WILL.I.AM INTERVIEWINSIDE... rockers back in the region QUO STATUS region the in back rockers LIVE THRILLER celebrate cast End West Jackson Michael SARAH MILLICAN SARAH Wolves in comic Geordie 12 DECEMBER 2013 2 42 92 92 42 2 grandtheatre.co.uk ISSUE 336 336 ISSUE 0190 sOn ’ SAT 7 DEC 2013 - SAT 18 JAN 2014 JAN 18 SAT - 2013 DEC 7 SAT & BLACK COUNTRY BLACK & Box Office Box BOOK ONLINE AT ONLINE BOOK .co.uk

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www. WOLVERHAMPTON WOLVERHAMPTON What THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Black Country Cover - Dec_Layout 1 25/11/2013 20:05 Page 1 Page 20:05 25/11/2013 1 - Dec_Layout Cover Country Black BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON ISSUE 336 DECEMBER 2013 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS @WHATSONWOLVES WWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK XFACTOR FP DEC_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:13 Page 1

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December 2013

Editor: Davina Evans INSIDE: [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: Panto time... Brian O’Faolain [email protected] check out what’s on 01743 281701 where... p27 Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Sales & Marketing: Jon Cartwright [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

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Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry Will.i.am talks about why Michael Jackson is ‘just the best’, page 12 Stewart Clarke [email protected] 01743 281717 gets spiritual in Brum Website Development: interview p10 Jim Pallett Contributors: TO GET THE VERY p4 Graham Bostock: Theatre LATEST LISTING News James Cameron-Wilson: Film; Anita Champaneri: INFORMATION, Eating Out; Music p15 Alev Dervish: Music VISIT: Eva Easthope, Kate whatsonlive.co.uk Evans, Jessica Aston, Comedy p24 Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, INCLUDING Jan Watts, Reggie White BOOKING ONLINE Theatre p27 Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, The Midlands’ most Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE comprehensive p40 Tel: 01743 281777 entertainment website Film/DVD e-mail: [email protected] Clothes Show Live Follow us on... Visual Arts p47 fashion extravaganza returns to the region p51 This publication is Events p51 printed on paper from a sustainable source and is December 2013 produced without the use Birmingham p63 of elemental chlorine. @whatsonbrum Eating Out MTWTFSS We endorse the recycling Warwickshire 1 of our magazine and @whatsonwarwicks would encourage you to 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 pass it on to others to Worcestershire read when you have @whatsonworcs 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 finished with it. facebook.com/whatsonlive 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 What’sOn 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless MAGAZINE GROUP otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any 30 31 means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. News December region two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 16:52 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Wagner’s Ring Cycle to make its Hippodrome debut Renowned conductor Valery Gergiev is to direct the world famous Mariinsky Opera in Birmingham next year, as part of the 2014 UK-Russia Year of Culture celebrations. Featuring more than two hundred-and-fifty artists, the Mariinsky will perform a fully- staged production of Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, the first to be presented in the city for decades. With ten trucks of scenery, it will also be one of the biggest productions ever to be staged at the Hippodrome. Of his impending visit to Birmingham, Gergiev said: “I’m delighted to be bringing our Ring Cycle to Birmingham. In Ossetia, where I come from, our own folk tales paral- lel the myths that inspired Wagner. I believed that we could create a new visual approach to the Ring that had an international reso- nance.” Wagner’s Ring Cycle shows at the Hippodrome from 5 to 9 November 2014. Ikon begins countdown to its half-century Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery has announced an impressive programme of exhibitions and events to take it through to its fiftieth birthday in 2015. The Ikon has come a long way since its humble beginning as a ‘gallery without walls’ in the 1960s, when it was sited in the Bullring precinct. Three relocations later, the venue is now settled in its current home in Oozells Square, where it remains one of the UK’s flagship institutions for the promotion and presentation of contemporary modern art. A highlight of the forthcoming programme is Ikon Icons, an initiative which invites an artist from each of the gallery’s five decades to present works in the venue’s Tower Room. These include - in chronological order - John Salt, Ian Emes, Cornelia Parker, Yinka Shonibare and Julian Opie. Other events include youth-led open socials, the creation of a public memory bank, and an in- Major investment for new depth community engagement programme. Convention Quarter Telford & Wrekin Council has announced Midlands band release album is the twenty-ninth addition to the site’s col- plans for a £200million development, to fur- lection of Perryman-painted ‘action portraits’ ther expand the district’s leisure, culture and Come What May... of distinguished classical musicians. nighttime economy. The development Staffordshire alternative folk rock band Nelsons’ image will grace the walls of the includes the reconstruction of the town’s Clutching At Straws are all set to release venue alongside those of his immediate shopping centre, to bring it in line with the their debut album this month. The six-track predecessors, Sir Simon Rattle and Sakari existing £250million Southwater Come What May is described by the band Oramo. Development and the new Convention as ‘an album about love, and our hope that Quarter. The move is the next step towards love might be the driving force in the world’. making the area one of the leading event Come What May is released on 16 Local author fulfills capitals in the UK, which is the long-term December. Clutching At Straws are sched- Grandmother’s dream ambition of the region’s official convention uled to play various venues across the The long-held dream of Shropshire grandmother bureau, Meet Telford & Shropshire. Sarah region this month and next. Mollie Cooke has been fulfilled two years after Bird, Business Tourism Manager for Meet her death. Mollie, from Church Stretton, had Telford & Shropshire, said: “This further always dreamed of putting pen to paper and investment illustrates our commitment to recording her life story. Unfortunately, dementia excellence, ensuring that we can really stand robbed her of the opportunity. Now granddaugh- out with a distinctive, high-quality and com- ter Katherine has published Dust To Dust And A petitive offer.” Lifetime In Between - a biography charting Mollie’s childhood between the wars in rural Shropshire, the death of her first husband in World War Two, and the pain of losing an only child - Katherine’s mother. Based on conversations between Andris Nelsons unveiled... the author and her grand- A new portrait of CBSO conductor Andris mother before her Nelsons has been unveiled at Symphony descent into dementia, Hall. Norman Perryman’s watercolour - com- Dust To Dust is available missioned for the venue by Jayne Cadbury - from Amazon Mollie in her youth

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News December region two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 16:52 Page 2

Disney launches campaign for Winnie the Pooh Laureate A recent survey carried out by Disney has established that seventy-six per cent of West Midlands parents tell stories to their children which have local lives and events at their core. The findings have inspired Disney to launch a new storytelling competi- tion to find five regional Winnie the Pooh Laureates throughout the country. All stories must be influenced by the author’s local area, just as AA Milne used the Five Hundred Acre Wood in Ashdown Forest as the setting for his world famous Winnie the Pooh books. The Midlands campaign is spearheaded by prize-winning writer Judith Cutler, whose passion for her local area is demonstrated by the fact that twenty of her novels are set in and around Birmingham. The lucky Midlands winner will have the chance to read their story to a gathering at the Disney Store in Birmingham, have their story printed in a special book, and win a goodie bag of merchandise for their family. For full details and how to enter, visit the

Winnie the Pooh Facebook page at Luca Silvestrini's Protein www.facebook.com/WinniethePoohUKandIr eland. The competition closes on 17 December. International Dance Festival Birmingham back for 2014 Birmingham’s theatres, streets and squares will go dance-crazy next Spring when the award- winning International Dance Festival Birmingham (24 April - 25 May) makes a welcome return. One of the biggest get-togethers of its kind in Europe, the biennial event will be taking place in the city for the fourth time, and is once again being co-produced by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome. The festival comprises a world-class programme of international performances, numerous premieres, a number of new commissions and a range of participa- tory opportunities. Performance highlights include Swiss Company Alias’ mesmerising Sideways Rain, Vancouver’s Kidd Pivot, led by Crystal Pite, and the astonishing Canadian cir- cus company Les 7 Doigts de la Main. There are some familiar names returning too, including the legendary Sylvie Guillem, Sadler’s Wells’ Breakin’ Convention, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s new work milonga, and Luca Silvestrini’s Protein. The festival also sees Matthew Bourne making a much-anticipated return to Birmingham Hippodrome with his production of Lord Of The Flies, Birthday concerts for featuring a cast of young Birmingham performers. Shropshire trio Twenty years after making their debut at Atlantic crossing all in a good cause... Shrewsbury School’s Ashton Theatre, satiri- IN BRIEF cal singing trio Three Men And A Bowtie Shropshire adventurers Harry Martin-Dreyer and Alex Bland are have announced their return to the venue Wish Upon A Star to embark on a three thousand-mile row across the Atlantic in a for two special concerts on 19 and 20 this Christmas two-man boat, raising funds for Cure Leukaemia and JDRF. It’s December. The celebratory events see Stoke’s Regent estimated that the crossing will take Harry and Alex three months founder members John Moore, Chris Eldon Theatre, its parent to complete, and may find the duo encountering tropical storms, Lee and Fred Phipps joined on stage by company ATG, and fifty-foot waves, colossal super tankers and sharks. Having Martin ‘Monologue’ Jones, Nonny James panto producers First already raised over £100,000 and sourced sponsorship from and Sally Tonge. There’ll also be a special Family Entertainment London’s Hotel Rafayel, the visit from Shropshire’s ‘agricultural starlet’, have announced their pair have received numer- Freda The Female Farmer. Having played fundraising intentions ous messages of support, venues across the UK - receiving a four-star for the festive period. including one from Atlantic review at the Edinburgh Festival - the Fifty pence from the adventurer Ben Fogle. troupe’s hometown gigs will see them wel- sale of every Snow Harry and Alex set sail from coming their fifty thousandth audience White And The Seven Gran Canaria on 1 member with a bottle of champagne (and Dwarfs pantomime December, and head for the two hundred-and-fifty plastic cups). Tickets brochure will be donat- west coast of Barbados. To to the anniversary concert cost £10 and can ed to the When You offer your support via a be purchased from www.threemenin- Wish Upon A Star donation, visit www.row- abowtie.ticketsource.co.uk charity, which helps ful- ing4research.com fil the dreams of hun- dreds of poorly chil- dren. It’s hoped that Museums to inspire international writing... £65,000 can be raised A major new international writing competition, Inspired By My during the panto run - Museum, has been launched by Sampad South Asian Arts in enough to charter the partnership with British Council India. The initiative is inviting Orient Express and budding writers to record and share personal experiences take children suffering inspired by a visit to a museum. These can be recorded in vari- from life-threatening ill- ous forms - poems, short stories or reportage - with entries nesses on a magical accepted from anywhere in the world. Winning entries will be train ride to visit the recorded in a special commemorative book next year. The part- Warner Bros Studio nership’s previous venture, Inspired By Tagore (in 2011-12), Tour - The Making Of received an enthusiastic response, and it’s hoped that this year’s Harry Potter. initiative will be equally successful. For further information and to enter, visit www.sampad.org.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Christmas Gifts _Layout 1 25/11/2013 19:03 Page 1 12 Days of Christmas What’s On wish list...

The festive season at What’s On Magazine is always a busy time of year, with the team working tirelessly to pro- vide readers with information about what’s happening where in the run-up to, and during, the Christmas holiday. Despite our busy schedule, we’ve taken a couple of min- utes to think about what we’d most like Santa to leave in our Christmas stockings - and, as you can see, we don’t ask for a lot. Well most of us don’t, anyway...

Paul wants to let you know who’s in Hugo Boss charge £40.00 Gift Set boots.com

Davina fancies herself as a bit of a Mary Berry Food Mixer Artisan johnlewis.com£429.95

Adrian’s easily pleased... Little Mix Salute Album £18.00 woolworths.co.uk

Directioner Ryan just can’t get enough... Liam Payne£26.90 Lifesize Cutout 1dcardboardcutouts.com

Lisa’s camper van would love this Rosewood Steering Wheel for VW T2 Bay £209.95 justkampers.com

06 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Gifts _Layout 1 25/11/2013 19:05 Page 2

Gaming geek Chris Call Of Duty - Ghosts £40.00 tesco.com

Hill runner Chris A wants the latest Fell Shoes £95.00 runandbecome.com

Smooth-talker Brian wants a close shave Razor Pit £15.94 amazon.co.uk Jess just wants to snuggle up on the sofa in this All-in-one £30.00 next.co.uk

Techie Jim’s always one for the latest gadget... £719.00 Surface Pro 2 currys.co.uk Extreme sports fan Jon wants in on the action, Arena Cross Family Ticket £49.00 arenacross.co.uk

Lauren’s a girl with expensive tastes... Louis Vuitton Eole 50 £1,320.00 louisvuitton.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 07 There ain't nothing like a dame Region One_Layout 1 25/11/2013 17:09 Page 1

One of Britain’s greatest traditions, pantomime continues to play a significant role in the country’s festive celebrations. A staple within most pantos, of course, is the character of the Dame, who, originating in Victorian music halls, continues to play a pivotal role in modern-day productions. Donning flamboyant costumes, oversized bosoms and garish make-up while dishing out double entendres by the bucketload - some more risky than others - the Dame slots neatly into most panto storylines as the hero’s mother, as with Dame Trott in Jack And The Beanstalk and Widow Twankey in Aladdin. Over the years some of the biggest names in stage and TV entertainment have taken on the to-die-for role of the panto matriarch. Les Dawson, John Inman, Terry Scott, Roy Hudd, Stanley Baxter, Danny La Rue and Paul Grady have all slapped on the rouge at one time or another - as has Christopher Biggins, who’s admitted to feeling offended when first approached to play the role. Here in the West Midlands we’re fortunate to host some of the country’s very best pantomimes, complete with some highly entertaining Dames who we feel are well worth checking out...

Feathers, beads and sequins certainly aren’t in short supply when Ceri Dupree takes to the stage. Describing himself as a comedy impersonator, Ceri is all high heels and ostrich feath- ers, the visual dazzle augmenting not only a quick and witty mind and also a well-developed talent for making the likes of Dame Edna Everage, Nana Mouskouri, Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey and Lady Gaga come vividly to life before your very eyes. Ceri’s late-night show can be rude’n’crude as well as funny, but you can rest assured he’ll only be bringing the censored version of his comedy patter to proceedings at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre, where he’ll be appearing as Queen Passionella in Sleeping Beauty. Read the interview with Ceri at whatsonlive.co.uk

A stalwart of the entertainment business, Iain Lauchlan is a multi-talented performer who’s held in high regard as an actor, director, writer and producer. He’s worked on numerous dra- mas and television series, spent eight years presenting BBC TV’s Play School, and is one half of the duo responsible for writing the BAFTA-winning Tweenies series. With his impres- sive CV as a director featuring numerous children’s arena shows, both in the UK and abroad, Iain has been the man at the helm for large-scale productions such as Bob The Builder, Noddy, Thomas the Tank Engine, Bratz and CBeebies Live. Often described as an ‘encyclopedia of panto’, his role as Cre- ative Director for Imagine Productions has seen him help set up no fewer than ten pantomimes across the country for Christmas 2013. Iain is, of course, a regular contributor to the Coventry Belgrade Theatre pantomime, and this year wears two hats for Jack And The Beanstalk, both directing the show and playing Dame Trott.

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk There ain't nothing like a dame Region One_Layout 1 25/11/2013 17:09 Page 2

Having starred in almost as many hit musicals as there are hit musicals in which to star, Gary Wilmot has this year decided to spread his wings by taking on the role of a panto Dame for the very first time (in which case, maybe that should read ‘spread his bingo wings’!). Gary’s no stranger to the Birmingham Hip- podrome - where he’s rouging himself up to star alongside panto debutant Gok Wan in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs - having previously performed at the venue in shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Cinderella. A firm favourite with Midlands audiences, he shot to fame on ITV’s New Faces before going on to star in hit productions of The Goodbye Girl and Me And My Girl. Gary’s TV work includes Copycats, Knees Ups, Cue Gary!, The Keith Harris Show and, perhaps most memorably, Showstoppers.

Read the interview with Gary at whatsonlive.co.uk

Presenting mannerisms which have seen him likened to Eddie Izzard, Brad Fitt became a Dame quite by chance. After training as a stage manager at the Bristol Old Vic, he moved to the Cambridge Arts Centre, where he became company manager for Dame-among-Dames, Christopher Biggins. Suggesting ‘bits and bobs’ for Biggins’ panto roles, Brad was eventually asked to write a pantomime for the venue. And then he was asked to direct. And then, finally, he was asked to play a Dame! Sceptical at first, Brad was even- tually persuaded to give it a go. His debut, as an Ugly Sister in Cinderella, received plenty of acclaim, and led to him being named by the Sunday Telegraph as one of the UK’s finest Dames. Brad is this Christmas returning to Shrews- bury’s Theatre Severn for a third consecutive festive season, and is both directing and performing in Evolution Pan- tomime’s sure-to-be-popular production of Sleeping Beauty.

Read the interview with Brad at whatsonlive.co.uk

A high-energy performer who’s much in demand, Ian Adams has made a real name for himself on the UK pantomime scene, having written, directed, produced and starred in a veri- table Santa’s Sack-worth of panto productions down the years. Beginning his professional career as lead vocalist with the dance act Zeebra, Ian also appeared in several episodes of the hit 1980s BBC TV series Bergerac. More recent times have seen him establishing a large and loyal fanbase at Lichfield Garrick Theatre, where his regular appearances as the Dame have ensured the panto’s laughter count has been as high as a giant beanstalk. This Christmas sees Ian donning the wig, the heels and plenty of slap to star as Dame Fraulein Strudel in the venue’s sure-to-be-fun production of Snow White And The Magic Mirror.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Stewart Clarke feature Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 15:31 Page 1

I’ve had to learn to play the guitar. When we “ opened in Cardiff it was so scary, because it was something I’d never done before in my life.”

Stewart Clarke talks about getting spiritual in Birmingham...

10 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Stewart Clarke feature Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 15:31 Page 2

interview...

A Warwick University graduate, Stewart Clarke’s acting CV is impressive for someone so young. A West End debut in Loserville earned him plenty of acclaim, as is his current portrayal of Sam Wheat in Ghost The Musical, the much-heralded spectacular that’s making its way to Birmingham this Christmas. What’s On recently caught up with Stewart to find out more...

What’s the best thing about playing Sam relaxed into it and it’s okay now, but I was a in your footsteps. Wheat? bit nervous to begin with. It’s a fantastic role in terms of its size and Is playing the guitar something you’d like You come from a theatrical background. emotional reach. He’s also a character from to continue after the tour? Were you always destined for a life on the an iconic film, so there’s that instant I’d like to think so. It’s a great skill to have, stage? recognition which people have. And there and it’ll be interesting to see if they let me No, when I was a teenager I really didn’t are some fantastic songs and great scenes, keep the guitar as a memento after the know what I wanted to do. I think I rejected all of which are wrapped together in a show... what my parents were doing purely from a wonderful show. ‘grumpy teenager’ perspective. Then, during Ghost features probably the best illusions sixth form, I just decided to give it a go. It was You’ve built yourself an impressive CV for in musical theatre. Are you sworn to all on a bit of a whim, really, but I found I someone so young. Do you consider this secrecy as to how they all work? loved it. I’ve never looked back. to be your biggest role to date? Yeah, I’m sworn to secrecy, but obviously I In the world of musical theatre I’d probably know how they work because I’m having to Do you class your parents as your biggest say that this is one of the biggest male roles, operate them - not that I’m claiming to be inspiration? especially in terms of stage time. It’s Sam’s any kind of David Blaine! What I will say, Most definitely. They’re so supportive and story and it follows him throughout the show though, is that they’re all very simple when it inspiring. They’re fantastic, and have helped - so yeah, definitely my biggest. comes down to it. The bottom line is that me through so much. they look fantastic, and certainly puzzle the The scene where you remove your shirt is audience. You’re first role was in the West End in greeted with plenty of cheers from the Loserville - quite an achievement for audience. Does this add a certain Ghost is a very emotional show. How do someone recently graduated... pressure to keep in top condition you wind down after a performance? Yeah, I was completely over the moon, and physically? I’m usually so worn out, I just go home and just so lucky that the right role came along at Yeah, it’s a funny one really, because it’s collapse. It’s been nice recently because I’ve the right time. winter now, which normally means ‘jumper been in Woking, so I’ve been able to season’! It’s a time when you think about commute. It’s quite a nice drive home. I’ll put What’s your all-time favourite musical? relaxing a bit, but that’s just not the case. I some mellow music on the radio and then, I was in a production of Parade with a youth suppose it’s good motivation for me to keep by the time I get home, I’m usually in a pretty group called The Company at The Lowry in trim, but I’m looking forward to the day when good place. It takes a good hour-and-a-half 2010. It was so powerful. It was brief but I the tour finishes and I can help myself to a to come down. It’s a very tough role in that haven’t really had a show experience like it. load of cake. respect. The play is based on a true story, and the music is heartbreaking. So yeah, I think I’d Do you consider yourself to be fairly What’s your favourite pastime away from have to go with Parade by Joseph Robert disciplined? the theatre? Brown. Yeah, but it can sometimes be quite difficult Sport, particularly football. I’m a fan of to find time to eat good meals and get to the Reading FC. There are a few of us in the What’s on your radar post-Ghost? gym. When we have two shows a day, and company who’re into football, so we’ve now I don’t know. I have an ambition to do rehearsals, time just disappears. You have to got a Ghost football team. something for the first time and be known as try and grab snippets of exercise time the person who created that role. whenever you can. This is your first tour, so how are you finding the experience? Do you have a hero in the acting world? And is it easy to keep your performance You change venues every two to three weeks Probably Hugh Jackman. He’s come from fresh during such a long tour? and that keeps it fresh. I always find opening that world where he was at a little theatre in You go through stages. When it first opens, nights exciting, and, of course, audiences Melbourne and has since progressed to you’re just running on adrenaline, because differ, which is also fun. The hardest thing I’m being The Wolverine. He’s definitely my hero. it’s all new. Then you go through a settled finding is not having a home base, and To have any kind of career like that, for me, period, and that’s quite enjoyable. Then, having to find my own digs. It’s great when would be insane. after a while, you reach a stage where you you have somewhere nice to stay, but that’s try and change things a bit. You have not always the case. I guess it’s all swings What’s your guilty pleasure? different blocks, so you might look back at a and roundabouts. Loving camp shows like Legally Blonde, previous block and think, ‘oh, I did that like having a cheesy singalong in the car, and that then, and now I do it like this’. Things You have the bonus of playing on familiar dancing when nobody’s looking. just change and evolve but generally very turf for Christmas... subtlely. I look back to when we opened in Yeah, many of my formative years were Can you dance? Cardiff and think it looks like a totally spent in the Midlands. I spent five years at I’m not a trained dancer in any way, shape or different show. secondary school there and also went to form - and neither do I claim to be - but I’ll Warwick University, so it’ll be nice to be give it a go. My moves are my own. Have you had to learn any new disciplines performing nearer home. Hopefully there’ll to play Sam? be a lot of supportive people coming along Would you ever consider a role that’s I’ve had to learn to play the guitar. When we to watch the show. more, say, physical? opened in Cardiff it was so scary, because it I wouldn’t want to do anything like Singin’ In was something I’d never done before in my You were in a lot of musical theatre The Rain, but something with a bit of life. And now here I am, playing the guitar on productions at Warwick. Have you since movement - I could have a go at that. stage, and acting and singing at the same returned as a member of the audience? Perhaps I’ll take some classes - who time! I went back last February to see a show. It knows?... was quite funny seeing all these new people, Did you have the help of a tutor? who you don’t recognise, performing in I did, but it all happened so quickly. I had shows which obviously mean as much to Ghost shows at New Alexandra Theatre, about three lessons and then just had to them as they once did to me. It’s quite a Birmingham, from Tues 17 December to Sun busk it. But as the tour’s gone on, it’s all sobering reminder that life goes on, and that 5 January and Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- become a lot more familiar to me. I’ve there are always new people aiming to follow Trent, Wed 8 - Sat 18 January

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Will.i.am feature_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:33 Page 1

He taught me that every “ second of your life is a stage. Entertainment is your career, and every time you walk, it’s a stage.”

Will.i.am on why Michael Jackson’s ‘just the best’...

12 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Will.i.am feature_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:33 Page 2

interview...

As well known for being one of the founding members of hip-hop/pop band the Black Eyed Peas as for being a judge on the hit BBC TV talent show The Voice, multi-platinum producer Will.i.am this month returns to British shores to perform three arena dates. Away from the limelight, Will is involved in a pioneering education project to support under-privileged children. Here, he talks about his involvement with the project, what audiences can expect from his forthcoming tour, and why Michael Jackson is still ‘just the best’...

Why the decision to go out on tour, Will? of fusion - pop fusion with layers. Leah’s It was a calling. I never had the desire before voice is just spectacular. How do you top the things you’ve done in to tour by myself. Doing a show here and the past, like with the NASA and the there, or DJ-ing here and there was cool, but Who would you say you’ve learned the Olympics. I never had the desire to tour outside of the most from over the course of your career, You just keep creative and keep Peas. I didn’t feel the need or the reason. But and why? collaborating. That adds focus to do cool new this project, and especially the success in my Michael Jackson. He taught me that every things. solo project, gave me a new desire. It’s a new second of your life is a stage. Entertainment excitement to wanna do that. I’m really happy is your career, and every time you walk, it’s a What excites you most at the moment? about it. stage. He taught me about humility too, to Leah’s project. I’m finishing up with Britney. check every moment of every decision and And that’s about it right now. What’s your vision for the tour? make sure that it’s the right decision. I just want to represent the songs and display As big as he was, he wasn’t arrogant and he You’ve been working on a lot of them in a way that excites the audience and wasn’t rude. He’s just the best. educational projects in the States. Is that allows them, for two hours, to escape panning out the way you’d hoped? whatever it is they’ve been doing. I know it Did working with him change the way you Yeah! We’re going for a second phase. sounds corny but I just wanna bring joy to approached your own work, then? Currently we have two hundred kids. In our people. It guides how I approach people that like my second phase, we’re going to support three work. hundred more. The area where my school is, Will there be any special guests? two years ago, the graduation was sixty per Yeah, but I’m having to keep it a surprise for In what way? cent and GPA was 2.4; very low performance. now. I’ve got surprises, and I’ve got to keep There are people who accomplish an inch But since then, the graduation’s jumped to them that way. and they act like they created oxygen! They eighty per cent and the GPA to 2.8. We’ve separate themselves from people. As big as seen significant changes, both in parent and Who would be your ideal guest? Michael Jackson was, with all the things he teacher participation. It’s a great result. Jimi Hendrix! accomplished, he didn’t. I mean, he had to, So far we’ve sent twenty kids to China to for safety, but when he was around people, it learn Mandarin, fifteen kids to San Diego to Anyone in the land of the living? was as if he’d known them forever. He was learn code, kids to New Hampshire to do IT Prince, but I’m trying to be realistic. He’s not always connected and looking for and be inspired with the new age, and we’ve gonna be an obvious one. connectivity and conversation. I see today’s also sent some kids on a tour of the White celebrities and they’re the total opposite. House. What about Cheryl? There was this generation - James Brown, I’m having to keep that a secret. Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Does it help that these kids feel people Ritchie - who were very grounded. Now believe in them? Is it going to be a very technological there’s this other generation of celebrities No. People in the hood, people in these show? who have this ‘I am holier than you!’ attitude. areas - where there’s no opportunity - they’re You tryin’ to figure me out?! I’m a tech junkie, I think, ‘Dude you sing songs, what the hell not worried about people not believing in so yeah, it’ll be technological. are you talking about?’! them. They’re worried about opportunities. I could say, “Yeah I believe in you”, but that What’s so great about performing here in Do you see that happen a lot? won’t bring opportunity. The opportunities are the UK? Hell, yeah! It makes me laugh. Every time I the tools that are transformative. There’s something about your country that’s see that stuff, when I’m travelling about, I Okay, there’s charity. I’m from the ghetto, pretty freaking. It’s an amazing place. People think, ‘what the f*** are you people doing?’ that’s where I’m from, that’s my origins and complain when it rains - ‘Ah, the weather’s Half of them don’t even write the songs they we don’t want to sign up to charity, standing horrible!’. Who cares? I’m bringing an sing! Are you serious? I learned a lot from in line, looking poor. Especially in the Twitter- umbrella! When the sun comes out, there’s a Michael, James, Stevie and my peers. Facebook-Instagram age, where people need bigger appreciation! the tools. They don’t want to be showing How do you respond when you witness everybody they ain’t got nothing. Charity is It’s a big commitment. Do you have to take that sort of behaviour? successful only when it’s about opportunities a large chunk of time out to prepare? Each to his own. I just know it’s a thing I and enabling, not hand-outs. If you give Yeah, but it’s no different to doing an album. wouldn’t do. Every time I’m walking down the money, that money is going to get spent. It An album takes a year, maybe a year-and-a- street, in a hurry to get somewhere, and should be about, ‘Here’s some tools and half. So it’s another one of those things. someone says, ‘Hey Will, can we take a there’s this programme where mentors will picture?’, I have to pretend I don’t hear them. help guide you’. That’s the reason the results Is a new series of The Voice out of the That hurts; it breaks my heart. It’s like I’m we’re seeing in Boyle Heights are so question, or is that still up in the air? being a dick. Even though I hate having encouraging. We’re gonna take that to Detroit No, I just can’t discuss Voice details. I was a pictures taken, I’m like, ‘Really bro, you’re and areas that need serious reconstruction little bit shaken up last year as a result. taking pictures! You can’t just totally be and transformation. So I’m really excited ignored, but you’d better appreciate that about that work. How have things been with Leah since The picture!’. And I appreciate the fact that Voice? someone wants to share that moment with Let’s finish on an entertainment note. In It’s great! The last time I was this excited someone they know. At the same time, your opinion, has Miley Cyrus killed off about a project was when the Black Eyed there’s life, and when you’re out there in the twerking? Peas announced we were gonna do a dance world, you’re usually going somewhere or Man, what are you talking about. I had album. doing something, and those small twerking lessons yesterday! interruptions affect your productivity, as silly How would you describe the type of music as it may sound. But saying no, or rushing we’re going to get from Leah? off, or pretending to ignore because you have Will.i.am performs at Birmingham’s LG Arena I would say wonderful layers of sonic somewhere to be for some reason, is difficult on Wednesday 4 December. euphoria. It’s experimental, and there’s a lot for me to be comfortable with.

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Roy Wood Rock’n’Roll Band featuring The Proclaimers Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 16 December Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Roy hails from Kitts Green, and is one of Birmingham’s most famous sons. He’s been in the music busi- ness since the mid-1960s, performing solo as well as in the bands The Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard. Roy’s homecoming for this festive- season concert is particularly appropriate, given that his best-known song is surely I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, with which he and glam- rockers Wizzard stormed the charts forty long years ago... Roy is joined for this anniversary gig not only by his Rock&Roll band but also The Pro- claimers, whose star is once again in the ascendant courtesy of the recently re- leased movie version Status Quo of stage hit Sunshine LG Arena, Birmingham, Sat 7 December On Leith, which fea- Iconic rockers Status Quo hold the record for both the most appearances on Top Of The tures plenty of the Pops and the greatest number of UK chart recordings. They’ve also sold around one Scottish twins’ most hundred-and-twenty million records worldwide - not a bad achievement for a group of popular numbers. lads who were still at school when they decided to hook up and form a band. Originally called The Scorpions when they came together in 1962 (then The Spectres, then Traffic Jam), Quo hit the big-time with 1967’s Pictures Of Matchstick Men, and they’ve been White Lies banging out the hits ever since. Brit Award winners in 1991 for their ‘Outstanding Contri- The Institute, Birmingham, Sun 15 December bution to Music’, the band have this year starred in their first feature film, Bula Quo!, and White Lies have just released third album BIG TV. also released their one hundredth single, in so doing offering plenty of solid evidence Debuting at number four, the album continues in that slowing down and smelling the roses really isn’t an option for these legendary gods the same epic footsteps as To Lose My Life and of the British rock scene. Ritual, with references to ’80s bands Depeche Mode and The Cure. This being their first tour since their sell-out Wembley gig in 2011, expect an Avenged Sevenfold epic live set from the London trio, who’re famed for LG Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 5 December their dark but uplifting sound. Frankie Rose sup- Making a long-awaited return to the UK following their epic last set at Download 2011, ports. Avenged Sevenfold have just been announced as Download 2014 headliners alongside Linkin Park. The gig marks the California band’s first UK festival headlining slot, and comes on the heels of their number one success with Hail To The King, the first album Julia Fordham written without drummer Jimmy Sullivan, who died from an accidental overdose in 2009. Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Five Finger Death Punch and Avatar support. Mon 16 December Starting out as a backing singer for Mari Wilson and Kim Wilde, Julie Fordham pretty quickly found her very own place in the spotlight, cutting her first album in 1988 and going on to make a name for herself on an international level. Nowadays based in California, Julie describes herself as a left field pop singer, shifting from the folk scene to the jazz scene and even dabbling with blue eyed soul. She’s touring the UK this year in support of new album Under The Rainbow, which sees her revisit- ing her classic songs.

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Music PREVIEWS

Sherry Counsellors The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 14 December Sherry Counsellors’ ‘Christmas spectacular’ puts some of the region’s eclectic talent in the spotlight, presenting an evening of musi- cal styles as wide-ranging as scratchy ska and alternative indie. The gig showcases four of the best groups in the Potteries area - Sherry Counsellors (as you’d expect!), South- wall Corner Club, Dirty Money and The Car- pet Lions. With Southwall Corner Club recently recording their debut EP and The Carpet Lions swinging a slot on 6 Towns Radio, this promises to be an evening of fes- tive entertainment well worth catching.

Black Sabbath LG Arena, Birmingham, Fri 20 December; National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Sun 22 December Birmingham-originated heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath started out in the late-1960s as a heavy blues rock band named Earth, before a decision to dabble with themes of horror and the occult took them in a decidedly different direction. Guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and, of course, singer Ozzy Osbourne were the original foursome, with the latter’s ferocious drug use finally seeing him being kicked out of the band in 1979 (al- though he’s since returned). With worldwide sales of records topping the seventy million mark, the band’s right to their place in the UK Music Hall of Fame and the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame is beyond question, while Rolling Stone magazine paid further tribute to their influence by ranking them at number The Hoax eighty-five in its One Hundred Greatest Artists Of All Time list. Their return to Birmingham this The Robin, Bilston, Mon 9 December Christmas comes only a few weeks after they picked up three gongs at the prestigious Clas- In a tiny village in Wiltshire, former school- sic Rock Roll Of Honour event, including the coveted Living Legend award. friends Hugh Coltman, Jesse Davey, Robin Davey and Jon Amor uncovered a shared love of the American blues greats BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Forming The Hoax Climax Blues Band Placebo in 1991, they were hailed ‘arguably the most Lichfield Guildhall, Sun 22 December O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 12 December influential British Blues band’ for twenty Local boys the Climax Blues Band (they origi- years. Earning rave reviews and awards from nated in Staffordshire) have been plying their Releasing their first album in four years in the British Blues Connection, they disbanded blues rock-soft rock trade since before Neil September - and heading out on an accom- in 1999 to pursue solo projects. Now they’re Armstrong walked on the moon, and have panying world tour just for good measure - back, on tour with the original line-up for ten had almost as many line-up changes as Placebo’s Loud Like Love shows are selling shows across the UK, Netherlands and they’ve written songs (okay, this is an exag- out fast. Alternative rock band poster boys, France. geration, but you get our drift). But then, they’ve described themselves as ‘for out- forty-plus years is a long old time, so com- siders, by outsiders’, with best-known songs ings and goings are hardly a surprise. As including Pure Morning and Every You, Every you’d undoubtedly expect given their Me. With a cult fanbase that’s stood by them longevity, the band has released no shortage throughout a twenty-year career that’s taken of albums, and enjoyed a UK top ten hit with in glam rock, goth rock, grunge and punk Couldn't Get It Right way back in 1977. rock, the band are here joined for the first gig on their UK tour by Toy. Arthur Doherty Band Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 12 December Vocalist Arthur’s not just a pretty voice. Also excelling with the guitar and bodhran, he’s been engaging his audiences in the business of enjoying a good ol’ foot-tap for many a Black Veil Brides year now. Brought up in a traditional Irish family, he likes to offer plenty more than just a Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Tues 17 December few (rather excellent) tunes in his concerts, regularly dipping into his seemingly bottom- With a mission to create a modern-day heavy less bag of jokes and anecdotes to ensure metal band and combine the theatrics and people head for home at the end of the night passion of glam rock outfits such as Misfits, having been thoroughly entertained. Thriller Live Motley Crue and Kiss, Black Veil Brides was ICC, Birmingham, formed by fifteen-year-old Andy Six. Debut Tues 17 Dec - Sun 5 Jan album We Stitch These Wounds sold over ten A concert celebrating the career of the late thousand copies in its first week, catapulting Michael Jackson, Thriller Live features a West the boys to stardom. Winners of a host of End cast of performers, specially created Kerrang!, Revolver and Loudwire awards, the choreography, and more hits than Michael Brides’ new album was released alongside a probably had cosmetic procedures! The full-length feature film, a visual depiction of show includes performances of I Want You the story within the album. Back, I'll Be There, Can You Feel It, Rock With Heaven’s Basement and The Smoking Hearts You, She's Out Of My Life, Thriller, Beat It, Bil- support. lie Jean and Earth Song.

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5 DECEMBER

LIVE FROM LA SCALA: LA TRAVIATA Sat 7 Dec, 5pm LICHFIELD GUILDHALL DECEMBER Sat 7th Dec, 8pm Coope, Simpson, With La Scala Opera Company; Frazer and starring Diana Damrau, Piotr Beczala and Željko Lučić. Sung Freya in Italian. Tickets: £14.50, £12.50 Members

ROH LIVE SCREENING: Sun 15th Dec, 8pm THE NUTCRACKER Johnny Coppin Thurs 12 Dec, 7.15pm - All on a Winter’s Night Tickets: £15.50, £13.50 Members Sat 21st Dec, 8pm Katriona Tchaikovsky’s magical, perennial Roberts Christmas ballet, screened live and Jamie from Covent Garden. Gilmore BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST Tickets: £13, £11 Members

Sat 14 Dec, 7.30pm Sun 22nd Dec, 7.30pm Climax Blues Band and Bekah Downes Tickets: £14, £12 Members

Multi-instrumental folk duo bring- ing a touch of classical, a drop of jazz, a smattering of music hall and a healthy portion of seasonal humour. THE EASY WAY TO JANUARY 2014 LIKELY STORY THEATRE: Fri /Sat 17th & 18th January TINSEL TALES Lichfield Arts presents Thurs 19 Dec, 1.30pm & 7.30pm BOOK Lichfield Winter YOUR TICKETS Beer Festival ONLINE All aboard The Historia – the greatest story-telling ship in the galaxy. Tinselly, Christmassy fun show for all the family.

ROMEO AND JULIET

Fri 20 Dec, 2pm With over 30 real ales, traditional Sat 21 & Mon 23 Dec, 7.30pm ciders, good food plus live music both nights - what more could Julian Fellows’ you need to get rid of those post- sumptuous new christmas blues production of whatsonlive.co.uk Shakespeare’s Tickets: £2 before 6pm / famous love story. £3 after 6pm on the door Hailee Steinfield (£2 all day ticket if purchased and Douglas Booth in advance) in title roles. The most comprehensive what’s on listings website

for Birmingham and the West Midlands For a programme or further information contact: 1 Mill Street, Ludlow, Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU Shropshire SY8 1AZ BOX OFFICE 01543 262223 01584 878141 www.lichfieldarts.org.uk www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk You can now book on-line www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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Hall, Wolverhampton JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO MusicGIG REVIEWS Music LISTINGS DAVID BOWIE The As- sembly, Leamington Spa For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk For full listing information on gigs, NEW BAYS, OUT OF SAN- including times and dates, ITY, BEFORE THE STORY visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ENDS & WAIT FOR THE Wildflowers FALL O2 Academy, B’ham The Institute, Birmingham RAT PACK Symphony THE HEELS The Yardbird Plucked from obscurity by rock legend Robert Plant after being per- SUN 1 DEC Hall, Birmingham Jazz Club, Birmingham STEELEYE SPAN Warwick sonally handpicked to join him on two sell-out UK gigs earlier this year, THE DOORS ALIVE O2 QUEEN - FLASH The Arts Centre, Coventry Robin, Bilston Brighton-based folk-country quartet Wildflowers are a rare and magical Academy, Birmingham MICHAEL MONROE The PANIC ROOM The Robin, SECRET AFFAIR Hare & act. Their combined instrumental weight, faraway vocal harmonies and Slade Rooms, Wolver- Hounds, Birmingham Bilston hampton magnetic stage presence have seen them blossom, in the space of six BARENAKED LADIES The OLIVIA MOORE & UNFURL short months, into one of the most sought-after acts on the British THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL Symphony Hall, B’ham Institute, Birmingham The Glee Club, B’ham indie-folk-rock scene. THE TOY HEARTS PRES- KATE RUSBY Warwick THE ADRIAN COX QUARTET Arts Centre, Coventry Currently to be found supporting Tom Odell on a sixteen-date sell-out ENT THE JITTERBUG Westwood Heath Club VIPERS Hare & Hounds, SKABUCKS The Marr's national tour, the band’s sun-kissed folk melodies, bohemian-bred & Reading Room, Birm- Bar, Worcester Birmingham ingham cool and perfectly-judged harmonies were an immediate hit with their BLACK VOICES CHRIST- HOBSONS INLAND SEA Birmingham audience, lending a blustery and wet HMV Institute an at- MAS SPECIAL Birming- SHANTY SINGERS Ludlow mosphere akin to Glastonbury Festival at sunset. ham Town Hall WED 4 DEC Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire Poised somewhere between the all-American rock anthems of Alanis DISSIDENT PROPHET SHOW OF HANDS Wulfrun Kitchen Garden Cafe, LABOUR OF LOVE - UB40 Morissette and The Eagles and the cheerily up-tempo folk-rock Hall, Wolverhampton TRIBUTE The River Kings Heath, B’ham THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS melodies of Mumford And Sons, Wildflowers’ peculiar talent for punch- TOBY JEPSON Ex Little Rooms, Stourbridge ing out a catchy riff was apparent from the word go - as was the un- BAND The Jam House, 51 STONE Route 44, Angels Frontman, O2 Birmingham questionable richness of Siddy Bennett and James Astbury’s Academy, Birmingham Birmingham BUDDY WHITTINGTON The SWING INTO CHRISTMAS folk-inspired arrangements, which featured contributions from man- BLUES BOY DAN OWEN Robin, Bilston Henry Tudor House, Tamworth Assembly dolin, banjo, harmonica and Hammond organ, as well as other instru- WILL.I.AM LG Arena, Rooms Shrewsbury Birmingham ments. Particularly worthy of mention is the band’s charismatic lead THE LEGENDS Irish Cen- CHARLIE LAW Warwick vocalist, the West Country-born Siddy Bennett, whose commanding EMPIRICAL Warwick Arts Arts Centre, Coventry tre, Birmingham Centre, Coventry stage presence and carefree demeanour made her an immediate SHAWN CUDDY Irish Cen- ABBA REUNION Artrix, DON BROCO The Institute, Bromsgrove favourite with the crowd. Channelling the spirit of Woodstock via a hip- tre, Birmingham Birmingham JUNGLE FIRE Hare & THE SUBTERRANEANS pie-inspired feather headdress and Janice Joplin-esque boots, Siddy’s HIGHTALE The Actress & The Jam House, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham Bishop, Birmingham self-confident style was matched by her stunning vocal delivery, which THE CANDY BOX BUR- put one in mind of a young Sheryl Crowe or Chrissy Hynde. From her BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST The HELLRAZOR The Road- LESQUE The Glee Club, Red Lion Folk Club, gutsy opening rendition of the folk-rock inspired Where The Flowers Birmingham house, Birmingham Birmingham SUGAR RAZORS The Ac- Don’t Grow to the soothing country & western tones of Another Million METAL ALL DAYER The OH LAND The Institute, Roadhouse, B’ham tress & Bishop, Birming- Miles, Siddy’s impressive command of her instrument and impas- Birmingham ham PANIC ROOM The Robin, BOO HERWERDINE sioned commitment to her lyrics was much in evidence, ably illustrat- Bilston T.REXTASY Huntingdon ing just how strong a rival she is to the all-time greats of the country & Kitchen Garden Cafe, Hall, Worcester Kings Heath, B’ham western songbook. JP COOPER The Institute, MON 2 DEC THE HOOSIERS O2 Acad- Birmingham In a set comprised almost entirely of potential hit singles, notable high- emy, Birmingham FATBOY SLIM The Insti- lights included the rhythmically upbeat Let It Go, a song of heartbreak THE DARKNESS Wulfrun IRENE & TOM Irish Cen- tute, Birmingham inspired by Siddy’s troubled relationship with her estranged father and Hall, Wolverhampton tre, Birmingham JAMES SKELLY & THE IN- featuring superb supporting harmonies from little sister Kid Bennett THE WORD ALIVE O2 TOSELAND The Slade TENDERS The Sugarmill, Academy, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton and writing partner James Astbury. There was also a folk-inspired toast Stoke-on-Trent FLUX PAVILLION O2 THE FESTIVE FREEDOM LONG DISTANCE Irish to the nomadic life called Friends - a melodic number reminiscent of Academy, Birmingham FRINGE The Flapper, Centre, Birmingham an early Pogues hit - and the slow-swung rock’n’roll anthem Take Me HUDSON TAYLOR The In- Birmingham GLADSTONE ROCKS Glad- Home, a homage to the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriters of Siddy stitute, Birmingham stone Pottery Museum, Bennett’s musical upbringing. TIR NA NOG Kitchen Gar- THUR 5 DEC Stoke-on-Trent den Cafe, Kings Heath, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS In short, a gig well worth an evening of anyone’s time. Birmingham IIIII BASEMENT JAXX O2 The Assembly, Leam- Katherine Ewing BLUES BOY DAN OWEN Academy, Birmingham ington Spa Henry Tudor House, AVENGED SEVENFOLD LG GORDON HENDRICKS AS Shrewsbury Arena. Birmingham ELVIS Theatre On The FINDLAY Hare & THE SUBTERRANEANS Steps, Bridgnorth Bryan Ferry Hounds, Birmingham The Jam House, B’ham MARCUS INTALEX The Symphony Hall, Birmingham TOM STANIFORD The HAIM The Institute Birm- Rainbow Venues, Birm- Glee Club, Birmingham ingham ingham Having grown up with the sounds of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music THE BLUE AEROPLANES (thanks to my mother’s borderline obsession with Mr Ferry), I finally TUE 3 DEC Hare & Hounds, B’ham SAT 7 DEC had the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. Kicking off the SHINING The Slade event was a great warm-up session from the Bryan Ferry Orchestra, an ELECTRIC SIX O2 Acad- Rooms, Wolverhampton KATE RUSBY Civic Hall, eight-piece ensemble whose exceptional talent is much in evidence on emy, Birmingham JOHN OTWAY The Robin, Wolverhampton Bilston STATUS QUO LG Arena, the jazz soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s highly acclaimed 2013 movie, RODDY WOOMBLE The In- stitute, Birmingham VOODOO ROOM The Birmingham The Great Gatsby. The sounds that filled the Symphony Hall audito- DAN BAYLISS QUINTET Roadhouse, B’ham THE JAKE & ELWOOD rium certainly made me eager for more. The Spotted Dog, JAMIE LENMAN (EX BLUES BROTHERS The And more I most definitely got, when the impeccably stylish Bryan B’ham RUBEN) & KILL CHAOS Robin, Bilston Ferry stepped onto the stage! Bryan was backed not only by his or- MINDLESS SELF INDUL- The Institute, B’ham THE SUBTERRANEANS chestra, but also a well-qualified band that included the monumentally GENCE Wulfrun Hall, OF KINGS AND CAPTAINS The Jam House, B’ham Wolverhampton The River Rooms, HANSON The Institute talented Oliver Thornton, the babyfaced guitarist delighting the audi- PAPA ROACH O2 Acad- Stourbridge Birmingham ence with some truly sensational guitar solos. emy, Birmingham THE BLACK TAM- GORDON HENDRICKS AS With my mum and every other woman in the audience screaming in BULLET FOR MY VALEN- BOURINES, ELEPHANTINE, ELVIS Theatre On The sheer delight, Ferry kicked off the show with Don’t Stop The Dance, TINE National Indoor THE MIGHTY YOUNG & Steps, Bridgnorth setting the tone for one of the best concerts I’ve seen this year. Com- Arena, Birmingham LYRE The Actress & THE SOUL SURVIVORS THE DARKNESS The As- Bishop, Birmingham The River Rooms, ing up with a selection of songs that pleases everyone is no mean feat, sembly, Leamington Stourbridge but Ferry seemed to manage it, blending Roxy Music favourites with Spa FRI 6 DEC FOREVER YOUNG ROCK Bob Dylan and even John Lennon classics. A heartfelt version of BLUES BOY DAN OWEN NIGHT The Slade Dylan’s Knocking On Heaven’s Door really resonated with the audi- Henry Tudor House, BOYZONE LG Arena, Rooms, Wolverhampton ence, while the show reached new heights with Ferry’s rendition of Shrewsbury Birmingham SURGE SAXOPHONES mac Love Is The Drug. The encore performance of Let’s Stick Together saw THE FRANKIE VALLI HAPPY MONDAYS O2 - Midlands Arts Centre, STORY - JERSEY BOY Academy, Birmingham Birmingham people leaving their seats and hurrying towards the stage for a boogie Feat: Stephen James, THE MAD GEESE The REBEL REBEL The Road- - a definite highlight of my night. Indeed, it’s safe to say that I’m now a The Robin, Bilston Flapper, Birmingham house, Birmingham Bryan Ferry fan!. Ryan Humphreys IIII CHRISTMAS WITH THE THE DAMNED Wulfrun GILAD ATZMON AND THE

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Stafford Gatehouse The- LOVE FOUNDATION Route LISTINGS atre 44, Birmingham Music THE VINYLS & THOMAS MC- SHIN PARWANA Symphony CONNELL The Actress & Hall, Birmingham Bishop, Birmingham ALL ON A WINTER'S NIGHT - For full listing information on gigs, DEVIL RED The River JOHNNY COPPIN Artrix, including times and dates, Rooms, Stourbridge Bromsgrove visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk CLASSIC SOUL CHRISTMAS FRI 13 DEC PARTY WITH BROTHERS OF SOUL Nailcote Hall, Berk- ORIENT HOUSE ENSEMBLE ENUFF 2 NUFF Marr’s Bar, JLS LG Arena, B’ham swell, Warwickshire Arena Theatre, Wolver- Worcester ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS KASTELLA The Actress & hampton PAIGHTON O2 Academy, Prince Of Wales Centre, Bishop, Birmingham COOPE, SIMPSON, FRAZER Birmingham Cannock JAMIE KNIGHT & THE BIG AND FREYA Lichfield Guild- THE HOAX The Robin, Bil- UK SUBS O2 Academy, SWING Huntingdon Hall, hall ston Birmingham Worcester THE COURTEENERS O2 J. COLE O2 Academy, Birm- BEYOND THE BARRICADE DAVIDE SQUILLACE The Academy, Birmingham ingham Malvern Theatres Rainbow Venues, Birming- WATAIN The Institute, Birm- FRAN THE MAN Irish Centre, THE DREAMBOYS FIT AND FA- ham ingham Birmingham MOUS 2013 TOUR The THEATRE OF HATE FEAT STAN FACE PRESENTS KU:DER'TA MIKE DIGNAM The Glee Robin, Bilston STAMMERS, JOHN BOY FEATURING CHRIS LATTNER Club, Birmingham BEE GEES FEVER Theatre On LENNARD, KIRK BRANDON, AND GUESTS The Rainbow The Steps, Bridgnorth ROBIN GOODRIDGE AND Venues, Birmingham TUE 10 DEC CHRIS ALDRIDGE AND BEEBE ADRIAN PORTAS The Insti- MOTOWN SOUL SPECTACU- Symphony Hall, Birming- tute, Birmingham LAR The Place, Oaken- DEACON BLUE Symphony ham 15 YEARS OF VIRUS FEATUR- gates Theatre, Telford Hall, Birmingham CRAIG CHARLES Hare & ING ED RUSH & OPTICAL UNDER THE COVERS Irish SOLID SOUL The Jam Hounds, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birming- Centre, Birmingham House, Birmingham THE LEGENDS PARTY WITH ham JACK MCNEILL & CHARLIE BLACK STAR RIDERS The As- ABSOLUTE LEGENDS Nail- DAN WHITEHOUSE Birming- HEYS Ort Cafe, B’ham sembly, Leamington Spa cote Hall, Berkswell, War- ham Conservatoire MMX The Sugarmill, Stoke- SIMON MCBRIDE The Robin, wickshire PANIC! REUNION PARTY The on-Trent Bilston MAMMA MIA - CHRISTMAS Institute, B’ham LOVELESS LUCK, CHEMI- BEYOND THE BARRICADE PARTY WITH BOOTLEG ABBA THE FATHER TEDS Irish Cen- CALLY ABUSED, KODIAK AND Prince Of Wales Centre, Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, tre, Birmingham SOUR SCARLET The Flapper, Cannock Warwickshire NIRVANAGAIN The Marr's Birmingham UNDER THE INFLUENCE O2 FRED ZEPPELIN The Road- Bar, Worcester THE PIGEON DETECTIVES Academy, Birmingham house, B’ham JOHN PAUL VILLAFRATI Ort Kasbah, Coventry NIGHTJAR The Spotted SCAR THE MARTYR The Cafe, Birmingham THE GRAFHAM WATER SAIL- Dog, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- SHERRY COUNSELLORS The ING CLUB, VICTOR & NOIR hampton Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent The Sunflower Lounge, WED 11 DEC FLASHBACK TO THE 80'S The KEVIN GRENFELL’S Hanley Birmingham River Rooms, Stourbridge Castle High School, SELFLESS, BURDEN OF THE SHED SEVEN Wulfrun Hall, PEACE O2 Academy, Birm- Upton-upon-Severn, NOOSE & BLACK VEINS Wolverhampton ingham Worcester Scruffy Murphys, B’ham JLS LG Arena, Birmingham MARTHA REEVES The Sug- DESPERADO The Road- SOLID SOUL The Jam armill, Stoke-on-Trent house, Birmingham SUN 8 DEC House, Birmingham JULIAN SMITH Artrix, AMINGTON BAND Tamworth JONNY COLE'S BLACK COUN- Bromsgrove Assembly Rooms JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS TRY CHRISTMAS BASH The MONEY FOR NOTHING (DIRE RHYTHM AND BLUES OR- Robin, Bilston STRAITS TRIBUTE) Hunting- SUN 15 DEC CHESTRA Symphony Hall, GYPSY FIRE Ludlow Assem- don Hall, Worcester Birmingham bly Rooms, South Shrop- MAXIMUM ZERO, MAGPIES WET WET WET LG Arena, MOSTLY AUTUMN The shire AND VAGABONDS & PRETEND Birmingham Robin, Bilston PHIL BEER/MIRANDA SYKES BEST FRIEND The Actress & SYLVIA The Yardbird, Birm- OUR MUTUAL FRIEND, THE & REX PRESTON The Red Bishop, Birmingham ingham MOURNING SUNS, EGO Lion Folk Club, Birming- COME UP & SEE ME Drum- BRAVADO - TRIBUTE TO HONEY, CHE AND THE MIS- ham monds Bar, Worcester RUSH The Robin, Bilston TAKINGS & TARA CHINN O2 THE JOHN MORRIS TRIO The THE HURLING BOYS Irish BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST The Academy, Birmingham Yardbird Jazz Club, Birm- Centre, Birmingham Hive, Shrewsbury TAMMY KING, BETHAN AND ingham ELECTRO SWING WINTER TALON - THE BEST OF THE THE MORGANS The Yard- MAX RAPTOR & ATTENTION BLUES Ludlow Assembly EAGLES Prince Of Wales bird, Birmingham THIEVES O2 Academy, Rooms, South Shropshire Centre, Cannock THE VIEW O2 Academy, Birmingham GROAN, IRON HEARSE, MAGE WHITE LIES The Institute, Birmingham DERANGED, NATRON & & NUKEBOX Scruffy Mur- Birmingham CONDUIT & JET PACK The MASOCHIST The Asylum, phys, B’ham RECKLESS HEART The Asylum, Birmingham Birmingham FRED ZEPPELIN The Road- Roadhouse, B’ham COLD CROWS DEAD The LOOM & BAD MOON Hare & house, B’ham RED BIRD SKY Kitchen Gar- Flapper, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham ACTION REPLAY Route 44, den Cafe, Kings Heath, FONTANELLA RECORDER THE GAME The Institute, Birmingham Birmingham GROUP - PASTIME WITH Birmingham ALL ON A WINTER'S NIGHT - GOOD COMPANY Hunting- THE ELECTRIC SOFT PARADE JOHNNY COPPIN Lichfield don Hall, Worcester The Assembly, Leaming- SAT 14 DEC Guildhall CHRIS WOOD Kitchen Gar- ton Spa SHED SEVEN The Institute, STAKEOUT O2 Academy, den Cafe, Kings Heath, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham CASSETTE DAYS & SOUND CHRISTMAS WITH THE TOWN THE PSYCHEDELIC WAR- THU 12 DEC HALL GOSPEL CHOIR The LORDS The River Rooms, KID The Flapper, Birming- ham Drum, B’ham Stourbridge THE BIG REUNION CHRIST- WILSON ROBERTS & FRIENDS J. COLE O2 Academy, Birm- MAS PARTY LG Arena, OCEAN COLOUR SCENE O2 Academy, B’ham AT CHRISTMAS Stratford ingham Birmingham Civic Hall THE LEGENDS Irish Centre, THE WATERBOYS New DETROIT SOUL The Jam Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, Birm- House, Birmingham SHILLELAGH Irish Centre, ingham THAT'LL BE THE DAY CHRIST- MON 16 DEC Birmingham SIMON FAULKNER The Jam MAS SHOW Birmingham Town Hall JULIA FORDHAM Henry FRANKLY GUITAR CLUB House, Birmingham Tudor House, Shrewsbury CHRISTMAS CHARITY CON- FROM THE JAM: ALL MOD GO WEST FEATURING PETER COX & RICHARD DRUMMIE THE RED LEMONS The Jam CERT Artrix, Bromsgrove CONS 35TH ANNIVERSARY House, Birmingham TOUR The Slade Rooms, The Robin, Bilston ROY CHUBBY BROWN The SLADE AND SWEET Birming- Wolverhampton ham Town Hall MON 9 DEC PLACEBO O2 Academy, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton BAD MANNERS The Assem- THE ALBION CHRISTMAS QUASI Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SHOW mac- Midlands Arts ROY WOOD ROCK & ROLL bly, Leamington Spa Birmingham BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST Lud- Centre, Birmingham AIRBOURNE The Institute, BAND The Robin, Bilston MAETLOAF The Robin, Bil- MK1 The Institute, Birming- low Assembly Rooms, Birmingham South Shropshire ston THE PARTY POPPERZ XMAS ham ANDY JORDAN O2 Acad- ST AGNES FOUNTAIN Hunt- KICK UP THE 80'S The River SPECTACULAR Tamworth Rooms, Stourbridge emy, Birmingham Assembly Rooms ingdon Hall, Worcester CONSPIRE The Sugarmill, ARTHUR DOHERTY BAND WYLDE ORCHID + DEEP 20 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music December Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:59 Page 8

Stoke-on-Trent UNCLE JIM, SWERVE, BAD JESUS JONES O2 Acad- DEFINITELY MIGHT BE MARTHA REEVES & THE MOON Actress & Bishop, emy, Birmingham MON 23 DEC AND ADORED The Robin, SUN 29 DEC ATLANTIC PLAYERS Hare Birmingham SLYDE ALIVE The Road- Bilston & Hounds, Birmingham THE MOTIVES The Sug- house, Birmingham TAKE THAT RELIGHTING HIGHER ON MAIDEN V QUILL The Robin, Bil- DIRTY OLD FOLKERS armill, Stoke-on-Trent DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Hare THE FIRE The Robin, Bil- MENTALLICA The River ston Kitchen Garden Cafe, YEAH YEAH NOH, JUNEAU & Hounds, Birmingham ston Rooms, Stourbridge GLENN MILLER ORCHES- Birmingham BROTHERS, MISS HALLI- TALON - THE BEST OF THE LONG DISTANCE Irish IVOR & LYNN'S CLASSIC TRA Symphony Hall, DECLAN GAYNOR The WELL & CHURCH OF ELVIS EAGLES The Robin, Bil- Centre, Birmingham ROCK DISCO Route 44, Birmingham THE TWANG The Rain- Irish Centre, Birming- Hare & Hounds, Birm- ston Birmingham P!NK MISS UNDERSTOOD bow Venues, B’ham ham ingham LOVELACE The Flapper, THE TREVOR BURTON The River Rooms, IN THE CARDS & JUNC- JAWS & BABYPINK Hare Birmingham CHRISTMAS SHOW Fea- Stourbridge TION 16 The Sugarmill, & Hounds, Birmingham FOREVER YOUNG ROCK turing The Trevor Bur- PAST AND PRESENT - ALL TUE 17 DEC Stoke-on-Trent ROCKET The Jam NIGHT The Slade ton Band, Mods & Sods DAYER Hare & Hounds, DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Birmingham THE RED LEMONS The House, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton and Suzi & The Back- Hare & Hounds, Birm- DECLAN GAYNOR Irish Jam House, B’ham THUNDER Civic Hall, beats, The Roadhouse, ingham Centre, Birmingham JONATHAN SILK’S CHRIST- Wolverhampton Birmingham GOSPEL CENTRAL The HEARTBREAKER & MISS- MAS BIG BAND The Spot- FRI 20 DEC ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S V HEADRUSH The Sug- Jam House, B’ham LED The Roadhouse, ted Dog, Birmingham 80S The River Rooms, armill, Stoke-on-Trent BLACK SABBATH LG Birmingham REVELATIONS O2 Acad- Stourbridge Arena, Birmingham SOUL SURVIVORS The emy, Birmingham SOULSHAKE The Yard- UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE TUE 24 DEC SAT 28 DEC Robin, Bilston RIC SANDERS AND The Jam House, B’ham bird Jazz Club, B’ham CHAS N DAVE The As- FRIENDS Huntingdon SHOWADDYWADDY Wul- PERMISSION TO ROCK - KICK UP THE 80'S The sembly, Leamington Hall, Worcester frun Hall, W’hampton THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE Robin, Bilston TUE 31 DEC IN HINDSIGHT, WE START BAND Route 44, B’ham ONE DIRECTION ADVEN- Soa THUNDER Civic Hall, T.REXTASY The Robin, PARTYS, ORCHARD HILL & THAT'S LIFE - TAKE THAT & TURE The River Rooms, DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO Wolverhampton Bilston THE CONCEPT The Insti- WESTLIFE SHOW Nailcote Stourbridge AC / DC The Robin, Bil- KATE RUSBY Malvern NEW YEARS EVE WITH tute, Birmingham Hall, Berkswell, War- ston Theatres FLARES The Road- BLACK VEIL BRIDES Wul- wickshire ROXY MAGIC The Road- BELLA HARDY TRIO house, Birmingham TRIBUTE TO THE 80'S THUR 26 DEC house, Birmingham frun Hall, Wolverhamp- Newhampton Arts Cen- MAMMA MIA NEW YEAR PARTY WITH 80'S EXPERI- QUEEN - FLASH The ton tre, Wolverhampton LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The PARTY WITH SENSATION ENCE Nailcote Hall, River Rooms, Stour- MANAKIN & MY OWN Robin, Bilston Nailcote Hall, Berk- Berkswell, Warwickshire bridge WED 18 DEC AGENDA Actress & THE BON JOVI EXPERI- swell, Warwickshire KATRIONA ROBERTS AND ENCE The River Rooms, SOUL FOOD SOUNDSYS- Bishop, Birmingham TEM KICK UP THE 80'S The SARA COLMAN Sym- JAMIE GILMORE Lichfield Stourbridge The Yardbird Jazz THE FAB BEATLES TRIB- Club, Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- phony Hall, Birmingham Guildhall MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE UTE The Assembly, HEIDI The Rainbow Ven- bridge PAUL O'BRIEN FAMILY NINE DART FINISH The WITH JAMIE FLANAGEN Leamington Spa ues, Birmingham NEW YEARS EVE WITH BAND The Red Lion Folk Actress & Bishop, Birm- Nailcote Hall, Berk- CHAS AND DAVE The BETRAYAL WITHIN THE THE SUBTERRANEANS Club, Birmingham ingham swell, Warwickshire Robin, Bilston RANKS, The Sugarmill, The Jam House, B’ham THE MELLSTOCK BAND TONY JACOBS FROM THE DIZZY LIZZY The Road- THE NOTEBENDERS Sym- Stoke-on-Trent SEVEN PART SEVEN: NYE Lord Leycester Hospi- SYD LAWRENCE ORCHES- house, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham B'SPOKE The Jam The Institute, B’ham tal, Warwick TRA Number 8 Commu- DEL CAMINO The Jam JINGLE BELL CHRISTMAS House, Birmingham THE FATHER TEDS Irish CERYS MATTHEWS Birm- nity Arts Centre, House, Birmimgham Symphony Hall, B’ham ROUTE 44 END OF THE Centre, Birmingham ingham Town Hall Pershore THE HURLING BOYS Irish THE STONES The Road- YEAR PARTY FEATURING SEAN WILSON Irish Cen- JOHN LENNON MCCUL- BRUM PUNX XMAS BASH Centre, Birmingham house, Birmingham THE NOTORIOUS BROS tre, Birmingham LAGH FEAT. G.B.H, DRONGOS Hare & Hounds, EARTH TO BLACK SAB- Route 44, Birmingham THE BLUEBEAT ARKESTRA FOR EUROPE & DIRT BOX Birmingham BATH CONVENTION FRI 27 DEC BLACK JACK DAVEY The & ANDREA BROWN The MIKE SANCHEZ & THE DISCO The Institute, Yardbird Jazz Club, Scruffy Murphys, B’ham B'SPOKE The Jam Irish Centre, B’ham PORTIONS The Robin, Birmingham Birmingham BOGUS BLOOZE Route 44, House, Birmingham Bilston Birmingham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE IRENE & TOM Irish Cen- THE BEE GEES SATURDAY The Jam House, B’ham tre, Birmingham NIGHT FEVER PARTY WITH THE FULL SHA BANG Irish GNARWOLVES & NAI HAR- STAYIN' ALIVE Nailcote Centre, Birmingham Music Venues Box Office VEST The Flapper, Birm- Hall, Berkswell, War- SWORN TO OATH The ingham Sugarmill, Stoke-on- wickshire Birmingham Black Country Staffordshire OPERATION ERROR The THE BOOZE BROTHERS Trent Sugarmill, Stoke-on- 02 ACADEMY CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, 0121 622 8250 0870 320 7000 01538 386112 Trent Warwickshire TENACIOUS D O2 Acad- SUN 22 DEC THE ACTRESS & BISHOP DUDLEY CONCERT HALL LICHFIELD GUILDHALL WHO'S NEXT The Marr's 0121 236 7426 01384 815577 emy, Birmingham 01543 262223 Bar, Worcester BLACK SABBATH NIA, FOREST ARTS CENTRE ROCKET The Jam ADRIAN BOULT HALL THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY FLASHBACK TO THE 80'S Birmingham 0121 331 5901 0845 111 2898 House, Birmingham STOKE-ON-TRENT The River Rooms, THE CAVERN BEATLES THE ASYLUM NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01159 454 593 01902 572090 Stourbridge The Robin, Bilston 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS THE SEARCHERS Hunt- KAI MCKENZIE AS THE BARBER INSTITUTE THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH 01827 709618 THUR 19 DEC 0121 533 7161 ingdon Hall, Worcester MICHAEL BUBLE The 0121 414 7333 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY KIM WILDE O2 Academy, THE GREGORY S DAVIES River Rooms, Stour- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL ROBIN 2, BILSTON 0870 060 6649 01902 401211 Birmingham BAND The Willow bridge 0121 780 3333 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THAT'LL BE THE DAY Gallery, Oswestry, North THE TOY HEARTS CHRIST- CBSO CENTRE SLADE ROOMS 01785 254653 0121 780 3333 WOLVERHAMPTON CHRISTMAS SHOW Victo- Shropshire MAS SPECIAL Hare & 0870 320 7000 FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent MODERN MINDS, DANNY Hounds, B’ham STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Warwickshire FRED ZEPPELIN The MAHON, FAITH, EGO CLIMAX BLUES AND THE GLEE CLUB 01384 812812 THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON 0871 472 0400 Robin, Bilston HONEY & LARANJA The BEKAH DOWNES Lichfield WULFRUN HALL, 01926 311311 CHRIS TYE Symphony Institute, Birmingham Guildhall HARE & HOUNDS WOLVERHAMPTON THE KASBAH, COVENTRY Hall, Birmingham NICKY ROMERO The Insti- KERFUFFLE St. Alk- 0121 444 2081 0870 320 7000 024 7655 4473 PIVA Stafford Gate- tute, Birmingham mund's Church, INSTITUTE NAILCOTE HALL, house THE MAGOOS Drum- Shrewsbury 0121 643 0428 Shropshire BERKSWELL ONLY SHADOWS, INVADE monds Bar, Worcester THE TWANG The Rain- IRISH CENTRE BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 02476 46 6174 0121 622 2314 THE ARMADA, FLAMING STAR OF THE SEA Irish bow Venues, B’ham 01952 882210 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL FIELDS, THE VIBE & Centre, Birmingham DIRTY LITTLE LIES O2 THE JAM HOUSE THE BUTTERMARKET, 01789 207100 0121 200 3030 SHREWSBURY BRAINS FOR BREAKFAST NERVE CENTRE, DUKE & Academy, Birmingham THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, LG ARENA 01743 355055 The Flapper, Birming- DEMI MARRINER O2 ELECTRIC CAKE SALAD, COVENTRY 0844 338 8000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, 0247 655 9958 ham Academy, Birmingham BIRTHRITE & VENOMOUS NIA MUCH WENLOCK MIKE SANCHEZ Hunting- HOT CLUB DE SWING ADDITION The Actress & 0844 338 8000 01952 728911 Worcestershire Hare & Hounds, B’ham Bishop, Birmingham don Hall, Worcester THE RAINBOW HENRY TUDOR HOUSE ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE X-SLF FEATURING EX GOD DAMN, THEM GREG COULSON, DEL 0121 772 8174 SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 BROMHAM, CHERRY LEE 01743 361666 MEMBERS OF STIFF LIT- WOLVES & TABLE SCRAPS RED LION FOLK CLUB HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN TLE FINGERS, HENRY The Flapper, B’ham MEWIS AND LAURENCE 0121472 4253 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY THEATRE 01905 611427 01743 234970 CLUNEY AND JIM REILLY DELAMERE The Sug- JONES The Assembly, THE ROADHOUSE MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER THE IRONWORKS, OSWESTRY The River Rooms, armill, Stoke-on-Trent Leamington Spa 0121 459 5660 01905 613336 01691 679123 Stourbridge THE LEGENDS Irish Cen- ROUTE 44 THE RIVER ROOMS, BIG TENT Ort Cafe, Birm- tre, Birmingham 0121 708 0108 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS SAT 21 DEC 01584 878141 STOURBRIDGE ingham LITTLE JIMMY Irish Cen- SYMPHONY HALL 01384 397177 0121 780 3333 THEATRE SEVERN, INSOLITO, A BORN DISAS- SHOWADDYWADDY The tre, Birmingham SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 THE RUBY DUKES, The THE VICTORIA TER, METHODEMIC, ALTER Assembly, Leamington For additional information 0121 633 9439 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, THE MARTYR & THE FINAL Spa Sugarmill, Stoke-on- TELFORD 01952 382382 and to find out What’s On THE YARDBIRD CHAPTER O2 Academy, THE WONDER STUFF, POP Trent WEM TOWN HALL at these venues. 0121 212 2524 Birmingham WILL EAT ITSELF AND 01939 232299 Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Classical Music PREVIEWS CBSO Festive Favourites With Mark Williams Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 19, Sun 22 & Mon 23 December Following hot on the heels of his acclaimed performance in Moliere’s Tartuffe at The REP last month, Harry Pot- ter actor Mark Williams returns to Birming- ham to narrate Festive Favourites, a staple on the Symphony Hall Christmas calendar. Under the direction of conductor Simon Halsey and accompanied by two hundred- and-fifty voices from the CBSO’s massed choruses, this annual event sees the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra pre- senting a programme of classic carols and seasonal stories. A perfect way for audience members to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 30 December Since its formation in 1946, the RPO has operated under the directorship of some of the world’s most respected conductors, Rudolf Kempe and Andre Previn included. Based in the beautiful surroundings of Chelsea’s Cadogan Hall, the orchestra is no stranger to the recording studio, regularly laying down soundtracks for films and enjoying a long partnership with many of the major commercial record companies. Currently basking in the success of a three-week tour of the US with Pinchas Zukerman, and performances in Spain, Italy, Germany and Poland, the orchestra this month stops off in the region to present a programme of ‘stunning classics’. Featuring conductor Christopher Warren-Green and violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, the RPO per- form Bruch’s Violin Concerto, Beethoven’s Symphony No.5, Mendelssohn’s Herbrides Over- ture, Handel’s A Selection From The Water Music and Saint-Saens’ Introduction et Rondo Caprccioso. The concert forms part of Symphony Hall’s Christmas Festival.

Ex Cathedra: Christmas Music Glyndebourne Opera Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, By Candlelight Wed 11 - Sat 14 December St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Tues 3 Decem- ber; St John’s Church, Hagley, Birmingham, As committed to reaching new audiences Tues 10 December; St Paul’s Church, Birming- as it is to presenting opera of the highest ham, Wed 18 - Sat 21 December quality, Glyndebourne has been taking its What better way to get into the festive spirit work out on the road every autumn since than by enjoying an evening with one of the 1968. A regular at Stoke’s Regent Theatre, country’s finest choral music ensembles? the company this month returns with Under the directorship of its founder, Jeffrey L’elisir d’amore. Set in a close-knit, gossip- Skidmore, Ex Cathedra this month presents a ridden Italian community, Donizetti’s heart- series of atmospheric ‘Christmas music by warming comedy in two acts is here sung candlelight’ evenings, blending seasonal in Italian with English surtitles. Tenor favourites from around the globe and across Christopher Tiesi makes his Glyndebourne the ages with a variety of readings. Only Men Aloud debut opposite soloist Joelle Harvey. Keeping in the festive spirit, the ensemble also Symphony Hall, Birmingham, presents An Elizabethan Christmas at Birming- Thurs 12 December ham Town Hall on 8 December (featuring the Grabbing the attention of the nation as music of Byrd, Gibbons and Tallis) and Santa contestants and eventual winners of the Lucia Service - a traditional Swedish service of BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition in carols and readings - at Birmingham Cathedral 2008, Cardiff-based choral group Only on 9 December. Men Aloud’s popularity continues to grow. Debut album Band Of Brothers won the group Album of The Year at the Classical Brits in 2010, and in the same year they appeared as special guests on the Christ- mas Day edition of Strictly Come Dancing. Having more recently scaled down to an eight-piece ensemble, they this month make a welcome return to the Midlands, where they’ll be joined by eleven-year-old Liverpool choirboy and Classic Brit Awards performer Jack Topping.

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ham Cathedral EX CATHEDRA: CHRIST- Classical LISTINGS MAS MUSIC BY CANDLE- LIGHT Tues 10 Dec, St For full listing information on classical John’s Church, Hagley, concerts, including times and dates, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE FOUR SEASONS: MUSICAL & AMICABLE NOCTURE: THE ROMANTIC CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SOCIETY Programme LIFE OF FREDERIC BRASS BAND Sat 7 Dec, includes works by CHOPIN Sun 1 Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town Vivaldi, Telemann, Malvern Theatres Hall Richard Mudge & Bach, CHRISTMAS SPECTACU- AN ELIZABETHAN CHRIST- Wed 11 Dec, Recital LAR! Featuring the Uni- MAS Programme Hall, Birmingham Con- versity of Warwick Cho- includes works by Byrd, servatoire rus, Chamber Choir, Gibbons, Tallis, Sun 8 L'ELISIR D'AMORE Glyn- Wind Orchestra & Dec, Birmingham Town debourne Opera return Brass Band, Sun 1 Dec, Hall with Donizetti's intoxi- Butterworth Hall, War- THE SNOWMAN The Peo- cating comedy, Wed 11 wick Arts Centre, ples Orchestra present - Sat 14 Dec, Coventry an original orchestra- Regent Theatre, Stoke- ANDREI GAVRILOV PIANO tion alongside a live on-Trent Classical Spectacular - National Indoor Arena, Birmingham CONCERT Programme screening of the Ray- CBSO TCHAIKOVSKY'S includes works by mond Briggs classic, PATHETIQUE SYMPHONY PLAYERS Fri 13 Dec, NESS COMMUNITY fifty years, Fri 27 Dec, Prokofiev & Chopin, Sun 8 Dec, Malvern Featuring Andrew Litton Birmingham & Midland Thurs 19 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Tues 3 Dec, Adrian Theatres (conductor) and Ben- Institute Birmingham Cathedral VIENNESE NEW YEAR Boult Hall, Birmingham SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA jamin Grosvenor BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT GALA Presented by The EX CATHEDRA: CHRIST- Programme includes (piano). Programme WINDS: FAMILY CONCERT WITH ORCHESTRA OF THE Royal Philharmonic MAS BY CANDLELIGHT works by Beethoven, includes works by Sat 14 Dec, CBSO Cen- SWAN AND CHAMBER Orchestra, Fri 27 Dec, Tue 3 Dec, St Chad's Richard Strauss, Rachmaninov, Saint- tre, Birmingham CHOIR Fri 20 Dec, Malvern Theatres Church, Shrewsbury Prokofiev & Haydn, Saens and Tchaikovsky, STRATFORD CONCERT Stratford Civic Hall THE FOUR SEASONS BY SIMON BOLIVAR STRING Sun 8 Dec, Stratford Wed 11 - Thurs 12 Dec, BAND Sat 14 Dec, Strat- HOPE HOUSE FESTIVE CANDLELIGHT Presented QUARTET Programme Civic Hall Symphony Hall, Birm- ford Civic Hall CONCERT Featuring Sun- by the Mozart Festival includes works by A CHRISTMAS CONCERT ingham CERAMIC CITY CHOIR - dial Theater, Helen E Orchestra. Programme Mendelssohn, FOR STRING ENSEMBLE RUSSIAN PATRIARCHATE REALLY BIG SING - MES- May and Wellington to include works by Ginastera & Brahms, Programme includes CHOIR Wed 11 Dec, SIAH Sat 14 Dec, Victo- Town band, Fri 20 Dec, Handel & Vivaldi, Sat Wed 4 Dec, The Barber works by Vivaldi, Tele- Symphony Hall, B’ham ria Hall, Hanley, Stoke- Enginuity, Ironbridge 28 Dec, Symphony Institute, Birmingham mann, John Ireland & TAMWORTH VOICES on-Trent CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Hall, Birmingham CBSO: NELSON'S CON- Tchaikovsky, Sun 8 CHOIR SHOW Wed 11 BSW’S BIG CHRISTMAS Carols and seasonal RODGERS, HAMMERSTEIN DUCTS BRAHMS’ THIRD Dec, Holy Trinity Dec, Tamworth Assem- PICNIC EVENING Sat 14 classics performed by & HART Featuring Man- Performed by Andris Church, Shrewsbury bly Rooms Dec, CBSO Centre, the UK’s most elegant chester Concert Nelsons (conductor) EX CATHEDRA: AN ELIZA- ONLY MEN ALOUD Thurs Birmingham ensemble in full period Orchestra and David and Isabelle Faust (vio- BETHAN CHRISTMAS Sun 12 Dec, Symphony DEBORAH ROSE: POETIC costume in a candle-lit Shrubsole (conductor), lin), Thurs 5 Dec, 8 Dec, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham MUSIC Featuring Martin style setting, Sat 21 Gillian Bevan (soloist), Symphony Hall, B’ham Town Hall CHRISTMAS WITH BUBLE Riley (piano) & Cather- Dec, Symphony Hall, Celia Graham (soloist), ROYAL MARINES CHRIST- COMEDIANS AND CAROLS Thurs 12 Dec, Crewe ine Harper (cello), Sat Birmingham Norman Bowman MAS SPECTACULAR Featuring Folk On, Paul Lyceum 14 Dec, Artrix, Broms- THE FRONCYSYLITE MALE (soloist) and Matthew Thurs 5 Dec, Chel- Kerensa, Anette Fagan, BENJAMIN GROSVENOR & grove VOICE CHOIR Sat 21 Cammelle (soloist), tenham Town Hall Mandy Muden and THE CBSO PLAYERS Pro- A VENETIAN CHRISTMAS Dec, New Vic Theatre, Sat 28 Dec, Symphony CBSO PRE-CONCERT Hannah Silvester, gramme: Brahms’ CONCERT Featuring the Newcastle-under-Lyme Hall, Birmingham SHOWCASE WITH FAN YU Sun 8 Dec, Birmingham Piano Quintet, Thurs 12 Worcester Cathedral A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS LAST NIGHT OF THE & LUCY CHANG Pro- Cathedral Dec, CBSO Centre, Choir, Sat 14 Dec, Presented by Blast CHRISTMAS PROMS gramme includes works BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- Birmingham Worcester Cathedral From The Past, Sat 21 Featuring the London by Chopin (Fan Yu), MONIC ORCHESTRA: A BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS WASSAIL Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Concert Orchestra, Debussy & Strauss LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC Pro- HOSPITAL CAROL CON- A festive feast of choral Worcester Hilary Davan Wetton (Chang), Thurs 5 Dec, gramme includes works CERT Thurs 12 Dec, music and song, come- CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT (conductor), Philip Symphony Hall, Birm- by Suppe, Coates, Birmingham Cathedral dy and spoken word, Carols and seasonal O'Brien (tenor) & James ingham Elgar, Grainger, EBLANA STRING TRIO Sun 15 - Tue 17 Dec, classics performed by Cleverton (baritone). GAUDEAMUS Lunchtime Ponchielli, Gillis, Ander- Featuring Jonathan Crescent Theatre, Birm- the UK’s most elegant Programme includes concert, Thurs 5 Dec, son & Sousa, Sun 8 Martindale (violin), Lucy ingham ensemble in full period works by Rossini, Warwick Arts Centre, Dec, Adrian Boult Hall, Nolan (viola) and CITY OF BIRMINGHAM costume, Sat 21 Dec, Sousa, Bizet, Verdi, Coventry Birmingham Peggy Nolan (cello), CHOIR: CHRISTMAS Avoncroft Museum, Ravel, Denza and CITY OF BIRMINGHAM MELODY MUSIC BIRMING- Thurs 12 Dec, Sympho- TREATS Sun 15 Dec, Bromsgrove Grieg, Sun 29 Dec, CHOIR - HANDEL'S MESSI- HAM CHRISTMAS CON- ny Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall PHOENIX SINGERS Symphony Hall, B’ham AH Fri 6 Dec, Sympho- CERT Mon 9 Dec, Birm- JEAN MARTYN Thurs 12 AMINGTON BAND PRES- CHRISTMAS CRACKER FANTASIA Disney's Fan- ny Hall, Birmingham ingham Conservatoire Dec, Prince Of Wales ENTS A CELEBRATION OF CONCERT Sat 12 Dec, tasia live in concert with BARTOSZ WOROCH VIOLIN EX CATHEDRA: SAINT Centre, Cannock CHRISTMAS Sun 15 Dec, Adrian Boult Hall, the Royal Philharmonic CONCERT Programme LUCIA SERVICE Mon 9 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S Tamworth Assembly B’ham Orchestra, Sun 29 Dec, includes works by JS Dec, Birmingham HOSPITAL CAROL CON- Rooms CHRISTMAS CAROL SIN- National Indoor Arena, Bach & Ysaye, Fri 6 Cathedral CERTS Thurs 12 Dec, BBC WM CAROL CONCERT GALONG With the Birm- Birmingham Dec, The Barber Insti- CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A Birmingham Cathedral Mon 16 Dec, Birming- ingham Festival Choral ROYAL PHILHARMONIC tute, Birmingham festive feast of choral CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT ham Cathedral Society & London Con- ORCHESTRA NEW YEAR CHOIR EVENING Fri 6 music and song, come- CLASSICS: WONDERFUL CAROLS FOR THE BUSI- cert Orchestra, Mon 23 CONCERT Featuring Dec, Rugeley Rose dy and spoken word. CHRISTMASTIME Featur- NESS COMMUNITY Wed Dec, Symphony Hall, Royal Philharmonic Theatre Mon 9 - Tue 10 Dec, ing Carl Davis (conduc- 18 - Thurs 19 Dec, Birmingham Orchestra, Christopher CBSO PLAYERS: FESTIVE Highbury Hall, B’ham tor), Lance Ellington Birmingham Cathedral GOSPEL CENTRAL Featur- Warren-Green (conduc- TREATS Fri 6 - Sat 7 CAROLS WITH THOMAS and Katy Treharne EX CATHEDRA: CHRIST- ing Colin Peters & tor) and Tamsin Waley- Dec, CBSO Centre, TROTTER & CAMBRIAN (vocalists), Fri 13 Dec, MAS MUSIC BY CANDLE- Andre Bassing, Mon 23 Cohen (violin). Pro- Birmingham BRASS Mon 9 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birm- LIGHT Wed 18 - Sat 21 Dec, The Jam House, gramme includes works CLASSICAL SPECTACULAR Birmingham Town Hall ingham Dec, St Paul’s Church, Birmingham by; Bruch, Beethoven, Sat 7 Dec, National CITY OF BIRMINGHAM MIDLANDS HOSPITALS' Birmingham THE GLORY OF CHRIST- Mendelssohn and Indoor Arena, B’ham CHOIR - HANDEL'S MESSI- CHOIR: A CHRISTMAS CANOLDIR'S CHRISTMAS MAS Featuring the Birm- Saint-Saens, Mon 30 BRITISH POLICE SYMPHO- AH Tue 10 Dec, Birm- CELEBRATION Featuring FANFARE Featuring ingham Choral Union, Dec, Symphony Hall, NY ORCHESTRA: PROMS ingham Town Hall David Lawrence (con- Canoldir Male Voice St Michael's Primary Birmingham NIGHT SPECTACULAR Sat ALEXANDER BAILLIE ductor) Julian Wilkins Choir, James Llewelyn Choir & London Con- NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA 7 Dec, Symphony Hall, (CELLO) & JOHN THWAIT- (organist) Gemini Bass Jones (conductor) and cert Orchestra, John Featuring London Con- Birmingham ES (PIANO) Programme (ensemble) & special Felicity Murphy (sopra- Pryce-Jones (conduc- cert Orchestra and MERRILY ON HIGH: A includes works by Rub- guest artist Laura no), Thurs 19 Dec, tor), Andrew Kennedy Anthony Inglis (conduc- CHRISTMAS WITH ALL bra & Franck, Tues 10 Wright, Fri 13 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall (tenor) and Crispian tor), Sarah Redgwick WOMAN Sat 7 Dec, Vic- Dec, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Town Hall PIVA: AN ELIZABETHAN Steele-Perkins (trum- (soprano) and Paul toria Hall, Stoke-on- Birmingham TRIO ISIMSIZ Pro- CHRISTMAS Thurs 19 pet), Tue 24 Dec, Charles Clarke (tenor). Trent QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPI- gramme includes works Dec, Stafford Gate- Symphony Hall, B’ham Programme includes LA TRAVIATA FROM LA TAL CAROL CONCERT Tue by Haydn, house Theatre BOND AND BEYOND Con- Verdi, Bizet, Dukas, SCALA An opera in three 10 Dec, Birmingham Shostakovich & BERKLEY SALON ENSEM- cert celebrating the Strauss, Verdi, Puccini, acts. Sung in Italian, Cathedral Beethoven, Fri 13 Dec, BLE & CBSO YOUTH CHO- UK’s most famous Ponchielle and Sat 7 Dec, Ludlow QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPI- The Barber Institute, RUS Thurs 19 Dec, secret service agent, Tchaikovsky, Tue 31 Assembly Rooms, TAL CAROL CONCERT Birmingham CBSO Centre, B’ham featuring iconic music Dec, Symphony Hall, South Shropshire Tues 10 Dec, Birming- THE MIDLAND CHAMBER CAROLS FOR THE BUSI- and songs spanning Birmingham

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Alistair McGowan Comedy Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Fri 6 December Worcestershire-born Alistair McGowan has fol- Box Office lowed in the footsteps of Mike Yarwood and Phil Cool by not only being a hugely talented ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM impressionist but also a household name. And 0844 871 3011 just like Yarwood and Cool did before him, ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE he’s had to deal with the experience of his star 01527 577330 being somewhat on the wane. That said, BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 02476 376707 although he may not be quite as hot a proper- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL ty as he once was, he’s still not doing too 0121 780 3333 badly for himself, not least because he’s a ver- THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM satile performer, working extensively on stage 0121 333 2444 in shows such as Measure For Measure, Art, DUDLEY CONCERT HALL Cabaret, The Mikado and Little Shop Of 01384 815 577 GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM Horrors (for which he 0871 4720400 received an Olivier HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, Award nomination). 0844 844 0044 Alistair’s best-known and HUNTINGDON HALL, most-loved imperson- WORCESTER, 01905 611427 ations include David FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, Beckham, Sven-Göran LEEK, STAFFS Eriksson, Richard 01538 386112 Madeley and Sir Terry KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, Wogan. BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM 0844 338 8000 Dominic Holland LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS The George Hotel, Lichfield, Fri 27 December 01584 878141 Perhaps best known for The Small World Of MAC, BIRMINGHAM Dominic Holland, a BBC Radio Four pro- 0121 446 3232 gramme revolving around his stand-up but Sarah Millican PALACE THEATRE, also including sketches, the comedian, author REDDITCH Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Tues 10 - Fri 13 December 01527 65203 and broadcaster Dominic Holland has regular- THE PUBLIC, WEST ly turned up as a panellist on television pro- One of the brightest comedians around, Geordie lass Sarah Millican BROMWICH grammes such Have I Got News For You and enjoyed a rip-roaring sell-out success with her very first tour, with 0121 533 7161 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Despite his many bums on all seats on no fewer than one hundred-and-twenty laugh- DRUMMONDS BAR, ter-filled nights. It almost goes without saying that she’s not looked WORCESTER years spent teasing pun- 01905 28190 ters’ funnybones, he’s back since. Sarah’s certainly an original, and offers great value for RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY never quite made it into money, not least because she’s willing to share her knowledge 0844 873 6565 the vanguard of UK com- about all manner of fascinating subjects, from how to construct a THE ROSES THEATRE home-made treadmill to how to access party food even if you don’t TEWKESBURY edy merchants, and in 01684 295074 like parties. Jokes include, “Sex with men in their thirties is general- recent times has even ROYAL SPA CENTRE, been overshadowed by ly much better, but you've got to rub their legs afterwards for LEAMINGTON SPA his teenage son Tom, cramp". 01926 334418 who starred in the hit STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE 2013 tsunami movie The Ken Dodd 01785 254653 Impossible. SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Civic Hall, 0121 704 6962 Wolverhampton, Sun THE SLADE ROOMS, 15 December; Victoria WOLVERHAMPTON Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, 0870 320 7000 Jon Richardson Sat 21 December The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South THE GEORGE HOTEL, A comedian dedicated BURSLEM, STAFFS Shropshire, Tues 10 December 07763301081 to live work, Ken He's been referred to as an "OCD-afflicted, TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY Dodd’s style is unique grumpy young man", a description which will ROOMS - a mixture of surreal, 01827 709618 strike chords with anybody who's ever caught silly and more stan- THEATRE SEVERN, Jon Richardson's hugely entertaining act. dard material. Sniffed SHREWSBURY Richardson's take on 01743 281281 at by many, his anar- life's idiosyncrasies VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, chic silliness is, in fact, STOKE-ON-TRENT offers an evening of a prototype of trendier 0844 871 7649 genuinely funny come- acts like Vic Reeves WARWICK ARTS CENTRE dy, with seasoned pro- 02476 524524 and Harry Hill. And fessional Jim Bowen WEST BROMWICH TOWN he's always great value even threatening to HALL for money, too, with 0121 596 4429 "smack his arse if he patrons having little WULFRUN HALL, gets any funnier". Jon chance of exiting the WOLVERHAMPTON can't say he hasn't been 0870 320 7000 theatre in time to catch warned... the last bus home!

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OPEN MIC COMEDY - Club, Birmingham HOSTED BY LOUDEEMY ROY CHUBBY BROWN Sat Comedy LISTINGS SOUP Mon 9 Dec, The 14 Dec, Civic Hall, Blue Orange Theatre, Wolverhampton For full listing information on comedy Birmingham KEN DODD Sun 15 Dec, JON RICHARDSON - WORK Civic Hall, gigs including times and dates visit IN PROGRESS Tue 10 Wolverhampton www.whatsonlive.co.uk Dec, The Edge Arts TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Centre, Much Wenlock, Mon 16 Dec, The Blue GREG DAVIES Sun 1 KING & MC DAMION South Shropshire Orange Theatre, Dec, Symphony Hall, LARKIN Fri 6 Dec, The SARAH MILLICAN Tue 10 Birmingham Birmingham Slade Rooms, - Fri 13 Dec, Civic Hall, BARBARA NICE'S JASON MANFORD Mon 2 Wolverhampton Wolverhampton COUNTDOWN TO - Tue 3 Dec, Dudley AVA VIDAL, JAMIE JEREMY HARDY Wed 11 CHRISTMAS Tue 17 - Sat Town Hall HOWARD & JAMAICAN Dec, The Roses 21 Dec, Old Joint Stock ED BYRNE Wed 4 Dec, TEDDY BEAR Fri 6 Dec, Theatre, Tewkesbury Theatre, Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, The Drum, Birmingham JEN BRISTER, SUSAN SIMON BLIGH, ANDY Coventry ALISTAIR MCGOWAN Fri 6 MURRAY, MADGE HOOKS ASKINS, CURTIS WALKER JIMEOIN Wed 4 Dec Dec, Ludlow Assembly & MC MAUREEN & JARLATH REGAN Tue Artrix, Bromsgrove Rooms, South YOUNGER Wed 11 Dec, 17 - Sat 21 Dec, SARAH MILLICAN Wed 4 Shropshire Kitchen Garden Cafe, Highlight Comedy - Thurs 5 Dec, De KEVIN MCCARTHY, PETE Birmingham Club, Birmingham Montfort Hall, Leicester JOHANSSON, BARRY TOPPING AND BUTCH, JOE LYCETT, MARK OLVER PAUL MCCAFFREY, CASTAGNOLA & CHRIS TREVOR CROOK, QUINCY WITH DAN NIGHTINGALE MARLON DAVIS & CRAIG TURNER Fri 6 - Sat 7 & JIM SMALLMAN Wed PLUS COMIC TBC Wed 18 HILL Wed 4 - Sat 7 Dec, Dec, Highlight Comedy 11 Dec, Highlight - Sat 21 Dec, The Glee The Glee Club, Club, Birmingham Comedy Club, Club, Birmingham Birmingham CARL DONNELLY Sat 7 Birmingham THE MICHAEL MCINTYRE Dan Nightingale STEVE HUGHES Thurs 5 Dec, Hereford IAN STONE, IAN MOORE & TRIBUTE COMEDY PARTY ANDY ROBINSON Wed 11 WITH MIKE MACINTYRE Wolverhampton 28 Dec, The Glee Club, Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove Courtyard Theatre SHOULD I STAY OR Birmingham KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY COMEDY IN THE MET Sat - Sun 15 Dec, The Glee Thurs 19 Dec, Nailcote Club, Birmingham Hall, Berkswell, SHOULD I GO Sun 22 ROY CHUBBY BROWN Sat NIGHT Thurs 5 Dec, 7 Dec, The Met Studio, Dec, Drummonds Bar, 28 Dec, Victoria Hall, Stourbridge Town Hall Stafford CARL HUTHCINSON, Warwickshire HAYLEY ELLIS & TOMMY GARETH RICHARDS, Worcester Stoke-On-Trent MARKUS BIRDMAN, ANDREW LAWRENCE Sun DOMINIC HOLLAND, COMEDY IN THE MET Sat DOMINIC WOODWARD, 8 Dec, The Slade ROWSON Fri 13 Dec, KIERAN BOYD & STEVE Hereford Courtyard BUGEJA Thurs 19 - Fri BOOTHBY GRAFFOE, KIRI 28 Dec, The Met ADAM RUSHTON, PETE Rooms, PRITCHARD-MCCLEAN & Studio, Stafford PHILLIPSON & LOU Wolverhampton Theatre 20 Dec, Hereford BARBARA NICE'S Courtyard Theatre JIM SMALLMAN Mon 23 DAN NIGHTINGALE, ANDY CONRAN Thurs 5 Dec, WES ZAHARUK, ANDY Dec, The George Hotel, ROBINSON, IAN Foxlowe Arts Centre, KIND AND TONY VINO CHRISTMAS CRACKER Fri LAUGH OUT LOUD 13 - Sat 14 Dec, mac - COMEDY CLUB Sat 21 Lichfield COPPINGER & COMIC TBC Leek Sun 8 Dec, Crewe GAVIN WEBSTER, MICKEY Tue 31 Dec, The Glee STUART GOLDSMITH, Lyceum Midlands Arts Centre, Dec, Regent Theatre, Birmingham Stoke-On-Trent D Fri 27 Dec Station Club, Birmingham MARK MAIER, LAURA COMEDIANS & CAROLS Pub, Sutton Coldfield JOJO SMITH, SIMON LEXX & JOE BROMEHEAD FEAT. PAUL KERENSA, PETE JOHANSSON, SIMON KEN DODD Sat 21 Dec, BLIGH WITH QUINCY, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- SUZI RUFFELL, PATRICK BLIGH, JUNIOR SIMPSON Thurs 5 Dec, The ANETTE FAGAN, MANDY MONAHAN WITH GARY & ANDREW BIRD Tue 31 George Hotel, Lichfield MUDEN & HANNAH TOPPING AND BUTCH Fri Trent 13 - Sat 14 Dec, TREVOR NOAH Sun 22 DELANEY AND JOHN Dec, Highlight Comedy KAI HUMPHRIES, JAY SILVESTER Sun 8 Dec, FOTHERGILL Fri 27 - Sat Club HAMPSON, ANTHONY Birmingham Cathedral Highlight Comedy Dec, Wulfrun Hall,

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For more comedy listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre December region two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:51 Page 1 Theatre December region two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:51 Page 2 Theatre

Sleeping Beauty Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 December - Sat 18 January The Grand is certainly on a roll when it comes to providing high-qual- Pasquale, who brings all of his squeaky-voiced charm and not- ity panto fare - and the venue's Christmas 2013 offering looks set to insignificant panto experience to bear in the role of Muddles. Former be every bit as entertaining as its illustrious predecessors. Corrie favourite Lucy Evans stars as Princess Beauty. Expect to laugh The lovely Ceri Dupree dons a plethora of glamorous outfits when he so hard you’ll think you’re Father Christmas (ho ho ho)! revisits his much-acclaimed role of Queen Passionella in this star- Read the interview with Ceri Dupree online at www.whatsonlive.co.uk studded version of Sleeping Beauty. Ceri is joined by comedian Joe

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 19 December - Sun 2 February As you’d expect from the UK’s most glittery of glitter- ing pantomimes, this Hippodrome extravaganza boasts a festive hamper’s-worth of big-name stars. Fashion guru Gok Won makes his panto debut, ably illustrating ‘How To Look Good’ as The Man In The Mirror, ex-EastEnder John Partridge plays the splen- didly handsome Prince, Stephanie Beacham shows her claws as the Wicked Queen, and Gary Wilmot gets all rouged-up as The Dame. Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack are also on hand to ensure the laughter count is good’n’high, while Danielle Hope stars as the eponymous heroine with the penchant for befriending vertically challenged forest-dwelling min- ers. Read the interview with Gary Wilmot online at Ghost The Musical www.whatsonlive.co.uk New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 17 December - Sun 5 January; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 8 - Sat 18 January Matthew Warchus’ stage version of the award-winning film starring Patrick Swayzee, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg returns to the Midlands having received much crit- ical acclaim since opening on Broadway and in the West End. For those not in the know, it tells the story of a ghost named Sam who, caught between this world and the next, desperately attempts to communicate with his girlfriend Molly and warn her that she’s in mortal danger from his murderer. A timeless tale about the power of love that WIN beautifully blends the audience-satisfying genres of romance and comedy, Ghost has TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk also been praised for its dazzling state-of-the-art staging, and is certainly a show well to enter worth catching. Read the interview with Stewart Clarke on page 10.

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Theatre PREVIEWS What The Ladybird Heard Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 20 December - Fri 10 January With Julia Donaldson’s A Squash And A Squeeze exhibition having delighted thou- sands of children during its time in Birming- ham this year, it’s a bit of a no-brainer to mount one of her stories as a festive offering. Birmingham Town Hall has very wisely done just that, presenting a stage version of the award-winning picture book by Donaldson and Lydia Monks. When Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len set out to steal the farmer’s prize cow, they soon find that the best laid plans of mice and crafty robbers can sometimes be undone by the tiniest and quietest of creatures - namely, one very small ladybird... Fifty-five action-packed and musical minutes in length, this well-reviewed show is recom- mended for children aged two and older. Snow White Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 3 December - Sun 5 January Everybody knows the story - the nasty old queen’s less than keen on her younger and more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes refuge from her royal evilness by holing up in the deep, dark forest with a household of small but splendidly friendly miners... The fact that Snow White's a twenty-four carat classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime version is always a surefire winner. Expect all the usual elements, including rouged-up Dames in colourful cos- tumes, plenty of thigh-slapping and slapstick comedy, singalongs aplenty to enjoy, and even a few naughty jokes to make sure the grown-ups don't feel too left out of things. And to ensure audiences experience optimum Potteries panto pleasure, local hero and Regent The- atre favourite Jonathan Wilkes makes his now near-annual appearance, on this occasion don- Peter Pan ning the tights and lighthearted demeanour to star as Muddles. Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Sat 14 December - Sun 5 January North Midlands-based pantomime audiences The Wind In The Willows Aladdin this year get the chance to fly away with the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Thurs 12 December - Sun 5 January boy who wouldn't grow up to a magical Wed 11 - Sun 15 December island filled with adventure. Meet a real fairy, Following the success of last year’s The A perfect story for an evening of family enter- marvellous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Pool tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying the down-on-their-luck Lost Boys. Oh, and Hayes Youth Theatre this year presents Alan against all odds to win the hand of the beauti- beware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook Bennett’s stage adaptation of Kenneth Gra- ful princess, and being helped in his efforts and a very hungry crocodile who goes tick- hame’s much-loved riverside tale. A firm fes- by the mystical - and traditionally gargantuan tock (he swallowed a clock). Long-in-the- tive favourite, Grahame’s classic story ably - genie of the lamp. Benidorm’s Asa Elliott tooth EastEnder Adam Woodyatt takes a demonstrates the way in which one life can stars as Aladdin, with Comedy Store and Jon- break from the perils of playing Ian Beale to command the full attention of three others! gleurs favourite Phil Butler taking the role of star as the Captain, with the always-good- Mole, Badger and Ratty simply don’t have Wishee Washee. value Grumbleweeds ensuring there’s plenty time for any of their own interests - they’re far of comedy to enjoy alongside all that splicing too busy having to look after their reckless of mainbraces and shivering of timbers. and irrepressible friend, Toad... The Snow Dragon mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Sun 8 December After their successes with The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom, Tall Stories here return with the story of a goat named Billy, who unexpectedly finds himself in the company of some less-than-pleasant wolves in the woods on New Year’s Eve. If ever there was a time to meet the legendary Snow Dragon, this must surely be it... Tales From A Friend Bring Up The Bodies Of A Friend The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 19 December - Sat 29 March Fri 6 December Henry VIII's conflict with the Catholic Church The strange phenomenon of urban mytholo- has left England in serious peril, with France gy is here both explored and celebrated by and the Holy Roman Empire ominously writer, storyteller and musician John Edgar. manoeuvring for position. With Anne Boleyn In a show lasting for ninety minutes, Edgar the Queen but Henry in love with Jane Sey- presents new folk tales that are every bit as mour, master manipulator Thomas Cromwell magical, bizarre, amusing and downright ter- calls upon all his powers of persuasion to rifying as any of their more traditional prede- ensure the nation’s safety and advance his cessors. own ambitions...

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COMING SOON TO THEATRE SEVERN

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2014

Olivier Award-winning OperaUp- Close presents TOSCA By Giacomo Puccini

In a new English version by Adam Spreadbury-Maher with a new orchestra- tion by Danyal Dhondy

MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2014

AN EVENING WITH PETER ALLISS Golfing legend, broadcaster, writer and course designer, Peter Alliss had done it all!

Wed 22nd January FOGGY & WHIT: GIVIN' IT GAS WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2014 7.30pm. Tickets: £20 The world's most prestigious mountain film festival is visiting Shrewsbury Thurs 6th February for the first time with a brand new selection of extraordinary short films LEE HURST: THINGS THAT from the world's leading adventure film makers. MAKE YOU GO AAARGGH!!! 8pm. Tickets: £17, £15 concs

Tue 11th - Wed 12th February DINOSAUR ZOO - LIVE Tues 11, 1.30pm, Wed 12 10.30am & BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 4.30pm. Tickets: £16, £13.50 standard Fri 14th February THE ELECTRO SWING BALL FEELS THE LOVE FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2014 700pm Tickets: Early Bird £18 Sat 15th - Sun 16th February MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS PRESENTS PARK GORKOGO CHRIS Sat 15, 7.30pm, Sun 16 2pm & 5pm. Tickets: Band A £23, £20 concs; Band B RAMSEY £19, £17 concs; Band C £14 The Most Dangerous Fri 21st February ALL STAR AMERICAN WRESTLING Man on Saturday 7.30pm. Tickets: £15, £10 concs Morning Television Family of 4 ( 2 Adults, 2 Chldren) £45 Thurs 27th February COLIN FRY: THE VOICES FROM VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO HEAVEN SHOW VIEW MORE 7.30pm. Tickets: £20 SHOWS!

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, TWC GP 00567 Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

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Theatre PREVIEWS Wendy And Peter Pan Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, Tues 10 December - Sun 2 March Second star to the right and straight on till morning - that's the way to Neverland. Fly away with the boy who wouldn't grow up to a magical island filled with adventure. Meet a real fairy, Wendy and the Lost Boys. Oh, and beware the wicked Captain Hook. And don’t forget to listen out for the ‘tick-tock’ of a very hungry crocodile. Instructions, instructions!... JM Barrie's classic tale is here adapted by Ella Hickson. Casting includes Michelle Asante as Tiger Lily, Fiona Button as Wendy and Sam Swan as Peter. Holby City's Guy Henry takes on the menacing role of Hook. WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Sleeping Beauty Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 5 December - Sun 12 January The tragic tale of a young princess who’s tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for one hundred years, offers a great story around which to build a pantomime production of real quality - and judging by its panto offerings in previ- ous years, Theatre Severn’s 2013 festive presentation is likely to be just that! Shrewsbury favourites Eric Smith (BBC Radio Shropshire) and comedian Adam Moss are joined by much-admired Dame, Brad Fitt, for a show that features audience participation, lav- Guy Henry ish sets and stunning special effects - not to mention a fire-breathing dragon!

lar in previous years that the venue’s giving Snow White And its 2013 production the exact same treat- Dick Whittington The Magic Mirror ment. So...they’ve taken a fairytale about a Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Wed 18 - Mon 23 December Lichfield Garrick, princess who’s been put to sleep for a hun- Fri 6 December - Sun 5 January dred years by the spell of an evil witch, The story of a young man who heads for As with Sleeping Beauty and Jack And The stirred in a few time-honoured pantomime London in search of fame and fortune is one Beanstalk, Snow White is certainly a popular favourites such as an outrageous Dame, and of the most popular of all pantomimes, not choice of pantomime with Midlands theatres seasoned liberally with all manner of rock- least because of the top adventures in which this Christmas, a fact which makes it all the ’n’roll hits, including Celebration, Don’t Leave Dick finds himself involved, courtesy of the more important that each respective venue Me This Way, Wake Up Little Susie and The not-so-pleasant King Rat and the Sultan's ensures it’s presenting a show that’s just that Shoop Shoop Song. A recipe for success, if problem with vermin in his palace. With the little bit different. Lichfield Garrick’s take on ever there was one - so expect a veritable business of falling in love and becoming the Snow White certainly has plenty to recom- feast of fun and frivolity. Lord Mayor of London to further distract him, mend it, not least seven puppets called there's certainly no guarantee that the fine Image from 2012 production young fella will be home in time for the Pugh, Pugh, Barney, McGrew, Cuthbert, Dib- of Beauty and The Beast ble and Grub. Midlands Today presenter Queen's Speech! Joanne Malin also features in the cast, taking on the role of Queen Evilene. A Christmas Carol The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 4 January For anybody tired of the commercialism of Christmas in the twenty-first century, delving into the delightful world of Charles Dickens should offer the perfect antidote. Of all his festive stories, A Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The covetous sinning of the miser- ly Scrooge, the eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, and the eerie visions of redemption - A Pleasing Terror visiting Ebenezer in the shape of three yule- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 20 December tide ghosts (plus Jacob Marley!) - all com- This one-man show presents a double-bill of bine to give the tale an old-world charm that terror from the pen of celebrated ghost story offers a welcome festive haven from the writer MR James. First up is Canon Alberic's stresses and strains of the technological age. Scrapbook, which finds a young Cambridge antiquary discovering that the devil is very much in the detail when he’s presented with Sleeping Beauty: an unusual manuscript The Rock’n’Roll Panto volume... Completing the programme is The Mezzo- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 13 December - Sat 11 January tint, in which a ghoulish revenge is enacted within They’ve done it before and they’re doing it a work of art, before the again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used frightened eyes of an twist of imbuing their annual pantomime with Oxford museum curator... a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so popu- www.whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Theatre December region two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:51 Page 7

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Theatre Company, Wed 4 - CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A fes- LISTINGS Sat 14 Dec Old Joint Stock tive feast of choral music Theatre Theatre, Birmingham and song, comedy and A CARNIVAL OF CHRISTMAS spoken word, Mon 9 - Tue For full listing information on theatre CURIOSITIES Presented by 10 Dec, Highbury Hall, productions including times and dates Fired Up Theatre and B’ham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Stage It! Thurs 5 Dec, Tam- THE ENCHANTED TALES worth Assembly Rooms Three folk tales for Christ- BEATS A coming-of-age mas, including Rumpelstilt- From Dec, Bridge House The- story exploring rebellion, skin, The Snow Queen & atre, Warwick apathy and the irresistible Ali Baba, Mon 9 - Sat 28 SUN 1 DEC DANCE ACADEMY SHOW Sun CALL power of gathered youth, Dec, The Blue Orange The- A CHRISTMAS CAROL FOR YOUR 1 Dec Rugeley Rose The- Thurs 5 - Fri 6 Dec, War- atre, Birmingham THE MET STUDIO BROCHURE RSM STAGE ACADEMY: OUR atre wick Arts Centre, Coventry ALADDIN Mon 9 Dec - Sun TODAY JOURNEY Annual showcase WIND IN THE WILLOWS Ama- MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET 5 Jan, Palace Theatre, Fri 13 & Sat 14 Dec of work including a per- teur production by the Popular Christmas Redditch James Hyland reprises one of the greatest one-man shows of formance of Bohemian Nonentities, Mon 2 - Sat 7 favourite based on the on SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN all time in his award-winning Rhapsody, which the stu- Dec, The Rose Theatre, the classic 20th Century DWARFS An amateur pro- production of 'A Christmas Carol dents performed live at The Kidderminster Fox motion picture, Thurs 5 duction presented by The – As told by Jacob Marley Royal Albert Hall earlier this UNCLE ERIC'S MURDER AT (deceased)'. Told from the per- - Sat 7 Dec, New Alexandra Norbury Players, Tue 10 - spective of Scrooge’s deceased 7.30pm, £13 / £11 concs year, Sun 1 Dec Arena The- CHRISTMAS Expect a great Theatre, Birmingham Thu 12 Dec, The Norbury business partner, this atre, Wolverhampton night out with comedy, SLEEPING BEAUTY Thurs 5 Theatre, Droitwich critically acclaimed theatrical adaptation delivers thrills, chills and excitement aplenty for all age groups. THE SNOW DRAGON Tall Sto- mayhem and more than Dec - Sun 12 Jan, Theatre BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Tra- ries fuse storytelling, come- twenty of the greatest 60s Severn, Shrewsbury ditional family panto Tue 10 PIVA: AN ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS dy and song in a magical hits ever written including TALES FROM A FRIEND OF A Dec - Sun 15 Dec, Rugeley THE MET STUDIO pre-Christmas performance some Christmas classics, FRIEND Storyteller and Rose Theatre Thurs 19 Dec for young children and Mon 2 - Sat 14 Dec, New musician John Edgar tells WENDY AND PETER PAN Ella their families, until Sun 8 Vic Theatre, Newcastle- a selection of new folk Kickstart your Christmas festivi- Hickson's new version of ties by joining renowned early Dec, mac - Midlands Arts under-Lyme tales that are just as magi- JM Barrie's classic tale of music group Piva for an evening Centre, Birmingham CANTABILE An evening of cal as their more traditional the boy who never grows of seasonal music, songs and THE NUTCRACKER Birming- comic songs presented by predecessors, Fri 6 Dec, stories from Tudor times. This 7.30pm, £10 / £8 concs up, Tue 10 Dec - Sun 2 entertaining show celebrates the ham Royal Ballet present one of Britain's most popu- Arena Theatre, Wolver- Mar, Royal Shakespeare yuletide season in true Elizabethan style. Sir Peter Wright’s enchanti- lar vocal groups The Lon- hampton Theatre, Stratford-upon- Playing on over 40 authentic instruments such as hurdy-gurdy, ng version of the much- don Quartet, Tue 3 Dec, SNOW WHITE AND THE MAGIC bagpipes, shawms and recorders, Piva will take you back to the Avon origins of our many familiar Christmas customs and carols. loved festive favourite, until Tamworth Assembly MIRROR Starring Midlands WINTER DANCE An evening The perfect Christmas show for all the family. Thurs 12 Dec, Birmingham Rooms Today news reader, Joanne of different styles by com- Hippodrome HANSEL AND GRETAL Award- Maline, as Queen Evilene, munity groups, schools & A PLEASING TERROR / ROOM ON THE BROOM Stage winning European ensem- Fri 6 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Lich- colleges, Wed 11 Dec, A WARNING TO CURIOUS adaptation of Julia Donald- ble NIE bring the Brothers field Garrick Dudley Town Hall THE MET STUDIO son's best-selling book Grimm storytelling to life ROBIN HOOD Dean Taylor's MR PUNTILA AND HIS MAN Fri 20 & that's sure to provide a through storytelling, multi- version of the panto Matti Newman University Sat 21 Dec magical, musical treat for ple languages and live favourite, Fri 6 - Sat 14 Drama Department present Over a century after they were children and families alike, music, Tue 3 - Wed 4 Dec, Dec, Hall Green Little The- an 'hilarious and anarchic first published, the ghost stories until Sun 29 Dec, Warwick mac - Midlands Arts Centre of MR James retain their power atre, Birmingham story about a hard-headed to terrify and amuse. Each grip- Arts Centre, Coventry ALADDIN Tue 3 Dec - Sun 5 ROMEO & JULIET Ballet businessman and his ping one man show retells two TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN Jan, The Swan Theatre, Cymru present a choreo- chauffeur Matti, Wed 11 - of the earliest and eeriest. 7.30pm, £10 / £15 for both shows Birmingham Stage Compa- Worcester graphed performance of Fri 13 Dec, mac - Midlands MUSICIANS OF BREMEN ny present their acclaimed SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN Shakespeare’s much-loved Arts Centre, Birmingham THE MET STUDIO version of Philippa Pearce's DWARFS First Family Enter- romantic tale, Sat 7 Dec, L'ELISIR D'AMORE Glynde- fantasy novel, until Sat 1 tainment returns to pro- Stourbridge Town Hall bourne Opera return with Sun 22 & Feb, Old Rep, Birmingham duce the highlight of the A NIGHT OF 60'S MUSIC & Donizetti's intoxicating Mon 23 Dec ONE HUNDRED AND ONE DAL- Christmas Calendar with LAUGHER Featuring Doug comedy, Wed 11 Dec- Sat What happens to old toys when MATIONS Adapted and this year’s Regent Theatre Parker, Nipper Thomas, 14 Dec, Regent Theatre, no one loves them any more? directed by Theresa Hes- Pantomime, Tue 3 Dec - Chris Knott and The Crock- Stoke-on-Trent A worn out toy donkey, a pull kins until Sat 1 Feb, New Sun 5 Jan, Regent Theatre, along dog, a one eyed cat and a ers Sat 7 Dec, Brierley Hill THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS mechanical cockerel find them- Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Stoke-on-Trent Civic Hall, Dudley Pool Hayes Youth Theatre selves in just such a place. Sun 22, 1.30pm & 3.30pm under-Lyme HORRIBLE SCIENCE From the A ’60S NIGHT OF MUSIC & present Alan Bennett's They escape and run away to Mon 23, 11.30am & 1.30pm JACK AND THE BEANSTALK producers of Horrible His- Bremen Town to try their luck as £7 / Family Ticket £24 LAUGHTER Sat 7 Dec, Brier- stage adaptation of Ken- musicians. So begins the great- Family pantomime, until tories comes the seriously ley Hill Civic Hall, Dudley neth Grahame's riverside est adventure of their lives in this classic fairytale of friendship and Sat 4 Jan, Belgrade The- squishy spectacular Horri- THE FANTASTIC MR FOX adventure for children and courage. Told with fabulous puppets, an innovative stage set and a brilliant musical soundtrack! atre, Coventry ble Science, Tue 3 - Sat 7 Stage adaptation of Roald adults alike... Wed 11 Dec - A CHRISTMAS CAROL Bryony Dec, Birmingham Town Dahl's classic tale, Sat 7 - Sun 15 Dec, Arena The- TRÈS TRÈS CABARET Lavery's stage adaptation Hall Sat 21 Dec, Crescent The- atre, Wolverhampton THE MET STUDIO of Charles Dickens' Victori- THE PICKWICK PAPERS Dean atre, Birmingham WOLF HALL Mike Poulton's Fri 27 Dec an Christmas classic, until Gaffney, John D.Collins ALADDIN Sat 7 Dec - Sat 4 dramatisation of Hilary 18+ Sat 4 Jan, The REP, Birm- and Rebecca Wheatley star Jan, Royal Spa Centre, Mantel's Man Booker Prize- After the runaway success of in a brand new adaptation Stafford’s first burlesque and ingham Leamington Spa winning novel, Wed 11 Dec cabaret night, Très Très Cabaret JACK AND THE BEANSTALK of the Charles Dickens SLEEPING BEAUTY Family - Sat 29 Mar, The Swan is back with a very special Traditional family panto classic, Tue 3 - Sat 7 Dec, pantomime starring Joe Theatre, Stratford-upon- show for the festive season. Très Très Cabaret promises to with slapstick and songs Malvern Theatres Pasquale, Ceri Dupree & Avon bring you the most extravagant 8pm, £15 galore, until Sat 4 Jan, DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS Lucy Evans, Sat 7 Dec - ALADDIN Thurs 12 Dec - variety show. Featuring the The Roses Theatre, CAT Tue 3 - Sat 28 Dec, Sun 19 Jan The Grand Sun 5 Jan, The Place, Oak- hottest performers from the international cabaret scene to sur- Bedworth Civic Hall prise and delight you... Dress to impress and join us for an Tewkesbury Theatre, Wolverhampton engates Theatre, Telford evening of glitz, glamour and so much more. “ NOCTURE: THE ROMANTIC NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: OH NO IT ISN'T! A festive SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN LIFE OF FREDERIC CHOPIN FRANKENSTEIN Part of the comedy thriller written and DWARFS Traditional family CHRISTMAS TIME The third programme of National Theatre's 50th directed by Nick Walker, pantomime, Thurs 12 Dec - THE MET STUDIO words and music scripted anniversary celebrations. Sat 7 - Sat 28 Dec, Bel- Sun 5 Jan, Malvern The- Sun 29 & Mon 30 Dec and adapted from letters Danny Boyle directs, Wed grade Theatre, Coventry atres and diaries by Lucy 4 Dec, The Roses Theatre, FLAIR DANCE ACADEMY DICK WHITTINGTON Thurs 12 Parham, Sun 1 Dec, Tewkesbury SHOW Sun 8 Dec, Rugeley - Sun 22 Dec, Forest Arts Malvern Theatres STANLEY Birmingham Rose Theatre Centre, Walsall THE NUTCRACKER Presented School of Acting present THE PARADISE PROJECT by Ballet Theatre UK Sun 1 Pam Gems award-winning Third Angel explore the dif- marital comedy, Wed 4 - Week Commencing ferences between heavenly 7.30pm, £12/£10 concs Sat 7 Dec, Crescent The- paradise and earthly utopia MON 9 DEC Charlie and Toby are feeling low. It’s Christmas Day and they’re serv- atre, Birmingham and the human need to ing time at Her Majesty’s pleasure. But why shouldn’t they be having MOTHER GOOSE’S GOLDEN THE PARTY POPPERZ XMAS invent such a concept, a Merry Christmas in spite of their incarceration? CHRISTMAS Festive adven- Join them on a fantastical adventure through Dickens, pantomime, SPECTACULAR The action is Thurs 12 Dec, Warwick musical, Christmas dinner and Christmas films! See as they build a ture for children, Wed 4 - non-stop as Prince, David Arts Centre, Coventry wonderfully Merry Christmas around them with songs, snowmen Sat 7 Dec, Netherton Arts and lots of laughs in this truly festive show that puts the ‘cell’ firmly Bowie, Freddie Mercury, SLEEPING BEAUTY Get ready Centre, Dudley back in ‘celebration’! Christmas. Time. is a musical comedy for all Showaddywaddy, Bay City for another rocking Christ- the family that’s fun and fantastically funny! A MAGICAL MERRY CHRIST- Rollers, Sweet, Donny mas with Sleeping Beauty, MAS Presented by Osmond and many more as the classic fairy tale is CWAGMS, Wed 4 - Sat 7 appear in fully authentic told with a Rock 'n' Roll Dec, Prince Of Wales Cen- BOOKONLINE costumes, Mon 9 Dec, twist, Fri 13 Dec - Sat 11 tre, Cannock Tamworth Assembly Jan, Stafford Gatehouse Miracle On 34th Street RENT Amateur production Theatre Box Office 01785 254653 New Alexandra Theatre, Rooms www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Birmingham by The Old Joint Stock

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Crescent Theatre, Birm- MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- ture into CS Lewis' SNOW WHITE AND THE LISTINGS ingham ING A modern re-telling magical land of Narnia, SEVEN DWARFS Featur- Theatre PETER PAN A Swash- of Shakespeare’s clas- Tue 17 Dec - Sun 5 ing John Partridge, Gok buckling pantomime sic comedy, Mon 16 Jan, The Dream Facto- Wan, Stephanie For full listing information on theatre adventure, starring Dec, Stourbridge Town ry, Warwick Beacham, Gary Wilmot, productions, including times and Adam Woodyatt as Hall CHRISTMAS CRACKERS, Paul Zerdin & Matt dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Captain Hook and The SNOW WHITE AND THE MAYHEM & CHEER Story- Slack, Thurs 19 Dec - Grumbleweeds as SEVEN DWARFS An ama- telling and songs of Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Smee & Starkey, Sat 14 teur production pre- Christmases past and Hippodrome A VERY DICKENSIAN in this award-winning Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Crewe sented by The Norbury present, Wed 18 Dec, BRING UP THE BODIES CHRISTMAS A ninety- production, Fri 13 - Sat Lyceum Players, Mon 16 - Thurs Kitchen Garden Cafe, Mike Poulton's new minute performance in 14 Dec, Stafford Gate- PETER AND THE WOLF 19 Dec, The Norbury Kings Heath, Birming- dramatisation of Hilary two halves which pays house Theatre AND THE SNOWMAN A Theatre, Droitwich ham Mantel's Man Booker homage to Charles COME HEAVY SLEEP A double-bill of classical THE DISCOVERERS, NO- CELEBRATION OF CHRIST- Prize-winning novel, Dickens, the man who passion-fuelled murder musical stories for chil- NONSENSE & WOW A MAS Evening of festive Thurs 19 Dec - Sat 29 influenced Christmas story that takes inspira- dren, accompanied by showcase of new work music and poetry, cour- Mar, The Swan Theatre festivities more than tion from Shake- a live orchestra and - including drama, com- tesy of the Gloucester- Stratford-upon-Avon any other, Fri 13 Dec, speare’s Othello, Fri 13 narrated by Sanjeev edy, songs and dance - shire Constabulary A PLEASING TERROR Per- The Rose Theatre, Kid- - Sat 14 Dec, The REP, Bhaskar, Sun 15 Dec, by three local theatre Brass Band, Wed 18 formance of two spine- derminster Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, groups, Tue 17 Dec, Dec, The Roses The- chilling ghost stories THE DREAMBOYS FIT AND JACK & THE BEANSTALK Coventry Arena Theatre, Wolver- atre, Tewkesbury (Canon Alberic's Scrap- FAMOUS 2013 TOUR A Starring Malcolm Stent, BEAUTY & THE BEAST hampton WBS SIXTH FORM PANTO book & The Mezzotint) two-hour show featur- Fri 13 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Working Theatre pres- JESUS - MY BOY A one- Presented by William from the highly reputed ing classic 1980/’90s Solihull Arts Complex ent their annual family man play - the story of Brookes School, Wed author MR James, Fri disco numbers, with WAKE UP SLEEPING pantomime, Sun 15 Jesus as seen through 18 Dec - Thurs 19 Dec, 20 Dec, Stafford Gate- resident DJ Jaye Tee, BEAUTY Fun, songs and Dec, Newhampton Arts the eyes of Joseph, The Edge Arts Centre, house Theatre Fri 13 Dec, The Robin, audience participation Centre, Wolverhampton Tues 17 - Sat 21 Dec, Much Wenlock, Shrop- RAGARELLA Ragga ver- Bilston for two-to-nine year- The Swan Theatre, shire sion of the Cinderella CINDERELLA Cinema olds, Sat 14 Dec, The Worcester CHRISTMAS ENTERTAIN- fairytale, Fri 20 - Sun 22 screening of the Dutch Swan Theatre, Worces- Week Commencing 366 DAYS OF KINDNESS MENT 2013 Presented Dec, The Drum, Birm- National Ballet's pro- ter MON 16 DEC Bernadette Russell's by Nonentities, Wed 18 ingham duction of the much- LIVE MET BROADCAST: multi-media perform- - Fri 20 Dec, The Rose MOTHER GOOSE loved fairytale, accom- FALSTAFF Live screening DIRTY OLD FOLKERS ance, blending story- Theatre, Kidderminster OTFM present a fun- panied by Prokofiev's of Robert Carsen's new ANNUAL PANTOMIME telling, stand-up & live DICK WHITTINGTON Tra- filled pantomime, Fri 20 magnificent score, Fri production, which sees Mon 16 Dec, Kitchen documentary, Tue 17 - ditional family pan- Dec - Weds 1 Jan, 13 Dec, Wem Town Verdi's opera trans- Garden Cafe, Kings Sat 21 Dec, The REP, tomime, Wed 18 - Mon Bridge House Theatre, Hall, North Shropshire posed to the English Heath, Birmingham Birmingham 23 Dec, Tamworth Warwick THE NUTCRACKER Pre- countryside in the mid- LIVE MET BROADCAST: GHOST: THE MUSICAL Assembly Rooms WHAT THE LADYBIRD sented by Ballet The- twentieth century, Sat FALSTAFF Live screening Smash-hit musical MOTHER GOOSE HEARD Based on the atre UK, Fri 13 Dec, 14 Dec, Malvern The- of Robert Carsen's new direct from the West All & Sundry present a award-winning picture Tamworth Assembly atres production, which sees End, Tue 17 Dec - Sun traditional family pan- book by Julia Donald- Rooms TWO WEEKS WITH THE Verdi's opera trans- 5 Jan, New Alexandra tomime packed with son & Lydia Monks, Fri A CHRISTMAS CAROL - AS QUEEN The Crescent posed to the English Theatre, Birmingham song, dance and gen- 20 Dec - Fri 10 Jan, TOLD BY JACOB MARLEY Theatre Company pres- countryside in the mid- THE THE LION, THE WITCH eral silliness, Wed 18 Birmingham Town Hall James Hyland reprises ent Mary Morris' story twentieth century, Mon AND THE WARDROBE Join Dec - Sun 22 Dec, DIRTY OLD FOLKERS one of the greatest one- about never giving up... 16 Dec, The Roses Peter, Susan and Artrix, Bromsgrove ANNUAL PANTOMIME Sat man shows of all time Sat 14 - Sat 21 Dec, Theatre, Tewkesbury Edmund as they ven- 21 Dec, Hare &

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Theatre LISTINGS Week Commencing Theatre Box Office MON 23 DEC For full listing information on theatre Birmingham NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE Warwickshire productions, including times and TRES TRES CABARET 01902 572090 ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL Stafford's very own bur- dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk 0844 871 3011 OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY 024 7637 6707 lesque and cabaret 0121 552 2761 night. Strictly over-18s BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVEN- Hounds, Birmingham ens’ exploits in Birming- 0844 338 5000 THE PUBLIC, WEST TRY 024 7655 3055 only. Fri 27 Dec, BROMWICH A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS ham, Sat 21 - Sun 22 BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, Stafford Gatehouse 0121 533 7161 Presented by Blast Dec, Birmingham Town Theatre 0121 236 4455 WARWICK 01926 776438 From The Past, Sat 21 Hall IRIS WHITE AND THE THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE Shropshire THE DREAM FACTORY Dec, Huntingdon Hall, BURLESQUE NIGHT! An KINGDOM OF CURIOUS 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 Worcester evening of sparkle, THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON CHRISTMAS TREES Voice CRESCENT THEATRE 01952 222277 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE EMBRACED BURLESQUE tease, feathers and tas- On A Stick blend 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON- THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK Featuring a burlesque sels! Sun 22 Dec, The music, games and AVON 0844 800 1110 striptease, live music DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 01952 728911 Marr's Bar, Worcester drama to create a 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE and comedy, Sat 21 JAY RAYNER: GREEDY THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY relaxed theatrical expe- THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 Dec, Newhampton Arts MAN IN A HUNGRY rience for young chil- 01743 234970 HALL GREEN LITTLE THEATRE WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, Centre, Wolverhampton WORLD Restaurant critic dren, Sat 28 Dec, Artrix, LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 0121 707 1874 COVENTRY 02476 524524 CHILDREN'S THEATRE The and BBC One Show Bromsgrove ROOMS 01584 878141 Norbury Players pres- reporter Jay Rayner CHRISTMAS TIME A MAC 0121 446 3232 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, ent a short play per- combines hard-nosed musical comedy full of MIXING BOWL THEATRE TELFORD 01952 382382 Worcestershire formed by adults for reporting with witty Christmas spirit and 0121 224 7545 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWS- ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, children aged four to memoir to take you on festive cheer, Sun 29 - OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE BURY 01743 BROMSGROVE 01527 ten, Sat 21 Dec, The a journey through the Mon 30 Dec, 0121 200 0946 281281 577330 Norbury Theatre, world’s edible land- Stafford Gatehouse OLD REP 0121 245 4455 WEM TOWN HALL THE HIVE Droitwich scape, Sun 22 Dec mac Theatre 01939 232299 01905 822866 A WARNING TO THE CURI- SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX - Midlands Arts Centre, CINDERELLA DE Caver- HUNTINGDON HALL, OUS RM Lloyd Parry 0121 704 6962 Birmingham swall Theatre Company WORCESTER 01905 611427 performs the final Staffordshire THE MUSICIANS OF BRE- present their version of MALVERN THEATRE installment of the MR the classic Christmas Black Country LICHFIELD GARRICK MEN Toy Story meets 01543 412121 01684 892277 James trilogy, Sat 21 ARENA THEATRE the Brothers Grimm in a pantomime, Sun 29 NORBURY THEATRE, Dec, Stafford Gate- WOLVERHAMPTON NEW VIC 01782 717962 new adventure of Dec - Sat 4 Jan, Stoke DROITWICH house Theatre 01902 321321 PRINCE OF WALES friendship and courage, Repertory Theatre 01905 770154 A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY BLOXWICH THEATRE CENTRE, CANNOCK Sun 22 - Mon 23 Dec, PALACE THEATRE CHARLES DICKENS Clive 01922 653183 01543 578762 Stafford Gatehouse Week Commencing REGENT THEATRE, STOKE REDDITCH 01527 65203 Francis recreates the DUDLEY CONCERT HALL Theatre 0870 060 6649 ROSE THEATRE, occasion, bringing to MON 30 DEC 01384 812812 ALADDIN Sun 22 - Mon 01562 743745 life his most famous RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE 30 Dec, Prince Of FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WAL- characters. The first half THE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD 01889 584036 SWAN THEATRE, Wales Centre, Cannock SALL features a delightful Jars Of Clay present a STAFFORD GATEHOUSE WORCESTER 01905 611427 DR BUNHEAD'S VERY 01922 654555 introduction by Francis, tale for Christmas... Tue 01785 254653 DANGEROUS CHRISTMAS GRAND THEATRE, who will explain more 31 Dec - Sat 4 Jan, The STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE SHOW Sun 22 Dec - Sun 01902 429212 about that first reading Blue Orange Theatre, 01782 209784 5 Jan, Birmingham at Town Hall and Dick- Birmingham Town Hall

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Theatre REVIEWS

Here are a few of our favourite theatre productions we reviewed from last month. For further theatre reviews, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Richard II Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon The packed house waited with bated breath as the glorious sopranos and musicians opened the per- formance. We were ready to be thrilled by this fan- tastic production. And we were. Gregory Doran, the director of this play and the new Artistic Director of the RSC, offered us a theatrical treat. We all knew that David Tennant would completely commit to the complex role of Richard II, because that’s what he does. However, this was very much an ensemble production, and he was ably supported by brilliant West Side Story performances from the rest of the cast. John of Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Gaunt was in the safe hands of Michael Penning- Featuring some of the most memorable songs in the history of musical theatre, West ton. The Duke of York was played by an increasing- Side Story continues to enthral audiences across the world. The timeless tale is a ly worried Oliver Ford Davies, and Nigel Lindsay familiar one. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet, it has at its core the emotive was forthright as Henry Bolingbroke. The cameo subjects of forbidden love and racial rivalry. The animosity between the two street role of the Duchess of Gloucester was played with gangs - the Jets and the Sharks - is always played out to great effect, courtesy of energetic angst by Jane Lapotaire. Stephen Brim- amazing choreography and Bernstein/Sondheim’s exquisite score. son Lewis’s clever designs placed us firmly in the Great expectations inevitably accompany such an iconic show, and this latest touring fourteenth century, but Richard II, with its political production certainly delivered on every level. From the moment the Jets slid onto the themes, is very much a play for anytime. This pro- stage with When You’re A Jet through to the heart-rending finale, West Side Story con- duction is the first from the RSC to be filmed live sistently wowed its audience with its dramatic lighting, beautifully executed choreogra- for cinema broadcast, and will be available free in phy and well-constructed sets (which transported you right into the heart of Manhat- classrooms around the UK. This is the Royal tan). Casting was key, and the pairing of Katie Hall (Phantom Of The Opera and Les Shakespeare Company at its best. Miserables) as Maria with Louis Maskell as Tony was a match made in heaven. Their IIIII Jan Watts operatic rendition of Tonight was simply sublime, taking your breath away as it res- onated around the auditorium. Ensemble pieces America and I Feel Pretty were equal- ly well performed. With not a note out of key, a foot out of step or a lighting effect off-cue, this is one musical which I’d strongly recommend that you get along to see when it returns to the Midlands next year. Patsy Moss IIIII West Side Story shows at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham from 1 to 19 April.

Jekyll And Hyde Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Robert Louis Stevenson’s eerie tale is here given a 1930s setting and a jazz twist. Blue Orange Theatre’s Halloween adaptation is faithful to the original novella and oozes the same gothic mystery. It also offers a considerable female presence - something which, particularly in the eyes of a twenty-first century reader, Stevenson’s text is clearly lack- ing. Carefully isolated areas of the stage allow several scenes to run concurrently, Welsh National Opera: Tosca neatly telling the story through fast-paced sequences of exposition that maintain their Birmingham Hippodrome clarity despite their speed. These are balanced successfully with thrilling dramatic Set in 1800, Puccini’s Tosca finds Rome threatened moments which deliver a tingle to the spine. The action is regularly broken up (and by Napoleon’s French army. The opera follows the pushed along) by sublime hooks from classic jazz songs, performed by the female story of painter Cavaradossi and his lover, the cele- leads in a seedy nightclub setting. The hooks provide a dovetail between scenes, or brated singer Floria Tosca, as their lives are endan- sometimes act as a stark counterpoint during moments of danger. It’s this juxtaposi- gered by Cavaradossi’s old friend Angelotti, an tion that’s especially effective in creating the horror of the piece. The lush harmonies escaped political prisoner. With Baron Scarpia, the of Irving Berlin’s music jar with Mr Hyde’s violent exploits in an extremely unsettling chief of police, vying for Angelotti’s blood, the way that will have you swooning and spooked in equal measure. artists enter an intriguing game of cat and mouse. A truly memorable five-star production. Adam Sherwood IIIII Tosca is at times a flirtatious lover, flighty and vul- nerable, and at others fiercely jealous. Most pleas- ing as the teasing, capricious diva, she slips easily Tartuffe into the role of pleading lover. Despite her pious The REP, Birmingham devotion, she has no qualms about repeatedly This is a thoroughly entertaining night of theatre. Words and clever choreography siz- using a blade to taunt Scarpia. zle. Though Tartuffe was first performed in 1664, this production is a very modern one. American Soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams poured The artful translation by Chris Campbell and the outrageous and courageous direction an incredible depth of emotion into her perform- by Roxana Silbert bring French farce right up to date. ance, her rendition of Vissi d'arte ably illustrating Liz Ashcroft, the designer, though referencing seventeenth century France in her her sublime talent. The scheming Scarpia drew us superb contemporary setting and costume design, supports Tartuffe as a play for the into his performance of Te Deum in the musical cli- twenty-first century. The comic timing of each cast member is spot on, delighting a max to Act One, while Cavaradossi’s spectacular packed audience. Mark Williams plays Tartuffe, a grotesque hypocrite who betrays swansong, E lucevan le stele, elicited from the everyone. Ayesha Antoine as Dorine controls centre-stage with her feisty energy. audience a spontaneous round of applause mid- Elmire, played by Sian Brooke, goes from a ‘marzipan princess’ to a lusty siren. Janice aria. Connolly, well known in the Midlands for her theatre and stand-up comedy perform- A grand Italian melodrama, a tale of tragic romance ances as Mrs Barbara Nice, is terrific as Mrs Pernelle and the bark of her small dog. and a truly timeless piece, Tosca is an opera that The satirical themes of Molière still pack a political punch. The modern-day references should be enjoyed at every opportunity. towards the end of the play make you laugh while hitting the target. Tartuffe is farce at Alev Dervish IIIII its very best. Jan Watts IIIII 38 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December region one_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:42 Page 14

Theatre WEST END Imelda Staunton in Hampstead Acclaimed actress Imelda Staunton is to star in David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People. The award-winning actress will play the role of Margie, a sharp-tongued single mother who’ll do whatever’s required to pay the bills after losing yet another job. Directed by Jonathan Kent and with further casting yet to be announced, Good People shows at Hamp- stead Theatre from 27 February to 5 April. Shadowlands in the West End An innovative theatrical experience fusing shadow theatre, dance, circus, music and spectacular backdrops is heading to the West End in March. Pilobolus Dance The- ater’s Shadowlands has inspired many other companies and productions around the world, including Hungarian dance troupe Attraction - winners of Britain’s Got Talent 2013. Set to an original score by American musician, producer and film composer David Poe, the show runs at the Peacock Theatre Lee Hall from 11 to 30 March. Shakespeare In Love, on stage... Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard’s multi- debt and tormented by writer’s block, he award-winning 1998 film Shakespeare In engages in a passionate relationship with the Love has been adapted for the stage by Lee young noblewoman Viola De Lesseps. The Hall and will make its theatrical debut at Lon- couple's forbidden love soon draws plenty of don’s Noel Coward Theatre next summer. unwanted attention, in particular from Queen Directed by Declain Donnellan, the brand Elizabeth I - inspiring the young Will to write new production will feature a cast of twenty- the most famous love story of all time... six actors and musicians. A lighthearted Shakespeare In Love shows at the Noel romantic comedy, Shakespeare In Love fol- Coward Theatre from July, with tickets on lows the legendary Stratford Bard during his sale from February. For further information, early days as a playwright when, plagued by visit www.shakespeareinlove.com

ONCE Phoenix Theatre, CURIOUS INCIDENT OF FROM MORNING TO MID- WEST END LISTINGS: booking until 31 May THE DOG IN THE NIGHT- NIGHT Lyttelton National COMEDY 2014 TIME Apollo Theatre, Theatre, booking until 39 STEPS Criterion The- PHANTOM OF THE OPERA booking until 25 Oct 26 Jan 2014 I CAN’T SING! THE atre, booking until 18 MUSICALS Her Majesty's Theatre, 2014 X FACTOR MUSICAL HORRIBLE HISTORIES Oct 2014 London Palladium The- booking until 25 Oct DROWNED MAN: A HOLLY- BARMY BRITAIN PART AMERICAN PSYCHO 2014 BARKING IN ESSEX Wyn- atre, 27 Feb 2014 - 25 WOOD FABLE Temple TWO Garrick Theatre, Almeida Theatre, 3 Dec dham’s Theatre, book- Oct 2014 PORGY AND BESS Studios, booking until booking until 5 Jan 2013 - 25 Jan 2014 Open Air Theatre, 2014 ing until 4 Jan 2014 JERSEY BOYS Prince 30 Dec 2013 BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSI- Regents Park, 17 Jul - DICK COMES AGAIN! Edward Theatre, book- EMIL AND THE DETEC- WAR HORSE New Lon- CAL Victoria Palace 23 Aug 2014 Leicester Square The- ing until 9 march 2014 TIVES Olivier National don Theatre, booking Theatre, booking until SCOTTSBRO BOYS Young atre Lounge, booking and Piccadilly Theatre, Theatre, booking until until 15 Feb 2014 16 May 2015 Vic Theatre, booking until 19 Jan 2014 14 Mar - 25 Oct 2014 18 Mar 2014 WOMAN IN BLACK For- BODYGUARD Adelphi until 21 Dec 2013 LES MISÉRABLES FATAL ATTRACTION Hay- tune Theatre, booking Theatre, booking until STEVEN WARD Aldwych Queen's Theatre, book- market Theatre,Royal, until 26 Jul 2013 30 Aug 2014 Theatre, 3 Dec 2013 - 1 ing until 25 Oct 2014 8 Mar - 21 Jun 2014 BOOK OF MORMON Mar 2014 LET IT BE Savoy The- Prince Of Wales The- STOMP Ambassadors atre, booking until 8 atre, booking until 8 Theatre, booking until Feb 2014 Mar 2014 21 Dec 2014 LIGHT PRINCESS CHARLIE AND THE THRILLER LIVE Lyric The- CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Lyttelton, National The- atre, booking until 28 THE MUSICAL Drury atre, booking until 2 Sept 2014 Lane Royal, booking Feb 2014 WE WILL ROCK YOU until 1 Nov 2014 LION KING Lyceum The- Dominion Theatre, CIRCUS OF HORRORS atre, booking until 20 booking until 5 Apr 2014 Lyric Theatre,booking Jul 2014 until 16 Dec 2013 MAMMA MIA! Novello WICKED Apollo Victoria Theatre, booking until Theatre, booking until 1 COMMITMENTS Victoria 25 Oct 2014 Nov 2014. Palace Theatre, book- WIND IN THE WILLOWS ing until 14 Sept 2014 MATILDA THE MUSICAL Cambridge Theatre, Duchess Theatre, 11 DIRTY DANCING booking until 21 Dec Dec 2013 - 1 Feb 2014 Piccadilly Theatre, 2014 booking until 22 Feb 2014 MISS SAIGON DRAMA Prince Edward Theatre, FROM HERE TO ETERNITY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST from 3 May 2014 - 25 Shaftesbury Theatre, Young Vic Theatre, 4 Oct 2014 booking until 26 Apr Dec 2013 - 21 Dec 2014 MONTY PYTHONS SPA- 2013 GRUFFALO Lyric Theatre, MALOT Playhouse The- CORIOLANUS Donmar booking until 12 Jan atre, booking until 8 Warehouse, booking 6 2014 Feb 2014 Dec 2013 - 8 Feb 2014 Dick Comes Again!, Leicester Square Theatre Lounge

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Film December 2013_Layout 1 25/11/2013 20:01 Page 1

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

From FRI 13 DEC

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug CERT tbc Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Lee Pace, TOP 5 Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, James Nesbitt Directed by Peter Jackson (New Zealand/UK/USA) FILM BOX OFFICE Although The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey received somewhat lukewarm reviews (it was episodic and overlong), it garnered $1,017,003,568 at the global box-office. That’s over a billion dollars. Now comes Gravity (12a) Chapter II, in which Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins and those silly dwarfs hike their way to the Kingdom of Erebor. 1 There, they encounter the dragon Smaug, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. Having played Stephen Hawking, William Pitt the Younger and Julian Assange, there’s obviously no end to the man’s talents. Oh, and he also plays The Necromancer in this film. In 3D. 2 Philomena (12a)

All Is Lost CERT 12a The Counsellor (18) (106mins) 3 Starring Robert Redford Directed by J.C. Chandor (USA) The Butler (12a) It might not be a particularly 4 encouraging title, but this one- man show has received critical acclaim in the States - and Thor: The Dark World (12a) Redford is being talked up for 5 an Oscar nomination. He plays a sailor whose craft takes on water when it collides with a shipping container: what fol- lows is a story of elemental sur- vival. Although there’s virtually From no dialogue, the film is meant THURS to be extraordinarily gripping. 26 DEC From the writer-director of Gravity Margin Call. 40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film December 2013_Layout 1 25/11/2013 20:01 Page 2

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 6 Dec

Kill Your Darlings CERT 15 (104mins) Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Ben Foster, Michael C. Hall, Jack Huston, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Elizabeth Olsen Directed by John Krokidas (USA) Cinematically, there’s been a sudden interest in the generation of Beat poets, what with James Franco playing Allen Ginsberg in Howl and last year's long-awaited adaptation of Jack Kerouac's On The Road. This time, Daniel Radcliffe plays Ginsberg in a true crime story that implicates him, Kerouac (Huston) and William S Burroughs (Foster) in a murder.

Nebraska CERT 15 (115mins) Homefront CERT 15 (100mins) Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Starring Jason Statham, James Franco, Stacy Keach Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Rachelle Directed by Alexander Payne (USA) Lefevre, Vincent D'Onofrio Directed by Gary Fleder (USA) Bruce Dern looks destined to be the dark horse shoo-in at next year’s Oscars. He plays a dip- Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham are somaniac who travels from Montana to reunited on this action-thriller, although Nebraska with his son (Forte) to supposedly this time Sly just wrote the script. Statham claim some prize money. And the director plays a former DEA agent who moves his Alexander Payne is good at road movies: he family to a quiet town to escape his violent was also responsible for the critically hallowed past, only to find the place is ruled by a About Schmidt and Sideways. meth drug lord (Franco). Based on the novel by Chuck Logan.

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Released from Fri 6 Dec

Black Nativity CERT PG (93mins) Starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Tyrese Gibson, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Vondie Curtis-Hall Directed by Kasi Lemmons (USA) There’s some major talent behind this festive offering. Besides the Oscar-winning Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson, there’s the director Lemmons, who previously brought us the commendable Eve’s Bayou and Talk To Me. Here, we have a Baltimore teenager who decides to visit New York in order to meet up with his estranged relatives. For Christmas.

From FRI 6 Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf’s DEC CERT PG (94mins) nothing to go on but a voice on the phone, Starring Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, Marc Frozen CERT PG (108mins) Jacobs, Joan Rivers, Nicloe Richie Brent Magna (Hawke) is forced to follow Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Directed by Matthew Miele (USA) detailed instructions if he ever wants to see Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Santino Fontana, Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf's has been his wife again… The American reviews were Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk Directed by Chris described as being ‘as dynamic, lush and inti- not kind. Buck and Jennifer Lee (USA) mate as the store itself’. For those who aren’t in Walt Disney’s fifty-second animated feature the know about such matters, the Bergdorf of since Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs the title refers to Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury- (1937), this fantasy with songs follows the goods department store based on New York company’s fairytale tradition. This one is City’s Fifth Avenue, located in Midtown loosely based on Hans Christian Manhattan. Founded in 1899 by Herman Andersen’s The Snow Queen, in which the Bergdorf, the company has established itself as kingdom of Arendelle is turned into an eter- the most famous of all American emporiums - nal winter by the Princess Elsa (Menzel). and this hugely engaging movie offers cinema- Director Chris Buck previously brought us goers the chance to take a peek behind the Surf’s Up and Tarzan. In 3D. scenes at the store’s endlessly fascinating inner workings. Highlights include celebrities like Joan Rivers and Candice Bergen recalling Released from Fri 13 Dec their shopping experience, while the use of clips from Sex And The City and old Woody Allen movies ably illustrates the luxury retailer’s CERT 15 (120mins) impact on styles and fashions across the Old Boy CERT 18 (104mins) Cinema Paradiso decades. This is a homage not only to a leg- Starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Starring Philippe Noiret, Salvatore Cascio, Copley, Michael Imperioli, Samuel L. Marco Leonardi, Jacques Perrin endary department store but also to the cre- Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore (Italy) ative and inspiring people who work there. Jackson, Richard Portnow Directed by Spike Lee (USA) It’s back - the welcome re-release of the 1988 Yep, it’s another remake. The original was the masterpiece about cult, wildly inventive (and violent) South Korean a middle-aged Old Boy From Park Chan-wook, about a man man’s reflection on seeking vengeance for his false imprisonment. his past, in particu- Here, Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, lar the Sicilian cine- Gangster Squad) plays the detainee with retri- ma (and its projec- bution on his mind. Expect some strong adult tionist) that formed content. his dreams. A love letter to the movies, the film is overlong, self- indulgent and over- sentimental, but it contains a gallery of memorable Getaway CERT 12a (90mins) Starring Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez, Jon images and is Voight, Rebecca Budig, Paul Freeman, Bruce stuffed full of Payne Directed by Courtney Solomon (USA) supreme crafts- Not to be mistaken for a remake of the 1972 manship. No won- Steve McQueen film The Getaway, this crime der it won the actioner is actually the story of a former rac- Oscar for Best ing driver whose wife is kidnapped. With Foreign Film. 42 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film December 2013_Layout 1 25/11/2013 20:01 Page 4

Fill The Void CERT U (91mins) Starring Hadas Yaron, Chaim Sharir, Ido Samuel, Irit Sheleg Directed by Rama Burshtein (Israel) With films like Eyes Wide Open, Lebanon, Lemon Tree and Waltz With Bashir, Israel is proving to be a leader in world cinema. This one scooped seven Israeli Oscars and is set in the highly orthodox world of the Haredi Jewish community in Tel Aviv. Shira Mendelman (Yaron) is an eighteen-year-old girl looking for- ward to her marriage when, out of the blue, her older sister dies in childbirth. So, in keeping with the levirate tradition, she is now forced to marry her late sister’s husband… Fill The Void is the first mainstream feature to be directed by an Orthodox Jewish woman.

A Christmas Candle CERT U (100mins) Starring Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, From Sylvester McCoy, Susan Boyle, John Hannah THURS Directed by John Stephenson (USA) 26 Only time will tell whether The Christmas DEC Candle joins the ranks of must-watch festive movies such as It’s A Wonderful Life, but at first with his old crew to join a twenty-four-hour glance it certainly seems to have plenty going news channel in New York. Expect a lot of The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty for it. Set in 1890, in an enchanting village star cameos: Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, CERT PG (114mins) called Gladbury, deep in the heart of the Liam Neeson and Kanye West, for starters. Starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam English countryside, it tells the story of progres- Scott, Patton Oswalt, Sean Penn, Shirley sive young minister David Richmond, whose MacLaine Directed by Ben Stiller (USA) arrival has inspired the villagers to perform Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Not a sequel, nor a reboot, but a remake good deeds and great acts of kindness. But the Movie CERT U (87mins) (of sorts), this is the second adaptation of minister’s modernising ways don’t suit every- Starring Patchi, Scowler and Juniper James Thurber’s 1939 short story about the body. The dyed-in-the-wool village candlemak- Directed by Neil Nightingale and fantasist of the title. Long in gestation (Jim er is a man on a mission - a mission to pre- Barry Cook (UK/USA) Carrey, Owen Wilson, Mike Myers and serve the legend of the Christmas Candle, Sacha Baron Cohen were all due to play which has it that every twenty-five years an If you’re not tired of dinosaurs yet, the prehis- the lead), the film finally got kick-started angel will visit him and touch a single candle. toric giants return in this big-screen adaptation when Ben Stiller entered the frame. Mitty, Whosoever then lights the candle will receive a of the BBC series of the same name. Using previously played by Danny Kaye, is the miracle on Christmas Eve... But when the can- state-of-the-art computer animation and real-life ultimate dreamer, who embarks on extrava- dle goes missing, Gladbury’s residents must backgrounds, the film tells the (fictitious) story gant adventures inside his own head. brace themselves for the most astonishing of three Pachyrhinosauruses (you know, those Christmas they’ve ever experienced. centrosaurine ceratopsid dinosaurs) from infan- cy through to adulthood. Released from Thurs 26 Dec

The Harry Hill Movie CERT tbc Starring Harry Hill, Julie Walters, Sheridan 47 Ronin CERT 15 (129mins) Smith, Simon Bird, Jim Broadbent Starring Keanu Reeves, Rinko Kikuchi, Directed by Steve Bendelack (UK) Tadanobu Asano, Hiroyuki Sanada, Cary- For those who remember a certain British Hiroyuki Tagawa Directed by Carl Erik Rinsch comedian in the 1974 release The Best Of (USA) Benny Hill, this may send a shiver down the Another week, another remake. Actually, there spine. Still, Harry Hill has his followers and have been dozens of films on this subject, a this is an all-new comedy in which Hill, as famous Japanese story of revenge and honour. Harry Hill, goes on a road trip with his Nan When the leader of a group of ronin (samurai) Released from Fri 20 Dec (Julie Walters) to Blackpool. is killed, the forty-seven warriors embark on a journey of retri- bution. Although based on a true Anchorman: The Legend story (that Continues CERT tbc occurred in the Starring Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, eighteenth centu- David Koechner, Christina Applegate, Vince ry), this version Vaughn, Harrison Ford will veer a little Directed by Adam McKay (USA) from the truth, The newsreader Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) was particularly with a vain, chauvinistic and bombastic character the introduction who ruled the airwaves of San Diego in the of giants and 1970s. Now down-on-his-luck, he’s reunited witches. In 3D.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Film December 2013_Layout 1 25/11/2013 20:01 Page 5

and manipulation. The Fifth Estate 15 Hannah Arendt 12a James Stewart, Donna A-Z LISTINGS Showing at The Light Benedict Cumberbatch A biopic of the influential Reed. Showing at Light Film House, Wolverhampton, plays the editor-in-chief German-Jewish philoso- House, Wolverhampton, Mon 2 - Weds 4 and founder of Wikileaks, pher and political theorist Sun 15 December; The All films are currently on general release December Julian Assange. Assange who coined the phrase Courtyard, Hereford, Mon 16 - Weds 18 December unless otherwise stated. For full listing Cloudy With A Chance himself has dismissed the ‘the banality of evil’. film as “a hostile work,” Showing at The Courtyard, information, including times and dates, Of Meatballs U Justin And The Knights while Cumberbatch has Hereford, Tues 10 - Weds visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk This is the sequel to the Of Valour PG heaped praise on the eye- 11 December 2009 cartoon about a boy opening website. As Justin embarks on a who found a way to turn The Apartment PG Blue Jasmine 12a Showing at Ludlow A Hijacking 15 quest to become a knight, water into food. Here, the An office clerk lets his cal- New York socialite Jasmine Assembly Rooms, Weds A high quality he must first learn all lad has to find a way to lous boss use his apart- Francis has got a major 4 - Thurs 5 December Scandinavian drama with about honour and stop his contraption from ment for afternoon dal- case of the blues. She is a woolly jumper nowhere courage to become a creating mutant food liances until he discovers also forced to move in with Free Birds U to be seen? Surely not! man. With the voices of the lady he secretly loves her sister when her mar- beasts, a nasty side-effect When most Americans Then again, when you Freddie Highmore and is involved. Stars Jack riage to a rich businessman of his invention Showing think of turkey, they think see that the action has Saoirse Ronan. Showing Lemmon and Shirley self-destructs. Stars Alec at Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun of Thanksgiving. So two been transferred from the at Electric Cinema, McLaine. Showing at Baldwin and Cate 29 - Mon 30 December; intrepid game birds put police procedurals that Birmingham, Sun 15 - Wem Town Hall, Thurs 19 Blanchett. Showing at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, aside their differences and make up Saturday nights Tues 24 December; December Artrix, Bromsgrove, until from Tues 31 December hijack a time machine to on BBC4 to the mascu- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Mon 2 December; Ludlow The Company You travel back to the first line, close confines of a Fri 27 - Sat 28, Mon 30 Arthur Christmas U Assembly Rooms, until Thanksgiving - to change December Keep 15 trawler under Somali Arthur highlights the tech- Tues 3 December; the course of history. With Jim Grant is a small town Pirate control, you’ll Le Week-end 15 nological advances of Warwick Arts Centre, Fri the voices of Owen lawyer whose sympathies understand why. Showing operations at the North 13 - Mon 16 December; Wilson, Woody Harrelson. Comedy-drama about a with middle-aged mum at The Hive, Shrewsbury, Pole, revealing how Santa Attfield Theatre, Oswestry, Showing at Old market couple who attempt to Sharon Solarz raise suspi- Sat 14 December produces gifts and distrib- Sat 21 December Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 27 - rejuvenate their marriage cions after she is exposed The Hunger Games: utes them around the Tues 31 December by visiting Paris. Once in world in just one night. and arrested by the FBI Catching Fire 15 the French capital, they However, every operation for her part in violent Gone With the Wind PG Following the victory of bump into an old friend, has a margin of error... 1960s radicalism. Starring A manipulative Southern Katniss Everdeen in the who acts as a catalyst for Showing at Wem Town Robert Redford, Susan belle carries on a turbu- first film (adapted from the things to come. Stars Jeff Hall, Sat 14 December WATCH Sarandon Showing at lent affair with a blockade novel by Suzanne Goldblum and Jim Foxlowe Arts Centre, runner during the Collins), President Snow Broadbent. Showing at Battle Of Algiers 15 Leek, Tues 10 American Civil War. Stars plans a new, far more Artrix, Bromsgrove, until One of the all-time THE FILM December Clark Gable and Vivian deadly tournament… Mon 2 December; The greats of world cine- Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Dom Hemingway Leigh. Showing at The Old Courtyard, Hereford, until ma, this film about Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Josh Hutcherson. Weds 4 December; 12a winning the battle TRAILERS AT Sun 1 December Showing at Electric Warwick Arts Centre, Fri 6 Dom Hemingway is a and losing the war Cinema, Birmingham, - Sun 8 December; whatsonlive.co.uk safecracker who’s just against terrorism in Great Expectations 12a until Thurs 5 December; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, spent the last twelve years Algeria is as dramatic, Based on the classic Malvern Theatres, until Mon 9 - Weds 11 in prison. Now he’s out gripping and relevant as novel by Charles Dickens Thurs 5 December December when it was made over 40 and wants his reward for following the trials and keeping his mouth shut. Il Divo 15 Like Father, Like Son years ago. Starring Captain Phillips 12a tribulations of one Pip Stars Jude Law, Richard A riveting tale of political PG Brahim Haggiag, Jean Tom Hanks plays the Pirrip. Stars Jeremy Irvine, E. Grant. Showing at The intrigue, state-sponsored Martin. Showing at The eponymous Captain Robbie Coltrane, Helena Ryota Nonomiya feels Light House, terror and organised crime, Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 7 Richard Phillips, who was Bonham Carter. Showing he’s earned his perfect Wolverhampton, until based on the extraordinary December abducted by Somali at The Norbury Theatre, life. Then he receives a Thurs 5 December true story of Giulio pirates in 2009. It’s a tale Droitwich Spa, Weds 18 phone call from the hospi- The Bishop’s Wife U December Andreotti, seven times tal where his son was Angel Dudley comes to ripped straight from the Enough Said 12a prime minister of Italy. headlines, based on the born. There’d been a mix- earth to help out bishop Here, a divorced woman Gravity 12a Starring Toni Servillo, Piera book by Captain Phillips up, and his son, Keita, is Henry Brougham, who is finds out that the man Matt Kowalsky (George Degli Esposti. Showing at himself. Showing at Old not actually his…. engaged in a fundraising she’s pursuing is in fact Clooney) is on his last The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Showing at Ludlow appeal to build a cathe- the ex-husband of her shuttle before retirement, 6 December Mon 2 - Thurs 5 Assembly Rooms, Weds dral' which in turn has led new girlfriend. Stars Julia along with medical engi- December; The In A World... 15 18 & Fri 20 December him to become cut off Louis-Dreyfus, James neer Dr Ryan Stone Courtyard, Hereford, Sun Carol Soto is the daughter from his wife and parish- Gandolfini, Catherine (Sandra Bullock) on her Lincoln 15 8 - Weds 11 December; of a legendary voice-over ioners, a state of affairs Keener Showing at first mission in space. The film focuses on the Roses Theatre, artist and is determined to the suave angel intends to Warwick Arts centre, Mon Then, on a routine space- sixteenth US president’s Tewkesbury, Thurs 12 - Fri buck the trend for male put straight. Starring Cary 9 - Thurs 12 December walk, their craft is last four months in office Grant, Loretta Young, 13 December; Ludlow destroyed, leaving them voices on trailers. Starring and his fight to establish The Epic Of Everest U David Niven. Showing at Assembly Rooms, Mon stranded in the cosmos… and directed by Lake Bell. the Thirteenth Foxlowe Arts Centre, 16 - Weds 18 December; Filmed in brutally harsh Showing at The Courtyard, Showing at The Courtyard, Amendment. Stars Daniel Leek, Tues 17 December Malvern Theatres, from Fri conditions, this is the offi- Hereford, until Weds 4 Hereford, Sat 21 - Thurs Day-Lewis, Sally Field. 27 December cial record of the leg- December; Warwick Arts 26 December Showing at Forest Arts The Broken Circle endary Everest expedition Child’s Pose 15 Cornelia Centre, until Thurs 5 It’s A Wonderful Life U Centre, Walsall, Fri 6 Breakdown 15 of 1924 that sparked an is sixty and unhappy: her December When selfless George December Elise and Didier fall in love on-going debate over son, Barbu, is thirty-four Bailey attempts suicide on at first sight. He talks, she whether Mallory and Irvine The Great Gatsby 12a Metro Manilla 15 and strives to become Christmas Eve, he gains listens. He’s a romantic did indeed reach the sum- Baz Luhrmann’s produc- When he and his family independent. When the attention of a guardian atheist, she’s a religious mit. Showing at Warwick tion of the famous F Scott move to Manila from the angel that shows him all realist. But when their Barbu gets involved in a Fitzgerald novel stars Philippine mountain Arts Centre, Fri 13 & Sun the people whose lives daughter becomes seri- tragic accident she uses Leonardo De Caprio and ranges, Oscar gets a job 15 December; The George has touched and ously ill, their love is test- all her skills to save him Carey Mulligan. Showing on an armoured truck - Courtyard, Hereford, Mon the difference he’s made ed. Showing at Stoke Film from jail. But it’s a thin line at The Edge Arts Centre, but the job’s high mortali- 16 - Tues 17 December to his community. Stars theatre, Tues 3 December between motherly love Mon 16 December ty rate isn’t a good thing.

FOREST ARTS CENTRE, MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH ODEON TAMWORTH Worcestershire WALSALL 01922 645 555 01746 761815 0871 224 4007 CINEMA Box Office ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ODEON TELFORD 01527 577330 Shropshire 0871 224 4007 Warwickshire Birmingham REEL Quinton 0121 421 5316 MALVERN THEATRE SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY OMH SHREWSBURY ODEON, COVENTRY 0845 287 2146 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 0871 200 2000 01743 281281 0871 224 4007 CINEWORLD Solihull VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 THE NORBURY THEATRE, 240 240 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, WEM TOWN HALL ODEON, NUNEATON DROITWICH SPA 0871 200 20000871 200 MUCH WENLOCK 01939 232299 0871 224 4007 2000 08444 777 1000 Black Country 01952 728 911 SHOWCASE, COVENTRY ELECTRIC, B’ham Staffordshire WAREHOUSE, CINEWORLD W’HAMPTON FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE, 0871 220 1000 KIDDERMINSTER 0121 643 7879 CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPON- 0871 200 2000 MARKET DRAYTON APOLLO 4, LEAMINGTON SPA 01562 747773 EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 01630 654 444 TRENT 0871 200 2000 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- 01926 427 448 VUE, WORCESTER APOLLO, STAFFORD THE GIANT SCREEN AT MIL- TRE, W’HAMPTON 01902 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY PICTURE HOUSE, 0871 224 0240 LENNIUM POINT 716055 01743 234 970 0871 220 6000 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 0121 202 2222 THE ROSE’S THEATRE, ODEON MERRY HILL, LUDLOW ASSEMBLEY FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, 0871 902 5741 TEWKESBURY MAC 0121 446 3232 DUDLEY 0871 22 44007 ROOMS LEEK 01538 386 112 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 01684 295 074 ODEON 0871 224 4007 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY 01584 878 141 STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782 COVENTRY 02476 524524 0871 220 1000 411188

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Showing at Stoke Film 19 December; Artrix, with Lizzie despite her Scrooged12 though they’re members TurboU Theatre, Thurs 5 Bromsgrove, Fri 27 - Sun ghastly relatives, scandal TV network president of a wealthy English family Theo is a gastropod mol- December 29 December; Warwick and misunderstandings Cross is mean, nasty, of landed gentry, circum- lusc - a garden snail to galore. Stars Keira uncaring, and has a stances result in their sud- NativityPG Arts Centre, Fri 6 - Thurs you and me - who Knightley, Matthew sadistic sense of humour. den destitution, forcing A primary school teacher 12, Fri 27 - Mon 30 dreams of being the MacfadyenShowing at Before the night is over, them to seek financial is charged with the December fastest snail in the world. The Courtyard, Hereford, he’ll be visited by a mani- security through marriage. biggest challenge of his Parkland15 And he wants to join the Tues 3 December acal New York cab driver Stars Emma Thompson, Indy 500. With the voices life - directing the school's Parkland tells the story of from the past, a present- Kate WisnlettShowing at of Ryan Reynolds, Paul musical version of the the chaotic events which Romeo And JulietPG day fairy who’s into prat- The Courtyard, Hereford, Giamatti. Showing at The Nativity, competing took place in the Dallas This is a traditional ver- falls and, finally, a ghoul- Tues 10 December Courtyard, Hereford, Sat against the posh local Parkland Hospital, to sion, filmed in fair Verona, ish seven-foot headless 21 - Thurs 26 December; school for the honour of which the fatally wounded with an American as Juliet Stories We Tell12a messenger from the Artrix, bromsgrove, Mon best reviewed show in JFK and his blood-splat- Capulet (Oscar nominee Sarah Polley is both film- future. Stars Bill Murray, 23 - Sat 28 December town. Stars Martin tered wife were taken in Hailee Steinfeld). Romeo maker and detective as Karen AllenShowing at Freeman, Pam Ferris. the aftermath of the shoot- is portrayed by the she investigates the The Courtyard, Hereford, Village At The End Of Showing at Forest Arts ing. Stars Zac Efron and London- born Douglas secrets kept by a family of Tues 17 December the World15 Centre, Walsall, Thurs 12 Tom Welling.Showing at Booth.Showing at Ludlow storytellers.Showing at Lars is the only teenager December Warwick Arts Centre, until Assembly Rooms, Fri 20 - Searching For Stoke The Edge Arts in town who, in a commu- Thurs 5 December Sat 21, Mon 23 12 Centre, Mon 9 December Nebraska15 Sugarman nity of hunters, doesn't December; The Rodriguez, an American want to hunt. Whilst the A dipsomaniac travels Philomena12a Summer In February15 Courtyard, Hereford, Mon singer-songwriter, rest of the community pull from Montana to Dame Judi Dench plays In this adaptation of 23 - Thurs 26 December released two albums together to try and re- Nebraska with his son to Philomena Lee, an elderly Jonathan Swift’s novel, around 1970. They found open the fish factory, Lars supposedly claim some woman who decides to Saving Mr BanksPG the artist Alfred Munnings their way to South Africa, begins to plan his escape. prize money. Stars Bruce search for the son taken This is a biog of PL (Dominic Cooper) and his where he became as big Showing at Foxlowe Arts Dern and Will Forte. from her when she was Travers, the author of friend Gilbert Evans (Dan as the Rolling Stones. Centre, Leek, Tues 3 Showing at Electric just a teenager. Also stars Mary Poppins. The film is Stevens) obsess about Then he disappeared. December Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 6 Steve Coogan.Showing divided between Travers’ the same woman (Emily Showing at The Hive, - Thurs 12 December at The Light House, early years in Australia Browning).Showing at Shrewsbury, Fri 20 WillowPG Wolverhampton, until and the later negotiations Stoke The Edge Arts One ChancePG December When Willow Ufgood Thurs 5 December; with Disney to make a film Centre, Mon 2 December (Warwick Davis) finds an James Corden plays Paul Malvern Theatres, until of her popular children’s The Selfish Giant15 abandoned baby, he’s Sunshine On LeithPG Potts who, you may recall, Thurs 12 December; novel. Emma Thompson This story about friend- thrust into a magical and was the tenor who won Festival Drayton Centre, plays Travers and Tom ship, greed and exploita- This musical film follows dangerous adventure, as the first series of Britain’s Market Drayton, Sat 14 & Hanks, Walt Disney. tion follows two young ruf- the story of two soldiers the child is destined to Got Talent in 2007. And Sun 15, Tues 17 & Thurs Showing at Electric fians, Arbor and Swifty, as from Afghanistan who end the reign of the evil before you dismiss this as 19 December; Warwick Cinema, Birmingham, they get in ever deeper have to adjust to civilian Queen Bavmorda. With a cheap British rip-off of Arts Centre, Tues 17 - Mon until Thurs 5 December; with a cantankerous, life in Edinburgh. Stars only a single swordsman Reality TV, the director is 23 Dec; Artrix, broms- Old Market Hall, potentially dangerous Peter Mullan.Showing at (Val Kilmer) at his side, he the Hollywood filmmaker grove, from Mon 30 Shrewsbury, Mon 9 - scrap merchant.Showing Warwick Arts Centre, Sat must overcome the evil who steered Meryl Streep December Thurs 12 December; Old at Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 14 & Mon 16 - Thurs 19 that threatens to destroy through her paces in The Market Hall, Shrewsbury, 6 - Sat 7 December; The December; Artrix, Pride And PrejudiceU anyone who stands in the Devil Wears Prada and Fri 13 - Tues 24, Fri 27 - Courtyard, Hereford, Mon Bromsgrove, Fri 20 - Fri 27 Queen's way. Sparks fly when spirited Showing at Hope Springs.Showing Tues 31 December; 9 - Weds 11 December December; Ludlow Electric Cinema, Elizabeth Bennet meets at Old Market hall, Fri 6 - Warwick Arts Centre, Fri Assembly Rooms, Fri 27 - Birmingham, Fri 13 the single, rich, and proud Thurs 12 December; 20 - Tues 24, Thurs 26 - Sense And Sensibility Sat 28, Mon 30 December December Roses Theatre, Mr Darcy, who reluctantly Tues 31 December PG The story follows the Tewkesbury, Fri 13 - Thurs finds himself falling in love Dashwood sisters - For full listings visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

DVD NEW RELEASES Grown Ups 2 12a Kick-Ass 2 15 Three years after the events Here, in this sequel to the of the first film, Lenny Feder, highly original Kick-Ass, played by Adam Sandler, Red Mist adopts the un- relocates his family to his PC moniker (and flash childhood town. However, it costume) and holds Kick- being the last day of Ass accountable for the school, nothing goes death of his father. Stars according to plan. Also Aaron Taylor-Johnson. stars Kevin James. Released 9 December Released 2 December The Conjuring 15 In Hollywood there are more haunted houses than mansions. In this hor- ror opus from James Wan, the director of Saw and Insidious, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson play paranormal investigators who look into the Harrisville case. Based on a true story. Released 9 December Planes U Dusty, a small-town aircraft, One Direction - This Boreman who became a Elysium 15 The Way, Way Back 12a dreams of competing as an Is Us PG household name after star- Following the critical suc- A shy fourteen-year-old air racer. There’s one major An all-access look at the ring in Deep Throat (1972). cess of his South African boy goes on holiday with problem: he’s afraid of phenomenal boy band Also stars Peter Sarsgaard sci-fi opus District 9 (2009), his mother and her domi- heights. Oh, and another on the road, This is Us as Linda’s violent husband Neill Blomkamp now takes neering boyfriend. It problem is Ripslinger, a traces the boys’ humble Chuck Traynor, a man with the reins on this Hollywood proves to be an unforget- plane for whom, in immoral beginnings to interna- seemingly no motive for sci-fi epic. It’s set on a rav- table summer. Stars Steve terms, the sky’s the limit. tional fame, interspersed his cruelty. aged version of our planet Carell and Toni Collette. Released 2 December with concert footage. Released 23 December in the future, where it’s real- Released 26 December Released 19 ly not a very nice place to December live. When factory worker Pain & Gain 15 Max DeCosta (Matt Mark Wahlberg and Lovelace 18 Damon) contracts cancer, Dwayne Johnson, aka The It’s hard to imagine the he attempts to escape the Rock, play man-mountains sunny and innocent planet and infiltrate the who get involved in an Amanda Seyfried of orbiting city of Elysium, a extortion ring and kidnap- Mamma Mia! fame playing domain of the rich that’s ping plot that goes terribly Linda Lovelace. But she free of disease and crime. awry. Based on a true story. does so here, in the story of Released 26 December Released 23 December the porn star born Linda

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46 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts December Region One_Layout 1 25/11/2013 14:17 Page 2 Visual Arts

Hetain Patel: At Home mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Sun 26 January Nottingham-based artist Hetain Patel’s work sets out to define his place within two very different cultures, and uses photography and film in order to examine the subject of identity. At Home marks a real turning point in the artist’s practice, as he moves away from the self-portraiture works for which he’s previously been known. Here, Patel is no longer the sole protagonist in the camera’s frame. Indeed, in some cases he’s completely absent, instead using other means to question human relationships and the need to give mean- ing to existence. The artist’s first major solo exhi- bition, At Home was launched at Nottingham’s New Art Exchange in 2012.

David Tremlett Exhibition Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 4 December - Mon 21 April David Tremlett (b 1945) is best known for his large-scale site-specific wall drawings of geometric arrangements: abstract compositions of arcs, circles, trapezoids and line. Using pastel pigment applied by hand, Tremlett makes these compositions directly upon the walls, floors and ceilings of the building. They are orchestrated to shift the viewer's comprehension of the space; opening out, expanding and reducing, creating new vistas, Illuminate architectural rhythms and pauses. Formally constructed compositions of purely abstract elements which emanate the sensual joy of colour and hue - as well as illustrating the Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, until Sun 5 January relationships between geometry and curved line - the compositions also speak of things Works representing and interpreting light in its experienced, seen and done by the artist. various forms provide the basis for this mixed- media exhibition. Through installation, sculpture and photography, contemporary artists demon- A Big Bang: The Origins Of The Pop Art Collection strate how light can transform mood, explore Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 7 December - Sat 21 June technological processes and tell stories. Artists featured include Joanne Berry, Jim Bond, Rob & Home to one of the largest regional collections of Pop Art in the UK, Wolverhampton Art Nick Carter, Raphael Daden, Simon Fenoulhet, Gallery here explores works by some of the biggest names in the industry. The first of a David Rhys Jones and Michael Shaw. two-part display, A Big Bang features pieces acquired by the gallery over the past fifty years, including examples from the ICA print portfolio of 1964 by Bridget Riley, Gillian Ayres and Richard Smith. Exhibits of photorealism by John Salt (see interview on page 53), Boyd & Evans and David Hepher also feature.

Reference Works Library Of Birmingham, until Sun 29 December In what’s considered to be the largest and most important photography commission ever under- taken in the second city, Reference Works com- prises visual responses to the old Central Library building and to the new Library of Birmingham. Each artist’s LAST work focuses on a different chance aspect of the project, with photos by Michael Collins, to see Brian Griffin, Andrew Lacon and Stuart Whipps all featuring. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Visual Arts December Region One_Layout 1 25/11/2013 14:17 Page 3

feature...

Birmingham-born artist John Salt is recognised for his pivotal role in the artistic movement known as Photorealism. John was also the first artist to exhibit in the original Ikon gallery in 1965, and will next year be involved in the gallery’s year-long celebra- tions leading to its fiftieth anniversary in 2015. His work is cur- rently being showcased as part of a major Photorealism retro- spective exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. What’s On recently met up with John to chat about his life in art...

A former pupil at the Birmingham School of become re-born, inasmuch as no one there Art and London’s Slade School of Fine Art, would question why I wasn’t doing what I John Salt’s work first gained public recogni- used to do. So I thought I’d do something on tion in 1965, when he became the first artist the subject matter that I saw around me. You to exhibit at Ikon, a new gallery situated in know what it’s like when you go somewhere something coming about called minimalist the heart of Birmingham. new - it looks exciting, fresh and interesting, abstraction, which was a bit like expression- So what does John remember about the and I thought ‘I must do something with this’. ism but done by younger people. There was- early days of one of the city’s most presti- I found a book in the library on a n’t much of what you might call photoreal- gious art spaces? “Well, the artists in the co- photographic exhibition in the Museum of ism. I certainly didn’t know anything about it operative which started Ikon didn’t want to Modern Art called Towards The Social at the time. I was only aware of two other show their own work in the first exhibition, so Landscape. In it were photographs of what I artists doing similar work to me. These were they asked me to do it. I agreed, and exhibit- was seeing outside, and I thought to myself, Chuck Close and Richard Estes, whose work ed some fairly abstract pieces which I guess ‘I could use some of these - I could paint is also being shown in the exhibition at were influenced by American abstract from these photographs by quite well-known BMAG. The only other people who seemed expressionism and were slightly pop. I was photographers’. So that’s how it started. to be doing it were artists from California. playing around with a lot of Pop Art at the Some of the works I produced were large- Abstract Expressionism/Pop Art was more of time. The good thing about Ikon’s venture scale but were always black-and-white, as an east coast/New York-type phenomena. was that it brought art to the people, with they were taken from black-and-white photo- Then you had the west coast art, which was pieces displayed in such a way that people graphs. I didn’t know of anyone else who realist but much more enjoyable - lyrical, and could view work from outside.” was doing that sort of photorealism art at the depicting the good life which California time. It certainly wasn’t named at that stage.” stands for.” Twelve months later, instead of heading back Having moved back to the UK in the late-’70s to Britain as originally planned, John was and settled in South Shropshire, John contin- persuaded to make his way to New York and ues to work on his art and admits to having a take the second year of his MFA qualification more relaxed approach. “I don’t mind when out of residency, in a loft apartment. So was pieces get finished, but I do need to keep in this the beginning of John living the high contact with them. If I leave it for too long, I life? “Yes, quite literally - but it didn’t have the lose confidence with the piece. I never plan glamour associated with loft-living nowadays. and I never know what I’m doing. I’m sure We were living in lower Manhattan in the late- most artists must have a plan, and although I 1960s, and there were a lot of buildings have a process, I forget what that is. Every which had been neglected. I wasn’t selling piece seems like the first one I’ve ever done. John Salt’s Bride 1969 very much at that time, but I got in with a I don’t think that’s a pressure but it does gallery and found a dealer. I had a show bring an edge to the process.” John’s most vivid memory of the exhibition is uptown in 1969, my work started to sell and So are the walls of John’s South Shropshire the close encounter the Ikon kiosk had with things began going along very well.” home adorned with his works? “I only have a car. “We were hanging the exhibition when Much of John’s subject matter centres one around the house, which I’m not particu- we heard this terrific clatter on the roof. A car around abandoned vehicles and car interi- larly keen on. I think I’ve probably become had hit the railings. It had wedged itself, and ors. He’s often sited his upbringing in a city over-familiar with it; I much prefer having the wheels had gone over the edge, sending of car manufacturing and his father’s repair other people’s work around the house.” the railings down onto the top of the kiosk, garage as influences. But what impact did Finally, I question whether John has given which was made out of corrugated material. the environment in which John found himself much thought to leaving photorealism A very memorable moment but also very in the States have on his art? “Underneath behind and trying his hand at another art frightening.” Brooklyn Bridge, which goes over form. “I would’ve liked to, but I’m not very Two years on and John’s sense of adventure Manhattan, there was this space to which confident with the prospect, so don’t think I saw him and his wife cross the Atlantic. “The cars would be towed. The area became a could. But when I look back, I’m quite proud States was the centre of the art world at the dumping ground for cars. As we lived quite of what I’ve done.” And so he should be... time, and that was a big draw for me. So I close by, I’d go down there and take photo- Examples of John’s work will be exhibited as persuaded my wife, and off we went. Initially graphs. This subject matter has stayed with part of Photorealism: 50 Years Of Hyperrealistic we only intended to stay for a year. Baltimore me, although it’s evolved over the years.” Painting, which shows at Birmingham University offered me a place on its Graduate Documenting his surroundings in artform, Museum & Art Gallery until Sun 30 March programme for an MFA - Master of Fine Art - did John see it as a way of getting a mes- and offered to pay. At the same time they sage across about social/environmental offered me some teaching to support us issues? “I’ve never tried to tell a story both. It was a two-year course, but I said I’d through my art. It could be interpreted that do a year and then fly back to Britain. I didn’t way; I don’t mind. To me, that’s all too mean- want to become a Master Of Fine Art, I didn’t ingful - I’ve always just wanted it to be seen want a degree very much; I just wanted an for what it is.” excuse to be there. I liked it immediately.” Photorealism in the late-’60s/early-’70s So how did John’s involvement with photore- evoked plenty of lively discussion in the art alism come about? “I certainly didn’t know world. How aware was John of the works anything about it at the time. I’d been playing being created by his contemporaries? “When around with abstracts and then moved slight- I talk about the artists that I mixed with, there ly into minimal art, which was the trend at was still a lot of abstract work. There was that time. I thought of it as my chance to Image copyright: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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KEEPING UP APPEAR- Institute, Birmingham DOROTHEA WIGHT & THE ROGER PILKINGTON VisualArts LISTINGS ANCES: FASHION A TRIBUTE TO AGATHA MARC BALAKJIAN until COLLECTION until Sun 10 THROUGH TWO WORLD CHRISTIE until Sun 19 Sun 2 March, The New Aug, Broadfield House WARS until Sun 5 Jan, Art Gallery, Walsall Glass Museum, Dudley For full listing information on Visual Art Jan, Bantock House & Herbert Museum & Art Park, Wolverhampton IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- CATHERINE DE BARNES exhibitions, including times and dates, Gallery, Coventry W MOORCROFT LIMITED TION OF RSC COSTUME ART SOCIETY AUTUMN visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW 1913 - 2013: 100 YEARS until Mon 31 Mar, Royal EXHIBITION Mon 2 - Sat Featuring limited edition OF LIVING ART POTTERY Shakespeare Theatre, 14 Dec, Solihull Arts CLOSER Solo exhibition until Sun 22 Dec, prints by Aine Venables until Sun 19 Jan, The Stratford-upon-Avon Complex from former soldier Library of Birmingham & jewellery by Julia Potteries Museum & Art SHAKTI: NIKHIL CHOPRA TIM JOHNSON: THE LUMI- Parry-Jones, until Sun 5 Stuart Griffiths, until Sun SENSING SCULPTURE Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent until Sat 5 Apr, NESCENT GROUND 8 Dec, mac - Midlands January, Shire Hall Wolverhampton Art Exhibition of recent and until Tues 31 Dec, Gallery, Stafford WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIE- Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Art TY OF ARTISTS until Sat Gallery new paintings by the Birmingham Gallery LINES, SPACE AND 25 Jan, Wolverhampton EXPOSED: THE BODY IN Australian artist whose SHAD.OW An exhibition ANGLES A joint exhibi- Art Gallery ART FROM DURER TO work owes much to THE OTHER MR DARWIN tion of contemporary ‘indigenous traditions of of work by Ann The story of 'the other JOHN MONKS: PAINTING FREUD until Mon 21 Apr, Wilkinson and Anne photography & drawing, Herbert Art Gallery & the Central Desert, Wed Mr Darwin, Alfred until Fri 10 Jan, The IN LAYERS Set of large- 4 Dec - Sun 9 Feb, Ikon, Guest, until Sat 14 Dec, Russel Wallace', who scale paintings on can- Museum, Coventry Wolverhampton Art Bond Cafe Gallery, Birmingham was so nearly the Birmingham vas which bring atmos- DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL Gallery Father of Evolution, until phere to inanimate and Collection of rare nine- ALL I WANT FOR CHRIST- THE WORLD TURNED Sun 31 Dec, Dudley REGENERATED The story immutable objects and teenth century wood MAS Sat 7 Dec - Sun 5 UPSIDE DOWN: BUSTER Museum & Art Gallery of the Jewellery scenes, until Sun 26 engravings which cham- Jan, Red House Glass KEATON, SCULPTURE & Quarter’s Smith & Jan, The Barber pion the skill and crafts- Cone, Stourbridge FROM FERTILE GROUND A Pepper jewellery facto- THE ABSURD until Sat 14 changing programme of Institute, Birmingham manship of the Victorian AND WHEN YOU FINALLY Dec, The Mead Gallery, ry, until Sat 11 Jan, trade catalogue DISAPPEAR... Exhibition displays, projects and Museum of the ARTIST ROOMS: JOSEPH Warwick Arts Centre, events exploring themes BEUYS Exhibition from engraver, until Wed 30 which reinforces mac’s Coventry Jewellery Quarter, Apr, Enginuity, commitment to support- from the Natural World, Birmingham one of the most influen- CIRCUS EXHIBITION until until Tues 31 Dec, tial artists of the late- Ironbridge, Shropshire ing local talent, Sat 7 Sun 15 Dec, The Worcester City Museum MILLET TO MANET twentieth century, until TRADE SHOW Group Dec - Sun 2 Feb, mac - Potteries Museum & Art & Art Gallery French prints from the Sat 1 Feb, Worcester exhibition exploring Midlands Arts Centre, Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent late-nineteenth century, City Museum & Art trading structures used Birmingham PIT PROFILES Exhibition until Sun 12 Jan, The LIQUID LAND: LEGACIES which explores the links Gallery by artists within every- MAKING MOVES: CREAT- Barber Institute, day life situations, Sat 7 ING FUTURES FOR CRAFT OF OIL & POWER BY RENI between coal mining & Birmingham WINTER SHOWCASE until EFFENDI Exhibition which art, until Tues 31 Dec, Sat 15 Feb, Bilston Craft Dec - Sun 22 Feb, Exhibition of contempo- highlights the struggles Coalbrookdale Gallery, MAD DOGS & ENGLISH- Gallery Eastside Projects, rary craft which show- MEN Humorous exhibi- Digbeth, Birmingham cases the results of nine of people living in some Ironbridge, Shropshire DEAN KELLAND: NO HID- of the world’s most pol- tion which explores the BACK TO FRONT: 40 PER- maker's residencies WAR EFFORT Major new relationship between ING PLACE Fusion of per- across the West luted areas, until Fri 20 exhibition which focus- formance, filmmaking, MANENT COLLECTION Dec, Light House Media man and his four-legged GEMS Exhibition which Midlands, Sat 14 Dec - es on the massive WWII friend, until Sat 18 Jan, collage and print, Sun 2 Feb, mac - Centre, Wolverhampton contribution made by exploring cultural identi- celebrates the fortieth Bilston Craft Gallery anniversary of the Midlands Arts Centre, MATT WATKINS: THE the British motor indus- ties and stereotypical Birmingham BIRDS OF AMERICA try, until Sun 5 Jan, FIRST IMPRESSIONS representations of mas- gallery’s Garman Ryan Animated interpretation Coventry Transport Focusing on The culinity, until Sat 15 Feb, collection, until Sat 16 STRYX Group exhibition, of Birmingham Library’s Museum Barber's collection of Wolverhampton Art Nov 2014, New Art Sun 15 - Sat 21 Dec, most valueable artefact, works on paper, until Gallery Gallery, Walsall Stryx, Digbeth, Sun 19 Jan, The Barber Birmingham

For more visual arts listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Moscow State (FP-Dec)_Layout 1 25/11/2013 14:35 Page 1 Events December Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:55 Page 1 Events

The Moscow State Circus Star City, Birmingham, Wed 18 December - Sun 5 January Making a welcome return to Birmingham’s Star City, Moscow State loveable buffoons fool around, they're surrounded by a multitude of Circus are promising their ‘greatest production to date.’ Featuring all flying, back-flipping, juggling and roller-skating performers. The cir- the splendour associated with the world-famous circus troupe, A Gift cus’s line-up on this occasion includes the award-winning Flying For Christmas begins with clowns Splendid Pavlik and Klava welcom- Trapeze of Alievs White Birds, whirlwind rollerskaters the Veslovskis, ing audiences into a ‘wondrous and mysterious place’ where ‘magnif- elegant hand-balancer Vladislav Khostik and ariel artist Natalia icent feats of human achievement’ are high on the agenda. As the Goncharova. Take Me Out: Live On Stage NEC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sun 8 December Comedian-come-cupid Paddy McGuinness is bringing his primetime TV series to the Midlands this month as part of Clothes Show Live. Thirty single girls, all looking for their Mr Right, will be chosen at the show to take part in an on-stage evening event which will see a selection of bachelors hoping to impress the ladies. On bringing the show to the Midlands, Paddy said, “I've packed the girls a flask of Lambrini and the boys will be wearing their lucky pants. Take Me Out Live will be bringing Saturday nights to Clothes Show Live. Let the public see the party!”

Clothes Show Live NEC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Tues 10 December A hot ticket for fashionistas everywhere, Clothes Show Live regularly attracts a plethora of well-known celebrities from the worlds of music and TV - and this year is no exception. With appearances by model Thom Evens, singer Peter Andre and TOWIE’s Amy Childs already confirmed, 2013 promises to be a bumper show. In addition to showcasing wares from hun- dreds of leading fashion and beauty brands, the five-day event features non-stop catwalk shows in the AlcatelOnetouch Fashion Theatre. In association with Company Magazine, and hosted by fashion icon Henry Holland, industry expert Caryn Franklin and MTV presen- ter Becca Dudley, this ‘ultimate fashion frenzy’ includes live performances from Union J, Kingsland Road and Stooshe, as well as other special guests still to be announced.

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Events PREVIEWS Victorian Christmas Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 7 - Sun 8 December; Sat 14 - Sun 15 December Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on offer at Shropshire’s Blists Hill museum this month, as residents busy themselves with prepara- tions for Christmas. Visitors to the award-win- ning site can observe festive cooking demon- strations from the townsfolk, watch some of the seasonal entertainment on offer - includ- ing Punch & Judy, a mini-pantomime and carol singing - and partake in a spot of Christmas shopping in the museum’s retail outlet. And just in case all that’s not enough to ensure your youngsters are happily enter- tained, Father Christmas himself - together with his reindeer - will be on hand to hear some last-minute present requests. Santa’s Winter Wonderland SnowDome, Tamworth, until Tues 31 December Promising to take visitors on ‘an epic adventure to faraway lands’, the all-new Santa Show follows Holly Berry and the Christmas Fairy as they try to unravel the mystery of the missing presents. Suitable for all age groups, The Winter Wonderland Show is just part of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. A safe environment ensures visitors are able to play and slide in real snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe the snow action as they amble along the prome- nade walkway. There’s even an animal village, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and dis- cover some of his furry friends. Great Taste Festival Of the chance to shop for late-night bargains Santa Safari Food And Drink but also houses Santa’s Grotto (in aid of the Donington Park, Sat 7 - Sun 8 December Hawkstone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle, Hope House Charity). A massive firework Shropshire, Sun 1 Dec; Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec; Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood display at Cae Glas Park brings this year’s Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Tues 17 - Mon 23 Dec is just one of the star attractions at this two- event to a close. The North Pole’s most famous resident day celebration of food and drink. The coun- comes to North Shropshire this month, with try’s best-known artisan baker, Paul takes Hawkstone Park Follies once again trans- over the cookery theatre on the Saturday, formed into a Santa Safari experience. A trip showcasing his speciality bakes and talking through the site’s ‘mystical woodland’ leads about what makes his tastebuds ‘tingle’. the way to a hillside grotto, where a Wishing Sunday’s show sees The Fabulous Baker Arch marks the entrance to a network of Brothers and Michelin-starred chef John fairy-lit caverns and tunnels. It’s here that Burton Race offering plenty of useful advice Santa, his elves and reindeer will reside in and answering audience questions. the run-up to Christmas. For visitors wishing Other highlights during the two-day event to make more of their day at Hawkstone include baking competitions, demonstra- Park, refreshments, mince pies and a full fes- tions, a producers’ theatre, bars, pop-up tive menu are on offer at the on-site hotel. cafes and numerous stalls selling a variety of festive delights. Christmas At Sandwell Park Sandwell Park Farm, Sat 14 - Sun 15 December The big-bearded gent with the massive sack of presents and eight flying reindeer is just one of the attractions families can enjoy at Sandwell Park Farm this Christmas. St Nick is in residence throughout the month, but is particularly keen for visitors to join him on the 14th and 16th for a special Christmas Fayre, complete with carol singers, brass and jazz bands, and a choir. Free children’s activities also feature, while a craft fair pro- Oswestry Christmas vides a perfect opportunity to Music Live purchase pres- Oswestry, North Shropshire, Fri 6 December ents aplenty for Widely regarded as one of Shropshire’s family and friends. largest festive celebrations, Oswestry Festive food, Christmas Music Live sees the Shropshire including a hog town come alive with fairground rides, live roast, ensures a music and roaming street entertainers. The rumbling stomach return of a synthetic ice rink in Festival won’t distract Square (7pm onwards) is certain to delight from the feast of those in search of a bit of gentle exercise. entertainment on Meanwhile, the indoor market not only offers offer. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Events December Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:55 Page 4

until Sun 5 Jan 2014

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fun search around the drinking local beer at now call Christmas, Wolverhampton Art LISTINGS museum, Mon 2 - Sat 4 the museum, Fri 6 Dec, with music and tales by Gallery Events Jan, Dudley Museum & Gladstone Pottery the fire, Sat 7 Dec, The CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS Art Gallery Museum, Stoke-on- Potteries Museum & Art WORKSHOP Decorate For full listing information on Events, LUNCHTIME TALK: THE Trent Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent your very own including times and dates, visit REAL DEATH ON THE NILE CHRISTMAS WREATH A PERIOD CHRISTMAS Christmas stocking, Sat A talk by Stuart MAKING Led by an Meet costumed charac- 7 Dec, Walsall Leather www.whatsonlive.co.uk Williams on travels in expert, learn about the ters & learn about Museum Egypt in the 1920s and different techniques Christmas in the Tudor, TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS Dec, Birmingham 1930s, Tues 3 Dec, used to make your Stuart, Georgian & See the Tudor manor from CENTREPIECE selling Bantock House wreath and get creative Victorian periods, Sat 7 decorated for exhibition featuring a SUN 1 DEC Museum, with the opportunity to Dec, Ancient High Christmas, sample fes- beautiful array of pieces Wolverhampton make something spe- House, Stafford tive refreshments and from some of the SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC cial to take home with HANSEL AND GRETEL enjoy period entertain- BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW region’s finest jewellers, SALLY ON THE ROAD Wed you, Fri 6 Dec, Witley COSTUME WORKSHOP ment courtesy of living The list of celebrity until Mon 23 Dec, 4 Dec Regent Theatre, Court, Worcestershire Opportunity for children history group, Gloriana, chefs participating in Symphony Hall, Stoke-on-Trent VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS to make and wear their Sat 7 Dec, Selly Manor, this prestigious event Birmingham WINTER GUIDED TOURS Festive entertainment, own costume, reflecting Birmingham seems to get longer THE SANTA EXPERIENCE Wed 4 Dec, Aston Hall, including carols, the themes found in ACORNS SANTA FUN RUN with every passing until Tues 24 Dec, Park Birmingham tombola, period crafts, each performance, Sat Sat 7 Dec, show, and this 2013 Hall Farm, Oswestry, BANTOCK BEARS demonstrations, punch 7 Dec, mac - Midlands Brindleyplace, winter version is no North Shropshire Traditional jointed teddy & mince pies, Fri 6 Arts Centre, Birmingham exception, until Sun 1 WINTER SKATE The per- bear making workshop, Dec, Bantock House & Birmingham BLACK COUNTRY CHRIST- Dec, NEC, Birmingham fect opportunity for Wed 4 Dec, Bantock Museum, STUDIO 54 CHRISTMAS MAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 7 CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL wannabe Torvill and House, Wolverhampton Wolverhampton VINTAGE FAIR Including Dec, Wolverhampton Festive fun with glass Deans to try out their STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD ELIZABETHAN EVENING over sixty stalls selling Art Gallery making demonstra- skating skills on an TOUR & VISIT TO CON- Three-course dinner everything from clothes CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT tions, open studios, Olympic-sized outdoor SERVATION STUDIO Go with entertainment, Fri to jewellery, furniture CROOME Featuring the puzzles, trails and craft ice rink, until Sun 5 behind the scenes & 6 Dec, Harvington Hall, and crafts. Live music Malvern Hills Singers, activities for children, Jan, Centenary Square, meet the experts. Pre- Worcester from Ryan from The Sat 7 Dec, Croome until Sun 1 Dec, Birmingham booking essential! Wed WINTER GUIDED TOUR Clocktower and Laura Park, Worcs Broadfield House Glass CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW 4 Dec, Birmingham Learn about the mill’s Jane, a pop-up vintage AN INTRODUCTION TO Museum & Red House until Sun 5 Jan, Shire Museum & Art Gallery history & see how the salon and a range of SILKSCREEN & STENCILS Cone, Stourbridge Hall Gallery, Stafford CHRISTMAS COFFEE milling machinery culinary delights to Sat 7 Dec, Worcester SANTA HUNTS Join in a DRAYTON’S MAGICAL MORNING Featuring works, Fri 6 Dec, enjoy too, Sat 7 Dec, City Art Gallery & fun-filled search for CHRISTMAS See entertainment from City Sarehole Mill, Wulfrun Hall, Museum Santa with costumed Thomas Land trans- organist, Steve Tovey, Birmingham Wolverhampton CHRISTMAS CAROL guides and magical formed for Christmas Wed 4 Dec, Mayoral CHRISTMAS AT HOME SCALLYWAGS CRAFT DAY TRAINS Jump on board Christmas clues point- with decorations, fes- Suite, Wolverhampton WITH THE EDWARDIANS Chance to get the kids and join the New ing the way to Santa’s tive music and a 3D WHAT IS IT? Expert Evening of traditional creative at Christmas, Dimensional workshop. This is a screening of Polar advice on the identifica- Christmas activities and Sat 7 Dec, The Fort Experience Choir for a pre-book event, until Express, until Sun 5 tion and care of ceram- entertainment, Fri 6 - Shopping Park, truly festive experience, Sun 1 Dec, Black Jan, Drayton Manor ics, art and local and Sat 7 Dec, Black Birmingham Sat 7 Dec, Severn Country Living Museum Theme Park, Tamworth natural history, Wed 4 Country Living GALLERY TOUR Sat 7 Valley Railway, THE FLYING SHOW A MEET MISS BYRNE Meet Dec, The Potteries Museum, Dudley Dec, Wolverhampton Kidderminster show for recreational and talk with Factory Museum & Art Gallery, CHRISTMAS WREATH Art Gallery CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS flying enthusiasts fea- Inspector Miss Caroline Stoke-on-Trent WORKSHOP Have a go FROST FAIR Sat 7 Dec, Sat 7 Dec, Avoncroft turing light aircraft, Byrne while on this day MOSELEY BY CANDLE- creating a traditional Coventry Cathedral Museum, Bromsgrove microlights, gyro- in 1910 she visits to LIGHT Seasonal three- wreath using material WREATH MAKING WORK- SANTA SAFARI Take a copters, gliders, mod- inspect Gladstone course meal followed from Sunnycroft’s gar- SHOP Chance to make magical trip through els and more, until Sun Pottery, Sun 1 Dec, by a candlelit tour of dens, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Dec, your own Christmas Hawkstone’s network of 1 Dec, NEC, Gladstone Pottery the hall, Thurs 5 Dec, Sunnycroft, Shropshire wreath using natural caves before arriving at Birmingham Museum, Stoke-on- Moseley Old Hall, FAWLTY TOWERS - THE materials, Sat 7 Dec, Santa’s magical grotto, THE 2013 BIRMINGHAM Trent Wolverhampton DINNER SHOW Join Moseley Old Hall, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, INTERNATIONAL TATTOO DECK THE HALL & STIR CIVIC CAROL SERVICE grumpy Basil, long suf- Wolverhampton Hawkstone Park, Bringing together UP SUNDAY Help make Traditional service fea- fering Sybil and termi- CALLIGRAPHY IN MOTION Weston-under- bands from across the swags to decorate the turing choirs from nally inept waiter A performance & partic- Redcastle, Shropshire world for a weekend house & have-a-go at across the city, Thurs 5 Manuel, for a riotous ipatory event led by LORD BERWICK’S CHRIST- promising ‘spectacular stirring the Christmas Dec, Darlington Street evening of entertain- internationally MAS Step back in time pageantry’ and ‘thrilling pudding. Children’s Methodist Church, ment. A cast of profes- acclaimed Kathak artist & enjoy festivities from displays’, until Sun 1 crafts also available, Wolverhampton sional actors will bring Sonia Sabri, Sat 7 Dec, the mansion’s two-hun- Dec, National Indoor Sun 1 Dec, Moseley CHRISTMAS WREATH the much-loved sitcom Birmingham Museum & dred-year history, Sat 7 Arena, Birmingham Old Hall, MAKING Led by an to life around you as Art Gallery - Sun 8 Dec, Attingham CHRISTMAS CRAFT Wolverhampton expert, learn about the you enjoy your meal, CHRISTMAS EXTRAVA- Park, Shrewsbury MARKET Featuring CHRISTMAS FAYRE different techniques Fri 6 - Sat 7 Dec, Crewe GANZA Festive beer fes- SANTA HUNTS Join in a exhibitors selling a wide Featuring children’s used to make your Lyceum tival featuring a visit fun-filled search for variety of Christmas entertainment, stalls, wreath and get creative ARTY PARTY Fortnightly from Santa, Sat 7 Dec, Santa with costumed crafts, Sun 1 Dec, Red fair organ music & a with the opportunity to art club for eight to Marston’s Visitor guides and magical House Glass Cone, visit from Santa, Sun 1 make something spe- fourteen year olds, Sat Centre, Burton-upon- Christmas clues point- Stourbridge Dec, Northycote Farm, cial to take home with 7 Dec, The Potteries Trent, Staffs ing the way to Santa’s THE SHUGBOROUGH Wolverhampton you, Fri 6 Dec, Museum & Art Gallery, A NIGHT OF 60'S MUSIC & workshop. This is a CHRISTMAS FAIR until VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Kenilworth Castle, Stoke-on-Trent LAUGHTER Featuring pre-book event, Sat 7 - Sun 1 Dec, FAIR Featuring crafts, Warwickshire BATTLE FOR THE HOARD Doug Parker, Nipper Sun 8 Dec, Black Shugborough Historic workshops, food & CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH Watch a Dark Age Thomas, Chris Knott Country Living Working Estate, entertainment, Sun 1 1940S ENTERTAINMENT wargame tournament and The Crockers, Sat Museum, Dudley Staffordshire Dec, Newhampton Arts Festive afternoon with and have a go at com- 7 Dec, Brierley Hill Civic SANTA STEAM SPECIAL WINTER CRAFT FAIR Centre, Wolverhampton entertainment from Lola manding your own war- Hall, Dudley Festive favourite with Featuring a huge array CHRISTMAS FUN DAY Lamour, Fri 6 Dec, riors in a strategy battle CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT visitors travelling from of works from local Visit the museum for National Memorial game at this free event, CROOME Featuring the the station in designer makers, until festive fun including Arboretum, Burton-on- Sat 7 Dec, The Malvern Hills Singers, Kidderminster to visit Sun 1 Dec, mac - free children’s enter- Trent, Staffs Potteries Museum & Art Sat 7 Dec, Croome Father Christmas in his Midlands Arts Centre, tainment, facepainting WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Park, Worc grotto in Arley. Presents Birmingham and balloon modelling, WORKSHOP Join profes- MYTHS AND LEGENDS CHRISTMAS WREATHS for all fare-paying chil- BIRTHPLACE 3D Sun 1 Dec, Gladstone sional photographer Discover fascinating CHILDREN’S DROP-IN Sat dren, Sat 7 - Sun 8 LIGHTSHOW Pottery Museum, Peter Rally as he tales from the past as 7 Dec, Walsall Museum Dec, Severn Valley SPECTACULAR until Stoke-on-Trent shares tips about the this guided tour exam- MUCH WENLOCK CHRIST- Railway, Kidderminster Thurs 19 Dec, SANTA STEAM SPECIAL art of creating the per- ines objects within the MAS FAYRE Sat 7 Dec, SANTA AT THE SERVANTS’ Shakespeare's Festive favourite with fect picture, Fri 6 Dec, site’s collections which High Street, Much QUARTERS Explore the Birthplace, Stratford- visitors travelling from National Memorial span the centuries, Sat Wenlock, Shropshire festively decorated upon-Avon the station in Arboretum, Burton-on- 7 Dec, The Potteries MEET THE REJLANDERS! Victorian Servants’ and FRANKFURT MARKET Kidderminster to visit Trent, Staffs Museum & Art Gallery, Special re-enactment meet Santa in the Popular annual event Father Christmas in his FAMILY GREEN WREATH Stoke-on-Trent event featuring a walk Butler’s pantry where which sees grotto in Arley. Presents WORKSHOP Fri 6 Dec, YULETIDE IN ANGLO- and talk journey he’ll be handing out Birmingham’s Victoria for all fare-paying chil- Weoley Castle, SAXON ENGLAND through the life of the gifts to visiting children, Square, Chamberlain dren, Sun 1 Dec, Birmingham Discover how the father of photography Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Square and New Street Severn Valley Railway, GLADSTONE ROCKS Anglo-Saxons celebrat- Oscar Rejlander and Shugborough Estate, filled with stalls selling Kidderminster Chance to watch local ed the midwinter festi- his wife & muse Mary Staffordshire a variety of German WINTER TRAIL Simple, delights, until Sun 22 bands perform while val of Yule, what we Bull, Sat 7 Dec, FAMILY SANTA TRAIL Visit

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Visit the website for a full programme. Tel 01384 815571 to book.

SANTA AT FREE WINTER TRAIL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL THE CONE 1 DEC - 5 JAN at both sites SAT 30 NOV & SUN 1 DEC 14,15,21, 22 & 23 DEC 10am - 4pm FREE @ CONE Meet Santa, do a craft, Join us for Christmas £21 watch glassblowing FUSED GLASS themed crafts, storytelling, and follow our CHRISTMAS DECORATION glass bauble making Christmas trail. WORKSHOPS – ADULTS demonstrations, a £7 children, 7,8,14 & 15 DEC Christmas trail, our Make a range of £5 babe in arms Christmas gifts glass decorations (no craft). Booking essential grotto and the chance to - booking essential meet Santa and Mrs Claus @ BROADFIELD £3.80 ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS FUSED GLASS CHRISTMAS DECORATION SAT 7 DEC - SUN 5 JAN 10am – 4pm WORKSHOPS – CHILDREN A seasonal 7,8,14 & 15 DEC showcase of Make a glass Christmas PILKINGTON GLASS crafts by local tree decoration COLLECTION designer makers. Bag a fabulous GLASS HANDCASTING £17.00 PER UNTIL 10 AUGUST 2014 gift for yourself Sun 8 DEC HAND/FOOT or a loved one. 1.30pm – 3.30pm This private collection, has just have an impression of your gone on display for the first time. child’s hand or foot cast in glass, With drinking glasses of all a unique memento. Booking Required shapes, sizes and descriptions plus glass candlesticks, CHRISTMAS OPENING Venetian soda glass from 1600 FOR BOTH SITES and a rare Jacobite Amen glass CLOSED 23 DEC TO 2 JAN INCLUSIVE

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Lyceum CHRISTMAS LIGHT BUS CHRISTMAS MARKET & venues, Wed 11 Dec, LISTINGS STORYTIME WITH SANTA TOUR Sparkly open-top RACE DAY Tues 10 Dec, Birmingham Events Enjoy a traditional bus tour taking visitors Uttoxeter Racecourse, CHRISTMAS WITH BUBLE Christmas story with from Victoria Square to Stafford Enjoy a festive three For full listing information on Events, Santa & Mrs Claus, Sun the glittering Jewellery QUEEN ELIZABETH course set-meal whilst including times and dates, visit 8 Dec, National Quarter, with festive sto- HOSPITAL CAROL listening to Michael Memorial Arboretum, ries from around the CONCERT Tue 10 Dec, Buble tribute, Mikey www.whatsonlive.co.uk Burton-on-Trent, Staffs city along the way, Sun Birmingham Cathedral Powell, Thurs 12 Dec, MEET SANTA’S REINDEER 8 Dec, Birmingham City CHRISTMAS STORIES Crewe Lyceum the castle & help the Dec, Wightwick Manor Donations to Centre Tues 10 Dec, A CRAFTPLAY CHRISTMAS servants make a & Gardens, Birmingham Children’s Warstones Library, Fri 13 Dec, Bantock Christmas pudding, Wolverhampton Hospital welcome, Sun Wolverhampton House, Wolverhampton decorate the castle and CHRISTMAS AT THE CAS- Week Commencing 8 Dec, The Fort WREATH MAKING WORK- BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES receive a surprise gift TLE featuring winter Shopping Park, MON 9 DEC SHOP Chance to make WORKSHOP Ticketed from Santa’s grotto, Sat wonderland grotto, car- Birmingham your own Christmas event, Fri 13 Dec, 7 - Sun 8 Dec, riage rides, seasonal FONTANELLA RECORDER wreath using natural Weoley Castle, Tamworth Castle gifts & craft stalls, chil- GROUP WORKSHOP Sun STORYTIME WITH SANTA materials, Wed 11 Dec, Birmingham FESTIVE WINTER WON- dren’s activities & per- 8 Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Enjoy a traditional Moseley Old Hall, BOWMAN ANTIQUE FAIR DERLAND Seasonal formances by local Worcester Christmas story with Wolverhampton Featuring up to four- activities & festive fun choirs & musical CHRISTMAS AT STAFFORD Santa & Mrs Claus, GOLD CLUB Featuring a hundred stands selling featuring Cadbury’s groups, Sat 7 - Sun 8 CASTLE Holly wreath Mon 9 Dec, National range of art activities, antiques, curios, vin- very own panto, Jack Dec, Worcestershire making workshops for Memorial Arboretum, Wed 11 Dec, tage, retro & collecta- And The Cocoa Bean County Museum adults & snow globe Burton-on-Trent, Staffs Wolverhampton Art bles, Fri 13 - Sun 15 Stalk, Sat 7 - Sun 8 A VERY VINTAGE CHRIST- workshops for children, FILM & TV QUIZ Mon 9 Gallery Dec, Stafford Bingley Dec, Cadbury World, MAS A vintage, hand- Sun 8 Dec, Stafford Dec, Light House WINTER GUIDED TOUR Hall Birmingham made & festive fair fea- Castle & Visitor Centre Media Centre, Wed 11 Dec, Aston CHRISTMAS MAGIC Drop CHRISTMAS CRAFT & turing vintage tea room, CHRISTMAS MARKET Get Wolverhampton Hall, Birmingham in and be entertained FOOD FAYRE Featuring retro 50s diner & bar, into the festive spirit CHRISTMAS CAROLS In BRINDLEYPLACE CHRIST- by magician Ron over sixty indoor and music, children’s enter- with carol singers, the Great Parlour. MAS CRACKER PULL Popple and take home outdoor stalls and plen- tainment & an abun- mulled wine & more Mince pies & mulled Attempting to beat the a balloon sculpture. ty of festive treats for dance of items for sale, than fifty stalls selling wine also available, Guinness Book of Shows will be at regular foodies, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, seasonal wares, Sun 8 Mon 9 - Tues 10 Dec, World Records current intervals throughout the Dec, Weston Park, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Dec, Victoria Hall, Wightwick Manor, record which stands at day, Sat 14 Dec, Staffordshire Stafford Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton 603 people. For further Dudley Museum & Art VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS A TRADITIONAL CHRIST- SANTA’S WORKSHOP CHRISTMAS TOURS information, visit, Gallery Experience the atmos- MAS Join the Vernon Christmas craft work- Ticket includes a warm- alisa.raine@brindley- BAYARD’S COLTS OPEN phere of a bygone age family for a traditional shop where visitors can ing mug of hot berry place.com, Wed 11 DAY - COLTS AT CHRIST- & observe as the resi- family Christmas, Sat 7 help Santa’s elves punch & a mince pie, Dec, Oozells Square, MAS Special opportuni- dents of Blists Hill busy - Mon 23 Dec, Hanbury make a variety of fes- Mon 9 - Fri 13 Dec, Birmingham ty to view the muse- themselves with tradi- Hall & Gardens, tive goodies, Sun 8 Blakesley Hall, GALLERIES NIGHT Enjoy um’s historic Bayard’s tional festive celebra- Droitwich, Dec, National Memorial Birmingham the collections of five of Colts, with Christmas tions, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Worcestershire Arboretum, Burton-on- KNIT-NIGHT AT Birmingham’s galleries activities also available Dec, Blists Hill, THE LAUGHTER CREWE A Trent, Staffs LOCKWORKS Evening of - Eastside Projects, for children to enjoy, Ironbridge, Shropshire comedy and curry night DAVELEES ANTIQUE & knitting, crochet & chat, Ikon, The Barber, RBSA Sat 14 Dec, Walsall GETTING READY FOR featuring comedians COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 8 Tue 10 Dec, Light & mac. A free Art Bus Museum CHRISTMAS Wreath & Wes Zaharuk, Andy Dec, Newhampton Arts House Media Centre, will shuttle visitors TEA WITH SANTA Join Christmas card work- Kind and Tony Vino, Centre, Wolverhampton Wolverhampton between each of the Santa & his elves for a shop, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sun 8 Dec, Crewe

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ditional Christmas, Sat FestiveFestive workshops workshops at at Jackfield Jackfield Tile Tile Museum, Museum, Ironbridge Ironbridge 14 - Sun 22 Dec, Events LISTINGS Sunnycroft, Wellington, Shropshire For full listing information on Events, LORD BERWICK’S CHRIST- including times and dates, visit MAS Step back in time & enjoy festivities from www.whatsonlive.co.uk the mansion’s two-hun- dred-year history, Sat Christmas tea party, Sat Hawkstone Park, 14 - Sun 23 Dec, 14 Dec, National Weston-under- Attingham Park, Memorial Arboretum, Redcastle, Shropshire Shrewsbury Burton-on-Trent, Staffs SEARCH FOR SANTA Sat WINTER WILDLIFE WALK PRINTMAKING WORK- 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Sun 15 Dec, National SHOP: SCREEN PRINT Avoncroft Museum, Memorial Arboretum, FROM PAPER CUT Bromsgrove Burton-on-Trent, Staffs DESIGNS Free workshop CHRISTMAS AT THE CAS- SANTA’S WORKSHOP which forms part of the TLE featuring winter Christmas craft work- city’s printmaking cele- wonderland grotto, car- shop where visitors can brations, Sat 14 Dec, riage rides, seasonal help Santa’s elves Birmingham Museum & gifts & craft stalls, chil- make a variety of fes- Art Gallery dren’s activities & per- tive goodies, Sun 15 CHRISTMAS MAGIC Drop formances by local Dec, National Memorial in and be entertained choirs & musical Arboretum, Burton-on- by magician Ron groups, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Trent, Staffs Popple, Sat 14 Dec, Dec, Worcestershire STORYTIME WITH SANTA Dec, Hanbury Hall, WINTER SOLSTICE CELE- the castle & help the Dudley Museum & Art County Museum Enjoy a traditional Droitwich BRATION Tudor merry- servants make a Gallery FESTIVE WINTER WON- Christmas story with VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS making with music, Christmas pudding, CAROLS IN THE COURT- DERLAND Seasonal Santa & Mrs Claus, Sun EVENINGS Visit the dance & 16th century decorate the castle and YARD Sung by a local activities & festive fun 15 Dec, National museum as it takes on Christmas customs, Sat receive a surprise gift choir against a back- featuring Cadbury’s Memorial Arboretum, a festive flavour with 21 Dec, The from Santa’s grotto, Sat drop of the candlelit very own panto, Jack Burton-on-Trent, Staffs cottages illuminated by Commandery, 21 - Sun 22 Dec, courtyard. Mulled wine And The Cocoa Bean MISTLETOE & MULLED gas and candlelight. Worcester Tamworth Castle & mince pies also avail- Stalk, Sat 14 - Sun 15 WINE Traditional festive Entertainment is provid- CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT SANTA HUNTS A fun- able, Sat 14 Dec, Back Dec, Cadbury World, group singing in the ed in the form of street Sat 21 Dec, Avoncroft, filled search for Santa to Backs, Birmingham Birmingham Victorian courtyard, performers, brass Bromsgrove where costumed CHRISTMAS CRAFTS VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Sun 15 Dec, Light bands & carol singers, CHRISTMAS BOX OF guides and christmas Children’s event, Sat 14 Meet Father Christmas' House Media Centre, Thu 19 - Mon 23 Dec, DELIGHTS Workshop clues point the way to Dec, Shropshire Wildlife Reindeer and enjoy Mr. Wolverhampton Black Country Living where visitors can Santa's workshop. This Trust, Abbey Foregate, Morton's Christmas Museum, Coventry make Christmas fairies, is a pre-book event, Sat Shrewsbury party with festive EARTH TO BLACK angels, snowmen, 21 - Tue 24 Dec, Black CHRISTMAS CAROL songs, cooking demon- Week Commencing SABBATH CONVENTION crackers & candles, Sat Country Living TRAINS Jump on board strations and much MON 16 DEC An event whereby hard- 21 Dec, Worcester City Museum, Dudley and join the New more... Sat 14 - Sun 15 core Black Sabbath Art Gallery & Museum CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Dimensional Dec, Blists Hill, fans can enjoy an after- SANTA AT THE SERVANTS’ join the friends of the Experience Choir for a Ironbridge, Shropshire WINTER WILDLIFE WALK noon of music from QUARTERS Explore the museum as they bring truly festive experience, SANTA AT THE SERVANTS’ Mon 16 Dec, National authentic tribute band - festively decorated the 1837 Darby Hand Sat 14 Dec, Severn QUARTERS Explore the Memorial Arboretum, From Sabbath to Hell - Victorian Servants’ and Chapel to live with a Valley Railway, festively decorated Burton-on-Trent, Staffs before seeing the band meet Santa in the traditional festive serv- Kidderminster Victorian Servants’ and CHRISTMAS CAROLS In themselves play later Butler’s pantry where ice, Sun 22 Dec, Black BAMMA 14 The UK's ulti- meet Santa in the the Great Parlour. that evening at the LG he’ll be handing out Country Living mate mixed martial arts Butler’s pantry where Mince pies & mulled Arena, Fri 20 Dec, gifts to visiting children, Museum, Dudley promotion is back with he’ll be handing out wine also available, Scruffy Murphys, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec, COMMANDERY KITCHEN the return of Paul gifts to visiting children, Mon 16 - Tues 17 Dec, Birmingham Shugborough Estate, CHRISTMAS PARTY Step Daley! Sat 14 Dec, LG Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Wightwick Manor, LOCAL HISTORY TALK: Staffordshire back in time to the Arena, Birmingham Shugborough Estate, Wolverhampton WOLVERHAMPTON AS A FESTIVE WINTER WON- Victorian era and join SANTA HUNTS Join in a Staffordshire HERBERT ILLUMINATIONS: RAILWAY TOWN Talk by DERLAND Seasonal the servants as they fun-filled search for TILE DECORATING FASHION IN THE FIRST Ned Williams, Fri 20 activities & festive fun embark on their on Santa with costumed WORKSHOPS Use the WORLD WAR Tue 17 Dec, Wolverhampton featuring Cadbury’s their annual Christmas guides and magical tube lining technique to Dec, Herbert Art Gallery Art Gallery very own panto, Jack party, Sun 22 Dec, The Christmas clues point- produce a 6x6inch tile & Museum, Coventry WINTER SOLSTICE WALK And The Cocoa Bean Commandery, ing the way to Santa’s featuring your own SANTA SAFARI Take a Fri 20 Dec, Smestow Stalk, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Worcester workshop. This is a design and choice of magical trip through Valley, Wolverhampton Dec, Cadbury World, DR BUNHEAD'S VERY pre-book event, Sat 14 colours. Fired tiles can Hawkstone’s network of NATURAL CRAFTS - Birmingham DANGEROUS CHRISTMAS - Sun 15 Dec, Black later be sent home for a caves before arriving at WREATH MAKING CHRISTMAS GROTTO Get SHOW Sun 22 Dec - Country Living small extra charge to Santa’s magical grotto, Demonstration & work- along & visit santa in Sun 5 Jan, Birmingham Museum, Dudley cover postage and Tues 17 - Mon 23 Dec, shops of traditional his grotto & receive a Town Hall SANTA STEAM SPECIAL packing, Sat 14 - Sun Hawkstone Park, wreath making using gift from his workshop, Festive favourite with 15 Dec, Jackfield Tile Weston-under- natural materials, Fri 20 Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec, visitors travelling from Museum, Ironbridge, Week Commencing Redcastle, Shropshire Dec, Smestow Valley, Birmingham Botanical the station in Shropshire CAROLS IN THE SQUARE Wolverhampton Gardens MON 23 DEC Kidderminster to visit FAMILY SANTA TRAIL Visit Wed 18 Dec, The HOPE HOUSE FESTIVE SEARCH FOR SANTA Sat Father Christmas in his the castle & help the Square, Shrewsbury CONCERT Fri 20 Dec, 21 - Sun 22 Dec, grotto in Arley. Presents servants make a WINTER GUIDED TOURS Enginuity, Ironbridge, Avoncroft Museum, FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE for all fare-paying chil- Christmas pudding, Wed 18 Dec, Aston Shropshire Bromsgrove With the Christmas fes- dren, Sat 14 - Sun 15 decorate the castle and Hall, Birmingham WINTER WILDLIFE WALK ARTY PARTY Fortnightly tivities over, why not Dec, Severn Valley receive a surprise gift THE MOSCOW STATE CIR- Sat 21 Dec, National art club for 8-14 year blow the cobwebs Railway, Kidderminster from Santa’s grotto, Sat CUS Wed 18 Dec - Sun Memorial Arboretum, olds, Sat 21 Dec, The clean away with a CHRISTMAS GROTTO Get 14 - Sun 15 Dec, 5 Jan, Star City, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs Potteries Museum & Art leisurely steam train along & visit santa in Tamworth Castle Birmingham CHRISTMAS CAROL Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent journey along the his grotto & receive a 17TH CENTURY CHRIST- WESTON BY CANDLE- TRAINS Jump on board SANTA STEAM SPECIAL Severn Valley, Thurs 26 gift from his workshop, MAS Savour traditional LIGHT See the house and join the New Festive favourite with Dec, Severn Valley Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, festive recipes, toast transformed with festive Dimensional visitors travelling from Railway, Kidderminster Birmingham Botanical bread over an open fire decorations & roaring Experience Choir for a the station in TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR Gardens & join in some tradition- fires while dining on a truly festive experience, Kidderminster to visit Six hundred stalls of CHRISTMAS WREATH al 17th century games, seasonal menu pre- Sat 21 Dec, Severn Father Christmas in his toys, trains and models MAKING Design & make Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, pared by Head Chef Valley Railway, grotto in Arley. Presents at Britain's Biggest Toy your very own Moseley Old Hall, Guy Day, Thurs 19 Dec, Kidderminster for all fare-paying chil- Collectors Fair, Fri 27 Christmas wreath to Wolverhampton Weston Park, CHRISTMAS VICTORIAN dren, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham take home, Sat 14 - VINTAGE & HAND-MADE Staffordshire MARKETS Sat 21 Dec, Dec, Severn Valley BLONDIES STUDIO 54 Sun 15 Dec, Northycote FAIR Sat 14 - Sun 15 A TRADITIONAL CHRIST- Leek, Staffordshire Railway, Kidderminster NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY Farm, Wolverhampton Dec, Broadgate, City MAS Thurs 19 Dec, CHRISTMAS TRAIL Learn SEARCH FOR SANTA Including a three- SANTA SAFARI Take a Centre, Coventry Stoke City Centre about the Christmas Follow the clues hidden course meal and DJ magical trip through EDWARDIAN CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS Soak story as you weave around the site to find Peza, Tue 31 Dec, Hawkstone’s network of Listen to local carol up the festive atmos- your way around the your way to Santa, Sat Cromwells Hotel and caves before arriving at singers in the Billiard phere & enjoy a glass Cathedral trail, Sat 21 21 - Sun 22 Dec, Wine Bar, Shrewsbury Santa’s magical grotto, room & experience the of mulled wine & mince Dec, Coventry Avoncroft, Bromsgrove Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, sights & smells of a tra- pie, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Cathedral FAMILY SANTA TRAIL Visit

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 59 Spice DPS December 13 PO_Layout 1 25/11/2013 19:07 Page 1

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE

7 days-a-week Meals & Parties Wouldn’t you love to be invited to join a thriving club of 3000 friends in the West What Our Members are up to in December 2013 Midlands (and 15,000 nationally!) who H H Sunday 1 December Unihoc (Mixed Indoor Winter Walking/ Navigation really know how to enjoy themselves? Hockey) Skills Day H Brocton and the Haywoods Moderate Ramble Well here’s your chance. We’re a friendly, Friday 6 December Monday 9 December local action, adventure and social group H Clent Easy Ramble H H H Cupcake Christmas Center Parcs Christmas Badminton For Fun - offering a wide variety of opportunities for Party Weekend Worcester our members to have fun together. Decorating Workshop H H H Derby City Walk Charity Sleep Out Darts Night and Buffet There’s literally something for everyone; H Good Food Show Saturday 7 December be it the latest adrenaline pumping out- H Peak District Walk - Tuesday 10 December Silly Dale door activities... weekends & holidays… H Birmingham Canals Walk H Cheltenham Wine Tasting Evening sports nights… workshops on fascinating H Zip World - Ultimate Zipline H Chocolate Experience Experience subjects… or social nights including H Christmas Party - Hunton H Solihull Pub Night theatre, parties and ‘behind the scenes’ Park, Herts visits to all sorts of unusual places you’ve Monday 2 December H Eyam Leg stretcher always wanted to go. Mountain Bike Ride Wednesday 11 December H Badminton For Fun - H Events take place at locations across the Worcester H Feel the Fear .. and do it Badminton For Fun - anyway® Coventry West Midlands. Lots of our members are H Spice Book Club single and come along on their own, but H Inkberrow and the Lenches H Badminton For Fun - Ramble Wolverhampton we also welcome couples and groups of Tuesday 3 December friends. H Nottingham Christmas H Badminton at NIA Market Pub Treasure Trail H Nutcracker H Sutton Pub Night There’s no hidden agenda – we’re just H Scuba Taster Morning one happy family of friends. Members are Wednesday 4 December Experience Thursday 12 December all ages (18–80!) and from all walks of H Winter Wildlife Tour of H BMX Taster Session life. H Badminton For Fun - Middleton Lakes Coventry Saturday 14 December The one unifying factor of anyone joining H Badminton For Fun - Sunday 8 December Spice is that they want to live life to the Wolverhampton H A Victorian Christmas H full. H Badminton at NIA Attract, Create and Maintain H Abseiling for the Terrified your Perfect Relationship H Curry and Quiz - Solihull H Christmas Dinner H Dance 2013 Membership is equivalent to the cost of H Synchronised Swimming for Christmas Adventure Trekking Day just a pint of beer a week. Beginners H Christmas Dinner Dance H Accommodation In fact, our money back promise means H Tamworth and Lichfield Pub Cinema Night Night H Exploring the Countryside H Makeover or Boudoir that satisfaction is guaranteed. (Outdoor Skills Day) Photography Session H Tudor Christmas with Henry Get your FREE comprehensive VIII at Tutbury Castle H Frankfurt Christmas Market H Spice National Christmas Appeal - Kindu Trust information pack today call: Pub Treasure Trail Thursday 5 December H Glass Art Workshop H Learn to Drift! Sunday 15 December H Austrian Christmas at H ¤ (24 hours) Franzls Singing for Beginners - 0121 353 6161 Find your Voice! H Santa Cycle and Present H Halesowen and Quinton Drop in Sutton Park Pub Night H Spice Choir - Develop your email [email protected] Singing Ability or visit www.spicebham.com

“It’s an opportunity to get to do lots of things you wouldn’t otherwise do... and meet lots of people you wouldn’t otherwise meet”. Jamie, Spice member Spice DPS December 13 PO_Layout 1 25/11/2013 19:08 Page 2

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS LEISURE SOCIAL

Outdoor Pursuits Flying Walking

What Our Members are up to in December 2013

H Monday 16 December Clun and The Shropshire Sunday 29 December Way Ramble H H American Pool Night and H Spice Manchester Balloon Flight Buffet Christmas Masked Ball H Borrowdale New Year Walking Break H Badminton For Fun - H Yorkshire Christmas Party Worcester H Horsley Park - North Downs New Year Walking Break H Bromsgrove Pub Night Sunday 22 December H Made in Birmingham Walk H and Afternoon Tea Tuesday 17 December Whittington + Hopwas Moderate Ramble H Nottinghamshire New Year H A Christmas Wassail Walking/SocialBreak Motor Sports H Kings Heath Pub Night Monday 23 December H Snowdonia New Year Walking Break H Wednesday 18 December Bournville on Christmas Eve H Christmas Break: Monday 30 December H Badminton For Fun - Manchester Coventry H Festive Afternoon Tea with H Edinburgh's Hogmanay H Badminton For Fun - Carols 2013/14 Wolverhampton H Knowle Locks Xmas Eve H Magical Mystery Circus H Easy Ramble + Lunch Badminton at NIA Sleepover - EXTRA NIGHT H Quiz H Shatterford and Upper Arley H Sutton Park Mulled Wednesday 25 December Ramble Wine/Mince Pie Ev Ramble H Tamworth Town Walk H Christmas Day Link Up Water Sports 2013 Thursday 19 December Tuesday 31 December H Christmas Day Lunch H Warwick and Leamington H Escape Christmas with a H Edinburgh's Hogmanay Pub Night (NEW VENUE) Day on the Mountains Champagne Dinner

H Magical Mystery Circus Friday 20 December Friday 27 December Sleepover Party H H East Midlands Christmas New Year Break in London H Beddgelert and Snowdonia and Thames Cruise Dinner Dance 2013 Twixtmas Walking Weekend H H East Midlands Christmas Nottingham New Year's Eve H Borrowdale Twixtmas party and Accomodation Dinner Dance with Accom Walking Break H H Pantomime - Peter Pan The Enchanted Tales H Christmas Clay Pigeon Shooting H Spice Yorkshire NYE Party with Accomadation Saturday 21 December H Cinema Night - Rubery Check out our H H Christmas Carriage Ride Spice Hits Town at the Jam Christmas events House & Wacky Wild QUOTE visit: www.spicebham.com ‘WHATS ON’ AND GET A FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP What will you be doing tomorrow? Books-TV December Region two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 19:48 Page 1 Books TV

Americana: The Kinks, the road and the Perfect Riff By Ray Davies A fan of all things American, Ray Davies toured the States with The Kinks during one of the most tumultuous eras in American his- tory - until, that is, the group were banned from performing there in 1965. Decades later, while living in New Orleans, he experienced a transformative event - a shooting, as a result of a botched robbery, that nearly took his life. In Americana, Davies tries to make sense of his longstanding love- hate relationship with the US, a relationship which has both Festive fun with David Walliams’ inspired and frustrated him. From Gangsta Granny his quintessentially English per- A TV adaptation of the David Walliams novel Gangsta Granny is spective, he takes readers on a very personal road trip through his life to air on BBC One this Christmas. Julia McKenzie, Joanna and career as a rock star, in the process revealing what music, fame and Lumley, Rob Brydon and Miranda Hart will bring Walliams’ high- America really mean to him. ly acclaimed work to life in a brand new sixty-minute adaptation. Gangsta Granny tells the story of schoolboy Ben (Reece Buttery), a young lad bored beyond belief when made to stay Doctor Who: The Doctor - His with his grandmother (McKenzie). But when Granny lets slip she Life And Times was once an international jewel thief, life becomes a bit more interesting... Not wishing to be left out, the Christmas Day offer- By James Goss and Steve Tribe ing also features an appearance by Walliams, performing along- Having touched millions of lives over the past side Miranda Hart as Ben’s Strictly Come Dancing-obsessed fifty years, Gallifrey’s last-surviving Time Lord parents. remains one of British television’s most popu- lar science fiction characters. And with a new Doctor in the house this month, The Doctor - West Wing actor in new BBC drama His Life And Times takes a look back over the Veteran American actor Martin Sheen, perhaps best known from past half-century, exploring the story of a two- the hit TV series The West Wing and the Francis Ford Coppola hearted alien who stole a spaceship, travelled movie Apocalypse Now, is to star in a new drama based on the through time and space, and repeatedly true story of Moby Dick. A one-off ninety-minute film, The Whale saved the universe in the process. Told by sees Sheen play Thomas Nickerson, an old man who tells of his the Doctor’s friends, enemies and the man life as a cabin boy on the ill-fated whaling ship Essex. Promising himself via journals, letters, trial records, a gripping narrative, The Whale features ‘spectacular’ underwa- secret government files and tabloid journalism, this is an ideal Christmas ter shots which capture the boat caught in a storm. Jonas gift for Whovians everywhere. Armstrong, Adam Rayner, Paul Kaye, David Gyasi and Jolyon Coy also star. The Whale shows on BBC One over the Christmas period. John Bishop: How Did This All Happen TOP 5 A return to Spain’s sunny climes... By John Bishop BOOKS ITV’s award-winning comedy Benidorm will return for a sixth One of the nation’s funniest comedians, series in the New Year. Joining the holiday-loving Garvey family John Bishop is also one of the wealthiest. at the infamous Solana Resort will be the Dykes - a brand new It’s well documented that comedy wasn’t Diary Of A Wimpy Kid family of four from Watford. Fans of the series will be pleased to his first career choice, but the lad from 1 Jeff Kinney know that all the old favourites - Donald and Jacqueline, Joyce Liverpool took a gamble which thankfully Temple Savage, Mateo and transsexual Les - will also be mak- paid off (both for him and us!). In How Did Alex Ferguson My ing a return. And there’ll be special guest appearances to spice This Happen, John looks back, in his own 2 Autobiography things up too, with Matthew Kelly, Philip Oliver, Ken Morley and inimitable style, on his formative years Rustie Lee all heading for the Spanish coastal resort. growing up on a council estate - a time Demon Dentist The Dyke family spent dreaming of ousting Kenny Dalglish 3 David Walliams from Liverpool FC's starting line-up! Marriage, kids, and travelling the globe on David Jason: My Life a shoestring are other subjects he writes 4 David Jason about, as is the split that one night led to him standing on a stage, complaining to A Christmas To Remember strangers. It was a night that changed his 5 Katie Flynn life forever, and started him on his journey to stardom...

62 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out December new Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 17:15 Page 1 Eating Out Yet another award for South Shropshire pub One of South Shropshire’s oldest public houses is celebrating after receiving the West Midlands Wedding Venue of the Year Award from Your Wedding Planner Magazine. Ludlow’s Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn was awarded the prestigious accolade for its excellent facilities and the profes- sionalism of its staff. The venue, which prides itself on consistently delivering excellent food, was recently nominated as one of the best inns in the country by travel experts Les Routier and in the summer was voted as the region’s Best Free House Pub.

Team wins Gold in the Middle East A Shropshire chef is in jubilant mood after win- ning three ounces of pure gold in a major new Real deal in the Cellar... international gastronomic contest in the Middle East. Gennaro Adaggio, Head Chef at REVIEW living room, you’re normal- and the duck cooked Shrewsbury’s La Dolce Vita restaurant, was the ly onto a good thing. exactly to my wife’s taste. youngest member in a team of Welsh chefs who Stafford locals will know Although full, room was What to do with Weston collectively came Weston Hall well, but if you somehow made for choco- Hall? This has been a fourth in the haven’t seen it before, it’s late brownie (£5.50) and a question that’s puzzled the Dubai World beautiful in a striking and decadent cheeseboard would-be restaurateurs of Hospitality imposing sort of way, the (£6.50), all washed down Stafford for years, with Championships. grounds impressively dec- with a warming glass of each new morning bring- The finale of the orated with clever lighting. red. ing a false dawn, and event - a presen- Once inside The Cellar For a chilly Tuesday night every makeover of the old tation ceremony you’re struck by how mod- in Stafford, The Cellar at building proving to be little in the desert - ern and welcoming your Weston Hall was pleasingly more than an exercise in saw Gennaro and surroundings are, the busy. Watching guest after quite literally papering over each of his team- restaurant arranged so as guest leave with smiles the cracks. But almost mates awarded a to ensure its customers and thanks, it’s not hard to exactly one year after it gold cooking pot feel they’ve got plenty of imagine this restaurant opened, it’s starting to look containing a pure space in which to dine and being a fixture in the town as though The Cellar gold medal. relax. for a considerable time to restaurant could be the We started with the rich come. Simon Carter real deal. chicken liver parfait offset Wolverhampton restaurant Although not the first with a sweet red onion Food: IIIII eatery to offer ‘classic marmalade (£5.95) and Service: IIIII reopens under new management English dishes made from oak smoked salmon Ambience: IIII I A Wolverhampton restaurant which closed in locally sourced produce’, (£6.25). Both starters were Overall value IIII I The Cellar’s A La Carte October after twenty years of trading has shared, as were contented OVERALL IIII I reopened under new management. Business menu certainly tantalised smiles. partners Nick Avdia and Paulo Eloshir have both my own and my With temperatures plung- Weston Hall, together invested £30,000 in Italian restaurant wife’s tastebuds when we ing below freezing outside, Weston Bank, Rosso E Nero, installing a new kitchen as part of viewed it online prior to our the lamb shank (£14.25) Weston, a major refurbishment. The reopened venue, visit. And if you can get and roast breast of duck Stafford, renamed Amici, will specialise in both Italian and excited about a menu (£14.95) proved to be ideal ST18 0BA Spanish dishes, and is expected to provide nine while perusing it on a com- comfort food, with the 01889 271082 new jobs in the near future.. puter screen in your own lamb falling off the bone www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Eating Out December new Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 17:15 Page 2

18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 01743 281 750 www.thepeachtree.co.uk

64 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out December new Region Two_Layout 1 25/11/2013 17:15 Page 3

Restaurant REVIEWS Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on restaurants, including opening times and type of cui- sine, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE LOST & FOUND WAGAMAMA Brindley Birmingham 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS Place, birmingham B1 0121 643 9293 2HL 0121 643 AIR RESTAURANT LG LOVES The Glasshouse, Arena, Bickenhill Rd, Browning St, B16 8FL 0844 338 0333 0121 454 5151 Black Country BANK 4 Brindleyplace, MECHU 47 - 59 Summer B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 Lichfield Street, Walsall BAR ESTILO 10-114 1661 WS1 1SY 01922 Wharfside St, The METRO BAR & GRILL 73 613361 Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 Cornwall St B3 2DF 643 3443 BANKS BISTRO Chapel 0121 200 1911 Ash, Wolverhampton BERLIOZ Burlington MOUNT FUJI The WV1 4EP 01902 Arcade, New St, B2 Bullring, B5 4BH 0121 238433 4JQ 633 9853 0121 633 1737 BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, OPUS 54 Cornwall St, Wolverhampton. 01902 BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT B3 2DE 0121 200 427555 AND BAR 24-26 2323 BENGAL FUSION 174 Harborne Rd, B15 3AA THE ORIENTAL The 0121 454 6877 High St, Lye, Mailbox, 128-130 Stourbridge DY9 8LN. BUONISSIMO 1 Albany Wharfside St, B1 1RQ 01384 891111 Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX 0121 633 9988 0121 426 2444 BILASH 2 Cheapside, PENNY BLACKS Wolverhampton, WV1 Shropshire restaurant offers affordable CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells The Mailbox, 132-134 1TU 01902 427762 Square, Brindleyplace, Wharfside St, B1 1XL THE BLUE BRICK B1 2HS 0121 248 0121 632 1460 fine dining and interesting combinations 3226 Broad Gauge Way, PICCOLINO Wolverhampton WV1 The Saracens in Hadnall has had one's taste, they were beautifully CARLUCCIO’S The 9 Brindleyplace B1 1AA 01902 875301 a good reputation for a number cooked with a lovely accompani- Water’s Edge, 2HS 0121 634 3055 Brindleyplace BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper of years, so when we heard of a ment of smoked cheddar PITCHER & PIANO Green, Wolverhampton B1 2HP 0121 633 Brindleyplace, B1 2HP new chef and a change in direc- mashed potato and jus. The pre- 9262 WV6 8QQ 01902 0121 643 0214 756052 tion, we were curious to sample dessert was possibly one of the CENTENARY BAR & POPPY RED Arcadian BRASSERIE Broad CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- the results. most delicious desserts I've eaten Centre, Birmingham B5 255 Bilston Road, Street, B1 2EP 0121 Walking into the restaurant, it still in Shropshire - the blackberry 4TD 0121 687 1200 Wolverhampton WV2 245 2080 has the same warm, homely feel flavour cut through the sweet- PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall 2JN 01902 458024 CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 that I remember. We slouched on ness of the honey and white St, B3 2DH 0121 212 CASA CASITA Upper Thorpe St, B5 4AT 9799 chocolate beautifully, and I was Gornal, Dudley. DY3 the leather sofas while waiting for 0121 666 6622 THE RECTORY 50-54 St 1UP 01902 676754 our table, sipping wine and nib- once again wishing there was a CIELO 6 Oozells Square, Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS CATELLANI’S 6 School bling canapes (brie and salami little more in the glass! The dark Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 0121 605 1001 St, Wolverhampton, bon-bons, no less!). chocolate tart was very rich after 0121 632 6882 RED PEPPERS 117 WV1 4LR 01902 COTE The Mailbox, The menu at The Saracen's fea- a large meal, which, again, isn't Wharfside St, B1 1RF 428928 B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 0121 643 4202 tures an excellent selection of to everyone's taste, but it was CINNAMON COURT DEL VILLAGGIO SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, Bentley Mill Way, food. I would happily have cho- certainly the mother of all choco- Unit 528, Middle Mall, B2 5BN 0121 633 Walsall WS2 0BP 0121 sen ninety per cent of both the late tarts! Some of the desserts The Bullring. B5 4BE 0251 568 6664 starters and mains, so thought on the a la carte menu sounded 0121 643 1400 SHIMLA PINKS 215 THE COWSHED Clive the best thing to do was opt for incredible, like the white choco- EDMUNDS 6 Brindley Broad St, B15 1AY Farm Clive Rd, place, B1 2JB 0121 0121 633 0366 Pattingham, WV6 7EN the five-course taster menu. late & passion fruit crème brulée 633 4944 01902 701888 with sweet chilli shortbread and SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield Brace yourselves... ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 Rd, Edgbaston B13 THE CROOKED HOUSE Home-baked bread; chicken liver pineapple sorbet. 1JL 0121 212 3383 3DU 0121 454 3434 Coppice Hill, Himley and port parfait with toasted Overall, I really like the direction JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, DY3 4DA 01384 brioche, poached raisins and that The Saracens is going; cre- Mall, Bullring Shopping Brindley Place, 238583 Centre, B5 4BE THE DITCH fresh figs; pan-fried scallops with ating interesting combinations of Birmingham B1 2HL 1 Town Hill, 0121 270 3610 0121 633 3049 Walsall, WS1 2EU black pudding croquette, parsnip flavours and ingredients without JIMMY SPICES Regency STRADA 109-111 01922 643215 & vanilla puree and salsa verdi; a being pretentious - fine dining Wharf, Broad St, B1 Wharfside St, The DON SALVO 25 beef tasting-plate (which included that’s both accessible and afford- 2DS 0121 643 2111 Mailbox B1 1XL Darlington Street, seventy-two-hour braised brisket, able. On top of that, the service LAS IGUANAS Arcadian 0121 643 7279 Wolverhampton WV1 4HW 01902 712819 herb meat loaf and shredded was delightful, with professional, Centre, Hurst St, B5 THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, 4TD 0121 622 4466 B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley beef shin); a pre-dessert of informative staff adding to the Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU THE LOFT LOUNGE THE VAULTS Newhall experience. The only thing that 01384 877077 honey parfait with blackberry sor- 143 Bromsgrove St, Place, Newhall Hill, bet; and finally, a dark chocolate hasn't progressed alongside the B5 6RG 0121 622 B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 THE FAIRLAWNS AT tart. All for the very reasonable kitchen is the decor in the dining 2444 ALDRIDGE 178 Little price of £35 per head. area, which is rather dated - a The taster menu got off to an small price to pay, though, for an excellent start for us - and not excellent meal that I’ll be recom- knowing what you’re having mending to everyone. does, of course, add to the nov- Jessica Aston elty. The parfait turned what’s normally a standard pub-grub Food: IIII I starter into a really interesting Service: IIII I combination of flavours. Ambience: IIII I Absolutely delicious, it was fol- Overall value III II lowed by a classic combination - OVERALL IIII I black pudding and scallops, with croquette's seemingly being a Saracens At Hadnall Shropshire food trend at the Shrewsbury Rd moment. I could have eaten a Hadnall plateful of both. The beef was a Shropshire slow-cooked meat-lover's heav- SY4 4AG en, and though the richness of all Tel: 01939 210877 three meats wouldn’t be to every- Centenary Bar & Brasserie, Birmingham

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Aston Road, Aldridge, Ironbridge TF8 7AD Walsall WS9 0NU 01922 01952 432055 455122 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY FARADAYS The Ellesmere Rd, Waterfront, Brierley Hill, Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF Dudley, DY5 1UR 01939 290 523 01384 482 882 BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a FIVE RIVERS Vicarage Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 Place, Walsall WS1 3NA 1PZ 01743 272586 01922 646164 BUFFALO STEAK HOUSE FOUR STONES Adam’s 125 Frankwell, Hill,Clint, Stourbridge, Shrewsbury SY3 8JX DY9 9PS 01562 883260 01743 537523 FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, Smethwick, B67 5BN TF11 9BA 01952 0121 429 7920 460662 FRENCH CONNECTION CASA NARANJO Barracks 3 Coventry St, Passage, Wyle Cop, Stourbridge DY8 1EP Shrewsbury SY1 01743 01384 390940 588165 FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove CASA RUIZ 45 High Rd, Clent, Stourbridge Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 DY9 9PY 01562 883040 4DX 01746 218 084 GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 CHEZ MAW Best Western 2EQ 01922 640363 Valley Hotel, Buildwas Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower 01952 432247 Mill Street, Kidderminster. DY11 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, 6UU 01562 744976 Market Drayton TF9 3PX MADE IN THAI Darlington 01630 638984 St, Wolverhampton WV1 CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, 4HW 01902 312512 Shrewsbury SY1 1EN PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower 01743 361440 Mill Street, Kidderminster DA VINCI’S 26 High St, The Boathouse, Shrewsbury DY11 6UU 01562 60479 Ironbridge, TF8 7AD THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst 01952 432250 Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Market Street, 01743 248000 INDICA Virage Park, Lane, Tipton DY4 9AB DORRINGTON OLD HALL Shrewsbury SY1 1UY Shrewsbury SY1 1LG TIN TINS Wellington Cannock. WS11 0HN 0121 557 1402 PERSIAN CUISINE Main 01743 353107 01743 277140 Road, Telford TF2 8AJ 08712 070417 RED FORT Fold St, Road, Dorrington, HENRY TUDOR HOUSE LUDLOW KITCHEN 01952 608688 JASMINE PEKING 21 High Wolverhampton, WV1 Shropshire SY5 7JD Barracks Passage Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 TRAITORS GATE Castle St, St, Eccleshall, Stafford 4LP 01902 424440 01743 719100 Shrewsbury SY1 1XA 2JR 01584 856020 Water Lane, Shrewsbury ST21 6BW 01785 RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St 01743 361666 THE MALTHOUSE The SY1 2BX 01743 249152 851200 Upper Green, Tettenhall, LA DOLCE VITA Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ HILL VALLEY HOTEL Wharfage, Ironbridge THE WALLS Welsh Walls, 19 Stafford Wolverhampton WV6 St, Stone ST15 8QW 01743 344679 Tarporley Road, TF8 7NH 01902 433712 Oswestry SY11 1AW 8QQ 01902 756052 01785 817 985 THE FEATHERS Brockton, Whitchurch SY13 4HA MORGANS 1 Bellstone, 01691 670970 SAFFRON Wolverhampton Much Wenlock TF13 0844 879 9049 THE LODGE 24 Shrewsbury SY1 1HU ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 Road, Oldbury B69 4RR 6JR 01746 785202 THE INN AT GRINSHILL 01743 239114 Birmingham Road, 0121 552 1752 High Street, Shrewsbury Shenstone. WS14 0LQ FENNELS 8 Market Place, The High Street, MR UNDERHILLS Dinham SIMON’S 520 Chester Rd, SY1 1SF 01743 353232 01543 483334 Shifnall TF11 9AZ Grinshill, Shrewsbury, Weir, Ludlow Shropshire Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 SY4 3BL 01939 220410 MALABAR 01952 463020 SY8 1EH 01584 874431 1-2 Water 0PU 0121 580 9293 KING & THAI Avenue Rd, Street, Stafford, ST16 THE FOX INN 46 High St, THE MYTTON & MERMAID Staffordshire SPICES Hollywell Rd, Broseley, Telford TF12 2AG 01785 227 500/600 Much Wenlock TF13 Atcham, Shrewsbury, Wednesbury. WS10 7PA 6AD 01952 727292 5DL 01952 882004 NO 5 Gaol Mews, MARLOES 13 London 0121 502 0720 SY5 6QG 01743 761220 Stafford ST16 3AN Road, Newcastle under FRANK CAFE BAR 129 THE KNIGHTON HOTEL THE SPRINGHILL THE OLD ORLETON INN 01785 22 9900 Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 Frankwell, Shrewsbury Broad Street, Knighton, Warstones Rd, Penn, Holyhead Rd, 95 HIGH GREEN 661983 SY3 8JX 01743 354422 Powys LD7 1BL 01547 Cannock. Wolverhampton WV4 520530 Wellington, TF1 2HA WS11 1BH 01543 THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 4LB 01902 342530 01952 255011 573905 ST15 8BA 01785 Princess St, Shrewsbury, LA BÉCASSE 17 Corve St, THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 818456 SY1 1LP 01743 362507 Ludlow, SY8 1DA 01584 Gospel End Rd, Dudley 872 325 & RESTAURANT Lowe Hill Lombard St, Lichfield. THE NAVIGATION INN GRANARY BAR & GRILL DY3 4AN 01902 676 Road, Wem, Shropshire WS13 6DP 01543 Newport Road, Gnosall, 102 Weston Park, Weston- LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 SY4 5UA 01939 233233 257986 Stafford ST20 0BN THORNESCROFT under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, 1QU 01743 249126 THE PEACH TREE 21 BELLA ITALIA 20 01785 822327 Bridgnorth Rd, TF11 8LE 01952 Abbey Foregate, Greengate St, Stafford, OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, Wolverhampton, WV6 852107 LA LANTERNA The Old Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE ST16 2HS Branston, Burton, DE14 7EQ 01902 700 253 Vestry, St Julian's THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- 01743 355055 01785 211968 3EX 01283 533222 THE WOODMAN 167 Frankwell, Church, Shrewsbury Claverley, THE PLUME OF FEATHERS CHANDLERS Corn Wolverhampton WV5 Shrewsbury SY3 8LG SY1 1UH 01743 233552 PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill Harley, Shrewsbury SY5 Exchange, Conduit St, 7DG 01746 710 553 01743 361672 LION & PHEASANT 50 Street, Stafford, ST16 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury 6LP 01743 727360 Lichfield, WS13 6JU 2AJ 01782 263 737 HADLEY PARK HOUSE 01543 416688 SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 PORTER HOUSE 15 St THE PEARL18 Market St, Hadley Park, Telford TF1 THE LION QUAYS Moreton, Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, THE CORNER HOUSE Kidsgrove, ST7 4AB Shropshire 6QJ 01952 677269 Oswestry SY11 3EN SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 Second Avenue, Burton- 01782 788887 AFTAB 25 High St, THE HAYWARDS at The 01691 684300 On-Trent DE14 2WF THE POUND AT LEEBOT- 01283 542321 THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, LOCH FYNE Talbot House, WOOD Leebotwood, Nr Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR CURRY KUTEER 31 01543 481807 Church Stretton SY6 Greengate Street, 6ND 01694 751477 Stafford ST16 2HY PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh RENAISSANCE, 29a 01785 253279 St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 1JD 01782 209444 thE dINNEr cLub (ESt 86) Princess St, Shrewsbury, ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT a rEcIpE for fINE food aNd Good compaNy SY11LW 01743 354289 27 Broad Eye, Stafford THE RED ROOM 7 ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, ST16 2QB 01785 Newcastle Road, shrewsbury SY1 1HH 229988 Congleton CW12 4HN 01260 297871 SINGLE? 01743 233244 FOUR SEASONS Swinfen SARACENS Shrewsbury Hall Lichfield, WS14 THORNBURY HALL, RASOI Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 9RE 01543 481494 Lockwood Rd, Kingsley For the more discerning 210877 THE GREEN ROOM Castle Holt, Stafford ST10 2DH 01538 750831 unattached person, age 40+ SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, Dyke, Lichfield WS13 Oswestry SY11 1AQ 6HR 01543 412121 WOLSELEY ARMS Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls, 01691 655444 INDIAN VILLAGE Wolseley Bridge, Stafford 8 Lombard St, Lichfield. ST17 0XS theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. SHALIMAR 23 Abbey 01889 883179 Foregate, Shrewsbury WS13 6DR 01543 253415 Not a datING aGENcy SY2 6AE 01743 366658 Not a datING aGENcy SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1UT 01244 677030(day)/01244 548816(Eve/W-end) 01244 677030(day)/01244 548816(Eve/W-end) 01743 242321 For full Restaurant listings THE SILVERTON the Old and further information www.thedinnerclubuk.com Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, www.thedinnerclubuk.com Shrewsbury SY3 8JY visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk App ads DEC_Layout 1 25/11/2013 18:03 Page 2 grand_whatsonFP DEC_Layout 1 25/11/2013 17:03 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY

FRIDAY 24 JANUARY MON 27 JAN - SAT 1 FEBRUARY MONDAY 3 - SAT 8 FEBRUARY

Featuring incredible songs from over four decades of the Brothers Gibb - from the 60s to the 90s.

WED 12 - SAT 15 FEBRUARY ALSO BOOKING MON 17 - WED 19 FEBRUARY

MON 13 JAN Robert C Kelly and Martin Lynch present JETHRO ...... The Outrageous New Comedy! TUE 21 JANUARY SHAKESPEARE 4 KIDZ: MACBETH ...... SAT 25 JANUARY TREORCHY MALE CHOIR ...... TUE 21 JANUARY DENISE VAN OUTEN IN SOME GIRL I USED TO KNOW ...... SUN 23 FEBRUARY THE RATPACK IS BACK ...... TUE 25 - SAT 1 MARCH SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE PRODUCTION ETERNAL LOVE ...... SUN 2 MARCH Written By Leesa Harker THE ELVIS YEARS ...... MON 3 - SAT 8 MARCH BBC “hilarious” FAME ...the joy is in the outrageous script...

Follow us on @WolvesGrand Like us on Facebook: Wolverhampton Grand

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk