Warwickshire Cover Online.Qxp Warwickshire Cover 26/02/2016 15:28 Page 1

Warwickshire Cover Online.qxp_Warwickshire Cover 26/02/2016 15:28 Page 1

Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands Warwickshire ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sOnISSUE 363 MARCH 2016 MARY POPPINS FLIES INTO THE MIDLANDS

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide Slam Dunk (FP- Mar 16).qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 11:30 Page 1 Contents March Warwickshire/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:13 Page 2

March 2016

Contents

Mary Poppins - West End musical flies into the Midlands. Read the feature page 19

A Raisin In The Sun Rachel Ries Bridget Christie the list

Lorraine Hansberry’s classic at American singer-songwriter explains the difference between Your 16-page The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry brings Cardinal to The Tin Eddie Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner week-by-week listings guide page 8 Music & Arts page 22 page 51 page 14

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 22. Comedy 26. Theatre 36. Film 42. Visual Arts 44. Events

@whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

Editorial Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 MAGAZINE GROUP Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Helen Stallard, Kathryn Ewing 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 March Worcs/Warwick Only.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:14 Page 1

First Word

Major new work to be unveiled in Stratford A major new contemporary artwork is set to be unveiled at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Commissioned by the RSC, artist and designer Steven Follen’s For All Time will be located in the refurbished Swan Wing. Steven’s artwork is a three metre-tall, three-dimensional presentation of a human face, made from 2,000 hand-folded stainless steel stars. It will be revealed to the public on 23 April, as part of the 400th anniversary commemorations of Shakespeare’s death. Commenting on his artwork, Brighton-based Steve said: “I set out to produce a piece that people can engage with on several levels. For All Time will hopefully prompt thoughts about the imagery and symbols Shakespeare used within his works, particularly around the theme of time and mortality. But it will also be a piece that can be enjoyed for its visual and technical qualities alone. Whilst it ref- erences the materials and styling found in different parts of the theatre complex, the work is very much a reflection of the skills of

contemporary metalwork, design and technology available to us Visualisation of For all time, commissioned artwork by Steve Follen now, in 2016.”

RSC provides a platform for Games And Banged up in the budding performers... Thrones in Library of Brum Warwick A company of 36 young actors is set to present an ambitious adaptation of Shakespeare’s three Henry Vl plays. Games And Thrones will be presented by Playbox The Library of Birmingham is this month Theatre and Shakespeare offering visitors the chance to find out what Young Company. it’s like to be banged up in prison. The production opens for Between Tuesday 1 and Saturday 12 March, two weeks of performanc- the Centenary Square venue will host a repli- Midlands schools, colleges and amateur and semi-profes- es at Playbox’s Dream ca cell, built to government regulations and sional theatre groups are being offered the chance to put Factory home on 23 April, housing two ‘prisoners’. Visitors can either on a play by Shakespeare or his contemporaries at the the 400th anniversary of observe the prisoners through the window or Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) open-air performance Shakespeare’s death. enter the cell to chat with them - asking space in Stratford-upon-Avon. The play will then visit questions about their lives, their sentences, The space, which is called The Dell, will be made available The Collegiate Church of and how prison affects them. Although the by the RSC on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the sum- St Mary in Warwick. two prisoners are performers, both are former (2 July to 28 August). mer inmates who’ve served time in Her The groups can choose either to perform an established Majesty’s prisons. piece of work or create a new one. Commenting on the Go To Jail project, Saul Commenting on the initiative, the RSC’s Events & Hewish, who works for Rideout, a co-devel- Exhibitions Officer, Nicola Salmon, said: “The Dell is a fan- oper of the initiative, said: “Unless you've tastic platform for amateur theatre companies, community actually ‘served time at Her Majesty’s pleas- groups, schools, universities and professional theatre com- ure’, it’s hard to imagine what life is really panies to perform to an audience of all ages in the heart of like for those incarcerated in our over-crowd- Shakespeare’s hometown. ed prisons. Go To Jail allows people to see “As a national theatre based in the heart of the Midlands, the reality, and hear real stories from those it’s important that we invite theatre-makers to share their who've served sentences.” work where possible, and also offer visitors a series of Go To Jail is open in the Library of exciting weekends of free outdoor theatre.” Birmingham from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 12 To apply to use The Dell, download an application form March (closed Mon and Sun) between 11am from rsc.org.uk/thedell and 4pm at The Gallery (Floor 3). Admission The closing date for applications is Monday 7 March. is free and no appointment necessary.

4 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD March Worcs/Warwick Only.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:32 Page 2

Entertainment news from around the region

Enthusiasts Arts Council funding brings offered free testing Cosmic Birds to International at Silverstone Dance Festival Birmingham Competitors gearing up for this A major exhibition by renowned Japanese artist year’s Silverstone Classic are Shun Ito will be on display at this year’s being offered the chance to fine- tune their cars and familiarise International Dance Festival Birmingham - thanks themselves with the famous Grand to a £38,500 investment from Arts Council Prix circuit - for free. England. The free-test opportunity is being The exhibition, entitled Cosmic Birds and compris- made available at the Classic’s ing 20 mechanical sculptures, will be available to annual media preview day on view at the city’s disused 1930s Municipal Bank Wednesday 27 April. Entries will be accepted on a ‘first building, from Tuesday 3 to Friday 20 May. come, first served’ basis, with The sculptures will be exhibited alongside a new application forms available via sil- installation entitled CELLS. The new commission, verstoneclassic.com/competitor- created especially for the festival, will be made in zone. Birmingham by the artist. The Silverstone Classic takes place A new performance piece, inspired by the sculp- from 29 to 31 July. tures and combining contemporary music and dance, will also be produced. International Dance Festival Birmingham takes Joint production place at various venues throughout the city from 1 honours Victoria to 22 May. Cross recipient A joint production by Leicester’s Curve theatre, the Coventry Belgrade and Watford Palace Theatre is set to pay tribute to the Team GB Coventry Music Museum first South Asian soldier ever to be top of the charts awarded a Victoria Cross. takes on Ishy Din’s brand new play, Wipers, Japan The Coventry Music Museum has been rated the number one museum in tells the real-life story of the West Midlands by travel website Trip Advisor. Khuddadad Khan, who recieved Birmingham is this The museum, which opened in 2013 and recently welcomed its 9,000th vis- the honour for his extraordinary month hosting Great bravery in the Great War’s First Britain’s first-round ten- itor, is the life-long vision of Coventry music historian Pete Chambers and Battle of Ypres. nis match in the 2016 his wife Julie. Commenting on the new show, Davis Cup. Commenting on the news, Julie said: “It's just incredible to be in this posi- Curve chief executive Chris The tie takes place at tion. We’ve been tops in Coventry for about two years now, but being the Stafford said: “We continue to cele- top-rated museum in the West Midlands is a tremendous achievement. It brate diversity and share stories the Barclaycard Arena means that we’re ahead of attractions like the Black Country Museum, from many different perspectives in from 4 to 6 March and Ishy Din's profoundly moving new sees the Aegon GB Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and even Cadbury World. Not bad for a work. The play celebrates the Davis Cup Team take on museum with a tiny infrastructure and no paid staff. We know that this extraordinary contribution of South Japan. ranking is by no means definitive, but there again, Trip Advisor is the Asian soldiers during the Great Commenting on the fix- largest and most respected site of its type in the travel industry.” War, and we’re proud to present it The Coventry Music Museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to during this centenary.” ture, GB team captain 4pm. For more information, visit www.covmm.co.uk Wipers shows at Curve from 14 to Leon Smith said: 23 April and Belgrade Theatre, “Birmingham is a city Coventry, from 12 to 21 May. with a great sporting history that’s hosted Immersive experience explores some incredible Davis people’s relationship with food Cup ties in the past. Japan will be a tough Award-winning theatre ensemble Protein is contest, but I’m sure the this month presenting the world premiere of Birmingham fans will a dance and music theatre production at get right behind us and Warwick Arts Centre. make as much noise as May Contain Food has been created by cho- they can.” reographer Luca Silvestrini and renowned composer Orlando Gough. The show explores people’s relationship with what they eat and is described as ‘an immersive experience of indulgence, nostalgia and mis- chief’. It shows at Warwick Arts Centre, Waleed Akhtar who stars in Wipers Coventry, on 9 & 10 March.

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 FIRST WORD March Worcs/Warwick Only.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:14 Page 3

First Word

Festival celebrates You’re ’avin the ‘Irish spirit’ a laugh! Birmingham’s ever-popular St Patrick’s Day Parade is once again taking place in What’s On’s new column Digbeth this month (Sunday 13 March). looks at the comedy cir- The theme of this year’s procession, ‘The cuit from the perspective Irish phoenix rising from the flames of dias- of a local comic... pora’, will celebrate ‘the famous Irish spirit, Sausage rolls, traffic alerts heritage and journey throughout the years’. and the M6! There's more to Funding for the parade, which no longer comedy than the glamour of receives financial support from applause and encores, Birmingham City Council, is being raised y’know... via an official launch party, taking place at Each week, hundreds of the Macdonald Burlington on Friday 4 comedians set out across the March. The evening includes a two-course country in cars and on trains meal and live entertainment from The Holy to stand on stages and enter- Show band. tain their audiences. From For tickets to the fundraiser, visit Small Heath to Scunthorpe, stpatricksbirmingham.com/product/launch they live for one thing - to -party-tickets make you laugh! But before the glitz and glamour of 30-day tours and Champagne baths (I can CBSO appoints BMAG to host Arts Council Collection only imagine!) comes the new director seemingly endless grind of Birmingham Museums Trust has been awarded £600,000 to bring to writing and perfecting mate- Lithuanian conductor Mirga the Midlands the Arts Council Collection, the UK’s most widely seen rial to comedy club stan- Gražinyt -Tyla has been collection of modern and contemporary art. dard. appointed Musicė Director of The grant will allow the Trust to host and curate new exhibitions from Clubs such as The Glee host the City of Birmingham the Collection over the next three years. four different comedians Symphony Orchestra Commenting on the news, the Director of Birmingham Museums each weekend - unsung (CBSO). Trust, Dr Ellen McAdam, said: “This is an enormously prestigious heroes of the comedy world. Gražinyt -Tyla will take over programme and a great coup for Birmingham Museums. We look for- And make no mistake, every theė post from Andris ward to showcasing Arts Council Collection’s outstanding contempo- comedian you’ve ever heard Nelsons in September for an rary art alongside Birmingham’s own internationally important col- of - from rising star Joe initial three-year period. lections.” Lycett to long-in-the-tooth She made her debut with Birmingham Museums Trust is one of only four National Partners for Lee Evans - has paid their the CBSO in July 2015. the Collection. dues on the comedy circuit. Commenting on her The exhibitions will include eight new commissions, produced as part Stars of TV they may be, but appointment, she said: “I of the Collection’s 70th anniversary programme. that doesn't stop them from felt so at ease working with making the occasional wel- the Orchestra at the CBSO come return to the club cir- Centre and at Symphony EastEnders head north cuit where it all began... Hall, and I can't wait to get for Perfect Murder Throughout the year, The started and to call these Glee welcomes back special venues my homes too. I am EastEnders favourites Kat and Alfie Moon are heading for the ‘mystery guest performers’, also very excited about Coventry Belgrade Theatre this month. well-known comedians working with the CBSO fam- Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie, who play the popular pair in the hit who’re busily honing new ily, including its brilliant BBC TV soap, will be appearing on stage together for the very first material to TV and arena choirs led by Simon Halsey, time when they star at the venue in the Peter James thriller, The standard. and getting involved with its Perfect Murder. So visit The Glee and expect extensive learning and par- The production shows at the Belgrade from Tuesday 29 March to the unexpected - you never ticipation programme, both Saturday 2 April. know who might pop in! locally and further afield. I believe we will be a great by Adam Jaremko team and really look forward to making music together.” Gražinyt -Tyla’s artistic plans with theė CBSO range from Mozart and Haydn to 20th century classics and works by living composers. Joe Lycett

6 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD March Worcs/Warwick Only.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:14 Page 4

whatsonlive.co.uk 7 A Raisin in the Sun DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:25 Page 1

FEATURE

In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry became both the first African- American woman to have a play staged on Broadway and the youngest playwright ever to win the New York Critics Circle Award for Best Play. Dealing with themes of poverty, segregation and the meaning of the American Dream for A Dream black men and women denied the chance to flourish, her ground-breaking domestic drama A Raisin in the Sun has been hailed as a masterpiece of American theatre, yet remains relatively unfamiliar to UK audiences. Deferred Seeking to rectify this is director Dawn Walton, currently touring the play with her company Eclipse Theatre. Her production, which arrives at the Belgrade Theatre on 22 March, stars Ashley Zhangazha as Walter Lee Junior, Al- Dealing with poverty, segregation and the isha Bailey as his wife Ruth, Chewing Gum's Susan meaning of the American Dream, Lorraine Wokoma as his sister Beneatha, and Angela Wynter as their mother Lena. Warm and charismatic with a south Hansberry’s classic A Raisin In The Sun is London accent and a sharp sense of humour, Walton in- spires a natural confidence that any show would be safe in currently being performed by Eclipse her hands, but it's also clear that Hansberry's work is a particular passion for her. Theatre Company. “I've always known the expression 'a raisin in the sun', What’s On caught up with the show and I knew about the film with Sidney Poitier – I think most black families have probably heard of that. But it in Sheffield to find out more. wasn't until 2001 that I saw a production of the play at the Young Vic, and I was so moved by it, and so shocked that a play from that time could resonate so completely with me, that I decided to go off on a little exploration of Hans- berry,” she said. “You can find a lot of her work online, and when I started reading her writing, I was struck by the fact that she's so articulate, so funny and serious at the same time.” A journalist, poet and political campaigner as well as a playwright, Hansberry died aged just 34, but her achievements in her short time were substantial. As well as speaking out about American civil rights, in her capacity as a writer and editor at Freedom newspaper, she commented on issues of global significance, supporting the Kenyan Mau Mau uprising and the struggle for women's liberation in Egypt, for example. She was vocal on the subject of sexual freedom, and today is generally believed to have been gay. Nina Simone's song “Young, Gifted and Black” was written about her. In A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry draws on a subject close to home: the housing covenants that kept black families out of white-only areas in Chicago. As a child, she had watched her father face court proceedings after buying a house in the Washington Park Subdivision of the city's South Side. Angry white neighbours attempted to force the family out by taking legal action, leading to the major U.S. Supreme Court case Hansberry v. Lee. In the play, the Younger family receive a $10,000 insurance cheque following the death of the patriarch, Big Walter. When Youngers use the money to buy a house in Clybourne Park, a white resident called Karl Lindner tries to buy them out. Angela Wynter explained: “When Lena buys the house in Clybourne Park, the children ask her why she couldn't find one somewhere else, and she tells them that it was the nicest house she found for the least amount of money. At the time, even though black areas were ghettoised, the houses in them actually cost about twice as much. People had to pay out so much more for the most basic things, because the system was deliberately designed to keep the black population poor.” Unlike the Hansberrys, the Youngers don't face legal action

8 whatsonlive.co.uk A Raisin in the Sun DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:51 Page 2

– at least not within the time-frame of the play, but taken in context, there's a sense of uncertainty about what will become of them after they move. ‘‘Like all great plays, it’s “At the time, black houses were being firebombed, so they're taking a real gamble,” Wynter continued. “But universal. Everybody they're not a fearful family, and it's all about standing up for yourself and knowing that you belong wherever you understands poverty want to be. Lena says they won't take the money because it would be like admitting that they're not fit to walk on the and ambition, everyone same earth as the Lindners.” At the heart of the play, however, are the family's struggles knows what it’s like to with each other, their disagreements over what to do with argue with your brother the money, and the conflicts that naturally arise from having three generations under the same roof: as well as Wal- or your parents... ter Lee and the three women, there's also his young son, Travis. “Walter is working as a chauffeur, and he wants to use the this, it's surely Eclipse, whose unique, audience-led” ap- insurance money they've been left to start a liquor store so he can set himself up as a businessman,” said Ashley proach has already been hugely successful in attracting Zhangazha. “When we meet him at the beginning of the new people to its shows. play, he's very frustrated and unfortunately, that often “Eclipse started as an Arts Council initiative which I took manifests in him taking things out on his family, so he be- on, and I brought with me one very simple idea: I said that comes quite a difficult person to be around. This is an age I wanted it to be about audiences,” said Walton. “We take where men are very traditionally masculine, so after his fa- shows that deal with the black experience and tour them ther dies, he feels he has to step up to the plate and pro- around the UK, and alongside that, we have an audience vide, and he struggles with that.” development programme, designed to make sure that the Meanwhile, his sister Beneatha's ambitions are more aca- people who are usually the last to hear about a production demic in nature – she'd like some of the money to be set become the first. So far, the result has been that on aver- aside for her medical training. Lena just wants the family age, about a third of our audiences are completely new to to have a comfortable home while Ruth is the most content the venues.” with the way things are. An impressive achievement, as anyone in the business will “Like all great plays, it's universal,” said Walton. “Every- tell you, but as far as Walton is concerned, what she's body understands poverty and ambition, everyone knows doing ought to be the rule, rather than an exception. what it's like to argue with your brother or your parents, “Buildings like these and organisations like mine are pub- and any parent will know what it's like when their children licly funded, so I'm quite hard on people who aren't getting come home and they have no idea what they're talking it right or even trying to get it right. I think we have a re- about. In this case you've got three generations living in sponsibility, and I don't know how you can justify not one house, which is something you see happening increas- doing it,” she said. “Things often happen in peaks and ingly in this country today because people can't afford to troughs in this industry – every now and then there'll be an leave home.” initiative and suddenly everyone will be talking about Yet for all that, UK productions of the play aren't exactly in something, and then it all dies out because it stops being abundance. Doesn't it sound like exactly the sort of thing monitored. Developing audiences is a long-term process that you'd expect kids to be learning about in schools, or at and it needs to be consistent.” least in universities? This is just one part of what the company is doing how- “It's interesting, isn't it?” said Walton, drily. “There's an ever: through her Revolution Mix project, Walton is also on American canon used in this country which tends to centre a mission to develop a large body of new writing. on certain playwrights, and funnily enough, they're all “Revolution Mix is a big project aiming to work with large male. Even if you look at the black playwrights people numbers of new black British writers. What's unusual know, Hansberry doesn't really appear. One of the things about it is that there's so much happening at once – we that we try to do with Eclipse is to look at what the estab- currently have sixteen writers all developing plays, and lishment deems “acceptable”, and then we turn the mirror we're working in partnership with eleven theatres across round the other way, and it's astonishing what you find on the country, which is really exciting. This production actu- the other side. We did it before with One Monkey Don't ally came out of our Revolution Mix Library. When the writ- Stop No Show by Don Evans and I hope we're doing it ers came in and did their first session with us in Sheffield, again now with an even greater classic.” everyone brought along a play they were inspired by, and Zhangazha agreed.: “I did know the play, but whenever this was my choice.” I've spoken to friends about it, it is interesting how few Expect to see more soon, then: as one of the eleven partner people know about it. I'm a really big fan of American the- venues, the Belgrade looks set to play a part in more Revo- atre – Eugene O'Neil, Arthur Miller, August Wilson – and I lution Mix projects as they unfold. think this is really up there with the best American plays of Feature by Heather Kincaid all time, so it's exciting to be introducing people to this amazing piece of work.” If there's any theatre company perfectly equipped to do A Raisin in the Sun shows at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 March.

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 FOOD March - Region Warwickshire - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:01 Page 1

10 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD March - Region Warwickshire - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:02 Page 2

Food

It’s a deal! MasterChef winner joins Choc-tastic event Caribbean eatery forces with Debenhams for Coventry planning third Midlands venue A MasterChef winner is set to Chi Kitchen. I love that they The Midlands’ first ever two- bring a taste of Malaysia to the share my approach to food and day chocolate festival is this Solihull may soon be getting heart of Birmingham. dining, which is serving fresh month taking place at a new Caribbean eatery. Ping Coombes, who won the ingredients in a warm and invit- Coventry’s FarGo Village. Turtle Bay has applied to the popular TV show in 2014, has ing environment. Asian cuisine The 11 and 12 March event council for a licence to oper- signed a partnership deal with is obviously my favourite type of features new candy store ate from a building previous- Pan-Asian restaurant Chi food - it can be simple yet so Spangles and a chocolate ly occupied by Allied Irish Kitchen. flavoursome and delicious. I lovers’ afternoon tea party. Bank. The restaurant chain Ping will be creating her own have lots of new ideas, so I can’t Food items on display currently has outlets in menu for the Debenhams-based wait to get started.” include handmade churros Birmingham and Bullring eatery. To book a table at Chi Kitchen served with either Oreo luxu- Leamington Spa. Commenting on her new deal, Birmingham, visit ry chocolate dipping sauce Ping said: “I am very proud to http://www.chikitchen.co.uk or salted chocolate caramel announce my involvement with sauce.

REVIEW: The Nightingale, Worcestershire seriously, just as it does the my friend with his - the fillet of quality of the food on its menu. sea bass on crushed baby pota- Warm, welcoming and friendly... Speaking of which... toes, with Mediterranean vegeta- There’s an imaginative and bles, broccoli and a tomato and diverse selection of starters olive sauce. available. Options include: Oak- The Nightingale offers a good smoked chicken liver pâté with selection of desserts, among onion marmalade and toasted which you’ll find: Peanut butter, sourdough bread; hand- chocolate and toffee cheesecake; crumbed langoustines and mus- a Belgian chocolate brownie sels with a dill pickle hol- with chocolate fudge sauce and landaise; salt and pepper cala- Irish liqueur ice cream; and mari with chorizo and chipotle melba crème brûlée - peach and jam; and chargrilled lamb koftas raspberries set in a vanilla cus- on a cucumber, tomato, onion tard topped with caramelised and mint salad. sugar, with freshly baked butter I’m a vegetarian, so selected the cookies. chargrilled halloumi and beet- With prices for main courses root hash with avocado, soya- ranging from £7.99 to £14.99, roasted seeds and béarnaise dinner at the Nightingale can be sauce. It sounded delicious, and a reasonably inexpensive affair. proved to be every bit as delight- It will also be an impressively ful an experience as I’d hoped it tasty one, thanks to a menu When looking for a place to eat, Still, I nonetheless went online would be. My dining partner, that’s every bit as imaginative as the temptation to check reviews before heading to the meanwhile, thoroughly enjoyed the venue is warm, welcoming on Trip Advisor is overwhelm- Nightingale and, reassuringly, his prawn and avocado cocktail and friendly. Helen Jackson ing. But as with pretty much found plenty of positive critiques with Marie Rose sauce and sour- every interactive element of the of the venue. It became obvious dough bread. Food: n n n n n internet, the website really does from reading that the Spetchley- Portion sizes were just as you’d Service: n n n n n attract all sorts - from the based pub was, for many people, hope they would be with the Ambience: n n n n n reviewer who’s unhappy that one of their favourite eateries. mains still to come. And on that Overall value n n n n n their knife and fork wasn’t posi- And having now had the pleas- subject... OVERALL n n n n n tioned quite as they’d have ure of an evening there myself, I Quinoa and edamame bean liked, to the unfortunate diner can absolutely see why. salad with roasted beetroot, but- who found a bicycle wheel in The Nightingale is indeed - as its ternut squash, soya-roasted their soup (a bizarre and made- very own website describes - ‘a seeds and pineapple dressing The Nightingale, up example for effect, obviously, country pub oozing rural charm was an appealing prospect for Evesham Road, but you get the point). and rustic character’. Its winter- my vegetarian palate - but not Spetchley, In short, pay too much heed to time ‘roaring fire’ and summer- quite as appealing as the butter- Worcester, what you find on there and time ‘delightful beer garden’ fur- nut squash with coconut, lentil WR7 4QS you’re likely to decide beans on ther recommend it. The venue and chickpea dahl, served with Tel: 01905 344901 toast in front of the telly is the takes the provision of a cosy and coriander rice. I was pleased better option. relaxing atmosphere extremely indeed with my choice, as was

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD March - Region Warwickshire - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:02 Page 3 FOOD March - Region Warwickshire - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:02 Page 4

Food

A dining experience not to be missed... A Kenilworth pub/restaurant is next month offering patrons the chance to enjoy not only the experience of Michelin-starred food but also wines from one of the world’s most famous vineyards. As one of a series of gourmet wine dinners hosted at The Cross - A gourmet journey around Resorts World Warwickshire’s only Michelin-starred establishment - diners will get the As the latest addition to ciously simple appetiser of and cream served with rich chance to enjoy a five-course dinner Birmingham’s growing leisure ‘sweet and sour French fries’ - fruit compote - is worth a visit prepared by award-winning chef offering, Resorts World prides green beans lightly fried in alone. For a dessert with Adam Bennett, with each course itself on providing ‘an unri- tempura batter - to the exquis- added punch, try the Fragole paired with a wine from Maison Paul valled choice of shopping, itely presented flame-grilled E Fragolino at £5, a delicious Jaboulet Aîné. dining and entertainment, all chicken skewer with Asian mix of fresh strawberry pieces Tickets for the event, which takes under one roof’. chimichurri, grilled to topped with sparkling Italian place on Thursday 14 April, are priced First stop on the evening’s absolute perfection on the red wine. at £100. For more details, email culinary tour was The World open charcoal. For a show- Rounding off the evening was [email protected] Bar, to sample a selection of stopping main course packed a visit to The Sky Bar, a venue or call The Cross on 01926 853 840. its globally sourced cask craft full of authentic Thai flavour, nothing short of show-stop- and IPA ales. The venue is I recommend the ‘Whole ping in every aspect. With poised somewhere between Grilled Gilt Head Bream in effortlessly stylish interiors, upmarket brew house and Banana Leaf with Ginger and an outdoor terrace boasting inner-city gastro-pub. Ale Lime’ - a speciality ‘from the incredible views of the connoisseurs and amateur Pacific Rim’ - beautifully ten- Birmingham skyline, an unri- drinkers alike are sure to der, fragrant, oozing fresh- valled drinks menu and a appreciate its relaxed yet ness and, at £22, not at all highly skilled team of expert sophisticated surroundings, unreasonable. mixologists on hand to talk not to mention its impressive Special mention must also go you through the signature Wu and carefully thought-out to the chef’s unique variation Xing five elements cocktails pairing of ales with a selec- on the classic Pad Thai, a menu, this is a venue truly tion of tempting tapas-style fiery concoction of glass rice worthy of a world city. For the Four-time win for ‘beer foods’ (including rose- noodles, Asian string vegeta- ultimate five-star dining expe- Warwickshire venue mary popcorn, jalapeno pret- bles, Tofu and shrimp pieces. rience, try the Chef’s Table zel pieces, waffle dogs and A perfect stop-off point for nine-course taster menu at Popular Stratford-upon-Avon restau- nachos with Brooklyn fondue, after-work drinks, a romantic £65 per head. rant The One Elm has won the to name but a few). If you’re evening for two or a light Whether it’s a pre-gig drink Customer Care Award at the Touch struggling to make a decision, lunch with friends, Bottega sampling one of The World FM Pride Of Stratford Awards for an I’d recommend the Seasonal Prosecco Bar is a must for Bar’s 40-strong artisan craft impressive fourth time. Speaking Beers tasting menu, priced at lovers of authentic ales, a post-work Prosecco at about the success to the Coventry £20 for six bottles - a fun and Mediterranean street food. Bottega served with Venetian- Evening Telegraph, venue general relatively inexpensive way to Boasting an extensive choice inspired tapas, or a special- manager Mat Faulkner said: “It's a sample a selection of interna- of Venetian-inspired anti- occasion dinner at Robata, fabulous feeling to have been nomi- tionally sourced beers, many pasti, sharing platters and enjoying one of their mouth- nated for this award and to win on of which cannot be found on sweet treats alongside a watering Pan-Asian inspired the night. I was positively gleaming the high street. bespoke menu of premium grills, Resorts World offers the with pride when I came back to the For a sophisticated dining Prosecco, wines and signature ultimate ‘all-in-one’ solution table clutching the trophy. It means experience with added flare, I liquors, what sets Bottega for affordable fine dining with such a lot, for me and for all of the wholeheartedly recommend a apart from the average high an international flavour. As team, to have won - and to have the visit to The Robata Bar & Grill. street chain is its carefully the first complex of its kind to work we do to look after our guests Perfectly positioned to make considered pairing of food open in the UK, this as yet recognised in this way.” the most of the stunning lake- and drink, which - in tradi- hidden gem in Birmingham’s side setting, and stylishly fur- tional Italian style - is best culinary crown is deserving of nished to a minimalist brief, enjoyed together. With pair- the success that’s sure to the venue takes its name from ings starting from just £8, it’s come its way, bringing with it the Japanese ‘robatayaki’ also surprisingly affordable a welcome taste of Las Vegas cooking method of slow- given its location. The Italian glamour and cosmopolitan grilling over hot charcoal. cheese plate with honey and sophistication to the UK’s sec- Described as ‘a fusion of sorrento walnuts comes high- ond city. European, Australasian and ly recommended at £8, whilst Katherine Ewing Pan-Asian cuisine’, sample the panna cotta with biscotti - dishes ranged from the deli- a delectable infusion vanilla whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - March - Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:15 Page 1

Gigs

Adele Genting Arena, Birmingham, Tues 29 - Wed 30 March & Fri 1 - Sat 2 April Adele's soulful sound has captivated audiences worldwide. Her debut album, 19, was released in 2008 and is certified seven times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US. Her second offering, 21, saw her spend longer at number one than any other female artist in the history of both the UK and US album charts. It was also the fourth best-selling album of all time in the UK. Arguably one of the music industry’s most iconic stars, Adele has a hugely impressive 88 awards under her belt, including BRITs, Golden Globes and Grammys. She’s also produced six UK top 10 singles, including Bond movie theme Skyfall, Someone Like You and Rolling In The Deep. The global superstar is now back with a third studio album, 25, and her first tour in four years.

Rachel Ries Emmy The Great The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Wed 9 March O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 19 March Hong Kong-born acoustic guitar singer Emma-Lee Moss became a well-respected musician on the folk circuit following collaborations with Lightspeed Champion and Fyfe Dangerfield, and festival appearances at Glastonbury, Latitude and Green Man. She released debut album First Love in 2009, ranking at number seven on the New York Times’ Albums Of The Year list. Second album Virtue, fuelled by the last- minute breakdown of an engagement, followed three years later... This current tour comes in support of Moss’ third album, Second Love, released on the 11th of the month. American singer-songwriter Rachel’s debut

album, 2005’s For You Only, was described as

‘a laid-back smattering of banjo, fiddle, piano, accordion, pump organ and percus- Natty sion’. Two years later, she released second O2 Academy, Birmingham, Wed 16 March Based in North London, singer-songwriter album Without A Bird on her own label, Natty is best known for his top 20 debut album, Man Like I, which was released back SoDak Records. in 2008. After a seven-year wait, he’s now making a This month sees the release of Cardinal, a return with highly anticipated second album Release The Fear, released on his independ- handcrafted EP of songs written while on ent record label Vibes And Pressure. This residency in Rouen, France. new future-roots concept album promises to take its listeners on a journey through love, redemption, self-identity and unity. 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - March - Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:15 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Peter Hook & The Light The Copper Rooms, Coventry, Fri 4 March

This English rock band were formed in 2010 by former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook. Hook is joined by Jack Bates on bass, David The Roving Crows Distractions (2013). They’ve also won numerous awards along the way, including Potts on guitar, Andy Poole on key- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 26 March boards and Paul Kehoe on drums. Best Folk Act at Exposure Awards 2011 and Roving Crows are a Celtic folk fusion band The band here perform New Order’s Band Of The Year in the Fatea Music Awards based in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. third and fourth albums - Low Life and 2014. Since forming in 2009, they’ve released Brotherhood - as well as an opening Expect a fast-paced, high-energy perform- three full-length albums, including set of Joy Division material. ance from this talented four-piece. Bacchanalia (2012) and Deliberate

Gwyneth Herbert The Puppini Sisters Janet Jackson The Glee Club, Birmingham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 18 March Tues 15 March Wed 30 March With influences that range from The Now here’s a woman who needs no intro- Andrews Sisters to Mike Flowers Pops, it’s duction. The sister of late pop legend fairly evident that The Puppini Sisters are Michael Jackson, Janet is best known for her peddling something rather unique. The retro sexually provocative records and elaborate stars are lauded for their ‘1940s glamour’ stage shows, as well as for multiple televi- look and perform tongue-in-cheek classics sion and movie roles spanning the last 30 in three-part harmony. years. Comprising Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins She visits Birmingham with her and Emma Smith, the three-piece count Unbreakable World Tour. Prince Charles and Cyndi Lauper among their fans and have been awarded gold and multi-platinum discs. See them here on their Highlife Tour, ahead of the release of their new album. Read our interview with Marcella Puppini Award-winning composer and lyricist on page 25. Gwyneth Herbert is well known for her strikingly original performances. Clint Mansell Initially hailed for her interpretation of jazz and swing standards, she’s now a Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 23 March well-established composition and Best known for his collaborations with music theatre writer. director Darren Aronofsky, acclaimed British Herbert recently spent a month in composer Clint Mansell has scored sound- Kenya collecting lullabies, sharing tracks for numerous films - including Black songs in shanty-town schools and Swan, Requiem For A Dream and The staging large, multi-tribe storytelling Fountain - and will here perform a selection happenings under the Mombasa stars. of his most familiar works. She visits the Glee as part of her cur- His band, pianist Carly Paradis and Sonus rent tour. Quartet also contribute.

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Warwick March - Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:11 Page 1

Classical Music

Piatti String Quartet Armonico Consort Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, The Courthouse, Warwick, Fri 18 March Thurs 17 March; Malvern Theatre, These rising stars of the classical music Worcestershire, Sat 19 March scene caused a significant stir when they Founded by organist and conductor made their Leamington Music Festival Christopher Monks in 2001, Armonico Weekend debut back in 2011 - and they’ve use authentic period instruments and been going from strength to strength ever regularly perform with some of the since. Runners up in the 2015 London best solo musicians in the world. International String Quartet Competition, This latest concert promises ‘a sublime the ensemble are currently mentored by evening of baroque brilliance’ and sees the Belcea Quartet. They also receive reg- internationally acclaimed soprano ular coaching from former Doric Quartet Gillian Keith (pictured) joining the maestro Simon Tandree. The group take Consort for what’s being described as their name from 19th century cellist ‘a rollercoaster ride of melody and pro- Alfredo Piatti, a leading professor and found beauty’. exponent of quartet playing at the Royal The programme features: Ich habe Academy of Music. genug BWV 82a, O holder Tag, erwün- schte Zeit BWV 210 and a movement from The Wedding Cantata BWV 202.

Beyounes String Quartet Ex Cathedra: Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 March Easter with Bach St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham, Sat 19 March; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 25 March A favourite at Eastertide, Bach’s St John Passion, a re-telling of Christ’s Coull Quartet: betrayal and death, continues to be one of classical music’s most pro- Northern Light found experiences. The work is here Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, performed by the Ex Cathedra Wed 16 March Consort and Baroque Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jeffrey Skidmore. And Skidmore picks up the baton again later in the week as Ex The Benyounes Quartet is one of the most Cathedra present a Good Friday per- engaging young ensembles to have emerged formance of Bach’s St Matthew from the UK in recent years. They formed at Passion, widely considered to be the Royal Northern College of Music in 2007, among the most powerful and mov- and have been making a significant interna- ing of sacred works. tional splash ever since. Here paying their first visit to Bromsgrove, they’ll be playing Ian Venables’ only String Warwick University’s quartet-in-residence Quartet, originally commissioned by since 1977, Coull have also made a name Droitwich Concert Club for their 25th anniver- for themselves in places as far flung as sary in 1998. the Americas, Australia, India and the Far Mozart’s String Quartet in D K575 and East. Debussy’s String Quartet complete the pro- This latest offering sees them celebrating gramme. the natural beauty of Scandinavia via Carl Nielsen’s exuberant Second Quartet. They also have fun with Haydn’s witty and folk- flavoured Op.74 No.1, and tug at the heart- strings when they play Dvorak’s poignant Quartet Op.34 - a mini-masterpiece about personal sorrow that comes complete with playful Czech polkas.

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Herbert F/P.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 19:24 Page 1 Herbert F/P.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 19:24 Page 1 Mary Poppins DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:59 Page 2

FEATURE by Heather Kincaid

Mary Poppins “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” Magic and madness as Mary Poppins flies into Birmingham Hippodrome

It's over 50 years since Walt Disney's take on PL Travers’ classic story of a magical nanny first captured the hearts of families around the world. Now firmly ce- mented in popular imagination, Mary Poppins has won over generations with her spoonfuls of sugar, magic umbrella and bottomless carpet bag. But as anyone who's seen the film Saving Mr Banks will know, the creator of the iconic character was rather less than impressed with Disney's saccharine-sweet adaptation of her stories. Her vision of Mary Poppins was as a much more hard- nosed figure, fighting to win round the kind of materially spoilt but under-nur- tured trouble-makers that most of us will recognise - a far cry from the misunder- stood angels in the movie. Embarking on a new UK tour for 2016 that stops off at Birmingham Hippodrome in the spring, Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed stage production aims to strike a balance between the two. “I think the show is a mixture of the film and the PL Travers books,” explains Zizi Strallen, who will follow in her big sister Scarlett's footsteps by playing the title role. “Anyone who's read them will know that in the books, Mary Poppins is a stricter nanny, more of a disciplinarian, and the kids are really badly behaved by comparison. I'm quite feisty at the beginning, and then I start to soften towards the end.” Nevertheless, this isn't to suggest that Julian Fellowes' reworking of the story is in any way downbeat. Though partly inspired by the real-life figures which are a dark blot on many childhoods, Mr Banks’ own monstrous nanny, Miss Andrew, is more pantomime vil- lain than genuine horror. Moreover, there's perhaps a greater satisfaction to be derived from the Banks family's resolution of genuine problems. Mary Poppins’ triumph here is to draw out courage and kindness from very vulnerable people, not only preventing unfortunate adults from inflicting their mis- ery on their children, but encouraging them to see their kids as offering a clean slate - an opportunity to find happiness themselves. Continued overleaf... whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Mary Poppins DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 14:42 Page 3

FEATURE

‘‘ If you say it loud enough, you'll always sound

“My mum read the books to me and my sis- chines. Those who know a little about the There's masses of stuff to be shifted, from ters when we were younger,” says Strallen, show might already have heard whispers of the two-ton nursery, 25 flying elements and “so I was always very aware of that side of its spectacular finale. For those who 58 motors used to suspend the set and the story, and I think it gives the show a re- haven't, we'll refrain from spoiling any- equipment, right down to carefully organ- ally good journey.” thing, but suffice to say there's flying in- ised make-up sets and multiple chimney Worcester-born Maria Garrett, who’s per- volved... brushes. Most of this will be transported in forming in the ensemble cast, agrees: “I feel “The Saturday matinees are my favourite,” 18 trailers, each 45ft long. Electrical equip- like the film focuses more on Mary and Bert, says Garrett, “because that's when all the ment, including smoke machines, haze ma- whereas the musical takes you on this jour- kids come with their mums and their dads, chines, foggers, followspots and 97 moving ney with the family, and really shows the and you can just see their faces light up lights, takes up two of these alone. Since importance of how George and Winifred when they see Mary flying - it's so magical!” much of it runs on rechargeable batteries, Banks come together as a family unit at the “It feels amazing,” adds Strallen, “and the it's down to the electrics department to end.” audience just love it because it's so well make sure everything is always fully charged. There's no sense of throwing the baby out done. Because I have so much to do in the with the bathwater either: this is a show- show, it's actually quite a nice little rest for “This is the biggest touring show in Eu- stopping, super-sized musical retaining all me when I get to fly, and we have a brilliant rope,” says White, “so moving it is such a the Sherman Bros' irresistible tunes, along team that makes me feel very safe.” military operation. Everything is labelled with the odd addition here and there. As Mary Poppins’ production manager, Neil beyond belief.” Strallen's favourite is the poignant Feed The White, explains, the most important person This is, of course, before we've even come to Birds, while Garrett prefers the energy of Su- travelling with a show on this scale is the wigs and costumes. According to White, the percalifragilisticexpialidocius (‘Supercal’ health and safety advisor, who performs three washing machines and four tumble for short): “It's really exhilarating,” she checks after every performance, including dryers that tour with the production get says, “especially when we do the reprise be- between matinee and evening shows. Atten- through roughly as much laundry in a week cause all the audience tends to clap along tion to detail in every aspect of the produc- as does an average family household in a and join in.” tion is key to ensuring things are year. Each day, two people arrive at 8am to Then there's the larger-than-life look of the “practically perfect in every way”, inspiring start on washing and ironing, and members film, beautifully reimagined for the stage a sense of wonder in big kids and little ones through elaborate sets and some truly spec- alike. tacular effects. Intricately hand-painted “Everything looks as good up close as it backdrops have the charming, sketchy qual- does out front,” White continues. “Cameron ity of storybook illustrations, as though the Mackintosh is a whirlwind when he visits: action has burst into life directly from the he can spot a moustache out of place or a page. The Banks’ three-dimensional home light that isn't quite right. A member of the is pulled out, spun around and opens up to creative team watches every show and reveal different rooms at the front and back; writes a report of it, so that standards never the upper floor nursery and the bank are slip. It really keeps you on your toes!” separate sets entirely. In Jolly Holiday, a In the two or three days before opening at a drab black-and-white palette suddenly ex- new venue, a huge crew of 100-plus people plodes into colour, while numerous chim- works around the clock in two shifts to get neys fill the stage for Chim Chim Cher-ee, everything ship-shape and ready for action. each with their own individual smoke ma-

8 20www.whatsonlive.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk Mary Poppins DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 14:42 Page 4

precocious, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! ” of the wardrobe department will spend hours tender age of nine, is excited about getting to from 8am until about 11pm, leaving just darning stockings. Clean costumes are stored grips with the dancing. enough time to get a bit of sleep in before in an extensive ‘Quick Change Village’, where “I used to come to the Hippodrome every Sat- they're up and doing it all over again. every character has their own section with urday because I was a Junior Associate of “It's not a show where anyone has an easy three sets of each of their outfits. Of course, Birmingham Royal Ballet,” she explains. “It's ride,” says White. “It's exhausting, but every some of these, such as the chimney sweep great to be doing this show because I've time you do a show like this, everyone is re- costumes, never stay clean for very long - a known the choreography of people like ally proud to get people in to see it.” special spray called Dirty Down is used to get Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear for years, As Mary herself would suggest, all you have things grubby without causing lasting dam- so it's exciting to finally be performing their to do is, “find the fun and - snap! - the job's a age. work.” game”. Luckily, there are plenty of people to “You spend so much time getting things A stepping up of the dance moves for Mary share the pressure, and by all accounts, over clean and then a lot of it has to be deliber- and Bert is just one of the many changes that the course of the full year they spend to- ately dirtied up again!” White laughs. have taken place since Mary Poppins’ last gether, the whole team ends up pretty close. For such an energetic show, getting the tour, so even if you've seen the show before, “Unlike when you just do a show in London, clothes right is essential: they must be flexi- there should still be some surprises this time on a touring production we're like a second ble enough for dancing and able to withstand round. family,” says White. “You get to know how a lot of wear and tear, as well as always look- everyone works. In a lot of touring shows, the “It never stops evolving,” says White. ing fantastic. ensemble casts are cut down, so you might “Cameron's not just about money - he's about have about eight people on stage. In this, Strallen is particularly pleased with hers: making great theatre. The audience is getting there are 30. People in Birmingham are es- “They've all been made for me, which is a return on every penny they pay to see it, sentially getting a West End show without lovely because everything fits me really well. and it's such a nice thing in this industry having to pay a ridiculous price to go to Lon- I do have to wear a corset and a bustle under- when you know you're not short-changing don and see it.” neath my skirt because it's all very traditional anyone.” and true to the Edwardian period, but my For Garrett, the trip back up to Birmingham In addition to the main cast, there are two clothes are comfortable enough that I can is likely to spark a few fond memories of her understudies for every adult role (the parts of move and dance and fly and slide up a ban- time both as an audience member and as a Jane and Michael are each shared between nister in them. It's a joy to wear them.” budding performer. seven to eight young actors), as well as six For Strallen, who’s a fully trained dancer swings (understudies who prepare several “It’s fun getting to travel round the UK doing with experience of working on the likes of roles) on hand to fill in any gaps in the en- what I love, but the Hippodrome's so special Matthew Bourne's Car Man, there'll be even semble. Each swing has 19 sets of costumes, because that's where it all started for me. We more dancing than in previous runs of the shoes and hats, ready to jump into any scene used to go to the old-fashioned sweet shop show. at short notice. just across the road from the theatre to “Zizi is such a strong dancer that they've in- choose our favourite sweets every Saturday “A production like this couldn't function creased all the choreography for Mary,” says after ballet, so I'll definitely be going back without the swings,” says White. “Their White. “Matt [Lee, who plays Bert] is brilliant there!” brains are just amazing - they know all the too. It's things like this that keep it really parts.” fresh.” It's hard to exaggerate the huge demands a Garrett, who trained at Harlequin Stage production like this places on every member Mary Poppins shows at Birmingham School and played a small part in BRB's of the cast and crew. Even after the 72-hour Hippodrome from Wednesday 9 March Giselle at Birmingham Hippodrome at the set-ups, on matinee days, they'll be working until Saturday 23 April.

www.whatsonlive.co.ukwhatsonlive.co.uk 219 Comedy Mar - Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:19 Page 1

Comedy

Bridget Christie Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 17 March; mac, Birmingham, Tues 22 March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 28 April Bridget Christie describes herself as ‘a female person’ and ‘the only stand-up to have been billed alongside both Lionel Blair and Naomi Wolf’. Married to fellow laughter merchant Stewart Lee since 2006, Bridget’s gags include: “Every vagina is a unique snowflake... made of gam- mon”, and “Feminism isn’t a fad. It’s not like Angry Birds. Although it does involve a lot of angry birds. Bad example.” Bridget’s latest touring show promises to answer a wide range of intriguing questions, including why she’s been sending her stained underpants to George Osborne at Her Majesty’s Treasury every month. She’ll also be explaining the difference between Eddie Izzard and Caitlyn Jenner... So as you can see, missing this show just isn’t an option.

Six of the best...

Katherine Carl Romesh Ranganathan Ryan Donnelly Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 11 March; Evesham Arts Centre, Sat 16 April; Warwick Warwick Arts The Glee Club, Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 27 April; Artrix, Centre, Coventry, Birmingham, Thurs Bromsgrove, Sun 22 May Tues 3 March; The 10 - Sat 11 March Place, Oakengates, With his support slots having included one Telford, Thurs 10 Launching himself for Ricky Gervais, it’s fair to say former March; Birmingham onto an unsuspect- Town Hall, Fri 20 Maths teacher Romesh Ranganathan has ing comedy circuit May made a significant impact since bursting in 2004, Carl onto the comedy circuit in 2010. The 2013 Having experi- Donnelly’s made winner of the prestigious Leicester Mercury enced motherhood, divorce and MTV, award- his name via numerous festivals and plenty New Act Award, Romesh has also become a winning Canadian funny lady Katherine of contributions to all manner of radio familiar face on TV, with credits including Ryan is well placed indeed to take a wry look shows. At his best when portraying himself Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Russell at those aspects of life that make people as a bit of a hapless idiot, Carl’s as happy as Howard’s Good News and a regular slot on angry and bitter. the proverbial sandboy chatting about all Channel Four’s Stand Up For The Week. Alongside her comedy career, Katherine also manner of subjects, from encounters with It’s all a far cry from his previous career in a takes occasional acting roles - the part of intimidating yahoos on a train to the rather Crawley classroom. "In the early days I George in Channel Four’s Campus and more personal business of accidentally soil- would be performing to eight people in a Merc’s assistant in Episodes feature among ing himself. her more recent engagements. pub and my sixth formers would turn up,” She visits the Midlands this month with her Romesh recalled recently in an interview new show, Kathbum. with Crawley News. “I couldn't help but Check out page 65 for EXCLUSIVE think, 'Oh God, this isn't going to end well’. Friday night deals at The Glee Club It undermined my authority to tell the stu- dents off the next day, because it must’ve been hilarious for them to see me die on stage and think 'I'm just going to heckle him now'!”

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy Mar - Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:53 Page 2

Barbara Nice’s Easter Funny The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 23 March “Our Easter Funny promises to be a night of much laughter,” says Janice Connolly, whose alter-ego is comedy creation Barbara Nice. “I’m delighted that the very talented Angela Barnes, Rachel Parris and Rob Deering will be joining Barbara for these Easter-themed antics.” Barbara’s Easter Funny is a comedy fundraiser for Birmingham-based charity Women & Theatre. The company delivers performances, projects and workshops for a variety of target groups, including looked-after young people, young carers, mental health service users and older adults in residential settings. “The evening is an opportunity for us to fundraise for Women & Theatre,” says Janice, the charity’s artistic director. “The funds will ensure we’re able to continue working with a range of people to understand what matters to them, and with them to create theatre and comedy that reflects their lives.”

Nathan Chris Gein’s Caton Purchase Family Bramall Music Lichfield Garrick, Giftshop Building, Sat 5 March Birmingham Warwick Arts University, “A while ago, I was Centre, Coventry, Thurs 31 March Wed 16 March; starting to experi- mac, Birmingham, Chortle’s Student ment with slightly Fri 15 April Comic Of The Year darker comedy,” This three-strong 2005 and an explains Chris sketch group, Edinburgh Fringe Purchase, a finalist comprising two boys and one girl, is one of regular, the charismatic Nathan Caton is a in the Best Midlands Comedian category of the newer kids on the comedy block, scoring man with plenty of good material and some this year’s What’s On Readers’ Awards. “I high marks at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe sharp storytelling skills. sent out a couple of jokes into the ether, not Festival. “I did a gig recently where I got booed off really hoping for anything back but just see- Kath, Jim and Ed’s material ranges from stage for saying that I live at home with my ing what everyone thought of my new direc- being very funny to not funny at all. parents,” explains Nathan, in joke-telling tion. The response was phenomenal. It made Thankfully, though, the majority of their mode. “I walked out and said: ‘Hello. My me feel incredible. I was talking about stuff I offerings are in the former category rather name's Nathan Caton. I'll tell you a bit about believed in and people loved it.” than the latter. myself. I still live at home with my family...’ Chris’ change of direction coincides with the As the group’s name suggests (‘Gein’ was the And as soon as I said it, the whole audience tour of his first ever solo offering, Distant - a surname of a notorious US serial killer and went, “Booooo!”. I gotta tell you, that's the show about getting closer to people and body snatcher), their material is of a dark last time I do a charity gig for an orphan- making new friends... and definitely adult nature, but is presented age!” Away from the wonderful world of comedy, with more than enough silliness to ensure it Chris cites his ambitions as (1) swimming feels neither oppressive nor uncomfortable. with dolphins and (2) being able to go to Alton Towers without having to sit in a specially constructed chair designed to embar- rass larger people.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 23 The Puppini Sisters Shortened.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:01 Page 1 The Puppini Sisters Shortened.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:17 Page 2

FEATURE by David Vincent

Sisters are doing it for themselves As close harmony trio The Puppini Sisters release their new album, Marcella Puppini talks DIY and her year-long New Year's Resolution challenge...

We're only a few weeks into 2016, yet Mar- The Puppini Sisters’ update of Andrews Sis- fully take control of their career. cella Puppini is already wondering if her ters-styled ’40s harmonies has been wowing “Who’s the most passionate about The Pup- New Year's Resolution was perhaps a little audiences for over a decade. The trio have pini Sisters? Us three! Record companies too ambitious. an eye on nostalgic ‘Golden Age of Holly- have bottom lines, and if you don’t sell mil- wood’ glamour and a foot in the London “I set myself a fashion challenge - my 365 lions of copies in the first week, they’re onto burlesque, cabaret and performance art Outfit Challenge,” says the glamorous the next release, so we decided that we scene. Their slick and swingin' take on such singer. wanted to be the record company and set up standards as Jeepers Creepers, Diamonds Millionaire Records. Although she trained in fashion as well as Are A Girl's Best Friend and In The Mood, music, working from home all day, the along with the odd contemporary number - “It’s almost a full-time job, there’s so much temptation to skip the lip gloss and reach such as Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights, The to do every day. Apart from the promotion, for well-worn yet comfortable scruffs was Smiths' Panic and Beyonce's Crazy In Love - there are all the things that fans buy.” Mar- getting too great. has attracted a fan base that includes Prince cella is here referring to the 'pledges' the trio Charles, Cyndi Lauper and Michael Bublé. offer in return for funding. “If I don’t go out all day, although I’d not say In fact, King of the Crooners Bublé was so I’m sitting around in my pyjamas, I certainly impressed with the girls' 2010 Christmas “One of the things we offered was sing-a- don’t bother with what I’m wearing, which With... album that he famously whisked grams, so we’d have to meet up for a day to gets me down. When we were recording our them over to LA to guest on his own 2011 write and record those. It was a lot of work, new album, I thought about what I was Christmas record and later his ITV1 festive but I’m surprised how much I loved it. wearing more, and I liked that. This 365 special. There’s been nothing better. We wrote a Challenge is making me much happier work- song and made a film for one pledger’s wife, ing - it’s a nice feeling.” The Puppini's fifth record, The High Life, is and when she saw it... Wow! It was written released on 5 March and features Marcella, with her husband, he gave us all the The challenge Marcella has set herself is to Kate Mullins and ‘newcomer’ Emma Smith prompts, and she was so moved. She’d told wear a new outfit every day over the coming (who joined in 2012) in fine voice. him she’d gotten to an age where no-one year - all 365 days, without exception (we would ever consider writing a song for her... didn’t like to point out to her that it’s a leap It’s been over four years since The Sisters’ so he did. It was beautiful. You see the joy! year!). She’ll document her progress with a last long-player. Marcella states that part of Priceless!” daily blog post and selfie. the unintentionally lengthy gap between albums has been down to the threesome kick- “It’s a proper, full-on challenge. So far, I’ve starting their own record label, and paying used all the stuff in my wardrobe, so I’m for the entire process via online crowdfund- The Puppini Sisters play Warwick Arts working through stuff I’ve not worn in ages. ing platform PledgeMusic. Though it means Centre, Coventry, on Tues 15 March I’ve already realised that there aren’t going she's now spending more time at home, to be enough clothes, so I’ve started cus- holed up in her office, Marcella reckons it tomising things.” was the perfect move, allowing the trio to whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:02 Page 1

Theatre

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 30 March - Sat 9 April; Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 7 - Sun 18 September Everybody's favourite flying car makes a welcome return to the Midlands this month, complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects, the Sherman Brothers’ memorable score and a high-energy cast headed by Jason Manford, Michelle Collins and comedian Phill Jupitus. When eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Manford) creates an amazing flying car, he takes his family to the fictional country of Vulgaria. But all is not well in the European barony, where the sinister Baron Bomburst has decided to make children illegal... Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song feature among the show’s best-known musical numbers.

Goodnight Mister Tom The Government A Passion For New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Inspector Birmingham Tues 15 - Sat 19 March The REP, Birmingham, Sat 19 - Sat 26 March Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 15 - Fri 25 March When news reaches them that a government inspector is set to visit, the bureaucrats in a The Old Joint Stock Theatre Company once small Russian town are sent into a blind again present their promenade retelling of panic. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, the Passion Story, set in modern-day the town’s hospital is a health hazard, its Birmingham and spanning numerous build- school a war zone and its soldiers lacking ings and various streets in the city centre. trousers to march in... The show has met with positive reviews in Nikolai Gogol’s biting moral satire is here previous years, the young ensemble widely presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre hailed for their ambition, creativity and com- in association with Ramps On The Moon, a mitment. Earlier presentations drew gentle ground-breaking touring project committed criticism for being a little overlong, so it will to disability arts provision in the UK. be interesting to see how the show’s evolved. Set during the dark and dangerous build up to the Second World War - and based on the Marvellous Imaginary 1981 novel of the same title by Michelle Magorian - Goodnight Mister Tom follows the Menagerie story of evacuee William Beech. Crewe Lyceum, Wed 2 March; Lichfield Relocated to the idyllic English countryside, Garrick, Fri 18 March; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 24 March the young boy builds a remarkable and moving friendship with an elderly recluse named The Edinburgh Spotlight was well impressed Tom Oakley. with Les Enfants Terribles’ Marvellous Life suddenly seems perfect for William - Imaginary Menagerie when it performed at until, that is, he receives a summons from the city’s Fringe festival. The popular website his abusive mother to return home to described it as the show which Roald Dahl London... and Tim Burton would’ve produced had they A tale of two broken souls at very different ever met one another and decided to open a ends of the age scale, Goodnight Mister Tom travelling circus! Les Enfants Terribles have is here presented by Chichester Festival previously enjoyed stage success with the Theatre. The production is an Oliver Award equally clever shows Alice Underground and winner. Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs. They here present a combination of vaude- ville, circus, puppets, dance, music and magic that seems sure to delight.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:03 Page 2

Theatre previews from around the region

WIN! TICKETS To enter, visit whatsonlive.co.uk The Jewellery Quarter At War Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 12 - Sat 19 March Blue Orange’s Youth Theatre here present a production that promises to be every bit as educational as it is imaginative. The show comprises a number of devised works of drama, presented at various locations around the Jewellery Quarter and based on the experiences of local people during the Great War. The presentation is sup- ported by Birmingham City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Hamlet A masterpiece of world theatre, Shakespeare’s famous play is a challenging Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- piece to perform. The lead role is one of the Avon, Sat 12 March - Sat 13 August largest ever written, and it's a brave actor Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is struggling indeed who undertakes the necessary plunge to come to terms with his life. Faced with the into his own psyche. So good luck on this ghost of his murdered father, he must also particular occasion to Paapa Essiedu... ‘Safe’ What Is The grapple with the indecently hasty remarriage Additional casting includes Cucumber’s Cyril State Of Your of his widowed mother to his conniving Nri as Polonius and James Cooney as Empire uncle... Rosencrantz. Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Fri 18 March This emotionally charged piece sees five male performers inhab- Tinned Goods This Land it the world of the 1930s con- mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 March; Artrix, Bromfield, Nr Ludlow, South Shropshire, Wed struction workers who built the Bromsgrove, Sat 19 March; Lichfield Garrick, 9 March; All Stretton Village Hall, South Empire State Building. Pitting Thurs 31 March Shropshire, Thurs 10 March; Snailbeach masculinity against fragility and Village Hall, Shropshire, Thurs 11 March; SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, hailed for its punchy choreo- Fri 12 March; Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, graphic language, the show is Shropshire, Wed 16 March; Foxlowe Arts presented by the highly Centre, Staffordshire, Thurs 17 March; Worcester Arts Workshop, Sat 19 March acclaimed ZoieLogic Dance Theatre. Producing quality theatre about the contemporary rural world is the stated mission of Shropshire-based company Pentabus. They here join forces with Salisbury Playhouse to present a new play by Siân Owen that explores concerns about the process of frack- The hugely accomplished Tea And Tenacity ing. contemplate politics, picket lines and princi- “Fracking is a controversial issue which is ples in their latest offering, which takes as its happening right now across the UK and all subject matter the national miners’ strike of over the world,” says the play’s director, Jo 30 years ago. Presented by an all-female cast, Newman. “This Land is going to be touring to the production focuses on Sue and Rachel, places where the prospect of fracking is a two women whose friendship has been pro- reality. We’re heading towards some scary foundly compromised by the miners’ walk and challenging times in the continued out. As the pressure mounts, the women find search for power. We more than ever need to themselves engaged in a desperate battle to be alert to what’s happening, and question- save not only their relationships but also ing, for ourselves, what is right.” their very way of life...

For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 15:58 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Shen Yun Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 5 - Sun 6 March The New York Times described this show as ‘5,000 years of Chinese music and dance in one night’. As evenings of theatrical entertainment go, sounds like a pretty good deal. Based in New York, Shen Yun is a not-for- profit organisation dedicated to reviving authentic Chinese culture. And they certainly do that here, with a show that’s been enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. Expect ethnic and folk dancers, ‘brave generals, heavenly maidens, mischie- vous monks’ and plenty more besides. Heck, there’s even a contribution from a flying pig!

Don Quixote Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral. Red Snapper The work is best known to modern audi- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- ences for its spectacularly bawdy charms, Avon, until Sat 21 May Sat 5 - Sun 19 March and features more than its fair share of refer- Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s novel is one ences to willies, bottoms and bodily func- of the Spanish Golden Age’s most influential tions. Presented by Blast From The Past. works of literature, inspiring, among others stories, The Three Musketeers and The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn. Fake It 'til You Make It His sanity compromised by his love of chival- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, ric romances, a nobleman decides to adopt Thurs 17 - Sat 19 March; mac, Birmingham, the name of Don Quixote, take up the sword, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 March recruit a simple farmer named Sancho Panza ‘Brutally honest’ and ‘powerfully as his squire, and revive the chivalric code. heartbreaking’ feature among reviewers’ To say that things don’t go quite according to assessments of this well-received Edinburgh plan would be an understatement... Fringe First winner. A show described by creator Bryony Kimmings as being about ‘the wonders of the human brain, being in love and what it takes to be a real man’, Fake It ’til You Make It takes a look at the issue of clinical depression. The show’s been made by Bryony in collaboration with her partner, The first full production to come out of the Tim, who suffers from the condition himself. Belgrade Theatre’s Critical Mass playwriting project, Red Snapper is set in Jamaica in 1962 - a Jamaica where personal and political ten- sions simmer against a backdrop of mass emigration and unrest. Cuba’s communist leader, Fidel Castro, is set to pay a visit - but nobody’s quite sure how he’ll be received. As the wives of five council- The Canterbury Tales lors prepare a welcome meal for Castro, long- Solihull Arts Complex, Thurs 24 March held resentments threaten to turn the occasion into an unmitigated disaster... One of English literature's most famous Mona Lisa star Cathy Tyson heads the all- works, Geoffrey Chaucer's legendary epic female cast in this debut offering from prom- was written at the end of the 14th century. It ising new playwright Liz Mytton. presents a series of cautionary tales suppos- edly recounted by a group of pilgrims as they travel together to the shrine of Saint

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:03 Page 4

A new look for Spring 2016

Wed 9 Mar - Mon 25 - Tue 24 - Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr Sat 28 May From £25 From £13.50 From £20

Thu 16 - Sat 18 Jun The Taming of the Shrew

Wed 22 - Sat 25 Jun Mon30 May Thu 16 - Tue 28 Jun- -Sat 4 Jun Shakespeare Sat 25 Jun Sat 3 Sep From £20 Triple Bill From £10 From £28

Nederlands Carlos Acosta Cloud Gate Dance Dance: Sampled Ballet BC Theatre of Taiwan

Tue 3 & Thu 5 - Tue 10 & Tue 17 & Fri 20 & Wed 4 May Sat 7 May Wed11May Wed18May Sat 21 May From £15 From £15 From £15 £15 From £15

Produced by DanceXchange in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome, funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council.

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min. plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:03 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Kiss Me The Tailor Of Inverness Quickstep The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 March New Vic Theatre, It’s reasonable to assume writer and performer Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fri 4 - Sat 19 March Matthew Zajac has at some point needed to purchase a sturdier mantlepiece, given the amount of The New Vic has collaborated silverware this compelling work of theatre has with Oldham Coliseum Theatre received over the last few years. to produce this brand new Debuting in 2008, The Tailor Of Inverness has offering from Amanda scored a massive success internationally, playing Whittington, whose previous to tens of thousands of people in no fewer than 10 successes include The Thrill Of countries. Telling the story of Matthew’s search Love and Be My Baby. for his Polish father, the play is here making its Set in the ultra-competitive English debut, and has been described as ‘a pow- world of ballroom dancing, the erful allegory for all victims of war’. play focuses on the lives, loves and sorrows of a handful of performers competing in the national championships in Of Mice And Men is about what’s happened to the north since the Blackpool. They’re all desper- miners’ strike. There have been a lot of plays ate to achieve their dreams - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, about the strike per se but nothing about what Tues 8 - Sat 12 March but it isn’t long before the reali- happened next. When the television cameras ties of life away from the ball- George and Lennie are drifters who only have went away, it was almost like, ‘well you’ve had room begin to take their toll... each other and their shared search for the your moment’s coverage, now get on with your The New Vic’s artistic director, American Dream to sustain them. George is the lives’. So this is a very vitriolic play about what’s Theresa Heskins, is the woman sharp little guy who looks out for Lennie. happened to the north since the strike ended 30 at the helm of this thought-pro- Lennie, meanwhile, is his big-hearted compan- years ago.” voking new show. ion who, unaware of his own strength, seems unable to keep out of trouble. Finding work on a ranch in California, they plan Transports Lysistrata to stay long enough to buy a little place of their Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 15 March own - but their arrival triggers a tragic chain of Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, events that threatens to destroy the very dream Furthering its already impressive reputation for Tues 1 March; Arena Theatre, addressing serious material in a lighthearted Wolverhampton, Tues 15 - that unites them... Wed 16 March; The This returning version of the John Steinbeck and thought-provoking way, Pipeline Theatre Brewhouse Arts Centre, classic stars Dudley Sutton in the role of Candy. here presents a story inspired by the Burton-upon-Trent, Fri 18 Kindertransport refugees of the Second World March War. The production jumps between the ’40s and Actors of Dionysus here the late 1970s, when a spiky 15-year-old’s arrival continue with their avowed in a foster home leads to a devastating collision intention to ‘put flesh on the of revelations. bones of ancient Greek drama’ by presenting an absurdist version of Aristophanes’ comic Tell Me On A Sunday masterpiece. Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 March; Lysistrata is a woman on a mis- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 20 March sion. She intends to end the Peloponnesian War by encour- One of the minor constellations in Andrew Lloyd aging the women of Greece to Webber’s firmament of shows, Tell Me On A join her in withholding sexual Sunday has some real gems hidden in its score, privileges from their husbands the most memorable among which is the plain- and lovers - until such time as tive Take That Look Off Your Face. Charting the the menfolk negotiate a peace. course of an optimistic Needless to say, Lysistrata’s English girl as she arrives in plan isn’t one that the men of Shafted New York seeking love and Greece are happy to accept success, the show combines New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under Lyme, lying down... British wit with American Wed 30 March - Sat 2 April sass, running a gamut of My writing has become much more angry, a kind emotions in the process. of amphicentric vision of how we are,” says John Godber in talking about his latest play. “Shafted

For full theatre listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:03 Page 6

For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:03 Page 7

Theatre Kids shows this month...

Hetty Feather at The Rep Up, Up And Away at Warwick Arts Centre Peppa Pig’s Surprise at Malvern Theatres

Hetty Feather Tracy Beaker Gets Real The Old Woman, The The REP, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Sat 12 March Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Buffalo And The Lion Of Tues 29 - Wed 30 March Manding “She’s very naughty, very difficult but full of Jacqueline Wilson’s most famous character spirit,” says author Jacqueline Wilson of her Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, here makes a welcome return to the Thurs 10 March character Hetty Feather. A child of the Midlands in a musical written by the BAFTA- Victorian era, Hetty was left at the Foundling nominated Mary Morris. The show finds 15- Having played to great acclaim at the Hay Hospital when she was a baby and has year-old Tracy wondering whether her mom’s Literature Festival and the RSC in Stratford- grown up to have a famously short fuse... reappearance in her life may finally bring to upon-Avon, this story of West African king- Featuring all the best-loved characters from an end her days of being passed around like ship and battle is here making a sure-to-be- the hugely popular books - including the a parcel. But if there’s one thing Tracy’s welcome return to the Midlands. frightening Matron ‘Stinking’ Bottomly - this hard-knock existence has taught her, it’s that Telling the tale of the birth of Sundiata Keita, well-reviewed touring show is suitable for nothing in life can be taken for granted... visionary leader of the great Malian empire, children aged seven and older. it brings together much-admired storyteller Jan Blake, West African musicians Kouame The Remarkable Tale Peppa Pig’s Surprise and Raymond Sereba, and a range of musical Malvern Theatre, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 March instruments that includes Nordic flutes, Of Oliver Twist djembe drums and the extraordinary dodo If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 9 March; mouth bow. previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and mac, Birmingham, Thurs 10 March The show is presented by the highly rated enjoyed the experience of watching them Adverse Chamber, specialists in the presen- Based on Charles Dickens’ famous novel, having a fantastic time - you’ll already know tation of ‘epic stories told by countless voices this Red Earth production tells the story of a that this latest production is well worth over hundreds of years’, and is suitable for raggedy orphan boy as he discovers the dif- catching. audience members aged 14 and older. ference between the darkness of the under- “It hardly seems like seven years since we world and the love and warmth of the upper started on the first Peppa Pig Live stage classes in Victorian London. Along the way, show,” observes the show’s writer and direc- he encounters many of Dickens’ most colour- tor, Richard Lewis. “It’s been an incredible Handa’s Hen ful characters, not least among whom are Mr experience seeing the children’s reactions, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Bumble, The Artful Dodger, Bill Sykes, Nancy not only in the UK but throughout the world. Wed 9 March and, of course, everyone’s favourite pick- It just confirms that Peppa really is a global With a running time of just 35 minutes and a pocketing wrong-doer, the conniving and phenomenon.” cast of 55 hand-created puppets, this brand sinister Fagin. new offering from the supremely talented Presented in the style of Victorian music The Boy Who Bit Picasso Little Angel Theatre is ideal for youngsters hall, complete with speciality acts and vari- aged between two and six. ety entertainments, the show is suitable for Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 20 March The play’s been adapted from the book by children aged six and older. Play-clothes are very much the order of the Eileen Browne and finds Handa and her day with this show - it’s fair to say things friend, Akeyo, looking for Grandma’s black Rainbow Magic Live: could get decidedly messy! hen. Problem is, the hen is nowhere to be Saving Fairyland An interactive theatre production for chil- found - although there’s certainly no short- dren aged four and older, The Boy Who Bit age of other creatures making their presence Solihull Arts Complex, Mon 14 March Picasso tells the story of how a young lad felt, including fluttery butterflies, stripy mice and lurking lizards... If your children have enjoyed any of Rainbow became friends with one of the greatest Magic’s 130 Rainbow Fairies books, they’re artists who ever lived. Along the way, the sure to be delighted by this associated musi- show offers audience members the chance to cal. Best pals Rachel and Kirsty take centre get really hands-on by making their own art - stage in the show, enjoying plenty of fun and hence the play-clothes recommendation! adventures as they help their fairy friends hunt for magical moonstones and tackle naughty goblins. For full theatre listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:04 Page 8

For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Jackie The Musical DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:57 Page 1

FEATURE Arlene Phillips talks about choreographing Jackie The Musical

The year is 1964, and on Wednesday 1st Jan- teenagers at the time,” says Phillips. “Girls uary, the very first episode of Top Of The wrote in to its columnists, Cathy and Claire, Pops airs on BBC1, beginning a British insti- in their droves, sometimes about meeting tution that would last for over 42 years. Less boys but also about problems at home. For than two weeks later, on Saturday the 11th, many of them, Cathy and Claire were the the first issue of Jackie magazine hits the only people they could turn to for advice. shelves of shops around the country... Nina Myskow was Editor-in-Chief on the The near simultaneous launch of these two magazine, and she's been very involved in hugely successful brands marked a growing the whole development of the musical.” industry awareness of a rapidly expanding The story begins with Jackie (Janet Dibley), youth market. Pop music, fashion and ro- a recent divorcée for whom everything mance were hot topics in this teen-domi- seems to have taken a downward turn. As nated age, where greater freedom and she seeks to get her life back on track, she purchasing power among young people finds herself turning once more to the pages played a pivotal role in shaping the culture, of Jackie - and more particularly to Cathy and would continue to do so for decades to and Claire - for advice, transporting audi- come. ences back to her own coming of age. It would be a few more years before both “There's the ex-husband, John (Graham platforms would really reach their peak. By Bickley), who's got a new, younger model the early ’70s, the new teen culture had for a girlfriend - there's always one of those, taken root, with sales of Jackie rising to isn't there?” Phillips laughs. “And then 605,947 copies and Top Of The Pops attract- there's Jackie's younger self, who is another ing around 15 million viewers each week. character played by a separate actor (Daisy It's around this time that the story of Jackie Steere).” The Musical unfolds - at least in part. Half The show's double timeline has provided set in the present-day and half in the past, Phillips with the interesting challenge of Mike James' and Anna Linstrum's new marrying different dance styles in keeping show, arriving in the Midlands this month, with the two settings. Having risen to fame tells the story of Jackie, a middle-aged as the founder of dance troupe Hot Gossip woman reflecting on her formative years. during the ’70s, she's well-versed in the Choreographing the musical is the illustri- styles of that period. ous Arlene Phillips, whose diverse work on “Because the show is set in two eras, we've stage musicals, pop videos, live gigs, special got a lot of contemporary choreography as events, feature films and, of course, Strictly well as a lot of ’70s dance styles,” she ex- Come Dancing, has won her huge renown plains. “Hot Gossip really impacted in the both at home and overseas, as well as leav- late ’70s and were known mainly for their ing her uniquely qualified for the job. sexiness. While there will be some connec- “Jackie magazine was a huge influence on tion through iconic moves from the ’70s,

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Jackie The Musical DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:57 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

with Jackie The Musical, we're looking back “I think that even though girls were asking at a slightly earlier, younger era, so there's a the same questions in the ’60s, they weren't lot of disco and a much fresher look.” quite so obsessed with love and fashion as Phillips' choreography will be set to the they became in the ’70s. In the ’60s, there likes of Puppy Love, Tiger Feet and I Love To were many homes that didn't have tele- Love - ‘blast from the past’ chart-toppers phones, but by the ’70s, everyone had one. the ’70s weren’t guaranteed to make a certain generation of That meant that a boy could actually call viewers misty-eyed with nostalgia. “It's a you, even though your parents would proba- without their bly be standing in the hallway listening in to non-stop ’70s music fest!” she exclaims. ‘‘own social and the conversation! So I think that's part of It's not only the trends of the time that have why the magazine really took off then.” influenced her choices in creating routines technological for the production. Phillips has also taken Naturally, this is a show primarily for and inspiration directly from the unique features about the women who will enjoy getting upheavals, and of Jackie magazine itself. right back to where they started from and looking back fondly on reflections of their Jackie’s genera- “I'm older than the Jackie readers, but I al- life, but it's not all about turning back the ways loved their photo and drawn picture hands of time or harking back to golden tion witnessed stories with speech bubbles. I was fasci- years. This is just as much a show about nated by those, and I've always wanted to many cultural holding your head up, finding the confi- find a way to use speech bubbles in a musi- dence to express yourself, realising we've cal, so I'm delighted that I've been given changes that

only just begun and looking forward to an- that opportunity at long last.” other day as it is about that sweet and inno- might have Adrift in a new age of social media, mobile cent time. Phillips certainly believes that

phones, internet dating and tech-savvy there's enough in this colourful, feel-good come as a teens, our protagonist yearns for the relative production to make just about anyone want innocence and simplicity of her youth. to get up and boogie. surprise to those “Nowadays, relationships are available at “My daughters, who are 25 and 36, have al- of their parents’ ‘‘ the touch of a button,” says Phillips. “If you ready peeped in on rehearsals and they want to speak to a boy, you can look him up can't wait to see it now! It's not just for and grandpar- on your phone, find out all about him and women, either - I think there's enough in it send him a message. It appears to be so for men to enjoy too.” ents’ time. much simpler, but does it actually make life any easier? I'm not sure. It's just faster.” For all that, of course, the ’70s weren't with- Jackie The Musical boogies on down at: out their own social and technological up- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry heavals, and Jackie's generation witnessed from Tues 15 to Sat 19 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham many cultural changes that might have from Tues 24 to Sat 28 May & come as a surprise to those of their parents' Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent and grandparents' time. from Tues 31 to Sat 4 June. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film March - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:56 Page 1

Film

CRITIC’S CHOICE Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice CERT 12a Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot, Michael Shannon Directed by Zack Snyder (USA) It’s what we’ve been waiting for now for aeons: the showdown between The Caped Crusader and The Man of Steel. Ben Affleck may not have been everybody’s choice for the role of the former, but he does have the chiselled chin and stature. And he’s even taller than Henry Cavill (just don’t mention Daredevil). Anyway, Batman decides to pick a spat with Superman and while the super- heroes are having their argy-bargy, Lex Luthor sees an opportunity to unleash his ultimate secret weapon on Metropolis: Doomsday. Thank God, then, for Wonder Woman… For those who care, the budget reached $200 million. Released Fri 25 March Film highlights released in March...

London Has Fallen The Other Side Of CERT 15 (125 mins) The Door CERT 15 (125 mins) Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Starring Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto, Freeman, Alon Moni Aboutboul, Angela Javier Botet, Sofia Rosinsky Bassett, Robert Forster, Melissa Leo, Radha Mitchell Directed by Johannes Roberts (UK/India) Directed by Babak Najafi (USA/UK/Bulgaria) However much one loves someone, be they a The last time Secret Service agent Mike partner, a parent or a child, one should let Banning (Butler) had his work cut out for them rest once they have passed on. him, he was saving the White House from the However, grieving mother Maria (Wayne clutches of North Korean terrorists. That was Callies) believes she has a right to say good- in Antoine Fuqua’s ludicrous, extremely vio- bye to her late young son, and so unlocks a lent and guiltily thrilling Olympus Has portal that she should have well left alone... Fallen. Now, as world leaders gather in The Choice CERT 15 (125 mins) Expect some extreme bloody imagery. London for the funeral of the British prime Starring Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Released Fri 4 March minister (not David Cameron), Banning has Maggie Grace, Alexandra Daddario, Tom Welling, Tom Wilkinson to thwart a mass assassination plot. Directed by Ross Katz (USA) Released Thurs 3 March Nicholas Sparks adaptations are now as common as awards ceremonies and this one, based on Sparks’ 2007 novel of the same name, is the simple story of two neighbours falling for each other. Yet nothing is that straightforward in love and outside events do conspire to rock the boat. And in case you were interested, Teresa Palmer played the female lead in last month’s Point Break. Released Fri 4 March

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Film March - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:56 Page 2

Film releases in March

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Truth CERT 15 (125 mins) Starring Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Topher Grace, Elisabeth Moss, Dennis Quaid, Bruce Greenwood, Stacy Keach Directed by James Vanderbilt (USA/Australia) Based on the so-called Killian Documents controversy (aka Rathergate), this top-tier political docudrama packs an impressive cast. Cate Blanchett plays the CBS news pro- ducer Mary Mapes, on whose memoir - Truth And Duty: The Press, The President And The Privilege Of Power - the film is based. Robert Redford plays the legendary anchorman Dan Rather. Released Fri 4 March

Clooney is back on board, following his Hail, Caesar! CERT 12a (106 mins) turns in the filmmakers’ O Brother, Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Where Art Thou? and Intolerable Cruelty. Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Scarlett Johansson, Frances McDormand, Tilda Brolin himself starred in the Coens’ No Swinton, Channing Tatum, Christopher Country For Old Men, while Frances Lambert McDormand - who plays a film editor - is Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen (USA) married to Joel Coen. When a Hollywood star in 1950s’ The film in which Clooney’s hungover Hollywood is kidnapped, a ‘fixer’ (Josh matinee idol stars is called Hail, Caesar! Brolin) is called in to solve the problem. Released Fri 4 March The third instalment in the Coen brothers’ so-called ‘Numbskull Trilogy,’ George

The Divergent Series: The Ones Below CERT PG (95 mins) Allegiant CERT 12a Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Starring Clémence Poésy, David Morrissey, Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Stephen Campbell Moore, Laura Birn, Kravitz, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts Deborah Findlay Directed by Robert Schwentke (USA) Directed by David Farr (UK) Young adult dystopia continues apace with A wealthy couple, Kate and Justin, are this, the third edition in the film series based expecting the birth of their first child when on Veronica Roth’s literary trilogy. Now, the they befriend the new occupants in the deviant and rebellious Beatrice 'Tris' Prior apartment below. As it happens, the new (Woodley) aims to escape the walls that con- couple are also expecting, although their fine her and her friends in a mad, futuristic take on parenthood would appear to be dia- Chicago. What they find will blow their metrically opposed to Kate and Justin’s. And minds... But it’s not all over yet, as the film- Kung Fu Panda 3 so a new tension enters all their lives... makers have decided to divide Roth’s final The debutant writer-director David Farr pre- CERT PG (95 mins) viously scripted the TV series Spooks. book into two movies. We wonder where they Featuring the voices of Jack Black, J. K. got that idea from. Simmons, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Released Fri 11 March Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Jean-Claude Van Released Thurs 10 March Damme, Seth Rogen Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni (USA/China) When the kung fu master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) retires, he insists that Po (Jack Black) takes his place, an eventuality that does not go smoothly. Meanwhile, Po finds that he also has to combat a far more super- natural threat... Of course, it’s anything but po-faced. In 3D. Released Fri 11 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film March - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:56 Page 3 Film March - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:56 Page 4

Film

Anomalisa CERT 15 (90 mins) Risen CERT 12a (107 mins) High-Rise CERT 15 (119 mins) Featuring the voices of David Thewlis, Jennifer Starring Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Starring Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis, Leonor Watling Miller, Luke Evans, Elisabeth Moss, James Directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Directed by Kevin Reynolds (USA) Purefoy Directed by Ben Wheatley (UK) Johnson (USA) The risen in question is none other The director Ben Wheatley has garnered con- David Thewlis provides the voice of a self- than Jesus of Nazareth, and it befalls siderable acclaim following his films Down help author who views everybody as identi- the Roman centurion Clavius (Joseph Terrace, Kill List and A Field In England. cal until meeting a highly original woman in Fiennes) to investigate the rumours Here, he untangles an eco-system preserved a Cincinnati hotel. A stop-motion cartoon surrounding his resurrection. The in a luxury London tower block, where a based on Charlie Kaufman’s 2005 play of the director Kevin Reynolds previously young doctor (Hiddleston) moves to the 25th same name, Anomalisa has been getting rave brought us Robin Hood: Prince Of floor to discover fierce dissent between the reviews ever since it premiered at the Thieves, so one might be wary of residents. Based on the 1975 novel by JG Telluride Film Festival last September. expecting enormous historical accura- Ballard. Kaufman, of course, has always delved into cy. It’s described as a mystery thriller. Released Fri 18 March the surreal, having scripted the wildly Released Fri 18 March inspired Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Released Fri 11 March Rock The Kasbah CERT 12a (107 mins) Starring Bill Murray, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Danny McBride, Scott Caan, Bruce Willis Directed by Barry Levinson (USA) Loosely adapted from the 2009 documentary Afghan Star, this is the story of a music manager My Big Fat Greek severely down on Wedding 2 CERT tbc his luck. Then, when Richie Lanz (Bill Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie The Witch CERT PG (95 mins) Murray) finds himself in Kabul without Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin a penny or his passport, he encounters Directed by Kirk Jones (USA) Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw a young Afghan girl with an amazing The original 2002 comedy was not only a Directed by Robert Eggers (Canada/USA) voice. The next step is getting her into hugely surprising hit but it went on to spawn the Afghan version of American Idol... a slew of My Big Fats. Here, though, is the Set in the 1630s, The Witch is an award-win- From the director of Rain Man and very first sequel in which the profoundly ning Canadian horror film that would appear Good Morning, Vietnam. married Toula (writer and star Nia Vardalos) to be something of an original. Living on the and her gorgeous husband (Corbett) are edge of the New England wilderness, a Released Fri 18 March experiencing marital issues. Meanwhile, Puritan family battles with the loss of their there’s another Greek wedding around the infant son when darker forces start to emerge corner which is even bigger and fatter than from them thar woods. Preceding the Salem 10 Cloverfield Lane the first one. Well, it would be, wouldn’t it? Witch trials, the film’s events are said to be CERT tbc pretty damned authentic. Released Fri 25 March Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Released Fri 11 March Goodman, John Gallagher Jr Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (USA) Zootropolis CERT PG (108 mins) No sooner have we recovered from The Boy CERT 15 (97 mins) Lenny Abrahamson’s remarkable Featuring the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, J.K. Starring Lauren Cohan, Rupert Evans, Jim Room, than this claustrophobic thriller Simmons, Octavia Spencer Norton, Diana Hardcastle drops us into the same scenario. Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Directed by William Brent Bell A woman (Winstead) wakes up from a Jared Bush (USA) (China/USA/Canada) car accident to find herself trapped in Disney’s 55th ‘official’ animated feature film, We don’t get many Chinese-American- a stranger's basement. He tells her that Zootropolis is set in an anthropomorphic Canadian horror films, so this may be differ- he’s saved her from a global chemical metropolis, obviously. Here, the leading ent from the rest. Here, a young American attack that has left the earth’s surface characters are a red fox who’s a con artist nanny (Cohan) moves in with an English uninhabitable... (Bateman) and a rabbit who’s a rookie cop family to look after their son, only to discov- The good news is that co-scripter (Goodwin). Together, they team up to try and er that he is a life-sized doll. Maybe. A sequel Damien Chazelle previously brought us uncover a conspiracy. Idris Elba is the voice is already in the works (called The Boy 2). Whiplash (2014). of a cape buffalo, obviously. Released Fri 18 March Released Fri 18 March Released Fri 25 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Arts & Science NEW MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:52 Page 1

FEATURE

Memory and Forgetting: University of Birmingham Art and Science Festival

Themed around the act of remembering more for active research and collabora- these, he created one-minute sound ex- itself, this year's University of Birming- tions within fields of science, and periences, which were given to the sub- ham Art and Science Festival looks set there's a greater awareness and accept- jects to access whenever they were to be a memorable one. With a diverse ance of its value.” feeling low. array of concerts, screenings, perform- These Large Hadron-like collisions be- “We found that this not only had a ances, exhibitions, workshops, talks tween diverse fields of research have massive positive effect on them, but and lectures on offer, the week-long resulted in the development of some also that it helped their families, both festival offers something to excite the fascinating ideas. In “Silent Signal”, in terms of leaving a legacy and bridg- curiosity of just about anyone. Best of Vivid Projects presents a series of ani- ing a gap at a time when conversation all, the vast majority of events are com- mations exploring the human body, is hard. When you see someone at a pletely free to attend. created by six artists and six leading hospice, day in, day out, you often end Highlights for 2016 include a talk from biomedical scientists. A performance up not talking about what's important Professor Alice Roberts on her recent from contemporary dancers Mairi and just discussing mundane things BBC series, The Celts, discussions Pardalakiand and Fanny Travaglino like medication, so this became a way around commemoration inspired by called “The Neutrino Passoire” ex- for people to share emotions.” last year's World War One centenary, plores the phenomenon of neutrino os- Since then, he's been exploring other and exhibitions and events drawing on cillations and the unconscious passing potential applications for the project in Birmingham's own past and commu- of these particles through the human schools and elsewhere. Workshop at- nity heritage. body. Meanwhile, in “Art that Tickles tendees will each be given a “memory What makes this festival so special, the Brain”, Professor Jane Raymond of atlas”, which, with guidance, they'll however, is its bringing together of sci- the School of Psychology leads an in- use to select memories and relate them ence and art on an equal footing. Music teractive session at The Barber Institute to specific sounds. Then sounds will meets medicine and dark matter meets revealing the activity that occurs in the then be collated in a “Phonic Memory dance in this multi-disciplinary cele- brain when we encounter works of art. Garden”, where visitors will be able to bration of innovation and experimenta- Then, of course, there's Wiggan's own hear their own memories as well as tion. It's more than just a case of work, which explores the links between those of others, which may, in turn, different events being programmed sound, memory and wellbeing. trigger new connections. side by side: there's an emphasis on “Life Echo started when I discovered “I think it's really important, not just meaningful connections between the that my wife had triple negative breast for people who are ill but for people arts and sciences through new and ex- cancer, which obviously had a massive from all walks of life. Things like de- citing collaborations. impact on our lives. I became aware of mentia are on the rise, but also a lot of “It's an amazing festival, because how much I was relying on recalling people are insecure about their future, there's no other event that touches on good memories to get me through this and this helps them to allow their past so many elements of art and science in traumatic period, and I started to be moulded by positive experiences. this way,” said sound artist Justin Wig- analysing those memories. As a sound It's a different way for people to use gan, who will be running an interactive artist, I was curious about the connec- their memories – not in a nostalgic workshop at the festival as part of an tion between sound and memory, and way, but in a very purposeful, meaning- ongoing project called Life Echo. “Art wanted to investigate that further.” ful way that contributes to wellbeing and science have always gone hand in It wasn't long before Wiggan realised and social interaction.” hand, but I think in the past art has that his research might be able to im- often been pushed into the background pact positively on other people's lives The University of Birmingham Art and while its older brother science has as well; thus, he embarked on a resi- Science Festival takes place from taken the lead, partly because some dency at the John Taylor Hospice, inter- Monday 14 to Sunday 20 March. people just see art as just entertain- viewing patients and selecting five A full brochure is accessible at birming- ment. I think now artists are pushing strong memories from each. From ham.ac.uk/events/arts-and-science

40 whatsonlive.co.uk NEC 2016 Spring A4:Layout 1 17/02/2016 15:25 Page 1

The ultimate stitching, knitting & crafting shows!

ICE OF 1 4 SHOWS FOR THE PR

THurS 17 - Sun 20 mArCH 2016 neC, BIrmInGHAm 9.30Am-5.30pm (5pm Sun) Over

exHIBITOrS400

CATwAlK FASHIOn SHOwS // SewDIreCT pATTern BOuTIque. FAr FrOm THe mADDInG CrOwD COSTumeS // ImAGeS OF eGypT. Jewellery mAKInG & BeADInG // mADeIrA COmpeTITIOn. Free wOrKSHOpS AnD DemOnSTrATIOnS // pAperCrAFTS & CArDmAKInG.

THE WORLDS MOST POPULAR SUGARCRAFT, CAKE DECORATING & BAKING SHOW!

FrI 18 - Sun 20 mArCH 2016 neC, BIrmInGHAm 9.30Am-5.30pm (5pm Sun)

Buy tickets on-line www.ichfevents.co.uk SAve up TO or phone Ticket Hotline 01425 277988 Tickets: Adults £12 in advance, £14 on the door £2 OFF! Seniors £11 in advance, £13 on the door eACH ADulT AnD SenIOr TICKeT IF OrDereD By 5pm mOn 14 mArCH KIDS GO FREE CHIlDren unDer 16 GO Free wHen ACCOmpAnIeD By A pArenT Visual Arts March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:07 Page 1

Visual Arts

Shakespeare In Art: Tempests, Tyrants And Tragedy Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 19 March - Sun 19 June Organised in association with the RSC as part of this year's 400th anniversary celebrations, this unique, multi-media experience combines iconic visual representations of Shakespeare's plays with specially commissioned audio accompaniments. Through recorded excerpts, RSC actors bring to life the scenes depicted in classic paintings, displayed alongside more recent responses to the texts in photography and film. Art and theatre enthusiasts alike can explore Shakespeare's enduring appeal to artists through the ages, from Singer Sargent, Fuseli, Watts, Romneyi and the Pre-Raphaelites to Tom Hunter and other contemporary artists.

Willard Wigan MBE: Birmingham People Endangered And Extinct Micro sculptures And Change In The Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, Sat 12 March - Sun 8 May The Light House Media Centre, Inner City Wolverhampton, Sun 13 March - Mon 2 May Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, After hosting her hugely popular Mon 14 - Thurs 31 March Reincarnated Rubbish exhibition in 2014, Shire Hall Gallery invites Val Hunt to return Shedding a light on the people and with more creative transformations of house- places of Birmingham's past, these hold waste. Themed around the issue of ani- free, joint exhibitions at BMAG offer a mal extinction and human impact on deli- fascinating glimpse into the changes cate ecosystems, this new exhibition sees the city has witnessed over the years, drinks cans and plastic bags, among other as portrayed in a variety of media. items, sculpted into an assortment of colour- Focusing on the 20th and 21st cen- ful creatures, each representing a species Wednesfield-born sculptor Willard Wigan turies, Birmingham People explores now lost or on the verge of dying out. returns to the Black Country for a special the representation of ordinary resi- homecoming exhibition at Wolverhampton's dents of the city through a range of oil Light House Media Centre, launching in paintings, photographs, film and March with a VIP celebration of the region's sculpture. Meanwhile, Change In The cultural and sporting achievements. Inner City highlights the evolution of Known for his minute works which are dis- the urban landscape since the Second played and viewed through microscopes, World War, with a focus on the four Wigan has gained a huge international fol- central wards of Nechells, Soho, lowing. In tribute to his home region, his lat- Aston and Ladywood. Material from est work is a micro sculpture of another local the museum's art and history collec- legend, Noddy Holder, reflecting his belief tions is displayed alongside architec- that Black Country boasts incredible beauty tural models, including one of the and creativity that its modesty often fails to Aston Expressway in 1967. highlight.

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 13:07 Page 2

Design And Desire: The Great Exhibition of 1851 Taylor Wessing Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Mon 21 March - Fri 24 February 2017 Photographic Portrait Bringing together objects, prints and paintings from the Elton Collection, this free Prize presentation aims to revive the excitement and intrigue of The Great Exhibition, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, the world's first international show of manufactured products. Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 27 February - Held in the futuristic glass and iron setting of Hyde Park's Crystal Palace in 1851, Sun 5 June the ground-breaking show was the ultimate embodiment of Victorian ingenuity, This loan exhibition from the National combining art, science and engineering and capturing imaginations across Portrait Gallery showcases award-win- boundaries of class and culture. After its closure, many of its exhibits became part ning photographic portraits from last of the collection of the year's Taylor Wessing competition, a South Kensington Museum prestigious annual event celebrating (later the V&A). By examin- the best in contemporary portrait pho- ing the creation of the exhi- tography from around the world. The bition, its social and eco- 2015 entries range from informal pic- nomic impact, and the pub- tures of family and friends, to reveal- lic response at the time, ing images of well-known figures such Design And Desire offers as Benedict Cumberbatch and Barack visitors an insight into how Obama. it might have felt to witness this incredible spectacle 165 years ago.

For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:21 Page 1

Events

International Crafts And Hobby Fair NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 March Cake International is this year linking up with three other well- established NEC shows for the very first time. The popular sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking show joins forces with Fashion & Embroidery, Sewing For Pleasure and Hobbycrafts. Highlights of the 2016 event include demonstrations by Daniel Diéguez, who specialises in 3D, wedding and celebration cakes and chocolate sculpture. Daniel returns to Cake International having won a gold medal at last year’s show. Fashion & Embroidery enthusiasts, meanwhile, are sure to be impressed by the chance to check out skilfully made costumes from the 2015 film version of Far From The Madding Crowd, starring Carey Mulligan. Sewing For Pleasure is also turning to the arts for its inspiration, presenting a life-sized knitted and crocheted creation depicting three scenes from The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. And be sure to visit the Hobbycrafts element of the show, which KIDS welcomes back TV stars Julie Peasgood and Wendy Turner. The GO * Crafty Beggars In The House favourites will be helping visitors FREE make simple sock teddies and delightful desk hogs. *Children under 16 go FREE when accompanied by a parent/guardian

Yonex All England Open White Water Active Edible Garden Show Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Badminton Championship Chapel Street, Llangollen, Wales Fri 11 - Sun 13 March If you’re bursting with energy and fancy a new adventure, this well- regarded outdoor-activity provider is well worth a look. Kayaking whitewater rapids, ‘descending into the mysterious green gorges of Wales’, 90-foot abseil- ing experiences and whitewater rafting are just some of the adrenaline-pump- ing experiences available to enjoy. The company also caters for stag and hen weekends, offering a range of options designed to meet most needs, from peaceful ‘pamper days’ to The Edible Garden Show here returns to the pumped-up adventures in the great Midlands for the first time since 2013. outdoors. Now in its sixth year, the event brings together a wide range of experts and exhibitors to offer visitors an insight into how to get the very best out of their garden or window box. “Although we’ve had two good years in Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Sun 13 March London, a large proportion of our audience remains our loyal following from This month sees a host of world-class bad- Stoneleigh,” says the event’s director, minton players descend on Birmingham to Geraldine Reeve. “Last year’s post-show compete not only for the coveted Yonex title research clearly illustrated that nearly half itself but also for Rio 2016 Olympic qualifica- of our audience wanted the show to return tion points. to the Midlands. Now in its 106th year, Yonex is one of bad- “With the changes we’ve made this year, minton’s five ‘majors’, as well as being the adding more interactive features as well as sport’s oldest and most prestigious competi- entertainment for the whole family, we tion. This year’s highlights include husband- know we’ve got a winning formula. By and-wife team Chris and Gabby Adcock Quote “What’s On” to receive returning to Stoneleigh, we’re able to bring attempting to win their first ever Yonex All 10% discount when booking back the popular animal marquee, as well England title. as offering a great food festival.”

44 whatsonlive.co.uk Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:54 Page 2

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 14:07 Page 3

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

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:54 Page 4

more events from around the region

Events

Easter half term Fun at Cadbury World Cadbury World, Bournville, Sat 19 March - Sun 17 April A wealth of Easter fun awaits visitors to Cadbury World this month, with an egg hunt, a chance to meet a host of colourful Cadbury characters and the opportunity to enjoy live family entertainment adding to the usual fare on offer. A great day out for adults and children alike, Cadbury World comprises various zones which take visitors through the origins of the cocoa bean and the history of the Cadbury brand. A trip on board the magical Cadabra is a surefire hit with younger visitors, as is the 4D cine- Egg Dancing at Blists Hill ma experience - complete with the Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire, ing to avoid the eggs placed along their route. chance to ride the Crunchie roller- Fri 25 March - Sun 10 April After they’ve demonstrated how to do it - or coaster and dive into liquid Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian maybe how not to do it! - it’s time for any Cadbury Dairy Milk. Town this month for a spot of sure-to-be-fun have-a-go visitors to ‘go blind and get danc- And, of course, there are always Easter egg dancing. Watch the residents ing’! the free samples to enjoy... dance blindfolded across the streets, attempt- Enginuity Workshops Easter half term activities Practical Classics Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire, at Coventry Transport Restoration Show Fri 25 March - Sun 10 April Museum NEC, Birmingham, Sat 5 - Sun 6 March These Easter holiday drop-in work- Coventry Transport Museum, Midlands Classic Car enthusiasts can really shops provide participants with Sat 26 March - Sun 10 April immerse themselves in their passion at this the chance to design colourful Coventry Transport Museum’s latest interac- specialist event. spring-loaded creatures and see tive exhibition, a celebration of the city’s link Showcasing in excess of 700 magnificent how far they can jump. Visitors with tractors, has been mounted to coincide motors, the show also boasts live demos, can also make and experiment with the 70th anniversary of the first tractor expert tutorials, workshops, celebrity semi- with a catapult to compare how far off the line at the Massey Ferguson Banner nars and 350 exhibitors selling a wide range it can launch a ‘missile’. The work- Lane plant. of popular products. shops take place each day (see As you’d expect - and particularly during the Other attractions include the Spring’s largest above dates) between 10.30am and Easter holidays - it’s a family-friendly experi- indoor autojumble, a ‘cars for sale’ area, 3.45pm, with activities varying ence, offering visitors the chance to learn all Silverstone auctions, the Practical Classics from day to day and some addi- about tractor technology. Artist Jim Morris is Live Stage and the UK’s biggest collection of tional costs applying. on hand too, showing youngsters how to use barn find displays. recycled card and tactile materials to make a model tractor. His workshop is suitable for children aged four and older. And speaking of workshops, there’s a tractor- free one to enjoy in the Transport Museum’s MiC Lab, with children aged four-plus being given the chance to ‘experience the power of veg’ by making it light up!

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:54 Page 5

more events from around the region

Events

Insomnia 57 Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, Botanical Fri 25 - Mon 28 March Gardens at Easter The UK’s biggest gaming festival has Edgbaston, Birmingham, recently relocated to Birmingham’s Mon 28 March - Fri 1 April NEC, having outgrown its previous Alongside its usual attractions of home at the Ricoh Arena in exotic glasshouses and beautiful Coventry. lawns, Birmingham’s Botanical Insomnia Gaming Festival is a 24- Gardens is this month offering hour event ‘combining all the best plenty of Easter-themed family bits of video-gaming’, with the show entertainment. Highlights offering visitors the chance to play include an egg trail through the an impressive selection of both new gardens - with a prize awaiting and vintage games. They can also intrepid participants - the chance watch their favourite online to have a photo taken with the YouTube and Twitch stars as they Easter Bunny, and plenty of fam- participate in live Q&A sessions and ily entertainment courtesy of the interactive activities. ever-popular Bibbledy Bob.

Acorn Academy numerous displays, which take visitors on a MCM Comic Con The Potteries Museum and Art NEC, Birmingham, Sat 19 - Sun 20 March journey from Saxon to Victorian times. Items Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, from the world famous Staffordshire Hoard Sat 19 March American actress Lindsay Wagner became are also available to view. one of Hollywood’s hottest properties in the Beatrix Potter’s magical world of 1970s when she starred as the bionically- animals is brought to life in this enhanced Jaime Sommers in hit television special event celebrating the series The Bionic Woman. Gandeys Circus 150th anniversary of the author’s Lindsay is one of numerous celebrities (Red Old Sainsbury’s Site, Ryecroft, Newcastle- birth. Professor Bramble the Dwarf’s Robert Llewellyn’s another) who’re under-Lyme, Fri 11 - Sun 20 March; Lighwoods Badger and headmistress Miss Park, Smethwick, Fri 25 March - Sun 10 April making guest appearances at this well-estab- Nutella Nutkins’ impressive lished show. The event brings together a Boasting a long tradition of presenting acces- show-and-tell collection makes broad scope of popular-culture categories sible big-top entertainment for the whole for a fun game of ‘animal, veg- including movies, gaming, comics, anime, family to enjoy, Gandeys is this month visit- etable or mineral’ - an ideal way television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. ing the region with a brand new production. to introduce youngsters to the Your Circus Awakens is being described as a wonders of natural history. show that uses modern-age technology ‘to Children can also enjoy the expe- bring its audience a truly intergalactic experi- rience of holding real animals Easter at Tamworth Castle ence’. and discovering facts about their Tamworth, Staffordshire, “You can expect all the usual high-octane habitats and behaviour. Mon 28 March - Fri 8 April thrills and world-class performances,” says Entertainment and education is the package Gandey’s, “but this time with a space-tacular being offered to families visiting Tamworth theme from a circus far, far away.” Castle this Easter. Highlights include belly-busting trio Most importantly (given the fact it’s a holiday Equivokee, fast-paced bolas act the Torres from school!) is the entertainment element of Brothers, high-speed juggler Gordon the visit, which comes in the form of an Marquez, Star Wars ewok Trevor Jones as Easter egg hunt. Peanuts the Clown, and the ‘breathtaking Ruby, the castle’s dragon, has hidden her neon skills’ of the intriguingly named Lazer eggs from the dastardly dragon hunter (cue Girl. panto-style booing and hissing). Problem is, she’s been a bit too clever for her own good and can’t quite remember where she’s put them. As you can imagine, any assistance visiting families can offer her will be greatly appreciated - although Ruby herself won’t be around, as she’ll be way too busy searching for her missing eggs... As for the educational element of a day out at See thelist for all your the venue, that’s provided by enjoying a walk events listings around the castle and checking out its

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events March.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 12:55 Page 6

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk

Win!

A Big Boy Beanbag worth £159 Tickets to Horrible Histories Ticket to Disney On Ice Silver Groovy Greeks Anniversary Celebration

Closes Monday 7 March Closes Friday 11 March Closes Tuesday 29 March Tickets to Hannah Wants Tickets to The Perfect Murder Tickets to Slam Dunk Festival

Closes Friday 11 March Closes Monday 21 March Closes Friday 20 May Tickets to Wipers Tickets to Jackie The Musical Tickets to Of Mice and Men

Closes Thursday 5 May Closes Tuesday 8 March Closes Tuesday 1 March Tickets to The All-Star Family Passport Ticket to Tickets to The Government Stand-up Tour Ironbridge Gorge Museums Inspector

Closes Monday 4 April Closes Monday 21 March Closes Monday 14 March Tickets to Get Carter Tickets to Goodnight Mister Tom Tickets to Hamlet

Closes Monday 14 March Closes Monday 7 March Closes Thursday 24 March

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter for more great competitions whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover March Birmingham ONLY.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 15:08 Page 1 The List Cover March Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 16:54 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide March 2016 thelist EllieGoulding at Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Mon- 21 March

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

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 March Mon 7 to Sun 13 March Mon 14 to Sun 20 March Mon 21 to Sun 27 March Mon 28 to Thur 31 March

Katherine Ryan at Yonex All England Open Jackie The Musical at Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Jimmy Carr at Malvern Warwick Arts Centre Badminton Belgrade Theatre, at various National Trust Theatres Thurs 3 March Championships at NEC Coventry properties Thurs 31 March Tues 8 - Sun 13 March Tues 15 - Sat 19 March Fri 25 - Mon 28 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List 1-6 March - WARKS/WORCS ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:23 Page 1

thelist Monday 29 February - Sunday 6 March THROUGHOUT MARCH Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Visual Arts KORABRA BY GAVIN JANTJES Dramatic paintings by Gavin Jantjes, on dis- Artrix, Bromsgrove play as part of a collaboration with the Black Artists & Modernism proj- NEW! TAKE 13: A WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE ect, until Mon 1 August. A group of 13 contemporary female CECILY BROWN Be Nice To The Big artists based in the West Midlands Blue Sea by Cecily Brown will be on exhibit work celebrating women's show alongside the display of work creativity and ability to work together, by Edgar Degas. On loan from a pri- Wed 2 - Sun 27 Mar. vate collector, Fri 11 Mar - Sun 19 NEW! PAUL A BOND: PAINTINGS IN A June, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, LIFE Showcasing some of the infinite Coventry variety of geometric and real-world patterns, Wed 30 Mar - Sun 24 Apr. Forge Needle Museum, Birmingham Museum & Redditch Art Gallery A PICTORIAL VIEW OF REDDITCH Featuring rarely seen paintings and NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 photographs from the Redditch Exhibition of works by graduates library’s 60-year archive, until Sun 6 from various West Midlands art Foxes at o2 Academy in Birmingham on 3 March Mar. schools, until Sun 15 May and until Sun 10 Apr, at mac, Birmingham NEW! SEW SMALL! Explore the world THE RAT PACK & JUDY Palace Theatre, in miniature with the Miniature Thurs 3 Mar, Belgrade Redditch WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS Gigs Needlework Society International, Sat Theatre, Coventry An installation made up of many SLEEPING WITH SIRENS 12 Mar - Sun 24 April. THE DRIFTERS Fri 4 Mar, Sat 5 Mar, O2 parts, from small jewels in frames to CARL SINCLAIR DUO Tue New Alexandra Academy, Birmingham large, freestanding furniture, until 1 Mar, The Jam House, Leamington Spa Art Gallery Theatre, Birmingham Sun 22 May. Birmingham PLATINUM CELEB Sat 5 & Museum Mar, Bedworth Civic BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY THE CULT Tue 1 Mar O2 THROUGH THE SHOP WINDOW Discover Hall IN 130 YEARS The story of the Institute, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, told via a spe- what shopping was like in Royal THE COAST ROAD Sat 5 MEAT LOAF GREATEST cial anniversary exhibition, until Thurs Leamington Spa from the 1880s to Mar, Palace Theatre, HITS TOUR Tue 1 Mar, 1 Sept the 1980s, until Sun 17 Apr. Redditch New Alexandra FITTING IN AND GETTING ALONG This Rugby Art Gallery & Museum Theatre, Birmingham MILOS KARADAGLIC Fri 4 DR FEELGOOD AND EDDIE exhibition explores the life stories of AND THE HOT RODS Sat KAWAII!!!? CRAFTING THE JAPANESE STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Mar, Birmingham Town members of the Birmingham Polish 5 Mar, Solihull Arts CULTURE OF CUTE A number of Wed 2 Mar, The Hall community, until Wed 23 Mar. Complex Japanese artists who’re using many Assembly, Leamington THEORY OF A DEADMAN BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN of the traditional crafts of Japan - Spa Fri 4 Mar, O2 Academy, THE SMITHS INDEED Sat THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People including textiles, urushi (lacquer), Birmingham 5 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, explores the ways in which ordinary ceramics, glass, Ohigashi (sculpting Worcester ROY ORBISON AND Brummie folk have been represented soft bean paste) and washi (hand- NEVILLE STAPLE BAND in art during the 20th and 21st cen- made paper) - help in the exploration FRIENDS Barry Steele presents a multimedia Sat 5 Mar, The Empire, turies, until Thurs 31 Mar. of the culture of kawaii, until Sat 2 Coventry Apr. tribute to The Big O, Fri Compton Verney Gallery, 4 Mar, Bedworth Civic JAMIE WOON Sat 5 Mar, Warwick Warwick Arts Centre,Coventry OTAVA YO Wed 2 Mar, Hall O2 Institute, B’ham mac, Birmingham NEW! SHAKESPEARE IN ART: TEMPESTS, TIME MACHINES Taking inspiration BLOSSOMS Fri 4 Mar, VINNY PECULIAR Sat 5 THE RIFLES Wed 2 Mar, TYRANTS AND TRAGEDY Exhibition from artist Gerard Byrne's interest in Kasbah, Coventry Mar, The Marr's Bar, O2 Institute, B’ham reimagining Shakespeare’s works the mechanisms behind imagery and Worcester through a unique series of multime- how these evolve with our thinking ALEXANDER SOARES THE WHITNEY HOUSTON dia encounters, Sat 19 Mar - Sun 19 over time, until Sat 12 Mar. Wed 2 Mar, Evesham DISCO DIVA SHOW WITH June. GERARD BYRNE: 1/125 OF A SECOND Arts Centre NYA KING Sat 5 Mar, The means by which the present can CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. Nailcote Hall, Berkswell Herbert Art Gallery & be understood through a revisiting of MYTH CITY Wed 2 Mar, DR FEELGOOD AND EDDIE Museum, Coventry the past is explored in the work of O2 Academy, B’ham MYJO Fri 4 Mar, & THE HOT RODS Sat 5 Solihull Arts Complex NEW! DEGAS' DANCERS Edgar Degas’ Irish artist Gerard Byrne, until Sat 12 CROOKS Wed 2 Mar, Mar, Solihull Arts famous painting, Two Dancers On A Mar. The Asylum, B’ham BABAL Fri 4 Mar, The Complex Marr's Bar, Worcester Stage, is displayed alongside three Worcester City Museum QUINTABILE - BRASS UB40 - LABOUR OF LOVE other works by the artist, Fri 11 Mar - Sat 5 Mar, The River & Art Gallery QUINTET Wed 2 Mar, CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. THE Sun 19 June. Royal Spa Centre, NEW BLACKS Fri 4 Mar, Rooms, Stourbridge THIS GREEN EARTH NEW! COURTAULDS IN COVENTRY Malvern-based Leamington Spa O2 Academy, B’ham GUNTHER PRAGUE Sat 5 artist Bridget Macdonald’s land- Selection of items from the Herbert’s PETER HOOK & THE Mar, The Tin Music And scapes, exhibited alongside works THE ELO EXPERIENCE collection relating to the Courtaulds LIGHT Fri 4 Mar, The Arts, Coventry by great historic painters, Claude Thurs 3 Mar, New company and its links with Coventry, Copper Rooms, Lorrain, Samuel Palmer and Peter Alexandra Theatre, FAIRPORT CONVENTION Fri 11 Mar - Sun 19 June. Coventry Paul Rubens, until Sat 25 June Birmingham Sun 6 Mar, Birmingham WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR FOXES Thurs 3 Mar, O2 BREEZE Fri 4 Mar, O2 Town Hall 2015 Featuring 100 amazing images, DIVIDED LOYALTIES Exhibition explor- Institute, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham LADY LESHURR Sun 6 from fascinating animal behaviour to ing Worcestershire’s heroes and UK GUNS N' ROSES Fri 4 Mar, O2 Academy. breathtaking wild landscapes, until rebels, until Sat 29 Oct. GIGSPANNER Thurs 3 Mar, The River Rooms, Sun 10 Apr. CRAFTCASE: CUT, FOLD, BIND Featuring Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Stourbridge NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 a group of artists who combine tradi- THE SENSATIONAL 60S Exhibition of works by graduates tional and contemporary approaches FEARLESS VAMPIRE EXPERIENCE Sat 5 Mar, from various West Midlands art to bookbinding with drawing, paint- KILLERS Thurs 3 Mar, New Alexandra schools, until Sun 10 Apr, mac, ing, printmaking and textile, until O2 Academy, B’ham Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham; until Sun 24 April, Tues 8 Mar SYLOSIS & DECAPITATED Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Thurs 3 Mar, O2 THE COUNTERFEIT Coventry and until Sun 15 May, Academy, Birmingham SIXTIES Sat 5 Mar, 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1-6 March - WARKS/WORCS ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:39 Page 2

Monday 29 February - Sunday 6 March

CONFUSIONS Stephen Billington, Horrible Histories team. This time Classical Music Comedy Gigs Elizabeth Boag and Russell Dixon round, it's the ruthless ways of the star in Alan Ayckbourn’s five one-act Romans which come under scrutiny, plays, until Sat 5 Mar, Malvern Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Mar, Wolverhampton VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY CONDUCTS TOM STADE Wed 2 Mar Theatre, Worcestershire Grand Theatre RACHMANINOV’S SYMPHONY NO 3 The Glee Club, Birmingham THE TAILOR OF INVERNESS Dogstar Featuring Philharmonia Orchestra, RICHARD HERRING Thurs 3 Mar Theatre Company present Matthew Vladimir Ashkenazy (conductor) & Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Zajac's moving story of displacement Vikingur Olafsson (piano). KATHERINE RYAN Thurs 3 Mar, and survival in war-torn Europe, Programme includes works by Liszt Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Mar, The REP, B’ham and Rachmaninov, Tues 1 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Symphony Hall, Birmingham ZOE LYONS, GEOFF NORCOTT & COMEDY THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Welsh National Opera presents Kelly QUINTABILE Featuring Stephen CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 3 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham Rourke’s new translation of the ulti- Peneycad and Sam Kinrade (trum- mate feelgood opera, Fri 4 Mar, pets) Emily Allen (horn), Katherine LOST VOICE GUY & LUKE GRAVES Thurs Birmingham Hippodrome Hart (trombone) & Edd Leech (tuba). 3 Mar, Stourbridge Town Hall DOCTOR FAUSTUS Maria Aberg returns Programme includes works by Bach, to the RSC to direct Marlowe's notori- IRELAND'S CALL Inspired by true HAL CRUTTENDEN Fri 4 Mar, Warwick events and spanning three decades, Arnold, Barber, Lucy Pankhurst and Arts Centre, Coventry ous tale of vanity, greed and damna- Gershwin, Wed 2 Mar, Royal Spa tion, until Thurs 4 Aug, The Swan Ireland’s Call follows the extraordi- ZOE LYONS, GEOFF NORCOTT, KEVIN Centre, Leamington Spa Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon nary journey of the strong-headed MCCARTHY & TOM LUCY Fri 4 - Sat 5 Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of MARTIN ROSCOE PIANO CONCERT Also Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Welsh World War Two, leaves behind his featuring Gad Kadosh (conductor). National Opera presents Kelly STUART GOLDSMITH Fri 4 Mar, The childhood sweetheart and beloved Programme includes works by Rourke’s new translation of the ulti- Glee Club, Birmingham homeland in search of a better life in Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Haydn, mate feelgood opera, Tue 1 Mar New York, Fri 4 Mar, Belgrade JOJO SUTHERLAND, KAI HUMPHRIES & Wed 2 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Coventry JOHN ROBERTSON, NIPPER THOMAS & Worcester LYSISTRATA Actors Of Dionysus pres- HARRIET DYER Fri 4 Mar, Katie ROYAL PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA ent a bawdy, provocative and deligh- Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge Featuring Pinchas Zukerman (direc- fully absurd comedy which follows tor/violin). Programme includes RAW COMEDY Fri 4 Mar, Evesham Arts Lysistrata as she leads the women of works by Elgar, Beethoven & Centre, Worcestershire Greece in a revolt against the male Tchaikovsky, Wed 2 Mar, Warwick CHRISTIAN O'CONNELL Sat 5 Mar, mac, establishment, Tues 1 Mar, Roses Arts Centre, Coventry Birmingham Theatre, Tewkesbury CBSO THE FIREBIRD Featuring PAUL SINHA Sat 5 Mar, Artrix, HERO’S WELCOME Stephen Billington, Nicholas Collon (conductor) and Bromsgrove Elizabeth Boag & Russell Dixon star Leonard Elschenbroich (cello). in Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy, Tues 1 GEOFF NORCOTT, LLOYD GRIFFITH, MARK Programme includes works by - Wed 2 Mar, Malvern Theatre, SIMMONS & SARAH CALLAGHAN Sat 5 Tchaikovsky, Berlioz and Stravinsky, Worcestershire Mar, Coventry Showcase Thurs 3 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Welsh ALUN COCHRANE Sun 6 Mar, Warwick CBSO CENTRE STAGE: SHAKESPEARE National Opera present Mozart’s Arts Centre, Coventry Featuring Jane Wright & Charlotte great comic work, Wed 2 Mar, Skinner (violins), Catherine Bower TOMMY TIERNAN Sun 6 Mar, The Glee Birmingham Hippodrome Club, Birmingham (viola) and Catherine Ardagh-Walter WUTHERING HEIGHTS Warwick (cello). A unique programme cele- University Drama Society present THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE brating the Bard’s birthday, Fri 4 Mar, April de Angelis’ unique adaptation Symphony Hall, B’ham Seven legendary names take to the Theatre of Charlotte Bronte’s classic tale, stage, Sat 5 Mar, New Alexandra JENKINSON-FRITH DUO Programme Wed 2 - Sat 5 Mar, Warwick Arts Theatre, Birmingham includes works by Saint-Saens, Centre, Coventry THE 39 STEPS Fiery Angel present THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Welsh Britten, Ian Venables & Beethoven, HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GROOVY GREEKS Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller, National Opera present Mozart’s Fri 4 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove From savage Sparta to angry Athens, Mon 29 Feb - Sat 5 Mar, The REP, great comic work, Sat 5 Mar, CBSO POULENC’S GLORIA Featuring discover the truth about growing up Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome Nicholas Collon (conductor), Sophie in Greece, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Mar, Bevan (soprano) & CBSO Chorus. DON QUIXOTE James Fenton's staging Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SPRING IS SPRUNG Robin Russell’s of Cervantes' comic novel - a work play for young audiences which fol- Programme includes works by MERMAID Here To There Productions regarded as one of the foundation lows the Springtime Fairy and the Tchaikovsky, Berlioz & Stravinsky, Sat present a contemporary reminagin- stones of modern fiction. Rufus Lollipop Lady as they attempt to 5 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ing of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale Hound stars, until Sat 21 May, The teach Hector the Collector a lesson JS BACH'S ST JOHN PASSION Featuring of love, loss & longing, Wed 2 - Sat 5 Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in respecting the countryside, Sat 5 Paul Spicer (conductor). Birmingham Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester Read our interview with Rufus online Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester Bach Choir performs JS Bach’s St at whatsonlive.co.uk LADY CONNIE AND THE SUFFRAGETTES RED SNAPPER Debut play by Liz John Passion, Sat 5 Mar, Malvern Classwork Theatre present Ros Theatres, Worcestershire Mytton which, set in Jamaica in Connelly's play, which explores Lady 1962, centres on five women swim- PYJAMA CONCERT: CINDERELLA Put on Constance Lytton's unique role in the ming against the tide. Cathy Tyson your pyjamas and head down to the Suffragette Movement, from priv- heads the all-female cast, Sat 5 - Sat Warwick Arts Centre for this early iledged 'useless spinster' to heroric 19 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry evening performance for all the fami- icon. The tale is drawn from ly. Sit back, relax and listen to the Constance's own writings in her let- THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: CARNEVIL story of Cinderella, accompanied by ters, diaries and book, Thurs 3 Mar, The show that stormed into the finals classical music favourites, performed Solihull Arts Complex of Britain's Got Talent and is now a West End smash is back to mark its by the University of Warwick PHANTOM & THE MUSICALS Barry Chamber Choir and Chamber 21st anniversary, Sun 6 Mar, New Walker's Smackee return with musi- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Orchestra, Sun 6 Mar, Warwick Arts cal numbers from the West End and Centre, Coventry Broadway, Thurs 3 Mar, Solihull Arts IRELAND'S CALL Inspired by true BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Complex events and spanning three decades, Ireland’s Call follows the extraordi- TRA Also featuring the City of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: A PLAY FIGARO GETS A DIVORCE Welsh nary journey of the strong-headed Birmingham Choir, Birmingham FOR THE NATION A co-production National Opera present a new opera Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of University Chorus, children’s choirs between the Royal Shakespeare described as part comedy, part politi- World War Two, leaves behind his & soloists. Michael Lloyd conducts. Company and amateur theatre com- cal thriller, Thurs 3 Mar, Birmingham childhood sweetheart and beloved Programme comprises Mahler’s panies across the UK, until Sat 5 Hippodrome homeland in search of a better life in Symphony of a Thousand, Sun 6 Mar, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, HORRIBLE HISTORIES: INCREDIBLE New York, Sun 6 Mar, Roses Theatre, Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon INVADERS Brand new show from the Tewkesbury

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List 1-6 March - WARKS/WORCS ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:04 Page 3

SWAN LAKE Wed 2 March, 7.30pm Wed 13 April, 7.30pm Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury William Aston Hall, Wrexham ✆ 01684 295074 ✆ 01978 293293 Wed 20 April, 7.00pm Mon 28 March, 5.00pm Oakengates Theatre, Telford Arts Centre, Evesham 01952 382382 ✆ 01386 446944 ✆ Sun 1 May, 2pm & 5pm Thu 31 March, 7.30pm Artrix, Bromsgrove Civic Hall, Bedworth ✆ 01527 577330 ✆ 024 7637 6707 GISELLE Thu 19 - Sat 21 May, 7.30pm, Sat 21 Mat, 2.30pm Lichfield Garrick Theatre ✆ 01543 412121

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1-6 March - WARKS/WORCS ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 19:27 Page 4

thelist Monday 29 February - Sunday 6 March Gainsbourg. This event includes an illustrated presentation discussing Dance the various incarnations of Catherine Deneuve and asks what the secret of such longevity on screen is. Sat 5 SWAN LAKE Vienna Festival Ballet Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry presents its interpretation of one of the most romantic stories of all time, SPOTLIGHT (15) The spotlight is on Wed 2 Mar, Roses Theatre, Catholic priests in Boston back in Tewkesbury 2001. ‘Spotlight’ was the name of a special investigative unit within The Boston Globe and the film reveals more about the mechanics of top-tier American journalism than it does about the corruption of the Catholic church. Stars Mark Ruffalo & Michael Keaton. Fri 4 - Thurs 10 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury.

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: MAPDANCE 2016 Tenth anniversary Released Fri 4 March, showing at performance featuring new commis- selected cinemas. sions and reconstructions from renowed international contemporary LONDON HAS FALLEN (15) choreographers, as well as emerging THE CHOICE (12a) new talents, Thurs 3 Mar, GOODNIGHT MOMMY (tbc) The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Davis Cup at Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on 4-6 March HAIL, CAESAR! (tbc) DAVIS CUP BY BNP PARIBAS FIRST Drayton Manor Theme Park, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR (15) ROUND GREAT BRITAIN VS JAPAN Fri 4 - Staffordshire TIME OUT OF MIND (15) Sun 6 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, BRICKISH WEEKEND The Brickish Spoken Word TRUTH (15) Birmingham Association host a weekend for Fans See Film section for previews on p40 A NIGHT OF CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING - of LEGO© for the whole family to RAY MEARS: TALES OF ENDURANCE EGGINGTON V SKEETE Sam Eggington enjoy, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, National Through carefully selected stories, defends his British and Space Centre, Leicester Ray Mears reflects on our ingenuity, Commonwealth Welterweight titles adaptability and sheer determination, against Bradley Skeete, Sat 5 Mar, providing an insight to what makes a Events Genting Arena, Birmingham survivor, Wed 2 Mar, Malvern Theatre, GHOST TOURS OF ASTON HALL An Worcestershire ELIZABETHAN LIVING HISTORY EVENT immersive evening ghost tour of one AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES A rhap- The house will be brought to life with of Britain’s most haunted buildings, sodic and special concert, raising renenactments of Elizabethean life Sat 5 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham funds for Cheltenham Animal Shelter, with costumes, music and dancing, THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIAEVAL BANQUET Fri 4 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Tues 1 - Sun 6 Mar, Harvington Hall, It is the year 1471 and you have Kidderminster been summoned to dine with the WINTER HERITAGE TOURS OF ASTON infamous Earl of Warwick for an HALL Hear all about the fascinating unforgettable evening of eating, MOTHERING SUNDAY Treat your mum history of Aston Hall, one of the last drinking and mediaeval revelry, Sat 5 Film to a relaxing day at the beautiful Jacobean houses to be built in Mar, Warwick Castle Birmingham Botanical Gardens - per- Britain, Tues 1 - Thurs 24 Mar, Aston INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: PRACTICAL CLASSICS RESTORATION fect as Spring starts to arrive, Sun 6 Hall, Birmingham SHOW Discover everything for your THE BIG SHORT (15) The recent eco- Mar, Birmingham Botanical Gardens WINTER HERITAGE TOURS OF project from barn find to concours at KARMEN'S KREATIONS PRESENTS: nomic crisis is given a make-over in BLAKESLEY HALL Experience one of the Practical Classics Restoration MOTHERS DAY AFTERNOON TEA this comic drama from the director of Birmingham’s finest timber framed and Classic Car Show, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mothering Sunday with high after- the Anchorman films. And it’s based buildings and get a unique insight Mar, NEC, Birmingham on a true story. What makes it so noon tea and tea leaf reading, Sun 6 into the aspirations of the Tudor Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry compelling are the characters that classes who lived and worked there, BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL RECORD people the battlefield, real eccentrics on Wednesdays and Thursdays, FAIR Sun 6 Mar, National Motorcycle who rose to the top of the cesspool Tues 1 - Thurs 24 Mar, Blakesley Hall, Museum, Solihull in spite of their quirks. Stars Christian Birmingham Bale & Steve Carell. Until Thurs 3 RESOLUTION RUN If your New Year's BIG COMFY BOOK SHOP PRESENTS: TEA Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Resolution is to get more fit and AND TABLE TOP Spend the evening active in 2016, then this is the event JOY (12a) That’s Joy, as in Joy playing a variety of board games and for you, Sun 6 Mar, Ragley Hall, Mangano, the remarkable woman discover some brand new ones. Alcester who founded a business empire after Tutorials available and all games can inventing the Miracle Mop. Stars also be purchased, Tues 1 Mar - Fri 8 Jennifer Lawrence & Robert De Niro. Apr, Fargo Village, Coventry Tues 1 - Wed 2 Mar, Artrix, CADBURY CHARACTER WEEKEND WOODLAND EXPLORER Thurs 3 Mar, Bromsgrove Pose for photographs alongisde Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Freddo, Caramel Bunny and friends SUFFRAGETTE (12a) A drama that Coventry tracks the story of the foot soldiers of as they meet and greet visitors, Sat 5 the early feminist movement, women FIRE AND DUST OPEN MIC POETRY An - Sun 6 Mar, Cadbury World, who were forced underground to evening of poetry and spoken word Bournville, Birmingham at The Big Comfy Book Shop, Thurs pursue a dangerous game of cat and VINTAGE IN THE VILLAGE Featuring 3 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry mouse with an increasingly brutal over 40 independent retailers, cre- State. Stars Anne-Marie Duff, Carey NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW The UK’s atives and artists, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, Mulligan & Meryl Streep. Thurs 3 - Fri biggest wedding show featuring over Fargo Village, Coventry 4 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove 300 wedding specialists from bridal THOMAS & FRIENDS WEEKENDS boutiques and florists to jewellers & 3 HEARTS (PG) A tax inspector, his Thomas & his friends invite you to photographers, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Mar, new bride and her sister become join them for a weekend full of fun for NEC, Birmingham entwined in a love triangle. Stars all the family, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Mar, Catherine Deneuve and Charlotte

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List 7-13 March - WARKS/WORC VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 18:42 Page 1

thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 March tor) & Simon Trpc˘eski (piano). Programme includes works by Grieg, Classical Music Rachmaninov & Mahler, Sat 12 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MUSICA CALLADA/ MUSIC OF SILENCE LET THERE BE LIGHT Performed by the The magical music of the Spanish University of Warwick Symphony composer Federico Mompou forms Orchestra and Chorus, with guest the basis of this musical journey and soloists, Sun 13 Mar, Warwick Arts search for silence. Classical, jazz and Centre, Coventry improvisation in a continuous pro- gram full of surprises feature along- GRAND ORGAN GALA An afternoon of side a commission by Dutch com- popular music including Saint-Saëns’ poser Oene van Geel, Mon 7 Mar, magnificent Symphony No. 3 Birmingham Town Hall ‘Organ’, Sun 13 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham WARWICK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Katharine Lam (piano) & Dominic Grier (guest conductor). Programme includes works by Borodin, Gershwin and Stravinsky, Comedy Gigs Mon 7 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa TOM STADE THOMAS TROTTER ORGAN RECITAL Mon Thurs 10 Mar, 7 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Warwick Arts Centre, BRENTANO QUARTET Programme Coventry and Reef at O2 Institute in Birmingham on 11 March includes works by Bach, Shostakovic also Sat 12 & Dvorak, Tues 8 Mar, Birmingham Mar, Mar, O2 Institute, Bham Birmingham Town Hall Huntingdon Gigs WESTROCK Thurs 10 LEGENDS OF LEGENDS PETER DONOHOE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH Hall, Mar, Bedworth Civic 2016 Sat 12 Mar, The Following last season’s astonishing Worcester Hall Drum, Birmingham performance of the Shostakovich RUDIMENTAL Mon 7 CARL DONNELLY, STEVE GRIBBIN & piano concerto no 2, Peter is back to Mar, O2 Academy, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES T REXTASY Sat 12 Mar, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY perform the first concerto, comple- Birmingham Fri 11 Mar, Malvern Belgrade Theatre, ROBINSON Thurs 10 Mar, The Glee Theatres Coventry mented by one of Mozart’s earlier Club, Birmingham piano concertos. Tchaikovsky’s RUMOURS OF THE STRANGLERS Sat 12 Andante Cantabile adds a gentler FLEETWOOD Mac Fri 11 Mar, O2 Academy Russian flavour, Tues 8 Mar, Stratford Mar, Birmingham Town Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon and Hall Wed 9 March, Birmingham Town Hall SING-A-LONG-A GREASE SHOSTAKOVICH'S FIFTEENTH Featuring Fri 11 Mar, Belgrade the City of Birmingham Symphony Theatre, Coventry Orchestra, Alpesh Chauhan (conduc- BLACKPOOL MARCH Tue JOSEF SALVAT Fri 11 tor) & Eduardo Vassallo (cello). 8 Mar, Bedworth Civic Mar, O2 Academy, Programme includes works by Hall THE MANFREDS Sat 12 Birmingham Borodin, Osvaldo Golijov and STEWART FRANCIS Fri 11 Mar, Artrix, TURIN BRAKES Tue 8 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove KATHRYN ROBERTS AND Shostakovich, Wed 9 Mar, Symphony Bromsgrove Mar, The Glee Club, SEAN LAKEMAN Fri 11 PAUL MILLNS Sat 12 Hall, Birmingham Birmingham CARL DONNELLY, STEVE GRIBBIN, INEL Mar, The Glee Club, Mar, The Tin Music And TRIO MARTINU Featuring Pavel Šafarík Arts, Coventry TOMLINSON & FREDDIE FARRELL Fri 11 Birmingham (violin), Jaroslav Matejka (cello) & - Sat 12 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham JASPER IN THE COMPANY Petr Jiríkovský (piano). Programme REEF Fri 11 Mar, O2 GARY DELANEY Sat 12 Mar, Stratford Institute, Birmingham OF OTHERS Sat 12 Mar, includes works by Martinu, Dvorák The Marr's Bar, and Schubert, Thurs 10 Mar, Malvern Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon THE POOZIES Fri 11 Mar, Worcester Theatres, Worcestershire Huntingdon Hall, Worcester 'MOTOWN' PARTY WITH CBSO SYMPHONIC DISCO SPECTACULAR THE BROTHERS OF SOUL Featuring Stephen Bell (conductor), Sat 12 Mar, Nailcote Annie Skates (vocalist), Hazel MATT CORBY Tue 8 Mar, Hall, Berkswell, Fernandes (vocalist), Lance Ellington O2 Institute, B’ham Warwickshire (vocalist) & Andrew Playfoot (vocal- ALMA GUITAR QUARTET THE ELVIS YEARS Sat 12 ist). Programme includes songs such Tue 8 Mar, Birmingham Mar, The Swan as Blame It On The Boogie, I Will Conservatoire Survive & Disco Inferno, Fri 11 Mar, Theatre, Worcester PIERRE HOLLINS, FREDDY QUINNE, REFLECTION OF SILENCE Symphony Hall, Birmingham DJ ALPHA'S BIRTHDAY STEVE GRIBBIN & PETER BRUSH Sat 12 Wed 9 Mar, mac, THE FEZZ Fri 11 Mar, BASH 2016 Sat 12 Mar, BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring John Mar, Coventry Showcase Birmingham Stogårds (conductor) & Martin The Marr's Bar, O2 Institute, B’ham BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT THE SENSATIONAL 60S Roscoe (piano). Programme includes Worcester THE SPITFIRES Sat 12 LINE-UP TBC Sat 12 Mar, Artrix, EXPERIENCE Wed 9 Mar, works by Elgar, Beethoven & THE DOLLY PARTON Mar, The Assembly, Bromsgrove Belgrade Theatre, Sibelius, Fri 11 Mar, Bramall Music STORY Fri 11 Mar, The Leamington Spa Coventry Building, Birmingham JENNY ECLAIR Sun 13 Mar, The Old Swan Theatre, TYKETTO Sat 12 Mar, Rep Theatre, Birmingham LAPSLEY Wed 9 Mar, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART, HIS Worcester The Robin, Bilston O2 Institute, B’ham FRIENDS, ADMIRERS & RIVALS: OBOE & MARK WATSON Sun 13 Mar, The Glee THE FEELING Fri 11 Mar, NATHAN CARTER Sun 13 BASSOON CONCERTOS Presented by Club, Birmingham RACHEL RIES Wed 9 O2 Academy, B’ham Mar, Birmingham Town OOTS virtuoso principals & featuring Mar, The Tin Music And HOSPITALITY Fri 11 Mar, Hall David Le Page (violin), Victoria Brawn Arts, Coventry The Assembly, RUSS BALLARD Sun 13 (oboe), Phil Brookes (bassoon), Nick PAUL HEATON & JACQUI Leamington Spa Mar, The Robin, Bilston Stringfellow (cello) & David Curtis ABBOT Thurs 10 Mar, Theatre THE SARAH WARREN (conductor). Programme includes O2 Academy, B’ham IZZIE DERRY Sun 13 works by Schnittke, Haydn, Mozart & BAND Fri 11 Mar, The Mar, The Tin Music And DAKESIS Thurs 10 Mar, Salieri, Fri 11 Mar, Number 8 THRILLER LIVE A musical celebration Marr's Bar, Worcester Arts, Coventry O2 Academy, B’ham Community Arts Centre, Pershore featuring the hit songs of Michael ULTIMATE GENESIS Sat and The Jackson 5, Mon 7 - Sat 12 THE CORAL Thurs 10 12 Mar, O2 Academy, OSLO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring Vasily Peterenko (conduc- Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 7-13 March - WARKS/WORC VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:25 Page 2

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List 7-13 March - WARKS/WORC VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:25 Page 3

March 24, 7:30pm April 1, 7:30pm AND FINALLY… THE SIMON AND PHIL COLLINS GARFUNKEL STORY

Tickets £20.00* Tickets £19.00* & £18.00*(disc)

April 2, 7:30pm April 9, 3pm & 7:30pm LEE NELSON: BEAUTY AND SUITED AND THE BEAST BOOTED Tickets £16.00* (disc) Tickets £21.00* £14.50* & £54.00*(family)

April 14, 7:30pm April 28, 7:30pm TALON – TAP FACTORY THE BEST OF THE EAGLES Tickets £23.00* (disc) Tickets £21* & £22.00*

April 29, 7:30pm April 30, 7:30pm

SHOWADDYWADDY DEBRA STEPHENSON NIGHT OF ONE HUNDRED VOICES Tickets £20* Tickets £15*

March 2016

BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE

Tuesday 15th March Sunday 20th March Tuesday 22nd March HANGMEN (15) CARA DILLON MARTIN HARLEY & NT LIVE SCREENING EVER-POPULAR FOLK DANIEL KIMBRO SINGER SLIDE GUITAR MAESTRO

Saturday 26th March Tuesday 29th March Thurs 31st March & Fri 1st April ROVING CROWS PONGO’S PARTY MARK WATSON MUST-SEE FOLK/CELTIC FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN GROUP TWO DATES FOR THIS TOP COMEDIAN

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Joy (12A) // Suffragette (12A) // The Lady In The Van (12A) // Sunset Song (15) // Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) The Big Short (15) // Dad’s Army (PG) // The Peanuts Movie (U) // Spotlight (15) // Revenant (15)

FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS: Hangmen (NT Live) // The Car Man (Matthew Bourne) // Giselle (Royal Ballet Live) // Frankenstein (Royal Ballet Live) // Hamlet (RSC )

Download the Artrix brochure on www.artrix.co.uk www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 @artrixarts Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site @artrix arts centre

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 7-13 March - WARKS/WORC VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:59 Page 4

thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 March SWEET CHARITY Knowle Musical TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Jodie Prenger makes a survivor, Sat 12 Mar, Some are open to accompanied Society present an amateur version stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Birmingham Town Hall older children. From crafts to pond of the popular musical, which fea- Don Black’s one-woman musical, dipping, talks to rambles, there's tures big standards such as Big which charts the misadventures of a something for everyone, Thurs 10 Spender, If They Could See Me Now young English girl in New York in the Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, and The Rhythm Of Life, Mon 7 - Sat heady days of the 1980s, Thurs 10 Film Coventry 12 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry NATURE TOTS - XYLOPHONES AND MORE FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD: SING-A-LONG-A GREASE The singalong INDEPENDENT FILM: Thurs 10 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature screening of the classic film starring Centre, Coventry ROBERT HABERMANN The story of how THE REVENANT (15) Inspired by true John Travolta and Olivia Newton- successful Broadway shows were events and filmed in the frozen wilds CRUFTS 2016 The world’s biggest and John, brought to you by the produc- taken to Hollywood and turned into of Alberta and British Columbia. best dog event, Crufts is a fun family ers of Sing-a-Long-a Sound Of both great and not-so-great Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh day, full of unforgettable dog shows, Music, Fri 11 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Hollywood musicals, Tue 8 Mar, Glass, an 1820s’ frontiersman who the best in dog shopping and hun- Coventry Solihull Arts Complex was left for dead after being mauled dreds of canines for you to meet, THE NOTEBOOK Forced Entertainment BIG GIRLS BLOUSE Winner of Brighton by a bear. Incensed by his abandon- Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Mar, NEC, present a World War Two story of Fringe LGBTQ Award 2015, Big Girls ment, Glass dreams of revenge – but Birmingham twin brothers evacuated to an impov- Blouse sees Kate O’Donnell make a first must find the will to survive in THE EDIBLE GARDEN SHOW AND GOOD erished farm to shelter from the con- song and dance of her life using unhospitable terrain. Thurs 10 & Sun LIFE LIVE The Edible Garden show is flict, Tues 8 - Wed 9 Mar, Warwick humour, music and costume, Fri 11 - 13 Mar, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury for anyone interested in growing their Sat 12 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Arts Centre, Coventry SONG OF THE SEA (U) In this enchanti- own produce, cultivation their urban Coventry SWEENEY TODD Bromsgrove School ng animated family film, rich in Irish spaces, raising livestock, keeping present an amateur staging of the MURDER BY GASLIGHT Encounter two folklore, brother and sister Ben and bees or brewing their own, Fri 11 - tale of the Demon Barber of Fleet of the most infamous poisioners in Saoirse encounter selkies, faeries, Sun 13 Mar, Stoneleigh Park, Street, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 Mar, Artrix, British history - William Palmer and and witches in their epic journey to Warwickshire Bromsgrove Harvey Crippen, Sat 12 Mar, Palace save the spirit world. Sat 12 Mar, FAMILY WORKSHOPS Sat 12 Mar, Theatre, Redditch HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson's Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Eastside Projects, Birmingham tale of the plucky Hetty Feather is FIRST STAGES: TADPOLES MD Theatre FRIEND'S BOOK FAIR All proceeds will here brought to life by award-winning Company present an highly visual, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: go towards the Botanical Gardens, script writer Emma Reeves and energetic show featuring the voice of helping towards the upkeep and Released Fri 11 March, showing at Olivier Award-nominated director Sue Johnston OBE as Mission maintenance of the gardens, Sat 12 selected cinemas. Sally Cookson. Suitable for children Control. Recommended for children Mar, Birmingham Botanical Gardens aged seven-plus, Tue 8 - Sat 12 Mar, aged five-plus, Sat 12 Mar, The REP, DIVERGENT SERIES: THE ALLEGIANT MAJOR SERIES The Royal British Birmingham (tbc) The REP, Birmingham Legion Major Series is not just a SECONDARY CAUSE OF DEATH Jeffrey AL’S YELLOW SLIPPER Community the- ANOMALISA (15) muddy challenge, but an experience Holland & Judy Buxton star in a stag- atre exploring the diagnosis of FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK (15) like no other. Whatever your age or ing of Peter Gordon’s murder-mys- dementia, Sat 12 Mar, Roses THE HERE AFTER (15) fitness level, immerse yourself in a tery spoof, Tues 8 - Sat 12 Mar, Theatre, Tewkesbury different world as you take on the Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire HAMLET Simon Godwin directs Paapa KUNG FU PANDA 3 (PG) epic military obstacle zones along OF MICE AND MEN Roxana Silbert Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare's NEXT TO HER (15) the 5km and 10km courses, all with directs John Steinbeck's classic searing tragedy. Cucumber actor THE ONES BELOW (15) the help of 40 of The Major’s finest Cyril Nri stars as Polonius. Sat 12 troops, Sat 12 Mar, Ragley Hall, story, Tue 8 - Sat 12 Mar, TRADERS (tbc) Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Mar - Sat 13 Aug, Royal Alcester Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- THE WITCH (tbc) THE SOOTY SHOW: SOOTY IN SPACE THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE upon-Avon Seven legendary names take to the See Film section for previews Join Sooty, Sweep and Soo in a Read our interview with Cyril online at spectacular stage adventure on the stage, Wed 9 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, whatsonlive.co.uk Coventry amazing space station, complete OPUS 7 Enter the playful world of with Sooty's Turbo Rocket, Sat 12 - THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: CARNEVIL Circa Tsuica, a collective of unique Events Sun 13 Mar, Cadbury World, The show that stormed into the finals French entertainers comprising Bournville, Birmingham of Britain's Got Talent and is now a ‘cracking musicians & daredevil West End smash is back to mark its THE YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN SPRING CRAFT FAIR 2016 Local crafts- acrobats’, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Mar, people, a selection of one-off gifts 21st anniversary, Wed 9 Mar, Roses Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS One of Theatre, Tewkesbury the oldest and most prestigious open and a great day out, Sat 12 - Sun 13 WOMEN & THEATRE: THEATRES OF badminton tournaments in the world Mar, Coventry Transport Museum MAY CONTAIN FOOD World premiere of CONSCIENCE Interactive theatre a brand new show from award-win- which brings together the world's top MIDLANDS GARDEN RAIL SHOW - LARGE exploring the subject of conscien- ten players from each discipline to SCALE MODEL RAIL The event provides ning theatre troupe Protein. Featuring tious objectors in World War One, four vocalists and eight dancers, May compete for the coveted title, Tues 8 inspiration if you are planning your Sat 12 - Sun 13 Mar, mac, - Sun 13 Mar, Barclaycard Arena, garden railway and has all the ideas Contain Food sees the performers Birmingham sing for their supper in a dining set- Birmingham you could possibly need, Sat 12 - ting that, er, may contain food... Wed WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE? End of Sun 13 Mar, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Leamington Spa 9 - Thurs 10 Mar, Warwick Arts term show presented by Out Of The Centre, Coventry Box youth theatre, Sun 13 Mar, Artrix, ASTON EXPERIENCE TOURS Bromsgrove A chance to see all the 17th century APRIL IN PARIS The St John Players rooms and also letting you get present an amateur production of hands-on with objects from the past John Godber’s beautifully observed to touch and smell, Sun 13 Mar, bitter-sweet comedy, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Talks Aston Hall, Birmingham Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester SEASONAL MARKETS Be spoilt for BRIGADOON Atswood Bank Operatic CAITLIN MORAN "MORANTHOLOGY" In choice with a variety of crafty and Society tell the story of two tourists conversation, to coincide with the yummy goodies on offer, Sun 13 Mar, who stumble upon a mysterious publication of Moranifesto, Wed 9 Croome Park, Worcestershire Scottish village which appears from Mar, Birmingham Town Hall the mists for only one day in every VIP RECORD FAIR Browse through, one hundred years, Wed 9 - Sat 12 JAMES MARTIN - PLATES, MATES AND CROOME AFTER DARK Go on a night and buy from, the biggest selection Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch AUTOMOBILES Join the celebrated time walk with members of the team of vinyl records, CDs and music chef and TV personality for his very memorabilia ever assembled in the MARY POPPINS The supercalifragilistic round the park at Croome, Wed 9 first UK tour, Thurs 10 Mar, area, Sun 13 Mar, Fargo Village, international hit arrives in Brum as Mar, Croome Park, Worcestershire Symphony Hall, Birmingham Coventry part of a UK tour, Wed 9 Mar - Sat 23 ART WORKSHOP: SCULPTURE BIRD WITH Apr, Birmingham Hippodrome RAY MEARS - TALES OF ENDURANCE - LISA BROUGHTON Designed for adults MIDLAND CLOCK AND WATCH FAIR Sun Read our feature on page 19 STORIES TO INSPIRE Through carefully to learn new skills and have fun. 13 Mar, National Motorcycle selected stories, Ray explores what Museum, Solihull

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 14-20 March - Wark/Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:38 Page 1

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 March SEVEN LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS Classical Music Part of Birmingham International Concert Season, Sun 20 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SPRING GALA CONCERT This year’s theme is ‘a night at the opera’, including excerpts from Comedy Gigs numerous famous operatic works, Mon 14 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry RICHARD HERRING Tues 15 Mar The Glee Club, Birmingham GOTHIC VOICES - A BURGUNDIAN RITUAL Featuring Catherine King (mezzo GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP Wed 16 Mar soprano), Julian Podger (tenor), Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Steven Harrold (tenor) & Stephen GARY DELANEY Thurs 17 Mar Charlesworth (baritone). Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield Programme comprises Missa Caput, BRIDGET CHRISTIE Thurs 17 Mar, an anonymous early fifteenth century Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry mass interspersed with songs and Mariah Carey at Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on 20 March other rondeau, virelais and ballades by Guillaume Dufay and Blondel de JASON DONOVAN: TEN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Nesle, Tues 15 Mar, St Mary's Church, Gigs GOOD REASONS & Sat 19 Mar, O2 Warwick GREATEST HITS TOUR Fri Institute, Birmingham COULL QUARTET: NORTHERN LIGHT 18 Mar, Symphony THE WONDER STUFF Sat Programme includes works by JAMES MORRISON Mon Hall, Birmingham 19 Mar, O2 Academy, Haydn, Nielsen and Dvorak, Wed 16 14 Mar, Symphony Birmingham Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Hall, Birmingham TONY MORTIMER Sat 19 BBC BIG BAND 'SWING LEGENDS' DEFEATER Mon 14 Mar, Mar, O2 Academy, Featuring Barry Forgie (conductor) & O2 Academy B’ham Birmingham Jeff Hooper (vocalist). Programme FRANKIE BALLARD Mon includes the music of Duke Ellington, THE VIBRATORS Sat 19 14 Mar, O2 Institute, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Tommy JARLETH REGAN, MIKE WILMOT & Mar, The Marr's Bar, Birmingham Dorsey & Benny Goodman, Wed 16 COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Worcester PUPPINI SISTERS Tue 15 Mar, Malvern Theatres. ROBINSON Thurs 17 Mar, The Glee PETER ANDRE Sat 19 Mar, Warwick Arts FRANCESCO PIEMONTESI Wed 16 Mar, Club, Birmingham Mar, Symphony Hall, Centre, Coventry Birmingham Town Hall THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Thurs 17 Mar, Birmingham The Glee Club, Birmingham STEREO MC'S Fri 18 Mar, CBSO ELGAR’S SECOND Featuring O2 Institute, B’ham Edward Gardner (conductor) & MARK WATSON Fri 18 Mar, Huntingdon Lawrence Power (viola). Programme Hall, Worcester PATSY CLINE & FRIENDS includes works by Walton and Elgar, A tribute act to Patsy Thurs 17 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham Cline, Hank Williams and Jim Reeves, Fri 18 BENYOUNES STRING QUARTET Featuring Mar, Solihull Arts Zara Benyounes (violin), Emily Complex Holland (violin), Tetsuuma Nagata (viola) and Kim Vaughan (cello). MODERN MINDS AND Programme includes works by FAITH Fri 18 Mar, O2 EMMY THE GREAT Sat 19 Mozart, Ian Venables and Debussy, Institute, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Bham Fri 18 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove MARCUS MALONE Fri 18 MAETLOAF & THE NEVER OH WONDER NEVERLAND EXPRESS PIATTI STRING QUARTET Featuring Tue 15 Mar, Mar, The Marr's Bar, MARK THOMAS Fri 18 Mar, Warwick Sat 19 Mar, The River Nathaniel Anderson Frank and O2 Institute, B’ham Worcester Arts Centre, Coventry Rooms, Stourbridge Michael Trainor (violins), David TOMMY FLEMMING Tue THE KRYSTALETTES Fri Wigram (viola) & Jessie Ann JARLETH REGAN, MIKE WILMOT, JORDAN THE THREE DEGREES Sat 15 Mar, Solihull Arts 18 Mar, Nailcote Hall, Richardson (cello). Programme BROOKES & ANGELA BARNES Fri 18 Mar, 19 Mar, The Robin, Complex Berkswell, includes works by Haydn, Bartok & The Glee Club, Birmingham Warwickshire Bilston TOSELAND Tue 15 Mar, Beethoven, Fri 18 Mar, Royal Pump IVAN BRACKENBURY, DANNY WARD, TOM CARA DILLON Sun 20 O2 Academy, B’ham GWYNETH HERBERT Fri Rooms, Leamington Spa TOAL & ELLIOT STEEL Sat 19 Mar, Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove ROACHFORD Wed 16 18 Mar, The Glee Club, ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE Coventry Showcase Birmingham Mar, The Glee Club, PLAYERS Featuring Gillian Keith JOE LYCETT Sun 20 Mar, The Glee Birmingham DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE (soprano) and Christopher Monks Club, Birmingham STRIKING MATCHES Wed Fri 18 Mar, The Belfry (director). Programme comprises J.S 16 Mar, O2 Institute, Sutton Coldfield Bach's The Wedding Cantata and Birmingham THE MACHINE RAGES ON other great soprano cantatas, Sat 19 Mar, Malvern Theatres. THE SEARCHERS Wed 16 Fri 18 Mar, The Flapper, Theatre Mar, Solihull Arts Birmingham THE MIDLAND SINFONIA: BRITISH CHAM- BER MASTERPIECES Complex HANKKS Fri 18 Mar, O2 Programme RAINBOW MAGIC LIVE - SAVING includes works by Dvorak, Elgar, NATTY Wed 16 Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham FAIRYLAND: IT'S NOT JUST ANOTHER Laing & Borodin, Sat 19 Mar, St Academy, Birmingham FAIRYTALE! The popular children's 'ROCK TIL YOU DROP' Laurence Church, Alvechurch. MARIAH CAREY Sun 20 books come to life in a brand new CARAVAN FEATURING GUNS OR Thurs 17 Mar, musical. Best friends Rachel and ROSES + MOTLEY CRUE Mar, Barclaycard EX CATHEDRA: BACH ST JOHN PASSION Artrix, Bromsgrove Kirsty help their fairy friends hunt for UK + SUBHUMAN RACE Arena, Birmingham Sat 19 Mar, Birmingham Cathedral CRAOBH RUA Thurs 17 magical moonstones and tackle (SKID ROW) Fri 18 Mar, JOEY CAPE Sun 20 Mar, BRITTEN SINFONIA Featuring the Britten Mar, Huntingdon Hall, naughty goblins, Mon 14 Mar, Solihull The Robin, Bilston O2 Academy, B’ham Sinfonia chorus & Eamonn Dougan Worcester Arts Complex 80'S INVASION Fri 18 BURNING DOWN ALASKA (conductor). Programme includes DIIV Thurs 17 Mar, O2 works by Byrd, Shostakovich arr. THE IMPROV MUSICAL Music Theatre Mar, Birmingham Town Sun 20 Mar, The Marr's Institute, Birmingham Barshai, Bach & James MacMillan, Warwick present a show based on Hall Bar, Worcester SCOTT BRADLEE & Sun 20 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall the premise of - yep, you guessed it - JOE BONAMASSA Sat 19 THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE POSTMODERN JUKEBOX ROBERTO RUISI (VIOLIN) AND JO SEELEY improvisation, Tues 15 Mar, Warwick Mar, Barclaycard Sun 20 Mar, The River Fri 18 Mar, O2 (PIANO) Sun 20 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, Arts Centre, Coventry Arena, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge Academy, Birmingham Worcester IPHIGENIA IN SPLOTT Sherman Cymru

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 14-20 March - Wark/Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:38 Page 2

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 14-20 March - Wark/Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:38 Page 3

Gary Delaney The Dreamers Saturday 12th March, 8:00pm Thursday 24th March, 7:30pm

Jo Lycett: That’s The Liza Pullman Sings Way, A-Ha A-Ha Hollywood Friday 8th April, 8:00pm Friday 15th April, 7:30pm Shakespeare bronze: Judy Methuen

Season 2016

Richard Baker Quintet Wednesday 23rd March, 8:00pm Bards Night Geoff Eagles Friday 22nd April Wednesday 13th April, 8:00pm

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 14-20 March - Wark/Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:38 Page 4

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 March presents Gary Owen’s powerful drama, which, inspired by the endur- Dance ing Greek myth, sheds light on the high price people pay for society’s shortcomings, Tue 15 - Sat 19 Mar, THE SNOW MAIDEN Based on a tradi- The REP, Birmingham tional folk tale set in the snow-cov- ered landscape of rural Russia, this JACKIE THE MUSICAL Brand new 'fun seasonal sparkler follows the Snow and feisty' musical featuring original Maiden as she dances into the choreography by Arlene Phillips, Tue human world, Sun 20 Mar, 15 - Sat 19 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Coventry BRENDAN COLE - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Brand new show from the Strictly star bringing together ‘ballroom magic and Latin excitement', Cake International; Hobbycrafts Show; Fashion & Embroidery; and Sewing For Sun 20 Mar, Symphony Hall, Pleasure Show - 4 shows for the price of 1 - at the nec, Birmingham 17-20 March Birmingham FASHION & EMBROIDERY SHOW ordinary history lesson - the wacky Part of ICHF event, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 professor is guaranteed to make you Mar, NEC, Birmingham split your sides laughing, Sat 19 Mar, Film HOBBY CRAFTS SHOW Selly Manor, Birmingham Part of ICHF event, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Mar, NEC, Birmingham Numerous celebrities make guest appearances at this well-established TRUMBO (15) SEWING FOR PLEASURE SHOW Set in the golden age of show, which brings together a broad Hollywood, this entertaining biopic Part of ICHF event, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 Mar, NEC, Birmingham scope of popular-culture categories GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM The award- looks at the troubled career of screen including movies, gaming, comics, winning Chichester Festival Theatre writer Dalton Trumbo, who was CAKE INTERNATIONAL anime, television shows, gadgets, production of Michelle Magorian's unjustly ostracised by film studios for Part of ICHF event, Fri 18 - Sun 20 clothing and toys, Sat 19 - Sun 20 uplifting tale, Tue 15 - Sat 19 Mar, refusing to testify in the House Mar, NEC, Birmingham Mar, NEC, Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Committee on Un-American BOURNVILLE BOOKFEST Authors, Activities. Stars Bryan Cranston & CADBURY CHARACTER WEEKEND Pose FAKE IT ’TIL YOU MAKE IT New work by poets, illustrators, storytellers, actors, for photographs alongisde Freddo, Edinburgh Fringe winner Bryony Diane Lane. Mon 14 - Thurs 17 Mar, journalists, cartoonists, historians, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Caramel Bunny and friends as they Kimmings which explores the depths dancers and performers will be meet and greet visitors, Sat 19 - Sun ROOM (15) of clinical depression. A heartbreak- Bed, lamp, skylight, rug… inspiring youngsters to read, write 20 Mar, Cadbury World, Bournville, ing show about the wonders of the These are the things that five-year- and get passionate about stories, Fri Birmingham human brain, being in love and what old Jack’s physical world are com- 18 - Sun 20 Mar, various Bournville & it takes to be a real man, Thurs 17 - prised of. He may have been trapped Birmingham City Centre locations ARTISAN & CRAFT FAIR Featuring an exciting range of jewellery, cards, Sat 19 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, in an 11-square-foot room since his SHAKESPEARE'S TAVERN Discover Coventry birth, but he doesn’t see it that way, trinkets, home wares, gifts, candles, Tudor tavern food and ale brewing knitted items and multi cultural spe- CARMEN Amateur production present- as the world outside the room techniques with music and dancing doesn’t exist for him. Stars Brie cialities, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar, Fargo ed by Great Witley Operatic Society too, participation essential, Fri 18 Village, Coventry (GWOS), Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Mar, Larson & Jacob Tremblay, Tues 15 - Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Shakespeare's Swan Theatre, Worcester Wed 23 Mar, Roses Theatre, Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon CAPTURE BIRMINGHAM Sat 19 - Sun 20 Tewkesbury Mar, Birmingham City Centre ‘SAFE’ WHAT IS THE STATE OF YOUR DECORATE YOUR OWN SHAKESPEARE EMPIRE? ZoieLogical Dance Theatre EGGS Get into the Easter spirit and FAMILY ACTIVITY MARQUEE The incred- present an emotionally charged per- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: decorate your own Easter egg like a ibly popular Family Activity Marquee formance combined with punchy character from Shakespeare's plays, returns for Shakespeare Week. Enjoy Released Fri 18 Feb, showing at a range of Shakespeare and nature choreographic language which pits selected cinemas. Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Mary Arden's masculinity against fragility, Fri 18 Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon themed activities, Sat 19 - Sun 20, Mar, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire Mar, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (tbc) VICTORIAN BAKING Learn how to bake Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon THAT'LL BE THE DAY A musical romp THE BOY (15) the 'old fashioned' way, and taste through the youthful days of recipes for yourself. Dress up as a THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW The UK’s Rock’n’Roll in the ’50s, on through HIGH-RISE (tbc) Victorian and discover more about largest event for people with a pas- the Swinging ’60s and into the taste- KAPOOR AND SONS (tbc) the characters who once lived there, sion for photography, Sat 19 - Tues 22 Mar, NEC, Birmingham free days of the 1970s, Fri 18 - Sat MARGUERITE (15) Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Anne 19 Mar, The Roses Theatre, Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens, EASTER BARN Sat 19 Mar - Sun 3 Apr, Tewkesbury NORM OF THE NORTH (U) Stratford-upon-Avon Beckett's Farm, Wythall TINNED GOODS Tea & Tenacity present THE PEARL BUTTON (tbc) WHAT NOT TO WEAR...TUDOR STYLE! MAD EASTER EGG HUNT Take part in a pacey drama which explores the RISEN (12a) Find out what your outfit said about this treasure hunt and press buttons, strength of friendship under the ROCK THE KASBAH (tbc) you in Tudor times, and dress up a turn handles and look in and around strain of politics, picket lines and mannequin to rock the runway, or all the exhibits in the museum to find principles, Sat 19 Mar, Artrix, See Film section for previews on p40 rummage through the dressing up the hidden eggs, Sat 19 Mar - Mon 4 Bromsgrove box and turn yourself into a Tudor, Fri Apr, The MAD Museum, Stratford- ONE NIGHT ONLY Feelgood family 18 Mar - Mon 4 Apr, Hall's Croft, upon-Avon show featuring an array of musical Events Stratford-upon-Avon AUTO-SCIENCE LIVE A free family theatre highlights, Sat 19 Mar, Palace MARZIPAN MASTERPIECES Have a go friendly activities bringing automotive Theatre, Redditch at designing one of the Tudors' engineering and the science behind THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR Roxana favourite foods, marzipan. See some it to life, Sat 19 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, ENGINEERS FAIR The largest celebra- Silbert directs Gogol's satirical mas- extravagant designs Tudors used British Motor Museum, Gaydon, tion of science, technology, engineer- terpiece, Sat 19 - Sat 26 Mar, The and make your own marzipan fruits, Warwickshire ing and maths (STEM) for young REP, Birmingham tiles and figures, Fri 18 Mar - Mon 4 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA people in the UK, Wed 16 Mar, Apr, Harvard House & The Museum Sat 19 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Hatton THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO With story- NEC, Birmingham of British Pewter, Stratford-upon-Avon telling, music and lots of chances to Adventure World, Warwick ADULT EVENT: A BRIEF GEOLOGICAL make your own art, this hands-on CCA CLASSIC CAR SALE Sat 19 Mar, DOLL AND TEDDY FAIR Featuring up to HISTORY OF BRITAIN Wed 16 Mar, family show introduces one of the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, 90 quality stands full of antique, new, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, 20th century’s most influential artists Leamington Spa artist and collectable dolls and ted- Coventry through the eyes of a young boy. Be PROFESSOR MCGINTY TIME TRAVELS dies, plus restorers, supplies and sure to wear some play-clothes - it’s NATURE TOTS - YOUNG ANIMALS Thurs ADVENTURES Join time-traveller accessories, Sun 20 Mar, National going to get messy! Sun 20 Mar, 17 Mar, Brandon Marsh Nature Professor McGinty as he takes you Motorcycle Museum, Solihull Artrix, Bromsgrove Centre, Coventry back to the Victorian times. This is no

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 21-27 March - Warks/Worcs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:47 Page 1

thelist Monday 21 - Sunday 27 March A RAISIN IN THE SUN Lorraine Classical Music Hansberry’s ground-breaking drama, which offers a gripping portrayal of working-class life on the cusp of the THOMAS TROTTER & MICHAEL civil rights era, Tues 22 - Sat 26 Mar, BROADWAY ORGAN CONCERT Mon 21 Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GROOVY GREEKS EX CATHEDRA CHOIR Featuring Ex From savage Sparta to angry Athens, Cathedra Choir, City of Birmingham discover the truth about growing up Symphony Orchestra, Jeffrey in Greece, Tue 22 - Sat 26 Mar, New Skidmore (conductor), Andrew Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Tortise (Evangelist) & James HORRIBLE HISTORIES: INCREDIBLE Rutherford (Jesus). Fri 25 Mar, INVADERS Brand new show from the Symphony Hall, Birmingham Horrible Histories team. This time TOSCA - ELLEN KENT Ellen Kent Opera round it's the ruthless ways of the presents Puccini's tale of love and Romans which come under scrutiny, treachery. Sung in Italian with English Tue 22 - Sat 26 Mar, New Alexandra The Vamps at Genting Arena in Birmingham on 25 and 26 March surtitles, Fri 25 Mar, Malvern Theatre, Birmingham Theatres, Worcestershire GET CARTER A dark and stylish new CLINT MANSELL Wed 23 Stourbridge BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY GOSPEL adaptation of the classic Newcastle- Gigs Mar, Symphony Hall, THE ROVING CROWS Sat CHOIR Sat 26 Mar, The Drum, noir thriller, Tues 22 - Sat 26 Mar, Birmingham 26 Mar, Artrix, Birmingham Belgrade Theatre, Coventry AND FINALLY... PHIL Bromsgrove ELLIE GOULDING Mon 21 MADE IN THE MIDLANDS From choco- COLLINS Thurs 24 Mar, Mar, Barclaycard SHANE FILAN Sat 26 late and jewellery to Cluedo and Palace Theatre, Arena, Birmingham Mar, Symphony Hall, much more, Young REP groups from Redditch Birmingham Comedy Gigs all over the region examine the out- URBAN FOLK QUARTET standing objects, industry and ideas Thurs 24 Mar, BRIDGET CHRISTIE Tues 22 Mar, mac, that originated here in the Midlands, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Wed 23 - Thurs 24 Mar, The REP, Birmingham Worcester BARBARA NICE, ROB DEERING, ANGELA BARNES & RACHEL PARRIS Wed 23 Mar PEPPA PIG’S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, The Glee Club, Birmingham George and their friends return with a brand new live stage show, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 Mar, Malvern Theatre. TRAINSPOTTING A co-production from King's Head Theatre, In Your Face Theatre Company & mac THE BOOTLEG BEATLES THE DREAMERS Thurs Birmingham, featuring full frontal Tue 22 Mar, 24 Mar, Stratford nudity, strong language and scenes Cheltenham Town Hall Artshouse HRH AOR FESTIVAL TOUR of a violent & sexual nature, Wed 23 Featuring The THE 1975 Tue 22 Mar, QUILL Thurs 24 Mar, Mar - Sat 2 Apr, mac, Birmingham Quireboys, Faster Barclaycard Arena, Solihull Arts Complex THE CANTERBURY TALES Six of the Pussycat, Bonafide, Birmingham best-loved tales, told in a variety of KANO Thurs 24 Mar, O2 The Texas Flood, styles. Taking visual inspiration from Institute, Birmingham Thirteen Stars and medieval mystery plays, the three- MUSHROOMHEAD & Skam, Sat 26 Mar, O2 man cast use drama, verse, physical AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE Academy, Birmingham theatre and song to bring Chaucer's Thurs 24 Mar, O2 BEFORE THE DAWN Sat characters to life. Telling colourful Academy, Birmingham 26 Mar, The Marr's Bar, RAY PEACOCK Thurs 24 Mar, The Old tales of strange situations, it's not an ALL-STAR AMERICAN Worcester Rep Theatre, Birmingham academic take on literature but a LEGENDS LIVE Thurs 24 SOX Sat 26 Mar, O2 JOHN GORDILLO, THE RAYMOND & MR fast, furious, funny and occasionally Mar, The Robin, Bilston MARTIN HARLEY & Institute, Birmingham TIMPKINS REVIEW, & COMEDY filthy one!, Thurs 24 Mar, Solihull Arts Complex DANIEL KIMBRO Tue 22 THE VAMPS Fri 25 - Sat LEFT FOR RED Sat 26 CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove 26 Mar, Genting Arena, Mar, O2 Academy, 24 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham MIDDAY VARIETY Featuring swing Birmingham TRACER PLUS FEDERAL Birmingham JOHN ROBINS Fri 25 Mar, The Glee standards from Matt Ford and comedy input from Leo Shavers, Thurs 24 CHARM Tue 22 Mar, O2 B'SPOKE Fri 25 - Sat 26 REFUSED Sat 26 Mar, Club, Birmingham Mar, The Jam House, Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Institute, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham JOHN GORDILLO, THE RAYMOND & MR Birmingham HALF MOON Run Tue 22 TIMPKINS REVUE, CLINT EDWARDS & TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera present Mar, O2 Institute, Bham ALESSIA CARA Fri 25 COMIC TBC Fri 25 - Sat 26 Mar, The Puccini's tale of love and treachery. Mar, O2 Institute, Bham Glee Club, Birmingham Sung in Italian with English surtitles, PYRAMID CHOIR 2016 Fri 25 Mar, Malvern Theatres Tue 22 Mar, Palace DALISO CHAPONDA, MATT RUDGE, Theatre, Redditch ALISTAIR BARRIE & STEVE BUGEJA Sat THE THREE DEGREES 26 Mar, Coventry Showcase GIN ANNIE BAND Sat 26 Wed 23 Mar, Royal Spa Mar, The Robin, Bilston Centre, Leamington Spa LAETITIA SADIER / NICHOLAS KRGOVICH Sat Theatre 26 Mar, The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry ANGER MANAGEMENT New work ACDC UK Sun 27 Mar, devised by the Young Rep and The River Rooms, directed by Tom Saunders, Mon 21 - Tue 22 Mar, The REP, Birmingham SARTAAJ LIVE Fri 25 Stourbridge Mar, Wolverhampton MORPHEUS RISING + JOLI VYANN: IMBALANCE Exciting acro- Grand Theatre BLACK ROSE Sun 27 batic skills with athletic yet graceful THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: CARNEVIL MAGGIE BELL AND DAVE dance, presented in an energetic and The show that stormed into the finals ROBINSON-STONE Fri 25 Mar, The Robin, Bilston KELLY Wed 23 Mar, thought-provoking performance that of Britain's Got Talent and is now a Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove DAVIE JOHN Sun 27 Mar, Huntingdon Hall, explores our obsessive dependence West End smash is back to mark its The Tin Music And Worcester THUNDERDAZE Fri 25 on technology, Tues 22 Mar, Roses 21st anniversary, Sat 26 Mar, Arts, Coventry Mar, The River Rooms, Theatre, Tewkesbury Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 21-27 March - Warks/Worcs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:47 Page 2

Monday 21 - Sunday 27 March Dance Events

SLEEPING BEAUTY Russian State Ballet LEMUR WEEK Mon 21 - Tue 29 Mar, presents its version of the classic Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford story of love and innocence, mystery and magic. Set to Tchaikovsky's sub- 1940S CINEMA CLUB: DUMBO Visit dur- lime score, Mon 21 Mar, ing the Easter holidays to see Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Disney's Dumbo, a family favorite, screened in the Squash Court SWAN LAKE Presented by the Russian Gallery, Mon 21 Mar - Sun 3 Apr, State Ballet & Opera House, Tue 22 Upton House & Gardens, Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Warwickshire PINOCCHIO Presented by Ballet DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR Theatre UK, Fri 25 Mar, Albany SEASON LAUNCH Tues 22 Mar, Theatre, Coventry Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby CROOME'S EASTER EGG HUNT TRAIL Follow the clues to help unravel the Film mystery of the lost eggs, Thurs 24 Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Croome Park, Worcestershire INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ROLLER BOOGIE Enjoy an evening THE 33 (12a) Inspired by true events roller skating and cheesy disco, Fri and filmed in the frozen wilds of 25 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry Alberta and British Columbia. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh FESTIVAL OF POWER An action packed Glass, an 1820s’ frontiersman who Easter weekend of family Drag was left for dead after being mauled Racing entertainment including Top by a bear. Incensed by his abandon- Fuel Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, Jet CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT 2016 ment, Glass dreams of revenge – but Cars and National Drag Racing. Plus Family Easter Egg Hunt around the grounds, with a chocolate egg prize first must find the will to survive in all things powerful off track including and take home activities, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar, Baddesley Clinton, Solihull; unhospitable terrain. Mon 21 Mar, Monster Trucks, Stunt Displays and Berrington Hall, Leominster; Birmingham Back to Backs; Carding Mill Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury more, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Mar, Santa Pod Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Craven Arms; Charlecote Park, Raceway, Northamptonshire ICE AND THE SKY (U) Luc Jacquet, Warwickshire; Croft Castle, Leominster; Packwood House, Solihull; director of March Of The Penguins, INSOMNIA57 Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar, Sunnycroft, Shropshire; Upton House & Gardens, Warwickshire; Wightwick profiles Claude Loris, who has been NEC, Birmingham Manor, Wolverhampton; Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton studying Antarctic icescapes since the 1950s and was a key figure in lent Easter bonnet competitions, and vegetable plots, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 30 establishing the scientific basis of find handmade Easter eggs at the Oct, Croome Park, Worcestershire global warming. Wed 23 Mar, Roses World's Biggest Cadbury Shop, Fri TWISTED BARREL BREWERY TOURS Theatre, Tewkesbury 25 - Mon 28 Mar, Cadbury World, 2016 Meet the team behind Twisted GOOSEBUMPS (PG) R.L. Stine is Bournville, Birmingham Barrel Ale on this exclusive tour, learn dubbed ‘the Stephen King of chil- EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Fri 25 - how the brewing process works and dren’s literature’ and here is played Mon 28 Mar, Kenilworth Castle, sample the fantastic ales and food, by Jack Black in a comic-horror fan- Warwickshire, Witley Court, Sat 26 Mar, Fargo Village, Coventry tasy adapted from his own series. Worcestershire, and Beeston Castle, GHOST TOURS OF ASTON HALL An When Stine’s imaginary demons are Cheshire immersive evening ghost tour of one unleashed on the town of Madison in EASTER ACTIVITIES Make something EGG DANCING Watch on as the blind- crafty to take home with you or have of Britain’s most haunted buildings, Delaware, his daughter Hannah folded townsfolk dance across the Sat 26 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham teams up with a new teenager on the your face painted, Fri 25 - Mon 28 street without stepping on eggscare- block to try and save the day. Fri 25 - Mar, Croome Park, Worcestershire fully placed along their route, Fri 25 THUNDERSPORT GB MOTORCYCLE Sat 26 Mar, Roses Theatre, EASTER AT EASTNOR Legendary Easter Mar - Sun 10 Apr, Blists Hill, RACES Sat 26 - Mon 28 Mar, Tewkesbury Treasure Hunt around the castle and Ironbridge Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby DAD’S ARMY (PG) Don’t panic! This grounds. Chocolate for everyone EASTER EGG HUNT Take part in the may be another big-screen transla- who takes part and a chance to win Easter Hunt – follow the Egg Trail tion of a beloved British treasure, but an enormous Easter Egg, Fri 25 - throughout the Gardens, to win a the cast is truly impressive. No doubt Mon 28 Mar, Eastnor Castle Deer prize at the end, Sun 27 Mar, younger viewers couldn’t tell John Le Park, Herefordshire Birmingham Botanical Gardens Mesurier from John Laurie, so this lot EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Hop on should do very nicely as the inept over to the canalside village where a conscripts of the Home Guard. Stars cracking programme of Easter fun is Bill Nighy & Catherine Zeta-Jones. Fri ready and waiting, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 25 - Wed 30 Mar, Roses Theatre, 10 Apr, Black Country Living Tewkesbury Museum, Dudley

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 25 March, showing at selected cinemas. EASTER FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Enjoy BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF live shows from the resident magi- JUSTICE (tbc) cians, ventriloquists and more, with AROC ALFA ROMEO SPECIAL DISPLAY giggles and games for the whole Sun 27 Mar, Coventry Transport IONA (15) family, Fri 25 Mar - Sun 17 Apr, Museum MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (tbc) Cadbury World, Bournville, MOTORFEST Sun 27 - Mon 28 Mar, SPEED SISTERS (tbc) Birmingham Weston Park, Shropshire THE CLUB (tbc) WALLED GARDEN Britain's largest MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY EVENT The walled garden opens its doors again. WELCOME TO ME (tbc) Medieval period will be brought to With new paths and planting life with the hall's re-enactment ZOOTROPOLIS (tbc) schemes there are restored green- group, Sun 27 - Mon 28 Mar, See Film section for previews on p38 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA An egg-cit- houses, vibrant border planting, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster ing egg hunt challenge and egg-scel- blooming rose garden and working

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List 28-31 March - Wark/Worcs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 17:55 Page 1

thelist Mon 28 March - Sun 3 April Theatre Talks MARK BEAUMONT: AFRICA SOLO A can- did and heart-warming account of HEARTBEAT ITV's popular Sunday the world-famous cyclist’s ambition evening police drama makes its to push his limits and set unbreak- stage debut. Set in rural Yorkshire in able World Records, Wed 30 Mar, the 1960s, Heartbeat on stage fea- Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire tures a brand new script, video footage and a 'clever set', Mon 28 - Sat 2 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Film PONGO’S PARTY Entertainment for young audiences, featuring the voic- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: es of Justin Fletcher & Nicole Davis JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS (PG) Jem from CBeebies as Pongo the Pig and and the Holograms rock their way to Molly-Moo the Cow, Tues 29 Mar, the big screen in this live-action Artrix, Bromsgrove adaptation of the popular 1980’s cartoon from the producers of Pitch Perfect. As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three Janet Jackson in Birmingham on 30 March sisters begin a journey of discovering that some talents are too special to ROOM 94 Wed 30 Mar, MADDY PRIOR IN keep hidden. Stars Aubrey Peeples & O2 Academy, B’ham CONCERT WITH GILES Stefanie Scott. Tues 29 Mar, Roses Gigs Theatre, Tewkesbury ALEXANDER O'NEAL Wed LEWIN AND HANNAH JAMES Thurs 31 Mar, DISTRICT 97 + DAVE 30 Mar, The Jam ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD Huntingdon Hall, KERZNER BAND House, Birmingham CHIP (PG) Believe it or not, this is the featuring Worcester special guest Durga fourth cinematic outing for the mis- McBroom (Pink Floyd) chievous ground squirrels (created + more! Mon 28 Mar, THE PERFECT MURDER Shane Richie by a hit single in 1958). Here, they The Robin, Bilston and Jessie Wallace star together on suspect that their human intimate stage for the very first time in an Dave (Lee) is going to dump them in ADELE Tue 29 - Wed 30 acclaimed staging of Peter James’ favour of his new girlfriend, so they Mar, Genting Arena, best-selling thriller, Tues 29 Mar - Sat set off on a road chip [sic] to Miami B’ham - SOLD OUT! 2 April, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry to stop him. Expect irritatingly high voices. Weds 30 - Thurs 31 Mar, AMERICAN IDIOT Lichfield Garrick Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury NAI HARVEST Wed 30 Youth Theatre presents an amateur ALTERED SKY Thurs 31 Mar, The Rainbow production of the two-time Tony YOUTH (15) Michael Caine turns in a Mar, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham Award-winning musical, Tues 29 Mar superb performance in Paolo Venues, Birmingham NOTHING BUT THIEVES - Sat 2 April, Lichfield Garrick Sorrentino’s follow up to his Oscar OTWAY/BARRETT: THE winning The Great Beauty. Set in a Thurs 31 Mar, O2 AUSTEN'S WOMEN Adapted and per- FINAL STRAW Featuring luxury Alpine spa, a retired composer Institute, Birmingham formed by Rebecca Vaughn, John Otway & Wild reminisces with his lifelong film direc- Austen’s Women brings together no DEL CAMINO Thurs 31 Willy Barrett, Thurs 31 tor friend about past loves, the frivoli- JANET JACKSON fewer than thirteen of Jane Austen’s Wed 30 Mar, The Jam House, Mar, The Robin, Bilston ty of youth and the wisdom of age. most celebrated female characters, Mar, Barclaycard Birmingham Thurs 31 Mar, Roses Theatre, STELLA ROBERTS Thurs Wed 30 Mar, Swan Theatre, Arena, Birmingham THE MANFREDS Thurs Tewkesbury 31 Mar, Bramall Music Worcester SUNSET SONS Wed 30 31 Mar, Solihull Arts Building, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Bham Complex STONES IN HIS POCKETS Two actors play a vast array of eccentric and lov- able characters in Marie Jones’ Events award-winning comedy, Thurs 31 Mar - Sat 2 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Classical Music Comedy Gigs Coventry EASTER HALF TERM FUN Award-win- IRELAND'S CALL Inspired by true ning clown and children’s entertainer events and spanning three decades, Bibbledy Bob, with music, fun and COLLABRO Tues 29 - Wed 30 Mar, MARK WATSON Thurs 31 Mar, Artrix, Ireland’s Call follows the extraordi- games on the lawn, Mon 28 Mar - Fri Symphony Hall, Birmingham Bromsgrove nary journey of the strong-headed 1 Apr, Birmingham Botanical NATHAN CATON, SOFIE HAGEN & CRAIG Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of Gardens MURRAY Thurs 31 Mar, Bramall Music World War Two, leaves behind his THE GADGET SHOW LIVE Thurs 31 Mar Building, Birmingham childhood sweetheart and beloved - Sun 3 Apr, NEC, Birmingham PHIL NICHOL & COMIC TBC Thurs 31 homeland in search of a better life in Mar, Station Pub, Birmingham New York, Thurs 31 Mar, JIMMY CARR Thurs 31 Mar, Malvern Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Theatres, Worcestershire ALL OUR YESTERDAYS A musical journey through the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN FEATURING and ’70s, Thurs 31 Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch PETER DONONHOE David Curtis conducts a programme of works by Mozart, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky, Wed 30 Mar, Malvern Dance Theatres, Worcestershire CBSO MAHLER'S TENTH Featuring PINOCCHIO Join Ballet Theatre UK as Nicholas Collon (conductor) & the they tell the tale of a wooden puppet CBSO Youth Chorus. Programme carved from pine whose only wish is includes works by Webern, Brahms to become a real boy, Wed 30 Mar, and Mahler, Thurs 31 Mar, Symphony Palace Theatre, Redditch Hall, Birmingham

66 whatsonlive.co.uk grand_whatson FP MAR:Layout 1 18/02/2016 16:50 Page 1

Great Theatre at the Grand!

MON 11 - SAT 16 APR SUN 17 APR MON 18 - WED 20 APR PASHA KOVALEV IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

THE NEW STAGE SHOW FOR 2015/16 DERREN BROWN MIRACLE

THU 21 APR FRI 22 APR SAT 23 APR AND FINALLY... PHIL COLLINS

An Evening With Des O’connor

SUN 24 APR TUE 26 - SAT 30 APR MON 2 - SAT 7 MAY

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT OlivEr MEllOr TErri dWyEr MArCUS hUTTON plAyS plAyS plAyS TONy WENdiCE ShEilA WENdiCE MAx hAllidAy OVER 30 YEARS, THE SOLID SILVER 60S SHOW HAS ENTERTAINED THE NATION AND CELEBRATED HISTORY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL DECADE OF MUSIC.

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 Book online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk Belgrade Red Snapper (FP- Mar 16).qxp_Layout 1 22/02/2016 11:32 Page 1