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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sISSUE On 364 APRIL 2016 PIXIE LOTT interview inside...

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

Rob Beckett the mouth of the south comes to shropshire Tom Jones (FP- April 16).qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 09:33 Page 1 Contents April Region Shropshire/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:16 Page 1

April 2016

Contents

Annie The Musical - Lesley Joseph stars as Miss Hannigan at The Grand page 31

Pixie Lott The Young’uns the list

talks about taking the lead North East folk trio talk about Mouth of the South stops off in your 16-page in Breakfast At Tiffanys their winning streak Shropshire as part of UK tour week-by-week listings guide page 22 page 25 page 27 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 26. Comedy 30. Theatre 38. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire 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 What s On 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, Adam Jaremko, David Vincent 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 April Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 13:53 Page 1

First Word

All Together Now at Folk... Shrewsbury Folk Festival is providing pupils at two Shropshire schools with the chance to take part in a proj- ect to learn traditional folk arts with a modern twist. Children from Trinity Primary School in Ford and Worthen Primary School will take part in a two week-long pro- gramme to learn new skills that will be performed at this year’s festival. Artists from the award-winning Demon Barbers and the Breaking Tradition Dance Company will share their unique take on folk dance with the students during the summer term. The project is part of the festival’s All Together Now pro- gramme, which aims to introduce new audiences to folk and world music.

Sir Tom to shine like Duathlon set More Electro Swing a Beacon in Lichfield to go down in Digbeth a storm One of the UK’s toughest duathlons returns to this month. Storm The Castle is a run- cycle-run event taking place in the town on 17 April, with competitors having the chance to test themselves on ‘some of the most stunning terrain that Shropshire has to offer’. For more information, visit: stormthecastled- uathlon.com/

Electro Swing lovers and vintage connois- seurs are being urged to take to the streets Living legend Tom Jones is to perform live in concert at and party in style when the Swingamajig fes- Lichfield’s Beacon Park on 12 June. tival arrives at Birmingham’s Rainbow ven- The 75-year-old Welsh superstar will perform numbers ues on 1 May. from his huge back catalogue of hits, as well as songs from The unique event, now in its fourth year, recently released Praise & Blame, Spirit In The brings the ‘sounds and styles of the 1920s up Room and Long Lost Suitcase. to date with a modern twist’. Held in a 10,000-capacity grand marquee, the event starts The line-up for the 2016 festival includes at midday and also features a line-up of local performers. Balkan Beat Box, The Tootsie Rollers, Father Tickets are now on sale at £55 Standard (inclusive of book- Funk, Jack Rabbit Slim, The Carny Villains ing fee and P&P) and £99 for Gold Circle (inclusive of book- and Spider Salah. For further information, ing fee and P&P) from tinyCOWtickets.co.uk and Lichfield visit, swingamajig.co.uk Garrick Theatre: 01543 412121.

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Entertainment news from around the region

Blues and jazz A blooming good panto at aplenty in Lichfield Wolverhampton Grand

Lichfield & Jazz Festival has CBeebies’ Mr Bloom is spending Christmas in announced its line-up for 2016. Wolverhampton. The popular event will this year fea- The popular character from children’s TV pro- ture performances from, among gramme Mr Bloom’s Nursery - aka actor Ben others, The Birmingham Jazz Faulks - has joined Joe McElderry and Lisa Riley Orchestra, The Callum Roxburgh in the cast of the Grand Theatre’s 2016/17 pan- Swing Orchestra, Steve Ajao Blues tomime, Aladdin. Giants, Rebecca Downes, The Commenting on the news, Adrian Jackson, Chief Steve Waterman Quartet, leading Executive of the Grand, said: “The addition of solo bassist Fred Thelonius Baker, The Nick Dewhurst Quintet and Ben to our cast is one that fully ensures our pan- The Zappatistas. tomime will delight younger audience members Commenting on this year’s festival, and entertain all ages. Families can look forward organiser Brian Pretty said: “As well to the fun and laughter that they’ve come to as the quality music, we will have expect of the Grand Theatre pantomime whilst at workshops to join in with, and the same time be spellbound by impressive vocal entertainment throughout the talents, stunning special effects and first-rate sto- weekend. The festival offers incred- rytelling.” ible value for money, and we can Aladdin shows at the Grand from Saturday 10 guarantee you a good weekend of Dec to Sunday 22 January. Tickets are already on great music and entertainment.” The festival takes place at various sale and can be booked in person at the Box Lichfield venues from 24 to 26 Office, by phone on 01902 42 92 12 or online at June. For further details and to grandtheatre.co.uk. book tickets, visit www.lichfield- arts.org.uk

Falconry fair A festival of food at Newport Show returns to Shropshire’s Newport Show will this year include a new Festival of Chetwynd Food. The event, which takes place at Chetwynd Deer Park on 9 July, Park will feature a pop-up street food area and a dedicated Little Foodies marquee for children wishing to try their hand at cooking. This year’s British The show’s existing food theatre will be increased in size and will fea- Steve Ajao Falconry & Raptor Fair ture demonstrations from local chefs and Great British Bake Off win- takes place at Chetwynd ner Nadiya Hussain. Park in Newport, Commenting on the new addition to the annual event, the show’s Shropshire, on 1 & 2 Festival of Food Chairman, Tony Asson, said: “With Newport Show’s Top accolade for May. agricultural roots, food production and local produce has always Shropshire visitor Long established as the played an important part in our event, to encourage greater under- attraction UK's leading falconry & standing of the journey from farm to fork. hawking event, the “With the growing popularity in home cooking and healthy eating and Shropshire’s Blists Hill Victorian ever-popular fair brings the brilliant response to our previous food activities, creating the Town has been awarded a coveted together some of the gold accolade by VisitEngland, the Festival of Food was a natural progression.” country’s national tourist board. biggest names in the The Newport Show’s 2016 programme also includes a host of family The popular Ironbridge Gorge sport. It also features an entertainment, a focus on horticulture, a craft fair, a dog show, and Museum, where the Victorian era is impressive selection of strongly contested livestock and equine competitions. vividly brought to life, gained the family-friendly attrac- To buy advance tickets for the show, go to newportshow.org/ or call reward in recognition of the high tions and activities to 0845 467 1889. quality of its visitor experience. enjoy, including pony Commenting on the success, Paul rides, a funfair, quad- Gossage, Director of Engagement at bikes and novelty dog the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, shows. commented: “It was a great achieve- ment to receive this accolade, which For more information, positions Blists Hill Victorian Town visit: amongst the best tourist attractions countryfairs.info/ff- in the country. It’s wonderful that home.html the hard work of all the staff and volunteers has once again been recognised by VisitEngland.”

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First Word

Noddy at the Beheadings, Lighthouse incest and war

Slade star Noddy Holder was on hand in Lichfield last month to open the homecoming An original and unautho- exhibition of Willard Wigan, the man rised parody of hit TV series known as ‘the world’s greatest micro Game Of Thrones is visiting artist’. Lichfield Garrick Theatre Wednesfield-born Willard has gained an next month. international reputation for his minute Created by a team of top works, which are displayed and viewed comedy writers, Graeme Of through microscopes. The exhibition Thrones is described as ‘a includes a miniature version of Noddy rollercoaster ride of behead- inside a needle. It also features charac- ings, incest and war’. ters from Disney’s Frozen and an exam- Showing at the venue direct ple of the artist’s early work - a small from a sold-out run in house for ants. Willard Wigan: ’s West End, the pro- Homecoming Exhibition shows at the duction stops off in Lichfield Light House Media Centre in on 12 May. . Wolverhampton until 2 May.

Ruthie New and beautiful at BBC show Henshaw in BBC Gardeners’ World Live is looking for emerging talent in garden That’s design to create fun and attractive borders for this year’s show. Entertainment! The selected creations will feature in the Beautiful Borders and brand new Edible Borders elements of the event. Beautiful Borders has a lit- Musical theatre favourite erary theme for 2016, while Edible Borders takes a 5-a-day theme. Ruthie Henshall is heading Commenting on the competition, 2015 Beautiful Borders Gold Medal to Birmingham this summer winner Lisa Niemy, of Beautiful Borders Garden Design, Guildford, with a brand new song & said: “After a lifetime of watching others produce stunning borders at dance production. garden shows and on TV, it’s fabulous to turn your hand to designing Ruthie, who’s starred in and building a border at a show. A rollercoaster of challenges, it’s numerous West End and helped kick-start our business and really put us on the map.” Broadway shows, including Applications are open until 8 April. Each accepted Beautiful and Cruising along Chicago, Miss Saigon, Les Edible Borders applicant will be given £50-worth of National Garden Miserables, Cats and Crazy at Theatre Severn Gift Vouchers to contribute towards plants for their border at the For You, will visit the New One of the premier cruise show. Alexandra Theatre with agents in Shropshire is hold- For more information and an application form, contact: That’s Entertainment!, a cel- ing its inaugural Cruise [email protected]. ebration of big hits from the Roadshow in Shrewsbury on BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 16 1940s and ’50s that features Wednesday 6 April. to 19 June. the music of Lerner & The Worldchoice Travel Loewe, Rodgers & event takes place in the Hammerstein, Irving Berlin Hadyn Smith room at and Cole Porter. A sandwich of fusion folk in Shropshire Theatre Severn. The show runs at the venue Commenting on the show, Award-winning band Project Jam Sandwich are stirring up a storm of from 19 to 23 July. Worldchoice Travel’s Matt fusion folk in Shropshire this month. The talented quintet play a Rothwell said: “’m so grate- Shropshire Music Trust concert at All Saints Church, Broseley, on ful for the support of all the Friday 22 April. Commenting on the gig, the Trust’s director, Kate cruise lines attending our Hogwood, said: “Following their knockout performance with a first event of this kind in diverse audience at Bishops Castle last season, Project Jam Sandwich Shrewsbury. Special offers will jam up an explosion of exhilarating improvisations, scorching will be available for those rhythms and beautiful melodies from South Africa to Scotland to who attend on the day Bulgaria and beyond. With their eclectic and open-minded approach itself.” to music-making, they draw on influences from around the globe, merging together musics from seemingly unrelated genres and traditions in an effortless and engag- ing presentation, and conveying their own huge enjoyment and passion to all.”

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FEATURE

Grand Designs

Anna Fleischle and Loren Elstein on designing English Touring Opera's Spring Season

From the adulterous anti-hero Don big difference in lifestyles.” Giovanni to Agamemnon's fatefully This almost Wellsian vision of diver- reunited children, English Touring gent societies resulted in an eerie, at- Opera's spring season is packed with mospheric design that heightens the iconic characters that have stood the tensions in the story. test of time. Operas by Gluck, Mozart “The tunnels are inhabited, but the and Donizetti promise a whirlwind lack of light means that you never of drama, emotion and divine inter- quite know how far away other peo- vention - but it’s not just the orches- ple are. The other thing I found inter- tra, singers and directors who'll esting is the question of what bring these productions to life on happens to Don Giovanni in the end stage. What's On spoke to set design- - in a society where people don't nec- ers Anna Fleischle and Loren Elstein essarily believe in God, what does it about visualising the worlds of three mean for him to be taken to hell? I very different stories. had a strong sense that it's maybe This season, Fleischle has designed about being left with yourself and Mozart's Don Giovanni and Gluck's the sins you've committed in a place Iphigénie en Tauride, the first of where you can't escape them any- which is such a familiar story that more.” the challenge was to make it fresh By contrast, light is vital to Fleis- and original. chle’s design for Iphigénie, which “I spoke a lot with the director about places a window centre stage. The what the story meant to us,” says opera tells the story of Iphigenia, a Fleischle, “and he was very inter- priestess to Diana at an isolated sea- ested in setting it in Vienna in the side temple who’s instructed to sac- 1900s, when the city almost doubled rifice strangers to the goddess. in size over about 10, 15 years. This Things take an unexpected turn meant that they had to enlarge the when her long-lost brother, Orestes, sewage system, and so they ended is shipwrecked on the shore nearby. up with a lot of people working un- “In my research, I found that it's derground. They created this whole often how light breaks through semi- underground world, and many peo- transparent surfaces or is reflected ple hardly ever came above ground, in a kind of haze or steam that gives which we thought provided an inter- you a sense of water,” she says. esting metaphor for class. I think class is the one thing you can take It's not all pretty, rippling reflec- away from this story, because the re- tions, however. This is also a place of lationships only work when there's a human sacrifice, where the sea plays

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by Heather Kincaid

a key role both in conveying unwitting and the walls leaning into the space. I always feel that part of what I can victims to their fate and in cleansing There are also a lot of visual refer- give them, if it's not money, is to en- the altar after violent acts, emphasis- ences to Dante's Purgatory.” sure they get really good experience. ing the connection between the blood- “Because Loren had quite a tight I like to involve them in research and thirsty deity and the natural world. budget, she had the idea of using the take them to meetings and technical “The opera starts with a storm and back of the set for Don Giovanni,” rehearsals because that's where you there's a lot of talk about the ele- says Fleischle. “I think it's great that meet people like young directors and ments; the spray from the sea is some- we're sharing a lot of material at a assistant directors.” thing that defines that space. On the time when everyone is thinking a lot Having previously designed ETO's one hand, it's a very beautiful place of about recycling.” Olivier Award-winning productions worship, but on the other, sacrificing “It was an interesting process be- of Paul Bunyan and King Priam in

human beings is a very messy busi- What I cause you have to be quite resource- 2014, both are excited to be working ness. When they clean the space with with the company again. really like ful,” says Elstein. “Because the floor water, the remains are washed back for Don Giovanni is raked, when you “What I really like about ETO is that into the sea. Also, near water, it's very about ETO spin it around, it naturally has a kind they're very free and quite brave in

hard to keep everything dry and ‘‘is that of lean to it, so it feels as if things are what they choose to put on,” says clean, and I wanted to have a sense of falling towards you.” Fleischle. “They perform operas that moisture coming through the walls. they're very The pair have been working together are rarely done here, and they often When mould grows, it breaks up and free and ‘‘ for some time now. After returning to bring in quite young directors, so can almost look like flowers, and quite brave the UK from Australia where she they seem very open to new ideas.” that's worked into the texture of the in what they began her career, a young and eager “I think they're very adventurous set.” choose to Elstein saw a show that Fleischle had with what they're trying to achieve,” As well as assisting Fleishcle with her put on designed. She was so impressed that Elstein agrees. “They're a relatively designs, Loren Elstein has developed she immediately got in touch to ask if small company, and they're a good her own for Donizetti's Pia de' she could assist with any of her team to work with - very supportive Tolomei, making its UK premiere this work. Though Fleischle couldn't offer and accommodating.” spring thanks to ETO. Based on an her a position at the time, she was so episode in Dante's Divine Comedy, it impressed by Elstein's eagerness that tells the story of Pia, who’s framed for she invited her to help out on her adultery by her brother-in-law, Ghino, next project. English Touring Opera’s Iphigénie after rejecting his advances. In a fit of en Tauride shows at Wolverhampton “I feel a kind of responsibility to- jealousy, her husband Nello then Grand Theatre on Mon 9 May. Don wards young designers,” says Fleis- locks her away in a tower. Giovanni shows at Wolverhampton chle. “It's so hard to get into the Grand Theatre on Tues 10 May and “It's a story of family rivalry, and that profession and to make those first the Regent Theatre, Stoke on Mon 6 tension made me think about tectonic links because we don't usually have June. plates and eruptions,” Elstein ex- enough money to pay an assistant plains. “It's all about cheating the the fee I think they should be getting. angle to get a sense of claustrophobia

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EDUCATIONAL FAMILY FUN

l Sensory Areas l Drama and Singing l 75m Water Slide l Storytelling l Arts and Crafts l Inflatable Fun l Tumble Areas for Toddlers l Dance and Rhythm l Foam Party l Circus Skills l Creative Activities l Cookery & MUCH MORE more aimed at children up to 14 years old

Thursday 14th April at 7.30pm Friday 15th April at 7.30pm Thursday 21st April at 7.30pm

Eggs Collective JUICE Comedy and Arena Theatre Milk Presents COMEDY CLUB LATE NIGHT Headline Act - Danny Buckler JOAN LIVE Tickets £12, £10 NUS Tickets £10 / £8 Tickets £10 / £8

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Food

Midlands food festival offers a ‘bigger day out’

The Great British Food Festival is visiting demos, artisan bars, and even more tasty two Midlands venues this summer, stop- street food and top producers. New for ping off at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, on this year at Ragley is a separate craft & 11 & 12 June and Shugborough Estate in gift stall marquee, so hopefully there’ll Staffordshire on 9 & 10 July. be more choice for everyone and a bigger “The festival's gone down great in the day out.” area,” says organiser Daniel Maycock, To find out more about the festival and “and we’ve been adding more things to to book tickets, visit www.greatbritish- our line-up for this year, including a foodfestival.com/stonyhurst. BBQ demo area, ‘cooking from a camper’

REVIEW: The Riverbank, Shrewsbury blackberry crème brulè served with homemade shortbread Exemplary service alongside the river Severn (£5.95). My partner chose the white chocolate bread & butter pudding with crème anglais (£5.95). Both were delicious. We couldn’t leave without head- ing up to the lounge bar to sam- ple a cocktail from their exten- sive menu. I chose a lychee mar- tini, one of my all-time favourites, and my partner chose a Tokyo iced tea. As we expect- ed, both were gorgeous, replicat- ing the taste of some we’ve sam- pled in London’s high-end cock- tail bars - but doing so for a frac- tion of the price. The service both in the restau- rant and the lounge bar was exemplary; we were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Located parallel to the pictur- Previously home to Est Est Est, peckish, we also added a portion mussels, squid, bread and aioli, esque River Severn, The Grazia and Romolo’s, of the deep-fried crispy calamari all cooked in a tomato and white Riverbank’s modern yet cosy Shrewsbury’s riverside restau- with cherry tomato and chilli wine sauce. It was stunning. The décor, fresh and tasty food and rant enjoyed yet another rebrand jam (£5.75) to our starter. The seafood tasted lovely and fresh winning selection of drinks in 2015. squid itself tasted fresh, the bat- and was perfectly cooked. The make for a great evening out for Under new ownership, The ter was pleasantly light and in sauce was delicious; bursting couples, families and groups of Riverbank describes itself as no way overpowering. The chilli with flavour but without over- friends. Lauren Foster ‘Mediterranean with an jam was a perfect accompani- powering the taste of the ment. seafood. American twist’. Food: nnnnn To start, my partner and I opted The main courses consisted of a My partner chose the crispy Service: nnnnn for the sharing Antipasto, which range of pastas, bar classics, belly pork served with black Ambience: nnnnn consisted of a selection of Italian chef classics and grill options. pudding choux farci, celeriac Overall value nnnnn cured meats, pate, olives, bal- As tempting as the 20oz rump and apple puree, mash and cider OVERALL nnnnn samic onions, sun-blushed steak served with all the trim- sauce (£16.95). The belly pork tomatoes and bread (£14.95). I mings was (£34.95 for two peo- was beautifully tender and melt- often find that restaurants can ple to share), we decided to ed in the mouth. The cider sauce break away from tradition and helped bring the whole dish The Riverbank, skimp on portion size where Victoria Quay, try two dishes from the chef clas- together. sharing platters are concerned, Victoria Avenue, but that definitely wasn’t the sics section. Although both feeling splendidly Shrewsbury, case here. And everything was of I opted for the Zuppa di pesce full, we managed to squeeze in SY1 1HH an impressively high quality. (£14.95) - a seafood stew com- dessert. Following the waiter’s Tel: 01743 233244 As we were both feeling suitably prising scallops, king prawns, recommendation, I opted for the

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Food

Restaurant supports local charity The head chef of Fishmore Hall’s 3AA-rosette restaurant, Forelles, is offering guests the opportunity to donate an optional cover charge onto their food bill in support of local brain injury charity Headway Shropshire. Voted Welsh Chef Of The Year in 2004, Andrew Birch has already helped Headway Shropshire kick- start their fundraising activities by cooking at a gala dinner at last year. With Headway Shropshire hoping to raise approximately £7,000 by July, Andrew and the team at Fishmore Hall in Ludlow are keen to continue to sup- port the charity in reaching their tar- get. To book a table at Forelles, visit fish- morehall.co.uk/Book+online or call 01584 875148.

Shakespeare and fine dining, all for a good cause... A Shrewsbury restaurant is this month hosting Shakespeare’s famous speeches, sonnets and an evening of special food, drink and enter- songs, presented by actors and musicians from tainment in honour of the 400th anniversary of Shropshire Drama Company. Shakespeare’s death. Tickets for the banquet cost £50 (£5 of which The Drapers Hall Shakespeare Banquet takes will be donated to MacMillan Cancer Support) place on 23 April and features a six-course and are available from Drapers Hall on 01743 Nick gets no steak menu based on medieval fare. 344679 or online at wegottickets.com/draper- for his stake The evening will also include some of shallshrews (a £3.50 booking fee is applicable). Television presenter Nick Knowles has invested in a vegan cafe in Shrewsbury. The DIY SOS frontman has bought Glynn Purnell’s Friday Night Kitchen is back... himself a stake in O’Joy, which has recently opened as a bistro at night Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell will be helped raise such a phenomenal figure for Cure following a refurbishment. joined by X Factor winner Sam Bailey when he Leukaemia. I can promise that it will be anoth- The eatery is owned by Becky Porter, opens the doors of his Friday Night Kitchen at er night full of fun, laughs, amazing music who told the Shropshire Star: “It’s Villa Park’s Holte Suite in the autumn (7 and, of course, great food!” amazingly exciting. We feel very October). Sam and other celebrities will be For more information, visit: lucky, and Nick is such a nice bloke, assisting Glynn with the cooking in what prom- purnellsrestaurant.com so we’re all really looking forward to ises to be a fun-filled live show. Glynn’s previ- working with him.” ous two Friday Night Kitchens have raised over £100,000 for Cure Leukaemia, a charity for which the chef is a trustee. “I can’t wait to welcome Sam and other guests to my Friday Night Kitchen this October,” says Glynn. “I’m looking forward to hearing about her favourite food, so I can think up some deli- cious recipes for everyone on the night. I’m delighted with the way the event has grown over the last two years, and proud to have

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Gigs

Muse Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 2 April Since their debut in 1994, Muse have released seven studio albums - including Absolution (2003), Black Holes And Revelations (2006) and The 2nd Law (2012) - selling upwards of 17 million copies world- wide. Seventh Drones topped the UK charts for two weeks last June. The talented three-piece, comprising Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard, have also won numerous awards for their work, including two BRITs, two Grammys and eight NME gongs. Renowned for their exceptional live perform- ances, the band’s Drones World Tour sees them performing for the first time ‘in the round’, from the middle of the arena. This stage design and configuration gives fans a true 360-degree audio/visual sensory experi- ence.

Kathryn Roberts Noel Gallagher’s High & Sean Lakeman Flying Birds Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 10 April Genting Arena, Birmingham, Fri 29 April Last year saw ex-Oasis member Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds com- plete a worldwide tour that included a sell-out round of UK arena shows and headline performances at major summer festivals, including T In The Park and Latitude. The band’s album, Chasing Yesterday, went straight to number one in the Official UK Album Charts and has received huge critical acclaim. The boys are back on the road alongside , who take the sup- port slot on this new UK tour.

Having racked up over 20 years of musicmak- Gregory Porter ing, not only together but with the likes of Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 24 April Brooklyn-based vocalist and songwriter Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Levellers, Kate Gregory Porter has been called ‘one of the most captivating voices in contemporary Rusby and Show Of Hands, partners Kathryn jazz’. Not bad for a fella who didn’t follow his dream of becoming a professional musician Roberts and Sean Lakeman have firmly until he was nearly 40 - a step he took to ful- fill his dying mother’s wish for him. established themselves as pillars of the mod A move from Southern California to New York kickstarted his success story, with his ern British folk scene. So much so, in fact, album, Liquid Spirit, bagging a coveted Grammy Award. In the UK alone, the album that the pair have been nominated for Best is certified gold and has shown plenty of staying power in the Official Album Charts. Duo in the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards 2016. Porter has performed with such greats as Martin Gaye, Nat Cole and Donny Hathaway.

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Gig previews from around the region

Moose Blood The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Sat 16 April

Moose Blood are a British band based in Canterbury who were brought together by their passion for music and a shared love of mid-90s emo. Their debut album, I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time, hit num- ber 45 on the US Billboard Top The June Brides pop, viola and trumpet. Heatseekers chart. Their debut studio album, There Are Eight The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sat 9 April The band are certainly going from Million Stories, reached number one in the strength to strength, with perform- Championed by the legendary John Peel, charts in 1985. Within a year, ances confirmed for 2000 Trees, June Brides formed in 1983 and quickly estab- they were visiting Belfast, Dundalk and and Y Not Festival lished a name for themselves via their Dublin with Morrissey and The Smiths... this summer. intriguing sound - a melodic blend of guitar This month sees the popular four- piece embark on a 10-date headline tour, with gigs in London, and Bristol already sold out. Talon Jeff Lynne’s ELO Lichfield Garrick, Fri 22 - Sat 23 April Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 16 - Sun 17 April The View Talon here present a brand new production The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, of their award-winning Best Of Eagles. Thurs 14 April The first half of the show takes an in-depth An band from Dundee, look at the ‘early Eagles roots’ before making The View incorporate various styles the journey from Hell Freezes Over to the crit- of music into their compositions, ically acclaimed Long Road Out Of Eden. including punk, pop, alternative The second half celebrates the band’s ‘great- rock, pop punk, powerpop, folk and est hits'. acoustic. After 19 successful years together, Talon have The band rose to fame in 2007 when certainly fulfilled their mission to ‘faithfully debut album Hats Off To The recreate the music of the Eagles with honesty, Buskers entered the UK album chart respect and reverence”. With a unique sound blending rock, pop and at number one. classical, ELO have produced 26 UK Top 40 This Staffordshire show is in support singles and sold over 50 million records of their fifth studio album, throughout their career. Alone In The Ropewalk, which was released last Universe - the band’s first album in 15 years - year. was released last November and has received rave reviews from the critics. As well as embarking on this 10-date UK tour, the band have also announced that they’ll be playing Glastonbury’s famous Legends slot, which has featured the likes of Dolly Parton and Lionel Richie in recent years. As with ELO’s previous chart-topping albums, Jeff Lynne continues to serve as the group’s producer, songwriter, arranger, lead singer and guitarist.

For the complete gig guide visit: whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Shrops/Wolves/Staffs April - Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:55 Page 1

Classical Music

Shakespeare Odes Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 24 April; BBC Philharmonic Hereford Cathedral, Fri 6 May; St Peter’s Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 Fri 15 April May The BBC Philharmonic is no stranger This latest Ex Cathedra presentation sees to Hanley, regularly visiting from its the talented early music ensemble turning base in Salford’s MediaCityUK. its attention to Shakespeare, in a concert Alongside its Potteries appearances, performed in recognition of the 400th it also performs an annual season of anniversary of the bard’s death. concerts at Manchester’s Bridgewater Presented in partnership with the Hall, and has most of its annual out- Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the put broadcast on Radio Three. Shakespeare Institute and in association This latest Stoke-on-Trent visit sees with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the the orchestra presenting the follow- concert features a staged, period-instru- ing programme: Schubert Symphony ment performance of actor David Garrick’s No.8 (Unfinished); Ginastera Harp 1769 Shakespeare Ode, with music by Concerto; Mendelssohn Symphony Thomas Arne (Rule Britannia). No.4 (Italian). The evening also includes a new Ode, writ- The conductor is Juanjo Mena, the ten by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, soloist, Marie-Pierr Langlamet. which has been composed for Ex Cathedra and a ‘broken consort’ of instruments by Sally Beamish.

European Union Chamber Hadley Orpheus Male Orchestra With Freddy Voice Choir Kempf Walsall Central Methodist Church, Sat 16 April; Hadley Methodist Church, St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Sat 16 April Telford, Shropshire, Sat 23 April Boasting some of Europe’s finest young pro- fessional players, the European Union Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1981, since which time it’s toured extensively, both across Europe and further afield. Along the Lichfield Cathedral way, the orchestra has performed with a Chorus: wealth of distinguished classical artists, including Nicola Benedetti, Julian Lloyd In Every Corner Sing Webber and Emma Johnson. Lichfield Cathedral, Sat 16 April This Shropshire Music Trust concert sees the Lichfield’s Chorus currently comprises EUCO joined by acclaimed pianist Freddy around 120 members and has been making Kempf to perform first-class renditions of the music since 1959 - for its first 50 years following: Greig’s Holberg Suite; Mozart’s under the name of Lichfield Cathedral Piano Concerto K415 in C; Jane Wells’ Two With a distinguished history stretch- Special Choir. Wings And A prayer; and Hayden’s ing back more than 100 years, This latest concert sees the orchestra per- Symphony No 49 (La Passione). Shropshire’s Hadley & District forming Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Orpheus Male Choir regularly perform Songs and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2 at venues throughout the country. Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise). The choir’s modern-day performance Ben Lamb conducts, with Martyn Rawles highlights include a Hyde Park con- playing on the Cathedral Hill Organ. cert in the company of Dame Vera Lynn, Elaine Paige and Sir Cliff Richard, the Hundreds In Harmony concert at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, and a Telford International Centre massed choir concert in aid of the Tsunami Disaster.

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

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SUMMER FESTIVAL Guide

As another summer sets in, we're already looking forward to the warm weekends of the 2016 festival season, promising pop parties, metal mayhem, indie extravaganzas and some folking good fun, along with (mostly) jazz, funk and blues. Over the winter, we asked you to vote for the best venues and events across the region, and now the polls have closed, we can officially reveal a handful of the finalists. Here are your favourite music festivals, plus a few more to watch out for in the coming months.

Slam Dunk Festival Moseley Folk Festival Shrewsbury Folk Festival NEC, Birmingham, Sun 29 May Moseley Park, Birmingham, Showground, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Sun 4 September Fri 26 - Mon 29 August With rainbow colours, floral stages and Long recognised as a hand-made crafts filling the stunning sur- key date in any roundings of Moseley Park, our next top fi- folkie's calendar, this nalist is a festival of a rather different four-day festival character. Tucked away from busy city streets takes the last top in an eleven-acre woodland glade, Moseley spot in our festival Folk feels a world away from the bustle of category as voted for central Birmingham, with a laid-back, fam- by you. The pictur- ily-friendly atmosphere offering the perfect esque, historical town of Shrewsbury, where way to unwind at the end of the summer. the West Midlands meets the Welsh and Nominally a folk festival, it incorporates a North West borders, provides the perfect set- huge array of styles and genres, program- ting for a festival focused on unearthing tra- ming top quality performers from both tradi- ditions from diverse cultures. Just don't be Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, tional and contemporary music scenes. fooled into thinking it's old-fashioned: as punk and ska, the three-stop touring festival medieval instruments meet modern effects this year moves its Midlands date from The 2016 line-up is yet to be announced, but and global grassroots cultures collide to form Wolverhampton to the NEC. Associated with expect accomplished artists ranging from the dynamic fusion styles, folk is fast becoming the Leeds-based club nights and indie record unsigned to the internationally successful. one of the most innovative musical genres label of the same name, Slam Dunk Festival today. As mainstream music becomes in- celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, creasingly industry-dominated, it's also meaning that attendees in 2016 can expect to where you'll find some of the most passion- experience the biggest and best Slam Dunk ate protest songs. Falling during the school party to date. Over 50 artists will play across holidays, Shrewsbury Folk offers something seven stages, alongside DJ sets, exclusive for all the family, with dancing, music work- signings and a riotous afterparty to round shops and children's activities. It's also been things off. known to broadcast performances live on- line, so even those at home can join the fun. 2016 Line-up Includes: Panic! at the Disco, Of Mice & Men, New Found Glory, Mallory 2016 Line-up Includes: Eliza Carthy & the Knox, Yellowcard, Shikari Sounds System, Wayward Band, The Levellers, Show of Mayday Parade, The King Blues and The Hands, Treacherous Orchestra, Lady Maisery Story So Far and A Day's Work – a folk opera by Mick Ryan

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Download Festival V Festival Mostly Jazz, Funk & Donington Park, Leicestershire, Weston Park, Staffordshire, Soul Festival Fri 10 - Sun 12 June Fri 19 - Sun 21 August Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Sun 10 July Bringing together the biggest artists from across all genres, Virgin's V Festival has, over the last 20 years, blossomed into one of the UK's biggest and best-known music events. Born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker put forward the idea of playing in two outdoor venues over two days, V Festival is unique in taking place in two separate loca- tions simultaneously. Chart-topping acts take With top billing consistently taken by some to stages in Staffordshire and Chelmsford, of the biggest names in rock and metal, it's visiting one on Saturday and the other on not hard to see why Download Festival made Sunday. it into our Readers' Awards finals. Conceived as a follow-up to Donington Park's previous 2016 Line-up Includes: Rihanna, Justin Monsters of Rock Festival, Download makes Bieber, David Guetta, Sia, Faithless, Kaiser Brought to you by the masterminds behind its 14th outing this year, owing its name Chiefs, Bastille, Little Mix, Jess Glynne, Jake Moseley Folk and the Lunar Festival, Mostly partly to its pioneering use of technology to Bugg, Years & Years, Rita Ora and Tini Tem- Jazz, Funk and Soul does exactly what it says connect with audiences and build a commu- pah on the tin. World-class artists come together nity around the event. But while it's cutting with the leading lights of the local jazz scene edge on one hand, its genre of choice is also in a laid-back, family-friendly event that cele- steeped in local history. Emerging against a brates the city's cultural heritage. Like its sis- backdrop of thumping, grinding machinery ter festival Moseley Folk, it's also located in in the country's industrial heart, early heavy the gorgeous Moseley Park. metal acts have left an unmistakable legacy in the Midlands, and as long as Download continues, they'll always have a home here. 2016 Line-up Includes: De La Soul, Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Show 2016 Line-up Includes: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Korn, Megadeth, Deftones, Nightwish, Alien Ant Farm, Kill- switch Engage, Atreyu, Billy Talent, Jane's Addiction and Disturbed

Lunar Festival Godiva Festival MADE Birmingham Umberslade Estate, Tanworth-in-Arden, War Memorial Park, Coventry, Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham, Sat 30 July Fri 3 - Sun 5 June Fri 1 - Sun 3 July Combining live music with visual street art The third in the Moseley Folk/Mostly and design, the Metropolitan Arts & Dance Jazz/Lunar trio, the Lunar Festival takes Event celebrates the contemporary art and place in a different setting to its sister festi- culture scene in the UK's second city. Cutting- vals, this time in the gorgeous grounds of edge electronic acts and live DJ sets find their Tanworth-in-Arden's Umberslade Estate. Ex- ideal home at this adults-only festival in Dig- pect an eclectic mix of music, local ales, beth, the city's dynamic youth culture quar- cabaret, all manner of creative workshops ter. (from ska aerobics to guerilla archaeology), and general malarkey. 2016 Line-up Includes: Rudimental, 2016 Line-up Includes: Super Furry Ani- Stormzy and Andy C mals, Mercury Rev, Television, Badly Drawn Boy, The Zombies, Matt Berry and the May- poles, Bentley Rhythm Ace and Martin One of Coventry's greatest cultural assets, the Carthy. Godiva Festival claims the title of the UK's biggest free music festival, attracting ever- growing audiences and a diverse array of per- formers. Over the years, its line-ups have covered big Britpop bands, emerging indie talents, ’80s electronic pop, familiar ska and two-tone favourites and even international acts.

2016 Line-up Includes: The Charlatans, Mystery Jets, Space and The Boomtown Rats

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FEATURE Pixie Lott

As musician Pixie Lott prepares to play Holly Golightly in director Nikolai Foster’s new 1940s-set touring production of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, she explains why she’s returning to acting after an absence of 12 years - and how her portrayal of Holly is far-removed from Audrey Hepburn’s…

“I realised the other day that I actually have that famous black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s on a coaster next to my bed for my cup of tea,” laughs Pixie Lott. “I’ve had it there for ages, long before I found out I’d be playing Holly on stage. It was ob- viously meant to be!” In a temporary departure from her career as a singer/songwriter, Pixie is taking on the iconic role of the free-spirited, guitar-playing, cat-loving party girl in the touring production of Richard Green- berg’s new play. However, she’s keen to stress that this iteration of Holly is truer to the character as she’s portrayed in Truman Capote’s original 1958 novella, rather than in the better-known big-screen version. In fact, Pixie hasn’t even watched the film since being cast in the play, as she ‘didn’t want to get too caught up in it’. “Our play still has all those wonderful characters, the different personalities that make up New York, just as Capote brilliantly wrote them,” Bromley- born Pixie, 25, explains. “When you think about it, the story was incredibly ahead of its time, which is what makes it still so relevant today, a genuine modern classic. “This really is the dream role for me to take on for my first play. I feel incredibly lucky. Of course peo- ple will make comparisons with Audrey Hepburn, but I would never try to replicate an icon like her, as she was a one-off, truly unique. I hope audi- ences feel I bring my own interpretation and per- sonality to the role. My Holly is free-spirited and has lots of energy, and we also see glimpses of the secrets of her past. But she’s a survivor. She makes it through.” Capote himself was famously against casting Hep- burn as Golightly, instead wanting Marilyn Monroe for the role, but her agent advised her against play- ing ‘a lady of the evening’. Did Pixie have any reservations about playing such an iconic and con- troversial character? “Not at all,” she smiles. “After all, Holly isn’t actually a prostitute, but an ‘Ameri- can geisha’, as Truman Capote described her. Once you get to know her in the play, she’s both fabu- lous and very endearing.” Some may say that playing Holly Golightly is quite a departure for Pixie, who, after all, is best known for a string of chart-topping hits including Mama

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by Jeremy Mark

Do and All About Tonight. As a teenager, she did in to explore parts of the UK and Ireland that I’ve fact train as an actress at Italia Conti Academy of never visited before, and also to get to know places Theatre Arts, appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which I already love even better.” at the London Palladium before moving into Like Holly Golightly, though, Pixie is a self-con- music. So why has she decided to make a return to fessed scatterbrain, short-sighted (in the novel, the stage? “I’ve always believed in being as Holly’s famous sunglasses apparently had pre- rounded a performer as possible, and it’s always scription lenses) and she’s equally as untidy. “I’m good to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I “If my a really messy person, so my dressing room will be

did that when I took part in Strictly Come Dancing ‘‘ fairly chaotic. Lots of make-up and clothes, maybe in 2014. I learned ballroom and Latin from scratch, dressing- a candle and some pictures from the 1940s. If any- which I really loved, and this year it’s been really one complains about the mess, I’ll just blame it on amazing to focus on acting. I’ll still be working on room is Holly!”

my own music alongside the play, and in the two breaks I have from the tour. I’ve been writing new messy, I’ll songs at every opportunity I can, and hope to have just blame new music ready towards the end of the year, with ‘‘ a little teaser or two in the summer.” it on Holly Pixie set herself a further challenge for this role: learning how to play the guitar. “I’d always wanted Golightly to learn, and the play has given me the perfect ex- cuse. It was really hard, though!” As a nod to the film, she performs Henry Mancini’s Oscar-winning Moon River. “It’s such a timeless song,” she says, “so beautiful. And it appears at a very intimate moment in the play, it sits really well.” Pixie also performs what she describes as “a little hillbilly ballad” which reflects Holly’s past, but this is by no means a musical version of the story. “It’s a play with music. There are songs from the era and a new score written by Grant Olding which scoots in and out throughout the perform- ance. It brilliantly evokes the 1940s.” Playing opposite Pixie as her confidant, ‘Fred’, is actor Matt Barber, who played Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey. “We get on brilliantly, but I Breakfast at Tiffany’s shows haven’t yet dared to tell him that I didn’t watch at New Alexandra Theatre, Downton!” she admits. And, of course, there’s also Birmingham from Holly’s feline pet, Cat. “I’m still getting used to the Mon 18 to Sat 23 April cat,” she says. “I’m more of a dog person really, so I’m not familiar with being with cats or how to hold a cat. Thankfully, I’m not allergic to them.” The play’s New York setting hugely appeals to the actress. “It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. I actually went and checked out the Tiffany’s store, which is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the last time I was in New York. It was stun- ning! I’ve always been a fan of Tiffany’s, but I’ve never done the whole ‘coffee and Danish’ thing outside the store. I’d say I’m more of a tea and toast kind of girl!” Holly Golightly’s 1940s look is intrinsic to the play’s authenticity, and something that definitely excites style-fan Pixie. “Holly has lots of costume changes, and wearing actual, fabulous vintage pieces and accessories from the era really helps me with her character. They’re not custom-made Givenchy gowns like Audrey’s, which would be in- credible, but they’re the next best thing. I love ex- perimenting with the way I look, with different hairdos and make-up, and this is so far removed from my usual get-ups.” Life on the road is something that Pixie has be- come used to as a musician. “I’m actually looking forward to spending time in cities where, ordinar- ily on a music tour, I would only get to be for one night, maybe two. The play will give me the chance

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FEATURE by David Vincent

The Young’uns The North East folk trio find themselves on a winning streak...

There's nothing like a good award to boost a “In the past, songs have been inspired by biggest band, with 21 nominations and eight career - just ask Teesside's The Young'uns. history,” says Eagle, “of where we’re from, of wins, they seemed unbeatable. After a decade plying their trade at festivals the landscape, and we talk about things in “People kept telling us we were the under- and around the folk clubs of the North East, the past. But we became more inspired by dog - and I think we felt we were the under- the now not-so-young trio are one of the things now. We approach folk music as sto- dog - but I’m sure a lot of other [nominated] biggest acts in the folk/acoustic world, ries and songs and anecdotes. Every gig is people felt that way about themselves too. It thanks (in part) to their Best Group win at about storytelling, so our songwriting has was a complete surprise to win.” become more sophisticated. We’re talking the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards. Re-nominated for the BBC Radio Two Folk about things that are actually in the now. We “People do put their trust in these things, Awards Best Group this year, The Young’uns know what we like, we’re more unabashed, they do hold weight,” says singer and accor- are no longer the outsiders, as they find we know who we are.” dion player David Eagle of their gong. “We themselves up against Londoners Stick In always felt that people enjoyed us live, but Eagle cites The Biscuits Of Bull Lane and The Wheel, Dublin’s Lynched and Leveret, didn’t think there was much interest in us Lovely Cup Of Tea, penned in the wake of featuring Andy Cutting and Bellowhead's from the industry, but the BBC award soldier David Rigby’s 2013 murder in Wool- Sam Sweeney - who've both won the Musi- showed different.” wich, as two songs that borrow from folk cian Of The Year award. music traditions yet are utterly contempo- The Young'uns career started by chance as “Stick The Wheel we heard quite early on. rary: “The English Defence League came to 16-year-old school pals David, Sean Cooney They had this really interesting, raw EP. I re- protest at Bull Lanes Mosque, in York, and (vocals) and Michael Hughes (vocals, guitar) ally liked it. A lot of people are talking about they were greeted with biscuits and tea! popped out for a spot of underage drinking, them - you hear a lot about them. Lynched That’s a story! That’s a folk song!” and accidentally stumbled into a folk club. seem to have risen in the past few months Intrigued by the sing-arounds - where indi- Across 2014's Never Forget and 2015's An- and sound brilliant. And Leveret are an ab- viduals kick-start a traditional song, unac- other Man's Ground, they’ve also explored solutely brilliant band as well. They have companied, with everyone then joining in - such issues as honour killings (The Streets such a rapport - great musicianship.” Of Lahore), Channel Four's Benefits Street they returned, and elder regulars eventually Asked what he reckons The Young’uns (You Won't Find Me On Benefits Street) and asked “the young'uns” if they’d like to par- chances are of retaining the award, Eagle re- war. ticipate. A couple of years later, they be- sponds by discussing how impossible it is to came a band. Of their rise in popularity, Eagle says: “A lot rank the nominees when all are arguably at “I say we’ve been together for 10 years, but of things came together in a six-month pe- the top of their game. riod over 2014/15. We did a session for BBC the first two to three years we were rub- “They’re all very different,” he says. “You’ve Radio Two which bought a lot of new people bish!” recalls Eagle with a hearty laugh. always got to realise that when someone to our shows, then did The Unthanks sup- “July 2005 was the first gig, but we were very says you’re the best group, you’re not. It’d be port in February 2015, which a lot of people different to who we are now. It’s crazy to see ridiculous. You’re not really the best.” how we’ve developed. There wasn’t the came to see, and then there was the BBC same reliance on YouTube and the internet Radio Two Folk Awards and the win. It was a back in 2005, so no-one saw us play. I combination of all of those things - that’s when we started to get a lot of people com- played triangle, penny whistle, kazoo, and The Young’uns play Theatre Severn, ing to our gigs who’d not seen us before.” we did unaccompanied things.” Shrewsbury on Monday 18 April, and From wobbly early appearances, the friends The Beeb win came as a shock for the three Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre have gained confidence - firstly as perform- folkateers, as they were up against the on Thursday 28 April ers, more recently as songwriters. mighty, all-conquering Bellowhead. Folk’s

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Comedy davina.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 16:02 Page 1

Comedy

Rob Delaney: Meat The REP, Birmingham, Sat 23 April American comic Rob Delaney was once voted the funniest person on Twitter. He bagged the accolade from Comedy Central for his line in gleefully juve- nile and sometimes overtly sexual offerings. At this point, we could reproduce his rude’n’crude musing on whether the contents of Catwoman’s lit- ter tray acts like an aphrodisiac on Batman - but we won’t. More palatable Twitter fare includes, “As far as I’m concerned, the scariest thing to come out of the Muslim world is algebra”, and “WiFi at my uncle's funeral is a ****ing joke...” Rob’s visiting the Midlands this month with his lat- est stand-up show, Meat. He’s touring on the back of a hugely successful year during which he co- starred in two series of hit Channel Four comedy show Catastrophe.

Four of the best...

Julian Rob Danny Clary: Beckett: Buckler Mouth Of Arena Theatre, The Joy Of Wolverhampton, Mincing The South Thurs 14 April New Alexandra The Place, Oakengates, More than once Theatre, likened in style to Birmingham, Shropshire, Sat 2 Wed 27 April April; Stafford the legendary Tony Gatehouse Theatre, Hancock, Danny Sat 16 April Julian Clary’s win- Buckler started out ning line in ‘saucy postcard’ humour and First tickling the nation’s collective funny as a magician working the shop floor of innuendo disguises an intelligent sarcasm bone in 2009, Rob Beckett’s TV work Harrods, his talent for conjuring securing that digs fun at both himself and his audi- includes and Celebrity Juice. him invitations to perform at numerous ence. A perennial favourite in the stand-up A high-tempo comedian who’s been celebrity bashes. Appearances at private comedy world, his forays into TV haven’t described by one newspaper as ‘a little short functions for the likes of Liam Gallagher, always been as successful - a long-ago gag at of a revelation’, Rob claims his relationship Bruce Willis and the Sultan of Brunei all fea- the expense of Norman Lamont saw him with comedy began as a youngster. “I was ture on his impressive CV. blacklisted by television producers for some the middle child and desperate for atten- Nowadays a regular performer on the stand- considerable time. tion,” he explains, “so I decided to try and up circuit, Danny is a solid rather than spec- Julian’s here making a welcome return to the get it by making my friends and family tacular purveyor of mirth, but his light Midlands with his latest touring show, The chuckle - or better still, belly laugh.” touch, easy manner and intriguing dress Joy Of Mincing, an offering which his website Gags include, “You know you're working- sense ensure that an evening in his company promises will be ‘a masterclass in camp com- class when your TV’s bigger than your book- is very definitely an evening well spent. edy’. case,” and “My girlfriend worries about me cheating on a night out. I say to her, ‘Why would I have a burger when I’ve got steak at home?’ The only problem is, when you’re drunk, burgers are well nice.”

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The All-Star Stand Up Tour Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 12 April; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 13 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 4 May Four highly rated comedians for the price of one is the mouthwatering prospect on offer here. Kiwi compere Jarred Christmas is joined by ‘king of the one-liners’ Gary Delaney, ‘master of stand-up satire’ Sean Hughes and Magicians star Pete Firman, a man once described by Time Out as ‘more magical than Dumbledore on a good day’. Four comedians, four styles of comedy - and therefore, no doubt, a suitably wide range of amused responses from the sure-to-be- appreciative audience. Expect to hear chuck- les, giggles, belly laughs and ribs being mer- cilessly tickled (although we’re not entirely sure what that last one actually sounds like)...

Jamie On the rise... ing , Rob Beckett and many Wood: more now-established comedians. Oh No! Adam Jaremko takes a look at Most clubs will be contacted by a per- what makes someone a comedian? former for a gig request; they normally pro- mac, Birmingham, vide a video clip and some text about Fri 8 April The comedians you see on TV, on tour and themselves. If they’re interesting enough, “O No! is a psyche- in comedy clubs every week all started out they’ll be invited along to do a five or 10- delic ride and a at the same point - standing on stage for minute set. This is what’s called an ‘open wonky homage to the very first time, trying to make strangers spot’ - a chance to perform and impress the woman laugh. Years later, they’re still doing the both the audience and the venue staff/ damned for destroying the Beatles,” explains same, but the rooms are grander, audi- management. If that goes well, it’s on to a Jamie Wood in talking about his latest tour- ences bigger and they even get their own ‘half spot’, normally 15 minutes on stage ing production. “The show borrows Yoko bottled water. with a fee to cover travel and performance. If THAT goes well, then it’s on to the big Ono’s art instructions to ask whether falling But what makes someone a comedian? in love is always catastrophic. In my family, time - but all in good time, of course. Being funny is the obvious starting point, Yoko was deeply distrusted for the effect It’s refreshing and reassuring to see that but the fact that they even got up on stage - she'd had on John. I love Yoko Ono's art, I the comedy industry has a system that’s and their willingness to continue to do so - love her seemingly endless positivity and it thorough, fair and works. There’s a journey is what makes them real comedians. Oh, makes me laugh. “This is basically a show for all comics to take, and Michael and being funny. Did I mention that? about reckless optimism, avant-garde art - McIntrye is a good example of someone and what we might yet have to learn from When they start out, they’ll travel the who’s travelled it. He first played the Glee the hippies!” country and perform for free just for the in 2003, had his first paid spot in 2004 and chance to make progress and to grace the was on TV with his own show in 2009. stages their heroes once did. UK clubs such There are plenty of funny people out there, as The Stand, Komedia and the Glee Clubs but it takes a lot to become a comedian - so continue to witness the progression of here’s to the stars on the rise! tomorrow’s stars. The Glee, for example, still has a paper file of ‘act reviews’ featur-

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Shakespeare 400 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:43 Page 1 Shakespeare 400 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:43 Page 2

It’s all about the Bard Stratford celebrates its ‘Famous Son’

Every April the 23rd, Shakespeare's home- At 10.30am on Saturday the 23rd, the Birth- Strange. There'll also be opportunities to town bursts into life as theatre enthusiasts day Parade kicks off at Shakespeare's Birth- meet the artists and ask them all your burn- come together to celebrate his life and works. place, led by the Head Boy of Shakespeare's ing questions, or to participate in a self- In case the buzz has passed you by, 2016 is a alma mater, King Edward VI School. From guided tour of Stratford devised by Stan's bit of a big year for the Bard, marking the there, a colourful procession travels through Café, using speech bubbles at eight locations 400th anniversary of his death. As such, this town, ending at Holy Trinity, where Shake- as instructions to act out mini dramas. year's celebrations look set to be the most speare is buried. The birthday itself culminates in an exclu- spectacular yet, with a weekend full of work- At the Royal Shakespeare theatres, part of sive, balloted event inside the theatre, broad- shops, tours, live shows, screenings, con- the newly refurbished Swan Wing is un- cast live on BBC2 and in select cinemas. With certs, visual art and more. veiled, complete with an original artwork by a stellar guest list including , In the build-up to the big day, on Tuesday the Steven Follen. Comprised of over 2,000 stain- Judi Dench and Ian McKellen, the variety bill 19th, tenor Joseph Calleja and soprano Angel less steel stars, For All Time is the RSC's features ballet, opera, hip-hop, scenes from Blue perform operatic classics inspired by largest ever site-specific art commission. Shakespeare and more, and ends with a free, Shakespeare's works in a gala concert at Holy Meanwhile, in the Paccar Room, an exhibi- public fireworks display outside. Trinity Church. tion called Well Said! displays Shakespeare Don't stay out too late though: there's more The same day, Stratford Picturehouse begins quotes selected by actors and artists, includ- to come! For those up early enough on Sun- a Shakespeare-themed film festival by ing playwright Tanika Gupta, Hamlet star day morning, a Shakespeare-themed service, screening Michael Elliot's 1963 version of As Paapa Essiedu and rapper Doc Brown. broadcast on Radio Four, takes place at Holy You Like It. Home to the RSC's costume store, the re- Trinity, with music from Orchestra of the Swan. This is also the day of the Shakespeare On Friday the 22nd, Margaret Drabble, Stan- cently relaunched Other Place will also be Marathon and Half-Marathon. ley Wells and Michael Wood discuss Shake- open for Page To Stage Tours. speare's family and friends in a special Outside, visitors can enjoy live music and Meanwhile, at the Birthplace, New York rap- birthday lecture at The Shakespeare Centre, sonnets on the ferry, or get stuck in to work- per Devon Glover embarks on a marathon of ending with a poetry reading from Wendy shops on stage fighting, dance and voice his own as he races through all 154 of Shake- Cope. That evening at Holy Trinity, Ex Cathe- work. Active Storytelling workshops engage speare's sonnets. dra perform Garrick's Shakespeare Ode, set with current RSC productions, while in There'll be plenty more as the month and by Thomas Arne, alongside a brand new ode Blood, Guts And Gore, make-up artists create year continue - this is just a flavour of what's with words by Carol Ann Duffy and music by realistic cuts and bruises. on offer for the main event. Sally Beamish. Featuring period instruments, At 2 and 4pm, Mimbre present a 30-minute Of course, Stratford's not the only town to be this concert goes on to tour the Midlands. acrobatic performance called Wondrous celebrating...

A sample of what’s happening elsewhere in the Midlands...

AN ELIZABETHAN TRAVELLING THE- OUR SHAKESPEARE EXHIBITION A SHAKESPEARE’S WILL Performed by SHAKE UP SHAKESPEARE FAMILY DAY ATRE COMPANY Looking at how free exhibition of Shakespeare-re- Rain Or Shine Theatre on Sat 2 Fun and interactive family day for Shakespeare’s plays were per- lated items from around the world, April, Severn Valley Country Park, children and their parents which formed at the time, Sat 23 Apr, Fri 22 April - Sat 2 September, Bridgnorth and Love Lee Produc- brings two of the Bard’s best- The Potteries Museum & Art Library of Birmingham tions on Wed 27 - Sat 30 April, known plays to life, Sat 23 April, Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent EX CATHEDRA SHAKESPEARE The Wightman, Shrewsbury The REP, Birmingham FROM BARD TO VERSE The original MASQUE CONCERT A reconstruction SHREWSBURY SHAKESPEARE DAY HENRY V Antic Disposition pres- music of Shakespeare’s plays per- of Thomas Arne’s An Ode To Music, songs and combat from ents its critically acclaimed pro- formed by The Night Watch, Sat Shakespeare, Fri 22 April, Holy Shakespeare’s time are just some duction as part of a UK cathedral 30 April, Palace Theatre, Redditch Trinity Church, Stratford-upon- of what’s on offer here, Sat 23 tour, Thurs 28 April, Worcester Avon April, The Square,

For more Shakespeare 400 events, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre

Mary Poppins Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 April Zizzi Strallen here takes the lead in Julian Fellowes’ reworking of the much-loved family musical. PL Travers’ popular fictional character has been a global superstar since Julie Andrews brought her to life in Walt Disney’s hugely successful 1964 movie. Not surprisingly, the success of the film led to a stage version, albeit some 40 years later - and Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musi- cal has been doing great business in theatres across the world ever since. The show’s timeless score includes the songs Jolly Holiday, Step In Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed The Birds. New songs and additional music and lyrics are provided by the Olivier Award- winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Read more about Mary Poppins at whatson- live.co.uk

The Rotters’ Club 1970s to 2010, it compares and contrasts the Island. A spirited girl, Anne soon makes a lives of a group of Bangladeshi bachelors, big impression - and not only on the siblings Birmingham REP, Sat 2 - Sat 9 April living together in a cramped house in who’ve adopted her... Birmingham, with the experiences of an This particular production is brought to the extended Asian family who’re living in a sim- stage by Redhead Reach. ilarly cramped house in the same area. Although their respective experiences seem starkly different, it soon becomes clear that The Dishonoured they have far more in common than at first mac, Birmingham, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 April; meets the eye... Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 4 - Sat 7 May Kali Theatre’s reputation for creating inspir- Diary Of A Madman ing, award-winning theatre based around challenging and thought-provoking issues is Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, further enhanced by this powerful new pro- The REP’s one-time associate director, Thurs 7 - Fri 8 April duction. Gwenda Hughes, returns to the venue to This acclaimed one-man show finds low- Described by the company as ‘a compelling helm Richard Cameron’s adaptation of ranking Russian civil servant Poprishchin political thriller’, The Dishonoured takes Jonathan Coe’s well-regarded novel. moving from obsession to psychosis... place in a world of espionage and secret Set in Birmingham during the 1970s, it fol- Gogol’s dark comedy, exploring the experi- agents - a world in which a highly decorated lows the fortunes of five teenagers as they ences of a man driven to insanity by govern- war hero suddenly finds himself unexpected- struggle to grow up in the shadow of a rapid- ment bureaucracy and hierarchy, is here per- ly out of his depth... ly changing and increasingly troubled socie- formed by award-winning actor Robert ty. Bowman and directed by Olivier Award nom- The 9 April performance is preceded by an In inee Sinéad Rushe. Conversation session with Jonathan Coe and Richard Cameron, during which the pair will discuss the production and their careers. Anne Of Green Gables Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Bangla Brummies Fri 15 - Sat 16 April The Drum, Birmingham, Sun 24 April The central character in Lucy Maude Montgomery’s 1908 novel, Anne Shirley is Murad Khan’s sparky new offering has been mistakenly sent to live with a middle-aged described as a play blending satire, dreams brother and sister on Green Gables farm in and fantasies. Spanning 40 years, from the the Canadian province of Prince Edward

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Theatre previews from around the region

WIN! TICKETS To enter, visit whatsonlive.co.uk The Importance Of Being Earnest Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 28 April - Sat 7 May This famous Oscar Wilde work is a rightly-adored piece of farce that has stood both the test of time and countless dire amateur productions, rising unscathed to take its place at the very pinna- cle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the attempts of Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is mas- querading as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the redoubtable Lady Bracknell, and there’s little wonder that disas- ter looms large on Jack’s hori- zon.

Annie The Musical The heart-warming rags-to-riches tale of a lit- tle girl who finds herself transported from a Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, New York orphanage to the luxurious world Mon 4 - Sat 9 April of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show fea- Birds Of A Feather actress Lesley Joseph stars tures plenty of memorable songs, including as the far-from-pleasant Miss Hannigan in It's A Hard Knock Life and the legendary this latest version of the oft-touring Broadway Tomorrow. hit.

Heartbeat Shadowlands New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until Malvern Theatres, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April All Our Cost Sat 2 April; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April; Wolverhampton Grand Birdsong Productions here joins forces with The Old Rep, Birmingham, Theatre, Tue 5 - Sat 9 July Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to pres- Wed 20 - Fri 22 April ent William Nicholson’s powerful biographi- The relationship between the- cal drama - best known, of course, from its atre and history, in particular 1993 film version starring Anthony Hopkins with regard to The Holocaust, is and Debra Winger. At its centre is the story of the shared theme of All Our the late-flowering love between Oxford aca- Cost’s three plays, each of which demic CS Lewis and American poet Joy is presented on a different night. Davidman, a relationship which would ulti- Performed by Birmingham mately lead to Lewis profoundly questioning Ormiston Academy’s Acting his devoutly held Christian faith... Pathway, the productions are: Ghetto, which analyses the role The long arm of the law is much in evidence of theatre within the Jewish in the Midlands this month, courtesy of this community in the Vilna ghetto; brand new stage version of ITV1’s long-run- The Investigation, a verbatim ning rural police drama. play retold through physical the- The hugely popular 1960s-set television series atre; and The Merchant Of Vilna, ran from 1992 to 2010, regularly drawing an adaptation of Shakespeare’s viewing figures in excess of 10 million. Merchant Of Venice, reflecting This new touring version, which stars mem- how the Jewish community bers of the TV cast and boasts a brand new might have used art to comment script, is making its world premiere at the on their situation. New Alex.

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sat 9 April , Michelle Collins and star in a new touring production which sees everybody's favourite flying car make a welcome return to the Midlands. Complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects, the Sherman Brothers’ mem- orable score and a high-energy cast, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the story of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Manford) who creates an amazing flying car to take 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.

Menopause The Musical The Ladykillers A Machine They’re The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Secretly Building Thurs 14 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Thurs 14 - Fri 15 April Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Trent, Sun 24 April; New Alexandra Theatre, Wed 27 April Birmingham, Tues 26 April; Belgrade Theatre, Based on the iconic Ealing comedy, this Coventry, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 April easy-to-follow story concerns a dear old lady (Mrs Wilberforce) who, well known to the local constabulary for reporting unsubstanti- ated crimes, unwittingly becomes an acces- sory to a brilliantly conceived heist when she rents a room to a small-time crook posing as a musician named Professor Marcus. Marcus then proceeds to bring his gang of criminal misfits, disguised as a quartet, into Mrs Wilberforce’s home, to finalise the details of their plan... The multi-disciplinary Proto-type Theater get seriously topical with this thought- provoking show, which takes a look at the insidious machine of surveillance. “This show is about how we got to the point where our governments are spying on us and how that’s changing who we are,” says Proto-type. “It charts a course from the Top Secret secrets of World War One intelligence rehearsal image through to 9/11, the erosion of privacy, Female TV stars ‘of a certain age’ are much Edward Snowden and the terror of a future in evidence in this well-reviewed show, with that might already be upon us...” Linda Nolan, EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison The Debt Collectors and Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley taking top Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 8 - Sat 9 billing. April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 12 April When four menopausal women meet in a John Godber's popular comedy features two department store, conversation quickly turns out-of-work actors who’re so desperate for to the one thing they all have in common - cash that they take a job they absolutely the menopause. Cue innumerable one-liners loathe - as debt collectors. Nonetheless, on subjects including forgetfulness, mood they're good at what they do, and when all's swings, wrinkles, night sweats and uncon- said and done, the job does have its perks... trollable chocolate binges... Presented by Reform Theatre Company.

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A new look for Spring 2016

Until 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 Mon 30 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 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 April.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:36 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Calamity Jane The Mousetrap Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Lichfield Garrick, Mon 4 - Sat 9 April; Regent Tues 19 - Sat 23 April Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 11 - Wed 13 April

Boasting songs such as The Not only has everyone heard of The Mousetrap, Deadwood Stage, Black Hills Of everyone has seen it too - haven't they? Okay, Dakota, Windy City and Secret maybe not, but as the show recently celebrated Love, Calamity Jane tells the its 60th year in the West End, it's fair to say its story of the Wild West’s most capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely notorious female outlaw, along beyond doubt. The world's longest running the way offering an all-in com- show, the famous Agatha Christie play has been bination of music, comedy, performed over 25,000 times. Its touring version drama and dance. here makes a welcome return to the Midlands. The famous ’50s film version, starring Doris Day and Howard Keel, remains one of the best- regarded Hollywood musicals of its era. This particular production is brought to the stage by Stafford A Black Country Night Out Best Of BE Festival Operatics. Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 April; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 19 April; Kidderminster Town Hall, Fri 15 April; Aston Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 3 May; The Wood, Sutton Coldfield, Thurs 21 April; Lichfield Bramall, Birmingham, Thurs 5 May Our Gracie Garrick, Thurs 28 April; Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Fri 29 April; Solihull Arts Complex, Highly acclaimed for its daring and innovative New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Thurs 5 May programme of theatre, dance, circus, live music, under-Lyme, Wed 6 - Sat 23 April This show is almost as old as the Black Country visual arts, talks and workshops, BE Festival itself and has matured just as beautifully! takes place in Birmingham every June. This new play by Philip Bringing a fresh look to proceedings, the 2016 This touring ‘best of’ production showcases Goulding sees the New Vic col- version features some of the region’s most ‘bril- three of the event’s most popular pieces. laborating with Oldham liantly talented’ acts - including Jonny Cole, The featured presentations are: #sobrejulieta by Coliseum Theatre to tell the who’s earning himself quite a reputation for his Grumelot, a stripped-back, one-woman take on story of the legendary Gracie musical parodies of Romeo And Juliet; The Whistle by Squarehead Fields, a working-class man wo modern local life. Productions, a show packed to its proverbial fr om Rochdale who became Joining Jonny is rafters with ‘deft circus skills’; and Beating one of Britain’s best-loved Dandy and The Quintetto by Tida, an interactive comedy, dance female entertainers - and in the Fizzogs, while music and physical theatre piece dealing with the reali- process was declared an enemy from The Ronaldos ties of shoestring-budget entertainment. of the Third Reich by Adolf promises to get peo- Hitler! ple well and truly The show combines Gracie’s rocking in the aisles. Paul Zerdin own words with some of her Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 12 April most well-known songs. Former , Comedian and ventriloquist Zerdin, a three- Casualty and Dinnerladies star 3 Days And 3 Minutes times contributor to the Royal Variety Sue Devaney takes the title With Larry Performance, here returns to the Midlands with role. a show that’s defi- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 April; nitely not suitable Malvern Theatres, Fri 29 - Sat 30 April for children. “They Chris Mellor’s affectionate tribute to one-time might be cute little Generation Game host Larry Grayson focuses on puppets,” Paul says the three days leading up to his final perform- of his numerous ance - the Royal Variety Show of 1994. The three characters, “but days were spent trying to get together three min- leave the kids at utes’-worth of material for the production - an home!” undertaking which saw Grayson employ the Just to confirm, the assistance of a spiritual healer... show is suitable for Mellor’s play features plenty of Larry’s best audience members Photo credit: Joel Chester Fildes comic material and has been developed with the aged 14 and over. assistance of the late comedian’s family.

For full theatre listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre Kids shows this month...

The Cat In The Hat

Disney On Ice The Girl Who Fell In Love With The Moon Stig Of The Dump Elf The Musical The Wizard Of Oz mac, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Sat 2 April; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 7 April Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 17 April Wed 13 - Sat 16 April This classic story from the pen of L Frank Stig wears rabbit skins, has his own lan- Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre showcase Baum has been delighting children for over a guage and uses empty tin cans for a chim- their talents in this new musical version of century. A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem ney. Barney has scuffed shoes, grazed knees Will Ferrell’s big-screen festive favourite, Elf. and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy and dirty fingernails. Together, they’re set for For those not already in the know, the story Gale and her unexpected trip over the rain- a magical adventure... follows the adventures of Buddy, an orphan bow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she London Contemporary Theatre present this boy who grows up in the North Pole with meets the scarecrow, the tin man and a cow- timeless children’s classic for a whole new Santa and his elves. Buddy thinks he’s an elf ardly lion, heads off on a journey along the generation of youngsters. too, but his enormous size and inability to yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, make toys tells an altogether different story... and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the Disney On Ice - Silver James And The West. Anniversary Giant Peach If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a Genting Arena, Birmingham, wizard... Wed 6 - Sun 10 April The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Mon 25 - Tues 26 April This action-packed adventure, celebrating a Three Keepers Roald Dahl’s classic yarn tells the story of a quarter-century of Disney On Ice, invites Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 5 April audiences to enjoy ‘the ultimate sightseeing young orphan boy named James who’s sent holiday’. to live with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. If you’re looking for a relatively short but The anniversary show sees Goofy, Mickey Two of the most horrid aunts in the whole of imaginatively entertaining night out, this and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy England, the wicked pair make his life an could well be the show for you. A 55-minute visiting the magical African domain of The utter misery. Then, one day, James meets a silent comedy blending physical theatre, Lion King and the underwater kingdom of mystical old man who gives him a bag that original music, dance and slapstick, Three The Little Mermaid. There's also the chance contains the strongest magic the world has Keepers is set on Flounder Rock Lighthouse, to join Peter Pan on his journey from London ever known. When the put-upon young lad where wise old Tom, uptight Dick and wet- to Neverland. accidentally spills the contents of the bag behind-the-ears ’Arry have only the seagulls Fans of Frozen, meanwhile, will no doubt be near an old peach tree, the most wondrous for company. It’s a peaceful existence - until, delighted by a stop-off in the wintry world of things start to happen - and an opportunity that is, the storm of the century strikes... Arendelle, where princesses Anna and Elsa to escape his unhappy existence opens up to 'Let It Go' with Kristoff and the huggable James in a weird and wonderful way he snowman, Olaf. could never have imagined... My Pet Monster And Me The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 9 April The Cat In The Hat The Girl Who Fell In Love The highly regarded Blunderbus Theatre are the ensemble behind this brand new show Lichfield Garrick, Mon 18 - Tues 19 April With The Moon blending puppetry, music and song. It tells mac, Birmingham, Sat 9 April Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss, the story of a little girl named Sophie, whose this latest theatrical version of The Cat In Humanity's eternal fascination with the skies wish for a friend with whom to share her The Hat has been designed to engage and is the subject of the ever-inventive Human down-on-the-farm adventures is answered in (hopefully) delight youngsters aged three Zoo’s latest high-energy offering. A giddy the shape of ‘a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby and older. patchwork of puppetry, poetry, movement monster’. The only trouble is, the little crea- The Cat In The Hat is the funniest, most mis- and live music, the production has earned ture just keeps on growing... chievous cat that Sally and her brother have some rave reviews during its time on the ever met - and what’s more, he’s got a fantas- road, and perfectly showcases the company’s tic talent for turning the rainiest of after- dynamic and visually inventive approach to noons into the most amazing of adventures... theatre.

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For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film April - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:38 Page 1

Film

The Jungle Book CERT PG Starring Neel Sethi as Mowgli, with the voices of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken Directed by Zack Snyder (USA) Following the enormous success of Disney’s live-action adaptations of their animated classics Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty (Maleficent) and Cinderella, The Jungle Book is destined for great things. The voice cast alone is a thing of wonder. Here, Mowgli is played by the twelve-year-old New York-born American-Indian Neel Sethi, while Kipling’s famous animal characters are ren- dered in CGI. Bill Murray is Baloo the bump- tious bear, Ben Kingsley the black panther Bagheera and Idris Elba the predatory tiger Shere Khan. As in the original 1967 cartoon, there will be songs to accompany the action, including new numbers composed by the original songwriter Richard M. Sherman (now eighty-seven), as well as some of the old favourites, such as Baloo’s ‘The Bare Necessities.' In 3D, too. Released Fri 15 April

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in April...

Dheepan CERT 15 (115 mins) The Huntsman: Starring Antonythasan Jesuthasan, Kalieaswari Winter’s War CERT 12a tbc Srinivasan, Claudine Vinasithamby Starring Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Directed by Jacques Audiard (France) Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost, Arguably the most highly-acclaimed director Sam Claflin, Rob Brydon working in French cinema today, Jacques Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan (USA/UK) Audiard invariably delivers credible and per- This is an odd one. Following the success of tinent dramas that explore the world we live Snow White and the Huntsman (worldwide in. Here, he focuses on Dheepan, a Tamil gross: $396 million), Universal Pictures have Tiger fighter who flees to Paris for political ushered up a sequel-cum-prequel – but with- asylum with a fake identity. Winner of the out Snow White. Here, it’s the hunky woods- Palm d’Or at last year’s Cannes festival. man (Chris Hemsworth) who takes centre Released Fri 8 Apr Hardcore Henry CERT 15 tbc stage as two princesses declare war on each other and amass enormous armies to do their Starring Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Andrei business. Not to be confused with Captain Dementiev, Tim Roth America: The Winter Soldier. In 3D. Directed by Ilya Naishuller (Russia/USA) Released Fri 8 April Filmed entirely from the viewpoint of the eponymous protagonist, this Russian-American actioner takes no prisoners. Henry remembers nothing of his past life, but knows that he is a tar- get and discovers that he has had a cybernetic make-over that makes him pretty damn dangerous to his adver- saries. Expect some pretty strong vio- lence, drug use and nudity. Released Fri 8 April

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Film releases in April

CRITIC’S CHOICE Eddie the Eagle CERT PG (106 mins) Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Mark Benton, Keith Allen, Tim McInnerny Directed by Dexter Fletcher (UK/USA/Germany) With lashings of comedy, this is the true story of Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, a young Englishman who was determined to become an Olympic skier – against improbable odds. Taron Egerton previously played ‘Eggsy’ in Kingsman: The Secret Service and ‘Mad Teddy’ in Legend. Released Fri 1 April

delicate disposition. It follows 36 hours Son of Saul CERT 15 (107 mins) in the life of Saul Ausländer (Röhrig) Starring Géza Röhrig, Levente Molnár, Urs whose job in Auschwitz is to burn the Rechn, Sándor Zsótér bodies of his own Jewish-Hungarian com- Directed by László Nemes (Hungary) patriots. Then he comes across the Son of Saul started its glittering trail of corpse of a boy, a child he believes to be accolades at last year’s Cannes Film his son… The last Hungarian film to win Festival, where it won the Grand Prix. an Oscar was István Szabó's Mephisto in Along the way it picked up umpteen 1981. gongs for best foreign language film, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars. Its Released Fri 29 April subject, though, is not for those with a

Midnight Special Nasty Baby CERT 15 (101mins) CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Kristen Wiig, Sebastián Silva, Tunde Adebimpe, Reg E. Cathey, Mark Margolis Starring Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Sam Shepard, Directed by Sebastián Silva Jaeden Lieberher (Chile/USA/France) Directed by Jeff Nicholls (USA) Fans of Kristen Wiig will be surprised to find When both the government and an extreme her in a Chilean-American drama, but we say religious sect find out that the eight-year-old good on her. She plays the friend of a gay Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) has supernatural couple of immigrants living in Brooklyn who powers, his father (Michael Shannon) is des- decide to have a baby. She agrees to carry it perate to protect him. So father and son – but outside forces conspire to destroy their and later the boy’s mother – hide out before world, not least a threat of deportation and a meddlesome forces can have their own way. particularly homophobic neighbour… Shannon and the director Jeff Nicholls previ- The Man Who Knew Infinity Released Fri 8 April ously collaborated on the films Shotgun CERT 12a (109 mins) Stories, Take Shelter and Mud. Starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Toby Jones, Released Fri 8 April Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Kevin McNally Directed by Matt Brown (UK) This is a must for those who adored A Beautiful Mind and Good Will Hunting. Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel) is a young man who, after an impoverished childhood in Madras, managed to secure a place at Trinity College in Cambridge. He later went on to lead the field in mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. Gosh. Released Fri 8 April

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Film

Criminal CERT 15 (113 mins) Louder Than Bombs Captain America: Civil War Starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy CERT 15 (109 mins) CERT 12a tbc Lee Jones, Alice Eve, Gal Gadot, Ryan Starring Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg, Starring , Robert Downey Jr, Reynolds Directed by Ariel Vromen (USA/UK) Isabelle Huppert, Amy Ryan, David Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony In an age of mind transplants, the memories, Strathairn, Rachel Brosnahan Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Directed by Joachim Trier Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth skills and secrets of a deceased CIA agent are (Norway/France/Denmark) Olsen, Paul Rudd Directed by Anthony Russo implanted in the body of a former Death Row and Joe Russo (USA) In spite of its provenance, this is actu- inmate. It’s a dangerous move but with the ally a drama filmed in New York, in It looked like Avengers: Age of Ultron was clock ticking it may be the only solution to which a family struggles to come to going to be the biggest box-office behemoth foil a monstrous plot. Ryan Reynold’s last terms with its differences. Long of 2015 until Star Wars and Jurassic World film about a mind transplant was in estranged from his father, Jonah Reed came along. Nonetheless, it did make a tidy Self/less, released here last July. (Eisenberg) returns to his old home in $1,405,413,868 worldwide. Now we have Released Fri 15 April order to celebrate an exhibition of his Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow late mother’s work, a series of war and Ant-Man teaming up for another colli- photographs. However, it seems that sion course at the multiplex with the first each member of the Reed family has two superheroes, thanks to new government different memories of the woman they rules, failing to see eye-to-eye. A perfect called wife and mother. time, then, for a new arch-enemy to step into the breach… It’s all too much. In 3D, of Released Fri 22 April course. Released Fri 29 April Miles Ahead CERT 15 tbc Starring Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, LaKeith Lee Stanfield, Michael Stuhlbarg Directed by Don Cheadle (USA) Eye in the Sky CERT 15 (102 mins) For a while last year Don Cheadle was Starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan mooted as a serious contender for an Rickman, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Iain Oscar nomination for his role as the Glen Directed by Gavin Hood (UK) jazz musician Miles Davis. But then the Striding across the same moral minefield as OscarsSoWhite controversy kicked in. last year’s Good Kill with Ethan Hawke, this Still, Cheadle as first-time director was British drama stars Dame Helen as a colonel praised for his approach to film biogra- forced to weigh up the consequences of a phy, creating a free-flowing style in drone strike in Kenya. The target is a group keeping with his subject’s music. Ewan Demolition CERT 15 (101 mins) of terrorists planning a McGregor plays an unscrupulous jour- Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris major suicide attack, nalist attempting to get the inside skin- Cooper, Judah LewisDirected by Jean-Marc but then a nine-year- ny on the reclusive trumpeter, band- Vallée (USA) old girl is seen entering leader and composer. Jake Gyllenhaal would seem to favour the kill zone. The film Released Fri 22 April Quebec-born film directors. After working marks Alan Rickman’s with Denis Villeneuve on Prisoners and last appearance in front Enemy, he now teams up with Jean-Marc of the camera. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild) on this Released Fri 15 April drama. He plays a successful investment CERT 15 (112 mins) banker who completely loses his grip after Starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin his wife is killed in a car crash. Then, when CERT 15 (92 mins) Freeman, Alfred Molina, Billy Bob Bastille Day Thornton Directed by Glenn Ficarra and he starts to write a stream of self-incriminat- Starring Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte John Requa (USA) ing letters to a vending machine company, Le Bon, Eriq Ebouaney, Kelly Reilly, José the firm’s customer service rep (Naomi Garcia Directed by James Watkins (USA) One doesn’t usually associate Afghanistan with belly laughs but, Watts) takes up his cause… Not to be confused with a French Revolution hey, this is Fey. The actress plays Kim Released Fri 29 April romp, this is actually an American actioner Baker, the television correspondent shot in London and Paris. With the threat of whose brief excursion to Afghanistan a terrorist attack, a con man and a former turned into something entirely more CIA agent team up to pool their resources. serious – and occasionally hilarious. With Idris Elba in the driving seat this It’s based on Baker’s own memoir The should be good value, while the director Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in James Watkins previously brought us the Afghanistan and Pakistan (2011). The chilling Eden Lake and The Woman in Black. directors previously brought us Crazy, Released Fri 22 April Stupid, Love and Focus (also with Margot Robbie). And we dig the title. Released Fri 22 April

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Visual Arts

Dan Flavin: It Is What It Is And Ain’t Nothing Else Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 13 April - Tues 26 June Taking its title from the artist's own descrip- tion of his work, this major exhibition pres- ents a series of fluorescent light works. Associated with the 20th century Abstract Expressionist movement, Dan Flavin is one of America's most important post-war artists. Flavin rejected notions of symbolism and spirituality in art, sharing with Donald Judd an interest in work that refers to nothing but its own presence, often with an emphasis on industrial materials and intense colour. Steering clear of conventional, chronologi- cally ordered retrospectives, this exhibition instead makes use of the varied spaces inside the gallery to faithfully replicate Flavin's “sit- uational” approach, focusing on how each piece interacts with its environment. “I wanted it to feel as if Dan Flavin had been here and responded characteristically to the nature of the space,” explains Ikon director Jonathan Watkins, “so it will be quite an enveloping experience for the audience. It's an exhibition that will look beautiful, but that will be quite provocative and raise a lot of questions about art.”

Grayson Perry: The Vanity Prem Sahib Solo Big Ceramics Of Small Differences Exhibition Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sat 28 May Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Grand Union, Birmingham, Challenging expectations of the clay object Fri 22 April - Sun 3 July Fri 22 April - Thurs 23 June while celebrating the drive, creativity and skill involved in creating large-scale ceram- Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry With a title inspired jointly by the ics, this visually arresting exhibition brings here takes his inspiration not only from his gallery's own name and the idea of together monumental pieces by eight con- own 2012 television documentary series, All coming together, this installation by temporary artists. Featured ceramicists In The Best Possible Taste, but also from Prem Sahib focuses on the use of include Felicity Aylieff, who explores con- William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress - a materials, bringing objects made from temporary translations of traditional Chinese series of canvases depicting eighteenth cen- wood, metal, tiles, rubber and resin techniques to produce giant pots and vases, tury society which the artist produced in the into choreographed conversation. and Clare Twomey, who makes extensive use early 1730s. Sahib's predominantly sculptural of clay in her multi-component installations Charting the story of class mobility and work is informed by the atmosphere and site-specific works. examining the influence of social class on of queer meeting places and encoun- aesthetic taste, the exhibition comprises ters in physical environments, many of the characters, incidents and whether social, sexual or confronta- objects that Perry encountered while making tional. his BAFTA award-winning documentary A short story by Huw Lemmey called series. Using these characters to weave a nar- Dank And Rare accompanies the exhi- rative, the artist has produced a social com- bition, and a limited edition print will mentary which focuses on the minutiae of be available in the shop. contemporary taste, in so doing paying due homage to Hogarth’s collection of 18th centu- ry paintings.

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Barbara Walker: Shock And Awe The Humble Vessel mac, Birmingham, Sat 23 April - Sun 3 July New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 29 April - Sun 24 July Developed in collaboration with the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, this major new commission from acclaimed Birmingham artist Barbara Walker examines the many Ships, seas and difficult journeys contributions of black servicemen and women to British war efforts from 1914 to the across the waves have long been a present day. Acknowledging an absence of representation over the last 100 years, favourite subject among artists, Shock And Awe alludes to Britain's imperial past as well as the physical and psycho- used to represent diverse themes logical impact of war and ideas. on soldiers returning Developed by Pakistani curator Aziz to civilian life. Sohail, this evocative exhibition In this series of explores what sea crossings might large-scale drawings, mean for artists and audiences Walker highlights the today, in a world where perilous work of the British voyages are often undertaken by West Indies refugees desperately fleeing con- Regiment and the flict. A newly commissioned film King's African Rifles, from Fazal Rizvi explores multiple as well as the key narratives around the sea, shifting role played by between fiction and reality. Other women in the featured artists include Eric Caribbean and West Ravilious, William Scott, Sarah India Regiments dur- Taylor Silverwood, Dayanita Singh ing World War Two. and Bob and Roberta Smith.

For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events April - 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:11 Page 1

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Events

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 7 - Sun 10 April Last year celebrating its 30th anniversary, Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The show fea- tures displays of antique and decorative fur- niture, treen, ceramics, kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery, arms and armour, maps, dolls, bears and an array of vintage and dec- orative collectables. With more than 230 dealers showcasing their wares - and with items ranging in price from as little as £10 right up to £100,000 - this ever-popular event offers the perfect opportu- nity to pick up some unusual gifts and mix the antique with the modern. Commenting on the show, Mary Claire Boyd, the Fair’s Director, said: “We’re always seek- ing out new exhibits and new stories to excite visitors to the fair and to inspire them with fresh ideas. The addition of contempo- rary pieces and 20th century specialists ensure that the fair reflects the latest trends.”

St George’s Day Flatpack Film Festival Who Do You Think You Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 23 April Various venues across Birmingham, Are? Live Tues 19 - Sun 24 April NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 April Birmingham Conservatoire, Adrian Boult Hall, the Electric Cinema and the Old Rep Theatre are just some of the venues selected to host this year’s 10th anniversary Flatpack Festival. The pop- ular event has built its reputation on presenting a package of entertainment that brings together animation, music, artists’ film, archive discoveries, off- beat shorts for kids and live cinema. This year’s highlights include the pres- entation of new live scores to Carl The world’s largest family history show is Theodor Dreyer’s landmark 1932 movie, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary. Vampyr, and FW Murnau’s Faust Who Do You Think You Are? Live brings (1926). There’s also a showing of the together some of the most renowned experts Harold Lloyd classic, Girl Shy (1924), in family history, all of whom will be on and a project offering its audience the hand to help visitors with ongoing research chance to experience a film while or offer advice about how to start an investi- blindfolded, with only the soundtrack gation into a family tree. There’s the chance to sample a taste of and whispered narration by a group of The show also features Antiques Roadshow Medieval Britain at Tamworth Castle this schoolchildren offering clues as to the favourite Eric Knowles, who’ll be helping to month, as the venue celebrates Saint film’s content. identify and date family treasures, and One George’s Day. Show presenter Anita Ranie, who’ll take Attractions include weapons and armour audiences behind the scenes of the hit TV demonstrations throughout the day, a special series. medieval jousting tournament, a living histo- Other attractions include a packed pro- ry encampment, children’s medieval activi- gramme of workshops, treasure hunts for ties and numerous street entertainers plying children, a replica Spitfire plane from World their trades. Within the castle, medieval War Two and a specialist military area to households prepare laundry and armour, commemorate ancestors involved in conflict. while Lady Freville offers a selection of The show’s Education Zone area features a games and activities for all the family to roadshow to commemorate the centenary of enjoy. the Battle of the Somme.

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more events from around the region

Events

May Day Bank Holiday Fun Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs, Sat 30 April - Sun 2 May The brand new Tamarin Trail - comprising eight enclosures hous- ing a variety of tamarins and mar- mosets - is just one of the attrac- tions for visitors to enjoy at Drayton Manor Park this May Day bank holiday. As well as the trail, the venue also features the ever-popular Thomas Land and a wealth of enjoyable rides, including Flynn’s Fire And Rescue, Captain’s Sea Adventure and Toby’s Tram Express. Thrill seekers are well catered for too, A Day At The Lake courtesy of (among other white- Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire, and features a series of arts-based presenta- knuckle attractions) Shockwave, Sat 30 April - Mon 2 May tions on and around the lake, including a Apocalypse and Maelstrom. Across the May Bank Holiday, Rudyard Lake performance by the City of Birmingham in Staffordshire will be reimagined as it was Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. in the late 1800s - a period of time which saw On the shore, circus sideshows, marching Shrewsbury thousands of day-trippers visit the location to bands, and a helter skelter are just some of Bookfest relax and enjoy a range of outdoor arts and the highlights from the jam-packed pro- gramme. You may even spot some real life Various venues across entertainments. This weekend event is being Shrewsbury, produced by Cheshire company Wild Rumpus mermaids... Fri 29 April - Mon 2 May Former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson and comedian- turned-author Julian Clary top the Homebuilding And The Fast Show bill at this year’s festival. The high- Renovating Show Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton, profile pair are joined at the event Sun 10 April NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 April by, among others, Charlie And Lola author Lauren Child, Clarice This is the biggest event of its kind in the UK, Bean novelist Vicki Archer, screen- bringing together self-build specialists, tal- writer Frank Cottrell Boyce and ented renovators and a host of leading performance poet, comedian and brands. New for 2016 are one-hour work- musician John Hegley. shops - providing visitors with the chance to The festival also features Shaun chat to the experts - and a Kitchen Design & the Sheep model-making work- Planning feature, with experienced kitchen shops, a chance for Star Wars fans studio owners on hand to offer free consulta- to learn to draw some of their tions. Seminars, masterclasses, a home secu- favourite characters, and a draw- rity advice centre, design consultations and ing and storytelling event for DIY demonstrations are among the event’s younger children with Hugless already established features. Douglas creator David Melling

The first ‘performance and modified car’ event on the 2016 calendar, The Fast Show features club stand displays, Run What Ya Brung, FWD and JDS drag racing, drifting, stunt displays, jet car, a trade village and fun- fair rides. The show’s organisers reckon they’re pretty much offering ‘something for everyone’, whether your car is about ‘show’ or ‘go’, a modified hot-hatch, a retro classic or a supercar.

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more events from around the region

Events

Horrible Histories Maze: The Dana Get Lost In Time! Prison Tours Warwick Castle, Warwickshire The Dana Prison, Shrewsbury The long-ago past is brought to life in this brand HM Prison Shrewsbury was built new attraction. The multi-sensory maze features in 1877, close to the site where moving walls, interactive puzzles and plenty of built the Dana Horrible Histories’ ‘foul facts and crazy cartoons’. Gaol in 1793. Visitors to the maze are challenged to reorder the This tour provides the opportuni- muddle that the mischievous Rattus Rattus has ty to explore the history of one of made of time - and then to find their way out Shrewsbury’s most famous again. buildings, within the walls of Commenting on the new attraction, Horrible which seven people were execut- Histories’ author, Terry Deary, said: “The history ed by hanging between 1902 and in my books is horrible. But to experience it live in 1961. Warwick’s maze will be most horrible of all. I may Visitors taking the tour can find not have the nerve to do it myself unless I’m wear- out what it was like for convicts ing one of the castle’s suits of armour!” entering prison for the first time, check out the solitary confine- ment and condemned-man cells, walk the wings and step inside the execution room, where sen- Stratford-upon-Avon Harlem Globetrotters tences were carried out. Literary Festival Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 30 April Various locations Sun 24 April - Sun 1 May The Harlem Globetrotters have been playing exhibition basketball games for the best part of a century, participating in more than 20,000 matches in 100-plus countries. Regular visitors to the UK and the Midlands, the fellas are well worth a look. This year’s touring show boasts a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi- Meccanuity Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Cheese Chisholm - not to mention female Sat 30 April - Mon 2 May stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu. Slam-dunkin' magic is a guarantee. This popular event, facilitated by the Telford & Ironbridge Meccano Society, features an impressive array of large and Shropshire Kids Festival small models for enthusiasts The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, young and old to enjoy. As well Sat 23 - Sun 24 April as marvelling at displays of giant Stratford Literary Festival is one of the most ‘Education through fun’ lies at the heart of cranes, steam engines, pattern- significant get-togethers of its kind in the UK. this high-energy weekend for kids of all ages. drawing machines, fairground Offering a fusion of celebrity-author events, There’s entertainment available for babies rides and clocks, visitors can debates and workshops, this year’s festival and toddlers, and plenty of arts & crafts also construct their own models takes the theme of ‘legacies, memories and events and workshops for older children, all using the abundance of available great classics - from Charlotte Brontë to . of which have been designed to allow young- Meccano parts Agatha Christie and from Gruffalos to Peter sters to get hands-on while they learn. Rabbit’. “Education is about expanding the world of Familiar names taking part in the event youngsters,” say the event’s organisers, “and include Julia Donaldson, John McCarthy, we will be doing that through play, science, Howard Jacobson and Mary Portas (pictured). drama, engineering, technology and much DJ Paul Gambaccini makes a contribution more!” too, not only discussing his career but also giving an account of his harrowing year spent under investigation by Operation Yewtree. For a full festival line-up, visit www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk See thelist for all your events listings

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To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk

Win!

Tickets to Bring On Tickets to Superbike Tickets to Save The Last The Bollywood World Championship Dance For Me

Closes Friday 15 April Closes Friday 20 May Closes Monday 9 May Tickets to Folk at The REP Tickets to Breakfast At Tiffany’s Tickets to Slam Dunk Festival

Closes Monday 11 April Closes Friday 8 April Closes Friday 20 May Tickets to Wipers in Coventry Tickets to Jackie The Musical Tickets to Bad Jews

Closes Thursday 5 May Closes Monday 16 May Closes Monday 25 April Tickets to see comedy quartet at Theatre Severn Tickets to The Father Tickets to King Lear at The REP

Closes Monday 4 April Closes Friday 29 April Closes Monday 16 May Tickets to American Idiot Tickets to Shadowlands Tickets to Flare Path

Closes Tuesday 3 April Closes Friday 27 May Closes Monday 18 April

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 April Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 16:32 Page 1 The List Cover April Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 16:32 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide April 2016 thelist Shropshire Kids Festival at The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury - Sat 23 - Sun 24 April 24 Sun - 23 Sat - Park,Shrewsbury Quarry The at Festival Kids Shropshire

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

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 3 April Mon 4 to Sun 10 April Mon 11 to Sun 17 April Mon 18 to Sun 24 April Mon 25 to Sat 30 April

Mark Watson at Wem Peppa Pig’s Surprise at Derren Brown at Raymond Froggatt at Save The Last Dance For Town Hall Stafford Gatehouse Wolverhampton Grand The Slade Rooms, Me at Regent Theatre, Sat 2 April Theatre Theatre Wolverhampton Stoke-on-Trent Thurs 7 April Mon 11 - Sat 16 April Sun 24 April Mon 25 - Sat 30 April

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thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April ADORED Sat 2 Apr, The Trent THROUGHOUT APRIL Gigs Robin, Bilston JACK GARRATT Fri 8 Apr, MARK PADMORE AND O2 Institute, PAUL LEWIS Sun 3 Apr, Birmingham YEARS & YEARS Fri 1 Visual Arts Shrewsbury Museum & Art Birmingham Town Hall Gallery Apr, Barclaycard Arena, URBAN FOLK QUARTET Birmingham EDDI READER Sun 3 Apr, Fri 8 Apr, mac, AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on- SHREWSBURY AND NEWPORT CANAL The Glee Club, Birmimgham THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Trent EXHIBITION until Sun 17 Apr. Birmingham Fri 1 Apr, Victoria Hall, JOE LONGTHORNE Fri 8 VALHALLA - LIFE AND DEATH IN VIKING DECAPOD - AIRSPACE GALLERY 10TH Stoke-on-Trent JIMMY BUCKLEY Sun 3 Apr, Victoria Hall, BIRTHDAY 10-artist group exhibition, BRITAIN until Sun 5 June. Apr, Theatre Severn, Stoke-on-Trent ADELE Fri 1 - Sat 2 Apr until Sat 2 Apr, AirSpace Gallery, TREASURES: THE LITERATURE AND Shrewsbury Genting Arena, VIVA NEIL DIAMOND Fri 8 Stoke-on-Trent LANDSCAPE OF MARY WEBB’S Birmingham THE SIMON AND Apr, Newhampton Arts NEW! FOOLS RUSH IN - LEIGH CLARKE A SHROPSHIRE until Sun 5 June. GARFUNKEL STORY Sun Centre, Wolverhampton solo print exhibition exploring the DESTROYED BEYOND 3 Apr, Theatre Severn, HANNAH & BRIAN Fri 8 autobiography, Fri 22 Apr - Sat 28 VAN Gallery, Shrewsbury BELIEF Fri 1 Apr, The Shrewsbury Apr, Havana Republic May. ART BY THE METRE VAN artists choose Slade Rooms, LITTLE MIX Sun 3 Apr, Bar and Restaurant, their art and choose the space, until Wolverhampton Genting Arena, Shrewsbury Bilston Craft Gallery Sat 2 April. THE BESNARD LAKES Fri Birmingham ZOE GILBY QUARTET Fri 8 PHOENIX - CREATED BY NEW! LOST IN SPACE Exhibition of 1 Apr, Hare & Hounds, THE ROOM Sun 3 Apr, Apr, Symphony Hall, WOLVERHAMPTON'S SCHOOLCHILDREN work by Peter Williams, Tues 5 - Sat Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Birmingham until Thurs 31 Mar. 30 Apr. INTO THE SHADOWS Fri 1 MIXED BAG A group of contemporary Apr, Forest Arts Centre, FEAR OF MEN Mon 4 SEBASTIAN TREE Fri 8 artists working in ceramics, jewellery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery Walsall Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, O2 Institute, Birmingham Birmingham paper, print and textiles, until Sat 2 A WORLD TO WIN: POSTERS OF NIBBS & EDDY Fri 1 Apr, Apr. PROTEST AND REVOLUTION until Sun Havana Republic Bar THE NECKS AND JAMES S CLUB LIVE! Fri 8 Apr, 10 April MCVINNIE: THE SECRET The Buttermarket, Dudley Museum & Art Gallery and Restaurant, HOTEL DIARIES until Sat 7 May. Shrewsbury LIFE OF ORGANS Tues 5 Shrewsbury TREASURES FROM THE GLASS Apr, Birmingham Town BIG CERAMICS: DISCOVER CLAY ON A NOTHING BUT THIEVES ALY BAIN & PHIL COLLECTION until Sat 31 Dec. Hall MONUMENTAL SCALE until Sat 28 May. Fri 1 Apr, O2 Institute, CUNNINGHAM Fri 8 Apr, THE GREAT WAR until Sun 11 Nov ‘18. MATT & KIM Wed 6 Apr, Lichfield Cathedral NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 Birmingham O2 Academy, VICTORIAN ART Pictures dating from Exhibition of works by graduates THE COUNTERFEIT UB4T Fri 8 Apr, The Birmingham the reign of the second longest serv- from various West Midlands art STONES Fri 1 Apr, Robin, Bilston ing British monarch, Tues 29 Mar - schools, until Sun 15 May. The Robin, Bilston RICK ASTLEY Wed 6 Apr, PVRIS Sat 9 Apr, O2 Sat 25 June. Symphony Hall, THE HOUSE IS STILL NAMED AFTER HIM A VISION OF ELVIS Sat 2 Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Light House Media Centre, BY ANDREA HANNON Hannon creates Apr, Victoria Hall, THE SUPERSKAS Sat 9 Wolverhampton surreal two-dimensional and three- Stoke-on-Trent KREPT & KONAN Wed 6 Apr, O2 Academy, Apr, O2 Institute, dimensional works, until Sat 14 May. MUSE Sat 2 Apr Birmingham MENTAL SPACES until Sat 2 Apr Birmingham A BIG BANG - THE ORIGINS OF THE POP Barclaycard Arena, THE MAYOR'S WILLARD WIGAN MBE - MICRO-SCULP- ART COLLECTION, PART 2 Andy Warhol’s Birmingham THE THREE DEGREES WOLVERHAMPTON ROCK TURES Exhibition of micro-sculptures legendary 1968 Campbells Soup Wed 6 Apr Theatre FESTIVAL Sat 9 Apr, The which includes a special tribute to THE CAT EMPIRE Sat 2 Can and the iconic maquette of a Severn, Shrewsbury Slade Rooms, Black Country legend Noddy Holder, Apr, O2 Institute, statue of King Kong - originally com- WEAK13 Wed 6 Apr, The Wolverhampton until Mon 2 May. Birmingham missioned in 1972 for display in Slade Rooms, MAMA - GENESIS DARKSIDE - THE PINK Birmingham’s Bull Ring - take pride Wolverhampton New Art Gallery - Walsall TRIBUTE Sat 2 Apr, FLOYD SHOW of place in this sure-to-be-popular MARTIN CARTHY Wed 6 Sat 9 Apr, Ludlow NEW! THE HUMBLE VESSEL Artists exhibition of Pop Art, until Sat 13 The Slade Rooms, include: Eric Ravilious, William Scott, Wolverhampton Apr, Kitchen Garden Assembly Rooms, Aug Cafe, Birmingham South Shropshire Sarah Taylor Silverwood, Dayanita SUPREME QUEEN Sat 2 Singh and Bob and Roberta Smith, Other VISUAL ARTS Apr, Wolverhampton LAURENCE JONES Wed 6 T-REXTACY Sat 9 Apr, Fri 29 Apr - Sun 24 July. NEW! SIR ALAN COBHAM’S FLYING Grand Theatre Apr, The Robin, Bilston The Robin, Bilston Potteries Museum & Art CIRCUS: A LIFE OF A PIONEERING THE CHICAGO BLUES COUNTRY SUPERSTARS DARKSIDE - THE PINK Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent AVIATOR A highly visual display of pio- BROTHERS Sat 2 Apr, EXPERIENCE Thurs 7 FLOYD SHOW neering aviator, Sir Alan Cobham’s Stafford Gatehouse Apr, The Place, Sat 9 Apr, Ludlow LETTER SIGNED BY ADMIRAL LORD life and his many notable achieve- Theatre Oakengates Theatre, Assembly Rooms, NELSON until Sun 3 Apr. ments, showcasing some of the Shropshire South Shropshire THE SURRENDERS Sat 2 MINERS’ TOOLS until Sun 10 Apr ‘treasures’ from the collection, Sat 30 Apr, O2 Academy, BRIAN FALLON & THE HEIDI BROWNE Sat 9 Apr, RAF Cosford TAYLOR WESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC POR- Birmingham CROWES Thurs 7 Apr, Apr, Havana Republic TRAIT PRIZE 2015 until Sun 5 June. WOLVERHAMPTON EMBROIDERS GUILD O2 Institute, Bar and Restaurant, TOM MCCONVILLE & Exhibition in the showcase gallery, Birmingham Shrewsbury ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOM OF MERCIA GUEST Sat 2 Apr, until Sun 1 May, Red House Glass Featuring pieces from the Newhampton Arts BRAINSTORM Thurs 7 BETTY WRIGHT Sat 9 Cone, Stourbridge Staffordshire Hoard, until Sat 1 Oct. Centre, Wolverhampton Apr, O2 Academy, Apr, The Drum, DESIGN AND DESIRE: THE GREAT Birmingham Birmingham FIRST WORLD WAR REPLICA TRENCH DAVID BUSHBY Sat 2 EXHIBITION OF 1851 Objects and until Sun 11 Nov 2018. Apr, Havana Republic HAZEL O'CONNOR Thurs THE SLEAZE BROTHERS images, including prints and paint- Bar and Restaurant, 7 Apr, The Robin, Sat 9 Apr, MINTON ARCHIVE Interactive exhibition ings from the Elton Collection, telling Shrewsbury Bilston Lichfield Guildhall until Sun 27 Mar. the story of how the Great Exhibition KATHRYN ROBERTS AND LINKS TO A LANDSCAPE Featuring became one of the most influential SARTAAJ LIVE TELEMAN Thurs 7 Apr, SEAN LAKEMAN unusual reminders of how the local and renowned events of the 19th Outstanding poet and The Sugarmill, Stoke- Sun 10 landscape’s been formed and influ- century, until Fri 24 Feb 2017, singer from India, Sat 2 on-Trent Apr, Henry Tudor enced, until Mon 30 May Coalbrookdale Gallery, Telford, Apr, Symphony Hall, MICHAEL BOLTON Fri 8 House, Shrewsbury Birmingham BEATRIX'S ANIMALS Celebration of the Shropshire Apr, Symphony Hall, GLASVILLE Sun 10 Apr, 150th anniversary of the birth of NEW! TIM SCOTT BOLTON Tim has paint- RICK ROSS Sat 2 Apr, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Beatrix Potter, until Sat 24 Sept. ed a number of works depicting O2 Academy, THE REZILLOS Fri 8 Apr, THE MUFFIN MEN Sun 10 Capability Brown’s work at Weston, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, Apr, The Robin, Bilston Shire Hall Gallery - Stafford including the setting of the Temple of MAGGIE BELL AND DAVE Wolverhampton MARY DUFF Sun 10 Apr, ENDANGERED AND EXTINCT Selection Diana in Temple Wood, Fri 1 - Thu 28 KELLY Sat 2 Apr, JOHN COOPER CLARKE Festival Drayton of sculptures by award-winning recy- Apr, Weston Park, Shifnal, Lichfield Guildhal Fri 8 Apr, The Centre, MarketDrayton, Shropshire cling artist Val Hunt, until Tues 10 DEFINITELY MIGHT BE + Sugarmill, Stoke-on- North Shropshire May.

52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1-10 April - Wolves/Shrops & Staffs ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 15:19 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April

Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Award-winning musical, Tues 29 Mar Classical Music Comedy Gigs JETHRO - 40 YEARS THE JOKER - Sat 2 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Fri 8 Apr, Theatre Severn, RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET Shrewsbury Brand new production of the Olivier SUNDAY CLASSICS Presenting young RUSSELL KANE - RIGHT MAN, WRONG Award-winning rock spectacular - a stars of the future from the classical ANDREW BIRD, STEPHEN BAILEY, AGE Fri 1 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse 1960s science fiction musical, Tues world, including opera singers, violin- ANDRE VINCENT & GARETH RICHARDS Theatre 29 Mar - Sat 2 Apr, Tamworth ists & harpists, all of whom are at the Fri 8 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Assembly Rooms, Staffs very start of their careers, Sun 3 Apr, SLIM, TOJU FEATURING MR CEE & REM TEZ, TOBY HADOKE, STUART MITCHELL & The Spotted Dog, Digbeth, CONWAY Fri 1 Apr, The Drum, ANDY ASKINS Fri 8 - Sat 9 Apr, SHAFTED John Godber’s epic new Birmingham Birmingham Jongleurs Comedy Club, play traces the lives of ex-miner Harry and his wife, Dot, in the 30 MARK PADMORE (TENOR) & PAUL LEWIS JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAMIAN CLARK, Birmingham years after the 1984 miners’ strike, (PIANO) Programme includes works DAVID WARD & SAM AVERY Fri 1 Apr, NATHAN CATON, JOE BROMEHEAD, Wed 30 Mar - Sat 2 Apr, New Vic by Beethoven & Schubert, Sun 3 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, ANTHONY J BROWN Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Birmingham Town Hal Birmingham Fri 8 Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG The much- LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH MARK WATSON - I'M NOT HERE Sat 2 Stourbridge loved Sherman Brothers musical, KONSTANTIN VOLOSTNOV Moscow Apr, Wem Town Hall, South JAMIE WOOD - O NO! Fri 8 Apr, mac, starring Phill Jupitus, Jason Manford, organist Konstantin Volostnov is well Shropshire Birmingham Martin Kemp, Amy Griffiths, Michelle known for his recitals throughout BRIAN CONLEY - ALIVE & DANGEROUS RICHARD HERRING - HAPPY NOW? Collins and Andy Hockley, Wed 30 Russia and Europe. Here he per- Sat 2 Apr, Theatre Severn, Sat 9 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Mar - Sat 9 Apr, Regent Theatre, forms works by JS Bach, A.G Ritter, Shrewsbury Theatre Stoke-on-Trent Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Vierne & ROB BECKETT: MOUTH OF THE SOUTH SHAZIA MIRZA - THE KARDASHIANS HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG Join Dianov, Mon 4 Apr, Sat 2 Apr, The Place, Oakengates Birmingham Town Hall MADE ME DO IT Sat 9 Apr, The Old Karen The Koala as she heads a cast Theatre, Telford Rep Theatre, Birmingham of wild characters in a fun-filled fami- THE NECKS AND JAMES MCVINNIE: THE ly musical written especially for par- SECRET LIVES OF ORGANS Music by KERRY GODLIMAN Sat 2 Apr, The Old ANDREW BIRD, GARETH RICHARDS, ents to enjoy with their children, Fri 1 Tom Jenkinson, Philip Glass and The Post Office, Shrewsbury ANDRE VINCENT & STEPHEN BAILEY Sat Apr, Lichfield Garrick Necks, performed on Birmingham 9 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham JARRED CHRISTMAS, JOHN MOLONEY, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Town Hall’s magnificent organ, Tues JEN BRISTER & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Apr, SEVERN JESTERS Sun 10 Apr, Theatre 5 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Severn, Shrewsbury Featuring some of the funniest come- The Glee Club, Birmingham dy acts from the Black Country, DAME MITSUKO UCHIDA IN RECITAL JUNIOR SIMPSON, LOU CONRAN, JUNIOR JESTERS: FAMILY FRIENDLY including Jonny Cole, Dandy and Programme includes works by DAMIAN CLARK & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Apr, COMEDY CLUB Sun 10 Apr, Theatre Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos Schubert & Beethoven, Thurs 7 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, B’ham Severn, Shrewsbury also features, Fri 1 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall COLIN COLE, PETER BRUSH & SIMON Wolverhampton Grand Theatre BLIGH Sat 2 Apr, Faces, ALICE IN WONDERLAND Join Alice and Wolverhampton her friends on a magical adventure in MOCK THE FLOCK Wed 6 Apr, The Theatre Wonderland this Easter! Fri 1 Apr, Mockingbird, Birmingham The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB Thurs 7 Apr, MARY POPPINS The supercalifragilistic TAP FACTORY Described as ‘Tap Dogs Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, international hit arrives in Brum as Staffordshire meets Stomp’, this rhythm-based part of a UK tour, until Sat 23 Apr, production sees an array of interna- IAN D MONTFORT & DOMINIC HOLLAND, Birmingham Hippodrome tionally renowned exponents of CHE BURNLEY AND COMPERE STUART HEARTBEAT ITV's popular Sunday dance, gymnastics and acrobatics MITCHELL Thurs 7 Apr, The George evening police drama makes its take to the stage to showcase their Hotel, Lichfield stage debut. Steven Blakeley & skills, Fri 1 Apr, Theatre Severn, BRENDAN RILEY/GWILUM ARGOS Thurs David Lonsdale star, Mon 28 Mar - Shrewsbury 7 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall Sat 2 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, OUR DAY OUT Get Your Wigle On pres- IVAN ILIC Piano recital by the interna- ANDREW BIRD, ANDRE VINCENT PLUS Birmingham ents a musical version of Willy tionally acclaimed pianist. COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Amateur Russell's much-loved play, Fri 1 - Sat Programme includes works by ROBINSON Thurs 7 Apr, The Glee staging presented by Little Theatre 2 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Beethoven, Sat 9 Apr, Ludlow Club, Birmingham Company Youth, Tues 29 Mar - Sat 2 HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG Join Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire RICHARD HERRING - HAPPY NOW? Apr, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Karen The Koala as she heads a cast THE RELAXED CONCERT Featuring Fri 8 Apr, Theatre Severn, Burton-upon-Trent of wild characters in a fun-filled fami- James Rowney, Little Jim & Shrewsbury AMERICAN IDIOT Lichfield Garrick ly musical written especially for par- Orchestra of the Swan Sun 10 Apr, - WHO DO I THINK I AM? Youth Theatre present an amateur ents to enjoy with their children, Sat Birmingham Town Hall Fri 8 Apr, The Brewhouse Arts production of the two-time Tony 2 Apr, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton

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thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April BRIAN CONLEY: ALIVE & DANGEROUS Karen The Koala as she heads a cast All-new stage show promising of wild characters in a fun-filled fami- Film Events singing, laughs and much more, Sat ly musical written especially for par- MIDLANDS WHISKY FESTIVAL 2 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ents to enjoy with their children, Wed One of the UK's biggest whisky 6 Apr, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE ROTTERS CLUB Jonathan Coe's events, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Apr, South Shropshire award-winning novel is here adapted YOUTH (15) Michael Caine turns in a Stourbridge Town Hall, Dudley for the stage by Richard Cameron. THE BEST THING Vamos Theatre pres- superb performance in Paolo THE GADGET SHOW LIVE Set against the backdrop of an ever- ent a fully masked performance of a Sorrentino’s follow up to his Oscar- Fri 1 - Sun 3 Apr, NEC, Birmingham changing Birmingham in the 1970s, Swinging ’60s story of unconditional winning The Great Beauty. Set in a The Rotter's Club is inspired by Coe's love, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 Apr, Arena luxury Alpine spa, a retired composer BURTON CHILDREN'S EASTER FESTIVAL personal experiences growing up in Theatre, Wolverhampton reminisces with his lifelong film direc- A brand new family festival with a whole host of events, Fri 1 - Mon 4 the Midlands, Sat 2 - Sat 9 Apr, The PEPPA PIG'S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, tor friend about past loves, the frivoli- Apr, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, REP, Birmingham George and their friends return with a ty of youth and the wisdom of age. Burton-upon-Trent THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST brand new live stage show, Wed 6 - Friday 1 - Thurs 7 Apr, Old Market Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece, Thurs 7 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Hall, Shrewsbury SPRING INTO THE PARK Sat 2 Apr, presented by The Pantaloons, Sat 2 Theatre ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD Telford Town Park, Shropshire Apr, The Market Theatre, Ledbury, OUR GRACIE New play by Philip CHIP (PG) Believe it or not, this is the MURDER BY APPOINTMENT Sat 2 Apr, Herefordshire Goulding which paints a funny and fourth cinematic outing for the mis- Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone MACBETH Award-winning 30-minute moving portrait of the remarkable life chievous ground squirrels (created Mines, Dudley by a hit single in 1958). Here, they performance of The Bard’s shortest of Gracie Fields, Wed 6 - Sat 23 Apr, SPRING FUN DAY Sat 2 Apr, Bilston suspect that their human intimate tragedy, performed by Jamaica’s New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- Craft Gallery, Bilston Campion College. Performances Lyme Dave (Lee) is going to dump them in SCI-FI WEEKEND Travel by Earth Train from Young Drum & The Hip Hop favour of his new girlfriend, so they WE’LL MEET AGAIN Nostalgic show to the planet Consall, or beam in Shakespeare Theatre also feature, set off on a road chip [sic] to Miami paying homage to our Armed Forces dressed as your favourite superhero, Sat 2 Apr, The Drum, Birmingham to stop him. Expect irritatingly high of yesterday, today and tomorrow, voices. Fri 1 Apr, Wem Town Hall, to join forces with Dr Who as he tries THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS New Thurs 7 Apr, Theatre Severn, North Shropshire; Fri 1 - Sat 9 Apr, to stop the deadly Daleks from taking stage production featuring over two Shrewsbury , Shrewsbury over Consall, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Apr, hours of the best blues, Motown, THE WIZARD OF OZ Journey over the Churnet Valley Railway, Staffordshire soul and comedy from both of the STEVE JOBS (15) The subject matter of rainbow with CITV's Sooty, Sweep SHROPSHIRE SCALE MODEL SHOW Blues Brothers movies, Sat 2 Apr, the volatile and brilliant co-founder of and Soo, Thurs 7 Apr, Theatre Featuring around 70 model clubs Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Apple Inc. Stars Michael Fassbender Severn, Shrewsbury & Kate Winslet. Mon 4 Apr, and 40 traders, selling everything THREE KEEPERS A silent comedy for YARNING Through spoken word, Stourbridge Town Hall you need to build the perfect model, all the family about duty, bravery and whether it be a tank, car or boat, Sun music, image and sound, Trevor Pitt SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (PG) April showers biscuits, presented by WinterWalker, reflects on the collected stories from 3 Apr, RAF Cosford, Shropshire Mon 4 Apr, The Brewhouse Arts don’t bother Gene Kelly in the 1952 women around the UK about their SLAVERY AND STATUS IN 7TH CENTURY Centre, Burton-upon-Trent musical comedy Singin’ in the Rain, relationship with wool - knitting, spin- featuring one of the most iconic MERCIA Find out what life was like for ANNIE Birds Of A Feather actress ning, felting and weaving, Thurs 7 dance scenes in Hollywood history. the poorest members of Anglo-Saxon Lesley Joseph stars as the far-from- Apr, mac, Birmingham Also stars Debbie Reynolds. Mon 4 society in the Staffordshire Hoard pleasant Miss Hannigan in this latest DIARY OF A MADMAN New adaptation Apr, The Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton; Gallery with re-enactment group version of the oft-touring Broadway of Gogol's dark comedy, Thurs 7 - Fri Tues 5 Apr, Mitchell Arts Centre, Angelcynn, Tues 5 Apr, The Potteries hit, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Apr, 8 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Burton-upon-Trent Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Birmingham HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 (U) Secretly ANGLO-SAXON HELMETS Make an TRES, TRES CABARET Stafford's very worried that his half-human grand- Anglo- Saxon Helmet to prepare own burlesque and cabaret night. son, Dennis, isn't showing his vam- yourself for battle., Tues 5 - Thurs 7 Strictly over 18s only, Fri 8 Apr, pire side, Drac enlists the help of his Apr, The Potteries Museum & Art Stafford Gatehouse Theatre friends to put the boy through a Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent SHEILA’S MHS - MENTAL HEALTH SHOW "monster-in-training" boot camp. Tues WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE As a qualified councillor and a come- 5 Apr, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall The world’s largest family history dian, Sheila here shares her own RAMS (15) Gummi and Kiddi are show here celebrates its 10th experiences of mental health, high- estranged brothers on adjacent anniversary, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 Apr, lighting self-sabotaging behaviours farms. When disaster strikes the local NEC, Birmingham and educating us on how we can be farming community, in the form of the ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR less hard on ourselves, Fri 8 Apr, lethal and highly contagious disease Special exhibitions, celebrity talks Lichfield Garrick scrapie, Gummi grudgingly extends and over 250 dealers, Thurs 7 - Sun THE IRANIAN FEAST Part thriller, part an olive branch in order to save 10 Apr, NEC, Birmingham what’s dearest to them – their sheep. cookery lesson, this is the tale of a EASTER EGG GEOCACHE HUNT Use the Foreign language, subtitled. Tues 5 family working out how life will be in handheld GPS unit to navigate Apr, Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke-on- REHEARSAL FOR MURDER Agatha the future, Fri 8 Apr, Fownhope New around the park, looking for treasure Trent Christie thriller starring Robert Daws, Memorial Hall, Fownhope, chests holding special eggs, Fri 8 Amy Robbins, Robert Duncan, Susan Herefordshire Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Penhaligon and Ben Nealon, Mon 4 - THE DEBT COLLECTOR Reform Theatre NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Shropshire Sat 9 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, present John Godber's new comedy SPRING HORSE TRIALS Three-day Birmingham Released from Fri 1 April, showing at about two out-of-work actors who fall selected cinemas. event comprising dressage, cross- THE MOUSETRAP Touring production into the world of debt recovery, Fri 8 - country and showjumping, Fri 8 - EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) of Agatha Christie's famous thriller - Sat 9 Apr, Arena Theatre, Sun 10 Apr, Weston Park, Shropshire the longest running show in the his- Wolverhampton VICTORIA (15) DOG DAY Fun and silly dog shows, all tory of British theatre, Mon 4 - Sat 9 THE ENDURING ROMANCE OF CATHY & DHEEPAN (15) sorts of doggy activities and stalls, Apr, Lichfield Garrick HEATHCLIFF Dark romantic comedy HARDCORE HENRY (18) Sat 9 Apr, Attingham Park, MARVELLOUS IMAGINARY MENAGERIE set in the 1950s that follows the lives Shropshire THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR (tbc) Packed with puppets, physical the- of Cathy & John, as he tries to prove THE BIG KNIGHTS WORKSHOP atre, music and magic. The Terrible to her that he can be her perfect THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (12a) MediaActive’s Big Knights Animation Infants and The Vaudevillains present man, Sat 9 Apr, Lichfield Garrick MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (12a) Workshop - a hands-on, fun-filled ‘a spectacle like no other’, with pro- THE IRANIAN FEAST Part thriller, part animation event for children aged fessional charlatans who regale the cookery lesson, this is a tale of a eight to 12, Sat 9 Apr, Wem Town audience with tales of wit, virtue and family working out how life will be in Hall, Shropshire courage, all loosely based on their the future, Sat 9 Apr, Farlow & Oreton SPRING FILM FESTIVAL - APRIL 2016 fables, Wed 6 Apr, Stourbridge Town Village Hall, Oreton, Shropshire Hall Sat 9 - Sat 30 Apr, The Clifton, Wellington, Shropshire HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG Join

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whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List 11 - 17 April - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 15:18 Page 1

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 April includes works by Mendelssohn & Classical Music Vaughan Williams, Sat 16 Apr, Gigs Lichfield Cathedral WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN CONCERT G4 BACK FOR GOOD UK TOUR Mon 11 ALY BAIN & PHIL Sun 17 Apr, The Buttermarket, Apr, Birmingham Town Hall CUNNINGHAM Mon 11 Shrewsbury Apr, New Vic Theatre, DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tue 12 Newcastle-under-Lyme Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham WITH THE DEAD + BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE REPER- BEASTMAKER Mon 11 TOIRE ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Apr, O2 Institute, Rosina (conductor) & Elsabe Reath Comedy Gigs Birmingham (viola). Programme includes Chris HANS ZIMMER Tues 12 Cresswell’s New Work; Forsyth’s RICHARD HERRING - HAPPY NOW? Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Concerto for Viola & Orchestra in G Mon 11 Apr, The Glee Club, Hanley, Birmingham minor & Brahms’ Symphony No.2 in Stoke-on-Trent D major, Op.73, Tues 12 Apr, Adrian BRY Tues 12 Apr, O2 THE ALL-STAR STAND-UP TOUR Boult Hall, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Tues 12 Apr, Theatre Severn, Conservatoire Shrewsbury THE VIEW Tues 12 Apr, GERARD MCCHRYSTAL (SAXOPHONE) O2 Academy, B’ham THE ALL-STAR STAND-UP TOUR INTERFUSE Tues 12 Apr, Adrian Boult Wed 13 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall THE BELLRAYS Tues 12 Kathryn Williams, Henry Tudor House, Wed 13 April Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire Apr, Hare & Hounds, JO ENRIGHT, SUZY BENNETT, HELEN CBSO: BRUCKNER'S NINTH Featuring Birmingham THORN & MAUREEN YOUNGER RUBETTES Fri 15 Apr, Academy, Birmingham James Feddeck (conductor) & Wed 13 Apr, Kitchen Garden Cafe, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND Theatre Severn, THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Michael Collins (clarinet), Wed 13 Birmingham Wed 13 - Thurs 14 Apr, Shrewsbury 2016 - LIVE! Sat 16 Apr, Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham ALUN COCHRANE - A SHOW WITH A MAN JOHNNY CASH mac, Birmingham IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL A mini festi- IN IT Thurs 14 Apr, Theatre Severn, SHOW OF HANDS Wed ROADSHOW Fri 15 Apr, THE DOORS ALIVE -THE val which provides a platform to Shrewsbury 13 Apr, Theatre Severn, The Place, Oakengates DOORS TRIBUTE BAND showcase classical students, high- COMEDY CLUB Thurs 14 Apr, Arena Shrewsbury Theatre, Shropshire Sat 16 Apr, The lighting where they collaborate with Theatre, Wolverhampton ELIZA AND THE BEAR HOLY ESQUE Fri 15 Apr, Sugarmill, Stoke-on- the jazz department, Wed 13 - Fri 15 ANDREW O'NEILL, STEVE SHANYASKI Wed 13 Apr, O2 The Sugarmill, Stoke- Trent Apr, various locations within PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Institute, Birmingham on-Trent Birmingham Conservatoire THE BLUES BAND ROBINSON Thurs 14 Apr, The Glee THE BURTON CONCERT BAND WITH KATHRYN WILLIAMS Wed ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? FEATURING PAUL JONES, Club, Birmingham 13 Apr, Henry Tudor Fri 15 Apr, Theatre TOM MCGUINNESS, DAVE BARBERAMA: A CELEBRATION OF THE COMEDY 42 WITH CAREY MARX, DAMIAN House, Shrewsbury Severn, Shrewsbury KELLY, ROB TOWNSEND & SILVER SCREEN Fri 15 Apr, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- CLARK & JOE BROMEHEAD Fri 15 Apr ANT LAW Wed 13 Apr, NERINA PALLOT Fri 15 GARY FLETCHER Sat 16 Trent Lichfield Garrick, Staffordshire Lichfield Garrick Apr, O2 Institute, Apr, Theatre Severn, ANDREW O'NEILL, CHARLIE BAKER, Birmingham Shrewsbury BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Fri 15 HIGH TYDE Wed 13 Apr, STEVE SHANASKI & ANDREW STANLEY JAMES DELARRE AND Apr, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent The Sugarmill, Stoke- HEY! HELLO! Fri 15 Apr, Fri 15 Apr, The Glee Club, SAUL ROSE Sat 16 Apr, COMPLETELY BRAHMS on-Trent The Slade Rooms, Featuring Pavel Birmingham Ludlow Assembly Fischer (violin) & John Thwaites NIGHT Thurs 14 Apr, Wolverhampton Rooms, South (piano). Programme comprises JAMES ALDERSON, TIM FITZHIGHAM mac, Birmingham TALON: THE BEST OF THE Shropshire Brahms’ Violin Sonata No.1 in G, FEATURING IVO GRAHAM Fri 15 - Sat 16 EAGLES Fri 15 Apr, The 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER Op78 & Violin Sonata No.2 in A, Op Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Slade Rooms, NORTHERN SOUL Sat 16 Thurs 14 Apr, Genting 100, Fri 15 Apr, Recital Hall, Birmingham Wolverhampton Apr Dudley Town Hall Arena, Birmingham Birmingham Conservatoire GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP'S TROPHY STEVE GIBBONS & DAVE WOLFMOTHER Sat 16 THAT'LL BE THE DAY THOMAS BOWES PLAY JS BACH AT COLLECTION Fri 15 Apr, mac, SCOTT MORGAN Fri 15 Apr O2 Academy, Thurs 14 Apr, Stafford DOWNTON Programme comprises Birmingham Apr, mac, Birmingham Birmingham Gatehouse Theatre Partita No. 3 in E major BMV 1006, ROB BECKETT: MOUTH OF THE SOUTH MOOSE BLOOD Sat 16 BELLOWHEAD Thurs 14 SPILT MILK SOCIETY + Sonata No. 2 in A minor BWV 1003 & Sat 16 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Apr The Slade Rooms, Apr, Symphony Hall, HALF ASLEEP + SUNDAY Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV, Sat 16 Theatre SERVICE Fri 15 Apr, O2 Wolverhampton Birmingham Apr, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Sat 16 Apr, New Alexandra Institute, Birmingham NIBBS & EDDY Sat 16 Shropshire THE VIEW Thurs 14 Apr, Theatre, Birmingham FRED ZEPPELIN & DIZZY Apr Havana Republic The Sugarmill, Stoke- LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 16 Apr, Regent LIZZY TRIBUTE TO LED Bar and Restaurant, on-Trent Theatre, Hanley ZEPPELIN & THIN LIZZY Shrewsbury THE MERSEY BEATLES Fri 15 Apr, The Robin, BATTLE OF THE BANDS ANDREW O'NEILL, ANDREW STANLEY, Thurs 14 Apr, Bilston Sat 16 Apr, The Slade CHARLIE BAKER & STEVE SHANYASKI Theatre Severn, Sat 16 Apr, The Glee Club, THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE Rooms, Shrewsbury Birmingham Fri 15 Apr, Theatre On Wolverhampton MERCURY Thurs 14 Apr, The Steps, Bridgnorth, NEON COLLECTIVE Sat New Alexandra Shropshire 16 Apr, Birchmeadow Theatre, Birmingham MOSAIC Fri 15 Apr, Centre, Telford, ALXNDR Thurs 14 Apr, Symphony Hall, Shropshire O2 Academy, Theatre Birmingham BRIGITTE BERAHA & Birmingham EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER THE MERSEY BEATLES JOHN TURVILLE Sat 16 PATENT PENDING Thurs ORCHESTRA Featuring: Petri Aarnio THE MOUSETRAP Touring production Sat 16 Apr, Prince Of Apr, Henry Tudor 14 Apr, O2 Academy, (Director) & Freddy Kempf (Piano). of Agatha Christie's famous thriller - Wales Centre, Cannock House, Shrewsbury Birmingham Programme includes works by Greig, the longest running show in the his- JEFF LYNNES ELO Sat 16 CHAS & DAVE Sat 16 Mozart, Hayden & Jane Wells, Sat 16 CONAN Thurs 14 Apr, tory of British theatre, Mon 11 - Wed - Sun 17 Apr, Genting Apr, The Robin, Bilston Apr, St Chad's Church, Shrewsbury The Rainbow Venues, 13 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Arena, Birmingham THE HEATHER FINDLAY Birmingham CBSO: DISNEY FROZEN IN CONCERT Trent MIKE DIGNAM Sat 16 BAND Sun 17 Apr, The Featuring Simon Lee (conductor) & TYTAN Thurs 14 Apr, DERREN BROWN: MIRACLE The award- Apr, O2 Institute, Robin, Bilston CBSO Chorus, Sat 16 Apr, The Robin, Bilston winning master of psychological illu- Birmingham THE SONS OF PITCHES Symphony Hall, Birmingham sion returns to the Midlands, Mon 11 SOLID SILVER 60'S Fri 15 NEWTON FAULKNER Sat Sun 17 Apr, LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS - IN - Sat 16 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Apr, Regent Theatre, 16 Apr, O2 Institute, Theatre Severn, EVERY CORNER SING Theatre Stoke-on-Trent Shrewsbury Birmingham Featuring Ben Lamb (conductor) & MADE IN DAGENHAM Amateur produc- AN EVENING WITH THE Martin Rawles (organist). Programme CAST Sat 16 Apr, O2 tion of the West End musical comedy

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Thursday 21st April COMING SOON... THE KING OF POP 26 March, 7.30pm Time: 7.30pm Lee Nelson: SOLDSuited andOUT Booted Tickets £20

Friday 13th May 26 March, 1.30pm MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS Second Hand Dance: Grass Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £6 , £20 Family of 4

4 April, 2pm Friday 20th May Winter Walker: THE UPBEAT BEATLES Three Keepers Tickets: £6 , £20 Family of 4 Time: 7.30pm

6 April, 12.30pm Literature Talk & Film J.B. Priestly "An Inspector Call" with Dr Jane MacKay Sunday 22nd May Tickets: £6 DOMINIC KIRWAN Time: 7.30pm 8 April, 8pm Mark Steel: Who Do You Think I Am?

Tickets: £15 Weds 8th & Thurs 9th June

PEPPA PIG'S SURPRISE 22 April, 8pm tHe mAdHoUSe: Time: Weds 8th, 1.00pm & 4.00pm Ben Hughes Thurs 9th 10.00am & 1.00pm Tickets £12, £10 Advance

23 April, 8pm Friday 10th June Crazy Diamond Management: Darkside performing GENESIS CONNECTED The Pink Floyd Show Tickets: £16 Time: 7.30pm

28 April, 7pm Brewhouse Lates Saturday 18th June Stories of Victorian Burton LEGEND OF A BAND Tickets: £5 Time: 7.30pm

19 May 8pm Rob Beckett The Mouth Of The South Friday 24th June Tickets: £14, £12 Concessions SUMMER DREAMING

Time: 7.30pm 21 May 7pm tHe mAdHoUSe: Amy Wadge & Pete Riley supported by Shamona Tickets: £15, £12 Advance Friday 28th July THE GIANT’S LOO ROLL Time: 2.00pm

Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1AA TWC GP 01044 Box office: 01283 508100. www.brewhouse.co.uk

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thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 April in front of the audience’s eyes, Sat 12 ANGRY MEN (U) 12 Angry Men, by 16 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Sidney Lumet, may be the most radi- STIG OF THE DUMP London cal courtroom drama in cinema histo- Contemporary Theatre presents its ry. A behind-closed-doors look at the version of the timeless children’s American legal system that is as riv- classic, Sun 17 Apr, Theatre Severn, eting as it is spare, this iconic adap- tation of Reginald Rose’s teleplay BEST OF BE FESTIVAL BE Festival cura- stars Henry Fonda as the dissenting tors and directors Miguel Oyarzun member on a jury of white men and Isla Aguilar have chosen three ready to pass judgment on a Puerto acts that best encapsulate the ethos Rican teenager charged with murder- and energy of European theatre, ing his father. Sat 16 Apr, Electric dance and circus, Tues 19 Apr, Arena Cinema, Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhampton

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released Fri 15 April, showing at selected cinemas. Film CRIMINAL(15) EYE IN THE SKY (15) INDEPENDENT CINEMAS: THE JUNGLE BOOK (15) THE LADY IN THE VAN (12a) Inspired by the true story of a homeless woman who moved into a Bedford van in the Best Of BE Festival, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 19 April drive of Alan Bennett’s Camden home. Stars Maggie Smith & Alex Jennings. Mon 11 Apr, Edge Arts Events about friendship, love and the impor- THE LADYKILLERS Ambient Night Centre, Much Wenlock, South tance of fighting for what’s right, Tues Productions presents its version of Shropshire BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS 12 - Wed 13 Apr, Theatre Severn, the classic Ealing comedy, Thurs 14 - Find out how to use bird guides, Shrewsbury Fri 15 Apr, Prince of Wales Centre, IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (15) In 1820, crewmen aboard the New England easy ways of identifying birds and TWELFTH NIGHT Riotous gig meets Cannock vessel Essex face a harrowing battle where to find them, Tues 12 Apr, Shakespeare in Filter's innovative FOLK Tom Wells' hilarious and not-so- for survival when a whale of mam- Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire staging of The Bard's tale of satire, holy story of hope, coming together moth size and strength attacks with Hills, Shropshire romance and mistaken identity, Tues and finding your feet when your force, crippling their ship and leaving ALVELEY TO ENVILLE ESTATE AND THE 12 - Sat 16 Apr, The REP, world is turned upside down, Thurs them adrift in the ocean. Starring SHEEPWALKS Enjoy the Shropshire Birmingham 14 - Sat 30 Apr, The REP, Chris Hemsworth & Ben Whishaw. and Staffordshire countryside on this Birmingham JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Amateur Mon 11 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall 12-mile walk, explore the Enville production of the Andrew Lloyd A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT PAINTING THE MODERN GARDEN: MONET Estate, passing follies and other gar- Webber and Tim Rice musical, pre- Featuring some of the funniest come- TO MATISSE (tbc) A magical journey den features in this historic land- sented by Lichfield Operatic Society, dy acts from the Black Country, guided by passionate curators, scape, Wed 13 Apr, Severn Valley Tues 12 - Sat 16 Apr, Lichfield including Jonny Cole, Dandy and artists and garden enthusiasts, dis- Country Park, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Garrick Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos covering how contemporaries of THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & also features, Fri 15 Apr, MACBETH Amateur production pre- Monet used modern gardens to RENOVATING SHOW Thurs 14 - Sun 17 Kidderminster Town Hall sented by the Rep Players, Tues 12 - explore motifs, abstract colour, deco- Apr, NEC, Birmingham Sat 16 Apr, Stoke Repertory Theatre, JOAN Fusion of new lyrical writing rative design and utopian ideas. This BUS TYPES VW SHOW Bringing some Stoke-on-Trent and drag king cabaret in a story of film reveals the rise of the modern the best VW buses from all over the courage, conviction, hope, survival MISSING AT THE MISSING CAFE Evening garden in popular culture and the UK, Fri 15 - Sun 17 Apr, Oswestry and love, Fri 15 Apr, Arena Theatre, of food, fun, frolics, fantasy - and public’s enduring fascination with Showground, Shropshire some hard thoughts about what Wolverhampton gardens today. Tues 12 Apr, Warwick WWE LIVE WWE superstars and makes us all tick, Wed 13 Apr, Arena ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Redhead Arts Centre, Coventry; Tues 12 - Wed divas, all under one roof, Sat 16 Apr, Theatre, Wolverhampton Reach presents a staging of LM 13 Apr, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS New Montgomery's 1908 novel - a classic GOODNIGHT MOMMY (15) In the heat of IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS stage production featuring over two coming-of-age story, Fri 15 - Sat 16 the summer in an isolated rural TODAY... Follow the bird trail and hours of the best blues, Motown, Apr Newhampton Arts Centre, house 10-year-old twin brothers await make your own owl from clay, Sat 16 soul and comedy from both of the Wolverhampton their mother's return after cosmetic Apr, Moseley Old Hall, Blues Brothers movies, Wed 13 Apr, surgery. When she returns her head Wolverhampton New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham is swathed in bandages and nothing is as it was before. Uncertain that this MIDLAND LABRADOR SHOW Featuring THE IRANIAN FEAST Part thriller, part unaffectionate and remote woman is judges Shaun Williamson and Leigh cookery lesson, this is a tale of a actually their mother, the boys deter- Lesley, Sat 16 Apr, Staffordshire family working out how life will be in mine to discover the truth. Stars County Showground the future, Wed 13 Apr, Wem Town Lukas Schwarz & Susanne Wuest. Hall, North Shropshire PRESIDENT IN STEAM See steam nar- Foreign language, subtitled. Tues 12 rowboat President in steam, chat to ELF - THE MUSICAL Performed by April, Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke-on- the Friends of President and learn Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre, Trent about the President's history, Sat 16 - Group 7, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Apr, HIGH-RISE (15) The director Ben Sun 17 Apr, Black Country Living Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Wheatley has garnered considerable Museum, Dudley MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda acclaim following his films Down HENRO 2016 SUMI-E JAPANESE INK ART Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) Terrace, Kill List and A Field in WORKSHOPS Workshops run by artist and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) England. Here, he untangles an eco- Takumasa Ono and teaching some of star in a brand new musical parody, system preserved in a luxury London the skills of traditional Japanese Thurs 14 Apr, The Place, Oakengates HANDA’S HEN Based on the book by tower block, where a young doctor Sumi-e ink painting, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Theatre, Shropshire Eileen Browne, this engaging family (Hiddleston) moves to the twenty-fifth Apr, Chirk Castle, Wrexham THAT'LL BE THE DAY A musical romp show features 55 stunning puppets, floor to discover fierce dissent MEDIEVAL ATTINGHAM WALK through the youthful days of all created by hand for the produc- between the residents. Based on the Rediscover the medieval history of Rock’n’Roll in the ’50s, on through tion, Sat 16 Apr, Lichfield Garrick 1975 novel by J. G. Ballard. Stars Attingham and the surrounding the Swinging ’60s and into the taste- FERAL Tortoise In A Nutshell present Tom Hiddleston & Jeremy Irons. Fri estate on a guided walk, Sun 17 Apr, free days of the 1970s, Thurs 14 - Fri an innovative piece of visual theatre 15 - Thurs 21 Apr, Warwick Arts Attingham Park, Shropshire 15 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre which creates and destroys a world Centre, Coventry; Fri 15 - Thurs 21 Apr, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 11 - 17 April - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 15:19 Page 4

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April Classical Music Comedy Gigs

ENSEMBLE 360 Featuring Naomi MUSIC AND MAGIC Wed 20 Apr, Forest Atherton (horn); Tim Horton (piano); Arts Centre, Walsall Benjamin Nabarro (violin) & Gemma Rosefield, (cello). Programme STUART GOLDSMITH Wed 20 Apr, Arena includes works by Brahms & Theatre, Wolverhampton Schoenberg, Mon 18 Apr, New Vic MOCK THE FLOCK Wed 20 Apr, The Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Mockingbird, Birmingham PAUL THORNE, IAN MOORE, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 21 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham NATHAN CATON, PAUL THORNE, IAN MOORE & KATE LUCAS Fri 22 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Quill, The Robin, Bilston, Fri 22 April RUSSELL KANE - RIGHT MAN, WRONG Wolverhampton Grand MALIJA FEATURING: AGE Fri 22 Apr, Theatre Severn, Theatre MARK LOCKHEART Gigs ORGAN PROMS WITH JONATHAN SCOTT Shrewsbury SAXOPHONES, LIAM THE BLUETONES Fri 22 Concert Organist (Manchester),Mon Apr The Sugarmill, NOBLE PIANO& JASPER BENJAMIN APPL Mon 18 18 Apr, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent HØIBY BASS Sat 23 Apr, Apr, Birmingham Town Arena Theatre, CBSO: ROMEO AND JULIET Featuring Hall LOGIC Fri 22 Apr O2 Wolverhampton Lahav Shani (conductor). Programme Institute, Birmingham comprises Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and THE YOUNG'UNS Mon 18 CLAIRE SHAW Sat 23 Juliet Overture: Bernstein’s West Side Apr, Theatre Severn, MONEY FOR NOTHING Fri Apr, Havana Republic Story - Symphonic Dances & Shrewsbury 22 Apr, The Place, Bar and Restaurant, Oakengates Theatre, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Wed RENAISSANCE Tues 19 Shrewsbury Telford, Shropshire 20 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Apr, The Robin, Bilston BUTCHER BABIES Sat 23 SYNERGY Fri 22 Apr CBSO CENTRE STAGE: CELLOS THE THE SPITFIRES Wed 20 Apr, O2 Academy, Havana Republic Bar AMERICAS! Programme includes CARL DONNELLY, JOJO SMITH, MARK Apr, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham and Restaurant, works by Villa Lobos, Piazzolla, NELSON & FREDDIE FARRELL Birmingham DARKSIDE - THE PINK Shrewsbury Gershwin & selections from Fri 22 - Sat 23 Apr, Jongleurs FLOYD SHOW CODE 46 Wed 20 Apr, Gerhswin’s West Side story, Thurs 21 Comedy Club, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, BRINGING YOU THE Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MUSIC OF PINK FLOYD TIFF STEVENSON - MAD MAN Sat 23 Apr, Birmingham CBSO SHAKESPEARE IN FILM Featuring Sat 23 Apr, The The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham BLAIR DUNLOP Wed 20 Robert Ziegler (Conductor Brewhouse Arts ROB DELANEY: MEAT Sat 23 Apr Apr, Henry Tudor Programme includes Shostakovich's Centre, Burton-upon- The REP, Birmingham House, Shrewsbury Hamlet Ball at the Palace, Duel and Trent PATRICK MONAHAN NAO + DEMO TAPED Death of Hamlet; Walton's Richard III Sat 23 Apr, The SLAM CARTEL Sat 23 Drum, Birmingham Wed 20 Apr, O2 Prelude, Warbeck's Shakespeare in Apr, The Slade Rooms, Institute, Birmingham Love; Doyle's Henry V: St Crispin's NATHAN CATON, KATE LUCAS, IAN MOORE Wolverhampton Day, Rota's Romeo and Juliet: A Time & PAUL THORNE COLIN BLUNSTONE & Sat 23 Apr, The Glee THE QUO Sat 23 Apr, for Us & Rozsa's Julius Caesar: Now Club, Birmingham BAND Wed 20 Apr, The The Roadhouse, Be Still, Fri 22 Apr, Symphony Hall, Robin, Bilston JAMES COOK - READY, STEADY, JAMES THE JAMES HUNTER SIX Birmingham Birmingham HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD ST GEORGE'S DAY CONCERT Featuring Sat 23 Apr, mac, Birmingham Fri 22 Apr, O2 Institute, THE SEX PISSED DOLLS Thurs 21 Apr, O2 flag waving favourites and the won- Birmingham Sat 23 Apr, The Robin, Academy, Birmingham derful and traditional ‘Last Night’ THE SOLID SILVER 60S Bilston finale, Fri 22 Apr, Forest Arts Centre, ABBA MANIA Thurs 21 SHOW Fri 22 Apr, HEY! HELLO! Sat 23 Apr, Walsall Apr, Wolverhampton Birmingham Town Hall The Sugarmill, Stoke- Theatre Grand Theatre CLASSMATES BARBERSHOP QUARTET BEN HUGHES Fri 22 Apr, on-Trent BEN HAENOW Thurs 21 Fri 22 Apr, Dudley Canal Tunnel and The Brewhouse Arts GREGORY PORTER Sun THE DEVIL INSIDE Music Theatre Apr O2 Institute, Limestone Mines, Dudley Centre, Burton-upon- 24 Apr, Symphony Wales, in a co-promotion with Birmingham CWMBACH MALE CHOIR Sat 23 Apr, Trent Hall, Birmingham Scottish Opera, present a gritty, glit- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South THE KING OF POP Thurs ALICE ZAWADZKI Fri 22 SOLID SILVER 60'S Sun tery, Faustian folktale, set firmly in the Shropshire 21 Apr, The Place, Apr, The Glee Club, 24 Apr, 21st century, Mon 18 Apr, The REP, Oakengates Theatre, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand EX CATHEDRA, SHAKESPEARE ODES Birmingham Shropshire Narrated by Samuel West & featuring TALON: BEST OF THE Theatre FLOWER CHILDREN University of Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Sun 24 THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN EAGLES Fri 22 Apr, THE FLATLINERS Sun 24 Wolverhampton Musical Theatre pres- Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Thurs 21 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Apr, O2 Academy, ent an original musical created by Theatre Severn, BIRMINHAM PHILHARMONIC CONCERTO FAMILY TIES + ARRON Birmingham Level 5 Musical Theatre students, Shrewsbury PRIZE FINAL 2016 Featuring the ERSKINE + QUARRY + RAYMOND FROGGATT Mon 18 Apr, Arena Theatre, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, COUNTERFEIT Thurs 21 DEMAREO + MYLES Sun 24 Apr, The Slade Wolverhampton Michael Seal (conductor), Michael Apr, O2 Institute, MANDERS Fri 22 Apr, Rooms, END OF THE RAINBOW Judy Garland Webb (clarinet), Yuting Guo (piano), Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Wolverhampton makes her explosive London come- Yu-Cheng Chen (marimba). back at the height of the Swinging UK SUBS Thurs 21 Apr, CLIMAX BLUES BAND Fri CHARITY CONCERT WITH Programme includes works by John ’60s, Mon 18 - Wed 20 Apr, The Robin, Bilston 22 Apr, Lichfield JIMMY CRICKET AND Foulds, Gerald Finzi, Franz Liszt, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE MAGIC GANG Thurs Guildhall LICHFIELD GOSPEL Keiko Abe & Hector Berlioz, Sun 24 21 Apr The Sugarmill, QUILL Fri 22 Apr, The CHOIR Sun 24 Apr, Apr, Adran Boult Hall, Birmingham DR SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT Lively Stoke-on-Trent Robin, Bilston Lichfield Garrick Conservatoire and engaging theatre experience for young children aged three-plus, Mon INTO THE SHADOWS Fri TROYE SIVAN LA VILLA STRANGIATO - AUDLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR Featuring Sat 23 Apr 18 - Tues 19 Apr, Lichfield Garrick 22 Apr Theatre On The O2 Institute, B’ham THE SPIRIT OF RUSH guests VOCES8, an internationally Steps, Bridgnorth, Sun 24 Apr, The Robin, acclaimed A Cappella Vocal Octet BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S The classic THE FUREYS Sat 23 Apr Shropshire Bilston comprising six male and two female tale of Holly Golightly, starring Pixie Theatre Severn, AND FINALLY... PHIL singers, Sun 24 Apr, Victoria Hall, Lott in the title role, Mon 18 - Sat 23 Shrewsbury Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham COLLINS Fri 22 Apr, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April REP Foundry graduate Francesca Millican-Slater using story-telling, power-point, lyricism and possibly Events some classic gold tracks. Includes a viewing of actual items from the col- STORM THE CASTLE DUATHLON lection, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, The REP, Tues 19 Apr, Ludlow Castle, Birmingham Shropshire TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Jodie Prenger WENLOCK POETRY FESTIVAL Fri 22 - stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sun 24 Apr, Much Wenlock, Don Black’s one-woman musical Shropshire charting the misadventures of a 'S DANCE FOR LIFE Award- young English girl in New York in the winning comedian Peter Kay hosts a heady days of the 1980s, Sun 24 series of ambitious fundraising Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, 'dance-athon parties', with all profits Birmingham going to Cancer Research UK, Sat 3 DAYS AND 3 MINUTES WITH LARRY A 23 Apr, Barclaycard Arena new play by Chris Mellor telling of ST. GEORGE'S DAY AT TAMWORTH the backstage events in the three CASTLE Medieval living history in the days leading up to Larry Grayson’s castle and re-enactments in the cas- The Ladyboys Of Bangkok, The Place @ Oakengates, Tues 19 April final performance, Sun 24 Apr, tle grounds, Sat 23 Apr, Tamworth Theatre Severn, THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK Dazzling present a tribute to the infinite wis- MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda ST GEORGE'S DAY CELEBRATIONS new production of the popular dom of lonely truckers on the A6, Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) Featuring a re-enactment encamp- cabaret show, Tues 19 Apr, The heartbroken women called Carly, and and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) ment, magic, crafts and much more, Place, Oakengates Theatre, the impact of power ballads, Thurs star in a brand new musical parody, Sat 23 Apr, Manor House Museum, Shropshire 21 Apr, Arena Theatre, Sun 24 Apr, Regent Theatre, Stoke- West Bromwich HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GROOVY GREEKS Wolverhampton on-Trent AN ELIZABETHAN TRAVELLING THEATRE From savage Sparta to angry Athens, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT CHARITY CONCERT WITH JIMMY COMPANY To commemorate the 400th discover the truth about growing up Featuring some of the funniest come- CRICKET AND LICHFIELD GOSPEL CHOIR anniversary of the death of in Greece, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Apr, dy acts from the Black Country, Sun 24 Apr, Lichfield Garrick, Shakespeare, this special event Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent including Jonny Cole, Dandy and Staffordshire looks at how his plays were per- Fizzog. Music by The Ronaldos also HORRIBLE HISTORIES: INCREDIBLE formed at the time, Sat 23 Apr, The features, Thurs 21 Apr, Aston Wood, INVADERS Brand new show from the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Sutton Coldfield Horrible Histories team. This time Stoke-on-Trent round, it's the ruthless ways of the KEITH BARRY Ireland’s biggest touring HEDGEROW HERBS Forage for wild Romans which come under scrutiny, entertainment star uses a combina- Film herbs that can be used for cooking Tues 19 - Sat 23 Apr, Regent Theatre, tion of mind control, deception, men- and medicine, Sat 23 Apr, Fordhall Stoke-on-Trent talism and hypnotism to hack into Organic Farm, Market Drayton, the brains of the audience, Thurs 21 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CALAMITY JANE Amateur production Shropshire presented by Stafford Operatics, Apr, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent ANOMALISA (15) David Thewlis pro- THE BIRMINGHAM COMICS FESTIVAL Tues 19 - Sat 23 Apr, Stafford THE DISHONOURED Kali Theatre pres- vides the voice of a self-help author Featuring the creators of 2000AD, Gatehouse Theatre ent a compelling political thriller who views everybody as identical until meeting a highly original woman The Beano, Marvel, DC and Image, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER The about surviving in a world of deceit in a Cincinnati hotel. A stop-motion Sat 23 Apr, Edgbaston Stadium, Lichfield Players present an amateur and violence, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Apr, cartoon based on Charlie Kaufman’s Birmingham performance of Marc Camoletti’s mac, Birmingham 2005 play of the same name, THE 36TH CAROLE NASH INTERNATIONAL sequel to Boeing-Boeing, Tues 19 - WORKING Backstreet Theatre Anomalisa has been getting rave CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW Sat 23 Apr, Lichfield Garrick Company present a review show reviews ever since if premiered at the A flagship event on the classic which explores the work day, from JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL Telluride Film Festival last motorcycling calendar, Sat 23 - Sun Monday blues to a working person’s Bournville Musical Theatre Company September. Mon 18 - Tues 19 Apr, 24 Apr, Staffordshire County pride in having something to point present a musical thriller adaptation Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Showground of the Robert Louis Stevenson story, to, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Apr, Prince of Shropshire; Thurs 21 Apr, Stoke Film SHROPSHIRE KIDS FESTIVAL Tues 19 - Sat 23 Apr, The Crescent Wales Centre, Cannock Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, The Quarry Theatre, Birmingham TWELFTH NIGHT Shropshire Youth THE WITCH (15) Set in the 1630s, The Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire WEST SIDE STORY Amateur production Theatre presents an amateur per- Witch is an award-winning Canadian VINTAGE STEAM VEHICLE WEEKEND presented by Stoke Youth Musical formance of one of the greatest of all horror film that would appear to be Featuring a varied collection of Theatre Company, Tues 19 - Sat 23 English comedies, Fri 22 - Sat 23 something of an original. Living on steam-powered vehicles, Sat 23 - Apr, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke- Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury the edge of the New England wilder- Sun 24 Apr, Churnet Valley Railway, on-Trent THE DARK ROAD Ian Rankin’s tense, ness, a Puritan family battles with the Staffordshire GHETTO Part of Birmingham Ormiston gritty and hard-hitting stage play, Fri loss of their infant son when darker SANDON SPRING FAIR In association Academy's Acting Pathway season of 22 - Sat 30 Apr, Hall Green Little forces start to emerge from them thar with Stone Food and Drink Festival. plays that looks at the Holocaust and Theatre, Birmingham woods. Stars Anya Taylor-Joy & Browse food & drink stands, watch the relationship between theatre and AN EVENING WITH DES O'CONNOR Ralph Ineson. Fri 22 - Sat 23 Apr, demonstrations, enjoy Afternoon Tea history, Wed 20 Apr, The Old Rep Brand new show celebrating the Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent in the hall, check out the arts & crafts Theatre, Birmingham stage and screen career of a show- stalls and listen to live music in the business legend, Sat 23 Apr, DALLOWAY Dyad Productions present NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: beer tent, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s cel- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Released Fri 22 April, showing at Sandon Hall, Stafford ebrated map of hearts, minds and DOROTHY’S WAR The Harmonettes selected cinemas. PENGUIN WEEK Learn all about pen- memories..., Wed 20 Apr, mac, use close part harmonies to tell the guin leader Alf and his other pals. Birmingham true story of a woman’s amazing BASTILLE DAY (15) Get involved in numerous activities journey into the heart of a man’s war, SWAN LAKE Performed by the ever- JANE GOT A GUN (tbc) and celebrate World Penguin Day on Sat 23 Apr, Shipton Village Hall, Nr popular Vienna Festival Ballet, Wed LOUDER THAN BOMBS (tbc) the 25th, Sat 23 Apr - Mon 2 May, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire 20 Apr, The Place, Oakengates MILES AHEAD (tbc) National Sea Life Centre, Theatre, Shropshire STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD DOUBLE BILL A Birmingham SING STREET (12A) RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET double-bill of plays inspired by the Performed by Stafford Gatehouse Staffordshire Hoard, featuring: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (15) Youth Theatre, group 4, Wed 20 - Fri Tranklements, Caroline Horton's THE PEARL BUTTON (tbc) 22 Apr, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre funny solo performance about home, underdogs and the Midlands spirit; RISEN (12a) LATE NIGHT LOVE Eggs Collective and Gold - a one-woman show from ROCK THE KASBAH (tbc)

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 18 - 24 April - Wolves/Staffs/Shrops ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 17:43 Page 4

CENTRAL HALL PRESENTS

Saturday 16th April, 7.30pm Saturday 14th May, 7.00pm

HADLEY ORPHEUS THE ORGANIST ENTERTAINS MALE VOICE CHOIR NIGEL OGDEN

with Lauren Zhang (piano) and NykkÖ-Mickaël Grégoire Tickets: £7.50 per person (organ) Tickets: £8 per person

from 07780 676385 from 01922 628723

in aid of the Organ Fund Central Hall Methodist Church, Ablewell Street, Walsall WS1 2EQ. Registered Chrity Number:1132418

Join us on 6th April at the Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury from 15.00 to 19.00 hrs

Visit us in store today: Worldchoice Travel 21 Shoplatch, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1HS email:[email protected] or call 01743 248 175

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 25 April - 1 May - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 15:33 Page 1

thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 31 April Shrewsbury Classical Music DAVID TRENT, TOM DEACON FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 28 Apr, The Glee NICHOLAS MORRIS ORGAN RECITAL Club, Birmingham Programme includes works by Alain, Durufle, Landmann & Reger, Mon 25 BEN NORRIS, ERIC LAMPAERT Apr, St Chad’s Cathedral, FEATURING TOM DEACON & PETER Birmingham WHITE Fri 29 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham YU CHENG CHEN PERCUSSION RECITAL Featuring 2-You Duo, Yu-Cheng Chen SEAN PERCIVAL, ROGER MONKHOUSE & Shih-Han Lee (percussion). FEATURING JOE BROMEHEAD & JOE Programme includes works by ROWNTREE Fri 29 - Sat 30 Apr, Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, Zenakis, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Askell Masson, Ivan Trevino, Birmingham Donatoni & Jesse Monkman, Tues 26 RUSSELL KANE - RIGHT MAN, WRONG Apr, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham AGE Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham Town CBSO: MAHLER'S FOURTH Featuring Hall llan Volkov (conductor), Alexandre ERIC LAMPAERT, BEN NORRIS FEATURING Tharaud (piano), Sarah Tynan TOM DEACON & PETER WHITE Sat 30 (soprano). Programme includes Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Dixie Chicks, Barclaycard Arena, Fri 29 April works by Debussy, Haydn & Mahler, Wed 27 Apr, Symphony Hall, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham Gigs OUT Starring Jonny Victoria Hall, Hanley, Cole, Dandy, The Stoke-on-Trent CBSO: ABRAHAMSEN & MAHLER Featuring llan Volkov (conductor), Fizzogs & The 80S PARTY NIGHT WITH KIP MOORE Mon 25 Apr, Alexandre Tharaud (piano) & Sarah Ronaldos, Thurs 28 JOHNNY 2 BAD Sat 30 O2 Institute, B’ham Tynan (soprano). Programme Apr, Lichfield Garrick Apr, The Place, includes works by Debussy, Hans BROKEN HANDS Mon 25 DIXIE CHICKS Fri 29 Apr, Oakengates Theatre, Abrahamsen & Mahler, Thurs 28 Apr, Apr Hare & Hounds, Barclaycard Arena, Telford, Shropshire Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham ISLE OF WOMAN Sat 30 CBSO BRASS Featuring the 10-piece BLUES CARAVAN 2016 - NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH Apr, Theatre Severn, CBSO Brass ensemble with BLUES SISTERS FEATUR- FLYING BIRDS Fri 29 Apr, Shrewsbury ING LAYLA ZOE, INA Percussion students from Genting Arena, TIMES SQUARE BAND Sat FORSMAN + TASHA Birmingham Conservatoire. Birmingham 30 Apr, Havana TAYLOR Mon 25 Apr, Programme includes Britten's Fanfare THE CARPENTERS STORY Republic, Shrewsbury The Robin, Bilston for St Edmundsbury; Arnold's Fri 29 Apr, New GO APE! 7TH BIRTHDAY Fantasy for Horn, Bliss' Fanfare MACKLEMORE & RYAN Alexandra Theatre, Sat 30 Apr, The Vaults, Homage to Shakespeare; Howells' LEWIS Tues 26 Apr, Theatre Birmingham Shrewsbury Paean & Walton's 3 Movements from Barclaycard Arena, RICK WAKEMAN Fri 29 UK FEDS ONE WEEK Henry V Suite & Movements from Birmingham Apr, Prince Of Wales STAND AND THE STRIKE Facade, Fri 29 Apr, KEITH BARRY: BRAIN HAKER Ireland’s SHAKEY GRAVES Tues 26 Centre, Cannock Sat 30 Apr, O2 Institute, Symphony Hall, Birmingham biggest touring entertainment star Apr, O2 Institute, B’ham uses a combination of mind control, UNDER A BANNER & THE Birmingham ANCORA Crossover vocal harmony deception, mentalism and hypnotism RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS LEYLINES Fri 29 Apr, SHE DREW THE GUN Sat group made up of four of the UK’s to hack into the brains of the audi- Tues 26 Apr, The The Slade Rooms, 30 Apr, The Sunflower finest classically trained young voic- ence, Mon 25 Apr, New Alexandra Robin, Bilston Wolverhampton Lounge, Birmingham es, Sat 30 Apr, Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire Theatre, Birmingham METHOD MAN & REDMAN AQUILO Fri 29 Apr, O2 SOLELY MOURNING Sat JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH The Arts Tues 26 Apr, O2 Institute, Birmingham 30 Apr, The Slade Centre Telford junior youth theatre Institute, Birmingham Rooms, DAVID RODIGAN Fri 29 present Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Wolverhampton KORPIKLAANI Tues 26 Apr, Hare & Hounds, Mon 25 - Tue 26 Apr, The Place, Apr, O2 Academy, Birmingham SOUL'D OUT Sat 30 Apr, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire Birmingham The Robin, Bilston BON GIOVI Fri 29 Apr, LET IT BE Concert-style show featur- DEREK RYAN IN CONCERT The Robin, Bilston ANCORA Sat 30 Apr, ing over forty of the Fab Four’s great- Wed 27 Apr, The Place, OCCOEUR Fri 29 Apr, Festival Drayton est hits, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr, Oakengates Theatre, Route 44, Birmingham Centre, Market Birmingham Hippodrome Telford, Shropshire Drayton, North BRYAN ADAMS Sat 30 FLARE PATH Terrence Rattigan's Wed Shropshire Apr, Genting Arena, evocative portrait of life in wartime 27 Apr, O2 Institute, Birmingham ICONIC EYE Sat 30 Apr, Britain. Graham Seed stars as Birmingham O2 Academy, Swanson and Charlie G Hawkins SHOWADDYWADDY Sat STRAWBS Wed 27 Apr, Birmingham (EastEnders) as Percy, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr, New Alexandra The Robin, Bilston 30 Apr, The REP, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham THE ILLEGAL EAGLES SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME A nos- THE CARPENTERS STORY Thurs 28 Apr, talgic, feelgood show, taking you New Alexandra Mac Miller, O2 Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 28 April Comedy Gigs back through the music of the early Theatre, Birmingham ’60s. Starring Antony Costa from boy THE RUBETTES Thurs 28 band Blue, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr, Apr, Prince Of Wales MITCH BENN: DON'T BELIEVE A WORD Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Centre, Cannock TOUR Tues 26 Apr, Stourbridge Town MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda Hall MAC MILLER Thurs 28 Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) Apr, O2 Institute, JULIAN CLARY - THE JOY OF MINCING and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) Birmingham Wed 27 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, star in a brand new musical parody, Birmingham Tues 26 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, SOUL ACOUSTIC Thurs Birmingham 28 Apr, The Glee Club, CARL DONNELLY - JIVE ASS HONKY Birmingham FEATURING ADAM HESS Thurs 28 Apr, THE BEANFIELD Breach Theatre fuse The Mockingbird, Birmingham documentary footage with new writ- CASH - JOHNNY CASH ing in a multimedia show about state Thurs 28 Apr, The BRIDGET CHRISTIE - A BOOK FOR HER Thurs 28 Apr, Theatre Severn, violence and national heritage, Tue Robin, Bilston 26 - Wed 27 Apr, The REP, B’ham

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APRIL HIGHLIGHTS MON 4 - SAT 9 APR APRIL HIGHLIGHTS 7.30PM, THU & SAT MATS 2.30PM PEPPA PIG LIVE! THE MOUSETRAP GATEHOUSE THEATRE World famous for being Wed 6 & Thurs the longest running show of any kind in the 7 April history of theatre, now Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and the 60th anniversary their friends are back in Stafford production is back by in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise. Enjoy fun, £17 - £28.50 popular demand. Starring Louise Jameson games and of course, surprises Wed 6th 10am, 1pm and 4pm, in this charming, colourful new Thurs 7th,10am and 1pm, show with new songs and new £16.50 child/£14.50concs/ SAT 16 APR life size puppets, Peppa Pig’s £56 family 11AM & 2PM Surprise promises to be the per- HANDA’S HEN fect theatre show for all pre-schoolers! This beautiful and engaging show features TRÈS TRÈS CABARET 18+ 55 stunning puppets all THE MET STUDIO created by hand for this brand new production. Fri 8 April Très Très Cabaret promises to Perfect for 2 – 5 bring you the most extravagant year olds. variety show to the secluded £10 - £7 Child intimacy of the MET Studio. Featuring the hottest perform- 7.45PM ers from the international 8pm, £15.00 SAT 16 APR cabaret scene to surprise and delight you...Dress to impress and join us for an evening of glitz, FERAL 14+ Feral is innovative glamour and so much more. visual theatre that com- RICHARD HERRING bines puppetry, THE MET STUDIO film and live sound to create and destroy a world in front of your Sat 9 April eyes. After years of drifting aimlessly and alone, Richard Herring is now settled down with a wife £15 and a tiny baby. Is he finally happy now? Or does responsi- bility for the lives of others MON 18 APR 1.30PM come with its own terrors? In & 6.30PM, TUE 19 his twelfth solo stand up show, APR 10AM & 6.30PM Richard examines whether we are can ever hope to be or are THE CAT 3+ meant to be truly content. 8pm, £15.00 IN THE HAT Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, THE SONGS OF HOLLYWOOD The Cat in the Hat is a GATEHOUSE THEATRE lively and engaging first theatre experience for Sun 10 April £15.50 - £12.50 Child young children. Liza Pulman (of Fascinating Aida) brings you some of the greatest songs from the silver WED 27 APR 7.30PM screen. Her glorious voice, IRELAND’S CALL charming personality and quirky comedic skills make her Critically acclaimed show a unique entertainer. Expect a Essence of Ireland takes musical journey celebrating the on a new lease of theatri- golden age of Hollywood and cal life with Ireland’s Call. beyond. From As Time Goes ★★★★★ By to Moon River, through Hitchcock, the romantic come- 7.30pm, £19.00 “MESMERISING” dy and even the American western, all accompanied by the Joseph Atkins Orchestra. A joy- ous evening not to be missed. £24.50 - £21 Students AN EVENING WITH AGGERS THU 28 APR 7.30PM AND TUFFERS GATEHOUSE THEATRE BLACK COUNTRY Wed 13 April NIGHT OUT From the last home Ashes series in 2013, Evenings with Aggers have A Black Country Night been delighting audiences all over Out is one of the longest the country. Now Phil Tufnell teams running shows in the up with his TMS colleague. This will 7.30pm, £26.00 Midlands. be a fascinating, entertaining, no- holds-barred evening for cricket Back for 2016 with a fans and non-lovers of the game alike and there will be an oppor- fresh lick of paint. tunity for the audience to tweet Aggers with their own questions. £20 THAT’LL BE THE DAY SAT 30 APR 7.30PM GATEHOUSE THEATRE MAD ABOUT Thurs 14 & Fri 15 April THE MUSICALS Prepare for a nostalgia Celebrating the very best party extravaganza as songs from the shows the legendary That’ll Be we all know and love! The Day returns with Starring Gareth Gates another opportunity to see its 30th Anniversary and Michael Courtney. Special! The nations favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety spectacular fea- 7.30pm, £23.50 £24 - £22 Students tures a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 50s, 60s & 70s, plus more side-split- ting comedy! BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com BOOKONLINE LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR Box Office 01785 619080 www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

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thelist Mon 25 April - Sun 1 May ISLE OF WOMAN Comedy, wisdom and music which has been described Events as ‘Joan Rivers meets the Andrew Sisters’, Sat 30 Apr, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 2016 BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS Thurs 28 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, EMMA Hotbuckle Productions pres- Birmingham ents a staging of Jane Austen’s tale of misconstrued romance, Sat 30 CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Learn about Apr, The Market Theatre, Ledbury, nocturnal wildlife living at the park. Herefordshire Listen to the echolocation calls of bats on the electronic bat detectors. Don't forget your torch!, Fri 29 Apr, Severn Valley Country Park, Dance Bridgnorth, Shropshire FLORALIA FESTIVAL Flower arrange- ments through the ages, Fri 29 Apr - PROCESS/PRODUCT/DANCE Final year Mon 2 May, Wightwick Manor, BA(Hons) Dance Students present Wolverhampton works devised for their Crafting Performance module, Thurs 28 - Fri THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Family 29 Apr, Arena Theatre, show featuring 'incredible ball han- Wolverhampton dling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, Shakespeare’s Will trick shots, comedy and fan interac- tion’, Sat 30 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, The Wightman Centre, Shrewsbury, Wed 27 - Sat 30 April; Bridgnorth Birmingham Theatre On The Steps, Fri 13 May VICTORIAN DAY Travel back in time to Set on the day of The Bard’s funeral, Shakespeare’s Will finds his Talks the Victorian era. Join ‘Toby Jugg’, wife, Anne Hathaway, wondering whether she dare open and read the costumed storyteller, and hear his tales about working in the bottle the most contentious thing her husband ever wrote - his Last Will and BLOFELD AND BAXTER Peter Baxter ovens, Sat 30 Apr, Gladstone Pottery Testament... and Henry Blofeld relay anecdotes Museum, Stoke-on-Trent Local actor Joanna Purslow stars in this English premiere of Canadian from their decades of broadcasting; HOW THE GIRL GUIDES WON THE WAR playwright Vern Thiessen’s 2005 play. reminiscing over legendary players, Author Janie Hampton offers an not to mention legendary gaffes, and insight into her book, How The Girl tales from cricket grounds across the Guides Won The War, Sat 30 Apr, DIAL M FOR MURDER Stourbridge Productions, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 Apr, globe, Tues 26 Apr, Theatre Severn, RAF Cosford, Shropshire Theatre Company presents its ver- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury sion of Frederick Knott's erotic tale of KINDLY LEAVE THE STAGE John A DAY AT THE LAKE Sat 30 Apr - Mon 2 betrayal, passion and, ultimately, Chapman comedy, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 May, Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire murder, Tues 26 - Sat 30 Apr, Apr, The Belfrey, Wellington Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Redhead ASPECTS OF LOVE Newcastle Operatic Reach presents a staging of LM Film Society present an amateur produc- Montgomery's 1908 novel - a classic tion of the Andrew Lloyd Webber coming-of-age story, Thurs 28 Apr - INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: musical, Tues 26 - Sat 30 Apr, Stoke Sun 1 May, Theatre On The Steps, HAIL, CAESAR! (12A) When a Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Bridgnorth, South Shropshire Hollywood star in 1950s’ Hollywood FERAL Tortoise In A Nutshell present A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT (George Clooney) is kidnapped, a an innovative piece of visual theatre Featuring some of the funniest come- ‘fixer’ (Josh Brolin) is called in to which creates and destroys a world dy acts from the Black Country, solve the problem. The film in which TUG BOAT GATHERING Tug boats from in front of the audience’s eyes, Wed including Jonny Cole, Dandy and Clooney’s hungover matinee idol near and far make a rare appearance 27 Apr, mac, Birmingham Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos stars is called Hail, Caesar! Tues 26 - at the museum as they manoeuvre IRELAND’S CALL Musical which tells of also features, Fri 29 Apr, Theatre On & Thurs 28 Apr, Wem Town Hall, their way along the canal arm, Sat 30 dreams, enduring love and the The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire North Shropshire Apr - Mon 2 May, Black Country resilience of the human spirit, AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING A ROYAL NIGHT OUT (12) A comedy Living Museum, Dudley inspired by true events spanning Concert celebration of the iconic drama following the future Queen of MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY FUN Sat 30 three decades, Wed 27 Apr, Lichfield movie’s award-winning soundtrack, England and her sister as they go Apr - Mon 2 May, Drayton Manor Garrick Fri 29 Apr, Lichfield Garrick out on the town to celebrate the end Theme Park, Staffordshire THE (ALMOST) COMPLETE HISTORY OF CYMBELINE Melly Still directs of the Second World War. On VE PIRATE WEEKEND Pirates invade BRITAIN MUD, BLOOD AND STIFF UPPER Shakespeare's rarely performed Day, 8th May 1945, Princess Cadbury World for a weekend of LIPS! Pantaloons Theatre Company romance, Fri 29 Apr - Fri 12 Aug, Elizabeth and her younger sister swashbuckling fun, Sat 30 Apr - Mon presents an inventive show for a race Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Princess Margaret beg their parents 2 May, Cadbury World, Bournville through the centuries, Wed 27 Apr, Stratford-upon-Avon King George VI and Queen Elizabeth IRONBRIDGE GORGE WALKING FESTIVAL Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury to let them leave Buckingham Palace EVENING OF POETRY, MUSIC & Now in its 11th year, offering nine SHAKESPEARE’S WILL Love Lee for the night so they can join in the STORYTELLING Black Country Radio’s days of free, varied and rewarding Productions present the English pre- celebrations. Stars Sarah Gadon & Billy Spakemon presents an evening walks in and around Telford’s stun- miere of Canadian playwright Vern Emily Watson. Fri 8 Apr, Forest Arts of the very best in local music. ning Ironbridge Gorge, where the Thiessen’s 2005 play, Wed 27 - Sat Centre, Walsall Featuring Kim Lowings and the Industrial Revolution began over 300 30 Apr, The Wightman, Shrewsbury Greenwood, the Langford Brothers years ago, Sat 30 Apr - Sun 8 May, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM An ama- and hosts The Boonyeds, Sat 30 Apr, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Ironbridge, Shropshire teur production of Steven Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Released Fri 29 April, showing at Sondheim’s musical revue, Wed 27 - MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS A whistle- selected cinemas. Sat 30 Apr, Lichfield Garrick stop tour of London’s West End and CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (tbc) A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT the glitz of Broadway, Sat 30 Apr, Featuring some of the funniest come- Lichfield Garrick DEMOLATION (15) dy acts from the Black Country, EMBRACED BURLESQUE SON OF SAUL (tbc) including Jonny Cole, Dandy and Wolverhampton cabaret extravagan- See Film section for previews on p38 Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos za, featuring live music, comedy, bur- also features, Thurs 28 Apr, Lichfield lesque and audience participation. Garrick Over 18s only, Sat 30 Apr, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT Amateur Newhampton Arts Centre, production presented by Mad Cow Wolverhampton 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Peach Tree Composite.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 17:10 Page 1

A great offer from your favourite independent Shrewsbury restaurant THE EvEning £10 DEAL 2 CoursEs! ...available every night!* *Offer available Sun until Thurs from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Fr i/Sat from 4pm until 6.30pm.

www.thepeachtree.co.uk 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE. Tel 01743 355055 grand_whatson FP April:Layout 1 16/03/2016 17:15 Page 1

Great Theatre at the Grand!

MON 9 - TUE 10 MAY WED 11 MAY THU 12 MAY

A CELEBRATION OF JOHN DENVER

SAT 14 MAY TUE 17 - SAT 21 MAY TUE 24 - SAT 28 MAY

BOOK BY RICHARD BEAN MUSIC BY DAVID ARNOLD LYRICS BY RICHARD THOMAS

Based on the Wooley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture. Financed by the BBC, BMS Film Finance. BFI and Lip Sync Productions. Directed by Nigel Cole. Screenplay by William Ivory

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd

TUE 31 MAY THU 2 JUN MON 13 - SAT 18 JUN

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Box Office 01902 42 92 12 Book online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk