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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the ISSUE 374 FEBRUARY 2017

Birmingham SEAN LOCK AT ’ THE HIPPODROME

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On birminghamwhatson.co.uk

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide Birmingham Conservatoire (FP- February 17).qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 09:44 Page 1 Contents February Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:31 Page 2

February 2017

Contents

Billy Elliot - smash-hit musical pirouettes into feature on page 28

One Love Shark In The Park! New Art West Mids the list

the Bob Marley musical makes brand new stage show for showcasing emerging artists Your 16-page its UK debut at The REP younger audiences visits mac from across the region week-by-week listings guide Interview page 8 page 27 page 40 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. Events

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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 February B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:29 Page 1

First Word

Wicked flies back to the Birmingham Hippodrome Wicked is returning to the Midlands next year. The West End and Broadway musical phe- nomenon, telling the untold story of the Witches of Oz, will show at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 29 April. Commenting on the news, Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible response from audiences and critics alike when we first brought Wicked to Birmingham in 2014, and it’s extraordinary to think that over 110,000 peo- ple came and saw us. The whole team at the Birmingham Hippodrome showed such tremendous enthusiasm and support, and we’re all really delighted to be returning to this truly magnificent venue in 2018.” Tickets for Wicked’s return to the Hippodrome go on sale next month, on Tuesday 21 March. For more information about the show, visit WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Boxing legend Floyd British Paraorchestra to Digbeth named third Mayweather at the ICC make Birmingham debut hippest area in the UK The world’s first large-scale professional ensemble for disabled musicians is making its Birmingham debut this month. The pioneering British Paraorchestra per- forms at the city’s Symphony Hall on Saturday 18 February. It will be joined by members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). Commenting on the event, the paraorches- tra’s co-founder and artistic director, Charles Hazlewood, said: “If anyone thought that disability and excellence are two words that cannot be put together, then here's proof to think again. The British Paraorchestra will be joined for part of the concert by the CBSO, creating a vision of integration; a snapshot of a hoped-for near-future where it is no sur- prise to see a healthy number of disabled Digbeth is the third-hippest area in the UK, musicians sharing the stage with non-dis- according to TravelSupermarket’s UK Hip Five-division world champion boxer Floyd abled ones.” Hang-out Neighbourhood Index. Mayweather is the main attraction at a Las The concert’s programme features a reper- The Index ranks the hippest areas to explore Vegas-themed ball at Birmingham’s ICC on toire spanning four centuries, including both at home and across Europe. Saturday 4 March. Corelli’s La Folia and Lloyd Coleman’s Taking first place on the UK list was Widely considered to be one of the greatest Towards Harmony. Tickets are on sale at ’s Ancoats district, followed by boxers of all time and undefeated as a pro- thsh.co.uk and cbso.co.uk. Leith in Edinburgh. Top of the European fessional, Mayweather will take part in Q&A Index was Kreuzberg in Berlin, followed by and meet-and-greet sessions. Riga in Latvia. Standard tickets start at £39.95 (+£2.56 fee) Commenting on the results, Emma and include the opportunity to watch Coulthurst from TravelSupermarket said: Mayweather's interview live on stage, Vegas- “The Index will hopefully put Digbeth even themed entertainment and the use of on-site more on the map and encourage new and bars. return visitors to explore the UK’s second biggest - and now third hippest - city.” 4 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD February B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:29 Page 2

Entertainment news from around the region

Come sing with Birmingham choir

Midlands classical music lovers are this month being given the chance to workshop a leading choral piece with an acclaimed local choir. The Birmingham Bach Choir is invit- ing singers from across the region to join them for a workshop exploring Mozart's uplifting Coronation Masse. The event takes place at Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham, on Saturday 4 February. Tickets cost £12, with tea and cakes included. Attendees can bring their score or hire one for £1. For more information, including booking forms, visit birmingham.bachchoir.com or call 0121 705 3388. Midlands dance company in Easter School team-up Midlands contemporary dance company Motionhouse is teaming up with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) to present an Easter School at mac Birmingham. The school, running from Sunday 9 to Thursday 13 April, will provide young dancers with the opportunity to develop classical and contemporary techniques and learn new skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. “We are delighted to be partnering with the Royal Academy of Dance on this joint teaching proj- ect,” says Louise Richards, Executive Director of Motionhouse. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the young people attending the Easter School to learn different disciplines, gain a wider experience Alistair McGowan of diverse forms of dance and learn new skills.” to star in piano The Easter School is open to all male and female students aged 10 to 18 who are studying RAD marathon Grade 2, or the equivalent and above. Registration for the school is now open, with the closing date for bookings being 20 February. Birmingham Conservatoire is next month presenting a Gala Piano All- Nighter at the city’s Town Hall. Comprising 12 hours of piano music, the event features contributions Birmingham , new season... from, among others, Alistair McGowan, Peter Donohoe, Dr Anna Airport voted Birmingham Old Rep’s youth-driven spring-summer season fea- Scott, Antony Hewitt and ‘a mystery the world’s best tures performances by some of the Midlands’ brightest young tal- special guest’. ents. Among the companies performing at the popular venue are The evening kicks off with Birmingham Savoyards, BOA and Birmingham Hungarian virtuoso pianist Gergely Bogányi performing Chopin's School of Acting. Nocturnes and finishes on the Other companies taking to the stage at the city centre theatre are Saturday morning with a perform- Leamington Spa dance ensemble Motionhouse, inspirational ance of Messiaen’s Dieu Parmi Nous British East Asian company Yellow Earth and award-winning on the famous Town Hall Organ. physical theatre company Tmesis. The event begins at 7.30pm on The season also boasts plenty of comedy nights, with stand-up Friday 3 March and finishes at contributors including Matt Forde, Josie Long, Lee Nelson, Sara 7.30am on the morning of the 4th. Pascoe, Andy Parsons, Gary Delaney and Justin Moorhouse. Commenting on the line-up, the Old Rep’s Executive Director, Chris Sudworth, said: Birmingham Airport was “Our programme of the world’s most punctual sell-out comedy, top- airport last year, according quality work for fami- to air travel intelligence lies, and vibrant festi- company OAG. vals and showcases An impressive 91.28% of adds up to a wonderful arriving and departing few months.” flights operated on time For further information during 2016. The route to on the new season and Dublin was the most punc- to book tickets, call tual, with an ontime score 0121 359 9444 or visit of more than 95%. oldreptheatre.co.uk.

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 FIRST WORD February B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:29 Page 3

First Word

Birmingham Weekender to Digbeth gallery make a welcome return in 2017 secures Arts Council funding Birmingham’s biggest arts festival is making a wel- come return in 2017. Birmingham’s Grand Union The award-winning Birmingham Weekender, taking art gallery has been awarded place from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 September, offers a £130,000 by Arts Council packed weekend of free outdoor theatre, music, art . installations and performance across the city centre. The grant will enable Grand The festival also features well-known local arts Union to expand its exhibi- organisations, invited international artists and a tion and public programmes, number of significant new commissions. and to provide new career “We’re delighted that Birmingham Weekender will development opportunities return in 2017,” says Gary Topp, Director of Culture for emerging curators. Central, the organisation responsible for the event. “The city centre will be humming with a party atmos- phere - where else can you listen to a world-class orchestra or witness stunning dance performances for free, on the streets and in the shopping centres? Birmingham Weekender 2017 will build on the suc- cess of the 2015 festival programme and will be even more ambitious in its scope, strengthening Birmingham’s reputation as an international cultural destination.” A poetic Birmingham... Birmingham’s first poetry fes- The Fizzogs £500k awarded to local organisations to tival is taking place this month. go Stateside deliver projects in Aston and Newtown Presented across three floors Black Country comedy act Arts grants totalling £500,000 have been awarded to 13 local arts and of Waterstones’ city centre The Fizzogs are hoping to community organisations to deliver projects in the Birmingham districts store from Thursday 16 to take America by storm this of Aston and Newtown. Sunday 19 February, Verve summer. The money has been provided by Birmingham City Council and Arts features established and up- The popular trio of Sue Council England, and can be spent by the organisations on schemes or and-coming poets, interna- Hawkins, Deb Nicholls and projects with immediate effect and into 2018. tionally acclaimed talent and Jacky Fellows will head to Commenting on the awards, Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of undiscovered local artists, New York with their Birmingham City Council, said: “This scheme has the potential to sup- writing workshops, spoken- Dancing Grannies routine, port artists and audiences and to grow organisations for the future, word masterclasses, poetry which has been seen by which will diversify the city’s cultural offer and ensure it continues to be slams, and children’s poetry more than 300 million peo- relevant to residents.” & storytelling events. ple on social media. For more information, visit Speaking to the Stourbridge vervepoetryfestival.com News, Deb said: “We aim to RSC invites theatre groups to perform in flash mob in New York this the great outdoors summer, as the Americans Philosopher’s keep asking when we’re The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is offering amateur and profes- coming over. It'll cost an sional theatre groups, schools and colleges the opportunity to put on a Stone on the arm and a leg to get there, play in its open-air performance space this summer. giant screen so we’re looking for spon- Located on the banks of the River Avon in Stratford, The Dell is a ‘venue’ Midlands-based fans of Harry sorship.” in which groups can either perform an established piece of work or cre- Potter And The Philosopher’s The Fizzogs are currently ate a new one inspired by Shakespeare or his contemporaries. Stone can this spring enjoy touring their latest show, Commenting on the opportunity, RSC Events & Exhibitions Officer Nicola the experience of a symphony Suck It And See, to venues Salmon said: “The Dell is a great platform for amateur theatre compa- orchestra performing the across the Midlands. For nies, community groups, schools, universities and professional theatre film’s memorable score. tickets and more informa- companies to perform to an audience of all ages. Audiences love the free The performance takes place tion, visit thefizzogs.com. productions that companies bring to The Dell, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that comes from plays being performed outside by the River at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Avon during the summer months.” Arena on Monday 15 May. It Two performance slots are available on Saturdays and Sundays at The will be accompanied by a Dell between Saturday 3 June and Sunday 27 August. high-definition showing of Anybody interested in mounting a production should fill in an applica- the film on a giant screen. tion form, which can be downloaded from the RSC’s website at: rsc.org.uk/thedell. The closing date for applications is Monday 6 March. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD February B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:29 Page 4 One Love DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:30 Page 1

FEATURE

ONE LOVE New Bob Marley musical makes its UK debut in Birmingham

On 3 December 1976, two days before performing in Kingston's Smile Jamaica concert, Bob Marley, his wife and his manager were wounded in an assassination attempt by unknown gunmen who invaded Marley's home. The attack prompted the singer to leave the country before the end of the year, spending a month in the Bahamas before heading for England. It was here that, over the next two years, he would record the albums Exodus and Kaya, featuring iconic singles such as One Love, Jamming and Is This Love. Set against a backdrop of violence and corruption in Jamaica and wider Cold War conflict across the world, this period of self- imposed exile serves as the basis for Kwame Kwei-Armah's One Love: The Bob Marley Musical, making its UK debut at Birmingham REP next month. Speaking to us from Centre Stage in Baltimore, where he’s currently artistic director, the acclaimed British playwright, actor and director told us more about the show. “The story actually starts about 10 years ago,” Kwei-Armah recalls, “when I was approached by Island Records to write a piece using Bob Marley's music but not his story. So I wrote that, it did the rounds, and everyone said, 'That's great, but where's Bob?' So about two-and-a-half years ago, they contacted me again with the rights to use his life story. I chose as my starting point the years between 1976 and ’78 because I wanted to look at the hero's journey - what made him the great man that he was, not just because of his music but because of his choices in life.” A pacifist who actively cultivated a politically neutral public profile and frequently spoke out against the bloodshed in his country, Marley nevertheless found

8 whatsonlive.co.uk One Love DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:30 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

himself embroiled in both domestic and my own personal poet laureate.” of the most prominent and respected international conflict, targeted by those voices in black British theatre. Now he’s Years later, however, Kwei-Armah is still who saw him as a supporter of Michael taken his stories overseas - it's about five- discovering new things about his hero as Manley's socialist government. At the and-a-half years since he became resident he digs deep into the details of Marley's time, Western anxiety over the ‘red tide’ of in the US after taking up his post at Center fascinating life. communism was still running high, and Stage. the government's agenda was viewed with “One of the things I didn't really know “I think we're looking at a beautiful time suspicion by many at home as well as before was that he was a very quiet man. in America for new writing, both in abroad. And of course we know that he was television and in theatre. It's a kind of deeply religious, but I think just quite how Thanks to Marlon James' Man Booker golden moment, so I'm really pleased to dedicated he was to his faith was an Prize-winning novel, A Brief History Of be in America as an artistic director whilst interesting thing for me to learn. I was Seven Killings, interest in Marley's the quality of the work is so good also surprised by how many people in relationship with this period of Jamaican structurally and politically.” Jamaica really relied on him. He was like history has recently been rekindled, but an industry, and not just musically. I Both Kwei-Armah and Marley's daughter, what's unique about this show is how mean, there were actually people lining Cedella, are thrilled to be bringing the closely Kwei-Armah has worked with the up at his house, waiting to be given show to Birmingham, which the latter Marley family and record label, providing money. That was quite a humbling thing describes as a “natural place for its UK him with unprecedented access to the to read.” premiere” thanks to its “great mix of personal stories behind the public cultures”. In particular, she says, she's persona. Writing the story is one thing; attempting looking forward to introducing her to adequately represent such an iconic “It's been wonderful but also pretty father's story to a new generation, some of figure live on stage is quite another, and daunting. I spoke to many people in Bob whom weren't yet born during his in some respects, the weight of Marley’s life and tried to use a lot of lifetime. Arguably, the mythology of expectation on singer and musician dialogue how they described it. I sent Marley has rather overtaken the man Mitchell Brunings, who plays the lead, is drafts of the script to the family. Luckily, behind it. These days, his image has even greater than that on the writer and they've been very helpful - all the become ubiquitous, plastered across a director of the show. criticism has been very constructive. dazzling array of merchandise and They've allowed me to adapt the story and “Casting is always the hardest part of any increasingly disconnected from who he take artistic licence where I've needed, to show, and I think we were quite fortunate was and what he stood for. But Kwei- change things to make the story work.” that I came across Mitchell on the Armah maintains that Marley is as internet. This is his first time acting, so it's important now as he’s ever been, and that Kwei-Armah is now an ardent and long- been really interesting helping him as long as people come to see the show, term admirer of Marley's work, but develop the skills to carry a character like they won't fail to be moved by his music interestingly, this hasn't always been the this, but when he sings - you just close and his message. case. As a teenager, he was more your eyes and think of Bob...” interested in soul music, reggae being “Wherever I've travelled in the world, I more to his sister's tastes. Under its original title, Marley, the show don't think I've landed on any continent premiered in 2015 at Baltimore's Center where I haven't seen some young person “It was partly just sibling rivalry, but Stage theatre. But though it was popular wearing a Bob Marley t-shirt, and I think though it sounds like madness now, it was and warmly received in the US, the his image and his lyrics are still political. actually a big thing at the time. In the version coming to Birmingham this year He is the voice of the oppressed and the black community when I was a child, you will be dramatically different. downtrodden. I think people will see that made a choice at about 12 years old this isn't just a story about a vintage star - whether you were going to be into reggae “I would say there have been fundamental it's about a man who stood for something or American soul. If you liked reggae, that changes. We've used that first production and whose music made a difference to meant that you were rooted and cultured, to learn lessons and have taken the time people's lives. And I think that, between and if you liked soul that meant you to tell a much deeper and more complex our Brexit Britain and our Trump America, weren't really culturally conscious. It story.” that's something that we really need.” wasn't until I was about 19 that I heard Redemption Song, for what must have Following the huge success of plays like been about the 1500th time, but for me, it Elmina's Kitchen and Fix Up (both directed by Angus Jackson), exploring the was really like the first time. At that One Love: The Bob Marley Musical lives of immigrant communities in the UK, moment, I just understood what he was shows at The REP, Birmingham, from the -born writer soon became one saying, and from there he grew to become Friday 10 March to Saturday 8 April.

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 FOOD February Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:46 Page 1 FOOD February Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:46 Page 2

Food

REVIEW: Lobster Peninsula, Birmingham nitely representative of what you It’s also running daily happy- get. hour cocktail deals - perfect for A taste of the coast comes to Showcasing just four desserts, groups of friends or colleagues our waiter explained to us that who fancy a couple of after-work landlocked Birmingham the menu was a work in drinks in the restaurant’s stylish progress, which was no issue for and laidback balcony bar area. Once home to Birmingham’s comprised Portobello mush- us whatsoever. Admittedly, The venue also incorporates a Futurist Cinema and recipient of rooms in a double cream, garlic, nothing jumped out at either my spacious nightclub, for those a £700,000 revamp and renova- parsley and brandy sauce, partner or myself, but eager to who want to party on until the tion, Lobster Peninsula is locat- served with toasted bread. The give Lobster Peninsula’s desserts early hours. ed on the bustling John Bright sauce was delicious - thick, rich a try, we opted for the lemon If you’re not a fan of seafood, Street alongside many popular and bursting with flavour. curd charlotte and the custard don’t let the name Lobster restaurants and bars, including So far, although only having tart. Peninsula put you off. The menu BrewDog, Turtle Bay and Cherry tried two basic dishes, we were After the success of the previous boasts an array of meat options Reds. impressed. two courses, we weren’t sur- too, including a 12oz beef steak, Just a two-minute walk from Next up - and what we were prised to discover that the pork ribs, piri piri chicken and a Birmingham New Street train most looking forward to - was desserts were also stunning. rump beef mince burger, as well station, the location is conven- the restaurant’s speciality house The charlotte was rich without as non-seafood starters and sal- ient for customers from both in platter. being too heavy, and was com- ads. and outside of the city. For £35 per person, diners can plemented by a lovely lime I thoroughly recommend giving After having been shown to our enjoy a whole grilled lobster, cream and some tasty sugared this place a try. I, for one, am table by the receptionist, we langoustine, scallops, a grilled pecans. The custard tart was certainly looking forward to started the evening with a pina squid skewer, prawn skewers, served warm with vanilla ice returning to sample more of the colada and a cold pint of Peroni. mussels, spicy rice, fries and a cream - the perfect end to an glorious seafood that they have The pina colada was absolutely mango-and-watermelon salad, exceptional evening. to offer. Lauren Foster perfect - the bartender clearly as well as a generous amount of The service at this exciting new knows his stuff. The restaurant both garlic butter and a spicy eatery was second to none, and Food: n n n n n was about 70% full - pretty tomato sauce. the overall dining experience Service: n n n n n impressive for the middle of We were in seafood heaven! was certainly up there with the Ambience: n n n n n January - and provided a warm All the elements were cooked to most pleasant we’d had. Both Overall value n n n n n and welcoming atmosphere. perfection. The lobster was ten- our waiter and the manager on OVERALL n n n n n Having already decided on the der, the scallops were seared shift couldn’t have done more to Lobster Peninsula seafood plat- well and the creamy white wine make us feel welcome and ensure that we had a memorable ter for our main, we opted for sauce complemented the mus- Lobster Peninsula the grilled honey-and-lemon sels nicely. Everything tasted visit. 74 John Bright Street chicken wings and the mush- beautifully fresh, and the ingre- Lobster Peninsula is offering Birmingham rooms to start. The wings were dients were certainly of a high 50% off your bill if you dine with B1 1BN cooked perfectly, with just the quality. The addition of the fries, them throughout February - out- Tel: 0121 643 8886 right amount of flavouring and spicy rice and salad was a wel- standing value for money, given spice. The mushroom starter come touch. The price tag is defi- the quality of the ingredients. whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD February Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:46 Page 3 FOOD February Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:46 Page 4

Food

Declare your love at Indian brewery in Brum’s Hotel Du Vin coffee shop relaunch Birmingham’s Hotel Du Vin is getting Indian Brewery, the Birmingham compa- into the Valentine’s spirit by hosting ny that provides Indian Summer lager a ‘decadently extravagant’ black-tie and IPA to numerous city venues, has dinner on Friday 10 February. relaunched coffee shop Brewsmiths as an The £110-per-person event will fea- Indian street food cafe. ture aperitif and canapes, a four- The new venue, sited on Livery Street in course meal and a number of cham- Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, will pagnes from the Perrier-Jouet stable, transform into a bar in the evenings. including the legendary Belle Its menu includes bacon, sausage or egg Epoque. naan, pakora pops, Indian fish & chips The knowledgeable Jonathan Simms and Chaat bombs, a Bombay Breakfast - a of Perrier-Jouet will be on hand to twist on the traditional English version - enlighten diners about the cham- craft beer and artisan coffee. pagnes they’re enjoying.

Iconic Birmingham pub given new lease of life by brewery Birmingham’s iconic City Tavern pub is being given a ‘sympathetic refurbishment’ by Davenports Brewery - and will once again be known by its original name of The Bulls Head. The Victorian pub will be headed up by Brummies Simon Key (Brand Director at Davenports) and Gerard a-Walsh A rum do at Cuba- (General Manager). “We’re excited to give this great old venue a new lease of inspired Birmingham life,” says Simon. “We have a foot firmly in the past with cocktail venue our historic revival cask beers but also want to offer a modern, eclectic mix of local, national and international Now here’s a bit of a rum do if ever food and drink. You don’t have to be a beer expert to enjoy there was one. Birmingham’s hugely the venue. We're all about having fun and experiencing popular Rum Festival is making a the best food and drink the city has to offer.” welcome return this summer, taking place on Saturday 1 July at the Cuban Embassy, a live music venue and cocktail bar situated in the city sub- Wealth of healthy eating urb of Moseley. options as new Sutton A summertime celebration of the popular tropical spirit, the event fea- Coldfield cafe opens tures rum tasting, cocktails, live A stylish new cafe has opened in Sutton music, exotic street food and ‘carni- Coldfield. val vibes’. The Windowbox is serving a healthy-eating menu that includes avotoast - smashed avocado on bread with poached eggs and chilli flakes - Man’s best friend French toast, flatbreads and Greek yoghurt with no longer in the dog berries and granola. house in Warwick As well as its imaginative menu, the eatery also Paint and wine with features a large indoor olive tree, a seating area A dog-friendly cafe has opened in outside the front of the property and a court- Warwick. your Valentine yard at the back. Chiens et Café, the brainchild of Luxury four-star hotel Park Regis mother-and-son business team Tanya Birmingham is holding a Valentine’s Day and Dan Pare, offers a 'humans and Paint & Wine Party on Tuesday 14 February. hounds' menu. Inspired by an increasingly popular trend in The Pares opened the cafe after find- America, the event sees guests following a ing that the town was lacking in cof- step-by-step painting guide while at the same fee shops where dogs were welcome. time enjoying glasses of wine and a ‘painter’s Dog walkers of Warwick would be platter’ of ‘delicious aphrodisiacs’. barking mad not to pop in... Visit parkregis.eventbrite.com for more infor- mation about the event.

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - February - Birmingham LF.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:32 Page 1

Gigs

Black Sabbath Genting Arena, Birmingham, 2 & 4 February Nearly five decades ago - and created by a young Birmingham band - heavy metal was born. Black Sabbath helped define the genre they pioneered with releases such as their self- titled debut album (1970), Paranoid (also 1970) and Master Of Reality (1971). Following the break-up of their previous band, Mythology, in 1968, guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward decided to form a heavy blues rock band in Aston. They enlisted bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, who had played together in a band called Rare Breed. Over the years, Black Sabbath have sur- vived a number of line-up changes. The current version of the band features Osbourne, Iommi and Geezer, who this month bring their Farewell Tour back to the place where it all began.

Pet Shop Boys Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 24 February Having formed in London in 1981, English electronic pop duo Pet Shop Boys features Neil Tennant (main vocals, keyboards, occasional guitar) and Chris Lowe (keyboards, occasional vocals). Not only are they listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most successful duo in UK music history, they’ve also bagged three Brit Awards, six Grammy nominations and, since 1985, 42 Top 30 singles and 22 Top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart, including four number ones. This month sees the pair return to Birmingham to perform a set that fea- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, tures songs from their acclaimed new Sat 25 February album, Super, and classic hits and Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson, album tracks from the past 30 years. LeAnn Rimes indie rock five-piece Kaiser Chiefs formed in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 17 February Leeds back in the year 2000. Their trademark World-renowned vocalist LeAnn Rimes this sound has delivered hits such as Oh My God, year celebrates the 20th anniversary of her Ruby and I Predict A Riot, helping to estab- debut album. Rimes rose to fame at the age lish them as one of the leading bands of their of 13, following her release of the Bill Mack generation. song, Blue, making her the youngest country Commenting on the group’s 16 years togeth- music star since Tanya Tucker in 1972. She’s er, band member Simon Rix says: “People do since racked up an impressive 44 million- ask us how we’ve stayed together for so long, plus album sales, won two Grammys, 12 and I think it’s because we’re friends and we Billboard Music Awards and plenty more cov- make each other laugh, no matter what’s eted gongs besides. happening in our world.” Rimes here stops off in Birmingham as part Read the full interview online at whatson- of her Remnants tour, which includes dates live.co.uk both in America and the UK.

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Gig previews from around the region

Kings Of Leon Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 20 February It’s a family affair for Kings Of Leon. Comprising three brothers and a cousin, the Nashville-based quartet’s early-career sound brought together Southern rock and blues influences. Their music has gradually developed through the years to include a variety of genres and a more alternative, arena rock sound. They’ve released seven albums since their inception in the year 2000, five of them reaching number one in the UK Album Charts. The band return to the Midlands to promote their latest album, Walls. Sophie Ellis-Bextor Described by Ellis-Bextor as “the bolshier, more extrovert little sister” of previous O2 Institute, Birmingham Fri 17 February release Wanderlust, Familia was introduced Murder On The Dancefloor singer Sophie by the Radio Two A-List track Come With Us, Ellis-Bextor’s latest release, Familia, marks which became an instant disco-pop anthem. a critically acclaimed change in her musical She here visits Birmingham as part of an 11- direction, showcasing her newfound lyrical date tour of the UK. and musical maturity.

Teleman Natty The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Thurs 23 February Thurs 9 February Sum 41 Based in North London, Natty is best known for his top-20 debut album, Man Like I, O2 Academy, Birmingham, Fri 24 February which was released back in 2008. After an Best known for hit singles In Too eight-year hiatus, he made a welcome return Deep, Fat Lip and Still Waiting, in 2016 with highly anticipated second Canadian rock band Sum 41 formed album Release The Fear. in 1996. Their latest album, 13 Voices, The singer-songwriter is visiting features the band’s most intense, Birmingham as part of the Hare & Hounds’ cathartic and all-round finest work in 10th anniversary series. years, drawing inspiration from vocalist Deryck Whibley’s recovery from the brink of destruction. “I don’t know if other bands do this,” says Tommy Sanders, ’s singer and gui- tarist, “but in our rehearsal room we had a white board, and for each song, we’d write the chords up on the white board, write the structure out. We’ve got different colour Amber Run pens and stuff. It’s very professional.” O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 11 February Thomas, his brother Jonny and Pete Alt-rock band Amber Run visit Birmingham Cattermoul were previously with indie pop this month as part of a new UK tour to pro- favourites . Following mote latest offering For A Moment, I Was the group’s disbandment in 2012, the trio Lost. Commenting on the album, the band started writing and recording new music said: “It trims the fat from our previous under the name Teleman, in the process hir- music and gets down to the bare bones of ing Hiro Amamiya on drums. the songs. We’re songwriters, and where They’ve released two albums to date, 5AM was a collection of songs written in our Breakfast in 2014 and, last year, Brilliant youth, these new songs are, for us, a timely Sanity, which they’re promoting on this UK response to more recent experiences.” tour. For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Birmingham February.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:21 Page 1

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Classical Music

Peter Donohoe The Bramall, , Thurs 23 February Vice-president of the Birmingham Conservatoire and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Birmingham, Peter Donohoe is a much-admired figure on the Midlands music scene. He is also widely regarded to be one of the foremost pianists of modern times, building up an impressive reper- toire during the course of a glittering 40- year career. Peter’s magnificent musicianship, stylis- tic versatility and commanding technique will be much in evidence during this Bramall concert, which sees him perform- ing works by Chopin, Scriabin, Schubert and Schumann.

Juan Diego Florez In Recital CBSO: Holst’s The Planets Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 21 February Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Forty-three-year-old Cuban heartthrob Juan Diego Flórez is widely acclaimed as one of the Wed 8 February greatest bel canto tenors ever to have lived. Gustav Holst’s Thirty years ago, achieving such a phenomenal status seemed a world away for the seven-move- teenage Juan, a 14-year-old lover of pop music who played guitar and wrote Paul ment orchestral McCartney-style tunes. “I didn’t begin voice lessons until I was 17,” he says. “I wanted to suite - each travel and enjoy a good level of music education, but it wasn’t me who wanted to be an movement of opera singer. I was led.” which is named Solo recitals by Juan, such as this one at Symphony Hall, are rare events indeed; they offer after a planet in his fans the chance to enjoy the magnificence of his voice in a truly intimate atmosphere. the solar system Vincenzo Scalera accompanies the great man on piano as he performs works by, among - is one of the others, Rossini, Mozart, Puccini and Verdi. most famous and familiar works of classi- Ex Cathedra: Purcell The Heath Quartet cal music ever written, particularly the Mars and Jupiter Dido & Aeneas The Barber Institute, University Of movements. Earth is excluded from the Birmingham, Wed 22 February , Sun 5 February work, the concept of the suite being astro- These rising stars of the British chamber This late-after- logical rather than astronomical, while music scene are here making their Barber noon concert sees Pluto’s discovery was still some years Evening Concert debut, presenting a pro- Jeffrey Skidmore away at the time Holst was writing his gramme of iconic quartets that features taking up the masterpiece. The composer was still alive works by Haydn, Bartók and Mendelssohn. baton to conduct when the ninth planet became known to Winners of the Royal Philharmonic Ex Cathedra & scientists in 1930, but he opted out of Society’s Young Artists Award in 2013 - the Baroque writing an additional movement, believ- first ensemble in 15 years to receive the cov- ing that The Planets had already cast too Ensemble’s pres- eted gong - the quartet’s members are entation of Henry significant a shadow over the rest of his Professors of Chamber Music at the work. Purcell’s monu- Guildhall School of Music and Drama, indi- mental opera, This City of Birmingham Symphony vidually holding instrumental teaching Orchestra performance of the suite is Dido And Aeneas. posts in the faculty. Written by the English Baroque compos- accompanied by S vitri, another work by Holst which tells an ancient Indian tale of er no later than 1688, it tells the story of ā a love that proves stronger than death. the Queen of Carthage’s love for Trojan Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly (pictured) hero Aeneas, and of the despair she stars as S vitri. experiences when he abandons her. The concert is part of Symphony Hall’s As well as Dido And Aeneas, the concert ā Spirit Of England series - a season of pre- programme also includes Purcell’s sentations celebrating some of the coun- Rejoice In The Lord Alway and My try’s best-known composers and featuring Beloved Spake. a wide selection of memorable music.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Paul Carrack DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:47 Page 1

FEATURE

Paul Carrack talks fame, collaborations and keeping it in the family...

He's performed around the world with the and then I get a treat, like going out on Beginning with little experience of the likes of Eric Clapton, Roger Waters and tour with Eric (Clapton), which has wider business back in the days before Ringo Starr; had major hits with Squeeze, allowed me to play all over the world with social media had started to facilitate Roxy Music and Mike + The Mechanics; some amazing musicians. But you couldn't promotion was a bold step, but over the done session work for The Pretenders and have planned it. It's just hard work and years, Carrack UK has steadily gained ; and had his songs recorded getting on with the job.” traction, with successive albums working by Eagles, Diana Ross and more. Yet their way into the charts. Now divorced from obligations to the big- despite being one of the most revered name bands he's spent half his career “I think it was a really smart move, and musicians and best-loved singers in the performing with, these days Carrack I'm not particularly noted for my smart biz, Paul Carrack is also among the most operates as his own mini-industry, doing moves! I've really enjoyed it but it has unassuming chaps you'll meet, brushing almost all of the instrumentation on his been difficult. When I did the first one, I off his astonishing list of achievements solo records as well as producing them didn't have a clue how labels worked, but with a Yorkshire down-to-earthness that under his own label, Carrack UK - often I'd had some not-so-great experiences 40-odd years in London have done only calling on his bandmates when it's with major record labels as a solo artist, nothing to undermine. time to hit the road. and I could sense there was a shift in how In a sense, it's not surprising. That ‘golden the business was working - that things “Every time I do an album this way, I voice’ which you'll definitely have heard were contracting. I was lucky that my good always say I'll never do it again. It just on tracks like Squeeze's Tempted and Mike friend Peter Van Hooke had a little more takes too long! But I've got a little studio at + The Mechanics’ Over My Shoulder has experience of how the nuts and bolts of it home, and when I start out making an never brought him household-name fitted together, and he was very helpful in album, I don't usually have much to go on status. But then, this is a man who's much getting it going. What's interesting now is - I'll just have a few bits and bobs on my more comfortable in his own household, that it seems to be a model that a lot of phone or something like that, and then I'll jamming in his studio with his son. people are following.” start developing it. Nevertheless, over the years, he's Bonding time with Jack, who plays deservedly built up a loyal following, and “I married a London girl, so I've been here percussion in the band and on the albums, if you're lucky enough to catch him on most of my life now, but I'm originally has also been an advantage of going it stage in Stoke or Birmingham this year, from , and the rest of my band alone. “He's a chip off the old block! I've you can expect to experience something still lives there - the only one knocking got four kids and all of the others have got truly special. around is my son, Jack. But I've been in proper jobs, but he's a bit like me. He lots of bands and helped lots of people out “I never wanted to be super famous,” hated school and we used to worry about over the years. I'm quite happy now just Carrack explains. “I can't think of it, but he's been touring with us for the doing my own thing.” anything worse, to be honest - other than last four or five years, so he's part of the being poor and skint, which I'm not either! Since setting up his self-titled label in the furniture now, and it's been great - he's This is a really good place to be - I've got late ’90s, Carrack has independently really blossomed.” my own little niche going, and every now produced a total of 18 solo albums.

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Paul Carrack DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:47 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Released in January 2016, Carrack's latest Elsewhere, Carrack is keeping his fingers “The whole project was well underway by album, Soul Shadows, reached number 25 in other pies. As well as continuing as Eric the time I came in. I was kind of surprised in the UK album charts as well as taking Clapton's keyboardist, he's also recently they'd chosen the song, but they felt it was the number one spot in the Amazon soul been gigging with Clapton bandmate Andy the perfect message for what they're charts. Almost all the tracks are original Fairweather Low and long-term about, which is, if you've got anything to numbers by Carrack himself, but collaborator and fellow undersung say to someone, say it now while you still exceptions include a cover of the Alfred industry stalwart Nick Lowe (with whom can. And it was great - they really enjoyed Braggs & Deadric Malone song, Share Your he wrote the Diana Ross hit, Battlefield). themselves and got a bit of media Love With Me. The song has been covered Last year, a mini-tour for the trio included attention, including a couple of TV spots. by various artists, including Aretha a set at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. It was the number one selling CD over Franklin, Van Morrison and The Band, Christmas, and though they obviously “I love singing harmonies, and I've always though it's with the Bobby Bland original now take downloads into consideration had this idea at the back of my mind that that Carrack's version has the most in for the charts, I think as far as the hospices I'd like to get together with those guys. I common. were concerned it was a big success, had a gig at the London Palladium the year because it did a lot to raise their profile, There's also Bet Your Life, a melancholy before last, and the three of us decided to which then helps them in their other ballad about a compulsive gambler, with do four acoustic songs in the middle of the fundraising activities.” lyrics penned by old friend and former set. We had such fun rehearsing it, and Squeeze bandmate Chris Difford. In an when we did the show, it went down a There is talk of a new Paul Carrack solo album comprised mainly of love songs, it storm, so we started doing a bit of album being in the works, but with the mightn't be the cheeriest choice, but recording at my place too. We did an 2017 tour kicking off in early February, it according to Carrack, it's one that always album's-worth of stuff and then almost could be a few more months before it's goes down well in his live sets. forgot about it, but apparently there’s some ready for release. interest from quite a major record label, so “The song's just kept growing, and it's one “I've got about six or seven songs but it's it might even see the light of day!” where the band gets to stretch out a bit at not quite enough for an album yet, and the end. We've got a great lead guitarist More recently, he recorded a charity with the tour, I'm not sure when I'll get to and sax player and it gives them a chance Christmas single with the London Hospices finish it, but hopefully we'll be putting out to show off.” Choir, a 300-strong group of patients, staff something later this year.”.” and families from 17 different hospices Though he's already been touring the who came together to mark the 125th album during the year gone by, 2017 will anniversary of the Royal Trinity Hospice. mark Carrack's biggest solo tour to date, When Mike + The Mechanics hit The Living Paul Carrack plays Victoria Hall, Stoke- taking in major UK venues as well as a Years was chosen for the project, producer on-Trent, on Friday 17 February and series of international stops, with solo James Hawkins invited Carrack to sing it Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on acoustic support from singer-songwriter with them. Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March. Sarah Munro.

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:48 Page 1

Comedy

Josie Long Warwick Arts Centre, , Wed 15 February; The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 17 February Josie Long’s award-winning comedian pal, Nish Kumar, has referred to her as ‘the David Bowie of stand-up’, a descrip- tion he’s used on account of the 34-year- old comic’s impressive capacity for rein- venting herself. London-born Long admits she likes to change her way of doing things every now and again, and is currently engaged in the business of bringing a big dose of positivity to a post-Brexit nation. Josie’s very much a political animal, but recognises that banging on too much about politics is a near-certain way to alienate an audience. Hence the enthusi- astic Remainer’s decision to focus on the bright side of life in this critically acclaimed touring show. Jokes include: “When I was a kid, I asked my mum what a couple was and she said, ‘Oh, two or three’. And she wonders why her marriage didn’t work out...”

Six of the best...

Sean Lock John Jen Brister Birmingham Shuttleworth Artrix, Bromsgrove, Hippodrome, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Mon 27 - Tues Birmingham Town February 28 February Hall, Sun 12 February; Stratford Artshouse, Rising star Jen Brister Although Sean Lock Stratford-upon-Avon, is best known from Fri 24 February says it’s her mother who’s to blame for the Channel Four Midlands-based her overwhelming panel game 8 Out Of lovers of light come- need “to seek valida- 10 , on which he dy and understated tion from a roomful appeared as a team but up-to-the-minute of people in varying degrees of inebriation”. captain for 10 years, he's also picked up the fashions here get the opportunity to enjoy an When Jen was young, she reveals on her odd gong or two for his stand-up, so a night allegedly ‘final’ evening in the company of website, her mum would encourage her to do in his company is always a surefire bet for a Sheffield’s raconteur par excellence. impressions in front of adults. big barrel of laughs. The pigeon-fancying Shuttleworth is the cre- “All the while, my mum is watching me and He’s visiting Birmingham this month with his ation of actor Graham Fellows - a one-time beaming with pride,” recalls Jen. “‘Jennifer,’ latest touring show, Keep It Light. chartbuster with 1970s hit Jilted John - and she’d say, ‘you could be the next Meryl Jokes include: “So what if Jesus turned water has been making his presence felt on the UK Streep!’ ‘Really, mum?’ ‘Oh yes, every actor into wine? I turned a whole student loan into comedy circuit for more than 30 years. starts with impressions! Just look at Dustin Vodka once. Your move, Jesus...” and “I’m in Topics for Shuttleworth’s consideration in Hoffman. Tootsie is a very good film. He did therapy at the moment. I don’t need it, obvi- this farewell offering include the rise in pop- an impression of a woman and his career ously, but I got all these psychiatrist gift ularity of hi-viz protective wear, the suitabili- took off!’ ‘I think he was famous before vouchers for Christmas which my family ty of the plastic lid on takeaway coffee cups, Tootsie, mum.’ ‘I don’t think so - I think he clubbed together for. What I wanted was a and the excitement he felt when sucking his put on a dress and, poof!, he was famous. crossbow...” first mint. You know... maybe if you wore a dress some- times, Jennifer, you could get famous too...’ “At this stage in my career, I’m willing to try anything, so thanks, mum!”

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Justin Moorhouse Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 10 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 19 February Justin Moorhouse is a naturally and seriously funny stand-up - which isn’t something that can be said about every comedian who picks up a mic and fires off an evening’s-worth of material. Audience members catching his act for the first time will find them- selves in the company of a sea- soned pro who knows exactly how to work a crowd. Although his accent and style of delivery call to mind Peter Kay (no bad thing), Moorhouse is very much his own man, presenting an evening of well-honed, hugely enjoyable, adult-themed entertain- ment. Jokes include: “The women you see on Jeremy Kyle are so big they have to get their leggings on prescrip- tion.”

Tanyalee Richard Andy Davis Gadd Zaltzman The Bramall, Warwick Arts Centre, The Slade Rooms, Birmingham, Thurs Coventry, Sun 19 Wolverhampton, 16 February February Fri 24 February Tanyalee Davis is a It says much about Sporting a hairstyle three foot six inches Richard Gadd’s tal- that makes him look tall comedian who’s ent that he was able like Art Garfunkel on happy to make refer- to score a big success acid, Andrew ence to her height as at last summer’s Zaltzman is best a starting point for her comedy. “Sometimes Edinburgh Fringe with a stand-up show he’d known for performing comedy routines with a kid sees me,” she explains, “and says, felt compelled to write as a result of experi- a decidedly political bent. ‘Wow, what happened to you? Did you get encing a sexual assault. A regular collaborator with John Oliver, into an accident?’ And I say, ‘Hell, no, I just Managing to generate humour from so dark a Zaltzman’s work with the Birmingham-born didn’t eat my vegetables when I was your starting point is no mean feat, and speaks funnyman includes radio shows Political age, you little shit!’” volumes for the progress Gadd feels he’s Animal and The Department, and satirical Canadian-born Tanyalee, who describes her- made since the incident changed his life five podcast The Bugle. self as “the Ferrari of comedy - low to the years ago. Jokes include, “Politicians are like God. No ground and kinda racy”, has been peddling “I’m the man playing football twice a week one believes in them, they haven't done any- her hugely successful brand of humour for with my football pals,” he explained to the thing for ages, and they give jobs to their over 20 years. Guardian. “I thought of myself as a man, and immediate family.” “A good majority of my act is about my life I felt like that was taken from me, and I’m Another gag is: “Sperms are communists; and me,” she explains. “Maybe it's from a lit- ashamed of that now. But I felt like that was well, Stalinists really - only one of them gets tle person's perspective, but I don't feel it's the story I wanted and I needed to tell with to achieve anything and millions of them die hokey midget shit anymore. It's not just this show.” for nothing.” generic; it's really relevant to me and the sit- uations I've gotten into.”

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Theatre february.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:14 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Thoroughly Modern Millie New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 13 - Sat 18 February Michelle Collins and Joanne Clifton star in this latest stage version of the hit 1967 film. Set in Manhattan during the Roaring ’20s, the show tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young woman who arrives in New York from Kansas in search of wealth, excitement and a man to marry. Deciding to stay at the Hotel Priscilla, she meets its proprietor, the eccentric Mrs Meers, before embarking on a series of riotous and not altogether planned adventures, all of which are pleasingly punctuated by dazzling musical numbers and stunning dance rou- tines.

Amédée couple in real life. And there’s little doubt rd’ named Margaret, where Detective Dawn that their romantic relationship lends their Taylor is determined that justice will triumph The REP, Birmingham, over dirty dealing. Fri 24 February - Sat 11 March improv work a very particular and impres- sively easygoing chemistry. Scenes of nudity and violence make the sug- Colleen and Jason are appearing in gested rating for this show 16-plus. Birmingham this month for one night only - and will be keen to quickly work out what kind of audience they’re performing to... The Goon Show “Different cities have different styles of The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, improv,” explains Jason. “For instance, in Wed 8 - Fri 10 February; mac, Birmingham, Chicago, we're almost expected to do a one- Sat 11 February; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 12 February act play for which we don’t know our lines. There are some cities where you sense pretty With fans down the decades having included quickly that the audience has never seen a The Beatles, Monty Python and Prince long-form improv show and so don’t know Charles, there’s little doubting the impact Playwright, director and comedian Sean how to react to it. By contrast, in cities with which 1950s radio comedy programme The Foley, whose previous stage productions theatres, longform improv’s easier because Goon Show has had on British culture and include The Play What I Wrote and The people are familiar with seeing plays so are humour. Ladykillers, is the man behind this new more patient. It gives you more room to take Featuring Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Harry adaptation of Eugene Ionesco’s 1954 work. risks.” Secombe and, for a couple of series in the A leading figure in French avant-garde the- early ’50s, Michael Bentine, the show ran for atre, Ionesco is best known for his absurdist nine years, each half-hour episode providing plays, many of which reflect on the insignifi- a zany mixture of puns, catchphrases, cance of human existence. Wolf Meat bizarre sound effects and utterly ludicrous Amédée, his first full-length offering, fea- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, characters. tures a frustrated playwright and his switch- Sat 18 February Birmingham Comedy Festival and Fred board-operator wife. Struggling to make ends Blending macabre humour and theatrical Theatre here present 21st century audiences meet in a dilapidated London apartment anarchy with a healthy sense of the ridicu- with the opportunity to enjoy two classic (Foley’s adaptation switches the action from lous is the name of the game for Wildheart & Goon Show radio scripts live on stage: The Paris), the couple are becoming ever more Lyric, a theatre company founded six years House Of Teeth and The Jet-Propelled Guided concerned about the problem in their other ago by a group of friends ‘in a dusty pub Naafi were both originally broadcast in 1956. room - a corpse that’s causing mushrooms to function room’. sprout all over the apartment... The ensemble’s currently touring production Roxana Silbert directs this Birmingham scored a sell-out success at the Brighton Repertory Theatre Company production. Fringe in 2015, earning praise for its seriously fast-paced storytelling, clever physical come- dy, and refreshing disregard for the invisible Dummy ‘fourth wall’ that usually separates perform- The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, ers from audience. Sat 18 February For those who like to know that their evening As well as being performance partners, Los of comedy comes complete with an accompa- Angeles-based improv duo Colleen Doyle nying storyline, Wolf Meat takes place in the and Jason Shotts - aka Dummy - are also a drugs den of a Gangsta Granny-style ‘druglo-

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Wed 15 - Fri 3 & Sat 25 Feb Sat 4 Mar From £16 £15

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance: Material Men redux

Mon 27 & Tue 16 - Tue 7 Mar - Tue 28 Mar Sat 20 May Sat 29 Apr £16 From £17 From £25

m¡longa The power and beauty of Argentinean tango.

Fri 26 & Mon 29 May Tue 6 - Sat 27 May - S at 3 Jun Sat 10 Jun From £15 From £15 From £17

Sean Lock - Keep It Light Jon Richardson - The Old Man Joel Dommett - Live 2017 Mon 27 & Tue 28 Feb £25 Thu 4 May £20.50 Sat 6 May £18.50

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 february.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:15 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Sister Act Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 27 February - Sat 4 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May Based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg movie, this stage musical, directed and choreo- graphed by , sees Alexandra Burke taking the Goldberg role of Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier. After seeing her gangster boyfriend kill an employee, Deloris is placed on a witness protection programme and hidden in a con- vent, where she takes over the rehearsals of the in-house choir of nuns. Thanks to her musical expertise, the choir become a huge success and church attendances go through the roof. But in giving the church a new lease of life, Deloris may inadvertently have jeopardised her own safety... A fun-filled spectacular of a show with a real feelgood factor, this is a truly divine comedy that’s well worth worshipping.

California Scheming all,” explains Frank about his new show. Northanger Abbey “The opening lyrics of my song, Finding Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 11 February , are ‘We move too fast; we miss Lichfield Garrick, Mon 13 - Wed 15 February Writer, director and performer Clare so much’. And it’s true - there’s a Jane Austen’s classic satire is here adapted Ferguson-Walker has earned plenty of praise Wonderland in all of our lives if we could by highly rated playwright Tim Luscombe. It for this spoken-word set, a presentation only take a breath and notice it. In this par- tells the story of the bookish Catherine described as ‘a poetic narrative about a life- ticular adventure, Alice has to rescue her Morland, a 17-year-old girl whose love of a long fascination with America’. own child, and in doing so, she rediscovers ‘horrid’ novel helps fuel her imagination When a family take a trip to California, they the child within herself.” when she visits Northanger Abbey. The home find themselves not only exposed to the Wendi Peters, Dave Willetts and of her beloved, the one-time church is a gaudy excesses of life in Los Angeles, but star. place in which Catherine soon finds fact and also to the sobering realisation that all that fiction colliding... glitters is not necessarily gold... Luscombe’s adaptation has met with plenty This ultimately uplifting cautionary tale is 60 of positive reviews during the course of its minutes in length and is performed without UK tour, and promises an evening of rollick- an interval. ing fun for all fans of Austen’s novels. Casting includes Emma Ballantine, Eva Feiler, Jonathan Hansler, Harry Livingstone, Wonderland Joe Parker, Annabelle Terry, Hilary Tones and Joseph Tweedale. New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 6 - Sat 11 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 10 - Sat 15 July It was during the lifetime of the book’s Cyrano author, Lewis Carroll, that the wacky world New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland first Fri 3 - Sat 25 February made it onto the stage; in 1886, to be precise. Edmond Rostand’s famous French play, writ- A mere 17 years later, the topsy-turvy story ten in 1897, recounts the story of Cyrano de and its cast of colourful characters were Bergerac, a poet and soldier who’s desperate being interpreted through the exciting new to win the love of his brilliant and beautiful medium of film. cousin, the Lady Roxane. Cyrano’s best One of the latest companies to join the long efforts to do so, however, are somewhat com- and noble tradition of reinventing Alice visits plicated by the fact that he’s got a nose that’s the Midlands this month. It’s being led by as big as the Eiffel Tower (that’s obviously an Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, whose exaggeration for effect, but you get the idea). work on shows like Jekyll & Hyde, Northern Broadsides and the New Vic Victor/Victoria and Bonnie & Clyde has Theatre join forces to present this swash- earned him international acclaim. buckling tale of unrequited love. “It starts with the idea of the child within us

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Theatre

The Full Monty Gaz’s,” explains Gary. “He’s feeling worth- less because he doesn’t have a job and might Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 6 - Sat 11 February lose his son. His sole aim is to continue to see his boy, so he gets the guys together to When six men lose their jobs at the local make some money.” steelworks, they find that dignity, hope and So how does Gary feel about getting naked self-belief are suddenly in short supply. at the end of the show? “It was quite a Until, that is, they take the plunge and strange experience initially,” he smiles, “but become male strippers... it’s obviously a major part of the story. You Ex-EastEnder Gary Lucy takes the lead role have to make sure that you never fall out of Gaz in a show that features the music of with the lighting guy, mind, as he’s the one Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom who makes sure the audience get blinded by Jones. the spotlights at the end and so don’t see too “This may be a comedy, but the stories run- much!” ning through it are really strong, particularly

In The Motherhood who’s no great lover of pronouncing her der norms in productions like her gender- aitches. But will Eliza prove a ‘challenge too reversed Sleeping Beauty, her Wendy-centred mac, Birmingham, Mon 6 February; Artrix, far’ for the proper-speakin’ professor, or can Peter Pan, and a highly acclaimed adapta- Bromsgrove, Fri 10 February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 16 February & Albany he manage to teach her enough to pass her tion of Jane Eyre. Theatre, Coventry, Sat 18 February off as a Duchess at the forthcoming “Gelsomina can certainly be seen as a vic- Ambassador’s Garden Party? tim,” admits Sally, “but I'm determined that Based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses X, we find her ‘action’, if you like. The relation- Pygmalion debuted in 1914 and is widely ship between Zampano and Gelsomina is an considered to be one of the greatest plays of abusive one, certainly, but Gelsomina does- the 20th century. This innovative new stag- n't just lie down and take it - she confronts ing - using video and sound technology to him and questions and provokes all the way contemplate the issues of class identity and through the story. Like Jane Eyre, she's con- social mobility in modern Britain - is a co- stantly looking for a better life and striving to production by Headlong, Nuffield Theatre discover her potential, but circumstances and West Yorkshire Playhouse. make that very difficult for her.”

La Strada Narvik Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 15 - In the delightful village in which they live, Sat 11 - Sat 18 February; The REP, Thurs 16 February; mac, Birmingham, Nita and Bonnie run the PTA with brutal effi- Birmingham, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May Sat 18 February ciency. Savvy city type Jacs is looking to The story of a Liverpudlian man and a make an impression and wants to get Norwegian woman who are ‘pulled together involved - but on Nita and Bonnie’s watch, and torn apart by war, as the events of one joining the committee is no easy task... summer cause ripples across an ocean of “It was really important to me to write this time’, Narvik started life as a 10-minute pres- play because I want to celebrate mums,” entation. It was co-produced by Hannah says Hayley Pepler, who began work on In Tyrrell Pinder from Box Of Tricks, the compa- The Motherhood four years ago, when she ny now touring the show, and award-win- was a participant in Birmingham Repertory ning playwright and musician Lizzie Theatre’s Write Away scheme for emerging Nunnery. playwrights. “I want to draw attention to the “We were really thrilled and surprised by the incredible job women are doing every day to intense and positive response of the audi- raise the next generation in the face of enor- ence,” explains Lizzie, in talking about that mous competing pressures about how we do A brand new stage adaptation of Federico initial 10-minute version, “It felt like we’d hit it.” Fellini’s 1954 movie masterpiece, La Strada on a really compelling central story. At that follows the journey of Gelsomina, a young point, we knew our central character Jim, we Pygmalion woman who’s effectively sold by her mother knew it was a play about the disruption of to a brutal and hard-drinking street per- war and memory, we knew it was, on some Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, former named Zampano. level, a romance. Beyond that, we wanted to Tues 28 February - Fri 3 March When the ill-matched pair come across an tell a story about Norway, about the Arctic, George Bernard Shaw's classic offering tells itinerant circus, Gelsomina finds herself and an unconventional journey through the story of Professor Henry Higgins, an arro- faced with a stark choice that will decide the World War Two. gant expert in phonetics who reckons he course of her future... “I hope our Midlands audiences will find could teach any woman to speak properly. La Strada is being helmed by Sally Cookson, Narvik to be a really lively, thrilling experi- Enter, Eliza Dolittle - a young flower-seller a director known for openly challenging gen- ence. I can’t wait!”

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre february.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:15 Page 6

theatre for younger audiences...

Shark In The Park! Heaven Eyes Jack Frost

Shark In The Park! marriage begins when the mercurial figure of Adventures Of The Owl And The Pussycat Peter Pan arrives in her nursery one night... will be sailing into the spotlight, to bring mac, Birmingham, Sun 5 February Local theatre company Split Mask here pres- more nonsense to Coventry.” Nick Sharratt has illustrated over 250 books, ent their version of Ella Hickson’s play, an around one-sixth of which have been his adaptation of the JM Barrie classic that own. One of these is the hugely successful showed at the Royal Shakespeare Company a Shark In The Park!, a children’s story about a few Christmases ago. Michael Morpurgo’s young lad named Timothy who goes to his King Arthur local park to try out his new telescope. While The Core Theatre, Solihull, Tues 21 February there, he thinks he spots a shark - and not Jack Frost The award-winning Story Pocket Theatre just on one occasion either, but several times The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, here presents its touring adaptation of War in several places! Sat 25 February Horse author Michael Morpurgo’s 2008 novel The popularity of the book prompted Jack Frost’s rather unwanted ability to freeze about the legend of King Arthur. Sharratt to write and illustrate two follow- everything with which he comes into contact One of the UK’s leading theatre companies ups - Shark In The Dark! and Shark In The may well be wreaking havoc in the village, for younger audiences, the Guildford-based Park On A Windy Day!. but that doesn’t stop a small girl from reach- ensemble, of which Morpurgo is patron, All three stories are featured in this brand ing out to him with an offer of greatly need- bring both classic and original children's sto- new stage show from the highly rated ed friendship... ries to the stage. This latest offering sees a Nonsense Room theatre company. This much-loved Nordic legend about a tra- drowning boy being rescued by a mysterious The production is being performed three ditionally sprite-like character - and the icy figure who claims to be Arthur Pendragon. times during the afternoon and is suitable impact which he has on everything that he As the old man recounts his tales, the young- for children aged two-plus. touches - is here reimagined by the talented ster is transported back to the heady days of theatricals of Moon On A Stick. The Norfolk- Camelot, the Round Table, Merlin, Excalibur, based company bring to life this chilly little Lancelot and Guinevere - a mythical time of Heaven Eyes tale via an engaging mixture of puppetry, magic, heroism, love and betrayal. Old Rep, Birmingham, Thurs 16 February music and playful storytelling, presenting a Blending physical theatre and imaginative lively production that’s suitable for young- This Théâtre Sans Frontières production of storytelling to create a fast-moving family sters aged three-plus. David Almond's play has garnered plenty of adventure, the production is suitable for praise on its travels over the last few months. children aged seven and older. It tells the story of three teenagers who run away from an orphanage and sail down the The Quite Remarkable River Tyne on a makeshift raft. In the course Adventures Of The Owl of their journey they encounter two some- And The Pussycat what curious characters. One is an enigmatic old man known as Grampa; the other, a Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 18 February - Sat 4 March strange Swedish girl called Heaven Eyes. Both end up playing a significant role in the A musical adaptation of a book written by teenagers’ lives, as the three friends attempt Monty Python star Eric Idle, The Quite to find their way in an increasingly confus- Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl And The ing world. Pussycat is inspired by the famous Edward The show is suitable for audience members Lear poem. The story sees its two main char- aged nine and older. acters, the owl and the pussycat of the title, heading out on a mission to save the world. In the process they must defeat the dastardly Wendy And Peter Pan Firelord, his imaginary dragon, Pyron, and his henchmen, Flicker and Brimstone. Prince Of Centre, Cannock, Thurs 16 - Fri 17 February “I love the Belgrade Theatre,” says Idle. “It’s where we first performed Monty Python live Faced with the crippling loss of her younger on stage in January 1970 for three sold-out brother Tom, and convinced that his shadow midnight shows. It’s very close to where we still haunts her window, Wendy’s heroic opened my play, Pass The Butler, in 1982, quest to salvage what remains of her parents’ Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur and it’s totally where The Quite Remarkable whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Billy Elliot DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:46 Page 1

FEATURE

Billy Elliot West End phenomenon pirrouettes into Birmingham Hippodrome

On 3 March 1985, the longest industrial believes that they're going to win.” could see fully grown men crying in the strike in British history was finally audience when we talked about how It's this confidence in solidarity that brought to an exhausted end. For 12 there'll be no pits left in 10 years’ time.” makes the play's final revelation so utterly months, thousands of miners across the devastating. By the time we get to the end Amazingly, over a decade after the country had refused to work, in protest of the story, Tony is explaining to Billy musical made its stage debut, the current against the planned closure of UK that while he goes off to complete his tour marks the first time it has moved out collieries. Over the course of the year, the dance training, everyone he knows in of the West End to visit the areas whose dispute became increasingly bitter, with Easington and beyond will soon be history it concerns. frequent outbreaks of violence and unemployed. families struggling to keep themselves “We were so nervous before we went to financially afloat. But despite its At the centre of Billy Elliot is the simple Sunderland, but it was the most amazing unprecedented scale, the strike ultimately tale of a little boy chasing his dream, and experience, a real career highlight. Even failed - a historic outcome seen by many since the film first appeared in 2000, it's though this is their story, it hasn't been as signalling the end of an era. been widely credited with helping to back there since they filmed the movie change attitudes towards dance, giving more than 15 years ago. We actually went Set against this backdrop of hundreds of boys access to a previously to the Easington Town Hall, where a lot of confrontation, abject poverty and dashed unthought-of world and driving up our show is set, and met some of the hope is the story of Billy Elliot - a young standards for male dancers throughout people, and it's amazing the effect it still boy with an unexpected talent for ballet the industry. has there - even now there's still places whose family is at the heart of the conflict where the people who broke the strike in County Durham. But there's another, arguably even more can't go. Then, on the opening night, we poignant, side to the story, one that’s Coming to Birmingham Hippodrome next had the Easington Colliery Brass Band concerned with the transition from an age month as part of its first ever UK tour, the playing outside the theatre, which was a of nationalised industry and community smash-hit stage musical shows how really nice, heartfelt moment.” solidarity into Margaret Thatcher's vision Billy's abilities offer him a lifeline out of of an individualistic world in which Far from seeming frivolous, in many ways the world he's been born into. Sadly, the “There is no such thing as society”. the musical version has an even greater, rest of his family and community are not more immediate impact than the film. On so lucky. “There are sort of two different stories stage, the clashes between miners and about trying to overcome adversity,” “It's easy to look back on it all now and police are brought vividly to life. Garnham explains, “one about a little boy feel like you know the outcome, but when trying to escape his environment, and one “There are similarities obviously, but you're doing this show, it's important not about the strike. And where one succeeds, we're not trying to put the film on stage. to look at it in the past tense,” says Scott the other fails spectacularly. When we go This is very much its own thing. I think Garnham, who plays Billy's older brother to places near mining communities, I feel particularly the story of me and my dad is and local strike ringleader Tony. “No like they really get what we're trying to much more prominent in the musical. union strike had ever lost like this before, say with our story. In Sunderland, you Also, whereas in the film Billy is the only so when Tony goes out there, he really

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Billy Elliot DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:46 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

character who dances, in the musical, it's dream ballet, where Billy literally soars passionate, and that tends to come out in all about showing a distinction between above the sadness of the world around anger. But even though he and Billy seem the ways in which different characters him, in a gorgeous duet with his older very different, I think that actually, if you move. So the choreography for the self, as played by Luke Cinque-White. look a bit deeper, there are a lot of policemen and the miners has got its own similarities between them.” Yet even this can be seen as part of the language if you like, which is in contrast bigger picture of social change over the For Garnham and the rest of the cast, the to the very heightened choreography for last few decades. The growing acceptance affection is unfeigned. Since the show Billy.” of unconventional characters like Billy began its tour a year ago, the five boys Although it's stylised, the violence is and Michael hints at the burgeoning sharing the demanding title role - Adam viscerally felt, the child's perspective culture of individual expression and Abbou, Emile Gooding, Matthew Lyons, instilling a sense of real fear. At times, the liberal social values that the ’80s ushered Haydn May and Lewis Smallman - have rioting surrounds Mrs Wilkinson's ballet in. In different times, perhaps Tony and grown a lot, both as performers and as classes, threatening to crash down on the his father would not only have been more people. safe space that Billy has found for accepting of Billy's choices, but even “When we started our rehearsals, some of himself. Elsewhere, armour-clad officers better equipped to deal with their own them were quite timid, and although stomp towards him with riot shields and frustrations. they're all fantastically talented, they truncheons raised, seeming to embody “Sometimes people watching the show each excelled at different things. Now it's the oppressive atmosphere that's forget that it was such a different time in virtually impossible to say who's the constantly threatening to push him over 1984,” says Garnham, “and that this little better dancer or singer or whatever, and the edge. boy saying he wants to go off and be a they're all really confident and able to All this isn't to dismiss the show's more ballet dancer would be like saying you hold their own in conversations. The straightforward pleasures. When Billy want to go off into space and live with the amount of discipline that's required for performs at his audition before an aliens now. I think there was one review the role is incredible - I can't think of any unreadable panel (a role in which the that described Tony as the villain of the other musical with a part like this. But I audience is cast through clever staging), piece, and I felt a bit like they hadn't do feel like we're all one big family and we we share wholeheartedly in his father's really understood, whereas when you go all look after each other, from the kids to tearful pride and wonder. Meanwhile, to Sunderland or somewhere like that, the oldest cast members.” Billy's less-than-eager foray into they understand that there are no villains crossdressing with his fearlessly - other than maybe Margaret Thatcher! flamboyant best friend, Michael, is both “On the surface Tony isn't the nicest heartwarming and hilarious - the dancing brother to Billy, but I think it comes out of dresses, flashing lights and sparkly Billy Elliot shows at Birmingham a place of actually really caring. He does backdrops in Expressing Yourself provide Hippodrome from Tuesday 7 March to love Billy, but he's quite hot-headed and one of the show's most spectacular Saturday 29 April rash, and maybe not as in touch with his moments. And then there's the beautiful emotions as men are able to be now. He's

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Shobna Gulati DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:06 Page 1

FEATURE

Shobna Gulati Ex-Corrie favourite talks about starring in Anita And Me at the Wolverhampton Grand

In the 20 years since Meera Syal's semi- autobiographical portrait of life in the Black Country in the 1970s first appeared in print, it's become something of a contemporary classic, spawning a popular film adaptation and even, much to Syal's own bemusement, becoming a GCSE set text. In 2015, Anita And Me made its stage debut at Birmingham REP; now the theatre’s artistic director, Roxana Silbert, is bringing the much-loved story back home to the Midlands with a run at the Wolverhampton Grand. Starring in the show as mother to the teenage protagonist Meena (the ‘Me’ of the title) is Shobna Gulati, best known for her long-running role as Sunita Alahan in , as well as for her regular appearances on Loose Women. Taking over the role of Daljit from Ayesha Dharker, Gulati is very much looking forward to returning to the city and the theatre. “I love Wolverhampton,” she says. “I've got quite a special relationship with it, actually. When I was a dancer I used to work for Sampad, so I went round schools in Cannock, Wolverhampton and Birmingham teaching creative dance using Indian Classical dance as a basis. I was also here for 16 weeks to do panto - in those days the Grand's was the longest-running panto in the country.” Gulati describes her character Daljit as a loving but often quietly disapproving mother who, like many parents, has a “sticky relationship” with her daughter. “I think Daljit sees a lot of herself in Meena, and is perhaps still holding onto her own Shobna Gulati DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:06 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

childhood through her, but obviously as a read of it. There's a great bit in the play is still ongoing, leaving her running teenager Meena wants to explore things where Daljit's having a go at Meena about between and Wolverhampton in for herself. Daljit knows that she had a that - you know, Cathy and Clare, what do the middle of the day. It sounds like hard good upbringing back at home and she they know? All they know about is work, but she shrugs it off. struggles to understand why that same boyfriends, and it's not important. All of “I'm a bit of a boring old person now upbringing isn't working for Meena in a this - family and community - is what's because I'm just getting up, going to work, different place. She never loses her important.” going to another work, going home to temper, she's just frustrated and can't Things have changed considerably since bed, and then getting up and doing it all understand why Meena has to fight so 1972, but there's also plenty that's stayed again! In my youth I'd have done the often when she and her husband give her the same. Perhaps more pertinently, same, but then I'd also have gone out for a all the love and support in the world.” thinks Gulati, there are aspects of Britain drink afterwards. I probably wouldn't Meera Syal remains closely involved with in 2017 which seem to have more in have slept! But I can't burn the candle at the retelling of her story, and the common with the culture of the 1970s both ends anymore...” opportunity to finally work with her - as than with life in the intervening decades. Though it's something she's come to well as with award-winning playwright “From a historical point of view, the story relatively late in her career, musical Tanika Gupta - was a major factor in examines the movement of people into theatre is a natural choice for Gulati, who Gulati's decision to join the cast. small communities and how those has always sung at home and started “Meera and I have always sort of missed communities responded. You've got these dance classes at the tender age of seven. each other on the way. We've known of areas where economically things are One of her first jobs after leaving each other but we've never been able to tough for everyone, and the thing to Coronation Street was on the UK tour of work together because our schedules have blame always seemed to be whoever was Mamma Mia!, which she says was a bit never quite matched up. I think the things considered an outsider. When I was like coming “full circle”. that people like Meera have achieved are growing up, I was constantly reminded of “In Western culture we often tend to put just amazing - they've put their heads how different I was, and for a while I things in boxes - you either sing or dance above the parapet and just kept going thought that things were moving on, but I or act or play music - whereas in Indian despite the struggles of being 'other' in think we've actually gone slightly Classical dance you do all those things. this community we all live in. And backwards now. We've gone back to It's expressive, so you learn to act as well because it's semi-autobiographical, in a people feeling suspicious of people from as how to dance technically and to way, I get to play Meera's mum, so it's a other places, and as a grown-up adult I'm accompany, so it's a more holistic way of real honour.” once again reminded of how different I looking at performance. When my mum am, even though I was born and raised Despite not having read the book or seen came to see Mamma Mia!, she said, 'This here.” the film before, Gulati immediately is what you've always wanted to do, right identified with the characters, finding Fortunately, there are movements for from when you were a little girl.'” elements of the story that chimed with her positive change, and this very production So with such a varied career behind her, own experiences of growing up in an aims to be part of that, promoting what's next for Shobna Gulati? Is there immigrant family in industrial Oldham. engagement and interaction between anything still left to tick off the list? “Well, communities. “I am going to be playing my mum! Maybe I've been making my way for the last 31 that's a cop-out, but Meera and I are “Anita And Me is part of the legacy of a years, and I think I've done most things at around the same age, and I can see a lot group called the Touring Consortium, who some point, but do you know... I've never of my relationship with my mother when I go into theatres that don't necessarily actually been a lead. So if there was was a teenager in this story. In fact, it's have that engagement with the wider something that would be suitable for even more like my mum's relationship diverse community. Hopefully this play someone of my age, I'd love to do that. I'd with my big sister. I was the youngest girl will be a good way of beginning a process love to play Cleopatra in Anthony And in my family, but when my sister was for people who perhaps aren't quite so Cleopatra. I feel like I'm ready for that growing up, my mum and dad were in culturally engaged, and helping to turn now.” England bringing up a young girl for the the wheel forwards again.” first time. Some places have further to go than “My sisters always used to read Jackie others. Gulati has loved her time Anita And Me shows at magazine, and although it was more performing in Grease at Leicester's Curve Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from Smash Hits by the time I was a teenager, I Theatre, describing it as a place where Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 February do remember slipping their copies of “diversity permeates”. As rehearsals for Jackie under my pillow at night to have a Anita And Me commence, that production Angus Jackson DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:07 Page 1

FEATURE

ANGUS JACKSON adds contemporary styling to Shakespeare’s Ancient Rome

The 30th of June 2016: Just days after the Of the four plays, Jackson (whose up against the confident, smooth-talking EU referendum, Boris Johnson shocked the previous RSC credits include opportunism of Mark Antony. Where nation by announcing that he would not Oppenheimer and Don Quixote) will Antony wins over the mob through appeal be standing for leadership of his party. In a direct the first and last of the season, with to emotion, loyalty and sheer strength of speech, he described this as “a time not to Iqbal Khan (Othello, Much Ado About personality, Brutus makes the fatal fight against the tide of history but to take Nothing) heading up Antony And mistake of assuming that good intentions that tide at the flood and sail on to Cleopatra, and Blanche McIntyre (Two will be sufficient to make his case. It's a fortune.” Lifted almost verbatim from Noble Kinsmen) leading Titus pertinent predicament to our own Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the quote Andronicus. Though it's neither the first tumultuous times, where polls mislead hints tantalisingly at a story of betrayal Shakespeare wrote nor the first in terms of and every argument is laden with highly and power play going on behind the scenes chronological setting, Julius Caesar charged language. of the EU debate. It was an astonishing seemed like the obvious choice to start the “Rhetoric is the most brilliant thing to talk week in British history, but perhaps what is season - beginning, aptly enough, around about with this play, especially right after even more remarkable is the fact that it the Ides of March. Trump takes over from Obama. We've just could be understood and interpreted “Interestingly when we go to London we had the most extraordinary rhetorician as through a reference to a 400-year-old play will actually be opening with Coriolanus, President of America, and if you compare telling the story of 2000-year-old events. so there they'll be in chronological order, the way he speaks to the way Trump Currently scrutinising Julius Caesar and its but I rather like what we're doing in speaks, it's really interesting. I might also meaning for modern audiences is Angus Stratford. I thought it would be a good argue that the Brexit debate was swayed Jackson, director of the RSC's forthcoming idea to open with my own production of enormously by rhetoric, and that only Rome season. This year, with the help of Julius Caesar, and we wanted to tie that after the vote did people really start two other directors, Jackson is in charge of together with Antony And Cleopatra, so filtering through the facts.” staging all four of Shakespeare's Roman we're opening with this big, epic story Ironically, in attempting to secure his plays, alongside a series of talks about across those two plays; and then to do the beloved republic from the threat of their contemporary relevance, and an next one (Titus Andronicus) further in the dictatorship, Brutus ends up creating a exhibition of political cartoons from the future made sense. That's going to be power vacuum which is filled by exactly last 200 years that have used Shakespeare really exciting and bloody, and then, the kind of absolute government that he as a basis for satire. when we've laid waste to this empire, we feared - a story we've seen playing out go back to the beginning (in Coriolanus) “I think it's extraordinary that these truths again and again throughout the ages, and show you how it started with the best run through history like the lettering most recently in Middle Eastern states. of intentions, before personalities and through a stick of rock,” says Jackson. The fate of the country hangs in the ambitions got in the way.” “They resonate across the ages: every time balance, and Brutus' catastrophic failure anybody says, 'Et tu, Brute?' we know what Personal ambition, rabble rousing and ushers in a new era for Rome: here the they mean, and every overly powerful populist uprising are at the heart of Julius Republic ends and the Empire begins. individual is viewed through the lens of Caesar's thrilling political plot, which Today, Classical history is rarely taught in- Caesar.” throws the conflicted idealism of Brutus Angus Jackson DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:07 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Photo: Catherine Ashmore

depth in schools, and it's common to treat all we go back and do Coriolanus in really sort of homecoming. the Roman era as a single, easily deep period, where they're slugging out in “It's funny - I just saw Simon Russell digestible unit, forgetting that it actually the mud with broadswords and it's all Beale playing Prospero in The Tempest, covers a period of about 1000 years. To about how much muscle you've got.” and I can remember seeing him in Nick put that in context, it's about as long as a Cutting edge music from the likes of Laura Hytner's production when I can't have unified English (let alone British) Mvula and Mira Calix will help to open up been much older than 12. My parents kingdom has existed today – so the the characters' emotional and imaginative always brought me when I was a kid, and Romans of Coriolanus would have had worlds to contemporary audiences. as soon as I got my driving licence, I about as much in common with the would just go off by myself and see any Romans of Titus Andronicus as 21st- “If HBO and have taught us number of shows in Stratford, so I feel century Brits have with the Anglo-Saxons. anything, it's that you can get people incredibly comfortable there.” With the help of designer Robert Innes really interested in historical figures if you Hopkins, Jackson hopes to emphasise that shine the light on the people and what “I think when you're putting on rolling on of centuries between the plays. they thought and felt. Having a moment of Shakespeare, if you're too reverent to do emotion supported by something you anything new with it, you end up with “We thought we'd start with a kind of might hear at the Mercury Awards today something that can come over a bit modern version of Rome, the idea being to immediately tells the audience that these academic, which has its own validity, but give them an environment that will look to are people that think like they do.” I'm big on narrative and dramaturgy and our eye now as it would have looked to making things fresh and interesting. As a them at the time. So it's got all the pillars Following the phenomenal success of last new writing director, you treat the play and the steps and the togas, but rather year's Shakespeare 400 anniversary like it's just been written, and I think than having cumbersome, heritage celebrations, the Roman season was that's the best way to approach any play - clothing and weapons, we've got people conceived by RSC Artistic Director Greg Shakespeare, Marlowe, Beckett or tearing around in garments they can wear Doran partly as a way of marking 2000 Brecht.” in a very practical way. Then in Antony years since the death of Ovid. In a sense, and Cleopatra, that very modern-seeming Ovid's Metamorphoses were to world comes into collision with the Shakespeare as Shakespeare's stories are The RSC's Rome season at the Royal beautiful, rich, ancient society of Egypt. to us: in the same way as Boris Johnson Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- can describe post-Brexit machinations “By the time we get to Titus, which is Avon, commences with Julius Caesar, using Julius Caesar, so the tortured hundreds of years and hundreds of which shows from 3 March to 9 Lavinia in Titus Andronicus turns to the emperors later, it will all be in modern September. The season then continues story of Philomel to explain the horrors dress, with things like severed heads in with Antony And Cleopatra, 11 March - she endures. Tesco carrier bags. That fits in beautifully 7 September, and Titus Andronicus, 23 with the overarching season, because it's Though best known for directing new June – 2 September. like this empire has evolved and decayed writing (including plays by Kwame Kwei- Dates for Coriolanus are yet to be and become more complex and cruel, and Armah), for Jackson, who grew up in announced. it's difficult to know who's really in Birmingham, working at the RSC is like a charge. Then after we've laid waste to it Dance February New.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:56 Page 1

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance February New.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:56 Page 2

Dance Dance previews from around the region

The Red Shoes Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 7 - Sat 11 February & Wed 19 - Sat 22 July Widely regarded as the greatest dance film ever made, The Red Shoes is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale about a pair of enchanted shoes that force their wearer to dance until she dies. The film’s story centres on young balleri- na and star in the making Vicky Page. When Vicky falls for the ballet compa- ny's charismatic composer, Julian Craster, the jealous Lermontov forces her to choose between love and her career, knowing full well that for Vicky, dancing is as much a necessity as living. In a sumptuous new adaptation visiting Birmingham this month, and returning in July, Matthew Bourne reinvents the movie’s story live on stage. “We have several little ballets in the piece,” reveals Matthew. “There's a beach ballet, which creates a link to the actual beach when they visit Monte Carlo. We also have what we call the 'Good vs Evil' ballet, which reflects the atmosphere of what's going on in the story at that point. That's based on a famously barefoot ballet Frederick Ashton did called Dante's Sonata. We also do a bit of Les Sylphides, and then there's a big, grand, glamorous, waltzy ballet near the beginning to rep- resent the world Vicky wants to be a part of. “So it's almost like watching a bit of dance history - you can see all the refer- ences.”

James Wilton Dance: Leviathan mac, Birmingham, Fri 24 February Be careful what you fish for... Award-winning choreographer James Wilton here re-imagines the seminal novel, Moby Dick. Wilton takes on the lead role of Captain Ahab, a man hell-bent on capturing the legendary white whale of the title, and brilliantly leads a troupe of highly talented dancers through the increas- ingly choppy waters of Herman Melville’s epic story. Wilton’s choreography is always distinctive, his productions powered by an energy the audience can almost reach out and touch. Leviathan is widely considered to be the choreographer’s best and most finely tuned work to date. In short, this is one whale of a tale that no self- respecting dance enthusiast can afford to miss...

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Dance Dance previews from around the region

Stepmother/Stepfather DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 16 - Fri 17 February Award-winning director and choreographer Arthur Pita dances over to the dark side with this latest double bill, produced in collabora- tion with HeadSpaceDance. In the first piece, familiar fairytale characters including Snow White and Hansel & Gretel find themselves being pursued by ‘a force of monstrous and abusive stepmothers’. The second dancework, meanwhile, entices the audience into ‘a hellish world of incest and murder’. The grisly tale it recounts is inspired by the Country Death Song, a folk- punk track from the second album of long- established cult American band Violent Femmes.

National Dance some impressive theatrical hits across the Coppelia decades, most famously an all-male version Company Wales of Swan Lake. But before he really hit the big Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 7 February & Malvern Theatre, Mon 13 February Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 21 February time, Matthew enjoyed numerous quieter successes with a number of highly innova- Since its formation in 1981, the Russian State tive danceworks, some of which are featured Ballet of Siberia has built a fine reputation in this celebratory show. for its delivery of world-renowned classics. The programme, here presented by Bourne’s This month sees the company returning to New Adventures company, varies from per- Wolverhampton to present a show that formance to performance and is drawn from brings together Leo Delibes’ dazzling score four pieces: The Infernal Galop, Town And with some truly breathtaking choreography. Country, Spitfire and Watch With Mother. When Dr Coppelius’s mannequin, Coppelia, is left on the workshop balcony, she causes quite a stir - not only in the heart of the red- This is National Dance Company Wales’ first blooded Franz but also in the mind of his visit to Theatre Severn for five long years. jealous fiancee, Swanilda, who foolishly mis- As if to make up for lost time, the talented takes Coppelia for a flesh-and-blood rival... ensemble is presenting not one but three brand new pieces to its Shropshire audi- ence... Profundis is a provocative piece Richard Alston Dance accompanied by whimsical wordplay and an Malvern Theatre, Tues 28 February - exotic soundtrack. Wed 1 March Tuplet, meanwhile, is described by the com- pany as ‘a witty and high-octane exploration A choreographer who’s very much at the of the simple notion of rhythm’. forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, The triple bill is completed by The Green Cinderella Richard Alston takes inspiration directly House, an imaginative work in which, on a from the music he uses. Birmingham Hippodrome, twisted TV set, characters discover ‘the fine Wed 15 - Sat 25 February This month sees his highly rated company line between fantasy and reality’. returning to the Created seven years ago, Birmingham Royal Midlands to perform Ballet’s highly regarded version of Cinderella a programme which Matthew Bourne’s Early is a beautiful and majestic work. includes two dances Adventures The company’s director, David Bintley, pulls to piano pieces that together the various elements of the classic originate from com- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, fairytale with some impressively articulate Thurs 16 - Sat 18 February pletely different storytelling. worlds. Both are Given the number of awards he’s won since The show’s choreography is dramatic and brand new works, by bursting onto the dance scene way back in bold, its grand waltzes featuring among a Alston and Martin the mid-1980s, Matthew Bourne is a man host of truly magical moments. Lawrance, and are with a need for a seriously big mantelpiece, Fans of the piece will undoubtedly be happy accompanied live on if not a dedicated trophy room. to revisit it, newcomers delighted by what stage by pianist Jason Backed by the talented members of his com- they discover. Ridgway. pany, choreographer Bourne has scored whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Film Feb GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:08 Page 1

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Film

Moonlight CERT 15 tbc Starring Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, , Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali Directed by (USA) You don’t come across a film like Moonlight very often. Not only does it exhibit a very distinctive directorial style but a narrative that matches it for originality. Set on the mean streets of Miami, the film focuses on one individual, Chiron. Chiron doesn’t speak much but digests the world around him - which is not a nice place. His mother is a crack-smoking prostitute, his saviour a drug dealer and his best friend somebody he shouldn’t really trust… Director Barry Jenkins divides his film into three parts, each revealing a different aspect of our protagonist, titled ‘Little,’ ‘Chiron’ and ‘Black.’ As such, it is a ficti- tious biography of a black man and how he comes to be who he is. Here there are good people who do bad things and bad people who do good things. The per- formances are excellent across the board, although as Chiron’s mother - as much a victim as her son - Naomie Harris is terrific. On the evidence here, it’s hard to believe the actress ever played Miss Moneypenny. The film itself won the Golden Globe for best drama. Released Fri 17 February CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in February...

Gold CERT tbc Starring Matthew McConaughey, Édgar Ramírez, Bryce Dallas Howard, Corey Stoll, Toby Kebbell, Craig T. Nelson Directed by Stephen Gaghan (USA) When the Canadian company Bre-X Minerals announced that it was sitting on a huge gold reserve in the jungles of Borneo, its stock price rocketed. So a luckless businessman and a geologist team up to go a-hunting. Released Fri 3 February

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter T2 Trainspotting CERT tbc CERT 15 (106 mins) Starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Starring Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Shawn Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Roberts, Ruby Rose, Iain Glen Macdonald Directed by Danny Boyle (UK) Directed by Paul WS Anderson Danny Boyle made his name with (UK/USA/Germany/Canada/France/) Trainspotting back in 1996 and since then Alice (Jovovich) would appear to be one of has gone from strength to strength. Here he the last humans alive on earth, so has her unites the original cast with a script adapted work cut out for her in her battle against the from Irvine Welsh’s Porno, which sees the armies of the undead. old miscreants reunited in Scotland just as The sixth and supposedly final instalment in Begbie (Robert Carlyle) has been released the franchise based on the video game. In from prison. Choose your future. Choose life. 3D. Now Showing Released Fri 3 February

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Film

Loving CERT 12a (123 mins) Starring Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Nick Kroll, Michael Shannon, Marton Csokas Directed by Jeff Nichols (USA) Another true-life drama about the horrors of racism in the American South, Nichols’ understated film focuses on Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple who had the audac- ity to share a bed. Even though they were legally married, Richard was white and Mildred was black and in Virginia that meant prison. Joel Edgerton, who can apparently play anything, blends chameleon-like into Richard, a socially awkward bricklayer who CRITIC’S CHOICE sees no harm in marrying the most beautiful woman in his small community. As Mildred, Toni Erdmann sweet time, creating a small, slightly musty world which, in spite of every- Ruth Negga - an Irish-Ethiopian actress - CERT 15 (162 mins) commands every scene she’s in, growing thing, feels entirely plausible. Yet as we Starring Peter Simonischek, Sandra Hüller, follow the life of this odd, old man, the from a shy and timid wallflower into the Trystan Pütter, Lucy Russell public voice of her family’s cause. Directed by Maren Ade (Germany/Austria) spectre of the bizarre hovers at the door throughout the film’s 162 minutes. And Released Fri 3 February Winner of innumerable awards and a because the events are so thoroughly Bafta and Golden Globe nominee for best unpredictable, Ade manages to hold the foreign language film, Toni Erdmann is rapt attention of her audience – without an unusual beast. Indeed, Maren Ade’s ever betraying the credibility of her sce- third feature pulls off a number of tricks. nario. Consequently, the viewer is at a Opening in a nondescript suburb of loss whether to sob or to roar with laugh- Germany, her film tells of a lonely ter. In short, Ade pulls off an extraordi- divorcee (Simonischek) in the autumnal nary balancing act, producing a surreal years of his life. Without so much as a black comedy rooted in real life. note of music or a caption or a whisper of exposition, Ade spins her tale in her own Released Fri 3 February

Rings CERT 15 (102 mins) Fifty Shades Darker CERT tbc Starring Matilda Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Galecki, Vincent D’Onofrio Kim Basinger, Luke Grimes, Hugh Dancy Directed by F Javier Gutiérrez (USA) Directed by James Foley (USA) When Julia (Lutz) watches that damned A sequel to you-know-what, FSD follows video, she discovers a new horrifying truth: Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey as they there is another movie within the movie… re-draw the boundaries of their relationship. A sequel to The Ring and The Ring Two, Then Christian’s past threatens to rock the which were themselves remakes of the boat. Expect quite a bit of coupling. Japanese original (1998). Released Fri 10 February Released Fri 3 February

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk CERT 15 (113 mins) Starring , Vin Diesel, Garrett Hedlund, Steve Martin, Joe Alwyn, Chris Tucker Directed by Ang Lee (USA/UK/China) We’re unlikely to encounter a more improba- ble cast all year. Based on the novel by Ben Fountain, Ang Lee’s latest film follows Billy Lynn as he attends a victory parade in his native Georgia. However, flashbacks to Iraq reveal a story at odds with the ticker-tape heroism. Released Fri 10 February

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Film releases in February

Fences CERT 12a (139 mins) The Lego Batman The Founder CERT 15 (115 mins) Starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Movie CERT U (104 mins) Starring Michael Keaton, Laura Dern, Nick Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Patrick Wilson Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson With the voices of Will Arnett, Zach Directed by John Lee Hancock (USA) Directed by Denzel Washington (USA) Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes Directed by A likely Oscar contender, Fences marks Chris McKay (USA) Denzel Washington’s third directorial outing, A spin-off of The Lego Movie, this com- an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer puter-animated comic fantasy this time Prize-winning play of 1983. Denzel plays Troy focuses on The Caped Crusader and Maxson, a refuse collector on the street and the young boy he’s adopted. It’s emo- paterfamilias and alpha male in his own tional. home. In the back yard, where he’s building Released Fri 10 February a fence - purportedly to keep out death and to keep in what belongs him to him - Troy In recent years, Michael Keaton has become recounts tales of his youth, his plans for the something of a heavyweight in acting circles. future and his anger with the white man’s Here he plays the businessman Ray Kroc world. As the film is set in Pittsburgh in the who, in 1961, bought a hamburger chain 1950s, its patois may at first be tricky for the from two brothers and made it his own. The modern ear, but stay with it and the drama siblings were called Mac and Dick seeps out, gradually tightening its grip on McDonald. the throat. Released Fri 17 February Released Fri 10 February The Space Between Us The Great Wall CERT tbc CERT 12a (103 mins) Starring Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Starring Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Carla Gugino, Britt Robertson, BD Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau Wong, Janet Montgomery Directed by Zhang Yimou (USA/China) Directed by Peter Chelsom (USA) In spite of its ominous title, this historical There is a lot of space between fantasy is actually about the Great Wall of Gardner Elliot (Butterfield) and Earth, China. At least, the construction is a major as he was the first human to be born player in an epic featuring Matt Damon as a on Mars. He is now returning to the European mercenary, nomadic bandits, planet of his parents and sees our Chinese soldiers and a horde of monsters. world like nobody before… Great prem- In 3D. ise - from the director of Hear My Song and Shall We Dance? Released Fri 17 February 20th Century Women Released Fri 10 February CERT 15 (118 mins) Starring Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Hidden Figures Gerwig, Lucas Jade Zumann, Billy Crudup Sula, Haley Lu Richardson, Betty Buckley CERT PG (127 mins) Directed by Mike Mills (USA) Starring Taraji P Henson, Octavia In the late 1970s, three different women in Spencer, Janelle Monáe, , Southern California undergo separate experi- Directed by Theodore Melfi (USA) ences involving love and freedom. The director, Mike Mills, previously brought The title - taken from the non-fiction us Thumbsucker (2005) and the Oscar-win- work by Margot Lee Shetterly - not only refers to the mathematical data used to ning Beginners (2010). Patriots Day CERT 15 (133 mins) launch NASA’s Project Mercury in 1962, Released Fri 10 February but to the team of African-American Starring of Mark Wahlberg, John women who provided it. The US Goodman, JK Simmons, reviews were rhapsodic. Michelle Monaghan, Kevin Bacon Directed by Released Fri 17 February Peter Berg (USA) An account of the 2013 Boston Marathon bomb- ing, Patriots Day reunites Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg, who previously collaborated on Deepwater Horizon, about another true-life catastrophe. Released Thurs 23 February

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Visual Arts

New Art West Midlands Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac, Birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery & Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 18 February - Sun 14 May Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools this month exhibit new work at four leading galleries as part of New Art West Midlands 2017. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands is using Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac Birmingham, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Coventry’s Herbert Gallery & Museum to display the new work, which includes painting, installa- tion, sculpture, photography, video, anima- tion and digital artworks. Highlights of the show include Yazmin Boyle’s three-metre-long metal sculptures. The sculptures are made of industrial steel strap overlaid with a feminine lace print and formed into three-dimensional funnels and circles. Amy Inston’s film, meanwhile, brings together images of Hollywood glamour and the American Dream with footage of the real domestic life of her working-class Birmingham family. Many of the works on show take themes connected to science and biology, while numerous other pieces focus on the subjects of globalisation, migration and belonging. The exhibition is the first initiative of the rebranded New Art West Midlands network, formerly known as Turning Point West Midlands.

Francis Bacon: Face To Face: Idris Khan: A World Within Two Figures In A Room Portraits Through Time New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 3 February - Sun 7 May The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham, The Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, Coventry, Fri 10 February - Sun 26 March Fri 3 February - Sun 4 June Given that Idris Works by Matisse, Degas and Michelangelo This fascinating exhibition brings together Khan grew up in have all been suggested as sources for this works loaned from numerous sources, Walsall, the New 1959 painting by Francis Bacon. On loan including the Arts Council Collection and the Art Gallery is a par- from the University of East Anglia, Two National Portrait Gallery. Featuring snap- ticularly appropri- Figures In A Room is considered to be one of shots of ordinary people as well as portraits ate venue in which the artist’s finest works. Painted when Bacon of Henry VIII, Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie to mount a major was around the age of 50, it features two and Princess Diana, Face To Face explores survey of his work. naked figures, widely assumed to be male the centuries-old fascination with capturing Khan’s densely lay- lovers. Not surprisingly given its subject mat- one’s own image. The display includes works ered pieces - photo- ter, the painting raised many an eyebrow. It by Andy Warhol graphs, paintings, was considered both daring and provocative and Thomas sculptures, moving in the conservative days of the late 1950s, a Gainsborough, images and instal- time when homosexual acts in private and comprises lations - are inspired by numerous cultural between men were still illegal in the UK. paintings, photo- sources, including literature, history, art, graphs, sculptures music and religion. and interactive The exhibition features two new layered activities. glass paintings, as well as a sculpture which will be on show in the UK for the first time. Nelson Mandela, 1962 ©University of Dundee, The Peto Collection

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The Royal Photographic (10 - 19 March), is the inspiration for a series of school workshops running at the venue, Society International during which children can investigate the Images For Science theme of ‘hidden in plain sight’. Exhibition The workshops offer interactive opportuni- ties for youngsters to investigate forensics, The Hive, Worcester, Wed 8 February - Wed 22 March pollen and sound waves, guided by University of Worcester staff and students. Selecting the best 100 photographic images Commenting on the RPS show, Anne for this exhibition can’t have been an easy Hannaford, Director of Arts & Culture at the task, given that a staggering 2,500 pictures University, said: “We’re thrilled to once again were submitted for consideration. Despite be hosting the exhibition at The Hive, partic- having their work cut out, the judging panel ularly during British Science Week. Bringing of four have done an admirable job, selecting science and art together through photogra- photographs which perfectly meet the exhibi- phy sparks curiosity in young people and tion criterion - to be visually appealing but helps them explore and view STEM (science, also have a science story to tell. technology, engineering & mathematics) sub- The included artworks range from highly jects with interest and enthusiasm.” technical images taken with expensive equip- In addition to the RPS exhibition, two small- ment, through to photographs shot on smart- er Hive displays showcase the photography phones. of Mike Hallett and David James, academics Having opened at The Crystal in London, the at the University who are also fellows of the exhibition is visiting Worcester this month as RPS. part of a UK-wide tour. Its stop-off at The Hive, coinciding with British Science Week

Draw New Mischief Hand And Mind Beyond The Door: Paccar Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Grand Union, Birmingham, Fri 3 February - The Koestler Exhibition Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 25 February - Fri 15 Sat 25 March September For The West Midlands Connections between the realms of speech mac, Birmingham, until Sun 26 March This free exhibition celebrates more than two and gesture are tested in this multimedia Charitable scheme the Koestler Trust has centuries of political cartoons inspired by exhibition, curated by Vanessa Boni and fea- been rewarding artistic achievement in the Shakespeare. turing painting, sculpture, choreography and criminal justice sector for more than 50 Presented to coincide with the RSC’s forth- performance. The included pieces, produced years. This new exhibition features a selec- coming season of Rome-themed plays, Draw by five artists, seek to alter viewers’ percep- tion of entries from the 2016 Koestler Awards New Mischief showcases historical works tions of the communicative synthesis of spo- competition. Presenting artwork, audio and from key political moments in time. ken language and creative writing from prisons, secure hospi- Featured contemporary cartoons include physical gesture, in tals and young offender institutions in the Peter Schrank’s 2015 depiction of Ed so doing unsettling West Midlands, the show encourages viewers Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon as the star- political, personal to re-evaluate ex-offenders and consider the crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, and Morten and theoretical positive contributions they can make to soci- Morland’s April 2016 cartoon of David channels of com- ety. Cameron as Hamlet, gazing at Boris munication. Johnson’s skull. The show is curated by young people from The RSC has also commissioned five cartoon- Walsall Youth Service. ists to create brand new works. The cartoon- ists will use Shakespeare’s Rome plays to Just Move Exhibition respond to political events which occur dur- The Works, Birmingham, Fri 3 February ing the period that the exhibition is on show. Local artist David Roman has been a busy The RSC’s Rome season features productions man. For this first solo exhibition, he under- of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopatra, Titus took a project which saw him produce, in the Andronicus and Coriolanus. space of 350 days, the same number of watercolour paintings, the shared theme of which was human movement. “My project is about celebrating the amazing and fascinating super-machine that is the human body,” says David. “Each one of the paintings tells a unique story about different people on their own journeys of self-expres- sion.”

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FEATURE

mcm comic con Cartoon characters, supernatural creatures, cosplay crowds - the MCM Comic Con is a world unto itself. What’s On checks out a phenomenon that has its roots firmly planted in the Midlands region...

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by Heather Kincaid

There can be few in the UK today who While young people make up a large part Said MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney: haven't witnessed the stunning spectacle of the audience, it's by no means “The Midlands holds a special place in of crowds of cosplayers descending on fan exclusive - there are fans to be found of all our hearts. As it is, after all, where our conventions, at least on screen if not in ages and generations, from those who company is based, we plan on providing person. grew up in the sci-fi heyday of the 1960s, an awesome show for the region's to the children of the digital revolution of enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic Over the last few years, the popularity of today. book and film fans. We’ve welcomed a such events has soared, with large-scale host of great special guests to our London shows attracting eye-watering Look closely and you might even spot Midlands comic cons over the years; this attendance figures in excess of 133,000. whole families wearing matching time round we already have Game Of costumes. It's something that's It's perhaps surprising then that the Thrones’ Ian McElhinney (Ser Barristan encouraged. At both MCM Birmingham biggest company in the business is based Selmy) and Red Dwarf’s Chris Barrie and MCM Midlands in Telford, kids under here in the Midlands, running three local (Rimmer).” 10 go free after priority entry ends at 11am. conventions annually in addition to Even if you enter feeling cynical, the In addition to these and other fantastic shows across the country from its offices overwhelming dedication, warmth, guests still to be announced, those in Daventry, Northamptonshire. enthusiasm and inclusivity of the fans is planning a trip to the forthcoming shows Now firmly cemented in the cultural irresistible, whether you're dressed as in Telford and Birmingham can expect to calendars of countless die-hard fans who Deadpool or a Disney princess. see indie writers and artists filling the visit every year, the hugely successful Comic Village, robot wars, a Steampunk But it wasn't always so. The MCM story MCM (Movies, Comics & Media) group Emporium with workshops and talks, a dates right back to 2001, in those quiet continues to grow, extending its reach KidsZone, eSports competitions, panel days of geekdom before Spider-Man had beyond UK borders into Ireland, Belgium discussions, changing areas, a costume kicked off a superhero movie revolution, and Germany. Whether or not you're a repair desk and of course the Cosplay before Russell T Davies had revived Doctor regular visitor, if you've ever had the Masquerade finale, all included in the Who, before comics had reached out to chance to attend an MCM Comic Con, it's price of a ticket. mainstream readership, and well before not hard to understand the appeal. the cosplay phenomenon had really taken Regular stallholders like Amazing Cake Incongruously nestled behind the off in the UK. Some small-scale Co, Manga Entertainment, Genki Gear, business-like facades of conference and conventions and specialised gatherings CeX and Tokyo Toys (who recently set up exhibition centres, every MCM convention already existed, but it was SciFi Shows' a permanent shop in Birmingham) also is a world unto itself, where cartoon Paul Miley and Wolf Events' Bryan Cooney return, alongside a host of other local and characters spring to life and supernatural who were the first to hatch a plan to bring national businesses. creatures freely roam, where stalls something akin to the all-encompassing And as an extra incentive to stop by in swelled with merchandise and unique fan American fan events to Britain, also partly Telford, costume-clad visitors will be creations stretch as far as the eye can see, inspired by the NEC's nostalgic eligible for 50% off ice-skating at the and where video and tabletop gaming Memorabilia show, which would later be Telford Ice Rink! become serious competitive sports. subsumed into MCM Birmingham (in 2005). Like an old-fashioned festival of misrule, everything is upside-down. While Thanks to a happy confluence of Hollywood stars become ordinary people, circumstances that saw attitudes change sitting and talking amongst their fans, towards previously sidelined interests, MCM Comic Con Midlands is held at ordinary folks get their chance to enjoy conventions are now such big business Telford International on Saturday the limelight, taking to the stage to that independents are constantly 11 February. perform in painstakingly handmade cropping up. But 16 years and multiple MCM Comic Con Birmingham takes costumes to heartfelt and hard-earned shows later, MCM's remain the biggest place at the NEC on Saturday 18 to applause, even winning accolades and and most popular in Britain, unrivalled in Sunday 19 March. prizes for their endeavours. attendance outside London.

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Events

Race Retro and Markku Alén, who’ll be getting back behind the wheel for a ‘clash of the titans’. Stoneleigh Park, , Fri 24 - Sun 26 February Now in its 15th year, Race Retro showcases every motorsport disci- The presence of motorsport legend Tom Kristensen is one of the pline, including formula and circuit racing, rallying, hill climbs, tour- • undoubted highlights of this month’s historic motorsport show. ing cars, motorcycling, sports and GT cars. Kristensen won Le Mans at his first attempt in 1997 and has tri- The show also offers visitors the chance to purchase parts, spares, umphed in the event a record nine times, six of his victories taking helmets and clothing, as well as new racing or rally cars in a special place in consecutive years. auction. Tom is joined at this year’s show by Finnish rally legends Ari Vatanen

Birth Of Flight Müller Indoor Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Grand Prix Shropshire, Sat 18 - Sun 26 February Birmingham Ironbridge Gorge Museums is celebrat- Barclaycard Arena, ing the birth of flight during the half- Birmingham, Sat 18 February term holiday, presenting a range of Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham themed family activities at some of its 2017 brings together many of most popular attractions. the country’s top athletes to Visitors can discover the fun of flying compete in track and field at the Enginuity design & technology events. centre, building and launching a Six Rio Olympic champions pneumatic rocket at twice-daily drop- have been confirmed for the in workshops. meeting, including four-time There are falconry displays and kite- Olympic champion Mo Farah. making opportunities to enjoy at Blists The recordbreaking Laura Muir Hill Victorian Town, while people pay- is also competing, attempting ing a visit to the Jackfield Tile Museum to smash Kelly Holmes’ British can decorate tiles with images of a record over 1,000 metres. hot-air balloon, flying saucer, aero- And in what promises to be a plane or other flying ‘machine’. spectacular clash, Britain's top Across the river, the Coalport China female sprinter, Dina Asher- Museum gets in on the act too, provid- Smith, will face double ing visitors with the chance to sculpt Olympic champion Elaine their own flying creature. Thompson over 60 metres.

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more events from around the region

On The Move Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 18 - Sun 26 February An exploration of the region’s transport heritage is the highlight of the Black Country Living Museum’s half-term holiday line- up of entertainment. As well as its celebration of all things ‘on the move’, the popular venue also offers visitors the chance to try out some traditional street games and experience a trip ‘into the thick’, sampling life in an 1850s-style coal mine.

Llangollen Mind Caravan, Camping & advice and a packed programme of events Body Spirit Festival and entertainment. Featured fun includes Llangollen Pavilion, North Wales, Motorhome Show cookery demonstrations, bushcraft work- Sun 5 February NEC, Birmingham, Tues 21 - Sun 26 February shops, an adventure assault course, a mobile At a time when world events are Attracting huge crowds and promising to be climbing mountain, an artificial caving zone regularly adding an extra level of ‘bigger and better than ever’, the Caravan, and a dog agility arena. anxiety to the stresses and strains Camping & Motorhome Show features over Television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle of everyday life, the chance to 350 exhibitors. heads the show’s celebrity line-up, which also access some spiritual nourishment As well as exploring all the latest products, includes Kate Humble, Julia Bradbury, four- at this one-day event will prove the show also offers buying tips, holiday time Welsh National Surfing Champion Jo hugely appealing to a good many Dennison and Barney Harwood. people. The show features more than 60 stalls offering: alternative therapies; psychic one-to-one Airfix Make And Take Brick Week readings; complementary healing; RAF Cosford Museum, Mon 20 - Fri 24 February British Motor Museum, Gaydon, mediumship, tarot and angel Sat 18 - Sun 26 February cards; well-being and beauty prod- A week of automotive-themed brick-building ucts; ethical cosmetics; crystals, challenges is on offer this half term at the incense, fair-trade gifts and alter- British Motor Museum - including the chance native crafts. to help build a lifesize Mini out of Lego bricks. There are free workshops available Visitors will be able to complete their own too, as well as a range of vegetari- brick section, afterwards handing it over to an and vegan food to enjoy in the professional model builders to assemble into Pavilion restaurant. the lifesize model. The event also includes the 25-Brick Challenge, providing competitively minded motor enthu- Chinese New Year siasts with the opportunity to build a British car. A Mini-related museum trail and a dedi- Of The Rooster cated foam-brick area for the under-fives also The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, feature. Sun 5 February Traditional dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, magic, acro- bats and folk dancing all feature This annual family-friendly event is this year in this Chinese New Year celebra- providing visitors with the chance to build a tion. Visitors with a leaning 1:72 Spitfire, Mitsubishi Zero, Albatros and towards craft-based activities can Sopwith Pup. For families with younger chil- scratch their creative itch by get- dren, there’s a wooden biplane to assemble ting to grips with Chinese paint- and decorate together. Modelling skills aren’t ing, writing and origami. required in order to take part, as staff will be Theatrical endeavours include per- on hand to provide assistance. The museum is formances from local Chinese offering all participants a 10% discount on Sunday school children and an model kits from the souvenir shop. extract of Cantonese Opera per- formed in full cultural costume.

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more events from around the region

The 50+ Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 17 - Sat 18 February If you’re old enough to remember the Glam Rock era, the three-day week and plenty of things that went before, you’re the right age to get yourself along to this event. This year’s 50+ Show focuses on the four key topics of hobbies & crafts, finance & money, health and travel. Along the way it provides no shortage of evidence that life beyond that first half century can offer plenty in terms of adventure, while also recognising that there may be the occasional challenge to over- come. So if you’d like to discover the secrets of good mental health, find out about special-interest holidays, contemplate taking up cake deco- rating, or fancy exploring genealogy, this is the show for you.

Hot Rods And Kool Castle Quest with various characters, each with a Kustoms unique word to share. Problem is, though, Tamworth Castle, Mon 20 - Sun 26 February they’ll only share that word if a task is Coventry Transport Museum, until Sun 14 May An event developed from numerous com- completed or a riddle solved... Retro racers abound at a show that urges you puter-game concepts, Castle Quest has On conclusion of the Quest, participants to fire up your engines and take a trip down been designed with teenagers very much take ‘the ultimate challenge’ - to walk the memory lane. Featuring hot rods from across in mind. As Questers make their way Quest grid blindfolded, testing the success the UK and icons from both the American around the castle, they come into contact of their problem-solving skills. and British custom car scene, this exhibition of vintage vehicles comes complete with an interactive family area. Hands-on experi- ences include the chance to customise a real car bonnet using pin-striping techniques, February Half Term prose or poetry inspired by the history of race cars down a ramp with loop-the-loops Activities at the RSC the RSC, Shakespeare and theatre; and a and celebrate on a special winner’s podium. behind-the-scenes look at how theatrical Various RSC venues, Stratford-upon-Avon, bruises, cuts and scars are created. Mon 20 - Fri 24 February The line-up also features a Storytime The Royal Shakespeare Company is offer- adventure, an afternoon of free craft activi- I’m An Arley Adventurer, ing so much by way of activities to enjoy ties, the chance to create a masked per- Get Me Out Of Here! this half-term holiday that it might make formance and learn the art of stage com- Arley Arboretum, nr Bewdley, sense to spend the whole week in bat, and an opportunity to get to grips Mon 20 - Fri 24 February Stratford! with the story and themes of Julius Caesar. Keeping kids captivated with creepy-crawly Highlights of the RSC’s family-friendly pro- Oh, and you can even learn how to deco- capers is Arley Arboretum’s sworn intention gramme include: the chance for children rate cupcakes, courtesy of the RSC’s mag- this half-term holiday. at different ages to create their very own nificently talented pastry chef. If ever a Little ones can explore the venue’s brand shortened version of Julius Caesar; a spe- legendary theatre company had all the new ‘adventurer bug trail’ and check out the cial workshop in which kids can write half-term bases covered... mystery boxes found en route. There are crawlies hiding inside each box, but only plastic ones, to ensure the experience is suit- able for youngsters of all ages. The venue’s specialist ‘bug man’ will be put- ting in a daily appearance too (from midday to 2pm), bringing along with him lots of mini beasts as well as numerous other animals, including snakes, tarantulas, lizards, an owl and a pygmy hedgehog. Arley activities for children who’d prefer to steer clear of all things creepy crawly include a special maze, an adventure playground and the dinosaur, fairy and pre-school Woodland Animal Trail.

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Readers’ Awards

Award FINALISTS in each category announced! VOTE for your WINNER! Readers’ What’s On Awards Yes, you VOTED in your thousands in the first round of nominations in the What’s On Readers’ Awards - over 10,000 votes across the West Midlands region! Now it’s time for you to VOTE once more to choose your ultimate WINNER in each category! Here are the award shortlist finalists:

THEATRE: Midlands Large Theatre THEATRE: Best Home Produced THEATRE: Best Amateur l Birmingham Hippodrome Show In The Midlands Dramatic/Operatic Group l New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham l Bring On The Bollywood - l Bilston Operatic Company l Regent Theatre, Hanley Belgrade Theatre, Coventry l Bournville Musical Theatre Company l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford l Gangsta Granny - l Get Your Wigle On l The REP, Birmingham Birmingham Stage Company l Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Co. l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Hamlet - Royal Shakespeare l West Bromwich Operatic Society Company (WBOS) THEATRE: Midlands Arts Centre l Singin’ In The Rain - The New Vic l Wolverhampton Musical Comedy l Foxlowe Arts Centre, Stoke l The Exorcist - The REP Company (MUSCOM) l mac, Birmingham l The Wind In The Willows - l Newhampton Arts Centre, The Old Rep, Birmingham THEATRE: Best Amateur Wolverhampton Production l The Hive, Shrewsbury THEATRE: Best Pantomime In The l American Idiot - Old Joint Stock l Warwick Arts Centre Midlands 2016/17 Musical Theatre Company l Aladdin - Grand Theatre W’hampton l Fame - Wolverhampton Musical THEATRE: Best Touring Musical l Cinderella - Regent Theatre, Hanley Comedy Company (MUSCOM) l Blood Brothers l Cinderella - Theatre Severn l Jekyll & Hyde - Bournville Musical l Dirty Dancing l Dick Whittington - Birmingham Theatre Company l Hairspray Hippodrome l - Stourbridge Amateur l Mamma Mia! l Dick Whittington - Belgrade Theatre Operatic Society l Mary Poppins l Sleeping Beauty - Lichfield Garrick l Made in Dagenham - West Bromwich l The Jersey Boys Operatic Society (WBOS) THEATRE: Best Kids Show l Our House - The Madness Musical - THEATRE: Best Touring Play l Disney On Ice presents Frozen Bilston Operatic Company l Gangsta Granny l Gangsta Granny l Of Mice & Men l Room On The Broom DANCE: Best Production l Shawshank Redemption l The Bear l Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater l The Full Monty l The Snowman l BRB - The Nutcracker l The Woman In Black l We’re Going On A Bear Hunt l Life: Balletboyz VOTE today atwhatsonlive.co.uk

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#culturematters #artsmatters

l Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty COMEDY: Best Midlands Best Midlands Live Band l Snow White - Vienna Festival Ballet Comedian l Electric Swing Circus l Barbara Nice l Ned’s Atomic Dustbin CLASSICAL (inc Opera): l Greg Davies l Peace Best Production l Jay Islaam l Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time l Birmingham Opera Company - l Joe Lycett l The Twang Dido ‘n’ Aeneas l Jonny Cole l English Touring Opera - Don Giovanni Best Midlands Chef l HMS Pinafore - Sasha Regan COMEDY: Best Midlands l Adam Stokes (Adams, Birmingham) l WNO - Kiss Me Kate Comedy Break-through l Brad Carter (Carters of Moseley) l WNO - Sweeney Todd l Josh Pugh l Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Birmingham) l Masai Graham l Luke Tipping (Simpsons, Birmingham) CLASSICAL: l Sarah Johnson l Richard Turner (Turners, Birmingham) Best Orchestra/Choir l Stu Woodings l Birmingham Bach Choir l Tom Christian Best Midlands Food Festival l Birmingham Contemporary Music l Great British Food Festival - Group (BCMG) COMEDY: Best Midlands Shugborough l Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra Comedy Night l Foodies Festival Birmingham l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra l Blue Giraffe - Wolverhampton l Lichfield Food Festival l City Of Birmingham Symphony l CAN Comedy l Ludlow Food Festival Orchestra (CBSO) l Comedy 42 - Lichfield Garrick l Shrewsbury Food Festival l Comedy Carousel at The Glee Club, ARTS: Best Midlands Arts/Cultural Birmingham Best Midlands Street Food Vendor Festival l Comedy at Henry Tudor House, l Andy Low ‘n’ Slow l Artsfest Wolverhampton Shrewsbury l Baked in Brick l Birmingham Literature Festival l Just The Tonic - Birmingham l Buddha Belly l Birmingham Comedy Festival l Bournville Waffle Company l Flatpack Festival Best Midlands Music Venue l Vegan Grindhouse l Godiva Festival (Large: 1000+ capacity) l The Meat Shack l International Dance Festival B’ham l Barclaycard Arena - Birmingham l Genting Arena - Birmingham Best Midlands Retail ARTS: Best Exhibition l O2 Academy - Birmingham Shopping Centre l All The World’s A Stage - l Symphony Hall - Birmingham l Bullring - Birmingham Barber Institute l Victoria Hall - Hanley l Grand Central - Birmingham l Craft Open West Midlands l Mailbox - Birmingham l Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Best Midlands Music Festival l Mell Square Shopping Centre - Differences - Herbert Art Gallery l Birmingham & Solihull Jazz Festival Solihull l Inspire 16 - Birmingham Museum & l Lichfield Arts’ Fuse Festival l Merry Hill - Brierley Hill Art Gallery l Moseley Folk Festival l Telford Shopping Centre l Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 l Shrewsbury Folk Festival - Wolverhampton Art Gallery l Slam Dunk Festival Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award Best Independent Cinema Best Midlands Musician l Adil Ray (Citizen Khan) l Electric Cinema - Birmingham l Dan Owen l Beverley Knight l Light House Media Centre - l Laura Mvula l Doreen Tipton Wolverhampton l Libby Gilksman l Julie Walters l mac - Birmingham l Scott Matthews l Lenny Henry l Old Market Hall - Shrewsbury l Soweto Kinch l Red Carpet Cinema - Burton

and choose your WINNER!

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What’s On FINALISTS in each REGION

BIRMINGHAM BLACK COUNTRY WARWICKSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE SHROPSHIRE

Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Venue Venue Venue Venue Venue Venue l Artrix, Bromsgrove l Lichfield Garrick l Theatre Severn l The Crescent l Arena Theatre l Albany Theatre, Dudley Concert Hall Coventry l Evesham Arts Centre l New Vic Theatre, l The Hive, Shrewsbury l mac Birmingham l l Forest Arts Centre l Belgrade Theatre, l Huntingdon Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme l The Place, Telford l New Alexandra l Grand Theatre Coventry Worcester l Prince of Wales l The Wightman, l Old Joint Stock l Newhampton Arts l Royal Shakespeare l Malvern Theatres Centre, Cannock Shrewsbury l The Old Rep Centre Theatre, Stratford l Swan Theatre, l Regent Theatre, l Theatre On The Steps l The REP l Royal Spa Centre, Worcester Stoke-on-Trent Leamington Spa l Stafford Gatehouse Best Music Venue Best Music Venue Best Music Venue l The Criterion Theatre, Best Music Venue Theatre l Walker Theatre l The Glee Club, l Dudley Concert Hall Coventry l Drummonds Bar, l Havana Republic, l Katie Fitzgeralds l Warwick Arts Centre, l Hare & Hounds Worcester Best Music Venue Shrewsbury l The Civic Hall Coventry l The Jam House Huntingdon Hall, l Henry Tudor House, l The Robin 2 l l Lichfield Guildhall l mac, Worcester Shrewsbury l The Slade Rooms l Prince of Wales l The Roadhouse, Best Music Venue l The Boar's Head, Centre, Cannock l The Buttermarket, Best Visitor l The Assembly, Kidderminster l Victoria Hall, Hanley Shrewsbury Best Festival Leamington Spa l The Iron Road, l Tamworth Assembly l The Hive, Shrewsbury Attraction l The Copper Rooms, Evesham Rooms l Birmingham Comedy The Marr's Bar, l Black Country Living Coventry l l The Sugarmill, Stoke Best Festival l Birmingham & Solihull Museum l The Kasbah, Coventry Worcester l Farmer Phil’s Festival Jazz & Blues l Dudley Canal & l Tin Music & Arts, Best Festival l Ludlow Food Festival l MADE Birmingham Tunnel Trust Coventry Best Festival l Big Feast, Stoke-On- l Haydn Festival l Moseley Folk l Dudley Zoo l Warwick Arts Centre Asparafest, Nr l Trent l Shrewsbury Folk l Mostly Jazz, Funk & l RAF Cosford Museum Evesham Stafford Arts Festival Festival Soul l Wightwick Manor Best Festival l l Bromsgrove Folk l Shrewsbury Food l Wolverhampton l Lichfield Arts' Fuse l Godiva Festival l Malvern Food Festival Festival Festival Racecourse l Worcester Music Fest Best Visitor l Leamington Food and l Great British Food Attraction Drink Festival l Upton Upon Severn Festival - Shugborough Best Visitor Best Event l Lunar Festival Jazz Festival l Lichfield Festival l Birmingham Botanical Stratford River Festival Attraction l 1940s Evening - Black l Gardens Country Living Museum l Warwick Folk Festival Best Visitor l Attingham Park Best Visitor l British Ironworks l Birmingham Museum l Artsfest W’hampton Attraction Centre, Oswestry & Art Gallery l Cosford Air Show Best Visitor Attraction l Avoncroft,Bromsgrove l Cadbury World l Dudley Beer Festival l Alton Towers l Dana Prison Tours Attraction l Elgar’s Birthplace, l Sealife Centre l Go Wild Week at l Drayton Manor Theme l Ironbridge Museums l British Motor Museum Worcester l The Jewellery Quarter Dudley Zoo Park l Severn Valley Railway, l Coventry Transport l Hanbury Hall and Thinktank l Lichfield Cathedral Bridgnorth l Museum Gardens Best Gallery/ l Monkey Forest l Shrewsbury Castle l Castle l Severn Valley Railway, l National Memorial Best Outdoor Exhibition Venue l Shakespeare’s Bewdley Arboretum Best Event l Bilston Craft Gallery Birthplace Trust l West Mid Safari Park Event l Tamworth Castle l 1940s Evening at l Dudley Museum & Art l Warwick Castle l Birmingham Ice Rink Gallery Blists Hill Best Independent The Big Busk in Centenary Square l Light House Media Best Event Best Event l l Birmingham Pride Centre Restaurant l Lichfield Lumiere l MCM Comic Con l Art In The Park, Frankfurt Christmas l Lichfield Proms in Midlands, Telford l l New Art Gallery, Leamington Spa l Banners Café & Beacon Park l Shrewsbury Flower Market Walsall Brick Wonders, Restaurant, Bromsgrove l Show l Magical Lantern l Wolverhampton Herbert Art Gallery l Casa Med Tapas, l Scarefest at Alton Museum & Art Gallery Towers l Tattoo Freeze Festival l Coventry Sky Ride Bromsgrove l Summer in Southside l Godiva Festival l Saffron’s Bistro, l St. George's Day at Best Independent l Making Mischief - Worcester Tamworth Castle Best Gallery/ Best Indoor Event RSC l The Olive Branch, l The Enchanted Exhibition Venue Restaurant Chandelier at Central Worcester l Bear Steps Art l BBC Good Food l Indigo Restaurant, Forest Park Best Gallery/ l The Royal Oak, Gallery, Shrewsbury Show Wolverhampton Evesham l Coalbrookdale Brick Live (LEGO) l Mad O’Rourkes Pie Exhibition Venue l Best Nightclub Gallery, Ironbridge Factory, Dudley l Compton Verney l Clothes Show Live Best Independent l Bunker 13, Stoke Penn Tandoori, Coventry Music l Shrewsbury Museum l Grand Designs l l Couture, Stafford Wolverhampton Museum Café l & Art Gallery l MCM Comic Con l Kuda, Tamworth Van, The Market Hall, l The Old Glasshouse, l Herbert Art Gallery l Coffee No.1, Pershore l l Pink, Stoke Shrewsbury Dudley l Leamington Spa Art l G&Tea, Worcester l Silks, Cannock Best Gallery/ l The Summerhouse, Gallery & Museum l Lorita's Bakehouse, l Willow Gallery, Oswestry Exhibition Venue Dudley l Mead Gallery Bromsgrove Mac & Jac's Cafe-Deli, Best Independent The Barber Institute l l Worcester Café Best Shropshire l Birmingham Museum Best Independent Best Independent l Word Of Mouth, & Art Gallery l 15 On The Corner, Nightclub Cafe Restaurant Evesham Lichfield l The Buttermarket, l Birmingham Open l Cafe Cappella, Dudley l Cheals of Henley, l Damn Fine Cafe, l C:21, Shrewsbury Media l Cozy Coffee, Dudley Henley-in-Arden Best Nightclub Lichfield l Club Crush, Telford l Ikon l Gluttons For l Greyhound Inn, l 57 Monkeys, l Little Green Frog Inferno, Shrewsbury l mac Nourishment, l Coventry Bromsgrove Cafe, Lichfield Pussycats Night Club, l Thinktank The Brook Coffee l l l La Coppola, The Food Room, House, Wolverhampton l Marilyn's Nightclub, l Telford Leamington Spa Evesham l The Lounge of l The Old School Tea l Restaurant 23, l The Flag, Worcester Lichfield Rooms, Wolverhampton Leamington Spa l The Velvet Lounge, l Whitmore Tearooms, l The Cross, Kenilworth l Tramps, Worcester Newcastle-under-Lyme VISIT whatsonlive.co.uk FOR A LIST OF ALL THE AWARD CATEGORIES AND FINALISTS IN EACH REGION VOTE today at whatsonlive.co.uk 50 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Cover February Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:35 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide February 2017

thelist TuesFebruary- 11 Hippodrome SatBirmingham - at Shoes7 Red The Bourne’s Matthew

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

What’s On Wed 1 to Sun 5 February Mon 6 to Sun 12 February Mon 13 to Sun 19 February Mon 20 to Tues 28 February

Wrecking Ball at the Bianca Del Rio at Susan Calman at Kings Of Leon at REP, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham mac, Birmingham Genting Arena, Birmingham Thurs 2 - Sat 4 February Mon 6 February Fri 17 - Sat 18 February Mon 20 February

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thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 February THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

sculpture by Hannah Honeywill, Fri Visual Arts 24 Feb - Sun 4 June mac, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery NEW NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Annual showcase for new contemporary art BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN by fine art or visual arts graduates of THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People the five university art schools in the explores the ways in which ordinary region: Birmingham, Coventry, Brummie folk have been represented Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and in art during the 20th and 21st cen- Worcester - plus, for the first time this turies. Change In The Inner-City year, Hereford College of Arts, Sat 18 focuses on the four inner-city wards Feb - Sun 14 May, mac, Birmingham of Ladywood - Nechells, Soho, Aston and Ladywood, until Fri 31 Mar BOM (B’ham Open Media) BIRMINGHAM BIG ART PROJECT NEW GENECRAFT: ART IN THE Birmingham Big Art project is com- Montparnasse - mac, Birmingham BIOGENETIC AGE A collaborative art- missioning a major new work of pub- work by artist Gina Czarnecki and Theatre, Birmingham NATHAN CARTER Sat 4 lic art for the city. The exhibition of professor of clinical sciences John Feb, New Alexandra shortlisted artists’ proposals is here Gigs PHILLIP HENRY AND Hunt, using Czarnecki’s daughters’ Theatre, Birmingham on the final leg of its tour. This is the HANNAH MARTIN Fri 3 skin cells, Wed 22 Feb - Sat 13 May Feb, Artrix, SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 4 last chance to see the models and RAY COOPER Wed 1 Bromsgrove Feb, The River Rooms, have your say, until Sun 23 Apr Feb, The Red Lion Folk Other VISUAL ARTS Stourbridge FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Club, Birmingham KINGS OV LEON Fri 3 4 SOLOS IN THE WILD A powerful exhi- Feb, The Roadhouse, BLACK SABBATH Sat 4 different faiths have influenced and BARBARA DICKSON Wed bition by four disabled performers Birmingham Feb, Genting Arena, shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 1 Feb, Birmingham from Shropshire, featuring short films Birmingham Town Hall FREE AT LAST Fri 3 Feb, and photography, until Mon 6 Feb, Route 44, Birmingham KALEO Sat 4 Feb, O2 Centrala Gallery, Digbeth KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY The Core Theatre, Solihull Institute, Birmingham NEW SEVENTEEN A group exhibition Wed 1 Feb, The Jam DONNY OSMOND Fri 3 JESSA FAIRBROTHER - ARMOUR STUD- of work by Russian female artists House, Birmingham Feb, Genting Arena, G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS IES (REGARDING SKIN) A solo exhibi- Olga Grotova, Nika Neelova, Yelena Birmingham Sat 4 Feb, The Robin, tion of work by international artist TOM WALKER TRIO Wed Popova, Sat 28 Jan - Sat 25 Mar Bilston Jessa Fairbrother. As a photographic 1 Feb, The Sunflower STEVE ‘BIG MAN’ CLAY- artist using textile techniques, Lounge, Birmingham TON Fri 3 Feb, Blue MONTPARNASSE Sat 4 Ikon Gallery Piano Restaurant And Feb, mac, Birmingham Jessa’s work crosses over bound- LIVE DEAD 69 Wed 1 Bar, Birmingham ROGER HIORNS Birmingham-born aries to explore the body as both Feb, The Robin, THE CLAUSE Sat 4 Feb, artist Roger Hiorns focuses on vari- vessel and surface, until Fri 17 Feb, Bilston THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - O2 Academy, B’ham ous aspects of modern life - often Vittoria Street Gallery, School of KATE BUSH TRIBUTE Fri DEBORAH ROSE, MATT PETER AND THE TEST through current affairs - closely Jewellery, Birmingham 3 Feb, Lichfield Garrick WORLEY & BEN LEE Wed TUBE BABIES, analysing behaviour and materials, MECHANICAL THINGS: ADVENTURES AND 1 Feb, Blue Piano LET'S HANG ON The SUCKERPUNCH, THE and what is assumed or taken for INVENTIONS FROM THE WORLD OF Restaurant And Bar, music of Frankie Valli & NERKS & THE YOUTH granted, until Sun 5 Mar ROWLAND EMETT Showcasing some Birmingham The Four Seasons, Fri WITHIN Sat 4 Feb, The of Rowland Emett's most significant 3 - Sat 4 Feb, The Flapper, Birmingham KATHRYN WILLIAMS & RBSA Gallery works, including the original Chitty Core Theatre, Solihull ANTHONY KERR Wed 1 MIKEY PLUS SUPPORT Chitty Bang Bang car, until Sun 5 NEW GILLIAN LOCKWOOD RBSA A selec- Feb, Kitchen Garden HERMITAGE GREEN Fri 3 FROM SAINT LEONARD’S Mar, Thinktank at Millennium Point, tion of Gillian’s charming porcelain Cafe, Birmingham Feb, O2 Academy, HORSES & JOSEPH vessels, each populated with Birmingham Birmingham HICKLIN Sat 4 Feb, The HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT detailed figures of people and ani- TIM PEAKE'S PHOTOS FROM SPACE Sunflower Lounge, Thurs 2 Feb, The INTO THE HURRICANE Fri mals, Mon 30 Jan - Sat 25 Mar Celebrating Tim Peake's mission to Birmingham Robin, Bilston 3 Feb, The Flapper, the International Space Station, the Birmingham SAUL ROSE & JAMES MENACE BEACH Thurs 2 The Barber Institute images in this exhibition show DELARRE Sun 5 Feb, remarkable landscapes on Earth Feb, Hare & Hounds, THE JOHN OTWAY BIG BURIED TREASURES Exhibition explor- Kitchen Garden Cafe, taken from space, and life on board Birmingham BAND Sat 4 Feb, Artrix, ing coin hoards, telling the stories of Bromsgrove Birmingham the space station, until Sat 25 Mar, BLACK SABBATH Thurs 2 their deposition and discovery, until T.REXTASY Sun 5 Feb, Thinktank at Millennium Point, Feb, Genting Arena, GOODNIGHT LENIN Sat 4 Sun 26 Feb Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Birmingham Feb, Hare & Hounds, COPYING THE MASTERS This display INSPIRING KNOWLEDGE Exhibition that Birmingham KARNATAKA Sun 5 Feb, explores the reasons for the popular- SEAWAY Thurs 2 Feb, celebrates the opening of the univer- STEVE CLAYTON AND THE The Robin, Bilston ity of printed and drawn copies by O2 Academy, B’ham sity's new library by showcasing 44S Sat 4 Feb, Lichfield BLACK PEAKS Sun 5 bringing together works by Dürer, HARRIET Thurs 2 Feb, groundbreaking works from the past Guildhall Feb, O2 Academy, Hogarth and Ingres, and prints after Pizza Express Live, 500 years, until Fri 30 June, The Birmingham Rubens, Poussin and Reynolds, until Birmingham University of Birmingham Sun 7 May HEALTHY JUNKIES Thurs THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES OF NEW EXCAVATING EMPIRE DAVID TALBOT 2 Feb, The Flapper, EVERYDAY PEOPLE Exhibition explor- RICE AND THE REDISCOVERY OF Birmingham ing the extraordinary lives of every- BYZANTIUM From the 1920s through day Birmingham people, until Sat 1 THE DEEP PURPLE to the 1950s, renowned archaeolo- July, , Birmingham FAMILY TREE Fri 3 Feb, gist and art historian David Talbot The Robin, Bilston Rice conducted some of the first NEW JUST MOVE EXHIBITION Local examinations of the ruins of the artist David Roman's first solo exhibi- GROUPER Fri 3 - Sat 4 Byzantine Empire, Fri 10 Feb - Sun tion, marking the completion of a Feb, The Jam House, 11 June project that saw him paint 350 water- Birmingham colours in 350 days on the subject of NEW TUMBLEWEED The intricately THE WONDER YEARS Fri human movement, Fri 3 Feb, The ornamented and gilded historic pic- 3 Feb, O2 Institute, Works Gallery, Digbeth ture frames that surround so many of Birmingham the paintings in the Barber’s galleries NEW VAL PITCHFORD New work by the ABBA MANIA Fri 3 Feb, are the starting point for this new artist, Sat 4 - Tues 28 Feb, Artifex New Alexandra Gallery The Wonder Years - O2 Institure, Birmingham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1 - 5 February - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION .qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 15:55 Page 2

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 February Classical Music Comedy Gigs

BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH Featuring Mirga CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Wed 1 Feb, Gražinyt-Tyla (conductor), Francesco The Dark Horse, Moseley, B’ham Piemontesi (piano) & the City of JOSH HOWIE Thurs 2 Feb, The Glee Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Club, Birmingham Programme includes works by Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven, Sun 29 GARY LITTLE, DAVE FULTON & COMEDY Jan - Thurs 2 Feb, Symphony Hall, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Birmingham Thurs 2 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham ANDREW BIRD, ADAM KAY, WAYNE BEESE & JAMES SHERWOOD Thurs 2 Feb. The George Hotel, Lichfield IAN STIRLING Fri 3 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham IMRAN YUSUF, GEORGE RIGDEN, DAMIAN KINGSLEY Fri 3 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC AURIE STYLA, QUINCY, KEVIN J & ORCHESTRA Featuring Vasily Petrenko ROADMAN DAVID Fri 3 Feb, mac, (conductor) & Daniil Trifonov (piano). Birmingham Programme includes works by DAVE FULTON, GARY LITTLE, JENNY Stravinsky, Rachmaninov & COLLIER & CHARLIE BAKER Fri 3 - Sat Prokofiev, Wed 1 Feb, Symphony 4 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham The Seven Acts Of Mercy - The Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon Hall, Birmingham FREDDIE FARRELL, SALLY-ANNE LIEBESLIEDER Featuring Elouise HAYWARD & TOPPING AND BUTCH Fri 3 BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY REP, Birmingham Waterhouse (mezzo-soprano), Elise - Sat 4 Feb, Jongleurs, Birmingham Award-winning musical, until Sat 4 Fairley (soprano), Richard James MARY SHELLEY The GAVIN WEBSTER, LARRY DEAN, MARK Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (tenor), Andrew Randall (bass), Company presents Helen NELSON & DARRELL MARTIN Fri 3 - Sat STOMP A British theatrical sensation, Edmundson’s compelling drama Bernard Tann & Petrina Phua 4 Feb, The Comedy Loft, B’ham (accompanists) & James Gribble fusing percussion, dance, theatre about the life of one of the world’s (reader), Thurs 2 Feb, Birmingham GEORGE EGG Sat 4 Feb, Artrix, and comedy with an exhilarating most famous writers of Gothic fiction, Conservatoire Bromsgrove soundtrack, Tues 31 Jan - Sat 4 Feb, until Sat 11 Feb, The Crescent Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Theatre, Birmingham MARK BEBBINGTON - BROMSGROVE CONCERTS Programme includes MADE IN INDIA A new play about ROUND THE HORNE Based on the vin- works by Schubert, Matthew-Walker, motherhood and blood ties between tage BBC radio comedy sketch Bliss & Beethoven, Fri 3 Feb, Artrix, women and nations in a brave new show, Wed 1 Feb, New Alexandra Bromsgrove world, until Sat 4 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry PIANO QUINTETS WITH CEDRIC DAD’S ARMY The Lichfield Players TIBERGHIEN Also featuring Emmet THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on present an amateur performance of Byrne (oboe); Oliver Janes (clarinet), Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two the classic BBC comedy, Wed 1 - Sat Michael Kidd (horn) & Margaret Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John 4 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Cookhorn (bassoon), Programme Fletcher & William Shakespeare and MORBID CURIOSITIES Don't Go Into includes works by Mozart & is best described as a tragicomedy The Cellar present a portmanteu of Beethoven, Fri 3 Feb, CBSO Centre, exploring the intoxication and vintage blood-curdlers, featuring all- Birmingham strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, new adaptations of The Yellow The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- ULRICH HEINEN LUNCHTIME CONCERT Wallpaper, The Old Nurse's Story and Avon Programme comprises John Charrington's Wedding, Thurs 2 Stockhausen's Tierkeis (Zodiac) & JS THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Bach's Suite No,6 in D. BWV1012, Fri Lustgarten’s visceral new play, which WRECKING BALL Funny, surreal and 3 Feb, The Barber Institute, B’ham JIMMY CARR Sun 5, Warwick Arts confronts the dangerous necessity of unsettling new play which explores compassion, in a world where it is in JOHN WILLIAMS AT THE OSCARS Centre, Coventry how the subtle abuses of power short supply. Directed by RSC Featuring the City Of Birmingham shape our relationships, Thurs 2 - DAVID O'DOHERTY Sun 5 - Mon 6 Feb Deputy Artistic Director Erica Symphony Orchestra, Michael Seal Sat 4 Feb, The REP, Birmingham The Glee Club, Birmingham Whyman, until Fri 10 Feb, The Swan (Conductor) & Tommy Pearson Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon DAME NATURE - THE MAGNIFICENT (Presenter), Fri 3 Feb, Symphony BEARDED LADY An evening of stories Hall, Birmingham THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic and characters for audiences who restoration comedy, rich with seduc- BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: COME AND don’t like to judge a woman by her tion, intrigue and danger, set in the SING Join Paul Spicer and members beard, Fri 3 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre topsy-turvy world of the carnival, until of the Birmingham Bach Choir in Theatre, Birmingham Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Theatre, rehearsing choruses from Mozart's Stratford-upon-Avon Coronation Mass, Sat 4 Feb, Selly LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER New stag- Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham ing of DH Lawrence's most famous LOVE New play from Alexander Zeldin, written through a devising EX CATHEDRA: PURCELL DIDO & AENEAS novel, until Fri 3 Feb, The Blue process in which the audience are Featuring Greg Skidmore (Aeneas), Orange Theatre, Birmingham invited to bear witness to an intimate Angela Hicks (Belinda), Martha story of ‘family love for our times’, McLorinan (Sorceress), Amy Wood until Sat 11 Feb, The REP, B’ham (First Witch), Elizabeth Adams (Second Witch) & Jeremy Budd FRANKENSTEIN The Crescent Theatre (Sailor), Sun 5 Feb, B’ham Town Hall Company presents a staging of Mary Shelley’s gothic tale, until Sat 11 THERE WILL BE BLOOD: LIVE Featuring Feb, The Crescent Theatre, B‘ham the London Contemporary Orchestra, Hugh Brunt (conductor), Cynthia WHAT'S IN A NAME? Nigel Harman & Millar (Ondes Martenot), Galya Sarah Hadland star in the premiere Bisengalieva (violin) & Oliver Coates of Jeremy Sams' stage adaptation of (cello), Sun 5 Feb, Symphony Hall, the French film and stage sensation, Birmingham Le Prenom, until Sat 11 Feb, The

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thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 February ALADDIN TROUBLE Local performers NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Harlequinade return with a show fol- Dance Released from Fri 3 Feb, showing at lowing the exploits of Aladdin, a lad Film selected cinemas who gets himself into trouble! Fri 3 - SCATTERED Motionhouse Dance Sat 4 Feb, The Core, Solihull INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: GOLD (tbc) Theatre fuse physical dance theatre, HALF OF ME A poetically written com- mesmerising aerial imagery and film LOVING (12a) panion piece to Made In India which graphics to explore our relationship T2 TRAINSPOTTING (tbc) RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER examines the often-unheard experi- with water in all its forms, Tues 31 - Drama/Comedy. Starring Ewan (15) ences of young people born by Fri 3 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, McGregor, Kelly Macdonald. RINGS (15) Assisted Reproductive Technologies Birmingham Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, TONI ERDMANN (15) (ARTs), Fri 3 - Sat 4 Feb, Belgrade until Thurs 2 Feb Theatre, Coventry MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) THE TEMPEST: FIRST ENCOUNTERS The Documentary. Starring Louis RSC presents an edited version of its Theroux. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 3 festive play - an ideal first experience Feb of Shakespeare for anyone aged Events eight or older, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Feb, Royal LION (PG) Drama. Starring Rooney Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Mara, Nicole Kidman & Dev Patel. mac, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Thurs 9 Feb SPECIALIST TALK: THE LIFE AND WORKS upon-Avon OF SIMEON SOLOMON This new talk for JACKIE (15) Biography/Drama. DIAL M FOR MURDER Amateur produc- 2017 provides a detailed look at the Starring Natalie Portman & Peter tion of Frederick Knott’s intensely exclusive collection of Simeon Sarsgaard. mac, Birmingham, Fri 3 - dark thriller, Fri 3 - Sat 11 Feb, Hall Solomon's paintings, Sat 4 Feb, Thurs 9 Feb Green Little Theatre, Birmingham Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE (U) LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER Blue PIZZA MAKING AT Animation/Action. With the voices of Orange Theatre’s staging of DH Learn to make pizza dough, see the Jason Sudeikis & Josh Gad. mac, Lawrence's most famous novel, Sat 4 Mill in action and create and bake Birmingham, Sat 4 Feb Feb, Lichfield Garrick your own delicious pizza, Sun 5 Feb, GHOSTS (15) Adventure/Drama. Sarehole Mill, Birmingham SHARK IN THE PARK! A fin-tastic family THE NUTCRACKER The Russian State Starring Zhan Yu, Tao Li & Ai Qin Lin. musical, from the creative team Ballet Of Siberia presents one of the ANTIQUE FAIR Sun 5 Feb, Bantock Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, behind The Hairy Maclary Show, in most famous fantasy ballets of all House & Park, Wolverhampton Sun 5 Feb which audiences can see all of Nick time... Sun 5 Feb, Wolverhampton Sharratt's Shark In The Park! stories Grand Theatre (U) Comedy/Musical. performed live on stage, Sun 5 Feb, Starring Ruby Keeler, Ginger Rogers. mac, Birmingham The Electric Cinema, Sun 5 Feb

11th Feb - 7.30pm 21st Feb - 8pm CHOIRS AT THE JENNY ECLAIR PALACE HOW TO BE A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN Tickets £12* (WITHOUT GOING INSANE) & £10* (disc) Tickets £18.50*

22nd Feb - 11am & 2pm 23rd Feb - 7.30pm THE AN AUDIENCE CHRIS & PUI WITH LESLEY SHOW 2017 GARRETT

Tickets £13* Tickets £25* & £11*(disc) £44*(family)

24th Feb - 7.30pm 3rd Mar - 7.30pm YOU WIN AGAIN THE STORY OF THE BIG CHRIS THE BEE GEES BARBER BAND

Tickets £22* Tickets £19* (disc) & £21*(disc) & £18*

4th Mar - 7.30pm 17th Mar - 7.30pm JACKSON LIVE IN CONCERT OPERA BOYS

Tickets £22.50* Tickets £20*

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thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 February CABBAGE Thurs 9 Feb, Birmingham The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham Gigs THE QUIET MEN Fri 10 Classical DEBRA-JANE APPELBY, MAUREEN ANTHRAX Thurs 9 Feb, Feb, Blue Piano YOUNGER PLUS COMIC TBC Wed 8 Feb O2 Institute, B’ham Restaurant And Bar, MACKA B AND THE Music Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham ROOTS RAGGA BAND HIGH VALLEY Thurs 9 DREADZONE Sat 11 Feb, Mon 6 Feb, The Robin, Feb, O2 Institute, NOBUKO IMAI (VIOLA) IN CONCERT Also The Slade Rooms, Bilston Birmingham featuring Robert Markham (piano). Wolverhampton CHELSEA GRIN Tues 7 TRANSATLANTIC Programme comprises Brahms' E Feb, O2 Institute, SESSIONS Thurs 9 Feb, THE BLUES BAND minor Sonata for Cello & Piano (arr Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham Featuring Paul Jones, viola) & Franck's Sonata for Viola & Tom McGuinness, Piano, Tues 7 Feb, Birmingham HOWIE PAYNE Tues 7 THE GRUFFS Thurs 9 Dave Kelly, Rob Conservatoire Feb, The Rainbow Feb, The Sunflower Townsend & Gary Venues, Birmingham- Lounge, Birmingham HOLST'S THE PLANETS Featuring the Fletcher, Sat 11 Feb, City of Birmingham Symphony GRINGO STAR Tues 7 UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Artrix, Bromsgrove Orchestra, the CBSO Youth Chorus JEN BRISTER, SCOTT GIBSON & COMEDY Feb, The Sunflower Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, The AMBER RUN Sat 11 Feb, & Nicholas Collon (conductor), Wed CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Lounge, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham 8 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Thurs 9 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham NORTH SEA GAS Tues 7 THE GODFATHERS Fri 10 BLUE NATION Sat 11 CBSO CENTRE STAGE: BACH & HANDEL SUSAN MURRAY & GARETH BERLINER Feb, Kitchen Garden Feb, Hare & Hounds, Feb, Route 44, B’ham Featuring Veronika Klirova (Flute), Fri 10 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham Rainer Gibbons (Oboe), Richard Theatre THE BOSS & BRYAN OACEIS & THE COOPERS GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed 8 Jenkinson (Cello) & Martin Perkins JAMES REDMOND, SEAN PERCIVAL & ADAMS EXPERIENCE Fri Sat 11 Feb, The Feb, The Jam House, (Continuo). Programme includes COMIC TBC Fri 10 Feb, Jongleurs, 10 Feb, The Robin, Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham works by Bach & Handel, Thurs 9 Birmingham Bilston SUNDARA KARMA Sat 11 UNION J Wed 8 Feb, O2 Feb, CBSO Centre, Birmingham FULLSHORE, THE Feb, The Rainbow Academy, Birmingham LA BOHEME OperaUpClose present DALLIANCE, DEVILS, Venues, Birmingham PHIL BEER Wed 8 Feb, Robert Norton-Hale's new English ABSENT IDENTITY & THE THE MODFATHERS Sat The Red Lion Folk version of Puccini's tale of two cou- BLACKWATER 11 Feb, The Robin, Club, Birmingham ples which powerfully evidences the CONFEDERACY Fri 10 Bilston GEORGE MONBIOT AND fact that love may not necessarily Feb, The Flapper, NOUGHTY NINETIES Sat EWAN MCLENNAN Wed 8 always conquer all, Thurs 9 Feb - Sat Birmingham 11 Feb, The River Feb, mac, Birmingham 11 Feb, mac, Birmingham ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW Rooms, Stourbridge TOM GRENNAN + ANGELA HEWITT PLAYS BACH Fri 10 AND THE LOW RIDERS Fri FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS CUCKOOLANDER Wed 8 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall 10 Feb, The Core Sat 11 Feb, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANDY Feb, The Sunflower Theatre, Solihull Birmingham Town Hall ROBINSON SCOTT GIBSON & JEN Lounge, Birmingham BRISTER Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, The BREAK STUFF Fri 10 ENDEAVOUR, PULVERISE, , THE BREW & PISTON Glee Club, Birmingham Feb, The Asylum, GENESIS ARC & SECRETS Wed 8 Feb, The Slade Birmingham OF MARIANA Sat 11 DANA ALEXANDER, MANDY KNIGHT, Rooms, VOODOO SIOUX Fri 10 Feb, The Flapper, JONNY AWSUM & ADAM STAUNTON Wolverhampton Feb, Route 44, Birmingham Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, The Comedy BOXED IN Wed 8 Feb, Loft, Birmingham Birmingham DAN SHAKE Sat 11 Feb, Hare & Hounds, SOTO & VANADINE Fri 10 Hare & Hounds, MATT FORDE Sat 11 Feb, The Old Birmingham Feb, The Slade Birmingham Rep Theatre, Birmingham PILL Wed 8 Feb, Hare NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Featuring Rooms, JULIAN COPE Sun 12 JAMES REDMOND, SEAN PERCIVAL & & Hounds, Birmingham Daniel Rosina (director). Programme Wolverhampton Feb, The Glee Club, DAVID WHITNEY Sat 11 Feb, includes works by David Önaç, KENNY THOMAS Thurs 9 FOOR Fri 10 Feb, The Birmingham Jongleurs, Birmingham Fumiko Miyachi & Sebastiano Feb, The Jam House, Rainbow Venues, GRÁINNE MAGUIRE BROOKS WILLIAMS Sun Dessanay, Fri 10 Feb, The Barber Sat 11 Feb, Artrix, Birmingham Birmingham 12 Feb, Kitchen Institute, Birmingham Bromsgrove NATTY Thurs 9 Feb, CULT FICTION & IRON 2 Garden Cafe, B’ham JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS The CBSO Sun 12 Feb, Hare & Hounds, B’ham MAIDEN Fri 10 Feb, The KATE NASH Sun 12 Feb, perform Cole Porter: Let's Do It, fea- Birmingham Town Hall Roadhouse, B’ham INHEAVEN PLUS FREAK O2 Institute, B’ham turing Roderick Dunk (conductor) & Thurs 9 Feb, The Slade LEKAN BABALOLA’S ALTERED BRIDGE Sun 12 Anna O'Byrne, Caroline Sheen, Rooms, SACRED FUNK Fri 10 Feb, The Roadhouse, David Thaxton & Scott Davies (vocal- Wolverhampton Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ists), Fri 10 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Theatre BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC BRASS Featuring Stephen Roberts (director), BIANCA DEL RIO: NOT TODAY SATAN Sun 12 Feb, The Barber Institute, Season Six winner of RuPaul’s Drag Birmingham Race, the self-professed ‘clown in a gown’ brings her new stand-up show TIM & TOM'S SYMPHONIC ADVENTURE to the UK, Mon 6 Feb, Symphony Family Concert presented by the City Hall, Birmingham of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and featuring Timothy Redmond (conductor) & Tom Redmond (pre- senter). Programme includes works by Mozart, Wagner, Rossini, Williams & Hindson, Sun 12 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy Gigs

RICHARD HERRING Mon 6 Feb, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield Andy Fairweather Low - Solihull Arts Complex FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 8 Feb,

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thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 February IN THE MOTHERHOOD New play by the world of competitive parenting, Hayley Pepper which journeys into Fri 10 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove the world of competitive parenting, BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM Mon 6 Feb, mac, Birmingham Musical adventure for young audi- WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave ences, featuring games, songs and Willetts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank laughter, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, Grand Wildhorn’s musical adaptation of Theatre, Wolverhampton Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In THE GUIDE TO BEING SINGLE Musical Wonderland and Through The comedy about unlucky-in-love twen- Looking Glass, Mon 6 - Sat 11 Feb, tysomethings who conclude that the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham solution to their relationship prob- lems is to stay single... Due to some of the content, this show is recom- mended for those over the age of 14, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE GOON SHOW Birmingham Comedy Festival and Fred Theatre present a rare chance to see two classic Spike Milligan radio scripts Stories To Tell In The Middle Of The Night - The REP, Birmingham on stage, complete with live sound effects and jazz band, Sat 11 Feb, Takarada. Foreign language, subti- mac, Birmingham tles. mac, Birmingham, Fri 10 Feb ROBIN HOOD AND BABES IN THE WOOD Events Amateur production presented by CALIFORNIA SCHEMING One woman’s FIFTY SHADES DARKER (18) CLOC Musical Theatre Company, poetic narrative about a lifelong fasci- Drama/Romance. Starring Dakota nation with America, Sat 11 Feb, Johnson & Jamie Dornan. The PROFESSOR EDWARD GREGSON Tues 7 - Sat 11 Feb, Sutton Coldfield LECTURE AND WORKSHOP World- Town Hall Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from Fri 10 Feb renowned British composer SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK: THE DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE New Professor Edward Gregson talks ROD STEWART STORY New theatrical play by Kay Wootton which centres about his iconic works for brass production celebrating the career of around a woman and her closest band and conducts selected extracts one of rocks greatest icons, Rod friends as they struggle to figure out with the Conservatoire Brass Band, Stewart – from street busker through the difference between what they Tues 7 Feb, St Paul's Church, B’ham need, what they want, and what they to international superstar! Wed 8 WIZARDS ASSEMBLE - THE BIRMINGHAM Feb, Wolverhamtpon Grand Theatre get, Sat 11 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton PUB CRAWL Dress up in your best CATFISH A fusion of live performance, Harry Potter attire for a pub crawl music and interactive digital technol- SID'S DEEP SEA DISCOVERY Colourful around some of the city’s best ven- ogy, exploring issues of child sexual children's show featuring CBeebies' ues, Fri 10 Feb, various venues exploitation, Wed 8 - Fri 10 Feb, Sid Sloane as intrepid explorer Deep across Birmingham City Centre Artrix, Bromsgrove Sea Sid! Sun 12 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove MCM COMIC CON MIDLANDS Featuring URSULA Tom Mansfield directs eSports competitions, a ‘comic vil- Howard Barker’s play, which ‘drives a CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA lage’ packed with artists and writers, dagger into the meeting points of the Showcase of Chinese performing colourful costumes in the Cosplay sacred and the profane, the body arts, featuring ‘the cheerful spirit of Masquerade and special guests from and the soul’, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Feb, the auspicious Lion Dance and awe- DENIAL (12a) Biography/Drama. the worlds of TV and film, Sat 11 George Cadbury Hall, University of inspiring contortion’, Sun 12 Feb, Starring Rachel Weisz & Tom Feb, Telford International Centre, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Wilkinson. Warwick Arts Centre, Fri Shropshire LA BOHEME OperaUpClose present 10 - Wed 15 Feb; mac, Birmingham, DOWN UNDER LIVE Do you want to Robert Norton-Hale's new English Fri 10 - Thurs 16 Feb emigrate to Australia or New version of Puccini's magnificent tale LADY & THE TRAMP (U) Zealand? Find out how at the UK’s of two couples, powerfully evidenc- Animation/Adventure. With the voices number one emigration event, Sat 11 ing the fact that love may not neces- Dance of Barbara Luddy, & Larry Roberts. Feb - Sun 12 Feb, National sarily always conquer all, Thurs 9 mac, Birmingham, Sat 11 Feb Motorcycle Museum, Solihull Sat - 11 Feb, mac, Birmingham COPPELIA The Russian State Ballet Of SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (PG) BRITISH FLY FAIR INTERNATIONAL Siberia presents the story of the doll- Drama/Romance. Starring Tom Featuring over 80 individual maker Coppelius, whose greatest Hanks & Meg Ryan. mac, exhibitors and the largest selection of desire is to make a doll with a soul, Birmingham, Sat 11 Feb fly tying materials at any UK show, Tues 7 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand THE WIZARD OF OZ (U) Sat 11 Feb - Sun 12 Feb, Theatre Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Judy Staffordshire County Showground THE RED SHOES Tues 7 - Sat 11 Feb, Garland & Frank Morgan. The PIRATE AND PRINCESS WEEK Featuring Birmingham Hippodrome Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 11 a treasure hunt, CBeebies character - Sun 12 Feb meet-and-greets and a host of pirate SOME LIKE IT HOT (12) and princess activities, Sat 11 Feb - Comedy/Romance. Starring Marilyn Sun 26 Feb, Alton Towers, Staffs Monroe & Tony Curtis. mac, THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE Experience Film Birmingham, Sun 12 Feb this beloved children’s book like never before as you follow the story INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: around the centre through an amaz- ing underwater world, Sat 11 - Sun STORIES TO TELL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 26 Feb, Sealife Centre, Birmingham NIGHT Storytelling with a difference, SILENCE (15) Drama/History. Starring Released from Fri 10 Feb, showing at TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore 550 presented as a live, late-night radio Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson. selected cinemas stands filled with all kinds of for-sale show for those who aren't asleep. Birmingham, Sun 12 - Thurs 16 Feb 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) collectables from the UK’s leading Instead of records, the DJ spins sto- dealers, Sun 12 Feb, NEC, B’ham MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK (15) ries that exist between dusk and Documentary. Starring Louis MUSIC MAZE Creative, participatory morning. Thurs 9 - Sat 18 Feb, The Theroux. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 9 FENCES (12a) workshops for children aged eight to REP, Birmingham - Fri 10 Feb FIFTY SHADES DARKER (tbc) 11, Sun 12 Feb, CBSO Centre, IN THE MOTHERHOOD New play by A SPARKLE OF LIFE (tbc) Drama. THE SPACE BETWEEN US (tbc) Birmingham Hayley Pepper which journeys into Starring Kazuko Yoshiyuki & Akira THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (tbc) whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 13 - 19 February - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:43 Page 1

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT

NT LIVE: AMADEUS MUSIC. POWER. JEALOUSY.

THURS 2 FEBRUARY, 7.00PM £13.00 / £10.50 CONCS

CALIFORNIA SCHEMING "ONE OF THE GREAT WORD SMITHS OF OUR TIME... A TRUE ARTIST THROUGH AND THROUGH" ★★★★★ BUNBURY MAGAZINE

12+ SAT 11 FEBRUARY, 8.00PM £10.50 / £8.50 CONCS

15+ ROSS NOBLE: ‘BRAIN DUMP’ ‘“BEAUTIFULLY TWISTED THOUGHTS” THE TIMES

WED 15 FEBRUARY, 8.00PM SOLD OUT!

NT LIVE: SAINT JOAN “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” ★★★★ INDEPENDENT

THURS 16 FEBRUARY, 7.00PM £13.00 / £10.50 CONCS

MORGAN & WEST’S MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS AND CHILDISH GROWN-UPS!

“HUGELY TALENTED” ” ★★★★ DAILY MIRROR

THURS 23 FEBRUARY, 2.00PM £12.50 / £42.00 FAMILY (4 SEATS)

MORGAN & WEST: PARLOUR TRICKS “CHARMING AND ENGAGING” ★★★★ THE STAGE

THURS 23 FEBRUARY, 8.00PM £12.50 SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DINOSAURS? COME AND TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE AGAINST BEN GARROD (THE TV SCIENTIST IN ‘ATTENBOROUGH AND THE GIANT DINOSAUR‘)

FRI 24 FEBRUARY, 2.30PM £14.00 / £46.00 FAMILY

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOW RIDERS “A REMARKABLE BAND, A REMARKABLE FRONT MAN!”

SUN 26 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM £20.50

View the full listings at www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Box office 01785 619080

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thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February JACK WHITEHALL Thurs 16 Feb, Gigs Classical Music Genting Arena, Birmingham

DEEZ NUTS, COMEBACK THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN KID, HELLIONS, FIRST CONCERT Programme includes works BLOOD & REALITY SLAP by J.S Bach, C.P.E Bach, Ginastera, Mon 13 Feb, The Schumann & Liszt, Mon 13 Feb, Rainbow Venues, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham MARIAM BATSASHVILI IN RECITAL LADYHAWKE Mon 13 Programme includes works by Feb, O2 Institute, Bach/Busoni, Händel/Liszt & Mikel Birmingham Urquiza, Mon 13 Feb, Birmingham RH COMEDY Thurs 16 Feb, The Town Hall CATHOLIC ACTION Mon Roadhouse, Birmingham 13 Feb, The Sunflower GAMELAN ENSEMBLE Annual Dome con- TANYALEE DAVIS, CHRIS MARTIN, JAMES Lounge, Birmingham cert featuring traditional music of DOWDESWELL Thurs 16 Feb, The Indonesia, Mon 13 Feb, The Bramall, LEWIS & LEIGH Mon 13 Bramall, Birmingham Feb, Kitchen Garden Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, JOHN MOLONEY & Cafe, Birmingham STEVEN OSBORNE: RACHMANINOV COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Featuring Alexander Vedernikov (con- TERRORSAURS, KINGS ROBINSON Thurs 16 Feb, The Glee ductor), Steven Osborne (piano) & the OF HONG KONG, HANZO Ladyhawke- O2 Institute, Birmingham Club, Birmingham & X-RAY CAT TRIO Tues City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Programme includes works JONATHAN PIE Fri 17 Feb, Birmingham 14 Feb, The Flapper, Thurs 16 Feb, O2 CASH (PAYIN' RESPECT by Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky, Wed Town Hall Birmingham Academy, Birmingham TO THE MAN IN BLACK) 15 - Thurs 16 Feb, Symphony Hall, JOSIE LONG Fri 17 Feb, The Old Rep STELLA ROBERTS Tues Fri 17 Feb, O2 WILLE AND THE BANDITS Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham 14 Feb, The Jam Thurs 16 Feb, The Academy,, B’ham DAN SPIRRETT NONET: OF MICE AND MEN House, Birmingham Robin, Bilston THE MACHINE RAGES ON JAMES COOK, JOHNNY CANDON & SALLY- Featuring Dan Spirrett Fri 17 Feb, The ANNE HEYWARD Fri 17 Feb, Jongleurs, TRIVIUM Tues 14 Feb, THE SHERLOCKS Thurs (saxophone/compositions), Josh Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham 16 Feb, O2 Institute, Schofield (alto saxophone), Vittorio AHIR SHAH & BILAL ZAFAR Fri 17 Feb, ALPINES Tues 14 Feb, Birmingham SIGALA Fri 17 Feb, O2 Mura (baritone saxophone & bass clar- The Glee Club, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, HIDDEN CHARMS + THE Institute, Birmingham inet, Alex Stride (trumpet/flugelhorn), Birmingham BAY RAYS Thurs 16 JESSARAE Fri 17 Feb, David Sear (trombone), Daniel DANA ALEXANDER, ANDREW BIRD, SEAN PERCIVAL & JOHN MOLONEY Fri 17 - Sat LITTLE COMETS Wed 15 Feb, Hare & Hounds, O2 Institute, B’ham Kemshell (guitar), Jacky Naylor (piano), Sam Ingvorsen (double bass) 18 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham LEANN RIMES Fri 17 & Gwilym Jones (drums), Thurs 16 Birmingham RICKY COOL & THE IN Feb, Symphony Hall, LLOYD GRIFFITH, SEAN MEO, ANDREW Feb, Birmingham Conservatoire RYAN & GEOFF BOYZ Fri 17 - Sat 18 COLIN BLUNSTONE & CROWD Thurs 16 Feb, Birmingham Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham BAND Wed 15 Feb, The The Jam House, ANDY FAIRWEATHER Robin, Bilston Birmingham LOW AND THE LOW SUSAN CALMAN Fri 17 - Sat 18 Feb, mac, Birmingham THE BIG WOLF BAND LOYLE CARNER Thurs RIDERS Fri 17 Feb, Wed 15 Feb, The Jam 16 Feb, O2 Institute, Artrix, Bromsgrove BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 18 House, Birmingham Birmingham THE KILLERZ Sat 18 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE CLASSIC ROCK SAM JACKSON & THE Feb, The Roadhouse, JAMES COOK, JOHNNY CANDON & SHOW - THE A-Z OF STRUGGLES, ED GEATER, Birmingham THANYIA MOORE Sat 18 Feb, ROCK Wed 15 Feb, DAME & HOSANNAH QUADROPHENIA NIGHT Jongleurs, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Thurs 16 Feb, Hare & Featuring The Atlantics SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Sun 19 Feb, The Hounds, Birmingham BRY Wed 15 Feb, The and DJ Drew Stansall Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Rainbow Venues, BON GIOVI Fri 17 Feb, (The Specials) Sat 18 SCOTT GIBSON Sun 19 Feb Artrix, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Feb, O2 Academy, PERSEPHASSA Featuring Directors Nick Bromsgrove Birmingham Petrella & Adrian Spillett & percussion- THE FROE THE RED LEMONS Fri 17 Wed 15 Feb, ists from CBSO & Birmingham Folk - Sat 18 Feb, The Jam IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC The Red Lion Conservatoire. Programme comprises Club, Birmingham House, Birmingham ROCK DISCO Sat 18 Steve Reich's Music for Mallet Feb, Route 44, B’ham REWS Wed 15 Feb, SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR Instruments, Voices & Organ plus The Flapper, B’ham Fri 17 Feb, O2 ELKIE BROOKS Sat 18 Iannis Xenakis' Persephassa. Fri 17 Institute, Birmingham Feb, Birmingham FOUR YEAR STRONG Feb, Birmingham Conservatoire Town Hall ODYSSEUS PIANO TRIO Featuring Sara BUSTED Sat 18 Feb, Trickey (violin), Gregor Riddell (cello) O2 Academy, B’ham & Clare Hammond (piano). FAIRPORT CONVENTION Programme includes works by Haydn Sat 18 Feb, Artrix, & Beethoven. Fri 17 Feb, The Barber Bromsgrove Institute, Birmingham THE CHUCKLE SINGHS, DON BISWAS, TEGAN AND SARA Sat FLUTE CHOIR & CLARINET CHOIR HYDE PANASER, SINDHU VEE & INDER 18 Feb, O2 Institute, Featuring Alex Chantrell (flute choir MANOCHA Sun 19 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham conductor) & Natasha Sofia (clarinet Birmingham choir conductor), Sun 19 Feb, The MIC LOWRY Sun 19 Barber Institute, Birmingham Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham ARTFUL DODGER Sun 19 Feb, Hare & Theatre Hounds, Birmingham Comedy Gigs AJ TRACEY Sun 19 Feb, NORTHANGER ABBEY Tim Luscombe’s O2 Institute, B’ham staging of Jane Austen’s Gothic paro- TOM STADE, JAVIER JARQUIN, MICKEY PALM READER & TOY dy, Mon 13 - Wed 15 Feb, Lichfield SHARMA & LAURA LEXX Tues 14 Feb, MOUNTAINS Sun 19 Garrick The Glee Club, Birmingham Feb, The Flapper, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Joanne Birmingham CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Wed 15 Feb, Clifton & Michelle Collins star in a new Sophie Ellis Bexter - O2 Institute, Birmingham The Dark Horse, Moseley, B’ham staging of the Tony Award-winning

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thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February Birmingham RUBY WAX: FRAZZLED! A GUIDE TO Talks MINDFULNESS Join Ruby as she pres- ents a follow-up to her sell-out tour- LICENCED TO RHYME Co-hosted by ing show and bestselling book, Sane Maggie Doyle and featuring New World, which helps us under- Worcestershire Poet Laureate stand why we sabotage our sanity Emeritus, and past Birmingham Poet with our own thinking, Fri 17 Feb, Laureate Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Mon 13 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove FRANKENSTEIN Blackeyed Theatre JONATHAN COE: BROMSGROVE WORDS present a brand new version of Mary Join the award-winning novelist as Shelley’s Gothic horror, Fri 17 - Sat he talks about his works and his pre- 18 Feb, Lichfield Garrick occupation with political issues, Sun ROMEO & JULIET Youth Theatre pro- 19 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove duction of the greatest love story ever told, Fri 17 - Sat 25 Feb, Hall Green Little Theatre, Birmingham WOLF MEAT Wildheart & Lyric bring their absurdist humour and com- Film pelling storytelling to an irreverent world of dirty deals and mistaken identity, Sat 18 Feb, Old Joint Stock INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Theatre, Birmingham NARVIK A new play with songs which (U) Musical/Romance. tells the story of a Liverpudlian man Starring Mitzi Gaynor & Rossano Wilde Without The Boy - Old Joint Stock and a Norwegian woman who are Brazzi. mac, Birmingham, Tues 14 ‘pulled together and torn apart by Feb musical, which in turn is based on the difference between what they war, as the events of one summer DIRTY DANCING DRIVE-IN (12) the 1967 film of the same name, Mon need, what they want, and what they cause ripples across an ocean of Drama/Musical. Starring Patrick 13 - Sat 18 Feb, New Alexandra get, Thurs 16 Feb, Old Joint Stock time’, Sat 18 Feb, mac, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham Swayze & Jennifer Grey. Artrix, DUMMY A two-person comedy improv Bromsgrove, Tues 14 Feb JAMIE RAVEN LIVE An evening with HEAVEN EYES Theatre Sans Frontieres show featuring Colleen Doyle and WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (15) ‘one of the most viewed magicians in present a staging of David Almond’s Jason Shotts, Sat 18 Feb, Blue Comedy/Romance. Starring Billy the world’, Tues 14 Feb, Regent gritty story about young people try- Orange Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ing to find their way in the world, Crystal & Meg Ryan. mac, THE FIZZOGS’ SUCK IT AND SEE TOUR Thurs 16 Feb, The Old Rep, Birmingham, Tues 14 Feb MACBETH Fred Theatre brings Sat 18 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham CAROL DRIVE-IN (15) Drama/Romance. Shakespeare's tragedy of greed, lust Theatre and betrayal to life in a new and inti- A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC The latest Starring Cate Blanchett & Rooney A POCKETFUL OF GRIMMS - STORY mate production, Tues 14 - Wed 15 show from acclaimed musicians Mara. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 15 POCKET THEATRE Favourite tales are Feb, mac, Birmingham Blast From The Past takes in 600 Feb brought to life via a high-energy mix years of musical history in 90 min- THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12) WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S LONG LOST of clowning, physical theatre, pup- utes. A whistle-stop tour of Western Drama/Romance. Starring Michael FIRST PLAY (ABRIDGED) The Reduced petry and music, Sat 18 Feb, Artrix, musical history, Fri 17 Feb, The Core Fassbender & Alicia Vikander. Artrix, Shakespeare Company present a Bromsgrove celebration of our cultural heritage - Theatre, Solihull Bromsgrove, Thurs 16 Feb SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT... as seen through the eyes of three JANE ENGLISH: 20B Part autobiogra- FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND DINOSAURS? Ben Garrod (the TV sci- trainer-wearing Americans, Tues 14 - phy, part oral history, 20B is a mov- THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. entist in Attenborough And The Giant Wed 15 Feb, The REP, Birmingham ing exploration of what home and Starring Eddie Redmayne & Ezra Dinosaur) uses TV film footage and community really mean, and how it Miller. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 17 Feb ANITA AND ME Dinnerladies actress photos of his own palaeontological feels when these things are lost, Fri Shobna Gulati stars in Tanika Gupta's dinosaur digs to explain ‘everything GOLD (tbc) Drama/Thriller. Starring 17 Feb, mac, Birmingham staging of Meera Syal’s much-loved you ever wanted to know about Matthew McConaughey & Edgar novel, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Feb, WILDE WITHOUT THE BOY Gerrard dinosaurs - and more’... Sat 18 Feb, Ramírez. mac, Birmingham, Fri 17 - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Logan performs a dramatisation of Birmingham Town Hall Thurs 23 Feb De Profundis, Oscar Wilde's letter to DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE New THE QUITE REMARKABLE ADVENTURES T2 TRAINSPOTTING (tbc) his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, written play by Kay Wootton which centres OF THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT A Drama/Comedy. Starring Ewan from his prison cell in Reading Gaol, around a woman and her closest chaotic new musical which follows McGregor & Kelly Macdonald. mac, Fri 17 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, friends as they struggle to figure out the Owl and the Pussycat on their Birmingham, Fri 17 - Thurs 23 Feb mission to save the world and defeat THE GOONIES (12) Adventure/Comedy. the dastardly Firelord, his imaginary Starring Sean Astin & Josh Brolin. dragon, Pyron, and his henchmen, mac, Birmingham, Sat 18 Feb Flicker and Brimstone, Sat 18 Feb - FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (12a) Sat 4 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Comedy. Starring Matthew Broderick Coventry & Alan Ruck. mac, Birmingham, Sun STAND BY ME A celebration of Ben E 19 Feb King and The Drifters, Sun 19 Feb, (15) New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Drama/Romance. Starring & . Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 19 Feb CELL 211(18) Drama/Thriller. Starring Luis Tosar & Alberto Ammann. Dance Foreign language, subtitles. Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 19 CINDERELLA Birmingham Royal Ballet Feb present David Bintley's enchanting LA GRANDE ILLUSION (U) Drama/War. fairytale, with breathtaking designs Starring Jean Gabin & Dita Parlo. by John Mcfarlane, designer of the The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, company's famous Nutcracker pro- Sun 19 Feb duction. Wed 15 - Sat 25 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome Narvik - mac, Birmingham

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Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 17 - Sat 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham BIRMINGHAM INDOOR GRAND PRIX 2017 Museum, Dudley Featuring heroes of the Rio Released from Fri 17 Feb, showing at VICTORIAN MURDER-MYSTERY DINNER FLIGHT WORKSHOPS Build a pneumat- Olympics, Sat 18 Feb, Barclaycard selected cinemas Interview the suspects and try to ic rocket from craft materials and find solve this ‘most perplexing mystery’ Arena, Birmingham out more about flight, Sat 18 - Sun THE FOUNDER (12a) whilst enjoying delicious food in the THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW Explore 26 Feb, Enginuity Museum, THE GREAT WALL (12a) magnificent surroundings of Aston several halls packed with traders, Ironbridge, Shropshire HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Hall, Sat 18 Feb, , B’ham display bikes and more, Sat 18 - FAMILY FUN DAYS Build a den, play JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (tbc) STUNTFEST 2017 An afternoon of Sun 19 Feb, Telford International hoopla, splash in the puddles and ‘awesome’ stunts and displays for all Centre, Shropshire have your own family adventure, Sat MOONLIGHT (tbc) the family, featuring some of the top ANATOMY LAB LIVE Anatomist Samuel 18 - Sun 26 Feb, Packwood House, UK stunt drivers and riders, Sat 18 Piri performs a dissection procedure Solihull Feb, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants to showcase healthy and diseased BRICK WEEK Help build a lifesize Mini internal organs, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Feb, out of LEGO bricks and join in with a Cuttle Bridge Inn, Birmingham week of automotive-themed brick- Events MAKE AND FLY A KITE Drop-in activity, building challenges, Sat 18 - Sun 26 complete with flight-themed trail Feb, British Motor Museum, Coventry VERVE POETRY FESTIVAL Birmingham’s around the town, Sat 18 - Sun 26 SPONGE Dance company Turned On first festival of poetry and spoken Feb, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Its Head takes children on a creative word, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Feb, Ironbridge, Shropshire journey featuring lots of family inter- Birmingham City Centre FAMILY FUN DAYS Grab those wellies action, Sun 19 Feb, mac, B’ham WIZARDS ASSEMBLE - THE BIRMINGHAM and try out a natural play trail featur- PUB CRAWL Dress up in your best ing stepping stones, rope swings Harry Potter attire for a pub crawl and a winding labyrinth, Sat 18 - around some of the city’s best ven- Sun 26 Feb, Baddesley Clinton, ues, Fri 17 Feb, various venues Warwick across Birmingham City Centre AN EVENING WITH FRANK BRUNO Including a four-course dinner, come- FEBRUARY HALF TERM AT DRAYTON THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION dian, singer and live entertainment, MANOR Visit Thomas Land, the 15- Showcasing a huge range of national Sat 18 Feb, The H Suite - Edgbaston, acre zoo and much more, Sat 18 - franchise opportunities for anyone Birmingham Sun 26 Feb, Drayton Manor Theme looking to run their own business, Fri Park, Staffordshire 17 - Sat 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIEVAL BANQUET A 15th-century-style evening of eat- ON THE MOVE Explore the region’s THE 50+ SHOW Show focusing on rich transport heritage, from horse ing, drinking and medieval revelry DUBFREEZE The first major VAG event four key topics: hobbies & crafts; with the infamous Earl of Warwick, power to land speed records, Sat 18 health; finance & money; travel, Fri - Sun 26 Feb, Black Country Living of the VW calendar, Sun 19 Feb, Sat 18 Feb, Warwick Castle Stafford Bingley Hall

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thelist Monday 20 - Tuesday 28 February KARL BLAU Thurs 23 Feb, Artrix, Gigs Feb, Hare & Hounds, Bromsgrove Classical Music Comedy Gigs Birmingham REACH OUT TO MOTOWN A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY A celebration of 50 BAND OF HORSES Mon HARMONIE BAND Featuring Geddy TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 20 Feb, Fri 24 Feb, The years of Motown, Sat 20 Feb, O2 Institute, Stringer & Joshua Monks (conduc- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Assembly, Leamington 25 Feb, The Robin, Birmingham tors), Mon 20 Feb, The Bramall, Spa Bilston FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 22 Feb, KINGS OF LEON Mon 20 Birmingham The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham PET SHOP BOYS Fri 24 KAISER CHIEFS Sat 25 Feb, Genting Arena, JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ Featuring Juan Feb, Barclaycard Feb, Barclaycard RUDI LICKWOOD, IAN SMITH & COMEDY Birmingham Diego Flórez (tenor) & Vincenzo Arena, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON PAIGEY CAKEY Mon 20 Scalera (piano). Programme includes Thurs 23 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham BRIT FLOYD Pink Floyd THE DOORS ALIVE Sat Feb, O2 Academy, works by Rossini, Mozart, Puccini, tribute show, Fri 24 25 Feb, Route 44, RICHARD HERRING Thurs 23 Feb, The Birmingham Massenet & Verdi, Tues 21 Feb, Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Old Rep, Birmingham FUFANU Mon 20 Feb, Birmingham PINEGROVE Sat 25 Feb, JEN BRISTER Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Feb, The Flapper, B’ham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART ROCKET Fri 24 - Sat 25 The Rainbow Venues, MEETS JOANNA LEE Featuring Victoria Artrix, Bromsgrove VNV NATION Mon 20 Feb, The Jam House, Birmingham Brawn (harp), Sally Harrop (clarinet), ANDY ZALTZMAN Fri 24 Feb, The Slade Feb, The Asylum, Birmingham GLAM 45 Sat 25 Feb, Phillip Brookes (bassoon), Frances Rooms, Wolverhampton Birmingham ME FIRST & THE GIMME The Roadhouse, Moore-Bridger (horn) & David Curtis STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 24 Feb, Artrix, KENT DUCHAINE Tues GIMMES Fri 24 Feb, O2 Birmingham (conductor). Programme includes Bromsgrove 21 Feb, The Jam Institute, Birmingham ETERNAL FEAR Sat 25 works by Mozart, Joanna Lee & House, B’ham Haydn, Wed 22 Feb, Birmingham HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI Fri 24 Feb, THE SCOPYONS Fri 24 Feb, O2 Academy, Artrix, Bromsgrove DEAF HAVANA Tues 21 Feb, The Roadhouse, Birmingham Town Hall Feb, O2 Institute, INGRID DAHLE & DAVID JORDAN Fri 24 Birmingham MIC RIGHTEOUS Sat 25 THE HEATH QUARTET Programme Birmingham Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE X FACTOR LIVE Feb, O2 Academy, includes works by Haydn, Bartok & RUDI LICKWOOD, IAN SMITH, JONNY THRILLER LIVE Tues 21 TOUR 2017 Fri 24 Feb, Birmingham Mendelssohn, Wed 22 Feb, The - Sat 25 Feb, Barber Institute, Birmingham PELHAM & COMIC TBC Fri 24 - Sat 25 Genting Arena, B’ham BOXSTOCK - CIGAR BOX Wolverhampton Grand CBSO PRE-CONCERT SHOWCASE: SOLO Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE BLOCKHEADS Fri 24 GUITAR FESTIVAL Sat 25 Theatre PIANO THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, GEOFF NORCOTT, Feb, The Robin, Feb, The Slade Featuring Pascal Pascalev & KANE BROWN & COMIC TBC Fri 24 Feb, WEATHERSTATE Tues 21 Bilston Rooms, Andrey Ivanov. Programme includes Feb, The Sunflower works by Scriabin (Pascalev) & The Comedy Loft, B’ham ROBBIE GLENN - Wolverhampton Lounge, Birmingham Brahms (Ivanov), Wed 22 Feb, TRIBUTE TO OLLY MURS THE ORANGE CIRCUS Symphony Hall, Birmingham TONSTARTSSBANDHT & BRUNO MARS Fri 24 BAND Sat 25 Feb, BEETHOVEN AND SCHUMANN Tues 21 Feb, Hare & Feb, Nailcote Hall, Lichfield Guildhall Featuring Hounds, Birmingham Berkswell, Aleksandar Markovi(conductor), JOE & ASHANTI Sat 25 Hisako Kawamura (piano) and the City BEN GLOVER Tues 21 Warwickshire Feb, O2 Academy, of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Feb, Kitchen Garden IDEAL CLUB Fri 24 Feb, Birmingham Programme includes works by Cafe, Birmingham The Sunflower THE BORN AGAIN Janácek, Beethoven and Schumann, PETE KENT Wed 22 Lounge, Birmingham BEATLES Sun 26 Feb, Wed 22 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham Feb, The Robin, SUM 41 Fri 24 Feb, O2 Hare & Hounds, PETER DONOHOE PLAYS CHOPIN Thurs 23 Bilston Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Feb, The Bramall, The University of DRAKE Wed 22 - Thurs BARBARA DICKSON Fri THE DELRAY ROCKETS Birmingham MICKEY SHARMA, MARK NELSON & MICKY 23 Feb, Barclaycard 24 Feb, Lichfield Sun 26 Feb, The CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: VAUGHAN BARTLETT Fri 24 - Sat 25 Feb, Arena, Birmingham Garrick Actress & Bishop, WILLIAMS' SECOND Featuring Jamie Jongleurs, Birmingham GERRY CROSS THE BIG BRASS NIGHT Birmingham Phillips (conductor), Steven Osborne ROGER SWIFT, PHIL PAGGETT, HARV MERSEY Wed 22 Feb, Starring Ian OYE SANTANA Sun 26 (piano) & the CBSO Youth Orchestra. HAWKINS, MOSES ALI KHAN, LOVDEV The Core Theatre, Porterhouse & Tom Feb, The Robin, Programme includes works by Kidane, BARPAGA & MASAI GRAHAM Sat 25 Feb, Solihull Davoren, Birmingham Bilston Britten & Vaughan Williams, Sun 26 mac, Birmingham BRYAN CORBETT Conservatoire Brass ONE NIGHT IN Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ANDREW LAWRENCE QUARTET Wed 22 Feb, Band & University of NASHVILLE Sun 26 BENJAMIN FRITH – PIANO RECITAL Sun Sat 25 Feb, The Jam House, Salford Brass Band. Feb, New Alexandra 26 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Brett Baker (trom- Theatre, Birmingham YOUNG MUSICIANS' SHOWCASE 2017: THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS bone), Brendan Caddy TOUCHÉ AMORÉ Wed 22 BROMSGROVE CONCERTS, Sun 26 Feb, mac, Birmingham (cornet) & Lucy SIOBHAN MILLER Sun Sun 26 Feb, Feb, O2 Academy, KEN DODD Sun 26 Feb, Prince Of Pankhurst (voices) 26 Feb, Hare & Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Wales Centre, Cannock also feature, Fri 24 Hounds, Birmingham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH WILD NOTHING Wed 22 Feb, St Paul's Church, ANGEL Sun 26 Feb, O2 THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes JACK WHITEHALL Sun 26 Feb, Feb, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham works by D. Buxtehude, J.S Bach, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Birmingham THE BEST OF GIRL JIM MORAY Sun 26 Hindemith, Judith Weir & Dukas, Mon SEAN LOCK Mon 27 - Tues 28 Feb, WILCOX: HULSE - BANDS Fri 24 Feb, The Feb, Kitchen Garden 27 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome BREEZE & WILSON Wed Belfry, Sutton Coldfield Cafe, Birmingham ELSABÉ RAATH IN CONCERT Also featur- 22 Feb, The Red Lion MIKE & THE MECHANICS RUMOURS OF ing Robert Markham (piano). Folk Club, Birmingham Sat 25 Feb, Symphony FLEETWOOD MAC Mon Programme includes works by STEVIE PARKER Wed 22 Hall, Birmingham 27 Feb, Birmingham Brahms, Hindemith & Enescu, Tues 28 Feb, The Sunflower Feb, Birmingham Conservatoire KEVIN ROWLAND DJ SET Town Hall Theatre Lounge, Birmingham WITH THE ATLANTIC BROADSIDE BALLADS WORRY DOLLS Wed 22 PLAYERS Sat 25 - Sun FEAT. SAM LEE, LISA MORGAN & WEST'S UTTERLY SPIFFING Feb, Kitchen Garden 26 Feb, Hare & KNAPP & NATHANIEL SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS Cafe, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham MANN Tues 28 Feb, AND CHILDISH GROWN-UPS Fun for all as IAN PARKER & HIS BAND VIVA NEIL DIAMOND Sat The Glee Club, Morgan & West mix brainbusting illu- Thurs 23 Feb, The 25 Feb, The Core Birmingham sion and good old-fashioned tomfool- Robin, Bilston Theatre, Solihull RYAN HAMILTON Tues ery, Mon 20 Feb, mac, Birmingham DEL CAMINO Thurs 23 EVERLEY BROTHERS & 28 Feb, Hare & BORN OFFENDERS The Young REP Feb, The Jam House, FRIENDS Sat 25 Feb, Hounds, Birmingham Seniors imagine a world were you can Birmingham Huntingdon Hall, KIM LOWINGS AND THE be criminal from birth, and where the TELEMAN Thurs 23 Worcester GREENWOOD Tues 28 only thing you've done wrong is be born, Mon 20 - Tues 21 Feb, The REP, Feb, The Rainbow THE STYLE Feb, Kitchen Garden Birmingham Venues, Birmingham COUNCILLORS Sat 25 Cafe, Birmingham 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 20 - 28 February - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:39 Page 2

Monday 20 - Tuesday 28 February

NOT DEAD ENOUGH Shane Richie and CHRISTIAN LEE: POP! Magic, mirth and Laura Whitmore star in the world pre- mayhem with the Britain's Got Talent miere production of Peter James’ 2016 semi-finalist, who's been thriller, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Feb, Malvern described as ‘Mr Bean meets Charlie Theatre, Worcestershire Chaplin’, Thurs 23 Feb, mac, B’ham CIRQUE BERSERK! An evening of thrills TREASURE ISLAND - CBEEBIES SPOT- and skills, combining contemporary BOTS A ‘laugh a minute’ show jam- cirque-style artistry with adrenaline- packed with swashbuckling, cheer- fuelled stunt action. Featuring over ing, booing, puppets, lots of colourful 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, costumes, slapstick fun and maybe dancers, drummers and death-defy- even a monkey or two, Thurs 23 Feb, ing stuntmen, Mon 20 - Sun 26 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove The REP, Birmingham CLOSER Staging of Patrick Marber's exploration of modern relationships. Age guidance is 16-plus, due to scenes of a sexual nature and strong language, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DAVID WALLIAMS’ THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON Les Petits present ‘a fan- tastical adventure’ featuring pup- petry, music, mayhem and a giant space race to the moon... Fri 24 Feb, Stourbridge Town Hall A JUDGEMENT IN STONE A brand new The Jungle Book staging of Ruth Rendell's classic AMÉDÉE British playwright, director thriller, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Feb, New and comedian Sean Foley (The Play Lichfield Garrick, Sat 25 February Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham What I Wrote, The Ladykillers) brings Eugene Ionesco's surreal comedy to Although zany funsters Oddsocks are probably best known for their LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER Blue life in a new adaptation. Roxana Orange Theatre Company present a humorous takes on the works of William Shakespeare, they occasion- Silbert directs... Fri 24 Feb - Sat 11 ally like to shake things up a bit by looking for their inspiration else- new staging of DH Lawrence's most Mar, The REP, Birmingham famous novel, Tues 21 Feb, Artrix, where. This is one such occasion. MY NAME IS... & THIS IS NOT LONDON Bromsgrove Made universally popular by the classic Walt Disney movie, Rudyard Double bill of new writing. The sto- MICHAEL MORPURGO’S KING ARTHUR A ries of refugees across the world are Kipling’s Jungle Book tells the story of a young boy named Mowgli fast-paced tale of magic, heroism, reimagined, and the concept of who’s been raised in the jungle by a family of wolves. His friends, love and betrayal, adapted from the social security questioned, Sat 25 Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, are determined to save him novel Arthur: High King Of Britain, Feb, mac, Birmingham Tues 21 Feb, The Core, Solihull from the evil intentions of Shere Khan the tiger. THE JUNGLE BOOK Oddsocks bring But keeping Mowgli safe is no walk in the jungle, as his two furry THRILLER LIVE Musical celebration their inimitable humour to Rudyard pals soon find out... featuring the hit songs of Michael Kipling’s empowering story, Sat 25 and The Jackson 5, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS Award-winning The Crescent Theatre Company brand new staging of Patrick Sethi, with the voices of Bill Murray & new play telling the story of three presents its version of Agatha Hamilton’s mystery-thriller, Mon 27 Ben Kingsley. mac, Birmingham, girls slipping through the cracks in Christie’s most celebrated courtroom Feb - Sat 4 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Tues 21 - Wed 22 Feb society, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Feb, The drama, Sat 25 Feb - Sat 4 Mar, The Worcestershire MUM’S LIST (12) Drama. Starring Rafe REP, Birmingham Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Spall & Emilia Fox. mac, RUNNING WILD The Children’s Touring I TOLD MY MUM I WAS GOING ON AN Birmingham, Tues 21 & Thurs 23 Feb Partnership present a staging of R.E. TRIP A 20 Stories High and TOP CAT BEGINS (U) Animation/Family. Michael Morpurgo’s emotional and Contact co-production about young With the voices of Jason Harris & moving story of love, loss, loyalty women and abortion, Mon 27 Feb, Dance Ben Diskin. mac, Birmingham, Thurs and ‘living in the moment’, Wed 22- mac, Birmingham Sat 25 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, 23 Feb SISTER ACT Alexandra Burke takes the Coventry TANGO FIRE Featuring German KUNG FU PANDA 3 (PG) lead in Craig Revel Horwood’s stag- Cornejo’s dance troupe, The Tango Animation/Action. With the voices of LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER Blue ing of the much-acclaimed musical Fire Company of Buenos Aires, Jack Black & Angelina Jolie. mac, Orange Theatre Company present a comedy, Mon 27 Feb - Sat 4 Mar, Thurs 23 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 24 Feb new staging of DH Lawrence's most Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Coventry famous novel, Thurs 23 Feb, The FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND GASLIGHT Kara Tointon stars in a Core, Solihull JAMES WILTON DANCE: LEVIATHAN A THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. cast of seven use choreographer Starring Eddie Redmayne & Ezra James Wilton's trademark blend of Miller. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 24 & athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira Mon 27 Feb and partner work to re-imagine Herman Melville's seminal novel, TONI ERDMANN (15) Comedy/Drama. Moby Dick, Fri 24 Feb, mac, B’ham Starring Peter Simonischek & Sandra Hüller. mac, Birmingham, Fri 24 - TAPPING THROUGH TIME Tapping rou- Tues 28 Feb tines through the years, performed by professional dancers, Tues 28 Feb, The Core, Solihull NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 27 Feb, showing at selected cinemas Film BEST (12a) IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD (PG) INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MISS SLOANE (15) PATRIOTS DAY (15) THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) RANGOON (15) Running Wild - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Adventure/Drama. Starring Neel SOUTHERN FURY (18)

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Monday 20 - Tuesday 28 February

thelist Feb, Clore Learning Centre, PLAY IN A DAY: 15-17 YEARS Create display outside the museum, with Events Stratford-upon-Avon your very own shortened version of hands-on activities taking place ALL THAT GLITTERS KIDS WORKSHOP Julius Caesar in just one day, with throughout the day, Fri 24 Feb, Soho Make your own treasured piece of help from an RSC expert, Wed 22 House, Birmingham FEBRUARY HALF-TERM FUN Including jewellery from old junk and recycled Feb, Clore Learning Centre, RACE RETRO Diverse motorsport event arts and crafts, bug hunting and materials, Tues 21 Feb, Museum of Stratford-upon-Avon featuring ‘stunning displays, high- story trails, Mon 20 - Fri 24 Feb, the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham THE V-BOMBERS AND AIRFIX - KITS AND octane live action’ and the chance to Birmingham Botanical Gardens HALF TERM FAMILY WORKSHOP Hands THE COLD WAR Airfix researcher drive a classic car around a specially MAKE A GLIDER IN ENGINUITY’S FAB LAB on activites inspired by the gallery’s Simon Owen gives a free talk on the designed route, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Feb, Create gliders from plastic using the Roger Hiorns exhibition, Tues 21 & different ways the V-bombers, kitted Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth 3D printer and vinyl cutter to make Thurs 23 Feb, Ikon Gallery, by Airfix, were developed, and how THE GUITAR SHOW Perfect for guitar stick-on decals, Mon 20 - Fri 24 Feb, Birmingham Cold War aircraft have shaped the enthusiasts, with live performers on Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, brand and the world, Wed 22 Feb, stage and a wide range of exhibitors Shropshire FLIGHT THEMES DROP-IN CERAMIC RAF Cosford, Shropshire WORKSHOPS Sculpt a flying creature in attendance, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Feb, AWESOME ARCHAEOLOGY Meet intrepid from air-drying clay, Tues 21 - Thurs HALF-TERM CRAFT: ANIMAL MASKS New Bingley Hall, Birmingham adventurers and check out artefacts 23 Feb, Coalport China Museum, nr Create your own animal masks as that they’ve gathered from archaeo- Ironbridge, Shropshire part of 's animal- logical digs around the world, Mon themed half term, Thurs 23 Feb, 20 - Fri 24 Feb, Kenilworth Castle FEBRUARY HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Take Blakesley Hall, Birmingham a 45-minute heritage boat trip and AIRFIX MAKE AND TAKE Featuring mod- get creative with the wintry weather- WIZARDS ASSEMBLE - THE BIRMINGHAM els both for seasoned model makers themed craft activities, Tues 21 - Fri PUB CRAWL Dress up in your best and those new to Airfix, Mon 20 - Fri 24 Feb, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Harry Potter attire for a pub crawl 24 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shropshire Limestone Mines around some of the city’s best ven- CASTLE QUEST Featuring a series of ues, Fri 24 Feb, various venues CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MOTORHOME across Birmingham City Centre characters and clues, Mon 20 - Sun SHOW 2017 Featuring tents and com- 26 Feb, Tamworth Castle pact campervans, luxurious CREATIVE BADGES WORKSHOP Make HALF-TERM CRAFT: ANIMAL POM POMS motorhomes and caravans, Tues 21 your own badges using the museum badge-making machine, Fri 24 Feb, Learn how to make pom poms and - Sun 26 Feb, NEC, Birmingham BACKSTAGE TOUR: FAMILY Discover the turn them into animals, Tues 21 Feb, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, STORYTELLING AT BLAKESLEY HALL Birmingham rarely seen backstage areas of the Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Storytelling for three to eight-year- theatre, as The REP invites you to be INTRODUCING: JULIUS CAESAR olds. Join in with A Squash And A 999 EMERGENCY DAY Does your an audience member, a set builder, a Discover the story and themes in Squeeze, a fun-filled rhyming tale by youngster love playing pretend prosthetics maker or an assistant Julius Caesar as you work as an the author of The Gruffalo, Wed 22 police? Are they a fan of Fireman stage manager, Sat 25 Feb, The REP, actor does, on your feet, Tues 21 Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Sam? Emergency vehicles will be on Birmingham

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