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GINA YASHERE - Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands COMEDY AT THE REP

BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2018 Birmingham ISSUE 394 OCTOBER 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP WTE:@WHATSONBRUMTWITTER: :@WHATSONBIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK Nightingale OBC Sept 2018.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 16:09 Page 1 Contents October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:11 Page 2

October 2018

Contents

Joey’s back - Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse returns to ... page 24

The Messiah ’s ELO Let’s Get It On... the list

a nativity show like no other Mr Blue Sky plays Motown The Musical Your 16-page at The REP dances into the Midlands week-by-week listings guide page 8 page 15 page 32 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 22. Comedy 24. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

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 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281706 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, 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 October copy.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:23 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Grease is the word as Peter Andre gets angelic Grease is the word! The hit high-school musical is mak- ing a welcome return to Birmingham Hippodrome next summer - with none other than Peter Andre taking on the role of Teen Angel. The new touring production features choreography from one-time Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips and is helmed by Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director at Le- icester’s Curve theatre, where the show recently enjoyed a sold-out eight-week run. Commenting on the new production, Nikolai said: “Grease provides a gripping snapshot of a country on the cusp of social change, all set to one of the greatest rock’n’roll scores ever written.” The show runs at the Hippodrome from 13 to 24 August. For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com

New theatre show to Waltzing in a New Year’s magical worlds of my favourite authors when I was younger - and I’m excited that I might explore the effects of war Day winter wonderland be able to do the same here. I got very in- The profound effect of war on young lives - volved in all Whoops’ adventures, even and in particular the experience of returning though I was writing them!” home from conflict - is the subject matter of a new play being performed at Birmingham’s Theatre this month (Tuesday 30 Oc- An Unmissable trip from tober - Friday 2 November). Set in the past, present and future, The Unre- Birmingham to Lapland turning focuses on the experiences of three Midlands families have the chance to visit Fa- young men who’ve seen action on the battle- ther Christmas in his Lapland home this De- field: George, returning from the Western cember - thanks to experienced travel Front in 1918; Frankie, back from his final specialists Unmissable. tour of Afghanistan in 2013; and Nat, heading Birmingham’s Symphony Hall is hosting a The company has put together a four-day La- home in a not-too-distant future from an celebration of the music of Johann Strauss on pland experience for children and their par- overseas refugee camp... New Year’s Day. ents or guardians to enjoy. The trip comes The production is co-presented by Frantic As- Recreating ‘the glittering romance of a 19th complete with a family snowmobiling adven- sembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth. century Viennese ballroom’, Waltzing In A ture and the chance to meet Father & Mrs Winter Wonderland is a brand new show fea- Christmas, their reindeer, huskies and elves. turing Strauss favourites including Blue Flights depart from Birmingham Interna- Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Thunder tional Airport. For more information, visit And Lightning Polka and Voices Of Spring. unmissablelapland.com or call 0207 428 1221.

Celebrity chef Whoops it up with kids’ book debut Michelin-starred Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell has published a children’s book about his late Jack Russell. The Magical Adventures Of Whoops The Wonder Dog is aimed at primary school-aged children and tells the story of a little dog who uses her superhero powers to stop evil neigh- bour Doctor Dactyl from pulling off the crime of the century. Commenting on his new book, Glynn said: “I still remember the vivid images from the

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A midnight cycle ride to save lives A midnight cycle ride in support of charities involved in suicide prevention takes place in the Midlands next month. Awesome Rides, Out Of The Dark starts at midnight on 10 November. Its route will cover 60 miles of well-lit roads. For more information, visit awe- somerides.net

Central Park concert re-created in Birmingham A tribute show recreating Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s fa- mous 1981 reunion concert is coming to the Midlands this month.

Image credit: LucyAround Gunning, My Room, Climbing 1993, 7:30 Video, minutes. Live In Central Park (Revisited): Courtesy the artist and Greene Naftali,York. New Simon And Garfunkel features a repertoire of lyrical master- New exhibition marks a century since women won the vote pieces that includes Mrs Robin- son, Scarborough Fair, Bridge A new exhibition marking a century since women won the right to vote will open at Birmingham Over Troubled Water and The Museum & Art Gallery’s Gas Hall venue next month. Sound Of Silence. Women Power Protest brings together modern and contemporary art to celebrate female artists The show takes place at Birm- whose works have explored themes of protest, social commentary and identity. Comprising pieces by ingham’s Pizza Express Live on 50-plus artists drawn largely from the Arts Council Collection, the exhibition aims to raise awareness, 13 October. provoke debate and prompt viewers to reflect on the changes which have happened for women dur- ing the last 100 years... Women Power Protest shows at the Gas Hall from 10 November to 31 March.

Hit musical Festival goes from strength to strength ghosts into the Birmingham’s Improv Festival returns to the city late this month. Midlands Running from Friday 26 October to Saturday 3 November at Blue Or- ange Theatre and Birmingham Rep, the popular event this year fea- tures improvisations built around Star Wars, Shakespeare, Enid Dumteedum - Blyton adventures, hip-hop, Halloween spookiness, soap operas and musicals... For full listings and to book tickets, visit birminghamim- Brum show a must provfestival.com for Archers fans... Fans of BBC Radio Four’s The Archers can get the low-down on all things Ambridge at a spe- Hit musical Ghost is return- cial Birmingham event this ing to the Midlands. month. Based on the Oscar-winning Based on fan podcast Dumtee- dum, the show includes contri- 1990 movie starring Patrick butions from Archers Swayze, Demi Moore and scriptwriter Keri Davies and ac- Whoopi Goldberg, the show tors Charlotte Martin - who stops off at the Wolver- plays Susan Carter in the pro- hampton Grand Theatre gramme - and Emerald O'Hanra- from Tuesday 22 to Saturday han (who stars as Emma 26 January. Grundy). Tickets can be bought on- Dumteedum Live takes place at line at grandtheatre.co.uk on Sun- day 7 October. or by calling 01902 42 92 12.

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Dancing in alternative spaces Birmingham dance house DanceXchange (dx) will once again be presenting performances in alterna- tive spaces across the city this autumn, as well as in its usual home of Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio. Commenting on dx’s out-and-about initiative, Lucie Mirkova, Executive Producer at DanceXchange, said: “We’re continuing our commitment to present work in alternative spaces where we hope to engage new audiences. There will be dance experiences in New Street Station and at Thinktank. will be the setting for the world pre- miere of a topical new work funded by Art 50, a scheme commissioned by Sky Arts to explore the notion of British identity in the wake of the Brexit referendum.” For more information about dx’s autumn line-up of Image credit: Show performed by Shechter II shows, visit dancexchange.org.uk

World War One Celebrating the dead at the O2 Academy Strictly to begin its virtual reality Festival Of The Dead returns to Birmingham's O2 Academy on Saturday 2019 arena tour experience at the 27 October as part of a UK tour. in Birmingham Hippodrome Mixing a carnival atmosphere with circus, theatre, clubbing and The Strictly Come Dancing UK ‘mind-blowing’ production, the event enjoyed a hugely successful Arena Tour is once again hit- A ‘breathtaking’ virtual reality debut in 2017. This year’s festival features, among other highlights, ting the road, launching in installation, telling the com- ‘spectacular’ processions through the crowd and live DJs ‘spinning a Birmingham in mid-January. pelling stories of the forgotten killer club soundtrack’. To find out more, visit festivalofthedead.co.uk Directed by Strictly TV judge Caribbean and South Asian sol- Craig Revel Horwood (pic- diers of World War One, is tured), the touring show being presented at Birmingham features celebrities and profes- Hippodrome late this month. sional dancers from the 16th Blending performance and series of the award-winning technology, Empire Soldiers BBC One programme. uses virtual reality and film to Strictly visits Arena Birming- create ‘a truly immersive expe- ham from 18 to 21 January. rience that’s both emotive and For more information, visit unforgettable’. strictlycomedancinglive.com The installation provides view- ers with the chance to hear bat- tlefield stories and share the soldiers’ emotional experience as they head for home. Empire Soldiers shows in the Hippodrome’s foyer from Tues- day 30 October to Thursday 8 November and then at Birming- Oxjam Brum set to transform Digbeth ham New Street Station from Birmingham’s Digbeth area will undergo a one-day transformation on Friday 9 to Sunday 11 Novem- Saturday 13 October when music festival Oxjam Brum takes over five of ber. its venues. The festival celebrates the best of the city’s independent music scene, while at the same time raising vital funds for Oxfam. Commenting on the event, festival manager Adam Pyzer said: “Oxjam Brum is shaping up to be something really special. We’re all so pas- sionate about this whole project and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on. You won’t want to miss it.” For more information, visit oxjambrum.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham October copy.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 14:23 Page 4 The Messiah REP.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:46 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk The Messiah REP.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:46 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

HALLELUJAH! The Messiah comes to Birmingham... Starting its tour at Birmingham Repertory Theatre this month, The Messiah promises to present a nativity show like no other, as two out-of-their-depth actors travel the length and breadth of the country to put on a production of ‘biblical proportions’. Taking the role of Maurice is Hugh Dennis, best known from hit TV comedy series Out- numbered. What’s On caught up with him to find out more about The Messiah...

“This is the revival of a play from the 1980s,” really because it’s all very out of hand. Mau- Then The Now Show is great because being explains Hugh Dennis in talking about The rice also employs an opera singer, played by on radio is an incredibly privileged position. Messiah. “It’s really about a two-man theatre Lesley Garrett, to improve the performance, On telly you have to go through so many dif- group trying to stage the nativity story. It’s so she pops up every now and again too.” ferent layers of commissioning, editing, com- very funny and moving. We try to play all the pliance and all the different people who look Having made a name for himself as one half characters between the two of us - so as you at it. But on radio, you can say something in of a comedy double act with Steve Punt in the can imagine, we play lots of different charac- a recording on the Thursday night and know 1980s, Hugh has since enjoyed a varied ca- ters each. The premise of it is that it’s a bit of that more than likely it’ll be broadcast the reer on television, radio and in the theatre. a farce because we’re way out of our depth next day because there are fewer filters to get with it all. We’re terribly well intentioned, but “I like to mix it up and do a bit of everything, through. Also, you can just read your script we have no particular idea how we’re going really - I’m greedy like that. The thing I enjoy rather than having to learn it - always handy! to pull it off. It’s the first time our characters most is generally not the thing I’m doing at I’ve just done a second year of Fleabag for have actually performed their nativity show, the time. When I’m doing telly, I want to be BBC Three, which is another highlight, but I and funnily enough, it will be the same for us on stage and vice versa. I’m very lucky, do hope there are even more ahead of me.” - Birmingham is the first stop on our tour. though, because I do like all of it. It’s good to Hugh doesn’t spend too much time planning have a varied career. If you were doing the The Messiah is mainly comic rather than his career, preferring to see where life takes same thing on telly year after year, it’d be satirical. It’s about desire to stage something, him: “Actors just want to carry on doing good quite tricky. It’s just about exercising all the longing for a nicer, kinder world - which is stuff and pushing themselves to see where it different brain muscles, really.” probably where some satire would come in, goes, rather than thinking about a set desti- actually - and it’s about middle-age angst. Even when a career choice doesn’t go accord- nation. I just like life to take me on a ride and But it’s all very funny.” ing to plan, Hugh always manages to see the see what lies ahead. But for now, I’m happy positives: “Actually, I’ve been quite lucky in to concentrate on The Messiah. The show The other half of the nativity-performing the- that respect - there’s no job I regret taking. I was quite a success last time round, so I hope atrical duo is played by John Marquez - best think it’s an attitude-to-life thing, where even we can do that again.” known for his role as gullible but loveable PC if things are terrible, I tend to look back and Joe Penhale in ITV drama series Doc Martin. think it’s all been pretty interesting and en- Hugh continues: “My character, Maurice, has tertaining. employed John’s, so he’s my baby to nurture. The Messiah shows at Birmingham “In terms of highlights, I’ve been even luck- I think he’s possibly the only person Maurice Repertory Theatre from Thursday 18 ier. In my acting career, Outnumbered is the could have convinced to do this - make of to Saturday 27 October. highlight because it was such incredible fun. that what you will! I’m in charge, but also not

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Food

all round heavenly. I’ve eaten many a steak in Birmingham, and this was certainly up there with the very best of them. It’s worth noting that the steaks don’t come with accompani- ments, so we ordered some fries, creamed spinach and both a mal- bec and béarnaise sauce. Not a necessity by any means, as the cuts of beef were flavoursome enough, but the rich, deep- flavoured malbec and the smooth, creamy béarnaise acted as perfect partners for the steaks. Fiesta Del Asado use only pre- mium, naturally reared grass-fed beef, which is dry aged for a min- imum of 28 days. This is most definitely apparent in the flavour and quality. Although suitably full, we or- REVIEW: Fiesta Del Asado dered two desserts. Again stick- Traditional Argentinian cuisine in Birmingham city centre ing to the theme, we went for traditional churros with hot Described as ‘the most fun and features dark wood and exposed Sticking as closely to the Argen- chocolate and an almond & fiery dining experience this side brick. tinian theme as possible, we or- amaretto tart with dulce de leche ice cream. The churros were of Buenos Aires’, Birmingham’s On arrival we were politely dered as starters the chistorra cooked perfectly - sometimes first Argentine Asado restaurant, greeted and shown to our table. artysan and the morcilla curada. they can be overdone - and the Fiesta Del Asado, is part of the We ordered two bottles of The latter comprised tradition- tart was yet another fantastic Lasan Group - which also com- Quilmes, a traditional Argen- ally smoked black sausage, choice. Both were devoured in no prises Lasan, Raja Monkey and tinian lager, alongside a portion flavoured with paprika and time at all. Jailbird. The venue is situated on of perfectly cooked and seasoned sweet caramelised onion. The the outskirts of the city centre, padron peppers and a small por- chistorra artysan came in the Overall, our first Fiesta Del on Hagley Road in Edgbaston. tion of Iberico ham. A firm form of a spiral sausage made Asado experience was little short Asado is a broad Spanish term favourite of ours, the premium from lean pork flavoured with of perfect. From the high quality, for a range of barbecue tech- Iberian ham is from free-range smoked paprika and garlic. Both stunning food, to the swift and niques. It also describes the so- acorn-fed pigs and cured for a were stunning, cooked perfectly polite service, I would recom- cial event of having or attending minimum of three years. Both and boasted strong, meaty mend the restaurant to anyone a barbecue. Food is placed on dishes were perfect choices, suc- flavours. If the sausages were who really loves their meat. The grills and lowered over the em- cessfully whetting our appetite anything to go by, we were in for menu is extensive and well- bers of special applewood chips, for what was to come. a real treat with our main course priced and the laid-back atmo- options. sphere makes for a thoroughly where it acquires its distinct The menu is full of delights. enjoyable evening indeed. smoked taste by absorbing the These include: Estofado de tern- As tempting as the 40oz bife de Lauren Foster aromas and sealing in the era - cubed brisket braised for 12 costilla was (their largest steak, flavours. hours in a malbec & salchichon ideal for two people - one side fil- Fiesta Del Asado promises the sauce and served with crisp let, the other sirloin), we opted Food: nnnnn ‘best steak in Birmingham city potato and blackened corn; for a 12oz ribeye and the Service: nnnnn centre’, so naturally my carnivo- Cerdo asado lentamente y marucha sin hueso - a 20oz flat Ambience: nnnnn rous partner and I were beyond batatas - slow-roasted belly of iron steak taken from the Overall value nnnnn excited to be visiting the restau- pork, sweet potato mash, wilted ‘feather’ muscle. OVERALL nnnnn rant for the first time. greens and gravy; and Lubina a A nicely marbled, lean cut of Boasting a casual and unpreten- la parrilla - sea bass cooked on beef, the flat iron was cooked to Fiesta Del Asado 229 Hagley Road tious atmosphere and decor the grill with crisp garlic and absolute perfection and show- thyme potato, accompanied by cased a beautiful taste and tex- Birmingham with, as you’d imagine, a decid- B16 9RP fresh dressed peppers, onions ture. The star of the show, edly Argentinian influence, the Tel: 0121 455 9331 restaurant itself is dimly lit and and tomatoes. There’s also a however, was the ribeye - melt- mouthwatering range of steaks. in-the-mouth, flavoursome and whatsonlive.co.uk 11 No KidsHippodrome.qxp_Layout125/09/201814:39Page new gender-bending attheHippodrome musical Are youkidding?

(c) Alex Brenner No Kids Hippodrome.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 14:39 Page 2

Making the decision to have children should never be taken lightly by a couple. In a brand new show called No Kids, real-life partners Nir Paldi and George Mann blend physical storytelling with gender-bending musical cabaret and verbatim theatre to explore the issues around that decision-making process. What’s On caught up with Nir and George to find out more...

Why do you think that bringing into Do you think similar prejudices would George: Birmingham Hippodrome have discussion the topic of parenthood for apply to lesbian couples and other cou- supported the making of No Kids and have gay couples is so important now? ples where one or both are members of been really wonderful. They had the idea Nir: Many people struggle to have kids the LGBTQ+ community? to programme it as part of SHOUT. We even though they really want to, while George: I imagine the prejudices would be were really excited about that because many others do it just because it’s some- very similar. Obviously it’s hard for us to while we want this piece to reach out to thing you naturally do as part of your life’s comment on the experiences of other indi- many, many different audiences, it’s also journey, without thinking about it seri- viduals from the LGBTQ+ community, but important to us that the LGBTQIA+ com- ously. We know now, thanks to science, we have a few lesbian friends, and being munity engage with it. It’s useful to them that choosing not to have a child is the any part of the LGBTQ+ community means on so many levels. We’re really excited to best thing you can do as a human being to having to stand up to many societal be bringing it to Birmingham and to help the planet, so I think in that way it prejudices. I feel that for gay or lesbian SHOUT. may help people decide. Or it may give couples, having a child is a bit like coming How important do you think festivals those who’re struggling to have children out over and over again. People often as- focusing on just queer arts & culture are some positives to take away from not hav- sume people to be straight before they’re to the LGBTQ+ community? ing kids. Now that members of the LGBTQ+ told or shown otherwise. You can’t choose George: It’s always super-important to en- community can become parents if we whether to reveal your sexuality or not gage with minority voices. The LGBTQ+ want to, I think there’s something very in- when you have a child with your same-sex community in this country over the last teresting in taking myself and George as a partner because having that child with you few decades has really progressed because kind of case study. We’re using this huge and acting as that family unit in public is those voices are heard, but I still don’t decision we have to make and magnifying almost like an outward display of your think that journey is over for us. We’re liv- it to form the basis for a piece of theatre, so sexuality. I think there are a lot of fears ing in a time now with right-wing and that people from all sexual orientations and challenges for us that come with that. conservative movements where we’re see- can really investigate fully the choices they Even though society is in a much better ing rights and freedoms around the world have available to them. place now than it was a few decades back, sliding backwards for many minorities. It’s What prejudices do you think gay par- I think there are still people out there fac- now important more than ever to embrace ing all of those prejudices. ents face? the rich and diverse culture we have in this Nir: It’s interesting for us to explore the What genres of theatrical performance country, and that includes queer culture. concept of some still believing that to be can audiences expect to see in No Kids? There are other countries around the world gay is to not be ‘normal’. Getting married Nir: Each little scene has its own number where people don’t have these opportuni- and having children are considered very with its own theatrical style, using a lot of ties to express themselves and therefore straight things to do. George and I have different aspects of theatre, dance and pop suffer as a result, so I think it’s important been together for many years and culture to emphasise how insane the world to celebrate what we have. monogamy is, sometimes, also perceived is, and how the process of choosing to Nir: It’s great to have a festival that’s dedi- as a wholly heterosexual concept. I think have kids comes with so many pros and cated to unashamedly and directly facing there are many interesting things for the cons. I always end up performing in drag the issues within our community. And to LGBTQ+ community to discuss, especially because I feel that there’s something so do that through our art is even better. what it means to be gay nowadays. Is it as liberating about that. I don’t often per- controversial to be gay and is it controver- form, I usually direct, but it was funny sial for LGBTQ+ couples to have children? when I realised that I more often end up No Kids shows at Birmingham Hippo- Or is it even more controversial for us to be on stage dressed as a woman! drome on Saturday 10 November as part thankful that the law now says we can of annual queer arts & culture festival No Kids is part of SHOUT Festival. How SHOUT. have children but nevertheless to choose did you get involved with SHOUT? not to? The Unreturning.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 1 The Unreturning.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 2

The Unreturning What’s On caught up with playwright Anna Jordan about her latest work...

What inspired you to write The a dream for me. Although the work they do to what the future of war could be as well Unreturning? is very physically challenging and quite as back at what we’ve known. There is technical, it’s hugely accessible for also, of course, the centenary of the First The idea was born out of lots of exciting audiences which I think is the most World War. discussions with Neil and Scott and the exciting thing about it. It does shape how team at Frantic. We were interested in I’m aware this all sounds heavy – but there you write - something I’ve been aware of is exploring how it feels to come home after a is lightness and laughter in the play too – that writing long, very naturalistic scenes transformative experience; particularly and hope. It’s a lot about friendship and is not always the best fit for Frantic’s work through the eyes of a young man - as this camaraderie and it was important for us as (in my opinion) and lots of The project was inspired by Frantic’s Ignition a team to find those moments of light. Unreturning is quite poetic and rhythmic scheme which celebrates its 10th birthday Those will be brought out not just through and full of imagery, which I imagine the this year. (All of the cast of The the writing but through Frantic’s company creating physically with great Unreturning are made up of Ignition movement language. impact. It’s about leaving space for the graduates). We then explored lots of movement to tell the story too. The What do you hope audiences will take avenues – lots of different situations in Unreturning moves very quickly, away from the play? which you might spend time away from sometimes through short staccato scenes, home as a young man – and eventually seamlessly changing time and location in Essentially, I want to tell dramatic and after quite a bit of development the idea of a heartbeat. The idea is that the scene can invigorating stories about the way young returning home after an experience of war magically transform in a matter of men are affected by war – whether they started to show itself as the most dramatic. moments; this idea of magic was are fighting or fleeing it. Theatre’s greatest We’ve looked at how you change when you important to us from the beginning. It’s gift is that it can generate empathy and are away from home, or how your home really allowed me to be daring and that’s a that is something we need more than ever can change – be that emotionally or gift for any writer. in today’s world. With suicide being the physically. It’s a way of exploring what leading cause of death for men under 45 in home means. How do you feel this is relevant to this country I jumped at the chance to audiences today? write a piece that explored themes of How does working with Frantic masculinity and male mental health, and I Assembly compare with other Sadly, it feels incredibly relevant now, hope it will be enlightening and companies? Are there extra things you especially with the Syrian Conflict and the entertaining for an audience. I hope they need to consider when you know you refugee crisis filling our news feeds every will feel they have gone on an epic journey are writing a piece that will incorporate day as well as rising tensions across the with each of the characters. movement? world and a growing sense of uncertainty about the future. I suppose for me as a Yes, I think it changes the experience writer, The Unreturning was a way of completely in a wonderful way. I’ve been a exploring and exorcising some of those The Unreturning plays The Old Rep, huge admirer of Frantic’s work and the uncertainties – as the play looks forward Birminghamfrom Tuesday 30 October chance to work with them has been a bit of - Friday 2 November Food October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:44 Page 3

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Digbeth Oktoberfest returns for fourth year Digbeth Oktoberfest returns to Birmingham this month. Now in its fourth year, the festival is moving from its original home of The Old Crown to the , a larger venue situated just a stone’s throw away. Featuring beer from three Bavarian favourites - Erdinger, Kaltenberg and Warsteiner - and street food including burgers, BBQ bratwurst and apple strudel waffles, the event takes place from 5.30pm to midnight on 12 & 13 October. Tickets cost £12 and can be purchased from Design My Night.

Brazilian restaurant chain set to open in Birmingham Brazilian restaurant chain Fazenda is set to open on Birmingham’s Colmore Row this winter. Founded in Leeds, Fazenda already has sister restaurants in Manchester, Liverpool (pictured) and New Slug and Lettuce Edinburgh. bar opens in Sutton Guests control the service with a small double-sided card. The green side signals the chefs to bring out skewers of sizzling meats one by one, the red side indicates a resting point. Coldfield The lunchtime menu costs £18.50 on weekdays and £20.50 on weekends and bank holidays. The Following a large-scale investment, evening menu costs £32.50 from Monday to Sunday. leading high-street brand Slug and Lettuce has opened a new premises on Birmingham Road in Sutton Coldfield. Wholey Moly! Vegan cookies arrive in Selfridges... The venue has added 23 new dishes to its food menu and created a ‘new and Premium vegan cookie Wholey Moly is now available exclusively in Selfridges Birmingham. improved’ cocktail list. The cookie comes in three flavours - cacao & orange, cacao & hazelnut, and almond, hemp & chia - and contains no refined sugars or processed ingredients. “We spent two years trying out different recipes,” says founder Meenesh, “baking thousands of Birmingham braced cookies in our small London flat until we found the combinations that really hit the spot. They’re for big burger festival! all vegan, high in fibre, very low in salt and have as little as 5g of sugar, which is 50% less than your average healthy snack bar.” A one-day urban festival featuring ‘the best burgers money can buy’ is being held in Birmingham this month. Seasonal Markets’ Burger Fest, taking place at The Bond Company in Digbeth on Saturday 6 October, will feature some of the city’s burger heavyweights, including Original Patty Men, The Patty Freaks, The Flying Cows and Baked In Brick. DJ sets, a live music stage and a range of children’s entertainments also feature.

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everybody say yeah! Hit Broadway and West End musical tours the Midlands Cyndi Lauper .qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:48 Page 2

Kinky Boots tells the inspiring story of a Northampton shoe manufacturer’s decision to make ladies’ footwear for men. The show’s music was written by ’80s pop legend Cyndi Lauper. What’s On recently caught up with the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun star to find out more...

“There’s no book on ‘how to be famous for opened in Chicago in 2012, moved to singing.” dummies,’” says Cyndi Lauper, who, at 65, Broadway the following year, and made its She didn’t really think about writing for retains her New York drawl. “You just do way to the West End in 2015. It’s also gone specifically English characters. “When what you can. All of a sudden, you get to all around the world to countries including England started doing pop music, it the top of the mountain and everybody Canada, Australia, and . sounded like American music. Their around is like, ‘You can’t do that! Don’t do But now it’s come home: the tour recently translation of Duane Eddy and the Everly this! You’ll be ruined!’” opened at the Royal & Derngate in Brothers and Chuck Berry was the Mersey Above all, the 1980s’ punkiest pop queen, Northampton, the quiet town in Middle Beat. It was different but still based on who was catapulted to stardom with Girls England where the story began. rhythm & blues. It wasn’t like Harvey asked Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time, Lauper would have loved to have been me to write some foreign stuff. You’re not was warned off musical theatre. “I was there at the opening as she believes “that going to ask me to write an opera. I don’t always being beckoned, ‘Come this way’, particular part of it is special.” But she study opera.” and I was like, ‘I can’t, because if I do my counsels against thinking of Kinky Boots as What she did study as a child was her career is over’. I would lose my credibility a specifically English show. “It’s a story mother’s record collection, which was full in pop. It was really a big divide. After a about a really great friendship and two of soundtracks from musicals such as My while, you get to a point where you say, very, very opposite people. And there’s a Fair Lady - another study of the English ‘Well, I think I’ve been ruined enough; it great redemption in the end. I’m a sucker written by Americans. “I did what kids do: doesn’t matter now - I can do whatever the for redemption.” I would play each character. I sang Stanley hell I want.’” Perhaps there’s been some redemption for Holloway’s part, Rex Harrison’s part and And what she did was Kinky Boots, the Lauper, too. She was a huge star in the Julie Andrews’ part.” mega-hit musical that conquered Broadway 1980s, but - as happened to all her At the Tony Awards in 2013, Kinky Boots and the West End, and which is now going contemporaries bar Madonna - she was up against Matilda The Musical, with on a UK tour. The songs were written by gradually slipped from the top of the chart. words by Tim Minchin, which was Lauper, and in New York they won her a She was thinking of creating a musical considered the favourite to win. “I was Tony Award for best original composition. about her upbringing in Queens when she constantly asking Harvey if Kinky Boots In 2016, the show won three Olivier Awards. got a call from her friend, Harvey Fierstein. was a hit, and he was saying, ‘I don’t know It also bagged the London Evening Fierstein is theatre royalty, the writer of hit yet, Cyn. We have to win best musical’. So Standard BBC Radio Two Audience Award play Torch Song Trilogy, about a gay drag when it won best musical, I said, ‘Is it a hit for best musical and three WhatsOnStage performer, and the cross-dressing star of now?’” Awards. the musical Hairspray. See it and judge for yourself. You’ll never Cyndi had never written for theatre before, “He said, ‘I’m doing a show called Kinky think about shoes in the same way again. and became the first woman ever to win the Boots. Would you like to write the music for Tony in the ‘best score’ category on her me?’ I thought, wow. He told me I had to own. “What I was really taken with was watch the film. I loved it. I thought, oh I get that the community accepted me. To have it. He wants me to write 12 good pop songs Kinky Boots shows at Wolverhampton these people, who are literally in my own with a good hook. I figured I could do that. Grand Theatre from 16 to 27 October; backyard on Broadway, take me in was Then I realised, oh, you have to move the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from what kinda got me.” story along.” 28 January to 9 February 2019, and Aptly enough, acceptance is the take-home Birmingham Hippodrome from She set about composing anywhere and 11 to 23 March 2019. message of Kinky Boots. “Accepting everywhere. “I brought my phone along yourself, you’ll accept others. It’s a very with me and I recorded melodies on it. I important show at this time in the world.” belonged to a gym that had a track on an Kinky Boots is loosely inspired by the story upstairs roof, so I would walk and sing and of an old family firm of Northampton shoe write. When I woke up in the middle of the manufacturers that manages to stay afloat night, I picked up my iPhone.” after discovering a niche in the market: The result of Cyndi’s endeavours is a string ladies’ footwear worn by men who like to of catchy numbers, from wig-out dance dress up. anthems to heart-stopping ballads, among The BBC told the story of the firm’s rebirth them The Most Beautiful Thing In The in the series Trouble At The Top. In 2005, World, The Sex Is In The Heel and Not My the story became a charming independent Father’s Son. Ideas came from surprising British movie starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as sources. She thought of the shoe factory Lola, a fictional cross-dressing diva workers as Monty Python’s knights of the demanding sturdy stilettos. But the round table. The History Of Wrong Guys, a ultimate destiny for such a fabulous story comic scene-stealer about a woman who was always going to be the stage. Kinky has bad luck with men, was inspired by a Boots The Musical, which explored the line from Kung Fu Panda. “I gave everybody unlikely friendship between Lola and a different style because everybody has a straight-laced factory owner Charlie, different jam when they’re in the shower GIGS October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:40 Page 1

14 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:40 Page 2

Gigs

The Coral O2 Institute, Birmingham, Fri 5 October After a five-year hiatus, released their seventh studio , Distance Inbe- tween, in 2016. Their return saw the band joined by guitarist Paul Molloy, formerly of The Zutons. Best known for singles Dreaming Of You, In The Morning, Pass It On and Don’t Think You’re The First, the influential five-piece are on tour following the release of latest album Move Through The Dawn.

Jeff Lynne’s ELO ing the course of their career. Alone In The Universe - the band’s first Arena Birmingham, Anna Calvi Wed 10, Fri 12 & Sat 13 October album in 15 years - was released in 2015 and Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 4 October received rave reviews from the critics. With a unique sound blending rock, pop and Jeff Lynne continues to serve as the group’s BRIT and Mercury Music Prize-nominated classical, ELO have produced 26 UK top-40 producer, songwriter, arranger, lead singer singer-songwriter Anna Calvi returns to Birm- singles and sold over 50 million records dur- and guitarist. ingham this month to perform her new live show. Pushing the limits of her guitar and voice be- yond anything she’s recorded before, her Jack White Fatherson third album, Hunter, boasts a new rawness O2 Academy, Birmingham, Wed 17 October The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, and primal energy. Best known for being one half of The White Sat 6 October Having started her music career in 2005, Stripes, Jack White visits Birmingham this Scottish alt-rock three-piece Fatherson have Calvi’s early support came from , month with his powerful new touring outfit been on quite a journey since their incep- who heard about her through a friend. Eno - Carla Azar on drums, Quincy McCrary and tion in 2010, along the way releasing has since become her unofficial mentor, de- Neal Evans on keys, and Dominic Davis on I Am An Island and Open Book, and playing scribing her during a BBC 6 Music interview bass guitar. The gig comes on the back of support slots for Frightened Rabbit, Twin At- as "the best thing since Patti Smith". White’s third solo album, the critically ac- lantic and Enter Shikari. Third album Sum claimed Boarding House Reach. Of All Your Parts came out last month.

David Byrne Genting Arena, Birmingham, Fri 26 October Having performed a quite incredible show in Birmingham back in June as part of a sold- out UK tour, David Byrne makes a welcome return to the city with his 12-piece band. Expect songs from critically acclaimed album American Utopia, interspersed with classics from his solo career and his days with Talking Heads.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Tom Clarke.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:46 Page 1

Tom Clarke Inspired by and named after local band The Enemy’s debut album, made-in-Coventry musical We’ll Live And Die In These Towns is showing at the city’s Belgrade Theatre this month. What’s On found out more from The Enemy’s frontman - and the show’s musical director - Tom Clarke...

In 2007, British indie rock band The Enemy “If you came into this with an ego, you’d leave dence hours before the biggest performance released their debut album, We’ll Live And with a deflated one because Geoff and of his life in a huge homecoming concert. His Die In These Towns. The record went to num- Hamish are both so supremely talented,” says manager, unable to convince him to sing, ber one in the British album charts in its first Tom Clarke, The Enemy’s frontman, who’s sends him away to revisit his past and decide week of release and was given platinum certi- acting as the show’s musical director. his future. So Argy walks the streets of his fication the following year. “To watch Hamish work is addictive, and home town, visiting family and friends in a Geoff’s script is genius. Geoff makes the bid to make sense of his feelings and find a Eleven years on and the album that stole the seamless transition from script into lyrical way forward. hearts of the nation with its adrenaline-rush content and back out again. Hamish is just an energy and working-class poetry has inspired “It’s a really heartfelt story,” says Tom. “I absolute powerhouse of a director. He’ll say a gritty and compelling new musical drama. cried in auditions the first time I saw it being four words that completely change the dy- acted. I don’t think I’ve cried in front of adults Based on an ancient Hindu tale - The namic and enrich the acting. It’s amazing to who are total strangers, ever. I was literally Bagavad Gita - the new musical, named after watch.” sat next to Geoff in auditions sobbing in some the album, comes from the pen of acclaimed The musical tells the story of a young rock of the scenes. I was sat there thinking, ‘This is Coventry writer Geoff Thompson. It’s being musician named Argy, who sits on the cusp of absolutely brilliant, they couldn’t act this out helmed by the Belgrade Theatre’s Artistic the big time, only to suffer a crisis of confi- any differently or any better’. Director, Hamish Glen. Tom Clarke.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:46 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

“When Geoff first approached me and said, Dave, the main directors, do a superb job, and ‘We’re doing this and I'd like you to be in- I don’t need to be down there every night any- volved as musical director’, I read the script more. I was mopping up sick and blood at one and it could’ve gone either way, I was so point, though - it was an interesting experi- scared. I could’ve quite easily passed it off ence! and said, ‘No, get someone who’s done this Tom has also been working hard on his debut before’. I agreed to do it on the proviso that if solo album. I was rubbish at it, they would sack me in week one. I got through week one without “I got probably about a third of the way being sacked, so I can’t be that bad at it!” through recording the solo album, all acoustic with no drums, and then had a conversation Although Argy isn’t based on Tom, the charac- with my bandmate. We’ve decided that we’re ter is certainly one to whom The Enemy’s going to do it full band, so it’s back to the frontman can relate: “The fact that Argy suf- drawing board on that. We’re going to record fers with anxiety and panic attacks is some- the album over the next year. It’s really excit- thing I completely relate to. I’ve always ing!” suffered with huge anxiety, and I used to deal with it by drinking. Last year I finally spoke to So could we ever see an Enemy reunion? a professional about how to exist in the world without being absolutely terrified of life. The “We’re all on okay terms, we don’t hate each journey that Argy goes on, I’ve been there and other’s guts. We’d done it for a decade, and I really get it. It’s quite cathartic seeing it like with any creative endeavour, music acted out in front of you. should be challenging - but it had stopped being challenging and it had stopped being “I can’t think of anywhere better to do this fun. The industry was finding it increasingly show than the Belgrade. Geoff is a Coventry hard to find a place for us - there wasn’t a writer, and our debut album was made in place for us on radio. When you’re up against Coventry. The Belgrade is such an amazing all that, you kind of think, ‘Well, you know place. I played a gig there years ago with the what, maybe the universe is trying to tell me band that I was playing in before The Enemy. something here and maybe we should go and The theatre was a staple of Coventry for try different things’. I wouldn’t rule out a re- decades before I even existed. Hamish is an union one day, but I doubt you’ll see it in the absolute Coventry legend, and I think with immediate or near future. the three of us together, it wouldn't have been right for the production to be shown any- “If ever the opportunity presents itself again where else.” to be part of another musical, I’ve already said to Hamish that if it’s something I would Following The Enemy’s split in 2016, Tom be right for, I'm in! It’s a yes before he’s even opened Coventry’s newest music venue, The told me what it is! Empire. “It’s nice to have a music venue back in the city, and it’s nice to be the driving force be- hind it. It’s established now and is running it- We’ll Live And Die In These Towns shows self. A lot of what we do is student and club at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre on night-orientated, and that effectively funds selected dates until Saturday 20 October. keeping a music venue in the city. Phil and Classical October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:39 Page 1 Classical October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 09:39 Page 2

Classical

Steven Osbourne Piano The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Wed 31 October One of the UK’s foremost pianists, Steven here presents a programme that includes Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No7 in B-flat. The piece formed part of the composer’s War Sonatas, which many believe were an expression of Prokofiev’s less-than-com- plimentary opinions about Joseph Stalin. The concert also includes one of Schu- bert’s final piano sonatas, written in the months before his death in 1828, along- side pieces by Poulenc and Debussy.

Yamada Conducts Bernstein Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 10 October The highly rated Kazuki Yamada (pictured) takes his bow as the City of Birmingham Sym- phony Orchestra's new principal guest conductor, presenting a programme of work that features as its centrepiece Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Also on the bill is Ravel’s La Valse and Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, while Latvian star and Birmingham favourite Baiba Skride gets to grips with Korngold’s lush and lyrical Vio- lin Concerto.

Birmingham Ex Cathedra: In 40 Parts Symphonic Fantasy Philharmonic: Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 21 October Symphony Hall, Birmingham, War And Peace Fri 19 October Birmingham’s Symphony Hall here hosts The Bramall, , Sun 7 October the London Concert Orchestra and the Canzonetta choir as they present an One of the region’s best known and most evening of music from the world of film admired non-professional orchestras, the and epic fantasy. Birmingham Phil was voted ‘best orchestra The programme features music from in the Midlands’ in the 2018 What's On movies including Lord Of The Rings, Pi- Readers' Awards. rates Of The Caribbean, Jurassic Park, Their latest concert sees them presenting a Harry Potter and The Chronicles Of Nar- programme marking the centenary of the nia... Toby Purser (pictured) conducts. Armistice. Mars, The Bringer Of War and Jeffrey Skidmore once again picks up the Venus, The Bringer Of Peace - from Holst’s baton to conduct Birmingham’s highly The Planets - both feature, as does Vaughan rated early music ensemble, this time in a Williams’ Pastoral Symphony and Berg’s concert comprising five 40-part pieces. Wozzeck: Three Symphonic Fragments. Included in the programme is Thomas Tallis’ Sing And Glorify and his monumen- tal yet rarely performed Spem in alium. There are also two works written specifi- cally for Ex Cathedra - Gabriel Jackson’s Sanctum est verum lumen (2005) and Alec Roth’s Earthrise (2010). The latter was in- spired by the famous photograph of the same name, taken 50 years ago by the Apollo 8 crew. Striggio’s Ecce beatam lucem completes the programme.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Black History Living Month.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:19 Page 1 Black History Living Month.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:19 Page 2

black history month

Every October, people in the Midlands and across the UK come together to celebrate iconic individuals and landmark events in celebrating 50 years of the history of the African diaspora. Here’s a sample of what’s The impact, legacy and heritage of 50 years of happening in our own region during the course of the month... reggae music is celebrated in BASS2018 festival this month. BLACK HISTORY FILM FESTI- ACTIVITY BOOKS LAUNCH ‘A SOUL II SOUL Fri 19 Oct, Taking place at various Birmingham venues, the VAL Series of themed films family day full of fun and Birmingham Town Hall event features concerts, films, exhibitions and dis- every Wednesday through- edutainment’, Sun 7 Oct, DARIUS RUCKER Darius cussions. Highlights include appearances by Toots out October, Wednesbury The H Suite, Icknield Rd, found fame with the Library Birmingham Grammy Award-winning And The Maytals and Loversrock pioneer Carrol UNWRITTEN Inviting poets HARDY CAPRIO ANNOUNCES Hootie & the Blowfish. Thompson (pictured below). The festival also com- from the international THE HARDY SEASON TOUR Since reintroducing himself memorates the 40th anniversary of the release of Caribbean diaspora to tell Someone whose career is to the world as a country iconic Steel Pulse album Handsworth Revolution - the story of the Caribbean definitely on the up, Hardy artist, he’s released four al- see more on page 20. men who fought alongside was tipped as an artist to bums, Sun 21 Oct, Sym- the British Army in the First watch out for in 2018 by phony Hall, B’ham World War, Thurs 4 Oct, BBC 1Xtra, the Indepen- Royal Birmingham Conser- dent, Music Week, the Sun, vatoire Nation of Billions and Clash THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING magazine, Mon 8 Oct, O2 EARNEST Two Gents Produc- Institute, Birmingham tions present a new take on CARIBBEAN CULTURAL DAY Oscar Wilde’s tale of man- Featuring a Windrush dis- ners, Thurs 4 Oct, play, a Black Heroes dis- Newhampton Arts Centre, play, Caribbean foods, arts Wolverhampton & crafts, health & wellbeing SONS OF KEMET Hypnotic OLIVA TWEEST Afrobeats mu- products and much more... double drum rhythms frame sical which follows the am- Sat 13 Oct, All Saints the colourful interplay of bitions of self-proclaimed Church, Kings Heath, Birm- saxophone and tuba as gyalis (ladies’ man) and ingham original compositions are what. when. where. club promoter Tobi, as he MOKOOMBA Zimbabwe’s brought to life by four navigates comedic and most celebrated young fiercely creative musicians, MUSIC TALKS/WORKSHOPS sometimes explosive band, Tues 16 Oct, Birming- Fri 26 Oct, Hare & Hounds, TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS REVOLUTION! Forty years of clashes with women, family ham Town Hall Birmingham FEAT. CAPTAIN ACCIDENT Steel Pulse’s Handsworth Wed 10 Oct, O2 Institute Revolution, Fri 13 Oct, traditions and his reawak- THE ETTA JAMES STORY Vika BLACK STEAM Inspirational Handsworth Wellbeing ened conscience, Thurs 4 - Bull tells the story of soul talks and performance cele- CARROLL THOMPSON Wed Centre (2pm unveiling); Sat 6 Oct, Belgrade The- legend Etta James’ turbu- brating black brilliance and 17 Oct, The Jam House atre, Coventry living history makers in sci- Handsworth Library (4pm lent life while singing some TYRONE MELODY PRESENTS: ence, technology, engineer- Q&A) JEAN TOUSSAINT QUINTET of her best-loved songs, BIRMINGHAM’S NEW WAVE ing, arts and mathematics, Featuring music from Thurs 18 Oct, Birmingham Mon 22 Oct, Hare & REGGAE 100 Discussing the Sun 28 Oct, Thinktank Sci- Jean’s 11th album, Fri 5 Town Hall Hounds next 50 years... Tues 30 Oct, Birmingham Conserva- ence Museum, Birmingham Oct, ACMC, 339 Dudley FREDDIE MCGREGOR Wed 24 toire COBO: BACK TO THE OLD Road Oct, The Jam House BEING BUILT TOGETHER Pho- SKOOL Featuring Rudi Lick- WINTA JAMES: A REGGAE THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS Fri tographic exhibition by Van- wood, Curtis Walker, Slim & PRODUCER MASTERCLASS 26 Oct, O2 Institute2 ley Burke celebrating the John Simmit, Sun 28 Oct, Wed 31 Oct, Access Cre- diversity of Birmingham and The Glee Club, Birmingham ative College, 68 Heath Mill the UK, Sat 6 - Sat 20 Oct, BLACK HISTORY MONTH COM- FILM Lane St Philip’s Cathedral, Birm- EDY SPECIAL Featuring ROCKSTEADY: THE ROOTS OF ingham KRS-ONE - UK TOUR + DJ Simon Clayton, Aurie Styla, REGGAE FT SPECIAL PERFOR- ART AN OFFICER AND A LADY The PREDATOR PRIME The rap Lateef Lovejoy & Slim, Mon MANCE FROM CHRISTOPHER THE ART OF REGGAE Exhibi- story of Elizabeth Barker icon performs in Birming- 29 Oct, Belgrade Theatre, ELLIS Thurs 4 Oct, The tion showcasing 101 reg- Johnson, an African Ameri- ham as part of a four-date Coventry Mockingbird Cinema gae-inspired posters, can woman who led an UK tour, Thurs 18 Oct, O2 BLACK BRITISH ARTS & CUL- THE HARDER THEY COME designed by artists and il- army unit of women in Birm- Institute, Birmingham TURE FAMILY WORKSHOP A Thurs 11 Oct, The Mock- lustrators from around the ingham. There will also be a INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERA- presentation and creative ingbird Cinema world, range of stalls and talks TION - OUR BLACK ROLE MOD- writing workshop about the 2 - 18 Oct, which focus on Birmingham ELS IN THE COMMUNITY Free Victorian black British actor HOMELANDS: JAMAICA AND Medicine, and its connection with conference celebrating cur- Ira Aldridge. The workshop BRUK OUT! A DANCEHALL 69 New Black Heritage, Sun 7 Oct, rent and historical black is suitable for children aged QUEEN DOCUMENTARY Fri 26 Street , Birmingham role models, Thurs 18 Oct, 10 to 17, Tues 30 Oct, Li- Oct, The Mockingbird Cin- ema THE OFFICIAL BLACK HISTORY Wolverhampton University brary of Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Steel Pulse.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:02 Page 1

Finger on the Pulse Steel Pulse’s ex-percussionist and backing vocalist Mykaell Riley talks about the band’s 40-year-old album, Handsworth Revolution

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Steel Pulse.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:02 Page 2

By Steve Taylor

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Birmingham band Steel Pulse’s debut album, Handsworth Revolution. To celebrate the birthday - and as part of BASS Festival 2018 - a public mural is this month being unveiled at Handsworth Wellbeing Centre. Former band member Mykaell Riley talks to What’s On about the critically acclaimed 1978 release, an album which had a major impact on the UK’s reggae music scene...

One of the most enduring images of the UK “My vague memory is that it started with, music scene in 1978 was the sight of a reggae ‘What are you trying to say?’ So we said, it’s band with frontmen clad in white hoods and about Handsworth. As we were discussing robes, performing a song about racism enti- the whole concept, we told them it was about tled Ku Klux Klan. what was happening in Handsworth, and that we had a song called Handsworth Revo- The group was Steel Pulse. They came from lution. Birmingham and later that year, the band’s debut album, Handsworth Revolution, would “They said, ‘How do you depict that revolu- leave an indelible mark on the face of British tion? What is it and what does it look like vi- reggae music. sually?’ We discussed this with the marketing department and the album design depart- The idea to wear Ku Klux Klan regalia on ment, David [Hinds] did some sketches and stage came from the band’s percussionist then it was translated by the art director. and backing vocalist, Mykaell Riley, who was well aware of the impact that the costumes “We were keen to project this dystopia that is would have at the time. Handsworth. It’s the idea that, on one hand, this is the reality - it’s blocks of flats, it’s bro- “We were trying to communicate, in the most ken-down buildings, it’s burnt-out cars - but article in the Guardian newspaper, calling for succinct way possible, If you don’t under- you can escape. So there’s a guy that’s run- the reactivation of RAR, included Riley as stand the hoods, then the lyrics are a transla- ning away somewhere, and also there’s a ray one of its signatories. tion of that,” says Riley. “You bring the two of light coming down on the individuals - together and that’s the history there that “That was instigated by the originator of these faceless but black individuals standing we’re trying to communicate, alive and kick- Rock Against Racism, Red Saunders. When next to the car.” ing in Handsworth in Birmingham. Red called me, he said, ‘Look, what do you Riley stresses that the band wanted to project think about all this racism and fascism that’s “In one simple act, one simple bit of white a positive message on the cover: “The image taking off everywhere?’ material, we were explaining decades of is there to offer hope, to say that you can es- racial tension and racial abuse to our com- “If you travel around Europe, it’s much, cape this. With the palm trees, based on the munity. The hoods were a shorthand way of much more in your face than it is here. Look- conversations we had with the guy who put it bringing all of that into one space. ing back at where we were back then, and together, there was this idea that, back then, then jumping back to where we are now, “You couldn’t just rock up to Woolworths and you aspired to get home. Home wasn’t the what we’re looking for is some level of say, ‘I’ve lost my hoods, mate, can you pre- UK, home was Jamaica - and so we’ve got this progress, but we’re moving back to that posi- pare three hoods, I’ve got a gig tonight’. dichotomy, which is, are we more Jamaican tion so fast that it’s scary. So of course I have at that point, or are we more British? “Once you had the hoods on, you couldn’t to stand up and support a viable movement see to play your guitar, so it turned into being “And the truth is, we’re both. It’s looking at that’s challenging fascism.” myself and Alphonso [Martin], the other vo- the challenge of identity back then, which And what about the UK’s impending depar- calist, wearing them. But even then we si- was deciding which of these dominated. And ture from the EU? lenced many an audience just by putting on if one did, it was the reality on the ground. the hoods.” We have to survive Handsworth, and to do “Brexit became a question of identity, and that as a community we need to somehow within that, what’s British, what’s English, The back cover of Handsworth Revolution force a revolution, which means standing up what does it mean? I think for many in the bears the words ‘Album dedicated to the peo- and being counted. And if that means you community, they were seeking to create an ple of Handsworth’, so it’s fitting that the leave, you leave.” identity that didn’t really exist - Britain has 40th anniversary of the album’s iconic art- always been multicultural.” work will be commemorated in Handsworth These days, Riley is a principal investigator of by a celebratory public mural, unveiled as the Black Music Research Unit at the Univer- part of Birmingham’s month-long BASS 2018 sity of Westminster, but his involvement with Festival. Steel Pulse up to and including that seminal BASS Festival 2018 (1-31 October) features first album remains an important part of his the unveiling of a public mural at While the original visual idea for the sleeve career. emanated from the band, the album lists An- Handsworth Wellbeing Centre on drew Aloof as illustrator, with credit for the Apart from the release of Handsworth Revo- Saturday 13 October to commemorate the design going to Bloomfield/Travis. Riley re- lution, 1978 also saw Steel Pulse open for Bob 40th anniversary of the release of calls the creative process that led to the final Marley And The Wailers on their European Handsworth Revolution. artwork. tour and become a powerful voice in the Rock For more information, visit Against Racism (RAR) movement. A recent wearepunch.co.uk/bass-festival

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Comedy October 2018 -2.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:07 Page 1

Comedy

Jimeoin Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 12 October Fancy a straightforward comedy night with a straight-talking - well, actually, a bit of a rambling - comedian? If so, then the sub- lime Jimeoin is the man for you. A gimmick- free one-man comedy machine, Jimeoin's proved he's got what it takes on all manner of top TV shows, including Michael McIn- tyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Jason Man- ford’s Comedy Rocks. Check him out!

Gina Yashere The REP, Birmingham, Sun 21 October Gina's latest show, Funkindemup, finds the London-born comedian on fine form as she contemplates the state of British race relations and Anglo Nigerian manners. Gina's best known from television shows like Mock The Week, but a well-received perfor- mance on US TV's Last Comic Standing saw her career heading in another direction, with plenty of work coming her way from across the pond. The 44-year-old comedian is suitably appreciative of her new opportunities in the US, where she last year became a fixture on late-night news satire programme The Daily Show. “There’s a glass ceiling for black come- Ali Cook dians in America too,” she observes, “but by the time you hit it, you’re a multi-millionaire.” Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 21 October Escapologist, sleight-of-hand expert, street magician, stage illusionist, thought con- troller, writer, actor and ‘historian of decep- Darren Harriott tion’ - comedy magician Ali Cook is certainly Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 27 October; Slade Rooms, no one-trick pony. Widely acclaimed for his Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 November; Artrix, Bromsgrove, highly innovative live shows, Ali has re- Sat 17 November ceived The Magic Circle’s highest accolade, Darren Harriott’s new show, Visceral, takes a look back at joining, among others, his childhood in Oldbury - and to a time when, at the age HRH The Prince of of 13, he began carrying a knife. Wales and David Cop- Fortunately for the 29-year-old comedian, he man- perfield as a Member aged to turn away from a potential life of crime, of the Inner Magic instead finding his salvation in the business of Circle with Gold making people laugh. Star. “For me,” “I need to get this stuff out,” he explained in says Ali, “the real a recent interview with the Evening Stan- joy is being able dard. “All I’ve really got as a stand-up is my to perform so honesty. I’m okay if audiences hate me. many types and What I don’t want is pity. These stories styles of magic. I might sound like tragedy, but I don’t com- live by what Paul pute it as tragedy. I’m enjoying this roller- Daniels said: "A coaster. I just worry that it could all go. magician can do it This is the most important time in my ca- all. He is, after all, reer, but my main goal is to have fun.” magic.”

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Felicity Ward The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 19 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 3 November Australian comedian Felicity Ward visits the Midlands with her second nationwide tour, Busting A Nut. Felicity went down a storm with the show at this summer’s Edinburgh Festival, where she’s a well-established con- tributor. “Busting A Nut was my eighth stand-up show there, so I’ve had some prac- tice,” says Felicity. “What’s different this time is that the show doesn’t have a theme - it’s just an hour of jokes.”

Doreen’s Big Top Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 10 - Thurs 11 October; Oakengates Theatre@The Place, Telford, Tues 16 - Wed 17 October; Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Tues 23 - Wed 24 October; , Birmingham, Thurs 25 - Fri 26 October; The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 29 - Tues 30 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 2 November; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 14 November In February 2012, Doreen’s Story - a five- appearing in pantomime and heading out on minute mockumentary written by playwright the road with shows like this one. David Tristram - went viral on the internet. The new production sees Doreen exploring The video, which satirised benefit the history of the circus, complete with scroungers, starred actress Gill Jordan as the ‘breathtaking feats of laziness’ and a not-to- Black Country-born Doreen. Since then, the be-missed attempt at fire-eating with a Black character has blossomed into one of the 21st Country vindaloo. century’s finest comic creations, regularly

Vikki Stone MAC, Birmingham, Sat 13 October Juliette Burton Sara Pascoe Described by The Scotsman as the bastard Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sun 7 October; Birmingham Town Hall, love child of Victoria Wood and Tim Fri 12 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 28 November Minchin, Vikki Stone is not only a comedian Sat 10 November At a time when the rifts between the haves but a composer and musician. The various Is being nice out- and have nots, the pro-EU and anti-EU, the hats she wears have en- dated, or can small tolerant and the prejudiced are becoming sured she’s had a far- acts of kindness ever wider, Sara Pascoe is clear about one from-standard make a big impact?... thing - there are no off-limit subjects when it career, with high- This is the question comes to comedy. lights including being asked by “People forgive the subject matter when they giving a TED Talk award-winning co- find something funny,” she says, “but that at CERN, playing median Juliette Bur- doesn’t mean the comedian has no responsi- the typewriter ton as she hits the bility to question their own material. If with the BBC road on her first ever they’re going to tell a joke about rape, they Philhar- UK tour. should first consider how you might feel if monic Entitled Butterfly Effect, Juliette’s new you’ve been a victim of Orchestra, show sees her finding out whether kind- it. If, after that, they and being ness holds the power to change lives, cure still feel it’s a joke part of the mental health conditions, make friends, worth telling, then presenting restore hope, dispel despair, end poverty they’ll be doing so with team at the and even defeat death... complete faith in their BBC Proms. It’s a weighty subject for a stand-up gig, own material, which is so you’ve got to admire her ambition! great.”

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

War Horse novel, it tells the story of a young man named Albert whose horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to at the beginning of Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 10 October - Sat 3 November; Regent the First World War. Joey’s subsequent adventures lead to him finding Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 27 Mar - Sat 6 April himself alone in a no man's land - but Albert is in no mood to give up Described as ‘the theatrical event of the decade’ when it opened in on his beloved companion, and sets out to find him and take him London’s West End, War Horse has continued to garner great praise in home to Devon. the ensuing years. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s hugely popular 1982

The Lovely Bones David Edgar: Trying It On brand new stage show to Coventry. Rifco Theatre’s Dishoom! is a comedy-drama The REP, Birmingham, MAC, Birmingham, Fri 12 October; featuring music from the smash-hit Bolly- Tues 30 October - Sat 10 November The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 October wood movie, Sholay. The production is This poignant human drama, based on Alice helmed by the company’s Artistic Director, David Edgar is used to Sebold’s best-selling novel, concerns a mur- Pravesh Kumar. Pravesh started Rifco in 1999, writing plays; he’s not dered girl who watches from heaven as her to make ‘a different kind of theatre for a com- so used to performing family attempts to cope with their devastat- munity that couldn’t see themselves repre- in them. But that’s all ing loss... sented on English stages’. Author Alice Sebold will discuss her wide- changing with Trying It ranging career in a special In Conversation On. event on 1 November, to tie in with the stage The Birmingham-born adaptation’s stay at The REP. playwright has marked his 70th birthday by taking to the stage in this one-man show, during which he contemplates the ways in which both the world and his own views have changed over the last 50 years.

Dishoom! Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 16 - Sat 20 October A theatre company that specialises in cele- brating and reflecting contemporary British Asian culture and society is bringing this 24 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Oct. RIGHT HAND FP 2018.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:28 Page 1

Unforgettable performance, powered by you 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 6% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person, postage from £1.50.

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Wed 3 Wed 10 Oct Mon 5 - - Sat 6 Oct - Sat 3 Nov Sat 10 Nov From £12 From £29.50 From £18

La traviata Verdi

Wed 14 & Fri 23 Nov - Mon 17 Dec Fri 16 Nov Thu 13 Dec - Sun 6 Jan From £20 Birmingham Royal Ballet From £20 £12.50

Wed 19 Dec Tue 5 - Mon 11 - - Sun 27 Jan Sat 16 Feb Sat 23 Mar From £16 From £21 From £26

Tue 26 & Tue 2 Apr - Tue 28 May - Pepperland Wed 27 Mar Sat 11 May Sat 8 Jun Mark Morris Dance Group From £20 From £31 From £25 Jinkx Monsoon (FOR ONLINE WHAT'S ON).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 1

T e G n e np e

She’sShe’s back!back! DragDrag RaceRace ffavouriteavourite JJinkxinkx MonsoonMonsoon nextnext monthmonth returnsreturns toto thethe MidlandsMidlands alongsidealongside herher musicianmusician palpal - andand therapisttherapist - MajorMajor Scales.Scales. TheThe duoduo willwill taketake toto thethe stagestage toto exploreexplore thethe darkdark sideside ofof dragdrag fame.fame. MidlandsMidlands ZoneZone recently caught up with Jinkx to find out what audiences can expect. Will the ginger finally snap? You’ll have to bag yourself a ticket to find out the answer to that one...

What would you say is your star What do you think sets you apart from movies and stuff, so you’ve gotta find quality? other performers? something really special and hideous to To find humour in everything. I’ve always The extensive training and research I’ve put on stage to grab people’s attention wanted to be a performer, so when I’m on done for the style of performance that I away from their screens. stage performing in front of people, I feel give. Being a cabaret performer, being a Can you tell us a bit about your new like I come to life in a way that I don’t in live stage performer, is very different from album with Major Scales? any other realm of my life. I’m just very a lot of other mediums. lucky because I do what I want. Our society is drifting away from live per- Well, the album came out in January and formance and going into internet content, it’s called The Ginger Snapped. If anyone’s Jinkx Monsoon (FOR ONLINE WHAT'S ON).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:51 Page 2

followed my music, my first album was things is living in a Drag Race time of life jokes immediately. mostly show tunes, and was really inspired post-Drag Race phenomenon where the I don’t have to over-explain anything, by Bette Middler’s bad house days. After queens are making it big and becoming in- which leaves me free to do more non-se- we’d accomplished that album, we wanted ternational superstars. I spend 80% of my quitur stuff and off-the-wall dry humour. to explore a different style of music. year on the road touring, and it’s hard We both really like those ’90s grunge, finding that balance of having my personal Looking back, is there anything you garage bands, and we worked really hard life and staying up to date with my friends wished you’d done differently? on the new album. It’s mostly all original and family. music by Major Scales and myself. It’s got No, I’ve never dwelt on how I could’ve a couple of covers, but it’s kinda got a vin- Are there any benefits to doing your done things differently. If you had the abil- tage No Doubt sound to it. We took a lot of own shows as opposed to being in a big- ity to change the past, you don’t know in inspiration from female rock stars of the ger ensemble - such as Drag World, for what ways you might affect the present. ’90s like Courtney Love, the bands instance? I always say in terms of Drag Race, even though I won and had a great experience Garbage, Portishead and, of course, early I love doing big ensemble shows and al- with it, I wish I’d known things back then No Doubt. I’m really happy with it because ways make time in my schedule to do a that I know now. But I wouldn’t tamper it’s edgier than my first album and it’s got couple of tours with my drag sisters, be- with anything; tampering may change the more pop and rock influences in it, but it’s cause talking about the dark side of drag is outcome and I’m really happy with the out- our writing and sound. always easier when you’re touring with come. Do you have a favourite track from the other drag queens who know exactly what Have you set yourself any goals for the album? you’re going through. I’m really passionate about creating my own work, especially next 10 years? It has to be Cartoons And Vodka, which is with Major Scales, because we pour so I’m currently auditioning for roles in a song about just that. much of ourselves into our music and the Broadway shows. As a live performer, My favourite line is, ‘Life is twice as hard scripts we write. It’s a really rewarding ex- Broadway seems like the prize at the end when you’re living life half on a stage’. It’s perience to create something from the of the rainbow, so I’m constantly striving all about what she wants in a man; it’s not ground up. Audiences are receptive to it for that and looking for opportunities. someone who’s going to dote on her, or and really enjoy it. I also get to go a little I’d also like to do more TV. Television is a who’s going to require a lot from her. All deeper. All my shows are tongue-in- cheek brilliant way to reach a lot of people all at she wants to do is come home and relax and not too heavy, but I always find a way once. I’m also passionate about being an with cartoons and vodka. to incorporate an under-lying message that advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community Obviously you’re bringing the album to I care about into the show. and creating positive changes in the world. the stage and you say it’s based on per- You recently celebrated your 31st birth- You recently moved from Seattle to San sonal experiences. Do you have any day. Do you really think your best years Francisco. How’s life there treating you? concerns about unveiling your vulnera- are behind you? bility on stage? I completely love it. I lived in downtown The way we tackle it in the show is Jinkx Seattle in a quaint two-bedroom apartment No. The last two shows I’ve written were currently wondering if her best years are for about 11 years and absolutely loved the full-exposure, full in-depth looks into my behind her, and it incites this on-stage culture and community there, but I was personal life. I find it really rewarding be- mental breakdown which puts the whole ready to move out of the city and enjoy my cause I’m able to turn some of my more show into motion - but I don’t actually feel downtime more. embarrassing moments and some of my that way. Like I said, I spend so much of my time on more harrowing experiences into enter- At one point in my life, I thought Drag the road that when I’m home, the last tainment. Race was my big break, but now my idea is thing I want to do is go out and party. With The Ginger Snapped tour, the premise very different. Breaks come in waves. You Not only did I move into the suburbs of is that Jinkx is seeing her pyschiatrist live get multiple big breaks in life, and it’s all San Fransisco, where we have a beautiful on stage, and the music punctuates the about moving from one big break to the garden and a house that feels like a man- psychotherapy session she’s having. It next as positively, efficiently and confi- sion compared to my tiny apartment, but I deals heavily with my sex life, and the dently as possible. also moved in with my best friend and cho- darker side of being a drag superstar. The sen family members. goal of the show is to de-stigmatise the How do audience reactions in the UK So when I’m home, I’m with the people idea of talking about your own mental ill- differ to those in the States? who I like spending my time with, the peo- ness and mental affliction - but even with Because I watched so much British com- ple who’ve made such a positive impact on that subject matter, it’s very lighthearted edy, the British sense of humour has been my life. and tongue-in-cheek. infused in me from a very young age. I Jinkx Monsoon And Major Scales: The Can you provide an example of the dark learned so much about comedy from Ab- Ginger Snapped shows at Stafford side of being a superstar drag queen? solutely Fabulous, Harry Enfield and Keep- Gatehouse Theatre on Wednesday 7 ing Up Appearances. I think that had a We tackle this a lot in our music and in a November and then at Birmingham strong influence on the way I write and Hippodrome on Saturday 17 November. lot of the shows we do. One of the big perform, and my UK audiences get my Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:00 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Troilus And Cressida Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, Fri 12 October - Sat 17 November There’s no shortage of drama and intrigue in Shakespeare's rarely performed play, which finds the Greeks and Trojans still at war a full seven years after the Trojan prince Paris's ab- duction of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, from her Greek husband Menelaus. With the Greeks quarrelling amongst themselves, and their champion Achilles in no mood to fight, it falls to rival warrior Ajax to meet the Trojan champion Hector in one-to-one combat. Meanwhile, Troilus is much distracted by his love for Cressida, the daughter of Calchas, a Trojan who’s defected to the Greek camp whilst leaving his daughter in Troy... Virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie has here collaborated with RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran to create ‘a satirical futuristic vision of a world resounding in battle’. This new RSC version of Troilus And Cressida will be broadcast live from Stratford-upon- Avon to cinemas on 14 November.

My Mother Said I Suggs: What A King Cnut Duet For One Never Should Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 15 October; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Tues 16 October Thurs 4 - Sat 6 October New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 2 - Sat 6 October After selling out his previous touring produc- Belinda Lang and Jonathan Coy star in Tom Chosen by the Royal National Theatre as one tion, Madness frontman Suggs here takes a Kempinski’s critically acclaimed two-hander, of the 100 most significant plays of the 20th lighthearted look at a career that’s featured first performed in 1980. While the play fo- century, My Mother Said I Never Should plenty of memorable moments - from experi- cuses on the fictitious character of Stephanie moves back and forth through the lives of encing vertigo on the roof of Buckingham Abrahams, it’s actually based on the story of four women, in the process setting the enor- Palace, to nearly Jacqueline du Pré, the legendary cellist mous social changes of the last century blowing the closing whose life and career were tragically cut against the desire to love and be loved. ceremony of the short by multiple sclerosis. Written in 1985 and first staged at Manch- London Olympics. “It’s very sad and even brutal at times,” says ester’s Contact Theatre, Charlotte Keatley’s Oh, and watching Belinda Lang of Duet For One, “but the flip award-winning play is the most commonly his underpants fall side of it is very funny. Stephanie has a sar- performed work by a female playwright in to earth on David castic wit which I personally find funny - and the world. Bowie’s driveway... fortunately the audience find it funny too!”

Dracula The War Of The Worlds The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sat 20 October Wed 24 - Sat 27 October Dracula is best known from its many and var- HG Wells’ classic tale of Martian invasion is ied cinematic incarnations - but as stage pro- here reimagined for a post-truth world. ductions like The Woman In Black have ably Blending ‘powerful’ storytelling and an inter- illustrated, a well-presented work of theatre active soundscape, the new adaptation is can be every bit as spinetingling as anything being presented by the critically acclaimed the big screen has to offer. Tin Robot Theatre. The company has previ- Better make sure you pack some bulbs of gar- ously visited the Old Joint Stock with sell-out lic and a wooden stake, just to be on the safe productions of The Tell Tale Heart and A side... Clockwork Orange.

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stripped bare The Full Monty returns to the Midlands

Critically acclaimed movie The Full Monty sees six unemployed Sheffield men, four of whom are former steel workers, form a male striptease act to earn some much-needed cash. Gaz and his best mate Dave begin to recruit men to their act, claiming they’re better than anything anyone has seen before because they’re willing to go ‘the full monty’. The hit 1997 comedy touches on many social issues still relevant today, including sexuality, body image and mental health. The latest tour of the film’s stage version features a cast that includes James Redmond and Joe Gill, who both play gay characters. What’s On caught up with the duo to find out more about what audiences can expect...

Who do each of you play in The Full nick of time. I join in from there because I love it! It’s a great feeling in the theatre Monty and why do they get involved in think I’m a bit lonely, really. Plus, because you really get to feel the arc of the Gaz’s striptease plan? Lomper’s other personal struggle within performance properly, and you get swept James: All the characters are quite funny, himself is with his sexuality... I worked on along by it. The live, instant feedback is and I’ve got a couple of funny lines. But Emmerdale for such a long time, and they amazing too. When I’ve done comedy stuff it’s how I look that’s more the funny thing were really good at finding relevant stories for the telly, nobody laughs, whereas in because of my ridiculous penis. That’s the that aimed to help people who were theatre you get that laugh straight away. reason my character, Guy, gets chosen to watching. I don’t think this play is any Joe: The instant gratification with theatre be a part of the group. But there’s a reason different to that. I think that if a show like is amazing, so you get laughs and tears. I to love and relate to all six of the main The Full Monty can encourage even one think the comparison between telly and characters. Each of them has their own person to talk about their body issues, theatre is kind of like the difference for a challenge to meet, and they’re challenges their sexuality or their mental health, then music artist between being in a recording that I think are still relevant today. Joe and it’s a privilege to be part of something as studio and performing live. I think most of I have this really lovely scene with our powerful as that. them would say they prefer performing characters Guy and Lomper; Lomper You’ve both appeared on TV. What are live. For me as an actor, it’s no different. comes out, and I, as the slightly older guy the main ways in which performing on The buzz you get in the theatre is the best who’s already gone through that, take him stage is different to acting on telly? feeling I’ve had as an actor. I’ve done a lot under my wing. It’s nice because the James: This is my first theatre of filmed stuff and not a lot of theatre, and audience always knows exactly how to performance, and I’m kinda bricking it a they’re very different techniques, so respond. We can go from lots of laughs one bit because you know that, for each shot theatre is exciting new territory at the minute to complete silence for the really on telly, you get five or six takes to get it moment. It’s definitely something I’d like moving moments. right and you can really perfect it. Every to pursue more in the future. I think all Joe: I play Lomper, who’s the first guy Gaz member of the team - lighting, sound actors should do it. Young actors, for some and Dave recruit to be part of their strip director etc - helps you figure out how to reason, don’t seem to appreciate theatre or group. It’s quite a dark way in which they nail it. But here, you get just the one take, even consider it as a preferred option, and meet. I won’t give too much away, but my and you do it all in one go over the that’s a real shame. I’m loving it - what a character attempts to take his own life, performance - no breaks and no second great play to be a part of! It’s really funny which they save him from doing in the chances. So yes, it’s very daunting, but I and will have you in stitches, but it’s also so heartwarming.

Full Monty.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 14:40 Page 3 If you’re on the front few rows, “ “ you might get more than you bargained for...

Did either of you have experience with bargained for, but for everyone else it’s Joe: You meet all the characters in their stripping before joining the cast? slightly more obscured. But I’ve got a very sense of desperation, and that’s one of the James: I’ve actually done nudity on telly large penis, so I’m hard to miss! It’s all best things about the play - they’re all before, so I’m not worried about that. I’m real, you know! doing this full monty strip for a reason. more focused on it being my first time on Joe: Oh yes, you’ll see James’ big penis - They’re not just thinking about having a stage. Of course, for the actual strip, you won’t miss that. But trust me, it’s his laugh and getting their kit off; they’re all nerves really kick in and you start to character’s penis, not his. I can confirm trying to get out of a tricky situation. second-guess yourself, however many it’s definitely not his. What are your plans for the future? times you rehearse. I have no stripping Do you think Gaz and the rest of the James: After this, I really hope I can do background, although I did do a strip in characters took the right path to get some more theatre. Being on stage, getting Casualty once, but there was very little cash quick? that immediate feedback from audiences choreography and I was just kind of and getting to know the rest of the cast has copying the guys next to me. But that was James: I’ve got my stand-up as my talent to get rich quick like these guys from been a real privilege. They’re a really great a New Year’s episode, so a lot of people bunch of people. You can’t really do a job tuned in and saw it. Sheffield try to do. But yes, in their situation I think I’d do something similar. like this without being both easy-going Joe: Have I? None that I can tell you about! Maggie Thatcher encouraged them to buy and professional, and all these guys are Professionally, no, but who knows their own council houses and then closed good for that. My background is in telly, whether I’ve done it after a night out to most of the steel industry, so they had no but now I’ve experienced theatre, I’d like someone very, very unlucky? work. They were trapped because the to do some more and add even more The burning question is, do you house they’d just bought had dropped strings to my bow. actually go ‘the full monty’ on stage? significantly in value because no one Joe: That’s the thing about acting. Most James: We do - every single time. It’s not wanted to live in an area with no work, so people don’t have a set plan. I’ve got this like the film, where you get the view from they couldn’t move away to use their skills for 10 months and then I’ll see what just the back in the final shot - it’s totally elsewhere. Many had families they opportunities come along. You never full frontal. The work with the lighting couldn’t leave. They were desperately know, maybe I’ll end up in Magic Mike or makes it slightly less in your face, but broke, so I think what these characters do something! I know so many talented we’re right at the front of the stage and is incredible. For me, though, I’d people in our business who’re out of work. it all comes off. If you’re on the have my comedy act - although gay I’m very fortunate in that I’ve managed to front few rows, you might get porn is always an option! pretty much be constantly employed in the more than you acting world since I was 18. Touch wood that continues, so as long as I’m still enjoying it and I’m making enough to live on and have a decent time, life’s good.

The Full Monty shows at: Birmingham Hippodrome from 5 to 10 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 19 to 24 November; Nottingham Theatre Royal, 4 to 9 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, 25 February to 2 March; and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4 to 9 March. Full Monty.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 14:40 Page 4 Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:01 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Nativity! The Musical Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 23 - Sun 28 October The Belgrade gets into the Christmas spirit a few weeks early with this hit stage musical based on the popular film franchise. The show is written and directed by Debbie Isitt, who also created the movies. “I’ve always believed that Nativity! would make a fantastic stage musical,” says Debbie. “It’s so full of joy, the children are so sweet and funny and the songs so catchy that it lends itself to being the perfect Christmas musical. The songs really do change the dynamic. It gives you much more insight into the characters and their backsto- ries. And the emotions are more intense, like with the love story between Mr Maddens and Jennifer - it feels even bigger now because they’re singing duets.”

The Case Of The the icy wastes and also his volatile relation- Not Yet Suffragette ship with Shackleton - a key reason, many Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 12 October Frightened Lady feel, why he never received the coveted Polar The tampon tax, public breast-feeding, mar- Lichfield Garrick, Mon 15 - Sat 20 October Medal. riage, child birth and the gender pay gap are among the subjects given a thorough airing by Natalie Cutler in her one-woman show, an Private Peaceful hour’s-worth of performance that brings to- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, gether comedy, music, dance and political in- Fri 12 - Sat 13 October correctness. Private Peaceful is a short play that packs a “It’s a show about how far we’ve not come real punch. Based on the book by War Horse and the reasons why,” explains Natalie. author Michael Morpurgo and perfectly “Women are still being asked the same ques- pitched for the young audience at which it’s tions and told the same things - ‘How come aimed, the stage production has been hailed you’re not married? How come you don’t have for being “as moving as the poetry of Wilfred a baby? You should dress like this, don’t Owen and as painfully memorable as white- dress like this’. They’re all the same issues hot shrapnel”. that were there 100 years ago. But there are First World War soldier Private Tommo plenty of people in the world trying to ad- Peaceful is awaiting the firing squad at dawn. dress inequality - my show doesn’t pretend to After enjoying a hit with their adaptation of With his young life about to be cut tragically have any answers; it simply takes a look at Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement In Stone, the short, he recalls his joyful past growing up in where we’ve travelled over the last century.” Classic Thriller Company now turn their at- rural Devon, his schooldays, his father, and tention to a 1931 play from the prolific pen of the love of his life - a girl named Molly... Edgar Wallace. When Inspector Tanner investigates a grue- some murder at an ancestral home, it isn’t long before he realises that nothing is quite as it seems... John Partridge (pictured) stars.

Shackleton’s Carpenter Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 22 October Gail Louw’s one-man play focuses on the character of Harry McNish - explorer Ernest Shackleton’s carpenter on the ill-fated polar expedition ship, Endurance. Destitute in Wellington, Harry recalls his adventures in

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Theatre theatre for younger audiences...

Maison Foo: Doctor Dolittle Tabby McTat A Thing Mislaid Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 27 October; Albany Albany Theatre, Coventry, Friday 12 October; Theatre, Coventry, Sun 28 October; Lichfield Garrick, Sun 28 October MAC, Birmingham, Wed 10 October; Arena Oakengates Theatre, @ The Place, Telford, Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 17 October: Tues 30 October A life providing shelter and plenty of home Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, comforts would suit most cats, but it doesn’t Thurs 18 October suit Tabby McTat. Tabby’s problem is that he An unlikely friendship between two lonely remembers his old life with his now-missing travellers and a mysterious bird lies at the friend, Fred the guitar player. So Tabby for- heart of this 90-minute show for children sakes the good life and hits the streets in aged 10 and older. Presented by the well-re- search of his long-lost buddy... garded Maison Foo and exploring the themes A heartwarming tale of friendship and loy- of migration and journey, the production alty from the winning team of Julia Donald- blends the company’s trademark style of vi- son and Alex Scheffler, Tabby McTat is sual storytelling, clowning and humour with brought to the stage by Freckle Productions, new experiments in miniature puppetry and the team behind Tiddler And Other Terrific live camera. Tales.

Hugh Lofting's delightful character is a friend to all manner of furry four-legged creatures - and he certainly knows how to have an ad- venture or two!... Featuring original music, lots of audience participation and some ‘amazing’ puppets, this brand new show is suitable for youngsters aged seven and older.

The Tiger Who Milkshake! Live Came To Tea Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 27 October; Stafford Gatehouse, Mon 29 October Palace Theatre, Redditch, Mon 29 - Tues 30 October; Birmingham Town Hall, Here taking youngsters on a journey through Dinosaur World Live Wed 26 December - Sun 13 January the world’s favourite fairytales are, among others, Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 30 October - Thurs 1 November Noddy, Fireman Sam and Shimmer & Shine. If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been Dinosaurs are once again roaming the earth to a previous live production, you’ll already this autumn, thanks to this interactive show know what to expect. If not, get ready for an for all the family to enjoy. event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- Youngsters get to meet a host of impressive loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- prehistoric creatures - including, of course, pation and plenty of singing and dancing. every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Promising to be an absolute monster of an ex- perience, the show may well leave a T-Rex- Mother Goose size imprint on your child’s memory for many Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, a year to come. Tues 30 October Most familiar, of course, as a pantomime, the story of Mother Goose offers its per- formers plenty of opportunity to make all manner of eggstravagantly funny and The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- eggcruciatingly unfunny egg-re- ping in on Sophie and her mum just as lated jokes. Wolverhampton’s they’re settling down for an afternoon favourite pantomime Dame, cuppa... Ian Adams (pictured), stars Adapted by David Wood OBE from Judith alongside another big panto Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show fea- favourite, Julie Paton, in a tures singalong songs and boasts plenty of family-friendly show that's sure magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, of to be sizzling with plenty of course! Suitable for youngsters aged three yolks, sorry! we mean and older. jokes. 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:01 Page 8 Motown the Musical (1)_9e3dc00d17e399362d81d87d0f41204e.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:09 Page 1

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Motown the Musical (1)_9e3dc00d17e399362d81d87d0f41204e.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:09 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Let’s get it on... Motown The Musical arrives in the Midlands...

Motown Records and its artists certainly made their mark on the world and its music, producing some of the greatest chart-topping songs from the 1950s through to the 1980s. A West End musical telling the story of the legendary label is coming to Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with the show’s producer, Adam Spiegel, to find out more...

Think Motown and heaven knows how many Adam agrees with the man himself, Berry be singing My Girl or something by the Jack- famous songs spring readily to mind. From Gordy, when he said that Motown was made son 5, Stevie Wonder or Smokey Robinson. Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The to be on the stage. It’s an intensely vibrant and exciting environ- Grapevine to The Supreme’s Stop! In The ment. We have a great time doing it, but I "I think any music that makes people auto- Name Of Love, the Detroit-based hope people who come to see the show enjoy matically want to sing and dance deserves to scored hit after massive hit, year after year, it even more.” be on stage. Also, with this show, we’re in a decade after decade. Along the way, it rou- situation where we’re telling the story of an Picking just one stand-out track from Mo- tinely took top spot as the highest-earning iconic record label that changed the world - it town’s repertoire is a real task, but Adam African American business in the United couldn’t be more deserving of the stage spot- does have a favourite: “There are over 50 States. light.” songs in the show and it’s extremely hard to This month sees the arrival in Birmingham of select just one, but I would have to say Danc- And Motown The Musical is absolutely the a show dedicated to the magic of the now-leg- ing In The Streets by Martha And The Vandel- real deal: it’s being produced in collabora- endary label. Motown The Musical celebrates las. It makes everybody just want to jump up tion with Berry Gordy himself, to ensure the the sensational Motown sound by telling the and down. story is as authentic as possible. story of its founder, Berry Gordy; from his “I honestly think Motown The Musical is the humble beginnings on a car production line "I feel very lucky. We’ve worked very hard at best time you’ll have in the theatre, not least to a career spent signing some of the greatest it, and yet being associated with something because it’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy artists of the 20th century and beyond. like this remains a huge privilege. Being able the best music ever written!" to spend time with Berry himself is extraordi- Starting with just an $800 loan from his fam- nary, and it’s something that I’m enormously ily, Gordy’s passion for music and desire for grateful to be able to do. But also, the whole success catapulted Motown into the limelight team of designers, directors, writers, musi- and helped to unite a racially divided nation. cians, actors for the show have really been of “The thing about Motown,” reflects producer the very highest quality, and it’s been lovely Adam Spiegel, “was that it made a consider- to be a part of putting Motown The Musical able contribution to the changes that took together.” place in the ’60s and ’70s in America, in The cast and crew behind the production terms of racial integration and some kind of have plenty of fun making the show, but equality. Suddenly, ‘black’ music was being Adam is sure its Midlands audience will listened to by everyone in the country, rather enjoy it even more. than just on ‘black’ radio stations, and that was a huge change. I think the stars of Mo- “The more fun you have making something, Motown The Musical shows at town became the icons of the whole country, the more fun it is to watch - those do go Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, so those same stars became the face of Amer- hand-in-hand. Working with the music of from Thursday 11 October to Saturday ica all across the world.” Motown is a constant pleasure. You walk into 3 November. the rehearsal room and someone is going to whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance October 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:05 Page 1

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Seeta Patel: Not Today’s Yesterday Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 23 October Described as a poetic narrative with the beauty and disquiet of a Brothers Grimm fairytale, Not Today’s Yesterday sees award- winning artist Seeta Patel blend techniques from the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam with contemporary dance and theatre. Although a champion and exceptional expo- nent of Bharatanatyam, Seeta is uncomfort- able about referring to the dance form as ‘traditional’ in the typical sense of the word. “If you attribute that word to Bharatanatyam, you automatically give it cultural baggage,” she says. “The sense in which I think you can apply the word is in terms of the communication of Bharatanatyam through the generations, and in terms of the teaching of it. In that sense, its tradition is beautiful.”

Vienna Festival Ballet: Motionhouse: Charge The Nutcracker MAC, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sat 20 October Oakengates Theatre, @ The Place, Telford, Leamington-based Motionhouse’s multimedia Tues 2 October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 14 show about energy is the third element of October; Bedworth Civic Hall, Wed 24 October Artistic Director Kevin Finnan’s Earth Trilogy, developing on themes explored in Scattered One of the great ballet staples, (2009) and Broken (2013) about man’s rela- Tchaikovsky’s enchanting tale of Clara tionship with water and the earth. and her nutcracker doll has been delight- Making use of digital projections to create an ing audiences for generations. The fantasy on-stage world in which dancers and images of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic interact seamlessly, the show features six per- and mystery this month visits the region formers using dance and acrobatics to explore courtesy of Vienna Festival Ballet. the human body, ‘tracing the incredible story Featuring a talented array of young of energy in our lives’. dancers, the company was founded in “Charge is an amazing collaboration between 1980 and typically spends eight months a artists and scientists,” explains Motionhouse year performing works from its extensive co-founder Finnan. “I find the science behind repertoire in smaller venues across the UK. 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 Backlash Ballroom them think about the role energy plays in our Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 October lives.” The producers of this new touring show reckon that if you love Strictly, you’ll really love Back- lash Ballroom - and the show certainly seems to have all the necessary components to pro- vide an evening of high-energy dance magic. Featuring six professional ballroom and Latin dancers, including world, European and na- tional champions, the production pays homage to the movies and includes, among other dance styles, the waltz, the quick step, the Argentine tango and the charleston. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Habit of Art Matthew Kelly(1).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:46 Page 1

TheMatthew KellyHabit talks about OfAlan Bennett’s Art ‘filthily funny’ play... Habit of Art Matthew Kelly(1).qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 09:47 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

A witty and compassionate play, Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art next month graces the Coventry Belgrade stage and Malvern Theatres, with Olivier Award-winning actor Matthew Kelly in the lead role. What’s On recently caught up with Matthew to find out more... The Habit Of Art is one of renowned play- chose to structure The Habit Of Art as a play regarded as well as the voice behind the great wright Alan Bennett’s more recent offerings. within a play? work. Those who are lauded, who are stars The play explores a fictitious meeting be- like Britten and Auden and so admired for "It gives it a neat little framework and allows tween poet WH Auden and composer Ben- their work, are often misrepresented in biog- Bennett to comment on his own creation jamin Britten. It’s been described as raphy. A lot of what is passed off as biogra- through the four actor characters. It’s cheeky, ‘wonderfully and sometimes filthily funny, phy is in reality just idle curiosity, general really, because it means he can comment on but also deeply and unexpectedly moving’. tittle-tattle and impertinence.” things he’s written as part of Caliban’s Day. “It’s a play within a play,” says Matthew So it’s very funny because you can deliver in- Matthew has certainly made a name for him- Kelly, who plays Auden. “So four of us play formation about what’s going on in Caliban’s self in the theatre world since the days when actors who are also playing parts in a play Day through hindsight in the wider setting of he rarely seemed to be off our television called Caliban’s Day. There’s Auden and Brit- the entire play. screens. Coming to people’s attention in TV ten, their biographer Humphrey Carpenter, shows like Game For A Laugh, You Bet! and “Actually, Caliban’s Day was inspired by and Auden’s rent boy. So really, that’s quite Stars In Their Eyes, he’s more recently earned Auden’s poem, The Sea And The Mirror, tricky because it’s hard to know what Auden rave reviews in stage productions of classic which was a commentary on Shakespeare’s was actually like. I’ve seen a few interviews plays including Of Mice And Men, for which The Tempest; he thought that Caliban hadn’t and listened to his accent because I know he won an Olivier Award, and Waiting For had his say. But the poem is very hard to ac- Richard Griffiths adopted a very high-pitched Godot. cess. I’m sure Auden understood what he voice when he played the part originally in wrote, but for the rest of us mere mortals, we “I could never go back to Stars In Their Eyes London, and that was very, very effective. can’t quite get it. So if the play Caliban’s Day or something like that because I can’t do Sat- With acting, you don’t have to be exactly the was on its own and just a reflection of that urday night big show presenting anymore. person you’re playing if they’re a historical poem, I think the audience would be very But I would if it came up. I mean, I have an figure - but at the same time, you kind of do. confused. To make it a play within a play insatiable desire to be the centre of attention, It’s a weird one.” makes it easier to understand what Auden so why wouldn’t I?! I’m just as happy in a Matthew is very much looking forward to and Bennett are trying to get at - that the or- sound booth doing a voiceover, though. But I playing Auden: “It’s lovely for me to play this dinary man is unspoken and unregarded. do love theatre. Acting isn’t super hard work; part because it was played by Richard first it’s nothing like working down a mine or dig- Matthew also explains how the play com- and he and I were at college together. I mean, ging up a road. I’m just playing with a giant ments on artistic endeavour: “What matters honestly, Auden as a man was just a com- dressing-up box really, but the hours are is the artistic work - it’s the work that keeps plete mess. At one point in the play, they ask long. You have to be patient and have lauded artists like Auden and Britten going. my character if I’ve got my props to play stamina. Still, theatre keeps me going - The It’s our artistic work that identifies us and Auden in the Caliban’s Day play. My line in Habit Of Art speaks true after all! - and I al- that we identify with. Auden says, ‘If I don’t response to that is, ‘Yes - I have my cigarettes, ways believe that the thing I’m doing at the work, then who am I?’ He sees poetry as a my elephantine urine-stained trousers, my time is the best thing I’ve ever done. If I craft as much as an art. Auden insisted he’d disgusting handkerchief and my plastic bag’. didn’t think that, I don’t know if I’d be able to write a poem for anything, so he was a re- carry on with this job. Generally, I just love “I think he was a good-hearted man, but markable man in that way. His artistic output the company of actors; they’re kind, gener- Auden’s face has been compared to a scro- became very small towards the end of his life ous, spirited and supportive people, even if tum, so he was quite an unfortunate man too! because he became almost too venerated to they are completely bonkers!" The original line reads something like, ‘When really truly speak through his work. He was you see his face, one wonders what his scro- shackled by his own importance in the artis- tum looks like’. But he had a condition called tic world, which is really sad, I think.” Touraine-Solente-Golé Syndrome that made The Habit Of Art shows at Coventry’s The Habit Of Art is about plenty more than him look that way, so I did wonder what to Belgrade Theatre from 6 to 10 November artistic endeavour, though. “It’s also about think when I was approached to do the role!” then at Malvern Theatres from 27 Novem- sex, death, creativity and biography. So ide- ber to 1 December. So why does Matthew think Alan Bennett ally, its messages are giving a voice to the un- Film October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:43 Page 1

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Film

Venom CERT tbc Starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Jenny Slate, Woody Harrelson Directed by Ruben Fleischer (USA) There’s always excitement surrounding the launch of a new Marvel superhero. Eddie Brock - aka Venom - is an investigative journalist who in- vestigates a survivalist group too closely and is infected by an alien ‘symbiote.’ So he and the ex- traterrestrial occupy the same body, two individ- ual entities with superhuman powers and a nasty temper. Tom Hardy takes on the role of the hy- brid, and he’s a class act - as is Michelle Williams, who plays Eddie’s girlfriend, Anne Weying, a district attorney (aka She-Venom). Director Ruben Fleischer previously brought us the critically acclaimed Zombieland (2009) and the terrific, all-star (and underrated) crime thriller Gangster Squad (2013). In 3D. Released Wed 3 Oct

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in October...

Blindspotting CERT 15 (95 mins) Columbus Johnny English Strikes Starring Daveed Diggs, Rafael Casal, Janina CERT 12a (104 mins) Again CERT PG (88 mins) Gavankar, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Ethan Starring John Cho, Haley Lu Richardson, Embry, Wayne Knight Starring Rowan Atkinson, Ben Miller, Olga Parker Posey, Rory Culkin, Michelle Forbes Directed by Carlos López Estrada (USA) Kurylenko, Jake Lacy, Emma Thompson, Directed by Kogonada (USA) Adam James Directed by David Kerr Collin has just three days left of his proba- (UK/France) tion. But if he is to turn his life around, he At last, another spy spoof. Actually, it’s been may have to re-think his relationship with the seven years since Johnny was reborn as a psychotic Miles, the friend he has known all martial artist and that sequel did have a his life… Daveed Diggs, who plays Collin, co- smidgen of old-fashioned charm. Here, JE produced and wrote the screenplay with his pops out of retirement to track down a ruth- real life-long friend, Rafael Casal, who plays less hacker who has exposed the identity of Miles. Interesting. all of the active undercover agents in Britain. Released Fri 5 Oct That’s Columbus, Indiana, and is not to So, while we’re waiting for Mr Craig... be confused with the other 18 towns in the Released Fri 5 Oct US with the same name. Anyway, it’s here that Jin (John Cho), a Korean-born trans- lator, finds himself stranded, alongside his father, who is in a coma. Jin then meets Casey (Richardson), who’s stuck in the same town with her mother, a recover- ing drug addict. Together, they discover a love of the town’s modern architecture, for which Columbus is famous. Released Fri 5 Oct whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:43 Page 3

Film highlights released in October...

Strangeways Here We Come Bad Times At Smallfoot CERT PG (96 mins) CERT 15 (86 mins) The El Royale With the voices of Channing Tatum, James Cor- Starring Elaine Cassidy, Michelle Keegan, Lau- den, Zendaya, Common, LeBron James, ren Socha, Chanel Cresswell, Oliver Cooper- CERT tbc Danny DeVito, Gina Rodriguez smith, Stephen Lord Directed by Chris Green Starring Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick and Jason Reisig (UK) Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis (USA) Pullman, Chris Hemsworth It’s just a theory, but a Yeti called Migo Not to be confused with Ben Wheatley’s Directed by Lewis Pullman (USA) dystopian drama High-Rise (2015), this is a (Channing Tatum) thinks humans really do Jeff Bridges plays Daniel Flynn, an aging comedy set in a multi-storeyed building in exist. But how can he convince his tribe of criminal masquerading as a priest who which the tenants gang together to over- this preposterous notion? From the Warner pitches up at the rundown hotel of the title. throw a ruthless loan shark. Filmed in Sal- Animation Group. In 3D. There, he encounter six strangers, each with ford, Manchester. And be prepared for some Released Fri 12 Oct a mysterious past that has a fateful impact sexual violence. on a hellish night… Drew Goddard previously Released Fri 7 Oct directed Chris Hemsworth in the thrilling, ingenious Cabin In The Woods (2012). Released Fri 12 Oct First Man CERT tbc (135 mins) Starring Ryan Gosling, Jason Clarke, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciarán Hinds Directed by Damien Chazelle (USA) Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon, and that’s quite a ‘first’ for any guy. This biog, based on the book by James R Hansen, follows Armstrong up to the histori- cal mission of Apollo 11 in 1969. Dogman CERT 15 (103 mins) From the Oscar-winning director of Whiplash Starring Marcello Fonte, Edoardo Pesce, Alida and La-La Land. Baldari Calabria, Nunzia Schiano Directed by Released Fri 12 Oct Matteo Garrone () The director of Gomorrah and Tale Of Tales now brings us a crime thriller in which a mild-mannered dog groomer (Fonte) finds himself at loggerheads with a local gangster. Fonte won the best actor award at Cannes for Sink CERT 15 (85 mins) his role. Starring Martin Herdman, Ian Hogg, Marlene Sidaway, Tracey Wilkinson, Joshua Herdmann Released Fri 19 Oct Directed by Mark Gillis (UK) Working on a zero hour contract, Micky Mason (Herdman) is finding it hard to make ends meet, to support both his ailing father and his offspring. Then he makes a rash deci- sion, something that he knows is not right, but just right under the circumstances… Released Fri 12 Oct

Mandy CERT 18 (121 mins) Starring Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Linus Roache, Bill Duke, Richard Brake, Ned Dennehy Halloween CERT tbc Directed by Panos Cosmatos (USA/) Starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Madison Nicolas Cage is on the rampage again, this Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Caleel Harris, Chris Parnell, Ken Jeong Directed by Ari time meting out punishment to those who Sandel (USA/Australia) have kidnapped his girlfriend, Mandy When two lads open a book that once be- Bloom (Riseborough). Expect some pretty longed to the author RL Stine, they inadver- strong violence, gore and horror. Filmed in tently unleash ‘Slappy’ and his Halloween Belgium. Apocalypse. Expect lashings of CGI. Released Fri 12 Oct Released Fri 19 Oct

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Film

Halloween CERT tbc (109 mins) Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Nick Castle, Andi Matichak, Will Patton Directed by David Gordon Green (USA) The death of Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween: Resurrection (2002) was greatly exaggerated. This reboot-cum-sequel throws out previous plot points to reintroduce Laurie Strode’s tor- tured relationship with the serial killer Michael Myers (aka The Shape). Green, who’s directed such highly acclaimed films as George Washington (2000) and Stronger (2017), should give the franchise a leg up. Released Fri 19 Oct

CRITIC’S CHOICE Hunter KillerCERT 15 (121 mins) Starring Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Com- mon, Linda Cardellini, Michael Nyqvist, Caro- A Star Is Born CERT 15 (135 mins) line Goodall, Toby Stephens Directed by Starring Bradley Cooper, , Andrew The film premiered to ecstatic reviews at the Donovan Marsh (USA) Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Sam Elliott, An- Venice film festival, and the erstwhile Stefani The Russian president has been kidnapped thony Ramos and Alec Baldwin Directed by Bradley Cooper (USA) Germanotta is generating phenomenal Oscar by his own defence minister and it’s up to buzz, as is the movie and Cooper as both di- For his directorial debut, Bradley Cooper has the tyro US submarine commander Joe Glass rector and actor. Here, Cooper plays Lady certainly chosen some tried-and-tested mate- (Butler) to save him - in Russian waters. Gaga’s mentor as a Country musician with al- rial. The original film starred Janet Gaynor Nyqvist, who plays the commander of a Rus- cohol issues and follows in the footsteps of and was released in 1937, followed by two re- sian sub, passed away last year. Fredric March, James Mason and Kris Kristof- makes, with Judy Garland (1954) and Barbra Released Fri 19 Oct ferson. The music, too, has been praised for Streisand (1976). Here, Lady Gaga takes on being ‘electrifying.’ the mantle of the wannabe singer with stars in her eyes and is said to be sensational. Released Fri 5 Oct Bohemian RhapsodyCERT tbc Starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Mike Myers Directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher (UK/USA) The Hate U Give CERT tbc Leading up to Queen's Live Aid performance Starring Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, at Wembley in 1985, this biopic focuses on Russell Hornsby, KJ Apa, Common, Anthony the band’s flamboyant lead singer Freddie Mackie Directed by George Tillman Jr (USA) Mercury (played by Malek, from TV’s Mr A 16-year-old girl (Amandla Stenberg) sees Robot). Due to bouts of absenteeism, the her childhood friend shot dead by police and film’s original director Bryan Singer was re- at great personal risk turns activist. Based on placed in the later stages by the London- the Young Adult novel by Angie Thomas. born Dexter Fletcher. Released Fri 26 Oct Released Wed 24 Oct

Slaughterhouse Rulez CERT tbc Starring Asa Butterfield, Finn Cole, Hermione Corfield, Michael Sheen, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg Directed by Crispian Mills (UK) When a fracking operation opens up a sink- hole near an exclusive English boarding school, an unspeakable evil is unleashed. Co- scripted by the film critic Henry Fitzherbert and singer-songwriter Crispian Mills (son of Hayley Mills), the horror comedy unites Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on the big screen for the fifth time. Released Wed 31 Oct

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NHS doctor and BBC broadcaster Dr Phil Hammond talks about the importance of the National Health Service...

The NHS is 70 years old in 2018. Is it regicide, admitted his actions in a House tants mouths with gold’. At the time, it worth celebrating? of Lords debate, arguing there was no need seemed a small price to pay for nationalis- to legalise euthanasia in the UK because ing an entire health service overnight, to Absolutely. We invented universal health- ‘good doctors already helped their patients allow everyone access to care regardless of care and, as Nye Bevan observed, we re- to die’. Today, we all too often use our wealth. moved the shadow of fear from millions of power and paternalism for the opposite ef- homes where people had suffered great But can we afford the NHS? fect. As the joke goes; ‘Why do they put riv- harm because they couldn’t afford to call ets on coffin lids? To stop oncologists Of course we can. The economic argument the doctor, nurse or midwife. A bit like trying one last dose of chemotherapy’. for investing in health, education, hous- America today. Within a decade of the ing, food and transport is as strong now as NHS, child mortality had plummeted and Doesn’t the BMA oppose assisted dying when Attlee’s government delivered ex- life expectancy had increased dramati- as well? traordinary regeneration and investment cally. However, the National Health Service Yes, but remember the BMA also opposed at a time of such austerity. We now know was largely a National Illness Service. We the NHS. Seventy years on, with thousands that the die for human health are cast in still spend a fortune diving deeper and of doctors marching in the streets to ‘save the womb, or even before, and that if a deeper into the river of illness, heroically our NHS’, it’s easy to forget that 85% of child has four or more Adverse Childhood dragging patients back to the bank and them opposed its introduction in a BMA Experiences (placental poisoning, poverty, trying to put them back together again, plebiscite less than six months before abuse, neglect etc), their future health and with neither the time nor energy to wander launch day. The unspoken reason was that attainment are irreparably blighted. upstream and stop them falling in. As both consultants and GPs feared their pri- The challenge now for health and social technology advances, we can be tricked vate income might take a substantial hit if care is how to prioritise whatever spending into treating the untreatable, prolonging they were forced to be full-time state em- our politicians see fit to hand us, and I’d life when a gentle death would be a much ployees. More reasonably they worried make a strong case for sorting out the wiser and kinder option. what might become of them, and the NHS, bookends of life. We all deserve a wise and And how will your new comedy show if it was starved of cash and had a health gentle death when the time comes, so let’s help improve the NHS? secretary who was a power-hungry con- at least get the conversation going. After trol-freak with a scant grasp of statistics. all, we are all going to die not matter how I’m going around the UK telling the story much we put into the NHS. I’d also argue of the NHS and asking audiences for their So how did Nye Bevan get past the doc- that if the welfare of children is suggestions on improving health and so- tors? paramount, as enshrined in the Children’s cial care. We debate them, I add my own Bevan had the confidence of overwhelm- Act, then so should the funding be. Any thoughts and then the audience votes on ing public support, and cleverly played lifestyle and life-circumstance changes we them. At the end of the tour, I’ll have a medical establishment top trumps by pay- can make to nudge-up the life trajectory of People’s Plan for the NHS that I guarantee ing a Harley Street visit to Lord Moran, endangered children will have lifelong will make far more sense than anything president of the Royal College of Physi- benefits for them and us. that comes out of any government. And cians (RCP). Bevan, an uncompromising it’ll be a lot funnier. Trust me. Is the NHS still a National Illness Ser- socialist in opposition, was far more prag- vice? Will you be using it in your stand matic in office and forged an unlikely al- against Jacob Rees-Mogg at the next liance with Moran, nicknamed Corkscrew Yes, and it’s likely to remain so for some election? Charlie because of his cunning. Together while yet. The real National Health Service they hatched a plan to allow consultants to belongs to homes, communities, schools, Definitely. We have to move the debate be- practise privately on NHS premises using higher education, workplaces, food manu- yond Brexit to the parlous state of our pay beds, and for GPs to be self-employed facturers, libraries, recreation facilities, pubic services. But if we take the Rees- rather than salaried civil servants at the water companies, sustainable transport Mogg/Boris/Trump superhighway, we will whim of the state. etc, etc - and to all of us. Healthcare and be stuffed on so many levels. Moran, who was Churchill’s personal selfcare are a delicate balance of both col- Do you and Rees-Mogg disagree on physician, faced fierce competition at the lective and individual responsibility for Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS)? RCP from Lord Horder, a brilliant diagnos- ourselves and our planet. We must all do tician, George VI’s personal physician and what we can to help ourselves, and others I’m sure we do. I’m a patron of My Death, outspoken opponent of the NHS. The fu- less fortunate, from falling into that river My Decision. We certainly need to debate ture of the NHS may well have hinged on of illness well before our time. Nye Bevan PAS. Personally, if I don’t go suddenly I’d their 1948 battle for president, which was lost four siblings in childhood and died at like to be able to see myself out before I decided by members each placing a silver 62. His legacy is that most of us no longer lose all dignity, or choose to be despatched coin in a silver bucket as it was passed suffer such devastating loss. like George V, whose physician, Lord Daw- around the room. Moran won by just a few son, eased his passage in 1936 with a votes and his, and Bevan’s, plan was Dr Phil Hammond: Happy Birthday lethal injection of morphine and cocaine hatched. Bevan later regretted supporting NHS? will be at Huntingdon Hall, directly into the imperial jugular vein. the growth of private practice within the Worcester, on Friday 26 October. Dawson, who was made a viscount for his NHS, declaring that he had ‘stuffed consul- Visual Arts October-2 copy.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:04 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Whistler And Nature Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 20 October - Sun 16 December The style of art produced by American artist James McNeill Whistler was shaped by numerous influences. Among them - and the focal point of this new exhibition - were his family’s involvement in early 19th century industry and his own pursuit of a career in the US military. Featuring a collection of paintings, sketches and prints, Whistler And Nature also looks at the artist’s work in the context of attitudes to landscape in British art and design; attitudes which were shaped not only by classical revivalism but also by a desire for landscape improvement and productivity.

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Visual Arts

BP Portrait Award Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Fri 12 October - Fri 30 November The prestigious BP Portrait Award makes a wel- come return to Wolverhampton this month. Now in its 39th year, the free-to-view exhibition showcases outstanding and innovative new por- traits from around the world. In total, the 2018 competition attracted 2,667 en- tries from 88 countries. First prize went to Barcelona-born artist Miriam Escofet, whose portrait of her mother drinking tea was de- scribed by the judges as ‘a very sensitive depic- tion of an elderly sitter’.

Maman and across Europe. Vuillard produced small-scale work featur- The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 19 October - Sun 20 January ing domestic subject matter during those initial 10 years as an artist, painting his Marking the 150th anniversary of French mother on numerous occasions. Indeed, artist Édouard Vuillard’s birth and focus- during the course of his career, Vuillard ing on the first decade of his career, this painted her in excess of 500 times, and it’s brand new exhibition features a selection with this use of his mother as model that of paintings, pastels, prints and pho- the exhibition primarily concerns itself. tographs lent by collections both in Britain

For The Fallen World War, is the centrepiece of this exhibition. The Potteries Museum & Gallery, Presented in recognition of the 100th an- Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 18 November niversary of the Armistice that brought A 22-metre-long painted wall hanging, the four-year conflict to an end, the dis- depicting a panorama of the battlefields play also includes archives and objects fought over by the 5th Battalion North relating to the end of the war. Staffordshire Regiment during the First Polly Apfelbaum: Waiting For The UFOs Creating The Spectacle! art and video works of an underwater Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 18 November wheelchair. This major exhibition of new and recent work by Immersed In 360 The artwork has received plenty of interna- internationally renowned artist Polly Apfelbaum MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 25 November tional attention during the past six years, features large-scale colourful installations of textiles, ceramics and drawings. Multimedia, performance and installation and is estimated to have been viewed by Taking a political and feminist position, the New artist Sue Austin is a woman on a mission - 400 million-plus people. York-based Apfelbaum produces artworks de- to represent her experience as a signed to challenge notions of entitlement and wheelchair user in a brighter light, while to promote social equality. at the same time “challenging the idea of The exhibition’s unusual title is taken from disabled as ‘other’”. British singer-songwriter Graham Parker’s 1979 Sue’s MAC presentation was created in song, Waiting For The UFOs, recalling, as the ex- 2012 for the Cultural Olympiad In Britain - hibition’s publicity describes it, ‘the vast empty the celebration of the arts that led up to spaces of the American landscape, and the char- the Olympic and Paralympic Games - and acters who anxiously anticipate extra-terrestrial comprises a groundbreaking series of live visits’.

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IMAGE: Tom Dale Company: I Infinite - see festival highlights section for details

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS...

RETRO GAMING NIGHT SMART PLAY ZONE world thanks to the virtual reality headset, a FOR BIG GEEKS Sat 27 - Tues 30 Oct combination of animal-like sight, a 360º film Sat 27 Oct The main event for little (and big) geeks is the and an accompanying soundtrack will Have you been missing all those video games supercool Smart Play Zone. MAC’s Little provide you with an artistic interpretation of you used to play as a kid? Well this is your Geeks HQ will be jam-packed full of the very what it’s like to be one of four British species. chance to revel in being a big kid and best retro games. The tech hub will also rediscover some of those retro classics with feature drone demos, and you can even help Dead Pixels, including Street Fighter 2, build a Raspberry Pi weather station. Mortal Kombat, Doom, Sonic The Hedgehog and Mario Kart. Plus, now you’re a big geek MARSHMALLOW LASER FEAST: instead of a little geek, you can play your IN THE EYES OF THE ANIMALS favourite video games whilst enjoying a Sat 27 - Sun 28 Oct delicious pint of craft beer! Discover what it’s like to be a creature of the forest. Once you’re immersed in a whole new

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By Lauren Cole LITTLE GEEKS a brand new digital festival lands in Birmingham for October half term...

Created by Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) guess we just wanted to prove that the digital ensure is that girls gain more confidence and Birmingham, Little Geeks is an innovative world doesn’t just exist indoors in a darkened become inspired by the digital world. new festival exploring the digital world. room when staring blankly at a screen. “We have this day which is going to be ‘girls Artists have imaginative ways of bringing out The inaugural programme has something for only’, and we’re inviting schools to bring new experiences for people.” everyone but is particularly geared towards pupils along to the event. Hopefully we can families with children, as MAC Chief Little Geeks’ activities come with a family- make young women realise that they can Executive & Artistic Director Debbie Kermode friendly price tag. contribute to this extremely exciting but often explains: “Little Geeks came out of male-dominated area. The progression of “A lot of our activities are free because we recognition that technology is such a huge technology is moving so fast and girls can’t were very generously supported by the part of every generation’s lives today. We love be left behind.” players of People’s Postcode Lottery. There intergenerational activities here at MAC, and are a few paid events, but they’re very Debbie has high hopes for the future of Little we’re very aware that there is this reasonably priced thanks to our support. The Geeks. extraordinary approach to learning that’s free events allow people to pop by with their called reverse mentoring. This is where “I think what we’ll do is learn from our families and have a go at what Little Geeks is children, even very little ones, are teaching audience - we’re an organisation that listens all about without even buying a ticket.” mums, dads, grandparents and other older to people. From there, we’ll begin to progress people how to do little digital tricks. We’ve Little Geeks will also see MAC working and make Little Geeks a brand. We’ll see, but seen this process in some of our other closely with local communities and schools, there’s been such an exciting response activities at MAC, and we thought it’d be a particularly with regard to the Girls That already that we’re really keen to continue it. wonderful festival idea to bring families Geek conference day which takes place prior We hope in the future some of the universities together. to the festival. will come on board because it could be a great opportunity for them to showcase their “For mums and dads, digital can be a “There should be a concern within the work. I think Birmingham needs festivals like negative thing in children’s lives when education and jobs sectors that more boys are Little Geeks because there’s so much terrific they’re poring over iPads and other going into technology careers than girls. It’s a work being done across the city. It’s nice to technology instead of playing with other massive issue because technology is for bring it all together in one place.” things. So what we wanted to do is show the everybody; it’s a very creative output and is creative side of technology. For example, really the future for us all. I think it’s we’ve also tried to bring nature into important that girls get the opportunity to Little Geeks runs at Midlands Arts Centre, technology here, because technology really explore that career possibility. Although the Birmingham from Saturday 27 October to can be a useful tool to understand wildlife. I day is open to all, what we really want to Friday 2 November. ils

MESHWORK ORCHESTRA Set in a white, digitally animated decidedly haunted feel to it. Get ready for Wed 31 Oct - Fri 2 Nov environment, I Infinite combines dance, spooky goings-on as the building gets an Make music by weaving textiles with music, art and design to explore the instant digital makeover with some eye- conductive materials and become part of the boundaries between the digital and organic catching visuals that simply have to be seen Meshwork Orchestra. You’ll be able to create world. to be believed… textile sensors as part of an electronic VISUAL POKE: SPOOKY DIGITAL musical instrument which you can play. This PROJECTION MAPPING is a commissioned installation by acclaimed Fri 2 Nov artist-educator Becca Rose Glowacki. You may think you know MAC well - but do TOM DALE COMPANY: I INFINITE you? Keep your eyes peeled because it’s Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov about to be temporarily transformed - on the A digitally animated live dance show inspired outside, at least - with digital projection by the digital world’s quest to recreate life. mapping from Visual Poke that has a

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Events Events previews from around the region

China Revealed Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Wed 3, Fri 5 and Sun 7 October

Compton Verney’s annual festival exploring Chinese art and culture makes a welcome return. A celebration of ancient China and its continuing cultural traditions, the event features, among other at- tractions, a hands-on tour of the Horse Of The Year Show and international showjumping classes, with gallery’s ancient Chinese bronze competitors battling to be crowned champion. collection, a lecture on the Terra- NEC, Birmingham, Wed 3 - Sun 7 October This year’s show also features more displays cotta Army and a family fun day Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Horse Of than ever before, including contributions from full of dance, music and song. The Year Show gallops back into Birmingham the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Mu- this month. sical Ride and Alizée Froment, who will be The five-day event includes a range of national making a UK debut. Dive 2018 NEC, Birmingham, Sat 27 & Sun 28 October Wartime Hangar Dance RAF Museum, Cosford, Shropshire Sat 13 October Back by popular demand, RAF Cosford’s 1940s Hangar Dance takes place inside Hangar One, the home of the museum’s collection of World War Two aircraft and artefacts. Participants are encouraged to don their finest wartime costumes for the event. Motorhome And Caravan Music is provided by Paul Drakeley and his All Show 2018 Stars Band & Singers. NEC, Birmingham, Tues 16 - Sun 21 October Returning to Birmingham’s NEC for another year, the Motorhome And Caravan Show is the indus- Boasting hundreds of exhibitors - try’s one and only new-season launch event in including manufacturers and re- the UK. tailers of diving equipment, and With over 370 exhibitors to discover, visitors travel agents offering a wide range have the opportunity to chat to manufacturers of dive holiday destinations - Dive about a wide range of product launches, from 2018 also features an unrivalled caravans and lodges to holiday homes and ac- programme of guest speakers. cessories. Other elements of the show in- The show also features talks by industry experts, clude two large in-hall presenta- enthusiasts and celebrity speakers, and tion stages, pools, mini-theatres, free expert-led tuition covering a range of essen- TekDeck and prominent dive- tial skills to help you prepare for your next big travel, training and underwater adventure. photography areas. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:04 Page 3

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Events Events previews from around the region

Destination Star Trek NEC, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 21 October With 2018 marking the 25th an- niversary of TV show Deep Space Nine, Europe’s official Star Trek convention is this month bringing the celebrations to the NEC. As well as featuring interactive ex- hibits with genuine props and cos- tumes from Star Trek’s 50-plus years, the three-day event also provides fans with the chance to come face to face with stars from the franchise, including original- series favourites William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols.

Disney On Ice: Dream Big mance filled with ‘high-flying jumps and breath- taking skating’ from much-loved characters in- Arena Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 28 October cluding Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and Olaf and Disney Moana, one of the latest additions to the Disney princesses both past and present. franchise, makes her European debut in this Those who arrive early to the show will be treated brand new Disney On Ice production. to a special 90th birthday celebration in honour Audiences can expect an action-packed perfor- of Walt Disney’s ‘true original’, Mickey Mouse. The 25th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Grand Designs Live Mechanics Show Staffordshire County Showground, NEC, Birmingham, Wed 10 - Sun 14 October Sat 13 & Sun 14 October Based on the popular Channel Four series and Club stands, live action, autumn packed with inspirational ideas, Grand Designs sales, classic off-road machines Live comprises six project zones and features and special guest stars from iconic new product launches and specialist exhibitors. eras of motorcycling are all fea- The TV show’s presenter, Kevin McCloud, will be tured in a show which regularly on stage across the weekend, taking part in edu- welcomes more than 30,000 en- cational seminars and debates with a host of in- thusiasts through its doors. dustry experts. Celebrating the growing popular- ity of emerging and modern clas- sics from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, Flame And Thunder the event features hundreds of traders and dealers, as well as nu- Santa Pod Raceway, Northants, Sat 27 October merous autojumble stands offer- A regular on the Santa Pod calendar, the fam- ing a wealth of parts and spares ily-focused Flame And Thunder show brings for every project. together monster trucks, jet cars and drag cars for plenty of spectacular main-track ac- tion. Other highlights include numerous sideshows, a range of funfair rides, and sure- to-be-breathtaking displays from Rodrigo the human cannonball and a pyrotechnic aero- batics display team. The event is brought to a close with a ‘spectacular’ firework display.

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Halloween

Halloween Family Boat Trips Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, Fri 26 - Weds 31 October

What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by exploring Dudley Canal Trust’s naturally Great spooky tunnels and caverns? The Trust is running special chil- half-term dren’s boat trips this half-term hol- events iday, during which youngsters will encounter some truly impressive glow-in-the-dark Halloween pup- pets. of family-focused fun. Halloween Nights The boat trips are ‘spooky’ but not Attractions include fire breathers, stilt walkers, scary, and should be suitable for Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, live music and tales told by eerie candlelight. Fri 26 - Sat 27 October children over three years of age. There’s also a haunted mine experience to sam- Expect a frightfully good evening of spine-tin- ple and an opportunity for youngsters to trick- gling entertainment as the Black Country Living or-treat their way around the museum’s houses Museum transforms into a spooktacular world and shops. More Treat Than Trick Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Sat 20 October - Screamfest Fri 2 November Drayton Manor Park is inviting National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire, Thurs 11 October - Sat 3 November families to dust off their broom- If you’re looking to get your heart rate up this sticks and batwings and treat Halloween, Screamfest will surely do the trick. themselves to some ghoulish Hal- With five ‘scares’ available to explore - including loween fun this month. a Mexican Day Of The Dead-inspired maze and a Creepy capers to enjoy include the circus-themed funhouse full of freaks and creeps chance to see the ever-popular - visitors are promised ‘the fright of their lives’. Thomas Land attraction trans- Away from the scares, there’s also live entertain- formed into the ‘spooktacular’ Is- ment throughout the night, with DJs, extreme land of Sodor. More-courageous performers and street theatre all featuring. youngsters can face their fear of the unknown by taking part in the ‘five mystery boxes’ challenge. The theme park’s fabulous white- knuckle rides, meanwhile, provide the perfect opportunity to add a churning stomach to that Hal- Spooky Science Week loween-induced tingling spine! Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Sat 27 October - Sun 4 November Little monsters are invited to try their hand at some spooky science at Thinktank this half-term. Interactive drop-in sessions in the museum’s slime labs take place throughout the week, while budding ‘mad scientists’ get the chance to create their very own monster, screeching ghost or fizzing slime. 48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 11:04 Page 6

Spooky previews from around the region

Dr Nerium’s Garden Of Ghouls Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Fri 26 October - Sun 4 November A brand new attraction for 2018, this live-action scaremaze takes visitors through Birmingham Botanical Gardens via a fully im- mersive experience. The challenge for participants is a straightforward one: to do what many before them have failed to manage and make it through the maze - despite the attentions of the weird, wonderful and terrify- ing creatures that have escaped Dr Nerium’s world famous labo- ratory. For those who make it to safety, there’s a special entertain- ment zone to enjoy, complete with street food traders, bars, music and circus-themed attrac- Candy And Cobwebs best Halloween attire for an evening spent explor- tions. ing the historic streets of the Victorian town. Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, With lanterns, cobwebs and carved pumpkins Fri 26 October much in evidence, event highlights include au- Blists Hill Victorian Town is this month hosting a tumnal candle dipping, spinetingling ghost sto- brand new Halloween event created especially for ries and the chance to trick-or-treat the youngsters. Suitable for under-eights, Candy And ever-so-spooky townsfolk. Cobwebs invites children to come dressed in their

Scarefest Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Sat 6 - Sun 7, Sat 13 - Sun 14, Fri 19 October - Fri 2 November Filled with spooks, frights and thrills for Ghost Search everyone, Alton Tower’s popular Halloween Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, season returns for another year. Wed 31 October An extension of opening hours means that Take an after-hours walk around guests can enjoy their favourite rides after Tamworth Castle in search of dark, as well as checking out loads of extra ghouls and ghosts. There’ll be entertainment. vigils in some of the castle’s re- Younger visitors can take part in spooktacular putedly haunted rooms too, family fun and shows, including the brand where visitors might snatch a new CBeebies Monster Ball. glimpse of the Black Lady or the For older thrill-seekers, the park’s award-win- Fright Street White Lady, two of the venue’s ning scare mazes make a welcome return, notorious ghostly residents. complete with the newly added Project 42. Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 27 October - Sat 3 November Taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon’s most haunted building, Tudor World will be celebrat- ing Halloween with lots of activities for both young and old. Daytime activities include a chil- dren’s Halloween trail and the chance to have your fortune read by the resident fortune teller. After dark, spooky tours will be available for the adults through the building’s labyrinth of shad- owy hallways, all by the lantern light.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 B'ham Comedy Fest F/P Oct 2018.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 15:48 Page 1 The List Cover October Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:12 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide OctoberOctober 20182018 thelistr

Birmingham Literature Festival at various locations inBirmingham Birmingham Literature - Thurs 4 Festival - Sun 14 October

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

What’s On Mon 1 to Sun 7 October Mon 8 to Sun 14 October Mon 15 to Sun 21 October Mon 22 to Wed 31 October

All You Need Is LSD at James Martin at Puzzle Creature at The Kacey Musgraves at The REP, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Patrick Studio, Birmingham O2 Academy, Birmingham Thurs 4 - Sat 13 October Sun 14 October Wed 17 - Thurs 18 October Sun 28 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham Mon 1 - Sun 7 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 18:48 Page 1

thelist INTER ARMA Thurs 4 Hare & Hounds, Birm- THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Gigs Oct, O2 Academy, ingham Birmingham DIAMOND HEAD Sat 6 KOJO FUNDS Mon 1 to create ‘a little magic from the mun- VIRGINIA WING Thurs 4 Oct, The Robin, Bilston Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- dane’, inviting the viewer to slow Oct, Hare & Hounds, Visual Arts ingham MAMA Sat 6 Oct, The down and contemplate the wonders Birmingham Core Theatre, Solihull of the ordinary, Mon 8 Oct - Sat 3 Nov JORDAN MACKAMPA ANNA CALVI Thurs 4 Birmingham Museum & Mon 1 Oct, The Cuban MIKE STEWART NEW FAIR DAY'S WORK: KEITH TURLEY Oct, Birmingham Town Art Gallery Embassy, Birmingham LAWRENCE Sat 6 Oct, RBSA Exhibition of portraits and fig- Hall The Dovehouse The- COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS ures in working environments, includ- AVALANCHE PARTY Mon CHINA CRISIS Thurs 4 atre, Solihull BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- ing strong Black Country references 1 Oct, The Castle & Oct, Pizza Express, tions that reflect the experiences of in the form of chainmaking, glass- Falcon, Birmingham THE RIFLES Sat 6 Oct, diverse Birmingham people - from Brindley Place, B’ham O2 Academy, B’ham making and canal life, Mon 22 Oct - LARRY CARLTON Tues 2 working lives to community activists CROWBAR + INGESTED Sat 3 Nov Oct, Birmingham Town COL3TRANE Sat 6 Oct, and protest movements, until Sun 27 Thurs 4 Oct, Mama Hall The Castle & Falcon, Oct Roux’s, Birmingham Birmingham CAROUSEL Tues 2 Oct, WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND The Barber Institute THREE DAYS GRACE Hare & Hounds, Birm- REBEL REBEL Sat 6 Oct, THE SELF Exhibition examining how CENTRE STAGE - ENTERTAINMENT IN ART Thurs 4 Oct, O2 Insti- ingham Route 44, Birmingham social, historical and cultural factors Selection of works on paper from the tute, Birmingham Barber’s collection, exploring how OCTAVIAN Tues 2 Oct, HUNTER AND THE BEAR affect body image, and how this is ex- CATAPULT CLUB Fri 5 Degas, Sickert and others have por- Mama Roux’s, B’ham Sat 6 Oct, O2 Institute, pressed through objects and art- Oct, O2 Academy, trayed figures linked to the stage, Birmingham works, until Fri 1 Feb THE NIGHTINGALES, Birmingham such as actors and performers, until NEAR JAZZ EXPERIENCE TOM SPEIGHT Sat 6 Oct, LET THERE BE LOVE - Sun 7 Oct & STEWART LEE Tues 2 Ort, Birmingham BOM (B’ham Open Media) CLAIRE MARTIN & RAY NEW MAMAN Exhibition focusing on Oct, Hare & Hounds, GELATO Fri 5 Oct, The FATHERSON & BLUE NEW THE KITTY AI : ARTIFICIAL INTELLI- the first decade of Édouard Vuillard’s Birmingham AMERICANS Sat 6 Oct, GENCE FOR GOVERNANCE Exhibition by Core Theatre, Solihull career, featuring paintings, pastels, TELEMAN Tues 2 Oct, The Sunflower Pinar Yoldas contemplating both AI CULT FICTION Fri 5 Oct, prints and photographs lent by col- The Castle & Falcon, Lounge, Birmingham and humanity’s relationship to this Route 44, Birmingham lections in Britain and Europe, Fri 19 Birmingham ROXY MAGIC Sat 6 Oct, emerging technology, Thurs 4 Oct - Oct - Sun 20 Jan STEREO HONEY Fri 5 THE AMITY AFFLICTION Lichfield Guildhall Sat 8 Dec Oct, The Sunflower NEW LOOKING AT ANIMALS Exhibition Tues 2 Oct, O2 THE REAL PEOPLE NEW BEHOLDER Virtual reality experi- Lounge, Birmingham Sat 6 exploring a wide range of representa- Academy, Birmingham Oct, The Flapper, ence by United Visual Artists (UVA) tions of animals, drawing on draw- THE CORAL Fri 5 Oct, KOVIC Wed 3 Oct, Hare Birmingham exploring beauty from autistic per- ings and prints dating from the 16th O2 Institute, B’ham spectives, Thurs 4 Oct - Sat 8 Dec & Hounds, B’ham THE MUSICAL BOX Sat 6 to the 20th century by artists includ- BABY BUSHKA Fri 5 Oct, ing Rubens, Gericault, Delacroix and CHRIS SHERBURN & Oct, Symphony Hall, The Night Owl, B’ham Birmingham Grand Union Franz Marc, Fri 19 Oct - Sun 10 Feb DENNY BARTLEY Wed 3 Oct, Red Lion Folk MARK HANSLIP’S HTRIO STAMINA - SUPERSTAR JOANNE MASDING: BRUNTWOOD COR- Other VISUAL ARTS Club, Birmingham Fri 5 Oct, MAC, B’ham EDITION WITH SNEAKBO NERBLOCK COMMISSION Permanent in- KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY ROXY MAGIC Fri 5 Oct, Sat 6 Oct, O2 Institute, stallation made by artist and Grand NEW MEDIAFEST One-month exhibition Wed 3 Oct, The Jam Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Union studio holder Joanne Masding, juxtaposing new media artworks by House, Birmingham BETHEL MUSIC until Fri 5 July 2019 UK artists with innovators from the ANNA MEREDITH & Sun 7 1970s & ’80s, Fri 5 - Sat 27 Oct, Vivid ACRES Wed 3 Oct, The SOUTHBANK SINFONIA Oct, O2 Academy, Projects, Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham Fri 5 Oct, Town Hall, Birmingham Ikon Gallery Birmingham NEW PAINTER, SCULPTOR, POET: PART II HOPE & SOCIAL Wed 3 HOGJAW Sun 7 Oct, KATE GROOBEY - PURE PLEASURE Cele- Hung around the gallery are material Oct, MAC, Birmingham THE CORAL DJ SET Fri 5 The Asylum, B’ham bration of female pleasure, consisting Oct, The Night Owl, appropriated paintings obscured by CLEOPATRICK Wed 3 ART SCHOOL GIRL- of video, dressed mannequin and a Birmingham poems embroidered onto the sur- Oct, The Sunflower FRIEND Sun 7 Oct, painting, until Sun 18 Nov face, Sat 6 - Sat 20 Oct, Stryx Gallery, Lounge, Birmingham NAMIWA JAZZ Fri 5 Oct, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Digbeth Pizza Express, Brind- ingham LUKE COMBS Wed 3 ley Place, Birmingham MAC, Birmingham NEW SKIN Exhibition of figurative Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- G FLIP Sun 7 Oct, The paintings and drawings by Neil CREATING THE SPECTACLE! IMMERSED ingham KRYSTHLA Fri 5 Oct, O2 Sunflower Lounge, Moore, Sat 6 - Tues 30 Oct, Artifex IN 360 In repurposing her wheelchair Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Gallery, Sutton Coldfield PAUL YOUNG Wed 3 to create fantastical art, Sue Austin Oct, Town Hall, B’ham STEVE HACKETT GENE- THE STORY SO FAR Sun reshapes how we think about disabil- NEW ACTS OF RESISTANCE Exhibition SIS REVISITED Fri 5 Oct, 7 Oct, O2 Institute, LUCA STRICAGNOLI ity, until Sun 25 Nov by Marianne Forrest, watchmaker Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham and creator of sculptural timepieces Thurs 4 Oct, Hare & THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri WANNABE: THE SPICE for urban spaces, Mon 15 Oct - Fri 9 Hounds, Birmingham 5 - Sat 6 Oct, The Jam GIRLS SHOW Sun 7 Oct, RBSA Gallery Nov, Vittoria Street Gallery, B’ham THE THREE DEGREES House, Birmingham Sutton Coldfield Town NEW SPLASH! A WINDOW ON WATER- NEW LOOK TWICE BY GIFFORD AND Thurs 4 Oct, The Jam MIDLAND Sat 6 Oct, Hall COLOUR BIRMINGHAM WATERCOLOUR QUINN Collection of recent figurative House, Birmingham SOCIETY Showcase of recent work in paintings from Birmingham artists a variety of styles, from traditional Ruth Gifford and Graham Quinn, Wed landscape to the abstract and semi- 17 - Mon 29 Oct, The Core Theatre, abstract, Mon 8 - Sat 20 Oct Solihull NEW SUNLIGHT, WATER, REFLECTIONS, NEW LUCY ORTA - PROCESSION BAN- BLUE SKIES, TREES Display of recent NERS Artist Lucy Orta collaborated landscapes, including impressionistic with female residents of HMP Down- paintings in gouache and oils along- view to design 30 banners to mark side more traditional drawing studies, 100 years since British women won Mon 8 - Sat 20 Oct the vote, Tues 23 Oct - Sun 20 Jan, NEW ALEX CALLAWAY RBSA Alex aims Medicine Bakery & Gallery, B’ham Hope & Social - MAC, Birmingham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Mon 1 - Sun 7 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 18:48 Page 2

Monday 1 - Sunday 7 October

Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham Classical Music PAUL FOOT Sat 6 Oct, Artrix, Broms- grove LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- CHRISTIAN REILLY, SARAH CALLAGHAN, cludes works by Widor, J.S Bach, Gi- JARLATH REGAN & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 6 nastera, Best, Gounod & Rossini, Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Mon 1 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall DEANO MAC, JASON PATTERSON, JUDIE A CELEBRATION OF GRANVILLE BANTOCK LOVE & SMASH Sat 6 Oct, MAC, B’ham Featuring Maria Marchant (piano). LEE HURST Sun 7 Oct, Artrix, Broms- Programme includes works by Ban- grove tock & Sibelius, Tues 2 Oct, Royal GARY POWNDLAND & FRIENDS Sun 7 Birmingham Conservatoire Oct, the Glee Club, Birmingham THE SIXTEEN: CHORAL PILGRIMAGE Wed THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS 3 Oct, Coventry Cathedral Sun 7 Oct, MAC, Birmingham CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY AND BEETHOVEN Featuring Constantinos Carydis (con- ductor) and Yulianna Avdeeva (piano). Programme includes works by Skalkottas, Tchaikovsky, Koukos and Beethoven, Thurs 4 - Sun 7 Oct, Theatre Symphony Hall, Birmingham REBUS: LONG SHADOWS Brand new BENYOUNES QUARTET Featuring Zara play based on Ian Rankin’s fictional All You Need Is LSD - The REP, Birmingham Benyounes & Emily Holland (violin), detective, John Rebus, until Sat 6 Sara Roberts (viola) & Kim Vaughan Oct, The REP, Birmingham (cello). Programme includes works Stock Theatre, Birmingham comedy set in a strange and captivat- TAMBURLAINE Michael Boyd directs a by Purcell, John Woolrich & Haydn, ALL YOU NEED IS LSD Darkly humorous ing world, Sun 7 Oct, Old Joint Stock new staging of Christopher Mar- Fri 5 Oct, The Barber Institute, B’ham new play illuminating the drugs de- Theatre, Birmingham lowe’s famous play, until Sat 1 Dec, bate and examining the freedom we BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Royal Shakespeare Theatre have to make our own choices, Thurs TRA Featuring Michael Lloyd (conduc- Stratford-upon-Avon tor) & Natasha Day (soprano). 4 - Sat 13 Oct, The REP, Birmingham TARTUFFE New version of Moliere’s Programme includes works by Holst, THE THINKING DRINKERS PUB CRAWL provocative French classic, until Sat Berg & Vaughan Williams, Sun 7 Oct, Enjoy five free drinks as the award- Kids Shows 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- The Bramall, Birmingham winning experts take you from the upon-Avon ALICE IN WONDERLAND Amateur stag- symposiums of Ancient Greece to the ing of Lewis Carroll's fantastical tale, classic British boozer via Wild West Fri 5 - Sat 13 Oct, Hall Green Little saloons, Victorian gin palaces and Theatre, Birmingham the secret Speakeasy, Fri 5 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham BING LIVE! The first ever Bing stage Comedy show, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Oct, Lichfield PRIVATE PARTS LIVE TV stars Jamie HARRY & CHRIS: SAVE THE WORLD Tues Garrick Laing and Francis Boulle tread the 2 Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- boards with their live 'laugh-a-minute ingham extravaganza', developed from their hit podcast, Sat 6 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Dance THE FISHERMEN New Perspectives BREAKING THE CODE The Crescent present a new version of Chigozie Theatre Company present Hugh SHOW Shechter II present a ‘wild and Obioma’s allegory of brotherhood, Whitemore's ‘compassionate, amus- wicked’ three-act production, Tues 2 - vengeance and fate... Tues 2 Oct, Ar- ing and ultimately tragic play’, Sat 6 - Wed 3 Oct, DanceXchange, The trix, Bromsgrove Sat 13 Oct, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippo- drome BEYOND THE BARRICADE The UK’s BUFO BUFO The Awkward Silence re- longest-running musical theatre con- turn with another multi-character FIRE & FURY Birmingham Royal Ballet cert tour, Tues 2 - Wed 3 Oct, Lich- JASON MANFORD Wed 3 Oct, Dudley field Garrick Town Hall FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre present ROBIN INCE Thurs 4 Oct, The Old Rep their acclaimed show about demen- Theatre, Birmingham tia, Thurs 4 - Fri 5 Oct, MAC, B’ham GARETH RICHARDS, COMEDY CAROUSEL DUET FOR ONE Belinda Lang & Oliver WITH ANDY ROBINSON PLUS COMIC TBC Cotton star in a new staging of Tom Thurs 4 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham Kempinski’s award-winning play, ROBIN INCE Fri 5 Oct, Artrix, Broms- Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Oct, Wolverhampton grove Grand Theatre CHERRY REDS COMEDY CLUB Fri 5 Oct, SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE CURSE OF THE Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham SIGN OF FOUR All & Sundry Produc- tions presents its version of Sir Arthur BREAKING TALENT AWARD 2018 Fri 5 Conan Doyle's tale of intrigue, stolen Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham treasure and murder, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 TONY WRIGHT, ROB MULHOLLAND, Oct, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham STEPHANIE LANG & COMIC TBC Fri 5 BISMILLAH A story of disenfranchise- Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ment, social alienation, prejudice, DANNY O'BRIEN, GARETH RICHARDS, AN- radicalisation and the rock band DREW RYAN & COMIC TBC Fri 5 - Sat 6 Queen, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 Oct, Old Joint BRB’s Fire And Fury - Birmingham Hippodrome

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thelist Monday 1 - Sunday 7 October present a double bill featuring David Thurs 4 Oct Bintley's The King Dances and LUCKY (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring Juango Arqués' Ignite, Wed 3 - Sat 6 Harry Dean Stanton, David Lynch. Oct, Birmingham Hippodrome MAC, Birmingham, Sat 29 Sept - AKAAR Sonia Sabri Company show- Thurs 4 Oct case some of the region’s emerging DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES (15) talent alongside guest artists, Sun 7 Drama/Music. Starring Pete Postleth- Oct, MAC, Birmingham waite, Freda Dowie. MAC, Birming- ham, Sun 30 Sept - Tues 2 Oct THE BOOKSHOP (12A) Drama. Starring Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 5 Oct Talks THE SEAGULL (12a) Adventure/Com- COLIN STAFFORD-JOHNSON: LIVING A edy. Starring Elisabeth Moss, Saoirse WILD LIFE Evening with ‘one of the Ronan. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 5 - world's most acclaimed filmmakers’, Wed 10 Oct Mon 1 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, CRAZY RICH ASIANS (12a) Comedy/Ro- Birmingham mance. Starring Constance Wu, CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE: MATHEMATICS – Henry Golding. Mockingbird Cinema, THE NEW ANTIBIOTIC? Dr Sara Jabbari Birmingham, Fri 5 - Thurs 11 Oct from the University of Birmingham CLIMAX (18) Drama/Horror. Starring talks about her work using mathemat- Sofia Boutella, Romain Guillermic. ics to help accelerate the journey to- Foreign language, subtitled. Mock- wards new treatments for bacterial ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 5 - infections, Tues 2 Oct, Thinktank Sci- Thurs 11 Oct ence Museum, Birmingham A SIMPLE FAVOUR (15) Crime/Drama. RAF STORIES TALKS - CANDIDA ADKINS Starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively. Daughter of famous female spitfire MAC, Birmingham, Fri 5 - Thurs 11 pilot Jackie Moggridge, Candida Ad- Oct kins shares stories about her mother, Thurs 4 Oct, RAF Cosford, Shifnal LAUREL AND HARDY: IN AND OUT OF SERVICE Comedy. Three classic black HIT THE ODE Unique performance-po- and white comedies. Starring Stan Birmingham Literary Festival etry night which sees one regional, Laurel, Oliver Hardy. MAC, Birming- one national and one international ham, Sun 7 Oct various locations in and around Birmingham, poet perform alongside open micers, Thurs 4 to Sun 14 October TRON / TRON LEGACY (PG) Fri 5 Oct, The Patrick Studio, Birming- A host of top literary talent has been lined up for the 21st Birming- ham Hippodrome Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Jeff Bridges. Sci-fi double bill. Mocking- ham Literature Festival. NEIL OLIVER - THE STORY OF THE bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 7 Oct From humble beginnings back in 1998, the event has developed BRITISH ISLES IN 100 PLACES Join Neil as he talks about his 20 years travel- REINVENTING MARVIN (15) Drama. Star- into one of the city’s most widely acclaimed celebrations of the ling to every corner of Great Britain, ring Finnegan Oldfield, Grégory arts. Fri 5 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Gadebois. Foreign language, subti- Highlights of this year’s festival include contributions from well- tled. MAC, Birmingham, Sun 7 - LOVE THE ARCHERS? Get the low-down Thurs 11 Oct known Midlanders Caitlin Moran (pictured), Nigel Slater and on Ambridge with Archers scriptwriter Jonathan Coe, events including panel discussions, book launches, Keri Davies and performers Charlotte writing workshops, nature walks and a trip onboard a narrow- Martin (Susan Carter) & Emerald NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: boat, and shows that feature theatre, music, storytelling, poetry O’Hanrahan (Emma Grundy), Sun 7 A STAR IS BORN (15) Oct, Birmingham Town Hall and live-on-stage cooking. BLIND SPOTTING (15) Commenting on the event, Festival Director Antonia Beck said: STRANGEWAYS HERE WE COME (15) “We’re delighted to present 10 days of inspiring, thought-provok- COLUMBUS (tbc) ing and entertaining events in venues across Birmingham city cen- JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (tbc) tre, which not only showcase great books and writers from the UK Film and abroad, but also create space to bring people together for INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: great conversation and ideas.” THE CHILDREN ACT (12a) Drama. Star- ring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci. Events sary, Wed 3 - Sun 7 Oct, NEC, Birm- Quarter, Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 28, Mon 1 & ingham BACKSTAGE TOUR Sat 6 Oct, The REP, Fri 5 Oct SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Featuring witches, wizards & werewolves, until BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL 10 Birmingham AMERICAN ANIMALS (15) Crime/Drama. Sun 4 Nov, West Midland Safari and day event celebrating words, books SCAREFEST Enjoy your favourite rides Starring Spencer Reinhard, Warren Leisure Park, Bewdley and ideas in many forms, Thurs 4 - in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- Lipka. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 28 Sept Sun 14 Oct, various locations in and THE PLANETS 2018 tainment, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Oct, Alton - Thurs 4 Oct Written out of a fas- around Birmingham cination with astrology, Holst’s The Towers, Staffordshire THE PREDATOR (18) Adventure/Horror. Planets was first performed 100 years DUNGEON LATES Strictly for adult ARTS MARKETS 2018 Monthly markets Starring Boyd Holbrook, Trevante ago. But what would it sound like if traitors, Fri 5 Oct, Warwick Castle showcasing the work of local de- Rhodes. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- created by today’s composers? Tues IRONBRIDGE LATES: SILENT DISCO Fri 5 signer makers, Sun 7 Oct, MAC, ingham, Fri 28 Sept - Thurs 4 Oct 2 Oct, Thinktank Science Museum, Oct, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, BirminghamAPPLE & CIDER DAY Find MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A Documentary/Bi- Birmingham Shropshire out about the history of the apple and ography. Starring M.I.A. Mockingbird HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW This year JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK how it was used in Tudor times, Sun Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 28 Sept - the show celebrates its 70th anniver- Sat 6 Oct, Museum of the Jewellery 7 Oct, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

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thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 October Birmingham MADE FOR THE WEEK- CHERRY REDS COMEDY CLUB Fri 12 Gigs APOLLO SOUL Thurs 11 END Fri 12 - Sat 13 Classical Oct, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, B’ham Oct, The Jam House, Oct, Genting Arena, THOMAS GREEN, DOUG SEGAL & HARDY CAPRIO Mon 8 Birmingham Birmingham COMICS TBC Fri 12 Oct, The Comedy Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- K.FLAY Sat 13 Oct, O2 Music Loft, Birmingham ingham SAINT AGNES Thurs 11 Oct, The Actress & Academy, Birmingham CBSO: YAMADA CONDUCTS BERNSTEIN TOM BINNS Fri 12 Oct, The Glee Club, TONY HADLEY Mon 8 Bishop, Birmingham ABBA MANIA Sat 13 Featuring Kazuki Yamada (conduc- Birmingham Oct, Symphony Hall, Oct, The Core Theatre, tor) & Baiba Skride (violin). Pro- Birmingham ROSS FROM FRIENDS gramme includes works by Ravel, DANA ALEXANDER, CAREY MARX, Solihull BROWN Thurs 11 Oct, Hare & Korngold & Bernstein, Wed 10 Oct, BOBBY MAIR & MAFF Fri 12 - Hounds, Birmingham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Symphony Hall, Birmingham Sat 13 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham FRANKIE STEW & HAR- Sat 13 Oct, The Jam DANE BAPTISTE Sat 13 Oct, Artrix, House, Birmingham MIAH PERSSON (SOPRANO) & JOSEPH VEY GUNN Thurs 11 MIDDLETON (PIANO) Programme in- Bromsgrove Oct, The Sunflower INCARNADINE COVEN cludes works by Clara Schumman, BARBARA NICE'S RAFFLE Sat 13 Oct, Lounge, Birmingham Sat 13 Oct, Scruffy Robert Schumann, Duparc, Nys- The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- DARWIN DEEZ Thurs 11 Murphy’s, Birmingham troem & Sibelius, Wed 10 Oct, The podrome Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- LEE LESSACK AND Barber Institute, Birmingham RICH WILSON, TOM HOUGHTON, DAVE ingham JOHNNY RODGERS Sat MOZART’S WIND SERENADE Featuring LONGLEY & LEO KEARSE Sat 13 Oct, ANNA PANCALDI Mon 8 ALEX LLEO Thurs 11 13 Oct, Pizza Express, Emmet Byrne & Rachael Pankhurst The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Oct, The Sunflower Oct, The Cuban Em- Brindley Place, B’ham (oboes), Oliver James & Mark Lounge, Birmingham VIKKI STONE Sat 13 Oct, MAC, Birm- bassy, Birmingham ASTROID BOYS Sat 13 O’Brien (clarinets), Mark Phillips & ingham CHILDCARE & LAZY DAY KAST OFF KINKS Thurs Oct, The Asylum, Michael Kidd (horns), Margaret Tues 9 Oct, The Sun- FAT PENGUIN IMPROV Sun 14 Oct, The 11 Oct, The Core The- Birmingham Cookhorn (bassoon) & Adrian flower Lounge, B’ham Victoria, Birmingham atre, Solihull TIN TINS HYPE 25TH SIL- Spillett (percussion). Programme in- BIG Q FISH Tues 9 Oct, cludes works by Pärt & Mozart, BABY BUSHKA Thurs 11 VER ANNIVERSARY Sat The Jam House, Birm- Thurs 11 Oct, CBSO Centre, B’ham Oct, The Night Owl, 13 Oct, Hare & ingham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham CBSO: THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER TOOTS AND THE MAY- Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) ENSLAVED + HIGH ON LE CLUB FONDUE PRE- TALS Wed 10 Oct, O2 and the CBSO Youth Chorus. Pro- Theatre FIRE Fri 12 Oct, The SENTS MOSELEY DANCE Institute, Birmingham CENTRE Sat 13 Oct, gramme includes music from UNSPOKEN Bravo 22 Company's new Mill, Digbeth, B’ham Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Se- MARIE-CLAIRE BERRENN Hare & Hounds, Birm- drama of love, loss, loneliness and GABY K Fri 12 Oct, The crets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of & HER HUSBANDS Wed ingham hope, performed by ex-service per- Cuban Embassy, Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half- sonnel, Mon 8 - Tues 9 Oct, The 10 Oct, Red Lion Folk DEFINITELY MIGHTBE Birmingham Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows, Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippo- Club, Kings Heath, Sat 13 Oct, O2 Fri 12 Oct, Symphony Hall, B’ham drome Birmingham ERADIKATOR Fri 12 Oct, Academy, Birmingham Route 44, Birmingham DAVID QUIGLEY (PIANO) Programme TOP HAT Amateur staging presented MNEK Wed 10 Oct, O2 JORJA SMITH Sat 13 includes works by Debussy, by South Staffs Musical Theatre Institute, Birmingham SABRINA FRANCIS & Oct, O2 Academy, FLOM Fri 12 Oct, Pizza Respighi, Chopin, Liszt & Howard Company, Tues 9 - Sat 13 Oct, THE JOHNNY CASH Birmingham Express, Brindley Blake, Fri 12 Oct, The Barber Insti- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ROADSHOW Wed 10 DAN OWEN Sat 13 Oct, tute, Birmingham Place, Birmingham MALCOLM STENT & DON MACLEAN - Oct, Lichfield Garrick The Castle & Falcon, HEAVY BEAT HOUSE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: TWO OF A KIND... BUT DIFFERENT GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed Birmingham PARTY Fri 12 Oct, Hare SHOSTAKOVICH'S FIFTH Featuring Xian Evening of variety show entertain- 10 Oct, The Jam & Hounds, B’ham Zhang (conductor) and Fatma Said ment featuring stories, reminis- House, Birmingham (soprano). Programme includes cences, jokes and a few songs... IMPERIAL LEISURE Fri JEFF LYNNE’S ELO Wed Shostakovich's Symphony No 5, 44’ Wed 10 Oct, The Core Theatre, Soli- 12 Oct, O2 Academy, 10 Oct, Arena B’ham and works by Rachmaninoff and hull Birmingham Strauss, Sat 13 Oct, Symphony Hall, OMYO Wed 10 Oct, O2 WAR HORSE Acclaimed West End BECKY HILL Fri 12 Oct, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham drama based on the novel by O2 Institute, B’ham JESS WILLIAMSON Wed Michael Morpurgo, Wed 10 Oct - Sat JILTED JOHN Fri 12 Oct, 10 Oct, The Sunflower 3 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome The Slade Rooms, Lounge, Birmingham PARLOUR GAMES A ‘right royal romp’ Wolverhampton MC TRIGGA BIRTHDAY CRYWANK, KERMES, YR BASH PRESENTS POWER through British history, exploring pol- LOSKI Fri 12 Oct, O2 Comedy POETRY & A BULL Wed Sat 13 Oct, O2 Insti- itics, passion and parlour games, Institute, Birmingham 10 Oct, Hare & tute, Birmingham CHERRY REDS COMEDY CLUB Wed 10 Thurs 11 - Sat 13 Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham ROBERT LANE Fri 12 DEAF BALLOONS, Oct, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, B’ham Oct, Artrix, Broms- Wed 10 RAPHAELLA KO- STEWART FRANCIS Thurs 11 Oct, Ar- DRACULA New staging of Bram grove Oct, The Glee Club, RNARSKIS & BALM Sat trix, Bromsgrove Stoker's gothic novel, Thurs 11 - Sat 20 Oct, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham THE VRYLL SOCIETY + 13 Oct, The Sunflower ROBERT WHITE, TOM HOUGHTON & PEACH FUZZ Fri 12 Oct, Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham THE DANIEL WAKEFORD RAHUL KOHLI Thurs 11 Oct, The Bra- The Actress & Bishop, EXPERIENCE Thurs 11 THE PARROTS Sun 14 mall, Birmingham MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Hit West End Birmingham show about Motown founder Berry Oct, O2 Academy, Oct, Hare & Hounds, DANA ALEXANDER, CAREY MARX & Gordy, Thurs 11 Oct - Sat 3 Nov, Birmingham OUR GIRL Fri 12 Oct, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- The Sunflower New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham A VISION OF ELVIS COHEED AND CAMBRIA SON Thurs 11 Oct, The Glee Club, Lounge, Birmingham Thurs 11 Oct, Lichfield Sun 14 Oct, O2 Birmingham DAVID EDGAR: TRYING IT ON The Birm- ingham-born playwright takes to the Garrick PURE MCCARTNEY FEAT. Academy, Birmingham PAUL SINHA Thurs 11 Oct, MAC, TONY COBURN Fri 12 stage in a one-man show and con- SEA GIRLS Thurs 11 GET CAPE WEAR CAPE Birmingham Oct, The Robin, Bil- templates the ways in which both the Oct, Mama Roux’s, FLY Sun 14 Oct, O2 ston ROBIN INCE Fri 12 Oct, Station Pub, world and his own views have Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Sutton Coldfield JEFF LYNNE’S ELO Fri 12 changed over the past 50 years, Fri MOBIUS LOOP Thurs 11 FAIRPORT CONVENTION JOEY PAGE, MARK SMITH Fri 12 Oct, 12 Oct, MAC, Birmingham - Sat 13 Oct, Arena Sun 14 Oct, The Core Oct, Hare & Hounds, The Core Theatre, Solihull BISMILLAH A story of disenfranchise- Birmingham Theatre, Solihull whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham 8-14 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 10:51 Page 3

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thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 October ment, social alienation, prejudice, radicalisation and the rock band Film Queen, Fri 12 Oct, Lichfield Garrick INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SCHOOL FOR LOVERS, A MUSICAL SEX- TET-A-TETE Opera Novella present a BEST F(R)IENDS VOLUME 1 & 2 (18) modern version of Mozart’s Cosi Fan Comedy/Thriller. Starring Greg Ses- Tute, complete with dialogue and a tero, Tommy Wiseau. Mockingbird small orchestra, Fri 12 - Sun 14 Oct, Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 12 Oct MAC, Birmingham FACES PLACES (12a) Documentary. TROILUS AND CRESSIDA Virtuoso per- Starring Agnès Varda, JR, Jeannine cussionist Evelyn Glennie collabo- Carpentier. Foreign language, subti- rates with Artistic Director Gregory tled. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 12 - Tues Doran to create a satirical futuristic vi- 16 Oct sion of a world resounding with the SKATE KITCHEN (15) Drama. Starring rhythm of battle, Fri 12 Oct - Sat 17 Kabrina Adams, Emmanuel Barco. Nov, Royal Shakespeare Theatre MAC, Birmingham, Fri 12 - Wed 17 Stratford-upon-Avon Oct THE RECEPTIONIST (18) Drama. Star- ring Josh Whitehouse, Lorraine Stan- ley. MAC, Birmingham, Sat 13 - Sun Kids Shows 14 Oct HALLOWEEN (18) Horror/Thriller. Star- A THING MISLAID Maison Foo present ring Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Simplyhealth Great Birmingham Run - City Centre a tale ‘full of footsteps, hope and an Curtis. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- unlikely friendship between two ham, Sun 14 - Mon 15 Oct active Bavarian Oompah band, Sat Towers, Staffordshire lonely travellers and a mysterious BLACK 47 (15) Drama/Action. Starring 13 Oct, West Midland Safari and bird’, Wed 10 Oct, MAC, Birmingham SIMPLYHEALTH GREAT BIRMINGHAM RUN Hugo Weaving, James Frecheville. Leisure Park, Bewdley PLUS JUNIOR & MINI RUN The city’s an- MAC, Birmingham, Sun 14 - Tues 23 SCAREFEST Enjoy your favourite rides nual half marathon, Sat 13 - Sun 14 Oct in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- Oct, Birmingham City Centre tainment, Sat 13 - Sun 14 Oct, Alton Talks NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 12 Oct, showing at AN EVENING WITH STACEY DOOLEY Rare selected cinemas live appearance during which Stacey discusses everything from gender BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE (tbc) equality and domestic violence to sex FIRST MAN (tbc) trafficking and sexual identity, Tues 9 MANDY (18) Oct, Birmingham Town Hall SINK (15) JAMES MARTIN ON THE ROAD AGAIN Join James as he reflects on his love SMALLFOOT (PG) of hearty food and various other pas- sions, Sun 14 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Events GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Expert advice, new product launches and specialist exhibitors, Wed 10 - Sun 14 Oct, NEC, Birmingham BACKSTAGE TOUR Thurs 11 Oct, The REP, Birmingham DUNGEON LATES Strictly for adult traitors, Fri 12 Oct, Warwick Castle WARTIME HANGAR DANCE 1940s-style event with the Aerospace Museum Society, Sat 13 Oct, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton Dance MEDIEVAL BANQUET Sat 13 Oct, War- wick Castle FLAWLESS - CHASE THE DREAM: THE RE- BOOT High-energy acrobatic family BACKSTAGE TOUR Sat 13 Oct, The REP, show following the journey of 10 big Birmingham dreamers hoping to live their ultimate THE SPICE TRAIN A chance to marvel dance fantasy on board the Inter- at the massive locomotives on dis- galactic Dream Ship, Wed 10 Oct, play before heading into the restau- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry rant to try a variety of curries from THE NUTCRACKER Vienna Festival Bal- around the world, Sat 13 Oct, Severn let presents its staging of the popular Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- ballet, Sun 14 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove minster BAVARIAN EVENING Featuring an inter- whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 15-21 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 17:28 Page 1

thelist KELLY Thurs 18 Oct, ASH Sat 20 Oct, O2 In- Birmingham Gigs Artrix, Bromsgrove stitute, Birmingham Classical LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 20 Oct, The DAUGHTRY Thurs 18 SAM AMIDON Sat 20 Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton MICHAEL BOLTON Mon Oct, O2 Academy, Oct, The Cuban Em- 15 Oct, Symphony BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 20 Birmingham bassy, Birmingham Music Hall, Birmingham Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove KRS-ONE Thurs 18 Oct, HANDS LIKE HOUSES YEVGENY SUDBIN IN RECITAL Featuring BLACK HONEY Mon 15 JAMALI MADDIX Sun 21 Oct, The Glee O2 Institute, B’ham Sat 20 Oct, The Asy- Yevgeny Sudbin (piano). Programme Oct, O2 Academy, Club, Birmingham lum, Birmingham includes works by Scarlatti, Birmingham CULTURE ABUSE + Tchaikovsky, Scriabin and Prokofiev, MAT RICARDO Sun 21 Oct, MAC, GOUGE AWAY Thurs 18 THE COATHANGERS + GUVNA B Tues 16 Oct, Mon 15 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Oct, The Actress & DITZ + MUTT Sat 20 Hare & Hounds, Birm- GINA YASHERE, MAUREEN YOUNGER & Bishop, Birmingham Oct, The Actress & LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH ingham THOMAS TROTTER Programme com- PRINCE ABDI Sun 21 Oct, The REP, THE UPBEAT BEATLES Bishop, Birmingham RYAN HAMILTON AND prises Wagner’s (trans. Edwin Birmingham Thurs 18 Oct, The ALL YEARS LEAVING Sat THE HARLEQUIN GHOSTS Lemare) Overture from Rienzi, Mon Core Theatre, Solihull 20 Oct, Hare & Tues 16 Oct, The Sun- 15 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Hounds, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham AT LAST: THE ETTA CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- JAMES STORY Thurs 18 SHOW OF HANDS Sat 20 THE BRIAN JONESTOWN CHESTRA Featuring François Leleux Oct, Town Hall, B’ham Oct, Birmingham Town MASSACRE Tues 16 (director / oboe / Cor Anglais). Pro- Theatre EDITORS Fri 19 Oct, O2 Hall gramme includes works by Brahms, Oct, O2 Academy, MACBETH: DIRECTORS CUT Untradi- Academy, Birmingham NOTHING, NOWHERE Sat Haydn, Debussy (arr. Silvestrini) & Birmingham tional Shakespeare featuring ‘strik- 20 Oct, O2 Institute, Bizet, Wed 17 Oct, Birmingham MY DARLING CLEMEN- DERANGE Fri 19 Oct, ing design and sensory surprises’, Birmingham Town Hall TINE Wed 17 Oct, The Scruffy Murphy’s, Mon 15 Oct, MAC, Birmingham Birmingham MUDIBU & THE JEZEBEL NIGEL KENNEDY The multi-million sell- REP, Birmingham SALT Play exploring colonial history’s SEXTET Sat 20 Oct, ing virtuoso violinist will perform MASSIVE Wed 17 Oct, THE MANOR Fri 19 Oct, existence in the everyday and the Pizza Express, Brind- pieces by Bach, Gershwin, as well The Asylum, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham politics of grief, Mon 15 - Tues 16 ley Place, Birmingham as his own self-penned pieces, JACK WHITE Wed 17 GORDON HENDRICKS AS Oct, The REP, Birmingham THE WORLD-FAMOUS Thurs 18 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birm- Oct, O2 Academy, ELVIS Fri 19 - Sat 20 THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY GLENN MILLER ORCHES- ingham Birmingham Oct, Artrix, Broms- John Partridge stars in a new stag- TRA DIRECTED BY RAY grove ing of Edgar Wallace’s classic thriller, TUNNG Wed 17 Oct, MCVAY Sun 21 Oct, Mon 15 - Sat 20 Oct, Lichfield Gar- Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE WORLD FAMOUS Dudley Town Hall ingham ELVIS SHOW Fri 19 - Sat rick TOM ODELL Sun 21 20 Oct, The Core The- DIRTY DANCING Much-acclaimed mu- JIM CAUSLEY Wed 17 Oct, O2 Academy, atre, Solihull sical featuring a host of hit songs, in- Oct, Red Lion Folk Birmingham Club, Kings Heath, CICI INTO THE WILD Fri cluding the iconic The Time Of My ERIC MARTIN Sun 21 Birmingham 19 - Sat 20 Oct, Old Life, Mon 15 - Sat 20 Oct, Regent Joint Stock Theatre, Oct, O2 Academy, Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent OLIE BRICE QUINTET Birmingham Birmingham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: SYM- Wed 17 Oct, MAC, ART WITH HEART: DECLARATION A ‘vi- SKREAM Sun 21 Oct, PHONIC FANTASY Also featuring Toby Birmingham THE CHATS Fri 19 Oct, brant and daring adventure’ of O2 Institute, B’ham Mama Roux’s, B’ham Purser (conductor) & the Canzonetta school day survival tactics, super- SICK JOY Wed 17 Oct, BLOODY KNEES Sun 21 Choir. Programme includes film hero alter-egos and the stumbling The Sunflower SOUL II SOUL Fri 19 Oct, The Flapper, scores from Harry Potter, The Hob- blocks to self-acceptance, Tues 16 Lounge, Birmingham Oct, B’ham Town Hall Birmingham bit, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Twi- Oct, MAC, Birmingham THE MATT MONRO ANNISOKAY Fri 19 Oct, light, Dragonheart and more... Fri 19 EMMA BLACKERY Sun KINKY BOOTS Acclaimed musical STORY Wed 17 Oct, Ar- The Asylum, B’ham Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 21 Oct, O2 Institute, which takes its audience on a jour- trix, Bromsgrove SAM COE & THE LONG Birmingham BUSCH PIANO TRIO Featuring Omri ney from a factory floor in Northamp- LEVEL 42 Wed 17 Oct, SHADOWS Fri 19 Oct, Epstein (piano), Mathieu Van Bellen ton to the glamorous catwalks of Symphony Hall, Birm- Pizza Express, Brind- (violin) & Ori Epstein (cello). Pro- Milan. Songs come courtesy of pop ingham ley Place, Birmingham gramme includes works by Suk & icon Cyndi Lauper, Tues 16 - Sat 27 Dvorak, Fri 19 Oct, The Barber Insti- CARROLL THOMPSON WHO KNOWS WHERE Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre tute, Birmingham Wed 17 Oct, The Jam THE TIME GOES?: THE KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING New House, Birmingham JULIE JULY BAND Fri 19 EX CATHEDRA: IN 40 PARTS Featuring musical featuring songs from the Oct, Artrix, Broms- Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor). Pro- TOM WALKER Thurs 18 Great War, Wed 17 Oct, The Core grove gramme includes works by Tallis, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Theatre, Solihull Striggio, Jackson, Roth and Tallis, ingham THE ULTIMATE EAGLES Fri 19 Oct, The Robin, Sun 21 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall CARBON LEAF Thurs 18 Bilston ALL YEARS LEAVING Oct, O2 Academy, Sun 21 Oct, Hare & Birmingham SIGALA Fri 19 Oct, O2 Institute, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham PAUL CHERRY Thurs 18 WHY DON’T WE Sun 21 Oct, The Night Owl, ANNABEL ALLUM Fri 19 Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Comedy Birmingham Oct, The Cuban Em- bassy, Birmingham ingham ABANDOMAN, Wed 17 Oct, The Glee SARABETH TRIO Thurs THE SURRENDERS Sun Club, Birmingham 18 Oct, Hare & GLASS CEILINGS Fri 19 21 Oct, The Actress & Hounds, Birmingham Oct, The Victoria, SARAH KEYWORTH, STEVE GRIBBIN & Birmingham Bishop, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- BLACK PEAKS Thurs 18 DARIUS RUCKER Sun 21 SON Thurs 18 Oct, The Glee Club, Oct, Hare & Hounds, MR BEN Fri 19 - Sat 20 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Oct, The Jam House, Birmingham Birmingham SARAH KEYWORTH, STEVE GRIBBIN, AVELINO Thurs 18 Oct, NYA’S HOUSE OF SOUL JOHN LYNN & STEVE BUGEJA Fri 19 - O2 Institute, B’ham ANTARCTIC MONKEYS Sat 20 Oct, O2 Sun 21 Oct, Artrix, Sat 20 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham MAGGIE BELL & DAVE Academy, Birmingham Bromsgrove KAI SAMRA Sat 20 Oct, The REP,

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Monday 15 - Sunday 21 October

MISSION ABORT A one-woman play TINE Documentary. Directed by tainment, Fri 19 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Alton which offers a 'frank and funny' Talks Alexandra Dols. Foreign language, Towers, Staffordshire glimpse into the mental and physical subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, Sun 21 FANTASTICAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL PLAY READING: JOHN DRINKWATER'S Fea- trauma of abortion, Wed 17 Oct, Oct turing artisan chocolate traders, free ABRAHAM LINCOLN Reading of John Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham themed photo booths, themed char- Drinkwater’s Abraham Lincoln, to acters & story corners, chocolate STUFF Janice Connolly & Michael mark the centenary of the play’s pre- sculpting, craft stations and more... Crouch shine light on the subject of mière on the very same stage, Sat 20 Sat 20 Oct, The H Suite, Edgbaston, hoarding, Wed 17 - Sat 20 Oct, The Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham REP, Birmingham Events Birmingham KUKUNOR/KALAHARI Production pre- THE MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW PAW PATROL VISIT Ride out into the sented with spoken and sign lan- Featuring new and exclusive leisure countryside on one of the trains and guage on an equal footing and vehicle launches by major manufac- see PAW Patrol's Marshall & Rubble, dealing with a person's physical, spir- turers, Tues 16 - Sun 21 Oct, NEC, Sat 20 - Sun 21 Oct, Severn Valley itual, real and imaginary limitations, Dance Birmingham Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Thurs 18 Oct, Old Joint Stock The- PUZZLE CREATURE Neon Dance pre- MORE TREAT THAN TRICK Family Hal- atre, Birmingham LICHFIELD OKTOBERFEST All the fun of sent Adrienne Hart’s brand new work, the most famous beer festival in the loween activities and eerie entertain- DAVID EDGAR: TRYING IT ON The Birm- which unscrambles attitudes to both world... right in the middle of Lich- ment, Sat 20 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Drayton ingham-born playwright takes to the age and the body, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 field, Fri 19 - Sat 20 Oct, Beacon Manor Theme Park, Tamworth stage in a one-man show and con- Oct, DanceXchange, The Patrick Stu- Park, Lichfield HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Join Der- templates the ways in which both the dio, Birmingham Hippodrome mot O'Scary for a ‘spooktacular world and his own views have DESTINATION STAR TREK BIRMINGHAM The only official Star Trek event in Eu- show’, Sat 20 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Cad- changed over the past 50 years, bury World, Birmingham Thurs 18 - Sat 20 Oct, Studio The- rope, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Oct, NEC, Birm- atre@The Other Place, Stratford- ingham THE HAUNTED CASTLE With ‘wondrous upon-Avon DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DREAM BIG witches, Horrible Histories and the re- Disney’s most adventurous dream- turn of the spectacular fire joust’, Sat THE MESSIAH Hugh Dennis, John Mar- 20 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Warwick Castle quez & Lesley Garrett star in a Christ- ers, including Moana, Fri 19 - Sun 28 mas comedy that promises to Oct, Arena Birmingham, Birmingham AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR A conjure up the sublime, the ridiculous SCAREFEST Enjoy your favourite rides variety of craft and gift stalls, Sun 21 and the angelic, Thurs 18 - Sat 27 in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- Oct, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham Oct, The REP, Birmingham RUSH FEATURING THE J A REGGAE BAND Rush Theatre Company celebrate Reggae music, Fri 19 Oct, Crescent MOTIONHOUSE: CHARGE Theatre, Birmingham Six dancers fuse dance and acrobatics in a per- SUSIE SELF: QUILT SONG Upbeat musi- formance inspired by the role of elec- cal opera emulating hit West Ender tricity in the human body, Fri 19 - Sat Hamilton and featuring rising stars 20 Oct, MAC, Birmingham from Birmingham's Ormiston Academy, Fri 19 - Sat 20 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE A tale of deadlines, distractions... and a talking duck, Sat 20 - Sun 21 Oct, Film The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MAT RICARDO VS THE WORLD One-man WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? Documentary. variety show featuring ‘world-class Starring Wendy Brown, Angela Davis. juggling, magic & illusion, escapol- MAC, Birmingham, Wed 17 Oct ogy, sleight of hand, knife throwing, COLUMBUS (12a) Drama. Starring John stand-up comedy, feats of strength Cho, Haley Lu Richardson. MAC, and demonstrations of dexterity’, Sun Birmingham, Fri 19 - Mon 22 Oct 21 Oct, MAC, Birmingham THE WIFE (15) Drama. Starring Chris- tian Slater, Glenn Close. MAC, Birm- ingham, Fri 19 - Thurs 25 Oct UNDER THE WIRE (15) Documentary. Starring Ziad Abaza, Janine Birkett. Kids Shows MAC, Birmingham, Sat 20 Oct FIRST STAGES: HANSEL AND GRETEL BURNING AN ILLUSION (15) Drama. Interactive theatre experience which Starring Cassie McFarlane, Victor brings to life the famous Brothers Romero Evans. MAC, Birmingham, Grimm story, Sat 20 Oct, The REP, Sat 20 Oct Birmingham BIXA TRAVESTY (18) Documentary. YOUR TOYS Slot Starring Linn da Quebrada. Foreign Machine The- language, subtitled. MAC, Birming- atre present a ham, Sat 20 Oct heartwarming ISLAND (15) Documentary. Directed by tale about Steven Eastwood. MAC, Birmingham, friends pulling Sun 21 Oct together, Sun 21 Oct, MAC, BEYOND THE FRONTLINES: TALES OF RE- Birmingham SISTANCE AND RESILIENCE FROM PALES-

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thelist Monday 22 - Sunday 28 October Lounge, Birmingham Fri 26 Oct, The Core Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham Gigs RODDY FRAME Thurs 25 Theatre, Solihull Classical RUDI LICKWOOD, CURTIS WALKER, SLIM Oct, Birmingham Town BUGZY MALONE Fri 26 & JOHN SIMMIT Sun 28 Oct, The Glee THE SPACE LADY Mon Hall Oct, O2 Academy, Club, Birmingham 22 Oct, Hare & Birmingham Music Hounds, Birmingham DEL CAMINO Thurs 25 Oct, The Jam House, LUKE DANIELS & NANCY JOO YEON SIR (VIOLIN) Lunchtime RUDIMENTAL Mon 22 Birmingham KERR Fri 26 Oct, MAC, concert featuring works by Poulenc, Oct, O2 Academy, Birmingham Stravinsky & Vladigerov, Tues 23 Birmingham HENRI HERBERT & THE Oct, Royal Birmingham Conserva- FURY Thurs 25 Oct, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS Sat Theatre GIRLI Mon 22 Oct, The toire The Night Owl, B’ham 27 Oct, Genting Arena, STILL NO IDEA Mischievous exposé of Castle & Falcon, Birm- BENJAMIN GROSVENOR: MOZART Also Birmingham good intentions gone bad. Part ver- ingham MARTIN TURNER EX featuring Vassily Sinaisky (conduc- WISHBONE ASH Thurs COASTS Sat 27 Oct, O2 batim theatre, part improv, part com- DRAKE WHITE AND THE tor), Benjamin Grosvenor (piano) 25 Oct, The Robin, Bil- Institute, Birmingham edy sketch show, Tues 23 - Sat 27 BIG FIRE Mon 22 Oct, and City of Birmingham Symphony ston Oct, The REP, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham 4EVER HOLLYWOOD Sat Orchestra. Programme includes FICKLE FRIENDS Fri 26 27 Oct, The Core The- works by Wagner, Mozart and 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Amateur staging THE FEELING Mon 22 Oct, O2 Academy, atre, Solihull Sibelius, Thurs 25 Oct, Symphony of the Dolly Parton musical, pre- Oct, Town Hall, B’ham Birmingham NATALIE HOLMES Sat 27 Hall, Birmingham sented by CLOC Musical Theatre STEPHEN MALKMUS AND RICHARD THOMPSON Fri Oct, The Cuban Em- CBSO CENTRE STAGE - STRAUSS: META- Company, Tues 23 - Sat 27 Oct, THE JICKS Mon 22 Oct, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall 26 Oct, Town Hall, bassy, Birmingham MORPHOSEN Featuring Marie-Chris- The Asylum, B’ham Birmingham FEROCIOUS DOG Sat 27 tine Zupancic (flute), Jonathan ELEPHANT & CASTLE Gig theatre show TOM GRENNAN Tues 23 SOPHIE HUNGER Fri 26 Oct, The Slade Martindale & Jane Wright (violins), about how honest it’s possible to be Oct, O2 Academy, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- Rooms, W’hampton Adam Römer, Christopher Yates & and have your relationship survive, Birmingham Amy Thomas (violas), Hatty Snell & Wed 24 Oct, MAC, Birmingham ingham CHASE RICE Sat 27 Oct, BC CAMPLIGHT Tues 23 Helen Edgar (cellos), Tony Alcock & BROKEN MINDS - HAL- O2 Institute, B’ham COSMOTHEKA Evening of comedy, va- Oct, Hare & Hounds, Julian Atkinson (double bass). Pro- LOWEEN JUNGLE Fri 26 riety & music from Dave & Dan Birmingham TWISTED WHEEL Sat 27 gramme includes works by Haydn, Sealey and their ‘great mate’ Adam Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, The Actress & Schulhoff, Sperger & R. Strauss, LUCY SPRAGGAN Tues Berry, Wed 24 Oct, The Core, Soli- Birmingham Bishop, Birmingham Thurs 25 Oct, CBSO Centre, B’ham 23 Oct, O2 Institute, hull THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS Birmingham COAST TO COAST Sat 27 JOANNA GUTOWSKA (CELLO) Pro- THE CAPITAL Stan's Cafe explore Fri 26 Oct, O2 Insti- Oct, The Asylum, gramme includes works by Cas- THE LOVELY EGGS Tues themes of financial inequality and tute, Birmingham Birmingham sadó, David Matthews, Manos 23 Oct, Hare & strained human relationships in a ANNE-MARIE ALLEN Fri Charalabopoulos & JS Bach, Fri 26 Hounds, Birmingham THE VOIDZ Sat 27 Oct, story told without words, Wed 24 - 26 Oct, The Cuban The Mill, Digbeth, Oct, The Barber Institute, B’ham Sat 27 Oct, The REP, Birmingham MELVINS Tues 23 Oct, Embassy, Birmingham Birmingham THE DANTE QUARTET: EXPLORING O2 Academy, B’ham THE WAR OF THE WORLDS HG Wells’ DAVID BYRNE Fri 26 THE JACKS Sat 27 Oct, SHOSTAKOVICH A rare opportunity to masterpiece, vividly reimagined for ATTILA Tues 23 Oct, Oct, Genting Arena, O2 Academy, B’ham hear all Shostakovich’s string quar- the post-truth era, Wed 24 - Sat 27 The Asylum, B’ham Birmingham tets in one weekend, Fri 26 - Sun 28 CORROSION OF CONFOR- Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham MAX & HARVEY Wed 24 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove IDLES Fri 26 Oct, O2 MITY & ORANGE GOBLIN A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Featur- Oct, O2 Academy, Institute, Birmingham Sat 27 Oct, O2 Insti- CBSO: SOUNDS OF THE SEA Featuring ing Dandy, The Empty Can, Ollie Birmingham URBAN INTRO Fri 26 tute, Birmingham Timothy Redmond (conductor) & Spencer, Joe Thomas & Wayne JIMMY LEE Wed 24 Tom Redmond (presenter). Pro- Oct, The Jam House, THE UNIT AMA Sun 28 Beese, Thurs 25 Oct, The Core The- Oct, Red Lion Folk gramme includes works by Menken, Birmingham Oct, Hare & Hounds, atre, Solihull Club, Birmingham Zimmer, Vaughan Williams & De- CLUB KURU Fri 26 Oct, Birmingham SLEEPLESS Rogueplay present ‘a bussy, Sun 28 Oct, Symphony Hall, CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY The Sunflower solo aerial theatre piece of contem- KUNG FU RINTINTIN Sun Birmingham YEAH & MURRAY A. Lounge, Birmingham 28 Oct, The Sunflower porary circus’ exploring sleep depri- LIGHTBURN (OF THE TRACKSUIT & TRANCE: Lounge, Birmingham vation, Thurs 25 Oct, Artrix, DEARS) Wed 24 Oct, THE 90S RAVE FT. UL- Bromsgrove Hare & Hounds, Birm- KACEY MUSGRAVES Sun TRABEAT Fri 26 Oct, O2 SWING WITH LAUGHTER - WITH BOBBY ingham 28 Oct, O2 Academy, Institute, Birmingham Birmingham DAVRO Also featuring Kenny Lynch, BLACK MEKON & KING Comedy SONS OF KEMET Fri 26 Anita Harris, Jessica Martin & The BROTHERS Wed 24 Oct, THE WHITNEY HOUSTON Oct, Hare & Hounds, ROB DEERING, NIGEL NG, SADIA AZMAT Rat Pack, Fri 26 Oct, Lichfield Gar- Hare & Hounds, Birm- SHOW Sun 28 Oct, Birmingham & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY rick ingham Wolverhampton Grand ROBINSON Thurs 25 Oct, The Glee THE STORY Theatre TAIKO MEANTIME: RESONANCE TOUR FREDDIE MCGREGOR Club, Birmingham Featuring a new repertoire ranging Wed 24 Oct, The Jam DOREEN'S BIG TOP Thurs 25 - Fri 26 from delicate composition to explo- House, Birmingham Oct, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham sive crowd-pleasing barnstormers, MARTY WILDE & THE ROB KEMP Fri 26 Oct, The Glee Club, Fri 26 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, WILDCATS Wed 24 Oct, Birmingham Birmingham The Core Theatre, BRENNAN REECE, TIM RENKOW, ROB I USED TO HEAR FOOTSTEPS Haunted Solihull DEERING & NIGEL NG Fri 26 Oct, The by curiosity, a young man attempts JACK MAYNARD Wed 24 Glee Club, Birmingham to piece together the ghost story of Oct, O2 Academy, his childhood home, Fri 26 Oct, Lich- SIMON LOMAS, RUSSELL HICKS, ROB Birmingham field Garrick DERRING & NIGEL NG Sat 27 Oct, The MILES HUNT (THE WON- Glee Club, Birmingham ONE MAN STRANGER THINGS - A PAR- DER STUFF) Thurs 25 ODY Canadian actor Charles Ross JIM DAVIDSON Sat 27 Oct, Stafford Oct, Hare & Hounds, single-handedly recreates season Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham one of the Netflix sensation, Sat 27 KNOCK KNOCK COMEDY Sun 28 Oct, Oct, Birmingham Town Hall GIANT PARTY & THE The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham 4EVER HOLLYWOOD All-singing, all- AROSA Thurs 25 Oct, Kacey Musgraves - O2 Academy, Birmingham The Sunflower GLEE FAMILY COMEDY SHOW Sun 28 dancing show celebrating ‘four fabu- whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 16:59 Page 3

thelist Monday 22 - Sunday 28 October IT (18) Horror/Thriller. Starring Bill BACKSTAGE TOUR Sat 27 Oct, The REP, Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher. Mock- Birmingham ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 30 JEWELLERY QUARTER GHOST WALK Sat Oct 27 Oct, Museum of the Jewellery THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS Quarter, Birmingham (PG) Family/Fantasy. Starring Cate THE MONSTER BALL Entertainment and Blanchett, Jack Black. Artrix, Broms- a three-course meal, Sat 27 Oct, grove, Tues 30 - Wed 31 Oct West Midland Safari and Leisure TROLL 2 (18) Fantasy/Horror. Starring Park, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Michael Paul Stephenson, George GINISTRY OF MAGIC MUGGLE BALL Pre- Hardy. MAC, Birmingham, Wed 31 pare your finest robes and ready your Oct wands for a night of magical drinks, HALLOWEEN (18) Horror/Thriller. Star- Sat 27 Oct, The Grain Store, Wolver- ring Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee hampton Curtis. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- MURDER MYSTERY EVENING Sat 27 ham, Wed 31 Oct Oct, Birmingham Botanical Gardens THE EVIL DEAD (18) Horror. Starring GHOST TRAINS Are you brave enough Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss. to climb aboard the Ghost Train? Sat Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 31 Oct Lands - MAC, Birmingham 27 Oct, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- ley, Nr Kidderminster lous decades of timeless tunes and Seeta Patel and choreographer Lina NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD Featuring a the fancy footwork of silver screen Limosani, Tues 23 Oct, The Patrick Released from Fri 26 Oct, showing at 15ft-tall vulture roaming the crowd, legends’, Sat 27 Oct, The Core The- Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome selected cinemas giant skulls and carnival processions, atre, Solihull SWAN LAKE Presented by Russian Sat 27 Oct, O2 Academy, B’ham BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (tbc) LANDS Antler Theatre Company pre- State Ballet and Opera House, Sun CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN EVENING Get sent a ‘playful, intimate dissection’ of 28 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE HATE YOU GIVE (tbc) dressed up in your spookiest cos- a relationship teetering on the edge SLAUGHTERHOUSE RULEZ (tbc) tume to enjoy the ghostly goings-on of collapse, Sat 27 Oct, MAC, B’ham around the castle, Sat 27 Oct, Tam- SHAKUNTALA Subrang Arts present worth Castle Kalidas' epic tale of love, loss and re- SPOOKY SCIENCE NIGHT Spooky party demption, Sat 27 Oct, Crescent The- Film for mad scientists, witches and wiz- atre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Events ards, Sat 27 Oct, Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham KING OF THIEVES (15) Crime/Drama. OCTOBER HALF TERM Autumn family Starring Michael Caine, Michael fun, Mon 22 - Fri 26 Oct, Birmingham GHOSTLY GASLIGHT Dress up in your Gambon. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 22 Botanical Gardens most frightening Halloween costume - Tues 23 & Fri 26 Oct; MAC, Birming- and join the ghosts, ghouls and mon- CERAMIC ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS Brand Kids Show ham, Tues 30 - Wed 31 Oct sters, Sat 27 Oct, Blists Hill Victorian new workshops, Wed 24 Oct, Coal- HARRY HILL’S KIDZ SHOW: HOW TO BE Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A Documentary/Bi- port China Museum, Telford, Shrop- FUNNY - FOR KIDS! Harry offers hints ography. Starring M.I.A. MAC, Birm- shire PUMPKIN FLOTILLA Sat 27 - Sun 28 and tips for any youngster who fan- ingham, Tues 23 - Wed 24 Oct Oct, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham cies being ‘a bit of a joker’, Tues 23 FRIGHT NIGHTS See the castle trans- Oct, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry SUMMER OF 84 (tbc) Drama/Horror. formed into a house of horrors - with DIVE 2018 Sat 27 - Sun 28 Oct, NEC, Starring Graham Verchere, Judah a cast of creepy characters making Birmingham MILKSHAKE LIVE! Sat 27 Oct, Birming- Lewis. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- themselves at home, Thurs 25 - Sat ham Town Hall PUMPKIN PARLOUR Pumpkin carving at ham, Thurs 25 Oct 27 Oct, Kenilworth Castle, Warwick- the Farm, Sat 27 - Sun 28 Oct, Beck- TABBY MCTAT Heartwarming tale of THE RIDER Drama/Western. Starring shire etts Farm, Birmingham friendship and loyalty based on Julia Brady Jandreau, Mooney. MAC, CANDY AND COBWEBS A Halloween Donaldson's book of the same name, SPOOKY SCIENCE WEEK Family activi- Birmingham, Fri 26 - Sun 28 Oct trick or treat event for under-eights, Sun 28 Oct, Lichfield Garrick ties throughout the school holiday, RAGING MOON (PG) Drama. Starring Fri 26 Oct, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Sat 27 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Thinktank Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson. Ironbridge, Shropshire Science Museum, Birmingham MAC, Birmingham, Sat 27 Oct HALLOWEEN NIGHTS A ‘frightfully good’ OCTOBER HALF TERM Family fun, Sat PUMPKINS (18) Horror. Starring Dani evening of entertainment, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Sarehole Mill, Thompson, Maria Lee Metheringham. 27 Oct, Black Country Living Mu- Hall Green, Birmingham Talks Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, seum, Dudley OCTOBER HALF TERM 2018 Help the ERIC CANTONA The legendary Manch- Sat 27 Oct FRIGHT NIGHTS: ASTON ALIVE! Visit the museum’s junior designer find ‘the ester Utd player talks about his life, HELLRAISER (18) Horror/Thriller. Star- Museum of Curiosities in ‘spooktacu- missing plans’, Sat 27 Oct - Sun 4 Fri 26 Oct, Regency Banqueting ring Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins. lar circumstances’, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Nov, British Motor Museum, Gaydon Suite, Birmingham Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Oct, , Birmingham TERRIFYING TALES Discover spooky AN EVENING WITH BRIAN BLESSED Join Sat 27 Oct THE VAPER EXPO 2018 The biggest and Black Country legends and separate the larger-than-life actor as he talks THE RAGING MOON (12a) Drama. Star- most prestigious vape convention in folklore from fact, Sat 27 Oct - Sun 4 about his career on stage and ring Malcolm McDowell, Nanette the world, Fri 26 - Sun 28 Oct, NEC, Nov, Black Country Living Museum, screen, Sat 27 Oct, Lichfield Garrick Newman. MAC, Birmingham, Sat 27 Birmingham Dudley Oct FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD Carnival-esque SPOOKY SCIENCE WEEK: OCTOBER HALF THE LITTLE STRANGER (12a) pageantry, giant skull processions, TERM Family activities, Sat 27 Oct - Drama/Horror. Starring Domhnall acrobats, dancers, decorative art & Sun 4 Nov, Thinktank Science Mu- Gleeson, Ruth Wilson. MAC, Birming- costumes, Sat 27 Oct, Starworks seum, Birmingham Dance ham, Sat 27 - Wed 31 Oct Warehouse, Wolverhampton OCTOBER HALF TERM Family fun, Sat SEETA PATEL - NOT TODAY'S YESTERDAY THE BIG BAD FOX AND OTHER TALES (U) GCCF SUPREME CAT SHOW The UK’s 27 Oct - Sun 4 Nov, Sarehole Mill, International collaboration between Animation/Adventure. MAC, Birming- premier cat show, Sat 27 Oct, NEC, Birmingham award-winning Bharatanatyam artist ham, Mon 29 - Wed 31 Oct Birmingham

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 16:59 Page 4

Monday 29 - Wednesday 31 October

Classical Kids Shows MOTHER GOOSE Wolverhampton’s Music favourite Dame, Ian Adams, teams ST. MATTHEW PASSION English Tour- up with Julie Paton to present the ing Opera present a new version of ever-popular story, Tues 30 Oct, Bach’s masterpiece, Mon 29 Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Wolverhampton Grand Theatre LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- cludes works by Ireland, Distler, Franck, J. Francaix & L. Boellmann, Talks Mon 29 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall NEIL OLIVER - THE STORY OF THE HALLOWEEN SILENT MOVIE SPECIAL BRITISH ISLES IN 100 PLACES Join Neil Featuring Nigel Ogden on organ. as he talks about his 20 years travel- Programme comprises Robert Louis ling to every corner of Great Britain, Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Mon 29 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Wed 31 Oct, The Black Eyed Peas - O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall STEVEN OSBORNE (PIANO) Programme Oct, Symphony Hall, 31 Oct, Hare & includes works by Poulenc, De- Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Gigs bussy, Prokofiev & Schubert, Wed Dance ANTI FLAG + CANCER HARRY MANX Wed 31 ROBIN WINDSOR - THE FAREWELL TOUR BLOXX Mon 29 Oct, 31 Oct, The Barber Institute, B’ham BATS Tues 30 Oct, The Oct, The Robin, Bil- The Sunflower Strictly’s Robin Windsor heads out Asylum, Birmingham ston Lounge, Birmingham on tour for the very last time, Mon 29 VIDEO GAMES LIVE Tues STATE CHAMPS Wed 31 Oct, Lichfield Garrick THE BLACK EYED PEAS 30 Oct, O2 Institute, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- BEAUTY & THE BEAST Mon 29 Oct, O2 Ballet Theatre Birmingham ingham Academy, Birmingham Comedy UK present a new, choreographed MATTHEWS SOUTHERN GABIDDON Wed 31 Oct, version of the much-loved fairytale, THE KVB Mon 29 Oct, ELIS JAMES (PICTURED) & JOHN COMFORT & MAGNA The Jam House, Birm- Tues 30 Oct, The Core Theatre, Soli- Hare & Hounds, Birm- ROBINS Tues 30 - Wed 31 Oct, The CARTA Tues 30 Oct, ingham hull ingham Glee Club, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston INSECURE MEN Wed 31 FREYA RIDINGS Mon 29 THE STYLISTICS Wed Oct, Mama Roux’s, Oct, O2 Institute, Birm- 31 Oct, Wolverhamp- Birmingham ingham ton Grand Theatre FIL CAMPBELL & TOM THE PROCLAIMERS Mon SNACK FAMILY Wed 31 MCFARLANE Wed 31 Events 29 Oct, Symphony Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, Red Lion Folk ASTON HALL LATE: GHOSTLY ENCOUN- Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Club, Kings Heath, TERS Theatrical ghost tour, Sun 28 CARO EMERALD Tues 30 SHE MAKES WAR Wed Birmingham Oct, Aston Hall, Birmingham HAUNTED CASTLE A week of ghostly goings-on, Sun 28 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Tamworth Castle HALLOWEEN KITCHEN ‘Spooky’ ses- sion of pumpkin carving and muffin making, Mon 29 - Wed 31 Oct, Beck- etts Farm, Birmingham HALLOWEEN HOCUS POCUS Trick-or- treat trail around the castle, Mon 29 - Theatre Wed 31 Oct, Dudley Zoological Gar- dens FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre’s ac- claimed show about dementia, Mon EYE MUSIC TRUST: SENSATIONAL 29 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove COLOUR & MUSIC Create your own ‘sound-paintings’ using touch-sensi- THE WALPURGISNACHT HAUNTINGS tive paint and brand new computer Three chilling tales by popular fan- software, Mon 29 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, tasy fiction writer AG Smith, Mon 29 - MAC, Birmingham Tues 30 Oct, Old Joint Stock The- atre, Birmingham GHOSTLY TALES: FAMILY-FRIENDLY GHOST TOUR Daytime tour of one of FRANTIC ASSEMBLY: THE UNRETURNING Birmingham’s most haunted build- New play by Anna Jordan exploring ings, Tues 30 Oct, Aston Hall, Birm- the profound effect that war has on ingham young lives, Tues 30 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE LOVELY BONES Stage premiere of Alice Sebold's coming-of-age tale, Tues 30 Oct - Sat 10 Nov, The REP, Birmingham DRACULA - THE BLOODY TRUTH A new telling of Bram Stoker’, Wed 31 Oct, Caro Emerald - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Birmingham 22-31 October.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 16:59 Page 5

thelist Monday 29 - Wednesday 31 October HALLOWEEN NIGHTS Tues 30 - Wed 31 edly haunted rooms, Wed 31 Oct, Oct, Black Country Living Museum, Tamworth Castle Dudley HALLOWEEN TOURS Ghostly appari- GHOST TRAINS Are you brave enough tions, dastardly deeds and gruesome to climb aboard the Ghost Train? goings-on with Kenilworth’s ‘spook- Tues 30 - Wed 31 Oct, Severn Valley tacular storyteller’, Wed 31 Oct, Kenil- Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster worth Castle, Warwickshire HALLOWEEN HALF TERM & CRAFT DAYS HUBBLE BUBBLE TRICK OR TREAT Do See the venue dressed for Hal- you dare to explore the spooky cel- loween, take part in Halloween- lars at Soho House? Wed 31 Oct - themed craft days and try the Thurs 1 Nov, Soho House, B’ham haunted house and gruesome gar- den trails, Tues 30 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham ASTON HALLOWEEN See the venue transformed into a haunted mansion, Wed 31 Oct, Aston Hall, Birmingham NICK SHARRATT’S DRAWALONG Join the acclaimed children’s writer & illustra- tor to find out how he creates his pic- ture books, Wed 31 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove HALLOWEEN SPOOKY SPECTACULAR SCI- ENCE SHOWS Professor Pickle & Doc- tor Pumpkin are back, Wed 31 Oct, BECCA ROSE GLOWACKI: MESHWORK British Motor Museum, Gaydon ORCHESTRA Make music by weaving PUMPKIN FLOTILLA Wed 31 Oct, Sare- textiles with conductive materials and hole Mill, Birmingham become part of the Meshwork Or- GHOST SEARCH Ghost walk around the chestra, Wed 31 Oct - Fri 2 Nov, Halloween at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley castle, with vigils conducted in reput- MAC, Birmingham

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Belgrade Theatre (FP- Oct 18).qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2018 19:49 Page 1 whatson_281x216.pdf 1 24/09/2018 14:53

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