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TORVILL AND DEAN TALK Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands DANCING ON ICE BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2018 Birmingham ISSUE 385 JANUARY 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP : @WHATSONBRUM FACEBOOK:@WHATSONBIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 13:13 Page 1 Contents January Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:14 Page 2

January 2018

Contents

Shrek’s in town - award-winning musical returns to the region feature on page 36

Brief Encounter Yungblud Midlands Makers the list

much-loved stage adaptation explosion of raw energy showcasing the region’s hottest Your 16-page returns to The REP at the Sunflower Lounge new artistic talent week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 13 feature page 46 page 55 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 13. Music 26. Comedy 30. Theatre 43. Film 48. Visual Arts 51. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt 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 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:10 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Spring into springtime at Birmingham Hippodrome Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella (pictured), spec- tacular Bollywood musical Taj Express and West End phenomenon The Play That Goes Wrong are among the shows visiting Birming- ham Hippodrome this year. Commenting on the venue’s recently an- nounced spring season, Hippodrome Artistic Director & Chief Executive Fiona Allan said: “Many of the stories you’ll see on our stage this year feature strong female characters. From El- phaba and Glinda in Wicked, to Puccini’s tragic Tosca, to everyone’s favourite schoolgirl, Matilda. We also have stories of real women who had huge impact on the world around them - Carole King’s story unfolds in Beautiful and Ballet British Colombia return with a pro- gramme of three breathtaking modern dance pieces, all by internationally acclaimed female choreographers.” For more information about these and the venue’s other 2018 shows, visit birming- hamhippodrome.com

It’s All About Me - Joanna Hit Oscar Wilde comedy Birmingham Royal Ballet Lumley takes to the road heads for the Midlands dances to Symphony Hall Joanna Lumley is heading out on her first- Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) Director ever live tour in the autumn. David Bintley, members of the Company and The popular actress, who became a house- BRB’s acclaimed orchestra, the Royal Ballet hold name when she starred in 1970s TV ac- Sinfonia, are this month presenting an tion series The New Avengers, will take her evening of ‘spectacular’ music and dance at It’s All About Me show on a 30-date UK tour, the city’s Symphony Hall. en route stopping off at Birmingham’s Sym- Their one-night-only show features excerpts phony Hall and ’s Warwick Arts from ballets including Sleeping Beauty, Hob- Centre. For more information and to pur- son’s Choice and La Fille mal gardée. chase tickets, visit ticketmaster.co.uk The production is being performed on Friday 19 January. For more information and to book tickets, visit thsh.co.uk

A brand new production of classic Oscar Wilde comedy The Importance Of Being Earnest is visiting two Midlands venues this spring as part of a UK tour. Produced by the Original Theatre Company and starring Gwen Taylor as Lady Bracknell and Susan Penhaligon as Miss Prism, the show stops off at the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford, from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 Feb- ruary. It then visits the Lichfield Garrick The- atre from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 March.

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First Word

Mica to sing Ella in Birmingham gig Singer Mica Paris will perform renditions of Ella Fitzgerald classics when she hits the road on a five-day UK tour next month. London-born Mica has been a fan of the American jazz pioneer since childhood and says she feels like she’s ‘coming back home by singing jazz’. Mica’s tribute to the woman re- ferred to as ‘the First Lady of Song’ stops off at Birmingham’s Jam House on Thursday 15 Feb- ruary. To purchase tickets, visit theticketsellers.co.uk New Brum music venue to host first broadcast concerts The very first concerts to be broadcast from the brand new Royal Birmingham Conservatoire concert hall take place this month. BBC Radio Three has chosen the venue to present concerts by four of its exceptional New Generation Artists. Trumpeter Simon Höfele, pianist Mariam Batsashvili, bass baritone Ashley Riches and the Quatuor Arod (pictured above) will each give a lunchtime recital on successive Tuesdays from 9 Janu- ary. The BBC Radio Three New Generation Artists Scheme helps support talented musicians to reach the next stage of their careers, in the process bringing some of the world’s most promising young tal- ent to the attention of classical music lovers across the UK.

Four Scottish Holocaust survivors honoured by new Brewery to open Colourists at play about the horrors of Auschwitz Birmingham Head the Barber A brand new play telling the story of two Jewish prisoners in the Second of Steam venue Works by a quartet of World War Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz is being staged at North East brewer Camerons artists collectively Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre next month. Brewery has chosen Birming- known as the Scottish Presented in association with Lying Lips Theatre Company, Kanada has ham as the city in which to open Colourists will be on dis- been written in honour of the Holocaust survivors, one of whom, Zigi its 13th Head of Steam venue. play at Birmingham’s Shipper, will be attending the opening night. Showcasing a diverse range of The production shows from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 February. world and UK beers, The Head Barber Institute from of Steam will have 20 keg lines next month. with a selection of rotating craft SJ Peploe, JD Fergusson, beers, 10 cask ale lines - includ- FCB Cadell and Leslie ing beers and real cider from Hunter each responded around the region - and a selec- to the revolutionary im- tion of premium cocktails, pact of modern French wines, spirits and soft drinks. art - from Manet to Ma- Commenting on the opening, tisse - to produce vi- Chris Soley, Chief Executive at Camerons Brewery, said: “As brant images of part of our expansion plans, cityscapes, still lifes and we’ve been looking at venues landscapes, all of which across the UK, and the Midlands reveal a shared preoccu- was a key area we identified for pation with light, our Head of Steam venue. rhythm and colour. “Birmingham is such a vibrant The exhibition shows at UK city, and an area which has a the venue from 16 Feb- growing craft beer scene.” ruary until 13 May. The new Birmingham venue will open in the city centre, on Tem- For more information, ple Street, in May. visit barber.org.uk

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First Word

Leamington artistic director Beauty blogger takes Birmingham dance post honoured in Brum An award-winning blogger Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham who racks up more than one Conservatoire has appointed its first Visiting Profes- million YouTube views per sor of Dance. month is being honoured by The position has been taken by Professor Kevin Birmingham City University. Finnan MBE (pictured), the founder and artistic di- Beauty and lifestyle blogger rector of Leamington Spa-based dance company and ‘vlogger’ Lily Pebbles, a Motionhouse. Kevin was also the choreographer & former student at the univer- movement director of the London 2012 Paralympic sity, will receive an Alumni of Games opening ceremony. the Year award at a gradua- Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “The tion ceremony on Tuesday 9 collaboration reflects our commitment to the dance January. sector in the and will help celebrate The coveted award recog- Birmingham and the wider region as a centre of ex- nises and celebrates the cellence in dance.” achievements of graduates who are making a difference across the globe. Brum Marathon to New Wolverhampton exhibition pays return after 2017’s tribute to childhood TV favourites debut success A new exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery is set to bring back This year’s Great Birmingham nostalgic childhood memories for fans of TV favourites Pogles’ Wood, Run and Birmingham Interna- Noggin The Nog and Ivor The Engine. Clangers, Bagpuss & Co, a tour- tional Marathon will take ing show from the V&A Museum of Childhood, pays homage to the place on Sunday 14 October. creations of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, who started collaborat- The Great Birmingham Run is ing on children’s television programmes back in the 1950s. firmly established as one of The exhibition shows at the gallery from 10 February to 29 April. the most popular half- marathons in the country, while the Birmingham Inter- national Marathon will be tak- ing place for a second time after debuting in 2017. More than £4.1million was raised for local and national More movie good causes by runners at last magic as Brum year’s marathon and half- film fest returns marathon. Birmingham’s well-estab- Participants of all ages and lished Flatpack Film Festival abilities are invited to take is making a return in the part in the two autumn spring. events, which see thousands Described by its organisers of spectators lining the routes. as ‘a city-spanning week of Visit greatrun.org/great-birm- cinematic invention and ingham-run to sign up for the audio-visual delights’, the half-marathon or Archers villain set to star in new version event takes place at various greatrun.org/birmingham-in- of Terence Rattigan’s The Winslow Boy venues from 13 to 22 April. ternational-marathon to sign The actor who played the villainous Rob Titchener in Radio Four’s Details of the 2018 pro- up for the marathon. The Archers will next month star in a new version of Terence Ratti- gramme will be announced Families can get involved in gan’s The Winslow Boy at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. in the next few weeks. the October weekend of activ- Timothy Watson hit the headlines when he starred as Rob in The ity by participating in the Archers’ controversial storyline about domestic abuse. Simplyhealth Junior and Mini He will be appearing in The Winslow Boy alongside Tessa Peake-Jones Great Birmingham Runs, tak- (BBC 1’s Only Fools And Horses, ITV’s Grantchester) and Aden Gillett ing place on Saturday the (BBC 1’s The House Of Elliot). The production shows at The REP from 13th. Wednesday 21 February to Saturday 3 March.... For more information and to book tickets, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:10 Page 4 Brief Encounter DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:13 Page 1

“Thanking you for coming back to me” Kneehigh’s Brief Encounter returns to Birmingham REP

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by Heather Kincaid It’s really important to me that you see the “ “ different layers of society, and that’s something that Noel Coward did beautifully

There may come a time in the future where extent to which this production feels like a that: you’ve got first love with the young kids we shan’t mind about it any more, but for love letter to the strange magic of the cinema. in the tea room; you’ve got impossible love now, Kneehigh Theatre’s spectacular stage With her reputation for breaking theatrical between these two middle-aged, married adaptation of Brief Encounter continues to conventions, it’s no surprise that Emma Rice people in Alec and Laura; and you’ve got tour to international acclaim. would love to see her work freed from the last-chance love or surprise love between the perceived rules for theatre audiences, instead older couple that find their way to each other. Ten years after its 2008 premiere, the show enjoyed in much the same way as a film. returns to where it all started in a run at “It’s really important to me that you see the Birmingham REP that might mark the “For one thing, cinema audiences tend to be different layers of society, and that’s beginning of the end of its long life. But not younger and poorer. But generally I think something that Noel Coward did beautifully. quite yet. there’s a sort of freewheeling sense of a good It’s no mistake that he set Still Life in the tea night out at the cinema which I would love to room - it’s a great leveller, isn’t it? Everyone “It’s one of those rare instances where if you be what people felt when they come to ’s waiting for a train goes in there for a could always make shows like this, you theatre.” cup of tea.” would, but in reality they don’t come along very often in a lifetime,” says writer and One might well wonder, then, what’s to be While elements of Still Life have been added, director Emma Rice. “Every time we’ve taken gained from presenting the story live on stage some features of the film have had to be cut, it out, we’ve made it a little bit better, a little as opposed to simply screening the film. Her notably the voiceovers which offer a window bit deeper. It’s 10 years old this year, and still answer is surprisingly straightforward. into Laura’s private thoughts - though certain retains this incredible magic, so it felt lines from these internal monologues have “You can’t really do magic on film. I know absolutely right to bring it back again.” made their way into song lyrics. Arguably, that sounds silly when there are so many this helps to spread our sympathies between Those who saw the show in its original special effects nowadays, but as a medium the characters. The film perhaps feels more incarnation will notice a few changes this it’s much more, ‘what you see is what you like Laura’s story, while there’s a kind of time round, the story having been tightened get’. If you go and see Harry Potter, they have ambiguity to Alec: we’re never quite sure if up and distilled down to a “perfect gem”. to show you the witches and wizards flying his motives are as honest and genuine as around on broomsticks, whereas in the “On a really practical level, it used to have an hers. theatre, you only need to suggest it, and interval but doesn’t now, so it runs more like there’s a kind of magic to what happens in “It’s true that he’s not as well-drawn as Laura a film. I remember re-watching the film after that moment.” - I think mostly because Noel Coward had I’d made it and thinking there was something less empathy with the straight man than he extraordinary about following this journey Interestingly enough, the plot of Brief did with the trapped housewife. There’s an from beginning to end without getting off - a Encounter first appeared on stage in Noel interesting unanswered question there, and bit like being on a train.” Coward’s short play Still Life. Set entirely in you could certainly read him as a predator, the station tea room where Alec and Laura Attempts to recreate the atmosphere of a visit but I’m a romantic, so mine is quite a pure have their first chance meeting, the original to the cinema have been a feature of the play telling of the story. play harks back to a long theatrical tradition since its inception. Upon arrival, audiences by making much more of the working-class “I always felt it was really important that are greeted by 1940s-style ushers and characters whose own romantic subplots they’re both in this together. To use the popcorn sellers. Meanwhile, the show itself reflect on the main action. Rice’s version is fairytale language I prefer, it’s like they’re incorporates pre-recorded film footage in an amalgamation of the two, with songs and both asleep. They’re sleepwalking through which the stage cast recreate scenes from the poems by Coward thrown in for good their lives and then they meet each other and David Lean original, combining them with measure. awaken something in each other and have to live performance in clever effects. decide what to do with it.” “The original play is much more of a six- Much like its 1945 inspiration, in which the hander, and I loved that. There’s a beautiful thrill of an illicit trip to the pictures is what Paula Rego painting called The Dance Of Life kicks off the quiet romance between the which shows love in all these different Brief Encounter shows at Birmingham separately married Alec and Laura, there’s an stages, and I think Brief Encounter’s a bit like REP from Friday 2 to Saturday 17 February.

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Food

Another Selfridges opening for San Carlo group San Carlo Group has opened its second dining concept in Selfridges - a luxury patisserie, cafe and ice cream bar. Gran Cafe’s all-day menu, available to eat in or take away, includes: Gourmet sandwiches, a range of freshly baked croissants, pastries & muffins, freshly baked cakes from San Carlo’s own patisserie - including its famous pistachio cake - tiramisu, mille feuille, cream tea or afternoon tea served with a choice of teas, Champagne or prosecco and towering cake shake creations. The ice cream bar also serves San Carlo’s own homemade luxury gelato and sorbets. These are available in an array of flavours, from the more traditional vanilla, strawberry, mint choc chip and chocolate to salted caramel, amarena cherry, marscapone and fig & cookie dough.

satay, which was absolutely deli- chose to share a dessert. cious. The chicken was succulent Amongst the options were co- and the satay sauce by far the conut panna cotta, lime & nicest I've tasted. lemongrass sorbet and a selec- Having been to Thailand and tion of ice creams. We chose the sampled plenty of beautiful, au- Chocolate Bombe - a melting thentic cuisine, we had quite the chocolate bombe with Thai deliberation regarding the main whiskey ice cream, honey and course. Eventually and on recom- toasted sesame popcorn centre - mendation we chose a Thai royal all served with a hot caramel family favourite - massaman sauce poured at the table. lamb curry - with the weeping Initially, I was slightly dubious tiger sirloin steak as our second about the whiskey ice cream, but dish. The curry comprised tender the dessert proved to be abso- and expertly cooked lamb, mas- lutely delicious. The hot caramel saman curry (made with sauce was simply to die for. REVIEW: Chaophraya turmeric, star anise, cardamom, Our first Chaophraya visit was cinnamon and chilli), coconut thoroughly enjoyable. The food City centre restaurant brings authentic milk, carrots, potatoes, baby was excellent, the surroundings Thai flavours to the heart of Birmingham onions and cashew nuts. It was stylish and comfortable, and the the nicest massaman curry I’ve service friendly and welcoming. ever had the pleasure of eating, Escape the bustle of the Bullring From spicy seafood udon noo- Without question our favourite beating everything we ate in with a visit to upmarket Thai dles to duck tamarind, and from Thai experience in the city to Thailand by a mile! chain Chaophraya. Offering an crispy pork belly with Thai basil date, Chaophraya is a restaurant impressive mix of classic Thai to chicken tom-kha, there wasn’t From the grill & steam section of I’ll be happy to return to again and signature dishes, the Birm- a single thing on the menu that the menu, the weeping tiger sir- and again. Lauren Foster ingham restaurant is set over two my partner and I wouldn’t have loin steak is labelled a floors and provides stunning been happy to sample. Chaophraya classic. Served with Food: nnnnn views of the Church of St Martin. To start, I ordered the soft shell a trio of Thai sauces, the beef Service: nnnnn Boasting opulent décor, authen- crab and prawn tempura, which was perfectly cooked and pro- Ambience: nnnnn tic Thai interior, water features were served with tempura veg- vided a beautiful melt-in-the- Overall value nnnnn and a large fish tank feature, the etables and a sweet chilli dip. mouth sensation; another OVERALL nnnnn restaurant offers extensive al- The tempura batter was soft and stunning plate of food. We or- dered a sticky rice and a portion fresco dining opportunities in light and in no way compromised Chaophraya of steamed noodles with bean the summer months. the taste of the fresh, juicy Saint Martin’s Square sprouts, fried garlic and soy We perused the menu whilst en- prawns and the veg. 6 Spiceal Street sauce to accompany the mains. joying a generous helping of Similarly, the crab melted in the Bullring prawn crackers served with a mouth and proved to be a very We had a long evening ahead of Birmingham chilli dip and a cold pint of pop- tasty starter indeed. us, and not wanting to stuff our- B5 4BW selves to the point of discomfort, Tel: 0121 643 2424 ular Thai beer Singha. My partner chose the chicken

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12 whatsonlive.co.uk The Cribs DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:52 Page 1 The Cribs DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:52 Page 2

the cribs Lauren Foster chats to Gary Jarman ahead of the band’s Coventry show

The Cribs’ seventh album, 24-7 Rock Star The Cribs are a family band. Does being with us recently. They have to be DIY by Shit, was released last year. Can you tell brothers have a greater number of necessity. They’re totally unspoilt, super- us a bit about it… positives or negatives? dedicated and motivated, and it’s by We recorded it in five days and released it More positives, for definite. The negatives necessity. There are no major labels with no promo. It’s probably my favourite can suck, for sure - you take criticism etc a mollycoddling and throwing money at guitar Cribs record. little more personally cos you’re naturally bands nowadays, like there used to be back defensive of your siblings - but the positives in the 2000s. We were always more DIY than How does it differ from your previous of solidarity, integrity and commitment to a our contemporaries, who were signed to big albums? specific vision are worth so much more than labels and had massive promo campaigns It has most in common with our debut, those trivialities. etc. As a result we always felt like outsiders. probably because of how quickly we made it. The kids coming through now are way more It’s the only record we’ve ever made where How would you describe the evolution of on our wavelength than the bands back then, we specifically knew it was going to be non- the band’s sound? who all expected success and fame. commercial, which was very liberating - to We started off being pigeonholed as ‘lo fi’, The Cribs are playing Coventry’s Empire not have to worry about all the industry stuff which I always had a problem with cos we this month. What can your audience that, even subliminally, ends up seeping into were trying to make the best-sounding expect from your headline show? the mindset when releasing a record. records we could - we just had no money! Surprise-releasing it, not doing any promo or We’ve always preferred the approach of We just honestly and sincerely put everything servicing any songs to radio was very passion over precision, so while the records into it as much as we can. People who know liberating, as it took that whole element off were spirited, people thought they were ‘raw’ the band know what to expect in terms of the table. or ‘lo fi’ or whatever. We made a couple of enthusiasm and effort. To people who don’t records for a major US label which sounded know us, it probably seems really wild and Why 24-7 Rock Star Shit? technically better - and that was cool, I guess crazy, but to people who do, they know it’s Just seemed to typify a mindset, really. We - but our heart has always been in trying to just borne out of trying to make sure we give felt that we’d already eschewed a lot of the get the energy down, and we prioritise that 100%, and that everyone who’s paid for a usual formalities of releasing a record, so it above labouring over things for too long. I ticket gets their money’s worth. was already a pretty serious gamble. We felt think that’s always something we return to. Which UK city has the best audience? like we could get away with a name like that cos it wasn’t gonna be available in your local Career-wise, what are you most proud of? Hard to say - Leeds is our sorta ‘hometown’ supermarket anyway. We’ve been lucky to tour and play shows with show, so is always really awesome. Glasgow some of our heroes - the , Queen, is crazy, as is Manchester. But a lot of the The Cribs first became active on the gig etc - but I would honestly say that time, when we get off the beaten path and go circuit in 2002. Why do you think the band what we’re most proud of is having built a to cities that don’t get as many shows as the has remained so popular? fanbase that believes in us and has been with big cities, that’s where things can get really Hopefully it’s because the people who like us for 15 years. They’re the reason we’ve had exciting. the band get something from us that’s a bit four top-10 records and headlined Leeds And finally, what does the future hold for less superficial than whatever is currently ‘on Arena and stuff like that. It’s allowed us to The Cribs? trend’. We’ve tried to represent a specific operate outside the mainstream and still be ethos and approach that operates outside of able to sustain our momentum without We have a big stadium show with Foo and independently from the pop-culture having to constantly look over our shoulders. Fighters in the summer, and we’re maybe realm. Hopefully that’s what’s been It’s hugely empowering and also humbling, heading to Australia and Asia - but this is our translated to the people who care about the all at the same time. last UK tour for the foreseeable future. band, and they appreciate and understand that. It’s almost like we have our own small What’s your opinion of the current music scene in some ways - the fans have always scene in the UK? been really engaged and clued-in, which is We feel way more affinity with the new The Cribs perform at The Empire, just awesome. generation of bands that we’ve had on tour Coventry, on Saturday 27 January DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:53 Page 1 Nine Below Dennis Greaves and Mark Feltham get up close and personal at Zero Henry Tudor House Nine Below Zero DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:54 Page 2

South London band Nine Below Zero boast a cult following in Europe and a history stretching back 40 years. What’s On caught up with founder member Dennis Greaves ahead of their early-February performance at Shrewsbury’s Henry Tudor House

You’re returning to Henry Tudor House weekly. How was that experience? sax. The reason we do this is so we stay fresh with Mark Feltham next month, following You get used to it. TV programmes at the time and don’t become a cover band of ourselves, a sell-out show there in 2015. What can loved NBZ because they knew we would playing the same old stuff. I think it’s your audience expect from this headline deliver and not be trouble with egos etc. important to keep moving when you’ve been show? Going to the TV studios was amazing. We still around as long as us. Mark and I have been doing the duo now for bump into cameramen now who talk fondly a couple of years. It will be an intimate of us. You’re well known for your stylish attire. evening where we play songs that have Who are your favourite designers? influenced our career. We also chat about the You recently supported Squeeze on tour... I’m getting a lot of stuff from second-hand great musicians we’ve had the luck to play Well, they come from Deptford and we came shops as well as a bespoke company called with. from the Old Kent Road. We both used to play Art Gallery. My wife used to work at Gucci the same gigs in South London. We also were when Tom Ford was designing, which was You’ll be playing some unplugged both signed by Derek Green to A&M Records. handy. I get my scarves from Tootal. I like versions of well-known Nine Below Zero We have so much in common, so the tour was things in second-hand shops because material... a pleasure and their fans loved us. Mark and normally they will be a one-off. Its quite nice stripping those songs back to I got up and played a few songs with them, their creation. You tend to find new things in and we’re on the last two Squeeze albums. And your favourite outfit from over the them that you never knew existed. years? R&B has remained popular for more than My wedding suit, made by Max Cohen, which Your father bought you your first guitar. 70 years. Why is this? was in the Aldgate, East End. He used to fit Did you come from a musical family? If I knew, I’d be a millionaire. All I know is the Krays, and he still had his old patterns Yes, he was a big inspiration to me. He sang that if you play a Robbie Williams track from from the ’60s buried away in the back of the but didn’t play an instrument. It was my 10 years ago, it sounds dated. Play Smoke shop. grandad who played almost anything he put Stack Lightning by Howlin Wolf and it his hand to. The Boston Arms in Tufnell Park sounds so fresh. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s What’s your favourite hobby outside of is where me, my father and grandad have all real musicians playing a groove with no click music? sang and performed. track? It just still feels so great. I really don’t have any - maybe clothes and my Edwardian house. Both my sons are Nine Below Zero were originally formed in Nine Below Zero have been going for four drummers and we jam together locally. My South London. How big an impact did that decades now. Did you ever imagine that hobby is music, I suppose. have on your musical style and early would be the case when you first started career? out? Are there any up-and-coming bands or artists you’d like to champion? Well, it was a place where you either boxed, No, you just do it thinking it won’t last long, played football, were a musician or became a so enjoy it while it lasts. But then it becomes I’ve championed The Strypes and love what thief, to get out of the gutter. I went to a lifestyle and career, you perfect your craft they’re doing. Walworth School in the Old Kent Road. The and every day is a new challenge. In Keith school backed onto the famous Thomas A Richards' book, he mentions this very subject What does the future hold for Dennis Becket pub, where loads of bands would and almost says the same thing. Greaves and Nine Below Zero? play. After school one night, I went to see Wow! I suppose just to keep on going. I really Beryl the owner and asked for a gig. She gave As mentioned previously, you’re playing love what I do, so just to keep playing and me a Monday night residency. This is where next month’s acoustic show alongside touring and keeping fit. we were spotted. South London made you a fellow founding member Mark Feltham, fighter in many ways. yet Nine Below Zero now boast eight members and perform as a big band. Do Following the release of your second you have a preference? Nine Below Zero perform at Henry album in 1981, there was a period when I love them all. We have duo, eight-piece and Tudor House, Shrewsbury, on Sunday Nine Below Zero were on TV almost a five-piece where Chris Rand plays keys and 4 February GIGS January Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:17 Page 2

Gigs

Yungblud Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, Wed 31 January Hailing from the north of , Yungblud brings to the stage an explosion of raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics. Having created his own blend of alternative rock - think featuring - his single, I Love You, Will You Marry Me, has garnered over a million listens on Spotify. Be sure to keep an eye out for this exciting new talent.

Paramore album, the band have enjoyed a remarkable run of critically acclaimed releases. Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sun 14 January Archer And Tripp Best known for hit numbers Misery Busi- Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham, Fronted by Hayley Williams, award-winning ness, Still Into You, The Only Exception and Tues 9 January band Paramore are well established on the Ain’t It Fun, the hugely popular three-piece Samantha Archer and Jaron Tripp first met at international rock star circuit. head to Birmingham this month in support the 2014 edition of Hangout UK - the world’s From 2005’s gold-certified debut, All We of latest album After Laughter. first Hang gathering. Realising that they had Know Is Falling, through to 2013's self-titled a similar approach to and understanding of music, as well as a shared passion for travel, they formed Archer And Tripp. They then set To Kill A King Will Varley about creating a unique blend of jazz and Mama Roux’s, Birmingham, Sat 20 January O2 Institute, Birmingham, Tues 30 January that varies from acoustic trance With a sound combining thought-provoking Folk musician Will Varley began his musical to complex polyrhythmic compositions. lyrics and catchy hooks, folk rock band To journey in the early 2000s, aimlessly busk- Now based in Germany, the pair are travelling Kill A King have so far released two ac- ing around London with a fake ID, writing to the UK to present a show that’s been de- claimed albums - 2013’s Cannibals With Cut- hundreds of songs and playing two or three scribed as ‘emotional and dynamic’. lery and 2015’s self-titled follow-up. open mics a week. The five-piece have been touring incessantly He’s since released four full-length albums, since 2010, and this month stop off in Birm- played the Royal Albert Hall, supported ingham to promote their third album, due Frank Turner and performed at , for release early 2018. Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury. This month sees him stopping off in Birm- King King ingham as part of his biggest ever tour. Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 18 January Award-winning Scottish band King King have been described as ‘the living, breath- ing here-and-now of classic ’. With a reputation for creating great chem- istry between themselves and their audi- ence, the band boasts an outstanding back catalogue, a full-blooded style, technical brilliance and impassioned vocals from lead singer Alan Nimmo. This is a must-see show for rock and blues lovers alike. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Joshua Bell DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:15 Page 1

Joshua Bell I’ve always really enjoyed playing concertos as a soloist, but“ “ now with the Academy I still get to do that, while also working in much finer detail on what I want from them

14 whatsonlive.co.uk Joshua Bell DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:15 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Classical musician Joshua Bell & the Academy of St Martin in the Fields bring a new tour to Symphony Hall this month, presenting a programme fusing Vivaldi’s classic Four Seasons with a brand new commission by Edgar Meyer...

There are few classical musicians who can honest, and I find that quite refreshing.” today, whereas with new work it’s still hit lay claim to a fame that reaches beyond those and miss. Previous collaborations between the two already interested in their field, but even if include a double concerto for violin and “Also I think in recent years there’s been a lot you’re not familiar with the work of violin bass, as well as the chamber music album of music that seems quite random and virtuoso Joshua Bell, there’s a chance you’re Short Trip Home. As a bright, ambitious high dissonant that people have struggled to at least vaguely aware of the 2007 schooler, Bell first met the older Meyer at connect with. But listen, I’m one of those Washington Post experiment that saw him Indiana University, where he was double people who is pleasantly surprised when I busking incognito in a New York subway. majoring in Mathematics and Music. like a piece of new music myself! I think it’s Over 10 years later, the story still crops up important to keep challenging people with “He plays to what he thinks are my strengths, more often than he’d like - not least because new work, but when I hear a piece that I can’t but I sometimes think he overestimates my he has much more to say about his relate to as a musician, it makes me wonder abilities! He has a brilliant mathematical phenomenal body of work before and since. how someone who is outside the music world mind and creates these incredibly complex, Having made his solo debut aged just 14, he’s can get anything from it.” precise rhythms that I sometimes wonder if gone on to become one of the world’s most I’ll be able to pull off at all. Those seeking the reassurance of more celebrated classical performers, winning familiar titles will find it in the pieces multiple awards and being colourfully “Luckily the Academy is really quick and programmed alongside Meyer’s. In described as ‘the Poet of the Violin’. open to new challenges. I think a lot of particular, The Four Seasons should be a European orchestras would have struggled Latterly, he’s been taking up new challenges significant draw - if you want to know why, with a piece like this - the first time we as music director of the acclaimed Academy look up Bell’s superb 2008 recording (there’s performed it we were just happy to get of St Martin in the Fields, succeeding its late a Spotify link on the Academy website). through it without falling apart! But when we founder, Sir Neville Marriner. It’s in this Beethoven’s Second, meanwhile, will be a premiered it at the Bravo! Vail festival in capacity that he’ll be heading to first for him - one of just two Beethoven Colorado, they had a lot of fun with it and Birmingham’s Symphony Hall this month, symphonies he has yet to perform. As usual, Edgar was really pleased, so I’m excited leading the orchestra in performances of he’ll also be managing the tricky balancing about taking it out on tour.” Beethoven’s exuberant Second Symphony, act of leading the orchestra while performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and a brand new, 10- Attracting large and diverse audiences for himself, without the help of a separate minute commission by his old friend and classic concerts can be difficult in and of conductor. frequent collaborator, Edgar Meyer. itself, a challenge that’s magnified where “I love it! I’ve always really enjoyed playing new compositions are involved. At the Bravo! “Edgar comes from a background in concertos as a soloist, but now with the Vail premiere, says Bell, people told him Nashville, Tennessee, where as well as Academy I still get to do that, while also afterwards how “surprised” they were that studying classical music, he was a bluegrass working in much finer detail on what I want they’d enjoyed it. It’s not unusual for double bass player,” says Bell. “He also from them. After years of playing these audiences to be so apprehensive, and as far played a lot of jazz, so his musical language pieces, I have very strong convictions about as Bell’s concerned, he doesn’t blame them. brings together a real mix of different how I want every aspect of them to be, and influences. It’s hard to describe but I would “Partly I think people in the classical world now I can control that without having to say that although it’s rhythmically very can be sceptical about new compositions just work through a conductor. I also really enjoy complex, it’s also very tonal and accessible. because we have so much great music that the way the orchestra responds without has stood the test of time. People know that a having a middle man with a stick. It feels “What I like about it is that it’s something Beethoven symphony is going to move them - more like playing chamber music and it’s that has emerged very organically out of who what are the chances that a new piece is exciting for me as well.” he is as a musician. A lot of composers who going to have that kind of effect? Of course in are focused on being different and finding every generation there is some great music their own voice can end up with something and a lot of not so great music, but with older that sounds quite artificial and gimmicky. Joshua Bell and the Academy of St Martin classical music, we’ve weeded out everything But somehow Edgar’s music is always very in the Fields play Symphony Hall, that’s not so good from our programmes Birmingham, on Tuesday 23 January.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical January Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:10 Page 1 Classical January Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:10 Page 2

Classical

Mariam Batsashvili Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Tues 16 January Mariam Batsashvili is widely considered to be one of the most promising young pi- anists of her generation. The 24-year-old achieved international recognition four years ago when she won first prize, the junior jury award and the press prize at the 10th Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht. And it’s compositions by Liszt which make up the majority of her Royal Birm- ingham Conservatoire programme this month, including his Hungarian Rhap- sody No13... Bach/Busoni’s Chaconne in Birmingham Contemporary Music Group D minor also features. Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 28 January “We’re certainly looking forward to working with Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla,” say Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG). “Her performances with our sister ensemble, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, have been electrifying.” Gražinyte-Tyla here conducts BCMG for the first time, picking up the baton for a concert of music to celebrate the late American composer Elliott Carter. “We’re immensely proud of our friend Elliott,” say BCMG, “and we’re grateful to have been able to perform so many of his compositions during his lifetime. In this concert, we’ve chosen pieces to celebrate his life and work - some that are new to us and several that we’ve performed before.” The pianist for the concert is Pierre-Laurent Aimard.

The City of Birmingham Kate Royal And Symphony Orchestra Joseph Middleton Craig Ogden Symphony Hall, Birmingham, The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 11 January Wed 31 January Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 19 January The fact that Anton Bruckner heard the be- Best known to British audiences for his ginning of his seventh symphony in a numerous albums for Classic FM, highly dream, played by an angel, is perhaps not rated Australian classical guitarist Craig surprising, given the piece’s distinctive Ogden makes a welcome return to Broms- ‘other worldly’ quality. grove, having previously featured in the At various times hailed as mystical, serene town’s concert season in 2014 and ’16. and ghostly, the work was largely misun- His latest programme of work includes derstood by audiences when it was first per- Silvius Leopold Weiss’ Fantasie and a formed - a fate which befell a good deal of 2010 piece by Australian composer Nigel Bruckner’s output. Westlake. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orches- tra is here conducted by Omer Meir Wellber Although Kate Royal’s operatic roles have, and joined by pianist Yeol Eum Son. for the main part, centred around the music Mozart’s Piano Concerto No21 completes of Mozart, Britten and Strauss, she certainly the programme. isn’t averse to the notion of expanding her repertoire. “I may have hundreds of songs under my belt, but there’s such a lot still to discover,’ says Kate. “But one can only go at a certain pace!” Kate is joined by pianist Joseph Middleton for a programme comprising Lieder, art song and operatic arias from numerous roles that she’s played over the years.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Reader's Awards (DOWNSAVE).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:12 Page 1

Get VOTING for your favourite Midlands events and venues in the... What’sOn Readers’ Awards 2018

Some of last year’s winners...

Doreen Tipton - Midlands Personality Of The Year Birmingham Hippodrome - Best Midlands Large Theatre Wolverhampton Grand Theatre winners of Best Midlands’ Panto and Best Arts/Theatre Venue in Wolverhampton

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Reader's Awards (DOWNSAVE).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:12 Page 2

#culturematters #artsmatters

Yes, it’s time for you to show just how much CATEGORIES INCLUDE: you appreciate Birmingham and the West Best Large Regional Theatre Midlands’ ever-vibrant arts and Best Small Theatre entertainment scene. Best Touring Musical Best Home Produced Show Nominate and vote online for your Best Home Produced Theatre favourites to help them secure a place in our Best Touring Show What’s On Readers’ Awards Top 5 Best Kids Show Shortlist. Best Panto Best Panto Dame The shortlist will be announced in our Best Arts Venue February issue, when you’ll have another Best Large Music Venue chance to VOTE for your WINNER in each Best Independent Live Gigs Venue category. So get voting now! Best Gallery Best Exhibition And, complete our Readership Survey for Best Midlands Band the chance to WIN £1000 cash! Best Dance Production Best Operatic Production VOTE for your NOMINATIONS Best Midlands Personality by Monday 15 January 2017 Best Midlands Comedian Best Place To Visit The Top 5 Shortlist in each category will be Best Event announced at the end of January - you’ll then get Best Festival the chance to VOTE one more time for your Best Restaurant WINNER. Voting closes the end of February. Best Nightclub WINNERS will be announced in the Spring Best Regional Orchestra Best Independent Cinema Best Amateur Theatre Company Best Amateur Production What’s On Achievement Award VOTE today at whatsonlive.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals 2018 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:56 Page 1

Festivals

When it comes to music, regardless of your preference - be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival in the Midlands to suit your taste. And 2018 looks set to be another bumper year for the region’s festival-goers. Get your diary out and get booking!...

sic.org Sanchez. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, Seven tion at rockandbowlfestival.com End Country Estate, Hanley Castle, APRIL FIELDBOUNCE New for 2018. Line-up in- HIP HOP COLOUR POWDER FESTIVAL Worcestershire. More information at cludes Scouting For Girls, Dappy and Line-up to be announced. Sun 27 May, mellofestival.co.uk NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC FESTI- Danny Howard. Sat 5 May, The Venue, SK Cash & Carry, Digbeth Birmingham. VAL Line-up includes Glenn Tilbrook, Oswestry. More information at field- GLASTONBUDGET Line-up includes DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- Thea Gilmore, Dennis Greaves and bounce.co.uk Antarctic Monkeys, Coldplace, Four nounced. Sun 27 May, various venues Mark Feltham from Nine Below Zero Fighters, Happy Mondaze and Letz- HANDMADE FESTIVAL Line-up includes in Nottingham. More information at and Dr Feelgood. Thurs 29 Mar - Mon 2 Zep. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, Turnpost Circa Waves, Idles, Little Comets, Di- dottodotfestival.co.uk Apr, various venues in Nantwich. More Farm, Leicestershire. More information nosaur Pile Up and Protomartyr. Sat 5 - information at nantwichjazz.com at glastonbudget.org SLAMDUNK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Sun 6 May, O2 Academy, Leicester. Good Charlotte, Jimmy Eat World, Tak- More information at handmadefesti- STAFFS FEST Line-up includes Mick ing Back Sunday, Sleeping Sirens and val.co.uk Moylan, Mick Oakden, Mark Morris State Champs. Mon 28 May, Genting MAY and Gary Lees. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, SWINGAMAJIG Brought to you by Elec- Arena, Birmingham. More information Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge. More tric Swing Circus, Swingamajig is back at slamdunkmusic.com CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- information at staffsfest.co.uk for its 6th year. Line-up to be an- cludes Randy Crawford, Beth Hart, WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be nounced. Sun 6 May, The Digbeth Tri- HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN The world’s Christian McBride Big Band and Ka- announced. Thurs 31 May - Sun 3 Jun, angle, Birmingham. More information largest philosophy and music festival. masi Washington. Wed 2 - Mon 7 May, The Whitby Club, Cheshire. More infor- at swingamajig.co.uk Line-up includes , The Corre- various venues in Cheltenham. More mation at wirralfolkonthecoast.com spondents, Laura Wright and Nerina information at BEARDED THEORY Line-up includes The Pallot. Fri 25 - Mon 28 May, Hay on cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz Jesus & Mary Chain, Fun Lovin Crimi- Wye, Hereford. More information at nals, Jimmy Cliff and Reverend And JUNE UPTON UPON SEVERN FOLK FESTIVAL hay.htlgi.iai.tv The Makers. Thurs 24 - Sun 27 May, Line-up includes Mike Wilson & Catton Hall, South Derbyshire. More CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- Damien Barber, Monty's Maggot En- WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up information at beardedtheory.co.uk cludes Jez Lowe, Greg Russell & Ciaran glish Ceilidh & Country Dance Band includes Buzzcocks, The Levellers, Or- Algar, Hannah James and Jim Moray. and Granny's Attic. Fri 4 - Mon 7 May, BREAKING BANDS Line-up includes Red chestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Billy Fri 25 - Mon 28 May, Kelsall Village. various venues, Upton upon Severn, Rum, Skaciety, Estrella, New Genera- Bragg and Dhol Foundation. Fri 1 - Sun More information at chesterfolk.org.uk Worcestershire. More information at tion Superstars, Chris Slade and 3 Jun, Cheltenham Racecourse. More uptonfolk.org Wicked Stone. Fri 25 - Sun 27 May, BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Line-up to be an- information at wychwoodfestival.com Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, nounced. Sat 26 - Sun 27 May, Birming- LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN Bromsgove. More information at ham Gay Village. More information at includes Pražák String Quartet, The Line-up includes Ferocious Dog, Tom breakingbandsfestival.com birminghampride.com Guarneri Piano Trio, Jana Nováková Dibb, Steve Harley, and and Martin Kasík. Fri 4 - Tues 8 May, MELLO Line-up includes Soul II Soul, ROCK AND BOWL Line-up to be an- The Brandy Thieves. Fri 1 - Sun 3 Jun, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa. Toploader, Badly Drawn Boy, The Jive nounced. Sat 26 - Mon 28 May, Picnic Uttoxeter Racecourse. More informa- More information at leamingtonmu- Aces, The Mariachis and Mike Area, Market Drayton. More informa- tion at acousticfestival.co.uk

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Festivals

GATE TO SOUTHWELL FOLK Line-up in- Centre, Napton On The Hill, Warwick- Hall, Leicestershire. More information Carl Cox announced as cludes Nine Below Zero, Lindisfarne, shire. More information naptonfesti- at barefootfestival.com Friday night headliner. Thurs 23 - Sun The Young 'Uns, Cara Dillon, Dalla- val.co.uk 26 Aug, Daresbury, Halton, Cheshire. CARFEST NORTH Line-up includes Ba- han, The Furrow Collective and More information at creamfields.com MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL Line-up nanarama, Billy Ocean, Jools Holland, Habadekuk. Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Jun, to be announced. Fri 6 - Sun 8 Jul, Rick Astley, Status Quo, Texas and The BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- Southwell Racecourse, Notting- Moseley Park, Birmingham. More in- Feeling. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Bolesworth cludes Haerken, Footprints in The Cus- hamshire. More information at south- formation at mostlyjazz.co.uk Castle, Chester. More information at tard, Shadowflag and Fjords. Fri 24 - wellfolkfestival.org.uk carfest.org Sun 26 Aug, Stoke Prior Sports & Coun- CAMPERJAM Line-up to be announced. Line-up includes try Club, Bromsgrove, Worcester. More Fri 6 - Sun 8 Jul, Weston Park, Shrop- INDIE TRACKS Line-up to be an- Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, information at beermageddon.co.uk shire. More information at camper- nounced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Butterley Avenged Sevenfold, Rise Against and jam.com Station, Derbyshire. More information SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Status Quo an- Marilyn Manson. Fri 8 - Sun 10 Jun, at indietracks.co.uk nounced as first headliner. Fri 24 - Sun Donington Park, Derby. More informa- THE ROCK AND BIKE FEST Line-up in- 26 Aug, Fish Meadow, Upton upon Sev- tion at downloadfestival.co.uk cludes Sham 69, Evil Scarecrow, Circus MIDDLE OF NOWHERE FESTIVAL Line-up Of Horrors, ( tribute act) ern, Worcestershire. More information SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 2018 Line-up in- to be announced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul. and Gallus Cooper. Thurs 12 - Sat 14 at uptonfestival.co.uk cludes Evil Blizzard, Senser, Astrala- Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire. Jul, Carnfield Hall, Derbyshire. More sia, Sonic Black Holes and Here & More information at monmusicfesti- SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up information at rockandbikefest.co.uk Now. Thurs 14 - Mon 18 Jun, Stoke val.co.uk includes Steeleye Span, Gretchen Pe- ters, Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings Prior Sports and Country Club, Worces- BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up LUNAR FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- and O'Hooley & Tidow. Fri 24 - Mon 27 ter. More information at sonicrocksol- includes The Damien Barber Road- nounced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Umber- Aug, Greenhous West Mid Show- stice.com show, Cosmotheka, Dave Gibb, Ursula slade Farm Park. More information at Holden Gill and Mumbo Jumbo. Thurs ground, Shrewsbury. More information FOXTON LOCKS FESTIVAL Line-up to be lunarfestival.co.uk 12 - Sun 15 Jul, various venues across at shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk announced. Sat 16 - Sun 17 Jun, Foxton MADE BIRMINGHAM Line-up to be an- Bromsgrove. More information at STONEDEAF Line-up includes Anvil, Locks, Leicestershire. More informa- nounced. Sat 28 Jul, The Digbeth Trian- bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk The Graham Bonnet Band, Massive tion at foxtonlocksfestival.co.uk gle, Birmingham. More information at Wagons and Hand of Dimes. Sat 25 FUSE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- madebirmingham.com NORTHAMPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line- Aug, Newark Showground, Notting- up to be announced. Sun 17 Jun, Mar- nounced. Fri 13 - Sun 15 Jul, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire. More in- hamshire. More information at ket Square, Northampton. More stonedeaffestival.co.uk information at northamptonmusicfes- formation at fuselichfield.org.uk AUGUST tival.co.uk LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY Line-up in- OFF THE TRACKS Line-up to be an- nounced. Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 Sep, Don- UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- cludes UB40, Kim Wilde, Midge Ure, 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- Go West, Jason Donovan, From The nounced. Fri 3 - Sun 5 Aug, Gospel Hall ington Park, Derbyshire. More nounced. Thurs 21 - Sun 24 Jun, The information at offthetracks.co.uk Riverside, Upton-upon-Severn, Worces- Jam and Imagination. Sat 14 Jul, The Farm, Leicestershire. More information tershire. More information at upton- Quarry, Shrewsbury. More information at 110above.com MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be at letsrockshrewsbury.com jazz.co.uk Line-up in- announced. Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 Sep, DEERSTOCK Line-up includes The King cludes , Gojira, , Moseley Park, Birmingham. More in- BEARDY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- formation at moseleyfolk.co.uk cludes Nick Heyward, Skerryvore, Blues, April Towers, Blackballed and Emperor and DevilDriver. Thurs 9 - Sun False Lights, Jim Moray, 3 Daft Mon- John Otway. Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jul, Newton 12 Aug, Catton Hall, Derbyshire. More keys and Chris Helme. Fri 22 - Sun 24 Cross Country Course, Notting- information at bloodstock.uk.com hamshire. More information at deer- SEPTEMBER Jun, Hopton Court, Cleobury Mortimer, Line-up to be announced. stock.co.uk Shropshire. More information at Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, Eastnor Castle, BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to beardyfolkfestival.co.uk NOZSTOCK Line-up to be announced. Herefordshire. More information at be announced. Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Sep, Fri 20 - Sun 22 Jul, Rowden Paddocks, lakefest.co.uk SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- announced. Fri 22 - Sun 24 Jun, various FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line-up to be mation at bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk mation at nozstock.com venues in Birmingham. More informa- announced. Fri 10 - Sun 12 Aug, near WORCESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up tion supersonicfestival.com THE BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL JAZZ & Gatten Farm, Shropshire. More infor- to be announced. Fri 14 - Sun 16 Sep, TEXFEST Line-up includes Example & BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- mation at farmerphilsfestival.com venues across Worcester. More infor- DJ Wire, Nick Grimshaw (DJ set), We nounced. Fri 20 - Sat 29 Jul, various THE MOIRA FURNACE FOLK FESTIVAL mation at worcestermusicfestival.co.uk venues around Birmingham and Soli- Are Scientists, Tinchy Stryder and Line-up includes Elbow Jane, Other hull. More information at birmingham- ROCKSTOCK AND BARREL Line-up to be Beans on Toast. Fri 29 Jun - Sat 1 Jul, Road, Vicki Swan & Johnny Dyer, Mike jazzfestival.com announced. Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Sep, The Market Harborough Showground, Le- Silver and Risky Business. Fri 17 - Sun Chimneys, Willington, Derbyshire. icestershire. More information at SPLENDOUR Line-up to be announced. 19 Aug, Moira Furnace Museum and texfest.co.uk More information at rockstockandbar- Sat 21 Jul, Wollaton Park, Nottingham. Monument Site, Derbyshire. More in- relfestival.co.uk More information at splendourfesti- formation at moirafurnacefolkfesti- JULY val.com val.co.uk WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up to be OCTOBER cludes Show of Hands, Jon Boden & announced. Fri 17 - Sun 19 Aug, Rode NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- the Remnant Kings and Korrontzi. Hall Parkland, Cheshire. More infor- nounced. Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Jul, Coney LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK Line-up Thurs 26 - Sun 29 Jul, Warwick School mation at justsofestival.org.uk Woods at Noseley Hall, Leicestershire. includes Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys and Warwick Town Centre. More infor- More information and tickets at noisi- SHAMBALA Line-up to be announced. and Megson. Fri 19 - Sun 21 Oct, venues mation at warwickfolkfestival.co.uk lyfestival.com Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Aug. A secret loca- around Lichfield, Staffordshire. More BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- tion in Northampton. More informa- information at lichfieldarts.org.uk NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be nounced. Fri 27 - Sun 29 Jul, Prestwold tion at shambalafestival.org announced. Fri 6 - Sat 7 Jul, Village

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2018 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:56 Page 4 Jonathan Pie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:20 Page 1

A SLICE OF PIE Actor and comedian Tom Walker talks about creating cult character, YouTube sensation and ranting reporter Jonathan Pie...

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by Brian O’Faolain

So I made a few little films, one of them “went viral and that was it. I suddenly had a career back

What made you create the character of comes to Brexit he’s actually pretty balanced. have been more open to it - I don’t know if Jonathan Pie, Tom? Because he’s an old-school lefty, he knows the BBC would make The Thick Of It now. I what’s wrong with the EU. He knows that” it’s think from my few encounters with TV Desperation, really. I’d been out of work for a long time as an actor, and I felt that if I didn’t not this eutopia full of different creeds people, they’re very risk-averse. I would love do something myself nothing would ever holding hands and singing. He knows that to see Pie evolve, but I need someone to take happen. So I had him in my head for a while it’s a corporate block which is all about the a punt on him first. and I thought, just do it. So I made a few little interest of corporations, but he also knows If Jonathan Pie existed in the real, minute- films, one of them went viral and that was it. that economically we’re better off in it. So by-minute world and you met him in a I suddenly had a career back. actually, when it comes to Brexit, he speaks for leavers and remainers. So I think, as I pub, do you think you’d get on well? Many people thought, at least on the first said, the satire is more balanced than he is. I’m not sure, actually. Like I say, everyone viewing, that Jonathan was real… wants to talk to me about politics in the pub, Would you say that most people’s politics I think the first time you see him or come and on my downtime I’m not that interested are more nuanced than Pie’s? As a across him, you kind of go, ‘God, is this for because I spend my day following the news character he simplifies things and people real?’ I think by the second time, you go, and reading articles. Every comedy character maybe find that more engaging? ‘Oh... no, it’s not’. Nobody loses it that badly has a fault at their core, and Pie’s is that he every week. It is simplified because I’m writing a three or can’t not talk about politics, and when he four-minute piece each week, and normally talks about politics, he can’t not get angry. So How did you go about evolving him as a there’s one, maybe two, points that I’m trying I think after about half an hour I’d be like, character? to make. So he does over-simplify. But I don’t “Can we talk about something else?” So I The evolution had to come very quickly think that people recognise their political don’t know. because the first couple of videos I did views are nuanced. I think these days, Have you found yourself in any awkward happened to be about politics. The first one especially on the left, people go, “You either situations midst recording your outside was about Jeremy Corbyn, and then the next agreed with me 100% or you’re on their side.” broadcasts? week the story about our prime minister at You know what I mean? Anyone who votes the time and a pig got released, and you go, Conservative is a bigot and anyone who voted No, not at all. Because I’m still cult - niche, if “I can’t ignore that”. Very quickly I realised it leave is a bigot. So I think the left are in you like - the people who recognise me are was the politics that people were tuning in danger of forgetting political nuance. I hope, the people who know me, and the people for; it was the satire of it. Originally I actually, that Pie reminds them of it. who know me are the people who like me. So conceived him as ‘Isn’t it funny when things I’ve never had anyone really have a go. I’ve How does that transpire in the live show? go wrong to newsreaders’ or ‘Isn’t it funny had people interrupt recording, as they think when a newsreader flips’. That’s what it was Well, I’ve got an hour or so to actually it’s funny to stick two fingers up at the all about, really - the political satire wasn’t explore things harder, and so I’m much more camera, and that’s when you can’t really there when I originally conceived it, but very able to have a go at the left because they’re distinguish between the two of us, because I quickly I realised that people were seeing it not going to turn off. In this new show I’ve do tear them a new one. When I’ve got a suit as a piece of political satire, so that was what just written, a main section in the middle is on and a camera there, everyone recognises I needed to go with. I never once, before Pie, having a go at us lefties and saying where me; when I’m walking around in my hoody had been in the pub having a discussion we’re going wrong. I’m much more able, and have a hat on, looking scruffy, no one about politics, but now that seems to be all when I’ve got a bit of length to the show, to recognises me at all. anyone wants to talk to me about - which is explore where the Tories are going wrong, So in real life you’re not sweary but really fine - but I don’t care as much as the where Trump is going wrong, but also where polite? character does, which I think actually helps we’re going wrong. So I think the satire is me write him. much more balanced in the live show. No, unfortunately not. I am a bit sweary. We have a similar vocabulary… He certainly has left leanings, would you Do you think that Jonathan will evolve say? further - for example, as Steve Coogan evolved Alan Partridge? Yes, he does. He’s a lefty, a proper old-school Tom Walker appears as Jonathan Pie at lefty, which is why he likes Corbyn. But I That would be great. I mean, I’d love to see Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on think the satire is more balanced than he is. Pie on TV, and I’d like to see where he comes Thursday 1 March; Warwick Arts Centre, It’s quite easy for him to hate Trump because from and where he works and to meet who he Coventry, on Wednesday 7 March; and I’ve not met anyone in this country who likes works with. But I don’t think there’s a TV New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on him, so that’s a universal thing. But I think channel out there that’s quite ready for Pie. I Thursday 8 March. the other hot potato is Brexit, and when it think maybe 10 or 15 years ago they might

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Comedy January 2018 (2017).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:35 Page 1

Comedy

Chris Rock Arena Birmingham, Thurs 25 January Grammy and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, direc- tor, writer and producer Chris Rock has certainly courted his fair share of controversy during a career spanning more than 30 years. At the 2007 London Live Earth concert, for instance, his de- cision to call the crowd ‘mother******s’ led to the BBC im- mediately terminating its live broadcast of the event, then issuing numerous apologies for having inadvertently aired the swear word at a pre-watershed time. Rock has also been slammed by his hero Bill Cosby, both for his willingness to use the ‘n’ word and for his view that high-profile celebrities shouldn’t be under extra pressure to behave as role models. "Why does the public expect entertainers to behave better than everybody else?” he questioned in his memoir. “It's ridiculous. Of course, this is just for black entertainers. You don't see anyone telling Jerry Seinfeld he's a good role model, because everyone expects whites to behave them- selves. Nowadays, you've got to be an entertainer and a leader. It's too much.” Rock’s jokes include: “White man makes guns? No prob- lem. Black rapper says ‘gun’? Congressional hearing. ‘Oh my God, that n***** said gun, and he rhymed it with fun!’”. And also: “I had a cop pull me over the other day - scared me so bad, made me think I stole my own car. ‘Get out of the car,’ he said, ‘get out of the f****** car! You stole this car!’ I was like, ‘Damn, maybe I did!’” And finally... “We got so much food in America that we’re allergic to food. Allergic to food! Hungry people ain’t aller- gic to s***. You think anyone in Rwanda’s got a f****** lac- tose intolerance?” Touring the UK for the first time in 10 years, Rock stops off in Birmingham this month with his critically acclaimed Total Blackout show.

James Redmond & Adam Kay Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 26 January One-time international model James Redmond is relatively new to standup, having ini- tially made a name for himself as an actor - most notably in the long-running BBC TV series Casualty. Former obstetrician and gynae- cologist Adam Kay has been playing the comedy circuit for a good while longer than James. He counts Stephen Fry among his many fans and always brings a palpable feelgood fac- tor to his shows. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy January 2018 (2017).qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:35 Page 2

Adam Rowe MAC, Birmingham, Wed 24 January Adam Rowe well remembers the day he died in Stockport (only on stage, of course). ”It was the day I got my A-Level results and realised I wasn't going to university for an- other year,” recalled the 25-year-old Liver- pudlian in a recent interview with The Skinny. “I decided to rant about my day and not do my material. I died on my arse and got gonged off. Awful.” Fortunately for Adam, most of his gigs bear no resemblance to that one. Blending an affable persona with a quick wit and material that’s seen him likened to Jason Manford, he’s widely considered to be one of the most promising new acts on the UK comedy circuit.

Bill Bailey Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 29 & Tues 30 January Bill Bailey thinks his comedy should be edu- worthwhile. Obviously, I want people to cational. “From an audience perspective, it’s come along and be entertained, have a laugh great if they can leave one of my shows more and get taken out of themselves for a couple informed than when they arrived,” he says. of hours, but if they can also glean some- “I’m delighted when I get messages from thing a bit longer-lasting than a couple of people saying, ‘I was in a lecture and I knew laughs, then all the better.” Guz Khan who this artist was because I’d seen your Bill is visiting Coventry with his show, Larks show’, or ‘I was in a pub quiz and I got the In Transit - “a compendium of travellers’ Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 8 January answers right because I’d seen your show’. tales and the general shenanigans of 20 Former school teacher Guz is fairly new to “I’m delighted by that, and it makes it all years as a travelling comedian.” the comedy scene, but he’s certainly made a big impact in a short time. He shot to rela- tive fame a handful of years ago after seeing Ed Byrne his YouTube clips go viral. Since then, the only way’s been ‘up’ for the one-time Hu- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 26 January; Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 27 January manities teacher at Grace Academy in Coventry. “I think it’s important to push A highly regarded master of observational comedy, Ed Byrne against boundaries with comedy,” says Guz, admits to being a little uncomfortable about some of the “and although I like to make people laugh ‘more laddish’ material he used in the early days of his while exploring issues such as religion, race standup career. and gender, I’m not somebody who’s look- “My comedy reflected my life at that time - single and enjoy- ing to cause offence just because I can.” ing myself. Most of it was fairly harmless, but some of the stuff about an ex-girlfriend I can see was a bit angry, and I wouldn't do it now.” So 20-plus years after first dipping his toes into the decidedly dangerous waters of standup comedy, does Ed still enjoy touring? “Apart from the travel involved, which no comic likes, I love it. You have people responding to something that you’ve written alone in your office, and the work comes alive in a roomful of people. I like the TV things I do, but nothing can beat a live comedy audience.” Ed tours to the Midlands this month with brand new show Spoiler Alert. whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Beautiful DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:29 Page 1

BeautifulThe Carole King Musical returns to the Midlands

It’s an amazing night! It’s like a rock concert at “ the end - there’s no other feeling like it! ”

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Beautiful DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:29 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Having enjoyed great acclaim during its debut Midlands run late last year, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical makes a welcome return to the region. What’s On recently caught up with leading lady Bronté Barbé to find out more....

After kicking off its first ever UK tour late last her relationship with husband and long-term was a real eye-opener. Despite considering year, smash-hit Carole King musical Beauti- writing partner Gerry Goffin breaks down herself a fan, it wasn’t until she saw friends ful enjoyed a warmly received run at Birming- during the 12-year period the show covers, performing in the West End production that ham Hippodrome in November. But even If there’s plenty of tugging at heartstrings be- she realised quite how prolific a songwriter It’s Over and you missed out, don’t think that fore the feelgood finale. King was. It’s Too Late. Though touring may have taken “I think Carole actually found it very hard to “I had her album Tapestry on vinyl because the show Way Over Yonder and So Far Away, listen to the initial read-throughs of the show, my mum told me I had to get it when I first it turns out pretty soon it’s Goin’ Back - on because in a way it was like living through it got a record player, and I just absolutely Wednesday 31 January to be precise. again. But then I know she later went to the loved it. I probably overplayed it, actually. So It seems something told the Hippodrome it Broadway show in disguise and absolutely I already thought she was fantastic, but I had was into something good… loved it. She even ended up getting on stage no idea she’d written all of these other songs. And word must’ve filtered through to fellow to sing with the cast! I knew like The Locomotion and Will You Still Midlands venues the Wolverhampton Grand “It’s a very different process playing a part Love Me Tomorrow?. There’s a huge back cat- and Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre too, be- like this. Because she’s a real person, she’s alogue of songs in the show.” cause they’ve booked the hit show as well. still alive and she worked so hard for this, It’s partly this that makes Beautiful stand out “It sold really well, and the theatre is so sup- you do want to honour her. I haven’t met her from the numerous other biopic-style juke- portive of the work that arrives there,” and I don’t know if I will - though I’d abso- box musicals around in theatreland at pre- gushes Bronté Barbé, who takes over the lutely love to! - but I have watched lots of in- sent. tremendous task of playing Carole King from terviews and documentaries and videos of “There’s no other show that I know of where West End star Cassidy Janson. “They laid on her, and I’ve read her book. So hopefully I’m one character can present a song and then a a lovely welcome for us, and we had a great living up to the task!” whole other group of characters can sing the time in Birmingham. The audiences were fan- The trick, you might say, is not to play her as same song without you getting bored of it. tastic!” your typical, emotionally demonstrative Like with Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, I Telling the extraordinary story of the song- stock musical theatre character, but rather to present it and then The Shirelles sing it in a writer-turned-performer’s rise to fame, the make her feel like a Natural Woman. Para- completely different way. The combination of show takes us through King’s personal trials doxically, though, seeming natural and spon- that and the fact that it isn’t just about her and tribulations: overcoming her own inse- taneous actually takes a lot of hard work and and Gerry Goffin but also the other writing curities, kicking back against convention, attention to detail, particularly when it duo, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, means and breaking into what was then a very comes to the vocals. With big fans of Carole there’s a great variety of music in the show.” male-dominated 1960s music industry. King coming into theatres expecting to Feel For those of an age to remember when King “One of the first lines in the show is Carole’s The Earth Move, getting the singing right was first made it big, the music and nostalgia it mum saying to her, ‘Girls don’t write music, always Going To Take Some Time… inspires will surely be the main draw, with they teach it,’” says Barbé. “She was so brave “It was quite a long process because I wanted many coming just to hear that one special at that time, to go into those offices to pre- to get as close to Carole as I could without Song Of Long Ago. Yet there’s more to it than sent her songs. What’s amazing is that de- doing an impression, because that’s not what that. Beautiful aims to be a show not just for spite her insecurities, she had the it’s about. So I listened to her intently for a one generation, but for Anyone At All, guar- determination to stick at it and get what she long time, broke down what I thought were anteed to have you Dancing With Tears In wanted, especially when she was so young.” ‘Carole-isms’, wrote them out, put them in Your Eyes. Evidently, this ‘Sweet Young Thing’ ‘Wasn’t different places, and sang the songs over and “There’s so much heart to the piece and it’s Born To Follow’: we know that she eventually over again with and without them.” so incredibly relatable that I think there’s plucked up the courage to enter the limelight For Barbé, as for many audience members, something for everyone. It’s an amazing and became a star in her own right. But as seeing the show for the first time in London night! It’s like a rock concert at the end - there’s no other feeling like it!”

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical returns to Birmingham Hippodrome from Wed 31 January to Sat 3 February. The show then plays at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tues 24 to Sat 28 April and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues 12 to Sat 16 June.

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Hedda Gabler DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:52 Page 1 Hedda Gabler DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:53 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

THE DREAD OF

APatrick Marber’s SCANDAL take on Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler comes to Wolverhampton

Fresh from a celebrated National Theatre This freed-up approach is not unique to the and free from clutter. But for all its elegance, premiere, Patrick Marber’s new version of portrayal of Hedda. In fact, it’s a defining there’s an unsettling air of decay about the Hedda Gabler is now embarking on a hotly feature across the work of the production’s place, a sense of something hastily thrown anticipated UK tour, stopping off at the Belgian director, Ivo van Hove. Actors learn up and incomplete - a little like the Wolverhampton Grand this month. their lines before rehearsals start, and the unfulfilling future to which Hedda has Widely viewed as one of the greatest female idea is that by homing in on the script and condemned herself. roles in theatre history, the title character of working through it chronologically, the story “It’s really key that everything you see is from Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 masterpiece already will emerge more organically than in a Hedda’s point of view,” explains associate comes laden with a huge weight of rehearsal process stuffed with director Rachel Lincoln. “There’s a sort of expectation for any actor with the courage to supplementary research and studied vast, empty space that Hedda inhabits, but take her on. But with Ruth Wilson’s character development strategies. there are no doors, so no way to escape from devastating star turn in London having been “We’ve never really talked about specific her prison. You’ll also see buckets and old declared one of the top performances of the psychologies behind any of the characters,” tables and scruffy sofas, like everything is in year, for her touring counterpart Lizzy Watts, says Richard Pyros, who plays Eilert Lövborg, a state of construction or deconstruction - there’s even more than usual to live up to. Hedda’s ex-lover and her husband’s former almost like the builders have just kind of “I was really nervous before I started,” she colleague. “Instead, you sort of just have abandoned it and gone home.” admits. “But as soon as you start getting into bodies in a space acting really impulsively, It’s oddly exposing, the fiery Hedda thrown it, it becomes much easier. What’s so brilliant and the way the audience reads that into sharp relief against the blandness and about playing Hedda is that she seems to information can be filtered through their own emptiness of the world around her. Much like change so much from one day to the next. ideas of what the characters’ psychologies the satin nightdress that she wears She’s all over the place, and that’s actually are. In a way, it feels a lot more like real life. throughout, it’s both luxurious and rather really fun. It’s the first time I’ve played a part You don’t tend to sit back and think, ‘Am I insubstantial. anxious? Am I depressed?’ It usually takes where I don’t feel like I can go too far with “There’s an idea that she never gets dressed someone else to tell you that.” her.” because she never really wants to leave the In some readings of the play, there’s been an “It’s the sort of thing that, as actors, we house,” explains Watts. “But also when she’s impulse to delve into Hedda’s psychology for might have been apprehensive about going not wearing her dressing gown, it’s very explanations of her erratic behaviour. in,” adds Adam Best, who plays family friend exposing. It’s great for accessing her Trapped in an unhappy marriage by her own and would-be lover to Hedda, Judge Brack. vulnerability, which isn’t always the thing professed cowardice and paralysing fear of “But it’s been really interesting. Having you first think of with Hedda Gabler, but is public opinion, the newlywed becomes learned all the lines before you start actually something this production taps into a lot.” feels very freeing, because all the emphasis is increasingly unpredictable, her frustration at Music, too, is modern and accessible, with on the relationships.” her lot manifesting in everything from extra- Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Nina Simone’s Wild marital flirtations and emotional blackmail It’s not the only way in which van Hove has Is The Wind used to evoke particular moods. to - in this production at least - a chaotic stripped away the standard features of It’s “almost like a film score”, says Christine episode in which she ends up stapling dying traditional approaches to the text. Working Kavanagh, who plays Aunt Juliana, adding, flowers to the walls that imprison her. In this together with designer and long-term “I think the Patrick Marber adaptation is very version, however, the team prefer to let the collaborator Jan Versweyveld, he has fresh and contemporary. Together with the text and actions speak for themselves. developed an unspecified, loosely defined music, I think it will be hugely appealing for “It’s really liberating not having to get modern setting, removing the stiffness of younger audiences.” bogged down in questioning every action and period costume without adding in the digital pulling apart every emotional turn,” Watts distractions that tend to dominate our lives continues. “Not having to explain too much today. Hedda Gabler shows at Wolverhampton as I was going along actually helped me to A simple set evokes the minimalism of a chic, Grand Theatre from Tuesday 23 until develop the character quicker than normal.” contemporary apartment, all neutral colours Saturday 27 January. Theatre January-3.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:30 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Strangers On A Train Brought to the New Alexandra Theatre by the company which recently visited the venue with Gaslight, Strangers On A Train stars Christo- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 29 January - Sat 3 February pher Harper (Nathan Curtis in Coronation Street), John Middleton Two strangers meet on a train journey and start chatting. One talks (Vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale), Jack Ashton (Call The Midwife) about an unfaithful wife; the other, a hated father. As the conversa- and Hannah Tointon (Mr Selfridge). tion continues, the charming but spoilt Charles Bruno hatches a plan, The production is based on the 1950 novel of the same name by Patri- proposing to ambitious architect Guy Haines that they execute the cia Highsmith. Her book was made universally famous the following perfect murder - by each killing the other’s victim. Guy initially laughs year thanks to an Academy Award-winning ‘film noir’ adaptation by off the suggestion, but then things start happening... the legendary ‘master of suspense’, Alfred Hitchcock.

The Death Show The pair here invite audience members to cel- Austen The Musical ebrate their own mortality, ‘laugh, cry and The REP, Birmingham, Fri 26 & Sat 27 January stick two fingers up’ at the aforementioned Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sat 13 January grim reaper, and discover why talking about death can be a life-affirming activity. Having previously played both the Edinburgh Fringe and the Jane Austen Festival to great critical acclaim, Rob Winlow’s celebration of The Late Marilyn Monroe the life, times and works of one of England’s greatest ever writers stops off in Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Tuesday 30 January - Saturday 3 February as part of a nationwide tour. Broadway director Tim Trimingham is the Marilyn Monroe was widely considered to be man at the helm of a production that re- the sexiest female movie star of the 20th cen- counts Austen’s struggle to get published in a tury - except maybe by Tony Curtis, who once male-dominated society. said that making love to her was like ‘kissing Much admired for their playful and dynamic Hitler’. The woman who began life as Norma approach to making original, contemporary Jeane Mortenson courted controversy work, independent theatre makers Lucy throughout her Hollywood career, her trou- Nicholls and Antonia here get to grips bled life coming to an end at the tragically with the grim reaper. young age of 36. Preparation for The Death Show has included This brand new production takes a look at the duo working as artists-in-residence at a the events of August 5 1962, the last day of funeral parlour and spending time with pa- Marilyn’s life, and asks that eternally unan- tients at a hospice. swerable question: what really happened?...

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Wed 4 - Tue 1 - Tue 15 - Sun 29 Apr Sat 12 May Sat 19 May From £28 £19.50 From £23 Theatre January-3.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:30 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Gallowglass This latest offering from the Worcestershire-based company - veterans of more than 40 productions since forming in 1988 - is a stage version Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 January; Malvern Theatres, Wed 24 - Sat 27 January; Theatre Severn, of the same-named 1990 thriller by Ruth Rendell, writing under her Shrewsbury, Tues 1 - Sat 5 May pseudonym of Barbara Vine... When Sandor snatches homeless youngster Little Joe from the path of Middle Ground Theatre Company have some seriously impressive a London tube train, the latter finds himself taking on the role of a form when it comes to delivering highly charged stage adaptations of ‘gallowglass’ - the servant of a chief - and becoming embroiled in a literary works - recent successes have included productions of The bizarre plot to kidnap a former model... Verdict and A Murder Is Announced.

Quentin Crisp: Teechers The Wizard Of Oz Naked Hope Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Fri 12 Wed 31 January - Sat 3 February January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 14 January; Lichfield Garrick, Fri 19 January MAC Birmingham, Wed 21 & Thurs 22 Quentin Crisp certainly had a talent for outra- February geous self-publicity. Back in the mid-20th Although zany funsters Oddsocks are proba- century, ‘mincing’ around the streets of Lon- bly best known for their humorous takes on don in gaudy makeup and dying one’s hair the works of William Shakespeare, they occa- crimson was a pretty good way for a gay man sionally like to shake things up a bit by look- to get himself not only noticed but also thor- ing for their inspiration elsewhere. This is oughly duffed up - and Quentin certainly one such occasion... L Frank Baum’s splen- bagged a beating or two en route to the fame did tale is here presented with a hearty dol- and fragility of his old age. lop of the company’s trademark comedy - not This ‘glorious, uplifting celebration of the ur- to mention brand new songs to add to the raft gent necessity to be your true self’ is directed of classic numbers adored by generations... by Linda Marlowe, who played Sylvie Carter John Godber's highly acclaimed comedy tells in EastEnders for more than two years. the story of three school leavers, Salty, Hobby and Gail, who offer an account of their time in high school. Their memories focus mainly on their experience of Mr Nixon, the drama teacher who inspires them with his belief that all children should be treated equally... A play which deals with the sense of disillu- sionment evident not only in students but in many of those who educate them, Teechers remains as relevant today as it was when first performed at the Edinburgh Festival way back in 1987.

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Pantomimes and festive shows in January

Cinderella rock’n’roll flavour has proved so popular in Snow White And The previous years that the venue is giving the Malvern Theatre, until Sun 7 January; Seven Dwarfs Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 13 exact same treatment to its 2017 production. January; Birmingham Hippodrome, So... they’ve taken the story of Robin Hood, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, until Sun 28 January added a Babe In The Wood or two, stirred in a until Sun 7 January The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking few time-honoured pantomime favourites of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince and then seasoned liberally with all manner sion is always a surefire winner... Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- of rock’n’roll hits. All the usual panto elements are present and only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably correct in this brand new Theatre Severn of- lay claim to being the most popular of all Sleeping Beauty fering, including a rouged-up Dame in pantomimes. Swan Theatre, Worcester, until Sun 7 January colourful costumes, oodles of hearty thigh- Midlands-born soul diva Beverley Knight slapping, singalong songs aplenty, slapstick stars as the fairy godmother in the Hippo- The tragic tale of a young princess who’s comedy, and even a few naughty jokes to drome’s spectacular version of the story. tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger make sure the grown-ups don't feel too left She’s joined in the show by Danny Mac, on a spinning-wheel, causing her to fall out of things. Shropshire's ‘favourite Dame’, Suzanne Shaw, Matt Slack and the Grumble- asleep for 100 years, offers a great story Brad Fitt, once more dons the dress. weeds. Ceri Dupree and David Dale don the around which to build a pantomime produc- giant wigs and altogether unpleasant manner tion. And that’s exactly what Worcester to play the not-very-nice Ugly Sisters... Repertory Company have done, with a show Aladdin This year’s Belgrade Theatre version of the that’s so far earned plenty of plaudits. Lichfield Garrick, until Sat 6 January; Regent famous fairytale features all the usual panto Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 7 January elements and has been written and directed Jack And The Beanstalk A perfect story for an evening of family enter- by Mr Coventry Panto himself, the inimitable tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying Iain Lauchlan... Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, until Sun 14 January against all odds to win the hand of the beau- Meanwhile, in Malvern, former Strictly Come tiful princess - and being helped in his efforts Dancing contestant and This Morning regular Gareth Gates stars as Jack, with Lisa Riley re- by the mystical genie of the lamp... Alison Hammond is joined by Gemma Naylor turning to the venue as the wand-waving ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes stars from Nick Jr’s Go! Go! Go! show and Paul Spirit of the Beans. as the lad himself at the Regent, with his big Hawkyard from CBeebies’ Old Jack’s Boat. Also getting back in the Grand Theatre pan- pal Christian Patterson giving his usual tomime saddle is ‘queen of the Black Coun- larger-than-life performance as the Dame, on try’ Doreen Tipton. Panto ‘Dame’ Ian Adams this occasion Widow Twankey... Robin Hood And The also features, with familiar television face Over in Lichfield, CBeebies Cat Sandion stars Babes In The Wood Graham Cole starring as the oh-so-evil in the Garrick’s version of the classic Arabian Fleshcreep. Stafford Gatehouse, until Sun 7 January Nights tale. She’s joined by Sam Rabone as Adam C Booth, meanwhile, is two potatoes Widow Twankey and Ben Thornton as Wishy Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used strategy of im- short of a Christmas dinner in the comedy Washy. buing their annual pantomime with a real role of Simple Simon.

Robin Hood And Babes In The Wood - Stafford Gatehouse Jack And The Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs - Theatre Severn

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Theatre more theatre productions showing in January

The Hundred And One Dalmatians The Jersey Boys We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

The Hundred And One The Jersey Boys Catchy songs and interactive scenes are com- bined with no shortage of swishy swashy Dalmatians New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, grass and oozy, squelchy mud, in a show that until Sat 6 January The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 13 January seems certain to keep youngsters well and Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Birmingham Rep has gone dotty for dogs this truly entertained. Valli And The Four Seasons scored some Christmas, courtesy of its brand new stage massive hits during the mid-1960s, with best- version of The Hundred And One Dalmatians. known numbers including Walk Like A Man, The Wind In The Willows The REP’s Associate Director, Tessa Walker, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry and Albany Theatre, Coventry, takes the helm for the festive-season family December 1963 (Oh, What A Night). until Sat 6 January show, having previously directed the venue’s This massive jukebox musical tells their A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s yuletide productions of A Christmas Carol story. Taking a documentary-style format, the classic story ably demonstrates the way in and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. show is structured as four ‘seasons’, each which one life can command the full atten- Dodie Smith’s delightful tale has been trans- being narrated by a different member of the tion of three others! formed for the stage by Debbie Isitt, writer band. The award-winning production is visit- Mole, Badger and Ratty simply don’t have and director of the hugely popular Nativity! ing Birmingham as part of a UK tour. time for any of their own interests - they’re films. Isitt’s stage show, Nativity! The Musi- way too busy having to look after their reck- cal, began its national tour at The REP in Oc- less and irrepressible friend, Toad... tober. Stick Man Commenting on the venue’s 2017 Christmas Birmingham Town Hall, until Fri 12 January offering, Tessa Walker said: “I’m delighted to “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my Treasure Island be bringing to life the magic of The Hundred spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, And One Dalmatians in our unforgettable ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely until Sat 27 January production, which features wonderful pup- popular children’s book on which this show When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his pets and new music. Debbie’s adaptation is is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws packed with enchantment and humour, and love their production of Stick Man, and so do young Gem into the adventure of a lifetime, brings a thrilling new sense of adventure to the audiences.” one which will see her not only setting sail in the story, making it fun for families and Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely search of buried treasure, but also spending friends of all ages.” do love the show, as a smash-hit season in time in the company of a one-legged pirate the West End ably demonstrated. with murder in mind... A Christmas Carol Featuring a trio of performers, the production Boasting live music, puppetry and swash- brings together puppetry, songs, live music buckling sword fights, this brand new stage Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, until Sun 4 February and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story of Stick version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s high-seas Man’s attempts to get back to the family tree. adventure is helmed by New Vic Artistic Di- Of all Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Suitable for children aged three and older. rector Theresa Heskins. Carol reigns supreme. The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the eternal hope of- Treasure Island fered by Tiny Tim, and the eerie visions of re- We’re Going On A demption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of three yuletide ghosts (four if you count the Bear Hunt chain-clanking Marley) - all combine to give Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, the tale a real olde worlde charm. until Sun 7 January The RSC version of the story has been penned Written for children aged two-plus, this new by David Edgar, whose previous work for the adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Ox- Company includes his award-winning adap- enbury’s popular picture book follows the ex- tation of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. Phil citing adventures of a family as they head out Davis stars as Scrooge. on an intrepid quest to find a bear. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Shrek feature.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:32 Page 1

I’M A BELIEVER! SHREK THE MUSICAL BACK IN BRUM

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by Patsy Moss

Described as ‘larger than life’, Shrek The Musical next month returns to the Midlands for a second outing. What’s On caught up with producer Caro Newling to track the journey of this ogre of a show...

If anything’s got layers, it’s Shrek The Musi- Jeffrey Katzenberg keen on the concept, but Theatre in New York. cal. If you thought Shrek and Donkey had a Bill Damaschke, Head of Creative, was a With musical stalwart Brian D’Arcy James as long journey to Duloc and back, it’s got noth- dyed-in-the-wool musicals man. And so Shrek and the award-winning Sutton Foster ing on what’s gone into the making of this Newling and Damaschke set out to assemble as Fiona, the show became a top-five, Tony- mega show. a team who could bring Shrek to the stage. nominated hit, running for 444 performances Once upon a time (2002) in a land not so far First on board in 2004 was David Lindsay- until January 2010 and departing on a mam- away (Covent Garden), director Sam Mendes Abaire, the American writer of Fuddy Meers, moth North American tour that July. and producer Caro Newling were brainstorm- Neal Street’s first production. Since then, London was in the picture from day one, ac- ing ideas for new theatre pieces. he’s gone on to be a Tony-nominated, cording to Newling. “DreamWorks recognised The co-founders of London’s Donmar Ware- Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. And crucially, it would go down well in the UK because of house were leaving to set up their own inde- he got what they wanted to do with Shrek. our phenomenal response to the original pendent film and theatre company, Neal Shrek was never a simple screen-to-stage Shrek movies. A lot of the humour of the first Street Productions, which, from the off, had adaptation. Mendes and Lindsay-Abaire Shrek (on which this show is based) is very strong ties to DreamWorks, the Hollywood spent a year knocking a new script into British: pun, satire, that subtle updating of studio behind Mendes’ biggest movies, in- shape. Meanwhile, a small show called Av- the fairytale. There’s a darkness to it, but also cluding the Oscar-winning American Beauty. enue Q was making big waves Off-Broadway. lots of self-deprecation and a big heart.” DreamWorks had expressed an interest in Damaschke was onto director Jason Moore The Muffin Man must be happy. “That was making theatre with Neal Street, and it was like a shot, convinced he’d found the right one of the running jokes with the original Mendes who realised they had the ideal story man for the Shrek project. Shrek team, that if we ended up in London, in the form of their 2001 animated hit, Shrek. Moore took over script development with we’d be on Drury Lane,” laughs Newling. “It “Musicals were a big part of what we did at Lindsay-Abaire (freeing Mendes up for film really was a dream come true.” And nearly the Donmar,” recalls show producer Caro work) and was later joined in the directorial wasn’t, she adds, with Shrek waiting in line Newling, “And Sam was clear that the ingre- chair by Rob Ashford, choreographer of such for the theatre behind Oliver! dients of Shrek were brilliant for a musical. West End hits as Guys And Dolls and Thor- Three years on from the opening on Drury oughly Modern Millie. “While Jason was busy “For a start, it’s a big old love story as well as Lane, Shrek The Musical embarked on its dramaturging, Rob took on the big stage pic- a search for friendship by people who feel a first UK and Ireland tour to huge acclaim. ture,” says Newling. “The perfect pairing.” bit lost. Then there’s the idea of updating a Now the tour hits the road for a second time. fairytale and the battle of good versus evil. When it came to composers, Jeanine Tesori “We’re very excited to be bringing Shrek The And those characters, even the fairytale crea- was high on everyone’s wish-list. The native Musical to the best venues across the UK and tures - they’re all so brilliantly drawn.” New Yorker, best known for scoring Tony Ireland once more,” says Newling. “It was a Kushner’s Caroline Or Change, was “abso- Visiting the DreamWorks campus in Glen- joy bringing this much-loved story to cities lutely a woman of the theatre,” says Newling. dale, California, and seeing the original de- across the country three years ago, and we’re signs and models for Shrek, Newling was “She writes music for plays as well as being thrilled to be giving audiences another struck by the parallels between animation a composer of musicals, but she’s also writ- chance to experience their beloved swamp- and theatre-making. “The ingenuity involved ten for Disney and knows a lot about the film dwelling ogre, Princess Fiona, Donkey and in making the whole Shrek franchise live and world. So she became more and more obvi- all their fairytale friends live on stage.” breathe was quite extraordinary,” she says. ous a fit.” “And an idea that was floated over dinner Shrek The Musical made its debut at the 5th and could have flopped around indefinitely Avenue Theatre in Seattle in September 2008, Shrek The Musical shows at Birmingham’s got picked up immediately.” before heading back into rehearsals for its New Alexandra Theatre from Wednesday Not only was DreamWorks Animation CEO big opening on 14 December at the Broadway 14 to Sunday 25 February.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Swan Lake Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 7 January The highly regarded St Petersburg Classic Ballet here presents its production of a timeless favourite, set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising score. Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beau- tiful princess who, caught under the spell of the evil Von Rothbart, must spend the daytime hours as a swan, returning to human form only when night falls... A sumptuous visual feast, the production offers an evening of ballet which is ideal both for the first-time trier and the more- seasoned dance-goer.

Brendan Cole: All Night Long The Nutcracker Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 29 January; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 16 March; Sun 28 January Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 20 March Along with Coppélia, Swan Lake, Sleeping Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole makes a Beauty, Romeo And Juliet, Cinderella and welcome return to the Midlands with this critically Giselle, The Nutcracker is one of the most acclaimed solo spectacular. frequently performed productions in the As anyone who's seen any of Brendan's previous repertoire of the Russian State Ballet of live productions will know, they offer a five-star Siberia, a company which is this year cele- all-round entertainment package, complete with brating its 40th anniversary. incredible costumes, fabulous sets and carefully Boasting a magnificent Tchaikovsky score, chosen music - all designed to appeal to an audi- The Nutcracker tells the story of a young ence that spans generations. girl named Clara as she’s swept up in a fan- “There's no through-narrative to the show,” says tasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, Brendan, “but what it offers is a chance for people magic and mystery, before finally being to experience a bit of Strictly magic first hand. transformed into a beautiful ballerina. When creating modern productions, I think it's re- A magical, must-see show for little ally important to have something for everybody. princesses everywhere… Strictly has a very diverse audience covering all ages, and we have to try to cater for all of them. Hopefully it will be a really good night out, where people can celebrate what they know and love.”

Anton And Erin: From Broadway To Hollywood Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 27 January Celebrity dancing duo Anton du Beke and Erin Boeg return to Symphony Hall this month with their brand new show. Blending smart choreography, sassy tunes and sparkly costumes, the pro- duction features a host of much-loved numbers, including Cry Me A River, Mr Bojangles and New York, New York. The popular pair are joined by a 25- piece orchestra, six ensemble dancers and guest singer Lance Ellington. Richard Balcombe conducts.

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GET YOUR SKATES ON Ice skating superstars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean found worldwide fame at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, where they memorably took gold with their spectacular free programme, performed to the music of Maurice Ravel's Boléro. In more recent times, they returned to the limelight in ITV1’s Dancing On Ice, a series that’s back on our screens this very month following a four-year break. Jayne and Chris are back too, and will also be heading out on tour with the live version of the show. What’s On caught up with the dynamic duo to find out more...

Dancing On Ice returns to ITV this month on, I think he would’ve been a champion - he Is ice skating as popular as it used to be? following a four-year hiatus. How will it just had a natural ability on the ice. He really Jayne: Oh, definitely! When the first series of differ from previous years? blew everybody away. There’s the likes of Dancing On Ice came out, there were people Jayne: For us personally, the big difference is Hayley Tamaddon too, who brought all her flocking to local ice rinks. From that, over the that we’re actually going to be judging on the theatrical performance to the ice, which re- years, more and more seasonal rinks are pop- show. Chris and I are head judges. In the ally moved people. Then there were sports ping up around the country. They’re continu- past, we’ve been responsible for chore- people like Beth Tweddle. ing to pop up because the skating and the ographing all the routines for the celebrities social side of it has become really, really pop- as well as the opening numbers and our own Who are you looking forward to seeing on ular. routines. This time, workload wise, it’s a lot the ice this year? less - but then we have that pressure on Sun- Christopher: I’m a big Corrie fan, so I’m What have been the highlights of your day night to come up with the right points looking forward to seeing Brook. career? and the right decisions. It’s quite different for Jayne: I’m looking forward to seeing all the Jayne: Obviously winning the Olympics was us. We’re really excited that it’s coming back. boys because on all the pictures, none of a massive highlight. Having a gold medal It was a big part of our lives, and one that them have got their shirts on! puts you in a special club and opens up lots was very much missed in that January, Febru- of doors for the future. It certainly did for us. ary, March period of the year. It left quite a What are you looking forward to most We’ve had lots of opportunities and enjoyed big void for a lot of people. We’ve had such about the Dancing On Ice UK tour? real longevity... Another highlight was going positive feedback from people after hearing Jayne: We’ve hosted before, but we’re going back to Sarajevo 30 years on, which is what that it’s coming back. to be hosting and judging, so pretty busy! we did in 2014, and being able to perform Bolero again in the same rink - it had actually The 2014 edition was due to be the last Will you be skating on the tour? been bombed but rebuilt - in front of a crowd show. Why the return? Christopher: We haven’t hung up our boots of people who were so excited that we’d gone Christopher: That’s when we kind of retired, yet. It’s more than a maybe. back there. you might say. But having retired for a year or Christopher: We’ve also been given OBEs, so, we got itchy feet again. We’re really happy How active are you both on the ice which we’re very humbled about. that it’s coming back and really excited about nowadays? the new role. Christopher: I never leave the ice. I live in What would be your dream project? America and coach and choreograph out Christopher: I’d like to put on a skating Following the increase in reality TV pro- there. I’ve been working with a lot of Olympic show in a permanent theatre space, custom- grammes, is there pressure to compete skaters this year, so I'm really looking for- built with all the whizzes and bangs that the with other shows? ward to seeing their progress in the Cirque Du Soleil has. Christopher: I think everybody compares ev- Olympics. Jane has had her skates on a little Jayne: I could help him with that! erything - but from our point of view, the less. show is unique. It’s the only show on TV now Jayne: Where I live, I'm not close to an ice What’s the secret of your longstanding that has all the jeopardy involved. It’s a skill rink - it’s about a two-hour drive to get to a friendship and professional partnership? to be learned, to be able to do it in any com- rink, which takes a whole chunk out of your Christopher: Tolerance! No, I'm being funny petent way. day. there. Jayne: At the same time, it’s entertaining as Jayne: We never got married - I think that well. It’s a family show that everyone can sit What’s the most important piece of advice was a good thing! down and enjoy. you’d give to a budding skater? Christopher: I think you said it - it’s friend- Jayne: We always say bend your knees so ship. Which celebrity surprised you the most in that you lower your centre of gravity. previous shows? Christopher: Skating is all about bending Christopher: We had the likes of Ray Quinn, the knees. It’s a different feeling from ballet - Torvill & Dean’s Dancing On Ice Live Tour who was just unique - he just seemed to be you’ve got to bend down and get the glide. visits Arena Birmingham from Friday 13 to able to skate. If he’d been a skater from early Sunday 15 April.

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Film

Coco CERT PG With the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Edward James Olmos Directed by Lee Unkrich (USA) Footloose meets The Book Of Love in this cartoon from Pixar and Walt Dis- ney. Twelve-year-old Miguel has al- ways harboured an ambition to become a famous guitarist, like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. But music is banned in his family, an embargo that has lasted generations. So Miguel pur- sues his dream to the Land of the Dead, where he believes his great- great-grandfather, a singer, resides... Here, Disney continues to expand its ethnic net, following its animated fea- tures Mulan, The Princess And The Frog and Moana. With a budget in the $175–200million range, it is the most expensive cartoon ever to feature an all-Latino cast. In 3D. Released Fri 19 January EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in January...

Brad’s Status CERT 15 (102 mins) All The Money In The World Starring Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fis- cher, Luke Wilson, Jemaine Clement, Michael CERT 15 (133 mins) Sheen Directed by Mike White (USA) Starring Michelle Williams, Christopher Plum- Brad, the manager of a non-profit consul- mer, Mark Wahlberg, Romain Duris, Charlie Plummer, Timothy Hutton tancy firm in Sacramento, is suffering from Directed by Ridley Scott (UK/USA) peer envy. More significantly, he’s having a The man with the money is the oil tycoon midlife crisis. Then he finds himself becom- Jean Paul Getty (Plummer). Then, when his ing jealous of his own son, who looks like he grandson is kidnapped, his daughter-in-law has a good chance of getting into Harvard. Gail (Williams) begs him to pay the ransom. If the message of Mike White’s grey comedy Originally, Ridley Scott had directed Kevin is a little pat, it is engagingly enough played Spacey as the billionaire but, following to hold the attention and to prompt the odd CERT 15 (133 mins) Hostiles Kevingate, Ridley re-shot all the scenes again wry smile. And few actors do pent-up angst Starring Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, with Christopher Plummer in the role. Char- as well as Ben Stiller. Wes Studi, Jesse Plemons, Adam Beach, Ben Foster, Timothée Chalamet, Peter Mul- lie Plummer, who plays Jean Paul Getty III, is Released Fri 5 January lan Directed by Scott Cooper (USA) no relation to the actor who now plays his In the year 1892, a legendary captain in grandfather. Released Fri 5 January the American army reluctantly agrees to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous terrain. Scott Cooper previously directed Chris- tian Bale in the suspenseful and com- pelling Out Of The Furnace (2013) and here, by all accounts, Bale delivers one of the best performances of his career. Be warned, though, it is incredibly violent. Released Fri 5 January

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Film highlights released in January...

was looking at a life behind bars, she re- Molly’s Game CERT 15 (140 mins) Eric Clapton: fused to name names. The film marks the Starring Jessica Chastain, , Kevin directorial debut of the scenarist Aaron A Life In 12 Bars Costner, Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong, Chris O'Dowd Directed by Aaron Sorkin (USA) Sorkin, whose screenplays include A Few CERT 15 (128 mins) Good Men, The Social Network and Steve Directed by Joe Wright (UK) Jessica Chastain turns in another sizzling Jobs - and his dialogue here positively As with Asif Kapadia’s documentary about performance as the real-life ‘Poker crackles. But sometimes Sorkin is too smart (2015), Eric Clapton’s life Princess’ Molly Bloom. After working as a for his own good: real people are seldom as story is related by interviewees off-camera. hostess for someone else’s game, Molly set articulate as his keyboard. Nevertheless, he The widow of George Harrison and the ob- up her own high-stakes enterprise at a supplies an extraordinary true-life episode ject of Clapton’s fixation, Pattie Boyd, has high-end hotel and was soon entertaining with polish and pizzazz. There are mo- much to say, as do family members and the movie stars, real-estate magnates, sporting ments here of blistering electricity. late BB King. But it’s Clapton himself who legends and top-drawer aristocrats. How- narrates most of his own story, pieced to- ever, when the FBI took her down, and she Released Mon 1 January gether with home movies, concert footage and news reportage. And it’s a gripping narrative, a film that should appeal to those who don’t actually care a jot that Clapton won 18 Grammys and was inducted three times into the Hall of Fame. This is the story of a man who admits he was a racist, a heroin addict, a drunk and that he slept with his best friend’s wife, that friend being George Harrison. Released Fri 12 January CRITIC’S CHOICE

Darkest Hour CERT PG (125 mins) Three Billboards Outside Starring Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Ebbing, Missouri Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ben Mendelsohn, Samuel West Directed by Joe Wright (UK) CERT 15 (115 mins) Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrel- Joe Wright, who brought us Pride And Preju- son, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish, John dice and Atonement, is a terrific director, al- Hawkes, Peter Dinklage though his last outing, Pan, was a Directed by Martin McDonagh (USA/UK) horrendous flop. However, the word is that When the police fail to solve the rape and his latest drama is outstanding, helped no murder of her daughter, Missouri divorcee end by Gary Oldman’s extraordinary reincar- Mildred Hayes (McDormand) decides to draw nation as Winston Churchill during the initial attention to the fact. So she rents three bill- stages of the Second World War. boards just outside Ebbing to shame the local Released Fri 12 January constabulary. From the writer-director of In Bruges and The Guard. Released Fri 12 January

Insidious: The Last Key CERT 15 (103 mins) Starring Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Josh Stewart, Caitlin Gerard, Bruce Davison Directed by Adam Robitel (USA) The dead horse, which started with James Wan’s genuinely unnerving Insidious seven years ago, is being flogged again. This time, the medium Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) heads to New Mexico to sort out a haunting. This is the fourth chapter to date. Released Fri 12 January 44 whatsonlive.co.uk Film January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:40 Page 4

Film

The CommuterCERT 15 (104 mins) Starring Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Jonathan Banks, Elizabeth McGovern, Sam Neill, Florence Pugh Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (UK/France/USA) An insurance salesman on his regular com- mute finds himself at the heart of a criminal conspiracy as he is forced to uncover the identity of a fellow passenger. The Catalo- nian filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra previously directed Liam Neeson in Unknown, Non-Stop and Run All Night. Released Fri 19 January

Downsizing CERT 15 (119 mins) Steven Spielberg’s political thriller centres The Post CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong on the presidential cover-up of the US’s mili- Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis Directed by Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paul- tary involvement in Cambodia and Laos dur- Alexander Payne (USA) son, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Matthew Rhys Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) ing the Vietnam war. With global resources running low, occupa- Tom Hanks plays the newspaper’s editor, That’s The Post as in The Washington Post tional therapist Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) Ben Bradlee. decides to have himself shrunk to four inches and Meryl Streep plays Kate Graham, the Released Fri 19 January in height in order to reduce his environmen- newspaper’s publisher. More particularly, tal footprint. There will be problems, though. From the director of Sideways and The De- scendants. Released Fri 19 January Maze Runner: The Death Cure CERT tbc Starring Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Nathalie Em- manuel, Will Poulter, Patricia Clarkson Directed by Wes Ball (USA) Every maze has an end, we are told. Let’s hope so, as the conclusion to this dystopian fantasy sees Thomas (O'Brien) search for a cure to the disease that has ravished the land. Released Fri 26 January

12 Strong CERT 15 (119 mins) Early Man CERT tbc Starring Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Navid Negahban, Elsa Pataky, With the voices of Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, William Fichtner Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall, Richard Ayoade, (USA) Johnny Vegas Directed by Nick Park (UK) Following the attacks on the World Trade The latest full-length plasticine project from Aard- Centre, 12 American soldiers were hand- man Animations takes us back to the dawn of time. picked to fly to Afghanistan. Their mission: Here, a goofy caveman called Dug (Redmayne) finds to take down the Taliban. Based on a true himself at loggerheads with Lord Nooth (Hiddle- story. ston), who’s already got one foot in the Bronze Age. Released Fri 19 January Released Fri 26 January whatsonlive.co.uk 45 New Art West Midlands DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:31 Page 1

Lily Wales - Airspace Gallery, Stoke Larissa Shaw - Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Bryony Loveridge- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery MIDLANDS MAKERS New Art West Midlands showcases the region’s hottest new artistic talent

Recent graduates from the region’s six art audiences, which are quite different in each though they’re obviously all different sizes. schools will have the chance to see their work location. For example, Airspace is a Birmingham City University has a huge professionally exhibited this spring when dedicated contemporary art space that only number of students, so we do get a lot of New Art West Midlands (NAWM) returns with has one exhibition at a time, whereas in submissions from there, but I think the fact its annual showcase. Birmingham, we’ve got lots of things going that the exhibitions are still quite well- on at once and all sorts of different visitors, balanced really demonstrates the quality of Now in its sixth year, the exhibition forms from families to art students and from people the work that’s coming through all of the art part of the NAWM organisation’s wider who are already really engaged with art to schools.” mission to develop new talent and promote people who may never have come into a engagement with visual arts. While gallery curators have the final say over gallery before. So all of that contributes to which works they display, the selection The show is this year being hosted by three the choices we make.” actually begins with external judges working venues: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Featuring work by a total of 28 artists, all of their way through hundreds of submissions (BMAG), Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in whom have completed either undergraduate and picking out the most promising. Unlike Coventry and Airspace Gallery in Stoke-on- or postgraduate courses within the last three the artists, these selectors aren’t necessarily Trent. BMAG curator Lisa Beauchamp tells us years, the 2018 exhibition marks the second from the region: this year’s trio are Patricia more... year running that Hereford Arts College has Fleming (director of Patricia Fleming Projects “The idea is that this is a multi-site been involved, taking part alongside in Glasgow), Sinead McCarthy (curator of exhibition rather than a tour, so there will be Coventry University, Birmingham City Biennial) and Ingrid Pollard (a different artists presenting work at each of University, Staffordshire University and the London-based artist and photographer). the galleries. Each venue curates their own universities of Wolverhampton and “All of our selectors are art professionals,” exhibition, so they will all be communicating Worcester. says Lisa. “We always have at least one different themes and ideas through the work “We do always get good coverage from each practising artist on the panel, and often the of the artists they show. of the universities taking part,” continues others teach art or lecture in higher “Part of that will be based on what we feel is Lisa, “and that just happens without us education institutions. It’s really important going to resonate with and appeal to our deliberately trying to get a spread, even that they understand the level that these

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by Heather Kincaid

Tony McClure- Airspace Gallery, Stoke Keri Jayne- Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Valerija Zukoba- Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry

Olivia Peake- Airspace Gallery, Stoke Sarah Walden - Airspace Gallery, Stoke Maggie Shuter - Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry

recently graduated artists are working at, and installations. There’s a really fun piece by work by artists from previous years. that they also have an awareness of what’s Larissa Shaw called Flesh Party, which uses “Obviously this is the first major public happening in art schools across the country, sampled music to reference the late Hacienda exhibition that most of the artists have been so we like to have a real mix.” nightclub in Manchester. It has speakers that involved with,” says Lisa, “and it can take produce soundwaves to make parts of the Unsurprisingly, among the trends currently time for them to really flourish. But most of sculpture vibrate, and visitors will be able to influencing young creatives is an interest in the work in the exhibition is for sale, and in touch and interact with the vibrating parts.” digital technology. Used variously as a previous years we’ve had plenty of artwork medium, tool or theme, it’s something that’s Although it’s only been running since 2013, purchased by visitors and other been prominent across many of this year’s the scheme has already boosted the careers organisations. Mainly, though, it’s the submissions. of many of its former exhibitors, including publicity and promotion and advocacy Lucy Hutchinson and Chris Clinton - who’ve around the exhibition that really helps them “There are quite a few artists working in both had work enter the national Arts career-wise. This is a very competitive digital mediums, and also others who are Council Collection - and Sikander Pervez, industry, so it’s great for them to have a referencing ideas around social media, who’s since held a solo exhibition at platform at an early stage in their connectivity and surveillance, particularly in Walsall’s New Art Gallery. More recently, development.” our selection in Birmingham. Hereford graduate Lorna Brown was “On the other hand, there are also artists who commissioned by the National Trust for a have taken a completely different direction project at Berrington Hall, while Emily and gone back to exploring the handmade Sparkes’ An Ode To Christian Joy has been and found materials, looking at things like acquired by the Birmingham Museums New Art West Midlands 2018 shows at everyday domestic items and the urban Trust’s own collection. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from environment. Thurs 15 February to Sun 13 May; Airspace In recognition of this success, Birmingham Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent from Fri 23 “There’s a lovely playfulness to a lot of the Museum & Art Gallery will be running a ‘Five February to Sat 31 March, & Herbert Art work, with some of the artists creating quite Years On’ NAWM alumni showcase alongside Gallery & Museum in Coventry, from Sat immersive, large-scale sculptures and the main exhibition, displaying more recent 24 February to Sun 13 May

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Visual Arts January 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:25 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender & Identity Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 15 April As the UK marks 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of ho- mosexuality in 1967, this new exhibition explores how shifting atti- tudes towards the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) experience have influenced visual art. Part of a three-year national partnership between the Arts Council Collection and four UK galleries, Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender And Identity comes to Birmingham fresh from its opening at Liver- pool’s Walker Art Gallery - but it’s not simply been a case of trans- ferring the exhibition wholesale... The show has been ‘reimagined’ for Birmingham audiences, featur- ing new items and with an extensive engagement programme and gallery-trail running alongside. Among the pieces which have joined the exhibition is Grayson Perry’s Claire’s Coming Out Dress, which he designed and wore to mark his entry into the art world as a transvestite. The dress is being shown alongside his 1996 ceramic Who Am I?, marking stages in the artist’s personal journey. Local artists also get a look in, notably with three prints by Birming- ham photographer Vanley Burke, capturing scenes from a Pride demonstration called in protest against the infamous 1988 Section 28 Act.

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

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Claire Woods DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:51 Page 1 Claire Woods DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2017 12:51 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

reality dimmed Clare Woods’ new exhibition debuts at Warwick Arts Centre

“Disquieting”, “disorienting”, “sensuous”, It’s not so much a case of form taking The transformation works both ways, then: “dangerous and beautiful”, “vibrant, raw precedence over subject matter, then, as it is on the one hand, something as unassuming and exciting” - all words used to describe the a sense that form is content, the means by and everyday as a piece of domestic furniture strange, abstracted works of contemporary which an apparently random source image is can take on an uneasy, even sinister British painter Clare Woods, whose brand made to express a personal way of looking at appearance, while on the other hand, scenes new solo exhibition, Reality Dimmed, opens the world - by which, if you like, we’re invited of genuine horror are cut loose from their at the Mead Gallery this month. to journey into the Woods… original context, reinterpreted and even Straddling the divide between abstract and “I wouldn’t normally disclose my source rendered oddly beautiful through paint. figurative art, Woods’ large-scale works use material directly because it really is just a It’s here that the title of her latest exhibition thick, sculptural layers of brightly coloured springboard for the painting. I’m using it as a comes in. Taken from Viktor Frankl’s 1946 paint to transform real subjects pictured in starting point rather than making direct book Man’s Search For Meaning, the quote found photographs. Close-up, visible copies. The way I pick an image is, I find a refers to his observations of the brushstrokes distort and break up images, photograph that works on a really practical, psychological defence mechanisms while from a distance, they coalesce into formal level, so I know it’s going to be really employed by Auschwitz prisoners. “Reality dimly recognisable shapes, like hidden challenging to paint. The question I’m asking dimmed, and all efforts and all emotions thoughts and feelings slowly surfacing from myself is, ‘How am I going to actually were centred on one task: preserving one’s the subconscious. Indeed, Woods has structurally form this in paint?’ own life and that of the other fellow,” he described her own work as a means of “I spent a lot of time trying to work out how writes. As a psychiatrist, his own experiences painting out buried anxieties, and the overall all the source material linked up and fitted as a Holocaust survivor led to a belief in the effect is startlingly immediate and visceral. together, but eventually I realised that it importance of finding meaning in even the Comparisons have been made to Munch’s doesn’t at all. It’s quite disparate. The only most brutal forms of existence, and thereby a Scream - and it’s easy to see why - while connection is that it all has some effect on reason to continue living. Woods herself cites artists like Bacon and me emotionally or conceptually. For me to While few can claim to have experience of Guston as influences. But such parallels want to paint something, it has to have some anything comparable, the idea of finding a don’t quite do justice to her distinctive way of sort of emotional attachment, and then the means of processing trauma to get on with working: it’s the method and medium she act of painting it is a way of breaking that our lives is surely something to which anyone uses to express her ideas that are uniquely down.” can relate, and chimes with Woods’ own Woodisan. Originally trained in sculpture, Critics and commentators on her last method of obscuring observed reality to she now brings to her painting a sculptor’s exhibition - Victim Of Geography at Dundee reveal some personal truth. eye for three-dimensional form, approaching Contemporary Arts - have picked up on what “I read the book a long time ago, actually, but it as a sort of construction process. appears to be a focus on scenes of trauma in it’s something that’s really stayed with me - “I use aluminium (as a base) because it’s a her latest work. Where early paintings were the idea that to really find meaning you have very stable, solid structure to paint onto,” predominantly based on her own landscape to strip everything away, strip it right back. I she explains. “I always work flat, and photography, there’s since been a shift often collect titles from reading and hearing because I use quite a lot of paint, if I was towards exploring human figures and man- things, and this is one of those instances working this way onto canvas it would sag.” made objects and settings through images where the two words seemed to really fit When she talks about her influences, she gathered from magazines, newspapers and what I was thinking about and what I was describes the work of other artists in online. War zones, hospital corridors and making at that moment, the notion of similarly practical terms, honing in on terror attacks are subjects mentioned in abstracting what you’re actually looking at or specific details or techniques that she is reviews, but it’s something that Woods what you’re feeling.” grappling with, such as a given artist’s use of herself downplays. orange or pink. But her real interest lies in “There was an image in Dundee that came why those choices produce the particular from September the 11th, but it’s actually just Reality Dimmed shows at the Mead effects they do, on the responses - conscious of a person so you wouldn’t necessarily know Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, or otherwise - that they provoke from that from looking at it. They’re quite from Monday 8 January until viewers. ambiguous. One of them was just based on a Saturday 10 March. photograph of a chair.” Visual Arts January 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:25 Page 2

Visual Arts

Edmund Clark: In Place Of Hate Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 11 March Engaging with issues of censorship, security and control to create work that explores ideas of visibility, representation, trauma and self- image, Edmund Clark is Ikon’s artist-in-resi- dence at Europe’s only entirely therapeutic prison - HMP Grendon in Buckinghamshire. This new exhibition of work, the culmination of his residency at the prison, comprises pho- tographs, videos and installations.

Saddleworth: Responding Murray’s photographs all the more impres- sive. His images manage to look beyond To A Landscape the ever-present shadow cast by the Moors MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 21 January Murders and present the landscape in a far Saddleworth Moor in the South Pennines more positive way - as a picturesque, is a location that will forever be associated dreamlike and strangely beguiling space. with the grotesque crimes of Ian Brady and Murray’s epic series of photographs was Myra Hindley. made over a period of four-and-a-half The moorland’s connection to those hor- years. This exhibition marks the first time rific events of the 1960s makes Matthew the pictures have been on public display.

Warhol To Walker: Nine American Prints From Pop To Today Worcester City Art Gallery, until Sat 6 January Works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Jim Dine are among the highlights of this exploration of great American printmaking. Covering the period from the Pop Art era of the 1960s to the present day, the display features nine key works from the British Museum’s col- lection. Pieces from the Worcester City Collec- tion are also included, highlighting the ways in Crafts Of The Punjab arts and crafts from the second to the 19th which artists have pushed century, and includes a number of never- the boundaries of print- Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, before-exhibited works. until Sun 21 January making while exploring Among the featured items are examples of subjects as diverse as the An exhibition specially created for the Her- Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sculpture, deli- bert and featuring items from the impres- Vietnam War, Bing Crosby, cately carved ivories, elaborate musical in- picnics and the universe. sive collections of the Victoria & Albert struments and gold-inlaid steel artefacts. Museum, Crafts Of The Punjab celebrates An undoubted highlight of the show is the Image credit: Andy Warhol, the delicate and detailed artistry of crafts- Golden Throne, made by a Muslim crafts- Campbell’s green pea soup, people from the region. 1968, Colour screenprint, man in Lahore for Ranjit Singh, the first 1981,0620.37 © The Trustees of The display boasts an extensive range of Sikh Maharaja of the Punjab. the British Museum

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Events previews from around the region Events

Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 21 January The Strictly Come Dancing Live UK tour waltzes back into Birmingham this month. The 2018 edition of the show sees Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood joined on the judging panel by ballet star Darcey Bussell. Reigning Strictly champion Ore Oduba hosts the show, while taking to the dance- floor this year are, among others, comedian Susan Cal- man and double paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock.

British Basketball Arenacross 2018 Genting Arena, Birmingham, Cup Finals Sat 20 January Arena Birmingham, Sun 28 January An absolute must for extreme One of the most eagerly antici- sports fans, the 2018 Arenacross pated dates on the British Basket- tour brings indoors all the spec- ball League (BBL) calendar, this tacular elements of Motorcross annual event sees stars of the na- for a ‘non-stop white-knuckle tional game go head-to-head in ride’. pursuit of coveted silverware. Set to a pumping soundtrack and The get-together also features laser show, the event sees some some of Europe’s top slam of the world’s top freestylers hit- dunkers, giving it their all in a bid ting the track to present what or- to become the BBL Slam Dunk ganisers describe as ‘truly Champion. awe-inspiring entertainment’.

The National Running Show NEC, Birmingham, Sat 20 - Sun 21 January Dame Kelly Homes (pictured) opens this brand new addi- tion to the NEC’s calendar, a show designed as a one-stop shop for running enthusiasts. Highlights of the event in- clude ‘inspirational’ talks from running experts, free advice on nutrition, training and equipment, the latest product launches, free trainer fitting and gait analy- sis and the chance to enter numerous on-site competi- tions. whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Events January-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:24 Page 3

52 whatsonlive.co.uk Events January-2.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:24 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

Autosport New Year Family Fun International British Motor Museum, Gaydon, NEC, Birmingham, Tues 2 - Sun 7 January Thurs 11 - Sun 14 January Early-January visitors to the British Motor Museum can certainly expect Described as ‘the world’s greatest an all-action start to the year. four-wheel indoor extravaganza’, Young motor enthusiasts can get Autosport International caters for 2018 under way in style by using industry professionals and motor- Lego to design a new car, then step- sport fans alike. Featuring every ping back in time to find out about level of motor racing - from kart- the most popular automobiles of ing through to Formula One - the 1927. A Motoring Treasures trail event offers visitors the chance to adds to the fun. check out the latest performance road cars, chat to club members and watch precision-driving dis- plays in the Live Action Arena. Ex-Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell makes a special guest appearance at the show.

Tattoo Freeze Telford International Centre, Sat 13 - Sun 14 January Twelfth Night Following on from the success Wassail And Ceilidh of previous shows, this spe- The Other Place and various venues cialist two-day event offers around Stratford, Sat 6 January members of the general public The Royal Shakespeare Company is the chance to get themselves hosting this special event in order tattooed by one (or more!) of to celebrate the last night of Christ- the 200 talented tattooists mas. who’ll be in attendance. Choirs from across the Midlands Show highlights include Katie sing traditional wassailing songs Dee and her ‘burlesque and and carols, after which there’s a magical fire show’, robot- winter procession and special building, felt & fibre, BMX ceilidh. and circus workshops, a Roughly translated as ‘be in good Scalextric rally challenge and health’, wassailing is an English a 10ft-long python named tradition - taking place on the Julius! Twelfth Night of Christmas - which involves singing to the health of apple trees, in the hope that they Wolverhampton Literature Festival might yield a good harvest. The RSC wassail includes four spe- Venues across Wolverhampton city centre, Fri 26 - Sun 28 January cially commissioned arrangements by ex-Bellowhead member and Wolverhampton’s second literature festival features ac- choral arranger Paul Sartin. claimed authors, musicians, workshops and children’s The event coincides with the Com- events. pany’s staging of Shakespeare’s Included among the festival’s highlights is an appearance by popular comedy, Twelfth Night. novelist, journalist, political commentator and television per- sonality Will Self (pictured). Commenting on the 2018 festival, Councillor John Reynolds said: "The pilot festival was made possible by the generous contributions of artists and local businesses, and was a great celebration of literature in our city. I’m pleased that the festi- val will take place again in 2018. Already there’s a great vari- ety of entertainment lined up during the three-day festival, with even more authors and events soon to be announced."

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Cover January Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:12 Page 1 The List Cover January Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:12 Page 2

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

Lady Gaga at Arena Birmingham - Wed 31 January

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 January Mon 8 to Sun 14 January Mon 15 to Sun 21 January Mon 22 to Wed 31 January

Johann Strauss Gala at Ghost Tour at Aston Hall, Nathan Caton at Louise at O2 Institute, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham The Bramall, Birmingham Birmingham Mon 1 January Sat 13 January Thurs 18 January Mon 22 January

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 7 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:16 Page 1

thelist Jan, Malvern Theatres THROUGHOUT JANUARY Gigs VIENNESE NEW YEAR Featuring Mar- tin Yates (conductor) & Ilona Dom- sound installations, until Sat 24 Mar EDWINA HAYES Mon 1 Jan, Kitchen nich (soprano). Programme Visual Arts Garden Cafe, Birmingham includes works by Suppé, J. RBSA Gallery Strauss II, Lehár, Waldteufel, Nov- ello & Josef Strauss, Sat 6 Jan, NEW SHAPESHIFTERS SCULPTURE Birmingham Museum & Symphony Hall, Birmingham Art Gallery GROUP A working sculptors’ collective based at Winterbourne and Dudley KNIGHTS OF THE RAJ Exhibition featur- College. Its five RBSA members mark ing rare photographs, unique arte- the 30th anniversary of its founding facts, videos, interactive displays and with this exhibition, Sat 30 Dec - Sat oral histories that tell the fascinating 10 Feb Comedy story of the much-loved British curry, until Sun 14 Jan The Barber Institute COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD: FACES OF RICHARDSON PLUS COMIC TBC Thurs 4 KOLLWITZ AND CONTEMPORARIES - GER- PEACE & WAR Amateur photographer Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham MAN GRAPHIC ART 1910 - 1923 Käthe Käthe Buchler photographed the Ger- Kollwitz (1867-1954) lived through a JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, IAN D MONT- man home front during the First tumultuous period in Germany’s his- FORD, HARVEY HAWKINS & SCOTT BEN- World War. Her black & white images tory and unflinchingly depicted the NETT Thurs 4 Jan, The George feature members of her family, work- devastating effects of starvation, war Hotel, Lichfield ing children and a series called DINO BAPTISTE TRIO Thurs 4 Jan, The and inequality. Drawing and experi- ‘women doing men’s jobs’, until Sun Jam House, Birmingham menting with print techniques en- 14 Jan abled her and her contemporaries to GUNS WITH ROSES Thurs 4 Jan, The THE PAST IS NOW: BIRMINGHAM AND respond powerfully to their times, Robin, Bilston THE BRITISH EMPIRE Exhibition chal- until Sun 14 Jan CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. 14 PIECES Fri 5 lenging the typical colonial narrative PRIDE AND PERSECUTION Jan Steen is Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham used to present the history of the one of the most engaging and bril- British Empire, until Mon 12 Mar KING PLEASURE AND THE BISCUIT liant artists of the 17th century Dutch BOYS Fri 5 Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove COMING OUT: SEXUALITY, GENDER AND Golden Age. Best known for humor- NEARLY DAN Fri 5 Jan, The Robin, IDENTITY Ground-breaking exhibition ous, gently moralising scenes of ev- Bilston marking the 50th anniversary of the eryday life, he also produced some partial decriminalisation of male ho- 70 remarkable paintings narrating ROD STEWART & THE FACEZ Fri 5 Jan, mosexual acts in England and Wales. scenes from the Bible and classical The River Rooms, Stourbridge JEN BRISTER, BEN NORRIS, PAUL TONK- Featuring over 80 modern and con- mythology and history, until Sun 21 THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri 5 - Sat 6 Jan, INSON & ROBIN MORGAN Fri 5 - Sat 6 temporary artworks by internationally Jan House, Birmingham renowned artists who explore themes Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham TALES FROM HISTORY History subjects THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW of gender, sexuality and identity in Sat 6 ESHAAN AKBAR, MICKEY SHARMA, from the Bible, and classical mythol- Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove art, until Sun 15 Apr SUNIL PATEL, GUZ KHAN Mon 8 Jan, ogy in Dutch prints and drawings, BOWIE Sat 6 Jan, The Night Owl, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM Exploring how feature in a display that complements Birmingham different faiths have influenced and Pride And Persecution (see above), shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 until Sun 18 Feb JEAN GENIE Sat 6 Jan, The Robin, Bilston GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE IN BYZAN- Ikon Gallery TIUM Discover Byzantium - the once- LEGEND Sat 6 Jan, The River Rooms, EDMUND CLARK Edmund Clark has great empire whose glittering capital Stourbridge Theatre been Ikon’s artist-in-residence (2014- was the city of Constantinople PAUL JONES AND DAVE KELLY Sat 6 17) at Britain’s only therapeutic (today’s Istanbul) - through this in- Jan, Lichfield Guildhall ALADDIN Family panto starring triguing exploration of its coinage CBeebies favourite Cat Sandion. prison, HMP Grendon in Bucking- ANNIE DUGGAN Sun 7 Jan, Kitchen and economy, until Sun 18 Mar Sam Rabone also stars, until Sat 6 hamshire. This exhibition showcases Garden Cafe, Birmingham the body of work he’s developed in Jan, Lichfield Garrick response to the prison, until Sun 11 Other VISUAL ARTS NIK TURNERS NEW SPACE RITUAL Sun TALL STORIES: THE SNOW DRAGON Mar 7 Jan, The Robin, Bilston BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELDS: KÄTHE Toe-tapping songs and ‘lots of THOMAS BOCK Exhibition of work by BUCHLER'S PHOTOGRAPHS OF GERMANY laughs’ for everyone aged three and the Birmingham-born artist who, in IN THE GREAT WAR Featuring pictures older, until Sun 7 Jan, The Patrick 1823, was sentenced to transporta- of injured soldiers returning to Braun- Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome tion for 14 years. Bock’s paintings in- schweig, images of women doing ALADDIN Starring Jonathan Wilkes & clude portraits of Tasmanian men’s jobs and photographs record- Classical Christian Patterson, until Sun 7 Jan, Aborigines, fellow criminals and free ing the contributions of children to Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent settlers in Hobart Town, until Sun 11 the war effort, until Sun 14 Jan, Birm- Music CINDERELLA Panto version of the Mar ingham City University classic rags-to-riches tale, written IGERS BIRMINGHAM: BEST OF BIRMING- JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Featuring and directed by Iain Lauchlan, until MAC, Birmingham HAM EXHIBITION Featuring the winners the Johann Strauss Dancers & Or- Sat 13 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, WE OFTEN FIND IT NECESSARY TO KEEP of the photographic competition held chestra in period costume. John Coventry OUR HOMOSEXUALITY QUIET SHOUT earlier in the year, until Sat 27 Jan, Rigby (conductor), Corinne Cowl- THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS presents an exhibition of documen- Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, ing (soprano) & Nicky Spence Dodie Smith’s delightful tale, tary photography charting the history Birmingham (tenor), also star, Mon 1 Jan, Sym- adapted for the stage by Nativity! of the Gay Liberation Front in Birm- THE PEOPLE OF PARTITION IN BIRMING- phony Hall, Birmingham writer Debbie Issit, until Sat 13 Jan, ingham in the 1970s, told through the HAM New Sampad exhibition explor- CBSO VIENNESE NEW YEAR Featuring The REP, Birmingham lens of Ian Sanderson, until Sat 6 Jan ing how different generations living in Martin Yates (conductor) & Ilona JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Starring MADE AT MAC: DANCE FOR WELLBEING Birmingham understand the 1947 Domnich (soprano). Programme Gareth Gates, Lisa Riley, Ian Adams Group exhibition by MAC students Partition of India today, until Sun 29 includes works by Supp , J. & Doreen Tipton, until Sun 14 Jan, featuring film, photography and Apr, Soho House, Birmingham Strauss II, Lehâr & Novello,ė Fri 5 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 7 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:16 Page 2

Friday 1 to Sunday 7 January

TREASURE ISLAND A journey across Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon the high seas, complete with larger- TWELFTH NIGHT Ade Edmondson & than-life characters and swashbuck- Kara Tointon star in Shakespeare’s ling sword fights, until Sat 27 Jan, tale of unrequited love, until Sat 24 New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Lyme Stratford-upon-Avon CINDERELLA Soul diva Beverley Knight STICK MAN Scamp Theatre’s adapta- makes her pantomime debut along- tion of Julia Donaldson & Alex Scef- side Strictly finalist Danny Mac, Birm- fler’s popular children’s book of the ingham panto favourite Matt Slack, same name, Tues 26 Dec - Fri 12 Jan, pop and television star Suzanne Birmingham Town Hall Shaw and comedy duo The Grumble- weeds. Ceri Dupree and David Dale BLUE MAN GROUP Global smash-hit star as the Ugly Sisters, until Sun 28 fusing art, music, comedy and state- Jan, Birmingham Hippodrome of-the-art technology to create an ‘un- forgettable celebration of the human A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s connection’, Thurs 28 Dec - Sat 6 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive Jan, International Convention Centre classic. Phil Davies stars, until Sun 4 (ICC), Birmingham Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Dance

SWAN LAKE St Petersburg Classic Bal- let bring to life the greatest romantic ballet of all time, Sun 7 Jan, Sym- phony Hall, Birmingham Blue Man Group International Convention Centre, Birmingham, until Sat 6 January IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART I Close friends Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton came up CONSPIRATOR Mike Poulton turns his Film with the Blue Man Group (BMG) concept in New York City in 1991, pen to the thrilling world of power politics in the Ancient Rome of Robert since which time the famously blue and bald performers have en- PADDINGTON 2 (U) Adventure/Comedy. Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy. tertained a staggering 35 million people across the world. Present- Starring Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gregory Doran directs, until Sat 10 Gleeson. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 3 ing shows that combine art, music, comedy and cutting-edge Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- & Fri 5 Jan technology ‘to create a sublime celebration of human connection’, upon-Avon PRETTY WOMAN (15) Comedy/Ro- BMG is visiting the UK for the first time in nine years. Expect a IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART II mance. Starring Richard Gere, Julia blissful party atmosphere and innovation aplenty. DICTATOR Mike Poulton turns his pen Roberts. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- to the thrilling world of power politics ingham, Mon 1 Jan in the Ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ John Boyega. Mockingbird Cinema, THE REAL ICE RINK AT WEBBS GARDEN STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12a) Ac- best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Birmingham, Mon 1 - Thurs 4 Jan CENTRE WYCHBOLD Create lasting fes- Doran directs, until Sat 10 Feb, The tion/Adventure. Starring Daisy Ridley, JUSTICE LEAGUE (12a) Action/Adven- tive memories as you glide across ture. Starring Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot. the ice, until Tues 2 Jan, Webbs Gar- Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, den Centre, Droitwich Spa Fri 5, Sun 7 - Thurs 11 Jan ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Enjoy this win- PITCH PERFECT (12a) Comedy/Music. ter sport in beautiful city surround- Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany ings, until Sun 7 Jan, Eastside City Snow. Highbury Theatre, Birming- Park, Birmingham ham, Sat 6 Jan

Events

MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Prepare to enter a magical experience and dis- cover life-sized and larger-than-life lanterns in all shapes and forms, until BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM NEW YEAR Mon 1 Jan, Kings Heath Park, B’ham FAMILY ACTIVITIES Drop in to the CHRISTMAS AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL Learning Space and get creative with GARDENS There’s something for ev- Lego, Tues 2 - Fri 5 Jan, British Motor eryone at this festive time of year, Museum, Gaydon with a sparkling path winding its way NEW YEAR CRAFTS: CREATE A CALENDAR through the Gardens as part of a Use a variety of craft materials to de- magical after-dark experience, until sign and create a unique calendar, Mon 1 Jan, Birmingham Botanical Wed 3 - Thurs 4 Jan, Blakesley Hall, Gardens Birmingham Twelfth Night - Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:46 Page 1

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:46 Page 2

thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 January Classical Theatre Music CLAIRE DOWIE DOUBLE BILL Stage2 Theatre Company present two of the BRUCKNER’S SEVENTH Featuring author’s monologues as full-cast Omer Meir Wellber (conductor) & one-act plays, Wed 10 - Sat 13 Jan, Yeol Eum Son (piano). Programme Crescent Theatre, Birmingham comprises Mozart’s Piano Concerto AUSTEN THE MUSICAL New musical No.21, K.467, 29’ & Bruckner’s production exploring Jane’s strug- Symphony No.7, 68’, Thurs 11 Jan, gles to have her work published in a Symphony Hall, Birmingham male-dominated world, Thurs 11 - CENTRE STAGE: CBSO STRING ENSEM- Sat 13 Jan, The Old Joint Stock The- BLE Programme includes works by atre, Birmingham Schubert, Gade & Shostakovich, ALADDIN Traditional family pan- Fri 12 Jan, CBSO Centre, B’ham tomime written by Ian Thompson, Fri The Hunna - O2 Academy, Birmingham IN ECHO Period instrument ensem- 12 - Sat 20 Jan, Oldbury Rep Jan, Hare & Hounds, Hare & Hounds, Birm- ble featuring Gawain Glenton (cor- THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black Birmingham ingham netto/recorder), Uri Smilansky Country theatre favourites Fizzog Gigs (viol/recorder), Kirsty Whatley ASOMVEL Thurs 11 BAD PRACTICE Sat 13 present their version of The Wizard (harp), Richard Boothby (viol) & Jan, The Robin, Bil- Jan, Hare & Hounds, Of Oz, Sat 13 Jan, Crescent Theatre, THE JEEPS Tues 9 Jan, Katherine Hawnt (soprano), Fri 12 ston Birmingham Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- Jan, The Barber Institute, B’ham ingham CATAPULT CLUB FT. ALI BLACK ELVIS Sat 13 FUTURETHEATRE: 90 DAYS & INVISIBLE DOUBLE BILL Thought-provoking dou- ARCHER & TRIPP’ GILBERT Fri 12 Jan, O2 Jan, The Night Owl, ble bill featuring a play set in the TRANCE SEND Tues 9 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham past - in 1972, in Uganda - and one Jan, Kitchen Garden THE BEST OF WHAM Fri SCOTT HAMILTON QUAR- set in the future - in 2025, in Birming- Cafe, Birmingham 12 Jan, Artrix, Broms- TET Sat 13 Jan, Pizza ham, Sat 13 Jan, MAC, Birmingham GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed grove Express Live, B’ham THE WIZARD OF OZ Zany funsters 10 Jan, The Jam 6LACK Fri 12 Jan, O2 PROGRESS WRESTLING Oddsocks present a lighthearted House, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham PRESENTS CHAPTER 61: take of L Frank Baum’s classic ad- JAMIE FLANAGAN AS ONE NIGHT WITH ELVIS DON’T TOUCH ME... venture, Sun 14 Jan, Artrix, Broms- MICHAEL BUBLÉ Wed DON’T... DON’T TOUCH Fri 12 Jan, The Robin, Gawain Glenton grove 10 Jan, The Robin, Bil- Bilston ME Sun 14 Jan, O2 ston Academy, Birmingham BENNETT FAMILY THE HUNNA Thurs 11 SINGERS Fri 12 Jan, THE SURFING MAGA- Jan, O2 Academy, Kitchen Garden Cafe, ZINES Sun 14 Jan, Birmingham Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- ingham Comedy CAPITAL GROOVE Thurs THE SUBTERRANEANS 11 Jan, The Jam Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jan, DISSIDENT PROPHET ANGELA BARNES & MAUREEN YOUNGER House, Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- Sun 14 Jan, Kitchen Wed 10 Jan, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Garden Cafe, B’ham IN HER OWN WORDS + ingham Birmingham FOR THE WIN + BETTER MOTHERSHIP - LED ZEP- BRAVADO Sun 14 Jan, ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, PAUL THORNE & THAN NEVER + VICTORY PELIN TRIBUTE Sat 13 The Robin, Bilston COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- LANE + YOU KNOW THE Jan, Artrix, Broms- STEVIE NIMMO Sun 14 SON Thurs 11 Jan, The Glee Club, DRILL Thurs 11 Jan, grove Jan, Lichfield Guildhall Birmingham The Flapper, B’ham THE MODFATHERS Sat BRONNIE - REJEX TOUR OSCAR YOUNG 'WE ARE 13 Jan, The Robin, Bil- 2018 Sun 14 Jan, O2 YOUNG' - EP LAUNCH ston Academy, B’ham Thurs 11 Jan, Hare & RODDY RADIATION & THE PARAMORE Sun 14 Jan, Hounds, Birmingham SKABILLY REBELS & THE Genting Arena, B’ham Film KENI BURKE Thurs 11 SKA45S Sat 13 Jan, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: TROPHY (15) Documentary. Mocking- bird Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 9 Jan ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) Documentary. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 12 - Thurs 18 Jan

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: TOM BINNS Fri 12 Jan, Katie Fitzger- Released from Fri 12 Jan, showing ald's, Stourbridge at selected cinemas ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, PAUL THORNE, DARKEST HOUR (PG) FIN TAYLOR & JAKE LAMBERT Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) MATT REED, SUZI RUFFELL, CHRISTIAN INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY (15) REILLY & JOSH PUGH Sat 13 Jan, The THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING Bravado - The Robin, Bilston Comedy Loft, Birmingham MISSOURI (15)

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:46 Page 3 The List Birmingham 8 - 14 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 16:46 Page 4

thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 January

Performance Car Show - NEC, Birmingham mance-car aficionados, featuring cars, stars and action, Sat 13 - Sun Events 14 Jan, NEC, Birmingham

PERFORMANCE CAR SHOW Featuring DAD’S DAYS OUT WORKSHOP Workshop iconic brands like Lamborghini, Fer- allowing dads of all ages to spend rari, McLaren, Aston Martin and quality time with their children explor- Porsche, this show is the ultimate ing the world of science, technology, destination for performance-car afi- engineering and maths, Sat 13 Jan, cionados, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 Jan, Coventry Transport Museum NEC, Birmingham TATTOO FREEZE Admire great artists GHOST TOURS A tour of one of and artwork and get some new ink, Britain’s most haunted buildings, Sat Sat 13 - Sun 14 Jan, Telford Interna- 13 Jan, Aston Hall, Birmingham tional Centre, Shropshire AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL Must-visit CAMPER MART One-day VW buying event for motorsport fans and perfor- extravaganza, Sun 14 Jan, Telford In- ternational Centre, Shropshire Tattoo Freeze - Telford International Centre, Shropshire

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Birmingham 15 - 21 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:23 Page 1

thelist THE TRANSPORTS – A TALE OF Thurs 18 Jan, The Jam Gigs EXILE & MIGRATION Wed 17 House, Birmingham Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove AYNSLEY LISTER BAND Thurs SEAWAY Mon 15 Jan, O2 In- THE DECADES BAND Wed 17 18 Jan, The Robin, Bilston stitute, Birmingham Jan, The Jam House, B’ham BRAD O'NEILL & MYLO MEM- JACOB & DRINKWATER Mon 15 GEOFF TATE Wed 17 Jan, The PHIS Thurs 18 Jan, Hare & Jan, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Robin, Bilston Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham THE SYD LAWRENCE ORCHES- PAUL JONES AND DAVE KELLY CREATE TO INSPIRE Tues 16 TRA Wed 17 Jan, The Core Thurs 18 Jan, Artrix, Broms- Jan, The Asylum, B’ham Theatre, Solihull grove AND YOU KNOW US Tues 16 SINACH WAYMAKER Thurs 18 KING KING Thurs 18 Jan, Jan, The Jam House, Birm- Jan, O2 Institute, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall ingham RICKY COOL & IN THE CROWD CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. THE AT- TICS Fri 19 Jan, O2 Academy, Birmingham SUPERSKAS Fri 19 Jan, The King King - Birmingham Robin, Bilston Express Live, Birmingham O2 Academy, Birmingham THE NEIL DIAMOND STORY Fri 36 CRAZYFISTS Sat 20 Jan, O2 FIRE RED EMPRESS Sat 20 19 Jan, The Core Theatre, Academy, Birmingham Jan, The Slade Rooms, Solihull G2 - DEFINITIVE GENISES Sat Wolverhampton THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Fri 19 20 Jan, The Robin, Bilston JANIS JOPLIN & FRIENDS IN Jan, Lichfield Garrick TO KILL A KING Sat 20 Jan, THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE DETROIT SOUL COLLECTIVE Fri Mama Roux’s, Birmingham Sat 20 Jan, Artrix, Broms- 19 - Sat 20 Jan, The Jam grove House, Birmingham ALEX OHM Sat 20 Jan, The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham RAVENEYE Sun 21 Jan, The CRAIG CHARLES Fri 19 Jan, Slade Rooms, W’hampton Hare & Hounds, Birmingham HUDSON TAYLOR Sat 20 Jan, O2 Institute, Birmingham LIFESIGNS Sun 21 Jan, The JAKE HENRY Fri 19 Jan, Pizza Robin, Bilston The Transports - Artrix, Bromsgrove JAKE MITCHELL Sat 20 Jan,

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 15 - 21 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:23 Page 2

Monday 15 - Sunday 21 January

Classical Music Comedy

LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 15 Jan, THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham cludes works by J.S Bach, C.P.E NATHAN CATON, CARL DONNELLY, BEN Bach, C.H.H Parry, E.H Lemare & VAN DER VELDE Thurs 18 Jan, The Wagner, Mon 15 Jan, Symphony Bramall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham PETER WHITE, CARL DONNELLY & COM- BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON ARTISTS: MARIAM BATSASHVILI Thurs 18 Jan, The Glee Club, Birm- (PIANO) Programme includes works ingham by Bach/Busoni & Liszt, Tues 16 Jan, Royal Birmingham Conserva- ANDY ZALTZMAN Fri 19 Jan, The Glee toire Club, Birmingham BARTÓK'S CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA PETER WHITE, CARL DONNELLY, KATE Featuring the City of Birmingham LUCAS & NATAN CATON Fri 19 - Sat 20 Symphony Orchestra, Mirga Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Ning ANDY ZALTZMAN Sat 20 Jan, Artrix, Feng (violin).ė Programme includes Bromsgrove works by Haydn, Bruch, Brahms & GUZ KHAN, MICKEY P KERR, STEFANO Bartok, Wed 17 Jan, Symphony PAOLINI & JESSICA FOSTEKEW Sat 20 Hall, Birmingham Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham

Theatre The Sound Of Music

BONES Poignant and emotionally New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 16 - Sat 20 January charged monologue about a young man trying to find his place in a world Rodgers & Hammerstein's hit musical is best known from its mid- that doesn’t want him, Tues 16 - Wed 1960s film version starring Julie Andrews. Telling the story of the Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla 17 Jan, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Von Trapp family’s World War Two flight across the mountains of Birmingham Austria, it features memorable songs like Edelweiss, My Favourite DOMONKOS CSABAY PIANO RECITAL THE SOUND OF MUSIC West End star Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, So Lucy O’Byrne stars as Maria in what’s Programme includes works by Long, Farewell and, of course, the title track itself. Schubert, Bartók, Janá ek & Britten, widely regarded as one of the great- Wed 17 Jan, Birminghamč Town Hall est musicals of all time, Tues 16 - Sat 20 Jan, New Alexandra Theatre, Ballet Sinfonia and world class Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 21 Jan Birmingham dancers from the Company, Fri 19 GALLOWGLASS Middle Ground The- Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham atre Company present the stage pre- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: miere of the 1990 thriller by Barbara Released from Fri 19 Jan, showing at Vine (aka Ruth Rendell), Thurs 18 - selected cinemas Sat 20 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand COCO (tbc) Theatre Film THE COMMUTER (15) Domonkos Csabay QUENTIN CRISP - NAKED HOPE Much- acclaimed production which follows DOWNSIZING (15) CRAIG OGDEN GUITAR CONCERT Pro- Quentin’s story from the dawn of the INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE POST (tbc) gramme includes works by Silvius 1970s through to his final years, Fri MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Leopold Weiss, Nigel Westlake, Alb- 19 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth eniz, Bach & Antonio Jose, Fri 19 Branagh, Johnny Depp. Artrix, Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove Bromsgrove, Mon 15, Fri 19 Jan KENNETH HAMILTON LECTURE-RECITAL CLERKS AND SHOOTING CLERKS DOUBLE Events Programme comprises works by BILL (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring Frédéric Chopin, Fri 19 Jan, The Kevin Smith, Brian O'Halloran. With Barber Institute, Birmingham THE ARENACROSS TOUR 2018 Are- Q&A. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- nacross is ‘short, sharp and shock- BARTÓK'S CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA ham, Fri 19 Jan ingly spectacular’, with huge triple Featuring the City of Birmingham THE DISASTER ARTIST (15) jumps, killer mogul sections and fast, Symphony Orchestra, Mirga Biography/Comedy. Starring James banked corners all designed to pro- Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Ning Franco, Dave Franco. Mockingbird vide a high-octane sensory feast, Sat Feng (violin).ė Programme includes Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Thurs 20 Jan, Genting Arena, Birmingham works by Haydn, Bruch, Brahms & 25 Jan Bartok, Sat 20 Jan, Symphony Hall, NATIONAL RUNNING SHOW Brand new Birmingham PEARL JAM: LET'S PLAY TWO (15) Docu- show for running enthusiasts, Sat 20 mentary. Starring Jeff Ament, Matt - Sun 21 Jan, NEC, Birmingham A VIENNESE STRAUSS GALA Pro- Dance Cameron. Mockingbird Cinema, gramme includes works by Strauss WEDDING OPEN DAY Couples can view Birmingham, Sat 20 Jan the venue, speak to catering man- & Lehar, Sun 21 Jan, Wolverhamp- AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND DANCE WITH ton Grand Theatre BLADE RUNNER : THE FINAL CUT + agers and chat to the registrars about BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET Featuring BLADE RUNNER 2049 Sci-Fi/Thriller. the special day, Sun 21 Jan, Himley BRB director David Bintley, the Royal Starring Harrison Ford. Mockingbird Hall & Park, Dudley whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham 22 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:22 Page 1

thelist Robin, Bilston MIDDLETON (PIANO) This evening DIRT BOX DISCO Sat 27 Classical concert features a programme of Jan, The Asylum, works by Lieder, and art song, as Birmingham well as operatic arias from some of Music the many roles that Kate has ROBINSON-STONE Sat JOSHUA BELL - VIVALDI’S FOUR SEA- played over the years, Wed 31 Jan, 27 Jan, Artrix, Broms- The Barber Institute, Birmingham grove SONS Also featuring the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Pro- EUROPEAN BAROQUE ENSEMBLE: MONGOL HORDE Sat 27 gramme includes works by Vivaldi, MAGICAL MOZART Wed 31 Jan, The Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- Edgar Meyer & Beethoven, Tues 23 Core Theatre, Solihull ingham Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ALVAREZ KINGS Sat 27 BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- ARTISTS: ASHLEY RICHES (BASS BARI- ingham TONE) Also featuring Sholto Kyn- STAMINA TOUR Sat 27 toch (piano). Programme includes Comedy Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- works by Schubert, Dvorak & ingham Brahms, Tues 23 Jan, Royal Birm- ADAM ROWE Wed 24 Jan, mac, Birm- MHVH VS LOVE THE LIFE ingham Conservatoire ingham VS YOUNG CULTURE BERNSTEIN - STAGE AND SCREEN Fea- CHRIS ROCK Thurs 25 Jan, Arena PRESENT GENERAL LEVY turing John Wilson (conductor), Vo- Birmingham Sat 27 Jan, Hare & calists to include Kim Criswell, MIKE BUBBINS, ANGELA BARNES & Lady Gaga - Arena Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham University of Birmingham Voices, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- The Sunflower ALVAREZ KINGS Sun 28 Wed 24 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birm- SON Thurs 25 Jan, The Glee Club, Gigs Lounge, Birmingham Jan, O2 Academy, ingham Birmingham THE BILLY FURY YEARS Birmingham THE CLASSIC FM MOVIE: MUSIC HALL ED BYRNE Fri 26 Jan, Stafford Gate- LOUISE Mon 22 Jan, Thurs 25 Jan, The THE QUIREBOYS - OF FAME Featuring Michael Seal house Theatre Core Theatre, Solihull (conductor), Tommy Pearson (pre- O2 Institute, B’ham ACOUSTIC Sun 28 Jan, JAMES REDMOND, ADAM KAY & CHRIS senter), Fri 26 Jan, Symphony Hall, BLOODSHOT DAWN + THE ORIGINAL 1968-77 The Robin, Bilston PURCHASE Fri 26 Jan, Wolverhamp- Birmingham GEHTIKA + REPRISAL + ELVIS TCB BAND WITH WILL VARLEY Tues 30 ton Grand Theatre SPECIAL GUESTS THE CENTRE STAGE: CBSO BAROQUE EN- XVII Mon 22 Jan, The Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- FERN BRADY Fri 26 Jan, Glee Club, IMPERIALS & DENNIS SEMBLE Fri 26 Jan, CBSO Centre, Flapper, Birmingham ingham Birmingham JALE Thurs 25 Jan, Birmingham BLACK VEIL BRIDES & THE CLASSIC ROCK MIKE BUBBINS, ANGELA BARNES, PHIL Birmingham Town Hall KENNETH HAMILTON LECTURE-RECITAL ASKING ALEXANDRIA SHOW 2018 - GUITAR JERROD & IAN SMITH Fri 26 - Sat 27 VAMPIRES ROCK Thurs Programme comprises works by Tues 23 Jan, O2 GREATS Tues 30 Jan, Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham 26 Jan, Theatre Sev- Birmingham Town Hall Frédéric Chopin, Fri 26 Jan, The ern, Shrewsbury Barber Institute, Birmingham ED BYRNE Sat 27 Jan, Birmingham DAY CORBETT & TAMS MOON DUO Tues 30 Town Hall Tues 23 Jan, The Jam THE SIMON & GAR- Jan, Hare & Hounds, BLAKE Fri 26 Jan, The Core Theatre, House, Birmingham FUNKEL STORY Thurs Birmingham Solihull GEOFF BOYZ, ALISTAIR BARRIE, NOEL 26 Jan, Lichfield Gar- JAMES & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Sat 27 THE BOTTOM LINE Wed PAUL DUNMALL/JOHN BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC rick Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham 24 Jan, The Asylum, O'GALLAGHER/JOHN ED- GROUP - CELEBRATING CARTER Fea- Birmingham WITT LOWRY Fri 26 Jan, WARDS/MARK SANDERS turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- ROUGH WORKS - NEW MATERIAL NIGHT O2 Academy, B’ham tor) & Pierre-Laurant Aimard Sun 28 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham THIS IS THE KIT Wed 24 Tues 30 Jan, MAC, (piano). Programme includes Jan, Glee Club, B’ham FLASH: THE BEST OF Birmingham QUEEN Fri 26 Jan, Ar- works by Elliott Carter, Sun 28 Jan, BILLY WALTON BAND THE WHOLLS Wed 31 trix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Town Hall Wed 24 Jan, The Jan, Actress & Bishop, CHRISTOPH SIETZEN IN RECITAL Robin, Bilston MOTIONLESS IN WHITE Birmingham Featuring the WAVE Quartet & Fri 26 Jan, O2 Insti- YUNGBLUD Wed 31 THE WEDDING CRASH- Christoph Sietzen (percussion). Theatre tute, Birmingham Jan, The Sunflower ERS Wed 24 Jan, The Programme includes works by J. Lounge, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD Fri Groban, J.S Bach, I. Boumanns, Pi- HEDDA GABLER Contemporary pro- 26 Jan, O2 Academy, SAM LAVERY Wed 24 THE WEATHER STATION azzolla & Rodrigo y Gabriela, Mon duction of Ibsen’s masterpiece (see Birmingham Jan, The Sunflower Wed 31 Jan, Hare & 29 Jan, Birmingham Town Hall page 65), Tues 23 - Sat 27 Jan, Hounds, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham FANGCLUB Fri 26 Jan, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The Sunflower TALON-BEST OF THE EA- DEAD! Wed 31 Jan, THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- THE GIN CHRONICLES - A SCOTTISH AD- Lounge, Birmingham GLES Wed 24 Jan, The The Flapper, B’ham cludes works by J.S Bach, I. Fla- VENTURE ‘Delightfully silly’ show fea- Core Theatre, Solihull BRYAN ADAMS EXPERI- LADY GAGA Wed 31 gler, R. Downes, A. Wammes, P. turing an Australian, a pair of ENCE Fri 26 Jan, The Whitlock & Saint-Saëns, Mon 29 Spaniards, a reindeer, some bag- AUGUST ALSINA Thurs Jan, Arena B’ham Robin, Bilston Jan, Birmingham Town Hall pipes and a band of pirates... Thurs 25 Jan, O2 Institute, GABBIDON Wed 31 Jan, 25 - Sun 28 Jan, Old Joint Stock Birmingham UP 4 THE DOWNSTROKE The Jam House, Birm- BBC RADIO 3 NEW GENERATION Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jan, ARTISTS: QUATUOR AROD Programme Theatre, Birmingham FRANKIE’S GUYS Thurs ingham The Jam House, Birm- includes works by Mozart & THE DEATH SHOW Two-hander cele- 25 Jan, Artrix, Broms- DAISY CHAPMAN Wed ingham Mendelssohn, Tues 30 Jan, Royal brating mortality, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jan, grove 31 Jan, Kitchen Gar- YOUR ALIBI Sat 27 Jan, Birmingham Conservatoire The REP, Birmingham DEL CAMINO Thurs 25 den Cafe, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham CBSO: RACHMANINOV'S SECOND Fea- HAYFEVER Amateur staging of Noel Jan, The Jam House, STEVE KNIGHTLEY Wed turing Kazuki Yamada (conductor) Coward's riotous comedy, Fri 26 Jan Birmingham ECLIPSE - THE PINK 31 Jan, Lichfield Guild- FLOYD EXPERIENCE Sat & Dejan Lazi (piano). Programme - Sat 3 Feb, Hall Green Little Theatre, KING PLEASURE AND hall 27 Jan, Artrix, Broms- includes works by Glinka, Birmingham THE BISCUIT BOYS BARRY STEELE AND grove Beethoven & Rachmaninov, Wed AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES The Thurs 25 Jan, The FRIENDS Wed 31 Jan, 31 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham ever-popular one-time Opportunity Robin, Bilston BOOTLEG ABBA + JIVE Grand Theatre, TALKIN Sat 27 Jan, The KATE ROYAL (SOPRANO) & JOSEPH Knocks star presents her winning SEXTILE Thurs 25 Jan, Wolverhampton 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 22 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:22 Page 2

Monday 22 - Wednesday 31 January

blend of poetry and comedy, Sat 27 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Talks LET THE RIGHT ONE IN The Crescent Theatre Company present an ama- AN AUDIENCE WITH MATT DAWSON teur staging of John Ajvide Lindqvist's Thurs 25 Jan, The Bramall, B’ham Swedish vampire novel of the same AN AUDIENCE WITH THE REV RICHARD name, Sat 27 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, Cres- COLES Join Richard as he reminisces cent Theatre, Birmingham about his times on Top Of The Pops DI JAMAICAN BIG BROTHER HOUSE in the 1980s, his stint on Strictly and Glenda Jaxson & Charles Tomlins his roles as Church of England priest, star in Devon Morgan’s comedy of radio broadcaster and television love, envy, jealousy and backstab- show panelist, Tues 30 Jan, The Core bing, Sun 28 Jan, New Alexandra Theatre, Solihull Theatre, Birmingham STRANGERS ON A TRAIN Christopher Harper, John Middleton, Jack Ashton & Hannah Tointon star in a ‘gripping’ thriller based on a fateful encounter, Film Mon 29 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, New Alexan- dra Theatre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CRAZY FOR YOU Tom Chambers, Claire Sweeney & Charlotte Wakefield star MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) in a touring production of ‘the ulti- Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth mate feelgood musical’, Tues 30 Jan Branagh, Johnny Depp. Artrix, - Sat 3 Feb, Malvern Theatres Bromsgrove, Mon 22 & Wed 24 Jan THE LADYKILLERS The Lichfield Play- FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL ers present an amateur staging of (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jamie Graham Linehan’s classic black com- Bell, Annette Bening. Artrix, Broms- edy, Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, Lichfield grove, Fri 26 Jan Garrick THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) Drama. BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Starring Brooklynn Prince, Bria A ‘joyful story of musicality, success Vinaite. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- and self-discovery’ which tells the in- ingham, Fri 26 - Wed 31 Jan spiring true story of King’s remark- THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE OF EBBING, able rise to stardom, Wed 31 Jan - MISSOURI (tbc) Comedy/Crime. Star- Sat 3 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome ring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 26 - Wed 31 Jan BATTLE OF THE SEXES (15) Biography/Comedy. Starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell. Mockingbird Cin- Dance ema, Birmingham, Fri 26 - Wed 31 Jan ANTON & ERIN Featuring Anton du VERTIGO (PG) Thirller/Drama. Starring Beke & Erin Boag, Richard Balcombe James Stewart, Kim Novak. Artrix, (conductor) and Lance Ellington (star Bromsgrove, Sat 27 Jan vocalist), Sat 27 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jamie THE NUTCRACKER The Russian State Bell, Annette Bening. Artrix, Broms- Ballet of Siberia presents its version grove, Mon 29 - Tues 30 Jan of the most famous of fantasy ballets, Sun 28 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare’s tale Released from Fri 26 Jan, showing at of primal passion and timeless selected cinemas tragedy is brought to life by 12 STRONG (tbc) Prokofiev’s soaring score, Mon 29 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre EARLY MAN (tbc) SWAN LAKE The Russian State Ballet MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE (tbc) of Siberia bring to life the greatest ro- WHITE BOY RICK (tbc) Hedda Gabbler mantic ballet of all time, set to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 23 - Sat 27 January Tchaikovsky’s haunting score, Tues 30 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- The character of Hedda Gabler is one of the most challenging roles atre for an actor to play, and it’s a brave woman indeed who undertakes BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Ex- Events the necessary plunge into her own psyche. Hats off, then, to Lizzy pect tantalising tango, fiery paso Watts, who here takes on the part of the free-spirited Hedda in a doble, elegant foxtrot, breathtaking ARTRIX BABY RAVE Jessie DJ plays a National Theatre touring production of Henrik Ibsen’s 1890 master- waltz - and a few surprises in be- selection of CBeebies and ’90s piece. Visiting the Midlands following a sell-out run at the Na- tween, Mon 29 Jan, Regent Theatre, dance tunes, with sound and light Stoke-on-Trent tional, the play has been modernised by Closer playwright Patrick levels suitable for young children, Marber and Olivier and Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove. Sun 28 Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Competitions.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 15:21 Page 1

Win! To enter all competitions head to whatsonlive.co.uk

Tickets to Gallowglass Tickets to Jimmy Osmond

Closes Friday 12th January Closes Friday 26th January

Tickets to BBL Cup Final Tickets to Crazy For You

Closes Monday 15th January Closes Friday 26th January

To enter all competitions visit whatsonlive.co.uk Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great competitions including...

Family ticket to Disney On Ice Family ticket to Dear Zoo Tickets to Hedda Gabler

BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON WOLVERHAMPTON WHAT’S ON

Closes Monday 8th January Closes Thursday 1st February Closes Wednesday 17th January

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Belgrade (FP) - January.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:58 Page 1 Birmingham Conservatoire F/P January 2018.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 12:56 Page 1