm a your criteria? on Friday 29 June. bit of an old friend to them. I really enjoy it; I would absolutely like to do more acting, but it’s a very beautiful environment, the I don’t think I’m very good at it. I’d want to do

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Gigs

Jessie Ware O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 24 March Hailing from London, singer-songwriter Jessie Ware returns to UK stages this spring in support of third album Glasshouse. Prior to her music career, Ware was a journal- ist, writing for both the Jewish Chronicle and the Daily Mirror. She also worked behind the scenes at TV company Love Productions. Her 2012 debut studio album, Devotion, peaked at number five on the UK albums chart and produced the single Wildest Mo- ments. Follow-up record Tough Love (2014) reached number nine.

Eliza And The Bear fishing shed,” says guitarist Martin, “ma- noeuvring around the boxes of bait and O2 Institute, Birmingham, Fri 30 March tackle to write Higher, which came from London-based four-piece Eliza And The nothing but feeling free and wanting to play Bear have recently refreshed their sound, the most fun music we could make!” transitioning from indie-folk-rock to a Catch them in Birmingham this month for bouncier, funkier pop vibe. their penultimate UK tour date. “We started over and went back to my dad’s

Vök Elbow Steven Wilson The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 3 March Tues 20 March Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 22 March Across 20 years and seven studio albums, Hailing from Reykjavik, electronic dream- Elbow have scored some massive successes, Four-time Grammy nominee, multi-instru- pop band Vok gained ́recognition within in the process winning, among other cov- mentalist and producer Steven Wilson brings months of forming̈ when they won Iceland’s eted gongs, two Ivor Novellos, a Mercury his huge global tour to the Midlands. prestigious Musiktilraunir (Music Experi- Music Prize and a BRIT Award. A must-see event for any progressive rock fan, ments) contest.́ ́ Comprising lead Guy Garvey, Craig Potter, the show promotes latest album To The Bone Following numerous shows and festival Mark Potter and Pete Turner, have and uses ‘driving futurist rock and spectral slots around Europe, the four-piece were recently secured their second number one electronics to elegiac hyper-space ambience signed by Nettwerk Music Group and re- album in the UK charts with Little Fictions. and dizzying, squalling guitars’... leased their highly anticipated debut LP, Fig- Boasting a well-deserved reputation for de- So if that’s your thing, you know what to do... ure, to great critical acclaim last April. livering arena shows that combine scale with intimacy, the four-piece bring their new tour to Birmingham this month in support of Fall Out Boy the album. , Tuesday 27 March Comprising Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley - and best known for singles Dance Dance, Sugar We’re Goin Down and This Ain’t A Scene It’s An Arms Race - Grammy-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy are back with eagerly anticipated seventh studio offering MANIA. Released in January, the album is the follow-up to the band’s platinum-certified American Beauty/American Psycho, which debuted at number two on the UK official albums chart.

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Classical

Ex Cathedra: Harmonic Spiritual Theatre Birmingham Cathedral, Sat 10 March Internationally renowned Birmingham choral group Ex Cathedra here explore lit- tle-known gems from the Renaissance and Baroque in an intimate Lenten pro- gramme of early oratorio. The performance features glorious music by Monteverdi, Gesualdo and Anerio - the latter of whom published Teatro armonico spiritual di madrigali, which lends the concert its title. Charpentier’s Denial of St Peter and Caris- simi’s Jephte, which reaches its climax with a poignantly beautiful lament, com- plete the programme.

CBSO: Sensual Debussy Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 17 March The CBSO Youth Chorus and Birmingham University Singers join the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to present a concert marking the centenary of the death of Claude De- bussy. The French composer rose to prominence on the back of music that chimed with many of the ideals held dear by the Impressionist and Symbolist artists of his time. Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla takes up the baton for a programme that sees four of Debussy’s works, includingė the famous Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, presented alongside pieces by Szymanowski and Wagner. The concert forms part of a nine-day Debussy festival. Birmingham Fretwork Omo Bello - Choral Union The Barber Institute, Birmingham, La Belle Époque Wed 14 March The Bramall, Birmingham, Sat 17 March , Fri 23 March Renaissance and baroque quartets from Birmingham Choral Union’s 70 voices are England, France, Germany and Italy all fea- joined by a professional chamber orches- ture in the programme when this highly tra and four soloists for a concert of fine rated ensemble make a welcome return to Baroque pieces. the Barber this month. Featured in the programme is Handel’s Having achieved a standard of performance Dettingen Te Deum, his Ode for the Birth- that’s seen them establish a new bench- day of Queen Anne, and a setting of Psalm mark in terms of playing the classic English 121 by Telemann. viol repertory, Fretwork are also active in Providing a rare opportunity to experi- commissioning new works for viol consort. ence the splendour of two composers at They were last year rewarded for their bril- the height of their powers, the concert is liance when they won the Royal Philhar- conducted by Colin Baines. monic Society’s chamber music & song prize. Presented along with the above concert as part of this month’s Birmingham Debussy Festival, this ‘ravishing all-French recital’ is performed by Franco-Nigerian soprano Omo Bello. Omo’s training in Paris ensures she has a special connection with both Debussy and Fauré, whose Cinq mélodies ‘de Venise’ is featured in the programme. The recital also sees her performing works by Jules Massenet and Erik Satie.

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Comedy

SO Comedy The Core, Solihull, Thurs 15 March Welsh stand-up comedian Robin Morgan shares the limelight with local funnyman David Morgan (pictured) in this latest offer- ing from SO Comedy, the live-performance arm of the company behind The Graham Norton Show.

Flight Of The Conchords Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 22 March This New Zealand folk comedy duo stop off in Birmingham as part of a brand new UK and Daliso Chaponda Ireland tour, their first in seven years. The pair have previously billed themselves as ‘for- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 3 March; MAC, Birmingham, Fri 9 March; Slade Rooms, merly New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-com- Wolverhampton, Fri 16 March; Palace The- edy folk duo’. Their show sees them combining witty observation, characterisation and atre, Redditch, Thurs 22 March acoustic guitar music to excellent effect. Malawian Daliso has blended the slick North American style of comedy he learned while working in Canada with a real talent Rachel Parris for brevity, ensuring that his gags, although Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 30 March not one-liners, nonetheless come thick and fast. Rachel has passed this way be- Like all good comedians, he can adapt his fore, as a founder cast member act to suit his audience - on a previous trip of smash-hit improv show Aus- to the Midlands, he performed a filthy set in tentatious, a comedy play pre- Birmingham’s Silhouettes sented in the style of Jane Strip Club before heading Austen. off to regale family audi- An award-winning musical ences at the Greenbelt comic whose name recently ap- Christian Festival! peared on the BBC’s Hot Talent Jokes include: “I List, Rachel has starred in nu- moved to the UK merous TV shows, including because of the Murder In Successville, Plebs, BNP - they said The IT Crowd and the satirical the immigrants Mash Report. were taking all This latest touring show sees her the best jobs and bringing together stand-up with all the best women, character and musical comedy, and I thought, ‘wow, as she explores what messed-up that sounds like a good message she can offer impres- deal to me!’” sionable young minds when she gives a speech at her old school. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy March 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:50 Page 2

Jonathan Pie Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 1 March; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 7 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 8 March The media’s decision to pounce on Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of his first Labour lead- ership victory lit the torchpaper for actor Tom Walker to create the larger-than-life character of Jonathan Pie. YouTube sensation Pie is supposedly a British political correspondent - but one who likes to rant at the camera. The media’s savaging of Corbyn pushed Walker over the edge. “I got really annoyed by it,” he admits, “by the ridiculousness of the British press.” But neither Walker nor Pie are so left-wing that they wear blinkers: “I think these days, especially on the left, people go, ‘You either agree with me 100% or you’re on their side’. Anyone who votes Conservative is a bigot and anyone who voted leave is a bigot. So I think the left are in danger of forgetting po- litical nuance. I hope that Pie reminds them Lucy Porter Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 March of it.” Edinburgh favourite Lucy Porter has a mis- which her specialist subject was American chievous style of comedy that marks her out funnyman Steve Martin. as a real talent. She’s an absolute charmer, She returns to the Midlands this month with but don’t be fooled - her pleasant girl-next- latest touring show Choose Your Battles. door demeanour conceals a beautifully Her big bag of gags includes, “My husband twisted mind! proposed to me over the phone. I said yes Highlights of her career include achieving a straight away, but I should’ve asked who was record score on Celebrity Mastermind, in calling.”

Richard Herring Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Thurs 15 March; Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Thurs 22 March; Forest Arts Cen- tre, Walsall, Sat 24 March; Wolves Civic Hall, Fri 27 April; Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 13 May; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 3 June Richard Herring has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most inventive and origi- Ivan Brackenbury nal comedians, cleverly using real-life trials The Bramall, Birmingham, Thurs 15 March and tribulations to inform his high-quality line in comic patter. Ivan Brackenbury is an inept hospital radio He’s certainly not a man to shirk big or con- DJ - and he’s also the creation of former troversial subjects when it comes to his com- XFM radio presenter Tom Binns. edy shows. Previous tours have seen him A Jongleurs award winner, Binns created the ponder religion (Christ On A Bike), politics character relatively early in his career, and (Hitler Moustache) and penises (Talking has enjoyed great success with him ever Cock). since. Brackenbury’s radio roadshow comes This latest offering finds him contemplating complete with inappropriate records and the subject of ageing - and in particular how bungled cues. it feels to have reached his half century. Ian D Montfort and Rob Mulholland are the The show is a sort-of sequel to Oh F*** I’m other comedians taking to the stage for this 40, which, it will surprise nobody to hear, he latest evening of comedy at the Bramall. took on the road a decade ago. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 My First Opera DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:09 Page 1

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OPERA FOR ALL Heather Kincaid dispels the myth that opera is elitist by sharing her first experience of the art form - seeing Welsh National Opera’s production of Lohengrin at Birmingham Hippodrome...

Back in 2013, I started reviewing Birmingham and I have the confidence in the validity of the same way as the RSC approaches Hippodrome shows as part of the theatre’s my own opinions to say so. Shakespeare, they’re not afraid to radically First Night Blogging scheme. As a lover of the reimagine things in ways that appeal to Musically, nothing could have prepared me arts in general, opera was always something contemporary audiences, rather than being for the scale and scope of hearing an opera I’d been curious about, but I’d never quite painstakingly purist. This means their shows performed live - if you’ve only ever listened to had the guts to take the plunge and give it a always feel fresh and vital, and moreover, recordings, you won’t have the faintest sense go before, particularly given my lack of everyone has to come in with an open mind: of how the sound just washes over you and knowledge about classical music. if you’re a newcomer, you’re not the only one envelops you. As a friend later said to me who doesn’t quite know what to expect! Had I been simply buying my own ticket, the when I was lucky enough to experience worst my first time could have meant was a Mariinsky Opera’s Ring Cycle in full, it “does Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts - things potentially unenjoyable night out at the something to your soul”. you’ve already encountered will offer you an theatre - nothing much to complain about, in in, and it’s interesting to explore how opera Another thing I’ve learned is not to worry too the scheme of things. But attending as a has influenced later developments. Wagner’s much about the technical jargon. There is reviewer made me nervous. What if I didn’t style is pretty cinematic, while something definitely room for experts who specialise in get what was going on or couldn’t get to grips like The Marriage Of Figaro is farcical, a kind that - but to the average reader of a more with the conventions of the form? What if not of domestic sitcom, and Bizet’s Carmen is general blog or publication, it’s as like as not enjoying it was my fault rather than the almost proto-musical theatre. WNO embraces to be intimidating and off-putting. The job is show’s? What if, even if I did enjoy it, I then the connections too, often staging musicals more to capture a flavour of the show overall: found myself without the technical insight or like Sweeney Todd or Kiss Me Kate as part of if your audience are people more or less like vocabulary to effectively describe and operatic seasons. you, you need to describe what you analyse the experience? experienced, and not what you feel as though As with anything, of course, the more you As I’d learned already, however, sometimes you should have picked up on. I’m not the see, the more confident you become, and the the best experiences come out of the first to have said all this, of course - Armando better equipped you are to explain your situations you’re most unsure about. As a Iannucci is an opera lover, and a passionate thoughts and opinions. Yet five years later, as student, I’d actually inadvertently ended up advocate of getting more people engaged in a professional arts journalist, my first opera appearing in light, comic opera, tempted by conversations around classical music. still holds a special place in my heart, pirate costumes and chocolate money to sign remaining one of my favourites that I’ve seen Don’t forget there are other aspects to talk up to my university’s G&S Society without to this day. about as well. Opera is a dramatic form, the faintest idea of who or what Gilbert & specifically designed to bring together all the Sullivan were. In that instance, I’d ended up WNO this month bring their spring season to arts, so don’t feel as though it’s somehow loving every minute of it and staying for the the Hippodrome, performing three sacrilegious to talk about the acting and the full three years, despite the fact I still can’t compelling works: Verdi’s epic La Forza del design as well as the orchestra and singing, really read music. So in the end, I figured just Destino; Mozart’s brilliant Don Giovanni, particularly when it comes to Welsh National writing about a show you didn’t know much based on the legend of Don Juan and set Opera (WNO) shows. In years gone by, it’s about couldn’t be half as scary as performing during the Spanish Golden Age; and been more fashionable for operas to be in one! Puccini’s Tosca, a thrilling story of love, lust, performed more stiffly, with all the emphasis loyalty and corruption. And boy was I glad I went along! In a way, I on vocal performance. These days, however, guess I got lucky in Wagner’s Lohengrin you can expect to see actors as accomplished being my first. I’ve since learned that, while as any you’d see in a play - they just happen they’re enjoyable enough in their way, the to be able to sing sublimely too! Welsh National Opera perform their three sort of stereotypical stories of tragic romance With WNO, there’s a clear emphasis on spring-season shows at Birmingham and fallen women of the ilk of La Traviata directorial vision, inventive set design and Hippodrome from Tuesday 6 to Thursday aren’t quite so much to my tastes as Wagner’s coherent, accessible productions. In much 8 March. epic tales of angels, gods and ghost ships -

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Play That Goes Wrong stopped off in the Midlands. For those not in the know, the play focuses on the Cornley Polytech- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 19- Sat 24 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 27 - Sat 31 March nic Drama Society’s attempt to put on a 1920s-set murder-mystery. The only trouble is, the bumbling thesps are more than a little acci- Mischief Theatre Company’s Edinburgh Festival show returns to the dent-prone - so much so, in fact, that they’re not even sure they’ll region on the back of a fantastic reputation, a couple of successful manage to reach the curtain call... West End runs and some really positive reviews from the last time it

Suggs: What A King Cnut: Quartet City Love A Life In The Realm The REP, Birmingham, Tues 6 - Sat 10 March Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Of Madness Tues 13 - Sat 17 March Described as a painfully honest tale of two New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 11 March people ‘navigating work, London and life’, Old Joint Stock Theatre and Illuminate Pro- After selling out his previous touring produc- ductions’ fast-paced comedy tells the story of tion, Madness frontman Suggs here takes a a pair of struggling city workers whose mun- lighthearted look at a career that’s featured dane lives are transformed by their chance plenty of memorable moments - from experi- meeting with one another. encing vertigo on the roof of Buck- ingham Palace, to nearly blowing the closing ceremony Familiar telly faces Paul Nicholas (Just Good of the London Friends), Wendi Peters (Coronation Street), Olympics. Sue Holderness (Only Fools And Horses) and Oh, and watching Jeff Rawle (Drop The Dead Donkey) star in his underpants fall this revival of Sir Ronald Harwood’s bitter- to earth on David sweet comedy about four ageing opera Bowie’s driveway... singers growing old disgracefully. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 2 Theatre March-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

NoFit State Circus: Lexicon porary take on circus for a seated audience in the round’, Lexicon brings together ‘vivid storytelling, evocative live music and spectacu- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wed 28 March - Sat 21 April lar physical performance’. NoFit State’s show is being presented as a celebration of the 250th an- The production is part of a year-long project aiming to ‘enable pio- niversary of the first ever circus, created in 1768 by Newcastle-under- neering work, forge new partnerships, build new audiences and Lyme equestrian and cavalryman Philip Astle. embed circus at the heart of modern-day culture’. Described by the company as ‘a daring, seductive and utterly contem-

Education, Education, Oedipus And Antigone The 4 Clowns Of Education Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 29 March The Apocalypse MAC, Birmingham, Tues 20 March Suitably inspired by the critical acclaim they garnered for their 2017 tour of Richard III, Be- yond The Horizon once again hit the road, this time with a reimagining of Sophocles’ greatest works. “Oedipus is a murder-mystery in its most twisted of forms,” explain the company. “Antigone stands alone against the state, challenging the power of the law with the un- written law of the gods…” The Performance Hub, University of Wolver- hampton, Walsall, Fri 16 March; Blue Orange The much-admired Wardrobe Ensemble are Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 18 March; Arena the company behind this ‘love letter to the Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 20 March; schools of the 1990s’, presenting a show Pentabus Theatre, Bromfield, nr Ludlow, South Shropshire, Thurs 22 March that’s rich in their trademark inventiveness and irreverent humour. Absolute Theatre and Portugal’s Teatro do Set in 1997, the play takes a wry look at the Montemuro are the collaborators behind a world of education in the era of Cool Britan- show that’s been described as ‘a sensorial, nia, focusing on life in a secondary school nonsensical delight for the whole family’. where chaos and confusion is the order of the When the Horsemen of the Apocalypse day... gather together to do their worst, they find Specialising in the exploration of stories that themselves seriously hampered by some have shaped recent political history, epic-scale incompetence. Wardrobe Ensemble were Fringe First award Expect an evening incorporating universal winners at the Edinburgh Festival last sum- destruction, spectacular visuals and the mer. occasional deck chair...

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Theatre

Legally Blonde answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he's dump- ing her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 13 - Sat 17 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 21 - Sat 26 May the books and heads for Harvard Law School. X-Factor finalist Lucie Jones stars as Elle, with Rita Simons (Roxy Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically ac- Mitchell in EastEnders) and Bill Ward (Emmerdale and Coronation claimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and home- Street) lending heavyweight support. coming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn't take no for an

The Case Of The Son Of A Preacher Man Evita Frightened Lady Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Tues 13 - Sat 17 March March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 3 - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 7 April Mon 19 - Sat 24 March; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's third After enjoying a hit with their adaptation of major collaboration opened to rave reviews Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement In Stone, the way back in the late 1970s. It has since gar- Classic Thriller Company now turn their at- nered a reputation as one of the greatest mu- tention to a 1931 play from the prolific pen of sicals ever to grace West End and Broadway Edgar Wallace. stages. Telling the real-life story of Eva Peron, An English writer who went to Hollywood, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Wallace was busily penning the screenplay the show is packed to the rafters with memo- for the classic 1933 King Kong movie when he Wolfblood actress Michelle Gaye stars along- rable numbers, including On This Night Of A unexpectedly died from undiagnosed dia- side Hollyoaks’ Alice Barlow in a touring Thousand Stars, Buenos Aires, You Must betes... show that channels the Swinging ’60s music Love Me, Another Suitcase In Another Hall When Inspector Tanner investigates a grue- of the iconic Dusty Springfield. and, of course, the classic Don't Cry For Me some murder at an ancestral home, it isn’t Named after the late singer’s 1968 chart hit Argentina. long before he realises that nothing is quite and directed by Strictly’s Craig Revel Hor- as it seems... wood, the show follows the story of three lovesick individuals from different genera- tions who seek solace at the original site of Soho’s legendary Preacher Man hang-out - a once-happening joint where youngsters with fresh ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an aspiration for love would dance until they dropped...

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Theatre previews from around the region

The Importance Of Being Earnest Lichfield Garrick, Tues 27 - Sat 31 March This famous Oscar Wilde play is a rightly adored work of farce that proudly sits at the very pinnacle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the at- tempts of Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is masquerad- ing as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the re- doubtable Lady Bracknell and there’s little wonder that disaster looms large on Jack’s horizon... Familiar television faces Gwen Taylor (as Lady Bracknell) and Susan Penhaligon star in a show that’s visiting Lichfield as part of a UK tour.

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Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

White as well as two-year-olds in mind, so why not Tiddler And Other grab your granny en route to the theatre and The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, make it a family occasion? A feast of singa- Terrific Tales Fri 9 - Sun 11 March long songs combines with a colourful collec- Birmingham Town Hall, Scottish theatre company Catherine Wheels tion of animal characters in a show that Fri 30 March - Tues 3 April have garnered an impressive reputation for promises plenty of heartwarming family fun. the innovative quality of their children’s shows - and this eight-year-old offering makes it easy to see why. Cotton and Wrinkle live in an orderly world Horrible Histories: More full of birdsong and birdhouses, where every- Best Of Barmy Britain thing is white. But when the colour red Palace Theatre, Redditch, makes an unexpected appearance, the Thurs 8 - Fri 9 March; Belgrade Theatre, friends are faced with the very real prospect Coventry, Wed 30 May - Sat 2 June of needing to embrace change... If you love the Hor- rible Histories se- ries - and why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then the Barmy Britain pro- Freckle Productions here bring together a ductions are well host of colourful characters from four books worth catching. by Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Alongside provid- Axel Scheffler. Live music and puppetry are ing answers to such combined in a show that promises to take its searching ques- audience under the sea, out on the farm and tions as ‘what would happen if a Viking into the jungle. moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the shows also invite their audiences to escape Little Bo Peep the clutches of Burke & Hare, move to the So You Think You Know Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 10 March groove with the partying Queen Victoria and About Dinosaurs! Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s 10th anniversary prepare to do battle in the First World War. In Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 1 March show uses puppets, scenery, music and song short, and as the publicity says, they are ‘a An absorbing experience for dino-loving to bring to life a selection of favourite nursery truly horrible history of Britain - with all the youngsters is very much on the cards when rhymes. nasty bits left in!’ this interactive, educational and refreshingly The 45-minute show, accompanied by a 15- entertaining show hits town. minute ‘meet the puppets’ session, is suit- Dr Ben Garrod is the dinosaur afficionado im- able for children aged from two to seven. Monstersaurus! parting a T-Rex-sized heap of fascinating Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, facts about all manner of prehistoric crea- Sat 31 March - Mon 2 April tures. Film footage from the BBC's Planet Di- Penguin Having created a whole world of whacky in- nosaur ensures there’s plenty to look at while Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, ventions and incredible monsters, young in- Dr Ben’s chatting away. Fri 9 March; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, ventor Monty doesn’t know what to do with Sat 10 March them all... The creators of Aliens Love Under- Masterful theatricals Long Nose Puppets re- pants make a welcome return with this ‘mon- turn to the road with an engaging puppet ver- ster-ously good show’, which comes sion of the award-winning book by Polly complete with original music and plenty of Dunbar. The company are advertising the audience participation. show as ‘exciting, surreal, full of surprises and laughs’, with lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez fame thrown in for good measure.

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Malvern Theatres, Sat 10 March; Wolverhamp- ton Grand Theatre, Sun 29 April The People’s Theatre Company reckon they’ve written this show with 102-year-olds

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whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Christopher Eccleston DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:51 Page 1

Christopher

ShakespeareEccleston belongs to me

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Christopher Eccleston DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:51 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

With a string of high-profile screen roles, He’s not alone in flagging up these problems. and two plays - are all premiering at around awards and nominations to his name, While ideas like ‘gender-blind’ and ‘colour- the same time this year. Christopher Eccleston is easily one of the blind’ casting are slowly starting to take root, There are other elements at play, however. most recognisable and well-regarded actors the wider social and economic context of the What’s less often talked about but essential working in the UK today. It’s somewhat UK is in some ways making it harder than to an understanding of the play is Macbeth’s bemusing to realise, then, that it’s only now, ever for people from backgrounds like obsession with the idea of a legacy. Arguably, at the age of 53, that he’s finally making his Eccleston’s to countenance creative careers. it’s not so much the initial death of Duncan RSC debut, as he prepares to tread the boards “I wouldn’t get into drama school now, no that causes things to fall apart, but actually in Shakespeare’s Scottish play. way, yet people say I’m a very good actor,” the subsequent slaughtering of Banquo and If you didn’t know better, you might assume says Eccleston, with characteristic matter-of- attempted murder of his son. it was a choice - perhaps the Salford council- fact conviction. Not content with his own shot at regal glory, estate lad simply decided that From here, he launches into a passionate the childless Macbeth is consumed by Stratford-upon-Avon and the Bard weren’t plea for working-class performers to seize the jealousy at the witches’ prediction that his intended for the likes of him. On the contrary, keys to the ivory towers they’ve been shut out best friend’s offspring will succeed him. This however - this is a life goal that’s taken him from. Far too many comfortable people, he feeds back into the intense domestic decades to realise. thinks, simply pay lip service to diversity; relationship at the heart of the story, showing “What a lot of people don’t know about me is real change will only come from pressure how easily the personal becomes political. that I became obsessed with Shakespeare from ordinary people. It’s perhaps “For me, the play is scenes from a marriage when I was 15,” says Eccleston. “He’s my unsurprising, then, that his reading of as much as it’s about a traitor. The favourite writer, and not a day goes by when I Macbeth is coloured by some of those same relationship between Macbeth and Lady don’t quote or read him. In a way, this is the frustrations. Macbeth is key. It’s a deep, romantic love, most important role I’ve ever done. I fell in “On one level, Macbeth justifies murdering and even in their madness, right up to the love with Macbeth when I was 17 and playing Duncan to himself because he feels that he end, the most important person in either of Macduff in an amateur production. At that would be a good leader who would make the their worlds is each other. I think they’ve time - and this is absolutely true - I decided country safe. He’s militarily and politically been devastated by the loss of their children that my greatest ambition was to play concerned that Scotland is vulnerable and their inability to have more, and a lot of Macbeth with the Royal Shakespeare because Duncan is ageing and his regime is what happens is them both trying to make Company. So it was actually my love of allowing them to be attacked by both each other feel better about that absence of a Macbeth that made me follow this career Norwegians and rebels within their own future. path.” troops, so he thinks a sterner hand is needed. “We wanted to avoid the misogynistic, Few who know anything about Chris “But he also acknowledges that he is unmotivated portraits of women that you Eccleston will be surprised to hear his ambitious, and the woman who loves him sometimes get with Lady Macbeth - that idea explanation for what has held him back: he’s encourages him to embrace that. He knows of the female evil and the temptress. Macbeth never made a secret of how he feels his he’s never going to be properly rewarded for might have more lines, but Niamh [Cusack] northern, working-class roots have affected his work, because he doesn’t have the blue and I are both on the poster and I think the perceptions of him. But these days it’s more blood and the old school tie, so if he really characters are absolute equals.” than just a class war that he’s fighting: he’s wants it, he’s going to have to take it.” acutely aware of the lack of diversity on all Add to this the show’s female director, and fronts in the British theatre world. In Polly Findlay’s new production, its broadly young and ethnically diverse cast, contemporary parallels for this discontent and you get the sense that real change is “There is still, I believe, a notion that in order are emphasised by a modern setting - underway. And as Eccleston himself to do Shakespeare you have to be white, something she also employed in her last confesses, it’s been a truly democratic middle-class and male, because there’s an collaboration with Eccleston on Sophocles’ rehearsal process in that everyone is happy association of those things with high Antigone, in which his performance as Creon to ‘steal’ ideas from everyone else. intelligence, great sensitivity and attracted comparisons with Tony Blair. It’s entitlement, and it’s been a great frustration understandable that Eccleston shies away in my career that I’m not thought of as a from such direct connections. Still, it’s hard Shakespearean actor. But Shakespeare Macbeth shows at the Royal Shakespeare to get away from a sense that Macbeth feels belongs to me and to people of colour, and Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from particularly timely now, especially given that great roles like Macbeth and Othello belong Tuesday 13 March to Tuesday 18 four new UK productions - a film, an opera to women as much as they do to men.” September.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Motionhouse: Charge Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 13 March Leamington-based Motionhouse’s multimedia show about energy is the third element of Kevin Finnan’s Earth Trilogy, developing on themes explored in Scattered (2009) and Bro- ken (2013) about man’s relationship with water and the earth. Making use of digital projections to create an on-stage world in which dancers and images interact seamlessly, the show features six per- formers using dance and acrobatics to explore the human body, ‘tracing the incredible story of energy in our lives’. “Charge is an amazing collaboration between artists and scientists,” explains Motionhouse co-founder Finnan. “I find the science behind the show fascinating, and I want to use my in- spiration from this to create a presentation for audiences to enjoy - but which also makes them think about the role that energy plays in their lives.”

Vienna Festival Ballet Tango Moderno Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 13 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wed Fri 9 & Sat 10 March 14 March; Evesham Arts Centre, Mon 2 April; Bedworth Civic Hall, Fri 13 April; Artrix, “This is our fourth show,” says Flavia Cacace Bromsgrove, Sun 15 April; Royal Spa Centre, about Tango Moderno, in which she stars with Leamington Spa, Wed 16 May; Old Rep, Birm- fellow ex-Strictly favourite Vincent Simone, ingham, Thurs 17 May “and every time we put a show together we Featuring a talented array of young dancers, want the audience to see something not ex- Festival Ballet typically spend eight pected, not the same thing that we’ve done months of the year performing works from before. It was very hard this time, as so much their extensive repertoire in venues across the choreography, so many stories and so many UK. ideas have already been done, but we decided They’re stopping off in the Midlands on nu- to go down the modern route. merous occasions during this month and “The different thing with Tango Moderno is next, and will be performing either Swan that normally we’re characters within the Lake or Sleeping Beauty (check each venue’s story, but this time we thought we’d take a website to find out which). step away from that and actually narrate the story. We have an urban poet who’s also going to be our singer, and together with him, we’re ACE Dance: Ten going to help narrate. It’s not really one story, MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 8 March; Arena it’s going to be lots of small stories that start Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 26 April in act one and are finished off in act two.” Humanity’s universal stories are placed under the microscope by Jose Agudo, whose work strikes an overarching tone that’s both epic and poetic. In the process, the choreog- rapher brings ‘hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary under- pinned by ACE Dance & Music’s inimitable African style’. “Ten builds on the themes of spiritual dedi- cation and striving,” explain ACE. “Ulti- mately, this piece is about humanity’s urge to reach for the power of 10 - the universal symbol of completion.” whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Transitions Dance DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 15:08 Page 1

Performing in my “own city has always been important to me, not just as a dancer but as an artist ”

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by Patsy Moss

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE... Transitions Dance Company brings its new triple bill to the Midlands

Now in its 35th touring year, Transitions time. I’m really looking forward to going back process of making it, but inspired me to think Dance Company provides a platform for the and seeing just how much the dance industry about how I can use my own voice to next generation of international has changed, and also reminiscing about my perform, and what performance means for contemporary dance performers can own journey that started in Birmingham.” me," says Kieran. showcase their talents. Transitions is promising 'an engaging and So with 10 UK dates and several international Comprising 14 dancers, the company has just enjoyable night out' - but what more can performances, what is Kieran most looking hit the road on an international tour where it audiences expect from the triple bill? “They forward to about touring the triple bill? will present a triple bill of specially can expect energy, relationships and a clear "Travelling to different locations and commissioned works by three internationally sense of story-driven movement material,” experiencing the different atmospheres of renowned choreographers - Richard Chappell says Kieran. “Each company member has each place. I’m also looking forward to from the UK, Helsinki-based choreographer embodied the three pieces with their own experiencing how a professional company and performer Jarkko Partanen, and award- artistic voice, so it will be interesting to see tour works, and the different roles and winning Israeli choreographer Hagit Yakira. how each performance evolves over the responsibilities that everyone will have Among the company of dancers is length of the tour." during the processes." Birmingham-born Kieran Lee Covell. In Richard Chappell’s When Running Starts Kieran joined in 2017 and is excited about And Stops, the company fuses classical ballet being involved with Transitions as it Transitions Dance Company perform at with martial arts-influenced movement style, celebrates its 35th year of touring. "I feel very The Old Rep, Birmingham on Tuesday 27 using animalistic physicality to explore fortunate and lucky to be a part of this March and Albany Theatre, Coventry, on themes of community, fear, violence and fantastic company,” he says. “It’s been a fun Friday 18 May. migration. and exciting experience creating the three For full tour information visit pieces for our tour, and I look forward to Jarkko Partanen’s Lovers, meanwhile, marks trinitylaban.ac.uk/transitionsdc seeing what’s in store when we set off.” the choreographer’s first collaboration with the company. Exploring connection, Graduating from Birmingham Ormiston commonality and individual expressions, Academy (BOA) with a Professional Diploma Partanen organises the performers in such a in Contemporary Dance, Kieran’s way as to allow them to act, understand and performance repertoire includes acclaimed continue only through touch. The result is a Motionhouse production The Voyage, Charles work that’s bizarre, comic and poignant. Lineham’s Transfer Laban at Canary Wharf, Camilla Isola’s Unravel Ei Bolero at The Place Completing the triple bill is Kieran’s personal and Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty and favourite, Hagit Yakira’s The Ar/ct Of Moving Swan Lake, both at Birmingham Forward. A ‘simple yet mesmerising’ piece Hippodrome. performed by the entire company, it uses the literal and poetic act of forward movement, On returning to showcase his talents in travelling and time as its focus, and is Birmingham, Kieran says: "Performing in my performed to an original score composed by own city has always been important to me, long-term collaborator Sabio Janiak. "Yakira’s not just as a dancer but as an artist. The unique and vibrant personality, along with experiences I had in this city have shaped her extensive choreographic knowledge, have who I am today and got me to this point in not only made me enjoy the piece and Kieran Lee Covell

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Film

Tomb Raider CERT 12a Starring Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, Nick Frost Directed by Roar Uthaug (USA) As the intrepid adventuress Lara Croft, Alicia Vikander leaps into the shoes vacated by Angelina Jolie. A bike courier in East London, Lara decides to ditch her wheels in order to solve the disappear- ance of her father, who was last seen on a mysteri- ous island off the coast of Japan. Of course, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into… This time the franchise has a slightly Scandina- vian seasoning, as Vikander is Swedish and the di- rector, Roar Uthaug (The Wave, 2015), is Norwegian. Filmed in South Africa, London and Wiltshire. Available in 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 16 March

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in March...

Red Sparrow CERT 15 (140 mins) Gringo CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Starring David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Edgerton, Amanda Seyfried, Thandie Newton, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Irons Sharlto Copley Directed by Nash Edgerton Directed by Francis Lawrence (USA) (USA) Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) was a balle- An American businessman with calamitous rina before being recruited by the Russian in- money problems, Harold Soyinka (Oyelowo) telligence service Red Sparrow. Now she’s finds himself embroiled in a multi-billion thinking of becoming a traitor… dollar scam. Directed and co-produced by From the director of I Am Legend and The Nash Edgerton, the brother of the Australian Hunger Games films. actor Joel Edgerton. Released Thurs 1 March Released Fri 9 March Game Night CERT 15 (130 mins) Starring Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Kyle Chandler Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (USA) One night a week, a group of friends gath- ers for an evening of games, when they’re invited to join a murder-mystery party. And the murder is real… From the directing duo behind 2015’s Vacation. Released Fri 2 March

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Film highlights released in March...

Journeyman CERT tbc Starring Paddy Considine, Jodie Whittaker Directed by Paddy Considine (UK) Spoiler alert: Journeyman is not Rocky. It’s not even Cinderella Man, in which Paddy Consi- dine played the best friend of Russell Crowe’s James J Braddock, the real-life world heavy- weight champ. Being Considine’s second film as writer-director, following the stark and un- compromising Tyrannosaur (2011), Journey- man was unlikely to embrace the clichés of the boxing film. The director himself plays Matty Burton, a middleweight boxing cham- pion at the end of his career who is coming to terms with being the father of a baby girl. His wife, the beautiful, sexy and caring Emma, is superbly rendered by Jodie Whittaker, who makes what could have been a one-dimen- sional trophy wife entirely credible. Consi- dine, who has been a professional actor for almost two decades, knows how to hammer out truthful performances from his cast, and he doesn’t disappoint here. He, himself, is ter- rific as the charming pugilist, and his dia- logue doesn’t hit a false note. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 30 March

voice of Winnie-the-Pooh You Were Never Ready Player One CERT 12a in Goodbye Christopher Starring Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Really CERT 15 (90 mins) Here Robin (2017), is now the Mendelsohn, TJ Miller, Simon Pegg, Mark Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Sam- voice of Flopsy in this Rylance Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) sonov, Alex Manette, John Doman, Judith Roberts Directed by Lynne Ramsay part-animated, part-live In 2045, a virtual world becomes a battle- (UK/France/USA) action take on the Beatrix ground as gamers attempt to crack its secret Potter characters. James in order to gain its ownership. More dystopia, Corden voices the title but with Steven Spielberg behind the camera role. From the director of the critically de- this should be better than most. One hopes. rided Annie remake. Released Fri 30 March Released Fri 16 March

Pacific Rim: Uprising CERT 12a Starring John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman Directed by Steven S. DeKnight (USA/China) As a traumatized war veteran, Joaquin The very future of mankind is under threat Phoenix won the best actor gong at Cannes when the gargantuan sea monsters (the last year. The film also nabbed the award for Kaiju) emerge from the depths again, this best screenplay and follows the journey that time accompanied by a massive man-made the veteran takes to redeem his soul – by robot that has switched sides. Oh, gosh. tracking down the abducted daughter of a Available in 3D and IMAX. New York politician. Released Fri 23 March Released Fri 9 March

Peter Rabbit CERT PG (95 mins) Starring Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Sam Neill; with the voices of James Corden, Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Margot Robbie, Sia Directed by Will Gluck (USA/Australia) Margot Robbie, who briefly supplied the whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:46 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Wilderness The New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 6 May Works which engage with the natural world and reflect man’s innate need for solitude are showcased in this new multimedia exhibition, one of several shows in which the gallery is exploring the theme of wilderness. Highlights include filmworks focusing on marginal individuals who’ve chosen to move away from society, ‘living precarious existences in remote places where nature rules’. Barren high-altitude salt deserts, snow-blanketed mountain tops and environments in transition - such as coastlines and volcanoes - are other places and locations brought into view by the Image credit: Wilderness Wrapped, C-type print, (c) Scarlett Hooft Graafland, courtesy of Flowers Gallery London & New York contributing artists.

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

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Visual Arts

Pop! British & American Art 1960 - 1975 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 3 June This transatlantic showcase of the Pop Art movement’s most iconic artists includes an eight-metre-long fighter plane by James Rosen- quist, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup tin, a lament for Marilyn Monroe by Pauline Boty, Joe Tilson’s iconic images of Che Guevara and prints by Peter Blake. The show has been developed as a partnership between the Herbert and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Langlands & Bell formation Age. Featuring the iconic new architecture of or- Internet Giants: ganisations such as Apple, Facebook, Mi- Masters Of The Universe crosoft and Google, the exhibition includes Ikon Gallery, Wed 21 March - Sun 10 June relief sculptures, installations and por- traits. British artists Ben Langlands and Nikki The show is accompanied by a fully illus- Bell are here celebrating 40 years of work- trated catalogue featuring an essay by An- ing together, presenting a show that ex- thony Vidler and an interview with the plores the profound and increasing impact artists by Dr Hans-Michael Herzog. of global technology companies in the In-

as diverse as Gillray, Turner, Max Ernst Working In Colour and Edward Lear. The Barber Institute, Birmingham, The show contemplates the possible until Sun 10 June functions, meanings and effects of Presented to complement The Rhythm Of colourful prints, taking a look at the Light - the Barber’s main spring exhibi- ways in which they reflect changing tion - Working In Colour explores four artistic and social trends, technologies centuries of printmaking and colouring and audiences. techniques. It includes works by artists

Diaspora Pavilion Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 29 April A group of artists here respond to the con- cept of diaspora - worldwide communities which have resulted, via descent, from the movement in historic times of people from a smaller geographic locale. Ravilious & Co: The Pattern Of Friendship The works on show were last year presented at the 57th Venice Biennale. The exhibition Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire, Sat 17 March - Sun 10 June featured nearly 40 artworks which reflected Watercolours, woodcuts, lithographic career, the exhibition also explores his sig- or responded to the relevance of diaspora as prints, wallpaper and fabric design all fea- nificant relationships and working collab- a lived-in modern-day reality. ture in this touring presentation, which orations with an important group of The show featured pieces by 19 artists, celebrates the work of artist and designer friends and affiliates, examples of whose seven of whom have contributed to this Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). artwork are also included. Wolverhampton exhibition. As well as showcasing key works from his whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:55 Page 1 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:55 Page 2

Easter events from around the region Easter

Egg-citing Easter Activities Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 24 March - Sun 15 April The Black Country Living Museum has good form when it comes to ensuring the Easter hols are an excit- ing time for visiting families, and this year is no ex- ception. Youngsters and their grown-ups can take the Bunny's Trail - in the process exploring the venue’s canalside village and solving clues to find a prize - take part in traditional egg rolling competitions, and test their balance in an egg-and-spoon race. There’s also the chance to learn about Easter tradi- tions in the home, sample a freshly baked hot cross bun and get involved in all manner of traditional street games. A trip 'into the thick' to sample life in an 1850s coal mine, the chance to experience a Victorian school les- son and the opportunity to savour some traditionally cooked fish & chips complete the venue’s Easter holi- day entertainment package.

Easter Dino Egg Hunt Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Thurs 29 March - Sun 15 April Fancy a change of pace when it comes to hunting for Easter eggs? If so, Think- tank Science Museum is the place to head for this holiday because, although the Easter Bunny hasn't paid a visit, the Easter Dinosaur most certainly has! As a result, there are lots of Dino eggs hidden around the venue - and visiting youngsters are being challenged to find them! And once they’ve uncovered them all, there’s a small Dino prize to collect in the museum shop.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Various National Trust sites, Fri 30 March - Mon 2 April Who better to organise an Easter egg hunt (or several) than those lovely people at Cadbury? The chocolate- making Birmingham company are this Easter coordi- nating more than 250 hunts at National Trust properties across the UK. And there’s plenty more for families to enjoy on their fun-filled day out, with many of the venues offering ‘games and craft activities galore’. What’s more, all participants will be rewarded with a sure-to-be-delicious Cadbury treat at the end of each completed hunt.

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Easter events from around the region Easter

Traditional Victorian Hawkstone Park Easter Activities Hawkstone Park is a masterpiece of Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire the School of Naturalistic Land- Sun 1 - Sun 15 April scape. Opened in the 18th century Never let it be said that Iron- by the owner of Hawkstone Hall bridge’s famous Victorian town mansion, Richard Hill, the venue doesn’t get into the spirit of was Britain’s first tourist park. Easter! Stone arches, bridges, walkways The venue’s holiday fun kickstarts and grottoes were added to the nat- on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 April ural drama of four rugged, wooded when visitors can watch the un- hills. The resultant Gothic fantasy- usual Victorian Easter pastime of land has been a major visitor at- egg dancing and join in the tradi- traction ever since, and was tional parade. lovingly restored in 1993 after years There’s plenty to do in the two of neglect. weeks that follow as well. English Heritage has awarded Entertainment on offer includes Hawkstone Park & Follies with the chance to watch chicks’ eggs Grade I certification on its Register hatch and chocolate eggs being of Historic Gardens and Parks. made, and the opportunity to print a poster using a Victorian printing press. A bunny hunt around the town and a trail to solve an Easter ana- gram further add to the fun.

Easter at Warwick Castle Warwick Castle, Fri 30 March - Sun 15 April There’s no shortage of Easter fun to enjoy at Warwick Castle during the holidays. Kids can climb The Conqueror’s Fortress - a Tamworth Castle specifically designed interactive exhibition - Education and entertainment is the grab their swords and learn tactical defence package being offered to families skills in the all-new Knight’s School, get lost visiting Tamworth Castle this in the Horrible Histories Maze, and face an Easter holiday. array of fun challenges including invading a The educational element is pro- Viking ship and surviving the trenches. vided by enjoying a walk around And just for good measure, they can also the castle, which features displays witness the world’s largest working siege that take visitors on a journey from machine launch a projectile more than 150ft Saxon to Victorian times. in the air! Items from the world famous Staffordshire Hoard are also avail- able to view. Egg-cellent Easter As for the entertainment, there’s the chance to try and find Ruby the Drayton Manor Theme Park, Sat 28 March - Sun 15 April Dragon’s eggs for her, as she’s hid- den them from the dastardly Heart-stopping rollercoasters in the dragon hunter but now doesn’t main park and toddler-friendly rides know where they are. in Europe’s only Thomas Land are among the attractions to enjoy at Drayton Manor Theme Park this Easter. There are special Thomas Land Live Shows during the holiday period too, as well as the brand new James And The Red Balloon ride and all the head-spinning fun of the Ver- tiGO high-ropes adventure course.

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Events previews from around the region Events

MCM Birmingham Comic Con NEC, Birmingham, Sat 17 - Sun 18 March This well-established event is an abso- lute must for anybody with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has an impressive track record when it comes to celebrity appearances. On this occasion, famous faces on show include Guardians Of The Galaxy stars Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn. “The Midlands holds a special place in our hearts,” says MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney. “Our company is based here, and we plan on providing an awe- some show for the region's enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic book and film fans.”

Disney On Ice: Worlds Of Enchantment SAVE Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 28 March - Sun 1 April 15% when quoting PCRS18WO at necrestoration show.com

Life-sized animated characters from Cars and live adaptations of Toy Story 3, The Little Mermaid and the Academy Award-winning Frozen are among the highlights in this hit Disney On Ice produc- tion. Commenting on the show, producers Kenneth and Nicole Feld said: “Worlds Of Enchantment connects classic and new Disney stories. Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they en- Practical Classics Classic Car counter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, built ‘to scale’ and & Restoration Show live on ice. They will see their all-time favourites like The Little Mer- NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 March maid and discover the world of Arendelle with Frozen. To be the Midlands Classic Car enthusiasts can really immerse themselves first to introduce the Frozen in their passion at this specialist event. story live on ice, and to be Showcasing in excess of 1,000 magnificent motors, the show also entrusted with the beloved boasts live demos, expert tutorials, workshops, celebrity appear- Toy Story characters is in- ances and hundreds of exhibitors selling a wide range of popular credible, and we’re thrilled products. to be bringing these heart- Other attractions include an autojumble, a ‘cars for sale’ area, the warming tales to families Practical Classics Live Stage and the UK’s biggest collection of across the globe.” barn find displays. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:56 Page 7

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:56 Page 8

Events previews from around the region Events

Ultimate Dubs Telford International Centre, Sun 11 March The UK's largest indoor VAG en- thusiasts’ event brings together the ‘ultimate’ VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda show cars from all over Eu- rope. “Whether you’re into stock, old skool, nu wave, custom or tuned cars, there’s sure to be something to your taste at a show that’s not to be missed,” say the event’s organisers. Attractions in- clude detailing & vehicle wrapping demonstrations, racing simulator competitions, BMX freestyling & SAVE street dancing, a VW drag racing 20% club display and a Porsche 911 dis- play. when quoting BIRMINGHAM25 at allengland badminton.com

Yonex All England Open est and most prestigious competition. This latest edition of the championship features Badminton Championships 155 matches, more than 50 hours of live bad- Arena Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sun 18 March minton and appearances by the world’s great- Now in its 108th year, Yonex is one of bad- est players. In short, it’s a must-attend event for minton’s five ‘majors’, as well as being its old- dedicated fans of the sport... Insomnia62 NEC, Birmingham, Fri 30 March - Mon 2 April Dungeon Lates The UK’s biggest gaming festival is Warwick Castle, Fri 23 March now firmly established at the NEC, ‘Scary storytelling’ is combined with ‘wicked hu- having outgrown its previous mour and manic theatrics’ in this all-new 50- home at the Ricoh Arena in Coven- minute-long adults-only entertainment blending try. special effects with live performance art. Insomnia is a four-day event ‘com- Participants get to ‘enjoy’ a last supper of Scotch bining all the best bits of video- eyes and bird’s legs before embarking on a gaming’ and offering enthusiasts ‘spine-tingling’ exploration of the castle dun- Shakespeare Week the chance to play an impressive geon. And if the horrors experienced therein Shakespeare Birthplace Trust sites, selection of both new and vintage happen to leave you with a distinctly dry throat, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 12 - Sun 18 March games. not to worry - a shot of blood or a refreshing Shakespeare Week is a national annual celebra- Visitors can also meet their glass of urine - served fresh from a human blad- tion of the world’s greatest playwright - and favourite YouTube stars and take der, no less - should soon see you right! given that the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust co- part in costuming workshops and ordinate the event, it’s no surprise that their var- a cosplay masquerade. ious venues are wholeheartedly joining in with the initiative! Included in their line-up of entertainment and activities are mask and ruff making, face paint- ing, dressing-up opportunities and live dance. ‘Storytelling galore’, Tudor treats, craft activities and performances of the production Caliban In The Rockpool also feature, in what promises to be a splendidly action-packed week of bard-fo- cused fun. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover March Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:51 Page 1 The List Cover March Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:52 Page 2

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

Superposition - MAC, Birmingham, Tuesday 6 March

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 4 March Mon 5 to Sun 11 March Mon 12 to Sun 18 March Mon 19 to Sat 31 March

Paul Weller plays Birmingham’s Spirit Of India at Brendan Cole: All Night Long Anne-Marie at O2 Institute, Genting Arena Birmingham Hippodrome at Symphony Hall Birmingham Fri 2 March Sun 11 March Fri 16 March Mon 19 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham Thurs 1 - Sun 4 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:42 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT MARCH Gigs

plex narrative-based installations, tak- JOHNNY CASH ROAD- Visual Arts ing influences from philosophy SHOW Thurs 1 Mar, through to science fiction, until Sun New Alexandra The- 22 Apr atre, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & MARSICANS, VISTA & Art Gallery RBSA Gallery SPILT MILK SOCIETY COMING OUT: SEXUALITY, GENDER AND Thurs 1 Mar, The Sun- NEW OPEN ALL MEDIA 2018 An annual IDENTITY Ground-breaking exhibition flower Lounge, B’ham show of artwork by a variety of artists marking the 50th anniversary of the from across the region working in dif- ALEEM Thurs 1 Mar, O2 partial decriminalisation of male ho- ferent media, subjects and styles, Academy, Birmingham mosexual acts in England and Wales. Thurs 1 - Sat 31 Mar Y.O.U.N.G: THE LAZY Featuring over 80 modern and con- TOUR Thurs 1 Mar, O2 temporary artworks by internationally NEW DAVID WHITE RBSA Exhibition of Institute, Birmingham renowned artists who explore themes abstract mixed-media paintings and of gender, sexuality and identity in linocut prints, Mon 19 Mar - Sat 5 ALL WE ARE Thurs 1 art, until Sun 15 Apr May Mar, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS A mixed- NEW CHRISTOPHER SALMON RBSA Chris media exhibition including painting, is well known for creating quirky char- SHEAFS Thurs 1 Mar, sculpture, digital and sound installa- acters that amuse and intrigue. This Hare & Hounds, Birm- tions, assemblage, photography & selection of prints, drawings and ingham prints by 28 selected artists, all of paintings includes new work along- FUNK 'N' SOUL NIGHT whom are recent graduates from the side old favourites, Mon 26 Mar - Sat OUT PRESENTS... SOUL region’s six university art schools, 5 May CITY Thurs 1 Mar, The Paul Weller - Genting Arena, Birmingham until Sun 6 May Jam House, B’ham The Barber Institute VANLEY BURKE: PHOTOGRAPHING BIRM- THE WIND IN THE WIL- ILY TREE Fri 2 Mar, The MUSICAL PICNICS - INGHAM (1968 - 2011) Exhibition show- THE ARTIST IN ART Portraits of artists LOWS - A FOLK OPERA Robin, Bilston MARCH Sat 3 Mar, Sym- ing how Burke has documented the by themselves or others. Featuring Thurs 1 Mar, The Core SCOTT BRADLEE & POST- phony Hall, B’ham poignant and everyday moments of works that span three centuries and Theatre, Solihull MODERN JUKEBOX Fri 2 FEED THE RHINO Sat 3 life in Birmingham. Burke’s pho- including prints by Rembrandt, THE XCERTS Thurs 1 Mar, O2 Academy, Mar, The Flapper, tographs capture scenes of child- Cézanne and van Dyck, alongside Mar, The Slade Birmingham Birmingham hood, crowds, community and faith, subjects such as Picasso and Rodin, Rooms, W’hampton power and protest, as well as portray- until Sun 13 May PAUL WELLER Fri 2 Mar, HIGH HORSES Sat 3 APOCALYPTICA Thurs 1 Genting Arena, B’ham Mar, The Night Owl, ing influential men and women of our NEW SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS: ARTIST Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham time, until Sun 1 July AND COLLECTOR When The Royal TABLE SCRAPS Fri 2 Birmingham Academy was founded in 1768, it Mar, Hare & Hounds, EVERYTHING EVERY- Ikon Gallery elected Sir Joshua Reynolds, Eng- THE HANDSOME FAMILY Birmingham THING Sat 3 Mar, O2 Thurs 1 Mar, Mama Academy, Birmingham NEW RIE NAKAJIMA: CYCLIC Rie is one land’s most prominent painter at the MAGNUM Fri 2 Mar, Roux's, Birmingham of the most experimental artists work- time, as its first president. To cele- Birmingham Town Hall THE GRAHAMS Sat 3 ing in the UK, fusing sculpture and brate its 250th anniversary this year, ELECTRIC SIX Thurs 1 NAKED SUNDAY, BRIX- Mar, Lichfield Guildhall sound, Wed 21 Mar - Sun 3 June the Barber brings together four fine Mar, O2 Academy, TON ALLEY & THE SOLD ELBOW Sat 3 Mar, Reynolds paintings from their collec- Birmingham NEW CLÉMENT COGITORE: ASSANGE Fri 2 Mar, Route 44, Genting Arena, B’ham tion, along with a number of other DANCING Assange Dancing was made DETROIT SOUL COLLEC- Birmingham works that once belonged to the STONE BROKEN Sat 3 using amateur video footage, shot TIVE Fri 2 Mar, The Jam artist himself, Fri 9 Mar - Tues 8 May DETROIT SOUL COLLEC- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- and posted online by a DJ at Reyk- House, Birmingham TIVE Sat 3 Mar, The ingham javik nightclub Glaumbar in 2011, Other VISUAL ARTS THE SENSATIONAL 60S Jam House, B’ham DANCE GAVIN DANCE & Wed 21 Mar - Sun 10 June EXPERIENCE Fri 2 Mar, VAMPIRES ROCK Sat 3 VEIL OF MAYA Sat 3 NEW PEOPLE ARE CLOUDS Solo exhibi- New Alexandra The- Mar, New Alexandra Mar, The Asylum, tion by Italian artist Francesco Po- MAC, Birmingham atre, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham lazzi. His energetic oil paintings MADE AT MAC: DANCE FOR WELLBEING PALE WAVES Fri 2 Mar, combine figurative elements with an FAITH: GEORGE MICHAEL REJJIE SNOW Sat 3 Mar, Group exhibition by MAC students O2 Academy, B’ham abstract style, Sat 3 - Fri 16 Mar, Stryx Sat 3 Mar, Dudley O2 Institute, B’ham featuring film, photography and Gallery, Digbeth COME TOGETHER WITH Town Hall HIGH KNUCKS, 28 sound installations, until Sat 24 Mar THE SKA 45'S Fri 2 Mar, NEW WEI LU An exhibition of work by LIVE - A TRIB- COSHOOKWORMS Sun 4 ELDERS PROJECT Project delivered by The Night Owl, B’ham artist Wei Lu, Wed 7 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, UTE Sat 3 Mar, The Mar, Hare & Hounds, local artists engaging elders in The Core Theatre, Solihull WAVE ON WAVE Fri 2 Bramall, Birmingham Birmingham music, movement & wellbeing, story- Mar, Ort Cafe, B’ham SATINDER SARTAAJ Sat WEST END NIGHT OFF telling and visual arts. This resulting NEW GHOST STREETS OF BALSALL 3 Mar, Symphony Hall, Sun 4 Mar, Pizza Ex- exhibition showcases work made by HEATH American filmmaker and pho- DIRTY THRILLS Fri 2 Birmingham press Live, B’ham the elders and documents their cre- tographer Janet Mendelsohn spent Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- ative journey over the past year, until several months documenting the ev- ingham NUNS OF TUNDRA Sat 3 AMIT DATTANI Sun 4 Sun 25 Mar eryday life of Balsall Heath in the late FEARS CHELLA Fri 2 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mar, Kitchen Garden 1960s, as part of her studies at the ingham Cafe, Birmingham HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE Exhibi- Mar, The Actress & University of Birmingham. The exhibi- tion of commissioned artworks, docu- Bishop, Birmingham JEREMY SASSOON & EDITORS Sun 4 Mar, tion visually explores a social hous- mentary photography and film of the CARO Fri 2 Mar, The FRIENDS Sat 3 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall ing crisis, poverty, migration and the work created throughout the project, Flapper, Birmingham Pizza Express Live, experience of childhood in the area, MAN OF MOON, YOUR until Sun 15 Apr Birmingham Sat 10 Mar - Sat 28 Apr, Ort Gallery, MELOTONE, HEY BROOK- DIRTY BLUE & BLUE SAHEJ RAHAL - THE DEKKAN TRAP Mum- Balsall Heath, Birmingham LYN, MAYO & PINK LAKE MALLAVORA & THE TONGUES Sun 4 Mar, bai-based artist Sahej Rahal works Fri 2 Mar, The Sun- WHITE NOISE Sat 3 The Sunflower NEW WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE Sun 18 across performance, video, installa- flower Lounge, B’ham Mar, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Stryx Gallery, Dig- tion and sculpture to develop com- Lounge, Birmingham beth THE DEEP PURPLE FAM-

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Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 March

DANE BAPTISTE Sat 3 Mar, Artrix, ing a tongue-in-cheek story pre- Thurs 8 Mar; MAC, Birmingham, Fri 2 Classical Music Bromsgrove sented alongside some of the great- - Thurs 8 Mar; Mockingbird Cinema, DAVID TRENT, ADAM BLOOM, MARK SIM- est-ever rock anthems, Sat 3 Mar, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Mar CENTRE STAGE: QUARTET FOR COR MONS & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 3 Mar, The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham I, TONYA (15) Biography/Comedy. ANGLAIS AND STRINGS Programme in- Comedy Loft, Birmingham AND THEN THERE WERE NONE The Cres- Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- cludes works by Françaix, Bax, Pas- cent Theatre Company present a ney. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, culli & Ibert, Thurs 1 Mar, CBSO staging of Agatha Christie's dark until Thurs 8 Mar Centre, Birmingham novel, Sat 3 - Sat 10 Mar, Crescent MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN (15) COMMUTER CONCERT Featuring Ulrich Theatre, Birmingham Comedy. Starring Graham Chapman, Heinen (cello) & John Humphreys Theatre THE PENDLE WITCH Join the infamous John Cleese. Artrix, Bromsgrove, (piano). Programme includes works Jennet Device as she tells her version Thurs 1 Mar by JS Bach, Webern & Howard AN ACT OF KINDNESS Award-winning of the events which led to the hang- Skempton, Thurs 1 Mar, Royal Birm- play exploring gender pressure and THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biogra- ing of 10 people, Sun 4 Mar, Old ingham Conservatoire its impact on our identity, until Thurs phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- 1 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham son, Hugh Jackman. MAC, BEST OF THE WEST END Featuring ingham SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC Birmingham, Fri 2 Mar Michael England (conductor), West Screening of the classic Julie An- End vocalists & City of Birmingham ELEPHANT Highly anticipated return of GET OUT (15) Horror/Thriller. Starring drews musical, complete with subti- Symphony Orchestra. Programme in- Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's work, which Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams. tled lyrics to help the audience sing cludes numbers from Cats, Evita, The centres on family relationships and Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 2 along... Sun 4 Mar, New Alexandra Lion King, 42nd Street, Wicked & lies... until Sat 3 Mar, The REP, B’ham Mar Theatre, Birmingham more... Fri 2 Mar, Symphony Hall, ROMEO & JULIET Presented by Sutton PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Ro- Birmingham Coldfield Arts & Recreational Trust, mance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel EBLANA STRING TRIO Featuring until Sat 3 Mar, Sutton Coldfield Town Day-Lewis. Mockingbird Cinema, Jonathan Martindale (violin), Lucy Hall Birmingham, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Mar Nolan (viola) & Peggy Nolan (cello). THE WINSLOW BOY Tessa Peake-Jones THE DISASTER ARTIST + THE ROOM (18) Programme includes works by Pur- and Aden Gillett star in a major re- Dance A double-bill of cinematic calamity. cell, Finzi & Beethoven, Fri 2 Mar, Ar- vival of Terence Rattigan’s classic TERRA FIRMA National Dance Com- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 3 trix, Bromsgrove family drama, until Sat 3 Mar, The pany Wales present a triple bill featur- Mar CONSORTIUM5 Recorder quintet per- REP, Birmingham ing new works by Marcus Morau, BLADE RUNNER 2049 (15) Mystery/Sci- forming works by Dowland, Tye, Pur- HAMLET Shakespeare's tragedy told Mario Bermudez Gil & Green House Fi. Starring Harrison Ford, Ryan cell & Byrd, Fri 2 Mar, The Barber through the eyes of those who came from the company's Artistic Director, Gosling. Electric Cinema, Birming- Institute, Birmingham after him... until Sat 3 Mar, The Blue Caroline Finn, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Mar, ham, Sat 3 Mar SINGALONG WITH THE CBSO - BRAHMS' Orange Theatre, Birmingham The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- OSCAR NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORT GERMAN REQUIEM Featuring Simon HAIRSPRAY Brenda Edwards stars as podrome FILMS 2018 (15) See all five of this Halsey (conductor) & the CBSO Cho- Motormouth Maybelle in the smash- AT THE CROSSROADS Atreyee Dance year's Oscar nominated live action rus, Sun 4 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birm- hit musical comedy, until Sat 3 Mar, Group present a theatrical dance per- short films. Electric Cinema, Birming- ingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre formance based on a novel by Ra- ham, Sun 4 Mar bindranath Tagore - the story of a SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg woman at the crossroads of the In- LOVING VINCENT (12a) Animation/Biog- Daniele Rosina (conductor) & Luke directs John Webster's tale of re- dian freedom movement, Sun 4 Mar, raphy. With the voices of Douglas Riedlinger (saxophone). Programme venge, which asks how anyone can MAC, Birmingham Booth, Jerome Flynn. Electric Cin- includes works by Vaughan Williams, survive in a world where masculinity ema, Birmingham, Sun 4 Mar Glazunov, Prokofiev & Peter Leavy, has become toxic, Thurs 1 Mar - Fri 3 Sun 4 Mar, Elgar Concert Hall, The Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Bramall, University of Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET Join Captain Tempest and his fear- Film Events less crew on their journey into hyper- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: space and beyond! Featuring IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Featur- Comedy rock’n'roll hits including Great Ball Of LOVELESS (15) Drama. Starring ing more than 400 athletes from 150 Fire, Teenager In Love and The Mon- Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin. For- countries, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Mar, Arena MARK THOMAS Wed 28 Feb - Sat 3 ster Mash. Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Mar, The eign language, subtitled. MAC, Birm- Birmingham Mar, MAC, Birmingham Core Theatre, Solihull ingham, until Thurs 1 Mar TINA TURNER TEA LADY'S STEAMY NAZANIN’S STORY Following the true THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. BINGO A collection of short films from and ongoing struggle faced by Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. the world's most prestigious moun- Nazanin Radcliffe and her family after MAC, Birmingham, until Thurs 1 Mar tain film festival, Fri 2 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham she and her baby were taken in JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Star- Tehran in 2016, Fri 2 Mar, The Cres- ring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Artrix, NORDIC WALKING COURSE Nordic walk- cent Theatre, Birmingham Bromsgrove, Fri 2 & Mon 5 Mar ing is the ultimate complete-body workout and can be enjoyed by any- WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE?: THE MYS- DUNKIRK (12A) Drama/History. Star- one at any fitness level, Sat 3 Mar, TERY OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ELEVEN ring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Packwood House, Solihull LOST DAYS Liz Grand takes centre Keoghan. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- stage in a one-woman show that re- ingham, until Thurs 1 Mar; Electric THE TUDOR WOMAN Celebrate Interna- veals the secret behind one of the Cinema, Birmingham, until Thurs 8 tional Women's Day at , biggest and most extensive police Mar Sun 4 Mar, Blakesley Hall, B’ham hunts in history, Fri 2 Mar, Artrix, MIKE WILMOT, MANDY KNIGHT & COM- THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- DONINGTON STAGE RALLY The first Bromsgrove EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia round of the Dukeries MC Rally Thurs 1 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham CHIME HOURS Amateur staging of Jes- Spencer. Electric Cinema, Birming- Championship, and also round six of ELLIE TAYLOR Fri 2 Mar, The Glee sica Brown's supernatural thriller, Fri ham, until Thurs 8 Mar; MAC, Birm- the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Club, Birmingham 2 - Sat 10 Mar, Hall Green Little The- ingham, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Mar Championship in association with atre, Birmingham MSVR, Sun 4 Mar, Donington Park CHARLIE BAKER, MANDY KNIGHT, MIKE LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Racing Circuit, Derby WILMOT & PAT CAHILL Fri 2 - Sat 3 Mar, VAMPIRES ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. The Glee Club, Birmingham Classic rock musical concert featur- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, until

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thelist Folk Club, B’ham 10 Mar, The Sunflower Stephen Roberts, Sat 10 Mar, Elgar Gigs ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Lounge, Birmingham Classical Concert Hall, The Bramall, University Thurs 8 Mar, The H.E.R. Sat 10 Mar, O2 of Birmingham SUPERORGANISM Mon Robin, Bilston Academy, Birmingham Music CHAMBER ENSEMBLES Sun 11 Mar, 5 Mar, O2 Institute, BLANCMANGE Thurs 8 WILLOW Sat 10 Mar, The Barber Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, Hare & Hounds, Birm- EARLY MUSIC CHAMBER CONCERT Mon ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE 5 Mar, The Dome, The Bramall, Uni- ELLI INGRAM Mon 5 Birmingham ingham OFFICIAL ROYAL OPENING GALA CON- versity of Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, SUGARTHIEF, DRIP PLAID Sat 10 Mar, Hare CERT Featuring Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla Birmingham GLOSS & THE ASSIST & Hounds, B’ham ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE (conductor) & Andrey Ivanov CHAMBER CHOIR Featuring Paul (piano). Programme includes works SAM FENDER, BROOKE Thurs 8 Mar, The Sun- Spicer (director) & Callum Alger by Ravel, Clurllonis, Chopin & world BENTHAM & RISCAS flower Lounge, B’ham (organ). Programme includes works premiere of Joe Cutler’s Elsewhere- Mon 5 Mar, The Sun- FEROCIOUS DOG Thurs by Britten, Leighton, MacMillan & JS ness, Sun 11 Mar, Royal Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham 8 Mar, O2 Institute, Bach, Mon 5 Mar, St Alban the Mar- Conservatoire THE WORLD IS A BEAU- Birmingham tyr, Highgate, Birmingham TIFUL PLACE Mon 5 MOOSE BLOOD Thurs 8 NICOLA BENEDETTI IN-THE-ROUND Pro- Mar, The Asylum, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- gramme includes works by Bach, Birmingham ingham Wynton Marsalis & Ysaÿe, Tues 6 THE LIONEL RICHIE JOE BROWN Thurs 8 SKA-WADDY Sat 10 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Comedy SONGBOOK Tues 6 Mar, Mar, Wolverhampton Mar, Hare & Hounds THOMAS ADÈS CONDUCTS... Featuring Wolverhampton Grand RUSSELL BRAND Thurs 8 Mar, Sym- Grand Theatre Keresley, Coventry Thomas Trotter (organ) & the City of Theatre phony Hall, Birmingham EWAN MCLENNAN Thurs LORNA LUFT Sat 10 Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. JADE BIRD Tues 6 Mar, 8 Mar, Kitchen Garden Mar, Pizza Express Programme includes works by Brit- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Cafe, Birmingham Live, Birmingham ten, Gerald Barry, Thomas Adés & ingham Stravinsky, Wed 7 Mar, Symphony GWENNO Thurs 8 Mar, TEMPLE BLACK’S ALBUM KERRY ELLIS Tues 6 Hall, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- LAUNCH PARTY! Sat 10 Mar, New Alexandra ingham Mar, Scruffy Murphys, CENTRE STAGE: THE JET WHISTLE Fea- Theatre, Birmingham NANNA RADLEYS Thurs Birmingham turing Veronika Klirova (flute), Oliver ARCANE ROOTS Tues 6 Janes (clarinet), Colette Overdijk & 8 Mar, The Jam BUDDY HOLLY AND THE Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Kirsty Lovie (violins), Catherine House, Birmingham CRICKETERS Sat 10 ingham Bower (viola) & Eduardo Vassallo CILLA & THE SHADES OF Mar, Birmingham Town (cello). Programme includes works THE 60S Thurs 8 Mar, Hall by Villa Lobos, Roussel, Jolivet & Lichfield Garrick THE RED LEMONS Sat Ravel, Thurs 8 Mar, CBSO Centre, ELO EXPERIENCE Fri 9 10 Mar, The Jam Birmingham Mar, New Alexandra House, Birmingham AN EVENING OF BACH Featuring Birm- JONATHAN PIE Thurs 8 Mar, New Theatre, Birmingham BRIT FLOYD Sat 10 Mar, ingham Cathedral Choir, David Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SATINDER SARTAAJ Fri 9 Symphony Hall, Birm- Hardie (conductor), Alistair Don- BARBARA NICE & SHAZIA MIRZA Thurs Mar, Wolverhampton ingham aghue (bass-baritone) & Nicholas 8 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Grand Theatre Morris (organ), Fri 9 Mar, Birming- IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC DAVE JOHNS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ham Cathedral SEAN TAYLOR Tues 6 MAJID JORDAN Fri 9 ROCK NIGHT Sat 10 ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 8 Mar, Kitchen Garden Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mar, Route 44, B’ham UNIVERSITY WIND BAND AND SAXO- Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham ingham PHONE CHOIR Fri 9 Mar, The Bramall, THE HARRINGTONS Sat DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 9 Mar, MAC, Birmingham HOLDING ABSENCE & SILENT DISCO Fri 9 Mar, 10 Mar, The Actress & Birmingham LOATHE Wed 7 Mar, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bishop, Birmingham RUISI QUARTET Featuring Alessandro BOBBY MAIR Fri 9 Mar, The Glee Club, The Asylum, B’ham ingham Ruisi & Oliver Cave (violin), Luba THE WAILERS Sat 10 Birmingham MELLOW GANG & LYCIO BAREFOOTIN’ Fri 9 Mar, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Tunnicliffe (viola) & Max Ruisi (cello). DAVE JOHNS, NIGEL NG & COMICS TBC Wed 7 Mar, The Sun- The Night Owl, B’ham ingham Programme includes works by flower Lounge, Birm- Haydn & Kodály, Fri 9 Mar, The Bar- Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, The Glee Club, BROKEN ENGLISH Fri 9 A COUNTRY NIGHT IN ingham ber Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Mar, Route 44, B’ham NASHVILLE Sat 10 Mar, JOE DOLMAN Wed 7 MAGICAL MYSTERIES Featuring Jane DANA ALEXANDER, SAM AVERY, EDDIE FAST CAR TO FLORENCE New Alexandra The- Mar, O2 Academy, Wright (presenter) & the CBSO 10- BRIAMSON & SIMON LUCAS Sat 10 Fri 9 Mar, Scruffy Mur- atre, Birmingham Birmingham piece mini-orchestra, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham phys, Birmingham SATYRICON Sun 11 Mar, Mar, CBSO Centre, Birmingham POKEY LAFARGE Wed 7 BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 10 THE RED LEMONS Fri 9 O2 Academy, B’ham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- CWMBACH MALE CHOIR Sat 10 Mar, Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Mar, The Jam House, THE RUMBLE & THE ingham Artrix, Bromsgrove JON RICHARDSON Sat 10 Mar, Birm- Birmingham MOJO FILTERS Sun 11 DAXX & ROXANE Wed 7 EX CATHEDRA: HARMONIC SPIRITUAL ingham Hippodrome OBITUARY Fri 9 Mar, O2 Mar, The Sunflower Mar, The Slade THEATRE... Featuring Jeffrey Skid- PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES Institute, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham Rooms, W’hampton more (conductor). Programme in- HOTEL Sun 11 Mar, Artrix, Broms- HARRIET Fri 9 Mar, OSCAR WINNERS Sun cludes works by Carissimi & BUDDY HOLLY AND THE grove Pizza Express Live, 11 Mar, Symphony Charpentier, Sat 10 Mar, Birming- CRICKETERS Wed 7 Birmingham Hall, Birmingham ham Cathedral Mar, Wolverhampton BRONWYNNE BRENT Grand Theatre THE AMY WINEHOUSE UNIVERSITY CHORUS AND BIRMINGHAM EXPERIENCE…A.K.A LI- Sun 11 Mar, Kitchen SYMPHONIC BRASS Featuring Julian HOPSIN Wed 7 Mar, O2 ONESS Sat 10 Mar, O2 Garden Cafe, B’ham Wilkins (conductor), Stephen Academy, Birmingham Theatre Academy, Birmingham GET STONED Sun 11 Roberts (director) & Nick Wearne HONKY TONK ROSE WE ARE THE LIONS, MR MANAGER! The ASTROID BOYS Sat 10 Mar, Kitchen Garden (organ). Programme includes works Wed 7 Mar, The Jam story of Jayaben Desai, the inspira- Mar, The Asylum, Cafe, Birmingham by Schütz, Gabrieli, Stephen House, Birmingham tional leader of the 1976-78 Grun- Birmingham TOM MISCH Sun 11 Roberts, Vaughan Williams, Vivaldi, wick Film Processing Factory Strike, THE LOST NOTES Wed 7 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Elgar, Edward Macdowell, arr. AS MAMAS, THE Mon 5 Mar, MAC, Birmingham Mar, The Red Lion Stephen Roberts & Sousa, arr. LIZARDS & LYCIO Sat ingham 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 5-11 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:37 Page 2

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 March

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Cheryl Fer- baddies, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, Old Joint gison, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca Stock Theatre, Birmingham Wheatley & Hilary O’Neil star in an BRIAN CONLEY - STILL THE GREATEST all-singing, all-dancing comedy set in ENTERTAINER IN HIS PRICE RANGE a department store, Mon 5 Mar, Brand new show featuring comedy, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre sketches and songs alongside some SUPERPOSITION Playful journey of dis- of Brian’s best material from stage covery about science, sensuality, and screen, Sat 10 Mar, Wolverhamp- spirituality, and how the body ‘magi- ton Grand Theatre cally mirrors the universe through the ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE An evening constellation of particles twinkling with John Challis, best known as within us’, Tues 6 Mar, MAC, B’ham Boycie in BBC TV’s Only Fools And LA FORZA DEL DESTINO Welsh National Horses, Sat 10 Mar, Sutton Coldfield Opera perform a new staging of Town Hall Verdi’s epic opera. Sung in Italian, SUGGS - WHAT A KING CNUT: A LIFE IN with English and Welsh surtitles, Tues THE REALMS OF MADNESS Smash-hit 6 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome one-man show which charts the road MY FAIR LADY Amateur staging pre- to fame of Madness frontman Suggs, sented by Knowle Musical Society, Sun 11 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, The Core The- Birmingham atre, Solihull Spirit Of India - Birmingham Hippodrome THE YEOMAN OF THE GUARD Birming- ham Savoyards present Gilbert & Sul- ema, Birmingham, Sat 10 Mar livan's Savoy Opera, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Kids Show Film THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biogra- phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- WHITE Catherine Wheels Theatre INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: QUARTET Paul Nicholas, Wendi Peters, son, Hugh Jackman. Electric Cinema, Company present a playful, visual Sue Holderness & Jeff Rawle star in DARKEST HOUR (PG) Birmingham, Sun 11 Mar Ron Harwood's bitter-sweet comedy show for young children - a ‘perfect Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- SHIRLEY VALENTINE (18) concerning four ageing opera singers first-time theatre experience’. Fri 9 - man, Lily James.Electric Cinema, Comedy/Drama. Starring Pauline residing in a magnificent retirement Sun 11 Mar, The Patrick Centre, Birm- Birmingham, Sat 10 Mar; MAC, Birm- Collins, Tom Conti. Includes brunch home in Kent, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, ingham Hippodrome ingham, Sat 10 Mar The REP, Birmingham with drinks. Mockingbird Cinema, LOVING VINCENT (12a) Animation/Biog- Birmingham, Sun 11 Mar NINA - A STORY ABOUT ME AND NINA SI- raphy. With the voices of Douglas BLADE RUNNER + BLADE RUNNER 2049 MONE Backed by a band, Olivier Booth, Jerome Flynn. Electric Cin- (15) Mystery/Sci-Fi. Double bill. Star- Award-nominated actress Josette ema, Birmingham, Tues 6 - Wed 7 ring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling. Bushell-Mingo (Disney's The Lion Dance Mar King) mixes story and song as she Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company explore LOVELESS (15) draws together tales from the life and Drama. Starring Sun 11 Mar the ‘light vs dark’ and ‘real vs fairy- career of Nina Simone, Tues 6 - Sat Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin. For- tale’ versions of female existence, 10 Mar, The REP, Birmingham eign language, subtitled. Electric Cin- Wed 7 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove ema, Birmingham, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: SLEEPING TREES: WESTERN? The TEN Ace Dance present a full-length Mar Released from Fri 9 Mar, showing at Sleeping Trees find themselves dance production inspired by global BLADE RUNNER 2049 (15) selected cinemas slowly crisping under the sun of the Mystery/Sci- migration, Thurs 8 Mar, MAC, B’ham Wild West, as gunslinger Harry Fi. Starring Harrison Ford, Ryan GRINGO (15) Sudds takes on bulls, scorpions and SPIRIT OF INDIA Dance show cele- Gosling. Electric Cinema, Birming- MOM AND DAD (15) ham, Wed 7 Mar many other animals largely found in brating India's spirituality, mythol- MONSTER FAMILY (PG) America, Wed 7 Mar, Old Joint Stock ogy, rich history, diverse culture, SUFFRAGETTE (12a) Theatre, Birmingham colourful festivals, flamboyant wed- Biography/Drama. Starring Carey WONDER WHEEL (12a) DON GIOVANNI Welsh National Opera dings, music, dance and Bollywood, Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff. Artrix, YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (15) transport Mozart’s comic opera to the Sun 11 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- Bromsgrove, Fri 9 Mar Spanish Golden Age. Sung in Italian, drome RED SPARROW (18) Animation/Biogra- with English and Welsh surtitles, Wed phy. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel 7 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome Edgerton. Electric Cinema, Birming- TOSCA Welsh National Opera present ham, from Fri 9 Mar Events Puccini’s story of love, lust, loyalty YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (15) CRUFTS The world’s biggest dog and corruption. Sung in Italian, with Talks Mystery/Thriller. Starring Joaquin event, featuring ‘the best in dog English and Welsh surtitles, Thurs 8 Phoenix, Dante Pereira-Olson. Elec- BLACK STUDIES CITY TALK - THE END OF shopping and hundreds of canines Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome tric Cinema, Birmingham, from Fri 9 RACISM Event forming part of the uni- for you to meet’, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Mar NUMBERED DAYS Award-winning play versity’s regular City Talks series, Mar, NEC, Birmingham exploring love in the digital age, as which sees a programme of high-pro- THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO two students five thousand miles file speakers sharing their views and tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia BACKS Fri 9 Mar, Birmingham Back to apart fall in love, Thurs 8 Mar, Old insights on a range of topics, promot- Spencer. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- Backs Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ing the institution’s ambition to be ‘a ingham, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Mar HIDDEN HISTORIES Experience the cav- university without walls’, Wed 7 Mar, PATRICK LIVE AND THE SANDY HOLES THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, erns in a new way, without leaving the The Curzon Building, Birmingham HOTEL An anarchic mashup of new MISSOURI (15) Mystery/Thriller. Star- Portal building. Featuring virtual real- City University writing, cabaret and stand-up com- ring Frances McDormand, Woody ity presentations, a live presenter and edy, written and performed by Dan Harrelson. Electric Cinema, Birming- AN EVENING WITH ANT MIDDLETON The genuine handling objects, Fri 9 Mar, Hagley, Fri 9 Mar, The Core, Solihull ham, Sat 10 Mar adventurer, survival expert, TV pre- Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust TOUCH OF EVIL: A CELEBRATION OF VIL- senter and ex-elite forces soldier re- THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 10 Mar, LAINY IN SONG Musical numbers cele- counts stories from his life in the (18) Drama/War. Starring Cillian Mur- Birmingham Hippodrome brating villains, evil-doers and military, Sun 11 Mar, B’ham Town Hall phy, Pádraic Delaney. Electric Cin-

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:37 Page 1

thelist GEOFFREY LAKEMAN 16 Mar, Scruffy Mur- CBSO Youth Chorus & Birmingham Gigs Wed 14 Mar, The Red phys, Birmingham Classical University Singers. Programme in- Lion Folk Club, B’ham AVALANCHE PARTY Fri cludes works by Debussy, Szy- AT THE DRIVE-IN Mon 12 ELLEN NISBETH Wed 14 16 Mar, The Sunflower manowski & Wagner, Sat 17 Mar, Mar, O2 Academy, Mar, Birmingham Town Lounge, Birmingham Music Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Hall KING PLEASURE & THE LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH BIRMINGHAM CHORAL UNION Pro- VENOM INC. & SUFFOCA- BOOGIE NIGHTS WITH BISCUIT BOYS Fri 16 THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- gramme includes works by Handel & TION Mon 12 Mar, The HEATWAVE AND Mar, Pizza Express cludes works by Mendelssohn, Telemann, Sat 17 Mar, The Bramall, Asylum, Birmingham ODYSSEY Wed 14 Mar, Live, Birmingham Corelli (arr. T Billington), Stanley, Birmingham MARTIN CARTHY Mon 12 J.MacMillan & Liszt, Mon 12 Mar, The Core Theatre, Soli- GROUPER Fri 16 Mar, JUNIOR ARTISTS: CHAMBER CONCERT Mar, Kitchen Garden Symphony Hall, Birmingham hull The Jam House, Birm- Sat 17 Mar, Recital Hall, Royal Birm- Cafe, Birmingham JOAN BAEZ: FARE THEE ingham FINAL YEAR RECITALISTS Featuring ingham Conservatoire JOE BROWN Mon 12 Tristan O’Leary (clarinet), Man Him WELL TOUR Wed 14 AMPLIFIER Fri 16 Mar, PASSIONATE DEBUSSY Featuring Mar, The Core Theatre, Chan (piano), Christina Perrin (trum- Mar, Symphony Hall, O2 Academy, B’ham Marie-Christine Zupancic (flute), Solihull Birmingham pet) & Heather Rose (clarinet), Mon Jonathan Martindale & Jane Wright JOE BONAMASSA Fri 16 12 Mar, The Bramall, Birmingham JACKSON LIVE IN CON- (violins), Adam Römer & Christopher COVENANT Wed 14 Mar, Mar, Genting Arena, CERT Tues 13 Mar, New GARNIER ORGAN RECITAL 3: NATHAN Yates (violas), Helen Edgar (cello) & The Slade Rooms, Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, Wolverhampton LAUBE Programme includes works by Professor Helen Abbott (narrator), Birmingham SENSATERIA Fri 16 Mar, Muffat, J.S Bach, Haydn & Sat 17 Mar, CBSO Centre, B’ham FEEDER Wed 14 Mar, The Night Owl, B’ham Mendelssoh, Tues 13 Mar, The Bra- JIMMY OSMOND: MOON DEBUSSY'S LEGACY Featuring Birm- O2 Academy, B’ham mall, University of Birmingham RIVER AND ME Tues 13 TURIN BRAKES Fri 16 ingham Contemporary Music Group ALL TIME LOW Thurs 15 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Mar, Birmingham Town G4 LIVE 2018 Tues 13 Mar, Birming- Programme includes works by Mar, Genting Arena, Hall ham Town Hall Boulez & Tristan Murail, Sun 18 Mar, NATHAN LAUBE Tues 13 Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Mar, The Bramall, THE FOOD FIGHTERZ Fri FRETWORK: FOR FOUR Programme FIELD MUSIC Thurs 15 Birmingham 16 Mar, Route 44, comprises Purcell's Two Fantasias in DEBUSSY - CHILDREN'S CORNER Featur- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Birmingham 4 parts; J S Bach's Passacaglia ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), G4 LIVE! Tues 13 Mar, ingham BWV582 & Matthew Locke's Consort Catherine Arlidge (presenter),ė Sun Birmingham Town Hall MIST Fri 16 Mar, O2 JUDICIARY Thurs 15 Academy, Birmingham of Flower Parts No.2 in D, Wed 14 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JOSEPH J. JONES & COT- Mar, The Asylum, Mar, The Barber Institute, B’ham MODERN DEBUSSY Featuring Mirga TER Tues 13 Mar, The TOMMY FLEMING Fri 16 Birmingham PETER DONOHOE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & the Sunflower Lounge, Mar, The Core Theatre, INSECURE MEN Thurs Featuring Jason Lai (conductor) & City of Birminghamė Symphony Or- Birmingham Solihull 15 Mar, Hare & Peter Donohoe (piano). Programme chestra. Programme includes works MICHAEL MCDONALD Hounds, Birmingham TOM GRENNAN Sat 17 includes works by Prokofiev, by Debussy, Stravinsky & Takemitsu, Tues 13 Mar, Sym- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- JAM HOT Thurs 15 Mar, Shostakovich & Schubert, Wed 14 Sun 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham phony Hall, B’ham ingham The Jam House, Birm- Mar, Birmingham Town Hall PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring BEN DRUMMOND Tues ingham 40 YEARS OF DISCO Sat ELLEN NISBETH IN RECITAL Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor) & Xenia 13 Mar, The Jam 17 Mar, Genting Arena, SMS ROCK & POP Thurs Bengt Forsberg (piano). Programme Pestova (piano). Programme in- House, Birmingham Birmingham 15 Mar, The Core The- includes works by Schumann, Kata- cludes works by Britten, Daria AS IT IS Tues 13 Mar, atre, Solihull JAKE HENRY Sat 17 rina Leyman, Rebecca Clarke, Britten Kwiatkowska & Sibelius, Sun 18 Mar, O2 Institute, B’ham Mar, The Night Owl, & Brahms, Wed 14 Mar, Birmingham The Bramall, University of B’ham ALABAMA 3 Thurs 15 Birmingham Town Hall JOE BROWN Tues 13 Mar, O2 Academy, SHREWSBURY SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS & Mar, The Core Theatre, Birmingham SPACE Sat 17 Mar, O2 CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENT A GALA CON- Solihull Academy, Birmingham CERT Sun 18 Mar, Birmingham Town NORMAN JAY Fri 16 Mar, Hall JAMIE LAWSON Tues 13 Hare & Hounds, Birm- WOUNDEDSPIRIT Sat 17 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- ingham Mar, The Robin, Bilston ingham VARIUS MANX & KASIA GROUPER Sat 17 Mar, THE HUT PEOPLE Tues STANKIEWICZ Fri 16 The Jam House, Birm- 13 Mar, Kitchen Gar- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- ingham den Cafe, Birmingham ingham BOB LOG III Sat 17 Mar, Comedy SUSANNE SUNDFØR Hare & Hounds, Birm- WAX ON Fri 16 Mar, Ellen Nisbeth DOREEN - RISE OF THE YAM YAM Mon ingham Wed 14 Mar, The Glee Hare & Hounds, Birm- 12 - Tues 13 Mar, Stourbridge Town VAN KUIJK STRING QUARTET Featuring Club, Birmingham ingham THE COSMICS Sat 17 Hall Nicolas van Kuijk & Sylvain Favre- ELLIOT GALVIN TRIO Mar, The Sunflower I SAW THE WORLD Bulle (violins); Gregoire Vecchioni IVAN BRACKENBURY, IAN D. MONTFORT Wed 14 Mar, Hare & Lounge, Birmingham BURN, WITCH TRIPPER & (viola) & Francois Robin (cello). Pro- & ROB MULHOLLAND Thurs 15 Mar, Hounds, Birmingham THE STRANGLERS Sat CALLOUS CALIGULA Fri gramme includes works by Brahms, The Bramall, Birmingham 17 Mar, O2 Academy, Ligeti & Mozart, Fri 16 Mar, Artrix, JO ENRIGHT, CHRIS KENT & COMEDY Birmingham Bromsgrove CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON THE LEGENDS PRINCE REGENT’S BAND Programme Thurs 15 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham Sat 17 Mar, Birming- includes works by Böhme, Glazunov ANDREW LAWRENCE Fri 16 Mar, Artrix, ham Town Hall & Ewald, Fri 16 Mar, The Barber Insti- Bromsgrove GET STONED Sat 17 tute, Birmingham GEOFF NORCOTT Fri 16 Mar, The Glee Mar, Route 44, B’ham BRASS BANDS AND CHAMBER CHOIRS Club, Birmingham THE KING ELVIS PRESLEY Programme includes works by TJ ADAM BLOOM, CHRIS KENT & COMIC LIVES ON Sat 17 Mar, Powell, Paul Lovatt Cooper, Rameau, TBC Fri 16 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham The Core Theatre, Soli- Sullivan & Saint Saens, arr. Philip hull Wilby, Fri 16 Mar, The Bramall, Uni- RUDI LICKWOOD, MANDY MUDEN & MARK SIMMONS Fri 16 Mar, Molineux KARKOSA Sat 17 Mar, versity of Birmingham Stadium, Wolverhampton O2 Institute, B’ham CBSO: SENSUAL DEBUSSY Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), the STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 16 - Turin Brakes - Birmingham Town Hall ė Sat 17 Mar, MAC, Birmingham 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:37 Page 2

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 March

HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI Sat 17 Mar, Ar- HOW TO SURVIVE A POST-TRUTH APOCA- trix, Bromsgrove LYPSE An epic adventure through ‘a SCOTT BENNETT (PICTURED), JOSH wonderland of lies, fictions and HOWIE, RUDI LICKWOOD & LEO KEARSE Wikipedia facts’ in a show ‘for anyone Sat 17 Mar, The Comedy Loft, B’ham who’s ever said they read the terms and conditions’, Wed 14 Mar, MAC, Birmingham ELECTRA Royal Birmingham Conser- vatoire Theatre Company presents its version of Sophocles' tale of lust, vengeance and murder, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD The Crescent Theatre Company presents its ver- sion of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s fa- mous play, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham RHINOCEROS Birmingham Royal Con- servatoire Theatre Company presents its version of Eugéne Ionesco’s post- war avante-garde drama, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, The Old Rep, B’ham Cirque Berserk - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham CIRQUE BERSERK! Evening of ‘thrills nior Lecturer in Philosophy at the Uni- and skills’ combining ‘contemporary versity of Birmingham. Electric Cin- cirque-style artistry with adrenaline- Dance ema, Birmingham, Tues 13 Mar fuelled stunt action, Wed 14 - Sun 18 CHARGE Motionhouse present an JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Star- Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham ‘electrifying’ dance-circus, inspired ring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Artrix, LITE Marlene McKenzie uncovers the by the role of electricity in the Bromsgrove, Tues 13 & Wed 14 Mar Theatre emotional and physical journey re- human body, Tues 13 Mar, Birming- UP’N’UNDER John Godber’s award- quired by many to fit into today’s so- ham Hippodrome DARKEST HOUR (PG) ciety, where pressure from the media Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- winning comedy, performed by a cast BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Join constantly reinforces the need to man, Lily James. MAC, Birmingham, of deaf and hearing actors using the ex-Strictly star as he takes to the conform, Thurs 15 Mar, MAC, B’ham Tues 13 & Thurs 15 Mar British Sign Language and spoken stage with a cast of guest dancers, English, Mon 12 - Wed 14 Mar, The HONEY Reaction Theatre Makers pre- a 14-piece band and singers, Fri 16 MARIE CURIE: THE COURAGE & KNOWL- REP, Birmingham sent Tiffany Hoskins’ exploration of Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham EDGE (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring life in the Welsh mountains, where Karolina Gruszka, Arieh Worthalter. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL Smash- BALLET BC Canada's leading con- hit Broadway and West End musical bees, bomb disposal and autism are Foreign language, subtitled. MAC, all wrapped up in folk music, Thurs temporary dance company presents Birmingham, Wed 14 Mar starring Lucie Jones as Elle Woods an evening of work from three inter- and Rita Simmonds as Paulette, Tues 15 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove HARD TICKET TO HAWAII (15) nationally celebrated artists, Fri 16 - 13 - Sat 17 Mar, Regent Theatre. Action/Thriller. Starring Ronn Moss, TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Com- Sat 17 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- Stoke-on-Trent Dona Speir. Electric Cinema, Birming- pany present John Godber's classic drome CITY LOVE Fast-paced comedy telling classroom comedy, Thurs 15 Mar, ham, Thurs 15 Mar the story of two city workers whose Lichfield Garrick A MAN CALLED OVE (15) lives are transformed by a chance NAPOLEON DISROBED Comic alterna- Comedy/Drama. Starring Rolf Lass- meeting with one another, Tues 13 - tive history from Told By An Idiot, gård, Bahar Pars. Foreign language, Sat 17 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, based on Simon Leys’ novel, The Talks subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 16 Birmingham Mar Death Of Napoleon, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 BRETT ANDERSON: COAL BLACK MORN- SWEENEY TODD Amateur staging of Mar, The REP, Birmingham ING Presented by Foyles, this exclu- THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. Stephen Sondheim’s critically ac- CRIMES UNDER THE SUN Comedy sive Birmingham event offers an Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. Ar- claimed work, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar, thriller inspired by Agatha Christie, insight into the childhood and early trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 16 Mar Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The 39 Steps and film noir, Sat 17 life of the lead singer of one of THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- THE KITE RUNNER Much-acclaimed Mar, Lichfield Garrick Britain’s most successful indie bands, tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia play based on Khaled Hosseini's THE 4 CLOWNS OF THE APOCALYPSE A Suede, Mon 12 Mar, Birmingham Spencer. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- haunting tale of a friendship which 'sensorial, nonsensical delight for the Town Hall ingham, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Mar spans cultures and continents, Tues whole family', brought to the stage by THE SPARK OF LIFE Professor Dame IN BRUGES (18) Comedy/Crime. Star- 13 - Sat 24 Mar, The REP, B’ham Portugal's Teatro do Montemuro and Frances Ashcroft and Motionhouse ring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson. A BRAVE FACE Fully masked theatre the UK-based Absolute Theatre, Sun Artistic Director Kevin Finnan explore Complete with a selection of company Vamos tackle the emotional 18 Mar, The Blue Orange Theatre, the science that inspired Motion- whiskeys served at specific points subject of post-traumatic stress, Wed Birmingham house’s dance-circus show, Charge, during the film. Electric Cinema, 14 Mar, MAC, B’ham Tues 13 Mar, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham, Sat 17 Mar Birmingham Hippodrome PRIDE & PREJUDICE BRUNCH (18) Drama/Romance. Starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen. In- Kids Shows cludes brunch with drinks. Mocking- bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17 Mar I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS The Olivier Film Award-nominated Wizard Presents INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: FLATLINERS (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring brings bestselling children’s author Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon. Intro- Michael Morpurgo’s story to life, Sat TIMECRIMES (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Star- duced by Rachel Marchant, Doctoral 17 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall ring Karra Elejalde, Candela Fernán- Researcher at the University of Birm- dez. Foreign language, subtitled. ingham. Electric Cinema, Birming- Introduced by Dr Nikk Effingham, Se- ham, Sun 18 Mar whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 16:37 Page 3

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Monday 12 - Sunday 18 March

WES ANDERSON MARATHON (15) Show- CHAMPIONSHIPS Featuring 155 ing The Royal Tenenbaums; Life matches and over 50 hours of live Aquatic; Fantastic Mr Fox; The Grand badminton, Wed 14 - Sun 18 Mar, Budapest Hotel. Mockingbird Cin- Arena Birmingham ema, Birmingham, Sun 18 Mar SEWING FOR PLEASURE AND FASHION EMBROIDERY Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Mar, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: NEC, Birmingham Released from Fri 16 Mar, showing at THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A haven for selected cinemas knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, stitching, jewellery & dressmaking MARY MAGDALENE (15) enthusiasts, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Mar, PETER RABBIT (PG) NEC, Birmingham THE SQUARE (15) CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO BACKS Fri 16 Mar, Birmingham Back to Backs MIDLANDS WHISKY FESTIVAL Fri 16 - Sat 17 Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall Events SPRING STEAM GALA Get up close to STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know an array of steam locomotives and the star vehicles of the collection sample a selection of attractions up through interactive stories, songs and and down the line, Fri 16 - Sun 18 hands-on experiences, Mon 12 Mar, Mar, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair - NEC, Birmingham Coventry Transport Museum FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on ex- THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & perience of blacksmithing, Sat 17 MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Another NEC, Birmingham ENGINEERS FAIR The UK’s largest cele- Mar, Black Country Living Museum, ‘fun-filled celebration of geeky good- DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMI- bration of science, technology, engi- Dudley ness’, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Mar, NEC, LIES Learn more about coding with neering & maths (STEM) for young DISCOVER YOUR IRISH FAMILY HISTORY Birmingham your kids at these brand new three- people, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, NEC, Presented by a family-history expert, THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Ideal for am- part workshops, Sun 18 Mar, Enginu- Birmingham Sat 17 Mar, Birmingham Back to ateur and professional photogra- ity, Ironbridge, Shropshire YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON Backs phers alike, Sat 17 - Tues 20 Mar,

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60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:52 Page 2

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 March Club, Birmingham Mar, The Sunflower gramme includes works by Debussy Gigs THE RAMONAS Thurs 22 Lounge, Birmingham Classical & George Benjamin, Sun 25 Mar, Mar, Mama Roux's, LOS PACAMINOS FEAT Symphony Hall, Birmingham KNOWER Mon 19 Mar, Birmingham PAUL YOUNG Fri 23 Mar, ENCHANTING DEBUSSY Featuring Caro- Hare & Hounds, Birm- The Robin, Bilston Music line Simon & Kate Suthers (violins); ingham 80S MANIA Thurs 22 Mar, Wolverhampton SEAS OF MIRTH Fri 23 FINAL YEAR RECITALISTS Featuring Eduardo Vassallo & Hetty Snell (cel- OUTLYA Mon 19 Mar, Grand Theatre Mar, Pizza Express Karen Nicholson (flute), Amy Brown los), Sun 25 Mar, CBSO Centre, The Sunflower Live, Birmingham (horn), Zoe Goodwin (clarinet) & Re- Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham RODDY WOOMBLE Thurs becca Nicholas (cello), Mon 19 Mar, 22 Mar, Hare & TOM WALKER Fri 23 BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- DAMIEN DEMPSEY AND The Dome, The Bramall, University of Hounds, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- TRA: SLAVONIC MASTERS Featuring HIS BAND Mon 19 Mar, Birmingham ingham Richard Laing (conductor) & Zoë Birmingham Town Hall YXNG BANE Thurs 22 UNIVERSITY CAMERATA Featuring Beyers (violin). Programme includes Mar, O2 Academy, BLUE OCTOBER Sat 24 ANNE-MARIE Mon 19 David Rice, Augustina Kapoti & Peter works by Dvorak, Prokofiev & Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Gortner (conductors). Programme in- Tchaikovsky, Sun 25 Mar, Elgar Con- ingham ingham REWS Thurs 22 Mar, cludes works by MacMillan, Stanford cert Hall, The Bramall, University of Hare & Hounds, Birm- NEARLY NOEL GAL- & Palestrina, Thurs 22 Mar, The Bra- Birmingham MILK TEETH, FANGCLUB ingham LAGHERS HIGH FLYIN’ mall, Birmingham & NERVUS Tues 20 Mar, BIRDZ Sat 24 Mar, O2 Mama Roux's, B’ham AZIZ IBRAHIM AND OMO BELLO - LA BELLE ÉPOQUE Featur- HARDEEP PANDHAL Academy, Birmingham ing Omo Bello (soprano) & Jeff ZAK ABEL Tues 20 Mar, Thurs 22 Mar, MAC, MARK SEVEN Sat 24 Cohen (piano). Programme includes O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, works by Jules Massenet, Debussy, Comedy MOYA BRENNAN Tues STEVEN WILSON Thurs Birmingham Faure & Erik Satie, Fri 23 Mar, Birm- 20 Mar, The Glee Club, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 Mar, 22 Mar, Symphony FABIO & DIGITAL Sat 24 ingham Town Hall Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Hall, Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, MIDLAND CHAMBER PLAYERS Pro- YES - 50TH ANNIVER- JOHN ROBINS Wed 21 Mar, The Glee THE MAGIC GANG Thurs Birmingham gramme includes works by Weber & SARY TOUR Tues 20 Club, Birmingham 22 Mar, O2 Institute, GT’S RECORDS Sat 24 Schubert, Fri 23 Mar, The Birming- Mar, Symphony Hall, FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS Thurs 22 Birmingham Mar, Pizza Express ham & Midland Institute Birmingham Mar, Genting Arena, Birmingham JOHNNY2BAD Thurs 22 Live, Birmingham UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S CHOIR VÖK Tues 20 Mar, The AMY HOWERSKA, IAN STONE, COMEDY Mar, The Jam House, JSP, CANDID, O ANNA & Lunchtime concert featuring works Sunflower Lounge, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & Birmingham MANTRA Sat 24 Mar, by Janet Wheeler, Eric Whitacre, Birmingham Hoist & Janet Wheeler, Fri 23 Mar, COMIC TBC Thurs 22 Mar, The Glee EMILY MAGUIRE Fri 23 The Sunflower YOUNG FATHERS Tues The Barber Institute, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Mar, Artrix, Broms- Lounge, Birmingham 20 Mar, O2 Institute, HAL CRUTTENDEN, PIERRE NOVELLIE, grove URBAN INTRO Sat 24 CBSO: SACRED DEBUSSY Featuring Birmingham Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Ju- JUNIOR SIMPSON & KIRI PRITCHARD DOCTORS OF MADNESS Mar, The Jam House, CLOUDBUSTING - A TRIB- lian Wilkins (organ)ė & the CBSO Cho- MCLEAN Fri 23 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Fri 23 Mar, O2 Insti- Birmingham UTE TO KATE BUSH Wed rus, Sat 24 Mar, Symphony Hall, COMEDY WITH DAVE GREEN & JOSH tute, Birmingham KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 24 21 Mar, Wolverhamp- Birmingham PUGH & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 23 Mar, Mar, The River Rooms, ton Grand Theatre SOUL MANIFESTO Fri 23 BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR Featuring Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Mar, Artrix, Broms- Stourbridge MT. WOLF Wed 21 Mar, Paul Spicer (conductor) & Martin JOHN BISHOP Fri 23 Mar, Genting grove STARSET Sat 24 Mar, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Rawles (organ). Programme includes Arena, Birmingham JOY ORBISON & JON K O2 Institute, B’ham works by William Byrd & John ingham IAN STONE, SEAN PERCIVAL, ALLYSON Fri 23 Mar, Hare & GENESIS CONNECTED Donne, Sat 24 Mar, St Chad’s Cathe- PALOMA FAITH Wed 21 SMITH & CHRISTIAN SCHULTE-LOH Fri Hounds, Birmingham Sat 24 Mar, Artrix, dral, Birmingham Mar, Genting Arena, 23 - Sat 24 Mar, The Glee Club, Birm- Bromsgrove Birmingham HEAVY BEAT HOUSE BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- ingham PARTY Fri 23 Mar, Hare MARCH OF THE MODS ETY Featuring the Baroque Chamber BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN GEORGE EGG Sat 24 Mar, Artrix, & Hounds, B’ham Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mar, Ensemble, David Wynne (conductor), Wed 21 Mar, Birming- Bromsgrove URBAN INTRO Fri 23 The Night Owl, B’ham Andrew King (tenor: Evangelist), ham Town Hall ANDREW BIRD, MATT RICHARDSON, TEZ Mar, The Jam House, ALEX LAHEY Sun 25 Emilia Morton (soprano), Matthew RAE MORRIS Wed 21 ILYAS & CATHERINE BOHART Sat 24 Mar, Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, Venner (alto), Robert Jenkins (tenor), Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Richard Paterson (bass), Andrew Tip- The Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE WOMBATS Birmingham ingham Fri 23 ple (bass: Christus), The Passion of Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- YVES, DIRTY JANE & JOHNNY COPPIN & MIKE Christ as told in the Gospel of John, ingham GLASS CEILINGS Sun 25 SILVER Wed 21 Mar, brought to life by the inspiring music Mar, The Sunflower The Red Lion Folk THE WHOLLS Fri 23 of Bach, Sat 24 Mar, St Augustine's Lounge, Birmingham Church, Edgbaston, B’ham CBSO EXOTIC DEBUSSY Featuring Theatre Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor). SHRINKING ATLAS New work devised Programme includesė works by De- and performed by the Young REP bussy (orch.Matthews), Britten, satellite companies, Mon 19 - Tues Ravel, Debussy, Sun 25 Mar, Sym- 20 Mar, The REP, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham THE FULL MONTY Amateur staging BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC presented by Sutton Coldfield Musi- GROUP: TOMBEAU DE DEBUSSY Pro- cal Theatre Company, Tues 20 - Sat gramme includes works by Dukas, 24 Mar, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Goossens, Bartok, Ravel & Satie, EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION The plus world premieres by selected Wardrobe Ensemble pay tribute to French and British composers, Sun the schools of the 1990s’ Cool Britan- 25 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham nia era, Tues 20 Mar, MAC, B’ham CBSO: NATURAL DEBUSSY Featuring EVITA Smash-hit musical starring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Madalena Alberto in the role of Eva Marie-Christine Zupancic (flute). Pro- The Wombats - O2 Institute, Birmingham ė Peron, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Mar, Birming-

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thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 March ham Hippodrome ternational soprano Alyona Kisteny- MALCOLM STENT IN THE AFTERNOON ova star, Sat 24 Mar, Wolverhampton Featuring ‘music, merriment and Grand Theatre mirth’, Wed 21 Mar, The Core The- atre, Solihull RAVING ROYAL Birmingham Conserva- toire Theatre Company present Simon Paisley Day's comic play, Kids Shows which focuses on three couples as WHERE'S MY IGLOO GONE? Children’s they spend a disastrous weekend to- show which journeys into an Arctic gether away from the city, Wed 21 - world of soaring snow geese, pet Sat 24 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham husky dogs and starry nights, Mon 19 Mar, The Dome, The Bramall, Uni- versity of Birmingham PETER PAN Presented by Lichfield Cathedral School, Mon 19 - Tues 20 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Toro: Beauty And The Bull The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 22 & Fri 23 March Issues of homophobia, colonisation and immigration are explored in this gender-questioning take on the fairytale of Beauty And The Dance Beast. Set in a dystopian South American landscape, the show is PRAYER ROOM Royal Birmingham BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Join described as ‘a darkly comic and melodramatic tragedy about the Conservatoire Company present the ex Strictly star as he takes to the monsters men create through power, fear and oppression’. Carlos Shan Khan's humorous allegory, Wed stage with a cast of guest dancers, Pons Guerra’s critically acclaimed DeNada Dance Theatre is the 21 - Sat 24 Mar, Crescent Theatre, a 14-piece band and singers, Tues Birmingham 20 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand The- company behind the production, which contains partial nudity TOM AND BUNNY SAVE THE WORLD atre and scenes of a sexual nature. The show is suitable for audience ‘Gender stereotype-destroying black TORO: BEAUTY AND THE BULL members aged 14-plus. and bloody comedy’ with a live folk DeNada Dance Theatre present soundtrack, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, Spanish choreographer Carlos Pons Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Guerra’s gender-questioning His- THE SQUARE (15) Comedy/Drama. VATING SHOW Ideal show for anyone panic take on the fairytale Beauty Starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss. planning an extension, a remodelling And The Beast, boldly dealing with Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from of the internal layout of their home or Fri 23 Mar a new kitchen overlooking a land- the eroticism of the original story, scaped garden, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Mar, The Patrick CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON Mar, NEC, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome (PG) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Yun- Fat Chow, Michelle Yeoh. Foreign lan- MURDER MYSTERY AT THE BACK TO guage, subtitled. Highbury Theatre, BACKS The venue hosts its first ever Birmingham, Sat 24 Mar murder-mystery event, Fri 23 Mar, ROMEO AND JULIET (PG) Drama. Star- Birmingham Back to Backs Film ring Leonard Whiting & Olivia Hussey. PRACTICAL CLASSICS CAR & RESTORA- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 24 Mar TION SHOW Show featuring all aspects THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Midlands PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- of classic motoring, including barn Academy Musical Theatre presents STRAY DOG (PG) Drama/Mystery. Star- ture. Starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh finds discovered after many years of its version of the multi award-winning ring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura. Grant. MAC, Birmingham, Sat 24 - storage and restorations just getting musical, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, The Foreign language, subtitled. Electric Sun 25 Mar back on the road, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Mar, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 21 Mar NEC, Birmingham REHEARSAL FOR MURDER Amateur MARTYRS (18) Horror. Starring Mor- CREATE AN EASTER RAG WREATH Learn staging presented by Stourbridge jana Alaoui, Mylène Jampanoï. For- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: how to make your own Easter deco- Theatre Company, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 eign language, subtitled. Released from Fri 23 Mar, showing at ration and find out why rag rugs were Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, selected cinemas so popular with back-to-back fami- Wed 21 Mar LA TRAVIATA Opera & Ballet Interna- PROUD MARY (tbc) lies, Sat 24 Mar, Birmingham Back to tional perform Verdi’s interpretation of THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. Backs UNSANE (tbc) one of the most popular love stories Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. Ar- MINIATURA Specifically aimed at the of the 19th century... Fri 23 Mar, trix, Bromsgrove, Wed 21 & Fri 23 PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING (tbc) scales favoured by the dolls’ house Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Mar A WRINKLE IN TIME (tbc) hobby, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mar, NEC, CROSSING BORDERS Newly devised THE DEBUSSY FILM: IMPRESSIONS OF Birmingham work of theatre which sees The THE FRENCH COMPOSER (12) Starring THUNDERSPORT GB CLUB BIKE CHAMPI- Young REP 18-25 Company and Oliver Reed. Post-show talk with John ONSHIPS Featuring complex two- Young REP Lightpost exploring the Hill, Professor of Media at Royal Hol- wheeled machines and examples of shifts in generational attitudes, Fri 23 loway, University of London. Electric Events technical innovation, Sat 24 - Sun 25 - Sat 24 Mar, The REP, Birmingham Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 22 Mar Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, 2018 GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP Male FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Ama- MOM AND DAD (tbc) Horror/Thriller. Derby gymnasts go for glory on the floor, teur staging of Thomas Hardy's ro- Starring Nicolas Cage, Selma Blair. pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Sat 24 mantic story, Fri 23 - Sat 31 Mar, Hall Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, bars and high bar; elite women wow Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Black Country Liv- Green Little Theatre, Birmingham Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Mar the crowds as they compete on vault, ing Museum, Dudley MADAMA BUTTERFLY Opera & Ballet In- RED SPARROW (18) Animation/Biogra- uneven bars, beam and the floor, EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy two ternational present Puccini's heart- phy. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Mar, Arena B’ham exclusive stage shows, Sat 24 Mar - breaking and dramatic story. Korean Edgerton. Mockingbird Cinema, THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & RENO- Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury World, B’ham soprano Maria HeeJung Kim and in- Birmingham, Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Mar

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thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 March A FEAST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN Fea- Classical turing former singers of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the British Philharmonic Orchestra, Sun Music 25 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand The- THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN atre CONCERT Programme includes works DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM-YAM by Widor, Couperin, Deruffle, Pierne Brand new live show fusing stand- & Vierne, Mon 26 Mar, Birmingham up, sit-down, video surprises and Town Hall unforgettable music, Mon 26 Mar, MAHLER'S FIRST WITH MIRGA Featur- The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST & Joannes Moser (cello).ė Pro- Gwen Taylor stars as the formidable gramme includes works by Onutè Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s witty Narbutait , Elgar & Mahler, Thurs 29 comedy, Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Lich- Mar, Symphonyė Hall, Birmingham field Garrick GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST MATTHEW PAS- THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty SION Featuring Ex Cathedra Choir & Towers meets Noises Off in this Baroque Orchestra; Ex Cathedra award-winning smash-hit comedy, Academy of Vocal Music; Jeffrey Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Birmingham Skidmore (conductor), Toby Spence Hippodrome Thirty Seconds To Mars - Arena Birmingham (Evangelist & tenor); James Ruther- DNA The Young REP presents its ver- Town Hall 30 Mar, Artrix, Broms- ford (Jesus & bass) & James Geidt sion of Dennis Kelly’s explosive look (Pilate) Fri 30 Mar, Symphony Hall Gigs KIM LOWINGS AND THE grove at group mentality, Tues 27 Mar - Sat GREENWOOD Wed 28 ELIZA AND THE BEAR Fri 7 Apr, The REP, Birmingham CYCLES OF TRIO Mon Mar, The Red Lion 30 Mar, O2 Institute, JACK STARK Clowning for the 21st 26 Mar, Hare & Folk Club, Birmingham Birmingham century from ‘an unusual everyday Hounds, Birmingham DIAMOND - THE ULTI- MØ Fri 30 Mar, O2 In- person’, Wed 28 Mar, Old Joint DOYLE Mon 26 Mar, Comedy MATE TRIBUTE TO NEIL stitute, Birmingham Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Asylum, B’ham DIAMOND Wed 28 Mar, THE REEL HOT CEILIDH DOREEN - RISE OF THE YAM YAM Mon DODIE Tues 27 Mar, O2 26 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham The Robin, Bilston PEPPERS Fri 30 Mar, Academy, Birmingham YES LAD Thurs 29 Mar, Lichfield Guildhall MARLON DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK & COM- THE RAT PACK LIVE EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON O2 Academy, B’ham MOTOWN - HOW SWEET FROM LAS VEGAS Tues Thurs 29 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham LATINMOTION PRESENTS IT IS Sat 31 Mar, 27 - Sat 31 Mar, New DEL CAMINO Thurs 29 Wolverhampton Grand STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 30 Mar, The Glee Alexandra Theatre, Mar, The Jam House, Theatre Club, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham THE VIOLETTE Sat 31 RACHEL PARIS Fri 30 Mar, Artrix, THE ACOUSTIC SES- BLACKSTREET + MÝA + Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Bromsgrove SIONS Tues 27 Mar, CASE Thurs 29 Mar, O2 ingham The Jam House, Birm- MARLON DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK CRAIG Academy, Birmingham ingham 25 YEARS OF SWEAT Sat DEELEY & ANDREW WATTS Fri 30 - Sat THIRTY SECONDS TO 31 Mar, Hare & 31 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham JACOB BANKS Tues 27 MARS Thurs 29 Mar, Hounds, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- DAMIAN CLARK, RICH WILSON, PIERRE Arena Birmingham ingham OASIS MAYBE Sat 31 HOLINS & IAN SMITH Sat 31 Mar, The ADY SULEIMAN Thurs Mar, The Night Owl, Comedy Loft, Birmingham FALL OUT BOY Tues 27 29 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham Mar, Arena B’ham HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell Birmingham 9 CARAT PURPLE & ICE- the story of a woman’s ‘funny and THE YOUNG'UNS Tues WARRIOR SOUL Fri 30 FIRE Sat 31 Mar, Route moving journey through 60 years of 27 Mar, The Glee Club, Mar, The Asylum, 44, Birmingham village life’, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 Mar, Birmingham Birmingham SISTER ACT LIVE CHOIR Theatre MAC, Birmingham SHIFA: RACHEL MUS- HARBHAJAN MANN Fri Sat 31 Mar, Symphony ROTTERDAM Here To There Produc- SON, PAT THOMAS AND CIRCUS OF HORRORS Amalgamation 30 Mar, Arena B’ham Hall, Birmingham tions present Jon Brittain’s bitter- MARK SANDERS Tues of ‘bizarre and fantastic circus acts’, sweet comedy about gender, 27 Mar, MAC, B’ham LE FREAK Fri 30 Mar, B'SPOKE Sat 31 Mar, all woven together into a shock hor- The Night Owl, B’ham The Jam House, Birm- ror story featuring the darkest of sexuality and being a long way from THE FRATELLIS Tues 27 magic, Sun 25 Mar, New Alexandra home, Wed 28 Mar - Sat 31 Mar, THE THREE AMEOBAS ingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Theatre, Birmingham Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham ingham 25TH ANNIVERSARY Fri THE FESTIVALS EXPERI- 30 Mar, Route 44, ENCE Sat 31 Mar, The DEEZ NUTS, TRASH Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- TALK, CAPSIZE & BRU- bridge TALITY WILL PREVAIL FLATLINE STEREO Fri 30 Tues 27 Mar, Mama Mar, The Slade SKULL FOX Sat 31 Mar, Roux's, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhamp- O2 Academy, B’ham ton SUNFLOWER BEAN Tues KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 31 27 Mar, Hare & B'SPOKE Fri 30 Mar, Mar, The Robin, Bil- Hounds, Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- ston ingham OH MY GOD! IT'S THE MODS VS ROCKERS Sat CHURCH Wed 28 Mar, CHAMPIONS OF ROCK Fri 31 Mar, Artrix, Broms- Hare & Hounds, Birm- 30 Mar, Wolverhamp- grove ingham ton Grand Theatre, TESTAMENT Sat 31 Mar, Wolverhampton HARSHDEEP KAUR Wed O2 Institute, B’ham 28 Mar, Birmingham COMPLETE MADNESS Fri Circus Of Horrors - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Birmingham 26-31 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:51 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 March OEDIPUS AND ANTIGONE A reimagining of Sophocles’ greatest works, Thurs Film 29 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: TESTOSTERONE Rhum & Clay present a gender-transition story inspired by DARKEST HOUR (PG) the narrative of The Wizard Of Oz and Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- drawing influences from iconic man, Lily James. Artrix, Bromsgrove, movies, pop culture and pulp fiction, Mon 26 Mar Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Mar, MAC, B’ham MY GENERATION (12a) Documentary. TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES A Starring Michael Caine, Joan Collins. whole host of colourful characters Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, from Julia Donaldson & Axel Schef- Fri 30 Mar fler’s much-loved tale are brought to EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure. life via live music and puppetry, Fri 30 With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, Mar - Tues 3 Apr, Birmingham Town Eddie Redmayne. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Hall Fri 30 Mar STONES IN HIS POCKETS The Crescent READY PLAYER ONE (12a) Action/Sci-Fi. Theatre Company presents its ver- Starring Hannah John-Kamen, Ben sion of Marie Jones' poignant tragi- Mendelsohn. Electric Cinema, Birm- comedy, Sat 31 Mar - Sat 7 Apr, ingham, from Fri 30 Mar Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Here I Belong NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: MAC, Birmingham, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 March Released from Fri 30 Mar, showing at Producing quality stage work about the contemporary rural world Dance selected cinemas is the stated mission of Shropshire-based theatre company BLOCKERS (tbc) Pentabus. Their latest show, presented in a cabaret style, focuses TRANSITIONS DANCE COMPANY Three ISLE OF DOGS (tbc) on the character of Elsie, a woman who’s seen it all during the 60 choreographers, 14 dancers and the promise of ‘one extraordinary READY PLAYER ONE (tbc) years she’s spent living in the same village. “Bring your friends, show’, Tues 27 Mar, The Old Rep JOURNEYMAN (tbc) bring your family or just bring yourself,” urge Pentabus. “There Theatre, Birmingham will be cake!”.

net competitions plus an Easter egg MARCH 2018 Events hunt around the venue, Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Cadbury World, B’ham www.artrix.co.uk STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know INSOMNIA62 Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, the star vehicles of the collection NEC, Birmingham Wed 7 March Thur 8 March Sat 10 March through interactive stories, songs and EASTER HALF TERM Easter family fun, SONIA SABRI: STAND UP FOR CWMBACH MALE hands-on experiences, Mon 26 Mar, Coventry Transport Museum including a trail around the grounds VIRAGO WOMEN CHOIR and craft activities for children, Fri 30 KIKI LOVECHILD'S CLOWN WORKSHOP NEW DANCE-DIGITAL CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALLY Mar - Sun 8 Apr, , Hall Introduction to the underlying princi- PRODUCTION WOMEN’S DAY ACCLAIMED CHOIR Green, Birmingham ples of theatre clowning, Wed 28 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham EGG HUNT Fri 30 Mar - Wed 11 Apr, Tamworth Castle, Staffs DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT Featuring four popular EASTER EGG HUNT Fri 30 Mar - Sat 14 Disney stories, Wed 28 Mar - Sun 1 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham ter, Birmingham EASTER DINO EGG HUNT Try to find the EASTER AT WARWICK CASTLE Celebrate Sat 17 March Fri 30 March Sat 31 March large Dino eggs hidden around the the 950th anniversary of William the MACCA RACHEL PARRIS MODS VS ROCKERS museum, Thurs 29 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Conqueror’s motte & bailey castle on Thinktank at Millennium Point, B’ham the site, Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, War- THE MUSIC OF PAUL AS SEEN ON THE MASH THE QUIK BEATS VS wick Castle MCCARTNEY, WINGS REPORT THE DELRAY ROCKETS FESTIVAL OF POWER Action packed & THE BEATLES weekend of family drag racing, com- MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE plete with monster trucks and stunt CHAMPIONSHIP Home hero Leon displays, Fri 30 Mar - Sun 1 Apr, Haslam gears up to take on arch rival Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, Sat 31 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Donington Park Racing EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Daily bon- Circuit, Derby

COMING SOON: Where’s Mrs Christie, Eblana String Trio, You’ve Got A friend, Dane Baptiste, Patrick, Roy G Hemmings, Barnstormers, The Dancing Club, Honey, Andrew Lawrence, Van Kuijk String Quartet, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Macca, Emily Maguire, Soul Manifesto, George Egg Genesis Connected, Complete Madness…

Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN @artrix arts centre Box Office: 01527 577330 Insomnia - NEC, Birmingham

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