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WICKED RETURNS TO Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON APRIL 2018 Birmingham ISSUE 388 APRIL 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP WTE:@WHATSONBRUMTWITTER: FACEBOOK:@WHATSONBIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK REP F/P April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 17:31 Page 1 Contents April Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:03 Page 2

April 2018

Contents

The Last Ship - Sting talks about bringing his acclaimed musical to the New Alex interview on page 8

Louise Distras Flatpack Festival Wicked the list

punk songstress promotes cinematic invention and audio- hit musical returns to cast its your 16-page Land Of Dope & Glory in Brum visual delights across the city spell over Midlands audiences week-by-week listings guide page 17 feature page 14 feature page 22 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 35. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ellie Hutchings [email protected] 01743 281706 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham April.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 11:38 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Jellyfish invasion at the National Sea Life Centre! A brand new permanent exhibition at Birming- ham’s National Sea Life Centre has opened in time for Easter. Jelly Invaders features five different jellyfish species from across the world - from the bizarre freshwater upside-down jellyfish to the glittering ‘sea nettle’ variety from the Indo-Pa- cific. Commenting on the new , curator Jonny Rudd said: “Jellyfish are actually older than dinosaurs, as it’s believed they first swam in our oceans some 500 million years ago. With more than 350 different species, there’s a lot to uncover!” For further information or to pre-book tickets, visit sealife.co.uk/birmingham.

Get your jig on as Ride out for Birmingham . The company’s Neil Anderson said: “We need festival makes a return Children’s Hospital... to find someone who can truly capture the Street art and performance, visual installa- Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has essence of what was happening in the city in tions and ‘crazy’ stage sets that revitalise partnered with popular cycling event Mad the 1970s. We want to come up with a book Birmingham’s Digbeth area ‘in unimaginable Summer Hare to raise vital funds for the that takes people straight back to that time ways’ will all feature in next month’s Swinga- 90,000 sick children the hospital treats every and celebrates the legacy of the era that majig (Sunday 6 May). day. spawned heavy metal and so much more.” The sixth edition of the event boasts a line- The Mad Summer Hare sportive, taking place For more information, contact Neil on up of music that includes gypsy swing and on Sunday 2 September, will see participants [email protected] jazz, Balkan beats, dubstep DJs, bass heavy ride 72 miles to the Cotswolds in support of rhythms and traditional and electro swing. the hospital charity. New season announced ‘Burlesque acts, mindbending magicians, Commenting on the partnership, event or- world-class cabaret and circus daredevils’ ganiser Dan Fox said: “We’re thrilled to have for Birmingham theatre also feature in an event that organisers Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity as Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre has promise will be ‘one hell of a party’. our principle charity, and above all, we’re unveiled details of its 2018 line-up of shows. super-excited to see over 1,200 riders raising Motown The Musical, Saturday Night Fever money for the incredible work they do.” and Fame are just three of the hit productions For more information or to find out how you visiting the venue over the coming year. can donate, visit bch.org.uk Also featuring on the programme is Rock Of Ages, a festive run of Benidorm Live, the much-loved classic Dirty Dancing and a brand new production of Madagascar - A Mu- sical Adventure. For more information and to purchase tick- BE Festival weekly ets, visit atgtickets.com/Birmingham or call passes now on sale 0844 871 3011. Organisers of the annual BE Festival, which comprises five days of European performing arts and culture, have launched a special pass for people wishing to immerse them- selves in the event (taking place at Birming- Were you a dirty stop-out? ham Repertory Theatre from 3 to 7 July). A publishing company is on the lookout for The Weekly Pass includes the opportunity to someone to write its forthcoming book about see 20 shows across the festival and enjoy Birmingham’s nightlife, music and fashion dinner on the main stage each night. scene during the 1970s. For more information, visit birmingham- Dirty Stop Outs Ltd has already published rep.co.uk guides to 1970s Coventry, and 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham April.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 11:38 Page 2

First Word

Well would you Adam and Elf it! A stage adaptation of Will Fer- rell’s hit festive movie Elf is vis- iting Birmingham in the run-up to Christmas, with pop legend David Essex and Love Actually favourite Martine McCutcheon taking top billing. The original stage version of Elf - A Christmas Spectacular played to record-breaking audi- ences at ’s Dominion Theatre in 2015/16. Commenting on the show, David Essex said: “The big special ef- fects that we have lined up are incredible, including a giant sleigh that will fly across the arena, an indoor snow blizzard and lots of skating, which all adds to this perfect Christmas story.” Elf - A Christmas Spectacular Birmingham theatre stages its first in-house production shows at Birmingham's Genting Birmingham Hippodrome is this month presenting its first in-house co-production. Arena from 20 to 24 December. A Twisted Tale Of Hansel And Gretel sees the Hurst Street-based venue and long-term collaborators For tickets, visit the venue box office or theticketfactory.com Open Theatre Company - one of the region’s leading promoters of Learning Disabled arts - support the emergence of actors and artists from BecauseWeCanCanCan, a learning disabled-led company based in the Midlands. The production, which shows at the Hippodrome’s Patrick Centre from 4 to 8 April before heading out on tour, will bring together live music, physical theatre and innovative design to recreate the clas- sic fairytale. A further three ‘twisted tales’ will be produced over the next three years. For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com

New Year fun, Birmingham’s B-SIDE festival is back... Dog Jog in Brum Bangla style... Birmingham Hippodrome’s free annual festival celebrating all things hip-hop returns next month. An event encouraging dog own- Now in its third year, B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival takes place from ers to get fit and have fun with Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 May and features outdoor performances, their four-legged friends is com- ing to two Midlands cities this pop-up dance events, interactive talks, live graffiti art and a pro- autumn. gramme of high-energy workshops. Aimed at people of all ages and For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com/bside and abilities, the 5K Dog Jog pro- facebook.com/bside2018 motes a friendly, relaxed and fun atmosphere for everyone in- volved, with no time limits or Birmingham Town Hall is pressure. this month hosting a spe- The event takes place in Birm- ingham on 8 September and cial celebration in recog- Coventry on 9 September. nition of Pohela For more information, visit Boishakh, the Bangla dogjog.co.uk New Year. The Sunday 22 April fam- ily event will see the city’s Bangladeshi com- munity come together to enjoy an evening of tradi- tional food and music. For more information, visit thsh.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Readers' Awards Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 12:03 Page 1

Readers’ What’sOn Awards WINNERS announced... With over 50,000 votes cast in the What’s OnReaders’ Awards 2018 - we are delighted to announce your winners...

Midlands Large Theatre Best Kids Show Best Dance Production WINNER Gangsta Granny WINNER Birmingham Royal Ballet’s RUNNER-UP The Snowman The Nutcracker RUNNER-UP Matthew Bourne’s Best Festive Show The Red Shoes WINNER A Christmas Carol - The RSC RUNNER-UP The Lion, The Witch and Best Classical Production The Wardrobe - inc Opera WINNER CBSO Spectacular Classics Best Pantomime RUNNER-UP Birmingham Bach Choir: In The Midlands 2017/18 Handel’s Messiah WINNER Birmingham Hippodrome RUNNER-UP Wolverhampton Grand Best Orchestra/Choir WINNER Birmingham Philharmonic Best Touring Musical Orchestra WINNER Jersey Boys RUNNER-UP CBSO RUNNER-UP Billy Elliot Best Midlands Arts/ Best Touring Play Cultural Festival WINNER The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time RUNNER-UP Shirley Valentine WINNER Jack and The Beanstalk - Best Touring Company Wolverhampton Grand Theatre RUNNER-UP Cinderella - Birmingham Hippodrome Best Panto Dame WINNER Ian Adams - Jack and The Beanstalk at Wolverhampton Grand WINNER Birmingham Weekender Theatre RUNNER-UP Lichfield Fuse Festival RUNNER-UP Sam Rabone - Aladdin at Lichfield Garrick Theatre Best Exhibition Best Amateur Dramatic Group WINNER Wildlife Photographer of the WINNER The Fizzogs Year 2017 - Wolverhampton Art Gallery WINNER West Bromwich Operatic RUNNER-UP Motionhouse RUNNER-UP Quentin Blake: Inside Society (WBOS) Stories - Compton Verney Art Gallery Best Home-Produced Show In RUNNER-UP Mad Cow Productions The Midlands Best Independent Cinema Best Amateur Production WINNER Nativity! The Musical - WINNER Electric Cinema - Birmingham WINNER Hairspray - Get Your Wigle On Birmingham Repertory Theatre RUNNER-UP Light House Media Centre RUNNER-UP Present Laughter - Mad RUNNER-UP Alice in Wonderland - - Wolverhampton Cow Productions The

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Readers’ Awards

Best Midlands Live Band Best Midlands Street Food Vendor WINNER UB40 WINNER The Meat Shack RUNNER-UP Black Sabbath RUNNER-UP Bournville Waffle Co. Best Midlands Retail Best Midlands Comedian Shopping Centre WINNER Joe Lycett WINNER Bullring, Birmingham RUNNER-UP Greg Davies RUNNER-UP Grand Central, Birmingham Best Midlands Comedy Night Best Midlands Chef WINNER Comedy Carousel at The Glee Club, Birmingham Best Midlands Music Venue RUNNER-UP Funhouse Comedy WINNER Symphony Hall, Birmingham RUNNER-UP Genting Arena, Birmingham Best Midlands Food Festival WINNER Lichfield Food Festival Best Midlands Music Festival RUNNER-UP Ludlow Food Festival WINNER Lichfield Festival RUNNER-UP Shrewsbury Folk Festival Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award Best Midlands Musician WINNER Julie Walters WINNER Laura Mvula RUNNER-UP Doreen Tipton RUNNER-UP Scott Matthews WINNER Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Bham) RUNNER-UP Adam Stokes (Adams, B’ham) and the winners in your region... Birmingham Best Outdoor Event Best Pub WINNER Frankfurt Christmas Markets WINNER Old Joint Stock, Temple Row Best Arts/Theatre Venue RUNNER-UP Digbeth Dining Club RUNNER-UP The Prince of Moseley WINNER Birmingham Repertory Theatre Best Indoor Event RUNNER-UP New Alexandra Theatre Best Independent Retail Store WINNER BBC Good Food Show WINNER The People Shops - Kings Heath RUNNER-UP Strictly Come Dancing Live Best Music Venue RUNNER-UP Loki Wine, Great Western Best Gallery Exhibition Venue Arcade

Best Independent Coffee Shop

WINNER Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath RUNNER-UP The Jam House WINNER Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Best Visitor Attraction RUNNER-UP Ikon WINNER Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery WINNER Cherry Red’s Best Independent Restaurant RUNNER-UP Cadbury World RUNNER-UP Urban Coffee Company WINNER Purnell’s in Cornwall Street Best Festival RUNNER-UP Original Patty Men You can find a full list of winners at WINNER Birmingham Weekender whatsonlive.co.uk RUNNER-UP Moseley Folk Festival whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Sting (option 2) DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:44 Page 1

THE LAST SHIP Superstar Sting’s first musical, The Last Ship, visits Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with him to find out more about a show that’s based around a subject particularly close to his heart...

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by Lauren Foster

In 2011, it was confirmed that Grammy identity because the work they do is being Due to be released on 20 April, Sting has Award-winning musician Gordon Sumner, taken away. That’s the serious side of it. It’s produced an album with Jamaican music better known by his stage name of Sting, was also a love story, it has some big production icon Shaggy that reflects the duo’s mutual working on his first musical. numbers and it’s an entertaining evening. It’s love of Jamaica. “Everyone loves Shaggy, and emotional and serious.” it’s just a surprise. For me, the most Now, in 2018, that musical, entitled The Last important element in music is surprise. He Ship, is setting sail on a UK theatre tour. The musical is a constant work in progress, and I met and did a reggae record together, despite having been brought to the stage Initially inspired by his 1991 album, The Soul which no one was expecting.” countless times. “For me, art is never Cages, and his own childhood experiences, finished. You’re always tinkering with it, While a Shaggy collaboration is indeed a The Last Ship tells the story of how a close- always changing your mind about things - so surprise, what isn’t a surprise is to find that knit community deals with the closure of the I will keep tinkering as long as I can, until The Police will not be reforming any time Swan Hunter shipyard and the demise of the they lock me out. That’s what I do. soon. “Everything we set out to achieve, we shipbuilding industry in Tyne and Wear. achieved tenfold. You can’t step on the same “Since Broadway, it’s become more political “I was born literally within spitting distance river twice. That’s just an exercise in because it’s more specific about the actual of the shipyard,” says Sting. “I thought that’s nostalgia, and I'm not terribly nostalgic - I'm politics of the time. On Broadway we kind of where I’d end up because all my family living now. I’m curious about now and what’s glossed over that a little more. The story is a worked there and all of my neighbours going to happen tomorrow. But going back? little simpler, there are fewer strands - I think worked there - but I didn’t want that; I I've been there.” it was probably too complicated on Broadway wanted to leave. I escaped and became a - but I’m very happy with the way it’s musician, but at some point in my life I had developed. to come back, like a salmon who has to go The Last Ship stops off at the New back to the spawning ground to figure out “The Last Ship is a thank you to the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from who he is.” community that formed me; it’s a way of Monday 16 to Saturday 21 April paying an emotional debt to the people who Receiving two Tony nominations for Best brought me up. The characters are either Original Score and Best Orchestrations, The people who existed or composites of people Last Ship features some of Sting’s best-loved who existed, or people who I knew or people songs: Island Of Souls, All This Time and who I've just made up but who’re drawn from When We Dance. Despite being set in reality. People have asked if it’s biographical Newcastle, the show premiered in Chicago in for me. There are elements of my own life in the summer of 2014, and then moved to the there, but it’s certainly not my story. There Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway. are elements of my own journey.” “When most plays start out, you think, ‘Well, Being the principle , lead singer if it ever gets to Broadway, it will be a and bassist for new wave rock band The miracle’, so I just started there and worked Police from 1977 to 1986, as well as boasting backwards! I live in New York, I knew a an immensely successful and ongoing solo producer who liked the idea of the story, and career, Sting is certainly no stranger to the theatre was just down the road from songwriting. “I’ve always been interested in where I live. But then I thought it deserved to writing narrative songs, songs that tell a be seen where it comes from, and that’s the story, and this is just a larger canvas. The north of England.” difficulty is that each song has to advance the The ensemble cast is led by Coronation story. You can’t have a static song, and that’s Street, West End and Broadway star Richard a very hard discipline. Every song has to Fleeshman as Gideon. Charlie Hardwick, best fight for its life - every line, every word. known for role as Val Pollard in It’s very demanding, very exacting, but Emmerdale, plays Peggy, Joe McGann (Elf I’ve had more fun doing this than The Musical and The Upper Hand) is Jackie almost anything else I've done in and Frances McNamee, who recently starred my life. There has also been some in Big Fish in the West End, takes on the role interest from some very, very of Meg. influential filmmakers, whose names will remain anonymous…” “I’ve got a fabulous cast of northern actors who understand it in their bones, and it’s an So would he be keen to embark on a emotional rollercoaster ride. I think the second musical adventure? “I can’t imagine play’s themes will resonate with people in anything would be as personal as this, but the north of England because it’s really about having got my feet wet, as it were, I'd the industry and the closing of factories and probably have another go at it. But you know, coal mines and shipyards and what happens I have this other job where I make records to communities when they’re robbed of their and sing for money.” whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food April Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 15:12 Page 1 Food April Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 15:12 Page 2

Food

New Birmingham brasserie to open this month A 135-cover brasserie will open its doors in the heart of Birmingham on Wednesday 11 April. The Ivy is situated on the city’s Temple Row, in a building formerly occupied by Louis Vuitton, and will offer sophisticated yet relaxed all-day dining. The menu will include a truffle chicken sandwich, The Ivy Collection shepherd’s pie and seasonal grilled fish, as well as light and healthy brunch options, afternoon teas and an extensive cocktail menu.

panyaki speciality - lobster and scallops with spring onion and garlic oil, accompanied by a Tep- panyaki fried rice. Every element was cooked to absolute perfec- tion, bursting with immense, mouthwatering flavour. Lobster is a firm favourite of ours, and I could’ve eaten those little chunks of heaven three times over. The scallops were soft and juicy, the garlic strong but not overpowering. The chicken and the beef were tender, melting in the mouth, the lamb simply di- vine. With the high-quality fresh pro- duce that Miyako Teppanyaki serve, it’s no wonder that Birm- ingham’s first Japanese restau- REVIEW: Miyako Teppanyaki rant is still going strong after 26 years. The staff are friendly and Chopsticks at the ready in Birmingham’s Japanese eatery! welcoming, the layout contem- porary - both the interior and sig- The first restaurant ever to be Teppanyaki is a unique culinary To start, we had the sushi platter, nage make use of the colours of built in Birmingham’s China art which has established itself comprising eight pieces of nigiri the Japanese flag. Town, Japanese eatery Miyako as one of the most popular forms sushi with California roll and ebi If you’re a fan of Japanese cui- Teppanyaki was established in of Japanese cuisine. Its prepara- (king prawn) tempura to share. sine, I thoroughly recommend 1992 and is located in the Arca- tion and presentation take place The tempura batter was soft and paying Miyako Teppanyaki a visit dian centre on Hurst Street. before your eyes on a heated light and in no way hindered the the next time you’re in town. steel plate, giving the conven- taste of the meaty king prawns. Featuring traditional food and Lauren Foster drink, including green tea, sake tional dining experience a fun The platter, comprising salmon, and theatrical twist. scallop, tuna, octopus, prawn, (rice wine), plum wine, shochu Food: nnnnn eel and sea bass nigiri, tasted (barley-based spirit), Asahi, Kirin Having enjoyed stunning food at Service: nnnnn beautifully fresh and was cer- and Sapporo Japanese lager, as Miyako Teppanyaki twice previ- Ambience: nnnnn tainly one of the nicest sushi well as a selection of Japanese ously, I was confident that we Overall value nnnnn platters I've enjoyed in quite a whiskies, Miyako Teppanyaki were in for a real treat on our OVERALL nnnnn source all their ingredients lo- third visit to this city-centre while. cally. The restaurant is conve- favourite. We perused the menu With both of us being huge meat Miyako Teppanyaki niently located just a stone’s over two bottles of our Japanese and seafood fans, we thought Arcadian Centre throw from the city’s outdoor lager of choice, Sapporo. we’d mix things up a bit for the Ladywell Walk market and wholesale market, Japanese cuisine is undoubtedly main event. We chose the Hurst Street meaning their fruit, vegetables, one of my favourites, a fact that chicken, sirloin and lamb, which Birmingham B5 4ST meat and seafood is always makes choosing which dishes to were grilled teriyaki style with Tel: 0121 622 5183 fresh. order a real challenge. stir-fried vegetables, and a Tep- whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food April Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 15:13 Page 3

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Food

Birmingham’s Botanist unveils its spring menu Birmingham city centre restaurant and bar The Botanist has launched a new menu. Highlights include a flat iron steak sandwich with whipped garlic goats cheese, crispy calamari coated with fajita salt, and a new range of vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free options. These include charred edamame beans with chilli, garlic and sesame oil, and harissa aubergine steak with saffron and almond couscous. Dates revealed for Colmore Food Festival Colmore Food Festival will be returning to Victoria Square in Birmingham, for the eighth time, on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 July. Attracting more than 30,000 visitors, the festival is hosted by the area’s Business Improvement District and features a wide range of taster dishes and drinks.

Pizza and prosecco Birmingham Hippodrome offering a Wicked new menu! festival returns to To mark the return to the venue of award-winning musical Wicked, Birmingham Hippodrome Head Birmingham Chef Mel has created a specially themed menu for visitors to enjoy. After a hugely successful national tour Mel’s green menu features asparagus wrapped in Parma ham, devilled whitebait with charred lime in 2017, the Pizza & Prosecco Festival and a torn mozzarella salad with basil oil, and a special Elphaburger, featuring a unique charcoal returns to Birmingham on 23 June. sesame bun, avocado salsa and more. Taking place at Boxxed in Digbeth, the Wicked runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 29 April. boutique event will see every ticket- holder given a free slice of pizza and an Aperol Spritz cocktail. Dancers, live New venue brings a taste of Cuba to Birmingham music and vendors selling gluten-free and vegan options also feature. Visitors Latin American bar & restaurant chain can enjoy more than 20 different types Revolucion de Cuba has opened a of prosecco, a variety of sparkling branch in Birmingham. cocktails from the Tiny Tipple Van and Located on Temple Street, the new delicious pizza from traders such as eatery offers premium Cuban rums, Doughboys, Ffwrnes and The Original exotic cocktails and tasty, traditional Goodfillas. recipes from across South America. The menu also features 20-plus traditional tapas dishes, including mojito prawns, chorizo croquettes, pork belly skewers and halloumi tacos. There are rum punches to savour too, the Club Tropicana and the Fruit Salad Teapot among them. There’s a Happy Hour every Monday to Friday from 3pm to 7pm, and every Saturday from 5pm to 7pm. On Sundays the venue offers all-day-long two-for- one deals on tapas, cocktails and coffee.

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FLATPACK FILM Cinematic invention and audi0-visual delights in some of the city’s most unusual spaces

From humble beginnings as a monthly night in a Digbeth pub in of his first jobs in cinema - shooting Lindsay Anderson’s If... 2003, through to its present status as ‘one of the most distinctive Optical Sound highlights the best in audio-visual and downright fun’ events in the UK calendar, Flatpack Festival experimentation via a weekend of talks and events, while extends beyond the realms of a traditional festival, with its Unpacked is all about the art of fabrication, with eclectic programming spanning a variety of art forms. demonstrations, workshops and talks from the likes of Oscar The 10-day festival (13 to 22 April) features over 100 events - nominee and BAFTA winner Daisy Jacobs and Dutch visual artist screenings, exhibitions, live events, film previews, walking tours Johan Rijpma. of Birmingham and more - in 20 different venues across the city. For families, Colour Box is an eclectic offering of film screenings, Categories for 2018 include Birmingham ’68, Optical Sound, experiences and hands-on activities, with Moomin puppet- Unpacked, Colour Box and a screening programme. making, flipbook workshops and synthesiser zones just a sample Marking 50 years since 1968 - the year that rocked history - of what’s on offer at MAC Birmingham and the Patrick Centre at Flatpack 2018 moves the focus from anti-Vietnam war rallies, the the Birmingham Hippodrome. assassination of Martin Luther King, unrest in Europe and famine Taking place at the award-winning Electric Cinema and recent in Africa, to events nearer to home. addition the Mockingbird, the festival’s screening programme The festival’s Birmingham ’68 anniversary programme allows ranges from animation to documentary and experimental works audiences to explore the Solihull School days of singer- to late-night schlock. There’s also a short film competition songwriter Genesis P Orridge; discover the lost streets of Balsall featuring over 20 UK and European premieres. Heath through the photography of Janet Mendelsohn, and listen For full details of all associated festival events, visit to award-winning cinematographer Chris Menges talk about one flatpackfestival.org.uk SCREENINGS.PERFORMANCES.THEATRE. EXHIBITIONS.PARTIES.

SCREENINGS.PERFORMANCES.THEATRE. EXHIBITIONS.PARTIES.

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FESTIVAL 2018 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS...

THE PAPER CINEMA: MACBETH GHOST STREETS OF BALSALL HEATH HAXAN Patrick Centre, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 April Ort Gallery, until Sat 28 April Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 17 April

Through their fusion of puppetry, onstage As a student at the University of League Of Gentleman and Inside No 9 co- video and live music, festival favourites The Birmingham in the late 1960s, American creator Reece Shearsmith narrates a rare Paper Cinema have pioneered a unique filmmaker and photographer Janet screening of Benjamin Christensen’s 1922 form of animation to immerse the audience Mendelsohn spent several months film. Banned in the US and unseen for in a two-dimensional world. exploring the everyday life of Balsall Heath. decades, Haxan blends horror, Following on from their joyous take on A selection of images documenting the documentary, animation and woodcuts to Homer’s The Odyssey in 2015, the company social housing crisis, poverty, migration, paint a lurid picture of witchcraft through here strip the tragedy from Shakespeare’s childhood experiences and associated the ages. Musician Stephen Horne conjures bloodiest play, in the process creating a stories are now on display in the up a storm playing piano, theramin, ‘compelling and sometimes psychedelic neighbourhood where they were taken. percussion and more... experience.’

THE LODGER COLOUR BOX VARIETY Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Patrick Centre, Sat 21 April RoguePlay Theatre, Fri 20 April Sat 21 April This special screening of Hitchcock’s The family arm of Flatpack Festival, Colour A box office smash in 1925, Ewald Dupont’s Ripper-inspired thriller is widely regarded Box is an eclectic bundle of films, gripping tale about three trapeze artists as the director’s first masterpiece. experiences and hands-on activities for caught up in a love triangle is here given a Subtitled A Story Of The London Fog, the younger audiences, preferably those under new lease of life. RoguePlay Theatre film highlights just how many of 11 years of age. Colour Box’s creative company take it into the physical realm Hitchcock’s trademark tricks and playground includes smartphone with a live performance of trapeze, ground- techniques were already present in the projectors, Moomin puppets, VR based acrobatics, acrobalance and physical silent era. adventures and a massive zoetrope. A theatre. Multi-instrumentalist Stephen Composer and musician Meg Morley screening programme features new family Horne and percussionist Martin Pyne provides a suitably tense and atmospheric shorts and features from around the world. provide the soundtrack. score as an accompaniment.

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Gigs

Nick JD Hodgson Actress And Bishop, Birmingham, Sun 15 April As main songwriter and founder member of , Nick Hodgson already has an impressive number of global hits to his name, including Ruby and . Since departing the band in 2012, he’s written and produced for artists including Mark Ron- son, John Newman, and Ratboy. Debut solo album Tell Your Friend was writ- ten while he was suffering from man-flu and waiting for an email that never arrived about a track he’d co-written for another artist.

Arcade Fire and Jeremy Gara. They’ve released five albums to date, includ- Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sun 15 April ing debut offering Funeral and follow-up Described by NME as ‘one of the most popu- record , which won them both lar and essential bands of the century’, the Meteor Music Award for Best Interna- Canadian indie rockers com- tional Album and the Juno Award for Alter- prise husband and wife and native Album of the Year in 2008. Régine Chassagne, Win's younger brother Their touring show features songs from 2017 Gregory Porter William, , release . Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 5 - Fri 6 April Brooklyn-based vocalist and songwriter Gre- gory Porter has been called ‘one of the most captivating voices in contemporary jazz’. O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 19 April Not bad for a fella who didn’t follow his Fronted by , Birmingham band dream of becoming a professional musician The Streets achieved global success in the until he was nearly 40 - a step he took to ful- mid-noughties following the release of num- fill his dying mother’s wish for him. ber one album A Grand Don’t Come For Free. A move from Southern California to New York Best known for singles Fit But You Know It, kickstarted his success story, with his album, and , Liquid Spirit, bagging a coveted Grammy the group return for the first time in seven Award. In the UK alone, the record is certified years with their greatest-hits show, The gold and showed plenty of staying power in Darker The Shadow, The Brighter The Light. the official album charts. Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman Louise Distras MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 19 April Castle And Falcon, Birmingham, Sat 28 April Having racked up over 20 years of music- Kerrang! named British punk songstress making, not only together but with the likes Louise Distras a 'star of 2017', describing her of Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Levellers, as ‘the most exciting voice in UK punk right Kate Rusby and Show Of Hands, partners now’. The accolade followed in the wake of Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have debut LP Dreams From The Factory Floor, firmly established themselves as pillars of released two years ago to great critical ac- the modern British folk scene. So much so, claim. in fact, that the pair have twice won BBC Focusing on ‘nu-punk’ for the new genera- Radio Two’s Folk Award for Best Duo (in tion, Louise visits Birmingham to promote 2013 and ’16). latest album Land Of Dope & Glory. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Martine McCutcheon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:33 Page 1

Martine

McCutcheontalks music, motherhood and soaps... Martine McCutcheon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:33 Page 2

Having found fame as Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders, Martine McCutcheon released her platinum-selling debut solo album - and number one single Perfect Moment - back in 1999. This month, the Love Actually star visits the Midlands following the release of Lost And Found - her first album in 15 years. Lauren Foster caught up with Martine ahead of her tour...

You’re bringing your new tour to various own little way, but I just want to do my thing which you might only have one line or Midlands venues. What can audiences because I love it. I do it because it’s part of something. I love the process of filming a expect from your show? who I am, and if people buy into that, lovely. soap, and I’ve got such amazing memories. It’s an intimate night with me on a music and The only thing is, it’s such a different time What are you looking forward to the most conversational level. It’ll basically be talking now. Soap was so exciting then, and such a about being back on tour? through the years, what inspired me to make big thing in people’s lives because there was the different choices that I made along the I’m a real people person, and I love feeding no reality TV - I just don’t know whether way, which songs have got a reputation for off the atmosphere of people; the public have people feel as attached to soaps as they used being one thing but in fact meant something so much good will for me. When I’ve been the to. I don’t know if it would be like going back else, and just a real insight into me, my life critics’ star one minute and their least to uni or going back to school but with none and my music over the years. I’ve got an favourite person the next, the only thing of the same people there. It would feel weird. acoustic band, and it’s very much about the that’s stayed constant is the public, who I Who have you most enjoyed working music and my journey. It’s something I’m very much feel part of - I feel like a very with? really excited to do; I’ve never done anything normal person who does a very unusual job. like it before. So it’s lovely to feed off the energy of the The person I loved working with most in my people I meet. They make me feel a million TV career would probably be Barbara You co-wrote a host of songs off new dollars. Windsor. She’s an amazing teacher and she album Lost And Found with your has your back. She chooses her friends husband. Was working together always on Aside from your music career, you’re best within the industry very carefully, but when the cards? known for playing Tiffany in EastEnders she’s got your back, she’s so loyal. She was and Natalie in Love Actually. Do acting I was concentrating on wanting to be a mum, so ‘pro me’ that I adored her and still do. I’d roles still interest you? and that was my main focus, so I never say in movies, it’s got to be Hugh Grant thought it would happen when it did. Yeah. I did a movie last year with Alan Davies because he championed and believed in me. Because I’d grown up in the public eye, I called The Bromley Boys - it’s out for cinema In music it would be Andrea Bocelli - he was needed time out to take stock. He told me to release later this year. It’s set in the early spinetingling to be on stage with; I had write all my thoughts down during this time, ’70s; Alan is playing the dad of a young boy goosebumps all over. I felt like I was going to and I did. Then it became more musical, and and I’m playing the mum. He falls in love burst into tears on stage because I was so I’d hear stuff that he was doing, love it and with football, he’s very lonely, doesn’t really emotional. He’s just a real star! want to do a song. The album was never have any friends, and it’s about how he How is motherhood treating you? meant to be for public consumption. The establishes a little life for himself through the music was just to help me get through a most rubbish football club ever - Bromley. It’s It’s amazing! It’s been the best thing that’s difficult time and also to celebrate when I felt a really sweet story. ever happened to me. I love the fact that like I was ready to go and grab life again. It children help you rediscover a zest for life, an only took off because he played it to Do you prefer acting or singing? innocence and an excitement for everyday somebody in the industry and they said they For me, it’s all linked. I feel like I’m a things. Just the love - the love is just out of knew a label that would want to sign it. It storyteller, and whether that’s through music this world. I always knew I wanted it, so I feel was quite scary to think that all these or acting, I’m happy just to be that person. It very grateful to have it. personal things were going to be out there - sounds a bit cheesy, but I’ve always felt that What does the future hold for Martine but at the same time, what’s lovely is that I’m there to help people switch off from their McCutcheon? people have since got in touch and made the everyday lives. I feel like that’s my purpose in songs their own, through their own this lifetime, and if that’s through five I just want to keep doing what I love. experiences. minutes of song or a couple of hours of a Hopefully doing what I love makes people movie, then great, my job is done. happy and will touch people in some way. And it’s your first album in 15 years.. That’s all I want to do in my lifetime. Yeah, and I didn’t think there’d even be one - Would working in soap again interest you? what a lovely surprise! I thought I’d be Yeah, I think that soap is the hardest thing focusing on TV work, and maybe the music I’ve ever done. You don’t have the luxury of Martine McCutcheon performs at Theatre side of things might have gone for me. I’m 41, time or a big budget, but it’s quite nice to just Severn, Shrewsbury, on Sat 14 April; and it’s very much a young person’s game - get on with it. When you’re doing movies or The Core, Solihull, on Wed 18 April; Regal unless you’re the Rolling Stones or dramas, you’re sat in a Winnebago for hours Cinema, Evesham, on Wed 16 May and something. It’s hard to stay relevant in your on end, just waiting for the next scene, in Palace Theatre, Redditch, on Thurs 17 May Classical April Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:05 Page 1

Classical

City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 April Young British conductor Nicholas Collon is the man with the baton for this presen- tation of Shostakovich’s musical epic - a piece described by the Soviet authorities at the time as ‘an optimistic tragedy’. Works by Ravel - Oiseaux Tristes and Alb- orada del gracioso - and Benjamin Britten - Les Illuminations - complete an imagina- tive programme. Collon and the orchestra are joined for the concert by soprano Sophie Bevan (pic- tured).

Ilker Arcayürek - Schumann And Schubert Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 15 April ‘An afternoon of really compelling musicmaking’ is how the publicity for this show reads - and it’s a description that’s likely to be right on the button. Ilker Arcayürek (pictured), the tenor who made such an enormous splash at the 2015 Singer of the World competi- tion, here displays his phenomenal talent by performing works by Germany’s two greatest- ever romantic . He’s joined on piano by the ever-impressive Hartmut Höll.

Stephen Hough Schubert’s Trout Quintet Piano Recital CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Fri 20 April The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Two centuries Wed 25 April old it may be, The 2018 Birmingham International Piano but age most Festival is here launched in fine style with a definitely has special performance by pre-eminent British not withered pianist Stephen Hough. Schubert’s Stephen’s programme for the evening in- Trout Quin- Dewi Sant cludes Debussy’s Clair de Lune (from Suite tet, a melodic bergamasque), Chopin’s Sonata No2 in Bb and joyful By Karl Jenkins major and Beethoven’s Sonata No23 in F work widely Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 22 April minor, Op57 ‘Appassionata’. acknowl- A relatively recent survey revealed that Sir edged to be Karl Jenkins is the most-performed living the world’s composer in the world. Indeed, his best- favourite piece of chamber music. known work, The Armed Man: A Mass For It’s here accompanied by Frank Bridge’s de- Peace, has been presented over 1,500 cidedly delightful Phantasie Trio, a piece times in 20 different countries. that did much to establish Bridge as one of Latest work Dewi Sant is here being given the leading chamber-music composers of its English premiere, with James Llewelyn his day. Jones conducting his Birmingham choirs - Kate Setterfield (pictured) plays cello and is Birmingham Canoldir Male Choir, Mid- accompanied by Robert Markham (piano), lands Hospitals’ Choir and Phoenix Jonathan Martindale (violin), Christopher Singers Birmingham. The concert also fea- Yates (viola) and Anthony Alcock (double tures a number of other popular choral bass). classics.

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Comedy

Tez IIlyas MAC, Birmingham, Tues 24 April “You’ve got to be self-aware if you want to Count Arthur Strong be a successful comedian,” says Blackburn Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 13 April; funnyman Tez Illyas. “It’s really important Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 23 May; that you discover what works for you and Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 31 May; Malvern then hone that. Trying to be somebody , Sat 16 June; New Alexandra The- atre, Birmingham, Sun 17 June you’re not just doesn’t work.” Tez’s jokes include: “I love being British. If “With each live show I’ve done, I’ve you’re not British, you’re missing out, be- found out a little bit more about Arthur,” cause there are so explains Steve Delaney, in talking about many benefits to the character he created. “If I watch being British. Lit- footage from the early days, he looks like erally. There are so the bones of something, but he’s defi- many benefits. nitely continued to develop, and that’s Just learn how to very important. Simply reproducing what fill out a form, and I’ve done before would neither be as it’s brilliant. I much fun nor as interesting.” don’t call them benefits, obvi- ously, I call them reparations, but nevertheless they’re great.”

Iliza Shlesinger The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 18 April “Women want to be treated as equals, and Tiff Stevenson we want feminism to be a thing, but it’s re- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues ally difficult when every woman makes the 24 April; The Slade Rooms, Wolver- same point about her vagina, over and hampton, Sun 29 April over,” said American comedian Iliza She may not be the most inventive Shlesinger in a recent and hugely controver- of comedians, but 2011 Show Me sial interview with US online magazine The Funny contestant Tiff Steven- Deadline Hollywood. “I think I’m the only son more than makes up for a lack woman out there that has a joke about of imagination with her charming World War Two in my set. I think ‘shock personality and engaging style of value’ works well for women, but beyond delivery. She’s been described as ‘a that, there’s no substance. I want to see breathing version of Heat maga- what else there is with such complex, smart zine’, is appealingly self-disparag- creatures. That’s why women like Tina Fey ing and ensures that her audience do well. It’s smart, and men can laugh at it never has to wait too long for a too. I consider myself one of those comics, punchline. and quite frankly, I’m appalled by what’s ex- An example of her style of humour pected of women, and what women offer in is as follows: “You can tell how response to that.” good a medical person is in bed de- pending on which area of medicine they work in. The paramedics obvi- ously like a quick ‘get in and out’, the GPs cover a lot of areas but don’t really know what’s going on, and the surgeons like to go in there, rummage around, mess things up and then leave something behind that shouldn’t have been there.”

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Patrick Monahan The George Hotel, Lichfield, Thurs 5 April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 28 April Half-Iranian, half-Irish standup comic Patrick Monahan is no slouch when it comes to bringing up the subject of his own ethnicity on stage - after all, he’s got a qual- ity gag about spending all of his holidays in customs, and he’s not afraid to use it! “I guess I like to think that maybe I’m break- ing down stereotypes,” explains Patrick, who’s eager to make it clear that his comedy isn’t just political. “The comedians I most admire are the ones who can play to every- body. I think it’s important to look for posi- tive stuff in life. Focusing on the bad stuff all the time would mean that the only peo- ple who’d come to my shows would be the ones who thought the end of the world was nigh!”

Russell Peters Arena Birmingham, Tues 24 April Having been responsible for the highest ever class and cultural stereotypes, and often attendances at a comedy show in Oman, the refers to his own life experiences growing up United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, South in an Indian family. Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Jokes include: “Every group is racist. White Malaysia and his home country of Canada, folks will see a group of Indian people and it’s fair to say Russell Peters has got more they’re like, ‘Look at all those brown people, than a couple of lame gags stuffed up his they’re probably all very happy together.’ comedy sleeve. One of the highest earners on Then you get in that group and like, ‘Hey, you the US laughter circuit, Peters uses observa- from India? I’m from India. What part? No, tional humour to highlight racial, ethnic, not that part. Go to hell, you dirty bastard.’ John Robins Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Wed 4 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 25 April Lou Conran Honesty, charm and lightning-quick improv- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 7 April isation are among the qualities John Robins ‘Imagine visiting your favourite friend/aunty/spin- brings to the party whenever he hits the ster/woman of independent means,’ urges the road with a brand new tour. publicity for Lou Conran’s touring show. ‘She's a This latest live show, The Darkness Of touch eccentric and always “alright”. Until last Robins, should certainly be one worth year, when it wasn’t alright and it all went a bit catching, having bagged the coveted Edin- wrong. With lessons learned, a bit of self-discov- burgh Comedy Award at the 2017 festival. ery and some painful yet funny situations, this is a story about life and, ultimately, death. But in a positive, uplifting sort of way...’ Lou’s latest show, I Love Lou C, tells the real story of her experiences with baby loss. By her own ad- mission, it’s not the most obvious subject around which to base a comedy show, but she’s keen to ‘lift the taboo and open the discussion on a sub- ject that the majority of us still struggle to deal with’. Although she’s faced her fair share of criticism for seemingly making light of her baby’s death, her show received rave reviews at last summer’s Edin- burgh Festival, with critics hailing it a work of groundbreaking standup.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Wicked DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:12 Page 1

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Wicked DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:12 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

Return to Oz Hit musical Wicked - telling the story of how The Wizard Of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West turned bad - makes a welcome return to Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with Michael McCabe, the man who originally brought the show to the UK...

Despite a staggering 110,000 people having Michael greatly hoped that UK audiences original tour and in the West End - whereas seen Wicked The Musical when it last visited would feel the same way about Wicked as he Amy Ross, playing Elphaba, is brand new to Birmingham back in 2014, there’s clearly still did, and his gamble in bringing the show to us.” a hunger in the city and wider Midlands these shores has most definitely paid off. But As with any show, running a tour and a region for a show that’s won over 100 major did he anticipate the success Wicked has London production simultaneously is a awards. And so, to the delight of many, it achieved in the UK? “No, not in one’s wildest challenge - but there are definite returns to the Hippodrome this month for a dreams! It wasn’t until audiences started advantages... “The tour has ended up being a three-week run. watching the show that I realised their roadshow for the London production. It feeds reaction was exactly the same as mine. Since last visiting Brum, the production has the interest enormously and, inevitably, People make an incredibly emotional been transported nearly 12,000 miles in 13 marketing a show all over the country has led connection to Wicked. The roar of the articulated lorries by road, air and sea, people to London.” audiences is still the thing that I find so delighting regional audiences across the UK. A staggering 8.5 million people - across meaningful after 12 years of doing this. I still The London production, meanwhile, almost 5,000 performances - have so far seen stand at the back and listen to the way they continues to pull in the crowds too, and has Wicked in the capital, making it the seventh react. It’s extraordinary.” been playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre longest-running show currently playing in for 12 years. Wicked is a show to which people return time the West End. and again, but also one that continues to Wicked The Musical is essentially a prequel to And with the equivalent of one-tenth of the attract new audiences. “No long-running The Wizard Of Oz, focusing on what made the entire population of Birmingham catching production could do what it does without Wicked Witch of the West bad. The legendary the last tour, it’s obvious why Michael is people coming back more than once. I think film will be 80 years old in 2019, happy to be bringing the show back to the there’s something about Wicked that people yet the musical is very much ‘in the present’. city. “The Hippodrome is truly one of the want to share in; the emotion that they feel “When I saw the show on Broadway, it felt at most beautiful theatres in the country. with others. It’s an experience that people the time - and remains - so fresh and Because it’s so alive with resident companies, find unforgettable.” contemporary,” says producer Michael you feel like you’re a part of something very McCabe, the man who brought Wicked to the So will the new touring version of the show much more than just a theatre building. UK. “It’s very much a modern musical, in that differ in any way from the one that visited Birmingham is such a huge city - you’re its cleverness is so much based on the Birmingham back in 2014? “It’s the same benefiting from so many different types of characters that you know and are familiar production, with all of the same high people and age groups. The support for with, but everything that happens to them is production values. This was a commitment theatre in Birmingham is very humbling.” new. we made right from the beginning; that it wouldn’t be a cut-down version of the show.” “The idea that you can take this beloved story There is, however, a new cast... and turn it on its head just seems so “With each new cast comes new levels, layers intriguing. There’s such a fascination with the and interpretations. We’re very, very lucky Wicked The Musical shows at whole idea of prequels, where you find out that we keep finding extraordinary people. Birmingham Hippodrome from what decisions led the characters to be who Helen (Woolf), who is Glinda, has been with Wednesday 4 to Saturday 28 April they become. I found that so engaging.” us in various guises for some time - in the

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Fat Friends The Musical Just like the TV show, the production focuses on a group of pals who’re keen to drop some pounds and get into shape. New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 3 - Sat 7 April Appearing alongside Freddie is the winner of BBC One’s I’d Do Any- He’s best known, of course, for bowling out the Aussies, but former thing talent show, Jodie Prenger, X Factor success story Sam Bailey, England cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is here hoping to bowl Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton, Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson over a whole new audience as he makes his stage debut in the theatri- and Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy. cal version of Fay Mellor’s hit television series. An evening of high-energy feelgood fun seems a guarantee.

Trump - The Musical! The King Lear Romeo And Juliet Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 25 April Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Fri 27 - Sun 29 April Avon, Sat 21 April - Fri 21 September Having previously presented Boris The Musi- Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth cal!, it would seem that the highly rated tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret Blowfish Theatre are choosing to specialise love tends to fair less well critically than the in shows about modern-day political figures rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. who sport ludicrous blond hairstyles. A satir- Nonetheless, its popularity is ensured by its ical, songtastic extravaganza (so say Blowfish timeless themes and its regular appearance themselves), Trump - The Musical! finds ‘the as a study text on the national curriculum. power-crazed narcissist’ hoping to get re- This latest version of the play is ‘set in a elected in 2020. Expect ‘raucous’ comedy, world very like our own’. original music and ‘one truly awful wig’...

Potent, accessible theatre is the name of the game when Shifting Sands take to the stage. The critically acclaimed ensemble here blend physical theatre, clowning and vibrant story- telling to recount the tale of Shakespeare’s fa- mous tragedy, albeit with the significant difference that this version is set in a pub. When landlord Mr Lear demands to know which of his daughters loves him the most, he unleashes a tidal wave of frustration and jealousy that will change his life forever...

24 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Apr. RIGHT HAND FP 2018.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2018 16:39 Page 1

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Brighton Rock struction after murdering a rival gang member in the seaside town of - and who then marries the waitress who witnessed the inci- The REP, Birmingham, Tues 10 - Sat 14 April dent in order to keep her quiet. This new adaptation of the famous Graham Greene novel tells the The show has been written by Bryony Lavery and is a co-production story of Pinkie, a razor-wielding teenager who spirals towards self-de- from Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal.

Are You Being Served? by the loss of their children and their Private Lives inability to have more, and a lot of what Prince Of Centre, Cannock, happens is them both trying to make each Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 April Thurs 19 - Sat 21 April other feel better about that absence of a Ambient Night Productions here provide a future.” Written in 1930, Private Lives is one of Noel trip down memory lane for fans of the long- Coward’s sharpest comedies. It tells of a running BBC TV comedy series of the same divorced couple - Amanda and Elyot - who title. The show is one of the newest in a now- meet each other again on their second significant line of television sitcoms to be honeymoons in Deauville, and begin to adapted for the stage, following in the laugh- consider dumping their new loves to try and ter trail of other top-rated telly favourites rekindle their relationship... Typically replete such as Birds Of A Feather, Dad’s Army and with devastating one-liners, Private Lives is a Porridge. cynical portrayal of married life, infidelity, selfishness and insecurity, and is here presented by London Classic Theatre. Macbeth Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- A Streetcar Named Desire Avon, until Tues 18 September Malvern Theatres, Tues 10 - Sat 14 April “For me, Macbeth is scenes from a marriage as much as it’s about a traitor,” says Tennessee Williams’ absorbing story is best Christopher Eccleston, who takes the title known, of course, from the 1951 movie star- role in this latest version of Shakespeare’s ring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. blood-spattered tragedy. “The relationship Pride, jealousy and lust are on a collision between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is key. course when the fragile and fading Blanche It’s a deep, romantic love, and even in their DuBois visits her sister, Stella. While there, madness, right up to the end, the most she finds herself tormented by her brutish important person in either of their worlds is brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. As tensions each other. I think they’ve been devastated mount, Blanche soon finds her life beginning to fall apart around her...

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by Stephen Taylor

WHEN RANI MET RAJ A classic French farce is given the Bollywood treatment in Nigel Planer’s new touring show, The Game Of Love & Chai. What’s On caught up with the play’s director, Jatinder Verma...

Mention farce to many people and what might Confused? You won’t be, according to Verma. music and the songs in the text. What I find spring to mind is an image of Brian Rix with “The premise is, ‘Okay, I want to disguise interesting is that in the plays of Moliere and his trousers around his ankles, as doors fly myself to find out if the person I’m going to Marivaux there tends to be an interlude, and open and slam shut all around him, on the marry is genuine’. Then you add to that in a completely different way, we’ve got those stage of the Whitehall Theatre in the 1950s premise another one, which is that the interludes in our version too. The meeting of and ‘60s. person who they’re supposed to be getting one pair of lovers is all done through music, In the 1970s, Fawlty Towers elevated farce to married to has exactly the same idea!” because they love singing, so it’s very much character-driven.” an art form, while Benny Hill’s rather As the events unfold in front of a British implausible popularity in the United States Asian family backdrop, Verma sees many Of course, Planer’s popularity on TV, the was based on elements of the genre that were parallels with modern society: “In an Asian West End stage, the big screen and even in incorporated into his routines. By the ’80s, setting, it gets closer to the heart of Marivaux. the pop charts was always likely to raise the farce had become a staple ingredient of TV In the 18th century, marriage was a business, production’s profile: “It has obviously meant comedy, with the anarchic sitcom, The Young and the jeopardy that a woman faced was that there’s been a greater amount of Ones, drawing heavily from the tradition to that her entire possessions would be given publicity, which is all very good, but from my create some of TV’s most hilarious moments. over to the man. point of view, I think the best thing is that Some of the show’s most farcical scenes “That’s not that far away from the modern Nigel is such a trouper. He comes to see featured Neil, the long-haired hippie notion of marriage - certainly amongst shows, he’s been in rehearsals, he’s very character played by Nigel Planer, so it’s rather Asians. The stakes for women are much prepared to move things around, and is very fitting that his new play, The Game Of Love & greater once you put it in this sort of setting. supportive. He has a number of ‘groupies’ Chai, is an adaptation of Pierre de Marivaux’s It seemed to make more sense that she’s so who like The Young Ones, and that’s great - a 1730 comedy farce, Le Jeu de l’amour et du determined to see if the person actually loves number of them have come to see the show.” hazard - albeit relocated to a modern culture her, rather than loves the fact that she’s rich So what can audiences expect to experience far away from its original Parisian setting. and she’s educated.” when The Game Of Love & Chai rolls into The Tara Arts production of the play shows at According to Verma, the play “makes no Coventry? “It’s a comedy, so they should the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, this month, apology about falling in love, which is very expect to have a number of laughs. It’s and Jatinder Verma, co-founder of the much a part of Bollywood films”. beautifully designed and it’s got some great company and the play’s director, is pleased to song & dance routines. It’s all about how Planer’s enthusiasm for Bollywood, arguably have collaborated with Planer. “This is Nigel’s tricky the game of love is, so in many ways India’s most famous contribution to pop version of the classic French farce, and it’s it’s a complete and wonderful antidote to the culture, is not overlooked on stage: “I think been a delight working with him. I think he’s current doom and gloom of austerity, Brexit what’s great is that Bollywood is quite up done a very, very good job in terms of and all that. Things are bad enough, but at front and in your face. For Nigel, the comedy adapting it to an Asian setting.” least for a couple of hours in the theatre, we that he likes is also in your face, so it seems can think of something else.” The strapline for The Game Of Love & Chai is to me that there’s a connection between the When Rani Met Raj - yet this only reveals part two.” of the plot. In true farce tradition, before they In the best tradition of Bollywood movies, meet and without each other’s knowledge, The Game Of Love & Chai shows at the The Game Of Love & Chai contains its fair Rani swaps places with Sita, her cousin, while Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Tuesday share of tunes. “This was the other joy of Raj makes a switch with Nitin, his driver. 24 to Saturday 28 April Nigel’s script, that he’d incorporated the Theatre April Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:19 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Turn Of The Screw for Susan Hill’s The Woman In Black. A young governess hired to care for two children at a remote country Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 10 - Sat 14 April estate begins experiencing eerie visions of a man and woman wan- Written by Tim Luscombe, this is a stylish stage adaptation of Henry dering through the house - and soon becomes convinced that the James’ gothic classic, the story that provided the original inspiration youngsters in her charge are aware of the ghostly presence too...

This Restless State Beautiful: The Carole 12 Million Volts Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 April King Musical Lichfield Garrick, Sat 28 April Obligations to the past, present and future Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, “Expect holograms… sort of,” say award-win- are contemplated, as a single performer takes Tues 24 - Sat 28 April ning theatre company The Outbound Project the audience on ‘an imaginative and soni- of their latest production. “And pigeons with cally rich journey spanning three time peri- lasers coming out of their eyes… pretty much. ods’. A highly personal examination of Oh, and more lighting tricks than we ever family, nationhood and belonging, the show thought we would get into one show!” has been inspired by a collection of inter- It’s clear, then, that if an evening of innova- views with young Europeans. tive stage performance is a floater of your boat, you need look no further than 12 Mil- lion Volts. Aside from the above-mentioned theatrical magic, the show tells the story of Nikola Tesla - the world’s smartest man (at least according to Einstein). “But there are al- ways three sides to every story,” say The Out- bound Project. “One person’s side, the other Touring to the Midlands on the back of person’s side - and the truth...” Olivier Award-winning West End success, Beautiful boasts a playlist of ’s most famous songs. Bronté Barbé takes the title role in a show that features, among other famous numbers, You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, Take Good Care Of My Baby, You’ve Got A Friend, So Far Away and Locomotion.

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Theatre

The Twisted Tale Of The Sagas Of Noggin Ready Steady Lift Off! Hansel And Gretel The Nog Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 2 - Sat 7 April Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 4 - Sun 8 April; MAC, Birmingham, Wed 4 - Thurs 5 April Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 April; Malvern Theatres, Tues 17 - Wed 18 April Now here’s one for the grandparents as well as the kids! The Viking story of Noggin The This imaginative take on the famous Brothers Nog comes from the same children’s televi- Grimm tale is produced by Birmingham Hip- sion stable as Bagpuss, The Clangers and Ivor podrome with participants from BecauseWe- The Engine, and first delighted TV-watching CanCanCan, who work closely with the youngsters back in the late 1950s. theatre to support emerging performers with This new stage version is presented by Third learning disabilities. With live music, ‘ hilari- Party Productions and is suitable for children ous performance and a mesmerising design’ aged four-plus. all featuring, expect to be told the famous story of two children’s journey deep into the Youngsters here get the chance to join the forest - but not quite as you know it... Creative Learning Team to explore a selection You’ve Got Dragons of space-related activities designed by the Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 11 April; Arena The- University of Warwick’s Physics department. atre, Wolverhampton, Sat 14 April The show offers kids the chance to find out This intergenerational show, featuring cre- what it’s like to work in space and learn how ative captioning, interwoven BSL and audio to make a rocket out of a film canister. And if description, takes a look at what a young those two assignments aren’t enough to keep child can do if they have ‘a bad case of the them busy, they can always make a scale dragons’ - namely, unhappy dreams, a swirly model of the solar system using playdough! tummy and a feeling of being prickly. Taking Flight theatre company is the ensem- ble behind this new stage adaptation of the Horrible Histories: popular book by Kathryn Cave. More Barmy Britain Peppa Pig’s Adventure The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Milkshake! Live Tour Sun 22 - Mon 23 April; Belgrade Theatre, Sat 7 - Sun 8 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Coventry, Wed 30 May - Sat 2 June Trent, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 June Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Tues 3 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the Fri 6 April previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and en- If your kids love Channel Five’s Milkshake!, joyed the experience of watching them hav- then they’re sure to enjoy this high-energy ing a fantastic time - you’ll already know that live version. Milkshake! favourites Little this latest production is well worth catching. Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Peppa’s getting ready for an exciting camping Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 trip into the woods. But no adventure would & B2 - the Bananas In Pyjamas - have all hit be worth having without brother George and the road for a tour that’s promising to bring her school friends, including Pedro Pony, to life all the familiar magic from the hugely Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe... popular television series.

Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor Dear Zoo If you love the Horrible Histories series - and Lichfield Garrick, Tues 3 - Wed 4 April; why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then Barmy Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 2 April; The Old Rep, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 6 - Sat 7 April Britain is a show well worth catching. Along- Birmingham, Wed 4 April; Mitchell Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent; Belgrade Theatre, Coven- First published in 1982, Rod Campbell’s lift- side providing answers to such searching try, Fri 13 - Sat 14 April the-flap book has delighted generations of questions as ‘what would happen if a Viking If your youngsters have previously enjoyed children and accumulated in excess of eight moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand Marty MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s Christ- million sales worldwide. This first-ever stage and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the mas Wish, they’ll be pleased to know that version of the show also invites its audience to escape the this ‘most chocolatey Easter show ever’ story features clutches of Burke & Hare, move to the groove comes from the very same team. child-friendly with the partying Queen Victoria and prepare Suitable for children aged two to seven, the puppets, music to do battle in the First World War. production features plenty of songs and a and lots of audi- In short, and as its publicity says, it’s ‘a truly post-show ‘meet, greet and treat’ with the ence participa- horrible history of Britain - with all the nasty Easter Bunny himself. tion. bits left in!’

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Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Morgan & West: Tiddler And Other Captain Flinn And The More Magic For Kids Terrific Tales Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 8 April; Num- Birmingham Town Hall, Magic Cutlass ber 8, Pershore, Wed 11 April; Ludlow Assem- Fri 30 March - Tues 3 April MAC, Birmingham, Fri 13 April bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 12 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 26 May Award-winning children’s ensemble Les Pe- Whether you’re five or 105, a lover of brain- tits Theatre here present an action-packed se- busting illusion or a fan of good old-fash- quel adventure that sees Flinn’s kidnapped ioned tomfoolery, this brand new show is friends being forced to hunt for the Magic definitely the one for you, according to its Cutlass by the tyrannical Mr T-Rex. presenters. A time-travelling Victorian magic Cue the ever-heroic captain, and a dangerous duo, Morgan & West promise to ‘unload an- rescue mission that could well see his tim- other boxful of bafflement and impossibility bers being comprehensively shivered... where magic and silliness abound’.

Freckle Productions here bring together a host of colourful characters from four books by Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Live music and puppetry are combined in a show that promises to take its audience under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle.

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SOME MOTHERS DO AVE EM Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em .qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:53 Page 2

Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em, the ’70s sitcom which made Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice household names, has now been carefully recreated for the stage, with comedy star Joe Pasquale starring as the accident-prone Frank Spencer and Sarah Earnshaw as his long-suf- fering wife, Betty. What’s On caught up with writer and director Guy Unsworth to find out more, ahead of the show stopping off in the Midlands next month...

Working together on Spamalot in the West years discussing what we shouldn’t be Mrs Fisher, Frank’s disapproving mother-in- End two years ago, Guy Unsworth recalls how laughing at. Watching something that makes law, Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe, David actor and comedian Joe Pasquale blew up an us laugh and feel warm is a reaction to that, I Shaw-Parker as Father O’Hara and Chris Kiely electric fan in a bid to mend it. Inadvertently think.” as Desmond. Playing Frank’s long-suffering creating a moment that was straight out of wife, Betty, is Joe’s Spamalot co-star Sarah And with Joe playing the hapless Frank, it Some Mothers (a BANG! followed by the Earnshaw. “Box office ratings at panto time seems that laughter is guaranteed. “I loved smell of singed hair and a look of electrified show us that family entertainment is working with Joe on Spamalot. He’s just a bewilderment on Joe’s face), the idea for Joe popular, so I’m glad we’re doing something fantastic spirit in a room; such a hard worker to play Frank in a stage version was born, that everyone can enjoy together. We live in a and great natural comedian, but also a and Guy and Joe joined forces to drive the divided world in many ways, and theatre is a technician. He, I’m glad to say, likes working project forwards. chance for different groups of people to come with me too. I wouldn’t do this without him.” together and experience something at the Writing the script was a particular privilege So will Joe’s Frank be a carbon copy of same time. With Netflix and TV ‘on demand’, for Guy, who, after studying Industrial Michael Crawford’s original character? we never really sit down and watch Economics at the University of , something together. I love that electric won the Directors Guild of Great Britain “Michael was brilliant; iconic. It’s difficult to feeling you get when a theatre is full and the award for Best New Director. Following imagine another Frank Spencer, so it needed show is about to start.” postgraduate training and the mentorship of somebody who was really going to make leading theatre directors on numerous Frank their own. Joe is perfect. Interestingly, Guy laughs at the suggestion that he could productions in the West End and at the Royal the role of Frank was originally offered to write more ’70s sitcoms as stage shows - Shakespeare Company, he is now regarded as Norman Wisdom before Michael Crawford. Terry And June The Musical, perhaps? one of theatre’s brightest young talents. A Norman was 57 at the time, so while Joe is “Not quite yet! These shows take a long time huge fan of British comedy and with an older than Michael, he’s not as old as to develop. We said early on that we wanted encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject, Guy Norman was when he was considered for the time to get Some Mothers right, and it really says that he had clear ideas about the Some part.” has been a labour of love. We are devoted to Mothers stage play from the outset. With an impressive and diverse CV, what it.” “I was very keen that it shouldn’t just be a re- other ambitions might Guy be harbouring? “I With tickets shifting faster than Frank run of old episodes, so it’s based on a grew up in Southport, Lancashire, and I was Spencer on roller skates, the mood music particular point in Frank’s life, when Betty lucky to have a popular theatre close to suggests the show will amass new devotees was trying to tell him she’s pregnant. I knew home. I don’t come from a politics at every performance of every date of the six- it had to be something written specifically for background or an English literature month national tour. “People should come the stage - something that would work in a background, but from a love of theatre and, because it’s a great celebration of that period theatre. What we have now is quite a specifically, watching theatre. It doesn’t of time for all the family. It’s got some great traditional British farce, with surprises. It is matter what; Shakespeare or a brand new ’70s music in it and is simply a feelgood, two hours in real time, set one evening when comedy, it’s about the quality for me. funny and nostalgic trip to the theatre with a they’re expecting people for dinner. Chaos Entertainment has developed a slightly really great cast.” ensues!” negative connotation in recent years, but it used to be a treat, and that’s what I feel it Agreeing that there seems to have been a should be - a great night out.” developing trend for theatrical comedies in Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em shows at recent times, Guy explains why that might Certainly Some Mothers sounds like it ticks Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues be. “We’ve spent a lot of time in the last few that box. Joining Joe will be Susie Blake as 15 to Sat 19 May. Dance April 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 15:44 Page 1

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Michael Clark Company The REP, Birmingham, Tues 24 April Hailed as British dance’s true iconoclast, Michael Clark here presents ‘to a simple, rock’n’roll...song’, a triple bill of works, per- formed by ‘a company of fearless and other- worldly dancers’, that made such an impression when first performed at the Barbi- can in 2016 that it earned an Olivier Award nomination. The evening’s performance begins with a re- flection on Erik Satie and his influence on Clark's mentors past and present. This is then followed with a show of high-en- ergy choreography presented to the punk rock of Patti Smith's landmark album, Horses. An ‘iridescent tribute to David Bowie’ rounds off a production that further benefits from Charles Atlas's ‘scintillating’ lighting design, featuring a stage adaptation of his multi- channel video installation, Painting By Num- bers.

The Little Mermaid Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 19 April; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 30 May; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 2 June The always-good-value Ballet Theatre UK are the company behind this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fa- mous tale. Exploring the nature of longing, how mak- ing choices can have lasting consequences, and how goodness can be rewarded in the most unexpected of ways, the story finds the Little Mermaid falling head over tail for a human prince and deciding to give up everything in order to win his love. The show is a Ballet Theatre UK world pre- miere.

Remembering Fred About The Elephant MAC, Birmingham, Sun 29 April Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 21 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 25 April; The subject of fake news is very much on the William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Thurs 26 April agenda in this playful and thought-provoking Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaz and Janette UK premiere from two bright new talents. are the high-energy performers here paying Questioning how people negotiate manipu- tribute to the one and only Fred Astaire. lated information to arrive at the truth, and With more than 50,000 people having asking how they address issues that they’d watched this hit show last year, there’s lit- rather not face, About The Elephant is per- tle wonder it’s back on the road in 2018, formed by two BBC Young Dancer 2015 stars - complete with classic songs written by kathak artist Vidya Patel and contemporary George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and dancer Connor Scott. Cole Porter. The dance routines and staging The duo are accompanied by composer, pro- are new too, as is the inclusion of numer- ducer and multi-instrumentalist Shammi ous interviews with the man himself. Pithia, who will be performing original live Top hats and white ties are optional! music during the show. whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Shrewsbury Folk Festival @shrewsburyfolk E ICK TS T 24.25.26.27 august 2018 NOW! O E Richard Thompson N L Electric Trio S A Ceilidh Bands Concerts STEELEYE SPAN Morris Teams Workshops P@nde onium! TURIN BRAKES mChildren’s Festival Jon Boden & The refolkus Remnant Kings for 11-17 year olds Great Campsite SHOW OF HANDS Singarounds and Sessions Real Ale and Cocktail Bars Daoirí Farrell Trio Caterers Craft Fair Gretchen Peters Dance Acts: || BLOWZABELLA Daoirí Farrell Trio Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band || BEDLAM || COMMITTEE BAND The Fitzgeralds Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora Skerryvore Guo Yue & Joji Hirota with members of London Taiko Drummers || VERTICAL EXPRESSION The Mighty Doonans Fisherman’s Friends Rusty Shackle || KIRKOPHANY || OUT OF HAND Peter Knight and John Spiers Johnny Coppin and Phil Beer State of the Union Brooks Williams Trio with special guests O’Hooley and Tidow Megson Blowzabella Mankala Callers: Jo Freya, Phil Bassendale The Wilson Family Midnight Skyracer Yola Carter Band Nick Walden plus many more! see website for latest… John Kirkpatrick www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

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Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

expensive film ever made. Following Avengers Assemble and Avengers: Infinity War CERT tbc Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Avengers: Age Of Ultron, the ultimate crime-fighting team is faced Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pratt with stopping the heinous goal of Thanos (Josh Brolin) to bend uni- Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (USA) versal reality to his will, thus ending all life as we know it. To help The cast that is listed above is just the tip of the iceberg of this mas- thwart Thanos’s plans, Iron Man and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) reach sive, massive movie. One source put the budget of the two-part Marvel out to Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) and epic at $1billion, but we refuse to believe this, just as we refuse to be- Gamora (Zoe Saldana) from the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise for lieve the reported $200million that Robert Downey Jr is being paid to a bit of extra muscle. You might have to book your tickets now. reprise his role as Iron Man. But we do suspect that this is the most Released Fri 27 April

Film highlights released in April...

A Quiet Place CERT tbc Death Wish CERT 15 (107 mins) Starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Starring Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisa- Jupe, Millicent Simmonds beth Shue, Dean Norris, Kimberly Elise Directed by John Krasinski (USA) Directed by Eli Roth Silence is truly a virtue in this chiller in When the wife and daughter of a Chicago sur- which a nuclear family live in a remote out- geon (Willis) are brutally attacked in their post in fear of their lives. An unknown men- own home, the latter decides to take the law ace has materialised, a predator that hunts into his own hands. Soon, he gets a taste for by sound. For the record, Krasinski, the film’s vengeance and his deeds become a media star and director, is the real-life husband of sensation. Based on the 1974 film of the same Emily Blunt. The Hurricane Heist name that starred Charles Bronson. Released Thurs 5 April CERT 12a (103 mins) Released Fri 6 April Starring Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, Ryan Kwanten, Melissa Bolona, Ralph Ineson, Ben Cross Directed by Rob Cohen (USA) Recently, a number of films have ex- ploited the dramatic vagaries of climate change. And there have been a goodly number of heist thrillers, too. This action- drama combines the two genres, in which a gang of hackers attempt to break into a Treasury facility under cover of a hurri- cane. Released Fri 6 April

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Film highlights released in April...

Let The Sunshine In CERT 15 (123 mins) Starring Juliette Binoche, Gérard Depardieu, Josiane Balasko, Xavier Beauvois, Philippe Katerine, Bruno Podalydès, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi Directed by Claire Denis (France) In essence a romantic comedy, Claire Denis’s acclaimed film is considerably more besides. There is romance, and humour, but this story of a Parisian divorcee (Binoche) looking for a second chance at love is full of poignant ob- servation and joie de vivre. The critics positively swooned over it when it played at Cannes last year. EDITOR’S CHOICE Released Fri 20 April

120 Beats Per Minute ‘Heathers meets American Psycho’. Wonderstruck In his last film before his death, Anton CERT 15 (143 mins) Yelchin plays the drug dealer Tim. CERT PG (116 mins) Starring Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Arnaud Val- Starring Oakes Fegley, Julianne Moore, ois, Adèle Haenel Released Fri 6 April Michelle Williams, Millicent Simmonds, Tom Directed by Robin Campillo (France) Noonan Directed by Todd Haynes (USA) Set in Paris during the 1990s and based on Based on the novel the filmmaker’s own experience, this drama by Brian Selznick, takes us back to the dark days of the Aids epi- the film marks the re- demic. In particular, the film focuses on the union of Julianne activist outfit ACT UP and its attempt to com- Moore and director bat the French government’s inertia. Todd Haynes, who Winner of the Grand Prix at last year’s previously worked to- Cannes shindig, as well as winner of the gether on Safe (1995) and Far From Home French Oscar for best film. (2002). Released Fri 6 April Released Fri 6 April

Love, Simon CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jen- Ghost Stories CERT 15 (98 mins) nifer Garner, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Starring Andy Nyman, Paul Whitehouse, Alex Shipp Directed by Greg Berlanti (USA) Lawther, Martin Freeman, Nicholas Burns Simon Spier (Robinson) has his hands full. Directed by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson (UK) He’s not only desperate to find out the iden- tity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen in love with online, but of the blackmailer who’s threatening to ‘out’ him to the entire school. Based on the novel Simon vs The Homo Sapi- ens Agenda (2015) by Becky Albertalli. Released Fri 6 April Thoroughbreds CERT 15 (93 mins) Starring Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Adapted by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson Yelchin, Paul Sparks, Francie Swift Directed by Cory Finley (USA) from their own play, this three-part chiller is already causing shock waves among horror Amanda and Lily are the thoroughbreds in fans. Nyman recreates his original role as question, a couple of blue bloods from Con- professional sceptic Phillip Goodwin, whose necticut. Reunited after a breakdown in their whole belief system is shaken by a trio of un- friendship, the girls embark on a hideous solved cases concerning the occult. plan, prompting IndieWire to dub the film, Released Fri 6 April

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Film

Rampage CERT 12a (107 mins) Starring Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Åkerman, Joe Manganiello, Jake Lacy, Jeffrey Dean Morgan Directed by Brad Peyton (USA) Loosely based on the video game, this Planet Of The Apes clone stars The Rock as the muscu- lar primatologist Davis Okoye. A clandestine genetic experiment transforms Davis’s pet gorilla into a giant, rag- ing beast, while transmogrifying other crea- tures, too. Expect some CGI. Released Fri 13 April

The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society CERT tbc Truth Or DareCERT tbc Starring Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen ing the Nazi occupation onto paper. Starring Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, Violett Beane, Powell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine The film is based on the 2008 bestselling Nolan Gerard Funk, Hayden Szeto Parkinson, Matthew Goode, Tom Courtenay, Directed by Jeff Wadlow (USA) Penelope Wilton novel of the same name by Mary Ann Shaffer Directed by Mike Newell (UK/USA) and Annie Barrows, which was inspired by A group of young friends embarks on the tit- real events. As a director, Mike Newell has a ular game when ‘something’ starts punishing The title is a bit of a mouthful, but that didn’t pretty good track record, including such ti- those who refuse to fulfil a dare - or who tell stop a certain Exotic Marigold Hotel from at- tles as Dance With A Stranger, Enchanted a lie. From the writer-director of Kick-Ass 2, tracting a huge audience. Here, a writer (Lily April, Four Weddings And A Funeral and which is a good thing. James) forms a close correspondence with the inhabitants of Guernsey in the Channel Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. Released Fri 13 April Islands, while putting their experiences dur- Released Fri 20 April

Tully CERT 15 (96 mins) Starring Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, Ron Livingston Directed by Jason Reitman (USA) From Diablo Cody, the Oscar-winning writer of Juno, Young Adult and Ricki And The Flash, this promises much. Tully (Mackenzie Davis, from Blade Runner 2049) is a ‘’night nanny’ who helps out the hard-pressed Marlo (Theron), mother of three. Funny Cow CERT 15 (103 mins) She is a gift from Marlo’s brother… Starring Maxine Peake, Paddy Considine, Tony Expect a lot of laughs, and some tears. Pitts, Alun Armstrong, Stephen Graham, John Bishop Directed by Adrian Shergold (UK) Released Fri 20 April Stand-up comedy has provided fertile material for such films as Lenny, Every Day CERT 12a (97 mins) The King Of Comedy and Starring Angourie Rice, Justice Smith, Debby Punchline, with Tom Ryan, Maria Bello, Owen Teague Directed by Michael Sucsy (USA) Hanks. But Funny Cow is set in the working men’s It’s not easy, but 16-year-old Rhiannon (Rice) clubs of northern Eng- manages to fall in love with the same person land and the protagonist every day, although that ‘soul’ keeps popping is a woman (Maxine Peake). She’s certainly up in different bodies. Based on the romantic got plenty of raw material to work from. And fantasy novel by David Levithan. there are songs, too. Released Fri 20 April Released Fri 20 April whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Beyond Windrush DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:14 Page 1

FROM A SMALL ISLAND Andrew Jackson’s exhibition marks 70 years since Windrush

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Beyond Windrush DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:14 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

On 22 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush thought about the fact that I hadn’t seriously parents, but when I came back and told them docked at Tilbury, bringing with her 492 documented or recorded their stories. about it, I realised that my experiences were Jamaican passengers, the first in a whole new starting to override and erase their own. “I became interested in the ways in which wave of migrants to make the journey from Thinking about how those stories had shifting geography impacts upon the one tiny island nation to another, attracted by sustained them over the years, it felt strange psychology of the individual. I think for many new citizenship rights conferred on Britain’s coming back and telling them that it wasn’t migrants like my mum, on some level, it’s former colonial subjects. like that any more, like I was loosening their almost as though they’ve never landed. grip on the space.” Seventy years on, those who made that long They’re always somewhere out at sea.” sea crossing are now woven into the fabric of But it’s not just the journey of that generation Given its visible presence and historical British cultural life, along with their children, ‘slipping away’ that Jackson seeks to importance for both Britain and Jamaica, it’s grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. document. The story of From A Small Island no surprise that the sea features prominently Yet far from being resolved, the questions is an intergenerational one, exploring how in Jackson’s photographs, serving as a potent around race, identity and nationality that attitudes and perceptions both change and metaphor for isolation, change and yearning they grappled with continue to be a focus for stay the same. for something out of reach. At the same time, intense and often heated debate today. however, many of the images also firmly “For much of my youth, I guess the myths In From A Small Island, a new exhibition anchor their human subjects on the land. around Jamaica had sustained me too. commissioned by MAC Birmingham to Growing up, I think perhaps I didn’t feel “One of the mottos of Jamaica is that it’s the coincide with this year’s Windrush entirely British or really wanted here. At Land of Wood and Water, so there are anniversary, Birmingham-born photographer school, people would say I was Jamaican or elements of that within the work. I was also Andrew Jackson uses his own family’s West Indian or Afro-Caribbean - I was never thinking about the reasons why black people experiences as a starting point to explore the just British. So mentally, you retreat to that were brought there in the first place - they subject of migration. Between visits to place, maybe as a place of safety. came over the sea as well as leaving by it, and Jamaica and the US, Jackson found time to they were brought to work the land, so the “But of course, when I actually went out to tell us more about the show, ahead of its human body is placed in direct connection to Jamaica, people started telling me I was opening in May. the landscape in my work.” English. My nickname there was English - “We’re at a pivotal time in Britain where in which of course I am. So even as a second- That complex link between people and place the last few years, migration has been ever- generation migrant, I can feel something of not only begs the question of what happens present on the political scene, clouding the that dislocation my parents felt.” to a person when connections are cut, but Leave vote, among other things,” he says. “I also of what happens to the place they leave Moreover, in today’s increasingly globalised like to see this exhibition as opening a behind. and super-connected world, it’s a feeling that window for discussion. I’d seen lots of work more and more people may be able to identify about migration before, but it always seemed “I began to wonder what effect that with. to be presented as a problematic, short-term generation leaving might have had on thing. There was hardly anything about what Jamaica - if there was a brain-drain and all “Whether you’re going from Jamaica to happens to migrants when they stay in a the brightest and youngest people left. I think Britain or just moving down from to country as they age and get older.” for my parents, it’s a place stuck in time - one a new job in London, you’re effectively that in many ways ceased to exist for them leaving one space where you have one Despite its weighty and politically charged when they left. My mum never went back, she defined identity and moving to another space themes, the project was initially borne out of never saw her brother and father again, never to create a new one. Ultimately, I guess it’s something at once more personal and more attended any funerals. Of course, like all about exploring the nature of belonging, and universal. families, we have our own folklore that’s been why it matters to us.” “Growing up I’d heard a lot of stories about passed down, so part of me wanted to go and Jamaica, but when you’re a kid, you kind of check the veracity of those stories.” mentally switch-off: ‘Oh no, not that story Unsurprisingly, when Jackson visited Jamaica again!’ But as you get older, you suddenly From A Small Island runs from Saturday 5 for the first time, in 2017, what he saw there become more aware that your parents aren’t May until Sunday 8 July as part of MAC didn’t quite match up to what his parents had going to be around forever. Birmingham’s Beyond Windrush season. described. Admission is free from 11am to 5pm “Whenever I bought new equipment I’d “What’s interesting is that I initially saw Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. always used my family as amateur models, going to Jamaica as a way of connecting to my but it wasn’t until my dad got very ill that I

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 16:10 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Rie Nakajima: Cyclic Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 3 June “I work and communicate with architectural environments, and there is always something new to discover with sounds and objects,” says experimental artist Rie Nakajima. “ I would like to make this exhibition flexible and open, with the potential to change and transform at any moment.” A Japanese artist working with installations and performances that generate sound, Nakajima produces pieces using a combination of kinetic devices, musical instruments and found objects. This Ikon exhibition consists entirely of new work and includes a number of performances in collaboration with other artists.

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

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Visual Arts

Created In Conflict: British Soldier Art From The Crimean War To Today Compton Verney, Warwickshire, until Sun 10 June Produced in partnership with the National Army Museum, and aiming to challenge percep- tions about war and behaviour, Created In Con- flict showcases the of artwork made by British Armed Forces personnel. In the process, the exhibition contemplates subjects such as patriotism, loyalty and the treatment of veter- ans. The show features loans from the V&A, the Imperial War Museum and the Museum of Mili- tary Medicine.

Deeper In The Pyramid Grand Union, Birmingham, until Sat 21 April

Vanley Burke: Photographing Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 1 Juiy “I’m delighted that this collection has right that the people represented in the im- found a permanent home with Birming- ages and their families can appreciate ham Museums,” says Vanley Burke, in them for many years to come. In fact, I feel talking about his exhibition of photos doc- like the photos belong to the people of umenting 40 years of African Caribbean Birmingham, as so many people feel con- experience in the city. “The photos reflect nected to the stories and experiences doc- an important era of migration and settle- umented in them. I’m very pleased they ment in Birmingham, and it feels only will now be part of the city’s collection.”

Consequence Of War 1918 - 2018 Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 16 April - Sun 24 June This major exhibition contemplates Melanie Jackson’s expansive new work fea- themes of war and peace throughout art tures animation, sculpture, a filmed perfor- and history. mance and a publication in a graphic-novel Featuring work by internationally format. The artist’s publicity for Deeper In renowned artists including Henry Moore, The Pyramid describes the piece as taking Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland and Henri its viewers ‘on a journey of lactic abstrac- Gaudier-Brzeska, the collection explores tions, through the webs of bio-invasion and the impact of World War One, focusing on collective fantasy that interconnect various the immediate aftermath of the conflict life forms through milk, its technologies and and the quest for long-lasting peace over representations.” the subsequent century. Melanie’s previous works have included Other exhibits on show include original large gateway sculpture, bespoke street fur- work by the Cathedral's artist-in-resi- niture and integrated art with landscape. dence, Peter Walker, items from the Above: Henry Moore: Mother and Child 1949 Her pieces are produced in many materials, Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Military bronze (LH 269b) Photo: Michael Muller Repro- among them glass, fabricated and cast met- Valour awards duced by permission of The Henry Moore als, real and pre-cast stone and timber. and trench art. Foundation’

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Easter events from around the region Events

Traditional Victorian Easter Activities Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 April Never let it be said that Ironbridge’s famous Victorian town doesn’t get into the spirit of Easter! The venue’s holiday fun kickstarts on Sunday 1 and Mon- day 2 April when visitors can watch the unusual Victo- rian Easter pastime of egg dancing and join in the traditional parade. There’s plenty to do in the two weeks that follow as well. Entertainment on offer includes the chance to watch chicks’ eggs hatch and chocolate eggs being made, and the opportunity to print a poster using a Victorian print- ing press. A bunny hunt around the town and a trail to solve an Easter anagram further add to the fun.

Family fun at Birmingham Museums Easter Fun Days Severn Valley Railways, Bewdley, until Sun 15 April Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, Aston Hall, Sarehole Mill, Blakesley Hall & Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham Museums are offering families ‘a jam-packed schedule of delights and surprises’ this Easter holiday. Visitors to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery can uncover a treasure trove of history, courtesy of a range of object-handling sessions. There’s a visit from the Easter Dinosaur to enjoy at science museum Thinktank, and an opportunity ‘to get lost in Wonderland’ thanks to a fairytale takeover at Aston Hall. And that’s not all. Visitors to Sarehole Mill can enjoy an Easter trail or a spring- themed craft activity, while Blakesley Hall is holding workshops designed to ‘unleash your inner Easter artist’. A family-friendly guided tour of the Smith & Pepper jewellery factory provides visitors with the opportunity to delve deeper into the history of the Jewellery Quarter. It’s full steam ahead for family fun on the Severn Val- ley Railway this school holiday. Attractions include the chance to find the Easter chicks hidden around the Engine House. There’s also an introduction to kids origami, Easter card making and colouring-in, and the opportunity to enjoy Easter afternoon tea for two. Easter weekend itself sees Ron- nie Crackers making balloon animals and Dippy The Clown holding circus-tricks workshops.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Mon 2 - Fri 6 April There’s plenty to see and do at Birmingham’s Botani- cal Gardens during the Easter holiday, with popular clown Bibbledy Bob and the Easter Bunny both on hand to crank up the fun. Activities to enjoy include drop-in arts & craft ses- sions, face-painting and a chocolate workshop. Visi- tors can also meet a variety of interesting animals, including the corn snake, a giant land snail, a panther chameleon, a gargoyle gecko and a bearded dragon.

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Easter events from around the region Events

Egg-citing Easter Operation Earth Activities Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Mon 2 - Fri 13 April Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, until Sun 15 April The Black Country Living Museum has good form when it comes to ensuring the Easter hols are an exciting time for visit- ing families, and this year is no exception. Youngsters and their grown-ups can take the Bunny's Trail - in the process explor- ing the venue’s canalside village and solv- ing clues to find a prize - participate in traditional egg rolling competitions, and test their balance in an egg-and-spoon race. There’s also the chance to learn about Easter traditions in the home, sample a freshly baked hot cross bun and get in- volved in all manner of traditional street games. A trip 'into the thick' to sample life in an 1850s coal mine, the chance to expe- rience a Victorian school lesson and the Described by its organisers as ‘the opportunity to savour some traditionally ultimate interactive experience’, cooked fish & chips complete the venue’s Operation Earth is an exploration Easter holiday entertainment package. of environmental science, provid- ing youngsters with plenty of infor- mation about how they can help to keep the planet healthy. Activities include an indoor nature Royal Eggstravaganza survey, air analysis and a micro- Easter Treasure Hunt scopic look at ‘the world around Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, until Mon 2 April us’. Eastnor Castle’s ever-popular Easter egg hunt Children can also get creative with makes a welcome return, with participating a themed craft and borrow one of families challenged to follow the map and solve the event’s fun-filled backpacks, the clues to work out which famous Royal Wed- specially designed for youngsters ding couples the bunnies are dressed up as. aged between three and seven. Other attractions to enjoy at the venue include the Knight’s Maze, a junior obstacle course, an Cadbury Easter adventure playground, a new rope swing route, Egg Hunts a treetop walkway and a woodland play area. Various National Trust sites, until Mon 2 April Who better to organise an Easter Burton’s Children’s egg hunt (or several) than those Easter Festival lovely people at Cadbury? The Various venues, Burton-upon-Trent, chocolate-making Birmingham until Wed 11 April company are this Easter coordinat- “Back for our third year and bigger and bet- ing more than 250 hunts at Na- ter than before, this year’s event is all about tional Trust properties across the big tops, bunting and making memories!” UK. say the organisers of Burton’s Children’s And there’s plenty more for fami- Easter Festival. “We’re bringing some of the lies to enjoy on their fun-filled day best circus performers to the town, as well out, with many of the venues offer- as lots of fun activities to make, see and do.” ing ‘games and craft activities ga- The popular event this year includes an lore’. Easter egg trail, cinema screenings of Lego What’s more, all participants will Movie and The Goonies, a host of workshops be rewarded with a sure-to-be-deli- to enjoy, and the chance to meet & greet the cious Cadbury treat at the end of Red Power Ranger. each completed hunt. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 15:26 Page 5

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Events previews from around the region Events

Kidtropolis NEC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sun 8 April Listening, learning, engaging and exploring is very much the name of the game at Kidtropolis. The three-day event features favourite children’s characters, much-loved brands, ‘exciting entertainment and a host of amazing activities’. My Little Pony favourite Twilight Sparkle is on hand to meet & greet visitors, while fans of Nickelodeon’s smash-hit series The Thundermans are sure to be delighted by the fact that series star Kira Kosarin is putting in an appearance. Also in attendance is the Julia Donaldson/Alex Scheffler creations of Stick Man and the Gruffalo. A jungle slide, ferris wheel bouncer, roller disco and Legoland discovery centre further add to the fun.

The Man Engine Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Sat 14 April The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain visits Blists Hill Victorian Town this month. The Man Engine crawls at 4m high and ‘transforms’ to stand at 11.2m high, powered by Volvo’s L220 wheeled-loader. The team behind the Man Engine have created a be- spoke visual, theatrical and aural experience for the Blists Hill stop-off, highlighting the area’s status as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

St George’s Day Celebration Tamworth Castle, Sat 21 April Tamworth Castle goes medieval to cel- Out in the open air, meanwhile, ebrate the patron saint of England, there’s the chance to test your archery presenting a day of entertainment that skills, enjoy the spectacle of a joust, includes a selection of living history explore a medieval encampment, ex- experiences. perience the special atmosphere cre- Visitors can have a go at doing the ated by an array of talented street laundry, learn about medieval entertainers and encourage your weaponry and armour, or try out some youngsters to busy themselves with traditional games with the castle’s numerous children’s activities. Lady Freville.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 20 - Sun 22 April Stratford-upon-Avon is providing plenty by way of entertainment to celebrate what would’ve been its most famous son’s 454th birthday this month. Taking centre stage is a parade through the streets of the town, with community festivities and street entertainment in evidence across Stratford throughout the day. For more detailed information about what’s happening during the weekend, visit shakespear- escelebrations.com

Fast & Furious Live ating in order to bring Fast & Furious Live to the global stage. With this mix of extraordinary Arena Birmingham, Fri 20 - Sun 22 April stunts, special effects, cutting-edge 3D-projec- “It’s been years in the making,” says Rowland tion mapping - as well as drivers pushing their French, creative director & executive producer own limits - every performance will create an of Fast & Furious Live, the arena tour based on unforgettable experience for the live audience. the hit movie franchise. “We are beyond excited Twenty-three cities across 14 countries is just to finally show fellow fans what we’ve been cre- the beginning for Fast & Furious Live.”

STEMtastic Weston Park Horse Trials Explorers Weston Park, Shropshire, Sat 7 - Sun 8 April Coventry Transport Museum, Wed 18 April “For many riders, Weston Park will be their last outing before Badminton, so we have high hopes New to the Transport Museum’s for April 2018,” says Janet Plant, one of the or- programme of events, STEMtastic ganisers of this 40th anniversary event. “As Explorers aims to introduce the usual the April dates will include advanced, in- world of science, technology, engi- termediate and novice sections. neering and maths (STEM) in a fun “We will also be hosting the European Team Pre- way. The sessions are led by a liminary Trial for both the Pony Championships member of the venue’s learning and the under 18 and under 21 Championships, team, who will guide participating so there’ll be plenty of chances to see the rising children through different STEM- stars of the future.” AutoScience Activities related themes using a blend of British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, song, stories and experiments. Tues 3 - Sun 15 April The science of the automobile comes under the spotlight in a series of fun activities at the British Motor Museum this month. Visitors can follow the AutoScience Secret Mis- sion Trail around the museum, join one of the family tours and meet the venue’s very own ‘mad scientist’. A 25-minute live show provides inspiration for youngsters who fancy putting their design skills to the test in the AutoScience Technics work- shops. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Jake Shears DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:38 Page 1

JAKEtalkstalks BirminghamBirmingham Pride,Pr ide,SHEARS hishis newnew memoirmemoir andand goinggoing iitt alonealone Jake Shears DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:38 Page 2

Best known as lead singer of millennium pop group Scissor Sisters, Jake Shears is now going it alone. A headliner at next month’s Birmingham Pride, Jake recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk to What’s On about collaborations, making his Broadway debut, writing his memoir and why he’s so excited to be performing songs from his new album in front of Midlands audiences...

What does it mean to you to be performing beginning. I’m hoping me being back will anything like it before. I did a play a couple of as one of the headliners at this year’s conjure up a lot of good memories for people, years ago in Los Angeles, but I’m not an actor. Birmingham Pride, Jake? and that makes me happy in a very specific Well, I wasn’t an actor; I am now. The thought way. of it all was so frightening but at the same For me to be able to perform at Pride with a time exciting. I like to put myself in situations full band is really exciting, as it’s something I Who would you cite as your all-time that make me a little bit uncomfortable, and I don’t get to do very often. The majority of biggest musical influence? like to be in a little bit over my head, as I was Pride events aren’t equipped to hold a whole I would have to say Bowie, just because I when we began rehearsals. There were band - they’re usually PA gigs, which means started to listen to him at such a young age. moments where I was like, I don’t know if I’m people perform with just a mic to a pre- My first fantasy about performing came about going to be able to do this. I wasn't quite sure recorded track. This is one of the first Prides while listening to his music. He’s still my if it was within my capabilities. It’s turned out at which I’ve played. I’ve done City Mardi main inspiration, and I always go back to to be one of the joys of my life. I’ve now been Gras, but that was DJing, and I did a him. My number two would have to be Paul doing the show for three months, and it’s performance with Courtney Act, but it was Williams - he’s a songwriter who did the something I will never forget. It’s given me a more of a dance performance. What’s also Bugsy Malone movie. His musical style has new kind of confidence, and I’ve learned so exciting is I’ll be performing my new stuff. So always been a massive influence on what I do. much from all the people around me. I’ve far I’ve just done one concert in London with realised that not only can I do this but I this material, so I’m looking forward to Of all the artists you’ve collaborated with - actually love doing it. The process has given playing new music to people who haven’t either in a performing or writing capacity - me a lot of insight into musical writing. I’ve heard it. And I love Pride season - it’s a blast! who’s been the most memorable? written a couple of scores. I love writing I’m honoured to be able to do it in musicals, and this is something I now want to Birmingham - it’s going to be a lot of fun. There are so many. I think getting to write with Bryan Ferry and then going to London continue doing. I've learned a lot from being What can audiences expect from your solo and recording with Roxy Music was massive. on the other side, and being inside a great performance? I am a huge Roxy Music fan and a huge fan of musical. It’s been an amazing experience, Bryan Ferry’s, so to get to watch his process, and I'm going to be really sad without it in my You know, I just do my thing. I’m still finding and to watch the band’s process, was life, for a while at least... my footing with this new stuff and with being something I will never forget. I’ve had lots of a solo performer. The gigs I’ve done so far Prior to Kinky Boots, we’d not heard from experiences of great collaborations, but that have been an absolute blast; it’s been so you in a while. What had you been up to? was one where I was like, “How did this even much fun. At first I was kind of nervous. The happen?” For a couple of years, I was just searching first couple of times I performed, I was like, around. I wrote a book, which is soon to be “Wow, this is so weird, to do this without At what age did you realise your future lay released in the UK, and my album is done and Scissors - like, where’s Ana?”, but I got the in performing? mastered - in the can, as they say. I recorded it hang of it real quick, and I think people are in New Orleans, in Kentucky, and I reckon it’s going to be very entertained. I was 22, and it was around the time that the Scissors were a three-piece. Comfortably one of the best things I’ve ever made. I On a scale of one to 10, how flamboyant Numb had been released and was getting wanted to hide away and get some really good will your performance be? plenty of airplay. I was at Sonar in Barcelona, work done. I didn’t want to re-emerge until I and one of my favourite DJs, Tiga, played one had some really good stuff to show for it. I am Oh, a 10. I’m excited to dress up again - it’s of the songs from the single. I remember that really, really proud of all of the stuff I’ve been a while since I’ve donned the sequins. night having this full sensation of knowing gotten done in the last couple of years. I’ve Who are you most looking forward to this was going to be my life - this was the path worked really, really hard on it. I’m so seeing at Birmingham Pride? I was on; one I was excited to be on. Before excited, and it’s surreal to now be sharing it then, I was just kind of throwing things at a with the world. I think this album is going to Beth Ditto is going to be there too, isn’t she? wall. There was a time when I thought I was blow people away. I’m hoping people are That’s going to be fucking awesome. It’s going to be a horror novelist, and it wasn’t really going to love it. always been my dream to do something with until we put out our first music that I realised her. We got to play with Beth once at a Your memoir, Boys Keep Swinging, is a there was a lot of potential in what we were Lovebox Festival; I love her so much. I think candid account of fame, success, music, doing. she and I would make a great pair, playing sex and sexuality. What was the most back to back. I’ve always wanted to go on tour You recently made your Broadway debut challenging aspect when writing this? with her - a co-headline with me and Beth as Charlie Price in the acclaimed musical Just getting through the hard parts and doing Ditto would be a fucking sicko tour. Kinky Boots. How did that come about, some form of self-examination whilst I was and what new skills have you had to learn What do you enjoy most about performing writing it. Also, the realisation of the for the role? in the UK? memories which are lost. There’s so much I They called me up and asked if I was remember and so much that I don’t, and It’s awesome to play the UK. We have a interested - and of course I was. I was also that’s a kind of sad feeling. The hardest part history, and it feels like UK audiences have really scared because I’ve not really done was that first draft - just spitting it out. You been with me (The Scissors) since the know it’s garbage and you have to keep Jake Shears DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:38 Page 3

writing it, even though you know it’s just a cute little pizza places where you could hang plate at the moment. I think this is what I’m mess. That was definitely the hardest part. out and spend a whole evening drinking wine doing now, and I think when people hear this Once I’d finished a big chunk, say 350 pages, I without breaking the bank. There were so album, they’ll understand why. It definitely could go back to the beginning and then many amazing people around. Downtown feels the start of a new chapter for me. Maybe really start writing it. That was a lot more fun. was pretty vibrant, and it was interesting some day we’ll do something, but at the because when I got here, Rudy Giuliani was moment, I don’t necessarily feel like I’ve got You came out to your parents at the age of mayor and everybody was grousing about anything to say through that filter. We had a 15. Reflecting on that time, what advice how he was cleaning up the city. They were great run and we had a lot of fun. We had a would your 39-year-old self offer to a 15- all talking about ‘how the city was over’, but I solid 10 years and made a lot of great year-old Jake Shears? didn’t think that was necessarily the case. memories. I think writing the book was sort of I probably would’ve waited. I came out at The city is so different now. Manhattan itself a good way for me to put a cap on it for now, school before I came out to my parents, and if has become so commercialised, and it’s and move forward. I’m ready to do my own I’d known the sort of heat I would get, I prohibitive to live here for a lot of people. thing now. probably would’ve waited a couple of years. Everything is very expensive, and so a lot of Finally, where do you see yourself as a When young people come to me and ask for stuff has moved over to Brooklyn - a lot of the performer in 10 years’ time? coming-out advice, I kind of grill them a little nightlife at least. I haven’t really been able to bit on where they’re living, what their parents partake in the nightlife since I’ve been here I love having multiple projects going on. I are like, what their school environment is because I’ve been doing the show, and those want to keep writing. I’m going to turn my like. I often tell kids to sit on it for a second two don’t really go hand in hand. It was an hand to fiction for a while, and see where that because I think not every environment is a exciting time in New York, and it seemed as takes me. I’m going to write another musical, perfect one to come out in. Coming out at though the possibilities were endless. I felt a and I want to keep making albums. So I hope school when I was 15 was not the most kind of freedom I hadn’t felt anywhere else. in 10 years’ time there’s a handful of Jake brilliant of ideas, I have to say. So I would’ve Shears’ albums, a couple of shows and God You hit 40 later this year. How do you plan told myself to wait a minute. But I did it, and knows what else. I like to stay busy. to celebrate? it kind of shaped who I am now, so I don't regret it. I’m going to do a big party. I haven’t had a big birthday party in a long time. I plan on being Next year marks the 20th anniversary of in New Orleans and having all my friends your arrival in New York. Tell us about over for a huge party. Jake performs at Birmingham Pride on your first impressions of the Big Apple? Sunday 27 May. He’ll also be chatting You released your first single in five years about his memoir, Boys Keep Swinging, at It was so overwhelming. I couldn’t sleep at with the Scissor Sisters in 2017, five years Birmingham Town Hall on Sat 5 May. night because I was just so excited. It seemed after your last gig as a band. Are there any there was just so much possibility, and it was plans to re-form? just fun. There was so much to do. You could get by without a lot of money - there were No, I don’t think so. I’ve got too much on my The List Cover April Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:51 Page 1 Ceri Dupree DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:42 Page 1 Ceri Dupree DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:42 Page 2

THE FAAAAAAABULOUS CERI DUPREE Having played Ugly Sister Voluptua in Birmingham Hippodrome’s Christmas pantomime version of Cinderella, female impersonator extraordinaire Ceri Dupree this month returns to the venue with his one-man, 21-woman show, featuring impersonations of some of the world’s most iconic divas...

From Camilla Parker Bowles and Cilla Black, What’s been the most memorable venue If you could travel back to any showbiz to screen icons of Hollywood and pop you’ve performed in? era, which would it be? princesses old and new, Ceri’s inimitable There have been lots, but I would have to say It would have to be the 1970s because that’s delivery, energy and style bring together Athens in Greece. I performed to 2,000 people when showbusiness was really out there. We hilarious comedy, fantastic showmanship in a nightclub there. They wanted me to do only had three channels on the television, and more than a sprinkling of Las Vegas-style the singer Nana Mouskouri, who’s a real icon and there was no such thing as Twitter or glitz and glamour! As Ceri says, “If it’s worth in Greece. I was sending her up in a very Facebook. You had variety, you had a lot more doing, it’s worth overdoing!” tongue-in-cheek way, but I thought to myself, people who would go to the theatre. You had We caught up with him to discover more if I do this here, they’ll kill me, as she’s so summer seasons that ran for 20 to 24 weeks. It about the fabulous females past and present revered! was a great time to be performing! I didn’t who feature in his latest lavish stage Anyway, we put her into the show start until 1982/83, but I would’ve loved to offering… (somewhere in the middle, so as not to draw have been around in the heyday of the big too much attention) and it went down an cabaret clubs and large-scale variety Who first inspired you to go into absolute storm, - so much so that the entertainment. Oh, and there was also glam showbusiness? following night I opened the show as Nana! rock in the 1970s! Well, when I was a little boy, I had three idols The more I sent her up, the more they Who’s currently on your wish list to - Stanley Baxter, Dick Emery and Danny La laughed! impersonate? Rue - and I loved them all. I suppose it was Do you have a favourite female in your through my parents taking me to pantomimes The one I’m working on at the moment is Cilla repertoire? from an early age that I started to think, I Black. I did her years and years ago, but then want to do that one day. I wanted to be a I have lots. Interestingly, the audience of course she sadly died, and I didn’t want to costume designer too, but I’m wearing the favourites are often not my favourites. I like put her back in the repertoire straight away as costumes now. Actually, I still design them, the old stars, like Mae West, Bette Davies and it would’ve been in bad taste. Time has but I get to wear them as well! Marlene Dietrich. I suppose the more current moved on enough now for us to do an ones are people like Joan Collins, Cher, Bette affectionate send-up or a tongue-in-cheek You’re well known for being one of the Midler and Lady Gaga. tribute, as I like to think of it. It’s very difficult UK’s leading female impersonators. How The audience favourites tend to be Tina these days to find the stars to do. Our does that differ to ‘drag’ in your eyes? Turner, and - believe it or not television now is full of reality shows. My pet I always say I’m a female impersonator - Camilla Parker Bowles. She’s like the Wicked hate is the term ‘reality TV star’; you’re not a because I’m first and foremost an Queen in pantomime. They all start booing star. ’s a star! Tom Jones is a impressionist. I don’t have a ‘character’, like when she enters the stage. Audiences love to star! Why would I want to impersonate Paul O’Grady or Barry Humphreys – I hate her, I suppose. someone like Gemma Collins?! Having said all impersonate internationally recognised And, you wouldn’t necessarily expect it, but I that, I would love to do someone like Paloma female artists, soap stars, comediennes and still do Gladys Pugh from Hi-De-Hi and Faith, as she’s amazing, so watch this space! famous personalities across the board. I’ve audiences lap it up. Even younger audience impersonated Lily Savage, I’ve impersonated members who wouldn’t necessarily remember Dame Edna, don’t get me wrong, but as part her still seem to find it funny! The Faaaaaaabulous Ceri Dupree Show of a repertoire of impersonations! That’s the visits Birmingham Hippodrome on Fri 27 & fundamental difference. Sat 28 April. For tickets, call 0844 338 5000 or visit birminghamhippodrome.com Alexandra Theatre F/P Pride 2018.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2018 16:45 Page 1 The List Cover April Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:51 Page 2

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

Harry Styles at Genting Arena, Birmingham - Saturday 7 April

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

What’s On Sun 1 to Sun 8 April Mon 9 to Sun 15 April Mon 16 to Sun 22 April Mon 23 to Mon 30 April

Kiri Pritchard-McLean at Nerina Pallot plays plays Genting Birmingham Literature Festival MAC Birmingham The Glee Club Arena, Birmingham at various city locations Thurs 5 April Mon 9 April Tues 17 April Fri 27 - Sun 29 April

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham Sun 1 - Sun 8 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:58 Page 1

thelist EVA NOBLEZADA 'GIRL LAST GREAT DREAMERS THROUGHOUT APRIL Gigs NO MORE' Thurs 5 Apr, Sat 7 Apr, The Asylum, Pizza Express Live, Birmingham Birmingham NEW CANDIDATES 2018 Annual exhibi- SISTERS OF SOUL FEAT. HARRY STYLES Sat 7 Visual Arts tion featuring work by artists seeking JOCELYN BROWN, JAKI ROLO TOMASSI Thurs 5 Apr, Genting Arena, to become associates or members of GRAHAM & GWEN Apr, The Asylum, Birm- Birmingham the society, Mon 23 - Sat 28 Apr ingham Birmingham Museum & DICKEY Sun 1 Apr, New AUBREY LOGAN Sat 7 Art Gallery Alexandra Theatre, THE FALLEN STATE Apr, Pizza Express The Barber Institute Birmingham Thurs 5 Apr, O2 Live, Birmingham COMING OUT: SEXUALITY, GENDER AND NEW THE LAST ROMAN Emperor Jus- AS DECEMBER FALLS Academy, Birmingham IDENTITY Groundbreaking exhibition THE SUBTERRANEANS tinian I (527 - 565 AD), the so-called Sun 1 Apr, The Asy- marking the 50th anniversary of the GREGORY PORTER Thurs Sat 7 Apr, The Jam ‘last Roman emperor’, rose from lum, Birmingham partial decriminalisation of male ho- 5 - Fri 6 Apr, Sym- House, Birmingham peasant beginnings in Serbia to be- mosexual acts in England and Wales. THE TIN TINS RE-UNION phony Hall, B’ham REBEL REBEL Sat 7 Apr, come the most powerful man on Featuring over 80 modern and con- Sun 1 Apr, Hare & EN VOGUE Fri 6 Apr, O2 Route 44, Birmingham earth, Fri 13 - Sun 14 Apr Hounds, Birmingham temporary artworks by internationally Institute, Birmingham THE VACCINES Sat 7 renowned artists who explore themes Other VISUAL ARTS CLIMAX BLUES BAND THEE HYPNOTICS & Apr, O2 Academy, of gender, sexuality and identity in Sun 1 Apr, Lichfield BLACK BOMBERS Fri 6 Birmingham art, until Sun 15 Apr WEI LU An exhibition of work by artist Guildhall Apr, Hare & Hounds, Wei Lu, until Mon 2 Apr, The Core MERCURY - THE ULTI- NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS A mixed- RUE ROYALE Sun 1 Apr, Birmingham Theatre, Solihull MATE QUEEN TRIBUTE media exhibition including painting, Kitchen Garden Cafe, MICHELLE JOHN Fri 6 Sat 7 Apr, Lichfield sculpture, digital and sound installa- WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE 2 Artist resi- Birmingham Apr, Pizza Express Garrick tions, assemblage, photography & dency and exhibition by Dan Auluk, PERSEFONE Mon 2 Apr, Live, Birmingham prints by 28 selected artists, all of until Sun 15 Apr, Stryx Gallery, Dig- HORSE MEAT DISCO Sat The Asylum, B’ham whom are recent graduates from the beth THE SUBTERRANEANS 7 Apr, Hare & Hounds, JOSH CURNOW Mon 2 Fri 6 Apr, The Jam Birmingham region’s six university art schools, MELANIE JACKSON, DEEPER IN THE Apr, Kitchen Garden House, Birmingham until Sun 6 May PYRAMID Expansive new body of WALK THE MOON Sat 7 Cafe, Birmingham THE PAST IS NOW: BIRMINGHAM AND work comprising animation, sculp- INGESTED Fri 6 Apr, The Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- THE BRITISH EMPIRE Exhibition chal- ture, a filmed performance and a PHILIPPA HANNA Tues 3 Asylum, Birmingham ingham lenging the typical colonial narrative publication in a graphic novel format, Apr, O2 Academy, KEVIN ROWLAND Fri 6 FAITH - THE GEORGE used to present the history of the written in collaboration with Esther Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, MICHAEL LEGACY Sat 7 British Empire, until Sun 24 June Leslie, until Sat 21 Apr, Grand Union, FINBAR FUREY Tues 3 Birmingham Apr, The Core Theatre, FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Fazeley Street, Birmingham Apr, The Glee Club, CLARE TEAL Fri 6 Apr, Solihull different faiths have influenced and GHOST STREETS OF BALSALL HEATH Birmingham Lichfield Garrick SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 American filmmaker and photogra- NO AGE Tues 3 Apr, FREE AT LAST Fri 6 Apr, Sun 8 Apr, New pher Janet Mendelsohn spent several Hare & Hounds, Birm- Route 44, Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, months documenting the everyday ingham Birmingham Ikon Gallery RICKY COOL AND THE IN life of Balsall Heath in the late 1960s, CLÉMENT COGITORE: ASSANGE DANCING STRANGE BLUE DREAMS CROWD MACKLEMORE Sun 8 as part of her studies at the University Fri 6 Apr, The Assange Dancing was made using Tues 3 Apr, Kitchen Apr, O2 Academy, of Birmingham. The exhibition visu- Core Theatre, Solihull amateur video footage, shot and Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham ally explores a social housing crisis, ALI GILBERT + JODIE posted online by a DJ at Reykjavik TOKIO MYERS poverty, migration and the experi- THE WYZE GUYZ Tues 3 LIBBY + LAST ORDERS Sun 8 nightclub Glaumbar in 2011, until ence of childhood in the area, until Apr, The Jam House, Fri 6 Apr, The Sun- Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- Sun 10 June Sat 28 Apr, Ort Gallery, Balsall Heath Birmingham flower Lounge, Birm- ingham LANGLANDS & BELL Exhibition of new THE PEOPLE OF PARTITION IN BIRMING- BLACK FOXXES Tues 3 ingham FAREED AYAZ & ABU work by artists Ben Langlands and MUHAMMED SUFI HAM New Sampad exhibition explor- Apr, Mama Roux's, HATS OFF TO LED ZEP- Nikki Bell, featuring the new iconic ar- QUWWALI ing how different generations living in Birmingham PELIN Sat 7 Apr, Artrix, Sun 8 Apr, chitecture of global technology com- Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham understand the 1947 SAM SMITH Tues 3 & Bromsgrove panies such as Apple, Facebook, Partition of India today, until Sun 29 Wed 4 Apr, Genting WIZZ JONES Sun 8 Apr, Alibaba and Google. The show ex- THE VERVE EXPERIENCE Apr, Soho House, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham Sat 7 Apr, O2 Kitchen Garden Cafe, plores the increasingly profound in- Birmingham fluence these huge companies have NATURE'S PRESENCE Featuring art- A TRIBUTE TO SANDY Academy, Birmingham on our lives in the age of ‘Big Data’, works from the Arts Council Collec- DENNY Wed 4 Apr, until Sun 10 June tion, Birmingham’s collection and Kitchen Garden Cafe, other major collections. The artists Birmingham look at the natural world through pre- MAC, Birmingham SUN RA ARKESTRA Wed senting flowers, animals and fruit 4 Apr, Birmingham NEW MISS BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL The from different artistic perspectives, Fri Town Hall first major solo exhibition of pho- 30 Mar - Sun 30 Sept, Blakesley Hall, tographs by the late Raphael Albert - Birmingham ROMAIN VIRGO Wed 4 cultural promoter, entrepreneur and Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- NEW YARDLEY SOCIETY OF ARTS Exhibi- photographer, Sat 21 Apr - Sun 1 July ingham tion of work by Yardley Society of Arts, Wed 4 - Mon 16 Apr, The Core HANNAH JOHNSON & RBSA Gallery Theatre, Solihull THE BROKEN HEARTS Wed 4 Apr, The Jam NEW HILARY PAYNTER WOOD ENGRAV- NEW AFFORDABLE ORIGINALS EXHIBI- House, Birmingham INGS Solo exhibition showcasing TION Exhibition of affordable original large-scale wood engraving, collages artwork in an array of styles and gen- EMBRACE Thurs 5 Apr, and significant prints, Wed 4 - Sat 21 res, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Whitewall O2 Institute, B’ham Apr Gallery, Birmingham BRITFUNK ASSOCIATION NEW JASMINA AJZENKOL ARBSA Sur- NEW BIRMINGHAM SOCIETY OF BOTANI- Thurs 5 Apr, The Jam rounded By Sea - A selection of work CAL ARTISTS Exhibition of work by House, Birmingham inspired by the marine landscape Birmingham Society of Botanical KORBY LENKER Thurs 5 and produced in Jasmina’s distinc- Artists, Wed 18 Apr - Mon 7 May, The Apr, Kitchen Garden tive style, Mon 16 Apr - Sat 9 June Core Theatre, Solihull Cafe, Birmingham Harry Styles - Genting Arena, Birmingham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Sun 1 - Sun 8 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:58 Page 2

Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 April

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- Classical Music ford-upon-Avon MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT cal thriller marks Christopher Eccle- BRITAIN - UNLEASHED Featuring ston’s RSC debut and Niamh Kwamé Ryan (conductor) & Karen Cusack’s return to the company, until Gillingham (director). Programme in- Tues 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare cludes works by Mason Bates, Bern- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon stein, John Williams & James Newton Howard, Sat 7 Apr, Symphony Hall, STONES IN HIS POCKETS The Crescent Birmingham Theatre Company presents its ver- sion of Marie Jones' poignant tragi- BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE PIANO comedy, Sat 31 Mar - Sat 7 Apr, TRIO Sun 8 Apr, St John The Baptist Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Church, Hagley, Birmingham CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS Starring Clive Webb and Danny Adams - winners of the Ken Dodd Comedy Award and CFA Best Comedy Award, Sun 1 Apr, Comedy Wolverhampton Grand Theatre FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL Stage ver- KANE BROWN, SLIM, PRINCE ABDI & JU- sion of Kay Mellor’s award-winning NIOR BOOKER Sun 1 Apr, The Glee TV show. Jodie Prenger, Sam Bailey, Club, Birmingham Natasha Hamilton, Kevin Kennedy & Police Cops In Space - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff star, Tues 3 - KIRI PRITCHARD MCLEAN Thurs 5 Apr, themselves an Easter treat, Mon 2 PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE Brand new Sat 7 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, MAC, Birmingham Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove live children’s show packed with ad- Birmingham DEAR ZOO Rod Campbell’s children’s venture, games, laughs and live SERVICE! THE LIVE SITCOM Fast-paced, book is brought to life in a new stage music, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Wolver- foul-mouthed, relentless comedy set show featuring puppetry, original hampton Grand Theatre in the restaurant of a four-star hotel, music and plenty of audience partici- GRANDAD’S ISLAND Benji Davies’ Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Apr, Old Joint Stock pation, Tues 3 - Wed 4 Apr, Lichfield award-winning book is brought magi- Theatre, Birmingham Garrick cally and sensitively to life with songs WICKED Award-winning musical EASTER BUNNY'S EGGS FACTOR Family and laughter, Sun 8 Apr, MAC, Birm- telling the untold story of an unlikely show for two-to-seven-year-olds, ingham but profound friendship between two packed with fun, songs, laughter and THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- young women, Wed 4 - Sun 29 Apr, lots of audience participation. Audi- LOWED A FLY Theatre for younger au- Birmingham Hippodrome ence members also get the chance diences and their families, complete DOREEN: RISE OF THE YAM YAM Join the DOREEN: RISE OF THE YAM-YAM Thurs 5 to meet the Easter Bunny and bag with a feast of singalong songs, comedy queen of the Black Country Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre themselves an Easter treat, Wed 4 colourful animal characters and as she challenges Darwin with her Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham heartwarming family fun, Sun 8 Apr, JOHN MOLONEY, JENNY COLLIER & COM- very own Theory of Evolution, Thurs THE SAGAS OF NOGGIN THE NOG Oliver Artrix, Bromsgrove EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON 5 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Thurs 5 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham Postgate’s iconic creation is brought LAST TANGO IN REDDITCH All & Sundry to the stage in a new piece of theatre LOU SANDERS, JAMIE HUTCHINSON & Productions present John Godber’s for children, Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Apr, JOSH PUGH Fri 6 Apr, Cherry Reds story about the way in which love, MAC, Birmingham Cafe-Bar, Birmingham loss and old secrets can impact on HANSEL & GRETEL The award-winning Dance friendship, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Apr, Artrix, FOIL, ARMS AND HOG Sat 7 Apr, Birm- Metro-Boulod-Dodo bring their cre- ingham Town Hall Bromsgrove BALLET CENTRAL Featuring a mixed bill ative flair and quirky humour to the from ‘world-renowned choreogra- OUTRAGE Uncanny Theatre present a ARCHIE MADDOCKS, GAVIN WEBSTER, classic Grimm Brothers fairytale, Wed phers’, Fri 6 Apr, Crescent Theatre, highly visual, interactive response to EMMANUEL SONUBI & ANDREW O'NEILL 4 - Sun 8 Apr, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Sat 7 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham a world where the most offensive Birmingham Hippodrome seem to set the agenda, Fri 6 Apr, MAC, Birmingham POLICE COPS IN SPACE Join the award- winning Pretend Men as they present an ’80s 'low-fi sci-fi' that’s set in ‘the Theatre most dangerous place on Earth’... Space, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Apr, Old Joint LEXICON The UK’s leading contempo- Stock Theatre, Birmingham rary circus company return to New- castle-under-Lyme to present the WILDVIXEN'S BURLESQUE Hall of Fame world premiere of their brand new Legends Extravaganza, Sat 7 Apr, show, until Sat 21 Apr, New Vic The- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham atre, Newcastle-under-Lyme THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH Mary Pix's comedy of manners, com- bining mischief-making and a mind- bending plot, until Thurs 14 Jun, The Kids Shows Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon EASTER BUNNY’S EGGS FACTOR Family THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg show for two-to-seven-year-olds, directs John Webster's tale of re- packed with fun, songs, laughter and venge, which asks how anyone can lots of audience participation. Audi- survive in a world where masculinity ence members also get the chance has become toxic, until Fri 3 Aug, to meet the Easter Bunny and bag Ballet Central - Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

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thelist MAC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Mon 9 Apr EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Calling all exclusive stage shows on your visit Spoken Word THE DIVINE ORDER (15) valiant adventurers! Join the hunt for this Easter, until Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury Comedy/Drama. Starring Marie Le- legendary dragon eggs. Set off on a World, Birmingham POETRY JAM Thurs 5 Apr, 200 unenberger, Maximillian Simonis- quest to crack the clues, meeting SPRINGTIME AT SHUGBOROUGH Make Degress, Colmore Row, Birmingham chek. Foreign language, subtitled. characters from the past along the the most of the spring season with MAC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Tues 10 Apr way, then claim your chocolate re- nature inspired activities and trails, in- ward, until Mon 2 Apr, Kenilworth cluding Explorers' Map, full of 50 STUDIO GHIBLI MARATHON PART II (PG) Castle Animation/Adventure. The Mocking- Things fun, and canoeing sessions bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 8 Apr BRINGING THE PIT TO LIFE Highlighting on the River Sow, until Sun 15 Apr, Film the newly restored Racecourse Col- Shugborough Historic Working Es- UNREST (12a) Drama/History. Starring liery which tells the important story of tate, Stafford INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Jennifer Brea, Omar Wasow. Artrix, coal mining at the heart of industriali- EGG-CELLENT EASTER AT DRAYTON Bromsgrove, Sun 8 Apr sation in the Black Country, until Mon I, TONYA (15) Biography/Comedy. MANOR PARK Heart-stopping roller- 2 Apr, Black Country Living Museum, Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- coasters in the main park and tod- Dudley ney. MAC, Birmingham, until Tues 3 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: dler-friendly rides in Europe’s only Apr Released from Fri 6 Apr, showing at INSOMNIA62 A four-day event ‘com- Thomas Land are among the attrac- bining all the best bits of video-gam- tions to enjoy at Drayton Manor ISLE OF DOGS (PG) Animation/Adven- selected cinemas ing’ and offering enthusiasts the Theme Park this Easter, until Sun 15 ture. With the voices of Bryan 120 BEATS PER MINUTE (15) chance to play an impressive selec- Apr, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Cranston, . Electric Cin- A QUIET PLACE (tbc) tion of both new and vintage games, Tamworth ema, Birmingham, until Thurs 5 Apr DEATH WISH (18) until Mon 2 Apr, NEC, Birmingham ASTON IN WONDERLAND: A FAIRY TALE THE SQUARE (15) Comedy/Drama. EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA With daily TAKEOVER Meet lots of your favourite Starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss. GHOST STORIES (15) bonnet competitions plus an Easter story book characters including Alice, MAC, Birmingham, until Thurs 5 Apr LOVE, SIMON (12a) egg hunt around the venue, until Mon the Hatter, and the angry Queen as ARNIE ALL DAY MOVIE MARATHON (18) THE HURRICANE HEIST (12a) 2 Apr, Cadbury World, Birmingham you explore this spectacular building, Action/Adventure. Starring Arnold THOROUGHBREDS (15) EASTER HALF TERM Easter family fun Sun 1 Apr, Aston Hall, Birmingham Schwarzenegger. The Mockingbird including a trail around the grounds EASTER SUNDAY AT BOTANICAL GAR- Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 1 Apr WONDERSTRUCK (PG) and craft activities for children, until DENS Celebrate Easter Sunday at the ALICE IN WONDERLAND (U) Sun 8 Apr, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a Animation/Adventure. With the voices Birmingham day packed full of fun, Sun 1 Apr, of Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske. EGG HUNT Join in this fun hunt but Birmingham Botanical Gardens Electric Cinema, Birmingham, until don’t forget to record the egg loca- MOTORFEST This popular and hugely Sun 1 Apr Events tions on the quiz sheet – as you will well attended fixture on the classic THE MATRIX TRILOGY SCREENING (15) FESTIVAL OF POWER An action packed hand in the sheet to receive a small vehicle calendar will welcome classic Action/Sci-Fi. Starring Keanu Reeves, Easter weekend of family Drag Rac- prize, until Wed 11 Apr, Tamworth cars, motorcycles, military 4x4s, per- Laurence Fishburne. The Mocking- ing entertainment including Top Fuel Castle formance cars, classic commercials, bird Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 2 Apr Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, Jet Cars EASTER EGG HUNT An eggsciting tractors and stationary engines, Sun and National Drag Racing. Plus all BEST F(R)IENDS (18) Comedy/Thriller. Easter egg hunt around the museum 1 Apr, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal, things powerful off track including Starring Greg Sestero, Tommy - find all the letters and win a prize, Shropshire Monster Trucks, Stunt Displays and Wiseau. The Mockingbird Cinema, until Sat 14 Apr, Museum of the Jew- 100 YEARS OF THE RAF FESTIVAL Cele- more, until Sun 1 Apr, Santa Pod Birmingham, Mon 2 - Thurs 5 Apr ellery Quarter, Birmingham brate the foundation of the RAF in its Raceway, Wellingborough EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure. EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Hop on centenary year with nostalgic activi- MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, over to find a cracking programme of ties for the whole family to enjoy, Sun CHAMPIONSHIP The 2018 British Su- Eddie Redmayne. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Easter fun ready and waiting, until 1 - Mon 2 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr perbike Championship kicks off at Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Apr Sun 15 Apr, Black Country Living Mu- Wolverhmpton Donington Park this Easter weekend COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With seum, Dudley TRADITIONAL VICTORIAN EASTER ACTIVI- as home hero Leon Haslam gears up the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael TIES Entertainment on offer includes to take on arch rival Shane 'Shakey' EASTER AT WARWICK CASTLE Celebrate García Bernal. MAC, Birmingham, the chance to watch chicks’ eggs Byrne who begins his title defence, the 950th anniversary of William the Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Apr hatch and chocolate eggs being until Mon 2 Apr, Donington Park Rac- Conqueror’s motte and bailey castle made, and the opportunity to print a SWEET COUNTRY (15) Crime/Drama. ing Circuit, Derby on the site, until Sun 15 Apr, Warwick poster using a Victorian printing Starring Bryan Brown, Matt Day. Castle press, Sun 1 - Sun 15 Apr, Blists Hill, EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy a fun pro- Ironbridge, Shropshire gramme of activities at the Shake- speare Family Homes this Easter, EASTER HOLIDAYS AT BOTANICAL GAR- until Sun 15 Apr, Shakespeare's Birth- DENS A variety of fun activities to get place, Stratford Upon Avon involved with across the Easter holi- days including arts and crafts, an EASTER DINO EGG HUNT The Easter Easter Bonnet Parade and chocolate Bunny doesn't visit Thinktank, but the workshop, Mon 2 - Fri 6 Apr, Birming- Easter Dinosaur does and they have ham Botanical Gardens left large Dino eggs hidden around the museum, until Sun 15 Apr, Think- OPERATION EARTH SHOW Weekdays tank Science Museum, Birmingham during Easter, take part in Operation Earth, an exciting new family show EGGZOOBURANT EASTER Take the exploring the amazing stories and whole family for a day out to science of the environment, Mon 2 - EGGSplore over 500 animals includ- Fri 13 Apr, Thinktank Science Mu- ing giraffes, meerkats, humboldt pen- seum, Birmingham guins, snow leopards plus lots more! You may even spot a few new spring ZOO CLUB Children aged between 8 – babies around the zoo too, until Sun 14 years can get involved with lots of 15 Apr, Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire engaging and exciting activities all themed around animals, wildlife, na- Insomnia 62 - NEC, Birmingham EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy two ture and zoos, Tues 3 - Fri 6 Apr, 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Sun 1 - Sun 8 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:58 Page 4

Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 April

Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire ears then put on your explorer’s pith Tunnel Trust The Historic Sports Car Club arrive at EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITIES This Easter helmet and binoculars to tackle the KIDTROPOLIS Kidtropolis a place for Donington Park this weekend, trans- school holidays why not join in with Easter Egg themed wildlife hunt, Wed children to play and have fun and for porting the circuit back in time for two some fun Easter themed craft activi- 4 - Thurs 5 Apr, Dudley Canal and parents, grandparents and carers to days of classic and historic racing, ties at Blakesley Hall on a Tuesday Tunnel Trust, Dudley make fun filled memories, Fri 6 - Sun Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Donington Park and Thursday, Tues 3 - Thurs 12 Apr, FAMILY FUN DAY Take a family friendly 8 Apr, NEC, Birmingham Racing Circuit, Derby Blakesley Hall, Birmingham guided tour of the Smith & Pepper AN INTIMATE TOUR OF BREASTS: A WACKY WORLD HIGH ENERGY UK TOUR AUTOSCIENCE EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVI- jewellery factory and then enjoy a fun WALKING TOUR WITH CLAIRE COLLISON Expect Total Wipeout, Extreme Hun- TIES Follow the AutoScience Secret craft activity in the Education Space, Three-hour walk exploring multicul- gry Hippo's, Assault Courses, Gladia- Mission Trail around the museum and Thurs 5 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery tural mythologies surrounding tor Duels & much much more... Sat 7 join one of the family tours and meet Quarter, Birmingham breasts, and looking at their com- - Sun 8 Apr, Wolverhampton Indoor the museum's very own ‘mad scien- EAGLES AT EASTER An array of birds of modification throughout history to the Community Sports Arena tist’, Tues 3 - Sun 15 Apr, British prey including Hawks, Buzzards, Fal- present day... Sat 7 Apr, starting at OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND The return of Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwick- cons, Owls and a Bald Eagle, along Saint Agatha’s Church, Stratford our popular model railway exhibition, shire with their handlers will be on site all Road, Sparkbrook, B11 1QT alongside opportunities for you to THE ADVENTURES OF MRS TIGGY-WIN- day to meet with visitors, Thurs 5 Apr, ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR An An- peep behind the scenes, Sat 7 - Sun KLE TRAIL Relive the magical story RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton tique and Collectors Fair by Field 8 Apr, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- and reconnect with nature as Croft ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR Dog Fairs, with 1000s of collectable ley, Nr Kidderminster starts to spring to life, Tues 3 - Sun 15 The largest vetted art, antiques and items from Victorian to Vintage, Re- GO WALKIES FOR GUIDE DOGS Arrive at Apr, Croft Castle, Nr Leominster interiors fair outside of London, bring- gency to Retro and everything in be- the Jinney Ring and join the Guide FEATHERS AND FLIGHT TRAIL Families ing together over 160 specialist deal- tween, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, British Dogs for the Blind fund-raising walk will need to be eagle-eyed as they ers showcasing over 30,000 pieces Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwick- event, Sun 8 Apr, The Jinney Ring pass through the hangars the Easter including furniture, ceramics, jew- shire Craft Centre, Nr Bromsgrove when they go in search of the an- ellery, paintings, sculptures, bronzes KICKBACK MOTORCYCLE SHOW Provid- SHROPSHIRE SCALE MODEL SHOW swers to six tricky aircraft and bird and more, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Apr, NEC, ing a free platform, for young and Thousands of modelling fans from themed questions, Tues 3 - Sun 15 Birmingham emerging builders, to show off their across the country will descend on Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton TUNNEL TEDS A day to bring your furry engineered masterpieces this Apr, the RAF Museum Cosford for the an- LITTLE SKIPPERS - EASTER FUN Get friend along for a ted-tastic day of Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Stoneleigh Park, nual Shropshire Modellers' Show, crafty to create a flower for the spring bear-themed fun on and around the Warwickshire Sun 8 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolver- garden, make yourself some bunny canal, Fri 6 Apr, Dudley Canal and HSCC HISTORIC CAR CHAMPIONSHIP hampton

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thelist PRITCHARD-MCLEAN & ALISTAIR Gigs Classical WILLIAMS Sat 14 Apr, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham MYRKUR Mon 9 Apr, Music ALUN COCHRANE Sun 15 Apr, The Hare & Hounds, Birm- Glee Club, Birmingham ingham DANIEL MOULT ORGAN CONCERT Pro- grame includes works by Handel, THE RHEINGANS SIS- Mozart, Liszt, Whitlock, J.Van Oort- TERS Mon 9 Apr, merssen & Wammes, Mon 9 Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Theatre MIDDAY MUSIC - BRIDGE, HAYDN, BAR- THE METEORS Mon 9 THE SCARY BIKERS John Godber’s BER Mon 9 Apr, Royal Birmingham Apr, Mama Roux's, new comedy about life, love and Conservatoire Birmingham staying on your bike, Mon 9 - Tues LINES/REDGRAVE/MCCARTHY TRIO Fea- NERINA PALLOT Mon 9 Nerina Pallot - The Glee Club, Birmingham 10 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove turing Timothy Lines (clarinet), Rose Apr, The Glee Club, NOEL & GERTIE The story of a 54 year Redgrave (viola) & Eliza McCarthy Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birm- Live, Birmingham friendship between Noel Coward (piano). Programme includes new ingham LITTLE COMETS Sat 14 and Gertrude Lawrence, Mon 9 - Sat PEACE Mon 9 Apr, The works by James Abel, Luke Harri- KOYO + MAN & THE Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- 14 Apr, The Oldbury Rep Sunflower Lounge, son, Millicent James, Henryk HOLY MOUNTAIN Thurs ingham Birmingham Golden, Ka Kwok, Oliver Mack and VAMPIRE’S ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN 12 Apr, The Sunflower THE BEAT BROTHERS Sat Kailan Barton-Porte, Wed 11 Apr, Steve Steinman ramps up the vamp ASTON MERRYGOLD Lounge, Birmingham Tues 10 Apr, O2 Insti- 14 Apr, The Jam Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in this sequel show, Tues 10 Apr, PALACE DRUM CLINIC Fri House, Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham tute, Birmingham RUDOLF BUCHBINDER: SCHUMANN Fea- 13 Apr, Pizza Express ELKIE BROOKS: PEARLS turing the City of Birmingham Sym- TURN OF THE SCREW Henry James' MISTERWIVES Tues 10 Live, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, GREATEST HITS TOUR phony Orchestra, Mirga classic ghost story, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Birmingham 3 GENERATIONS OF SKA Sat 14 Apr, Birming- Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Rudolf Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Fri 13 Apr, O2 ham Town Hall Buchbinder (piano). Programme in- TOVEY BROTHERS Tues ė MACBETH The National Production Academy, Birmingham cludes works by Wagner, Schumann 10 Apr, The Jam ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? Company presents its version of & Beethoven, Thurs 12 Apr, Sym- House, Birmingham EMILY SMITH AND JAMIE Sat 14 Apr, Route 44, Shakespeare's famous bloodfest, MCCLENNAN Fri 13 Apr, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham Tues 10 - Sat 14 Apr, The Old Rep DEMOB HAPPY Tues 10 Artrix, Bromsgrove ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Theatre, Birmingham Apr, The Flapper, NASHVILLE Sat 14 Apr, WIND ORCHESTRA Featuring Keith Birmingham PATTI BOULAYE 'BILLIE & Genting Arena, Birm- BRIGHTON ROCK Pilot Theatre and ME' Fri 13 Apr, Pizza ingham Brion (conductor). Programme com- York Theatre Royal bring the dark SIOBHAN WILSON Tues Express Live, B’ham prises works by Sousa, Fri 13 Apr, underworld of Graham Greene's 10 Apr, Kitchen Gar- MARILLION Sat 14 Apr, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire classic novel to the stage in this new den Cafe, Birmingham BLACK CELEBRATION Fri Symphony Hall, Birm- 13 Apr, The River ingham ILKER ARCAYIÜREK: SCHUMANN AND adaptation by acclaimed writer Bry- ALEX CAMERON Tues 10 SHUBERT Also featuring Hartmut Höll ony Lavery, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Apr, The Rooms, Stourbridge LIONS OF DISSENT Sat Apr, Mama Roux's, (piano). Programme includes works REP, Birmingham THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri 14 Apr, The Sunflower Birmingham by Schumann & Schubert, Sun 15 13 Apr, The Jam Lounge, Birmingham SPAMALOT Amateur staging pre- JETHRO TULL 50TH AN- Apr, Birmingham Town Hall sented by the award-winning Peter- House, Birmingham THE WONDER STUFF & NIVERSARY TOUR Tues brook Players, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Apr, NED'S ATOMIC DUSTBIN - 10 Apr, Symphony THE VIRGINMARYS & The Core Theatre, Solihull Hall, Birmingham SIOBHAN MAZZEI Fri 13 LOVE FROM STOUR- Apr, The Actress & BRIDGE Sat 14 - Sun 15 LOVEHARD: TALES FROM THE ELSE- CHRIS RONALD TRIO Bishop, Birmingham Apr, O2 Academy, WHERE Double act Lovehard present Wed 11 Apr, The Red Comedy their brand new show, Wed 11 Apr, VOODOO SIOUX Birmingham Lion Folk Club, B’ham Fri 13 Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Apr, Route 44, B’ham ARCADE FIRE Sun 15 JARRED CHRISTMAS, THE NOISE NEXT THE LOST WILL AND DOOR & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH LEAVING Immersive experience which JUMANJI + QUINN + Apr, Genting Arena, TESTAMENT OF JAKE ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 12 Apr, The promises to change the way in BARE TRAPS + TOM Birmingham THAKRAY Wed 11 Apr, Glee Club, Birmingham which we think about young people COTTER The Robin, Bilston Fri 13 Apr, The ANDREW W.K. Sun 15 in care and beyond, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Sunflower Lounge, Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- Apr, The REP, Birmingham JASPER CARROT'S Birmingham ingham STAND UP AND ROCK TRACEY COLLINS: WORK IN PROGRESS Wed 11 - Sat 14 Apr, TALISK Sat 14 Apr, Ar- NICK J.D. HODGSON The award-winning Tracey Collins Lichfield Garrick trix, Bromsgrove Sun 15 Apr, The Ac- (Tina T'urner Tea Lady) invites audi- tress & Bishop, B’ham THE SHOWHAWK DUO NEARLY DAN - 21ST AN- ences to meet cabaret comedy char- Thurs 12 Apr, Mama NIVERSARY TOUR Sat SHONEN KNIFE Sun 15 acters including Young Roux's, Birmingham 14 Apr, Artrix, Broms- Apr, Hare & Hounds, Whippersnapper, Audrey Heartburn grove Birmingham and , Thurs 12 Apr, THE 3 SIXTIES Thurs 12 Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Apr, The Jam House, TINY MOVING PARTS THE LITTLE UNSAID Sun Birmingham Sat 14 Apr, The Asy- 15 Apr, Kitchen Gar- THE RESISTABLE RISE OF ARTURO UI lum, Birmingham den Cafe, Birmingham TONY LAW Fri 13 Apr, The Glee Club, Newman University present Bertolt PHIL ODGERS WITH Birmingham Brecht's parable of the rise of Hitler, BOBBY VALENTINO PSP FEST Sat 14 Apr, SEYES Sun 15 Apr, The GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP Fri 13 Apr, Thurs 12 - Fri 13 Apr, Crescent The- Thurs 12 Apr, Kitchen The Flapper, B’ham Robin, Bilston MAC, Birmingham atre, Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham DARREN (808 STATE), DJ SPEAK, BROTHER Sun SIMON CLAYTON, JARRED CHRISTMAS, STAGE DOOR JOHNNY: LESS MISERABLE WAYNE ELLINGTON NIPPER AND ROBBIE 15 Apr, Hare & THE NOISE NEXT DOOR & LAURA LEXX Enjoy an evening of standards from SINGS NAT KING COLE AVERY Sat 14 Apr, Hare Hounds, Birmingham Fri 13 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham the world of musical theatre, ‘lov- Thurs 12 Apr, Pizza Ex- & Hounds, Birming- THE ingly shredded, ripped off and po- press Live, B’ham ham SHOW Sun 15 Apr, JARRED CHRISTMAS, SIMON CLAYTON, LAURA LEXX & COMIC TBC Sat 14 Apr, tentially ruined for good!’ Fri 13 Apr, AYANNA WITTER-JOHN- KALON RAE 'THE GREAT Symphony Hall, Birm- The Glee Club, Birmingham Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SON Thurs 12 Apr, SONGWRITERS' Sat 14 ingham Apr, Pizza Express GUZ KHAN, STEPHEN BAILEY, KIRI PALS Dark, poignant comedy follow- 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 9-15 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:01 Page 2

Monday 9 - Sunday 15 April

ing the story of two innocent and en- SALLY BEE: FROM THE HEART Evening thusiastic men who volunteer their of spoken word that promises ‘to services to Britain after Kitchener's awaken your self-belief and change call for a New Army, Sat 14 Apr, Old your life’, Thurs 12 Apr, The Bramall, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham University of Birmingham HIT THE ODE Performance poetry night bringing world-class spoken-word artists to Birmingham. One regional, one national and one international Kids Shows poet perform alongside open micers, Fri 13 Apr, The Patrick Centre, Birm- JUSTIN’S BAND Join Justin and his ingham Hippodrome friends on a musical journey, singing lots of songs and learning about mu- sical instruments along the way, Tues 10 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall LIBRARY LION Children’s story featur- ing songs, laughter and lots of inter- Film active learning games, Tues 10 - INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Thurs 12 Apr, MAC, Birmingham THE THIRD MURDER (15) Drama/Mys- YOU’VE GOT DRAGONS Taking Flight tery. Starring Masaharu Fukuyama, Theatre present a touching explo- Kôji Yakusho. Foreign language, sub- ration of the dragons we all face, Wed titled. MAC, Birmingham, Mon 9 - Easter activities - Thinktank, Birmingham 11 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Thurs 12 Apr CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DI- BOMBSHELL: THE HEDY LAMARR STORY place, Stratford Upon Avon helmet and binoculars to tackle the (12a) Documentary/Biography. Star- NOSAURS - THE MAGIC CUTLASS EASTER DINO EGG HUNT The Easter Easter Egg themed wildlife hunt, Tues Les Petits returns to the high seas ring Nino Amareno, Charles Amirkha- 10 - Thurs 12 Apr, Dudley Canal and nian. MAC, Birmingham, Tues 10 Apr Bunny doesn't visit Thinktank, but the with its highly anticipated sequel, Easter Dinosaur does and they have Tunnel Trust based on the award-winning book by WESTWOOD: PUNK, ICON, ACTIVIST (12a) left large Dino eggs hidden around FAMILY FUN DAY Take a family friendly Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto, Fri Documentary. Starring Vivienne West- the museum, until Sun 15 Apr, Think- guided tour of the Smith & Pepper 13 Apr, MAC, Birmingham wood. MAC, Birmingham, Wed 11 tank Science Museum, Birmingham jewellery factory and then enjoy a fun Apr THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN Featuring EGG-CELLENT EASTER AT DRAYTON craft activity in the Education Space, the Amazing Bubble Man and all ISLE OF DOGS (12a) Animation/Adven- MANOR PARK Heart-stopping roller- Thurs 12 Apr, Museum of the Jew- manner of, er, bubbles! Sat 14 Apr, ture. With the voices of Bryan coasters in the main park and tod- ellery Quarter, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Cranston, Yoko Ono. MAC, Birming- dler-friendly rides in Europe’s only EAGLES AT EASTER An array of birds of THE NOSE THAT NOBODY PICKED ham, Fri 13 - Thurs 19 Apr Thomas Land are among the attrac- prey including Hawks, Buzzards, Fal- Mountains of mucus, toe-tapping MARY MAGDALENE (12a) Drama. Star- tions to enjoy at Drayton Manor cons, Owls and a Bald Eagle, along tunes and two nostrils full of magic ring Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix. Theme Park this Easter, until Sun 15 with their handlers will be on site all are the order of the day in this stage MAC, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Thurs 19 Apr, Drayton Manor Theme Park, day to meet with visitors, Thurs 12 adaptation of David Parkin’s much- Apr Tamworth Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton loved book, Sun 15 Apr, MAC, Birm- EGGZOOBURANT EASTER Bring the FLATPACK FESTIVAL 10 days of screen- ingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: whole family for a day out to ings, performances, theatre, exhibi- EGGSplore over 500 animals includ- tions and parties, Fri 13 -Sun 22 Apr, Released from Fri 13 Apr, showing at ing giraffes, meerkats, humboldt pen- various locations in and around Birm- selected cinemas guins, snow leopards plus lots more! ingham. For more info see feature on RAMPAGE (tbc) You may even spot a few new spring page 14. Dance TRUTH OR DARE (15) babies around the zoo too, until Sun TUNES FROM THE TRENCHES Step 15 Apr, Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire GIOVANNI PERNICE BORN TO WIN Join aboard the special electric trip boats the Strictly star for an evening of EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy two which will transport you deep into the ‘glitzy costumes and amazing rou- exclusive stage shows on your visit underground tunnels of Dudley to the tines’, Sat 14 Apr, Crescent Theatre, this Easter, until Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury magnificent Singing Cavern for an Birmingham Events World, Birmingham hour of musical entertainment, Sat 14 Apr, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust SWAN LAKE Vienna Festival Ballet pre- EASTER EGG HUNT An eggsciting BIMM BIRMINGHAM OPEN DAY Sat 14 sents its version of the classic love Easter egg hunt around the museum Apr, The , Digbeth story, Sun 15 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove - find all the letters and win a prize, until Sat 14 Apr, Museum of the Jew- THE MAN ENGINE The largest mechani- ellery Quarter, Birmingham cal puppet ever constructed in Britain will be paying a visit to Blists Hill Vic- EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Hop on torian Town, Sat 14 Apr, Blists Hill, over to find a cracking programme of Ironbridge, Shropshire Talks Easter fun ready and waiting, until MSVR CLUB CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS Mo- THE GREAT GAMBO: THE PROFESSOR OF Sun 15 Apr, Black Country Living Mu- seum, Dudley ZOO CLUB Children aged between 8 – torSport Vision Racing are at Doning- POP Paul Gambaccini reveals how a ton Park this weekend for the first of EASTER AT WARWICK CASTLE Celebrate 14 years can get involved with lots of boy from the Bronx wound up as the two back-to-back race meetings on the 950th anniversary of William the engaging and exciting activities all UK’s Professor of Pop, Wed 11 Apr, the National circuit, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Conqueror’s motte and bailey castle themed around animals, wildlife, na- Artrix, Bromsgrove Apr, Donington Park Racing Circuit, on the site, until Sun 15 Apr, Warwick ture and zoos, Mon 9 - Fri 13 Apr, BRIGHT SMOKE A poetry night with a Derby Castle Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire difference, bringing together ‘writing THE FAST SHOW The first performance EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy a fun pro- LITTLE SKIPPERS - EASTER FUN Get and performance, the topical and the and modified car event on the calen- gramme of activities at the Shake- crafty to create a flower for the spring transcendent, the entertaining and dar, Sun 15 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, speare Family Homes this Easter, garden, make yourself some bunny the cathartic’, Thurs 12 Apr, The Wellingborough Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avo until Sun 15 Apr, Shakespeare's Birth- ears then put on your explorer’s pith

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58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 16-22 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:57 Page 2

thelist Monday 16 - Sunday 22 April GRANT LEE PHILLIPS Core Theatre, Solihull ingham Canoldir Male Choir, Mid- Gigs Wed 18 Apr, Hare & SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS Classical lands Hospitals’ Choir and Phoenix Hounds, Birmingham Sat 21 Apr, Lichfield Singers Birmingham, Sun 22 Apr, GOAT GIRL Mon 16 Apr, SAVAGE MESSIAH Wed Garrick Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- 18 Apr, O2 Academy, Music ingham LOST HORIZONS Sat 21 Birmingham Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- LONDON BRIDGE TRIO Featuring David TAYLOR BENNETT Mon JULIE FELIX Wed 18 ingham Adams (violin), Kate Gould (cello) & 16 Apr, O2 Academy, Apr, The Red Lion Folk Daniel Tong (piano). Programme in- Birmingham SOME ENCHANTED cludes works by Fanny Mendelssohn Comedy Club, Birmingham EVENING Sat 21 Apr, PHIL VASSAR Mon 16 & Schumann, Tues 17 Apr, Royal MARTINE MCCUTCHEON Crescent Theatre, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 16 Apr, Apr, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Conservatoire Wed 18 Apr, The Core Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, Birming- LUSTS Mon 16 Apr, Theatre, Solihull SAINT-SAËNS' ORGAN SYMPHONY Fea- ham SPRING SING! Sat 21 turing the City of Birmingham Sym- Hare & Hounds, Birm- ILIZA SHLESINGER Wed 18 Apr, The THE STREETS Thurs 19 Apr, The Core Theatre, phony Orchestra, Harish Shankar ingham Glee Club, Birmingham Apr, O2 Academy, Solihull (conductor), Boris Giltburg (piano) & AQUILO Mon 16 Apr, O2 Birmingham THE DRAWTONES Sat 21 Darius Battiwalla (organ). Pro- DAVE FULTON, SUSIE MCCABE & COM- Institute, Birmingham THE SONGS OF NICK Apr, Pizza Express gramme includes works by Ravel, EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON DUOTONE Mon 16 Apr, DRAKE Thurs 19 Apr, Live, Birmingham Prokofiev & Saint-Saëns, Wed 18 Thurs 19 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kitchen Garden Cafe, THE MELVIN HANCOX Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ROBIN INCE Fri 20 Apr, MAC, B’ham Birmingham Birmingham BAND Sat 21 Apr, Route ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: DEBUSSY THE HOMESICK Mon 16 THE HERBALISER Thurs 44, Birmingham AND RODRIGO Featuring Andrew Grif- Apr, The Sunflower 19 Apr, Mama Roux's, FAITH EVANS Sat 21 fiths (conductor) & Pedro H. da Silva Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- (guitar). Programme includes works SHAME Tues 17 Apr, JOAN AS POLICE ingham by Debussy, Rodrigo & Bizet, Wed Hare & Hounds, Birm- 18 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall WOMAN: DAMNED DEVO- COASTS Sat 21 Apr, O2 ingham TION TOUR Thurs 19 Academy, Birmingham CAMERATA CHOIR Featuring Tuan Yi DUA LIPA Tues 17 Apr, Apr, Birmingham Town Koh, King Chan & Darrel Chan (con- TAX THE HEAT Sat 21 Genting Arena, B’ham Hall ductors). Programme includes works Apr, The Flapper, Birm- by Arvo Part, Rachmaninov, Schu- SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA ingham Thurs 19 Apr, Hare & bert, Bruckner, Tallis & Weelkes, Hounds, Birmingham JIVE TALKIN' Sat 21 Apr, Thurs 19 Apr, Royal Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove Conservatoire DAVE FULTON, SUSIE MCCABE, DAN CLIMAX BLUES BAND THOMAS & ANDRE VINCENT Fri 20 - Sat MADDY PRIOR WITH PETER DONOHOE: MOZART PIANO CYCLE Thurs 19 Apr, The Jam 21 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham House, Birmingham GILES LEWIN AND HAN- RECITAL Thurs 19 Apr, Royal Birming- NAH JAMES Sat 21 Apr, ham Conservatoire NICO YEARWOOD, NICK PAGE, LUKE UGLY KID JOE Thurs 19 TOULSON & COMIC TBC Sat 21 Apr, Lichfield Guildhall SCHUBERT’S TROUT QUINTET Featuring Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ingham POPULATION:7 + LADY Robert Markham (piano), Jonathan SANITY + ED GEATER + Martindale (violin), Christopher Yates THE WHITE BUFFALO KATHRYN ROBERTS AND VIDORRA (DJ SET) Sat (viola), Kate Setterfield (cello) & An- Tues 17 Apr, O2 Insti- SEAN LAKEMAN Thurs 21 Apr, The Sunflower thony Alcock (double-bass). Pro- tute, Birmingham 19 Apr, MAC, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham gramme includes works by Bridge & DAGGERMOUTH Tues 17 SNOWPOET Thurs 19 KIM WILDE: HERE COME Schubert, Fri 20 Apr, CBSO Centre, Theatre Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, The Asylum, Birm- THE ALIENS TOUR Sat Birmingham THE LAST SHIP UK premiere of Sting's Birmingham ingham 21 Apr, Birmingham MIDLAND CHAMBER PLAYERS Pro- personal, political and passionate JUST JACK Tues 17 Apr, : HERE Town Hall gramme includes Schubert & Haydn, musical - an epic tale of community, Hare & Hounds, Birm- COME THE GIRLS Thurs Sun 22 Fri 20 Apr, The Birmingham & Mid- hope and a great act of collective de- ingham 19 Apr, The Core The- Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- land Institute fiance, Mon 16 - Sat 21 Apr, New atre, Solihull BRYAN CORBETT QUAR- ingham BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS’ SYMPHONY Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham TET Tues 17 Apr, The DOS FLORIS Thurs 19 ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael Seal BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s Jam House, B’ham Apr, The Sunflower (conductor) & Richard Harwood award-winning musical, Mon 16 - Sat Lounge, Birmingham (soloist). Programme includes works GEORGIE FAME Tues 17 21 Apr. Wolverhampton Grand The- by Dvorak, Berlioz & Sibelius, Sat 21 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove REMI HARRIS TRIO Fri atre 20 Apr, Pizza Express & Sun 22 Apr, The Bramall, B’ham THIS HOUSE TRIVIUM Tues 17 Apr, Critically acclaimed play Live, Birmingham THE ENGLISH PREMIERE OF DEWI SANT O2 Academy, B’ham providing an often amusing insight LOTTO BOYZZ Fri 20 Apr, BY KARL JENKINS James Lewis con- into the workings of British politics, LISA STANSFIELD Tues O2 Institute, B’ham ducts his Birmingham choirs - Birm- Tues 17 - Sat 21 Apr, The REP, B’ham 17 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Fri 20 Apr, The Jam QUEEN ZEE Tues 17 Apr, LUCY DACUS Sun 22 House, Birmingham The Sunflower Apr, Hare & Hounds, Lounge, Birmingham ALEXANDER O'NEAL Fri Birmingham 20 Apr, Birmingham HAVOK, DARKEST HOUR, BANGLA NEW YEAR: PO- Town Hall CEPHANLIC CARNAGE & HELA BOISHAKH Sun 22 HARLOT Wed 18 Apr, LOBSTER SHACK Fri 20 Apr, Birmingham Town The Asylum, B’ham Apr, Hare & Hounds, Hall Birmingham CASEY Wed 18 Apr, The THE ACADEMIC Sun 22 Asylum, Birmingham ISAAC GRACIE Fri 20 Apr, Mama Roux's, Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- Birmingham LIGHTYEAR, LOBSTER & ingham BLACK MARKET BEAT REJJIE SNOW Sun 22 Wed 18 Apr, The Flap- AND FINALLY... PHIL Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- per, Birmingham COLLINS Fri 20 Apr, The ingham Blood Brothers - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 16-22 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:57 Page 3 The List Birmingham 16-22 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:57 Page 4

Monday 16 - Sunday 22 April

GYPSY QUEEN The story of 'Gorgeous George' O’Connell, a bare-knuckle Kids Shows fighter and traveller whose foray into the world of professional boxing puts TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STARS him on a collision course with his Stage 2 presents a staging of Ger- roots, his identity and his greatest vase Phinn's sequel to the much-ac- fear... Wed 18 - Sat 21 Apr, Old Joint claimed A Wayne In A Manager, Wed Stock Theatre, Birmingham 18 - Sat 21 Apr, Crescent Theatre, DAVID BADDIEL - MY FAMILY: NOT THE Birmingham SITCOM Much-acclaimed show about THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN WHO SWAL- memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunc- LOWED A FLY The People’s Theatre tional relatives, moral policing on so- present a new young persons pan- cial media, golf and gay cats, Thurs tomime, Sun 22 Apr, MAC, B’ham 19 Apr. Dudley Town Hall THE HYPNOTIST: LIVE & OUTRAGEOUS! Featuring hypnotist Robert Temple, Thurs 19 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Talks WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Liz Grand SHEILA'S M.H.S A show ‘to make you stars in a one-woman show exploring laugh, cry, and show you why life is a series of events which sparked one too serious to be taken seriously!’, of the biggest and most extensive po- Sat 21 Apr, Lichfield Garrick lice hunts in history, Thurs 19 Apr, Ar- trix, Bromsgrove ALYS FLOWER: WORDS Gardener, pre- This House - The REP, Birmingham senter and journalist Alys discusses FUNNY FACES A double bill of plays her latest book, Hidden Nature: A based on the lives and loves of two yart, Arnaud Valois. Electric Cinema, the world of Science, Technology, En- Voyage Of Discovery - a memoir and British legends, Sid James and Joan Birmingham, from Fri 20 Apr; MAC, gineering, Maths (STEM) in a fun exploration of Birmingham’s water- Sims, Fri 20 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham, Fri 20 - Thurs 26 Apr way, Wed 18 Apr, Coventry Transport ways, Sun 22 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Museum SOME ENCHANTED EVENING The Arcadi- THOROUGHBREDS (15) Drama/Thriller. ans present a fully staged, all- Starring Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor- TRANSPORT DRIVING EXPERIENCE singing, all-dancing concert featuring Joy. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, EVENING As the museum closes for many of musical theatre’s best- from Fri 20 Apr the day it’s time to get behind the known numbers, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Apr, THE ICE KING (12a) Documentary. wheel, you'll have the place to your- Film self to discover the quirks of driving Crescent Theatre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MAC, Birmingham, Fri 20 - Mon 23 Apr the museum's vintage cars, Thurs 19 ROMEO AND JULIET Contemporary pro- Apr, Black Country Living Museum, THE POST (12a) Biography/Drama. duction of Shakespeare's famous UNSANE (15) Horror/Thriller. Starring Dudley love story, Sat 21 Apr - Fri 21 Sept, Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. Ar- Claire Foy, Juno Temple. MAC, Birm- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, trix, Bromsgrove, Mon 16, Wed 18 & ingham, Sat 21 - Wed 25 Apr ST. GEORGE'S DAY To celebrate the pa- Stratford-upon-Avon Fri 20 Apr tron saint of England, the Castle is MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER (tbc) holding a truly Medieval experience, HERE TO BE HEARD: THE STORY OF THE OLIVER SAMUELS & VOLIER MAFFY Animation/Adventure. MAC, Birming- Sat 21 Apr, Tamworth Castle JOHNSON IN FRENEMY Family comedy SLITS (12a) Documentary/Music. Star- ham, Sun 22 Apr ring Viv Albertine, Dennis Bovell. exploring the most testing of friend- HORUS, PRINCE OF THE SUN (U) Anima- MAC, Birmingham, Tues 17 Apr ships, Sun 22 Apr, New Alexandra tion/Adventure. MAC, Birmingham, Theatre, Birmingham 120 BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) (15) Sun 22 Apr Drama. Starring Nahuel Pérez Bisca- VICTIM (PG) Drama. Starring Dirk Bog- arde, Sylvia Syms. MAC, Birming- ham, Sun 22 - Tues 24 Apr

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 20 Apr, showing at selected cinemas FUNNY COW (15) LET THE SUNSHINE IN (15) TELFORD SAKURA FESTIVAL As part of THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO the Telford 50th anniversary celebra- PEEL PIE SOCIETY (tbc) tions, the Friends of Telford Town Park are bringing a taste of Japan to TULLY (tbc) Telford, Sat 21 Apr, Telford Town Park, Shropshire AVIATION EDUCATION CONFERENCE This brand new conference will see youth and education experts join forces to Events inspire the next generation, Sat 21 STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know Apr, RAF Cosford the Star Vehicles of the collection MSVR CLUB CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS Mo- with your little explorer, through inter- torSport Vision Racing are at Doning- active stories, songs and hands-on ton Park this weekend for the first of experiences, Mon 16 Apr, Coventry two back-to-back race meetings on Transport Museum the National circuit, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Gypsy Queen - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham STEMTASTIC EXPLORERS Introducing Apr, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Birmingham 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:49 Page 1

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:49 Page 2

thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 April ingham 28 Apr, Hare & hampton Grand Theatre Gigs MORETALLICA Thurs 26 Hounds, Birmingham Classical Music MICK FERRY, JOJO SMITH, GEORGE Apr, The Robin, Bilston NATALIE PRASS Sat 28 LEWIS & EMMANUEL SONUBI Fri 27 - DIPPER MALKIN Mon 23 STEPHEN HOUGH PIANO CONCERT Pre- Apr, Hare & Hounds, Sat 28 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham Apr, Kitchen Garden GINGER SNAPS Thurs 26 eminent British pianist Stephen Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham Apr, The Sunflower Hough returns to the Barber Institute PATRICK MONAHAN Sat 28 Apr, Artrix, Lounge, Birmingham CLAIRE-LOUISE ROSSI Bromsgrove BARENAKED LADIES for a special performance that Sat 28 Apr, Hare & Mon 23 Apr, O2 Insti- BARRY STEELE AS ROY launches the programme for the 2018 CHRIS WASHINGTON, IAN COGNITO, JEN Hounds, Birmingham tute, Birmingham ORBISON Fri 27 Apr, Birmingham International Piano Festi- BRISTER & KANE BROWN Sat 28 Apr, New Alexandra The- ROCKET Sat 28 Apr, The val. Programme includes works by The Comedy Loft, Birmingham OUGHT Mon 23 Apr, Debussy, Chopin & Beethoven, Wed atre, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham ROUGH WORKS Sun 29 Apr, The Glee Hare & Hounds, Birm- 25 Apr, The Barber Institute, B’ham ingham PLAN B Fri 27 Apr, O2 TOYAH: ACOUSTIC, UP Club, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham CLOSE AND PERSONAL SIMON TRPCESKI - SCHEHERAZADE Pro- HANZO, THE AROSA, gramme includes works by Grieg, INDEPENDENT COUNTRY Sat 28 Apr, Artrix, NAMSAKÉ, GOOD PROB- Mendelssohn & Rimsky-Korsakov Fri 27 Apr, MAC, Birm- Bromsgrove LEMS & COUNTERFEIT (arr. Paul Gibson), Wed 25 Apr, Birm- ingham OYE SANTANA Sat 28 YOUTH Mon 23 Apr, ingham Town Hall The Flapper, B’ham ROCKET Fri 27 Apr, The Apr, Pizza Express Theatre SHOSTAKOVICH'S TENTH Featuring Jam House, B’ham Live, Birmingham THE GRANDMOTHERS OF Nicholas Collon (conductor) & So- THE KING LEAR Shifting Sands fuse EMMA MCGANN Sun 29 INVENTION Mon 23 Apr, MIRANDA SYKES Fri 27 phie Bevan (soprano). Programme physical theatre, clowning and story- Apr, O2 Academy, The Robin, Bilston Apr, Lichfield Guildhall includes works by Ravel, Britten & telling, as one of Shakespeare’s most Birmingham famous characters takes charge of a WILL HEARD Tues 24 THE MIGHTY WRAITH Fri Shostakovich, Thurs 26 Apr, Sym- pub, Mon 23 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- 27 Apr, Route 44, SARAH MUNRO Sun 29 phony Hall, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, ingham Birmingham BRAHMS’ PIANO QUINTET Featuring THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT Birmingham BOA Year 13 Acting Pathway present THE LAKE POETS Tues SARAH MCQUAID Fri 27 Robert Markham (piano), Kate a poignant courtroom drama, Mon 23 24 Apr, Kitchen Gar- Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove BRYAN FERRY Sun 29 Suthers & Moritz Pfister (violins), den Cafe, Birmingham Apr, Symphony Hall, Adam Römer (viola) & Hetty Snell - Tues 24 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, GILBERT O'SULLIVAN Fri Birmingham (cello), Fri 27 Apr, CBSO Centre, Birmingham AKALA Tues 24 Apr, O2 27 Apr, Birmingham Birmingham NAVAJOS Joe White’s lively and Academy, Birmingham Town Hall LA VILLA STRANGIATO - THE SPIRIT OF RUSH SHOSTAKOVICH'S TENTH Featuring poignant story about ‘Us and them’, YOUTH CLUB Tues 24 MANIC STREET PREACH- Sun 29 Apr, The Robin, Nicholas Collon (conductor - pic- Mon 23 - Thurs 26 Apr, The REP, Apr, Hare & Hounds, ERS Fri 27 Apr, Arena Bilston tured) & Sophie Bevan (soprano). Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham THE KING IS BACK Sun Programme includes works by Ravel, MADE IN DAGENHAM Amateur staging DANIEL O'DONNELL Tues IVORY WAVE Fri 27 Apr, 29 Apr, Arena B’ham Britten & Shostakovich, Sat 28 Apr, presented by Solihull On Stage, Tues 24 Apr, Symphony O2 Academy, B’ham Symphony Hall, Birmingham 24 - Sat 28 Apr, The Core Theatre, SKINDRED Sun 29 Apr, Hall, Birmingham Solihull TALON...THE ACOUSTIC O2 Institute, B’ham SINATRA - HIS WAY, WITH COLLECTION Fri 27 Apr, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT MICHAEL ENGLISH AND Ama- ROBERT HABERMANN Lichfield Garrick teur staging presented by West BRENDAN SHINE Sun 29 Tues 24 Apr, The Core Bromwich Operatic Society, Tues 24 - THE CLAUSE Fri 27 Apr, Apr, Birmingham Town Theatre, Solihull Sat 28 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand O2 Institute, B’ham Hall PEANESS + THE SUNSET DAN SHAKE & HENRY Theatre BEACH HUT + HÜDS ALEX LLEO Sun 29 Apr, WU Fri 27 Apr, Hare & LEGALLY BLONDE Bournville Musical Tues 24 Apr, The Sun- The Sunflower Hounds, Birmingham Theatre Company present an ama- flower Lounge, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham THE HOLLIES Fri 27 Apr, teur staging of the award-winning ro- MALLORY KNOX Tues 24 FREYA RIDINGS Mon 30 Symphony Hall, Birm- mantic comedy, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Apr Apr, Mama Roux's, Apr, The Glee Club, ingham Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham HARRY & THE HOWLERS BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC WINDS CHAR- THE GAME OF LOVE & CHAI Actor Nigel ANDY IRVINE Wed 25 CIARAN LAVERY Mon 30 Fri 27 Apr, The Sun- ITY CONCERT Sat 28 Apr, St John’s Planer (The Young Ones, Filthy Rich Apr, The Red Lion Folk Apr, Hare & Hounds, flower Lounge, B’ham Church, Hagley, Birmingham and Catflap) updates Marivaux’s clas- Club, Birmingham Birmingham sic French farce to a modern Asian NETHERHALL Sat 28 ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE ADAM FRENCH Wed 25 JACUZZI BOYS Mon 30 family in England, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Apr, O2 Academy, PRESENTS: THE BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Birmingham MONIC CONCERTO COMPETITION Featur- Birmingham Birmingham PARADISE GARAGE Sat ing Michael Lloyd (conductor), Sun OF MICE & MEN Wed 25 29 Apr, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- toire ingham THE LOW ANTHEM Wed 25 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham COLUMBIA MILLS Wed Comedy 25 Apr, The Sunflower ED BYRNE Tues 24 Apr, Lichfield Gar- Lounge, Birmingham rick SHARON NEEDLES Thurs RUSSELL PETERS Tues 24 Apr, Arena 26 Apr, O2 Institute, Birmingham Birmingham TEZ ILYAS Tues 24 Apr, MAC, B’ham DIAMOND – THE ULTI- MATE TRIBUTE TO NEIL MICK FERRY, JOJO SMITH & COMEDY DIAMOND Thurs 26 Apr, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Artrix, Bromsgrove 26 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham GENGAHR Thurs 26 Apr, RICK KIESEWETTER, BRETT GOLDSTEIN & - Arena, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 27 Apr, Wolver- whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:49 Page 3 The List Birmingham 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:49 Page 4

thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 April JANE EYRE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY One- TRUMP - THE MUSICAL! Blowfish The- woman show from Rebecca Vaughan atre present ‘an evening of raucous based on Charlotte Bronte's gothic comedy, original music and one truly subversion of fairytale romance, Wed awful wig’, Fri 27 - Sun 29 Apr, 25 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham MY DAD WROTE A PORNO LIVE Wed 25 MR JOHN ROBERTSON: THE DARK ROOM Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham (FOR ADULTS) Show inviting audiences LA TRAVIATA Ellen Kent’s staging of to play as contestants in the world's Verdi’s love story, Wed 25 Apr, New first live-action text-based adventure Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham game, Sat 28 Apr, MAC, Birmingham MOTHER'S RUIN: A CABARET ABOUT GIN MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL All-singing, Sixty-minute theatrical cabaret featur- all-dancing comedy about night ing music originally performed by sweats, hot flushes and memory loss, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Sat 28 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Martha Wainwright, The Popes, The Birmingham Pretenders and more... Thurs 26 Apr, 12 MILLION VOLTS Award-winning the- MAC, Birmingham atre company The Outbound Project present the story of the world’s smartest man... Sat 28 Apr, Lichfield Garrick THE THRILL OF LOVE The Crescent Theatre Company present Amanda Whittington's play about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, Sat 28 Apr - Sat 5 May, Cres- cent Theatre, Birmingham THE HYPNOTIST: LIVE & OUTRAGEOUS! Sinergia - The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome Featuring hypnotist Robert Temple, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton active stories, songs and hands-on Sun 29 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birm- experiences – and all inside the gal- MADAMA BUTTERFLY Ellen Kent pre- ingham GRANDE FINALE Hofesh Shecter Com- sent Puccini’s heart-breaking story of pany present a bold and ambitious leries, Mon 23 Apr, Coventry Trans- ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Musical jour- a beautiful Japanese girl who falls in new piece featuring 10 dancers and port Museum neys through the past six decades, love with an American naval lieu- six musicians, Thurs 26 Apr, The REP, THE VAPER EXPO The sixth edition of Mon 30 Apr - Tues 1 May, The Core tenant, Thurs 26 Apr, New Alexandra Birmingham the show based at the NEC Birming- Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Solihull ABOUT THE ELEPHANT Sampad join ham, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 Apr, NEC, LORD OF THE FLIES BOA Year 13 Act- forces with MAC to present the UK B‘ham ing Pathway presents a staging of premiere of a topical new perfor- NAIDEX Europe's most far reaching William Golding’s dystopian novel, mance by rising stars of dance and event dedicated to the disability, in- Thurs 26 - Fri 27 Apr, The Old Rep music, Sun 29 Apr, MAC, B’ham dependent living and healthcare pro- Theatre, Birmingham Kids Shows fessional sectors, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 ENTANGLEMENT! AN ENTROPIC TALE THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- Apr, NEC, Birmingham Opera describing the mysteries of the LOWED A FLY Theatre for younger au- BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS SHOW Three universe, Thurs 26 - Fri 27 Apr, Royal diences and their families, complete days of VW fun with great racing, Birmingham Conservatoire with a feast of singalong songs, Film music and entertainment at the home A BRAVE FACE Vamos Theatre brings colourful animal characters and INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: of European Drag Racing, Fri 27 - its trademark wordless, full-mask heartwarming family fun, Sun 29 Apr, Sun 29 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, WESTERN (tbc) Drama. Starring Mein- style to a story about war-induced Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Wellingborough hard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek. post-traumatic stress, Fri 27 Apr, Ar- Foreign language, subtitled. MAC, BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL trix, Bromsgrove Birmingham, Fri 27 - Mon 30 Apr SPRING EDITION Weekend packed with THE FAAAAAAABULOUS CERI DUPREE screenings, performances, debates DOUBLE BILL: BATTLE ROYALE AND AUDI- SHOW Female impersonator Ceri pre- and author talks, Fri 27 - Sun 29 Apr, TION (18) Drama/Sci-Fi. The Mocking- sents a brand new show, complete Dance various locations in and around Birm- bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 29 with costumes, routines, jokes and ingham city centre TO A SIMPLE. ROCK’N’ROLL SONG Apr songs, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Apr, Birming- Michael Clark Company’s latest work DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR ham Hippodrome comprises a triple bill of ‘gorgeously CHAMPIONSHIP The BTCC is back for arresting choreography’, Tues 24 Apr, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: its 60th anniversary season, with The REP, Birmingham Released from Fri 27 Apr, showing at some of the closest and most excit- SINERGIA Dance production exploring selected cinemas ing racing you’ll see all year, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Apr, Donington Park Racing the inner feelings and emotions of its AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (tbc) creator and dancer, Manuel Liñán, Circuit, Derby ISLE OF DOGS (tbc) one of Spain's most celebrated fla- PAW PATROL VISIT See Chase & Skye menco dancers, Thurs 26 Apr, READY PLAYER ONE (tbc) who will appear at regular intervals The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- JOURNEYMAN (tbc) throughout the day at The Engine podrome House, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Apr, Severn GIOVANNI PERNICE - BORN TO WIN Join Valley Railway, Bewdley the Strictly star for an evening of STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know ‘glitzy costumes and amazing rou- the Star Vehicles of the collection tines’, Sat 28 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Events with your little explorer, through inter- TEN Ace Dance And Music present a active stories, songs and hands-on STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know powerful dance production inspired experiences – and all inside the gal- the Star Vehicles of the collection by global migration, Thurs 26 Apr, leries, Mon 30 Apr, Coventry Trans- with your little explorer, through inter- port Museum

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thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 April discuss the transformative and life-af- Factory, Birmingham firming power of swimming, Sat 28 STORIES IN TRANSLATION: WHERE ARE Apr, The DOOR, Birmingham REP THE WOMEN Discussing and exploring ME TOO: A MOVEMENT IN POETRY Poets thoughts and perspectives on why and selected audience members women are still hugely under-repre- read from Fair Acre Press’s new po- sented in the world of literary transla- etry (2017) anthology which, con- tion, Sun 29 Apr (1pm - 2pm), The ceived and edited by poet Deborah DOOR, Birmingham REP Alma, rose up directly out of the col- THE LIBRARIAN: SALLEY VICKERS Join lective rage from the #MeToo cam- the author of nine highly acclaimed paign, Sat 28 Apr, (6pm - 7.15pm), novels as she discusses her book, The STUDIO, Birmingham REP The Librarian, with Birmingham au- IS MONOGOMY DEAD? Comedian, thor and speaker Fiona Joseph, Sun writer and broadcaster Rosie Wilby 29 Apr (3pm - 4pm), The DOOR, presents a revamped edition of her Birmingham REP comedy science show, Sat 28 Apr PROTEST: STORIES OF RESISTANCE Au- (8pm - 9pm), The DOOR, Birming- thor and comedian Alexei Sayle joins ham REP forces with Birmingham novelist Kit POETRY BRUNCH Taster of poems from De Waal to discuss stories about the Romalyn Ante, Sarala Estruch and Anti-Vietnam war demonstration and Aviva Dautch, Sun 29 Apr (11am - Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick, Sun Birmingham Literature Festival 12noon), The DOOR, Birmingham 29 Apr (5pm - 6.15pm), The STUDIO, various locations, Birmingham City Centre, Fri 27 - Sun 29 April REP Birmingham REP An offshoot of the well-established Birmingham Literature Festival, MEMOIR AND AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL WRIT- A HISTORY OF BRITAIN IN 21 WOMEN which traditionally takes place in October, this three-day offering ING Led by novelist and poet Patrick Journalist and broadcaster Jenni features an eclectic programme of events, screenings and writing McGuinness, this workshop explores Murray joins presenter Sue workshops. a non-traditional approach to autobi- Beardsmore to explore the lives of 21 ographical writing and is inspired by women who refused to succumb to With an emphasis on women writers, the spring 2018 Birmingham Patrick’s award-winning memoir, the established laws of society, Sun Literature Festival hosts a series of events discussing gender bias in Other People’s Countries, Sun 29 Apr 29 Apr, The STUDIO, Birmingham publishing. Broadcaster and journalist Jenni Murray presents a his- (10.30am - 12.30pm), The Custard REP tory of Britain as you’ve never seen it before. In conversation with presenter Sue Beardsmore, Jenni explores the roles of 21 key women in British history who refused to succumb to the estab- lished laws of society. In response to the #MeToo phenomenon, #MeToo: A Movement In Poetry sees poets and audience members reading poems from the #MeToo poetry collection, which features works from 80 of the country’s finest female poets. Other events include Alexei Sayle and Kit De Waal asking ‘what- ever happened to British protest?’ and writers Jenny Landreth and Elizabeth-Jane Burnett discussing the ‘life-affirming power’ of swimming.

BBC television production, Sat 28 Apr (10am - 12noon), Birmingham & Festival events Midland Institute THE BOY WITH THE TOPKNOT (PICTURED HOW TO BE A POET A 21st century ABOVE) Free screening of the BBC guide to writing by poet Jo Bell and adaptation of Sathnam Sanghera’s publisher and poet Jane Commane. critically acclaimed memoir, Fri 27 Sat 28 Apr (10am, 10:45am, Apr (6pm - 7.30pm), The STUDIO, 11:30am, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm (12 x Birmingham REP 30 min sessions), Birmingham & Mid- land Institute MANTLE LANE SPRING SHOWCASE Man- 2018: THE YEAR OF PUBLISHING tle Lane Press editor Matthew Pegg WOMEN? Join Catherine Mayer (writer introduces audiences to the com- and co-founder of the Women’s pany’s new and upcoming publica- Equality Party) as she discusses with tions, including The Music Maker by Tara Tobler (Fiction Editor at And Liz Kershaw and Always Another Other Stories) and Sian Norris (writer, Twist by Sarah Leavesley, Sat 28 Apr founder and director of the (12.30pm - 1.30pm, The DOOR, Women’s Literature Festival) the lack Birmingham REP of female voices in UK publishing, SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP WITH MICK Sat 28 Apr (2.15 - 3.30pm), The STU- FORD Join Mick as he talks in detail DIO, Birmingham REP about his life as a screenwriter, and in COME ON IN THE WATER’S LOVELY: SE- particular about the process of adapt- CRET SWIMMING Writers Jenny Lan- ing Sathnam Sanghera’s memoir, dreth and Elizabeth-Jane Burnett The Boy With The Topknot, into a share their ‘waterbiographies’ and

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Swingamajig F/P April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 17:31 Page 1 Skyline Series April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 09:12 Page 1