Coventry & Warwickshire Cover

Coventry & Warwickshire Cover January 2020.qxp_Coventry & Warwickshire Cover 13/12/2019 12:13 Page 1

BEVERLEY KNIGHTGHT PLAYSPLAYS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands WARWICK ARTSS CENTRECENTRE COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ONJANUARY 2020

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 409 JANUARY 2020020 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

inside: PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

DAVID BADDIEL talks trolls, Twitter and Trump interview inside... WTE:@WHATSONWARWICKSTWITTER:

THE MORMONS ARE COMING... Award-winning musical on tour FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

ARENACROSS TOUR a non-stop white-knuckle ride at Resorts World Arena WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK Winchcombe Park Full January 2020.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 17:27 Page 1 Contents January Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 16:34 Page 2

January 2020

Contents

Go, go, go, Joe! - Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat visits the Coventry Belgrade - page 32

David Baddiel Milton Jones Jennifer Saunders the list

takes to the road to talk trolls, in-demand funnyman heads for summoning the dead in Blithe Your 16-page Twitter and Trump... the Midlands region Spirit at Malvern Theatres week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 25 page 30 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 24. Comedy 30. Theatre 43. Film 46. Visual Arts 49. Events

fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Worcestershire What’s On Warwickshire What’s On Worcestershire What’s On

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

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Entertainment news from around the region

A Bite Size festival at Warwick Arts Centre Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre is this month once again hosting the Bite Size Festival, an initiative designed to celebrate and promote some of the best new work from the Midlands’ creative talents. Offering audiences the chance to sample a range of theatre in one place on one day, the festival comprises six sessions throughout Saturday 18 January. Excerpts of brand new work, full-length shows and pieces still in development all feature. For more information, visit warwickartscen- tre.co.uk

Graziano and Giada set to to help fund two new exhibitions. who has sold more than 75 million records The museum has also been inducted into the worldwide, plays the venue on Friday 31 July. dazzle in Havana Nights Trip Advisor Hall o f Fame. For tickets, visit axs.com For more information, visit covmm.co.uk

RSC on the lookout for theatre groups to perform The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is offering amateur and semi-professional theatre groups, schools and colleges the opportunity to put on a play written or inspired by William Shakespeare. The production will be staged in the summer at The Dell, the RSC’s open-air performance Worcester to get state-of- space on the banks of the River Avon in Strat- the-art hockey centre ford. Anybody interested in mounting a produc- An application has been submitted to build a tion should download The Dell 2020 Guid- multi-million pound state-of-the-art hockey ance Notes & Application Form, which are centre in Worcester. available at rsc.org.uk/thedell. The closing The land is currently owned by the council. If date for applications is Monday 24 February. agreement is reached, it would be jointly Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano leased for 30 years to RGS Worcester and Di Prima is preparing to ‘dazzle and delight’ Worcester Hockey Club, with a proposed Midlands audiences with a brand new dance opening date at the end of 2020. The plans show. include two international-standard hockey The 25-year-old will be joined on his Havana pitches, two youth-football pitches, a single- Nights tour by fellow Strictly professional storey pavilion with changing rooms, a club- and fiancée Giada Lini. Promising a mix of room and car park. A decision on the Latin dances, with individual performances application is due to be made by next month. from Graziano and Giada, the show stops off at a number of Midlands venues. To find out where, visit havananightstour.co.uk Warwick Castle date for Coventry Music Museum superstar Michael Buble secures new sponsor Grammy Award-winning superstar singer The Coventry Music Museum has secured a Michael Bublé will stop off at Warwick Castle new local sponsor for its 2020 programme. this summer as part of his UK tour of stately Community service organisation Coventry homes, castles and cricket grounds. Bublé, Leofric Lions has donated £1,250 to the venue 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word January_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 16:36 Page 2

First Word

Dance with Motionhouse in Leamington Spa Midlands dance company Motionhouse has launched three new classes at its Leam- ington Spa studio: Discover Movement & Play is a family- friendly class for children aged between two and five; Dance Fit For Over-60s focuses on dance-based exer- cises to keep older people active; and Surge is a ‘physical and fun’ dance class for boys aged 11-plus. For more information, visit motionhouse.co.uk

A Monster Calls at the Coventry Belgrade Theatre... First it was a book, then a film, now it’s a play. A story of love, life and healing, the production The critically acclaimed stage adaptation of focuses on 13-year-old Conor, his terminally ill Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd’s A Monster mother, and the monster who comes calling on Calls stops off at the Coventry Belgrade Theatre him in the depths of the night... The show is from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 March. suitable for children aged 10 and older. Stoke stadium date for Robbie Don’t forget New theatre producers gear up for 2021 Robbie Williams will this to Treecycle! Following the announcement of Corey Campbell, Balisha Karra and Jus- summer perform a special Remember that you can tine Themen as co-artistic directors, Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has show at Port Vale Football take the hassle out of made two further appointments to the team that will support the delivery Club's Vale Park Stadium in recycling your of its UK City of Culture programme next year. Stoke-on-Trent. Christmas tree this Joining the venue as senior producer is Sâmir Bhamra, Artistic Director & Local lad and Vale supporter month by allowing a CEO of Phizzical, a Midlands-based production company creating adven- Robbie will take to the stage local hospice to take it turous touring work with a focus on South Asian and British Asian per- on 20 June for a concert in aid away for you. spectives. of three charities - the Donna St Mary’s Hospice’s The second appointment is Krysztina Winkel, who will take on the role of Louise Hospice for Children & Treecycling campaign embedded community producer and focus on outreach and participation. Young People, Unicef UK and will see volunteers Krysztina has previously worked with community drama group Barefeet The Hubb Foundation. collect thousands of Theatre in Zambia, as well as on social inclusion projects in countries used Christmas trees ranging from Italy to Iraq. from properties across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, in return for a donation to the Hospice. The initiative takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January. More info is available at birminghamhospice. org.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word January_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 16:36 Page 3

First Word

Gwen Taylor to star in new thriller A brand new thriller is coming to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre in the spring (15 - 18 April). Based on a true story, The Croft is set in a remote region of the Scottish Highlands, where two women enjoying a break from the frantic pace of 21st century life find their weekend taking an unexpected turn... Gwen Taylor, who recently ap- peared at the Belgrade in the UK tour of The Lady Vanishes, takes top billing. For more information, visit belgrade.co.uk

Big names announced for Solihull’s 2020 summer festival Kool And The Gang, Tony Hadley, Belinda Carlisle, festival in the town’s Tudor Grange Park is this year Shalamar, Leo Sayer, The Brand New Heavies and taking place on 25 & 26 July. More acts will be an- From The Jam have all been confirmed to appear at nounced in the coming months. Keep up to date the 2020 Solihull Summer Fest event. The two-day with developments at solihullsummerfest.co.uk

Strictly Ballroom out on tour The fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood is to direct a 2020/21 UK and Ireland tour of Baz Luhrmann's smash-hit musical, Strictly Ballroom. The all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza stops off at two Midlands venues during the tour and comes BoJo tempted at complete with a selection of hit songs, including Love Is In The Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Malvern theatre Time After Time. A smash-hit comedy-drama The show foxtrots into the region at the Wolver- about one of the most divisive hampton Grand from 5 to 10 October, and then at and controversial politicians of Birmingham Hippodrome, from 10 to 15 May 2021. modern times is visiting Malvern Theatre this month (Wednesday 22 - Saturday 25 January). The Last Temptation Of Boris Johnson is set in a post-Brexit Britain of 2029 when Boris, no longer in power, roams the po- Sea Life Centre to become litical wilderness. But unex- home to rare Alaskan otters pected events see him back in In a UK first, two Alaskan sea otters will soon be- the spotlight and offered a come residents at Birmingham’s National Sea Life perhaps-final chance to “make Centre. Britain great again”. The otters will travel more than 5,000 miles by land A sell-out during its West End and air to reach the Centre, where they will set up run, the show is written by home in a new multi-million pound marine Jonathan Maitland, whose pre- mammal rescue facility. vious work includes Dead The facility is part of a pioneering education & con- Sheep and An Audience With servation project in partnership with the Sea Life Jimmy Savile. Trust and Alaska Wildlife. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word January_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 16:36 Page 4 David Baddiel.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:47 Page 1 Taking on the trolls... David Baddiel talks trolls, Twitter and Trump ahead of his new 52-date UK tour

8 whatsonlive.co.uk David Baddiel.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:47 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

David Baddiel is critically acclaimed in a Breakfasts, and people go barmy about plac- happens in the news, I don’t go, ‘Oh, I’m left number of creative fields. In his time in the ing the beans next to the sausages and what- wing so I should think about this like this’. spotlight, he’s been a comedian, presenter, ever. Even that gets an extreme reaction! So I just try to go off what I think, which doesn’t author, screenwriter and playwright. His pre- social media can be really trivial in that way, mean I won’t end up thinking about things in vious touring comedy show, My Family: Not but also it can be so influential and is really what is traditionally seen as a left or right- The Sitcom, even transferred to the West End changing everything. I predominantly use wing way. It just means that I’m more focused and was nominated for an Olivier Award. Twitter, and I think Twitter is where a lot of on my own identity. The show is actually the battles - particularly political ones - are about that, too. There’s a lot about how one’s “I decided when I came back to performing in happening. Social media has changed the pre-thought-out identity leads to anger. For 2013 that I didn’t just want to do generalised fundamental ideas behind the way humans example, I made this incredibly innocuous banter in that comedian way,” explains think and just are, especially in regard to joke about Nicola Sturgeon, which led to David, who’s visiting the region this month power and the way people interact.” unimaginable rage from Scottish Nationalists. with his latest stage offering, Trolls: Not The But being a Scottish Nationalist had abso- Dolls - a show based around the subject of David’s Twitter interactions with trolls was lutely nothing to do with the joke. I think social media. “I wanted to talk about stuff; one of the inspirations for his show: “When social media is a lot about saying, Here I am, things that are important to me. I’ve watched this really abusive part of social media began and wanting to have an identity in amongst quite a lot of Ted Talks and actually hosted a happening, people started this campaign the sea of people. One way of doing that is to programme on Radio Four about people about not ‘feeding the trolls’. Just ignore turn up the volume and make people notice doing serious talks. I started to wonder about them. I found that really strange as a come- your identity - and the most obvious way to whether there could be a comedy version of dian, because trolls are essentially hecklers - do that is through anger.” really digging into a single subject. So my first they’re people saying ‘you’re s***’ in one way show, Fame: Not The Musical, was about how or another. Generally a comedian’s response So how come David has so many strings to his weird the celebrity world is, and then My to hecklers is to try and put them down fun- bow? Family: Not The Sitcom was about my family. nily. It’s seen as part of the job; to take what “From the word go, I’ve never really acknowl- During both shows I was using social media they’ve said and to disarm them in a way that edged boundaries between different types of to talk about the ways in which the world was makes the rest of the audience laugh. I didn’t storytelling. Take the children’s books as an changing, and particularly the way people see that as any different on Twitter. When I example - my son, who was eight at the time, were getting really angry. Those parts worked had a troll tweet me, I would retweet it with asked me why Harry Potter didn’t just run so well in my previous shows that I realised my own response above and it had the same away from the Dursleys and find better par- there was probably a whole show to be had response from the audience as it would in a ents, which gave me the idea for my first chil- there. live show... people laughed! I can sort of be a dren’s book. In that world, children choose conductor of this great big comedy orchestra “Certainly social media never fails to surprise their own parents. I immediately saw that that too, because others are itching to join in. So me. For example, going back to when it was particular idea was right for a children’s book I’ll start something by responding to a troll first becoming a thing, a journalist called rather than a live show, but what I didn’t do with a joke, and someone else will then add India Knight described it as this website that’s was decide that because I wasn’t a children’s to that with a graphic or whatever. People like a cocktail party where you can mingle author I couldn’t write it. always ask me if what trolls say to and about with others and have a lovely time. I’m sure me hurts me - and the true answer to that is “Then, with my play, God’s Dice, I had an many would’ve been surprised that it’s turned yes. But seconds later I think it’s just immate- idea about a scientist who proves the exis- into mainly people shouting at each other. rial. The window of feeling hurt is definitely tence of God with the help of his student - and Fortunately or unfortunately, social media getting smaller and smaller. One thing that to me that felt like an idea best fitted to a play. does actually influence people a lot. If you Trolls: Not The Dolls tries to do is take this I really don’t feel strapped into one medium. fast-forward just over 10 years on from Twit- terrible, abusive thing and transform it into People always tell me I do so many things in ter’s launch, Donald Trump becomes Presi- something joyful and funny. That’s one way my job, but I don’t feel like that: I’m not a dent of the United States. He is the archetypal of thinking about trolls that takes away any comedian and a plumber! I’m just a storyteller troll - and not just in his presence on Twitter, power they thought they had.” in different forms.” but in his whole dialogue and very loud, angry, extreme discourse with conspiracy the- Trolls: Not The Dolls has been described as ories and all the rest of it. So we’re not talking Baddiel’s most political show yet, an assess- about trolls as something on the fringes of our ment with which he agrees: “But I should Trolls: Not The Dolls visits Huntingdon society here - they’re at the very centre of the stress from the start that it doesn’t come from Hall, Worcester, Thurs 6 February; Royal changes that we see happening in our world. a set political perspective. I certainly was left Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- wing when I was young, but now I’m no wing Avon, Sun 9 February; Royal Spa Centre, "I think people used to dismiss social media whatsoever. I use that phrase rather than Leamington, Sat 14 March; Dudley Town snootily as a place where people try to show ‘centrist’ because I don’t really like that word, Hall, Sat 29 February; Royal Spa Centre, off or talk about what they had for breakfast. and, in fact, it’s something that trolls often Leamington Spa, Sat 14 March; Symphony Incidentally, I do the breakfast thing with my use. What I mean is that I try not to fit any Hall, Brimingham, Thurs 19 March whole series of tweets about Full English prearranged ideological map. If something For further dates, visit davidbaddiel.com

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Top six restaurants Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:15 Page 1

10 whatsonlive.co.uk Top six restaurants Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:15 Page 2

Dine out in 2020 Enjoy great food? Here’s a selection of some of our favourite eateries for you to try out in 2020. Don’t forget, you can read all of our restaurant reviews in full at whatsonlive.co.uk

The Olive Branch Mediterranean Asha’s Solihull - ★★★★★ Entouraj - ★★★★★ Bistro & Wine Bar - ★★★★★ This internationally acclaimed award- Situated off Kidderminster Road in the Worcester’s hidden gem, The Olive Branch winning restaurant boasts a high-end Indian picturesque surroundings of Cutnall is concealed behind a gated courtyard off food offering and is named after one of Green, Droitwich, Entouraj has been Worcester High Street and nestled between India’s most famous singers and actresses, tastefully refurbished to a slick, modern the entrance of St Swithun’s Church and Asha Bhosle, photographs of whom are brief. Expect an informal yet Superdrug. dotted around the walls. sophisticated ambience that’s poised somewhere between contemporary Pricing - ££££ Pricing - £££££ Asha’s Solihull, Touchwood Shopping gastro-pub, friendly village local and The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro Centre, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3GJ upmarket Indian bistro. & Wine Bar, 6 Church Street, Worcester, Pricing - ££££ WR1 2RH Kidderminster Road, Cuttnall Green, WR9 0PW

Mallory Court Hotel - ★★★★★ Indian Brewery - ★★★★ The Woodsman - ★★★★★ Mallory Court is a historic hotel & spa Having charmed the tastebuds of Brummies Situated on Stratford-upon-Avon’s located between Warwick and Leamington. with its irresistible fusion of Bombay-inspired picturesque high street, this newly Providing the perfect mix of traditional street food and home-brewed craft beer, this refurbished, Grade II listed former inn country house charm and contemporary pint-sized success story, born of comes complete with a plentiful larder of style, the venue features 43 bedrooms, a Birmingham’s very own Indian street food locally sourced game, meat and fresh three-AA Rosette restaurant, a two-AA boom, has found itself a second home in vegetables - all lovingly prepared to order Rosette art deco brasserie and a heavenly Solihull. on an open wood stove in a timeless Elan Spa. Pricing - £££ marriage of fire, food and good company. Pricing - £££££ Indian Brewery, 52 Station Road, Solihull, Pricing - ££££ B91 3RX The Woodsman, 4 Chapel Street, Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, Harbury Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HA Lane, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food January Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 17:08 Page 1

12 whatsonlive.co.uk Food January Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 17:08 Page 2

Food

Cooked to perfection and burst- seafood and intensity of the ing with freshness, it was clear tomato sauce really shone that every possible effort had through. been taken with our meal, from And whilst our stomachs the lightness of the bread - couldn’t quite stretch to it this served warm, from the oven - to time around, for a classic taste of the picante tang of the balsamic Italy, you can’t go far wrong with vinegar. The halloumi fries, like- one of The Beech House’s signa- wise, were a delight and were ture wood-fired pizzas, cooked complemented beautifully by the on the premises with fresh sharpness of the tomato sauce. Neapolitan ingredients and My partner’s choice of spicy pork available in a choice of tantalis- REVIEW: The Beech House meatball starter served with ing flavours - from the classic harissa sauce and puccia bread, margherita and marinara to the Solihull venue breathing new life into the whilst a little pricey at £7.75, was sophisticated stagioni (smoked concept of the modern-day public house a perfect example of traditional pancetta, artichokes, mixed comfort food… served continen- mushrooms, olives, fresh basil, When it comes to great British in- sics, build-your-own salads and, tal style, freshly seasoned, gener- tomato sauce and mozzarella). stitutions, the ‘public house’ has of course, the obligatory choice ous in portion size and finished Or how about the vegetarian- to be up there with the best of of Sunday roasts, available in a with an earthy kick of rich Ital- friendly funghi (porcini paste, them. As much a part of UK range of vegetarian, vegan and ian-style tomato sauce and fresh mixed mushrooms and garlic oil) culture as a mug of builder’s tea, gluten-free options. mozzarella cheese. Bellissimo! or the fiery Nduja, served with a full fry-up for breakfast or the Fired by an unmistakable pas- mozzarella, chicken, tomato Great British Bake Off, there’s After supping on a refreshing sion for its market and a commit- glass or two of Virgin Elderflower sauce, fresh basil and spicy nowhere we feel quite as ‘at ment to sustainable produce, nduja sausage. home’ as our local, whether Mojito and Seed-fox mocktail this is a venue that puts the served with non-alcoholic gin, With optional breakfast, brunch, enjoying a post-work pint, meet- needs of its punters first - a fact ing friends for cocktails or set- elderflower cordial, cranberry & lunch and a la carte menus and that was abundantly clear from a apple juice, lime and cucumber, an inventive yet affordable tling down to a Sunday roast first glance at the menu. with the extended family. it was time to raise the stakes… choice of kids’ meals, it’s hard to Whether you’re a fan of hand- literally. Cue my partner’s main fault The Beech House’s incredi- It is exactly this ‘home from crafted Italian pizzas cooked course of 7oz fillet steak served ble attention to detail, let alone home’ philosophy on which The fresh over a wood-fired oven, a with house fries, dressed rocket customer-savvy approach to Beech House is built - and sucker for a freshly grilled sir- and garlic & basil marinated bringing relaxed sophistication therein lies the key to its well- loin, fillet or rump steak (lov- tomatoes: yes, a tad on the pricey to the nearest high street. Not earned success! ingly cooked over fresh charcoal, side at £27.50 per serving, but content to rest on its laurels and So much more than just a gastro- theatre-style, for all to see) or when steak tastes this good, it’s rely on its location alone, it’s re- pub, this stylishly refurbished, someone who’s tempted by a hard to argue the point! Infused freshing to see The Beech House, centrally located restaurant & continental twist on such classic with the rich, smoked scent of and venues like it, not only sur- bar breathes new life into the comfort foods as fish & chips, burning charcoal, beautifully viving but thriving in a crowded concept of the modern-day pub- you’ll find that The Beech House tender and seasoned with fresh marketplace. And if my recent lic house, providing Solihull well and truly delivers on its salt & pepper to draw out the fil- visit was anything to go by, it punters with an effortlessly sleek promise to serve ‘quality, honest let’s abundant natural flavours, isn’t at all hard to see why. yet relaxed atmosphere in which food’ that makes you feel we couldn’t have asked for instantly at home. Contemporary yet comforting, to do business, catch up with more… except, perhaps, a return worldly yet warm - it’s fair to say friends over coffee, celebrate We opted for an appetiser of visit to sample the Jospher that the future of the Solihull with loved ones or simply escape halloumi fries served with a grilled sea-bass, garlic & herb ‘local’ is in safe hands. I’ll drink the world outside… spicy tomato sauce and a shared lamb leg and grilled chicken to that! Katherine Ewing Part of the Oakmans Inn chain, platter of fresh sourdough & puc- with picante marinade. I could whose fellow Warwickshire prop- cia bread with extra virgin olive go on! Food: nnnnn erties include The Four Alls in oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Likewise, my Mediterranean-in- Service: nnnnn Welford-upon-Avon and The Our attentive waiter, Luke, spired main course of prawn & Ambience: nnnnn Globe in Warwick, this thriving wasted no time in making us feel arabiata linguine served with Overall value nnnnn bistro comes complete with at home in the ambient sur- tomato & white wine sauce, pars- OVERALL nnnnn stylishly decorated modern roundings of the wood-panelled ley, chilli and pangrattato crumb interiors, an enviable drinks se- dining area - complete with fes- was a real feast for the senses. The Beech House lection and a carefully chosen tive mood lighting and signature Served al dente and infused with 727 Warwick Road repertoire of Mediterranean-in- teal walls accented with splashes a subtle but tangible kick of Solihull B01 3DA Tel: 0121 272 7730 spired specials, pub-grub clas- of gold and bronze. chilli, both the freshness of the

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Asking For It Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:23 Page 1

ASKING FOR IT The subject of sexual consent takes centre stage at Birmingham Repertory Theatre when an acclaimed stage adaptation of Louise O'Neill's devastating novel, Asking For It, receives its UK premiere this month. A young woman’s life is left in tatters as 21st century morals and the traditions of a small, fictional town in County Cork collide...

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Lauren Cole

The critically acclaimed stage adaptation of wanted to reflect that sense of claustrophobia with other works because it doesn’t feel like my Irish author Louise O'Neill’s novel, Asking For and lack of anonymity in a place where every- story. It feels like something for everyone. I was It, makes its UK debut in Birmingham this one knows everyone. It felt important to write a away when the previews of the play happened, month. And it’s set to cause quite a stir too, story like this primarily targeted at a young- and I started getting phone calls and messages focusing, as it does, on the experience of sex- adult audience because so many of the young gushing about how amazing the play was. And ual-assault victim Emma O’Donovan, its people who read the book need to hear about on the opening night, I wasn’t disappointed. I fictional main character. stories like this; to have some form of facilitat- was so blown away by the production values, ing difficult conversations. Art really is the per- the incredible set and the talented young cast. “Emma is a very confident, beautiful, popular, fect tool to do that. It’s essential to raise It felt so vibrant, alive and exciting. ambitious young woman,” explains author awareness of consent, sexual violence, rape Louise. “She really has the world at her feet, “Seeing the impact on the audience felt like culture and victim blaming in this age group.” but she can definitely veer from being devas- such a powerful, collective experience. People tatingly vulnerable to monstrously selfish. A Louise’s main focus was to make sure that were openly weeping by the end, which felt lot of the reasons why I wanted to explore the Emma’s story felt as real as possible: “Firstly, like both a grieving process and a catharsis - less pleasant aspects of her personality is that I I’ve been sexually assaulted myself, so I used a like breaking a fever. It’s an extraordinary think it’s really important that we dismantle lot of my own experiences and ways I pro- piece of work, and I feel so humbled by what this myth of the perfect victim. People seem to cessed the feelings of depression, numbness the play has achieved. I always think about have a finite amount of sympathy for survivors and disassociation to create this novel. Also, I what kinds of conversations and stories have of sexual violence, and it’s as if you have to worked closely with the sexual violence centre been, and will continue to be, shared between meet this strict set of criteria: you can’t have in my hometown of Cork to speak to survivors. people who’ve gone to see Asking For It been drinking or wearing a short skirt, and if I read memoirs and first-person fictional narra- together - that’s vital. It broke the box office you’ve had any sexual history with your tives, watched documentaries and really just records at The Everyman in Cork and it was attacker previously, then that will be held fully researched anything I could get my hands great to know that people who wouldn’t usu- against you. I wanted to emphasise that people on. I even spoke to a barrister. I wanted to ally go to the theatre were going to see the we dislike who are sexually assaulted are just make sure that I could not only make Emma’s play.” as deserving of our support.” experiences as authentic as possible, but that Asking For It has also found its way into all the other parts of the story rang as true as So what prompted Louise to write such a schools: “A programme was devised where they possibly could as well. provocative novel, particularly for a ‘young staff went in to discuss the play, the pupils adult’ target audience? “I was nervous when it went to be published then saw it and had further discussions. The because there are so many myths out there reports that came back were genuinely remark- “There was a case in America called the about both the perpetrators and survivors of able. At one girls’ school, they were engaging Steubenville High School rape case. It was in a sexual violence. I was very aware that I could in a lot of victim blaming, and then they were small town where the local school’s football put something out in the world that could able to display a great deal of empathy for team were treated like gods. At a party, a young perpetuate those misconceptions and actually Emma. Another school banded together to woman drank a lot, passed out and was then cause even more harm if I didn’t do it right. I’m write a letter to their Principle asking for better sexually assaulted by multiple members of the incredibly proud of the book and its message, sex education surrounding consent. Then team. Photos and videos were taken and circu- which is why I was so excited by the prospect some boys at another school had some very lated on social media. I was struck by the story, of a stage adaptation. The prospect of this upsetting, misogynistic views surrounding and what I found most disturbing was when a message getting as far and wide as possible is female victims of sexual violence. After seeing CNN reporter said, and I’m paraphrasing, how incredible. Sexual violence is such an epi- the play, they were able to have a very frank sad it was to see a day in court where these demic in our culture, an important and devas- conversation about their own vulnerabilities promising young men were having their tating issue that needs to be addressed and and the pressure they felt to conform to ideals futures taken away from them. She didn’t men- eradicated, and we’re not going to do that un- of masculinity. That’s why people create art: it tion the victim at all! It was then that I really less we face the issue head-on.” forces a sense of empathy by making you live understood the term ‘rape culture’. We are still in another person’s shoes and understand part of a culture that will do anything it can to It was Landmark Productions and The Every- their motives. To think that Asking For It could normalise sexual violence in some degrees man in Cork that approached Louise about the shift attitudes is very overwhelming.” because of its prevalence. I was so angry about prospect of adapting her novel for the stage. that, and I usually end up writing to process “Having had a conversation with them, I really my emotions.” felt that they understood what I was trying to Asking For It makes its UK debut at Louise also drew on her own experiences of get at in the book. It felt like I had passed the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on living in a small town in Ireland: “I wanted to baton on with the play. Even when writing Ask- Wednesday 29 January, continuing its run translate this topic into an Irish context being For It, I quickly realised that I didn’t feel at the venue until Saturday 15 February. cause I grew up in a small town there, and I the same kind of ownership over it as I did

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Classical

Van Kuijk String Quartet Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Fri 24 January These four fabulous Frenchmen have been picking up plaudits and awards at a seriously impressive rate since winning the London International String Quartet Competition five years ago. BBC New Gen- eration Artists whose debut Leamington appearance saw them performing a concert of all-French music, the fellas return with their focus very much on Vienna, a city in which all three of the featured composers - Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven - at one time or another resided.

Ex Cathedra: Beethoven - Missa Solemnis Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sunday 26 January It’s hard to imagine a more appropriate among the soloists contributing to an event time for Ex Cathedra to team up with the that promises to be every bit as majestic City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and monumental as the composition being and perform Ludwig van Beethoven. performed, a piece to which Beethoven de- The highly rated choral music ensemble is voted four years of his life. celebrating its 50th year and the CBSO its The composer’s diligence and tenacity cer- centenary, while 2020 also marks the 25oth tainly paid off - Missa Solemnis is consid- anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. ered by some to be one of the greatest Singer Roderick Williams (pictured) is classical works of all time. Orchestra Of The Swan: Coull Quartet: CBSO: Viennese Intimate Voices Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Beautiful Minds New Year Gala Tues 21 January; Bradshaw Hall, Royal Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Malvern Theatres, Sat 4 January; Symphony Birmingham Conservatoire, Wed 22 Jan- Thurs 30 January Hall, Birmingham, Sun 5 January uary Warwick University’s quartet-in-residence Violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen (pictured) since 1977, Coull have made a name for once again teams up with the Orchestra of themselves in places as far flung as the the Swan, this time for a concert dedi- Americas, Australia, India and the Far East. cated to the musical and personal land- This latest offering sees them presenting scape of Jean Sibelius. Waley-Cohen will works by Mozart and Beethoven, sand- perform the Finnish composer’s wiched between which is a quartet by John Humoresques, a collection of whimsical Ireland, one of Coull’s favourite composers. miniature masterpieces written in 1916/17. So seldom are the compositions played that they’ve been described as ‘quite likely the most magical work you have never heard’.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra welcomes in the new year with an afternoon concert conducted by Thomas Rösner (pictured) and featuring soprano Sarah-Jane Brandon. Expect elegant waltzes, playful polkas and oodles of good old-fashioned operetta romance.

16 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS January Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:16 Page 2

Gigs

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 3 January King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are past masters at creating an evening of frenzied fun and frolics, presenting a trademark mix of nutty on-stage antics and accessible musi- cianship. With a line-up featuring King Pleasure, Boy- sey Battrum, Bullmoose K Shirley, Mighty Matt Foundling, Shark Van Schtoop and Gary ‘The Enforcer’ Barber, the KPs have spent decades on the road, performing thousands of gigs in a total of more than 20 countries. Described as ‘the world’s best jump, jive and swing band’, they’ve opened shows for BB King, Cab Calloway and Ray Charles, and also toured with the Blues Brothers Band. Expect an evening of foot-tapping sounds and plenty of lighthearted moments... Beverley Knight selling albums, Beverley has garnered 14 top-40 hits and three MOBO Awards, not to Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, mention numerous Brit Award and Mercury Fri 31 January Music Prize nominations. Wolverhampton-born singer-songwriter This Coventry gig sees her accompanied by Beverley Knight is celebrating 25 years in the a live band as she performs a combination music industry with the release of her of classic hits and newer material. album, BK25. Alongside gold and platinum-

Kaiser Chiefs Martyn Joseph Purple Pilgrims Arena Birmingham, Sat 25 January Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Thurs 23 January The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Fifteen years into their career, Kaiser Chiefs Mon 20 January are hitting new artistic peaks. “It’s more “Really what I do is try to write songs that might step up and make some sense of a Presenting a sound that’s described as ‘lush exciting than it’s ever been,” says charis- moment in time,” explains modern folk ceremonial dream pop’, Purple Pilgrims fea- matic frontman Ricky Wilson. “Every time artist Martyn Joseph. “A good song makes tures multi-instrumentalist home producers there’s a big obstacle, it just gets blown you feel like you’re not alone in the world.” Valentine and Clementine Nixon. away in the wind like a dandelion. We’re Often compared to the likes of Bruce Spring- To record their first full-length LP, Eternal still selling out arenas but under the radar.” steen, John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and Delight, the Pilgrims sequestered themselves Seventh album Duck came out in summer Dave Matthews, Martyn is a unique per- in Tapu, on the western side of the Coroman- 2019, and the Leeds lads are celebrating its former who’s driven by passion, social del Peninsula of New Zealand, in a shed release with this new UK tour, supported by awareness and an abiding love for his trade. surrounded by native palms and birds. Razorlight and Life. His career spans 30 years, 32 albums, over half a million record sales and thousands of Slipknot live performances. Arena Birmingham, Fri 24 January Slipknot return to Birmingham in support of their album, We Are Not Your Kind. The record was so popular it knocked Ed Sheeran off the top of the charts... As well as favourites from the new offering, expect to hear a selection of hits from the band’s back catalogue, including Duality, Before I Forget, Psychosocial and Wait And Bleed.

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18 whatsonlive.co.uk Readers' Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:51 Page 1

Get VOTING for your favourite Midlands events, shows and venues in the... What’sOn Readers’ Awards 2020

Some of last year’s winners...

Best Arts/Theatre Venue in Best Kids Show - The Snowman, Best Birmingham Arts/Theatre Venuenue - Wolverhampton & Black Country - Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Best Home Produced Showw - Best Large Theatre and Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s The Wizard Of Oz Wolverhampton Grand Best Midlands Pantomime - Birmingham Hippodrome whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Readers' Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:51 Page 2 Readers' Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:51 Page 3

#culturematters #artsmatters

Yes, it’s once again time for you to show just CATEGORIES INCLUDE: how much you appreciate Birmingham & Best Large Theatre the West Midlands’ ever-vibrant arts & Best Regional Theatre entertainment scene. Best Touring Musical Best Home Produced Show Nominate and vote online for your Best Touring Show favourites to help them secure a place in our Best Kids Show What’s On Readers’ Awards Best Panto Dame Top 5 Shortlist. Best Classical Production Best Orchestra The shortlist will be announced in our Best Panto February issue. You will then be able to Best Amateur Theatre Company VOTE for your WINNER in each category. Best Arts Venue So get voting now! Best Large Music Venue Best Regional Music Venue And complete our Readership Survey for the Best Band/Artist chance to WIN £1,000 cash! Best Exhibition VOTE for your NOMINATIONS Best Comedy Night Best Dance Production by Saturday 18 January Best Visitor Attraction WINNERS will be announced in the Spring Best Indoor Event Best Outdoor Event Best Music Festival Best Arts/Cultural Festival Best Food Festival Best Independent Restaurant Best Independent Coffee Shop

Best Midlands and Best Birmingham Arts Best Birmingham Independent Restaurant Best Independent Bar Festival - Birmingham Comedy Festival - Purnell’s Best Market VOTE now at whatsonlive.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Kojo Anim.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 11:57 Page 1

kojo anim The Britain’s Got Talent finalist chats to What’s On as he prepares to hit the road with stories and observations about life, parenthood and family.

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When did you first realise you were funny? Before Britain’s Got Talent, you were comedians on before me absolute hell that I’d always been entertaining my family and almost better known in America than here day. My plan was to get Amanda Holden’s and friends. I was witty and quick with a in the UK. How was that? David Walliams’ approval. Alesha Dixon had seen me at gigs, so I hoped she’d be on side. response. In school, if I got in trouble, it was I’d met, through friends, Nick Cannon, who at I’d actually written Simon Cowell off, as I always what I’d said, not what I’d done. I had the time was still married to Mariah Carey - knew I only needed three of them to back me. an answer for everything. Comedy happened how crazy is that? - and he was bringing a big It was the very first day of filming, and - to almost by accident. My first love was always improvisation show, Wild N Out, back to add to the madness - Simon had never football, but I had terrible discipline as a foot- American TV and wanted to include some UK pressed his golden buzzer on day one. So baller. I was selected with some of the best talent. I leapt at the chance. I’d watched the when it happened, everyone was so shocked - young players in England for a school of show as a kid, and it was a ridiculous oppor- day one and a comedian! The reaction was so excellence to study and play football, but I tunity to go and work with all these famous gratifying. It told me, ‘I can do this’. I’d had a terrible attitude about being on time etc and amazingly funny people in America. proven myself and removed my doubts about and relied on being very talented. But it didn’t Everyone I grew up with used to watch it, and me. After that, I knew I was good enough. work out. there I was being invited to be the first British I learned a big lesson in hindsight, and it comedian on it. How’s it been since the show? turned out to be a blessing. Missing that Absolutely life-changing. My dad was in opportunity to change my life, the pain I felt So what made you audition for Britain’s Ghana and it came up on the news. I didn’t when it ended, kept me disciplined when I Got Talent? leave the house for four days after the golden- found comedy. I would never, ever let an I’d been going through a bad period both buzzer audition was aired. I had so many opportunity slip through my hands again. I financially and in terms of opportunities. I’d messages on my phone, and everywhere I have so much respect for every opportunity had my son, and that increased the pressure went, people were giving me their love and that comes my way now. I realised I was a on me to decide what I was going to do with support. All the work during those 20 years natural with comedy, but also determined the rest of my life. I was feeling like I’d been had been gearing me up for it, and that’s that I was going to work hard, find solutions placed in the ‘has-been’ box so far as a com- made it all a bit easier to cope with. and make no excuses. edy career was concerned. I was approached It’s crazy and has all happened at the same by Britain’s Got Talent - they’d seen some You were ‘discovered’ on Britain’s Got time as adjusting to life as a first-time dad. videos online - and I was told the producers Talent, but you’d already been working the Roman’s oblivious to it, but we’re capturing it had loved the videos and were dying to get circuit for 20 years. How did you turn that all on our phones and it’s amazing that he’s me on the show, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ natural ability into a career? been on the journey with us. Roman’s also I’d always said it wasn’t for me - I didn’t think been life-changing. He’s allowed me to be I was doing talent shows at university and it was credible. But when I discussed it with selfish, and people told me how much harder had the chance to go to comedy school, so I my fiancée, she said the fact they’d had to I’d want to work after becoming a parent… borrowed £150 from my Aunty Sandra - I’ve find me as an ‘unknown’ meant they didn’t You’re making decisions for your child, not more than paid her back now. After that, I did know me - so I had nothing to lose. a lot of university comedy gigs and built up a just for yourself. What was it like preparing for that first fanbase. From that, I was able to set up Kojo’s How do you feel ahead of the tour? audition? Comedy Fun House, which ran every Sunday Touring nationally is a dream come true; for eight years, with 300 people queueing up I didn’t just plan for the first audition, I we’re working on material at the moment. outside each week, packing it to the rafters planned my acts for every round from the first There’s definitely going to be a look at father- and coming along week after week. I came audition to the final. I had 20 years of mate- hood - looking at what goes through a man’s from a partying background, so would invite rial, so why not? I just had to decide which mind as a new dad, as well as asking some celebrities to the comedy shows - as well as way round to use it, and to get my head serious questions like, ‘Will I end up looking hosting exciting new comedians and DJs - so straight about what was to come. As I gradu- like my parents, will my child end up in the it became somewhere people wanted to be. ally went through each phase, I realised what same situation as me?’ What really made it big, though, was when the opportunity was actually going to mean to I’m looking forward to touring - going to David Chapelle was in town and heard about me. The show’s called Britain’s Got Talent, places I’ve never been to, like Swindon, the club. I called someone who’d seen him but I suddenly realised that the world would Malvern, New Brighton and places in Wales I and got them to put him on the phone. He just be watching online because ‘Got Talent’ is a can’t even spell… came down and performed. ‘Going viral’ global thing. I know people in the comedy I’m now 40. I told my fiancée, Tiff, that I wasn’t even a thing at the time, but that’s industry were saying, ‘Why is he doing it?’, believe the best years of my life will be my 40s kind of what happened. It was the first show but people across the country didn’t know - and it’s definitely looking that way. Let’s he’d done after going away following his big me. I had to be able to look at my son and have it! success, so everyone was talking about it. It know I’d taken the chance, taken that massive was huge on YouTube, and it was a real inter- leap of faith. national moment to see him back on stage. Kojo Anim appears at the Alexandra Simon Cowell famously hates comedians So then people started talking about the Fun Theatre, Birmingham, on Thursday 6 on the show, but he gave you his golden House, and I was hearing from American February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, buzzer. How did that feel? comedians over in the UK who wanted to on Tuesday 25 February; Forum Theatre, come down. I was just a young comedian I was so nervous. The judges genuinely don’t Malvern, on Wednesday 26 February and wanting to express myself there, and all this know what’s coming next as you walk out; it’s Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Monday 9 came from that small place. a conveyor belt of talent. Simon had given two March. whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 14:37 Page 1

Comedy

Jamali Maddix Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 26 Jan- uary; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mon 17 February; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Tues 25 February; Slade Rooms, Wolver- hampton, Fri 28 February Former Chortle ‘student comedian of the year’ Jamali Maddix has been praised both for his frank yet ironic take on everyday racism and for his willingness to tackle the ‘hot potato’ subject of terrorism. With influences ranging from Gandhi to his Uncle Mark, the 28-year-old Londoner describes his new show, Strip Club Einstein, as “a reflection on tales from the front line of social change and uncomfortable home truths”.

The Thinking Drinkers The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 25 January Now here’s an offer that no self-respecting come as a result of Thinking Drinkers Ben lover of quality comedy and the occasional McFarland and Tom Sandham sharing their cheeky tipple could possibly ignore... fascinating facts and absorbing anecdotes Bag yourself a ticket for this show and you about the role the demon drink has played get five - yep, that’s right, five - free drinks! in inspiring some of history’s greatest There’s also every chance that you’ll leave names, from Plato and Picasso to Nelson, the theatre at the end of the night with a Napoleon, and even, we’re reliably in- splendidly enhanced understanding of the formed, Norm from Cheers. significance of alcohol. Enlightenment will

Jimmy Carr Marcus Brigstocke Sandi Toksvig: Live Dudley Town Hall, Fri 31 January; Victoria The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sat 4 January Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 13 February; Mon 27 January; Warwick Arts Centre, Peddling a line in dark, intelligent humour, Coventry, Sat 1 February Jimmy Carr’s com- the award-winning Marcus Brigstocke is one Best known nowa- edy is all about of the most inventive talents on the comedy days as co-host of quickfire, deadpan circuit. Jokes include: “I realised I was The Great British one-liners - and so dyslexic when I went to a toga party dressed many of them, in Bake Off, the ever- as a goat,” and, “If Pac-Man had affected us fact, that he’s not astute Sandi as kids, we'd all be running around in dark sure their content Toksvig is a rooms, munching pills and listening to matters all that woman of many repetitive electronic music.” much: “People talents. As well as Marcus is joined at the Glee by Paul Tonkin- don’t really her presenting son, Joanne McNally and one other yet-to- remember the indi- work on television, be-announced comedian. vidual jokes I tell she’s also written because I tell such a lot; what they do re- children's books, member, though, is how those jokes make bestselling novels and a shedload of news- them feel.” paper and magazine columns, not to men- Jimmy is a comedian for whom no subject is tion kept her hand in as an impressively off limits: “I’ll talk about anything as long adept stand-up comic. as I feel the joke justifies it. It may cause Her new one-woman comedy show sees her controversy, but controversy is an easy combining ‘tall stories’ with ‘fascinatingly story on a slow-news day. And I never apol- funny facts, really silly jokes, a quickfire ogise for jokes. After all, I’m not making a Q&A and a quiz’. She is, however, adamant serious political statement, I’m just trying that tap-dancing, the wearing of leotards to make somebody laugh.” and the performing of a forward roll will not be featuring in the show. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 14:37 Page 2

Milton Jones Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 15 January; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 7 February; Warwick Arts Cen- tre, Coventry, Sat 8 February; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 21 February With a style of humour that’s mainly based around puns and one-liners, Milton Jones has established himself as one of Britain’s most in-demand funnymen. “If my comedy’s working well, I put a car- toon in people’s heads that surprises them,” explains Milton. “So you start off and they’re thinking one thing, then you surprise them by changing the ending as you go along. It’s not political or particularly edgy, it’s just daft. Gags include: “Militant feminists - I take my hat off to them. They don't like that,” and, “Recently on a flight to America, all the way across my wife was going, ‘Why don't you get an upgrade, why don't you get an upgrade?’ It took a bit of time, but in the end I Ed Byrne got a better wife.” Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 30 January; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 1 February; The Place, Telford, Thurs 12 March; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 14 March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 17 March; Walsall Arena, Tues 24 March If you fancy a good heckle, don't bother laddish material he used in the early days of going to an Ed Byrne show. Ed's style of his stand-up career. delivery is so fast that any attempted witti- “My comedy reflected my life at that time - cisms from the audience get drowned out by single and enjoying myself. Most of it was his barrage of top-quality material. A highly fairly harmless - 'the difference between regarded master of observational comedy, men and women' kind of thing. But some of the Mock The Week star admits to being a lit- the stuff about an ex-girlfriend I can see was tle uncomfortable about some of the more a bit angry, and I wouldn't do it now.”

Ivan Brackenbury Mark Watson Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 19 January; The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Sat 15 Trent, Thurs 30 January February; Just The Tonic Comedy Club, Birm- Darren Harriott ingham, Fri 28 February Well established on the UK comedy cir- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 18 January; Ivan Brackenbury is an inept hospital radio The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, cuit, Mark Watson was born in Bristol to Thurs 23 January Welsh parents and initially delivered his DJ - and he’s also the creation of former XFM radio presenter Tom Binns. Darren Harriott spent his childhood in Old- act with a Welsh accent, claiming he felt A Jongleurs award winner, Binns came up bury and at the age of 13 began carrying a “more comfortable talking in a voice that with the character relatively early in his knife. I didn't quite recognise as my own”. career and has enjoyed great success with Fortunately for the now-30-year-old come- A regular contributor to the Edinburgh him ever since. Brackenbury is here provid- dian, he managed to turn away from a po- Fringe, Mark has the curious distinction ing support to his creator, who will be per- tential life of crime, finding his salvation in of having performed stand-up shows forming on this tour as another of his the business of making people laugh. which have lasted for a period in excess characters, Ian D Montfort, the ‘psychic “I need to get this stuff out,” he explained of 24 hours. “Comedy is certainly a time- comedium’. in a recent interview. “All I’ve really got as a consuming element of my life,” he ad- stand-up is my honesty. I’m okay if audi- mits, “but then while I’m out touring and ences hate me. What I don’t want is pity. on stage, there are people at home doing These stories might sound like tragedy, but I far less glamorous things. There have don’t compute it as tragedy. I’m enjoying certainly been times when I’ve been very this rollercoaster. I just worry that it could happy to say, ‘Of course I’d like to stay all go. This is the most important time in my and help out with that plumbing crisis, career, but my main goal is to have fun.” but Burton awaits!’”

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26 whatsonlive.co.uk The Book of Mormon 3 pages.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 13:21 Page 2

by Louis Wise All-American Prophets Smash-hit musical comedy The Book Of Mormon visits Birmingham for the very first time this spring. What’s On catches up with one of its creators, Robert Lopez, a man whose CV also includes hit Broadway show Avenue Q and both of Disney’s Frozen movies...

At first glance, not a huge amount would tion aged 13, he still manages to seem politely Somehow, all of this is relayed amid uproari- seem to connect the story of female empower- surprised about the huge success of his shows ous laughter within the first 20 minutes. ment that is Disney’s Frozen with the - not least The Book Of Mormon, which he The real shocker, though, is that by the end, naughty, dirty, sweary phenomenon that is hit co-composed with the dark geniuses behind the show reveals it has a huge heart too. And Broadway show The Book Of Mormon. South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Robert, who, along with Parker and Stone, Sure, they’re both full of great tunes and both has always had a surprising soft spot for Since opening on Broadway in 2011, the show have a sense of humour, but one is definitely Mormonism, wouldn’t have it any other way: has become one of the most successful the- for the kids, the other definitely not. One is all “It’s about what we talked about the very first atre productions of the decade. “The truth is,” about love, magical powers and sisterhood, day we met. People are so quick to laugh at says Robert, “we’d imagined it would be the other showcases shocking AIDS jokes and Mormons - and we wanted, in the end, to be controversial, and we hoped that it would features unseemly things being done with able to turn it around on them, because manage to run maybe a year.” Nine years frogs. Yet a surprising, even slightly scary, although any belief in anything impossible is down the line, it’s clear that theatre-goers’ revelation is that both came from the mind of sort of funny, it’s also very inspiring and love for the show massively outweighs any the same man - songwriter Robert Lopez. empowering.” minor controversies. And as it prepares to “I mean, it is weird,” chuckles the 43-year-old visit continental Europe and the UK, having To understand how Robert came to co-write New Yorker, pondering how the guy who already conquered not only America but also the show, you have to rewind way back to wrote Let It Go also gave us Mormon’s Hasa Australia and Canada, it’s fair to assume that before he even met Parker and Stone in 2003. Diga Eebowai. “I’m still trying to figure it out. it’s about to gain nearly as many new converts You have to go back even beyond him seeing What’s wrong with me?!” as the missionaries it so lovingly sends up. their film, South Park The Movie: Bigger, Longer And Uncut, and being dazzled by its Little is wrong with Lopez - at least from a The Book Of Mormon is a great marker of pace and wit (“I was, like, this is the best showbiz perspective. When you’ve already Robert’s work, combining classic song craft musical of the last 10 years, for sure!”). You’d become, twice, a so-called EGOT - a winner of and a deep love of musicals with a fresh, probably have to go back to when he was first an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony - you can contemporary, often irreverent tone. The story taken to see a musical - A Chorus Line. only be doing things right. Robert’s CV in- follows the journey of two bright-eyed “It was way over my head,” he admits. cludes not only The Book Of Mormon and Mormon teenagers, Elder Price and Elder Frozen (and now, of course, Frozen 2) but also Cunningham, who, as tradition requires, are It clearly had an effect on him, though, his first great hit, Avenue Q, and the beautiful sent out to spread the word as they reach the because he started writing songs on the theme tune to Pixar’s film, Coco, entitled Re- age of 19. When they reach Uganda, though, piano, encouraged by the teacher he was tak- member Me. they are somewhat shocked by the reality of ing classes with at the time. “I wrote a song the situation - The Lion King it ain’t! The called Oy Vey, What A Day for some reason. Sitting in the comfortable Brooklyn studio he Ugandans don’t necessarily need saving in the I’m not Jewish, but I guess growing up in New shares with his wife and fellow tunesmith, Mormon sense of the word - but they could York pushes you in that direction.” Kristen Anderson-Lopez (with whom he definitely do with being saved from the terri- co-wrote the Frozen movies), Robert is gentle The son of a journalist-turned-press officer for fying warlord next door, who is threatening and unassuming. If he’s always believed in NYU and a stay-at-home mother, Robert’s new all the female villagers with FGM... his abilities, ever since he settled on his voca- passion for theatre grew and grew. Watching whatsonlive.co.uk 27 The Book of Mormon 3 pages.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 13:21 Page 3 The Book of Mormon 3 pages.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 13:21 Page 4

West Side Story in 5th Grade is what sealed and just having to read it twice, because I to Africa. And yet, when it came down to ac- the deal. Then, from the age of 13, he started couldn’t really believe what I was reading. tually working on the show, Robert went a bit writing shows every term for an amateur The whole idea of him digging up the golden more Cunningham, the goofy sidekick who’s group. plates, and the lost tribe of Israel, and Jesus in thrall to Price, his hero. “When I was with being here in America. I was fascinated by Matt and Trey, I was definitely following The eureka moment came when he decided, that.” them. I was just so in awe of getting to work as he puts it, “to write a show that was funny with my heroes.” all the way through”. For Robert, who had It must be said that the founding story of the grown up in a raucously funny family, it faith - as with every faith - requires a leap of Truth be told, The Book Of Mormon is nowa- seemed within his reach: “It was an area the imagination. The story of Smith being days quite far away in Robert’s rearview mir- where Broadway had flagged behind in the visited by the Angel Moroni in the early 19th ror. His main preoccupation of late has been culture. The humour in the shows was sort of century, and discovering said Book on said Frozen 2, but in a sense he’s looking forward a moderate chuckle, and I thought to myself, I golden plates, has an outlandish quality to it. to leaving behind the Disney phase of his bet I could do this.” But Robert ultimately wanted to treat career: “I don’t like to have a brand - I don’t Mormonism with affection, as did Parker and like to be one thing.” After Mormon and The result was Avenue Q, co-written with Jeff Stone. Avenue Q, he was happy to leave the scabrous Marx and Jeff Whitty. An immediate smash funny stuff for a bit and do something more hit, it was an absolute game-changer for “We weren’t trying to get protesters. We were emotional; now, having filled up on all those Robert. When Parker and Stone came to trying to make a show that was about the way Disney emotions, he’d like to move on once watch the show one night, they saw a note in we felt about the best parts of religion. We again. the programme in which Robert thanked were writing a show about it that was sort of them for the influence they’d exerted on him, for atheists and believers at the same time, More immediately, though, Robert is looking from the South Park musical onwards. When because it summed up how we felt about it - forward to taking his 13-year-old daughter to the three met for a drink after the show, they that whether or not the stories are true, they see The Book Of Mormon for the first time. discovered a shared fascination for Mor- do something that’s good. Believing in some- “She’s ready,” he shrugs. “She’s already monism. thing impossible makes you do impossible heard the cast album - her friends listen to it. things.” Parker and Stone’s interest in the faith could I think she had a nice, shielded, sheltered be explained by the fact that they grew up Ultimately, The Book Of Mormon is mostly an childhood mostly. And now I think she’s near its heartland of Utah; they were one state unlikely bromance between the mismatched ready to enjoy some adult comedy!” away in Colorado. But Robert? A Filipino- pair of Price and Cunningham. Ask Robert American growing up in Brooklyn? “I was just with which of the two he most associates and a nerd, and a little bit of a class clown, I he smiles. “I was a straight-A student, and guess. I remember reading about Joseph you know, I’ve been accused of being a little The Book Of Mormon shows at Smith (the founding father of Mormonism, too arrogant at times.” This is very Price, the Birmingham Hippodrome from who discovered the original Book of Mormon) all-American kid whose perceptions of the Wednesday 4 to Saturday 28 March. in an American history textbook in 8th Grade world - and of himself - are jolted by his visit whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre january 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:58 Page 1

Theatre Theatre from around the region

The Bodyguard Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 21 January - Sat 1 February This blockbusting West End musical is of course based on the simi- Featuring classic numbers including One Moment In Time, I Wanna larly blockbusting 1990s Hollywood movie starring Kevin Costner and Dance With Somebody and the legendary I Will Always Love You, the Whitney Houston. When ex-Secret Service agent Frank Farmer is stage show received mixed reviews from the critics when it opened in hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker, 2012 but has since proved to be a real hit with its audiences. sparks soon begin to fly between the pair. Each expects to hold the Alexandra Burke and Jennlee Shallow share the role of Rachel, with whip-hand in the relationship; neither expects to fall in love... the former appearing in evening performances only.

Beneath The City Blithe Spirit The Gift The REP, Birmingham, Malvern Theatre, Mon 27 January - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 January Sat 1 February Sat 18 - Sat 25 January The critically acclaimed Upstart Theatre are Described as ‘an outrageous play about the talented ensemble behind this thought- imperialism, cross-racial adoption, cultural provoking production... appropriation… and tea’, The Gift tells the When a young woman looking for sanctuary contrasting stories of two Sarahs: one, an in a new city finds herself being put on trial African girl adopted by Queen Victoria and for a crime she denies, the community finds raised in Her Majesty’s circles; the other, a itself wrestling with its commitment to the present-day black middle-class woman stay- people and to power... ing in a Cheshire village with her husband Bringing together music, movement and lyri- One of Noel Coward’s best-loved plays, Blithe and small child. cal writing, Beneath The City has been made Spirit focuses on the character of successful The production is presented by Eclipse, a in Birmingham with a chorus of Young REP author Charles Condomine. prominent Black-led national production and Adult Drama Company members, Charles’ decision to hold a seance at his company committed to delivering diverse refugees and asylum seekers. home has disastrous consequences, as eccen- programming in theatres across the country. tric medium Madam Arcati - here played by Jennifer Saunders no less - accidentally sum- mons the spirit of his deceased first wife, Elvira. Unhappy to see Charles settled with second wife Ruth, Elvira proceeds to do everything she can to sabotage her ex-husband’s happiness - and that includes trying to bump him off...

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Theatre more theatre from around the region

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 28 January - Sat 1 February; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 25 - Sat 29 February Joseph marked Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Web- ber’s first foray into the world of musical theatre, paving the way for later offerings Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Fabulously fun and frothy, the show offers great entertainment for anybody who fancies the kind of night out that lets you leave your brain at home. Joseph sees the future in dreams, and tells his 11 brothers that he’s had a vision in which he’s seen them all bowing down to him. Not surprisingly, the lads are a tad annoyed with him about this - and feel even less enam- oured towards their sibling when their dad gives him a coat of many colours... Mark McMullan stars as Joseph.

Jane Eyre proboscis - is here so, with a bottle of Bollinger in hand, they set presented by ever- out on one final death-defying adventure in Albany Theatre, Coventry, Wed 22 & Thurs 23 zany funsters Odd- Bernard’s Bentley... Vamos have created the January; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 February; Theatre Severn, socks. Expect plenty show in collaboration with palliative care Shrewsbury, Mon 10 - Wed 12 February; of merry music and patients and specialists. Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 February m arv ellous madcap humour. And unlike Pinocchio, we say Circus Of Horrors that without a word Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 10 January; of a lie... Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 10 February; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 4 March; The Place, Telford, Thurs 19 March; KKS Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, Fri 20 March Dead Good An off-kilter affair that bears more resem- Swan Theatre, Worcester, Thurs 23 & Fri 24 blance to a freak show than any modern defi- January; Malvern Theatres, Wed 5 February; nition of a circus, the one-time Britain’s Got Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Thurs 6 Talent finalists here present a world beyond Blackeyed Theatre visit the Midlands with February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 27 February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, political correctness and taste. With the per- this latest stage version of Charlotte Bronte's Thurs 5 - Fri 6 March formers dressed in a manner reminiscent of classic novel. For those not up to speed with The Rocky Horror Show, there’s no denying the story, it follows the orphaned Jane as the skill of those participating - or indeed the she's sent by her cruel Aunt Reed to the bleak company’s sheer ‘wow’ factor. Lowood School. Later, on securing a position This latest offering sees the ensemble cele- as governess at Thornfield Hall, Jane finds brating 25 years on the road by presenting herself falling for the charms of the enig- ‘an amazing amalgamation of acts driven by matic Edward Rochester, unaware that the a rock’n’roll soundscape’. new object of her affection harbours a dark and terrible secret...

The Adventures Of Worcestershire-based full mask theatre com- Pinocchio pany Vamos here tackle the thorny subject of death - the ultimate shared experience. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 12 January; The Place, Telford, Sat 1 February; Bridge House Witty and wordless, Dead Good focuses on Theatre, Warwick, Sun 2 February the characters of Bob and Bernard, two men The legendary tale of the wooden boy with a who have only a couple of things in common: disappointing propensity for telling porky one, that they’re both dying; and two, that pies - to the detriment of his fast-growing they’re not going down without a fight. And

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre january 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:59 Page 4 The History Boys.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2019 11:10 Page 1

Alan Bennett’s classroom comedy-drama visits WolverhamptonHISTORY Grand Theatre LESSONS next month... The History Boys.qxp_Layout 1 16/12/2019 11:10 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

A brand new production of Alan Bennett’s “We also have this desperate focus on As he’s got older, Bennett has become more classic classroom comedy-drama, The History achievement; who’s got a better car, a nicer political, particularly when it comes to the Boys, visits the Wolverhampton Grand phone, whatever. The History Boys is about arts. I suppose everything is political in the Theatre early next month. that, and it’s also about being human and the end, but The History Boys is certainly more power of language.” overtly so. It’s the 1980s, and an unruly bunch of bright and funny sixth-form boys are in pursuit of The play also delves into the subject of male “And it’s so funny too. The humour and wit in sex, sporting achievement and a place at relationships... it is so funny; “History is just one f***ing university… thing after another”! It’s truly brilliant. I can’t “A few of the characters, both the boys and think of any other playwright who does the Widely acknowledged to be one of the UK’s the teachers, are homosexual or are pretty combination of politics, comedy and human finest modern-day playwrights, Alan Bennett open when it comes to what they’re willing to relationships so well. I’d say he does it in a is perhaps best known for the frank yet com- try. Putting aside sex, what Alan Bennett very understated English way. There’s a gen- passionate way in which he unveils his char- discusses is male love of all kinds - a sense of tleness and a sardonic humour around his acters’ many layers, exposing both their caring for another male. There are all these work. He’s the most extraordinary writer.” shortcomings and triumphs for his audience pressures about what a man should be, how to see. His plays are jam-packed with sharp to be an alpha male and what masculinity Lee Comley, taking on the role of Hector’s wit, devastating moments of raw emotion and means. Women obviously have their own rival, Irwin, and Victoria Carling, playing the incomparable humanity. pressures, but in the 1980s, men weren’t sup- only female teacher, Mrs Lintott, also have The History Boys is no exception. posed to hug, touch and be caring towards plenty of praise for Bennett and The History one another in the same way as women were. Boys. “It’s all about considering what the point of It’s also about adolescence and how to navi- education is,” says Ian Redford, who stars in “This is a play that everyone can relate to,” gate that. It’s about the value of teachers as the new production. “What are schools for? Is says Lee. “That feeling of moving from being guides - and not just academically either; not school about passing examinations or is it a late teen into an adult is a strange time for just to get you through the exam and be done about actually learning stuff? And then is that all of us. I think everyone will leave at the end with you.” learning focused on how to be a human of the show having had a great time, but also being, or finding out about how the world Ian plays the character of old-school history holding onto those really important parts of around you works - or both? Education is teacher Hector. the play. What I like the most, though, is that always on people’s minds and everyone has the boys are very open to their sexuality being “Hector is married and described as a latent an opinion about it. I think the further away fluid. To have that viewpoint in the ’80s is homosexual. He’s a teacher who’s been an individual gets from having been in educa- quite unusual. I think what’s so striking around a long time and is getting to the latter tion, the more strident their opinions become. about Bennett is how he just lays everything stage of his career. He survives through I was reading an article years ago about par- out there, just as it is.” humour, definitely knows the limits of his ents running around in Starbucks bragging influence - as most teachers do - but has a Victoria is equally complimentary about The about their children’s material possessions burning passion which has kept him going History Boys: “After I’d read the script, I tried and arbitrary achievements. But it’s not about throughout his years in teaching. The beauty to describe to my husband what sort of hu- that. It’s about whether kids are growing up of language is particularly important for Hec- mour Bennett injected into his plays, but it’s into happy human beings, not just being tor. He has a beautiful relationship with all of really hard to do that. It’s almost like it’s so raised to achieve certain things, like fulfilling the boys, in the sense that he’s a sort of subtle that you don’t quite know why you’ve a school’s desired number of pupils going to parental figure, but also knows when to give laughed, but you do anyway. The comedy in Oxford and Cambridge, which is certainly them a cuffing. Hector is forced to share a his plays is so clever, but certainly not in an part of the story in The History Boys. Educa- class with Irwin - a younger teacher who’s inaccessible way. Bennett is nothing to be tion is the nub of the way society works and come in to shake things up. Irwin’s idea is not afraid of! can become a topic in which people explore to teach the subject as it is, but to embellish what it means to be human, but almost by “The History Boys never struck me as a play I and subvert it in a way that makes it more accident.” ever wanted to see, but now having read it, appealing to the students. It’s almost as if he’s my thinking has been completely altered. It’s So what was Ian’s own education like? flogging stuff! So Hector and Irwin’s relation- moving, funny and thought-provoking. I ship is certainly a little confrontational.” “I had a particularly extraordinary teacher at would compare it to a heartfelt chamber school. I wasn’t academic and was pretty lazy How does Ian think The History Boys piece. It’s not a great, showy symphony - all too. I really wasn’t interested in school, but I compares to Bennett’s other plays? fire and bangs - but it’s something you will was in plays, theatre and acting. This wonder- keep thinking about afterwards.” “In a way I think this play is his most politi- ful teacher - who was a History teacher, fun- cal, although he doesn’t really come up with a nily enough - taught me how to live through specific leaning towards one side or the other. my passions. Reading a book or seeing a play The History Boys shows at He just throws up into the air all the questions is like going on a magic-carpet ride where you Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from for the audience to consider for themselves. go into this whole different world. Friday 7 to Saturday 22 February. Theatre january 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:59 Page 5

more theatre from around the region

The Boy In The Dress Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, until Sun 8 March David Walliams’ The Boy In The Dress - helmed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran - ticks all the boxes of the feelgood family musical: young protagonists, splendidly choreographed scenes (including football playing and disco dancing), a lightweight but thoroughly engaging storyline, a timely message (about embrac- ing difference) and a fantastically memorable score (by one of the world’s hottest songwriting partnerships - Robbie Williams and Guy Cham- bers). The show is fun, fast, lively, colourful, clever and utterly absorbing, with an energetic and confident cast who’ve evidently got the greatest of faith in their material and more than enough talent to maximise the magic.

Ghost Stories Dead Men’s Eyes Captain Breadbeard’s Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 22 January Bready Brilliant Cookbook Tues 7 - Sat 11 January This is the latest instalment in a series of The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, The Alex has issued a word or several of one-man shows which aim to revive the tradi- Fri 24 - Sat 25 January warning about this production... tion of ‘oral, supernatural storytelling’. And Have you ever taken ‘Ghost Stories,’ it says, ‘contains moments of given that fact, which hair-raising tales could the time to consider extreme shock and tension. The show is un- possibly be more appropriate to recount than the dangers that suitable for anyone under the age of 15. We those of Montague Rhodes James (more com- people with floury strongly advise those of a nervous disposition monly known as MR James), the man widely facial fuzz encounter to think very seriously before attending.’ considered to be the master of the English every day, ask the Written by Andy Nyman & Jeremy Dyson and ghost story... producers of this presenting ‘a fully sensory and electrifying RM Lloyd Parry, the actor here charged with delightfully quirky encounter’, Ghost Stories has become some- the task of making spines tingle, presents family show. If you thing of a global stage phenomenon. two classics from the James canon - A View haven’t, not to worry, It won’t be surpris- From A Hill and The Treasure Of Abbot because Captain Breadbeard is all set to take ing to learn that the Thomas. you on ‘an energetic and shameless pun- show comes com- filled journey of enlightenment’. A salty not- plete with phan- so-old seadog with a beard made of bread, toms, poltergeists Two the Cap’n is joined in this surreal two-handed and things that go New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, comedy sketch show by his ever-faithful side- bump in the Fri 31 January - Sat 22 February kick, Davy Scones (geddit?). night... Jim Cartwright’s sharp and touching slice of English life is set in a northern pub owned by a savagely bickering husband and wife. Dad’s Army Radio Show The Political History Of The play is actually a series of short vignettes that skilfully combine pathos and humour, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Smack And Crack Wed 22 - Sun 26 January with all 14 characters being played by just , The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, two actors. During the course of the evening, You’ve seen the TV show, now listen to the Wed 22 - Sun 26 January assorted customers pass through the pub, radio broadcast! And what a highly The fallout for communities crushed by the including a little boy left behind by his acclaimed one it is, with two talented actors heroin epidemic at the height of Thatcherism father. The young taking up position behind their microphones is the challenging and thought-provoking lad’s plight trig- to play no fewer than 25 characters between subject matter of this one-hour two-hander gers a fragile them. Working from original radio scripts - from playwright Ed Edwards. reconciliation be- many of the TV episodes were remade for Inspired by the writer’s own experience in tween the pub BBC Radio Four with the original cast - the prison and rehab, the play was one of five couple, as their actors will present three much-loved finalists in Theatre503’s 2017 Playwriting own dark tragedy episodes of Jimmy Perry & David Croft’s clas- Award, making the shortlist out of 1,600 is finally sic 1970s’ sitcom, complete with sound entries from 58 countries. revealed... effects and vintage music. 34 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre january 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:59 Page 6

Theatre

Peter Pan Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever We’re Going On The REP, Birmingham, until Sun 19 January Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, A Bear Hunt Wed 29 & Thurs 30 January Fly away to Neverland with the boy who Birmingham Town Hall, until Sun 12 January wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- Suitable for children aged three and older, lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the this lively adaptation of Michael Rosen and down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and Helen Oxenbury’s popular picture book beware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and follows the adventures of a family as they a very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock head out on an intrepid quest to find a bear. (he swallowed a clock!). Catchy songs and enchanting puppets are This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the JM combined with no shortage of ‘swishy Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st cen- swashy grass’ and ‘oozy, squelchy mud’ in a tury and located in Birmingham) is helmed show that seems certain to keep youngsters by Liam Steel, who last Christmas directed splendidly entertained. The REP’s acclaimed production of The If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the Wizard Of Oz. previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and enjoyed the experience of watching them having a fantastic time - you’ll already know that this latest production is well worth catching. Peppa Pig is heading out on a road trip with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, and there are plenty of adventures waiting to be had - including ones that involve dragons, dinosaurs, ice-creams and muddy puddles...

Pantos and festive shows tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger against all odds to win the hand of the beau- on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for tiful princess - and being helped in his en- into January 100 years, offers a great story around which deavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... Snow White to build a pantomime production of real quality. Jonathan Wilkes stars. The Regal, Tenbury, until Fri 3 January; Swan Robin Hood: Theatre, Worcester, until Sun 5 January; Royal The Pantomime Adventure Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, until Sun 5 Jan- Dick Whittington uary; Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sun 2 The Core, Solihull, until Sun 5 January February Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, until Sun 12 January A dashing hero, a Santa’s Sack-worth of audi- Everybody knows the story - the nasty old ence participation and more corny gags than queen’s less than keen on her younger and The story of a young man who heads for Lon- don in search of fame and fortune is one of you could fit into an oversized Christmas more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes stocking. What’s not to like?... refuge from her royal evilness by holing up in the most popular in all of pantoland. the deep, dark forest with a household of ver- Ex-Corrie favourite Ryan Thomas and one- tically challenged miners. time Hi-De-Hi! duo Su Pollard and Jeffrey Puss In Boots The Hippodrome version stars Lesley Joseph Holland star. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, as the Wicked Queen. until Sat 11 January Peter Pan A show which producers Imagine Theatre Cinderella Stafford Gatehouse, until Sun 5 January have referred to as ‘the cat’s whiskers’, Puss Lichfield Garrick, until Sun 5 January; Palace Peter Pan’s producers describe their produc- In Boots tells the tail, sorry, tale, of a fabu- Theatre, Redditch, until Sun 5 January tion as ‘a high-energy localised show packed lous feline who outwits both a king and an With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking with all the ingredients that make pan- ogre to make his master the top, er, dog... fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince tomime such an unforgettable experience for Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- the entire family”... What more could a The Prince And only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably panto-loving theatre-goer possibly want? lay claim to being the most popular of all The Pauper pantomimes. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until Aladdin Sat 25 January Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sleeping Beauty until Sun 12 January An interesting and imaginative choice for a Christmas show, Mark Twain’s famous story Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Flying carpets at the ready, boys and girls... here features ‘imaginative storytelling, live until Sun 5 January A perfect story for an evening of family enter- music, humour, puppetry and plenty of fes- The tragic tale of a young princess who’s tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying tive magic’.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Anton & Erin: Dance Those Magical Movies Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 25 January; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 29 January Celebrity dancing duo Anton du Beke and Erin Boeg return to the Midlands this month to present their brand new show. Blending smart choreography and sparkly costumes with much-loved music from some of Holly- wood’s greatest ever movies, Anton and Erin are joined by a 23-piece orchestra, a ‘spectacular’ dance ensemble, guest singer Lance Ellington and conductor Richard Balcombe. The programme of music features hits from musical classics including Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Sin- gin’ In The Rain, Casablanca, The Wizard Of Oz, The Greatest Showman, Titanic and Moulin Rouge. Big Bond blockbusters also feature.

Shen Yun profit organisation dedicated to reviving authentic Chinese culture. And it cer- International Convention Centre, Birming- ham, Tues 31 December - Thurs 2 January tainl y achieves its aim, presenting shows which have been enjoyed by millions of The New York Times described Shen Yun people across the globe. as ‘5,000 years of Chinese music and Expect ethnic and folk dancers, ‘stunning dance in one night’ - which, as evenings costuming, high-tech backdrops, an of theatrical entertainment go, sounds orchestra like no other’ and plenty more like a pretty good deal. besides when the company stops off in Based in New York, Shen Yun is a not-for- Birmingham early this month....

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour Arena Birmingham, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 January With 2018 winner Stacey Dooley taking on with their professional dance partners are the presenting role, the Strictly Come celebrities Karim Zeroual, Kelvin Fletcher, The Wizard Of Oz Dancing Live tour is back in Brum with a Saffron Barker, Mike Bushell, Alex Scott, bang. Emma Barton and Catherine Tyldesley. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 22 January; Waltzing its way into the city mid-month, If you’re a fan of the hit BBC TV series, this Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Tues 28 January the sequin-saturated show features TV is definitely an evening out not to be A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem and judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood missed... munchkins, this classic story from the pen of L and Bruno Tonioli. Taking to the dancefloor Frank Baum comes complete with some of the 20th century’s best-known children’s characters, including the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the cowardly Lion and, of course, the Wicked Witch of the West. Baum’s story is certainly in safe hands with the ever-excellent Ballet Theatre UK, a 12-year-old company with an impressive history of produc- ing bright and colourful shows designed to promote classical dance as a hugely accessible artform. The Wizard Of Oz is one of two brand new offerings being toured by the ensemble this season - the other is Sense And Sensibility - with a re- vival of the company’s critically acclaimed production of Giselle also featuring.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Joseph Toonga: Born To Manifest Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 31 January “I feel a responsibility as a black male,” says Joseph Toonga, “to empower the younger generation as a role model and as an example of how dance can provide a positive, successful route. Mental health, and black men’s experiences of it, is little discussed, which is why I’m so passionate about creating awareness and shifting stigmas.” Toonga’s hour-long presentation is a new hip- hop dance double bill that illuminates the experience of young black British men. The show draws from real-life accounts with the aim of simultaneously championing cultural identity and challenging racial stigmas. Spirit Of The Dance Malvern Theatres, Fri 31 January; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 2 February A colourful and lively theatrical event cele- not only of Irish dance but also Scottish, brating dance and music from around the flamenco, Latin, salsa, street, hip-hop, world, Spirit Of The Dance follows in the techno and American Tap. high-kicking traditions of the ever-popular It’s been seen by more than 20 million peo- Riverdance and Lord Of The Dance produc- ple worldwide since debuting in the 1990s tions. and very much retains its reputation as one The show is this year celebrating its 21st of the best and most spectacular dance birthday and boasts the pounding rhythms shows around.

Dance To The Music Albany Theatre, Coventry, Tues 14 January; The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Sun 26 January One-time X-Factor contestant Jake Quick- res, from the Roaring ’20s with its enden is the man at the helm of this high- Charleston and tap dances, through to energy show, created, directed and modern-day ballroom and Latin. ‘Fabulous’ choreographed by ex-Strictly professional costumes, ‘stunning’ vocals, ‘breathtaking’ Kristina Rihanoff. choreography and an ‘electrifying’ dance Featuring 15 different dances, the produc- troupe are all present and correct in a show tion portrays the evolution of dance that promises to banish the winter blues, at through numerous musical eras and gen- least for an evening.

Moscow State Ballet: The Nutcracker Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 20 - Wed 22 January One of the great ballet staples, Tchaikovsky’s enchanting tale of Clara and her nutcracker doll has been delighting audiences for genera- tions. The fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery this month visits the region courtesy of Moscow State Ballet, a young company which has earned an impressive reputation for its thoughtful and energetic productions.

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Gino D'Acampo.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:39 Page 1

A TASTE OF ITALY Popular Italian chef Gino D’Acampo talks about his new Birmingham restaurant, his children’s book, his television show, his favourite food and, er, his wife’s apparently ample bosom...

On Halloween, the UK’s favourite Italian chef, oven sits centre restaurant, providing guests “My new restaurant serves real Italian food Gino D’Acampo, opened much-anticipated with the opportunity to watch Gino’s chefs in and has a real Italian look,” explains the Birmingham eatery Gino D’Acampo My action. charismatic chef. “Don’t get me wrong, I have Restaurant. other restaurants in Birmingham - we have The opening of the restaurant marks the com- Piccolino and Bank, which are both great Situated on the bustling Temple Row, it pletion of the first of a two-phase grand plan restaurants, and I do all the menus and all the features 165 covers, a 25 metre cocktail bar at which Gino has for Birmingham - still to come stuff like that - but this is different. Here, which patrons can dine, a deli bar and a pri- is a rooftop sky bar and restaurant with spec- you’ll have real Italian food, fresh ingredients, vate dining area. A 15 metre open kitchen tacular views across the city... the lifestyle. And the look of the restaurant is with a spectacular hand-crafted copper wood

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by Lauren Foster

different, too. We source everything from a table of 10, so it could have been anyone Sometimes there was tension between us Italy. I have a company where we import who’d thrown it.” because we're three very strong characters - ingredients. We bring them here, we store Gordon is the alpha male, Fred is the sensible Birmingham boasts a brilliant and explosive them here, and then we send them to the Frenchman, and I'm the one who doesn't give food scene, with six Michelin-star restau- restaurants. Everything you see, everything a shit - yet we really gelled well together. I can rants, an abundance of high-quality indepen- you touch, has been chosen and looked after tell you that we're going to Morocco and we're dent eateries, one of the UK’s most popular by me.” going to film a Christmas special.” street-food events and plenty of big-chain Alongside an extensive food menu offering restaurants. So what is it about the city that Having already successfully conquered a Italian classics aplenty, Gino D’Acampo My makes it so appealing to restauranteurs and multitude of markets, Gino recently added Restaurant’s wine list boasts one of the diners? another string to his bow - children’s books. biggest selections of prosecco, sparkling wine His first publication, Get Cooking With “Birmingham has always been a great city for and Franciacorta in the country. There are Wiskella, is guaranteed to get your little ones food, because here is where the BBC Good more than 30 varieties to choose from, many excited about food. All Gino’s books, his Food Show is. I remember 20 years ago we of which you won’t find available anywhere recipe books included, can be bought in Gino used to do it. It was Gordon, Ainsley Harriott, else. D’Acampo My Restaurant. Jamie Oliver, Rick Stein, all those people. For If Gino was visiting his new eatery as a diner, us, it's always been a foodie place. Birming- “The inspiration for Get Cooking With which dishes would he order from the menu? ham is getting cooler, I think - it's a cool city Wiskella came from my daughter, Mia. She's now. It was always one of those places which seven years old. She always makes up stories “I would definitely have rigatoni with wild had a lot of negativity - “it's too industrial, it's in her mind as to why she should cook. She boar ragu. I usually have the calamari - we too this, it's too that”. It's a beautiful city and pretends that she's with friends. As I was make it to perfection, with fried courgettes, it's definitely on the up, if not already up watching her, I was thinking, 'I can make this fried peppers and a beautiful lemon mayon- there. For anyone interested in good restau- reality; I can actually come up with a charac- naise. I would rock a pizza, because I’m rants, this is the place to be now.” ter'. The character is a whisk that turns into a greedy. My favourite pizza is the Real Neapoli- little girl. All the characters in the book are tan pizza, with Italian sausage, friarrielli, Originally from Naples, Gino moved to Lon- cooking utensils, and I made them into mozzarella and chilli. We make the best. If I don when he was 19 and worked in both The humans. Wiskella is a girl who loves cooking had enough space in my belly, I would rock in Orchard Restaurant in Hampstead and the and who goes around looking for all the with the slow-roasted pork belly - that is very Cambio Restaurant in Guildford. ingredients that she needs. Eventually she sexy, with the radicchio and the chopped “I moved because of my wife. I met my wife gets all her friends around and they cook roasted hazelnuts on the top; it's very cool. when I was 18. We were in Spain, we were in together. Usually when you read a book with For dessert, I always have a tiramisu. We Puerto Banús. I used to be the chef at the your kids, the experience ends once the book make the traditional tiramisu with the restaurant and she used to be the waiter. I is ended. But at the end of Get Cooking With Savoiardi biscuits, mascarpone, Amaretto had just come from the south of Italy and I fell Wiskella there’s a recipe. So you read the liqueur. Mwah! Fantastico!” in love with her. Blonde, clever, huge knock- book and then, at the end, the idea is that the After Italian, what’s Gino’s favourite cuisine - ers, beautiful eyes. Eyes, brain, hair, knockers children, the parents, grandparents or who- and is there anything he really can’t stand? - we'll put knockers at number four. You can't ever say, 'Hey, why don't we do the recipe?' have them at number one; that would make I've given them a full recipe - a pancake recipe “I always eat Italian food! I like Japanese me very shallow.” - with the method. Wiskella explains exactly food, Chinese too. I’m not a huge fan of how she does it. The interaction doesn't end Indian cuisine; there are too many herbs and Gino rose to fame as a regular chef on long- there - that's what's important to me. It's spices. It's very different from Italian cuisine. running ITV magazine show This Morning. important to get kids interested in food and in We use four or five ingredients to make one He’s since presented cookery programmes cooking from a really young age. And on thing, they use 23 different spices and ingredi- including Let's Do Lunch, There's No Taste every page there is a little cat to find, too. ents. It's just not the way I cook or eat. Like Home and Gino's Italian Escape, and has also taken part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out “My children cook and explore a lot with “I hate cucumber and I don't like coriander - Of Here! - which he won in 2009 - and food. We have a rule in my house that any- it's too overpowering. When you eat some- Celebrity Juice. His most recent TV project is thing I put on the table, they eat. If they don't thing with coriander, the only thing you taste Gordon, Gino And Fred, a second series of like it, that's fine, but at least they've tried it. is coriander. It reminds me of soap. Once, I which he’s just finished filming with Gordon And when I say anything, I mean anything. I was invited somewhere - I can't be too specific Ramsey and First Dates’ Fred Sirieix. once got them to try donkey testicle with but- because it was a royal thing - but ****ing hell, ter, sage, salt & pepper. It was quite good.” do you know what they served me? Cucumber “I cannot tell you a lot about this, but it's out and coriander sandwiches! Cucumber sand- in April. It's four episodes and we went to wiches with a kind of coriander pesto in it. I America. I think it was the best two weeks of pretended to eat one, but I had a napkin on my life - it was awesome! We couldn’t stop Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant can be my leg, so I rolled it into the napkin and having fun. I know at work you shouldn't found at 61-63 Temple Row, Birmingham threw the napkin underneath the table. It was have too much fun, but I absolutely loved it.

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Film

1917 CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring George MacKay, Dean- Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Mays Directed by Sam Mendes (UK/USA)

Partly based on fact - as relayed to the director Sam Mendes by his grandfather - this First World War epic is unfolded in one continuous shot. Two British soldiers are entrusted with the assignment of penetrating enemy lines in order to deliver a warning of an impending ambush by the Germans. Mendes, of course, is the Oscar- winning director of such outstanding movies as American Beauty, Jarhead and the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. Released Fri 10 January

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in January...

The Gentlemen CERT 18 (113 mins) Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hun- nam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant Directed by Guy Ritchie (UK/USA) After toying with family entertainment and the Arabian Nights, Guy Ritchie returns to familiar territory with this highly adult gangster thriller. When a drug dealer decides to of- fload his criminal empire, he inadvertently triggers a war of unimaginable mayhem. Released Wed 1 January his best to toe the party line and learn to Jojo Rabbit CERT 12a (108 mins) hate the Jews. Jojo Rabbit is a strange mix Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin in that on the one hand it is very naturalis- McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Rebel Wilson, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson tic - filmed in the picturesque town of Ustek Directed by Taika Waititi (New in the Czech Republic - but also wildly far- Zealand/USA/Czech Republic) cical, at times resembling a sort of Carry On Jojo, a 10-year-old recruit of Hitler’s Youth, Hitler. Sadly, it has neither the confident is nicknamed Rabbit because of his cow- cheek of Mel Brooks’ fictitious musical ardice - his inability even to kill a rabbit for Springtime For Hitler nor the harrowing the Führer. But with the help of his imagi- satire of George Roy Hills’ Slaughterhouse- nary friend - none other than a blustering Five (1972). Adolf Hitler played by the director - he does Released Wed 1 January whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Film January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:00 Page 3

Film

Seberg CERT tbc (96 mins) Just Mercy CERT 12a (136 mins) The Personal History Of Starring Kristen Stewart, Jack O'Connell, Starring Michael B Jordan, Jamie Foxx, David Copperfield Margaret Qualley, Zazie Beetz, Vince Vaughn, Brie Larson, Rob Morgan, Tim Blake Nelson, CERT PG (119 mins) Anthony Mackie, Yvan Attal Rafe Spall, O'Shea Jackson Jr Directed by Benedict Andrews (USA/UK) Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (USA) Starring Dev Patel, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton, Ben Whishaw, Paul Whitehouse Based on the memoir by Bryan Stevenson, Directed by Armando Iannucci (UK/USA) this is the story of the attorney (Jordan) who fought to clear the name of a wrongly con- victed killer (Foxx). The US reviews have been pretty good so far. Released Fri 17 January

No mere biopic of the 1960s’ icon Jean Seberg, this political drama focuses on the Armando Iannucci, the creative force behind FBI’s targeting of the actress because of her The Thick Of It and The Death Of Stalin, gives involvement with the civil rights activist his own singular spin to Charles Dickens’ Hakim Jamal (Mackie). favourite novel, making it both pertinent and, apparently, hilarious. Released Fri 10 January Released Fri 24 January

Bad Boys For Life CERT tbc Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Plus One CERT 15 (99 mins) The Turning CERT tbc Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Joe Pantoliano, Starring Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, Theresa Randle Starring Maya Erskine, Jack Quaid, Brooklynn Prince, Joely Richardson, Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (USA) Beck Bennett, Rosalind Chao, Perrey Reeves, Ed Begley Jr, Finn Wittrock Mark Huberman Directed by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer Directed by Floria Sigismondi (USA) (USA) When he is entrusted with the care of his Marriage is in the air. So committed single- niece and nephew, a man hires a governess tons and best friends Ben and Alice agree to to look after them at his spooky mansion. Be- be each other’s ‘plus one’ at every nuptial lieve it or not, this is yet another re-working they’re invited to. Expect comparisons to of Henry James’ 1898 The Turn Of The Screw, When Harry Met Sally. executive-produced by Steven Spielberg. Released Fri 17 January Released Fri 24 January Just as old partners Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and Mike Lowery (Will Smith) are due to retire, they are forced together on one A Beautiful Day In The final assignment when the latter is targeted Neighborhood CERT PG (109 mins) by a Romanian mob boss. Unusually for a big Starring Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Hollywood film, the action-comedy is di- Kelechi Watson, Chris Cooper, Christine Lahti rected by a Belgian filmmaking duo (who are Directed by Marielle Heller (USA) also developing the next Beverly Hills Cop sequel). Released Fri 17 January

A Hidden Life CERT tbc (173 mins) Waves CERT 15 (135 mins) Starring August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Nyqvist, Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr, Lucas Hedges, Jürgen Prochnow, Bruno Ganz Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, Renée Elise Directed by Terrence Malick (USA/Germany) Goldsberry, Sterling K. Brown Directed by Trey Edward Shults (USA) This is the true story of Franz Jägerstätter Last year we had the documentary Won’t You (Diehl), a devout Catholic farmer who refused Life comes in waves and that is certainly the Be My Neighbor? about Fred Rogers. Here, to collude with the Nazis during the Second case for an African-American family living in Tom Hanks plays the children’s TV presenter, World War. Incidentally, the film proved to be a suburb of Southern Florida. In spite of the who is befriended by a cynical journalist the last for both the late Michael Nyqvist and film’s subject matter, its writer-director is not from Esquire magazine (Rhys), on whose arti- Bruno Ganz. African-American. cle the screenplay is loosely based. Released Fri 17 January Released Fri 17 January Released Fri 31 January 44 whatsonlive.co.uk Film January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:00 Page 4

Film highlights released in January...

The Grudge CERT tbc Starring Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, John Cho, Betty Gilpin, Lin Shaye, Jacki Weaver Directed by Nicolas Pesce (Canada/USA) This is the second American remake of the 2002 Japanese horror film in which a young female detective investigates a horrific murder in a house that is, frankly, doomed. Released Fri 31 January

The Lighthouse CERT 15 (109 mins) Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson Directed by Robert Eggers (USA) When two lighthouse keepers are stranded on their island by a storm, they both begin to lose their sanity… Robert Pattinson has said that the experience of making the film has made him renounce Method acting for good. EDITOR’S CHOICE Released Fri 31 January News, the film follows several women as Bombshell CERT 15 (108 mins) they attempt to expose the unbecoming Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, conduct of the TV executive Roger Ailes, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow, Kate McKin- non, Connie Britton, Malcolm McDowell, played by an unrecognisable John Lithgow. Allison Janney, Mark Duplass, Alice Eve Interesting that the three leads are, respec- Directed by Jay Roach (USA) tively, South African, Australian and Aus- One doesn’t come across a cast like this tralian. From the director of the Austin very often. But in the #MeToo era, true-life Powers and Meet The Fockers films, so dramas like this will be popping up all maybe there will even be some humour. over. Set in the toxic atmosphere of Fox Released Fri 24 January

Queen And Slim CERT 15 (131mins) The Rhythm Section Richard Jewell CERT 15 (129 mins) Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny, Flea CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Directed by Melina Matsoukas (USA) Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, Paul Walter Hauser Starring Blake Lively, Jude Law, Sterling K. Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) Having killed a cop after being pulled over in Brown, Max Casella, Daniel Mays, Geoff Bell their car, a loved-up African-American cou- Directed by Reed Morano (UK/USA) Clint Eastwood, now 89, directs and pro- ple go on the run... The British actress-model duces this true-life drama about a security Jodie Turner-Smith has had rave reviews for guard (Hauser) who saved the lives of thou- her part, even prompting talk of an Oscar sands from a terrorist attack at the 1996 nomination. Olympics in Atlanta. However, the press and media set out to destroy his life… Released Fri 31 January Released Fri 31 January

Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) was meant to be on a flight that killed her family. Then she discovers that the crash was not an accident… Based on the novel by Mark Burnell and directed by the former cinematographer Reed Morano, so it should look good. Released Fri 31 January

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Visual Arts January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 13:10 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Tim Mara: Not Pop? Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 29 March Although frequently associated with the Pop Art movement, Irish printmaker and one-time Wolverhampton Polytechnic student Tim Mara - who died in 1997 at the age of 48 - found his inspiration elsewhere. “I knew that the Pop thing was going on,” he said. “Screen printing was there, photography was there, the everyday objects were there - but I was much more interested pictorially in Velásquez and Vermeer. Those prints had much more to do with painting.” Mara’s work saw him blending traditional processes with digital printing techniques, but his main consideration was always the subject matter: “In the hierarchy of fine art, printmaking is usually associated with craft skills - with technique. And that gets in the way. My work was always about the ideas more than the medium.”

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Visual Arts

John Walker: New Paintings Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 23 February Birmingham artist John Walker left the city of his birth more than 50 years ago and now resides in Maine. The US state is renowned for its rocky coastal landscape, and it’s these stark natural features that have provided Walker with the inspiration for this new exhibition of ‘anti-scenic’ paintings. Recently described as one of the standout abstract painters of the last 50 years, John was the first artist to show at Ikon Gallery when it moved to new premises in the Birmingham Shopping Centre above New Street Station in 1972. His return to the venue, now of course in a different location, has been long awaited, his new paintings being widely acclaimed as works which

reveal an artist at the very peak of his powers. La Patrie, 1916 By Christopher Richard W. Nevinson W. Richard Christopher By 1916 Patrie, La Birmingham Revolutions: Power To The People Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Fri 4 September The Influence Project Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Voting reform, nuclear disarmament, play aims to highlight the different ways in Sat 18 January - Sun 22 March trade unionism, anti-racism and human which people can protest and campaign, A photography exhibition celebrating the impact rights all feature in Power To The People, and also to take a look at specific exam- of leading black musicians on contemporary an exhibition exploring Birmingham’s ples from history - from the Priestley Riots sound and culture, The Influence Project vibrant and varied history of protest and of 1791 all the way through to the LGBTQ+ chronicles pioneering voices from the 20th- activism. campaigns of modern times. century music scene. Along the way, the show In the process of the exploration, the dis- assesses their impact on music, exploring the ways in which they have creatively, socially and politically influenced and inspired modern-day Radical Drawing: Works From Truly Bright And artists. Coventry And The Courtauld Memorable Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 19 January Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 19 January Subtitled Jan de Beer’s Renaissance Altarpieces, this latest in the Barber’s Master- piece In Focus series showcases the venue’s very own double-sided altarpiece, featuring The Nativity and the ‘apocryphal tale of Joseph and the suitors’. The radical and creative potential of drawn marks The altarpiece is one of many and lines is explored in an exhibition featuring not created by 16th century only artwork from the Herbert but also pieces both Flemish artist de Beer, a man from The Courtauld Gallery in London and the whose star shone brightly for University of Warwick. centuries after his death but The display offers viewers the opportunity to whose relevance has been contemplate work by a number of artists who have somewhat downgraded in pushed the boundaries of what it means to draw. recent times. Also on display are objects linked to the The exhibition also brings Courtaulds factory in Coventry and a specially together for the first time all produced film about Courtaulds Ltd. of de Beer’s paintings and The long-established manufacturer of fabric, drawings from public and clothing, artificial fibres and chemicals set up private collections in Britain. shop in the city in 1905.

Image: Laura Mvula, London 2017 C-Type © Alexis Chabala © Alexis C-Type 2017 Image: London Mvula, Laura whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 12:02 Page 1

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Events previews from around the region Events

Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham, until Sun 12 January Christmas may be over, but there’s still plenty of opportunity to enjoy Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel this month. While the wheel offers the chance to enjoy fantastic views across the city, the ice rink accommodates up to 300 people per session and is this year weather-proofed thanks to the addition of a roof. Younger or inexperienced skating enthusi- asts can keep upright by using special penguin skating aids. And when skaters have finished their Torvill & Dean routine, they can warm themselves up with some festive fare in the nearby Ice Lounge. Vitality Netball Nations Cup first time since the Netball World Cup. As part of a new four-day three-city interna- Arena Birmingham, Wed 22 January tional series, the Roses face South Africa in a The Vitality Roses, England’s elite netball team, World Cup bronze medal rematch, while play in front of a home crowd this month for the Jamaica lock horns with New Zealand.

Autosport International Hot Wheels NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 January Monster Trucks Live The Arenacross Described as ‘the world’s greatest four-wheel Arena Birmingham, Tour 2020 Fri 31 January - Sun 2 February indoor extravaganza’, Autosport International Resorts World Arena, caters for industry professionals and motorsport Birmingham, Fri 31 January & fans alike. Featuring every level of motor racing - Sat 1 February from karting through to Formula One - the event An absolute must for extreme offers visitors the chance to check out the latest sports fans, the 2020 Arenacross performance road cars, chat to club members tour brings indoors all the spec- and watch precision-driving displays in the Live tacular elements of motorcross Action Arena. The show is this year marking the for a ‘non-stop white-knuckle 70th anniversary of the F1 British Grand Prix. ride’. Set to a pumping soundtrack and laser show, the event sees some of the world’s top freestylers hitting the track to present what organisers describe Jumps and stunts and crashing and smashing is as ‘truly awe-inspiring entertain- very much the order of the day when the Hot ment’. Wheels Monster Trucks take to the stage. In addition to the trucks, each show features a range of entertainment that includes world record attempts and performances by stars of the freestyle motocross world. Oh, and there’s the Megasaurus too - a massive car-eating fire- breathing prehistoric robot that loves to chomp on anything with four wheels. Best leave your skateboard at home, we thinks...

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Festivals

When it comes to music, regardless of your preference - be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival in the Midlands to suit your taste. And 2020 looks set to be another bumper year for the region’s festival-goers. Get your diary out and get booking!

CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to End Country Estate, Hanley Castle, nbhdweekender.com APRIL be announced. Tues 5 - Sun 10 May, Worcestershire. More information at BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Line-up to be an- Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham. mellofestival.co.uk More information at nounced. Sat 23 - Sun 24 May, NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz LECHLADE MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up in- Birmingham Gay Village. FESTIVAL Line-up includes Big cludes The Boomtown Rats (Head- More information at Country, Sari Schorr, Stereo MCs, Ruby FOCUS WALES Line-up includes liner). Fri 22 - Sun 24 May, Riverside birminghampride.com Turner, The Blockheads, Jeremiah Flamingods, Catrin Finch & Seckou Park, Lechlade, Gloucestershire. More Ferrari, Suburban Symphony. ROCK AND BOWL Line-up to be an- Keita, Georgia Ruth, John, Gruff Rhys. information at lechladefestival.co.uk Thurs 9 - Mon 13 April, various venues Thurs 7 - Sat 9 May, various venues in nounced. Sat 23 - Mon 25 May, Picnic in Nantwich. More information at Wrexham, Wales. More information at GLASTONBUDGET Line-up Who's Who, Area, Market Drayton. More informa- nantwichjazz.com focuswales.com One Step Behind, The Kommitments, tion at rockandbowlfestival.com The Bootleg Beatles, T.Rextasy, Dolly WONDERLAND 2 Line-up includes DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be SWINGAMAJIG Line-up to be an- Parton Experience, Vicky Jackson as Filta, Rooted and Booted, Totally Tina, announced. Sun 24 May, various nounced. Fri 8 May, Birmingham Pink. Fri 22 - Sun 24 May, Turnpost Daft Punk Tribute, Jay Francis as venues in Nottingham. More Botanical Gardens. More information Farm, Leicestershire. More information George Michael, Flash, Gimme Some at swingamajig.co.uk information at dottodotfestival.co.uk Lovin Soul Band, The Blue Print Blues at glastonbudget.org LICHFIELD BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL Brothers featuring Aretha Franklin FORBIDDEN FOREST Line-up to be an- STAFFS FEST Line-up to be announced. nounced. Sat 9 May, The Oaks Forest, Line-up to be announced. Thurs 28 tribute, Erasured - Erasure Tribute – Fri 22 - Sun 24 May, Lower Drayton Grimethorpe. More information at May - Sun 31 May, various venues Marquis Drive. Fri 10 - Mon 13 April, Farm, Penkridge, Staffs. More informa- forbidden-forest.co.uk around Lichfield. More information at Chillington Hall, Brewood, Wolver- tion at staffsfest.co.uk lichfield-jazz.co.uk hampton. More information at BEARDED THEORY Line-up includes HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN The world’s dubscollective.com The Flaming Lips, Nova Twins, THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN largest philosophy and music festival. Derange, The Dualers, Ferocious Dog, Line-up includes Lindisfarne, Lucas Line-up includes Nitin Sawhney, Belle The Bar Steward Sons Of Val Dooni- Marks & The Glorious Unknown, Merry MAY and Sebastian, The Correspondents, can, KT Tunstall, The Undertones, The Hell, The Quireboys, Old Town Sailors. Ayanna Witter Johnson. Fri 22 - Mon 25 Kubricks. Thurs 21 - Sun 24 May, Catton Fri 29 May - Sun 31 May, Uttoxeter May, Hay on Wye, Hereford. More in- UPTON UPON SEVERN FOLK FESTIVAL Hall, South Derbyshire. More informa- Racecourse. More information at formation at howthelightgetsin.org Line-up includes Martyn Harvey, Dove- tion at beardedtheory.co.uk acousticfestival.co.uk tail Trio, Worcestershire Levellers, Rod CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- BREAKING BANDS Line-up includes Go- WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up Penlington. Fri 1 - Mon 4 May, various cludes Kimber’s Men, Wet The Tea, rilla Riot, Stellsword, Midnite City, to be announced. Fri 29 May - Sun 31 venues, Upton upon Severn, Worces- Sam Carter, Albireo. Fri 22 - Mon 25 King Creature. Thurs 21 - Mon 25 May, May, Cheltenham Racecourse. tershire. More information at May, Kelsall Village. More information Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, More information at uptonfolk.org at chesterfolk.org.uk Bromsgrove. More information at wychwoodfestival.com LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up breakingbandsfestival.com NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER Line-up to be announced. Fri 1 - Tues 5 May, includes Ian Brown, Catfish And The MELLO Line-up includes Odyssey, JUNE Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa. Bottlemen, Shed Seven, The Wombats. Steeleye Span, Craig Charles, Fairport More information at Sat 23 - Sun 24 May, Victoria Park, Convention. Fri 22 - Sun 24 May, Seven leamingtonmusic.org Warrington. More information at WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in-

50 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2020.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:06 Page 2

cludes Lindisfarne, Trials Of Cato, Forest. More information and tickets at Bolesworth Castle, Chester. More Buuren. Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Aug, Dares- Merry Hell, The Churchfitters. Thurs 4 timberfestival.org.uk information at carfest.org bury, Halton, Cheshire. More informa- June - Sun 7 June, The Whitby Club, tion at creamfields.com THE ROCK AND BIKE FEST Line-up in- BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be Ellesmere Port. More information at cludes Fleetwood Bac, Guns 2 Roses, announced. Fri 31 July - Mon 3 August, BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up to wirralfolkonthecoast.com Green Haze, The Animals & Friends. Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire. More be announced. Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, GATE TO SOUTHWELL Line-up includes Thurs 9 - Sat 11 July, Carnfield Hall, information at barefootfestival.com Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, Show Of Hands, Madison Violet, Derbyshire. More information at Bromsgrove, Worcester. More informa- Talisk, Track Dogs. Thurs 4 - Sun 7 rockandbikefest.co.uk tion at beermageddon.co.uk June, Southwell Racecourse, Notting- AUGUST 2000TREES FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes hamshire. More information at gtsf.uk nounced. Thurs 9 - Sat 11 July, Upcote MADE BIRMINGHAM Line-up to be an- B*Witched, David Essex, Steve Harley DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Line-up includes Farm, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. nounced. Sat 1 August, Perry Park, & Cockney Rebel. Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Kiss, Iron Maiden, System Of A Down, More information at Birmingham. More information at Fish Meadow, Upton upon Severn, Deftones, Korn, The Offspring. Fri 12 - twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk made-festival.co.uk Worcestershire. More information at Sun 14 June, Donington Park, Derby. uptonfestival.co.uk BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up More information at BOARDMASTERS Line-up to be an- includes The Lost Notes, Keith Don- downloadfestival.co.uk nounced. Wed 5 - Sun 9 Aug, Watergate CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes nelly, Union Jill. Thurs 9 - Sun 12 July, Bay, Newquay, Cornwall. More infor- Skunk Anansie, The Fratellis, Ash, The NOCTURNE LIVE AT BLENHEIM PALACE various venues across Bromsgrove. mation at boardmasters.com Feeling. Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Ragley Line-up includes David Gray, Lionel More information at Hall, Warwickshire. More information Richie. Thurs 18 - Sun 21 June, bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- at campercalling.com Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. More cludes Skindred, Paradise Lost, information at nocturnelive.com NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- Butcher Babies. Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Aug, THE BIG FEASTIVAL Line-up to be announced. Thurs 9 - Fri 12 July, Coney Catton Hall, Derbyshire. More informa- nounced. Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, King- SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 2019 Line-up in- Woods at Noseley Hall, Leicestershire. tion at bloodstock.uk.com ham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. cludes Acid Mothers Temple, Atomic More information and tickets at More information at Rooster, Astralasia, Heavy Metal Kids. noisilyfestival.com ROCK THE PARK WREXHAM 2019 Line- thebigfeastival.co.uk Thurs 18 - Sun 21 June, Stoke Prior up includes Vengaboys, K-Klass, Robin Sports and Country Club, Worcester. THE MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL S, DJ Sash. Fri 7 - Sun 9 Aug, Borras SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up More information at FESTIVAL Line-up to be Hall Lane, Wrexham. More informa- includes Show Of Hands, Carlos sonicrocksolstice.com announced. Fri 10 - Sun 12 July, tion at rockthepark.co.uk Núñez, The Young’uns, Kabantu. Fri 28 Moseley Park, Birmingham. - Mon 31 Aug, Greenhous West Mid BEARDY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- More information at mostlyjazz.co.uk 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- Showground, Shrewsbury. More infor- cludes Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, nounced. Thurs 13 - Sun 16 Aug, Gop- mation at shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk Rura, Gaz Brookfield, Calan, Luke Jack- LICHFIELD ARTS FUSE FESTIVAL Line-up sall Hall Farm, Leicestershire. More son, Midnight Skyracer. Fri 19 - Sun 21 to be announced. Fri 10 - Sun 12 July, information at 110above.com June, Hopton Court, Cleobury Mor- Beacon Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire. LAKEFEST Line-up includes Echo and timer, Shropshire. More information at More information at the Bunnymen, Ash, Starsailor. Thurs beardyfolkfestival.co.uk fuselichfield.org.uk 13 - Sun 16 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Here- UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY Line-up in- fordshire. More information at Black Cat Jazz Band, 12 Shades Of Jazz, cludes Adam Ant, OMD, ABC, Tony lakefest.co.uk Ben Cummings Gerry Mulligan Quar- Hadley, Go West. Sat 11 July, The FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line up to be tet, Keith Nichols Hot Seven. Fri 26 - Quarry, Shrewsbury. More information Sun 28 June. Various venues in Upton- at letsrockshrewsbury.com announced. Fri 14 - Sun 16 Aug, near upon-Severn, Worcestershire. More in- Gatten Farm, Shropshire. More infor- UPTON BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up to be mation at farmerphilsfestival.com formation at uptonjazz.co.uk announced. Thurs 16 - Sun 19 July, var- SEPTEMBER ious venues around Upton upon Sev- THE MOIRA FURNACE FOLK FESTIVAL JULY ern, Worcestershire. More information Line-up includes Steve Tilston & Hugh MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Passenger an- at uptonbluesfestival.com Bradley, Granny’s Attic, Robin Laing, nounced as first headliner. Fri 4 - Sun Kenny Spiers. Fri 21 - Sun 23 Aug, 6 Sept, Moseley Park, Birmingham. NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be THE BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL & Moira Furnace Museum and Monu- More information at moseleyfolk.co.uk announced. Fri 3 - Sat 4 July, Napton WESTSIDE FESTIVAL Line-up to be ment Site, Derbyshire. More informa- Village Hall Grounds, Napton On The announced. Fri 17 - Sun 26 July, The tion at moirafurnacefolkfestival.co.uk OFF THE TRACKS Line-up to be an- Hill, Warwickshire. More information Crossing + Boxxed + Wilde Building in nounced. Wed 4 - Fri 6 Sept, Castle naptonfestival.co.uk Floodgate Street, Birmingham. More OLD BUSH BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up in- Donington. More information at information at cludes Pot Kettle Black, Trafficker, CAMPERJAM Line-up to be announced. offthetracks.co.uk birminghamjazzfestival.com Wayne Martin. Fri 21 - Sun 23 Aug, The Fri 3 - Sun 5 July, Weston Park, Shrop- Old Bush, Callow End Worcester. More BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to shire. More information at NOZSTOCK Line-up to be announced. information at oldbushblues.co.uk be announced. Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Sept, camperjam.com Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July, Rowden Pad- Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- docks, Bromyard, Herefordshire. More THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up to be ALSO FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- mation at bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk information at nozstock.com announced. Fri 21 - Sun 23 Aug, Rode nounced. Fri 3 - Sat 5 July, Park Farm, Hall Parkland, Cheshire. More infor- Warwickshire. More information and WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be mation at justsofestival.org.uk tickets at also-festival.com announced. Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July, OCTOBER Warwick School and Warwick Town SHAMBALA Line-up to be announced. TIMBER FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Centre. More information at Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Aug. A secret loca- LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK Line-up to Unthanks, Sam Lee, Poet Laureate warwickfolkfestival.co.uk tion in Northampton. More informa- be announced. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Oct, Simon Armitage, Dame Evelyn Glen- tion at shambalafestival.org venues around Lichfield, Staffordshire. nie, Gary Stewart’s Graceland. Fri 3 - CARFEST NORTH Line-up to be More information at Sun 5 July, Feanedock, The National announced. Fri 24 - Sun 26 July, CREAMFIELDS Headliner Armin Van lichfieldarts.org.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Subscription Advert New Jan 2020.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 15:00 Page 1 The List Cover January Warwicks Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:29 Page 1

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide JanuaryJanuary 20202020 thelist

Vamos Theatre’s Dead Good at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, Thurs 23 & Fri 24 January

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

What’s On Wed 1 to Sun 5 January Mon 6 to Sun 12 January Mon 13 to Sun 19 January Mon 20 to Fri 31 January

The Snow Dragon at Puss In Boots at Belgrade Miloš Karadaglic in concert at Merry Hell Number 8, Pershore Theatre, Coventry Malvern Theatres at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Sat 4 January until Sat 11 January Fri 17 January Fri 24 January

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warks/Worcs 1 - 5 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:22 Page 1

thelist Fri 3 Jan, The Sun- DEAF BALLOONS + SEC- THROUGHOUT JANUARY Gigs flower Lounge, Birm- OND HAND GENES + ingham HONEY FACTORY Sat 4 GUNS 2 ROSES Thurs 2 NEW JOHN HUNT EXHIBITION Fri 24 Jan ION MAIDEN Fri 3 Jan, Jan, The Sunflower Jan, The Robin, Bilston Visual Arts - Fri 7 Feb Route 44, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham WEDDING CRASHERS NEW FOOL’S GOLD – PAMELA SCHILDER- KING PLEASURE AND RULE THE WORLD - TAKE Artrix, Bromsgrove Thurs 2 Jan, The Jam MAN AND HAYLEY HARRISON Exhibition THE BISCUIT BOYS Fri 3 THAT TRIBUTE Sat 4 House, Birmimgham KATHLEEN WATSON AND LYNNE SAWYER exploring society’s consumerism and Jan, Artrix, Broms- Jan, Artrix, Broms- - INSPIRE BY NATURE Exhibition explor- the impact it has on the environment, NEARLY DAN IN CONCERT grove grove ing the natural world in a celebration Fri 3 Jan, The Robin, Sat 25 Jan - Sat 14 Mar URBAN INTO Fri 3 Jan - BAD GIRLFRIEND + FEED of texture and colour, until Sun 5 Jan Bilston NEW RUGBY COLLECTION: STILL LIFE Sat 4 Jan, The Jam ME MILK + SIMPLE TOP FLOOR ABSTRACTS Exhibition of Display that draws together some of SLEEPY HEADS + HOT- House, Birmingham TRIXX + SPIT Sun 5 work by Richard Mcllwraith, until Sun PLATE + GLASS CEIL- Jan, The Sunflower the still-life artworks in the Rugby Art BOWIE NIGHT 2020 Sat 4 5 Jan INGS + THE COMMON Lounge, Birmingham Gallery& Museum’s renowned collec- Jan, Night Owl, B’ham NEW DRAWN FROM THE WOOD Robin tion, Sat 25 Jan - Sat 14 Mar Shaw tells a story of Hanbury Woods in black-and-white drawings, Tues 7 Jan - Sun 2 Feb The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum COVENTRY BIENNIAL - THE TWIN Exhibi- Birmingham Museum & tion contemplating themes such as Art Gallery ideas and processes while also ex- WHITWORTH WALLIS ARTIST IN RESI- ploring some of the difficulties pre- DENCE: LEANNE O'CONNOR sented by globalisation, political Leanne's work responds to the inequality and conflict, until Sun 26 stained-glass and metalwork collec- Jan tion held within the Industrial gallery, EXPLORING ELIOT'S COVENTRY Exhibi- the Museum Collections Centre and tion marking the 200th anniversary of Community History & Archives Ser- the birth of author George Eliot and vice in Smethwick, until Mon 1 June celebrating her connections with DRESSED TO THE NINES Exhibition Coventry, until Sun 26 Apr about dressing up and going out, from around 1850 to the present day, until Fri 4 Sept Other VISUAL ARTS CRAFTED FOR YOU 2019 Array of jewellery, textiles, ceramics and other handmade items, until Sat 4 Jan, Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery King Pleasure And The Biscuit Boys - Artrix, Bromsgrove CIVIL WAR WORCESTERSHIRE New display about featuring objects and doc- uments from the Worcestershire Classical Archive & Archaeology Service col- Theatre lections, until Fri 24 Jan, The Hive, THE JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Featuring THE KING & I Tony Award-winning Worcester the Johann Strauss Orchestra, John Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY Rigby (conductor) and Lizzie until Sat 4 Jan, The Alexandra The- AFTER THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION Ex- Holmes (soprano), Wed 1 Jan, Sym- atre, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM REVOLUTIONS - POWER TO hibition exploring how the changes THE GIN CHRONICLES CHRISTMAS THE PEOPLE Display exploring Birm- brought about through the Great War NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA Pro- SHOW The Misfits of London present ingham’s vibrant and varied history of were reflected in clothing and fashion gramme includes works by Hanns a festive evening of ‘fast-paced, vin- protest and activism, until Fri 4 Sept from 1918 through to the Roaring Eisler, Britten & Shostakovich, Sat 4 tage comedy’, until Sun 5 Jan, The 20s, until Mon 12 Oct, Hartlebury Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Compton Verney Gallery, Castle, Kidderminster PETER PAN New version of JM Bar- Warwick rie's swashbuckling creation... until ARIEL SCHLESINGER: WAYS TO SAY Sun 19 Jan, The REP, Birmingham GOODBYE Newly commissioned sculp- A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of ture in the park by Ariel Schlesinger treasured history, desperate choices that seeks to highlight the relation- and the remarkable Gertrude Bell, ship between people and nature, until Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, until Wed 30 Sept Stratford-upon-Avon CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- THE BOY IN THE DRESS World pre- Rugby Art Gallery & Museum CHESTRA: VIENNESE NEW YEAR GALA miere based on David Walliams' Featuring Thomas Rösner (conduc- bestselling book and featuring RUGBY OPEN until Sat 11 Jan, Rugby tor) & Sarah-Jane Brandon (so- songs by Robbie Williams and Guy Art Gallery & Museum prano). Programme includes works Chambers, until Sun 8 Mar, Royal CURIOUS CURES AND MARVELLOUS by Nicolai & J.Strauss II, Sat 4 Jan, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- MEDICINES Explore medical instru- Malvern Theatres upon-Avon ments and packaging dating from the CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely late Victorians to the mid-20th cen- CHESTRA: VIENNESE NEW YEAR GALA performed tale of a tury in a new exhibition about health Featuring Thomas Rösner (conduc- nation in turmoil, and medicine, until Sat 14 Mar tor) & Sarah-Jane Brandon (so- until Sat 21 Mar, NEW RICHARD HORSMAN EXHIBITION Fri prano). Programme includes works The Swan Theatre, 10 - Fri 24 Jan Radical Drawing - Stratford-upon- Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry by Nicolai & J.Strauss II, Sun 5 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Avon 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warks/Worcs 1 - 5 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:22 Page 2

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 January

book, until Sun 12 Jan, Birmingham Pantomime Town Hall THE SNOW DRAGON Tall Stories theatre SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARVES OF present a ‘magical tale featuring toe- TEME until Fri 3 Jan, Regal, Tenbury tapping songs and laughs aplenty’, Wells Fri 3 Jan, Number 8, Pershore THE FROG PRINCE Based on the much- FATHER TIME’S DAY OFF Fun, songs & loved Grimm fairytale, until Sat 4 Jan, plenty of audience participation in a Talisman Theatre, Coventry theatre production for younger audi- ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- ences, Sat 4 Jan, Swan Theatre, TURE Festive show jam-packed with Worcester ‘daring duels, stunning sets, outrageous costumes and a very merry man in a dress’... until Sun 5 Jan, The Core Theatre, Solihull Comedy JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Tread the Boards Theatre presents ‘a giant of a MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, PAUL TONKIN- pantomime’, until Sun 5 Jan, The SON, JOANNE MCNALLY & COMIC TBC Fri Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon 3 - Sat 4 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS The Snow Dragon Featuring Imelda Staunton as the voice of the Magic Mirror, until Sun 5 Dance Number 8, Pershore, Sat 4 January Jan, The Swan Theatre, Worcester The ever-resourceful and always-value-for-money Tall Stories have ALADDIN Featuring Only Fools & SHEN YUN Epic production fusing previously presented hit shows The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child Horses actor John Challis, until Sun 5 classical Chinese dance, sceno- and Room On The Broom. The company here returns with the Jan, Malvern Theatres graphical effects and original orches- enchanting story of a young goat named Billy. SNOW WHITE Festive family favourite tral works, Tues 31 Dec - Thurs 2 Jan, featuring JP McCue, Emma Marsh International Convention Centre It’s New Year’s Eve and the legendary Snow Dragon will be paying and Mary Mac, until Sun 5 Jan, Royal (ICC), Birmingham its annual visit the following day, bringing with it all manner of Spa Centre, Leamington Spa goodies. Billy’s on tenterhooks with excitement - but when he BABES IN THE WOOD Panto mayhem meets a pack of hungry wolves in the forest, New Year’s Day with failed Morris Dancers Doris & suddenly seems a very long way away... Suitable for children aged Boris, until Sun 5 Jan, Priory Theatre, Film three and older. Kenilworth INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CINDERELLA Festive family favourite STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring ABOMINABLE (U) Animation/Adventure. and Sam Rabone, until Sun 5 Jan, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver. Malvern With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Al- Events Lichfield Garrick Theatres, Thurs 19 Dec - Thurs 2 Jan bert Tsai. Number 8, Pershore, Tues 24 Dec PAW PATROL PUPS SAVE CHRISTMAS PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- THE IRISHMAN (15) Biography/Crime. TRAIL Featuring 21 characters and ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino. LITTLE WOMEN (U) Drama/Romance. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Wat- buildings from the hit Nick Jr show, until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesubry, all built by BRICKLIVE from brightly Coventry Thurs 19 Dec son. Malvern Theatres, Thurs 26 Dec - Thurs 9 Jan coloured toy bricks and placed DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- NON-FICTION (15) Comedy/Drama. around the city centre, until Fri 3 Jan, lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, Starring Guillaume Canet, Juliette A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGED- Birmingham City Centre DON (U) Animation/Family. With the Aaron James & Ian Adams, until Sun Binoche. Foreign language, subtitled. CONTINENTAL CIRCUS BERLIN Brand 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- Number 8, Pershore, Thurs 19 Dec voices of Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes. Number 8, Pershore, Fri 27, new show for the festive season, until atre KNIVES OUT (12a) Comedy/Crime. Mon 30 Dec & Tues 2 Jan Sat 4 Jan, NEC, Birmingham CINDERELLA until Sun 12 Jan, Every- Starring Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Cur- THE SNOW HOUSE BAR Snow House man Theatre, Cheltenham tis. Malvern Theatres, Thurs 19 Dec; SING-A-LONG-A CALAMITY JANE (U) Comedy/Musical. Starring Doris Day, Bar makes a welcome return, com- SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 27, Sun 29 & plete with super-popular VIP igloos, Mon 30 Dec; The Roses Theatre, Howard Keel. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, 28 Dec until Sun 5 Jan, The Bullring Shop- Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- Tewkesbury, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Dec & ping Centre, Birmingham Thurs 2 Jan; Number 8, Pershore, Fri AD ASTRA (12A) Adventure/Drama. less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate until Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippo- 3, Mon 6 - Tues 7 Jan Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones. Number 8, Pershore, Thurs 2 Jan Birmingham and the Big Wheel make drome LAST CHRISTMAS (12a) a welcome return to Centenary ALADDIN Journey to the streets of Old Comedy/Drama. Starring Emilia MARRIAGE STORY (15) Square, until Sun 12 Jan, Centenary Peking, where you can meet the mis- Clarke, Henry Golding. Number 8, Comedy/Drama. Starring Scarlett Jo- Square, Birmingham chievous Aladdin, his dopey brother, Pershore, Fri 20 - Mon 23 Dec hansson, Adam Driver. Artrix, Broms- grove, Fri 3 Jan NEW YEAR CRAFT: CREATE YOUR OWN Wishee Washee, and his poor honest FROZEN 2 (PG) Animation/Adventure. CALENDAR Use a variety of craft mate- mum, Dame Widow Twankey, Wed 1 With the voices of Idina Menzel, Kris- CATS (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring rials to design and create a unique - Sun 5 Jan, Albany Theatre, Coven- ten Bell. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Idris Elba, Taylor Swift. The Roses calendar for 2020, Thurs 2 Jan, try bury, Fri 20 - Sat 21 & Mon 23, Mon Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 3, Tues 7 - Blakesley Hall, Birmingham 30 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 20 - Sat 11, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Jan Tues 31 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Featuring a vari- 20, Mon 23 - Tues 24 Dec, Fri 27 - Sat ety of activities and stalls, Sun 5 Jan, 28, Mon 30 & Tues 31 Dec; Royal NEW FILMS ON GENERAL Soho House, Birmingham Kids Shows Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 21 RELEASE: FREE DAY AT BLAKESLEY HALL Blow WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT ‘Catchy - Tues 24 Dec & Thurs 26 Dec - Tues Released from Wed 1Jan, showing at away the winter blues with a visit to songs, interactive scenes and plenty 31 Dec; Malvern Theatres, Sun 22 - selected cinemas Blakesley, Sun 5 Jan, Blakesley Hall, of hands-on adventure’ combine in Tues 24 Dec; Pershore, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Birmingham JOJO RABBIT (12a) this adaptation of Michael Rosen & Dec Helen Oxenbury's much-loved picture THE GENTLEMEN (18) whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs 6 - 12 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:36 Page 1

January 2020 BROMSGROVE

Workshop Wednesdays 8 January to 12 February JEWELLERY MAKING

£90 for 5 week course

Music Saturday 11 January AMERICAN TROUBADOUR SONGS AND STORIES £15, The Studio

Family Theatre Sunday 12 January PINOCCHIO

£16.50 / £10.50, Under 16s / £49 Family (4), Main House

Comedy Saturday 18 January DARREN HARRIOTT: GOOD HEART YUTE TOUR £12.50, The Studio

Music Saturday 25 January THE RAT PACK

£24.50, Main House

Music Friday 31 January THE WHITNEY HOUSTON EXPERENCE

£20, £17.50 concessions, Main House box office: 01527 57733 I www.artrix.co.uk. I @artrixarts

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56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 6 - 12 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:36 Page 2

thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 January Classical Theatre PETER PAN New version of JM Bar- Music rie's swashbuckling creation... until LUNCHTIME MUSIC Featuring Phoebe Sun 19 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Cheng (double bass) performing a A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of programme of works by Bottensini. treasured history, desperate choices Also Charlotte Sleet (mezzo-so- and the remarkable Gertrude Bell, prano) & Jonathan French (piano). until Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Programme for the latter includes Stratford-upon-Avon works by Vivaldi & Ravel, Mon 6 Jan, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- servatoire ELISABETH BRAUSS PIANO CONCERT Programme includes works by Schubert and Beethoven, Tues 7 Jan, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Lady Sanity - The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham toire EDWARD LEUNG PIANO RECITAL Pro- GOOD WATER + HEAD- Jan, Hare & Hounds, gramme includes works by JS Bach, Gigs SHRINKERS + BERMUDA Birmingham Haydn, Chopin, Ives & Stravinsky, Fri 10 Jan, The Sun- FROM THE JAM Fri 10 Wed 8 Jan, Recital Hall, Royal Birm- THE BUTTERS ALIENS + flower Lounge, Birm- Jan, The Mill, Digbeth ingham Conservatoire CORNFLAKE’S AT ingham MARK MORTON Sat 11 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- KELLY’S + IN OUR LIVES BACK TO THE 80’S Fri 10 Jan, O2 Academy, CHESTRA: A VISION OF THE FUTURE + HONEY I SHOT THE Jan, The Robin, Bil- Featuring Jaume Santonja Espinós Birmingham THE ACID TEST Written by award-win- PRESIDENT Mon 6 Jan, ston (conductor) & Vesselin Gellev (vio- THE ASSIST + KARKOSA ning and critically acclaimed play- The Sunflower lin). Programme includes works by CIVIL WRONGS Fri 10 + ROMA COVE + THE wright Anya Reiss, Wed 8 - Sat 11 Lounge, Birmingham Shostakovich, Arturo Marquez, De- Jan - Sat 11 Jan, The NEW CONSISTENT Sat Jan, The Blue Orange Theatre, THE NU + FUTURE FIRES bussy, Anna Meredith, Piazzolla, Jam House, B’ham 11 Jan, The Sunflower Birmingham + AKANDE + THE FLOW Gershwin & Mason Bates, Thurs 9 SINGLE BY SUNDAY Fri Lounge, Birmingham Tues 7 Jan, The Sun- Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ALICE IN PANTOLAND Birmingham 10 Jan, The Asylum, PLANET DURAN Sat 11 Youth Theatre present a new and flower Lounge, B’ham BRAHMS’ HORN TRIO Fri 10 Jan, Birmingham Jan, Marr’s Bar, original take on one of Britain’s DINO BAPTISTE Wed 8 CBSO Centre, Birmingham ALL MOD CONS Fri 10 Worcester favourite tales, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Jan, Jan, The Jam House, BLACK DYKE IN CONCERT Featuring Jan, Night Owl, B’ham AMERICAN The Old Rep, Birmingham Birmingham thrilling film scores, toe tapping big BROKEN MINDS, WAX ON TROUBADOUR SONGS PINOCCHIO Oddsocks present a COSMOTHEKA Wed 8 band jazz, barnstorming classics & THE SOURCE PRE- AND STORIES Sat 11 brand new adaptation of a classic Jan, The Red Lion and highlights of the traditional SENTS: A TRIBUTE TO Jan, Artrix, Broms- story, Sun 12 Jan, Artrix, Broms- Folk Club, B’ham brass band repertoire, Sun 12 Jan, TANGO Fri 10 Jan, Hare grove grove OUTLINE + CRYMSON + Symphony Hall, Birmingham & Hounds, B’ham BRAVADO - TRIBUTE TO THE BOY IN THE DRESS World pre- EASY COMPANY + THE THE JOHNNY CASH RUSH Sun 12 Jan, The miere based on David Walliams' BRACKET Wed 8 Jan, ROADSHOW Fri 10 Jan, Robin, Bilston bestselling book and featuring The Sunflower Artrix, Bromsgrove songs by Robbie Williams and Guy Lounge, Birmingham BLACK DYKE IN CON- Comedy NICK PARKER AND THE CERT Sun 12 Jan, Sym- Chambers, until Sun 8 Mar, Royal PAUL SMITH: FOLLOW- ESTHER MANITO (PICTURED), CHRIS FALSE ALARMS Fri 10 phony Hall, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- ING Thurs 9 Jan, O2 WASHINGTON & COMEDY CAROUSEL Jan, Marr’s Bar, Birmingham upon-Avon Academy, Birmingham WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 9 Jan, Worcester RISCAS + FLARES + 11 KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- PAUL DUNMALL INVITA- The Glee Club, Birmingham PJ MORTON Fri 10 Jan, 57 + SOUKI Sun 12 formed tale of a nation in turmoil, TION SERIES Thurs 9 O2 Institute, B’ham Jan, The Sunflower until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, Jan, Royal Birming- Lounge, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon ham Conservatoire THE BUSINESS Fri 10 WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FRANK SPAR- LADY SANITY + ED ROW? Midnite Youth Theatre Com- GEATER + A$TROBOY$ pany weave stark urban reality with + STELLA Thurs 9 Jan, the mythical underworld of the dead The Sunflower in a new staging of Angela Betzien’s Lounge, Birmingham play, Fri 10 Jan, Bridge House The- KINGS HEATH & MOSE- atre, Warwick LEY NEIGHBOURHOOD Thurs 9 Jan, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham 3 SIXTIES Thurs 9 Jan, Pantomime The Jam House, Birm- ingham DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, THE REPTARS Fri 10 ESTHER MANITO (PICTURED), CHRIS Aaron James & Ian Adams, until Sun Jan, O2 Academy, WASHINGTON, DOMINIC FRISBY & BEN 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- Birmingham NORRIS Fri 10 - Sat 11 Jan, The Glee atre NEW MODEL ARMY Fri Club, B’ham SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS 10 Jan, O2 Institute, ALISTAIR BARRIE, BRENNAN REECE, Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, Birmingham JOHN GAVIN & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Sat Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- 11 Jan, The Comedy Loft, B’ham PAPER BUOYS + THE PJ Morton - O2 Academy, Birmingham less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Warwicks/Worcs 6 - 12 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:36 Page 3 The List Warwicks/Worcs 6 - 12 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:36 Page 4

thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 January until Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippo- edy. Starring Jonathan Pryce, An- drome thony Hopkins. Artrix, Bromsgrove, PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- Mon 6 Jan ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, MARRIAGE STORY (15) until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Comedy/Drama. Starring Scarlett Jo- Coventry hansson, Adam Driver. The Roses CINDERELLA Rags-to-riches pan- Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 8 - Thurs 9 tomime performed by Three Spires Jan Guildhall, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Jan, War- THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (12a) Ad- wick Arts Centre, Coventry venture/Comedy. Starring Shia JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Ian Thomp- LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson. The son’s staging of the popular festive Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 9 tale, Fri 10 - Sat 18 Jan, Oldbury Rep Jan A STAR IS BORN (U) Drama/Musical. Starring Judy Garland, James Mason. Number 8, Pershore, Thurs 9 Kids Shows Jan Little Women - on general release WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT ‘Catchy LE MANS ‘66 (12a) Action/Biography. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL a welcome return to Centenary songs, interactive scenes and plenty Starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale. RELEASE: Square, until Sun 12 Jan, Centenary of hands-on adventure’ combine in The Roses Theatre, Tewkesubry, Released from Fri 10 Jan, showing at Square, Birmingham Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Jan this adaptation of Michael Rosen & selected cinemas AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL Must-at- Helen Oxenbury's much-loved picture LITTLE WOMEN (U) Drama/Romance. 1917 (tbc) tend event for motorsport fans and book, until Sun 12 Jan, Birmingham Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Wat- industry professionals featuring ‘an SEBERG (tbc) Town Hall son. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, unmissable combination of cars, Fri 17 & Sun 19, Tues 21 - Thurs 23 stars and action’, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Jan Jan, NEC, Birmingham STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER SING-A-LONG-A THE GREATEST SHOW- Film (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring Events MAN (PG) Drama/Musical. Starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver. The Roses Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams. INDEPENDENT LISTINGS ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate Theatre, Tewkesubry, Fri 10 - Sun 19 The Alexandra, Birmingham, Sun 12 THE TWO POPES (12a) Biography/Com- Birmingham and the Big Wheel make Jan Jan

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Warwicks/Worcs 13 - 19 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:22 Page 1

thelist Classical Comedy MILTON JONES Wed 15 Jan, Artrix, Music Bromsgrove THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN MARLON DAVIS, JARLATH REGAN & CONCERT Mon 13 Jan, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Town Hall SON Thurs 16 Jan, The Glee Club, LUNCHTIME MUSIC Featuring Brigitta Birmingham Sveda (piano), Helena Townsend JIM DAVIDSON Fri 17 Jan, Wolver- (mezzo-soprano) & Johnny Budd hampton Grand Theatre (piano). Programme includes works LOL COMEDY CLUB Fri 17 Jan, Hunt- by Bernstein, Larsen, Chanier, Bar- ingdon Hall, Worcester ber, Duke & Hundley, Mon 13 Jan, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- MARLON DAVIS, JARLATH REGAN, LEE servatoire MALONE & KELLY CONVEY Fri 17 - Sat 18 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham SIR SIMON RATTLE & LONDON SYM- The Upbeat Beatles - Artrix, Bromsgrove PHONY ORCHESTRA Also featuring DARREN HARRIOTT Sat 18 Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove DYKE Thurs 16 Jan, Sat 18 Jan, The Tin Dorothea Röschmann (soprano). Gigs The Fleece Inn, Nr Music And Arts, Canal Programme includes works by Berg ALLYSON SMITH, MATT RICHARDSON, Evesham Basin, Coventry and Beethoven, Tues 14 Jan, Sym- EMMANUAL SONUBI & DANNY CLIVES phony Hall, Birmingham Sat 18 Jan, The Comedy Loft, B’ham DELTA AUTUMN + ROSIE 80S MANIA Thurs 16 - JOE BROWN Sat 18 Jan, TEE + GABY KETTLE + Fri 17 Jan, Lichfield Wolverhampton Grand ANNELIEN VAN WAUWE (CLARINET) & CARISS AUBURN Mon Garrick Theatre EVGENIA RUBINOVA (PIANO) IN CON- 13 Jan, The Sunflower CERT Programme includes works by INSOMNIUM Fri 17 Jan, ALEX OHM + JACK CAT- Lounge, Birmingham Debussy, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Theatre O2 Academy, B’ham TELL + MATT MILLARD JAZZ CANON: THE MUSIC Pierne & Widor, Tues 14 Jan, Royal PETER PAN New version of JM Bar- SPILT MILK SOCIETY + + COTTER Sat 18 Jan, OF ORNETTE COLEMAN Birmingham Conservatoire rie's swashbuckling creation... until ODD SOUL + CHERRY The Sunflower Tues 14 Jan, Royal KA PEK HO IN CONCERT Programme in- Sun 19 Jan, The REP, Birmingham CHERRY + AMY LOUISE Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham Conser- cludes works by Bottesini, ELLIS Fri 17 Jan, The RETROFORWARD & A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of vatoire Tchaikovsky & Herti, Wed 15 Jan, Sunflower Lounge, WEIRD WAX PRESENT treasured history, desperate choices Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- SUE + PRETTY VILE + Birmingham PARANOID LONDON (DJ and the remarkable Gertrude Bell, TWELVE TWELVE + THE servatoire until Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, SOUNDS FAMILIAR SET) Sat 18 Jan, Hare WOLF WITHIN Tues 14 PHOEBE CHENG IN CONCERT Pro- Stratford-upon-Avon BIRMINGHAM 2020 Fri & Hounds, B’ham Jan, The Sunflower gramme includes works by Bottesini 17 Jan, Mama Roux’s WE LOVE LITTLE MIX Sat THE BOY IN THE DRESS World pre- Lounge, Birmingham & Franck Arr. Eugene Levinson, Birmingham 18 Jan, Belgrade The- miere based on David Walliams' THE SIMON & GAR- Thurs 16 Jan, Recital Hall, Royal bestselling book and featuring BE BOP A LULA Fri 17 atre, Coventry FUNKEL STORY Wed 15 Birmingham Conservatoire songs by Robbie Williams and Guy Jan, Albany Theatre, AMY WINEHOUSE TRIB- Jan, The Alexandra MILOS KARADAGLIC IN CONCERT Pro- Chambers, until Sun 8 Mar, Royal Coventry UTE BY MARINA Theatre, Birmingham gramme includes works by Bach, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- THE KING OF POP STAR- COOMBES Sat 18 Jan, KIOKO + THE PAGANS Granados, Albeniz, Villa Lobos, Bea- upon-Avon RING NAVI Fri 17 Jan, Night Owl, B’ham S.O.H + SKETCH + tles & Duplessy, Fri 17 Jan, Malvern KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Belgrade Theatre, WINTER CARNIVAL FT. STRESS RELEASE Wed Theatres formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Coventry SHENSEEA Sat 18 Jan, 15 Jan, The Sunflower until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, O2 Institute, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham SOULIN’ LIVE FUNK AND Stratford-upon-Avon PERCUSSION NIGHT Fri TOYAH Sat 18 Jan, The MIKE SILVER PLUS I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T GOT A CLUE BBC 17 Jan, The Night Owl, Slade Rooms, Wolver- GEOFF, CHRIS & KIM Radio’s award-winning antidote to Birmingham hampton Wed 15 Jan, The Red panel games, hosted by Jack Dee & Lion Folk Club, B’ham CHASE RICE: THE PINT THE BILLY FURY YEARS featuring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Tony OF ANYTHING TOUR Fri Sat 18 Jan, The Core WAGE WAR Thurs 16 Hawks, Miles Jupp, Rory Bremner & 17 Jan, O2 Institute, Theatre, Solihull Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- Colin Sell, Mon 13 Jan, The Alexan- Birmingham ingham THE UPBEAT BEATLES dra Theatre, Birmingham A COUNTRY NIGHT IN Sat 18 Jan, Artrix, THE ELVIS PRESLEY FRANKENSTEIN NASHVILLE Fri 17 Jan, Bromsgrove SONGBOOK Thurs 16 BENYOUNES STRING QUARTET Rona Munro’s new The Alexandra The- Featur- Jan, Bedworth Civic JOHN LENNON UK Sat adaptation of Mary atre, Birmingham ing Zara Benyounes & Emily Holland Hall 18 Jan, The Palace (violins), Sara Roberts (viola) & Kim Shelley’s Gothic THE MOWGLI’S + SPE- Theatre, Redditch masterpiece, Mon LEGEND: THE MUSIC OF Vaughan (cello). Programme in- CIAL GUESTS Fri 17 13 - Sat 18 Jan, BOB MARLEY Thurs 16 THE TAKE THAT EXPERI- cludes works by Mozart, John Wool- Jan, Castle & Falcon, Malvern Theatres Jan, Belgrade Theatre, ENCE Sat 18 Jan, Bel- rich & Beethoven, Fri 17 Jan, Artrix, Birmingham Coventry grade Theatre, Bromsgrove MASTERS OF THE HOUSE: MUSICAL THE GEORGE MICHAEL Coventry MOVIES Journey through the world of VIOLET+ RAI KAH MER- CBSO: MAHLER'S SYMPHONY OF A LEGACY WAYNE DILKS musical theatre and movies with CURY + WISHBONE + NAMIWA JAZZ + RUTH THOUSAND Featuring Mirga Fri 17 Jan, The Palace KOKUMO + FERGUS Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Erin Wall stars from Les Misérables, Phantom, THE SPACE Thurs 16 Sunset Boulevard and other hit West Theatre, Redditch CHANNELL + DEMELZA and Natalyaė Romaniw (sopranos). Jan, The Sunflower End musicals, Wed 15 Jan, Belgrade Lounge, B’ham SIDHU MOOSE WALA Sat Sun 19 Jan, The Sun- Programme comprises Mahler's 18 Jan, O2 Academy, flower Lounge, Birm- Symphony No. 8 (Symphony of a Theatre, Coventry LOST IN MUSIC - ONE Birmingham ingham Thousand), 85’, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Jan, BENEATH THE CITY The critically ac- NIGHT AT THE DISCO Symphony Hall, Birmingham claimed Upstart Theatre combine Thurs 16 Jan, Wolver- JUDY COLLINS Sat 18 VICARAGE X SEMPER music, lyrical writing & movement to hampton Grand The- Jan, Birmingham Town VERA TOUR Sun 19 BRITISH PHILARMONIC CONCERT OR- tell a tale about how the decisions atre Hall Jan, Hare & Hounds, CHESTRA: VIENNESE STRAUSS GALA Birmingham Sun 19 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand we make go on to haunt us, Thurs FLEECEY FOLK: FIELD & THE LOADED : BOXSET Theatre 16 - Sat 18 Jan, The REP, B’ham 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 13 - 19 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 17:22 Page 2

Monday 13 - Sunday 19 January

BOAR One-man fantasy tale immers- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ing the audience in a larger-than-life Dance Film Released from Fri 17 Jan, showing at Game Of Thrones-style adventure, selected cinemas Sat 18 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, DANCE TO THE MUSIC Hosted by X-Fac- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Coventry tor star & Dancing On Ice winner LA BELLE EPOQUE (15) A HIDDEN LIFE ALL OF ME (THE POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE Jake Quickenden and featuring cho- Comedy/Drama. Starring Daniel BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (tbc) reography by Strictly professional Auteuil, Guillaume SPLENDOUR) Caroline Horton’s one- JUST MERCY (12a) Kristina Rihanoff, Tues 14 Jan, Albany Canet. Foreign lan- woman show is an intimate explo- BOMBSHELL (15) ration of wanting to live, wanting to Theatre, Coventry guage, subtitled. die, and what can happen if we sit to- STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE TOUR The Roses The- WAVES (15) atre, Tewkesubry, gether with the dark, Sat 18 Jan, War- Hosted by Stacey Dooley & featuring PLUS ONE (15) wick Arts Centre, Coventry TV judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Tues 14 & Sat 18 Jan; Number 8, THE GIFT Comedy-drama about impe- Horwood & Bruno Tonioli, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Jan, Arena Birmingham Pershore, Thurs 16 rialism, cross-racial adoption, cultural & Wed 22 Jan appropriation and drinking tea, Sat SWAN LAKE Presented by Moscow Events City Ballet, Fri 17 Jan, Symphony THE GREAT ESCAPE (PG) Drama/History. 18 - Sat 25 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, GHOST TOURS Exclusive opportunity to Coventry Hall, Birmingham Starring Steve McQueen, James Gar- ner. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues venture into the Hall at night - pre- 14 pare for a scare! Sat 18 Jan, Aston Hall, Birmingham JUDY & PUNCH (15) Crime/Comedy. Pantomime Starring Mia Wasikowska, Damon Herriman. Number 8, Pershore, Fri 17 DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- - Sat 19 Jan lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, Aaron James & Ian Adams, until Sun THE IRISHMAN (15) Biography/Crime. 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino. atre The Roses Theatre, Tewkesubry, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Jan SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, JOJO RABBIT (12a) Comedy/Drama. Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, until Thomasin McKenzie. The Roses The- Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome atre, Tewkesbury, Sat 25 - Thurs30 Jan

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warks/Worcs 20 - 26 January Davina.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:37 Page 1

the list Birmingham Classical Music ALLYSON SMITH, RAY BRADSHAW, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR & ANNE EDMONDS Fri MILOŠ KARADAGLIC IN CONCERT Pro- 24 - Sat 25 Jan, The Glee Club, Birm- gramme includes works by Bach, ingham Granados, Albeniz, Villa Lobos, Beat- les & Duplessy, Tues 21 Jan, Birm- ANDREW BIRD, KAE KURD, PIERRE ingham Town Hall HOLLINS & DAVE LONGLEY Sat 25 Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: INTIMATE VOICES Featuring Tom Hammond JAMALI MADDIX Sun 26 Jan, Warwick (conductor), Tamsin Waley-Cohen Arts Centre, Coventry (violin) and David Suchet (narrator). Programme includes the works of Sibelius and Jonah Raes, Tues 21 Jan, Stratford Playhouse, Stratford- Theatre upon-Avon A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of CONSONE QUARTET Programme in- treasured history, desperate choices Merry Hell - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester cludes works by Mendelssohn and and the remarkable Gertrude Bell, Core Theatre, Solihull Jan, O2 Academy, Schumann, Tues 21 Jan, Royal Birm- until Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, ingham Conservatoire Stratford-upon-Avon Gigs THANK YOU FOR THE Birmingham MUSIC - ABBA TRIBUTE SING-A-LONG THE CBSO: YAMADA: BRAHMS AND SCHU- THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere PURPLE PILGRIMS Mon Thurs 23 Jan, Wolver- GREATEST SHOWMAN MANN Featuring Kazuki Yamada (con- based on David Walliams' bestselling 20 Jan, The Tin Music hamptpon Grand The- Sat 25 Jan, Wolver- ductor), Francesco Piemontesi book and featuring songs by Robbie And Arts, Canal Basin, atre hampton Grand The- (piano) and the City of Birmingham Williams and Guy Chambers, until Coventry Symphony Orchestra. Programme in- Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- THE MILK CARTON KIDS atre LUCY MAY WALKER + cludes works by Brahms and Schu- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Fri 24 Jan, Birming- SHAI BRIDES + THE mann, Wed 22 Jan, Symphony Hall, MIDGE + ELLIE POOLE KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- ham Town Hall RESERVOIR CATS + THE Birmingham + LUCY SHAW Mon 20 formed tale of a nation in turmoil, MERRY HELL Fri 24 Jan, SILVER LINES + BOATS Jan, The Sunflower RBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: STRAUSS until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, Huntingdon Hall, ON THE OCEAN Sat 25 Lounge, Birmingham Jan, The Sunflower OBOE CONCERTO Featuring Jaume Stratford-upon-Avon Worcester Santonja (conductor) & Jonathan Y!KES + FREE GALAXY Lounge, Birmingham I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T GOT A CLUE BBC SLIPKNOT Fri 24 Jan, Kelly (oboe), Fri 24 Jan, The Brad- + BADDREAMS + Radio’s award-winning antidote to Arena Birmingham THE GUNS N’ROSES EX- shaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- BLEACH Tues 21 Jan, panel games, hosted by Jack Dee & PERIENCE, WRONG JOVI servatoire The Sunflower THIS FEELING BIRMING- Sat 25 Jan, The Slade featuring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Tony Lounge, Birmingham HAM - BIG IN 2020 Fri Rooms, Wolverhamp- VAN KUIJK STRING QUARTET Featuring Hawks, Miles Jupp, Rory Bremner & DEAD MOB + BORN 24 Jan, Castle & Fal- ton Nicolas Van Kuijk & Sylvain Favre- Colin Sell, Mon 20 Jan, Wolverhamp- ZERO + INSURGENT + con, Birmingham Bulle (violins), Emmanuel François ton Grand Theatre THE PHONICS Sat 25 (viola) & François Robin (cello). Pro- CHLORINE Wed 22 Jan, TALON - THE BEST OF EMILIA An all-female cast from Birm- Jan, Kasbah, Coventry gramme includes works by Mozart, The Sunflower THE EAGLES Fri 24 Jan, ingham Ormiston Academy present a WE THREE KINGS - OF Brahms & Beethoven, Fri 24 Jan, Lounge, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand play set against a turbulent backdrop ROCK N ROLL Sat 25 Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington CANNABIS CORPSE Theatre of Elizabethan England, Mon 20 - Jan, The Palace The- Spa Wed 22 Jan, The Asy- THE STORY OF GUITAR Tues 21 Jan, The Old Rep, B’ham atre, Redditch EX CATHEDRA: BEETHOVEN, MISSA lum, Birmingham HEROES Fri 24 Jan, Ar- THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke JOHNNY CASH ROAD- SOLEMNIS Featuring the City of Birm- GRAFFITI CLASSICS trix, Bromsgrove stars as Rachel Marron in the much- SHOW Sat 25 Jan, ingham Symphony Orchestra, Jeffrey Wed 22 Jan, The Core acclaimed romantic musical, Tues 21 BYE BYE BABY Fri 24 Malvern Theatres Skidmore (conductor), Carolyn Theatre, Solihull Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Jan - Sat 1 Feb, The Alexandra The- KAISER CHIEFS Sat 25 Sampson (soprano), Sophie Rennert THE OUTSIDE TRACK Coventry atre, Birmingham Jan, Arena B’ham (Mezzo Soprano), Andrew Tortoise Wed 22 Jan, Hunting- MVNICH Fri 24 Jan, The (tenor) & Roderick Williams (bass), GRAFFITI CLASSICS All-singing, all- don Hall, Worcester Tin Music And Arts, BLOBBIE WILLIAMS Sat Sun 26 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham dancing musical comedy show, Wed 25 Jan, Huntingdon JOHN WARD TRIO Wed Canal Basin, Coventry 22 Jan, The Core Theatre, Solihull Hall, Worcester THE GILDAS STRING QUARTET Sun 26 22 Jan, The Red Lion NON JOVI Fri 24 Jan, Jan, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester EXTRAORDINARY WALL (OF SILENCE) Ad Folk Club, B’ham The Roses Theatre, THE PHONICS Sat 25 Infinitum combine physical story- Jan, Kasbah, Coventry THE SIMON & GAR- Tewkesbury telling with British sign language as they unveil three coming-of-age sto- FUNKEL STORY Wed 22 GA GA - A TRIBUTE TO THE RAT PACK Sat 25 ries, Wed 22 - Thurs 23 Jan, Patrick Jan, Belgrade Theatre, QUEEN Fri 24 Jan, The Jan, Artrix, Broms- Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome Coventry Palace Theatre, Red- grove THE BEST OF QUEEN ditch TAKE ME TO YOUR THE LAST TEMPTATION OF BORIS JOHN- SON Jonathan Maitland’s smash-hit Thurs 23 Jan, Bel- THE NEW RIGHTEOUS LEADER Sun 26 Jan, play with a continuously updated grade Theatre, Coven- MOOD + LA DHARMA + Artrix, Bromsgrove script (where necessary), Wed 22 - try FAT CAT + CELLAR GEORGE PANNELL + Sat 25 Jan, Malvern Theatres MARTYN JOSEPH Thurs DOOR Fri 24 Jan, The ROBERT CRAIG OULTON 23 Jan, Huntingdon Sunflower Lounge, + THE PINES + LAUREN PORRIDGE New production bringing Hall, Worcester Birmingham HOYLE Sun 26 Jan, The together three classic episodes from Sunflower Lounge, the 1970s’ TV series, Wed 22 - Sat 25 GENUINE PANAMA + RESURRECTION + OAS- Birmingham Jan, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham MELOTONE + SRIRACHA IS - CO HEADLINE TOUR PEOPLE + TRADIN’ 2020 Fri 24 Jan, The SIMPLY DYLAN Sun 26 Comedy DAD’S ARMY RADIO SHOW Two actors, FIVES Thurs 23 Jan, Mill, Digbeth, B’ham Jan, The Glee Club, DARREN HARRIOTT Thurs 23 Jan, The two microphones, over 25 characters and lots of sound effects, as Perry & The Sunflower SHAKATAK Fri 24 Jan - BirminghamROZI PLAIN Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton PLUS SUPPORT Sun 26 Croft’s classic BBC sitcom is brought Lounge, Birmingham Sat 25 Jan, Pizza Ex- ALLYSON SMITH, RAY BRADSHAW & Jan, Hare & Hounds, to life, Wed 22 - Sun 26 Jan, The Old BOOGIE WILLIAMS - press Live, B’ham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Birmingham Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham GREAT BALLS OF FIRE KREPT & KONAN Sat 25 SON Thurs 23 Jan, The Glee Club, Thurs 23 Jan, The JANE EYRE Blackeyed Theatre present 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warks/Worcs 20 - 26 January Davina.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:38 Page 2

Monday 20 - Sunday 26 January a new staging of Charlotte Bronte’s room couple’ return with a brand new gothic masterpiece, Wed 22 - Thurs show, Sat 25 Jan, Symphony Hall, 23 Jan, Albany Theatre, Coventry Birmingham EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON Birmingham Ormiston Academy Year 13 students present their version of Mike Bartlett’s contemporary play, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Film Jan, The Old Rep, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: DEAD GOOD Vamos Theatre’s hotly an- THE AERONAUTS (PG) Action/Biogra- ticipated new production, which phy. Starring Felicity Jones, Eddie promises to be both ‘funny & Redmayne. Number 8, Pershore, poignant in equal measure’, Thurs 23 Mon 20 - Tues 21 Jan - Fri 24 Jan, Swan Theatre, Worcester THE TWO POPES (12a) Biography/Com- CAPTAIN BREADBEARD’S BREADY BRIL- edy. Starring Jonathan Pryce, An- LIANT COMEDY COOKBOOK Fast-paced thony Hopkins. The Roses Theatre, pun-filled comedy sketch show about Tewkesbury, Mon 20 & Sun 26 Jan a sailor with a beard made of bread... MARRIAGE STORY (15) Fri 24 Jan, Blue Orange Theatre, Comedy/Drama. Starring Scarlett Jo- Birmingham hansson, Adam Driver. The Roses GLORIOUS! Heart-warming comedy Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 21 & which tells the true story of Florence Thurs 23 Jan Foster Jenkins - the worst singer in SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. the world, Sat 25 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Cri- Starring Debbie Honeywood, Simran terion Theatre, Coventry Kaur. Number 8, Pershore, Thurs 23 Vamos Theatre’s Dead Good - Swan Theatre, Worcester LA BOHEME Ellen Kent’s brand new Jan 1980s, Sat 25 Jan, Museum of the ing 250-plus leading brands, Sat 25 - production of Puccini’s romantic HONEY BOY (15) Drama. Starring Shia Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Sun 26 Jan, NEC, Birmingham opera. Sung in Italian with English LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges. The Roses SING-A-LONG-A THE GREATEST SHOW- BBL CUP FINAL 2020 Featuring show- surtitles, Sun 26 Jan, Wolverhampton Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Grand Theatre MAN Immersive presentation of the piece games and the 2020 BBL Dunk Jan smash-hit film, Sat 25 Jan, Wolver- Contest, Sun 26 Jan, Arena Birming- LE MANS ‘66 (12a) Action/Biography. hampton Grand Theatre ham Starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale. THE NATIONAL RUNNING SHOW Featur- Number 8, Pershore, Fri 24 Jan ORDINARY LOVE (12a) Drama/Ro- mance. Starring Liam Neeson, Les- ley Manville. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 26 Jan; Number 8, Pershore, Thurs 30 Jan

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 24 Jan, showing at Pantomime selected cinemas SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, DAVID COPPERFIELD (PG) Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- THE TURNING (tbc) less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, until Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippo- drome Events VITALITY NETBALL NATIONS CUP 2020 England’s elite netball team features in a new international series, Wed 22 Jan, Arena Birmingham MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS: RAMPS & RACERS Make the highest ramps, the fastest racers and the longest race- tracks, Wed 22 Jan, Coventry Trans- port Museum JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Fri 24 Jan - PUBLIC THEATRE TOUR Go behind the Sun 2 Feb, Rugby Theatre scenes and learn about the theatre’s history, Sat 25 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SING-A-LONG-A BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Dance Immersive presentation of the smash- THE WIZARD OF OZ Join Ballet Theatre hit film, Sat 25 Jan, Wolverhampton UK as they venture along the Yellow Grand Theatre Brick Road, Wed 22 Jan, Warwick WOMEN'S WORK IN THE JEWELLERY Arts Centre, Coventry QUARTER Tour explaining the work un- ANTON & ERIN: DANCE THOSE MAGICAL dertaken by women in the jewellery MOVIES ‘The nation’s favourite ball- industry from the late 1800s to the whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 27 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:35 Page 1 The List Warwicks/Worcs 27 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:35 Page 2

thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 January Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- Gigs Classical atre, Stratford-upon-Avon KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN WATERPARKS Mon 27 formed tale of a nation in turmoil, until CONCERT Mon 27 Jan, Birmingham Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, Strat- Town Hall ingham ford-upon-Avon ORCHESTRE NATIONAL DE LILLE Featur- GEORGIE + JEN NORTH BLITHE SPIRIT Jennifer Saunders & ing Alexandre Bloch (conductor) and Mon 27 Jan, The Sun- Lisa Dillon star in a brand new staging Eric Lu (piano). Programme includes flower Lounge, B’ham of Noel Coward’s sparkling comedy, works by Ravel, Debussy and THE INTERRUPTERS Mon 27 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Malvern The- Beethoven, Tues 28 Jan, Symphony Tues 28 Jan, O2 Insti- atres Hall, Birmingham tute, Birmingham KING’S SINGERS Tues 28 Jan, Malvern PENELOPE ISLES Sat 28 Theatres Jan, The Tin Music And Arts, Canal Basin, THE GONZAGA BAND Featuring Faye Coventry Newton (soprano), Jamie Savan & THE ROY ORBISON Helen Roberts (cornetts), Oliver Web- ber & Theresa Caudle (violins) & STORY Tues 28 Jan, Rozi Plain - The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry Wolverhampton Grand Steven Devine (organ & harpsichord), Theatre Institute, Birmingham VUKOVI Fri 31 Jan, The Tues 28 Jan, St Mary’s Church, War- Asylum, Birmingham wick THE TESKY BROTHERS SAM FENDER Thurs 30 Tues 28 Jan, O2 Insti- Jan, O2 Academy, CLOUDBUSTING - THE THE ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHT- tute, Birmingham Birmingham MUSIC OF KATE BUSH Fri ENMENT Featuring Sir Roger Norring- 31 Jan, Huntingdon ton (conductor). Programme PEANESS Tues 28 Jan, ITALIA 90 + KICK THE CLOWN Thurs 30 Jan, Hall, Worcester comprises works by Beethoven, Wed Hare & Hounds, Birm- 29 Jan, Malvern Theatres ingham The Sunflower DOG OF TWO HEADS Fri Lounge, Birmingham 31 Jan, Marr’s Bar, NOA WILDSCHUT IN RECITAL Also featur- SCHOOLBOY Q WITH Worcester ing Elisabeth Brauß (piano). Pro- SPECIAL GUEST JAY THE PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Thurs 30 NED’S ACOUSTIC DUST- gramme includes works by Schubert, ROCK Wed 29 Jan, O2 Joey Roukens and Tchaikovsky, Wed Jan, Huntingdon Hall, BIN Fri 31 Jan, CHASE ME UP FARNDALE AVENUE French Institute, Birmingham 29 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Worcester Newhampton Arts farce presented by The Nonentities, ROZI PLAIN Wed 29 Centre, Wolverhamp- CBSO: MIRGA'S BEETHOVEN Featuring Mon 27 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, The Rose Jan, The Tin Music AWALE Thurs 30 Jan, The Tin Music And ton Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) and Theatre, Kidderminster And Arts, Canal Basin, City of Birminghamė Symphony Or- Arts, Canal Basin, THE TAKE THAT EXPERI- DEATH OF A SALESMAN Birmingham Coventry chestra. Programme includes works Coventry ENCEI Fri 31 Jan, The Ormiston Academy Year 13 Acting THE SYD LAWRENCE OR- by Beethoven, Unsuk Chin and Brit- Roses Theatre, students present an amateur staging CHESTRA Wed 29 Jan, THE NEIL DIAMOND ten, Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Jan, Sym- Tewkesbury of Arthur Miller’s iconic play, Tues 28 - The Core Theatre, STORY Thurs 30 Jan - phony Hall, Birmingham Fri 31 Jan, The Core IDEAS OF NOISE FESTI- Wed 29 Jan, The Old Rep, B’ham Solihull COULL QUARTET: BEAUTIFUL MINDS Fea- Theatre, Solihull VAL Fri 31 Jan, The Tin GREASE Amateur production pre- ASWAD Wed 29 Jan, turing Roger Coull (violin); Philip Gall- Music And Arts, Canal sented by Saint Augustine’s Perform- The Jam House, Birm- BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB away & Jonathan Barritt (viola) & Nick Basin, Coventry ing Arts, Tues 28 - Wed 29 Jan, Artrix, ingham Fri 31 Jan, O2 Roberts (cello). Programme includes Academy, Birmingham THE CLASSIC ROCK Bromsgrove FAIRPORT CONVENTION works by Mozart, John Ireland & SHOW 2020 Fri 31 Jan, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR Wed 29 Jan, The THE ART IS MURDER Fri Beethoven, Thurs 30 Jan, Warwick Birmingham Town Hall DREAMCOAT Starring Britain’s Got Tal- Roses Theatre, 31 Jan, O2 Institute, Arts Centre, Coventry ent 2019 finalist Mark McMullan as Tewkesbury Birmingham AC/DC UK Fri 31 Jan, SCHUBERT’S PIANO TRIO Featuring Joseph, Tues 28 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Bel- A FESTIVAL, A PARADE + The Mill, Digbeth Jonathan Martindale (violin), David JONAS BROTHERS Wed grade Theatre, Coventry 29 Jan, Arena Birming- SPECIAL GUESTS Fri 31 BEVERLEY KNIGHT Fri Powell (cello) & Robert Markham ham Jan, The Actress & 31 Jan, Warwick Arts (piano). Programme comprises Schu- Bishop, Birmingham Centre bert’s Piano Trio No.2 in E flat, Thurs WIRE Wed 29 Jan, 30 Jan, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE WHITNEY HOUSTON ALESSI’S ARK Fri 31 ingham EXPERIENCE Fri 31 Jan, Jan, The Cuban Em- Artrix, Bromsgrove bassy, Birmingham DENO Thurs 30 Jan, O2 Comedy SANDI TOKSVIG Mon 27 Jan, Wolver- hampton Grand Theatre ELEANOR TIERNAN, ADAM HESS & COM- THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SMACK AND EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON CRACK An ‘angry, funny, love-song to a Thurs 30 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham lost generation, inspired by the playwright’s own experience of jail and ELEANOR TIERNAN, ADAM HESS, ROSIE rehab’, Wed 29 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, The JONES & COMIC TBC Fri 31 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham ASKING FOR IT UK stage premiere of Louise O’Neill’s devasting novel about sexual consent, Wed 29 Jan - Sat 15 Theatre Feb, The REP, Birmingham SOPHOCLES’ OEDIPUS REX THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere Warwick based on David Walliams' bestselling Classics Department & Warwick Clas- book and featuring songs by Robbie sics Society add a city-noir twist to an Williams and Guy Chambers, until age-old classic, Thurs 30 Jan, War- Jonas Brothers - Arena Birmingham wick Arts Centre, Coventry whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Warwicks/Worcs 27 - 31 January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 14:35 Page 3

thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 January 8, Pershore, Mon 27 - Tues 29 Jan Pantomime Dance SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. Events Starring Debbie Honeywood, Simran SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS ANTON & ERIN: DANCE THOSE MAGICAL MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS: FUN WITH Kaur. Number 8, Pershore, Wed 29 Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, MOVIES ‘The nation’s favourite ball- MAGNETS See what you can build with Jan Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- room couple’ return with a brand new different types of magnets and other less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, show, Wed 29 Jan, Wolverhampton LITTLE WOMEN (U) Drama/Romance. materials, Wed 29 Jan, Coventry until Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippo- Grand Theatre Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Wat- Transport Museum drome son. Number 8, Pershore, Fri 31 Jan COPPELIA Presented by the Russian ROBINSON CRUSOE AND THE PIRATES State Ballet of Siberia, Thurs 30 Jan, Swashbuckling pantomime from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NEW FILMS ON GENERAL Kays Theatre Group, Thurs 30 Jan - JOSEPH TOONGA: BORN TO MANIFEST RELEASE: Sun 9 Feb, Swan Theatre, Worcester Dance double bill illuminating the ex- Released from Fri 31 Jan, showing at perience of young black British men, selected cinemas Fri 31 Jan, Midlands Arts Centre, A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBOR- Birmingham Cabaret HOOD (PG) SLEEPING BEAUTY Presented by the THE GRUDGE (tbc) TINA T’URNER’S TEA LADY’S STEAMY Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Fri 31 BINGO Laugh, dance and play to win Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE LIGHTHOUSE (15) as Tina spins her cage of balls to a SPIRIT OF THE DANCE Twenty-first an- QUEEN AND SLIM (tbc) high-energy ’80s soundtrack, Thurs niversary production of the interna- 30 Jan, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, RHYTHM SECTION (tbc) tionally acclaimed show, Fri 31 Jan, Birmingham RICHARD JEWELL (tbc) Malvern Theatres THE ARENACROSS TOUR 2020 ‘Stunning winter showdown from Europe’s leading action-sports show’, Fri 31 Talks Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Resorts World Arena, Kids Shows Film Birmingham HIT THE ODE Performance poetry night LITTLE STAR - BABY SHOW Puppetry, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE where one regional, one national and music and captivating visuals to de- OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) Combining Hot Wheels’ iconic jumps one international poet perform along- light young audiences in an intimate, and stunts with ‘epic crashing and Biography/Drama. Starring Keira side open micers, Fri 31 Jan, Patrick relaxed setting... Mon 27 Jan, Albany smashing’, Fri 31 Jan - Sun 2 Feb, Knightley, Matthew Goode. Number Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Coventry Arena Birmingham

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Ice skate Birmingham Full January 2020.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2019 10:01 Page 1 Live Nation Full October 2019.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2019 08:43 Page 1