Birmingham Cover Online.Qxp Birmingham Cover 28/11/2016 09:33 Page 1

Home , Birmingham Assay Office, Distance Inbetween, Janice Connolly, Simon Halsey, The Krankies

Birmingham Cover Online.qxp_Birmingham Cover 28/11/2016 09:33 Page 1

Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 372 DECEMBER 2016

Birmingham ’ KATHERINE JENKINS CELEBRATES WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On birminghamwhatson.co.uk CHRISTMAS AT SYMPHONY HALL

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

The Bear A magical and vibrant adaptation of Raymond Brigg’s classic story see feature inside... O2 Acacemy (FP- December 16).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:03 Page 1 Contents December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:45 Page 2

December 2016

Contents

Magic Lantern Festival - illuminate your Christmas at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens page 49

The Bear Mrs Barbara Nice Marvel Live the list

Raymond Briggs’ much-loved talks about her Christmas Superheroes assemble for live Your 16-page tale set to delight youngsters Cracker of a show... Barclaycard Arena show week-by-week listings guide Feature page 8 Interview page 18 page 45 page 53

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 39. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD December B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:10 Page 1

First Word

Enter Shikari announced as Slam Dunk headline act British rock band Enter Shikari will headline the 2017 Slam Dunk Festival in Birmingham. The talented four-piece, who are this year celebrating their 10th anniversary, made their first appearance at the festival in 2015 and will be performing ‘a very special exclusive UK festival set’. "Slam Dunk is a festival that we’ve been attending from the very start,” says band member Rou Reynolds. “It's grown into one of the most important festivals in alternative music, and it will be an absolute honour to headline it in 2017. We’re going to be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our debut album, Take To The Skies, which feels totally mental in and of itself. The fact that we get to reminisce and relive tracks we recorded so long ago, and which are still held dear by so many, is something I could never have anticipated back then, and it fills me with appreciation for everyone who’s supported the band over the years.” Slam Dunk Festival Midlands takes place at the Genting Arena and NEC on 27 May. For tickets, visit theticketfacto- ry.com or call 0844 33 88 222.

Get jogging to spread Monster alert! Dippy the Celebrating 25 years of some Christmas cheer Dinosaur heads for Brum Sound Investment... The UK’s most famous dinosaur is heading A concert celebrating for the Midlands. the 25th anniversary of The Natural History Museum’s (NHM) plas- Birmingham ter-of-Paris model of a Diplodocus will spend Contemporary Music four months at Birmingham Museum & Art Group’s (BCMG) Sound Gallery (BMAG) as part of a nationwide tour. Investment crowdfund- The model, affectionately referred to as ing scheme takes place Dippy, has been delighting visitors to the this month. NHM since 1905 and has never before been The Thomas Adès-con- exhibited outside London. ducted event at the Charity fundraisers can stretch their legs and Thomas Ades The full skeleton in its displayed pose is an city’s CBSO Centre, on get into the spirit of Christmas over the first impressive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide Saturday 10 December, will feature several weekend of December, courtesy of two fes- and 4.25 metres high. Sound Investment pieces and the world pre- tive-themed ‘fun runs’ taking place in Commenting on the exhibit, which arrives at miere of a new work by Francisco Coll. Birmingham. BMAG on 17 May 2018, Dr Ellen McAdam, Commenting on the celebrations, BCMG’s Acorns Children’s Hospice is hoping to raise Director of Birmingham Museums Trust, artistic director, Stephan Meier, said: “Sound much-needed funds when they host a Santa said: “I remember encountering Dippy on my Investors share with BCMG a mercurial Run around Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park first visit to London at the age of 11, when I enjoyment in seeing a new work develop and on Saturday 3 December. was fascinated equally by fossils and mum- an inherent sense of adventure. The bril- Participants will be given their very own mies. I’m thrilled that we’re now able to liance of Sound Investment lies in its sim- fancy-dress Santa suits and can then enjoy a bring the most famous dinosaur cast in plicity. In creating Sound Investment, my 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll. Britain to Birmingham.” predecessors, Simon Clugston and Stephen To sign up, visit acorns.org.uk/santa, call Newbould, developed a model for engage- 01564 82 5000 or email ment and creative fundraising that was way [email protected]. ahead of its time, and which has been Meanwhile, Birmingham’s St Mary’s Hospice admired and replicated in various forms is calling on people to take part in its annual worldwide. Most importantly, it has created Jingle Bell Jog around Kings Heath Park on an international BCMG family that extends Sunday 4 December. far beyond the concert platform. Our chal- The registration fee includes a Santa suit lenge is to continue to stay ahead of the and bushy white beard for participants to game, something we are very much looking wear while completing the 2km route. forward to doing.” To find out more, visit careatchristmas.org.

4 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD December B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:10 Page 2

FIRST WORD December B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:10 Page 3

First Word

Venues announced for A festive first at New Art West Midlands 2017 Birmingham Rep Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools are Birmingham Repertory set to exhibit new work at four leading galleries as Theatre will be getting into part of New Art West Midlands 2017. the Christmas spirit early next A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art year when it stages the world West Midlands will next year use Birmingham premiere of Nativity! The Museum & Art Gallery, mac birmingham, Musical. Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Worcester City Art Based on the popular UK film Gallery to display the new work, which includes franchise and running at The painting, installation, sculpture, photography, REP from Friday 20 October video, animation and digital artworks. until Saturday 12 November, The exhibition will show at each of the four ven- the show is written and ues from 18 February to 14 May. For more informa- directed by Debbie Isitt, who tion, visit newartwestmidlands.co.uk also created the movies. “I’ve always believed that Nativity! would make a fantastic stage musical,” says Music on the menu at Pizza Express Debbie. “It’s so full of joy, the Disney On Ice children are so sweet and celebrates 100 Pizza Express is this month opening a pop-up live music venue in its funny and the songs so catchy years of magic Brindleyplace branch in Birmingham. that it lends itself to being the The new Pizza Express Jazz Club will host six live music performances perfect Christmas musical. Mickey Mouse and a whole over the first three weekends in December, with BRIT Award winner Now we’ve been able to host of other famous car- Beverley Craven kickstarting the season on the 2nd. assemble our theatrical toon characters take to the Also featuring is Motown Live Revue (3 December), Mari Wilson (9 Dec), dream team, I can’t wait to get ice at Birmingham’s Shakatak (10 Dec), Liane Carroll (16 Dec) and Kiki Dee (17 Dec). started on creating an unfor- Genting Arena next year, to For tickets and more information, visit pizzaexpresslive.com/pizzaex- gettable stage show.” celebrate a century of press-live-birmingham To book tickets for the pro- Walt Disney-inspired duction, ring 0121 236 4455 or entertainment. visit Birmingham-rep.co.uk Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic will feature over 50 Snow White first edition a star attraction at characters from the compa- Antiques For Everyone’s winter show ny’s long and illustrious Local sponsor A rare first-edition book, recounting the popular fairytale of Snow White history, including Aladdin, for St Patrick’s And The Seven Dwarfs, looks set to be the star attraction at this month’s Beauty And The Beast, Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair in Birmingham. Festival parade Pinocchio and The Lion Published in 1937 and valued at £28,500, the first edition features a high King. Frozen’s Anna, Elsa Birmingham St Patrick’s number of original signatures. Walt Disney himself signed the book, as and Olaf also feature. Festival has announced that did 51 of the 64 original illustrators who worked on the classic movie ver- Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of local road surface treatment & sion of Snow White. Magic shows at the Genting waste management company The book is being exhibited at the event by Paul Foster, of London-based Arena from 12 to 16 April. Kiely Bros Ltd will be the offi- Foster Books. “It’s one of those rare books that pop up from time to time For tickets, ring 0844 33 88 cial headline sponsors of next that are highly sought after and everyone wants to get hold of,” says 222 (Calls cost 7p per minute year’s parade, taking place on Paul. “The book has a perfect storm of collectable features, such as it plus your phone company's Sunday 12 March. being a first edition, having its original dust jacket and the highly unusu- access charge). “The parade is hugely impor- al number of signatures. We’re expecting a lot of interest at the fair.” tant to so many people and Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, has become a celebration of from 1 to 4 December. For more information, visit Irish and Birmingham cul- antiquesforeveryone.co.uk ture,” says festival committee member Peter Connolly. “Without the support from Iconic truck makes festive visit to Brum stakeholders in the city, The iconic Coca-Cola truck is visiting Birmingham this month as part of who’ve picked up events that its UK tour. The truck stops off in the city on Saturday 17 December, pro- the council used to support, viding families with the opportunity to explore a ‘magical winter won- the city wouldn’t have cele- derland’, and then, after dark, to enjoy a short Christmas animation brations like this. screened onto the truck. “We’ve been working hard “Coca-Cola is synonymous with the Christmas season,” says Aedamar over the summer and Howlett, marketing director for Coca-Cola Great Britain, “and it’s no autumn, and look forward to secret that our much-loved truck tour marks the unofficial countdown to announcing all our plans for Christmas.” next year’s parade very For more information, visit coca-cola.co.uk/stories/keep-on-trucking soon.”

6 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD December B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:10 Page 4 The Bear DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:42 Page 1

FEATURE

PUPPETRY, POLAR BEARS AND PRETEND POO Pins & Needles bring The Bear to mac birmingham for Christmas

Fearsome, ferocious and extremely fluffy - ing out how to make the eyes seem like from glamorous. It's a tough - and some- coming face-to-face with a full-size polar they're really looking in the right direc- times fairly yucky - job! bear might sound terrifying, but what kid tion. There's no doubt that the Bear's first “After the bear arrives in the house it hasn't secretly wondered what it might be appearance in the story is a really excit- starts causing havoc,” explains Emma. like to stroke that soft, white fur? ing, dramatic moment.” “There's a bit where he's smashed up the In Raymond Briggs' picture book, The How the bear was going to look to an au- kitchen and done a poo on the stairs, and Bear, 6¾-year-old Tilly gets a chance to dience of small children wasn't the only while he's trying to get the goldfish out of do just that when the title character unex- consideration, however. It took a lot of the goldfish bowl, Tilly's busy trying to pectedly climbs in through her bedroom planning and workshopping to settle on scoop up this big poo with a spade before window one day. the final construction: a plaster-coated her mum and dad get home - and ends up If you've ever seen a copy of the book, skeleton covered with a lightweight, wafting it dangerously close to the audi- you've probably already found yourself al- shredded fabric that ripples as the puppet ence!” most involuntarily reaching out to touch moves, with central carbon rods providing Not to worry, though - no real animal Briggs' gorgeous illustrations, rendered in strength and handholds for the pup- droppings are used in the making of this exquisite and irresistible detail. Now, with peteers. show! It's all down to the magic of theatre. the help of designer Sam Wyer (The Ele- “Because of the sorts of venues the show “The poo is just a sort of giant brown phantom, Alice's Adventures Under- was playing in,” Emma continues, “we beanbag that gets thrown onto the stage ground) and puppet director Finn also knew that we’d have to be able to tell with an accompanying sound effect. Caldwell (War Horse, Running Wild), chil- the story with three performers - one play- There's bear wee as well - that's gold con- dren's theatre company Pins & Needles is ing Tilly and the other two operating the fetti that gets poured out from a jug and seeking to recreate the creature live on bear. There are some scenes where we just left for Tilly to discover, so it's all about stage, in an acclaimed adaptation that’s use the head and the front paws, but it’s how she reacts to it, holding her nose and coming to mac birmingham this Christ- set up so that you also get to see the full mopping it up.” mas. bear. The design had to be lightweight Of course, bringing the bear itself to life enough for two puppeteers to be able to “The major pull for us in deciding to wasn't the only challenge for Emma and cope with the physical demands of operat- adapt this story was the question of how her team. Heavy on visuals, Briggs' origi- ing it for a 55-minute show, but also be- to show this enormous polar bear on nal story offers theatre-makers a perfect lievable enough to make it really live and stage,” explains Pins & Needles Artistic starting point for the design, but being breathe.” Director Emma Earle, “and how to strike a short, also leaves them plenty of room to balance between not making it too fright- If Tilly is a little nervous to begin with, it’s flesh things out and get creative with the ening, but also keeping a sense of its nat- not long before she and the bear become narrative. ural wildness. We spent a lot of time the best of friends. But as much as she “When we started adapting it, we looked finding the right materials to give a sense grows to love her new pal, she quickly at the book very, very closely, poring over of movement to the bear's fur, and figur- learns that looking after an animal is far

8 whatsonlive.co.uk The Bear DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:42 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

every single image of the storyboard, try- the set transforms into this snowy land- Hammersmith. Since then, they've contin- ing to interpret what was happening in scape which sort of extends out into the ued the tradition of producing festive chil- each frame and joining the dots between front rows.” dren's shows each year. them. Often there's a sense of action tak- This final, frozen Arctic scene stands in “Although we did a couple of other Christ- ing place between scenes that's perhaps sharp contrast to the cosiness of Tilly's mas shows before that, it was really suggested but not shown by Briggs, so we house, full of vibrant colours and busy through the success of Father Christmas opened up some of those areas. Also, we ’70s-style patterns, partly inspired by chil- that things started to escalate. This year, did quite a bit of restructuring, so some of dren's dens composed of rugs and blan- we've got Father Christmas showing at the the chronology is slightly different from kets. The space is constantly reinvented, Lyric, we've got Mr Popper's Penguins the book. But we wanted to be as faithful with a bed that then becomes a sofa and about to visit various UK venues before a as we possibly could, and we hope that, if later opens up to become a bath. When West End run at the Criterion, and we've he were to see the show, he would con- the final transition comes, it should feel also got The Bear at the mac. It's a really sider it a good reflection of what he was properly Christmassy - but with a typical busy time of year for us, but we love it and trying to achieve.” Briggs bittersweet edge, the loveable bear we're proud of each one of those produc- Among Pins & Needles' additions to the must ultimately leave Tilly behind and re- tions. story are a whole range of immersive ele- turn to its proper environment. “It always feels special doing a Christmas ments - instances of audience involve- “We absolutely love Raymond Briggs' sto- show, and we really hope that by the time ment and interaction that help to really ries and his artwork because they appeal our audiences leave the theatre, they've transport younger viewers inside Tilly's to the whole family. On the one hand, laughed, they've been moved and they've world. they're quite simple and magical with a been magically transported a bit. We're “There's a sort of pre-show bit, before the lot of knockabout humour, so they work also very aware that often these shows story properly begins, where Tilly does a for very young children, but at the same will be a child's first experience of live bit of getting to know the audience, talk- time there are layers to his work. [The theatre, so that gives it another layer of ing to the children and showing them Bear] is a really interesting story about the importance for us. It should be a really some of her toys. Her favourite is her power of a child's imagination, about joyful experience for the whole family.” teddy, who’s in her band - she thinks she's forming very strong and intense friend- going to be a pop star. Later on, the bear ships and what happens when you lose a puppet has some pretty close encounters friend, how you cope with that. It's very The Bear shows at mac birmingham with the audience as well - there's a bit accessible but also quite sophisticated in from Monday 5 to Saturday 31 where it jumps into the water to chase a some ways.” December, and at Warwick Arts Centre, fish which kind of goes over the heads of It's not the first time Pins & Needles have Coventry, from Friday 24 to Sunday the audience - it gets close enough to high adapted Briggs' work for the theatre. Back 26 February. five! We also have bubble machines and in 2012, they staged the premiere of the snow machines - at the end of the show, much-loved Father Christmas at the Lyric

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 FOOD December Birmingham (4) (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:18 Page 1

10 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD December Birmingham (4) (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:18 Page 2

Food

Birmingham Thai restaurant voted Best Oriental Establishment in national awards Popular Thai eatery Sabai Sabai has been named Best Oriental Establishment at the annual Food Awards England event. Winning the coveted title topped off a great 2016 for the restaurant chain, which has Birmingham branches in Harborne and Moseley and a new establishment in Stratford- upon-Avon. Earlier in the year, the husband-and-wife-owned eatery also won the Best Oriental Restaurant title at the Birmingham Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards. Food Awards England is now in its third year. Based on the results of a public vote, the initiative commends the talented individuals and businesses that ‘constantly deliver high- quality dishes, produce and supplies, to ensure impeccable service to their customers’.

REVIEW: Edmunds Bistro de Luxe, My partner opted for a dish that roasted guinea fowl jus. Again, wasn’t included in the set menu the guinea fowl was cooked to Brindleyplace, Birmingham - the Mediterranean gazpacho perfection, the soft meat offering Fine dining at its best... with pink crevette and octopus, a nice contrast to the salty, served with heritage tomato, crispy skin. The other elements, anchoiade and parmesan. The not surprisingly, worked sweet, juicy shrimp and tender extremely well together, creating octopus were the perfect accom- a very tasty plate of food. paniment to the thick, rich gaz- When eating from the Menu Du pacho, while the tomatoes Jour, for a £5 supplement diners helped deliver a real sense of can choose any dessert off the à freshness. The salty flavour of la carte menu - which is, of the anchoiade brought yet course, what we did. another dimension to the dish - We shared a hot toffee soufflé, a flavour sensation indeed. served with chocolate ice cream, Fittingly, we decided to share and a raspberry & chocolate some escargots. You can’t visit a éclair, served with nougatine French restaurant without order- and raspberry sorbet. Both ing a few snails, can you? That’s desserts provided a very enjoy- if they’re to your taste, of course. able end to our Edmunds fine Served with garlic and parsley dining experience. butter, they were certainly a Edmunds Bistro De Luxe is fine The team behind Edmunds, one the fact that the main courses tasty addition to the starters. of Birmingham’s many fine din- alone start from £16, the set dining at its best. The service is Then to our main dishes. Again commendable, with the staff ing eateries, have relaunched menu really does offer excep- choosing from the set menu, I their venue. tional value for money. being both knowledgeable and opted for monkfish cheeks, welcoming. The food was exem- Edmunds Bistro de Luxe is Whilst sipping on two beautiful- which were served with rata- plary and the surroundings just designed to make the restaurant ly created French martinis, we touille and smoked aubergine as impressive. There wasn’t a more accessible to more cus- perused the mouthwatering purée, olive croquettes and red single thing on the menu that I tomers more often, offering a menu with great excitement - pepper, courgette and basil wouldn’t have been happy to wider choice, with more flexible everything sounded absolutely coulis. The monkfish was the order, and I can’t wait to return and diverse menus. delicious! nicest I’ve ever tasted, cooked to to sample more of the exquisite Coming straight off the back of Sticking (mostly) with the Menu perfection and showcasing a food that the team have to offer. receiving two AA rosettes, and Du Jour options, to start, I chose beautifully meaty texture. The Lauren Foster overlooking the Brindleyplace the honey-roasted lamb sweet- smoked aubergine purée was one of my highlights of the fountains, the venue prides itself breads and paimpol haricot Food: evening - it was an absolute n n n n n on showcasing classic French beans served with autumn truf- Service: dream and a perfect accompani- n n n n n country cuisine, cooked in a fle, girolle mushrooms and a Ambience: ment to the fish. The olive cro- n n n n n modern style and using best-of- truffle dressing, which was Overall value quettes added another texture; n n n n n British ingredients. served at the table. It was a stun- OVERALL the coulis, bursts of additional n n n n n Part of this new concept is the ning dish, both in taste and flavours. I could have eaten it arrival of the Menu Du Jour set appearance. The earthy taste of three times over! menu, offering diners two cours- the truffle and the mushrooms Edmunds Bistro de Luxe es for £19 from Tuesday to perfectly complemented the My partner’s main course came 6 Brindleyplace Friday between 12pm and sweet taste of the sweetbreads. in the form of supreme of free Birmingham 2.30pm, and from Tuesday to The haricot beans helped bring range guinea fowl served with B1 2JB Saturday between 5.30pm and the dish together, giving it more girolles mushrooms, parmentier Tel: 0121 633 4944 6.30pm. If you take into account substance and adding yet anoth- potato, butternut squash purée, er welcome flavour. pine kernels, blackberries and a whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD December Birmingham (4) (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:18 Page 3

12 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD December Birmingham (4) (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:18 Page 4

Food

Birmingham-created mixer is ‘just the tonic’ Gin lovers can now add a brand new, Birmingham-created tonic to their favourite drink. The team at 40 St Paul's Gin Bar have created their very own tonic water, one that’s lighter and less bitter than the traditional brands. “I've never really been the biggest fan of tonic,” says the venue’s owner, Amanjot Singh Johal. “Even the best ones are too bitter, and mask that bit- terness with sugar. I knew I had to create a version that could allow me to enjoy my gin.” Hockley Tonic is available from 40 St Paul's and wine merchants Loki Wine. Other select independent retailers are also stocking it in the weeks leading up to Christmas. New seafood eatery opens in old cinema building Indian street food A brand new seafood restaurant has opened in mussels and garlic prawns. venue offers new the building which once housed Birmingham’s The top floor of the venue is a state-of-the-art dining experience Futurist Cinema. nightclub, which opens on Friday and Saturday Situated on John Bright Street near the New nights until 3am. A new venue serving Indian street Alexandra Theatre, Lobster Peninsula boasts a Lobster Peninsula is open Monday to Thursday food has opened in Solihull. nine-strong kitchen team led by head chef from 12pm to 11pm (last orders at 10pm), Friday Indico Street Kitchen is located in Saming Saetang, a Brummie of Thai origin. and Saturday from midday to midnight, and Shirley’s Parkgate Shopping Centre. It The new eatery’s menu includes lobster bisque Sunday from 12pm to 10.30pm. serves a menu that includes dishes and lobster chowder, chilled oysters, steamed such as gol gappa (puffed hollow pastry rounds filled with seasoned potatoes and chilled, mint-flavoured water), and pav bhaji (a spicy blend of mashed vegetables with a lightly Brum Brazilian steak house launches new menu battered toasted bun). Birmingham’s Viva Brazil restaurant has cranberry and rosemary sauce. Commenting on the restaurant, its launched a new menu. Viva Brazil has also expanded its cocktail owner, Faheem Badur, said: “Eating The Bennett’s Hill-located steak house is best menu, added new dishes to its salad island out should be a fun experience, with known for its all-you-can-eat cuts of meat, and launched its first ever children’s menu, as the best quality of food, service and including a ‘meat of the month’. Not surpris- well as expanding its kids-eat-free offer. ambience. What I’m trying to recreate ingly, the option for December is turkey - roast- To make a booking, call 0121 212 1020 or email is a real sense of fun, using the best ed on a charcoal barbecue and glazed with [email protected]. of Indian culture, music, street food, street art and amazing cocktails.” For more information, visit indicostreetfood.co.uk Birmingham entrepreneur opens Miss Macaroon An informal venue where customers can enjoy up to 30 different types of macaroon and a glass of carefully chosen prosecco has opened in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade. Miss Macaroon is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Rosie Ginday, who trained as a pastry chef under Glynn Purnell. “We’ve been working towards this for some time,” says Rosie, “so I’m genuinely proud that we’ve been able to bring the first Miss Macaroon store to the people of Birmingham, my home city. “Whilst this is our first outlet, there are plans to open multiple venues across the UK. Leeds will hopefully be our next destina- tion, and we have an ambitious business plan that we hope will see us hit 100 Miss Macaroon shops by 2021.” For further information, visit missmacaroon.co.uk or follow @iammissmacaroon on twitter.

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - December - Birmingham LF.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:56 Page 1

Gigs

Pixies O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 8 December Supporting their sophomore post-reunion album, Head Carrier, Pixies embark on a highly anticipated world tour. The 12-track collection of the band's unique mix of surrealism, psychedelia, dissonance and surf rock was released in September to great critical acclaim. In addition, the band - Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering - officially welcome bassist Paz Lenchantin to the permanent line-up. Lenchantin has been the band's touring bassist since January 2014, and played an integral part in the recording of Head Carrier. Best known for singles such as Where Is My Mind? and Here Comes Your Man, Pixies’ lyrics cover offbeat subjects such as extrater- restrials, surrealism, incest and biblical violence.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Beans On Toast Genting Arena, Birmingham, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sun 11 December Tues 6 December Self-confessed drunkard Beans On Toast selected his name because he wanted to be called something basic and simple - to reflect his music! “I’m not the greatest guitarist in the world," he once admitted to Listen Up Manchester.com. "I play simple three- chord folk songs, but if I see something that interests me, something that intrigues or angers me, I pick up my guitar and I write a song.” Emerging from the London folk scene over a decade ago, Beans On Toast first performed at Glastonbury in 2007 and has been a regular at the festival in the years which have followed. Placebo Singing mainly about sex, drugs and pol- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, itics, he's a surefire bet for an entertain- Thurs 8 December ing evening out. Alternative rock band Placebo, heading to Birmingham this month as part of a world tour, are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of their platinum-selling, self- titled debut album. With a reputation for outrageous on-stage With best-known songs including Pure antics, Red Hot Chili Peppers brilliantly Morning and Every You, Every Me, and a cult blend rock with funk, throwing in elements fanbase that’s stood by them throughout, of punk, hip-hop and psychedelic rock just their career has seen them delve into the for good measure. genres of glam rock, goth rock, grunge and Comprising Anthony Kiedis on vocals, Flea punk rock. on bass, Chad Smith on drums and Josh The band promise a set list spanning their Klinghoffer on guitar, the band are touring in whole back catalogue. Brian Molko teased: support of their Danger Mouse-produced 11th “Let's just say there will be songs in the set studio album, The Getaway. Mixed by Nigel that I've sworn never to play again. I think Godrich, it made the number-one spot in 10 it's time that we purposefully acknowledged countries across Europe. what a lot of Placebo fans really want to hear.” 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - December - Birmingham LF.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:56 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Scott Matthews The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 4 December

Wolverhampton-born singer-song- Biffy Clyro album, so the boys were no overnight suc- writer Scott Matthews visits the Glee cess story. Indeed, it was only their decision Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, this month in support of his latest Wed 7 December to perform ‘more mainstream’ songs that album, Home Part 2. brought them to the attention of a wider Finding stardom in 2007 with the album "Home Part 2 feels free,” says Scott, audience. Puzzle, Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro have “and it’s a place that’s blossomed The three-piece have recently released sev- since established themselves as one of the into its own world and flourished enth studio album Ellipsis, which shot biggest bands on the music scene. into something far beyond what I straight to number one in the UK. Puzzle was actually the group’s fourth imagined. After delving into a broad, sometimes darker, tonal range in recent times, I can say that Home Part 2 is my brightest spectrum of light to date, and I feel all the better The Coral The Bootleg Beatles for it.” Kasbah, Coventry, Mon 12 December Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 8 December Formed in 1980 from The Twang the cast of the musi- O2 Academy, Birmingham, cal Beatlemania, the Sat 17 December Bootleg Beatles The Twang were signed in 2007 and remain one of the hailed as Britain’s best new band by most popular tribute NME. Hailing from Quinton in acts in the country, despite the emergence of Birmingham, Phil Etheridge and Jon numerous rivals. Their ongoing success is Watkin came together musically after down to the accuracy of their portrayals of meeting at Kidderminster College. the Fab Four, not only managing to look Originally called Neon Twang, the uncannily like them but also sounding band enjoyed great success with incredibly authentic. their debut album, Love It When I After a five-year hiatus, The Coral released A nostalgic but vital journey through the Feel Like This, reaching number their eighth full-length studio album, 1960s awaits... three in the charts. They followed up Distance Inbetween, earlier this year. Their with Jewellery Quarter (2009), 10:20 return sees the band joined by guitarist Paul (2012) and Neontwang (2014). Molloy, formerly of The Zutons. Madness This is the ninth consecutive year “Paul was in a band with my brother Ian,” Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, they’ve presented a Christmas show. says Coral lead singer James Skelly. “He fit- Sat 17 December ted in and he respected the music. Although Madness were one of the most prominent he was playing, he never stepped on the bands of the 2 Tone Ska revival in the late toes of what we’d already done, so that con- 1970s and early 1980s. With hits like Baggy vinced us he was the right guy for the job.” Trousers, On The Wings Of A Dove and Our Best known for their singles Dreaming Of House to recommend You, In The Morning, Pass It On and Don’t them, an evening Think You’re The First, the influential five- with Suggs and the piece embark on a new UK tour following a gang guarantees headline performance at Liverpool Sound plenty of great music City this summer. and more than a little Read the full interview with James at what- madcap mayhem. sonlive.co.uk For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Birmingham December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:46 Page 1

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical Birmingham December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:46 Page 2

Classical Music

Danielle De Niese Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire, Mon 12 December Labelled ‘opera’s coolest soprano’ by the New York Times Magazine, Australian- born Danielle De Niese’s singing prowess first came to prominence in 2005 when she appeared as Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare at the Glyndebourne Festival. Since then, Danielle has toured extensive- ly, regularly appearing on some of the world’s most prestigious concert and opera stages.

Katherine Jenkins: Celebration Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 22 December “The live performance aspect is my favourite part of what I do, and I also happen to love Christmas,” says Katherine Jenkins in talking about her festive-season concert tour. “The show will feature traditional and popular Christmas music - and I also want to get everyone together to sing a little bit. I really want some community carol singing. I want to hear the voices of the audience and compare them as I make my way around the UK!” As well as a selection of seasonal music, the concert also includes songs from Katherine’s 11th and most recent album, Celebration, a collection created to mark a year that’s included the Queen’s 90th birthday, the Rio Olympics and Euro 2016.

Ex Cathedra: Christmas Nicola Benedetti: Birmingham Music By Candlelight Tchaikovsky Philharmonic Orchestra St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton, Symphony Hall, The Bramall, University Of Birmingham, Sat 3 December; St John’s Church, Birmingham, Sun 18 December Birmingham, Thurs 8 December; Hereford Wed 7 December Cathedral, Wed 7 December; St Paul’s Musical Director Michael Lloyd conducts Church, Birmingham, Mon 19 - Thurs Scottish-born violin- the final concert of Birmingham 22 December ist Nicola Benedetti Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th anniver- What better way to get into the is one of classical sary year. Christmas spirit than by enjoying an music’s most sought- One of the Midlands’ best known and evening with one of the country’s finest after performers, her most admired non-professional orches- choral music ensembles? road to fame begin- tras, the Birmingham Phil on this occa- Under the directorship of its founder, ning when she won sion presents a programme which com- Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this Young Musician of prises the following: Stravinsky’s the Year in 2004. month presenting its atmospheric Greeting Prelude; Bernstein’s Candide A former pupil at the Yehudi Menuhin Christmas Music By Candlelight experi- Overture; Respighi’s Feste Romane; and School for young musicians, Benedetti was ence, an event that features festive excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s much-loved voted Best Female Artist at both the 2012 favourites from around the globe and Nutcracker. and 2013 Classical BRIT Awards, and has across the ages, interspersed with a vari- performed with some of the world’s most ety of seasonal readings. renowned conductors. The internationally acclaimed Omer Meir Wellber is the man with the baton for this particular concert, which also features the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Benedetti’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s gloriously songful concerto is neatly sand- wiched between two other fabulous works - Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben and Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Tsar’s Bride: Overture. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Barbara Nice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:53 Page 1

Barbara Nice talks about her Christmas Cracker and explains why we all need to carry on laughing...

Fast becoming a staple feature of Birming- ham's festive offering, Barbara Nice is back again with a brand new, bumper Christmas show for the fifth year running. As December descends upon us, we caught up with the much-loved King's Heath housewife - played by local legend Janice Connolly - to find out what we can expect from this year's Christmas Cracker... “It's going to be a really good night out,” Connolly assures. “You name it, I've got it! I've got a ukulele band, mince pies and Barbara's famous raffle. I've got special guests including Lorraine Bowen, who was a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent last year. It's great fun and a brilliant thing to do with friends. People always come out saying it's put them right in the mood for Christmas!” The continued success of Barbara's annual Christmas show in the city has sur- prised Connolly, but she's pleased as a festive spiced punch that people are still turning out in their droves to share an evening of silliness with her - and there'll be more of them this year than ever! “It was only supposed to be a one-off really, but people enjoyed it so much that I think it's become part of people's tradition now - it's as traditional as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! It started off as just the one night at mac, and now it's grown into a kind of little tour. I'm doing a few dates at mac and also one at the Ar- trix in Bromsgrove, and then there are shows in Manchester, Clitheroe and Brighton.” Naturally, Barbara is pretty big on Christ- mas, but for Connolly herself, it's the quiet time that comes just after the big day that's the real joy of the holiday season. “I don't mean to be miserable, but I do sometimes find Christmas Day itself can be a bit much. It's lovely when people get together and enjoy themselves, but there's such a lot to do, isn't there? I much prefer

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Barbara Nice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:53 Page 2

those days in between Boxing Day and In the past, Connolly has commented on at The REP, and also when we took the New Year's Eve - those kind of lost days the negative attitudes towards Birming- show to London, which is great because where you haven't got to do anything, but ham that are present in much of the rest we're not particularly well known there.” your house looks great because your of the country, both in the north and the Nevertheless, Women In Theatre isn't, as Christmas tree's up, and you can watch all south. In recent years, however, huge re- the name might suggest, a project exclu- the stuff on telly that you've been wanting development and investment in the city, sively by and for women. Over the years, to see on catch-up, and you can just kind as well as a growing cultural output, has they've worked with many men, and even of breathe a bit. That's my favourite.” helped to really challenge those percep- addressed important male issues such as Of course, a Barbara is for life and not just tions. mental health and testicular cancer. But for Christmas, and 2016 has definitely “I was working with an actor from Walsall at its heart is a commitment to improving been a brilliant year for the King's Heath on a radio play recently, and he said he's diversity in our theatres, providing a plat- comic. As well as taking home the title of noticed that a lot more people are asking form for those whose voices might not Best Midlands Comedian in our own for his proper accent now - it's something otherwise be heard. What's On Readers' Awards, she was also people are seeking out and enjoying, per- With her theatre company known for tak- named as runner-up in the Midlands Com- haps partly because of things like Peaky ing on weighty issues, Connolly is acutely edy Awards, and has been busy in Birm- Blinders. Anybody that comes to Birming- aware of the many pressing problems in ingham and Salford recording a new ham for the first time immediately our society today. From the outside, the sitcom set to air on BBC Radio Two in changes their mind about it, and a lot of increasing hardship and division in our March. that is to do with what the powers-that-be world might make a comedian's job seem “Barbara was never one for rushing - she's are providing for people. It looks a lot bet- like a tough one, but for her, the difficul- been taking it very slowly, but I do think ter now, and there’s genuinely more to do. ties that we're facing only serve to make she's finally starting to get the recognition I went to the Royal Television Society laughter more important than ever. Awards at the Motorcycle Museum, and she deserves. The sitcom is about Bar- “I'm a big believer in comedy running side Steven Knight, who made Peaky Blinders, bara's life at home with her husband and by side with serious issues because I think was there. Now he's a great fella! And he her best friend, Mary. She and her hus- that, in life, often the times you laugh the said that, I think within the next two band Ken have both got a lot of time on most are after big, terrible events. I also years, they're looking to open a film stu- their hands, but Barbara's a get-up-and- think the working class are really good at dio at the NEC, so hopefully there should doer while Ken just wants to stay at home laughing, and I think we should continue be more and more really good stuff com- watching quiz shows, so it's about her sort to do that. A lot of that is maybe because ing this way.” of putting a firework under him! We people have had harder lives and they recorded four episodes to capacity audi- Outside of being Barbara, Connolly also know how to make the most of it when ences that really, really liked it, so I'm has a career as a theatre-maker, having they're in a bad situation. In the north hoping people will listen in and say to the run the well-regarded company Women In particularly you get a lot of comedy com- BBC, 'More of this please! More Barbara Theatre for an impressive 33 years. Their ing out of women working in the mills and Nice!'” latest project, Starting Out, premiered at shouting to each other and becoming It's now several years since Connolly came Birmingham REP in October, and was these big, matriarchal characters - that's to Birmingham, but to this day she still highly praised for its portrayal of the diffi- part of what's made things like Corona- nods to her northern origins in perform- culties faced by young women entering tion Street so successful. And I think it's ances outside the city. She’s Barbara from the world of work today. important. I think we've got to keep Stockport in some shows, Barbara from “About three years ago, to celebrate our laughing because it gives us strength, and King's Heath in others. 30th anniversary, we talked to women in also it's a way of connecting with people “I don't change a thing really, apart from Birmingham who’d also been doing their and making them feel less powerless.” the bus - it's a number 50 bus when I'm jobs for 30 years, and we created a set of doing King's Heath Barbara and a 192 if monologues based on those conversa- I'm doing Stockport Barbara. That's the tions. So this year, I thought it'd be really Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker shows only change. But she travels very well. good to talk to young women about their at Artrix, Bromsgrove, on Monday 12 Wherever I go, people come and tell me experiences of getting onto the career lad- der, because I think it's really tough for December and mac birmingham on that I'm just like their auntie or their mum Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December. - it's the same down south as well.” young people now. We got great feedback

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:55 Page 1

Comedy

25 Years Of Reeves & Mortimer: The Poignant Moments Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 9 December Reeves & Mortimer’s scheduled appearance in Birmingham last winter had to be postponed due to the latter’s need for a triple heart bypass operation, so it’s particularly nice to see them back in the Midlands this month. Vic and Bob first worked together over a quarter of a century ago. They shot to stardom courtesy of a brand of anarchic humour that blended surreal material with more traditional double-act fare such as corny jokes and violent slapstick. For a time in the 1990s they were pretty much the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit. Their TV work included shows such as The Smell Of Reeves & Mortimer and Shooting Stars - and even a remake of the cult 1960s television adventure series Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased). “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us,” says Bob Mortimer. “Some people feel most alive when they’re on fire or in Turkey, but for us the stage is where we thrive. I will ensure that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise not to mention foot- ball, JLS or apricots during the performances. Should you choose to attend, be warned - I will not be wearing a toupé.”

Six of the best...

Mick Ferry Mickey Josh The Glee Club, Sharma Widdicombe Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sat 17 & Sat 31 mac, Birmingham, Civic Hall, December Sat 10 December Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 December Highly regarded not If life had worked Peddling a nice line only as a stand-up out differently for in exasperated, self- but also a compere, Mickey Sharma, the deprecating humour Mick has peddled tool of his trade when performing his cynical brand of would have been a live, Devon-raised funnyman Josh humour on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s cricket bat rather than a microphone. Widdicombe pumps out his cleverly crafted Comedy Roadshow. The Karachi-born funnyman was a promising gags at a brisk pace, hitting the mark with He’s also enjoyed the experience of ‘being a young cricketer with an ambition to play for the vast majority of his observational materi- film star’, having appeared in Ken Loach’s India, but a nasty head injury, sustained al. Palm D’Or-nominated movie, Looking For while practising his batting, hit his chosen This latest touring show, What Do I Do Now, Eric. career for six... has met with favourable reviews and sees He’s an old-style comedian in many ways, his One emergency operation later, Mickey’s Josh blending nostalgic recollections about dour manner a throwback to the days when sporting aspirations were in tatters, and a his childhood with a well-pitched rant at the blunt northern funnymen were ten-a-penny, long period of both recovery and depression modern world. while his humour is derived from a fairly pes- followed. But the Indian cricket team’s loss Widdicombe jokes include: “Hotdogs cause simistic outlook on life. has proved to be comedy’s gain, with Mickey bum cancer - that was the original slogan for “There's no message in this show”, he earning himself plenty of plaudits and admir- McDonald's before ‘I'm loving it’,” and, declared at one of his gigs. “There's no moral ers since launching his full-time stand-up “People say it’s better to have loved and lost lesson, there are just some jokes. And if you career four years ago. than never loved at all. But that’s not how need a comedian to tell you how to think and His Birmingham appearance this month sees losing things works. When you lose your treat other people, then you should take a him presenting his latest show, A Sharma phone, your first reaction isn't, “At least I ****ing hard look at yourself.” Sutra’s Tale. had a phone; it's better to have had a phone and lost a phone than never to have phoned at all.” 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:55 Page 2

Stephen K Amos The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 3 December Stephen K Amos returns to Birmingham this month with his latest touring show, World Famous, in which he reveals everything he’s learned from the cultures of the countries in which he’s performed his stand-up routine. His popularity both here and abroad are suitable reward for a comedian who sometimes wondered whether his big break would ever come. “I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny Henry to die before I could get on television,” he says, referring to his belief that opportunities for black comedians are few and far between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen's very much basking in the televisual limelight these days. His success is no surprise, mind, given the quality of his material and his effortless ability to strike all the right chords with his ever-appreciative audience. Jokes include: “Christmases were terrible, not like nowadays when kids get everything. My sister got a miniature set of perfumes called ‘Ample’. It was tiny, but even I could see where my dad had scraped off the ‘S’.”

Ahir Shah Rudi Scott Stafford Gatehouse Lickwood Capurro Theatre, Sat 17 December Regent Theatre, Lichfield Garrick, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 15 December Oxbridge graduate Sat 31 December Ahir Shah is happy Outrageous and out- Nobody’s safe from to describe his act as spoken, gay comedi- becoming a target of a blend of ‘philo- an Scott Capurro cer- Rudi Lickwood’s sophical inquiry, tainly knows how to fast-paced humour, political vigour and provoke a response - least of all his wife, sweet gags’. as hefty numbers of complaints following who, he claims, has emasculated him, and He also realises that the path to comedy star- various television appearances ably testify. whose snoring and menstruating he hates. dom can be a long and arduous one: “Over Confident, catty, charismatic and His kids don’t escape unscathed either - but the course of the last decade,” he says, “my Californian, Scott has no qualms about using then if they were better at art and playing the status on the circuit has skyrocketed from material that might well offend a significant recorder, they wouldn’t give their dad quite ‘curiosity’ to ‘interloper’!” proportion of an unprepared audience. so much material to work with. Ahir’s latest touring show, Machines, not When he’s not in boundary-pushing mode Lickwood started out as an Eddie Murphy only went down a storm in Edinburgh last and talking about subjects like AIDS - which, impersonater back in the late 1980s, before summer but also, he enthusiastically reveals, according to his website, he’s avoided con- turning his considerable comic talent to the contains an absolutely cracking joke about tracting ‘by telling unsavory jokes in every business of stand-up. lizards. English-speaking country’ - his material Jokes include: “I’ve got a 26-year-old kid who The gig’s not without its serious moments - includes such humorous observations as, I found out about last year through the Child the comedian was caught up in the Paris “Scotland had oil, but it's running out Support Agency. They tracked me down and attacks last year and shares his experience of thanks to all that deep frying.” gave me a court summons for leaving the the devastation - but his natural optimism The gag was voted one of the top 10 at the scene of the accident.” and incisive delivery of his material ensure Edinburgh Fringe a couple of years back. Rudi appears at the Regent as part of the that a reason to smile is never too far away. venue’s Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club night.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Chicago DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:54 Page 1

FEATURE

Crime, Christmas and celebrity culture

John Partridge stars in Chicago at the New Alexandra Theatre

Chicago in the 1920s. These are violent, names stay in the press and ultimately get troubled times, where danger lurks in them let off for their crimes. It's a dream of shadows and gangsters run the show. It's a part. I get to flick the hair, shine the also the beginning of a burgeoning shoes, put on the tux, and get draped in celebrity culture, with the growth of Holly- feathers!” wood movies, popular music and a boom- Some things change while others stay the ing media industry combining to nurture a same. The internet and the explosion of re- new breed of megastars. Sensational sto- ality TV might have affected the way we in- ries sell, and journalists prowl the streets, teract with our celebrities today, not to sniffing out the juiciest morsels they can mention swelling their ranks enormously, find in the hope of making headlines... but ultimately, our culture is a continua- Living and working among them is Mau- tion of the one that Watkins saw emerging rine Dallas Watkins, a young reporter for close to a century ago. the Chicago Tribune. It's while covering “It's very topical now,” Partridge contin- two high-profile murders that she sees how ues. “Even when the musical was con- celebrity obsession is changing the way ceived back in 1975, I don't think we had that courts treat criminals, prompting her any idea of how celebrity culture would ex- to write a play based on her stories. plode. It's everywhere now - it's in people's Nearly 50 years later, the play would be homes, on television, in magazines and on transformed into what would become the social media. There's no getting away from longest-running American musical on it. I think that's part of the reason the show Broadway, outdone only by the British has this lasting appeal - the story is very ‘‘ Phantom Of The Opera. contemporary in its nature but it’s dealt It’s a dream of Forty-one years after its smash-hit US with in this old-school way.” a part. I get to debut, Chicago is undertaking a brand new Doing justice to the powerful story and its UK tour, arriving at Birmingham's New compelling characters is paramount in this flick the hair, Alexandra Theatre in time for Christmas. production, which has been stripped clean The production's fabulous cast includes of all the flashy and sometimes shallow ex- shine the shoes, EastEnders' John Partridge in the starring tras that are often part and parcel of large- role of slick, quick-talking lawyer Billy scale musicals. Flynn, a character he imagines might have put on the tux, “It's a very stark, minimal set that we have, carved a slightly different career were he which really focuses your attention on the around today... and get draped narrative and the storytelling of the show. “Billy is the King of Spin,” explains Par- There are no scene changes and no cos- in feathers! tridge. “I guess today's equivalent would tume changes, which is quite unusual for a be something like a PR Guru. It's his job to musical and quite brave. Often, shows rely raise the profiles of our two loveable mur- on sets and costumes, perhaps because ” deresses, Roxy and Velma, to ensure their they need to, whereas Chicago is so power- 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Chicago DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:54 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

ful that it doesn't need all the extras. It which I do not recommend!” he laughs. thing, especially at this stage in the tour.” does mean audiences have to really pay “It was scary. I came out of the Big Brother Partridge is no stranger to working during attention, though, because they're not house on the Friday, did all the press that the Christmas season. Over the last five being directed by the set. That's what went with that, and then I had my first re- years, he's appeared in various pan- makes it such a great piece for an actor - it hearsal on the Monday. When we opened tomimes, including Birmingham Hippo- means that we're in charge of taking the on the Wednesday, there were a lot of drome's Snow White And The Seven audience on the journey, rather than ex- grey-faced producers standing in the Dwarfs in 2013. ternal things doing that for you.” wings thinking, 'Oh my God, is he gonna “This is the first year in a while that I pull this off?' But fortunately musical the- Rest assured, however, that the show will won’t be slapping my thigh and mugging atre is in my blood. I went into Cats when still look and sound fantastic. It might not outrageously to the audience for laughs! I was 16 and I'm now 46, so it's something be conventionally flamboyant, but it's still I'm afraid working over Christmas is all I've done for a long time. And, I'm pleased undeniably stylish in its own way, packed part and parcel of being an actor - the hol- to say, it all came off. Funnily enough, I'm full of iconic musical numbers and incred- idays are our busy times, so we take our going to be going through another hair- ible choreography. vacations at other times of the year. But raising rehearsal period shortly - we finish “It's a very clever, highly stylised musical. all my family are going to come and watch Chicago on 31 December, and then my The choreography and the dialogue and the show on Boxing Day - if I've got to do next show, La Cage Aux Folles, opens in the songs are all woven seamlessly to- two shows on Boxing Day then they can Oxford on 5 January. It seems to be becom- gether so that everything is very fluid, and all come and see me!” ing what I'm known for!” there really is something for everybody. And while treading the boards instead of Of course, it may have helped that Par- The score is legendary - you couldn't ask flopping in front of the telly at the height tridge already had some familiarity with for a better one - and our band is ab- of the holiday season isn't for everyone, the role, having initially been offered it solutely exceptional. People often forget Partridge is looking forward to being back back in 2010. But since beginning this that Chicago has a jazz score, and in this here for another Christmas show, having year's tour, he's had plenty of time to get tour, we have an amazing 12-strong jazz thoroughly enjoyed his stint in the UK's to grips with Billy, continually learning, fi- band who’re very much part of the show. biggest and best panto. In my opinion, they're worth the ticket nessing and developing the part. “Every audience is different, and every price alone! We also have one of the sexi- “When I was first offered it in 2010, I town you visit has a different sort of feel. est ensembles of dancers that you’ll see turned it down because I didn't think I Some are harder than others, but others on stage this Christmas, trust me!” had the maturity, but when I knew the are on their feet the minute you come out show was coming round again, I actively With its clever script, intricate dancing on stage! I've always found the audiences threw my hat into the ring. Luckily they and stand-out musical numbers, you to be very warm and receptive in Birming- were very receptive and offered me the might think that such a complex and de- ham, so I'm glad to be coming back.” manding show would make hours of prac- part straight away. I've had a wonderful tice and rehearsal an essential, but for time doing it - it's a great company, we've Partridge, fresh from his stint on Celebrity really grown together, and we're all still Chicago runs at Birmingham's New Big Brother, time was a luxury not af- constantly finding new ways of playing it. Alexandra Theatre from Monday 12 to forded in this case. In Birmingham we're also going to be joined by Mica Paris, and it's always Saturday 31 December. “I actually only had three days' rehearsal, lovely to have a fresh viewpoint on some-

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:44 Page 1

Pantos Festive favourites from around the region

Dick Whittington Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman will be hoping the streets of the second city are paved with gold this Christmas, when he takes the title role in Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime production of Dick Whittington Joining John on stage this year, to star as King Rat, is Steve McFadden, best known as EastEnders bad boy Phil Mitchell. Support comes from The Krankies (as Councillor and Jimmy Krankie), Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack (as Idle Jack), West End star Jodie Prenger (as Fairy Bow Bells) and popular Midlands panto Dame, Andrew Ryan (as Sarah the Cook). The story of a young man who heads off on his travels in search of fame and fortune, Dick Whittington is one of the most popular of all pantomimes. It’s therefore no surprise to find that our eponymous hero’s journey sees him stopping off at not one, not two, but three theatres across the Midlands this Christmas. Dick Whittington shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Mon 19 December - Sun 29 January As well as the Hippodrome, Dick’s also visiting the Coventry Belgrade, where the venue’s long-term panto writer, director and Dame, Iain Lauchlan, is returning for his 22nd show. Iain’s heading up a production that comes complete with ‘singalong songs, amazing sets and extravagant costumes’ - and which will no doubt be packed to its festive rafters with action, comedy and family fun. Dick Whittington shows at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 7 January Another well-established ‘king of Midlands pantomime’ is comedian Malcolm Stent, who, like Iain, has clocked up more years of writing and performing pantos than he probably cares to remember. In much the same way as Iain has made his indelible mark at the Belgrade, Malcolm has become a festive-season legend at The Core - formerly known as Solihull Arts Complex. His latest version of Dick Whittington features ‘action, adventure, secrets, songs, dancing, trickery, romance, swashbuckling sailors and rogue-ish rats aplenty’. In short, pretty much every ingredient you need for a barnstorming evening of pantomime magic. Dick Whittington shows at The Core, Solihull, from Fri 9 - Sat 31 December

Jack And The Beanstalk Robin Hood And The mirth at the Artix. Down the M5 in Tewkesbury, meanwhile, The Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Babes In The Wood Thurs 22 - Fri 30 December Roses’ version of the show has been written The Roses, Tewkesbury, Sat 3 December - by the ever-reliable Ben Crocker, whose pre- Sat 7 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 16 - Fri 23 December vious work for the theatre includes its last four pantomimes: Aladdin 2012; Jack And As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough The Beanstalk 2013; Beauty And The Beast on his plate, dealing with the evil Sheriff of 2014; and Cinderella 2015. Nottingham, wooing the delicious Maid Marion and wondering how to stop the colos- sal Friar Tuck from eating everything in his path, the festive season also finds him getting tangled up in the many and varied tradi- tions of pantomime. When the dastardly sheriff hires a pair of If you’re up for a bit of fe-fi-fo-fumming this bungling baddies to put paid to his brother festive season, a trip to the Prince of Wales King Richard’s children - the ‘Babes’ of the Centre should be right up your beanstalk, title - he thinks his wickedness will secure with a talented cast of performers ensuring him the throne of England. But he’s reck- that not all encounters with grumpy, cash- oned without our dashing hero, a Santa’s counting ogres need end in tears. Sack-worth of audience participation and Keith de Winter gets all glammed up to star more corny gags than you could fit into a as Dame Dolly, with CBBC’s Shorelle Hopkin giant-size Christmas stocking. returning ‘by popular demand’ to perform As is usually the case, Midlands theatre com- some wand-waving magic as The Fairy. pany All & Sundry are the purveyors of panto 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 2

Fri 25 Nov - Mon 19 Dec Tue 7 - Tue 13 Dec -Sun 29 Jan Sat 11 Feb From £19 From £15.50 From £19.50

Wed 15 - Tue 7 Mar - Mon 29 May Sat 25 Feb Sat 29 Apr - S at 3 Jun From £16 From £25 From £15

The perfect Christmas Gift Vouchers make the perfect Christmas present so friends and family can see the show of their choice. birminghamhippodrome.com/giftvouchers

Or buy Memberships for great ticket sav- ings, priority booking, invitations to special events and more! Tue 6 - Mon 3 - Sat 10 Jun Sat 8 Jul birminghamhippodrome.com/giveandjoin From £17 From £15 Terms and conditions apply.

Everyone’s Welcome

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 3

Pantos

Aladdin The Wolverhampton Grand is certainly on a roll when it comes to providing high-quality panto fare - and the venue's Christmas 2016 offering looks set to be every bit as energised and entertaining as any of its illustrious predecessors. X-Factor winner Joe McElderry takes the title role in a show that also sees internet sensation Doreen Tipton making her panto debut as the Lazy Empress Of China. Pantomime stalwart Lisa Riley stars as the Slave Of The Ring, with CBeebies' Mr Bloom - Ben Faulks - threatening to feel a collar or two as the Chief of Peking Police. Britain’s Got Talent soprano Lucy Kay appears in the role of Princess Jasmine, while illusionist Stefan Pejic plays the evil sorcerer Abanazar. Panto regular Ian Adams dons a plethora of glamorous outfits as Widow Twankey. Aladdin shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Sat 10 December to Sun 22 January Aladdin also manages to fly his magic carpet into Birmingham and Stratford this Christmas. He comes in to land in Brum at the Jewellery Quarter’s Blue Orange Theatre, where the Midland Academy of Musical Theatre are the ensemble charged with the task of recounting this most famous of Arabian Nights stories. Meanwhile over in ‘Shakespeare country’, a talented cast of West End performers will be looking to provide audiences with an Open Sesame to an evening of laugh-out-loud family fun. Aladdin also shows at The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, from Wed 7 to Fri 9 December and Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon from Wed 14 to Tues 27 December

Sleeping Beauty Sam Rabone - as the production’s Dame, Snow White And The Nurse Nelly - and a host of special effects, Seven Dwarfs Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 1 - Sat 31 December; including a fire-breathing dragon... The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Wed 7 - Meanwhile, the star of this year’s panto at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Sat 31 December; Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 Fri 16 - Fri 30 December December - Sun 8 January The Place might well arrive at the venue in a rather unusual way. By ostrich! Long-established comedian and entertainer Bernie Clifton - who's best known for ‘riding’ his faithful ostrich companion, Oswald - is appearing in the Shropshire theatre’s Christmas presentation alongside Wink Taylor from CITV’s The Sooty Show... And speaking of The Sooty Show, another of its stars, Chris Pizzey, is appearing as Silly Sleeping Beauty - Lichfield Garrick Billy in the Malvern Theatre version of the story. He’s joined by a top-billing Gillian The tragic tale of a young princess who’s Wright - aka EastEnders’ Jean Slater - tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger Channel Five’s Milkshake presenter Amy on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for Thompson and Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley. 100 years, offers a great story around which Quinn Patrick dons the poorly applied rouge to build a pantomime production of real and comedy wig to play Nurse Nelly. quality. Everybody knows the story of Snow White And judging by the above venues’ previous Sleeping Beauty - The Place, Oakengates And The Seven Dwarfs, even if there are still yuletide offerings, the Garrick, The Place and a few people who haven't seen the golden- Malvern Theatre’s 2016 festive versions of the age Disney movie. The fact that it's a 24-carat popular fairytale are likely to provide some classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime truly top-notch family fun... stage version is always a surefire winner. In Lichfield, Cbeebies television favourite Expect all the usual elements, including Rebecca Keatley takes the role of Fairy rouged-up Dames and more slapstick come- Moonbeam, appearing alongside local lad dy than you could throw a custard pie at. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 4

Festive favourites from around the region

Cinderella ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to star as Buttons in this ever-popular pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan is pretty much a festive fixture at the Regent Theatre nowadays, as is his good pal Christian Patterson, who’s also making a welcome return. With its comical Ugly Sisters, match- making fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. And the Regent Theatre production isn’t the only incarnation of this legendary fairytale delighting Midlands audiences this Christmas... Cinderella shows at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from Thurs 8 December to Sunday 8 January Theatre Severn’s version of the story features all the usual panto elements of comedy, singing, dancing, audience participation and ‘stunning’ sets and cos- Cinderella at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent tumes. And also very much as usual, it stars the ever- popular Brad Fitt, on this occasion appearing ‘as you’ve never seen him before’... Cinderella shows at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 30 Nov - Sun 8 January Cinders is this year also putting some elbow grease into scrubbing the stage at the Swan Theatre in Worcestershire, courtesy of the well-regarded Worcester Theatre Company. Cinderella shows at Swan Theatre, Worcester from Mon 5 December to Sun 8 January Cinderellat at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Cinderella at Swan Theatre, Worcester

Aladdin: Franklin, The Monkees, James Brown, The ment by two popular Midlands theatres. Temptations and The Jackson Five. The Royal Spa Centre in Leamington is prom- The Wok’n’Roll Panto A recipe for success if ever there was one, so ising a show that features ‘spectacular Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, brace yourself for a fabulous festive feast of scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible spe- Thurs 8 December - Sun 8 January fun and frivolity. cial effects and bags of slapstick fun’ - not to mention a glamorous Dame with a turbo- charged hoover!... Beauty And The Beast Over at the Palace in Redditch, Dancing On Ice winner and EastEnders actor Sam Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 3 - Sat 31 December; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Attaway stars as the oafish and arrogant Mon 5 - Sat 31 December Gaston, with Emmerdale and Bad Girls When a young woman favourite Nicole Faraday lending support in is captured by a the role of Witch Guillotine. hideous beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in his mysterious palace. The Beast, too, is They’ve done it before and now they’re doing trapped - seemingly it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used forever - inside the strategy of imbuing their annual pantomime grotesquery of his with a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so physical appearance, popular in previous years that the venue is the consequence of a spell cast upon him by giving the exact same treatment to its 2016 an evil witch. Only Beauty’s ability to look production. So... they’ve taken this famous beyond his ugliness and see the person with- Arabian Nights story, stirred in a few time- in can save him... honoured pantomime favourites, and then That’s pretty much the story outline of this seasoned liberally with all manner of rock- much-loved, age-old fairytale, which is this ’n’roll hits - including favourites from Aretha Christmas being given the pantomime treat-

whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 5 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 6

Theatre Check out these alternatives to the traditional panto...

The Tempest Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 21 January Boasting strange beings with superhuman by an actor live on stage. powers, a thrilling fantasy plot and an “We had to really work at the vocabulary of underlying moral message about the tri- this digital stuff,” says Russell Beale. “As umph of reconciliation over revenge, The Prospero, I do have a relationship with Ariel Tempest is the most obviously spectacular of as a digital figure, but I think in the end it's Shakespeare’s works. important for the character to have a human This brand new production, starring Simon dimension - and especially in the big, emo- Russell Beale in the lead role of exiled Duke tional moments, like when Ariel asks if of Milan Prospero, is likely to be more visual- Prospero loves him, or when they say good- ly impressive than any version that’s gone bye. But for the rest of the play you've got before, thanks in no small measure to the Ariel showing off, which causes Prospero use of groundbreaking motion capture tech- great delight, and you can just enjoy the nology. sheer splendour of these extraordinary fig- This modern-day ‘device’ sees the shape- ures.” shifting spirit Ariel rendered as a digital pro- Read our online interview with Simon jection whose movements will be controlled Russell Beale at whatsonlive.co.uk

Crimes Against Christmas shows. For this particular theatrical offering, A Christmas Carol the ensemble are promising a ‘fast-moving, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 9 - Sat 31 December audience-led, made-up comedy romp’ The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, New Old Friends, whose previous theatrical through the wonderful world of Charles the eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, the endeavours have included the highly rated Dickens. ghostly visions of redemption; of all Charles Falcon’s Malteser, describe their latest offer- Preposterous names, ludicrous coincidences Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Carol ing as an ‘anti-panto’ cross between an and crowd-rousing melodrama will “delight reigns supreme. Agatha Christie whodunnit, The Twelve Days and astound you,” claim Foghorn. And it's a As you might expect at this time of year, Of Christmas and The 39 Steps. claim about which they're so confident, Dickens’ Victorian-age cautionary tale is Produced in partnership with Lichfield they’re even willing to bet “a hundred gold much in evidence at theatres across the Garrick, Theatre Royal Bath and Natural sovereigns” that they'll be bang on the country - not least here in the Midlands, Theatre Company, the show sees a host of money... where it’s being performed at three popular characters invited to a party in a mysterious Given the company’s impressive collection of venues... house on a remote island. Once the guests five-star reviews, you would probably do At mac birmingham, the highly rated have gathered, curious and fatal things relat- well to politely decline that wager. Chapterhouse Theatre Company present a ed to Christmas begin to happen, with Lords version that comes complete with song, a-leaping to their deaths, lead-pipes ‘piping dance and a ‘magnificent’ original musical people’s heads in’, and the guest of honour The 39 Steps score... more than a little concerned about the pres- A Christmas Carol shows at mac, Birmingham Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, from Fri 9 to Sat 10 December ence of a rope in a nearby pear tree... Thurs 15 - Fri 23 December People who remember the various film ver- Coventry’s Albany Theatre, meanwhile, plays sions of John Buchan's classic spy thriller host to the award-winning Tread The Boards, will be hard-pressed to call any of them as they present their family-friendly take on 'humorous'. By contrast, the stage version of the much-loved Christmas classic... his much-loved yarn bagged the 2007 Olivier A Christmas Carol shows at Albany Theatre, Coventry, Mon 12 December to Mon 2 January Award for Best New Comedy - courtesy of some imaginative thinking on the part of its The Crescent Theatre’s ever-reliable in-house creative team. company is the other ensemble this month So why not catch up with handsome hero recounting the story of Scrooge’s spiritual Richard Hannay as he battles to remain awakening. impressively stiff-upper-lipped in the face of A Christmas Carol shows at The Crescent dastardly murders and life-threatening Theatre, Birmingham from Sat 3 to Sat 17 December encounters with double-crossing secret agents. Oh, and there are some beautiful and myste- What The Dickens?! rious women involved too, so it's not all bad Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 7 December news for our intrepid hero! Four fearless actors play no fewer than 150 Birmingham-based comedy improvisers roles in this real gem of a show. Foghorn Unscripted use suggestions from their audience and the power of their own imaginations to create and perform their A Christmas Carol at The Albany Theatre

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 7

Christmas

Treasure Island The Snow Queen Stick Man

Treasure Island The Snow Queen himself. And as an extra-special treat, audience members can also have their photo New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Birmingham Rep, taken with the white-bearded giver of gifts, Fri 25 November - Sat 7 January until Sat 28 January so be sure to have your cameras and smart This latest theatrical version of Robert Louis The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys. phones at the ready.... Stevenson’s classic tale, a modern adapta- When she kidnaps young Kay, it’s left to his tion by Bryony Lavery, puts an interesting sister, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future spin on the author’s swashbuckling story, in the frostbitten wastelands... Stick Man with the chief protagonist being a girl rather The New Vic here give this Hans Christian than a boy. Andersen work a brand new treatment, pre- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Sat 31 December When pirates ransack her grandmother’s senting a timeless tale that brings together inn, fearless Jim is drawn into the adventure ‘enchanting characters, original music and “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my of a lifetime - one which will see her not only breathtaking on-stage magic’. spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- setting sail in search of buried treasure but This particular take on sibling love set ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely also spending time in the company of a one- against the snow-laden landscapes of the popular children’s book on which this show legged pirate with murder in mind... north has been directed with the intention of is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I appealing to family members of all ages. love their production of Stick Man, and so do the audiences.” Zorro’s Christmas Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely Rapunzel And Her Witch do love the show, as a smash-hit season in Adventure the West End ably demonstrated. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 29 December Sun 4 & Mon 5 December Featuring a trio of talented performers, the production brings together puppetry, songs, If you’ve already sampled a Little English ‘Beautiful’ puppets, ‘magical’ transforma- live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story Theatre production, you’ll know just how tions and an innovative use of sign language of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back much fun they are. And there’s every reason are here combined by the highly rated Krazy to the family tree. Suitable for children aged to imagine this latest offering will follow Kat theatre company, an ensemble well three and older. suit. When Santa Claus crash-lands in the versed in the business of visual storytelling. scorching Mexican desert, the future of The 50-minute show, which is being publi- Christmas is on the line. Thank heaven, cised as ‘a tall tale of princes and pigtails, then, for the arrival of the one and only potions and pizzas’, has been created for Santa And The Pirates Zorro. A masked avenger, he’s on a mission children aged between three and seven. That Don’t Want Christmas not only to save Christmas but also to thwart The production is suitable for both deaf and the evil El Scorchio, who plans to marry the hearing audiences. Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, beautiful (take a deep breath...) Maria Tues 13 December Conchita Juanita Tortilla Bonita... CBeebies Spot Bots stars Callum Donnelly Santa’s New Sleigh and Robin Hatcher are the dynamic duo behind this brand new touring show. Wind In The Willows Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - Sat 24 December Santa’s getting ready for Christmas Eve and The OId Rep, Birmingham, needs to know who’s been naughty and When Theatre Severn regular Brad Fitt isn’t until Sat 31 December who’s been nice. Problem is, he’s lost his busy playing pantomime Dames - or, as he’s A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s naughty list. Enter some mainbrace-splicing doing this year, starring as Buttons in the much-loved riverside tale ably demonstrates pirates from the Good Ship Christmas Cheer, venue’s production of Cinderella - he enjoys the way in which one life can command the offering him the kind of helping hand he’d nothing more than replacing the panto wig full attention of three others! do well to accept - but then can he really with his playwright’s hat. Loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and steady old afford to trust a pirate?... Brad’s Santa's New Sleigh - here being pre- Badger simply don’t have time for any of Awash with familiar songs, this lively festive sented by Curve Theatre and suitable for two their own interests - they’re far too busy hav- offering also provides children with the to seven-year-olds - comes complete with fes- ing to look after their reckless and irrepress- chance to post their Dear Santa letters, not to tive-show favourites including audience par- ible friend, Mr Toad... mention pick up a post-show gift from the ticipation, singalong opportunities and a Presented by Scott Ritchie Productions and big man himself. special Christmas present from Santa Claus Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 8

more festive fun across the region...

Where’s My Igloo Gone? What The Ladybird Heard The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Where’s My Igloo Gone? tiniest and quietest of creatures - namely, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice one very small ladybird... Arena Theatre, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 December; Fifty-five action-packed and musical minutes The Core, Solihull, Sat 17 - Sun 18 & Tues 20 - Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 18 December; Sat 24 December in length, this well-reviewed show is recom- Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry mended for children aged three and older. Blunderbus theatre company are past mas- nights, fishing adventures and the kind of ters at pitching their shows to perfection cold that makes the skin tingle are all fea- when it comes to delighting and entertaining tured in this Bone Ensemble story about a lit- The Witches children aged three to seven. And the tle girl who sets off in search of help when Dudley Little Theatre, Nottinghamshire-based ensemble are at it her igloo starts to melt... Thurs 8 - Sat 10 December again with this latest offering, in which a lit- “We’re collaborating with experts in climate Roald Dahl’s evil witches don’t look any dif- tle boy with a dream to be a world-class change and social psychology,” explain the ferent from human women - at least until magician encounters a real-life sorcerer. Birmingham-based theatre company, “so that you scratch the surface. When you do, it Music, puppetry and storytelling are all pres- we can weave scientific knowledge into a becomes apparent that they sport wigs to ent and correct in a 55-minute, interval-free compelling narrative with dynamic interac- conceal their bald heads, gloves to cover show that comes complete with all manner tive activities, engaging audiences with cli- their clawed hands, and find ‘pretty shoes’ a of ‘magical’ and Christmas-related surprises. mate change in a new and refreshing way.” far-from-comfortable fit for their toeless feet. What’s more, they’d love to squish and squelch all the wretched little children they Room On The Broom Dear Santa despise. Fingers crossed, then (not clawed The REP, Birmingham, ones, though!), that an unnamed seven-year- Thurs 22 December - Sun 8 January Lichfield Garrick, Tues 13 - Sat 24 December old boy and his Norwegian grandmother can Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the cre- stop the gruesome rotters in their tracks. ators of The Gruffalo and We’re Going On A Presented with the intention of giving chil- Presented by Dudley Little Theatre. Bear Hunt, are the team behind this spell- dren aged two to seven both a fun introduc- binding tale. A witch makes the mistake of tion to theatre and an early yuletide treat, thinking she can fit a daft dog, a beautiful Dear Santa tells the tale of Father Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate bird and a friendly frog - as well as her own Christmas’s attempts to sort out the most cat - on her broomstick without it snapping fantastic of festive gifts for a girl named Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 8 - Sat 24 December in two. And when a hungry dragon appears, Sarah. But it’s only with the intervention of things really start to hot up... his cheeky Elf that he finally manages to set- Imagine Theatre’s previous Father Christmas Presented by Tall Stories, this Olivier-nomi- tle on the perfect prezzie for her... adventures - Santa’s Dizzy Day and Santa’s nated show features ‘songs, laughs and scary Youngsters get the chance to meet-and-greet Rusty Robot - went down an absolute snow- fun’ for children aged three and older. Santa after the show. storm with their target audience. The Coventry-based company will be hoping that their latest addition to the series warms What The Ladybird Heard the cockles of just as many tiny hearts. Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 27 December - Audience participation and singalong fun Wed 11 January are much in evidence in a show that finds Given the success of numerous stage adapta- the Polka Dot Pirate lost at the North Pole. tions of Julia Donaldson’s hugely popular Created with two to six-year-olds in mind books, it’s a real no-brainer to mount one of and with a running time of approximately 35 her stories as a festive offering. Birmingham minutes, the production provides youngsters Town Hall has very wisely done just that, with the opportunity to give their Christmas presenting a stage version of the award-win- wish-list to the great man in person. ning picture book by Donaldson and Lydia Monks. When Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len set out to steal the farmer’s prize cow, they soon find that the best-laid plans of mice and crafty robbers can sometimes be undone by the

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Raymond Gubbay (DPS).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:24 Page 1 Raymond Gubbay (DPS).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:24 Page 2 Amplify single page.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:52 Page 1 Amplify single page.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:52 Page 2

FEATURE

AMPLIFY YOUR EXPERIENCE Get the most out of gigs and shows at Birmingham’s arenas

We've all been there; flustered, fed up and to a slightly older, more affluent audi- from Olly Murs to Cirque du Soleil. Sally's stuck at the back of a long line that seems ence,” says Sally, “but they're actually re- own top recommendation is the hotly an- to be going nowhere fast. Queueing has ally popular across everything from ticipated Sports Personality Of The Year almost become a quintessential part of Disney shows to Justin Bieber to Rod awards ceremony. Christmas - but what if it didn't have to Stewart. It might be that you want a more “The Sports Personality is a big one we've be? comfortable and convenient experience got coming up at the Genting Arena with a At Birmingham's Genting and Barclaycard when you've got a group of kids with you, super bespoke package. VIPs will come Arenas, there's an easy way to beat the or it might be that you want to avoid the into our newly refurbished restaurant, the Christmas crush, whether you're organis- queues and treat yourself or a loved one.” Lakeside Lounge, and enjoy a glass of ing a get-together or simply hunting for There are various ways to take advantage champagne and a three-course gourmet the perfect gift. of what Amplify has to offer. If it's just a meal. We've also got former Sports Per- Working with the NEC Group across its single event that's caught your eye, there's sonality Of The Year Steve Cram doing an two venues, Amplify deliver a range of no need to commit long-term, with vari- exclusive Q&A before the show. Once unique hospitality packages, offering not ous Freestyle packages available on an as- they're inside, they'll be seated right at only priority booking and a private mem- and-when basis. Nevertheless, there are the front overlooking all the VVIPs – peo- bers' entrance away from the crowds, but excellent reasons for signing up for an- ple like Andy Murray and David Beckham. also a whole host of extras that will make nual Club membership - around £500 plus Then we'll be putting on some after-show you the envy of everyone else attending. VAT guarantees priority booking and great entertainment as well, with a band and discounts and extras for all shows across more refreshments. I think the regular “The concept has been running at the NEC both venues throughout the year. tickets for Sports Personality Of The Year for about 30 years, starting out as the have now sold out, so this is a great op- Arena Club,” explains general manager Those looking for that extra level of lux- portunity for anyone who’s desperate to Sally Walder. “Then, in 2009, it was re- ury, meanwhile, can find it in Air member- go and is looking for that top-tier experi- branded as Amplify. We cover everything ship, described as the ‘crème de la crème’ ence.” from rock and pop to classical, and from of hospitality and particularly popular comedy to special events like Crufts and with business clients. Due to its exclusiv- Sports Personality Of The Year, with bene- ity, however, Air is currently sold out, Whoever you are and whatever your fits including premium tickets, car park with a waiting list for those hoping to sign needs, Amplify promises to make your passes, food and drink and access to our up! visit extra special. For full pricing and brand new and newly refurbished hospi- “When we've got huge names like Adele to find out more, visit amplify.co.uk tality areas before the shows.” or Take That,” explains Sally, “and there's That's not all, though. For each event, a high demand, sometimes only our Am- packages are carefully tailored to suit the plify members will be able to enjoy the VIP treatment. I think the big advantage, performance and its audience. A show for Courtesy of Amplify, What’s On is though, is how well looked-after all our families might incorporate face-painting giving away one pair of VIP tick- members are. For us, it's all about going and fun activities for kids, for example, ets, plus a hospitality package, to that extra mile, forming a rapport and while a high-end concert like Paul Simon Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour at making sure we do the very best for them or Sting will boast a glamorous cham- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, on every single visit.” pagne reception and some of the best on Sunday 22 January. seats in the house. Over the coming months, visitors should Visit whatsonlive.co.uk to find out “You might think, from the outside, that look out for what's on offer for everything more and to enter. hospitality packages would mainly appeal from Black Sabbath to Andre Rieu and

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Christmas Gifts.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:56 Page 1

Roberts Revival RD-60 DAB Radio Q and A a Day: 5-year Journal Borg Dressing Gown £45 Marks & Spencer £180 House of Fraser £13.79 WH Smith

‘tis the Season Your ultimate gift guide for this Christmas, courtesy of What’s On

KitchenAid 150 Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer £449.95 John Lewis

Bayswater bag in Oxblood Christmas Miniatures Candle Collection £950 Mulberry £66 Jo Malone Christmas Slogan Jumper £34 Topshop

Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer YSL Holiday Look Palette Collectors Edition Lulu Guinness Hard Sided 4W Medium Case £299.99 Boots £59 Exclusive to Selfridges £229.99 very.co.uk

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Gifts.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:56 Page 2

GoPro HERO5 Action Camcorder Kiehl’s Limited Edition Skincare gift set for men £349 currys.co.uk Chillsner beer chiller £17 root7.com £29.50 Selfridges

Micro Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter Personalised Polar Bear Bookends by Bombus £119.99 John Lewis £50 notonthehighstreet.com Furby Connect £74.99 Toys R Us

Happy Socks Gift Box Tile Gen 2 Bluetooth Tracker Amazon Echo £149.99 amazon.co.uk £28 flannels.com £19.99 currys.co.uk

Rolling Stones neon sculpture Fitbit Alta in Black/22K Gold Plated Personalised The Snowman And The Snowdog £59.99 iconneon.com £129.99 fitbit.com from £17.99 penwizard.com

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 1 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 2

Film

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story CERT tbc Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed Directed by Gareth Edwards (USA) No, this is not a sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but a free-standing episode in the so-called Star Wars universe. Here, Jyn Erso, a recruit for the Rebel Alliance (Birmingham’s very own Felicity Jones), is mobilised to steal the plans of the Death Star. But even with the aid of the intelligence officer Cassian Andor (Mexico's Diego Luna), the task proves to be more perilous than anybody could have imagined. The director, Gareth Edwards, is the Warwickshire-born filmmaker who conjured up the special effects for his first film - Monsters (2010) - on his laptop, before going on to helm the $160million reboot of Godzilla (2014). Expect your multiplex to be packed. Released Fri 16 December

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in December...

Sully: Miracle On Chi-Raq CERT 15 (127 mins) The Hudson CERT 12a (96 mins) Starring Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Teyonah Parris, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, John Starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Cusack, Samuel L Jackson Linney, Anna Gunn, Ann Cusack Directed by Spike Lee (USA) Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) Classics’ scholars will be familiar with the The US Airways pilot Chesley 'Sully' tale of Aristophanes' Lysistrata, in which the Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) grabbed interna- women folk in ancient Greece withheld their tional headlines when he landed his dis- sexual favours until their men put down abled aircraft on the waters of the Hudson their weapons. Here, writer-director-producer River, saving the lives of everybody on board. Spike Lee transfers the action to the However, what happened afterwards did not Englewood neighbourhood of Chicago where paint ‘Sully’ in such a favourable light... gang violence has become a way of life. It’s Adapted from the book Highest Duty by the first film produced by Amazon Studios. Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow. Released Fri 2 December Released Fri 2 December Eat That Question CERT 15 (93 mins) Directed by Thorsten Schütte (France/Germany) Biographical documentaries have become all the rage. This one is about the late rock musician and songwriter Frank Zappa, who challenged both the political and musical norm. Expect some rude words. Released Fri 2 December

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 3

Film

Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism CERT U (96 mins) Starring Dominic Monaghan, Lesley Manville, Emily Watson, Joan Collins, Raffey Cassidy, Celia Imrie, Anne-Marie Duff Directed by Christopher N. Rowley (UK) Kids just love these long titles. This is an adaptation of Georgia Byng's 2002 novel and features Molly Moon, an orphan and child hypnotist. However, once she achieves a degree of fame and fortune, a nasty stranger holds her dog captive and demands that she helps him steal some loot. The American reviews were not charitable. Released Fri 2 December CRITIC’S CHOICE

Waialiki (the voice of Cravalho), the 16- Moana CERT tbc year-old daughter of a chieftain, who With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i takes to the high seas in order to rescue Cravalho, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Jemaine her people. Along for the ride comes Clement, Alan Tudyk Directed by Ron none other than Maui, a Polynesia demi- Clements and John Musker (USA) god voiced by Dwayne Johnson. From the directing team that brought us The songs were co-written by the Pulitzer The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, Moana Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel promises big old-fashioned values and Miranda, who previously wrote the music entertainment. This story, though, is a and lyrics for the Tony-winning musical total original and is credited to seven dif- In The Heights. ferent writers. Set within a mystical com- Released Fri 2 December munity in Polynesia, it features Moana

Bleed For This CERT 15 (117 mins) Office Christmas Party Starring Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey CERT 15 tbc Sagal, Ciarán Hinds, Ted Levine Starring Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, TJ Directed by Ben Younger (USA) Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B Vance, Kate Hollywood does love its pugilism. After Jake McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck (USA) Gyllenhaal gave his all in Southpaw, now comes Miles Teller as former champ Vinny The details are irrelevant. This is a seasonal Pazienza, he who held world titles as light- American comedy in which grown men and weight, light middleweight and super mid- women behave like animals in the spirit of dleweight. Expect quite a lot of physical con- farce. The title says it all.. frontation. Released Wed 7 December Released Fri 2 December

The Unknown Girl CERT tbc Starring Adèle Haenel, Olivier Bonnaud, Jérémie Renier, Louka Minnella, Olivier Gourmet Directed by Luc Dardenne and Jean-Pierre Dardenne (Belgium/France) The Dardenne brothers continue their socio- political agenda with this drama about a doctor (Adèle Haenel) who sets about investigating why a patient was refused the surgery that might have saved her life. The Dardennes previously brought us the award-winning films L'Enfant, The Kid With A Bike and Two Days, One Night. Released Fri 2 December 40 whatsonlive.co.uk Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 4

Film releases in December

Birth Of A Nation The Eagle Huntress Collateral Beauty CERT tbc CERT 15 (120 mins) CERT U (87 mins) Starring Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, Starring Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Colman Narrated by Daisy Ridley Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren Domingo, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Directed by Otto Bell (UK/Mongolia/USA) Directed by David Frankel (USA) Gabrielle Union Directed by Nate Parker (USA/Canada) Strange as it may seem, Mongolia has Following a terrible tragedy, a New York produced some of the most engaging It’s quite a year for revolting slaves. After the advertising executive (Will Smith) finds that and haunting of documentaries (not African-American rebellion portrayed in Gary Love, Time and Death are irrevocably linked. least The Cave Of The Yellow Dog and Ross’s exquisite and harrowing Free State Of Expect some big questions and metaphysical The Story Of The Weeping Camel). This Jones we now have the true-life story of Nat musings. This could be a genuine turkey - or one, co-produced by the English Turner (Nate Parker). Parker also directed, a future cult. actress Daisy Ridley and the US docu- co-wrote and co-produced the drama, which Released Mon 26 December mentarian Morgan Spurlock, is the received the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s true story of a 13-year-old Mongolian Sundance festival. Oscar glory is expected to girl who attempts to become the first follow. female eagle hunter in her country. Released Fri 9 December Released Fri 16 December

Ballerina CERT U (89 mins) Starring Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Maddie Ziegler, Carly Rae Jepsen Directed by Eric Summer and Éric Warin (France/Canada) Félicie is a poor 11-year-old orphan girl from Brittany who finds her way to Monster Trucks Paris in 1879. There, she hopes to enrol CERT PG (105 mins) at the Grand Opera House to become a Starring Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Barry Pepper, ballerina, without really knowing what Amy Ryan, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover The Pass CERT 15 (87 mins) the arduous process entails. Then she Directed by Chris Wedge (USA/Canada) Starring Russell Tovey, Arinzé Kene, Lisa meets Victor, an aspiring young inven- In an effort to escape McGrillis, Nico Mirallegro tor, who believes that it is possible to the claustrophobia of Directed by Ben A Williams (UK) realise one’s dreams. The dance his small town, a high In the age of celebrity and the digital image, sequences employed motion capture school senior builds a one can never be too careful. Something that the better to realise the authenticity of monster truck out of the once happened between two aspiring foot- the moves. remnants of car scrap. ballers returns to haunt them years later. Released Mon 19 December And this is the really Expect some strong ‘adult’ themes. odd bit: an accident at a Released Fri 9 December local oil-drilling site unleashes a subterranean creature with a Passengers CERT 12a tbc need and talent for speed. Well, of course. In Snowden CERT 15 Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, 3D. Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Andy García Directed by Morten Tyldum Released Mon 26 December Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom (USA) Wilkinson, Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage Directed by Oliver Stone (USA/Germany) Don’t you hate it when you’re woken Not a film about the prematurely? For Why Him? CERT tbc Welsh mountain (or the two passengers on Starring James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Zoey photographer) but the a spacecraft bound Deutch, Megan Mullally, Griffin Gluck, whistle-blower Edward Keegan-Michael Key for a distant Snowden. It was he who Directed by John Hamburg colony, a malfunc- (USA) leaked the NSA's illegal tion in the sleep surveillance techniques What are fathers like? A chamber wakes and was forced to up somewhat over-protective them up 90 years sticks and move to paterfamilias, Ned too early. And Moscow. Oliver Stone does like to court con- Fleming (Bryan Cranston) that’s an awful long time for two isolat- troversy and has made a number of brilliant visits his daughter at uni- ed strangers to get to know each films, but he can also be a self-conscious versity where she intro- other… Jennifer Lawrence was paid director who lets his style overwhelm his duces him to her new $20million for her part (against 30 per- subject. However, if this film is half as good boyfriend (James Franco). cent of the profit). The director previ- as the stunning, Oscar-winning documentary Ned takes an immediate dislike to the man, a ously brought us The Imitation Game. about Snowden, Citizenfour (2014), it will be profane, socially awkward character who In 3D. worth catching. also happens to be a billionaire… Released Wed 21 December Released Fri 9 December Released Mon 26 December whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:57 Page 1

Visual Arts

Roger Hiorns Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 7 December - Sun 5 March “You always have to think about materials and objects in terms of being malleable,” explains Birmingham-born artist Roger Hiorns. “You have to cut them off from what their established use is, to directly interfere with their world-ness. It becomes a process of human empowerment to re-use and re- propose the power of objects simply left lying in the street.” Roger transforms materials and readymades in order to focus on various aspects of modern life, often through current affairs. His work to date has involved growing vast amounts of copper sulphate crystals on objects ranging from car engines to domestic interiors. He’s also created paintings made from brain matter, injected jet engines with anti-depressant drugs to affect a robotic nervous system, and produced a video work in which choristers of Birmingham’s St Philip’s Cathedral sing Evensong while lying on their backs on the floor of the nave. “I believe that the artist’s role is to move things on,” explains Roger, “to hold up a truthful mirror in order that progress might continue. Frankly I’m suspicious of many of my contemporaries who make work that simply reflects the desires of collectors.”

Midpointness The Riches Beneath Us The Pastoral And AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton, The Sublime until Sat 17 December until Sat 31 December The Barber Institute, Birmingham, This new exhibition features a range of geo- until Sun 8 January logical objects drawn from a vast collection that was bequeathed to the city of Wolverhampton by Scottish geologist Doctor John Fraser in 1911. The objects on show all have a local connection. Highlights include an internationally renowned spider fossil - discovered near Coseley - and a fossilised leaf which fell from “Midpointness seeks to explore the dynamics a prehistoric tree. Both objects are over 300 of inner/outer dialogues between the work million years old. and the viewer,” explain the exhibition’s The show also features the tooth of a Watercolours, drawings and prints by curators, Andrew Bracey and Steve Dutton. Plesiosaur, a vicious predator from the Gainsborough, Turner and Constable all fea- “It opens up other potentials that an artist Jurassic age. ture in this remarkable exhibition, which might hope for when he/she explores the also features three impressive watercolours generative potential of the work of art.” by Birmingham-born artist David Cox, one of This evolving project, investigating the is pictured above. nature of the artist, the exhibition, the audi- Focusing on the work of British artists ence and the work of art, brings together between the late 18th and 19th centuries, the pieces by 27 UK and international artists. show presents contrasting images of the nat- As part of the evolution process, the show’s ural world, displaying vast, desolate, dra- curatorial control will at times be handed matic and sometimes terrifying landscapes over to the gallery’s staff and exhibition visi- alongside charming and familiar pastoral tors. scenes.

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:57 Page 2

Night In The Museum Made In The Middle Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 12 February Fri 2 December - Sun 5 February An exhibition presented to cele- This touring exhibition features brate the Arts Council Collection’s work by some of the best con- 70th anniversary, Night In The temporary craftmakers in the Museum features a selection of Midlands, bringing together works curated by leading British ceramics, jewellery, metalwork artist Ryan Gander. and textiles created by both new All of the included pieces, drawn and established artists. from the Council’s world-class Selected by an expert panel national collection of modern and through open entry, the items on contemporary British art, challenge show reflect the latest develop- visitors to rethink the role of the ments and trends in craft. curator, the art object and the spec- The exhibition is the eighth in tator. the Made In The Middle series The exhibition features the work of and provides visitors with an over 30 artists, including Gander ideal opportunity to purchase himself. locally produced work as Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Christmas gifts for family and is one of four ‘national partners’ friends. hosting exhibitions drawn from the Arts Council Collection over the coming three years.

Life Echo Birmingham Open Media, until Sat 28 January “Life Echo explores the links between sound, memory and wellbeing,” explains sound artist Justin Wiggan. “It started when I discovered that my wife had triple negative breast cancer, which obviously had a massive impact on our lives. I became aware of how much I was relying on recalling good memories to get me through this traumatic period, and I started analysing those memories. As a sound artist, I was curious about the connection between sound and memory, and wanted to investigate that further.” It wasn't long before Wiggan realised that his research might be able to impact positively on other people's lives as well. He therefore embarked on a residency at the John Taylor Hospice, interviewing patients and selecting five strong memories from each. From these, he created one- minute sound experiences, which were then given to the patients to access whenever they were feeling low. “We found that this not only had a massively positive effect on them,” explains Wiggan, “but also that it helped their families, both in terms of leaving a legacy and bridging a gap at a time when conversation is hard. When you see someone at a hospice, day in, day out, you often end up not talking about what's important and just discussing mun- dane things like medication, so this became a way for people to share emotions.”

For more visual arts listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 1 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 2

Events

Marvel Universe Live real game-changer for these web-slinging, cape-wearing, hammer- wielding world-savers. Movie-makers can now create stunning visu- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 22 - Fri 30 December als and special effects that regularly leave cinema-goers wide-eyed Having flown, leapt, jumped and powered their way off the comic and gobsmacked. book pages and onto cinema screens across the globe, Marvel’s leg- Little wonder, then, that Marvel is looking to further develop its prod- endary superheroes are now coming in to land at the Barclaycard uct by ‘going live’. Cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial Arena. stunts, martial arts and motorcycles all feature in a brand new tour- The Stan Lee-created universe, including star names like Spiderman, ing show that sees the aforementioned superheroes going into battle Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America and Wolverine, has been against some of Marvel’s most sinister supervillains. delighting generations of fans since the early 1960s. But it’s been the Sounds as though a breathtaking couple of hours could well be on advent of high-quality computer-generated imagery that’s been the the cards...

Blists Hill Antiques For Everyone Victorian Christmas Winter Fair Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 3 - Sun 4 and Sat 10 - Sun 11 Thurs 1 - Sun 4 December December The Birmingham Assay Office, where hall- Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on marks are applied, is making a significant offer at Shropshire’s Blists Hill muse- contribution to this month’s show. um this month, as residents busy A number of items from a beautiful range of themselves with preparations for silver - inspired by the arts & crafts move- Christmas. ment and manufactured in Birmingham in Visitors to the award-winning site can the late 19th and early 20th century - will be enjoy seasonal music from bands and on show at the fair in a special feature exhi- choirs, ride on a horse-drawn cart, bition. The items form part of the Assay experience some festive-style enter- Office’s private collection. tainment - including a mini-pan- The fair features displays of antique and tomime and a singalong with carol decorative furniture, treen, ceramics, singers - and partake in a spot of kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery and Christmas shopping in the town’s works of art, arms and armour, maps, dolls, numerous retail outlets. bears and an array of vintage and decorative And just in case all that’s not enough collectables. With more than 250 dealers to ensure your youngsters are happily showcasing their wares - and with items entertained, Father Christmas himself - ranging in price from as little as £10 right up along with his reindeer - will be on to £100,000 for the more serious collectors - hand to hear some last-minute gift this ever-popular event offers the perfect requests. opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 3

FEATURE

ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM It’s been a long time since Birmingham experienced a white Christmas, but there is at least one place in the city where people can enjoy the delights of a winter wonderland. As in previous years, Ice Skate Birmingham is offering fun-seeking Midlanders the chance to pretend they’re Torvill or Dean by taking a yuletide spin across the ‘icy wastes’ of Centenary Square. The big observation wheel is back too, for anybody who fancies a bird’s-eye view of the second city this festive season. Lauren Cox gets her skates on to find out more...

The countdown to Christmas is now in full The big wheel swing, with Ice Skate Birmingham, located And speaking of the big wheel... why not in the city’s iconic Centenary Square, now take a ride right up to the top and enjoy officially open for business. beautiful views of Birmingham’s skyline and And there are plenty of reasons to visit the Centenary Square’s ‘winter wonderland’. ice rink, the Ice Lounge bar and the big The sights are pretty spectacular, whether wheel during the festive season. you’re taking a ride in the daytime or at Situated next to the Frankfurt Christmas night. Market & Craft Fair, Ice Skate Birmingham And make a special note in your diary for was opened by the city’s Lord Mayor - New Year’s Eve, when the big wheel, ice rink Councillor Carl Rice - and Father Christmas and Ice Lounge bar will all be open until himself. 1am, allowing you to skate your way into The Ice Lounge bar 2017. The ice rink What better way to relax after a 45-minute A great way to get into the festive spirit, the ice-skating session than with a hot choco- attraction is suitable for participants of all late & marshmallows, a glass of mulled wine ages and abilities, from ice-skating novices or cider. to professional-standard skaters. The Ice Lounge, located right next to the ice Skating aids in the shape of penguins can be rink and open both to skaters and non- purchased for beginners from the box office skaters, serves coffee, tea, wine, beer, pros- for £3. ecco and a selection of spirits. It's the per- Marshals are on the ice at all times to ensure fect place to unwind and watch others tak- that the rink is always a safe place to skate, ing a spin on the ice. so there’s no need to worry about falling You can also spectate from the viewing plat- over - after all, it's all part and parcel of the form outside the bar. fun and adds to the overall experience. With 600 square meters of iced surfaces, Ice Skate Birmingham can accommodate up to 300 people at any one time and is therefore Ice Skate Birmingham is open seven days ideal for large groups. Parties of more than a week from 10am to 10pm (closed 10 people who are looking to book for Christmas Day) and can be enjoyed until Christmas office outings, birthday celebra- 8 January. tions and social get-togethers can make use Prices for the ice rink range from £7 to of the discounted prices on offer for the ice £9.50. Tickets for the big wheel cost £5 rink and the big wheel. each

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 4

more events from around the region

Santa’s Winter Clothes Show Live Wonderland NEC, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Tues 6 December SnowDome, Tamworth, until Sat 31 December Suitable for all age groups, Santa’s Winter Wonderland provides plenty of festive fun for visitors to Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. A safe environment ensures youngsters are able to play and slide in real snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. There’s also an all-new Santa Show to enjoy, with the Big Man in Red making final prepara- A hot ticket for fashionistas tions for another ‘Christmas extravaganza’. everywhere, Clothes Show Live The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe regularly attracts a plethora of the snow-related action as they amble along well-known celebrities from the the promenade walkway. There’s even an ani- worlds of music and TV - and mal village, where you can visit Santa’s rein- this year is no exception. deer and meet some of his furry friends. With appearances by TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Made In Chelsea’s Binky and Jamie con- Christmas In The Home atmosphere. firmed, 2016 promises to be a “The market will not only be showcasing food, bumper show. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Sat 26 - Sun 27 November drink and products from authentic European In addition to showcasing wares Sat 3 - Sun 4, Sat 10 - Sun 11 stallholders,” says Shaun Davies, Leader of from hundreds of leading fash- and Sat 17 - Sat 24 December Telford & Wrekin Council, “it will also give a ion and beauty brands, the five- number of local businesses the opportunity to day event also features non-stop have a stall of their own at an event which is catwalk shows and live perform- likely to attract thousands of visitors.” ances by, among others, rising British music stars Charlotte OC and Daecolm. Shrewsbury Winter Festival Other attractions include a Q&A The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Sat 10 - Sun 11 December session with fashion blogger Sarah Ashcroft - otherwise known as ‘that Pommie girl’ - The sights, sounds and smells of Christmases and TV favourite Mark Heyes’s past are very much in evidence at the Black Curves With Confidence work- Country Living Museum this month. shop. Visitors can step inside period cottages and Plenty to enjoy at this year’s houses to help costumed characters create ‘a show, then, which is sadly the host of fabulous festive recipes from Mrs last one to be held in Beeton’s Book of Household Management’. Birmingham. From 2017, the Helping to stir the sixpence into the Christmas event will be taking place in pudding, assisting with some ‘make do and Liverpool, as part of British mend’ decorations and crafting a spiced Style Collective. Shopping avenues filled with more than 170 orange pomander are among the other attrac- artisan producers, craftspeople and designers tions ensuring a hands-on experience for fami- ensure the Shrewsbury Winter Festival offers lies to enjoy. plenty of opportunity for visitors to get their Christmas shopping done. And there’s lots to Telford European enjoy at the event besides retail therapy, Christmas Market including family activities across the weekend and a programme of live music events. There’s Southwater, Telford, Thurs 1 - Fri 23 December even the chance to ‘get vocal’ yourself, by tak- Running daily throughout December until the ing part in a big festive singalong. 23rd, Telford’s European market features 32 There are numerous activities to enjoy outside traditional chalets, 70 percent of which will be the festival gates too, not least among which European, 30 percent local. are the Hobsons Ale and Festive Food trails. A funfair for younger visitors and performanc- The event is this year fundraising on behalf of es from local choirs and acoustic bands also the Shrewsbury Ark, a charity for homeless play their part in creating a suitably festive and vulnerable people. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 5

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 6

more events from around the region

Santa Safari Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Fri 23 December The North Pole’s most famous resident comes to North Shropshire this month, with Hawkstone Park Follies once again transformed into a Santa Safari experience. A trip through the site’s ‘illuminated woodland’ leads the way to a hillside grotto, where a Wishing Arch marks the entrance to a network of fairy-lit caverns and tunnels. It’s here that Santa will reside in the run-up to Christmas (along with his elves and reindeer, of course), spreading plenty of festive cheer and handing out a special gift to every visiting child. Magic Lantern Festival tifully constructed lanterns and the natu- Birmingham Botanical Gardens, ral scenery, visitors to the festival can also Christmas At The Valley Fri 25 November - Mon 2 January catch up with Santa and his reindeer. Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern fes- Other attractions include a 12-metre-wide Sandwell Park Farm, Sat 3 - Sat 24 December tivals, this ‘illuminating’ event sees visitors lantern scene - featuring penguins, snow- Given that it’s one of the Midlands’ most accessing the venue through a giant men, Christmas trees and baubles - and a popular visitor destinations, it’s perhaps a lantern entrance before following a special fairy-themed area, complete with a little surprising that this is Sandwell Park lantern-lit trail around the gardens. floating fairy, beautiful butterflies and Farm’s very first Christmas At The Valley. Aside from enjoying the collection of beau- thousands of bright and tiny lights. If the inaugural festival’s line-up is anything to go by, though, it’s unlikely to be the venue’s last such event, with organisers ensuring there’s plenty to make the experience one that will see families returning year Drayton’s Magical made mulled wine and festive food are after year. Attractions include Santa Claus in Christmas available for anybody who enjoys them- his grotto with a sackful of goodies to hand selves best on a full stomach. Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, out to young visitors, kids’ activities galore, a until Sat 31 December Christmas treasure hunt, the chance to sam- Real reindeer, an indoor ice rink, ple seasonal food and drink, and extra Victorian Christmas Christmas arts and crafts, live shows, car- events scheduled at the weekends. ols, presents, light shows, Santa Claus and Weekends And good ol’ St Nick’s even brought along his a ‘magnificent’ fireworks display - oh, and Compton Verney, Warwickshire, reindeer too, to delight children who’re keen snowfall over the Island of Sodor! - are Sat 3 - Sun 4 and Sat 10 - Sun 11 December to make some fabulous four-legged friends among the attractions giving Drayton this festive season. If you’re going to host a Victorian-style Manor Park & Zoo a decidedly festive feel Christmas, who better to have along for the this month. ride than Queen Victoria herself? Families can also catch a ride on Thomas Her Majesty is part and festive parcel of Carols in the Caverns The Tank Engine, dance along with The Compton Verney’s 2016 yuletide celebra- Dudley Canal & Fat Controller and all his Fungineer friends tions, explaining to visitors how the Tunnel Trust, Dudley, and sample the thrills and spills of a 15- Victorian era changed the way in which Sun 4, Sun 11 and Sun 18 December minute Polar Express In 4D experience. the country celebrates Christmas. As well as this fascinating brush with As Christmas expe- bygone royalty, the event also features a riences go, this festive food fair, craft demonstrations and one’s pretty unique, Tudor Christmas workshops, the chance to learn how to featuring a boat trip Blakesley Hall, Birmingham design and make Christmas cards and an around the Dudley Sat 10 December opportunity to say a yuletide hello to Canal Trust’s caverns and limestone mines. Historical reenactors, handbell ringers, Father Christmas and his reindeer. Along the way, an onboard choir sing a host costumed musicians and a talented choir Compton Verney’s ‘season to be jolly’ ends of festive favourites, including; Ding Dong, are all present and correct at this special with hymns and songs in the chapel, fol- Merrily On High; God Rest Ye Merry, one-day event. Visitors to the 17th century lowed by traditional Christmas tunes Gentlemen; Coventry Carol; and Silent Night. house can find out what domestic life underneath the portico. The trip through the tunnel network takes in would’ve been like for a well-to-do family, A sure-to-be-impressive fireworks display locations such as Cathedral Arch and the their friends, servants and visiting trades- brings proceedings to an end with a suit- famous Singing Cavern. men during the Christmas season. Home- ably big bang or several.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 7

50 whatsonlive.co.uk Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 8

more events from around the region

The Bear: Story Readings mac, Birmingham, Mon 12, Sat 17 and Sat 24 December Now here’s a novel and entirely admirable approach to introduc- ing young children to theatre. Cognisant of the fact that tiny tots and toddlers might find a great big polar bear just a little bit disconcerting, those clever people at mac birmingham have taken steps to stop the youngsters’ nerves from jangling while they’re watching the venue’s Christmas adaptation of Raymond Briggs’s The Bear. Prior to three performances of the show, a member of the cast will read the story aloud, so that children know what to expect when they settle down to enjoy the production. Moscow State Circus And who knows - if they’re really Star City, Birmingham, many of which are evident in its current produc- lucky, they might even catch a Tues 20 December - Sun 8 January tion, Zhelaniy. sneaky glimpse of the big, The Moscow State Circus is very possibly the Based on a popular Russian folklore story, the friendly bear himself... best-known circus in the world, based on over show transports its audience to ‘a wondrous 200 years of tradition. and mysterious enchanted garden’, where wish- When animals became an unpopular aspect of es are granted to the beautiful Zhenya, who circuses, this flexible family favourite adapted finds herself surrounded by ‘a multitude of fly- to survive by moving the emphasis to astonish- ing, back-flipping, juggling, wire-walking and ing displays of human skill and endurance - roller-skating performers’.

Santa’s Workshop Webb’s Ice Skating Coventry Transport Museum, Webbs Of Mon 19 - Wed 21 December Wychbold Garden Yuletide At Centre, until As well as the chance to check out numerous Mon 2 January Avoncroft work & leisure vehicles and stop off in the glit- Visitors to Webbs Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove tering Jaguar room, a yuletide visit to the Of Wychbold Tuesdays & Wednesdays between Coventry Transport Museum also provides visi- 6 & 21 December Garden Centre can tors with plenty of opportunity to get them- get their skates on Avoncroft’s historic buildings selves in the festive spirit. and have some fun are being transformed for the While Santa looks after his sleigh ride, children on the ice this festive season by the addition of can ‘get crafty’ in a mini Christmas workshop Christmas. period decorations. by making large paper stars, winter wands and The popular Yuletide visitors can help re- jingle sticks. There’s also a free Family Trail to Worcestershire enactors prepare for Christmas, enjoy, which sees participants following Santa venue is once again hosting a festive-season try seasonal craft activities and through the museum’s exhibitions, decorating ice-skating rink - and is letting it be known that enjoy festive music in the the venue’s Makaton Christmas tree as they go. this year’s version is bigger and better than ever Mission Church. Children of any age are welcome, but activities before. Meanwhile, on Fridays and are particularly suitable for youngsters aged Open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Saturdays between the 9th and four-plus. Day and Boxing Day), the rink comes complete the 23rd, younger visitors can with a lit-up roof, allowing families to skate join the Avoncroft Elves and whatever the weather. help Santa prepare for the big The popular attraction also provides skates that day. strap over normal shoes, to ensure that younger And speaking of Santa, he’ll be children and toddlers can have lots of fun on taking up residence in his Grotto the ice too. Sit-on and push-along aids are also and giving a gift to every child available. who pays him a visit.

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Cover December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:44 Page 1

52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Cover December Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:44 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide December 2016 thelist

Eliza And The Bear at O2 Academy - Sunday 4 December 4 Sunday - Academy O2 at Bear The And Eliza

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 December Mon 12 to Sun 18 December Mon 19 to Sun 25 December Mon 26 to Sat 31 December

The Clothes Show Live Ne-Yo at O2 Academy, James Arthur at The Sound Of Musicals at the NEC, Birmingham Birmingham O2 Institute, Birmingham at Symphony Hall, Birmingham Fri 2 - Tues 6 December Thurs 15 December Wed 21 December Thurs 29 December

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List 1 - 5 Dec - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:41 Page 1

thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December 3 Dec, Barclaycard CELTIC CHRISTMAS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Gigs Arena, Birmingham STRINGS Sat 3 Dec, Lichfield Guildhall ing coin hoards, telling the stories of JESSARAE Fri 2 Dec, O2 Institute, B’ham JIM BOB Sat 3 Dec, their deposition and discovery, until ANDY MORTON’S JAZZ Visual Arts The Rainbow Venues, Sun 26 Feb 2017 BALLARDS Thurs 1 Dec, DUA LIPA Fri 2 Dec, Birmingham BELLOWS AND THE BODY Kitchen Garden Cafe, O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Museum & Featuring a Birmingham PILGRIMAGE FEAT BICEP, JOY ORBISON, Art Gallery new acquisition - Nude, Miss GILLES PETERSON, MAD DOG MCREA Thurs ROTUNDA OF WONDER, Bentham (1906) - an early master- HUNEE & O’FLYNN Sat 3 HONOURING VC INDIAN SOLDIERS IN 1 Dec, The Robin, SKA'D FOR LIFE & YOUNG piece by one of the most significant Dec, The Rainbow WORLD WAR ONE Exhibition telling the Bilston PILGRIMS Fri 2 Dec, stories of South Asian soldiers of the American painters of the early 20th Hare & Hounds, Venues, Birmingham DR JOHN COOPER British Indian Army who were award- century, George Bellows (1882- Birmingham ART LATES: BUBBLES & CLARKE & HUGH ed the Victoria Cross during the First 1925), until Sun 22 Jan BLUES Sat 3 Dec, UNCOVERING THE BODY CORNWELL Thurs 1 WHISKEY MYERS Fri 2 World War, until Sat 28 Jan Birmingham Museum Dec, O2 Institute, Dec, O2 Institute, Complementing major exhibition And Art Gallery BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN Birmingham Birmingham THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People Bellows And The Body, until Sun 29 THE MIGHTY YOUNG Sat DR HOOK STARRING SONIA ‘INDIGO’ CLARKE explores the ways in which ordinary Jan 3 Dec, The Sunflower DENNIS LOCORRIERE & LYNETTE WALTERS Brummie folk have been represented Lounge, Birmingham mac, Birmingham Thurs 1 Dec, Civic Hall, Fri 2 Dec, Blue Piano in art during the 20th and 21st cen- MADE AT MAC: THE ART OF COMPUTER Wolverhampton Restaurant And Bar, STEVE GIBBONS Sun 4 turies. Change In The Inner-City Birmingham Dec, Kitchen Garden GAMES AND ANIMATION KATIE MELUA Thurs 1 focuses on the four inner-city wards Showcasing Cafe, Birmingham Dec, Symphony Hall, SIMON SPILLETT Fri 2 of Ladywood - Nechells, Soho, Aston the work of participants from the ani- and Ladywood, until Fri 31 Mar 2017 Birmingham Dec, Symphony Hall, ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN mation courses for children and Birmingham Sun 4 Dec, New EMILY PORTMAN AND FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how young people, until Sun 8 Jan Alexandra Theatre, different faiths have influenced and THE CORACLE BAND FRONTEERS Fri 2 Dec, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 Museum of The Jewellery Thurs 1 Dec, mac, Birmingham Birmingham THE FABULOUS BORDEL- NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM: RYAN GANDER Quarter LOS Sun 4 Dec, The MC LARS + MEGA RAN + SETH LAKEMAN Fri 2 CURATES THE ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: STORIES Robin, Bilston KOO KOO KANGA ROO Dec, Birmingham Town COLLECTION THAT SHOULD BE SHARED The first in a Leading British artist Thurs 1 Dec, The Hall THE MOONS Sun 4 Dec, Ryan Gander’s selection of artworks series of four exhibitions showcasing Hare & Hounds, objects collected from local people, Rainbow Venues, THE BEAT Sat 3 Dec, from the Arts Council Collection, Sat Birmingham The Slade Rooms, Birmingham 26 Nov - Sun 12 Feb telling their stories of life in CONNECTED HISTORIES: MUSLIMS IN Birmingham, until Sat 31 Dec BEACH HEAD Thurs 1 Wolverhampton ELIZA AND THE BEAR THE FIRST WORLD WAR A new exhibi- Dec, The Sunflower LISSIE Sat 3 Dec, O2 Sun 4 Dec, O2 tion which explores the untold stories Other Lounge, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham of more than 400,000 Muslim sol- KATE TEMPEST Sun 4 TIM PEAKE'S PHOTOS FROM SPACE FRIGHTENED RABBIT DARKSIDE - THE PINK diers in the First World War, until Sun Dec, O2 Institute, Celebrating Tim Peake's mission to Thurs 1 Dec, O2 FLOYD SHOW Sat 3 Dec, 5 Mar Birmingham the International Space Station, the Institute, Birmingham Wulfrun Hall, images in this exhibition show THE SCRATCH BAND Wolverhampton GERRY COLVIN Sun 4 Centrala Gallery, Digbeth remarkable landscapes on Earth Thurs 1 Dec, The THE BORN AGAIN Dec, Hare & Hounds, taken from space, and life on board Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham ALEKSANDRA NATALIA KOPER New BEATLES Sat 3 Dec, the space station, until Sat 31 Dec, works by emerging Polish Artist, until THE SUBTERRANEANS The Roadhouse, B’ham SCOTT MATTHEWS Sun 4 Thinktank at Millennium Point, Sat 7 Jan Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, THE SMYTHS Sat 3 Dec, Dec, Glee Club, Birmingham The Jam House, O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham FIFTEEN EXHIBITION Birmingham SKABUCKS Sun 4 Dec, The artists have THE SHIRES Sat 3 Dec, Eastside Projects The Actress & Bishop, worked closely with Millennium Point DURAN (DURAN DURAN) O2 Institute, B’ham NEW WINTER ART FAIR Showcasing a Birmingham to create a sculpture that will epito- Fri 2 Dec, Route 44, diverse range of artistic practices. DUBCHERRY Sat 3 Dec, mise the history and changes of the Birmingham SUNDAY CLASSICS Sun The perfect place to snap up unique The Night Owl, B’ham building over the last 15 years, until THE ELECTRIC SWING 4 Dec, The Spotted Christmas gifts and affordable works SACK SABBATH Sat 3 Tue 3 Jan, Millennium Point & CIRCUS Fri 2 Dec, Dog, Birmingham of art, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec Dec, Route 44, B’ham Eastside Park Hare & Hounds, PRIMAL SCREAM INSPIRING KNOWLEDGE FROM THE JAM Sat 3 Exhibition that Birmingham Sun 4 Dec, O2 Ikon Gallery Dec, The Robin, Bilston celebrates the opening of the univer- JAWS Fri 2 Dec, The Institute, Birmingham NEW ROGER HIORNS Birmingham-born sity's new library by showcasing Rainbow Venues, BUFFALO SUMMER Sat 3 THE SAW DOCTORS Sun artist Roger Hiorns focuses on vari- groundbreaking works from the past Birmingham Dec, The Asylum, 4 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, ous aspects of modern life - often Birmingham 500 years, until Fri 30 June, The PANIC ROOM Fri 2 Dec, Wolverhampton through current affairs - closely University of Birmingham GARY BLAND Sat 3 Dec, NEW MECHANICAL THINGS: The Robin, Bilston SWAMPY'S XMASSACRE analysing behaviour and materials, Blue Piano Restaurant ADVENTURES AND INVENTIONS FROM ROD STEWART Fri 2 - Sat Sun 4 Dec, The and what is assumed or taken for And Bar, Birmingham granted, Wed 7 Dec - Sun 5 Mar THE WORLD OF ROWLAND EMETT Roadhouse, B’ham NEW ROBERT GROVES - FIRST LIGHT A Showcasing some of Rowland selection of pastel drawings by Emett's most significant works, Robert Groves, a founder artist of including the original Chitty Chitty Ikon, inspired by the gardens of Bang Bang car, Thurs 1 Dec - Sun 5 Packwood House, Warwickshire, Mar, Thinktank at Millennium Point, Wed 7 Dec - Sun 5 Mar Birmingham NEW INSTAGRAMERS OF BIRMINGHAM RBSA Gallery EXHIBITION IGersBirmingham was established in 2012 with the aim of NEW START Works including jewellery, developing an Instagram photogra- ceramics and textiles, as well as phy community in the city to pro- drawing, painting and printmaking. mote photography in and of An opportunity to purchase original Birmingham. This is the first exhibi- artwork for £300 or less, Fri 30 Dec - tion which will feature a collection of Sat 11 Feb images from instameets (regular get- togethers) and a Photo Of The Day The Barber Institute post featuring the city, Sat 3 Dec, Nest, Digbeth BURIED TREASURES Exhibition explor- Eliza And The Bear - O2 Academy, Birmingham

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1 - 5 Dec - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:41 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December Classical Music Comedy Gigs

ALISON BALSOM WITH THE ZURICH KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Programme 1 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall includes works by Mozart, Hummel & STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Thurs 1 Shostakovich, Thurs 1 Dec, Dec, mac, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 1 Dec, HANDEL’S MESSIAH Featuring the City The Victoria, Birmingham of Birmingham Choir, Alison Roddy (soprano), Fri 2 Dec, Symphony Hall MITCH BENN, CARL DONNELLY, ANGIE BELCHER & GEORGE ZACH Thurs 1 Dec, MI LUNA Spanish early music with a The George Hotel, Lichfield modern twist, Fri 2 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove ANDREW O'NEILL Thurs 1 Dec, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton FLORENTINE ARTS ENSEMBLE: DAHL'S NORWEGIAN LANDSCAPE Programme ED GAMBLE, JIMMY MCGHIE, JOHN includes works by Grieg, Fri 2 Dec, FOTHERGILL & ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 1 The Barber Institute, Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham BRASS CLASSICS AT ADVENT GEOFF BOYZ, EDDIE BRIMSON, MATT Programme includes works by WELCOME & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Mahler, Saint-Saens, Berlioz arr. Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Dec, The Comedy Brand & Dvorak arr. Tarling, Fri 2 Loft, Birmingham Birmingham Big Art Project Dec, St Paul’s Church, Birmingham JOHN SIMMIT, RUDI LICKWOOD, BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY SINGERS AND ANNETTE FAGON & ROGER D Fri 2 Dec, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 10 December - Sun 23 April UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CHOIR mac, Birmingham Stopping off at the Museum & Art Gallery on the final leg of its tour - Featuring Simon Carrington (choir ANDREW BIRD, ED GAMBLE, JIMMY having already been displayed at the Library of Birmingham and the director). Programme includes works MCGHIE & JOHN FOTHERGILL Fri 2 - Sat by Guerrero, Lully, Berlioz, Poulenc, 3 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham city’s Millennium Point - the Big Art Project exhibition features five proposals by five artists for ‘the most ambitious public art commis- Dove, Byrd, Legrenzi & Raminish, STEPHEN K AMOS Sat 3 Dec, Old Rep Fri 2 Dec, The Bramall, University Of Theatre, Birmingham sion in Birmingham’s long history’. Once created, the £2million com- Birmingham mission will be situated to the east of the city centre, at a site that THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS UNIVERSITY CHORUS Programme Sun 4 Dec, mac, Birmingham will become a busy arrival point following the construction of includes Vaughan Williams' In Birmingham’s High-Speed Railway Station (HS2). Windsor Forest & George Shearing's Visitors to this month’s exhibition are being encouraged to share Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare, Sat 3 Dec, The Bramall, University Of their opinions on all five proposals. The winning proposal will be Birmingham chosen next month. EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Theatre CANDLELIGHT Sat 3 Dec, St Peter's Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton RELATIVELY SPEAKING The Crescent short supply. Directed by RSC new characters in what promises to DI XIAO PIANO RECITAL Sat 3 Dec, Holy Theatre Company present an ama- Deputy Artistic Director Erica be a ‘high-octane and utterly hilari- Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield teur production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Whyman, until Fri 10 Feb, The Swan ous show’, Fri 2 Dec, The Old Joint comedy of mistaken identity, until Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Stock Theatre, Birmingham Sat 3 Dec, Crescent Theatre, B’ham THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic TREASURE ISLAND Luke Players pres- GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE The restoration comedy, set in the ent Phil Willmott’s adaptation of the Birmingham Stage Company pres- topsy-turvy world of the carnival. Robert Louis Stevenson classic, Fri 2 ents its acclaimed version of Roald Loveday Ingram returns to the RSC - Sat 3 Dec, mac, Birmingham Dahl's much-loved story, until Sat 3 to direct, until Sat 11 Feb, The A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Crescent Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre Company presents its ver- THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An irrever- DIRTY DANCING The story of Baby sion of Charles Dickens’ festive tale, ent and playful take on Kenneth and Jonny, told through heart- Sat 3 - Sat 17 Dec, Crescent Grahame's classic children's story, pounding music and sensationally Theatre, Birmingham until Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep sexy dancing, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 SLEEPING BEAUTY Casting includes Theatre, Birmingham Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY CBeebies star Rebecca Keatley as ORCHESTRA - PROMS NIGHT TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s BROKEN BISCUITS Paines Plough & Princess Aurora and Sam Rabone SPECTACULAR Programme includes modern adaptation of Robert Louis Live Theatre present a heartwarm- as Nurse Kelly. Children's entertain- works by Puccini, Wagner, Walton, Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, ing coming-of-age story, Tues 29 er Ben Thornton and author Ian John Williams & Beethoven, Sat 3 until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, B’ham Nov - Sat 3 Dec, The REP, B’ham Billings also star, Sat 3 Dec - Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Garrick Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- THE FESTIVE FOOTSIE CLUB Featuring PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA cal exploration of revenge, forgive- femme fatales, quirky comedy and Programme includes works by ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 ‘extraordinary performances to sur- Dvorak & Shostakovich, Sun 4 Dec, Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, prise and delight...’ Thurs 1 Dec, The Bramall, University Of Stratford-upon-Avon Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Birmingham THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on ORLANDO Little Earthquake direct Dance EX CATHEDRA: A BRAZILIAN CHRISTMAS Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Sarah Ruhl's staging of Virginia THE NUTCRACKER - BRB Brimming Featuring the Ex Cathedra Consort & Two Noble Kinsmen is attributed to Woolf's gender-bending novel, with festive energy, this ballet is the Baroque Orchestra. Jeffrey Skidmore John Fletcher & William Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Dec, George perfect Christmas treat for the entire conducts, Sun 4 Dec, Birmingham Shakespeare and is best described Cadbury Hall (University Of Town Hall family, until Tues 13 Dec, as a tragicomedy exploring the Birmingham) Birmingham Hippodrome MONDAY SHOWCASE Featuring Yue Yu intoxication and strangeness of FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS THE WOLF AND PETER Coisceim (viola), Gyorgy Hodoszo (piano), love, until Tues 7 Feb, The Swan Adrian Berry’s acclaimed tale of a Michael Lam (baritone) & Jonathan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Dance Theatre present an energetic young David Bowie obsessive, Fri 2 staging of the timeless story of French (piano). Programme includes THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders Dec, mac, Birmingham works by Vieuxtemps, Liszt, Mozart, courage and imagination, Fri 2 - Sat Lustgarten’s visceral new play con- Schubert & Brahms, Mon 5 Dec, TINA TURNER: TEA LADY AND FRIENDS 3 Dec, DanceXchange, B’ham fronts the dangerous necessity of Recital Hall, Birmingham Character comedian Tracey Collins compassion, in a world where it’s in Conservatoire returns to the OJS with a range of

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List 1 - 5 Dec - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:41 Page 3 The List 1 - 5 Dec - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:41 Page 4

thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December Talks Events

AN EVENING WITH ARCHERS ACTRESS TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT SUNNY ORMONDE Sat 3 Dec, Artrix, THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until - Bromsgrove Fri 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON SANTA BOAT TRIPS Join the broadcaster and comedian Why take the kids to Lapland to see Santa this as he talks about his debut novel, Christmas when they can visit him by Holding, Sun 4 Dec, Symphony boat in his underground grotto deep Hall, Birmingham in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day out for all the family, combining a four-mile self-drive safari with a visit to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in front of a crackling fire in the Great Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Christmas Revels By The Fireside - Aston Hall, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS DIGBETH FIRST FRIDAY Digbeth comes take home, Sat 3 Dec, Manor House MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, alive on the first Friday of each Museum, West Bromwich Birmingham City Centre month with exhibitions, late-night UK DRONE SHOW Europe's largest Film SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until openings, special events, culture in gathering of drones, drone racers, Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, unexpected spaces, live music, street RC cars, robot fighting and con- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Tamworth food and more..., Fri 2 Dec, Digbeth sumer technology, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy CHRISTMAS REVELS BY THE FIRESIDE NEC, Birmingham the guaranteed snowfall over the Settle around the magnificent CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND Island of Sodar, meet Father Jacobean fireplace for some festive time and take part in some seasonal THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Christmas and catch a ride on storytelling and join in the seasonal activities, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Black Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton songs performed by the Birmingham Country Living Museum, Dudley Miller. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Manor Theme Park, Tamworth City Council Choir, Fri 2 Dec, Aston until Thurs 1 Dec Hall, Birmingham VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Soak up the MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page seasonal atmosphere and revel in A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, WINTER ART FAIR Showcasing afford- traditional celebrations and entertain- Biography/Drama. Starring David Birmingham Botanical Gardens able artworks, artist books and edi- ment, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Blists Hill, Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Electric THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See tions, music and homemade refresh- Ironbridge, Shropshire Cinema, Birmingham, until Thurs 1 Packwood dressed for Christmas by ments, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, Eastside Dec; The Mockingbird, Birmingham, SANTA HUNTS Fun-filled search for professional artist Jennifer Collier, Projects, Birmingham until Thurs 8 Dec Santa, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Black until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, THE CLOTHES SHOW 2016 See page 47 Country Living Museum, Dudley ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING (15) Solihull for details. Fri 2 - Tues 6 Dec, NEC, Documentary. Starring Nick Cave. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun Birmingham Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs Santa stars in his very own show and to be had at the ice rink located near KINGS HEATH FARMERS MARKET Sat 3 1 Dec has a gift for every child, Sat 3 - Sun the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until Dec, All Saints' Church, Birmingham 4 Dec, Cadbury World, Birmingham PHILADELPHIA (12) Drama. Starring Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington. CHRISTMAS SWAGS SWING Sat 3 - Sun Birmingham Learn the history of the craft and the Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 1 Dec 4 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, NATIVITY TRAIL Follow the stars, techniques needed to create your Wolverhampton ZARAFA (PG) Animation/Family. mac, answering the Christmas questions own wreath, Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham RAGLEY BY CANDLELIGHT Birmingham, Sat 3 Dec as you go, before reaching the live Back to Backs Festive music from a local choir, mulled BLUE COLLAR (18) Crime/Drama. Nativity scene in the barn buildings. WINTER MARKET Sat 3 Dec, The Bond wine, mince pies and a guided walk Starring Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel. You may even be lucky enough to Complex, Birmingham around the candlelit State Rooms, mac, Birmingham, Sun 4 Dec see a new-born baby donkey, until Sun 8 Jan, Bodenham Arboretum, CHRISTMAS CAROLS WITH FAIR Sat 3 Sat 3 - Sun 11 Dec, Ragley Hall, BOYZ N THE HOOD (15) Crime/Drama. Kidderminster Dec, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Alcester Starring Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding ART LATES: BUBBLES & BLUES An CHRISTMAS AT THE VALLEY Sat 3 - Sat Jnr. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, DECK THE HALLS Browse stalls and evening of art, bubbles and blues 24 Dec, Sandwell Park Farm, West Sun 4 Dec visit Father Christmas in his grotto, Thurs 1 Dec, Manor House Museum, music, Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham Bromwich West Bromwich Museum And Art Gallery CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BUS TOUR Sun 4 CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS Take a CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Featuring Dec, Birmingham City Centre NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: magical steam train journey along carol singing, costumed guided tours ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 4 and a children's Christmas Lanterns Released from Fri 2 December, the Severn Valley in the company of Dec, Bantock House & Park, craft activity, Sat 3 Dec, Museum of showing at selected cinemas Father Christmas, Thurs 1 Dec, Wolverhampton Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham BLEED FOR THIS (15) VITALITY NETBALL INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES SERIES Sun 4 Dec, Ricoh Arena, CHI-RAQ (15) See page 45 for details, Thurs 1 Dec Meet the world’s most famous detec- Coventry EAT THAT QUESTION (15) - Sun 4 Dec, NEC, Birmingham tive, Sherlock Holmes, as he’s called upon to solve the greatest mystery of CHRISTMAS MAGIC LANTERN SHOW MOANA (15) CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES all time, Sat 3 Dec, Severn Valley Step back in time and witness a tra- MOLLY MOON AND THE INCREDIBLE Guided tours of the Hall exploring Country Park, Bridgnorth ditional Victorian magic lantern show, BOOK OF HYPNOTISM (U) Christmas throughout the ages. Sun 4 Dec, Blakesley Hall, Pomander-making sessions and A FROZEN CHRISTMAS AND SANTA Birmingham SULLY (12a) SATURDAY Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Wassailing included as part of the POSTMAN PAT AND JESS THE CAT MEET THE UNKNOWN GIRL (tbc) Sven in a special singalong show, tour, Thurs 1 - Thurs 22 Dec, AND GREET Sun 4 Dec, Resorts World, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham then meet Santa - who may have a little Christmas surprise for you to Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List 5 - 11 Dec - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:39 Page 1

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 December

The Roadhouse, LILLI UNWIN Fri 9 Dec, GAVIN WEBSTER, MATT REED, STEPHEN Gigs Birmingham Symphony Hall, Classical Music BAILEY & STEVE SHANYASKI Thurs 8 - UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Birmingham Sat 10 Dec, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Thurs 8 Dec - Sat 10 THE ZZ TOPS Tribute to PAUL MCCAFFERY, ANDY ASKINS, TOM EDWINA HAYES Mon 5 BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE TRIO Dec, The Jam House, ZZ Top. Sat 10 Dec, STADE & COMIC TBC Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Dec, Crescent Theatre, Programme includes works by Philip Birmingham The Roadhouse, Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Glass, Rachmaninov, Ravel, Roxanna ROY WOOD ROCK & ROLL Birmingham REEVES & MORTIMER Fri 9 Dec, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE, Panufnik & Mendelssohn, Tues 6 BAND Thurs 8 Dec, The BIG COUNTRY Sat 10 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham SILVERSTEIN & THE Dec, Recital Hall, Birmingham Robin, Bilston Dec, The Copper DEVIL WEARS PRADA Conservatoire KEN DODD Sat 10 Dec, Civic Hall, Rooms, Coventry Mon 5 Dec, The THE BOOTLEG BEATLES LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS MUSIC WITH Wolverhampton Asylum, Birmingham Thurs 8 Dec, THE ULTIMATE EAGLES THE CHORISTERS OF WESTMINSTER MICKEY SHARMA Sat 10 Dec, mac, Symphony Hall, Sat 10 Dec, The Robin, UNIVERSITY CAROL ABBEY Featuring James O’Donnell Birmingham Birmingham Bilston SERVICE Mon 5 Dec, (conductor) & Thomas Trotter The Bramall, UNCLE ACID & THE GORDON HENDRICKS IS (organ), Wed 7 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham University DEADBEATS Thurs 8 ELVIS Sat 10 Dec, Birmingham Dec, The Rainbow Artrix, Bromsgrove SLOWCOACHES Mon 5 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY Venues, Birmingham Dec, The Sunflower KING PLEASURE AND THE ORCHESTRA WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI Theatre Lounge, Birmingham THE FRATELLIS Thurs 8 BISCUIT BOYS Sat 10 Featuring Omer Meir Wellber (con- Dec, O2 Institute, Dec, Lichfield Guildhall ductor). Programme includes works ALADDIN Midland Academy of AGAINST ME! Tues 6 by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky & Musical Theatre presents its version Birmingham REAL FRIENDS Sat 10 Dec, O2 Academy, R. Strauss, Wed 7 Dec, Symphony of the festive favourite, until Fri 9 PLACEBO Thurs 8 Dec, Dec, The Asylum, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Dec, The Blue Orange, Birmingham Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham FAULKNER Tues 6 Dec - CBSO CENTRE STAGE: WIND SERENADE TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s Birmingham LEVELLERS Sat 10 Dec, Wed 7 Dec, The Jam Programme includes works by modern adaptation of Robert Louis PIXIES Thurs 8 Dec, O2 Academy, B’ham House, Birmingham Hummel, Mozart & Dvorak arr. Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, O2 Academy, B’ham EWAN MCLENNAN, BLACK ROSE CADILLAC Clements, Thurs 8 Dec, CBSO until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, JIMMY ALDRIDGE & SID DANIEL LIONEYE Thurs 8 Sat 10 Dec, O2 Centre, Birmingham Birmingham Dec, The Slade Academy, Birmingham GOLDSMITH Tues 6 Dec, CBSO: WHITE CHRISTMAS Featuring Rooms, CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s Kitchen Garden Cafe, HUMAN LEAGUE Sat 10 Richard Balcombe (conductor) & favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as Birmingham Wolverhampton Dec, Barclaycard Graham Bickley, Mary Carewe, Buttons, alongside panto favourite ROACHFORD Tues 6 JAZZ COLLECTIVE Arena, Birmingham Emma Kershaw & Maurice Clarke Christian Patterson and Simon Dec, The Robin, Bilston CHRISTIMAS SWING- THE MODFATHERS Sat 10 (vocalists), Fri 9 Dec, Symphony Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, Thurs 8 ALONG Thurs 8 Dec, BULLET FOR MY Dec, The Actress & Hall, Birmingham Dec - Sun 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, The Bramall, University VALENTINE Tues 6 Dec, Bishop, Birmingham BCMG: SOUND INVESTMENT 25TH Stoke-on-Trent of Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham MAGNUM Sat 10 Dec, ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Featuring THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- LARKIN POE Fri 9 Dec, BEANS ON TOAST Tues 6 Wulfrun Hall, Thomas Ades (conductor) & cal exploration of revenge, forgive- O2 Institute, B’ham Dec, Hare & Hounds, Wolverhampton Elizabeth Atherton (soprano), Sat 10 ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 Dec, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Birmingham JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO THE OVERTONES Sat 10 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, DAVID BOWIE Fri 9 Dec, THEME PARK Tues 6 Dec, Symphony Hall, SUTTON COLDFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY & Stratford-upon-Avon The Roadhouse, B’ham ORCHESTRA: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat 10 Dec, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SLEEPING BEAUTY Casting includes Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Birmingham ROBYN GORDON Fri 9 ABSOLUTE BOWIE Sat 10 CBeebies star Rebecca Keatley as Dec, O2 Institute, HEART OF GOLD Tues 6 Dec, O2 Academy, HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA Featuring Princess Aurora and Sam Rabone Birmingham Dec, The Sunflower Birmingham Charlotte Moseley (soprano). as Nurse Kelly. Children's entertain- Programme includes works by Lounge, Birmingham GO WEST Fri 9 Dec, EASTWOOD Sat 10 Dec, er Ben Thornton and author Ian Mendelssohn, Prokofiev & Elgar, Sat The Robin, Bilston Katie Fitzgerald's, Billings also star, until Sat 31 Dec, JAMES Wed 7 Dec, 10 Dec, Cornbow Hall, Halesowen Civic Hall, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Stourbridge Lichfield Garrick CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY Wolverhampton Fri 9 Dec, Civic Hall, SUPER FURRY ANIMALS THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a Sun 11 Dec, Symphony Hall, Wolverhampton Sat 10 Dec, O2 brand new staging of Raymond THE FRANKIE VALLI Birmingham STORY - JERSEY BOY ONE STOP BOOGIE Fri 9 Institute, Birmingham Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- FEAT: STEPHEN JAMES Dec, The River Rooms, LTJ BUKEM Sat 10 & ous wintry tale, Mon 5 - Sat 31 Dec, Wed 7 Dec, The Robin, Stourbridge Sun 11 Dec, Hare & mac, Birmingham Bilston THE BAD FLOWERS Fri 9 Hounds, Birmingham ONCE UPON A TIME: THE STAR PROJ- MARTIN HARLEY Wed 7 Dec, Route 44, B’ham RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS Comedy Gigs ECT Mark Nicholls’ original story Dec, Hare & Hounds, FULLSHORE, ROOK Sat 10 Dec - Sun 11 starts after the famous Disney stars Birmingham CRUTCHES, THE BRAZEN Dec, Genting Arena, have had their ‘happy ever after’, MARTHA TILSTON Wed 7 Fri 9 Dec, The Actress Birmingham CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 6 Dec, Tues 6 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove The Dark Horse, Birmingham Dec, The Red Lion Folk & Bishop, Birmingham THE LINDISFARNE STORY DICK WHITTINGTON AND THE PI-RATS OF Club, Birmingham JON PLEASED WIMMIN Sun 11 Dec, Lichfield JOJO SMITH, PAUL MCCAFFERY, TOM THE CARIBBEAN Tues 6 - Sun 11 Dec, CLAY Wed 7 Dec, The Fri 9 Dec, Hare & Guildhall STADE & COMIC TBC Wed 7 Dec, The Rugeley Rose Theatre, Rugeley Glee Club, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Hounds, Birmingham BEARTOOTH Sun 11 WHAT THE DICKENS? Foghorn Birmingham THE AMITY AFFLICTION Dec, O2 Institute, JOSH WIDDICOMBE Thurs 8 Dec, Civic Unscripted present a series of BULLET FOR MY Fri 9 Dec, O2 Institute, Birmingham Hall, Wolverhampton improvised stories twisted by the VALENTINE PLAY THE Birmingham REUBEN JAMES TRIO & GARY DELANEY, LLOYD GRIFFITH, DAVID audience, Wed 7 Dec, Artrix, POISON Wed 7 Dec, O2 LORDS OF BLACK Fri 9 TROPE Sun 11 Dec, The MORGAN Thurs 8 Dec, The Bramall, Bromsgrove Academy, Birmingham Dec, The Asylum, Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham ALADDIN Midland Academy of BIFFY CLYRO Wed 7 Birmingham BOLLYWOOD MASTI Sun Musical Theatre presents its version Dec, Barclaycard BLUE SILK Fri 9 Dec, 11 Dec, mac, of the festive favourite, Wed 7 - Fri 9 Arena, Birmingham Blue Piano Restaurant Birmingham Dec, The Blue Orange, Birmingham EMMA JONSON QUARTET And Bar, Birmingham TEARING IT UP FOR XMAS THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Wed 7 Dec, Blue Piano OF KINGS AND CAPTAINS Sun 11 Dec, The Innovative new writing, absurd Restaurant And Bar, Fri 9 Dec, Katie Roadhouse, B’ham humour and an entire improvised Birmingham Fitzgerald's, WEIRD DREAMS Sun 11 scene come together in this GALACTIC EMPIRE Wed 7 Stourbridge Dec, The Sunflower ‘Christmas show with a difference’, Dec, O2 Academy, USED & ABUSED Fri 9 Lounge, Birmingham Wed 7 - Fri 9 Dec, Old Joint Stock Birmingham Dec, The Rainbow Theatre, Birmingham THE AC30'S Wed 7 Dec, Venues, Birmingham BLITHE SPIRIT Birmingham School of

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 5 - 11 Dec - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:39 Page 2 Why The Wh

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 December

Acting present its version of Noel Christmas and catch a ride on greatest in games, music and drone Coward’s comic play, Wed 7 - Sat Film Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton racing, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Dec, NEC, 10 Dec, The Crescent Theatre, Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Birmingham Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page FATHER CHRISTMAS' LIVING ROOM Sat A CHRISTMAS CAROL Chapterhouse 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, 10 Dec, Birmingham Back to Backs, Theatre bring Charles Dickens’ fes- Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham tive story to life via period costume, TOP FIVE (15) Comedy/Romance. THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CONCERT Free song, dance and a ‘magnificent’ Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Packwood dressed for Christmas by charity carol concert raising money original musical score, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Dawson. mac, Birmingham, Fri 9 Dec professional artist Jennifer Collier, for Heart Research UK at Dec, mac, Birmingham THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (PG) until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Sat ALADDIN Ben Crocker’s version of Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah Solihull 10 Dec, Brindleyplace, Birmingham the much-loved pantomime, Fri 9 - Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun EDWARDIAN TEAROOMS LATE: MUPPETS Sat 17 Dec, Hall Green Little Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 9 Dec to be had at the ice rink located near CHRISTMAS CAROL Sat 10 Dec, Theatre, Sutton Coldfield THE RETURN OF THE KING (12) the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah TUDOR CHRISTMAS AT BLAKESLEY HALL Birmingham comedy thriller that sees a host of Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric See Blakesley Hall dressed for a characters invited to a party in a Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 11 Dec NATIVITY TRAIL Follow the stars, Tudor Christmas and meet Tudor mysterious house on a remote THE TWO TOWERS (12) answering the Christmas questions characters preparing for the Yuletide island, Fri 9 - Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah as you go, before reaching the live festivities, Sat 10 Dec, Blakesley Hall, Garrick Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric Nativity scene in the barn buildings. Birmingham Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 10 Dec You may even be lucky enough to DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adven- see a new-born baby donkey, until IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) ture, secrets, songs, dance and Sun 8 Jan, Bodenham Arboretum, Family/Fantasy. Starring James trickery are the order of the day in Kidderminster this festive favourite, written by and Stewart, Donna Reed. Electric CHRISTMAS EVENINGS AT BADDESLEY starring Midlands stalwart Malcolm Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sat 24 Enjoy Christmas decorations by can- Stent, Fri 9 - Sat 31 Dec, The Core, Dec dlelight, followed by a three-course Solihull THERE WILL BE BLOOD (15) Drama. festive supper, Mon 5 Dec, Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER Mr B Baddesley Clinton, Solihull continues his ongoing quest to Dano. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 11 Dec SPORTING LUNCH WITH PHIL TUFNELL reconnect hip-hop with manners Mon 5 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme and the Queen’s English, Sat 10 Park, Tamworth Dec, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Birmingham AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS Released from Fri 9 Dec, showing at Voices of Tantallon sing a wide vari- FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CONCERT Charity ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- selected cinemas ety of festive music, Mon 5 Dec - Christmas concert in the ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY (tbc) Tues 6 Dec, Wightwick Manor, Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and Brindleyplace bandstand in aid of Wolverhampton Heart Research UK, Sat 10 Dec, ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, Sat 10 BIRTH OF A NATION (15) TUESDAY TILE DECORATING Brindleyplace, Birmingham Dec - Sun 22 Jan, Wolverhampton THE PASS (15) WORKSHOPS Activities vary from day KINGS NORTON FARMERS' MARKET Sat Grand Theatre SNOWDEN (15) to day, Tues 6 Dec, Jackfield Tile 10 Dec, The Green, Kings Norton, WIFI WARS Live comedy game show Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire Birmingham where audience participation is CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Discover, play AN EVENING WITH SANTA Charity event compulsory, Sun 11 Dec, mac, and create with your child, Tues 6 Birmingham to raise funds for the zoo's new Snow Dec, Bilston Craft Gallery, Leopard enclosure project, Sat 10 Events Wolverhampton Dec, Dudley Zoological Gardens CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS Take a CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT magical steam train journey along time and take part in some seasonal, THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until Fri the Severn Valley in the company of activities, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Black Dance 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Father Christmas and your class- Country Living Museum, Dudley Birmingham mates, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Dec, Severn KEEP DANCING Brand new dance Valley Railway, Bridgnorth CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS show celebrating the world of SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids Santa stars in his very own show and CHRISTMAS EVENINGS AT BADDESLEY Ballroom and Latin, featuring Robin to Lapland to see Santa this has a gift for every child, Sat 10 - Enjoy Christmas decorations by can- Windsor and other special celebrity Christmas when they can visit him by Sun 11 Dec, Cadbury World, dlelight, followed by a three-course guests from Strictly Come Dancing, boat in his underground grotto deep Birmingham in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 festive supper, Wed 7 Dec, Tues 6 Dec - Sat 10 Dec, New LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION General Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Championship Dog Show licensed Limestone Mines CHRISTMAS EVENING TOUR A tour of ROMEO & JULIET Ballet Cymru pres- by the Kennel Club, Sat 10 - Sun 11 SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day the house, beautifully dressed for ents a choreographed staging of Dec, NEC, Birmingham out for all the family, combining a Christmas, followed by a two-course the greatest love story of all time, 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Taste tradi- four-mile self-drive safari with a visit supper, Wed 7 Dec, Packwood tional Christmas recipes, see the Sat 10 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West House, Solihull house decorated with traditional Midland Safari and Leisure Park, CHRISTMAS EVENINGS AT BADDESLEY greenery, toast bread over the open Bewdley Enjoy Christmas decorations by can- fire in the hall and much more, Sat CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in dlelight, followed by a three-course 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, front of a crackling fire in the Great festive supper, Fri 9 Dec, Baddesley Wolverhampton Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide Clinton, Solihull SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a Talks decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS magical festive sleepover at one Baddesley Clinton, Solihull JOHNNY MARR: SET THE BOY FREE In Stroll through the museum’s beauti- Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 11 conversation with John Robb, The BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS fully decorated gas-lit streets and Dec, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent take in the sights, sounds and smells Smiths guitarist talks about his tran- MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, of a magical Christmas past, Fri 9 - CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING sition from roaming the streets of Birmingham City Centre Sat 10 Dec, Black Country Living Learn the history of the craft and the Manchester to constantly pushing SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Museum, Dudley techniques needed to create a musical boundaries, Fri 9 Dec, Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, wreath, Sun 11 Dec, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Tamworth CIRCUSMASH PRESENTS MAD WORLD Back to Backs WINTER SHOWCASE Fri 9 - Sat 10 Dec, DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy CircusMASH, Birmingham HUNT FOR SANTA Sun 11 Dec, Manor the guaranteed snowfall over the House Museum, West Bromwich Island of Sodar, meet Father INSOMNIA59 Featuring the latest and

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 12 - 18 Dec - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:44 Page 1

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 December Birmingham 17 Dec, The Robin, 17 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Gigs THE LINDISFARNE STORY Bilston Classical Music BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: NINE Thurs 15 Dec, The MADNESS Sat 17 Dec, LESSONS & CAROLS Featuring Paul Robin, Bilston Barclaycard Arena, Spice (conductor) & Paul Carr KULA SHAKER Mon 12 DANIELLE DE NIESE Intimate concert Birmingham (organist), Sun 18 Dec, St Alban the Dec, O2 Institute, KORN & LIMP BIZKIT with ‘operas coolest soprano’, Mon Martyr Church, Birmingham Birmingham Thurs 15 Dec, IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC 12 Dec, Recital Hall, Birmingham Barclaycard Arena, ROCK DISCO Sat 17 Dec, WHITE TYGER & WHITE Conservatoire Birmingham Route 44, Birmingham COAST REBELS Mon 12 JOHN RUTTER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRA- Dec, The Robin, Bilston NE-YO Thurs 15 Dec, BEAT GOES BANG Sat 17 TION Featuring the Royal O2 Academy, B’ham Dec, Hare & Hounds, JAMES TW Mon 12 Dec Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter Birmingham The Sunflower Lounge, WAVES AGAINST TIDES (conductor), Elin Manahan Thomas Birmingham Thurs 15 Dec, The DARK SIDE OF THE WALL (soprano), Melanie Marshall (mezzo- Roadhouse, B’ham Sat 17 Dec, The soprano), Andrew Lucas (organ), THE DYLAN PROJECT Choristers of St Albans Cathedral & DEVILMENT Thurs 15 Roadhousem, B’ham Tues 13 Dec, The The Bach Choir, Mon 12 Dec, Dec, The Slade FREESTYLE XMAS PARTY Robin, Bilston Symphony Hall, Birmingham Rooms, WITH DJ FORMAT Sat 17 MIST Tues 13 Dec, O2 Wolverhampton Dec, Hare & Hounds, THE TALLIS SCHOLARS: A RENAISSANCE Institute, Birmingham CHRISTMAS Programme includes CLUTCH Fri 16 Dec, O2 Birmingham BOB LOG III Tues 13 works by Victoria, Part, Sheppard, Institute, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS BALL FOR BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Dec, Hare & Hounds, Britten, Tavener & Tallis, Tues 13 Dec, A MODERN WORLD Sat TRA featuring the City Of Birmingham Birmingham FULLY LOADED & VON Symphony Hall, Birmingham Choir, Michael Lloyd (conductor) & KRYSTAL ROXZ Fri 16 17 Dec, O2 Institute, KING NO ONE Tues 13 CBSO: ENIGMA VARIATIONS Featuring Alison Roddy (soprano). Programme Dec, Route 44, B’ham Birmingham Dec, The Rainbow Vassily Sinaisky (conductor) & includes works by Stravinsky, WOLFTOWN Sat 17 Dec, Venues, Birmingham STATUS QUO Fri 16 Dec, Behzod Abduraimov (piano). Bernstein, Respighi & Tchaikovsky, Barclaycard Arena, The Slade Rooms, Sun 18 Dec, The Bramall, University JORJA SMITH Tues 13 Programme includes works by Birmingham Wolverhampton Of Birmingham Dec, The Sunflower Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens & Elgar, FOREVER YOUNG - Lounge, Birmingham SLADE Fri 16 Dec, The Tues 13 Dec, Symphony Hall, Robin, Bilston BANDS & DJS Sat 17 Birmingham THE URBAN VOODOO Dec, Wulfrun Hall, MESSIAN: LA NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR MACHINE Wed 14 Dec, HELLS BELLS Fri 16 Wolverhampton The Robin, Bilston Dec, The Roadhouse, Enjoy this testament to Olivier Birmingham THE TWANG Sat 17 Dec, Messiaen’s faith, inspired by the birth Comedy Gigs AREA 11 Wed 14 Dec, O2 Academy, of Jesus, performed by members of GARY WHITTINGHAM & The Asylum, B’ham Birmingham the Birmingham Conservatoire organ SMOKIN’ ADE WAKELIN BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS department, Wed 14 Dec, St Chad’s Fri 16 Dec, Blue Piano METROPOLITAN BRASS Mon 12 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove RHYTHM AND BLUES QUINTET Sat 17 Dec, Cathedral, Birmingham Restaurant And Bar, SEANN WALSH Tues 13 Dec, Artrix, ORCHESTRA Wed 14 - Symphony Hall, THE BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR MALE Birmingham Bromsgrove Thurs 15 Dec, Birmingham CHOIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS UNDER A BANNER WITH Symphony Hall, B’ham CONCERT Thurs 15 Dec, Birmingham JO ENRIGHT, CHARMIAN HUGHES ALI HEADSTICKS Fri 16 Dec, THE DELRAY ROCKETS ALISON EVE Wed 14 Town Hall WARWOOD & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed The Slade Rooms, Sun 18 Dec, The Dec, The Red Lion Folk 14 Dec, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham Wolverhampton Actress & Bishop, MIDLANDS HOSPITAL CHOIR: CHRIST- Club, Birmingham Birmingham MAS-IS-A-COMING Featuring James MICK FERRY, ROB DEERING, MIKE THE WILDHEARTS Fri 16 ABBA RIGINAL Wed 14 Llewelyn Jones (conductor), Gemini WILMOT & ANDY ROBINSON Wed 14 - Dec, Wulfrun Hall, ANDY MCKEE Sun 18 Dec, The Bramall, Brass (Ensemble), Richard Dawson Sat 17 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham Wolverhampton Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham University Birmingham (Organist), Kieran Jones (Soloist) & SCOTT CAPURRO, ABBIE SCHAMAUN & FESTIVE FAVOURITES THE CHRISTMAS SKA the Four Oaks Cluster Choir, Fri 16 BEC HILL Thurs 15 Dec, Lichfield WITH JESSICA HYNES Fri TOUCHSTONE Sun 18 PARTY FEATURING THE Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Garrick 16 Dec - Mon 19 Dec, Dec, The Robin, Bilston NEVILLE STAPLE BAND, BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE REPER- Symphony Hall, B’ham SUNDAY CLASSICS Sun CHARLIE BAKER, PAUL TONKINSON TALISMAN & BUSTER TOIRE ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele 18 Dec, The Spotted Thurs 15 Dec, Station Pub, Sutton SHUFFLE Wed 14 Dec, THE EBONY QUARTET Fri Rosina (conductor) & Nafis Dog, Birmingham Coldfield Birmingham Town Hall 16 Dec, Birmingham Umerkulova (piano). Programme Museum And Art DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Sun ROB ROUSE, RAY PEACOCK, VINCE ATTA SLOW CLUB Thurs 15 includes works by Liadov, Gallery 18 Dec, Kitchen & SEAN PERCIVAL Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Dec, Hare & Hounds, Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky, Fri 16 Garden Cafe, B’ham Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham GOD DAMN, JOHNNY Dec, Bramall Hall, Birmingham FOREIGNER & YOUTH SOUL CITY Sun 18 Dec, University MARK NELSON, JAY HANDLEY, MICKY P BAY CITY ROLLERS Thurs MAN Sat 10 & Sun 11 The Roadhouse, B’ham KERR & ADAM ROWE Sat 17 Dec, 15 Dec, Civic Hall, THE MIDLAND CHAMBER PLAYERS Fri 16 Dec, Hare & Hounds, Religion, Wolverhampton Wolverhampton YELLOWCARD Sun 18 Dec, The Birmingham & Midland Birmingham Dec, O2 Institute, Institute BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER SCHOOLBOY Q Thurs 15 Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, mac, SHOWADDYWADDY Sat Birmingham FESTIVE FAVOURITES WITH JESSICA Dec, O2 Institute, Birmingham HYNES Featuring Simon Halsey (conductor), Jessica Hynes (presenter) & TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Sun 18 Dec, the CBSO Choruses, Fri 16 - Mon 19 The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIE- TY Conducted by Kevin Gill, Sat 17 Dec, St John’s & St Peter’s Church, Ladywood, Birmingham Theatre METROPOLITAN BRASS QUINTET Sat 17 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a brand new staging of Raymond THE CHOIR WITH NO NAME: BIG CHRIST- Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- MAS SINGALONG Sat 17 Dec, The ous wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, Bramall, University Of Birmingham mac, Birmingham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS MAS CLASSICS Featuring Kevin New Whately (special guest reader), comedy thriller that sees a host of Adrian Lucas (conductor), Julia characters invited to a party in a Doyle (soprano), City of Birmingham mysterious house on a remote island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Jools Holland - Symphony Hall Choir & the Fanfare Trumpeters from the Band of the Queen’s Division, Sat Garrick 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 12 - 18 Dec - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:44 Page 2

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 December

DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adven- Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall CINEMA PARADISO (15) Drama. THE BEAR STORY READINGS Hear the ture, secrets, songs, dance and CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER- Starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo story of The Bear by Raymond trickery are the order of the day in ENDING NIGHTMARE An amalgama- Cannavale. Electric Cinema, Briggs, read by one of the cast. this festive favourite, written by and tion of bizarre, brave and beautiful Birmingham, Sat 17 Dec Perhaps you'll catch a sneaky glimpse of the big, friendly bear, Mon starring Midlands stalwart Malcolm acts, all woven into an Alice In BATMAN RETURNS (15) Action. Starring 12 Dec mac, Birmingham Stent, until Sat 31 Dec, The Core, Horrorland-type story, driven by a Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito. Solihull mainly original soundscape and Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17 AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s performed with a forked tongue Dec Voices of Tantallon sing a wide vari- modern adaptation of Robert Louis firmly in each cheek! Sat 17 Dec, HOME ALONE (PG) Comedy/Family. ety of festive music, Mon 12 - Tues Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Star City, Birmingham Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci. 13 Dec, Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE Brand Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17 Birmingham new adaptation of a timeless tale, - Sat 24 Dec TUESDAY TILE DECORATING CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, The Core, WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) WORKSHOPS Activities vary from day favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as Solihull Musical/Romance. Starring Bing to day, Tues 13 Dec, Jackfield Tile Crosby, Danny Kaye. This event Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire Buttons, alongside panto favourite THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to includes wine tasting. Electric GARDEN OF CURIOUS A-MUSE-MENTS Christian Patterson and Simon the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 18 Dec Interactive after-dark adventure, Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, until Sun Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, Sat 17 - Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Dec, 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Sat 31 Dec, The Blue Orange Shakespeare's New Place, Stratford- Trent Theatre, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: upon-Avon ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? The Bone Released from Fri 16 Dec, showing Festive show with a difference, fea- TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS Ensemble take audiences ‘on a at selected cinemas Stroll through the museum’s beauti- turing classic rock'n'roll hits from magical journey through an Arctic Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE (tbc) fully decorated gas-lit streets and world of soaring snow geese, pet take in the sights, sounds and smells James Brown, The Temptations, husky dogs and starry nights’, Sun THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (tbc) The Jackson Five, and many of a magical Christmas past, Fri 16 18 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove Dec - Sun 18 Dec, Black Country more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford Living Museum, Dudley Gatehouse Theatre A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL Evening of festive fun, Christmas comedy and CHRISTMASES PAST Experience the THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- seasonal song, Sun 18 - Tues 20 sights and sounds of the festive sea- cal exploration of revenge, forgive- Events Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham son from the 17th century right ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 through to the 1940s, Sat 17 Dec, Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT Aston Hall, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until Fri THE BEAR STORY READINGS Hear the ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, story of The Bear by Raymond ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa Talks Birmingham Briggs, read by one of the cast. Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids Perhaps you'll catch a sneaky ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun ALANATOMY Alan Carr talks about to Lapland to see Santa this glimpse of the big, friendly bear, Sat 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand his new memoir, a follow-up to his Christmas when they can visit him by 17 Dec, mac, Birmingham Theatre best-selling autobiography, Look boat in his underground grotto deep FATHER CHRISTMAS' LIVING ROOM Visit I, CORINNE DADAT Fiction and docu- Who It Is! Note that a copy of Alan’s in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 Santa in a traditional front room of mentary blend to paint a portrait of book is included in the ticket price, Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and the Back to Backs, Sat 17 Dec, a woman who’s invisible to most, Sat 17 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Limestone Mines Birmingham Back to Backs SANTA SAFARI Mon 12 - Tues 13 Dec, The REP, A magical festive day 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Taste tradi- Birmingham out for all the family, combining a tional Christmas recipes, see the four-mile self-drive safari with a visit A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL Evening of house decorated with traditional to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West festive fun, Christmas comedy and greenery, toast bread over the open Midland Safari and Leisure Park, seasonal song, Mon 12 - Tues 13 Film fire in the hall and much more, Sat Bewdley Dec, Highbury Hall, Birmingham 17 - Sun 18 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in Wolverhampton CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: front of a crackling fire in the Great CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Partridge stars as lawyer Billy Flynn Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide in a brand new UK tour of Kander & Santa stars in his very own show and BLUE VELVET (18) Mystery/Thriller. decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, has a gift for every child, Sat 17 - Ebb's smash-hit musical. Soul Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Queen Mica Paris stars as Mama Sun 18 Dec, Cadbury World, Hopper. Electric Cinema, BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Bournville Morton, while Coronation Street star Birmingham, Mon 12 Dec Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Birmingham City Centre Roxie Hart, Mon 12 - Sat 31 Dec, BAD SANTA (15) Comedy/Crime. SANTA TRAILS Meet the Victorian New Alexandra Theatre, Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until household, readying themselves for Birmingham Mac. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Santa’s annual visit, Sat 17 - Tues 20 Tues 13 Dec Tamworth Dec, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire DEAR SANTA Festive story which HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE (15) Comedy. promises to be ‘a perfect introduc- DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a Starring Robert Townsend, Anne- tion to theatre for two to seven-year- the guaranteed snowfall over the magical festive sleepover at one Marie Johnson. mac, Birmingham, olds’, Tues 13 Dec - Sat 24 Dec, Island of Sodar, meet Father Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sat 17 - Fri 16 Dec Lichfield Garrick Christmas and catch a ride on Fri 23 Dec, Alton Towers, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton Staffordshire THE 39 STEPS Award-winning, fast- Comedy/Family. Starring Michael Manor Theme Park, Tamworth paced whodunnit where over 150 CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in Caine, Dave Goelz. Electric Cinema, MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page zany characters are played by a time and take part in some seasonal Birmingham, Fri 16 - Mon 19 Dec 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, cast of four, Thurs 15 - Fri 23 Dec, activities, Sat 17 - Sat 24 Dec, Black ELF (PG) Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Comedy/Fantasy. Starring Country Living Museum, Dudley Will Ferrell, James Caan. Electric Birmingham THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Sat 24 Packwood dressed for Christmas by Gary Lineker, Claire Balding and ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE Dec professional artist Jennifer Collier, Gabby Logan celebrating the biggest WOOD All & Sundry presents its THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, sporting achievements of the year, annual festive offering - complete (PG) Family/Fantasy. With the voices Solihull Sun 18 Dec, Genting Arena, with corny gags, song, dance and of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon. ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun Birmingham plenty of audience participation, Fri Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 16 16 - Fri 23 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove to be had at the ice rink located near Dec the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until SNOW WHITE Singing sensation CAR WASH (PG) Comedy. Starring Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Lydia Borg stars in the title role of Richard Pryor, Franklyn Ajaye. mac, Birmingham this festive favourite, Fri 16 - Fri 30 Birmingham, Sat 17 Dec whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 19 - 25 December - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:43 Page 1

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 December Gigs Classical Music Theatre

URBAN INTRO Mon 19 - SING CAROLS WITH THE CITY ORGANIST THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a Wed 21 Dec, The Jam AND BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR brand new staging of Raymond House, Birmingham Featuring Marcus Huxley (musical Briggs’ heartwarming and humorous SWEET FEATURING ANDY director), Jeremy Nicholas (presenter) wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, mac, SCOTT Mon 19 Dec, & Thomas Trotter (organ), Mon 19 Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Dec, Birmingham Town Hall CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New JAMES YORKSTON Mon CBSO CENTRE STAGE: A PALM COURT comedy thriller that sees a host of 19 Dec, Kitchen CHRISTMAS PARTY Featuring the characters invited to a party in a mys- Garden Cafe, B’ham Berkley Salon Ensemble & the CBSO terious house on a remote island, Youth Chorus, Mon 19 Dec, CBSO until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Garrick THE SEX PISSED DOLLS Centre, Birmingham Tues 20 Dec, The DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adventure, Robin, Bilston CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG Featuring secrets, songs, dance and trickery Louise Dearman (special guest DIRTY OLD FOLKERS are the order of the day in this festive singer), the London Concert Orchestra Tues 20 Dec, Kitchen Maddy Prior And The Carnival Band favourite, written by and starring & the London Concert Chorus, Mon 19 Garden Cafe, B’ham - Birmingham Town Hall Midlands stalwart Malcolm Stent, Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham until Sat 31 Dec, The Core, Solihull ROY WOOD ROCKMAS Lounge, Birmingham THE WONDER STUFF Fri A PALM COURT CHRISTMAS PARTY Tues 20 Dec, THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to JAMES ARTHUR Wed 21 23 Dec, O2 Institute, Featuring the Berkley Salon Ensemble Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, Dec, O2 institute, & the CBSO Youth Chorus. Mon 19 Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, until Sat HOOPLA BLUE, FLAMIN- Birmingham JAYKAE Fri 23 Dec, O2 Dec, CBSO Centre, Birmingham 31 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, GO FLAME, PAPER Academy, Birmingham DETROIT SOUL Thurs 22 EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Birmingham BUOYS & GRIM DISCO - Fri 23 Dec, The Jam LIQUOR AND POKER Fri CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Wed 21 Dec, Hare & CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John Partridge House, B’ham 23 Dec The River Skidmore (conductor), Mon 19 - Thurs Hounds, Birmingham stars as lawyer Billy Flynn in a brand THE HAIR ROCK Rooms, Stourbridge 22 Dec, St Paul's Church, Birmingham SUPREME QUEEN Wed new UK tour of Kander & Ebb's EXPERIENCE Thurs 22 ANDY WILLIAMS ANDRE RIEU Wed 21 Dec, Genting 21 Dec, The Robin, smash-hit musical. Soul Queen Mica Dec, The Roadhouse, CHRISTMAS Arena, Birmingham Bilston Paris stars as Mama Morton, while Birmingham SPECTACULAR STARRING EX CATHEDRA FAMILY CONCERT: ANGELS Coronation Street star Hayley MAD JOCKS AND FRED ZEPPELIN Thurs THE OSMONDS Fri 23 STARS & KINGS Featuring Ex Cathedra, Tamaddon takes the lead as Roxie ENGLISHMEN Wed 21 22 Dec, The Robin, Dec, Birmingham Ex Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, Hart, until Sat 31 Dec, New Dec, The Red Lion Bilston Town Hall Wed 21 Dec, St Paul's Church, B’ham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Folk Club, Birmingham WHITE CHRISTMAS Fri SANTAGEDDON Thurs 22 KATHERINE JENKINS: CELEBRATION TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s THE DESTROYERS Wed 23 Dec, Symphony Dec, The River Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor) & modern adaptation of Robert Louis 21 Dec, The Glee Rooms, Stourbridge Hall, Birmingham the London Concert Orchestra, Thurs Club, Birmingham Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, MADDY PRIOR & THE ROD STEWART TRIBUTE - 22 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, Birmingham TIGRESS Wed 21 Dec, CARNIVAL BAND Thurs GARRY PEASE Sat 24 LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: WHITE The Asylum, B’ham CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s favourite 22 Dec, Birmingham Dec, The River CHRISTMAS Featuring Laura Tebbutt & Rooms, Stourbridge son Jonathan Wilkes as Buttons, THE TEMPER TRAP Wed Town Hall Tim Howar (guest singers), John alongside panto favourite Christian 21 Dec, O2 Institute, THE STONES Fri 23 Dec, THE STRAIGHT ACES Sat Rigby (conductor) & Capital Voices, Fri Patterson and Simon Nehan as the Birmingham The Roadhouse, 24 Dec, Katie 23 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Ugly Sisters, until Sun 8 Jan, Regent DOM PIPKIN Wed 21 Birmingham Fitzgerald's, MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA: CAROLS Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, Blue Piano Stourbridge KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 23 BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Keri Fuge ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive staging Restaurant And Bar, THE WEST COAST Dec, The Robin, (soprano) & Michael Bawtree (conduc- of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale for Birmingham EAGLES Sat 24 Dec, tor), Sat 24 Dec, Symphony Hall, Bilston younger audiences, until Sun 8 Jan, The Roadhouse, Birmingham A FAMILY CHRISTMAS THE REWIND 80's PARTY The REP, Birmingham WITH THE TOWN HALL Birmingham BAND Fri 23 Dec, ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO GOSPEL CHOIR Wed 21 Route 44, Birmingham THE UPBEAT BEATLES Dec, Birmingham Sat 24 Dec, The Festive show with a difference, featur- Town Hall SPACEHOPPERS Fri 23 Robin, Bilston ing classic rock'n'roll hits from Aretha Dec, Katie Fitzgerald's, Franklin, The Monkees, James NGOD Wed 21 Dec, Stourbridge Brown, The Temptations, The The Sunflower Comedy Gigs Jackson Five, and many more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford Gatehouse LUISA OMILEAN Mon 19 Dec, The Theatre Comedy Loft, Birmingham MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 20 Dec, renowned circus present Zhelanly, an The Dark Horse, Birmingham ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, STEVE HARRIS, Russian folklore, until Sun 8 Jan, Star ROGER MONKHOUSE & DARIUS DAVIES City, Birmingham Wed 21 - Fri 23 Dec, The Comedy THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magical Loft, Birmingham exploration of revenge, forgiveness, GEOFF NORCOTT, CARL DONNELLY, MARK love and magic, until Sat 21 Jan, OLVER & ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 22 Dec, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Glee Club, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon TAMAR BROADBENT & CHRISTIAN REILLY ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- Fri 23 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa Theatre Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and GEOFF NORCOTT, CARL DONNELLY, STEVE ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun GRIBBIN & COMIC TBC Fri 23 Dec, The 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Glee Club, Birmingham Theatre DICK WHITTINGTON Starring John Barrowman as Dick Whittington, EastEnders' bad lad Steve McFadden as the evil King Rat, Jodie Prenger as The Wonder Stuff - O2 Academy, Birmingham Fairy Bow Bells, legendary double

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 19 - 25 December - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:43 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 December

act The Krankies as Councillor & NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Jimmy Krankie, Matt Slack as Idle Released from Mon 19 Dec, showing Jack and Andrew Ryan as Sarah at selected cinemas the Cook, Mon 19 Dec - Sun 29 Jan, Birmingham Hippodrome BALLERINA (tbc) CHRISTMAS GOTHIC Rebecca PASSENGERS (tbc) Vaughan's dark celebration of the festive season, complete with tales of terror for dark Christmas nights, Tues 20 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Events SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN A full screen- ing of Disney's Frozen, with lyrics TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT on screen to help you sing along THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until during the film, Tues 20 Dec, Fri 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Stourbridge Town Hall Birmingham SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS Join Fairy SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids Twinkle and Pompom the Penguin to Lapland to see Santa this as they meet Father Christmas at Christmas when they can visit him by his home in the North Pole, Tues 20 boat in his underground grotto deep Santa’s Winter Wonderland - The Snowdome, Tamworth in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- sights, sounds and smells of materials and methods, with the Trent Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines Christmases past, Tues 20 - Wed 21 gallery as inspiration, Wed 21 Dec, MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton Art Gallery SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day renowned circus present Zhelanly, Wolverhampton MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Marvel super- an ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on out for all the family, combining a four-mile self-drive safari with a visit CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS heroes step off the silver screen and Russian folklore, Tues 20 Dec - Sun Santa stars in his very own show and onto the stage, Thurs 22 - Fri 30 Dec, 8 Jan, Star City, Birmingham to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, has a gift for every child, Tues 20 - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive staging Bewdley Thurs 22 Dec, Cadbury World, THE BEAR STORY READINGS Hear the of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale Bournville CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in story of The Bear by Raymond for younger audiences, Thurs 22 front of a crackling fire in the Great MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Tues 20 Dec - Briggs, read by one of the cast. Dec - Sun 8 Jan, The REP, Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide Sun 8 Jan, Star City, Birmingham Perhaps you'll catch a sneaky Birmingham decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, ARTFORUM A range of art activities for glimpse of the big, friendly bear, Sat THE ANDY WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS Baddesley Clinton, Solihull 14 to 25-year-olds, using different 24 Dec, mac, Birmingham EXTRAVAGANZA Featuring The BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Osmonds, ventriloquist Steve MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, Hewlett, singer Charlie Green Birmingham City Centre (Britain’s Got Talent) and The Moon River Singers & Dancers, Fri 23 SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Tamworth DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy the guaranteed snowfall over the Island of Sodar, meet Father Christmas and catch a ride on Film Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Birmingham Botanical Gardens (PG) Family/Fantasy. With the voices THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon. Packwood dressed for Christmas by Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Mon professional artist Jennifer Collier, 19 Dec until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, HAPPY FEET (U) Animation/Comedy. Solihull With the voices of Elijah Wood, ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun Brittany Murphy. Artrix, Bromsgrove, to be had at the ice rink located near Mon 19 Dec the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (PG) Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Comedy/Drama. Starring Judy Birmingham Garland, Margaret O'Brien. Electric SANTA'S WORKSHOP Make large paper Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 19 - Tues stars, winter wands and jingle sticks, 20 Dec Mon 19 - Wed 21 Dec, Coventry HOME ALONE 2 (PG) Comedy/Family. Transport Museum Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci. SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed Santa, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Dec, Black 21 Dec Country Living Museum, Dudley DIE HARD (15) Action/Thriller. Starring A VICTORIAN CINDERELLA PUPPET Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman. Electric SHOW The story of the glass slipper, Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 21 Dec presented by Treasure Trove Puppet A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama, Company, Tues 20 Dec, Shrewsbury Fantasy. Starring Alastair Sim, Jack Museum & Art Gallery Warner. Electric Cinema, CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Discover, play Birmingham, Sat 24 Dec and create with your child, Tues 20 Dec, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton CHRISTMAS QUEST 2016 A trip round Kings Walk Wood to find the tastes,

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 26 - 31 Dec - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:51 Page 1

Monday 26 - Sunday 31 December

thelist the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, Birmingham THE SOUND OF MUSICALS Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, until Gigs GORDON HENDRICKS IS Thurs 29 Dec, Classical ELVIS Tues 27 Dec, The Symphony Hall, Sat 31 Dec, The Blue Orange River Rooms, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Mon Music Stourbridge B'SPOKE Fri 30 Dec, The CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John 26 Dec, The Robin, Jam House, Partridge stars as lawyer Billy Flynn Bilston SKABUCKS Tues 27 Dec, LAST NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS The Roadhouse, Birmingham in a brand new UK tour of Kander & RICHY AHMED Mon 26 Featuring the London Concert Ebb's smash-hit musical. Soul Birmingham KILLERSTREAM Fri 30 Orchestra, Madeleine Pierard (sopra- Dec, The Rainbow Queen Mica Paris stars as Mama THE TREVOR BURTON Dec, The River Rooms, no), Nicky Spence (tenor), Jonathan Venues, Birmingham Morton, while Coronation Street star CHRISTMAS SHOW Wed Stourbridge Antoine (guest singer) & Hilary THE BON JOVI Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as 28 Dec, The KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 30 Davan Wetton (conductor), Tues 27 EXPERIENCE Mon 26 Roxie Hart, until Sat 31 Dec, New Roadhouse, B’ham Dec, The Roadhouse, Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The River Rooms, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Stourbridge ABBA CLASSICS Wed 28 MOZART FESTIVAL CHORUS: GLORIOUS Dec, Symphony Hall, SOUL SURVIVORS Fri 30 HANDEL BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s SOULED OUT 2 FUNK Birmingham Dec, The Robin, Bilston the Canzonetta Choir, Crispian- modern adaptation of Robert Louis Mon 26 Dec, The Steele Perkins (trumpet), Daisy Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Roadhouse, B’ham DIRT BOX DISCO Wed 28 THE SUBTERRANEANS Sat until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, Dec, The Asylum, 31 Dec, The Jam Brown (soprano) & Steven Devine RUBIO, BIGGER THAN Birmingham Birmingham House, Birmingham (conductor), Thurs 29 Dec, SEATTLE & PARGETERS Symphony Hall, Birmingham CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s REUNION1 Mon 26 Dec, THE DIRTY DC - AC/DC THE DECADES BAND Sat LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: ZIMMER favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as Katie Fitzgerald's, TRIBUTE Wed 28 Dec, 31 Dec, The River VS WILLIAMS Enjoy the best scores Buttons, alongside panto favourite Stourbridge The Robin, Bilston Rooms, Stourbridge from the two greatest film composers Christian Patterson and Simon TREVOR NELSON CLUB THE SEX PISTOLS T.REXTASY Sat 31 Dec, of the 20th Century, Fri 30 Dec, Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, until Sun CLASSICS UK TOUR Mon EXPERIENCE Thurs 29 The Robin, Bilston Symphony Hall, Birmingham 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- 26 Dec, O2 Institute, Dec, The Roadhouse, THE TOM WALKER TRIO LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: NEW Trent Birmingham Birmingham Sat 31 Dec, Blue Piano YEAR’S EVE GALA Featuring Adrian ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive staging HOUSE OF JEALOUS DEFINITELY MIGHT BE, Restaurant And Bar, Dwyer (tenor), James Cleverton of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale LOVERS Mon 26 - Tues ADORED & HAPPY Birmingham (baritone) & Anthony Inglis (conduc- for younger audiences, until Sun 8 MONDAZE Thurs 29 Dec, 27 Dec, Hare & NEW YEARS EVE ALL tor), Programme includes works by Jan, The REP, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston THINGS ROCK NIGHT Debussy, Denza, Walton, Rossini, ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO WHITE TYGER & WHITE WITH DJ BEAR Sat 31 Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Mascagni, Bizet BAD MANNERS Tues 27 Festive show with a difference, fea- COAST REBELS Thurs 29 Dec, Route 44, & Mussorgsky, Sat 31 Dec, Dec, The Robin, Bilston turing classic rock'n'roll hits from Dec, The River Rooms, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham STEVE GIBBONS Tues 27 Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, Stourbridge Dec, Hare & Hounds, James Brown, The Temptations, The Jackson Five, and many more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford Comedy Gigs Gatehouse Theatre MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- renowned circus present Zhelanly, FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 28 Dec, an ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham Russian folklore, until Sun 8 Jan, JOJO SMITH, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Star City, Birmingham ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 29 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham RAY PEACOCK, STEPHEN BAILEY, IVAN BLACKENBURY & COMIC TBC Sat 31 Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham BARBARA NICE Sat 31 Dec, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham MICK FERRY, ANDY ROBINSON, MICHAEL LEGGE & COMIC TBC Sat 31 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham

THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- Theatre cal exploration of revenge, forgive- THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 brand new staging of Raymond Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- Stratford-upon-Avon ous wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- mac, Birmingham ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and comedy thriller that sees a host of ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun characters invited to a party in a 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand mysterious house on a remote Theatre island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield DICK WHITTINGTON Starring John Garrick Barrowman as Dick Whittington, DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adven- EastEnders' bad lad Steve ture, secrets, songs, dance and McFadden as the evil King Rat, trickery are the order of the day in Jodie Prenger as Fairy Bow Bells, this festive favourite, written by and legendary double act The Krankies starring Midlands stalwart Malcolm as Councillor & Jimmy Krankie, Stent, until Sat 31 Dec, The Core, Matt Slack as Idle Jack and Andrew Solihull Ryan as Sarah the Cook, until Sun 29 Jan, Birmingham Hippodrome THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 26 - 31 Dec - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:51 Page 2

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List 26 - 31 Dec - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:51 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Sunday 31 December WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Stage THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Fri 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard Birmingham adventure, Tues 27 - Wed 11 Jan, SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids Birmingham Town Hall to Lapland to see Santa this ZORRO'S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE The Christmas when they can visit him by Little English Theatre present their boat in his underground grotto deep 2016 Christmas show, Thurs 29 Dec, in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 Artrix, Bromsgrove Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa, Mon until Sat 24 Dec, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Film CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in front of a crackling fire in the Great NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, Released from Mon 26 Dec, showing Baddesley Clinton, Solihull at selected cinemas BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS COLLATERAL BEAUTY (tbc) MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, MONSTER TRUCKS (PG) Birmingham City Centre What The Ladybird Heard - Birmingham Town Hall WHY HIM? (tbc) MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Marvel superheroes step off the silver screen and Manor Theme Park, Tamworth MOSELEY ARTS MARKET Featuring art- onto the stage, until Fri 30 Dec, work, ceramics, jewellery, mosaics, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, textiles and other unique hand-craft- SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Birmingham Botanical Gardens ed gifts produced by local artists and Events Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, designers, Sat 31 Dec, Victoria Tamworth ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun Parade, Moseley, BirminghamALICE to be had at the ice rink located near DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy IN WINTERLAND NEW YEAR’S EVE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until the guaranteed snowfall over the SPECIAL Sat 31 Dec, The Bohemian, Santa stars in his very own show and Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Island of Sodar, meet Father Wolverhampton has a gift for every child, until Thurs Birmingham 22 Dec, Cadbury World, Bournville Christmas and catch a ride on Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Tues 27 Dec, TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT NEC, Birmingham

66 whatsonlive.co.uk p67 (IBC) B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:28 Page 1 Magical Lantern Festival (FP- December 16).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 09:58 Page 1