COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I Eventss I FOOD on Worcestershirewhatson.Co.Uk

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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 371 NOVEMBER 2016

Worcestershire ONE FOR THE ROAD - SEANN WALSH BACK ’ IN THE MIDLANDS

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

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide XXL (FP- November 16).qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 18:09 Page 1 Contents November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:31 Page 2

November 2016

Contents

Kiss Me Kate - Welsh National Opera present a new staging of Cole Porter classic ... page 22

Simon Russell Beale Simply Red Counting down... the list

talks about starring in pop super Stars take to the Festive shows and activities to Your 16-page The Tempest at the RST stage at Genting Arena enjoy this month week-by-week listings guide Interview page 8 page 14 page 33 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 39. Film 43. Visual Arts 47. Events

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First Word

Catherine Tate brings new live show to the Midlands Award-winning comedian Catherine Tate is visiting the Midlands this month with her brand new live show. Tate will stop off at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on 10 November before returning to the region to appear at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena on the 30th of the month. Her new show will include never- before-seen sketches featuring some of her best-known characters, including ‘Nan’ Taylor, Irish nurse Bernie, Geordie Georgie, Essex girl Sam and ‘Am I bovvered?’ teenager Lauren Cooper. Gavin & Stacey’s Mathew Horne co- stars.

Something to SHOUT It’s Strictly Worcestershire about in the Midlands... for local lad Adrian Chiles Birmingham’s annual celebration of queer TV and radio presenter Adrian Chiles will arts & culture makes a welcome return this make a return to his Midlands home next month. year to host a charity dance contest. SHOUT Festival is taking place at venues Chiles, who hails from Hagley, will host across the city for an eighth year, showcas- Strictly Worcestershire, a black-tie fundraiser ing ‘the best of queer performance, theatre, taking place at Chateau Impney in Droitwich visual arts and film from around the UK and Spa on Thursday 25 May. beyond’. Profits from the event will go to “The event launches with the outrageous Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Awareness Miss Behave’s Gameshow,” says SHOUT Group and the £1.6million Rory The Robot Steering Group Chair Neil Anderson, “a rene- Appeal. The appeal is designed to fund a gade gameshow for the austerity generation. state-of-the-art surgical robotic system that The festival then offers the best in live per- will ensure prostate cancer surgery patients Royal Marines kickstart formance, theatre, music, comedy, cabaret, have less pain, minimal blood loss and fewer visual arts, talks, film, workshops and events complications. the festive celebrations at some of the city’s most prominent arts The dance contest will see eight couples Midlanders eager to begin their Christmas venues. from the county’s business community strut- celebrations early should get along to “We close on 20 November, Trans Day of ting their stuff in front of a judging panel. Cheltenham Town Hall on the first day of Remembrance, with the return of our free Judges on the night will include former trade next month, when the Royal Marines Band and ever-popular community event, SHOUT minister and will be kickstarting the festive season with a Out, at mac Birmingham, which will include business bang. performances and activities throughout the ambassador “The Marines Band always enjoys perform- day. Lord Digby ing at their special Christmas concerts,” says “The closing performance of the festival will Jones and tele- concert producer Norman Rogerson MBE. be the award-winning Big Girl’s Blouse, a vision presen- “They really do pull out all the stops for show that explores what being transgender ter Bob these special seasonal spectaculars. So get was like in the 1970s.” Warman. your tickets soon for this festive feast of SHOUT Festival takes place at venues across For more infor- music from one of the world’s finest military the city from Thursday 10 to Sunday 20 mation about bands and start celebrating Christmas early.” November. the event, visit Tickets for the Thursday 1 December concert For more information, visit strictlyworces- are available from the box office on 0844 576 shoutfestival.co.uk tershire.co.uk 2210.

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Entertainment news from around the region

Shakespeare’s England in call to Midlanders

Shakespeare’s England, the official destination management organisation for Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and surrounding market towns and villages, is urging Midlanders to make 2017 the year in which they take a short break or longer holiday in the Stratford region. The organisation believes the next 12 months will be an excellent time to enjoy the area, with numerous local hotels celebrating anniversaries, undertaking refurbishment programmes and launching new pack- ages. For more information, visit shakespeares-england.co.uk Coventry theatre wins award for promoting diversity Circoncentrique at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has scooped the UK Theatre Award for the Promotion of Diversity. Warwick Arts... The popular venue received the prestigious gong at a glittering awards ceremony held at London’s A talented pair of circus performers Guildhall last month. are this month bringing their inter- The award recognises the theatre’s commitment to improving diversity across all aspects of its nationally acclaimed show to work, including its workforce, communications and programming. Coventry. Commenting on the success, the Belgrade’s associate director, Justine Theone, said: “Theatre and Circoncentrique, which comprises the arts play a crucial role in building understanding across difference and promoting community Italian Alessandro Maida and cohesion, something that’s all the more important in the light of the challenges that the UK faces Maxim Pythiad from Switzerland, post-Brexit. So we’re particularly pleased to have been presented with the UK Theatre Award for the will present Gasp!, a production in which two characters try to outdo Promotion of Diversity this year. We will continue to build on these strong foundations to ensure each other with increasingly that the Belgrade is a home to all the communities of the city of Coventry.” extreme acts of daring. The show can be enjoyed at Warwick Arts Centre on Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 November. Authors under Sit back and Think Of England... World-renowned the spotlight A local theatre company dedicated to telling ‘the unheard stories of women throughout history and across the world’ are this month The Hive public and uni- toy store comes to touring a new play about ‘courage, bravery - and swing dancing’! versity library in Worcester Based on real events, Anonymous Is A Woman Theatre Co’s Think the Midlands is hosting a new series of Of England is set in the summer of 1943 and follows the characters Famous toy shop Hamleys has talks by well known, new of Bette and Vera as they travel the country hosting tea dances for opened its first store in the West and local writers. Midlands. RAF fighter pilots. What the The Authors Spotlight sea- The shop opened late last month at locals don’t know, however, is son this month sees Resorts World Birmingham, to coin- that the dance is a cover for the screenwriter and novelist cide with the latter’s first birthday. girls’ real purpose - to send the Hamleys joins Resorts’ numerous Deborah Moggach visiting men off to war having experi- other attractions, including 50 outlet the venue on Thursday 17 enced all of life’s pleasures... stores, 18 bars and restaurants, an November. Deborah is best 11-screen cinema with IMAX, a luxu- To find out more about the com- known for her screenplay ry spa, a state-of-the-art casino and pany and where they’re perform- of Pride And Prejudice and a boutique hotel. ing Think Of England, visit air- her novel, These Foolish way.com Things, which inspired the hit movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Another of her novels, England take on Jamaica at the Ricoh Tulip Fever, has recently The sport of netball is set to get a boost in the Midlands next month been serialised for Radio when England’s Roses meet Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls at Coventry’s Four Extra and has also Rico Arena. been adapted for the cine- The match, which is being played at the venue on 4 December, is ma. Tickets for the event one of three taking place between the teams. The other two are are £8 (students pay £4) being held in London and Manchester. and can be booked online For more information, visit richardson.com at thehiveworcester.org. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 FIRST WORD November Warwicks.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 18:48 Page 3

First Word

Rugby League at Don a tash for the Ricoh Arena Movember Coventry’s Ricoh Arena will this month host its first ever international Rugby League event, when England meet Scotland and Australia play New Zealand in a mouthwatering double-header on Saturday 5 November. The two matches are part of the 2016 Four Nations tournament, the final of which will be played at Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club. Tickets for the Ricoh double- header can be purchased by calling the Rugby League ticket hot- line on 0844 856 1113.

Two fundraising races which last year attracted more than 1,000 participants are this Rick Astley to An illuminating UK first for Genting Arena month once again taking play forest gig Birmingham’s Genting Arena has spent £800,000 on a state-of-the-art place in Birmingham. LED lighting system to dramatically enhance the experience of watch- The MoRunning event fea- Rick Astley is heading into tures both a 5k and 10k race the woods next summer - in ing shows and events at the venue. The first of its kind to be installed in a UK arena, the system has the and is open to runners of all particular Cannock Chase ages and abilities. Taking Forest in Staffordshire. ability to produce a multitude of colours, transforming the look and feel of the place. place at Sutton Park on The 1980s pop icon has Saturday 19 November, the agreed to take part in Forest Commenting on the investment, the venue’s managing director, Phil Mead, said: “The installation of this new colour-changing lighting sys- races are raising money for Live, the Forestry the Movember Foundation, a Commission’s annual sum- tem has really improved the quality of our lighting within the arena. It can create different atmospheres for all genres of event, making you global organisation commit- mer concert series that sees ted to changing the face of singers and bands perform- feel completely a part of the event from the minute you walk through the turnstiles until the minute you leave us. This is a unique technolo- men’s health. MoRunning’s ing in numerous spectacu- 2016 ambassador is televi- lar woodland locations gy that can’t be found anywhere else in the UK at present, and will help create an unforgettable experience for all our event-goers.” sion’s Mr Motivator, who around the country. commented: “MoRunning is Commenting on the con- a great opportunity to get certs, Rick said: “Next year dressed up in fancy dress sees me celebrating 30 and have fun. But beyond years in the music business Get your skates on in Wychbold this, there’s the chance to since my first number one Visitors to Webbs of Wychbold Garden Centre can get their skates on raise awareness about men’s hit. I can’t wait to perform health, whether mental or as a part of Forest Live, and and have some fun on the ice during the run-up to Christmas. The popular Worcestershire venue is once again hosting a festive-sea- physical. I hope to motivate I really hope you can make as many people as I can, not one of the dates to enjoy the son ice skating rink - and is promising that this year’s version is bigger and better than ever before. only to have fun with this experience with me.” challenge, but also to raise Rick performs in Cannock Open seven days a week from 5 November till 2 January (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day), the rink comes complete with a lit-up as much money and aware- Chase Forest on Saturday 8 ness as possible.” July. roof, allowing families to skate whatever the weath- For more information, visit Tickets can be purchased mo-running.com either by ringing the box er. office on 0300 0680400, or The popular attraction by buying online at also provides skates that forestry.gov.uk/music strap over normal shoes, to ensure that younger children and toddlers can have lots of fun on the ice too. Sit-on and push-along aids are also available. For full details and to book, visit webbsdirect.co.uk/ice-rink

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FEATURE

“Such stuff as dreams are made on” The RSC presents a dazzling new production of The Tempest

Strange beings with superhuman powers, like conventional TV screens - we're play- years old - is bound to attract scepticism a thrilling fantasy plot, breathtaking spe- ing around with all different kinds of sur- from some quarters. But if this specific cial effects and an underlying moral mes- faces. Some of them are like mosquito technique is unprecedented, as Russell sage about the triumph of reconciliation nets, so might appear invisible, for exam- Beale points out, the use of state-of-the- over revenge. If these sound more like the ple.” art stagecraft goes back centuries. ingredients of the latest superhero block- It's taken a huge team around two years to “In his first email to me about the show, buster than a 17th century stage play, the realise this ambitious project, but as new, Greg [Doran, director] said that he was comparison perhaps gives some idea of shiny and exciting as the tech may be, en- trying to find a modern equivalent for all how The Tempest might have been re- suring that Ariel retains a human element the amazing tricks they used to do in 17th ceived in Shakespeare's day. has also been vital in terms of his ability century masques. One of them had a fly- One of few Shakespeare plays to follow an to interact with other characters - particu- ing beetle, and I think in another they had entirely original story, it's the most obvi- larly his magician master, the exiled Duke about 200 candles which all lit up at the ously spectacular of his works, with its of Milan, Prospero. Returning to perform same time, and to this day nobody knows devastating storm, elaborate masque and at the RST for the first time in over 20 how they did it. I think theatre's always objects that vanish “by a quaint device”. years, RSC Associate Artist Simon Russell been unashamed of grabbing whatever Seeking to recreate something of the stir it Beale joins Quartley on stage as the dis- technique will make people excited, and must have made on its first outing, the placed duke. unquestionably Shakespeare would have RSC's latest production of the play uses “We had to really work at the vocabulary used some of those tricks in The Tem- groundbreaking motion capture technol- of this digital stuff,” he says. “I do have a pest.” ogy developed in collaboration with Intel relationship with Ariel as a digital figure, Acknowledging this long history of the- and Andy Serkis' Imaginarium. This mod- but I think in the end, it's important for atrical innovation, the production will ern-day ‘device’ sees the shape-shifting the character to have a human dimension, also make use of much older devices like spirit Ariel rendered as a digital projec- especially in the big, emotional moments, Pepper's Ghost, an early form of projection, whose movements will be controlled like when Ariel asks if Prospero loves him, tion using light and mirrors to produce by an actor live on stage. or when they say goodbye. But for the rest ghostly apparitions on stage. And the “The concept of real-time is really impor- of the play you've got Ariel showing off, show won't just be visually stunning, ei- tant for theatre,” says Sarah Ellis, who which causes Prospero great delight, and ther. A sumptuous feast for the senses in manages the partnership between the RSC you can just enjoy the sheer splendour of more ways than one, The Tempest is un- and its digital collaborators, “and for us to these extraordinary figures.” usually musical for a Shakespeare play - be able to do this without using pre- “We're describing it as digital puppetry,” as the island child Caliban has it, “the isle recorded content will make this a much Ellis adds. “We're not hiding the fact that is full of noises”. more visceral, exciting experience. What there's an actor on stage creating the “I think the whole musical landscape of you'll see is Mark Quartley dressed in a movements, but we hope audiences will the show will be pretty extensive,” says costume full of sensors that pick up his still be able to suspend disbelief.” Russell Beale, a former chorister whose movements and use them to control the The use of digital technology in live the- passion for music is well known. “Paul digital character projected onto screens atre - particularly in a play that's over 400 [Englishby, composer] has done a marvel- around the stage. But these won't just be lous Mozart pastiche, and to my complete

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by Heather Kincaid

delight, we've got some proper operatic seen Miranda and Ferdinand falling in “In The Tempest, it goes a step further, I sopranos for the sea goddesses, who are love, so it's as if he's gone, 'Oh, is that think. Prospero really wants to rip their fantastic!” what it means? Is that what you think of hearts out. Eventually, because of Ariel Interestingly, Russell Beale's last RSC role me?' When we did that scene in rehearsal, and because of his daughter, he decides to was as Ariel in a 1993 production of The as Prospero, I found it devastating, be- forgive everyone, but what he actually Tempest. Directed by Sam Mendes, with cause I don't think anyone's ever asked says to his brother is, 'For you, most whom the actor has worked extensively him that before.” wicked sir, whom to call brother would over the years, the production was His dukedom usurped by his ambitious even infect my mouth, I do forgive thee.' renowned for its rather frosty reading of brother, the bookish Prospero's story is And you think, well, it doesn't sound like the relationship between Prospero and one of betrayal, frustration and ultimately it - it's not exactly gracious! But I think he Ariel. forgiveness - a subject which, Russell finds it very, very difficult, and equally, when his brother doesn't reply, it's be- “Before I was in this production, I thought Beale observes, becomes increasingly cen- cause he finds it difficult as well.” of The Tempest as a very cold play,” ad- tral to Shakespeare's later works. Having mits Russell Beale, “a kind of burnished, recently appeared in another late play, In the past, Russell Beale has described jewel-like play with beautiful language, King Lear, at the National Theatre, it's a The Tempest as a ‘profoundly puzzling’ but not much emotion. Ariel's such a theme he's been considering for some play, but approaching it from a new angle funny character, because of course he's time. has offered him fresh insights into the not a human being, so I was working on “What makes Lear so heartbreaking and story. the assumption that he had a whole spec- so unsentimental as a play is the fact that “As always when you purposefully go trum of feeling we don't understand. My the forgiveness doesn't really happen. through a play like this and think about Ariel was very cold, very haughty, very There's the famous scene where Lear is re- the characters as human beings, it sort of angry, actually - he spat in Prospero's united with Cordelia, which I think is the starts to clarify itself. I'd probably even face. But playing Prospero has made me beginning of a long process of forgive- enjoy The Taming Of The Shrew if I was in realise how desperate it is for him, so my ness. But then, in the next scene, he's it - though it's not a play I like - because perspective has completely changed.” doing that extraordinary speech where when you start thinking about how the Though, as a digital projection, this new he's talking about them living together in characters genuinely feel it becomes RSC Ariel is superficially still less human prison, and Cordelia must be feeling like much easier. Whether I find The Tempest than Russell Beale's version, his relation- he's completely mad, and soon after that less puzzling now, I don't know, but I've ship with Prospero is nevertheless a she's dead. Then in The Winter's Tale, certainly found it more... negotiable. But slightly warmer one. which I've also done, there's the great it's a profound, profound piece of writ- scene of Hermione coming back to life, ing.” “Something I think is much clearer in where Leontes is just racked with guilt Mark's performance is that Ariel spends and she doesn't say anything to him, most of his time just looking at these hu- which again seems to be Shakespeare say- mans and trying to work out what this The Tempest runs at the Royal ing that to forgive and to accept forgive- 'love' thing is. He famously asks, 'Do you Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford- ness is one of the most difficult things love me, master?' immediately after he's upon-Avon from Tuesday 8 November human beings have to do. until Saturday 21 January.

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Food

Cereal killer let loose in Birmingham’s Bullring... It’s time to get, er, cerealously excited - trendy ferent varieties of milk and 20 different toppings. London cafe Cereal Killer is set to arrive in Arcade games and 1980s and ’90s memorabilia Birmingham’s Bullring this month. will help give the cafe a nostalgic feel. Open from 8am to 8pm, the new venue will serve Cereal Killer’s Birmingham arrival comes on the more than 100 different cereals from around the back of its enormous success in the capital, where world, including American ones with names like branches were opened a couple of years ago by Kix, Trix and Superman, and pop-tarts and cereal identical twins Alan and Gary Keery. cocktails. Customers can also choose from 30 dif- For more information, visit cerealkillercafe.co.uk

REVIEW: Sabai Sabai, Stratford-upon-Avon and invention. And with a pint subtle combination of chicken, of Singha in my hand, I was rice noodles, egg, beansprouts, Thai restaurant scores high enough more than happy to get with the carrots and finely chopped vibe. If the Singha was pre- peanuts in a light sauce. The for a second visit... dictable, so too was my choice of colourful dish of chunky prawns food - a bit of everything. Okay, (the best kind!) in a dark sauce not everything, but a decent also contained a lively mix of assortment, in the form of the spring onions, mangetout, baby set menu for two, which comes corn and red chillies. in at just under £25 a head. For I went up and down the line that, we got the obligatory sampling each, and while the prawn crackers and a fabulous green curry undoubtedly made platter of moreish appetisers the biggest impression, I’d hap- that I could happily have eaten pily have eaten any of them as a all night - sweetcorn cakes, per- stand-alone main dish. fectly cooked chicken satay, Speaking of which, all are on the tempura prawns in some of the main menu, where courses best batter I’ve ever tasted and range from around £10 to £16 ‘golden bags’ (filo parcels (rice and noodles are extra). stuffed with a lovely combina- There are plenty of tofu-inspired tion of minced prawns and vegetarian and vegan options, as chicken). well as a fabulous array of The flavour combinations con- desserts (all around the £6 tinued with the three main dish- mark). Sadly we were too full to es, which ranged from relatively sample them, meaning I had to sweet to fiery hot. Well, maybe leave the baked Thai egg custard not fiery, but the green chicken for another time. curry had far more of a kick than And on the basis of the quality I’m used to (it’s spicier in south- of the food, service and atmos- ern Thailand, according to phere at Sabai Sabai, there most Ciaran). It was fabulously tasty The Thai people believe that the that also features award-winning definitely will be another time. nonetheless. The red chillies expression ‘sabai sabai’ - mean- outlets in the Birmingham dis- Steve Adams ing ‘easy-going and relaxed’ - is tricts of Moseley and Harborne. probably had something to do with the heat, but I especially a perfect description of the way The restaurant’s size and its liked the chunky pieces of Food: n n n n n in which they live their life. town-centre location make it aubergine, as well as the bam- Service: n n n n n And ‘easy-going and relaxed’ is Torquil and Juree’s most presti- boo shoots and green beans. It Ambience: n n n n n clearly the sort of vibe that hus- gious eatery and biggest chal- was a really tasty dish, served Overall value n n n n n band-and-wife team Torquil and lenge yet, according to Torquil’s with steamed jasmine rice to OVERALL n n n n n Juree Chidwick aim to achieve in brother Ciaran, who was helping help soak up the sauce. their restaurants, which com- out on the night my partner and bine luxurious fixtures and fit- I visited. But it’s a challenge the The other two main courses - tings with a friendly, laidback family appears to be taking in its chicken pad Thai and prawns in atmosphere. stride, judging by their cheery a garlic and pepper sauce - paled Sabai Sabai slightly by comparison, but the On a cold October night, there’s mood on what proved to be a 19 - 20 Wood Street relative sweetness of these stir- a warm welcome and something busy Thursday night. Stratford-upon-Avon fried dishes proved a nice com- CV37 6JF of a chilled-out Ibiza vibe await- All of which makes perfect plement, as well as an alterna- Tel: 01789 508 220 ing visitors to the couple’s new sense, given my long-held asser- tive, to the hotter curry option. Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant, tion that Thai cuisine is good- The pad Thai was a relatively the third in an expanding chain time food - full of colour, variety

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Food

Leamington balti Watch out! Giggling house in line for Best Squid heading for Takeaway award Warwick... A Leamington balti house has been ranked as one of the best takeaways Family-run Thai tapas restaurant chain in the West Midlands. Giggling Squid is opening a new eatery in Millennium Balti will be representing Warwick next month. Coventry & Warwickshire in the Founded 14 years ago by husband-and-wife regional heats of the prestigious team Pranee and Andy Laurillard, the com- British Takeaway Awards. pany’s mission statement is to provide Speaking to the Coventry Telegraph, ‘delicious, fresh Thai food, beautifully pre- the takeaway’s owner, Mohammed sented in a relaxed, contemporary setting’. Ahad, said: “There is a lot of competi- Giggling Squid currently operates at 13 locations, mostly across the south of England, with plans tion for us, so we’re thrilled with the to expand to around 150 restaurants throughout the UK. nomination and to be ranked as one The company’s interesting name came about one evening when Pranee and Andy’s young son of the top ten in this area of the UK. Henry, then aged two, was laughing and wriggling around on his mother’s lap. Pranee observed As a family business, we know how that he looked like a ‘giggling squid’. The couple knew instantly what they were going to name important it is to look after everyone their first restaurant and new company - and the rest, as they say, is history... and provide a friendly service. We offer value for money with affordable prices, and the quality of our food speaks for itself.” Michelin star for Solihull restaurant Love Wine? Then A Hampton-in-Arden restaurant has check this out! become the first in Solihull to receive a Michelin star. Comedian Helen Peel's Restaurant at Hampton Manor hotel Lederer is the is described in the recently published guest host at this Michelin Guide 2017 as an ‘elegant dining month’s Love room situated within an impressive manor Wine Festival, house and featuring beautiful plasterwork, taking place at oak panelling and hand-painted Birmingham’s Chinoiserie wallpaper. Modern menus fea- Burlington Hotel ture refined, original combinations. Service is pitched perfectly.’ on Saturday 5 The family-run Hampton Manor is a 15-bedroom country house hotel that used to be the home of November. Sir Robert Peel. Our congratulations to Peel’s Restaurant on their greatly deserved success. “When I got the For more information, visit hamptonmanor.com call from Love Wine to party with them this year, I positively flushed with excitement,” reveals Helen, who appeared in the Midlands restaurant rated recent big-screen version of Absolutely Fabulous. “To attend a one of the world’s best special event with wine lovers, eru- A Michelin-starred Birmingham eatery is the dite Masters of Wine as well as wine third best restaurant in the UK and the ninth enthusiasts, is my idea of liquid heav- best in the world, according to a survey by en. 'What took you so long?' is what I travel company website TripAdvisor. wanted to say. Instead I said, ‘Yes Contemporary British fine dining restaurant please!’ Adam’s is located in the city centre’s Waterloo The festival brings together more than Street and specialises in serving modern dish- Marco Pierre White 30 exhibitors who provide between es created ‘to the very highest professional them around 250 wines to sample standard’. unveils new cookbook (spitting, we’re reliably informed, is The venue is owned by its chef, Adam Stokes, The celebrity chef dubbed ‘the enfant terrible optional). and boasts three AA Rosettes as well as its of the UK restaurant scene’ is publishing a new Other attractions at the event include Michelin star. cookbook. Wine Walks with ‘wine celebrities’ The TripAdvisor survey used an algorithm Godfather of British cuisine Marco Pierre White and the opportunity to attend Love-In which took into account the quantity and has focused on creating recipes that are “per- masterclasses, to learn about and quality of reviews received by restaurants fect for the home cook” in Essentially Marco. taste a variety of different wine styles across the world over a 12-month period. Commenting on his latest publication, White from around the world. Adam's recorded an impressive 1,299 five-star said: “The idea behind the cookbook is to show For further information, visit ‘excellent’ ratings out of a total of 1,432, with people that they don’t need to be a professional lovewinefest.co.uk a further 95 reviewers rating the restaurant as chef in order to create delicious and hearty ‘very good’. dishes that can feed the whole family.” whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - November - Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:35 Page 1

Gigs

Simply Red Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sun 20 November Reforming in 2015, with Mick Hucknall the only original member, British soul and pop band Simply Red have sold more than 50 million albums since their inception in the mid- 1980s. This month, they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album, Stars, the UK best- seller for two consecutive years in 1991 and ’92. The first half of their Birmingham show features the entire album, the second a compila- tion of classic Simply Red songs. “After the huge success of A New Flame,” Hucknall recalls, “I set myself the challenge of composing a whole album of original songs. I could never have imagined that Stars would have the impact that it did. It was a truly magical time. Now, looking on after 25 years, it seems only fitting to celebrate the album by performing it in its original running order.”

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry The Cinematic Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Orchestra Sun 13 November O2 Institute, Birmingham, Wed 9 November The Cinematic Orchestra are a British nu- jazz and electronic music group created in 1999 by Jason Swinscoe, whose background in fine art inspired him to ‘trans- late visual art into audible art’. The collective includes core members Phil France on double bass, former DJ Food member Patrick Carpenter on turntables, Luke Flowers on drums, Tom Chant on saxophone, Stuart McCallum on guitar and Nick Damm on piano. The Cinematic Orchestra's sound, in both live and studio contexts, is created by a live band improvising along with a turntablist and electronic elements, such English singer-songwriter and left-wing as samples provided by Swinscoe. activist Billy Bragg blends elements of folk Read our interview with Jason at what- Anoushka Shankar music, punk rock and protest songs with sonlive.co.uk. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, lyrics that mostly span political or romantic Thurs 10 November themes. Accompanied by Grammy Award- Daughter of Ravi Shankar and half sister to winning Joe Henry, Bragg recently boarded a Norah Jones, Anoushka is an Indian sital Los Angeles-bound train at Chicago’s Union player and composer. Now aged 35, she gave Station, the aim being to reconnect with the her first public sitar performance in 1995, at culture of railroad travel and the music it the age of 13, as part of her father’s 75th inspired. Winding along 2,728 miles of track birthday celebration concert in New Delhi. over four days, the pair recorded classic rail- Following the success of her 2013 album, road songs in waiting rooms and at the track- Traces Of You, she returns with an innova- side while the train paused to pick up pas- tive, cutting-edge programme that addresses sengers. themes of movement, asylum and refugees - This Shine A Light tour features the songs topics that deeply inspired her creative they wrote on the journey, along with process whilst composing the music for favourites from their respective back cata- recently released concept album Land Of logues. Gold.

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Gig previews from around the region

Bastille Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 8 November

To say indie-pop four-piece Bastille have had a whirlwind few years would be an understatement. Their debut album, Bad Blood, released in 2013, was twice number one, certified double-platinum and named the Reverend And ing, The State Of Things, included the UK biggest-selling digital album of the top-ten single Heavyweight Champion Of year. The band then went on to be The Makers The World. Their second album, A French named British Breakthrough Act at The Copper Rooms, Coventry, Kiss In The Chaos, led to them supporting Tues 22 November the 2014 BRIT Awards. Oasis on the Manchester band’s final UK They stop off in Birmingham this Sheffield-based Reverend And The Makers stadium tour. month as part of their Wild World have achieved five UK top-20 albums since The indie-rock five-piece visit Coventry this world tour. they formed back in 2005. Their debut offer- month to present a special acoustic set. Read the interview with band member Will Farquarson online at whatsonlive.co.uk

Martin Turner Cory Henry & Artrix, Bromsgrove, The Funk Apostles Tues 22 November The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 1 November Wishbone Ash’s founding lead vocalist and key creative force Martin Snarky Puppy member, multi-instrumental- Turner here performs some of the ist and producer Cory Henry uses his pri- band’s best-loved works with the mary instrument, the organ, to create a assistance of his current line-up. unique sound by blending the genres of jazz Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash were and gospel. long admired for their unique blend Henry began touring in 2006 and has since of blues, jazz and English folk - but it hit the road with an abundance of main- was the way the guitars played stream artists, Bruce Springsteen, Boyz II melodic leads together that became Men and P Diddy included. their trademark, inspiring bands Boat To Row Kickstarting his career in the best possible such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. way, with a debut release - First Steps - that Classic album releases including The Tin, Coventry, Fri 25 November went to number one on iTunes Jazz Chart, Argus, Pilgrimage, There’s The Rub, ‘A collective of instrument-swapping, har- his latest offering, The Revival, is his first New England and Live Dates defined mony-sharing friends from the Midlands,’ is collaboration with The Funk Apostles. the band’s sound and have touched how Boat To Row describe themselves, the hearts of several generations of ‘meandering through all that life and love music fans. have to offer.’ Starting out as a solo university project, the band have developed a reputation for performing uplifting and infectious folk music, and are increasingly in evidence on the summertime festival circuit. This Coventry appearance will see them delivering their trademark intricate set, woven with strings and vocal harmonies and layered with an ever-expanding collection of instruments. Goodnight Lenin offers support.

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FEATURE Cara Luft DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:16 Page 2

Cara Luft

What’s On caught up with the Juno Award-winning singer- songwriter ahead of her Midlands gig this month...

It's been 12 years since Canadian folk star Of the two songs that they prepared for sician. The contrast between the artistic Cara Luft parted ways with The Wailin the anniversary gig, just one makes it onto freedom she's enjoyed of late and her pre- Jennys and embarked upon a major solo the duo's debut album, Wondrous Trav- vious experiences with the Jennys has chapter in her career. Two acclaimed solo eler, released in February this year. The taught her the importance of giving her- albums and a whole lot of touring later, track is a delicate, dreamy, atmospheric self room to reflect, explore and make her however, and Luft has finally found her- take on 1000 Stars, written by Winnipeg's own discoveries. self back in a band with a new and some- Greg MacPherson. “I’ve missed collaborating, because I love what unexpected collaborator. We spoke “Greg is more of a kind of indie-rock guy, playing with other people and harmony to her about how a chance encounter with and he does it in quite a wacky and inter- singing, and it's nice when everything fellow Manitoban JD Edwards inspired esting way - about halfway through, he doesn't fall on one person's shoulders, but their joint venture, The Small Glories, completely changes the time signature, I don't think it's healthy to just do one which is coming to The Hive this month. and it doesn't have any harmony or thing, and the Jennys were really all-en- “There's a venue in Winnipeg called the acoustic guitar on it. Our version is obvi- compassing. There wasn't much room for West End Cultural Centre,” Cara explains, ously quite different, but I think he was different kinds of musical expression or “and about three months before its 25th really tickled pink that we'd tackled it! exploration. But with The Small Glories, anniversary, the artistic director started The second one was a Neil Young song even though this is our main focus, it's re- asking Manitoba artists who’d played called Don't Let It Bring You Down, which ally important to both of us to have our there over the years to come and play at JD had previously sung with his rock fingers in other pies, even if they're only an event. All of us were partnered with band. When we first did it, it didn't gel as very little pies. I'm still doing some solo someone we'd never worked with before, easily as 1000 Stars, partly because it was stuff and some teaching, and JD's got his with the goal of learning two songs by in both of our lower registers. We've since rock band and also does some solo work, other Manitoba artists. JD and I hadn't revisited it and swapped parts, so now I so neither of us is putting all our eggs in even heard each other sing before, so it sing the melody and JD sings the har- one basket.” was kind of crazy, but we just immediately mony, and we've upped it a little bit. It Edwards isn’t the only person Luft has realised how well our voices worked to- sounds killer now, and we'd really like to shared the project with. Other collabora- gether. I think there were about 35 artists record it for the next record.” tors include a whole host of diverse tal- involved in the project, but we kind of There's little doubt that the chance to ents, ranging from Erin Propp and Scott stole the show because we were such a spread her wings over the last few years Nygaard to British folk musician Bella natural fit.” has made Luft a much more confident mu- Hardy. Luft was initially paired with Cara Luft DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:16 Page 3

FEATURE Continued...

I've been going over to the UK at least once a year since ‘‘ 2006, so I really feel like I've got a community there, and whenever I'm on tour I love to reconnect with all the amazing people that I've met over the years...

Hardy via an exchange programme, which traditional Sacred Harp hymns - Won- ing behind bushes - all this really” lovey- resulted in the creation of two of the drous Love and The Traveler - with hurdy- dovey, fun stuff - so we weren't sure how tracks on Wondrous Traveler: Fast Turn- gurdy accompaniment from Andrew well the slower Billy Bragg version really ing World and Time Wanders On. McCrorie-Shand. A choral tradition fol- suited them. Ours is really upbeat, and it “Folk Music Canada and English Folk lowed primarily in the southern US States, always goes down really well live. We Dance & Song Society decided to partner Sacred Harp describes a kind of ‘shape recorded it pretty much live off the floor up, and the directors of those organisa- note’ singing, where musical notes are with our drummer and bass player, and it tions approached artists in their respec- printed in different shapes to help readers actually had our producer dancing in the tive countries who they thought would be identify them easily. Each of the four studio, which we figured was a good a good fit. The first part of the project hap- shapes corresponds to a sung syllable (fa, sign!” pened in Alberta. Bella flew over and we sol, la or mi). Songs are first sung through Having already covered its costs through a spent a couple of weeks together, writing using just these syllables, allowing successful crowdfunding campaign, Won- material and doing performances. We'd singers to focus their attentions on learn- drous Traveler is now available to order never met before, so it was a really inter- ing the harmonies before getting to grips online at a price of your own choosing via esting experience. Then the following with the lyrics. The Small Glories website. year, I went over to the UK and spent two “I can't even remember now how I came “We’ve been approached by several la- weeks with Bella doing the same thing. across it, but really weirdly I started bels, but weighing the options that were We've become very dear friends, so I'm re- dreaming about shape-note singing, so I given to us, it made sense to stay inde- ally grateful to Neil Pearson, who was in decided to research it and I came across pendent for the time being. I've been charge of bringing us together. He knew this beautiful documentary. The film came doing crowdfunding since the ’90s, before both of us really well and knew we would with two music discs. The first was all tra- it was even called that, and it's been a re- get along. I think we write really well to- ditional Sacred Harp groups singing the ally beautiful way of connecting with my gether too, so I'm hoping we'll get the songs, the second had artists doing their fanbase and my audience. That said, there chance to do more in the future.” own interpretations of them, and it kind are a lot of things a label can offer that The name The Small Glories, which also of blew my mind a bit. I already knew may be too time-consuming or too costly appears in the lyrics to Home, was first some of the songs, like Wondrous Love, to do on your own. Releasing this album suggested by the band’s producer, Neil Os- from my parents, who are both folk has been quite draining financially and borne, who previously worked with Luft singers, but I hadn't made the connection on a work level, and keeping on top of the on her solo album, The Light Fantastic. with this tradition before.” business side of things does take away “We'd been bouncing names around and Another pre-existing work to be radically from creativity time, so we might look into someone had suggested The Glories, but reinterpreted is Woody Guthrie's Way Over signing to a label for future projects.” we thought that sounded a little too... in Yonder In A Minor Key. A lost Guthrie After warmly received appearances at The your face, perhaps? But while we were in song for which only the lyrics survive, it Hive in 2013 and at Shrewsbury Folk Festi- the studio recording, our producer came was set to music in 1998 by Billy Bragg val in 2014, Cara is looking forward to in and said, 'I've got a name. I think it's an and Wilco as a gentle piece with more heading back here. than a touch of Bragg's trademark awesome name, and if you guys don't take “I've been going over to the UK at least acoustic melancholy. The Small Glories' it in the next five seconds, I'm gonna keep once a year since 2006, so I really feel like take transforms the song into a joyous, it for another project!' Well, we all thought I've got a community there, and whenever gospel-infused belter that's impossible it was great, and the next day we were I'm on tour I love to reconnect with all the not to dance along with. working on Home. The lyrics still needed amazing people that I've met over the some tweaking, so JD suggested putting “JD had learned it for a Woody Guthrie years.” the band name in. It just seemed to fit ex- 100th birthday concert he was asked to actly with what I was singing about.” play at, and decided to reinterpret it in a The album title, meanwhile, is taken from major key. When you look at the lyrics, it’s The Small Glories perform at The Hive, the final track, a haunting fusion of two all about chasing girls up trees and kiss- Shrewsbury, on Sunday 20 November. Classical Warwickshire November.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2016 14:46 Page 1

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Classical Music

Orchestra of the Swan: Czech National Bach To The Future Symphony Orchestra Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 8 November; Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 12 November Wed 9 November Now in its 23rd year, the Czech National As well as being held in high regard for their Symphony Orchestra is internationally championing of new music, having presented recognised as one of Europe's top sym- more than 70 world premieres, the Stratford- phonic ensembles. based Orchestra of the Swan are also much With a repertoire that regularly encom- admired for their performances of works by passes both classical and contemporary, such legendary composers as Berlioz, Brahms, the orchestra this month visits the Mozart, Schumann, Strauss and Vaughan Midlands to present four well-known Williams. works: Smetana’s famous tone-poem, As might therefore be expected, this latest con- From Bohemia’s Forests And Meadows; cert will see them combining the new with the Grieg’s hugely popular Piano Concerto familiar - and no doubt doing so to excellent (which featured in the classic 1971 effect. Morecambe & Wise sketch with Andre Focusing on the output of Johann Sebastian Previn); Philip Glass’s Adagio, from his Bach, the orchestra mark their 21st Anniversary cult classic Symphony No.3; and Dvorak’s season with a world premiere by American com- feelgood Symphony No.8. poser Douglas Cuomo, who’s best known for the The orchestra’s chief conductor, Libor title theme to Sex And The City. Cuomo’s new Pesek (pictured), is the man with the work has been composed as a companion piece baton. to Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No2. The concert also features the German composer’s Brandenburg Concerto No3 and his Toccata & Fugue in D minor, as well as Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks. David Le Page (pictured) plays violin while David Curtis conducts.

Elias String Quartet Pomegranate Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Piano Trio Fri 25 November Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 11 November Ex Cathedra: Bach “It’s nearly 17 years since we began life as a Mass In B Minor quartet, and over 11 years in this formation of Birmingham Town Hall, players,” says Elias’s Sara Bitlloch. “Our mix Sunday 6 November is a fairly unusual one - two French/Catalan sisters, a Swedish viola player and a Scot! In A choral masterpiece combining moments terms of instrumental approach, we’re all of magnificent majesty with movements very different. The thing that unites us is our of utter serenity, Bach’s epic and always passion and feel for the music that we play.” breathtaking setting of the Mass was com- Elias last appeared for Leamington Music four posed throughout his lifetime and com- Violinist Fenella Barton, cellist Rebecca years ago, since which time they’ve not only pleted shortly before his death. Hepplewhite and pianist Andrew West toured extensively throughout Europe and the It’s presented on this occasion by Ex came together for the first time as the States but also completed their groundbreak- Cathedra Choir and Baroque Orchestra. Pomegranate Piano Trio less than three ing Beethoven Project, an undertaking which The well-established early music ensem- short years ago. Since making that has seen them performing and recording the ble have based their reputation on the January 2014 debut, they’ve quickly composer’s complete string quartets. performance of choral music from the established a reputation for performing Their programme for the evening comprises: 15th century onwards, and are here con- imaginative and engaging concerts. Haydn Quartet in E flat major Op 64 No6; ducted by their ever-trusty founder, Their shared passion for chamber Britten Quartet No3 in G major Op 94; Jeffrey Skidmore. music is much in evidence whenever Beethoven Quartet in B flat major Op 130 and they play, and their programme for this Grosse Fuge Op 133. Bromsgrove get-together provides them with plenty of opportunity to pack their trademark punch. The concert features: Mozart’s Piano Trio in B Flat K502; Nicholas Maw’s Piano Trio (1991); Hubert’s Piano Trio in E Flat D929.

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Dance Dance previews from around the region

Vamos Cuba! Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 1 - Sat 5 November Acclaimed Cuban choreographer Nilda Guerra makes a return with a follow-up show to her well-received Havana Rakatan. Guerra’s aim is to celebrate her country’s youthful, modern spirit, and she does so by setting the action in Havana airport, a place where families are parted, lovers reunited, time flies when you’re having fun and, it would seem, there’s always plenty of reason to get dancing. Critics of the show have complained that it panders to tourist stereotypes, but a live band led by Julito Padron, a cast of fully energised dancers and a mix of traditional and modern dance styles ensures there’s plenty to keep the audience engaged.

Aakash Odedra: The Happiness Project Balletboyz: Echoes & I Imagine DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Rabbit and Fiction Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 15 November Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 30 - Thurs 1 December “We’re all interested in being happy,” says Wed 16 November international dance artist Didy Veldman, BalletBoyz’ latest show has elicited all man- who here launches her own company, ner of superlatives from critics and audi- Umanoove, “and The Happiness Project ences alike since debuting in the spring. examines the idea of happiness as some- The production, performed by an all-male thing we strive for, as something fleeting, company of 10, comprises two works by something that can be very elusive or even internationally acclaimed choreographers. absent. My aim is to find a common lan- Swedish dance-maker Pontus Lidberg’s guage between the movement, the drama eccentric and stylish Rabbit comes complete and the music on stage, in my investigation with Alice In Wonderland overtones and con- of western society’s endless search for fulfil- templates loneliness and the desire for ment.” friendship. Javier de Frutos’s mischief-making Fiction is based around the responses of his dancers to Ballet Black: Triple Bill the news of his tragic death, the choreogra- Lichfield Garrick, Fri 18 November pher apparently having been impaled on a shard of his own scenery! The work includes Ballet Black were hailed as real game chang- de Frutos’s ‘obituary’, written for him by the ers when they presented this trilogy of critic Ismene Brown and gloriously narrated abstract dance works at the Barbican earlier in camp voiceover. this year. Featuring international dancers of The highly rated British Kathak dancer black and Asian descent, the company was Aakash Odedra certainly caused a stir with widely praised for its success in filling a his previous double bill, Murmur and Inked. major London venue ‘with probably the most He returns with a show that further evi- diverse audience in the history of British bal- dences his talent for blending the traditional let’, as the Guardian described it. with the contemporary. The works the ensemble presented on stage Kathak icon Aditi Mangaldas has choreo- were just as remarkable as the audience they graphed the first and more traditional piece, attracted. The centrepiece is Christopher Echoes, an exuberant work of high-octane Hampson’s Storyville. Set to the haunting dance that ‘explores our relationships with music of Kurt Weill, it tells the bittersweet our ancestors’. fable of Nola, a farm girl who falls prey to I Imagine, meanwhile, is an experimental unscrupulous characters and worldly desires work which sees Odedra teaming up with in 1920s New Orleans. award-winning poet Sabrina Mahfouz. The triple bill is completed with two more The piece cleverly combines choreography recently devised pieces - Christopher and spoken word in a contemplation of ‘the Marney’s To Begin, Begin and Cristaux, a imagined future and the confines of skin’. duet by Arthur Pita.

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Comedy

Seann Walsh Brewhouse Arts Centre, Wed 2 November; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tue 29 November; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 13 December Seann Walsh is such a popular comedian he could even give Barcelona Football Club a run for their money when it comes to the acquisition of silverware. An award-winning star of television shows such as Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News Extra, the somewhat dishevelled Seann has been likened to the legendary Billy Connolly in terms of his gift for storytelling (although others have labelled him the new Dylan Moran, so take your pick). His jokes aren’t bad either, with two examples being as follows: “I don't understand swimming. You don't see fish going for a walk,” and “Are city-centre beat officers police who rap?” Seann visits the Midlands this month with his well- reviewed touring show, One For The Road, a contemplation on whether the changes happening in his life are due to his getting older or becoming middle-class.

Six of the best...

Laugh Jonathan Jerry Out Loud Pie Sadowitz Comedy Artrix, Crescent Theatre, Bromsgrove, Birmingham, Regent Theatre, Tues 8 November Fri 18 November; Stoke; Religion, Wulfrun Hall, Walsall; Couture, The media’s deci- Fri 25 November Stafford, Sat 19 sion to pounce on American-born November Jeremy Corbyn in Scottish comedian Laugh Out Loud the wake of his and magician Jerry brings quality first Labour lead- Sadowitz comes comedians to 14 venues across the country, ership victory lit the torchpaper for actor with a health warning; he is most definitely including three here in the Midlands. Tom Walker to create the larger-than-life not for the fainthearted. Two of the three are this month visited by the character that is Jonathan Pie. A man who’s not averse to hurling his under- highly rated Markus Birdman (pictured), a Recent YouTube sensation Pie is supposedly wear at female members of the audience, comedian who firmly believes that comedy a British political correspondent - but one Sadowitz is about as far away from political should always be presented live, to no more who likes to rant at the TV camera. correctness as it’s possible to get; so much than 200 people, and in a dingy club (we’re The media’s savaging of Corbyn pushed so, in fact, that he claims Bernard Manning not quite sure how he views the two Walker over the edge. “I got really annoyed was the good cop to his bad cop. Midlands venues he’s visiting this month)! by it,” he admits, “by the ridiculousness of Although he’s a man who never seems more Marcus is joined on the bill in both Walsall the British press.” at home than when he's alienating and and Stafford by Bobby Mair, Terry Burgess But the annoyance that the actor felt had the offending pretty much everyone, Sadowitz and Micky P Kerr. surprisingly positive effect of making his cre- claims a lot of thought goes into what he Meanwhile, at Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent ative juices flow - and so Jonathan Pie was says. “I don’t always do the right thing,” he Theatre, Phil Nichol, Darius Davies and born. told Time Out, “but however offensive it Pierre Hollins are the trio of funnymen Now Pie has headed out on a national tour, might sound, at least there’s a genuine charged with the task of bringing some and is most definitely the man of the thought behind it.” autumn mirth to the Potteries. moment. Whether he’s more than just a one- He visits the Midlands this month with his trick pony, however, remains to be seen. Comedian, Magician, Psychopath! tour.

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Billy Connolly Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 November A disarmingly gregarious man with a larger- than-life persona, Billy Connolly peddles his material with the assured touch of a comedian who knows he's got his audience in the palm of his hand. Nowadays dealing with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, the legendary Scottish funnyman has recently had treatment for prostate cancer and can sometimes be tripped up by a less-than-reliable memory. But health issues and a frailer physical appearance aside, the Big Yin is in fine fettle. He seems to be enjoying his time on the road - not least because touring helps alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s. “It's a miracle,” he exclaimed in an interview in the US earlier this year. “I think science should study it. I've gone on stage sick and come off better!”

MY Ellie Taylor Lucy Porter Comedy The Core, Solihull, Theatre Severn, Fri 11 November Wed 2 November Penthouse Conference & Ellie Taylor kick- Edinburgh Events Centre, started her comedy Birmingham, favourite Lucy Sun 13 November career in her late Porter has a mis- 20s, performing in This popular live chievous style of stand-up reality TV comedy night comedy that marks series Show Me The makes a welcome her out as a real Funny. return to SHOUT, talent. She’s an Now in her early 30s, Ellie’s comedy has the annual festival of queer arts and culture absolute charmer, but don’t be fooled - her come a long way in a short time. “It was which is this month taking place at venues pleasant girl-next-door demeanour conceals tricky back then,” she admits, “getting offers across Birmingham and further afield. a beautifully twisted mind! that I wasn’t ready for, but I really do feel The evening is hosted by MY Comedy’s resi- Highlights of her career include achieving a like I’m there now.” dent MC, Maureen Younger. record score on Celebrity Mastermind, in If her currently touring stream-of-concious- The much-travelled Maureen began perform- which her specialist subject was American ness show, Infidellieity, is anything to go by, ing comedy sketches for a French cafe the- funnyman Steve Martin. her self-assessment is bang on the money. atre group before branching out on her own. Her big bag of gags includes, “My husband Jokes built around the subjects of bikini Peddling an on-stage persona that's been proposed to me over the phone. I said yes waxes, smear tests, contraception and orgies described as 'a lazily saucy flirt', she makes straight away, but I should’ve asked who was all feature, as does stick-on facial hair and the most of some rather lightweight material calling.” Ellie’s revelation that she’s only slept with by virtue of her impeccable comic timing... Lucy is this month visiting the Midlands with half a dozen men. She manages to keep the She’s here joined in the laughter-generating Consequences, a touring show which com- attention of the fellas in the audience too; no stakes by Jen Brister (pictured above), Jayde prises heartfelt personal revelations, incisive mean feat when your material is as female- Adams and Birmingham funnylady Lindsey cultural observations and issues as wide- centric as hers is. Santoro. ranging as transgender rights and Australian sheepshearers.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Welsh National Opera DPS (1).qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:17 Page 1

FEATURE

Kis M, Kat Welsh National Opera challenge audience assumptions with a new staging of Cole Porter’s classic...

Ask many theatre-goers if they're into perceive it as somehow less worthy, but as this is more a mezzo soprano role, so I opera or musicals and chances are they'll an opera singer, I can assure you that this cheekily decided to give myself a few high come down fairly firmly on one side or the is definitely no less physically, mentally or notes!” other. Received wisdom has it that opera emotionally demanding.” Branching out into musicals can also be a is ‘high culture’, complex and intellectual, Beyond the general appeal of dipping great opportunity for opera companies to perhaps even inaccessible, while musicals one's toes into something different, there attract new audiences, perhaps encourag- are fun, populist and somehow less so- are plenty of very good reasons why an ing them to come back and see a ‘proper’ phisticated. But a large-scale collabora- opera company might take on a musical, opera next time. tion between Opera North and Welsh particularly when it comes to Golden Era “People know Kiss Me Kate is a feelgood National Opera (WNO) on a touring pro- shows like this one. family show that you can bring the kids or duction of Cole Porter's classic Kiss Me “Although they look spectacular, a lot of bring your granny along to,” says Bern. Kate could well challenge those assump- West End shows don't have the luxury of “But there are plenty of operas that are tions, bringing together performers from the big orchestra that an operatic com- just as fun and accessible as this. I think a both spheres. But just how separate really pany can provide,” Bern explains. “David lot of people are put off by this myth that are the two? According to leading lady Charles Bell, our previous conductor, did opera is not for everyone, so doing a musi- Jeni Bern, the divide is not as stark as you some fantastic research, and we've gone cal as an opera company can be a great might think... right back to the original orchestration. vehicle for saying, 'We're not as scary as “People imagine that it's more sniffy than There's music here, like the Harlequin you think.' I'm from a very working-class it is,” she says. “My ex-husband worked in Ballet, that hasn't been heard since 1942. background, so I get quite cross about the the West End, so I have lots of friends on Also, a lot of people forget that when perpetuation of this idea that opera's elit- both sides of the camp, and while there these shows were first done, they would- ist.” may be a sort of joking, friendly rivalry be- n't have been amplified like modern musi- So far from being detached from the tween them, in the end, we do all really cals. They were designed to be sung with colourful, more mainstream world of mu- appreciate the different skills and de- a big, lush, orchestral sound, and I think sical theatre, Bern has always loved the mands of each. For me, the idea of doing they do benefit from going back to that. classics. Her pursuit of a professional eight shows a week is just crazy - you “It's also worth bearing in mind that Cole singing career was at least partly inspired don't get that in opera. On the other hand, Porter would have had a musical educa- by the musicals she performed back in her I know from the musical theatre people tion that included listening to opera and school days. In fact, it was there that she involved in this show that many of them classical music. He's an incredible musi- first encountered the fiery Lili Vanessi in find the idea of singing without a micro- cian, and would definitely have been an amateur production of Kiss Me Kate. phone absolutely terrifying. But I think aware of operatic singing style. At the end that's what's lovely about this project - “I was lucky enough to go to a school of Act One, I added in a little cadenza that both sides bring their different skill sets to where we had a fantastic music teacher isn't technically in the score, but the way the table and we're able to share every- who was also a leading light in the local it's written is almost like a parody of that, thing. I know some people hate the idea am-dram world, and every year we would so I thought, why not? I'm a soprano, but of opera companies doing musicals - they do a musical at school, rather than a play.

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Welsh National Opera DPS (1).qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:17 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

We did loads of fantastic ones - Godspell World War Two Britain, and Bellini's I Pu- they’ve had more rehearsals than we and Bye Bye Birdie and The Pyjama Game ritani, where the Catholic/Protestant con- have!” - and I think it was in my final year that flict of the Reformation was used to reflect The witty, theatrical self-parodying of Kiss we did Kiss Me Kate. It's great getting to on religious tensions in 1970s Northern Me Kate is part of what’s made it such an revisit her now with some life experience. Ireland. Kiss Me Kate might not mark enduring favourite, and in opting for a I do have quite a personal take on it in quite so dramatic a departure from previ- more realistic backstage aesthetic, Rich- some respects. I'm divorced, and my ex- ous productions, but it's not without that mond emphasises the story's self-reflexive husband was in the business too, so I un- same inventive spark. comedy. But from an insider perspective, derstand the trials and tribulations of “Generally, productions of Kiss Me Kate just how true to life really are the back- trying to keep a relationship going with will do the dressing-room scene with stage antics it portrays? somebody who’s also in this very precari- Fred's and Lili's dressing rooms next to “Well, I don't think I've ever had a ous, emotional rollercoaster of an indus- each other, and a wall and a door between screaming row at a leading man back- try. But just for the record, I don't hate them,” says Bern. “Jo (Davies, director) stage,” Bern laughs, “and I've certainly men!” and Colin (Richmond, designer) wanted to never thrown anything at anyone! But ten- This current production actually made its avoid that cliché, and the idea behind the sions can run high when you're working debut last year, receiving widespread criti- design is that they're on a very tight that closely with people. Moments like cal acclaim during its first tour as an budget, so Fred doesn't really have a when everyone's looking for the missing Opera North show before heading out for dressing room per se - just a sort of ruff are fairly indicative of the chaos in the a second run under the WNO banner. clothes rail. wings. Particularly when you're getting in There are challenges, of course, in adapt- “The show within a show is also managed to a new venue, things go missing and you ing to different singing and staging styles, beautifully. We have this set of what we sometimes only just make entries because but it’s not the first time either company call sliders - they're flats that are hung, you've got to sprint up a set of stairs that has taken on a musical, with Opera North and they pivot and tilt and reverse, so wasn't there last time. And also the having put on Carousel last year and WNO that, as an audience, you can sort of be in unglamorous side of it all, with the rub- ending its autumn 2015 season with both places at the same time. On one side bishy old dressing tables and clothes Sweeney Todd. is what you see in The Taming Of The rails, is very true to life - it's nothing like Even when it comes to opera, WNO has a Shrew, and on the other is what you'd nor- in the Hollywood movies with the huge reputation for theatricality, with produc- mally see backstage, so there are scrib- bouquets and flouncy dresses!” tions that emphasise both quality acting blings and people's notes and and bold, elaborate, often high-concept photographs on the wall. It means we designs. Their Sweeney Todd abandoned don't have to do a revolve, and for the au- Welsh National Opera’s Kiss Me, Kate the story's 19th century origins to present dience it should almost look like you're shows at Birmingham Hippodrome Mrs Lovett's pie shop as a kind of ’70s- seeing the show from backstage. It's really from Thurs 10 to Sat 12 November style greasy spoon. The same season also exciting, but the downside is that the slid- included Handel's Orlando, relocated to ers are a bit temperamental - I think

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:18 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Commitments Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 14 - Sat 19 November; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 13 - Sat 18 March Roddy Doyle’s smash-hit musical adaptation of his own bestselling novel follows on from the Bafta-bagging movie version that scored a huge international success way back in the early 1990s. As with book and film, the stage show finds working-class music fan Jimmy Rabbitte inspiring an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends to become the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. Along the way, the band treats the audience to more than 20 gold-star soul classics, including: Try A Little Tenderness; River Deep, Mountain High; Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Mustang Sally. Andrew Linnie takes the lead role as Jimmie, while Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy stars as his Da.

Shakespeare, His Wife Dracula The Musical high-profile actors being drawn like prover- bial moths to a flame to its winning blend of And The Dog Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, insightful writing, sharp humour and power- until Sat 5 November Birmingham REP, Mon 21 - Wed 23 November ful drama. Jonny Lee Miller, Suranne Jones, Following on from their 2015 production of Hugh Bonneville, Philip Glennister, Andrew Sweeney Todd, Night Project Theatre here Garfield and Rhys Ifans are among those to present a musical version of Bram Stoker’s have appeared in the show across its 23-year legendary gothic horror story. history. The show premiered on Broadway in 2004, This latest version may lack star names, but complete with a nude scene in which the it’s being helmed by the hugely experienced blood-supping Count seduces the best friend Tracey Street, a well-regarded freelance of the woman he loves. The flash of flesh director on the Midlands theatre scene, so generated enormous publicity but failed to expect an evening of high-quality fare. save the production from closing. The cur- tain came down for the last time after only 154 performances and a serious panning from the critics. A comprehensive rewrite fol- Barking Mad lowed, and the revitalised production then Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, made its way to this side of the Atlantic, Thurs 17 November Shakespeare has retired but is making the where it has risen Dracula-like from the dead When the Olivier Award-winning Guy lives of those around him, including his wife and proved to be a major hit with European Masterson married a gorgeous German Anne, a complete and utter misery. During audiences. model named Brigitta, he couldn’t possibly the course of a sleepless night in Stratford, Better make sure you pack some bulbs of have realised the extent to which he was also the couple shine the spotlight on their mar- garlic and a wooden stake, just to be on the entering into a binding, and indeed tempes- riage, as the bard struggles to find meaning safe side... tuous, relationship with her dog, Nelson. in his past... The eight years that followed tested every- Bated Breath’s well-reviewed two-hander is a thing, admits Guy, including his marriage, cleverly scripted celebration of the life and Beautiful Thing his career and even his sanity... Masterson’s hour-long, works of the world’s most famous play- The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham, wright. It’s also a meditation on old age - one Wed 16 - Sat 19 November one-man show gar- that manages to be both humorous and nered plenty of posi- insightful. But then how could it possibly be Jonathan Harvey’s award-winning urban tive reviews at this otherwise, given that much of its material is love story focuses on teenager Jamie’s rela- summer’s Edinburgh sourced from Shakespeare’s canon of plays tionship with his classmate and neighbour, Festival, where it was and poetry? Ste. presented under the RSC actor Philip Whitchurch takes the role of Premiered in 1993, the play’s been performed title of Love And Stratford’s most famous son. in countries across the world, with numerous Canine Integration.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:19 Page 2

Tue 8 Nov The Merchant of Venice André Tchaikowsky Wed 9 Nov

Macbeth Verdi performance!Extra Thu 10 - Sat 12 Nov Thu 17 Nov 2pm Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate Tue 1- Tue 8 - “Uproariously entertaining – Mon 14 - Sat 5 Nov Sat 12 Nov Sat 19 Nov every inch a whopping hit” Daily Telegraph From £12 From £16.50 From £16

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

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance: Material Men

Wed 15 - Fri 3 & Mon 27 & Sat 25 Feb Sat 4 Mar Tue 28 Mar From £16 £15 £16

Everyone’s Welcome

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:19 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Full Monty Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 14 - Sat 19 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 6 - Sat 11 February When the ladies in their lives go on a night out and the entertainment includes a male stripper, a group of newly redundant steelworkers hit on a great idea for a money-spinning venture... Based on the much-loved British movie of the same name, The Full Monty arrives in Birmingham with a soundtrack featuring Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, and a cast including Louis Emerick, Andrew Dunn and one-time Eastender Gary Lucy. “This may be a comedy but the stories running through it are really strong,” says Gary, “particularly that of my character, Gaz. He’s feeling worthless because he doesn’t have a job and might lose his son. His sole aim is to continue to see his boy, so he gets the guys together to make some money. “What’s been great so far is that the audience have been quiet when they’ve needed to be, through the more serious aspects, but then have really got into the spirit of the piece and had a good night.”

When We Are Married keeper serve to complicate matters even fur- Home At Seven ther... New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, The highly rated Northern Broadsides are the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 8 - Sat 12 November Tues 1 - Sat 5 November company here bringing their comic expertise to bear. RC Sheriff wrote this clever little mystery play more than 20 Dare Devil Rides years after penning his best-known work, To Jarama Journey’s End. It Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, scored an instant hit Sun 13 November with theatre audi- A celebration of the contribution and sacri- ences of the early fice of the volunteer International Brigades, 1950s - so much so, Neil Gore’s new play is presented by in fact, that a mere Townsend Productions, a company whose two years after first being performed, it was previous work includes The Ragged adapted for the cinema, with Ralph Mention JB Priestley and for most people the Trousered Philanthropists, We Will Be Free! Richardson taking the lead role... play that instantly springs to mind is An and United We Stand. There’s nothing unusual about David Inspector Calls. But seven years before the At the centre of its action is speedway hero Preston’s return home from work at 7pm - upper middle-class Birling family and the Clem ‘Dare Devil’ Beckett, a man whose except that, on this particular occasion, 24 mysterious Inspector Goole first made their immense courage leads him to join the hours have elapsed without him even realis- theatrical mark, Priestley penned this International Brigades in their fight against ing it, and it’s now a day later than he delightful northern comedy. Franco’s forces of Fascism in 1930s Spain. thought. The action focuses on three couples, all old While fighting for the freedom of the Spanish Along with his wife Janet, already upset by friends and all of whom had married on the people, Clem forms an unlikely friendship his bizarre disappearance the night before, same day. They gather together to celebrate with literary critic, writer and poet David soon gets another shock, when evi- what they believe to be their silver wedding Christopher Caudwell. dence incriminates him in a murder commit- anniversary - except that it isn’t their wed- Clem and Caudwell’s belief in a common ted during the time for which he cannot ding anniversary at all. In fact - and as they cause not only unites them but leads them to account. find out to their horror - they’re not even the Battle of Jarama, where the ultimate sac- Former Coronation Street villain Brian legally wed. rifice may well be a price they end up having Capron stars alongside Jenny Funnell, best The presence of a drunken newspaper pho- to pay... known from the Judi Dench and Geoffrey tographer and a wickedly conniving house- Palmer sitcom, As Time Goes By. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:19 Page 4 Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:19 Page 5

Theatre

Sunny Afternoon Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 29 November - Sat 3 December; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 18 - Sat 22 April 2017 This clever homage to Swinging ’60s superstars The Kinks has been wowing audiences and critics in equal measure since opening in the West End in 2014. Indeed, its quality and popularity were last year suitably rewarded when it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Adapted from Joe Penhall’s book, with an original story by Kinks guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Ray Davies, the show features plenty of the band’s best-known tunes, including iconic tracks You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, All Day And All Of The Night and Lola.

Oliver Samuels: Guilt Trip Honour Demi Nandhra: Life Is No New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Laughing Matter Sun 6 November Tues 8 - Sat 12 November mac, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Wed 9 November Joanna Murray-Smith's 1995 play has certain- Jamaican ‘king of com- “Sometimes I think I’ve felt everything I’m ly done the rounds over the last two decades, edy’ Oliver Samuels ever gonna feel,” reveals Birmingham-based having been produced in close on 40 coun- here makes a welcome Demi Nandhra. “And from here on out, I’m tries. Here in the UK, it scored a major hit at return, having previ- not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser ver- the National in 2003 when Eileen Atkins and ously enjoyed huge sions of what I’ve already felt.” the late Corin Redgrave played the leads. Its touring successes with Demi uses a combination of installation and West End revival three years later provided a his shows Divorce performance to explore the role of women in starring role for Dame Diana Rigg. Papers and Dolly modern society, with feminism very much at When distinguished literary journalist House. the heart of her work. In Life Is No Laughing George is interviewed by the ambitious and Samuels’ latest offering is a comedy drama Matter, her first solo show, she contemplates considerably younger Claudia, sparks fly and which examines the life of a woman haunted the subjects of mental health, depression his long and seemingly stable marriage to by an event from her dim and distant past - and anxiety. Honor bites the dust. an event that continues to impact on the Described as ‘part personal narrative, part But as the central characters come into con- lives of all those associated with her. social rant, part mess’, the production is an flict, it becomes increasingly uncertain “Guilt Trip offers a refreshing insight into the autobiographical live art/stand up/theatre where the balance of power actually lies... richness of Jamaican culture,” explains performance that delves into her experience Oliver, “and also looks at some of the mis- of living with depression - from trying to conceptions that exist in dealing with mental find a cure to eating 56 bananas and illness. It’s full of laughter, and uses both The Unknown Soldier attempting ‘to think happy thoughts’. drama and comedy to touch, stimulate and Lichfield Garrick, Tues 8 November Audience members are warned to expect entertain its audience.” ‘shit metaphors, unicorns, dependency on a The need to keep a promise and repay a debt loved one and Demi’s nana's holy water’... keeps Jack on the World War One battle- Into The Woods fields, even though the guns have fallen silent... Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Described as a story of comradeship and Thurs 24 - Sat 26 November betrayal, and of promises both broken and Local company 4PLAY make their debut with kept following the carnage of the Great War, this James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim The Unknown Soldier debuted at Edinburgh musical. The show brings to life Cinderella, last year and was highly praised by the crit- Jack And The Beanstalk, Little Red Riding ics. Hood and numerous other fairytales to pres- Its author, award-nominated playwright Ross ent a moving lesson about community Ericson, enjoyed a 2013 success with responsibility and the stories people tell Casualties, a fraught drama about the their children. One-time Opportunity Knocks Afghanistan War and its repercussions. winner Mark Rattray stars as the Baker.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Pride and Prejudice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:13 Page 1

FEATURE

“We are all fools in love”

A new staging of Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy opens at the REP

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Playing the role of Elizabeth is Tafline funny and quick-witted, like Elizabeth. a classic novel celebrating a major an- Steen. Fresh from finishing drama school, He's very loyal, and would do anything for niversary must be in want of an adapta- Steen gets her first taste of touring theatre his daughters, but he's stayed in a mar- tion. In 2013, 200 years after the with the show. riage for way too long. I think he did love publication of Pride And Prejudice, direc- “I think if you're of a certain age and you his wife. He's now fond of his wife, but tor Deborah Bruce brought the world of live in England, you will have seen a bit of they should have parted long ago. He's Lizzie Bennet to life on stage at Regent's the Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle version terrible to her sometimes. That's why he Park's spectacular Open Air Theatre. Now, at some point,” says Steen, “but it never wants Elizabeth to be happy. He says, 'Let as we approach the anniversary of Jane really imprinted on me. I did see the Joe me not have the grief of seeing you unable Austen's death, Bruce returns with a Wright film, which I know some purists to respect your partner in life'. Because he whole new cast to embark on a nation- don't like, but I actually really enjoyed it. I knows what would happen to her. wide tour of the show, arriving at Birming- never felt the need to go back and look “One of the great disappointments to both ham REP in November. over previous productions, though. Mr and Mrs Bennet is the fact that they Of course, Pride And Prejudice has been Thanks to Deborah, there was no sense of never had a son. The reason, I think, that adapted countless times before - for better having to honour (Lizzie's) iconicism or Elizabeth is such a favourite of his and so or worse, who doesn't have the sight of other people's interpretations of her.” unpopular with Mrs Bennet is that of Colin Firth dripping from a quick dip in What's perhaps most striking about the course she should have been the boy. the lake etched forever in their minds? But Regent's Park production is how it places They had Jane, and she was loved and for the Generation Y, perhaps the not the young lovers, but the older gener- adored as the first child, but then they strongest association is with Keira Knight- ation centre stage. In highlighting the had to have a son to cut off the entail and ley and the doe-eyed Matthew McFadyen loneliness and disappointment of Mr and inherit the estate. Then they would have in Joe Wright's considerably less faithful Mrs Bennet, Bruce shows how this drives been safe. So for Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth is feature film. their differing ambitions for their daugh- a massive disappointment, and that's There'll be some who have seen and loved ters, getting to the heart of that agonising made her very strong.” the wonderful web show version, which choice between security and happiness “I think Jane Austen is very hard on Mrs updates the story for the digital age, while that the almost preposterously lucky Jane Bennet,” says Felicity Montagu, whose a tiny few of us are even nerd enough to and Lizzie are both able to circumvent. unique take on the character puts her in know the 1940 take, with all its mounds of “I think the whole play's about Mr Ben- the spotlight for perhaps the first time. hideously anachronistic fuss and frills. net, but then I always think every play I'm “She looks down on 'silly women’. I mean, Either way, you could easily be persuaded in is about me!” laughs Matthew Kelly, yes, she can be silly, but a lot of the time that by now the world has had its fill of who will be making a welcome return to she's right. Her daughters will be destitute muslin gowns, rolling estates and brood- The REP 15 years after his phenomenal if they don't get married. So she's not such ing gents. It's no small feat then, that performance in Of Mice And Men earned a fool; she's just not an educated woman. Bruce is able to make audiences look back him an Olivier Award. “I love Mr Bennet, “The relationship between Mr and Mrs on the story with fresh eyes. and audiences like him because he's Bennet is such that she doesn't really Pride and Prejudice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:13 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

know him, so when he strikes against her someone who refused to be held back by equality is far from won. sometimes, she's really devastated. Per- convention, Austen has little patience for “A lot of women around the world still haps if she’d been in a happier marriage other women who passively accept their don't really have liberation,” says Mon- she wouldn't have put herself through so lot. On some level, her constant mocking tagu. “There's a well-educated class that much anxiety. But she was unlucky - she is perhaps also a defence against the does, but so many are still subject to what had five daughters in trying to have a son, slings and arrows of the world. But there's men say or what corporations or govern- and it made her very worked up and ill, also an extent to which she simply ments say. And there's still a disparity in and turned her into a kind of pantomime seemed unable to resist any opportunity the professions over pay and things like figure to her own husband. I think this is for a laugh, and it's this, as well as her ob- that.” very much a story about love and how vious self-awareness, that keeps us “This show has got a very big cast,” says people are often unloved - about how they hooked on her. Kelly. “There are 20 of us, the majority of work out how to live without love.” “Austen's great for theatre,” says Kelly, whom are women, which is still unusual. For all the shifting of the usual focus, this “because she writes so much in dialogue, Just the other day, there were 14 of us in is a surprisingly faithful adaptation. There so quite a lot can be lifted straight from the rehearsal room, and I looked around are necessary elisions, but essentially, the the novel. Part of the reason her dialogue and realised I was the only man. That's re- story and the dialogue ring true to is so strong and real is that the family ally, really rare.” Austen's vision. Even her razor-sharp nar- used to read her work to each other at A final word on the subject goes to Tafline ration gets a look-in, as several of the night. I guess there wasn't much else to Steen. “Not to discredit the vast strides lines that Austen uses to get inside her do!” we've made over the last 200 years, but in characters' heads are here divided out “It's such intelligent, incisive writing,” terms of this story being an exploration of among the actors. Perhaps most notably, adds Montagu. “Her characterisations are gender and self-actualisation for women, I Mrs Bennet starts and ends the play with so beautifully fledged and real. She's a think it's really on the money for a lot of the novel's iconic opening line. great painter.” the things we're still wrestling with. It “There's one of my lines that I had to do a Of course, her stories have more serious makes me sad that this is still a bit of an lot of work on because it's not really a Mrs things to tell us, too, many of which con- oddity, and I hope that doesn't continue Bennet line, so it didn't come very com- tinue to be relevant today. While the con- to be the case, but I'm glad it still res- fortably at first,” says Montagu. “She can cept of feminism wasn't readily accessible onates for people.” be very condemnatory, Jane Austen, so to Austen, it's now impossible not to read you have to be quite careful when you're in her stories the first stirrings of the actually playing a character that she does- movements that would follow - interest- Pride And Prejudice shows at The REP, n't seem to write them off completely.” ingly, it was just as Austen came of age Birmingham, from Tuesday 8 until It's true that Austen can be crueler than that Mary Wollstonecraft published her Saturday 12 November. we sometimes give her credit for, as any- radical Vindication Of The Rights Of one who's read her letters can testify. Woman. Two hundred years later, as the Partly it's a symptom of the time - as cast are well aware, the global battle for Dirty Dancing DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:14 Page 1

FEATURE

I’VE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE A new production of Eleanor Bergstein’s classic story this month returns to the Midlands. What’s On popped along to rehearsals to ﬁnd out more...

Thirty years after Eleanor Bergstein's classic story of a whirlwind holiday romance first took cinemas by storm, its now almost equally iconic stage adaptation is back on the road with an all-new cast and creative team. Di- rected by Federico Bellone, this new Dirty Dancing UK tour has been specially designed to adapt readily to differently sized stages, allowing it to visit more venues than ever before. This month, the smash-hit show stops off at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and the Wolverhampton Grand before moving on to Coventry's Belgrade Theatre early in the New Year. We spoke to the Dirty Dancing On Tour team to find out more about how the magic is made. “I think for the first time, we've gone for a very realistic look,” explains Federico Bellone. “Ba- sically, we've taken the famous picture of the resort where they shot the movie and tried to theatricalise that here. We'll be going out to venues that were not able to house previous versions of the show, but it should still be spectacular. We have three revolves on stage, so it's quite intricate. We've also tried to make the pace even faster - without rushing through it, of course.” “There's a huge pressure to get the balance right,” adds choreographer Gillian Bruce, “because everybody knows this show, so you have to look at the main ingredients and try to keep those, while also making it a little bit different. I was very careful with choosing the cast. The look had to be right, and the sexiness had to be right. I actually wanted to push that a little bit further than in the film, to make it even more ‘dirty’ - without becoming vulgar, obviously, and still making sure it was right for the era.” These continual changes and reinventions - both large and small - are part of what makes every Dirty Dancing live experience feel special, even more than a decade after the show made its stage debut. Carlie Milner, who plays the unlucky Penny Johnson, has also starred in previous incarnations of the show, but is con- Dirty Dancing DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 09:14 Page 2

stantly inspired by the team around her to play, but it's a play with a lot of music,” says through a lot of trauma, and so I have to find work through new approaches to the part. director Bellone. “I think quite often when ways to relate with all of the complex emo- “Of course everyone will have a different people go to see the show for the first time, tions she experiences.” take on things,” she says, “and the people they expect it to be a musical and are sur- “I consider myself an actor rather than a around you give you more information, prised when the cast don't sing. I first went dancer,” says Griffiths, “and while I don't which you just kind of absorb into your per- to see it back in 2007, I think it was, and at think there's anything that I can't learn and formance. It's been lovely to recreate the the time I thought that they should sing get into, it’s been challenging being in a show with a new vision - your ideas do more. But when I met Eleanor Bergstein, she show involving so much dancing. Johnny's change over time, and my own personal take explained to me the reasons why she was ab- character is so completely in his comfort on it has definitely changed. I've found solutely against that, and I had to accept zone in the dance studio, leading and teach- things in the story that I hadn't really that she was perfectly right.” ing in his Cuban heels, so I'm having to find thought about before. I loved the old version “It's quite a difficult show to choreograph ways of taking Lewis' insecurities and turn- but I'm really looking forward to touring this because it's all couple work,” says choreog- ing them into Johnny's strengths.” one too.” rapher Bruce. “I think sometimes it can get “All the characters are going through their Joining more experienced cast members like so busy that the audience doesn't really own stories,” says Milner, “but they're also Milner are the newcomers such as Lewis Grif- know where to look. I've tried to give more all intertwined, so it's all about trying to fiths and Katie Hartland, who lead the show focus to the numbers and allow the audience keep that link and that continuity running as the iconic young couple Johnny and Baby. to enjoy everything without being forced to through the show, while also bringing out just look at one thing at a time.” “Stepping into Patrick [Swayze]'s shoes, I do your character's own personal journey. So feel like I'm a bit in his shadow, as anyone “That's why a lot of people will say that the yeah, it's hard!” would, because he made the part completely musical numbers are so tricky to get right,” The rehearsal process may be long and chal- his own,” Griffiths confesses. “I'm not trying adds Bellone. “They're not meant to look lenging, demanding absolute dedication to imitate him at all, but as Gillian said, like the numbers in a typical musical, but at from the team, but as things begin to fall we've all got to take parts of what's already the same time, they still have to be beautiful. into place, every one of them agrees that the in the film and make it work for us without You have to focus on specific effects. On film time and energy they've poured in has been replicating too much. This is definitely going it's much easier because you can use close- well worth it. ups and focus in on details, but on stage, to be Lewis Griffiths' Johnny Castle as op- “The casting for this show is unbelievable,” you have all these people there and the audi- posed to Patrick Swayze's Johnny Castle.” says Griffiths. “When I got the role of Johnny, ence can look anywhere they want to.” Hartland agrees. “I think for me the biggest it was amazing, but it felt a bit like being at challenge has been taking such an iconic This distinctive format also puts additional the bottom of a very large mountain. I'm re- film and trying to make it your own as much pressure on the cast members, requiring ally thankful that, with the help of these two as you can. Especially with the dancing, be- everyone to be on top form from both dra- and all the crew and creatives, I'm already cause I'm not half as experienced and amaz- matic and physical standpoints. Add to this halfway up that mountain, and once we get ing as some of the others, so it's been a real the fact that, with Dirty Dancing being such to the top I think it's gonna be a hell of a thrill getting to dance like that and to be a huge, worldwide phenomenon, the expec- show. I'm really honoured to be a part of pushed in that way.” tations of audiences across the country are that.” enormous. Among the things that have made Dirty Dancing such a huge success is the fact that “It's quite rare to have something that's so it straddles different theatrical genres. It isn't heavy both in terms of the dance and the Dirty Dancing shows at Stoke’s Regent quite a conventional stage musical. Not only character aspects,” says Milner. “Physically Theatre from Mon 7 to Sat 12 November; are the songs performed by a separate band this version is very demanding and there's a Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from rather than sung by the main cast members, lot going on. You want to make sure you do it Mon 28 November to Sat 3 December; Bel- but the style of the dancing and staging is correctly, but there's only so much time, and grade Theatre, Coventry, from Mon 30 also very different. that in itself is quite difficult for a performer. January to Sat 4 February; and the New From a character point of view, it's also quite “Dirty Dancing is definitely, absolutely a Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from difficult. Obviously for me, Penny goes Mon 29 May to Sat 3 June Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:19 Page 6 Theatre November Dav.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:19 Page 7

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theatre for younger audiences...

George’s Marvellous Medicine Captain Flinn And The Pirate Dinosaurs 2 Where’s My Igloo Gone?

George’s Marvellous forced to hunt for the Magic Cutlass by the Where’s My Igloo Gone? Medicine tyrannical Mr T-Rex. Cue the ever-heroic captain, and a dangerous rescue mission that mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 - Sun 27 November New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, could well see his timbers being comprehen- Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry Tues 22 November - Sat 3 December sively shivered... nights, fishing adventures and the kind of Birmingham Stage Company return with one cold that makes the skin tingle are all fea- of their most popular Roald Dahl adapta- tured in this Bone Ensemble story about a lit- tions. George’s Marvellous Medicine tells the Granny’s Game tle girl who sets off in search of help when fantastical tale of a young boy who chances The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, her igloo starts to melt... his arm as an infant Alexander Fleming and Sat 12 November “We’re collaborating with experts in climate makes a medicine to cure his grandmother of “We offer a diverse programme of theatre change and social psychology,” explain the her bad temper. But when she takes it, all activities,” says Kirsty Mead, who co-found- Birmingham-based Bone Ensemble, “so that sorts of weird and wonderful things occur, ed Lincolnshire children’s theatre company we can weave scientific knowledge into a and it isn’t long before George realises that Rhubarb back in the year 2000. “We bring compelling narrative with dynamic interac- his adventures have only just begun. theatre directly to family centres, village tive activities, engaging audiences with cli- halls, youth clubs, schools, art centres, her- mate change in a new and refreshing way.” itage sites, museums and traditional the- Peppa Pig’s Surprise atres.” Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Rhubarb’s latest touring show is based on Cloud Cuckoo Land: Wed 2 - Thurs 3 November the real-life experiences of pioneering inves- Ding Dong If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the tigative journalist Nellie Bly, whose well- previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and developed sense of adventure saw her under- mac, Birmingham, Sun 6 November enjoyed the experience of watching them take a record-breaking, Phileas Fogg-style Cloud Cuckoo Land, the company behind having a fantastic time - you’ll already know trip around the world in 1889. this bright and bubbly production, describe that this latest production is well worth And globetrotting adventure is very much on themselves as a ragtag ensemble of multi-tal- catching. the agenda for the show’s two young heroes, ented cuckoos. “It seems hardly any time at all since we Julia and John, when they discover a mysteri- “We like nothing better,” they reveal, “than started on the first Peppa Pig live stage ous boardgame while visiting their granny... whipping up immersive, interactive and show,” observes writer and director Richard interdisciplinary plays, parties and installa- Lewis. “It’s been an incredible experience tions, to whisk you away from your everyday seeing the children’s reactions, not only in The Nose That Nobody life to somewhere altogether stranger.” the UK but throughout the world. It just con- Picked The Birmingham company’s new offering for firms that Peppa really is a worldwide phe- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, younger children is an interactive musical nomenon.” Sun 6 November play based around the subject of ‘time’. It Mountains of mucus, toe-tapping tunes and sees a cast of actor-musicians creating a Captain Flinn And The two nostrils full of magic are the order of the unique 360° immersive listening experience day in this first-time-touring stage adapta- by playing a wide variety of instruments all Pirate Dinosaurs 2 tion of David Parkin’s much-loved book. around the audience. And the youngsters get Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, While indulging in his hobby of making to join in with the music-making too, Sat 5 November ornamental displays with gnomes and toys, through clapping, singing, movement, call- Award-winning children’s ensemble Les 10-year-old Christopher stumbles upon a liv- and-response and imaginative suggestions. Petits Theatre know that the best way to keep ing nose, one which has been raised by slugs Kids can also meet the characters - Dot, people coming to their shows is to entertain in his garden. Smidge, Mooch and Nora - all of whom will the adults in the audience as well as the The nose needs a face, so Christopher sets be battling hard to save their beloved clock- youngsters. And just like the company’s orig- out to find him one. But he’s reckoned with- tower. inal Captain Flinn stage show, this lively out the less-than-helpful intervention of sequel manages to do exactly that. Doctor Skinner, an eccentric plastic surgeon As you’d expect, there’s plenty for the kids to who not only has connections to the nose’s enjoy too, in an action-packed adventure past but also harbours sinister intentions... that sees Flinn’s kidnapped friends being

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Christmas Festive shows and attractions opening in November

’Tis the season to be jolly - well, nearly. Yes, Christmas is a-coming, and it’s time to start thinking about how best to celebrate and enjoy this festive time of year. If you’re struggling for ideas, fear not - we’ve got a few suggestions that should hopefully ensure you’re positively chomping at the yuletide bit come the 25th of December. From pantomimes to family shows, stylish ballets to Shakespeare storms, underground boat trips to illuminating lantern festivals, it promises to be an unforgettable season of magic and mirth in the Midlands. Check out which festive shows and attractions are opening across the Midlands this month...

Treasure Island The REP, Birmingham, Fri 25 November - Sat 7 January This latest theatrical version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, a modern adaptation by Bryony Lavery, puts an interesting spin on the author’s swashbuckling story, with the chief protagonist being a girl rather than a boy. When pirates ransack her grandmother’s inn, fearless Jim is drawn into the adventure of a lifetime - one which will see her not only setting sail in search of buried treasure but also spending time in the company of a one-legged pirate with murder in mind...

Cinderella The Tempest The Nutcracker Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 30 November - Sun 8 January 2017 upon-Avon, Tues 8 November - Sat 21 Fri 25 November - Tues 13 December January 2017 Shakespeare’s last and most complete play, The Tempest also represents the culmination of his art, bringing together many of the themes that informed his greatest dramas. A wild storm forces a royal ship onto the rocks of an enchanted isle. The castaways, separated from one another, find themselves slipping under the Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this control of the mysterious Prospero. firm festive favourite returns to the With its comical Ugly Sisters, metamorpho- Matters are further complicated by the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of sising pumpkin, matchmaking fairy god- presence of supernatural spirit Ariel Birmingham Royal Ballet. Created in 1990 as mother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince and the grotesque man-beast, a thank you to Birmingham for its support of Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- Caliban... the company following its move to the only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably Presented by the RSC as their Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, lay claim to being the most popular of all Christmas family show, this brand new Wright’s production is seen by many as the pantomimes. production is helmed by the company’s finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s mag- This year’s Theatre Severn version of the artistic director, Gregory Doran, and nificent and mesmerising score. famous fairytale features all the usual panto stars Simon Russell Beale as Prospero. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows elements of comedy, singing, dancing, audi- the young Clara as she’s swept up in a fanta- ence participation and ‘stunning’ sets and sy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic costumes. And also very much as usual, it and mystery, before finally being trans- stars the ever-popular Brad Fitt, on this occa- formed into a beautiful ballerina... sion appearing ‘as you’ve never seen him A magical, must-see show for little before’... princesses.

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November

The Wind In The Willows The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 21 November - Sat 31 December A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved riverside tale ably demonstrates the way in which one life can command the full attention of three others! Loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and steady old Badger simply don’t have time for any of their own interests - they’re far too busy having to look after their reckless and irrepressible friend, Mr Toad... Presented by Scott Ritchie Productions and Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

Dick Whittington Stick Man the audiences.” Julia’s not wrong - audiences Belgrade Theatre, Coventry most definitely do love the show, as a smash- Wed 23 November - Sat 7 January Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 24 November - Sat 31 December hit season in the West End ably demonstrat- The story of a young man who heads for “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my ed. Featuring a trio of talented performers, London in search of fame and fortune is the production brings together puppetry, one of the most popular of all pan- spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely songs, live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell tomimes, not least because of the top- the story of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to drawer adventures with which the popular children’s book on which this show is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I get back to the family tree. Suitable for chil- happy-go-lucky Dick finds himself dren aged three and older. involved. love their production of Stick Man, and so do With Sarah the Cook and Queen Rat both putting in an appearance, and heady romance also on the cards for our ever-affable hero, this is a show that promises to be packed to its festive rafters with action, comedy and fun.

The Snow Queen New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sat 19 November - Sat 28 January The Snow Queen is ruler of all she sur- veys, and when she kidnaps young Kay, it’s left to his sister, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future in the frostbitten wastelands... The New Vic here give this Hans Christian Andersen work a brand new treatment, presenting a timeless tale that brings together ‘enchanting characters, original music and breathtaking on-stage magic’. Santa’s Winter Wonderland This particular take on sibling love set The SnowDome, Tamworth, are able to play and slide in real snow as they amidst the ice caps and snow-laden Fri 18 November - Sat 31 December explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a landscapes of the north has been direct- SnowDome’s all-new Santa Show is part of the walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a ed with the intention of appealing to venue’s Winter Wonderland event, and finds game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a family members of all ages. the big man in red making final preparations sledge. for another ‘Christmas extravaganza’. The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe Suitable for all age groups, Santa’s Winter the snow-related action as they amble along Wonderland provides plenty of festive fun for the promenade walkway. There’s even an ani- visitors to Tamworth’s snowy indoor attrac- mal village, where you can meet Santa’s rein- tion. A safe environment ensures youngsters deer and discover some of his furry friends.

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 17 November - Thurs 29 December This is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country and sits at the centre of Birmingham’s festive celebrations. Drawing crowds from across the city and further afield, the Frankfurt Markets feature a wide range of traditional handmade toys, art, and items from throughout the world. There’s plenty of food and drink available too, including German mulled wine, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German beer. Carol singers and an ornate Ice Skate Birmingham carousel are other popular elements of this well-established Centenary Square, Birmingham, popular visitor attraction can hold up to 300 attraction, which, for the first Sat 19 November - Sun 8 January people per session. Younger or inexperienced time, is staying open beyond Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome return skating enthusiasts can keep upright by using Christmas (until 29 December). to the city centre this month. As usual located in special penguin skating aids, which can be front of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the booked online and in advance.

Santa Hunts Magic Lantern Festival Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, various dates from Sun 20 November - Fri 25 November - Mon 2 January 2017 Sat 24 December Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern festivals, this ‘illuminating’ event sees visitors accessing the venue through a giant lantern entrance before following a lantern-lit trail around the gardens. Campers Christmas Aside from enjoying the collection of beautifully Coventry Transport Museum, constructed lanterns and the natural scenery, Sun 27 November visitors to the festival can also catch up with This year’s Christmas Campers Santa and his reindeers. event takes the entirely relevant Other attractions include a 12-metre-wide theme of ‘pantomime’, and, we’re Saint Nicholas’s much-vaunted ability to make lantern scene - featuring penguins, snowmen, reliably informed, features ‘every- his way around the world at superfast speed on Christmas trees and baubles - and a special thing from Puss In Boots to Dick Christmas Eve should also stand him in good fairy-themed area, complete with a floating Whittington’. stead in the run-up to the festive season, when fairy, beautiful butterflies and thousands of Camper vans of all shapes and he’ll need to pop up in all manner of places to bright and tiny lights. sizes take part, and organisers excite and delight children of all ages - even the promise an abundance of fairy grown-up ones! lights and costumes to further One such stop-off for the big chap is the Black enhance the festive cheer. There Country Living Museum in Dudley, where he’ll are prizes to be won too, and a be sipping a sherry and scoffing a mince pie in Christmas DJ - decking his decks his secret workshop. The challenge for young with boughs of holly, no doubt. visitors to the venue is to see if they can find For those who fancy a leisurely him. Meeting a series of characters along the browse, a Christmas craft fair way, children can solve magical clues, sprinkle should prove just the yuletide dust on reindeer shoes and even send letters up ticket. the chimney to the great man himself. If they manage to find him, they’ll be rewarded for their endeavours with a surprise gift... For further festive listings, What’s not to like? visit whatsonlive.co.uk.

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Film

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them CERT tbc Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Samantha Morton, Ezra Miller, Ron Perlman, Jon Voight Directed by David Yates (UK/USA) By the time this epic fantasy trundles onto DVD, the name Newt Scamander should be every bit as famous as Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. Eddie Redmayne plays the eccentric English wizard, invented by JK Rowling in her 2001 novel, and it’s Rowling who adapted the book in her screen- writing debut. Set in the same universe as Harry Potter, the events precede the first Potter film by 70 years and unfold in New York. It’s there that Newt arrives after a world tour researching - and rescuing - certain magical creatures, the subject of his eponymous textbook. But shortly after his arrival in 1926 some of his fantastic beasts are acci- dentally released from his care… The film was intended to be the first in a trilogy, although Rowling announced last month that there would be two more editions (making it a quintet). In 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 18 November

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in November...

The Light Between Oceans A Street Cat Named Bob CERT 12a (113 mins) CERT 12a (103 mins) Starring Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Starring Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony Head, Caroline Caren Pistorius Directed by Derek Cianfrance Goodall, Bob the Cat (USA/Australia/UK/New Zealand) Directed by Roger Spottiswoode (UK) Based on ML Stedman's 2012 novel of the Bob is a ginger stray who befriended James same name, this post-WWI drama tells the Bowen (Treadaway), a busker and recovering story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife drug addict whose life was turned around by who adopt an infant girl they find stranded the friendship. So much so, that Bowen in a rowing boat - and of the later moral con- wrote a book about the alliance which sold a sequences. million copies in the UK alone and has been Derek Cianfrance previously directed Blue translated into 30 languages. The coup of Valentine and The Place Beyond The Pines, The Accountant this British adaptation is that the filmmakers so this should be interesting. CERT 15 (128 mins) persuaded the real Bob to play himself. Released Tues 1 November Starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J. Released Fri 4 November K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Tambor, John Lithgow Directed by Gavin O'Connor (USA) Number crunchers are the new warriors in a global infrastructure governed by algorithms. Christian Wolff (Affleck) is more comfortable with digits than people but has to face the real world when his dealings in criminal numerical manipulation is cottoned onto by the Treasury’s Crime Enforcement Division. People will die. Released Fri 4 November

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Film

Nocturnal Animals CERT 15 (117 mins) Starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Michael Sheen, Andrea Riseborough Directed by Tom Ford (USA) The owner of an art gallery (Amy Adams) receives a manuscript of her ex-husband’s new novel, something she reads as a veiled threat… Adapted from Austin Wright’s 1993 novel Tony And Susan, this marks the fashion designer Tom Ford’s second film as director, following the critically acclaimed A Single Man. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Released Fri 4 November

CRITIC’S CHOICE

A United Kingdom story of Sir Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), the king of Bechuanaland CERT 12a (111 mins) (now Botswana), who falls for a white Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, office worker (Rosamund Pike) he meets Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Jack Lowden, Terry Pheto, Laura Carmichael Directed by in London during the unforgiving years Amma Asante (UK/USA/Czech Republic) of the late 1940s. The ensuing furore that Amma Asante directed the intelligent, greeted the couple’s romance ended up powerful and hugely affecting Belle becoming a diplomatic crisis. Based on (2013) and now turns her attention to the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams another cause célèbre involving the clash and filmed in London and Botswana. of black and white skins. This is the true Released Fri 25 November

Rupture CERT 15 (99 mins) A Hundred Streets Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Chiklis, Peter CERT 15 (93 mins) Stormare, Lesley Manville, Kerry Bishé Starring Idris Elba, Gemma Arterton, Charlie Directed by Steven Shainberg (USA/Canada) Creed-Miles, Steven Mackintosh, Samantha A single mother is abducted, drugged and Barks, Ken Stott Directed by Jim O'Hanlon (UK) taken to a secret facility where she struggles to discover what the heck is going on. Then The streets in question are spread out across the experiments begin… the London capital, where three people’s lives take a remarkable turn. Expect some Released Fri 4 November pretty strong language and sex. Released Fri 11 November

Arrival CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma Directed by Denis Villeneuve (USA) Great cast, terrific director (cf. Incendies, Prisoners, Sicario). And if the idea sounds overly familiar - mysterious spacecraft land- ing all over the planet - you can bet that this will be very, very different. Amy Adams plays Louise Banks, a linguist recruited by the military to communicate with the visitors. The sci-fi drama received rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival. Released Thurs 10 November

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Film releases in November

American Pastoral Almost Christmas Allied CERT tbc CERT 15 (108 mins) CERT tbc Starring Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Lizzy Starring Ewan McGregor, Dakota Fanning, Starring Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Caplan, Matthew Goode, Jared Harris, Anton Jennifer Connelly, Rupert Evans, Valorie Danny Glover, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Lesser Directed by Robert Zemeckis (UK/USA) Curry, David Strathairn Parker, Gabrielle Union Directed by Directed by Ewan McGregor (USA) David E. Talbert (USA) No, the festivities can’t be that close!? As we’re scrambling to address our Christmas cards, along comes this starry ensemble in which the various members of a dysfunctional family get together to pretend to celebrate. Cf. last year’s Christmas With The Coopers. Released Fri 25 November Inspired by the true incident of two assas- sins who fell in love during a mission to take out a German official, Allied is the latest film Of all the people to adapt Philip Roth’s from the keyboard of Steven Knight. Knight’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of 1997, Ewan previous credits include Dirty Pretty Things, McGregor was not the obvious choice. Be Peaky Blinders, The Hundred-Foot Journey that as it may, the Scottish actor makes his and the criminally underrated Burnt, so this directorial debut here and plays the part of comes with some pedigree. former college athlete and successful Jewish Set in 1942 in North Africa and London. American businessman Seymour Levov. Released Fri 25 November Seymour leads a perfect life until his 16-year- old daughter (Dakota Fanning) decides to commit an act of political terrorism. Released Fri 11 November Paterson CERT tbc Starring Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani, Barry Shabaka Henley, Cliff Smith Directed by Jim Jarmusch (USA/Germany/France) Bad Santa 2 CERT tbc The Innocents CERT 15 (115 mins) Coincidentally, Paterson (Adam Driver) lives Starring Lou de Laâge, Agata Kulesza, Agata Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy in a city also called Paterson. It’s here that Bates, Tony Cox, Christina Hendricks, Buzek, Vincent Macaigne, Joanna Kulig our protagonist leads Directed by Anne Fontaine Brett Kelly Directed by Mark Waters (Poland/France/Belgium) (USA) his uneventful life driv- Willie T Stokes is not the most charita- ing a bus, walking his ble of characters and here uses the dog and popping into a umbrella of Yuletide to rip off a bar for his one beer a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. day. However, his wife The first film, originally released in is just bursting with 2003, was a wickedly funny black com- ambition and urges edy featuring a villain with an approxi- Paterson to take his gift mate rooting in reality. Here’s hoping for poetry seriously… the new film retains some of that cali- Released Fri bre. 25 November Released Fri 25 November

Polish films are not, as a general rule, enor- mously hearty affairs. Anne Fontaine’s The Edge Of Seventeen CERT tbc Franco-Polish drama, based on true events, is nonetheless an extraordinary and extraor- Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, dinarily powerful film. Set in a Polish con- Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (USA) vent in the bleak midwinter of 1945, it tells the story of how a young French Red Cross High school junior Nadine Byrd (Hailee worker (Lou de Laâge) is drawn into the Steinfeld) is not enjoying her youth, when grim, cloistered world of that institution. her older brother starts dating her best The outcome is shocking and moving and friend. Eww! This coming-of-age comedy- the film itself superbly acted and exquisitely drama from first-time writer-director Craig mounted. got some pretty awesome reviews in the US. Released Fri 11 November Released Wed 30 November

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Bellows and The Body Despite his significant standing in the US, early-20th century painter George Bellows remains a relatively unknown artist here in the UK - a perhaps unsurprising fact given that there are only two of his paintings in British public collections. One of the two is Nude, Miss Bentham, a 1906 artwork acquired last year by Birmingham’s Barber Institute and now showing at the venue in a new exhibition. What’s On recently paid the gallery a visit to find out more…

Around the middle of the 20th century, visu- Nicola Kalinsky, Director of the Barber, “but ball player sketching idealised, athletic bod- al art underwent a radical transformation as it's not a name that many people here know. ies for college yearbooks, to the socially con- modernist movements like abstract expres- The National Gallery has one Bellows paint- scious and decidedly realist artist who later sionism swept Europe and America. Yet just ing, but otherwise, ours is the only one in a emerged. a few years earlier, Western art had looked British public collection.” Other striking works include The Stag At decidedly different, and many artists who Taking pride of place is an arresting, full- Sharkey's (1917), a visceral lithograph print have received little attention in recent years length portrait acquired by the gallery in of two boxers which served as the cover for a were hugely influential in their time. February 2015. Depicting the fleshy, muscular 1915 edition of The Masses, a socialist maga- One key movement in American art which form of a female model, Nude, Miss Bentham zine whose art editor was Bellows' friend and today has been largely forgotten in Europe (1906) is here displayed alongside Bellows’ contemporary, John Sloan. comprised a group of former students of the comparable Nude Girl, Miss Leslie Hall “In the 1900s, New York was the great mod- New York School of Art who sought to reflect (1909) for the first time in over a century, ern city,” says Nicola. “With the first high- the harsh realities of the urban life around thanks to a loan from The Terra Foundation rises going up and thousands of immigrants them. Among the most prominent and prolif- for American Art. descending on it, it was an exciting place to ic of this so-called ‘Ashcan School’ was “It's a striking image,” says Nicola, “quite be, but there were also social problems and George Bellows, once described by the unlike anything else we have in the collec- poverty. The Ashcan artists felt it was impor- Columbus Museum of Art as ‘the most tion. But at the same time, it speaks to some tant to paint the city as it really was, warts acclaimed American artist of his generation’. of the work we already have. This painting and all.” In a new exhibition titled Bellows And The normally hangs near our Manet, and while Body, Birmingham University's Barber they're from different traditions, you can see Institute sheds light on this often under- similarities in terms of how painterly and Bellows and The Body: The Real, The appreciated painter. realistic they are.” Ideal and The Nude continues at The “In America, George Bellows is very popular The exhibition highlights Bellows' develop- Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University Of as well as historically important,” says ment over the years, from the student base- Birmingham, until Sunday 22nd January

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Visual Arts

Realisation mac, Birmingham, until Wed 30 November With its international reputation as one of the UK's most diverse cities, Birmingham last month seized the opportunity to acknowledge the cultural contributions of its many communities by celebrating Black History Month (BHM). As part of those celebrations, this Inspiring A New Generation-coordinated exhibition brings together examples of work by Birmingham-based painters and mixed media artists. The artwork on show either celebrates important people from the Black community or, in keeping with the over-arching theme of the city’s BHM programme, con- nects into the subject of music and musicians. A number of the displayed artworks are available for sale.

Eva Rothschild: East Meets West Roy Lichtenstein Alternative To Power Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Fri 6 January until Sun 26 February New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 15 January The ways in which people nowadays spend Renowned for works based on comic strips Eva Rothschild’s sculptures often look ‘pre- their leisure time are many and varied, as and advertising imagery coloured with his carious’, as she herself describes them. the artwork displayed in this brand new signature Benday dots, Roy Lichtenstein was One of the leading sculptors of her genera- exhibition ably illustrates. one of the most radical and influential artists tion, the Dublin-born artist likes to create Coordinated by Grain, an organisation dedi- of the 20th century and a leading figure in and display a sense of physical tension with- cated to delivering ambitious, high-quality the Pop Art movement. in her work, an aim which often leads her to arts projects, East Meets West features the This exhibition of his art is drawn from Artist design pieces that seem to defy gravity. work of 16 local and emerging artists work- Rooms, a collection of international modern One of the intentions of this approach is to ing with moving image or photography. and contemporary art owned by National challenge the viewer; Rothschild believes The artwork on show includes images that Galleries of Scotland and Tate on behalf of that the ideal way to look at art is to be per- examine drinking culture, document com- the public. manently confused. munity-led action to save local swimming Commenting on the show, Wolverhampton Alternative To Power marks the first time baths, provide a sensitive portrait of a young councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member she’s exhibited in the Midlands. The show Shetland Island resident’s use of his leisure for City Economy, said: “This is the fourth features a new body of work for the gallery time and shine a light on the obsession that time the art gallery has hosted an Artist that’s characterised by the use of co-depen- can drive a collector. Rooms exhibition, and we’re delighted the dent forms. Each piece is made up of multi- Lichtenstein works, newly added to the col- ple elements that rely on one another for lection, are coming here this month. They support, the columns, frames, arches and were first displayed at the Scottish National benches forming a fragile union of physical Brick Wonders Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh in 2015, components. Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, and this will be the first opportunity for visi- Alongside her gallery pieces, Rothschild is until Sun 15 January tors to see the works at an Artist Rooms asso- also displaying a large-scale dyed fabric ban- Although for the majority of people Lego ciate venue.” ner, carrying the exhibition’s title, in the bricks are simply a toy with which to keep venue’s front-facing Window Box. small children entertained, for some, they’re a challenging and enjoyable modelling medi- um. The potential of these hugely popular plastic construction pieces is here celebrated via an exhibition that uses the bricks to build models of some of the world's best-known build- ings and landmarks. Roy Lichtenstein Reflections on Crash 1990. ARTIST Included in a collection of over 70 construc- ROOMS, Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Lent by The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Collection 2015 tions are presentations of the Great Wall of China and Niagara Falls.

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Picasso On Paper Heavenly Lights: Compton Verney Art Gallery, The Untold Story Warwickshire, until Sun 11 December Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, He may be best known for his paint- until Sun 15 January ings, but during his lifetime Pablo The artwork of a Shrewsbury woman Picasso created more than 2,000 who was one of the great female prints, a statistic that bears testimo- artists of the early 20th century is ny to the high regard in which the the subject of this new exhibition. artist held the discipline of print- Margaret Agnes Rope - or Marga, as making. she was known - was born in 1882 Comprising more than 70 works and produced stained glass that can from Dusseldorf’s Museum be found in churches and cathedrals Kunstpalast, Picasso On Paper fea- on three continents. tures artwork from across four Although her work is collected by decades. Various media are in evi- museums in the US, she’s now large- dence, including etching, lithogra- ly forgotten here in the UK. phy, aquatint and linocut, with the pieces being grouped according to such themes as family, bullfighting and mythology. The exhibition is complemented by eight ceramics created by the artist in association with the Madoura pot- tery near Antibes in Provence.

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Events

Crafts For Christmas checking out a wealth of supplies, innovations, new product launches, demonstrations and workshops... NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 November For anybody whose passion is making art, a few hours spent at the This popular event for crafting enthusiasts at all levels brings togeth- Art Materials Live attraction should prove to be both stimulating and er four distinct shows under one roof - Crafts For Christmas, Cake informative. There are numerous free workshops to enjoy, fascinating International (4 to 6 November), Arts Material Live and Stitching, demonstrations by professional artists and the opportunity to stock Sewing And Hobbycrafts. up on fresh supplies and admire ‘stunning’ displays... The fourth Crafts For Christmas sees more than 150 exhibitors showcasing their show, opening a day later than the other three, is Cake International, exclusive range of bespoke and unusual gifts. ‘Inspiring’ workshops, the UK’s leading cake decorating, sugarcraft and cake-baking show. live music, a gift-wrapping service and an impressive array of festive The event features cutting-edge workshops and demonstrations, lots food also feature... of information about the latest trends and supplies, and an opportu- Visitors to the Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts element of the event nity to check out some of the best entries in the annual cake-decorat- are invited to ‘stock up and revel in creative craft inspiration’ by ing competition.

Lancaster Insurance BBC Good Food Show Mind Body Spirit Festival Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Sun 6 November Thurs 24 - Sun 27 November NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 13 November The Mind Body Spirit Festival has been The biggest event of its kind, the Classic A long-time favourite on the UK’s culi- offering spiritual seekers a safe place in Motor Show has some impressive statistics nary events calendar, the BBC Good which to commune and share their ideas, behind it. Last year’s event, for example, Food Show brings a packed programme beliefs and philosophies for almost 40 featured a display of 1,800 cars and more of inspiration and entertainment to the years. than 600 trade stands manned by 250 of the NEC. When founded in 1977, it was the only exhi- UK’s best motoring clubs. Continuing to attract the crème de la bition in the world entirely devoted to the Visitors to the 2016 edition of the show can crème of TV personalities, this year’s pursuit of healthier, more creative and ful- expect plenty more of the same, as well as show sees, among others, Mary Berry, filling lifestyles. the chance to drop into the Restoration The Hairy Bikers, Raymond Blanc, Paul A concept which might have seemed a little Theatre to find out how to restore a cher- Hollywood, Michael Roux Jr, James bit ‘out there’ back in the mid-1970s has cer- ished classic. The always-popular autojum- Martin and Great British Bake Off 2015 tainly come of age in the early 21st century. ble makes a welcome return too, complete winner Nadiya Hussain cooking up a In an ever more stressful and seemingly with a range of mouthwatering 'show only' treat or several in the Supertheatre. dangerous world, it’s hardly surprising that offers. Add into the mix oodles of tastings, hun- the festival is going from strength to Other attractions at this year’s event include dreds of exhibitors showcasing their strength, as people seek a means of occa- a dedicated classic motorbike show, wares and a special show celebrating the sionally escaping the trials and tribulations Silverstone auctions, the chance for visitors cuisine of Northern Ireland, and you’ve of modern living. to take a ride in ‘the car of their dreams’, got yourself the makings of a delicious Attractions at this month’s show include a and an appearance by Wheeler Dealer star day out. workshop programme presenting new ideas Mike Brewer. on relationships, awakening, feng shui, inspired living, NLP, yoga, meditation, modern shamanism, science & angels.

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more events from around the region

MCM Comic Con Birmingham Hereford NEC, Birmingham, Sat 19 - Sun 20 November Contemporary The MCM Comic Con is an absolute must for anybody Craft Fair with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult Left Bank, Hereford, television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has Fri 11 - Sun 13 November an impressive track record when it comes to hosting This well-attended annual show celebrity appearances - and this year is certainly no dif- features contemporary craft ferent... designer-makers presenting a American actor Sam Jones shot to albeit brief stardom wide variety of work, including in 1980 when he took the title role in the big-screen ver- jewellery, textiles, furniture, sion of Flash Gordon. The British-made movie, which ceramics, glass, stone carving, boasted a camp, over-the-top style reminiscent of the basketry, fashion & accessories 1960s Batman TV series, has since become a cult clas- and metalwork. sic - a fact which not surprisingly means that Sam is Commenting on the event, nowadays in great demand at events such as this one. organiser Leoni Linton says: He’s joined at this month’s get-together by Keir Dullea “Visitors to the show are able to and Gary Lockwood, two of the stars of Stanley meet every single maker of the Kubrick’s legendary sci-fi movie, 2001: A Space craft they see, bringing to life an Odyssey. object of beauty with an understanding of who made it, and how and why they made it. This makes every purchase both per- Spanish Riding School of jewellery and metalwork - all handmade by sonal and special - especially a local craftspeople - are available for purchase, bespoke commission, which vir- Vienna: 450th Anniversary as are numerous edible delights. This year’s tually all our exhibitors take.” Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, exhibitors include: Emily Richard, who makes Fri 18 - Sun 20 November jewellery in precious metals; Amanda Hillier, whose limited-edition linoprints, cards and gifts are inspired by Shropshire; and Sam Hemming, who creates unusual handmade glass and gemstone beadwork jewellery.

Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is this Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Sat 26 - Sun 27 November month celebrating its 450th anniversary with a Warley National series of exclusive shows in Birmingham and Juggling jesters, giant puppets, swashbuckling Model Railway London. sword fighters and a marvellous medley of Exhibition The shows are hosted by TV presenter and medieval musicians all play their part in British Dressage Ambassador Nicki Chapman. ensuring an engaging and entertaining experi- NEC, Birmingham, Commenting on her involvement, Nicki said: ence for visitors to this ever-popular event - as Sat 26 - Sun 27 November “Spanish Riding School of Vienna tours are do more than 100 stall holders selling food, The organisers of this long-run- rare and exceptional. I’ve witnessed first hand drink and seasonal wares. ning event - this month’s exhibi- these graceful horses thrilling crowds with “I’m delighted by the range of new entertain- tion is the 49th edition of the their astonishing combination of elegance and ment we’ve secured for this year’s show,” says show - have very sensibly got an power. This is an extraordinary, once-in-a-life- Paul Saunders, artistic director of the fayre eye to the future, ensuring time opportunity to witness these world- and a musician and performer in his own there’s plenty for youngsters to renowned horses performing in the UK, during right. “Not only do we have great new music, enjoy across the two days. the academy’s momentous 450th anniversary theatre and live shows, but we’ve also got a Kids’ attractions include a num- year.” fantastic new range of workshops for visitors ber of layouts designed for chil- of all ages to enjoy, from music and instrument dren to operate and a Junior making right through to dancing.” Modellers Workshop, in which Gorgeous Christmas budding engineers can put their skills to the test. Craft Fair The show features more than 90 Enginuity, Ironbridge, Sat 19 - Sun 20 November layouts in total, as well as Held in association with the Shropshire Guild numerous demonstrations, of Contemporary Craft, this popular event pro- plenty of trade stands and, as a vides a showcase for the region’s creative tal- rather impressive centrepiece, four full-sized locomotives. ent. Furniture, ceramics, glassware, textiles, Tryzna

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Your week to week listings guide November 2016

thelist November Coventry,12 Centre, - ArtsWarwick 8 - Tips Adolphus Of Story Amazing 946: The

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

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 November Mon 7 to Sun 13 November Mon 14 to Sun 20 November Mon 21 to Wed 30 November

RUN at The Roses Theatre, Jonathan Pie Live at Artrix, Catfish And The Bottlemen at Blake at Palace Theatre, Tewkesbury Bromsgrove Ricoh Arena, Coventry Redditch Tues 1 November Tues 8 November Thurs 17 November Thurs 24 November

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thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November 3 DOORS DOWN Thurs 3 SHAM 69 Sat 5 Nov, THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Gigs Nov, O2 Academy, Wulfrun Hall, Birmingham Wolverhampton models, including the Great Wall of MULTI STORY Thurs 3 HAWKLORDS Sat 5 Nov, Visual Arts China and Niagara Falls, until Sun 15 SYD ARTHUR Tues 1 Nov, The Roadhouse, The Marr's Bar, Jan 2017 Nov, The Rainbow Birmingham Worcester Venues, Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove The Hive, Worcester THE SHIRLEY BASSEY DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO CORY HENRY & THE FUNK FINDING FRESH PATHS: 5 CUBED STORY Thurs 3 Nov, AC / DC Sat 5 Nov, The NEW THE HOP PROJECT APOSTLES Tues 1 Nov, Exhibition by a group of four mature, A contempo- Palace Theatre, River Rooms, The Glee Club, B’ham contemporary artists who trained rary art exhibition touring Redditch Stourbridge TELEGRAM Tues 1 Nov, together and exhibit regularly, until Herefordshire, Worcestershire, IRON FIST OF THE SUN, QUILL Sat 5 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Sun 20 Nov Birmingham and the Black Country. KHOST, TUNNELS OF AH Huntingdon Hall, NEW BILLY BAKER: SUNRISE TO SUNSET The project's starting point is an UFO Tues 1 Nov, The & STECKDOSE Thurs 3 Worcester exploration of the social and political Assembly, Leamington Nov, Hare & Hounds, The focus of this collection of artwork FIVE Sat 5 Nov, implications of hop production in the Spa Bimingham is the interpretation of familiar places West Midlands, Thurs 3 Nov - Tues Bedworth Civic Hall WILL JOSEPH COOK Tues of beauty, making strong use of 13 Dec FLAMINGODS Thurs 3 THE OASIS EXPERIENCE 1 Nov, The Sunflower colour to create dreamlike, atmos- Nov, The Sunflower Sat 5 Nov, The Lounge, Birmingham pheric and dramatic imagery, Wed 23 Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Lounge, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham Museum HONNE Tues 1 Nov, O2 Nov - Tues 3 Jan IAN HUNTER & THE RANT THE NICK ROSS Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & COLIN HITCHMOUGH DICTIONARY OF BAND Fri 4 Nov, The ORCHESTRA: SOUNDS OF SILENCES JMSN Tues 1 Nov, Hare Assembly Rooms, Art Gallery A showcase of new works THE GLENN MILLER ERA & Hounds, Birmingham Leamington Spa Sat 5 Nov, Artrix, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY alongside a selection of key pieces KING PLEASURE & THE Bromsgrove IN 130 YEARS The story of the from the artist’s portfolio, from the ANDY IRVINE Wed 2 BISCUIT BOYS Fri 4 Nov, Museum & Art Gallery, told via a spe- early 1970s to the present day, until Nov, The Red Lion Folk THE RIFLES Sat 5 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, cial anniversary exhibition, until Sun Sun 8 Jan Club, Birmingham The Assembly, Worcester 27 Nov BEAR'S DEN Wed 2 Nov, Leamington Spa Warwick Arts Centre,Coventry HOPE AND SOCIAL Fri 4 BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN O2 Institute, B’ham DANCE GAVIN DANCE Sat THE HUMAN DOCUMENT A new exhibi- Nov, The Tin Music THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People GABRIELLE Wed 2 Nov, 5 Nov, O2 Institute, tion exploring artists’ enduring fasci- And Arts, Coventry explores the ways in which ordinary Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham nation with the work of a group of Brummie folk have been represented SMOOVE & TURRELL Fri photographers who were commis- REBECCA FERGUSON AMON AMARTH Sat 5 in art during the 20th and 21st cen- 4 Nov, Hare & Hounds, sioned by the Farm Security Wed 2 Nov, Symphony Nov, O2 Academy, turies. Change In The Inner-City Birmingham Administration Programme (FSA) in Hall, Birmingham Birmingham focuses on the four inner-city wards MERCHANDISE Fri 4 Nov, Depression-era America to docu- THE STYLISTICS Wed 2 SCORPION CHILD Sat 5 of Ladywood - Nechells, Soho, Aston The Sunflower Lounge, ment the plight of rural workers, until Nov, The Jam House, Nov, The Rainbow and Ladywood, until Fri 31 Mar 2017 Birmingham Sat 10 Dec, The Mead Gallery, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 4 Warwick Arts Centre GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, LEGENDARY NIGHT IN different faiths have influenced and Nov, The River Rooms, NEW LAURA FORD: MEET THE ARTIST FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Birmingham Sat 5 Nov, shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 Stourbridge MIC NIGHT Wed 2 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham CELEBRATING GANESHA A touring exhi- Laura is known for producing sculp- The Night Owl, B’ham VOODOO SIOUX & THEIA GOSPEL GOES CHARITY bition across seven venues around tures that appropriate childhood & NAKED SUNDAY Fri 4 2016 Sat 5 Nov, the UK. Part of the British Museum’s imagery and stories with an idiosyn- THE MOUSE OUTFIT Wed Nov, Route 44, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall National Programmes, until 8 Jan cratic and slightly disturbing twist. 2 Nov, Hare & Hounds, She discusses her sculpture, Days Birmingham BUGZY MALONE Fri 4 SWEAT Sat 5 Nov, Hare Nov, O2 Institute, Of Judgement, Cat 1, which has ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN & Hounds, Birmingham Compton Verney Gallery, Birmingham Warwick recently been installed on campus, Thurs 3 Nov, Wulfrun HUSK Sat 5 Nov, O2 Wed 23 Nov Hall, Wolverhampton MARTIN SIMPSON Fri 4 Academy, Birmingham PICASSO ON PAPER Picasso was one Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove of the most inventive and prolific CARRIE RODRIGUEZ ICE NINE KILLS Sat 5 Worcester City Museum & Art Thurs 3 Nov, Kitchen BRING ME THE HORIZON printmakers of the 20th century. Gallery Nov, The Rainbow Each technique - including etching, Garden Cafe, B’ham Fri 4 Nov, Barclaycard Venues, Birmingham JEREMY DELLER: THE BATTLE OF Arena, Birmingham lithography, aquatint and linocut - SHAWN KLUSH - ELVIS ELIZA CARTHY & THE ORGREAVE On loan from the Artangel inspired new directions in his work, WORLD TOUR Thurs 3 WOMEN IN ROCK Fri 4 WAYWARD BAND Collection at Tate, the exhibition Sun 6 until Sun 11 Dec Nov, Civic Hall, Nov, The Roadhouse, includes a documentary film, Nov, Warwick Arts Wolverhampton Birmingham QUEEN VICTORIA IN PARIS: objects, images and audio record- Centre, Coventry KT TUNSTALL WATERCOLOURS FROM THE ROYAL ings from the artist's archive of JACK SAVORETTI Thurs 3 Fri 4 Nov, NOLA INSPIRED Sun 6 COLLECTION Forty-four watercolours research materials for the reenact- Nov, O2 Institute, Symphony Hall, B’ham Nov, The Roadhouse, of Queen Victoria’s 1855 visit to ment of the battle, until Sat 26 Nov Birmingham PJ HARVEY Fri 4 Nov, Birmingham Paris, some of which were given to Starworks Warehouse, BONFIRE RADICALS Sun her as gifts, others which she later Wolverhampton commissioned herself, until Sun 11 Other VISUAL ARTS 6 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Dec EMBROIDERERS GUILD EXHIBITION - CORINNE BAILEY RAE Fri Birmingham BROWN AT BERRINGTON Hand-crafted 4 Nov, O2 Institute, KSI Sun 6 Nov, O2 Birmingham Forge Mill Needle Museum, textiles inspired by the Capability Institute, Birmingham Redditch Brown-designed Berrington park- THIS WICKED TONGUE Fri DEVINES Sun 6 Nov, land, until Sun 6 Nov, Berrington 4 Nov, The Marr's Bar, Kitchen Garden Cafe, REDDITCH: ITS FARMING HISTORY Hall, Nr Leominster Worcester Exhibition by the Redditch Local Birmingham History Society using maps, photo- THE PLAY'S THE THING Family-friendly ASHLEY ALLEN QUINTET THE MISSION Sun 6 graphs and images to illustrate its exhibition full of treasures from the Fri 4 Nov, Symphony Nov, O2 Institute, forgotten landscape, until Sun 27 archives and the museum collection, Hall, Birmingham Birmingham including rarely seen props, cos- Nov QUEEN II GREATEST HITS THE MEN THAT WILL NOT tumes and original set designs, until TOUR Fri 4 Nov, Albany Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Theatre BE BLAMED FOR Herbert Art Gallery & Theatre, Coventry NOTHING Sun 6 Nov, O2 Stratford HUNTER AND THE BEAR Museum, Coventry THE READY EDDIES Fri 4 Academy, Birmingham Thurs 3 Nov, The Marr's NEW CONDUCT THE STORM Nov, The Robin, Bilston NATURE NOTES Multisensory exhibition Free-to- Bar, Worcester THE SKULL + WITCH with beautiful artworks and real natu- visit installation running in conjunc- JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO MOUNTAIN Sun 6 Nov, FROM THE JAM & THE ral history specimens, until Sun 20 tion with the theatre's Christmas Fri 4 Nov, The The Rainbow Venues, BEAT Thurs 3 Nov, The Nov show, The Tempest, Tues 8 Nov - Assembly, Leamington Birmingham Assembly Rooms, Sat 21 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Spa BRICK WONDERS Exhibition of over 70 Leamington Spa Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1- 6 November - Warwicks & Worc.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:37 Page 2

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November

MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 3 Nov, Classical Music The Victoria, Birmingham ROB DEERING, SEAN MCLOUGHLIN & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY GILBERT AND SULLIVAN'S PATIENCE The ROBINSON Thurs 3 Nov, The Glee Erdington Operatic Society present Club, Birmingham Gilbert & Sullivan’s clever and amus- ing satire with music ranging from RAW COMEDY Fri 4 Nov, Evesham Arts idyllic charm to brash, military patri- Centre otism, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, Sutton JUNIOR SIMPSON, RUSSELL HICKS, Coldfield Town Hall SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: A THEATRE & JAMES DOWDESWELL Fri 4 SCANDINAVIAN SERENADE Programme Nov, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton includes works by Dvorak & Grieg, ED GAMBLE Fri 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Wed 2 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Centre, Coventry Worcester LLOYD GRIFFITH, ADAM BLOOM, CBSO: BRAHMS' SECOND Featuring the ANDREW RYAN & DAVE LONGLEY Fri 4 City Of Birmingham Symphony Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Orchestra, Cristian Macelaru (con- ROB DEERING, SEAN MCLOUGHLIN, ductor) & Simon Trp eski (piano). KEVIN CARTHY & ANDREW WATTS Fri 4 - Programme includes works by č Sat 5 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham Dvorak, Bartok & Brahms, Thurs 3 Macbeth: Director’s Cut - Belgrade Theatre Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JULIAN CLARY Sat 5 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa VAN KUIJK STRING QUARTET Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two staging of Terence Rattigan's Programme includes works by Ravel, LLOYD GRIFFITH, IAN COGNITO, ANDREW Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John sparkling 1936 comedy, Tues 1 - Sat Poulenc & Debussy, Fri 4 Nov, Royal RYAN & DAVE LONGLEY Sat 5 Nov, The Fletcher and William Shakespeare, 5 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Comedy Loft, Birmingham Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa and is best described as a tragicom- WALKING ON SUNSHINE Worcester KALICHSTEIN-LAREDO-ROBINSON TRIO WES ZAHARUK, JAMES ALDERSON, edy exploring the intoxication and Musical Theatre Company present Featuring Jaime Laredo (violin), GARETH RICHARDS & KIRI PRITCHARD- strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, an evening of inspiring songs, spec- Sharon Robinson (cello) & Joseph MCLEAN Sat 5 Nov, Coventry The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- tacular dance and ‘laugh-out-loud’ Kalichstein (piano). Programme Showcase Avon comedy, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, Swan includes works by Beethoven, SHAZIA MIRZA Sun 6 Nov, Warwick THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic Theatre, Worcester Shostakovich & Brahms, Fri 4 Nov, Arts Centre, Coventry restoration comedy, rich with seduc- LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER English Birmingham Town Hall tion, intrigue and danger, set in the GLENDA JAXSON, OLA, KEVIN J, JOHN Touring Theatre present a staging of topsy-turvy world of the carnival. BINCHOIS CONSORT In Praise of Saints: SIMMIT Sun 6 Nov, mac, Birmingham DH Lawrence’s controversial tale. English Music and Midlands Loveday Ingram directs, until Sat 11 Note: this production contains strong SOFIE HAGEN Sun 6 Nov, Royal Spa Alabasters in the Fifteenth Century, Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- language, nudity, scenes of a sexual Centre, Leamington Spa Fri 4 Nov, The Barber Institute, upon-Avon nature, and is not suitable for chil- Birmingham STEVE GRIBBIN, MIKE BUBBINS &PHILIP THE MOUSETRAP Touring production dren, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, Malvern SIMON Mon 7 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: SONGS of Agatha Christie's famous thriller - Theatre Stourbridge FROM A CHANGING WORLD Programme the longest-running show in the his- MOVEABLE PROPS BY NICK WILKES includes works by Elgar, Walton, tory of British theatre, Mon 31 Oct - MalvernBard present a tragicomedy Tippett, Brahms & contemporary Sat 5 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, of life lived on the creative side, Tues composer, Bob Chilcott, Sun 6 Nov, Birmingham 1 - Sat 5 Nov, The Coach House, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham LUCY, LUCY AND LUCY BARFIELD An inti- Malvern Theatre ODYSSEUS PIANO TRIO Featuring Sara Theatre mate show about holding on to THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE St Trickey (violin), Gregor Riddell (cello) adventure, falling through the cracks Alphege Musical Production Society & Clare Hammond (piano), Sun 6 VISITORS Haunting and beautiful and finding your own way back. Part present an amateur version of the Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester exploration of the way in which our of Emerge Festival, which is facilitat- toe-tapping musical, Tues 1 - Sat 5 ed by University of Warwick gradu- EX CATHEDRA: BACH MASS IN B MINOR lives slip past us, until Sat 5 Nov, The Nov, The Core, Solihull Rose Theatre, Kidderminster ates Barrel Organ Theatre Company, Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conduc- Tues 1 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, PATIENCE Erdington Operatic Society tor), Elizabeth Adams, Katie DRACULA Amateur staging of Bram Coventry present an amateur production of Trethaway & Amy Wood (sopranos); Stoker’s chilling story, until Sat 5 Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera, LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS Harriet Houghman Slade & Martha Nov, The Attic Theatre, Stratford- Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, Sutton Coldfield LEMONS McLorinan (altos); Jeremy Budd upon-Avon Walrus Theatre’s award-win- Town Hall (tenor) & Thomas Flint & Greg ning debut show examines how we THE EXORCIST Unleashed for the first express ourselves, personally and HEADS WILL ROLL old By An Idiot Skidmore (bass), Sun 6 Nov, time in a uniquely theatrical experi- present a dark comedy about delu- Birmingham Town Hall politically, through the lens of one ence, until Sat 5 Nov, The REP, couple’s relationship, Tues 1 - Wed 2 sion, vanity and the corruption of Birmingham Nov, mac, Birmingham power, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, The REP, Birmingham HENRY V The Crescent Theatre THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE A brand Company present Shakespeare’s new adaptation of a timeless tale, I LOVE YOU WILL U MARRY ME Sad epic history play, until Sat 5 Nov, suitable for children aged three to Siren explores ‘the unseen things Comedy Gigs Crescent Theatre, Birmingham seven, Tues 1 - Wed 2 Nov, Malvern that we hold dear’. Part of Emerge DRACULA: THE MUSICAL Amateur pro- Theatre Festival, which is facilitated by University of Warwick graduates SHAPPI KHORSANDI Tues 1 Nov, duction presented by Blue Orange MACBETH - DIRECTOR'S CUT Volcano Arts and Night Project Theatre, until Barrel Organ Theatre Company, Tues Evesham Arts Centre Theatre present an erotic and violent 1 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Sat 5 Nov, The Blue Orange Theatre, theatrical assault on the senses, Tues BILLY CONNOLLY Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Nov, Birmingham 1 - Fri 4 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE An intimate Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham RELATIVELY SPEAKING Funny and Coventry evening with Only Fools And Horses MRS BARBARA NICE, SALLY-ANNE actor John Challis, Wed 2 Nov, Royal charmingly English play by Alan HOME AT SEVEN HAYWARD, JULIET MEYERS & MAUREEN Brian Capron and Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Ayckbourn, starring Robert Powell Jenny Funnell star in a staging of RC YOUNGER Wed 2 Nov, Kitchen Garden and Liza Goddard, until Sat 5 Nov, Sherriff's well-crafted thriller, Tues 1 - MR DARCY LOSES THE PLOT Award-win- Cafe, Birmingham Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Sat 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand ning comedy duo LipService explore JOHN CHALLIS Wed 2 Nov, Royal Spa WHAT SHADOWS Roxana Silbert-direct- Theatre the world of women writers, Wed 2 Centre, Leamington Spa Nov, The Roses, Tewkesbury ed play starring Ian McDiarmid as FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS English WIL HODGSON, PATRICK DRAPER & Enoch Powell, until Sat 12 Nov, The Touring Theatre & Orange Tree THE COMMUNITY PROJECT An attempt THERESA FARLOW Thurs 3 Nov, REP, Birmingham Theatre in association with Exeter to dissect what it means to share a Stourbridge Town Hall THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on Northcott Theatre present a new space with those around us. Part of Emerge Festival, which is facilitated

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thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November by University of Warwick graduates Fri 4 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove acclaimed Cuban choreographer Barrel Organ Theatre Company, Wed COULROPHOBIA Pickled Image present Nilda Guerra which fuses traditional 2 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry a show featuring slapstick, mime, and modern dance styles including THE PRIVILEGED A participatory solo puppetry and a lot of cardboard. salsa, rumba, cha-cha-cha and reg- event exploring race, identity and the Contains nudity and some strong gaeton, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Nov, community within today's society. language, Fri 4 Nov, mac, Birmingham Hippodrome Part of Emerge Festival, which is Birmingham PATTERN RECOGNITION Using moving facilitated by University of Warwick MIDDAY VARIETY Special commemo- lights which can track and intelligent- graduates Barrel Organ Theatre rative show celebrating the 1940s, Fri ly respond to the dancers, Pattern Company, Wed 2 Nov, Warwick Arts 4 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Recognition opens up questions Centre, Coventry about learning and memory in rela- POLARIS The chilling horror of a reali- tion to the technology of artificial AN EVENING WITH GRIFF RHYS JONES ty shattered and a splintered exis- Brand new comedy performance, intelligence, Thurs 3 - Fri 4 Nov, tence in turmoil..., Fri 4 Nov, The Old DanceXchange, Birmingham complete with previously unseen Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham footage, Wed 2 Nov, Palace Theatre, Hippodrome Redditch POLICE COPS Action-packed hour of TEN Ace Dance & Music present a adrenaline-fuelled physical theatre, thought provoking full length dance THE SHIRLEY BASSEY STORY Thurs 3 cinematic style and uncompromising Nov, Palace Theatre, Reddich production combining contemporary facial hair, Sat 5 Nov, Old joint Stock dance with an essence of Flamenco, TANK A play which considers the vio- Theatre, Birmingham Kathak, Martial Arts and Ballet, Fri 4 lence of language, the power of cul- FATHER CHRISTMAS NEEDS A WEE Nov, mac, Birmingham ture, and what happens when you Talegate Theatre fuse humour, music inject a cetacean with LSD. Part of and sparkle in a new production Emerge Festival, which is facilitated based on Nicholas Allan’s much- by University of Warwick graduates loved book, Sat 5 Nov, Palace Run - Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Barrel Organ Theatre Company, Theatre, Redditch Thurs 3 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Talks / Coventry CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE Comedy/Drama. Starring Viggo DINOSAURS 2: THE MAGIC CUTLASS Les Spoken Word Mortensen, George MacKay. Roses Petits present an action-packed Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 3 Nov adventure for children, based on the THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) HOW AND WHY TO LAND ON A COMET popular book by Giles Andarea & Mystery/Thriller. Starring Emily Blunt, Russell Ayto, Sat 5 Nov, Warwick Arts With guest speaker Dr Andrew Rebecca Ferguson. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Morse, Tues 1 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 3 Nov Worcester WHAT, NO FIREWORKS! Fun, songs and DOCTOR STRANGE (12a) AN AUDIENCE WITH SIR RANULPH audience participation in popular Action/Adventure. Starring Benedict FIENNES plays for two to nine-year-olds, Sun 5 An evening with the 'World's Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton. Electric Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester Greatest Living Explorer'. Wed 2 Nov, Cinema, Birmingham, until Thurs 3 The Bramall, Birmingham BETH VYSE: AS FUNNY AS CANCER Join Nov Beth as she talks about her Stoke- JOE KELLEHER: ON THEATRE AND POLI- FREE STATE OF JONES (15) TICS on-Trent family, The Waltons on alco- Joe Kelleher’s lecture will con- Biography/Drama. Starring Matthew hol, her time with Nelson Mandela, sider a number of questions about McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw. acting and thieving at the Royal how contemporary theatre seeks to Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Shakespeare Company, settling engage politically with the world Thurs 3 Nov down with Michael Jackson and find- around it, with the consequences of ing cancer, Sat 5 Nov, Artrix, history and also with what is going THE ANGELS' SHARE (18) GET YOURSELF TOGETHER New show Bromsgrove on right now, Fri 4 Nov, The REP, Comedy/Drama . Starring Paul from Royal Exchange-supported Birmingham Brannigan, Siobhan Reilly. Electric OLIVER SAMUELS IN GUILT TRIP New Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 3 Nov artist Josh Coates which is part comedy drama which reminds us NAPOLEAN’S THEATRICAL BODY Dr Kate stand-up, part spoken word and part that knowledge from your past can Astbury talks about how Napolean MAGIC MIKE (15) Comedy/Drama. teenager-in-his-room-pretending- turn out to be cruel, but can also be was able to turn theatrical imagery to Starring Channing Tatum, Alex he's-in-a-punk-band. Part of Emerge a powerful and invigorating force, his advantage when he audaciously Pettyfer. The Mockingbird, Festival, which is facilitated by Sun 6 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, returned to power in 1815, Sat 5 Nov, Birmingham, Fri 4 Nov University of Warwick graduates Birmingham Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa SONITA (15) Documentary. Starring Barrel Organ Theatre Company, THE MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS Concert- Sonita Alizadeh, Rokhsareh Thurs 3 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Ghaemmaghami. Foreign language, Coventry style show featuring hit songs from some of the biggest names in musi- subtitled. mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 - PHANTOM OF THE MUSICALS Starring cal theatre including Andrew Lloyd Wed 9 Nov Barry Walker & Smackee, Thurs 3 Webber, Stephen Sondheim, George Film I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Drama. Starring Nov, Bedworth Civic Hall Gershwin & Rogers and Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Dylan PAUL CARROLL'S MUSIC HALL TAVERN Hammerstein, Sun 6 Nov, Stratford INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: McKiernan. mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Comedy drag variety show, with Paul Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon Thurs 10 Nov; Malvern Theatres, Fri Carroll as Mrs T, Paul Burnham as 4 - Thurs 10 Nov CLOUD CUCKOO LAND: DING DONG An BADEN BADEN (15) Comedy/Drama. Guapatini, Grant Koper as Miss interactive musical play about ‘time’ Starring Salomé Richard & Claude THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (U) Frankie and featuring the Showcase for younger children, Sun 6 Nov, Gensac. Foreign language, subtitled. Comedy/Animation. Starring Louis International Dancers, Thurs 3 Nov, mac, Birmingham mac, Birmingham, until Wed 2 Nov C.K., Eric Stonestreet. Roses Albany Theatre, Coventry Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 5 Nov MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE Documentary. Starring Rob Alter, FIREWORKS (18) Crime/Drama. WARDROBE The Drama Club at Tom Cruise, Paz de la Huerta. mac, Starring Takeshi Kitano, Kayoko Stratford ArtsHouse present a new Birmingham, until Thurs 3 Nov Kishimoto. Foreign language, subti- version of CS Lewis' classic tale, Dance tled. The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Nov, Stratford BEN-HUR (12a) Action/Adventure. Sat 5 Nov Artshouse Starring Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell. RUN Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until OH, MR. PORTER! (U) Comedy. Starring VAMPIRES ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Classic 2Faced Dance present a triple bill choreographed by Tamsin Thurs 3 Nov Will Hay. Electric Cinema, rock spectacular, a sequel to the Birmingham, Sun 6 Nov phenomenally successful Vampires Fitzgerald, Lenka Vagnerova and THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (12a) Rock Musical Concert, Fri 4 Nov, The Rebecca Evans, with origingal music Adventure/Western. Starring Chris Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury by Angus MacRae & Tomas Vychytil, Pratt, Denzel Washington. Roses Tues 1 Nov, The Roses Theatre, Theatre, Tewkesbury, until Thurs 3 THE HITCHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE FAMILY Tewkesbury Nov A multimedia road trip that asks VAMOS CUBA searching questions about identity, New show from CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (15)

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Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 November

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: the experts via a variety of free work- to the mid-1830s, examining details shops and demonstrations, Thurs 3 - of surviving garments in museum Released from Tues 1 Nov, showing Bonfires & Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham collections and comparing them with at selected cinemas THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT contemporary images and descrip- THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12a) Firework SHOW Supplies, innovations, demon- tions, Sat 5 Nov, Herbert Art Gallery Thurs 3 Nov, showing at selected strations and workshops, Thurs 3 - & Museum, Coventry cinemas Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BIG AMATEUR WEEKEND Become an Displays DENNIS VIOLLET: A UNITED MAN (tbc) CAKE INTERNATIONAL The Sugarcraft, RSC actor for the weekend and Fri 4 Nov, showing at selected cine- Cake Decorating & Baking Show experience how the performers and FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR WITH LASER mas makes a welcome return, Fri 4 - Sun directors prepare and rehearse for a SHOW Tues 1 Nov, Hampton Court THE ACCOUNTANT (15) 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham show, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Royal Castle, Herefordshire Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (15) LEAMINGTON RUGBY CLUB BONFIRE & LITTLE WARRIOR WEEKENDS Teach upon-Avon RUPTURE (15) your little warriors the skills required FIREWORKS NIGHT Fri 4 Nov, to conquer fierce dragons and THE NATIONAL PET SHOW 2015 Moorefields, Leamington Spa A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12a) medieval battles, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Nov, Featuring hundreds of different ani- BISHOPS TACHBROOK BONFIRE & mals, animal action displays, inform- THE DARKEST UNIVERSE (15) Warwick Castle FIREWORKS Fri 4 Nov, Bishops ative talks and demonstrations, Sat 5 Tachbrook Meadow, Warwickshire MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Birmingham FESTIVAL Featuring 100 exhibitors, 27 FIREWORKS FRENZY Sat 5 Nov, Santa THE SOOTY SHOW: SOOTY IN SPACE Sat workshops, live music, a wellbeing Pod Raceway, Northants studio & spa, a ceremony space and 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Cadbury World, Events FIREWORKS AT SIXWAYS Sat 5 Nov, a juice bar, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, Bournville, Birmingham Sixways Stadium, Worcester Birmingham THE GUNPOWDER TREASON WEEKEND A GINO D'ACAMPO SIGNING Gino weekend dedicated to the KENILWORTH ROUND TABLE BONFIRE & D'Acampo signs copies of his latest FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT - DOUBLE Gunpowder Plot, including a 35- FIREWORKS GALA Sat 5 Nov, book, Gino's Hidden Italy, Thurs 3 HEADER Sat 5 Nov, Ricoh Arena, minute family play delivered by re- Kenilworth Castle Nov, Waterstones - High St, Coventry enactors Sir Robert Cecil's Men, Sat WARWICK TOWN FIREWORKS Sat 5 Birmingham AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY IN WATERCOLOUR 5 - Sun 6 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Nov, Warwick Racecourse CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS The perfect One-day workshop covering all the Birmingham BONFIRE NIGHT AT HILL TOP FARM Sat 5 place to start your Christmas prepa- steps necessary to create a water- SHARK WEEK See sharks in all shapes Nov, Hilltop Farm, Leamington Spa rations, with a host of gifts you colour masterpiece, Sat 5 Nov, and sizes and learn to identify differ- wouldn’t usually find on the high British Motor Museum, Gaydon EDGBASTON STADIUM FIREWORKS ent types, Sat 5 - Sun 13 Nov, street, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 Nov, NEC, SPECTACULAR Sat 5 Nov, Edgbaston PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND PETTICOATS: National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham Stadium REGENCY FASHION FROM JANE AUSTEN Birmingham ART MATERIALS LIVE Hone your paint- TO CRANFORD Tutor Alison Taylor FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sat 5 Nov, ing skills and pick up top tips from explores women’s clothing from 1800 Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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Monday 7 - Sunday 13 November

thelistBirmingham Palace Theatre, ST MICHAEL’S SINGERS CONCERT Gigs GLENN TILBROOK - THE Redditch Classical Music Programme comprises Karl Jenkins’ BEST OF TIMES Thurs 10 RAYMOND FROGGATT Sat The Armed Man, Sat 12 Nov, Nov, Huntingdon Hall, 12 Nov, Artrix, Coventry Cathedral SLEAFORD MODS Mon 7 MILOS KARADAGLIC: BACH TO BEATLES Worcester Bromsgrove CHANDOS: THE FRIENDS 25TH Nov, The Empire, Also featuring the Royal Northern ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Featuring Coventry KEITH THOMPSON BAND PEACOCK ANGEL Sat 12 Sinfonia. Programme includes works Michael Lloyd (conductor) & David Thurs 10 Nov, Katie Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove by JS Bach, Francisco Tarrega, AFRO CELT SOUND Cohen (cello). Programme includes Fitzgerald's, TOM ODELL Sat 12 Nov, Manuel De Falla, Anon, Vivaldi, SYSTEM Mon 7 Nov, works by Bax, Elgar, Lalo & Stourbridge O2 Academy, B’ham Granados, Joaquin Rodrigo, Luigi Birmingham Town Hall Prokofiev, Sun 13 Nov, Malvern THE CADILLAC THREE Boccherini, Carlos Gardel, Antonio SILVERSUN PICKUP Mon RONI SIZE Sat 12 Nov, Theatres Thurs 10 Nov, O2 Carlos Jobim, Astor Piazzolla & The 7 Nov, O2 Institute, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Academy, Birmingham Beatles, Mon 7 Nov, Symphony Hall, RODERICK WILLIAMS SINGS WINTER- Birmingham IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC REISE Sun 13 Nov, King’s High MICK FLANNERY Thurs Birmingham ANATHEMA Mon 7 Nov, ROCK DISCO Sat 12 Nov, School, Warwick 10 Nov, The Glee Club, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: BACH TO The Assembly, Route 44, Birmingham Birmingham THE FUTURE Featuring Diane Clark LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: SIMPLY Leamington Spa THE WAILERS Sat 12 GERSHWIN Featuring Gavin BRYDE + ME FOR QUEEN (flute); Victoria Brawn (oboe); Hugh TIBET Mon 7 Nov, Hare Nov, O2 Institute, Sutherland (conductor), Viv McLean Thurs 10 Nov, The Davies (trumpet); David Le Page (vio- & Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham (piano), Gweneth-Ann Jeffers (sopra- Sunflower Lounge, lin) & David Curtis (conductor ). no) & Njabulo Madlala (baritone). IDLES Mon 7 Nov, O2 Birmingham MUSED (Muse Tribute) Programme includes works by Bach Academy, Birmingham Sat 12 Nov, The Marr's arr Steve Marland, Bach, Douglas Sun 13 Nov, Symphony Hall, ALCEST AND MONO Bar, Worcester Cuomo & Stravinsky, Tues 8 Nov, Birmingham THE VINTAGE CARAVAN Thurs 10 Nov, O2 Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Programme Mon 7 Nov, The Academy, Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL Avon Rainbow Venues, 'MOTOWN' PARTY WITH includes works by Borodin, Elgar & ANOUSHKA SHANKAR Birmingham THE BROTHERS OF SOUL THE TELLING WITH JAN CHAPPELL Britten, Sun 13 Nov, Stratford Thurs 10 Nov, Sat 12 Nov, Nailcote Featuring Clare Norburn & Yvonne Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon DELAIN Tues 8 Nov, O2 Symphony Hall, B’ham Hall, Berkswell, Eddy (sopranos) & Leah Stuttard Institute, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC BRASS Sun DARKSIDE - THE PINK Warwickshire (harp), Tues 8 Nov, St Mary’s 13 Nov, The Barber Institute, BEN CAPLAN Tues 8 FLOYD SHOW Fri 11 - ELAINE PAIGE Sat 12 Church, Warwick Birmingham Nov, The Rainbow Sat 12 Nov, Belgrade Nov, Malvern Theatres ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: BACH TO GROOVE TOWN: BIRMINGHAM'S VOICE Venues, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry THE CLONE ROSES Sat THE FUTURE Featuring Diane Clark OF THE TOWN CHOIR Sun 13 Nov, mac, TIGERCUB Tues 8 Nov, LIVEWIRE - TRIBUTE TO 12 Nov, O2 Academy, (flute); Victoria Brawn (oboe); Hugh Birmingham The Marr's Bar, AC/DC Fri 11 Nov, The Birmingham Davies (trumpet); David Le Page (vio- Worcester Assembly, Leamington lin) & David Curtis (conductor ). FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS DAVID ESSEX Tues 8 Spa Programme includes works by Bach Sat 12 Nov, The Swan Nov, Symphony Hall, arr Steve Marland, Bach, Douglas PEARL JAM U.K Fri 11 Theatre, Worcester Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, Cuomo & Stravinsky, Wed 9 Nov, PERMAGEDDON Sat 12 Comedy Gigs BASTILLE Tues 8 Nov, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Nov, The River Rooms, Barclaycard Arena, LEGEND OF A BAND Fri A SHAKESPEARE AND VERLAINE Stourbridge CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 8 Nov, Birmingham 11 Nov, Malvern SONGBOOK Featuring Carolyn THE DAMNED - 40TH The Dark Horse, Birmingham EARTH Tues 8 Nov, The Theatres Sampson (soprano) & Jospeh ANNIVERSARY TOUR Sat Middleton (piano). Programme JONATHAN PIE Tues 8 Nov, Artrix, Rainbow Venues, HORSE MEAT DISCO Fri 12 Nov, The Assembly, includes works by Schubert, Haydn, Bromsgrove Birmingham 11 Nov, Hare & Leamington Spa Purcell, Schumann, R Strauss, GLENN HUGHES & LIVING Hounds, Birmingham TOM STADE Wed 9 Nov, The Glee POP UP BOWIE Sat 12 Vaughan Williams, Britten, Gurney, COLOUR Tues 8 Nov, Club, Birmingham RAVEN EYE Fri 11 Nov, Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Bush, Debussy & Faure, Wed 9 Nov, The Assembly, THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW LIVE Thurs The Marr's Bar, Coventry The Barber Institute, Birmingham Leamington Spa Worcester 10 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, THE ELTON JOHN STORY KEVIN VOLANS SPOTLIGHT Programme CHAS N DAVE Wed 9 Coventry BETH HART Fri 11 Nov, STARRING JIMMY LOVE comprises Volans' Piano Concerto Nov, Belgrade Theatre, PATRICK MONAHAN, IMRAN YUSUF & Symphony Hall, B’ham Sat 12 Nov, No.4, Fri 11 Nov, CBSO Centre, Coventry COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ARCHITECTS Fri 11 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham ROBINSON Thurs 10 Nov, The Glee GREG ABATE Wed 9 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham Worcester POMEGRANATE PIANO TRIO Programme Stratford Artshouse, Club, Birmingham THE BOOTLEG SIXTIES Fri LAS KELLIES Sat 12 includes works by Mozart, Nicholas Stratford-upon-Avon JAKE LAMBERT, PAUL MCCAFFREY & 11 Nov, Belgrade Nov, The Tin Music Maw & Schubert, Fri 11 Nov, Artrix, PHIL JERROD Thurs 10 Nov, The THAT'LL BE THE DAY Wed Theatre, Coventry And Arts, Coventry Bromsgrove 9 Nov, Royal Spa Bramall, Birmingham MARGARET GLASPY Fri SNOWBIRDS & CZECH NATIONAL SYMPHONY Centre, Leamington ELLIE TAYLOR Fri 11 Nov, The Core 11 Nov, The Sunflower COFFINDODGERS ORCHESTRA Featuring pianist Mark Spa Theatre, Solihull Lounge, Birmingham GROOVE’N’DISCO Sat 12 Bebbington. Programme includes GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, works by Smetana, Grieg, Philip PATRICK MONAHAN, IMRAN YUSUF, STARMAN: DAVID BOWIE Nov, Stratford FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Glass & Dvorak, Sat 12 Nov, Warwick GEORGE ZACH & JOSH HOWIE Fri 11 - A MUSICAL CELEBRATION Artshouse, Stratford- MIC NIGHT Wed 9 Nov, Arts Centre, Coventry Sat 12 Nov, The Glee Club, Fri 11 Nov, The Core upon-Avon The Night Owl, B’ham Birmingham Theatre, Solihull LACUNA COIL Sun 13 THREE SPIRES HARMONY A Coventry- LUCIA CADOTSCH Wed 9 based group performing a range of GLENN WOOL, DAN NIGHTINGALE, SCOTT CHERYL, MIKE AND JAY Nov, O2 Institute, Nov, mac, Birmingham traditional and more modern songs BENNETT & PETE OTWAY Fri 11 - Sat 12 (Formerly of Bucks Birmingham in four-part a capella, Sat 12 Nov, Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham SERATONES Wed 9 Nov, Fizz) The 35th NEW MODEL ARMY Sun Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Hare & Hounds, B’ham Anniversary Tour Fri 11 13 Nov, O2 Institute, FREDDIE FARRELL & ROB KEMP Sat 12 THE GRAHAM BONNET Nov, The Roses Birmingham BEASTDOME: ENVISION Featuring guest Nov, mac, Birmingham artist Freida Abtan, Sat 12 Nov, The BAND Wed 9 Nov, The Theatre, Tewkesbury KIM CYPHER & LEE DAN NIGHTINGALE, ANDY FURY, DAN Bramall, Birmingham River Rooms, THE PRIMEVALS, BLACK JONES Sun 13 Nov, The EVANS & HARRIET KEMSLEY Sat 12 Stourbridge BOMBERS & THE DE Roses Theatre, CBSO: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Nov, Coventry Showcase SHOW OF HANDS WITH RELLAS Fri 11 Nov, Tewkesbury Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor), JOSH HOWIE Sun 13 Nov, Warwick Anthony James Edwards (tenor), MIRANDA SYKES Thurs Hare & Hounds, B’ham THE PRISTINES Sun 13 Arts Centre, Coventry James Cleverton (baritone) & the 10 Nov, Birmingham POMEGRANATE PIANO Nov, The Tin Music City Of Birmingham Choir. JEN BRISTER, JAYDE ADAMS, LINDSEY Town Hall TRIO Fri 11 Nov, Artrix, And Arts, Coventry Programme includes works by Orff, SANTORO & MAUREEN YOUNGER Sun Bromsgrove LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Thurs BILLY BRAGG & JOE Grieg, Elgar, Handel, Brahms, Bizet, 13 Nov, Penthouse Conference & 10 Nov, The Marr's Bar, THANK YOU FOR THE HENRY Sun 13 Nov, Ravel, Wagner, Rossini, Verdi, Events Centre, Birmingham Worcester MUSIC The ultimate trib- Warwick Arts Centre, Tchaikovsky, Wood & Arne, Sat 12 SEAN LOCK Sun 13 Nov, Birmingham THE WYTCHES Thurs 10 ute to ABBA and the Coventry Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hippodrome Nov, O2 Institute, Bee Gees, Sat 12 Nov,

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play about courage, bravery and Theatre swing dancing, Wed 9 Nov, The Fleece Inn, Worcester HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES MACBETH Welsh National Opera Amateur production of Alan (WNO) present a new production of Ayckbourn’s comic farce, Mon 7 - Verdi’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Sat 12 Nov, Talisman Theatre, famous tragedy, Wed 9 Nov, Kenilworth Birmingham Hippodrome THE MERCHANT OF VENICE WNO BEDROOM FARCE Second Thoughts present a new production, sung in Drama Group present an amateur English with surtitles, Tues 8 Nov, production of Alan Ayckbourn's Birmingham Hippodrome sparkling comedy, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Nov, The Bear Pit Theatre - The THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNIE The United Reformed Church, Stratford- heart-warming story of Morecambe upon-Avon & Wise, Tues 8 Nov, Bedworth Civic Hall LEGALLY BLONDE Amateur production presented by Coventry Youth LIFE IS NO LAUGHING MATTER An Theatre Operetta Group, Wed 9 - autobiographical live art/stand Sat 12 Nov, Albany Theatre, up/theatre performance about men- Coventry tal illness, suicide and radical cure attempts, Tues 8 - Wed 9 Nov, mac, ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR Warwick Birmingham University Drama Society (WUDS) present Alan Ayckbourn's classic 946: THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOL- farce, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Nov, Warwick PHUS TIPS Kneehigh Theatre fuse Arts Centre, Coventry music, puppetry and foolishness to tell Michael Morpurgo’s tale of war, PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS Non-sexual prejudice and love, based on his show that features full-frontal male novel of the same name, Tues 8 - nudity. Suitable for adults only! Sat 12 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Thurs 10 Nov, The Swan Theatre, Coventry Worcester THE TEMPEST The Bard's magical AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE exploration of revenge, forgiveness, Scintillating, titillating, mesmerising, love & magic, Tues 8 Nov - Sat 21 fantasising, a place you’ve never Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, seen, a world you’ve never been - Stratford-upon-Avon all in one evening!, Thurs 10 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry MINISTRY OF SCIENCE Anarchic stage show taking a look at the inventors PADDY The story of a young Irish and engineers who’ve shaped and emigrant who leaves Mayo in the inspired the modern world, Tues 8 1960s in search of fame and for- Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre tune, Thurs 10 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Regent’s Park Theatre present a new staging of SLEEPING BEAUTY Traditional pan- Jane Austen’s romantic comedy, tomime presented by Birmingham Tues 8 - Sat 12 Nov, The REP, Youth Theatre, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Birmingham Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham IOLANTHE Worcestershire Gilbert & Sullivan present a ‘new and excit- KISS ME KATE Welsh National Opera ing’ production of Gilbert & present a 1940s-set musical version Sullivan’s comic opera, Tues 8 - Sat of Shakespeare’s The Taming Of 12 Nov, The Rose Theatre, The Shrew, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Nov, Kidderminster Birmingham Hippodrome SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK - THE NABUCCO Opera & Ballet ROD STEWART STORY Theatrical pro- International present an Ellen Kent duction celebrating the career of production of Verdi's haunting and one of rock’s greatest icons, Wed 9 melodic chorus of the Hebrew Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Slaves, Fri 11 Nov, New Alexandra Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham THINK OF ENGLAND Anonymous Is A JOE BLACK: MEET ME AT THE ELDORA- Woman Theatre Co present a new DO Joe Black presents an evening

Paddy - Palace Theatre, Redditch & Bedworth Civic Hall

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thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 November of fun, ﬁlth and frivolity that pays Factory, Warwick homage to the decadent Weimar WHY THE WHALES CAME Award-win- Berlin nightlife, Fri 11 Nov, Old Joint ning performer and storyteller Stock Theatre, Birmingham Danyah Miller brings to life Michael SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK - THE Morpurgo's enchanting tale. Created ROD STEWART STORY Theatrical pro- by Wizard, the team behind the duction celebrating the career of one much-acclaimed production of I of rock’s greatest icons, Fri 11 Nov, Believe In Unicorns, Sun 13 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch mac, Birmingham WHY THE WHALES CAME Former MAVIS SPARKLE M6’s production Children’s Laureate and award-win- mixes magic, illusion, animation and ning War Horse author Michael laughter, Sun 13 Nov, Warwick Arts Morpurgo demonstrates why he’s Centre, Coventry considered a master storyteller with THINK OF ENGLAND Anonymous Is A yet another of his beautifully crafted Woman Theatre Co present a new tales for children, Sat 12 Nov, play about courage, bravery and Stourbridge Town Hall swing dancing, Sun 13 Nov, Fairfield GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS Don’t Village Hall, Worcestershire Go Into The Cellar present an evening of macabre Victorian theatre, Sat 12 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch POOH’S BASKET OF SURPRISES The classic stories of Winnie The Pooh, Dance narrated by a professional storyteller, Sat 12 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch 946: The Amazing Story Of ROMEO AND JULIET Ballet Theatre UK MIRRORS AND MAKEUP Musical exam- presents its version of the world’s Adolphus Tips ining some of the key social issues greatest love story, Wed 9 Nov, The Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 8 - Sat 12 November that can often compromise the devel- Roses, Tewkesbury opment of young people, Sat 12 Nov, Lily Tregenza’s life on a farm in Slapton is pretty idyllic, even though South & City College, Digbeth, Birmingham beyond the picturesque seaside village’s boundaries the Second World War is raging. Lily’s dad is away and her school is being THE MAGIC FLUTE Featuring Mozart’s Talks beautiful music and celebrating the attended by evacuee children - but other than that, her world birth of teen culture, this timeless remains untouched by the terrible conflict. Until, that is, the vil- coming-of-age story explores the AN AUDIENCE WITH GERVASE PHINN lagers are told to leave their homes so that the allies can use Slapton other-worldliness which glamorous Join the raconteur as he shares to practise their landings for D-Day. Hollywood brought to post-war poignant tales of life as a schools When Lily’s cat finds her way beyond the ‘keep out’ signs and Britain, Sat 12 Nov, Birmingham inspector in the Yorkshire Dales, Mon through the barbed wire, the 12-year-old girl thinks little of her own Botanical Gardens 13 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, DEEP IN THE HEART OF ME New play Leamington Spa safety as she searches for her beloved pet... featuring the music of the Sinatra-led Michael Morpurgo’s delightful story is here presented by the ever- Rat Pack and exploring midlife anxi- inventive Kneehigh theatre company, who cleverly combine music, ety and empty-nest syndrome, Sat Film puppetry and ‘foolishness’ to recount a tale that’s been described by 12 Nov, The Wellington Hotel, Bristol The Times as a life-affirming piece of theatre. Street, Birmingham INDEPENDENT CINEMAS: THERE’S NO OTHER EXCEPT ME Performance installation which invites BRIDGE OF SPIES (12) History/Thriller. audience members to respond to the Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance. Thurs 10 Nov SINS OF THE FLESH + Q&A (15) Drama. potential of unanticipated dialogues Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 8 Starring Nahed El Sebai, Ahmed through telephonic interactions, Sat THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (PG) Nov Abdala Mahomud, Zaki Faten. 12 Nov, Birmingham Open Media Drama/Horror. Starring Boris Karloff, Foreign language, subtitled. mac, (BOM), Birmingham FORBIDDEN GROUND (15) Drama/War. Elsa Lanchester. Electric Cinema, Starring Johan Earl, Tim Pocock. Birmingham, Wed 9 Nov Birmingham, Sat 12 Nov THE MAGIC SWAN Based on a Russian Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 8 ODDBALL AND THE PENGUINS (U) folk tale, this family fantasy blends BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (15) Nov Adventure/Family. Starring Alan live action with puppetry to tell the Comedy/Romance. Starring Renée Tudyk, Sarah Snook. Warwick Arts story of how a swan’s gift transforms THINGS TO COME (12A) Drama. Zellweger, Gemma Jones. Artrix, Centre, Coventry, Sat 12 Nov the lives of a starving peasant family, Starring Isabelle Huppert, André Bromsgrove, Wed 9 & Fri 11 Nov Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, The Dream Marcon. Malvern Theatres, Tues 8 - NT LIVE: THE DEEP BLUE SEA ( 12A) ELSTREE 1976 (12) Documentary. Drama. Starring Helen McCrory, Starring Laurie Goode. Electric Peter Sullivan. mac, Birmingham, Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 12 Nov Thurs 10 Nov THE COLOR PURPLE (18) Drama. PANIC + Q&A (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Starring David Gyasi, Pippa Nixon, Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Jason Wong. mac, Birmingham, Winfrey. mac, Birmingham, Sun 13 Thurs 10 Nov Nov SIDEWAYS (18) Comedy/Drama. SEMBENE! + Q&A (12A) Documentary. Starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Starring Mbissine Thérèse Diop, Haden Church. Electric Cinema, Ousmane Sembene. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 10 Nov Birmingham, Sun 13 Nov ETHEL & ERNEST (15) THE WOLF MAN (PG) Drama/Horror. Animation/Drama. Starring Jim Starring Lon Chaney Jnr., Claude Broadbent, Pam Ferris, Luke Rains. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Treadaway. mac, Birmingham, Fri 11- Sun 13 Nov Wed 16 Nov SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU (12A) AMERICAN HONEY (15) Drama. Starring Biography/Drama. Starring Tika Sasha Lane, Shai La Beouf, McCaul Sumpter, Parker Sawyers. Roses Lombardi, Arielle Holmes. mac, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 13 - Fri 18 Mavis Sparkle - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Birmingham, Fri 11- Thurs 17 Nov Nov

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Monday 7 - Sunday 13 November

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Released from Thurs 10 Nov, showing at selected cinemas SHOUT FESTIVAL Birmingham’s LGBTQ Arts Festival returns for its ARRIVAL (12a) 8th edition, Thurs 10 Nov - Sun 20 A HUNDRED STREETS (15) Nov, Various locations across AMERICAN PASTORAL (15) Birmingham - including mac, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Electric Cinema. THE INNOCENTS (15) BOM, Birmingham, The Penthouse, and Birmingham REP. For full details of performances and events, visit shoutfestival.co.uk LITTLE WARRIOR WEEKENDS Teach Events your little warriors the skills required to conquer fierce dragons and medi- CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS SNOOKER aeval battles, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Nov, Featuring defending champion Neil Warwick Castle Robertson and China Open winner, WINTER MARKET FOOD & CRAFTS Judd Trump. Mon 7 Nov - Sat 12 Featuring more than 40 independent Nov, Ricoh Arena, Coventry retailers, creatives and artists, Fri 11 - WWE LIVE Popular WWE superstars Sat 12 Nov, Fargo Village, Coventry and divas. all under one roof, Wed 9 LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC Nov, Genting Arena, Birmingham MOTOR SHOW Featuring over 2,000 KNITTING FOR VICTORY WORLD RECORD classic cars, 300 motorcycles, 600 DAY Thurs 10 Nov, Upton House & trade stands and the biggest indoor Gardens, Warwickshire autojumble, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Nov, Champion Of Champions Snooker - Ricoh Arena, Coventry FAMILY DROP-IN SESSIONS Grow and NEC, Birmingham Nov, Victoria Square, Birmingham the period rooms and meet the cas- explore outdoors. For pre-school HOOK A POPPY FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY SILVER BANGLE WORKSHOP Join local tle characters, who’ll explore the use children, Thurs 10 Nov, Hill Close - CRAFT WORKSHOP Make a poppy designer-maker Grace Page to of light through the ages, Sat 12 Nov, Gardens, Warwick with the craft experts and learn about design and make your own silver Tamworth Castle FESTIVE GIFT FAIR Combine your rag rugging techniques, Sat 12 Nov, bangle in a day, Sat 12 Nov, Museum HERITAGE WEEKEND AT CADBURY Christmas shopping with an enter- Birmingham Back to Backs of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham WORLD Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov, Cadbury taining, inspiring and fun day out, BIRMINGHAM WHISKY FESTIVAL Sat 12 CASTLE BY CANDLELIGHT Walk through World, Bournville, Birmingham

November 2016 BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE

Sunday 13 November Thursday 17 November Tuesday 22 November JACKSON LADY MAISERY MARTIN TURNER: TRIBUTE TO THE KING OF SHINING LIGHTS OF EX WISHBONE ASH POP ENGLISH FOLK MUSIC AN EVENING OF WISHBONE ASH & BEYOND

Wednesday 23 November Thursday 24 November Friday 25 November PETER KNIGHT’S AUSTENTATIOUS THINK FLOYD GIGSPANNER AN IMPROVISED JANE PLAYING DARK SIDE OF THE FEATURING EX-STEELEYE AUSTEN NOVEL MOON & WISH YOU WERE SPAN’S PETER KNIGHT HERE

COMING SOON: Martin Simpson, Nick Ross Orchestra, Beth Vyse, Jonathan Pie, Pomegranate Piano Trio, Peacock Angell, Raymond Froggatt, Glenn Tilbrook, Marcus Brigstocke, Robinson-Stone, Barnstormers Comedy, Nya’s House Of Soul, Outspoken, Mi Luna, Sunny Ormonde, Abba Forever, Winter Mountain, Seann Walsh, NYE with The Beat Brothers

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 14 - 20 November - Warwicks & Worcs Davina.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:39 Page 1

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 November Flapper, Birmingham MARC BOLAN & T-REX Williams, Bob Chilcott & Elgar, Sat 19 Gigs THINK FLOYD Thurs 17 Sat 19 Nov, The Classical Music Nov, Tewkesbury Abbey Nov, The Roses Roadhouse, B’ham THE RAF IN CONCERT 2016 Sun 20 Theatre, Tewkesbury THE ANSWER AND THE Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS DEAD DAISIES Sat 19 THE NIGHT SWEATS Mon THE SKATALITES Thurs TROTTER Programme includes works UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK SYMPHONY Nov, O2 Academy, 14 Nov, O2 Academy, 17 Nov, Hare & by Bach, A Guilmant, G Edmundson, ORCHESTRA: MAMBO The University of Birmingham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham C.Saint-Saens (arr. Lemare) & L Warwick Wind Orchestra join forces HONEYBLOOD Sat 19 Boellmann, Mon 14 Nov, Birmingham with University dance groups to per- IS BLISS Mon 14 Nov, KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL & TRINA Nov, The Rainbow Town Hall form an extravaganza of dance & The Sunflower Lounge, music featuring Rob Wiffin's Spirit of BROUSSARD Thurs 17 Venues, Birmingham HORÃCIO FERREIRA IN RECITAL Also Birmingham the Dance, Leonard Bernstein's Nov, O2 Institute, SUPREME QUEEN Sat 19 featuring David Bekker (piano). OLIVIA ROSE DEANE AND Symphonic Dances from West Side Birmingham Nov, The River Rooms, Programme includes works by Béla SOPHIA MARSHALL Mon Story, and more... Sun 20 Nov, Stourbridge Kovács, Schumannm, Françaix, 14 Nov, Kitchen WALLIS BIRD Thurs 17 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, The Glee Club, AMONG THE ECHOES, Weber, Kimmo Hakola & Brahms, Garden Cafe, B’ham CEMPR AND EARLY MODERN VOCAL Birmingham JAN DOYLE BAND, THE Mon 14 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall THE WAVE PICTURES ENSEMBLE Featuring Music Secreta, WEBB & WRAPPED IN VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY CONDUCTS Mon 14 Nov, Hare & ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW Sun 20 Nov, The Barber Institute, PLASTIC Sat 19 Nov, RACHMANINOV'S SYMPHONY NO 1 Hounds, Birmingham AND THE LOW RIDERS Birmingham Thurs 17 Nov, The Flapper, B’ham Featuring Philharmonia Orchestra & MUTANT MONSTER / WARWICKSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHES- Huntingdon Hall, THE ATLANTIC PLAYERS Alice Sara Ott. Programme includes TOUCH MY SECRET Mon TRA: MUSIC FROM THE FILMS Featuring Worcester Sat 19 Nov, Hare & works by Borodin, Tchaikovsky & 14 Nov, Hare & Rachmaninov, Tues 15 Nov, Paul Leddington (conductor), Sun 20 MOTORHEADACHE Thurs Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington 17 Nov, The Robin, SLAVES Sat 19 Nov, O2 LUCKY CHOPS Mon 14 Spa Bilston Academy, Birmingham MIRGA CONDUCTS MAHLER'S FIRST Nov, O2 Institute, Featuring Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla (con- CHANGO SPASIUK Thurs ROBINSON-STONE Sat 19 Birmingham ductor) & the City of Birmingham 17 Nov, mac, B’ham Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove RUMOURS OF Symphony Orchestra. Programme FLEETWOOD MAC Tues RED BUTLER Thurs 17 GUNTHER PRAGUE Sat includes works by Serksnyte, Haydn 15 Nov, Royal Spa Nov, The Roadhouse, 19 Nov, The Tin Music & Mahler, Wed 16 Nov, Symphony Comedy Gigs Centre, Leamington Birmingham And Arts, Coventry Hall, Birmingham Spa KIKI DEE & CARMELO LAURA MVULA Sat 19 THE 12 ENSEMBLE Programme JENNY ECLAIR Thurs 17 Nov, Royal LUGGERI Fri 18 Nov, Nov, O2 Institute, includes 3 British works from the JULIA FORDHAM Tues 15 Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Nov, mac, Birmingham Stratford Artshouse, Birmingham ensembles forthcoming album along RUSSELL KANE Thurs 17 Nov, Stratford-upon-Avon WITHOUT FLIGHT Sat 19 with Schubert's Overture in C minor, GLENN TILBROOK - THE Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- MIKE STEWART Nov, The Marr's Bar, and Elgar's Elegy for Strings, Wed 16 BEST OF TIMES Tues 15 Avon Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove LAWRENCE Fri 18 Nov, Worcester Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham Dovehouse Theatre, BRAHMS CLARINET QUINTET JACK GARRATT Tues 15 PETE WYLIE & THE Featuring Solihull Nov, O2 Academy, MIGHTY WAH! Sat 19 Oliver Janes (clarinet), Charlotte Birmingham THE DISCLAIMERS Fri 18 Nov, O2 Academy, Skinner & Caroline Simon (violin), Nov, Marmalade @ The Birmingham Catherine Bower (viola) & Eduardo KRISTIN HERSH Tues 15 Vassallo (cello). Programme includes REP, Birmingham CHRIS BANNISTER PER- Nov, The Glee Club, works by Howells & Brahms, Thurs THE SMITHS LTD Fri 18 FORMS THE MUSIC OF Birmingham 17 Nov, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Nov, The River Rooms, JOHN DENVER Sat 19 THE JOHNNY CASH Stourbridge Nov, Huntingdon Hall, CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: QUEEN - ROADSHOW Wed 16 ROCK AND SYMPHONIC SPECTACULAR JESS GLYNNE Fri 18 Worcester Nov, The Roses Featuring the City Of Birmingham Nov, Genting Arena, PHIL CAMPBELL’S ALL NATHAN CATON Thurs 17 Nov, The Theatre, Tewkesbury Choir, Richard Sidwell (conductor), Birmingham STARR BAND Sat 19 Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton MARZY'S JAMMING Ricardo Afonso, Peter Eldridge, Nov, Kasbah, Coventry NIGHT Wed 16 Nov, The THE GRAVELTONES Fri 18 Jenna Lee James & Rachael STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN HASTING & Marr's Bar, Worcester Nov, The Flapper, SIMPLY RED Sun 20 Wooding (vocalists), Fri 18 Nov, COMIC TBC Thurs 17 Nov, The Glee Birmingham Nov, Genting Arena, Club, Birmingham RYLEY WALKER Wed 16 Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Nov, Hare & Hounds, 70’S & 80’S PARTY NIGHT MUSICA SECRETA Featuring Deborah LAURA MONMOTH & COMICS TBC Thurs Birmingham WITH BORDERLINE Fri 18 GIGSPANNER Sun 20 Roberts & Katherine Hawnt (sopra- 17 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham Nov, Nailcote Hall, Nov, Royal Spa Centre, PUBLIC IMAGE LTD Wed nos), Alison Kinder (viola) & Claire ANDREW LAWRENCE Fri 18 Nov, Berkswell, Warwicks Leamington Spa 16 Nov, The Assembly, Williams (harpsichord), Fri 18 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Leamington Spa SINNERBOY Fri 18 Nov, TURIN BRAKES Sun 20 The Barber Institute, Birmingham SUZI RUFFELL Fri 18 Nov, The Glee The Marr's Bar, Nov, Warwick Arts THREE TRAPPED TIGERS Club, Birmingham Worcester Centre, Coventry Wed 16 Nov, The JERRY SADOWITZ Fri 18 Nov, Crescent Assembly, Leamington JAKE MORLEY Fri 18 DOMINIC KIRWAN Sun Theatre, Birmingham Nov, The Sunflower 20 Nov, The Assembly, Spa STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN HASTINGS, Lounge, Birmingham Leamington Spa DANNY BROWN Wed 16 ELLIOT STEEL & ANDREW MCBURNEY Fri Nov, The Rainbow PUBLIC IMAGE LTD Fri 18 THE SOLID GOLD ROCK N 18 - Sat 19 Nov, The Glee Club, Venues, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, ROLL SHOW Sun 20 Birmingham Birmingham Nov, New Alexandra ALABAMA 3 Thurs 17 DAMIAN CLARK, KIRI PRITCHARD- Theatre, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, CARAVAN PALACE Fri 18 MCLEAN, MARK NELSON & JEFF Birmimgham Nov, O2 Academy, THE DOVETAIL TRIO Sun WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY INNOCENT Fri 18 - Sat 19 Nov, The Birmingham 20 Nov, The Fleece Inn, CATFISH AND THE & MERIDIAN SINFONIA Featuring Peter Comedy Loft, Birmingham Bretforton, Evesham BOTTLEMEN Thurs 17 SHAUN GAMBOWL Nardone (conductor). Programme COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Sat 19 Nov, The Nov, Ricoh Arena, WALSH AND THE JIMMY EAT WORLD Sun includes works by Haydn & REP, Birmingham PLAGIATISTS Fri 18 Nov, 20 Nov, O2 Academy, Lauridsen, Sat 19 Nov, Worcester Coventry WHITE YARDIE Sat 19 Nov, New O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Cathedral THE COURTEENERS Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE GLAMOPHONES Fri JOHN OTWAY BAND Sun WIND BAND AND SAX CHOIR Featuring Thurs 17 Nov, O2 PATRICK MONAHAN, JARRED 18 Nov, The Blue 20 Nov, Hare & the University Music Society and Academy, Birmingham CHRISTMAS, BEC HILL & TIERNAN Monkey Club, Great Hounds, Birmingham Matthew Stephens-Row, Harry THE HOLLIES Thurs 17 Hextall & Zoe Goodwin (conductors), DOUIEB Sat 19 Nov, The REP, Barr, Birmingham PETE LINCOLN Sun 20 Nov, Symphony Hall, Sat 19 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham Birmingham ALLIGATR Fri 18 Nov, O2 Nov, The Roadhouse, Birmingham CHRIS MARTIN, SAM AVERY, JOSH Institute, Birmingham Birmingham PHILOMUSICA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY THREE TRAPPED TIGERS CONCERT Programme includes works HOWIE & NICK ELLERAY Sat 19 Nov, TOO REX - TRIBUTE TO Thurs 17 Nov, The by Parry, Venables, Vaughan Coventry Showcase

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Monday 14 - Sunday 20 November

thelist MOORE Celebrating 71 years in show- Theatre business, former James Bond star Sir Roger talks about his extraordinary life and career, Thurs 17 Nov, THE FULL MONTY Gary Lucy, Anthony Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Lewis, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, PA/NG Featuring music, live art, per- Chris Fountain and Kai Owen star in formance and digital art by local the much-acclaimed musical based emerging artists, Fri 18 Nov, mac, on the smash-hit film of the same Birmingham name, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome PADDY The story of a young Irish emi- grantwho leaves Mayo in the 1960s DEAD SHEEP Steve Nallon and in search of fame and fortune, Fri 18 Graham Seed star in Jonathan - Sat 19 Nov, Bedworth Civic Hall Maitland's tale of love, honour, loyalty and revenge, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Nov, A BOY NAMED SUE Shout Festival per- Malvern Theatre Read the review at formance exploring the need for a whatsonlive.co.uk sense of community in an oppres- sively hetero-normative world, Wed OCKHAM’S RAZOR Acrobatic and, on 18 - Sat 19 Nov, The REP, occasion, dangerous circus enter- Birmingham tainment, Tues 15 Nov, The Roses, Tewkesbury POLARI Curated and hosted by author Paul Burston and featuring the OUR HOUSE Featuring Madness songs best in established and emerging Our House, Baggy Trousers, My Girl, LGBT literary talent, Sat 19 Nov, mac, Embarrassment, Driving In My Car, Birmingham The Happiness Project - DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome The Wings Of A Dove, Night Boat To Cairo and all-time classic It Must Be RELATIVELY SPEAKING The Crescent best-selling author Ned Boulting THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) Love, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Nov, Theatre Company presents its ver- presents for the first time an honest, Mystery/Thriller. Starring Emily Blunt, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre sion of Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy of self-effacing walk through the world Rebecca Ferguson. Roses Theatre, mistaken identity & failing relation- THE KING & I Stratford Musical of Bikeology, Wed 16 Nov, Royal Spa Tewkesbury Shropshire, Fri 18, Mon ships, Sat 19 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Theatre present an amateur produc- Centre, Leamington Spa 21 & Tues 22 Nov Crescent Theatre, Birmingham tion of the Rodgers & Hammerstein DOWN TO EARTH: AN EVENING WITH DOCTOR STRANGE (12a) classic, Tues 15 Nov - Sat 19 Nov, KATE O’DONNELL & CONTACT: BIG GIRLS MONTY DON Fri 18 Nov, Royal Spa Action/Adventure. Starring Benedict Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry BLOUSE Kate makes a song and Centre, Leamington Spa Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton. mac, dance about her life, using humour, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK Amateur Birmingham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Nov music and costume to tell her story, production of the wickedly funny Sun 20 Nov, mac, Birmingham QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) musical, based on the film of the Biography/Drama. Starring Lupita same name, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Nov, Nyong'o, David Oyelowo. mac, Palace Theatre, Redditch Film Birmingham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Nov GASP! BY CIRCONCENTRIQUE Crying CARMEN JONES (U) Drama/Musical. Out Loud on behalf of Circus Dance INDEPENDENT CINEMAS: Starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Evolution present an original show in Belafonte. mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 - which two fearless young men com- Sun 20 Nov pete in a game of physical THE HAPPINESS PROJECT A choreo- SHOUT FESTIVAL: DEPARTURE (15) ASTÉRIX & OBÉLIX: MANSIONS OF THE endurance, Tues 15 - Wed 16 Nov, graphic investigation of western soci- Drama. Starring Juliet Stevenson, GODS (PG) Animation/Adventure. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ety’s endless search for fulfillment, Alex Lawther. mac, Birmingham, Mon Starring Roger Carel, Lorànt THINK OF ENGLAND Anonymous Is A Tues 15 Nov, DanceXchange, 14 Nov Deutsch. Warwick Arts Centre, Woman Theatre Co present a new Birmingham Hippodrome THE DAM BUSTERS (U) Drama/History. Coventry, Sat 19 Nov play about courage, bravery and IF I COULD REACH HOME Classical and Starring Richard Todd, Michael LE DINER DES CONS (12a) Comedy. swing dancing, Wed 16 Nov, Malvern contemporary bharatanatyam and Redgrave. The Albany Theatre, Starring Thierry Lhermitte, Jacques Coach House kathak, featuring 3 wonderful per- Coventry, Mon 14 Nov Villeret. Foreign language, subtitled. REMEMBER, REMEMBER A new play by formers of these Indian dance forms, BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (15) Malvern Theatres, Sat 19 Nov Holly Tonks, presented by Jenny including BBC Young Dancer Comedy/Romance. Starring Renée MADAME BOVARY (12a) Wren Productions which investigates Category Finalist Vidya Patel, Sun 20 Zellweger, Gemma Jones. Artrix, Drama/Romance. Starring Isabelle what it means to be the ‘Guy’ every- Nov, mac, Birmingham Bromsgrove, Mon 14 & Fri 18 Nov Huppert, Jean-François Balmer. one remembers, Wed 16 - Thurs 17 SHOUT FESTIVAL: GIRLS LOST (15) Foreign language, subtitled. Malvern Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester Drama. Starring Tuva Jagell, Emrik Theatres, Sat 19 Nov A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Öhlander. Foreign language, subti- AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS (12a) Performed by Senior Students from tled. mac, Birmingham, Tues 15 Nov Drama/Romance. Starring Gaspard Warwick School’s drama department, Talks / HOW FOOTBALL CHANGED A NATION + Manesse, Raphael Fejtö. Foreign lan- Wed 16 - Sat 19 Nov, Bridge House Q&A Documentary. Starring Adrian guage, subtitled. Malvern Theatres, Theatre, Warwick Spoken Word Chiles. mac, Birmingham, Tues 15 Sat 19 Nov BEAUTIFUL THING Jonathan Harvey’s Nov AMÉLIE (15) Comedy/Romance. critically acclaimed urban love story, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON Starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Wed 16 - Sat 19 Nov, Old Joint Stock LICENCED TO RHYME Monthly spoken (PG) Drama/Horror. Starring Richard Kassovitz. Foreign language, subti- Theatre, Birmingham word event fusing poetry, prose and, occasionally music. Co-hosted by Carlson, Julie Adams. Electric tled. Malvern Theatres, Sun 20 Nov LOOKING FOR JOHN Powerful, heartfelt Maggie Doyle, Worcestershire Poet Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 15 Nov LE BOSSU (15) Drama/Adventure. and comic story about one man’s Laureate Emeritus, and past SHOUT FESTIVAL: THE GIRL KING (15) Starring Daniel Auteuil, Fabrice obsession with his forgotten hero, Birmingham Poet Laureate, Giovanni Biography/Drama. Starring Malin Luchini. Foreign language, subtitled. Olympic skater John Curry, Wed 16 - ‘Spoz’ Esposito, Mon 14 Nov, Artrix, Buska, Sarah Gadon. mac, Malvern Theatres, Sun 20 Nov Sat 19 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Bromsgrove Birmingham, Wed 16 Nov LE DERNIER METRO (15) EMMA Caramba Theatre Company REV RICHARD COLES IN CONVERSATION THE GOONIES (PG) Adventure.Comedy. Drama/Romance. Starring Catherine presents Jane Austen's timeless clas- The Radio Four Saturday Live Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin. The Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu. Foreign sic, Wed 16 - Sat 19 Nov, The Bear Presenter (and Stratford College Mockingbird, Birmingham, Wed 16 language, subtitled. Malvern Pit Theatre - The United Reformed graduate) talks about his new book, Nov Theatres, Sun 20 Nov Church, Stratford-upon-Avon Bringing In The Sheaves, and his fas- SHOUT FESTIVAL: THE NEW BLACK (15) SHOUT FESTIVAL: DAWN and ARIEL PSYCHIC SALLY - CALL ME PSYCHIC cinating career from pop to pulpit Documentary. Directed by Yoruba (12a) Drama. Two short films. mac, Thurs 17 Nov, New Alexandra Tues 15 Nov, Stratford Artshouse Richen. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 17 Birmingham, Sun 20 Nov Theatre, Birmingham BIKEOLOGY WITH NED BOULTING Nov AN AFTERNOON WITH SIR ROGER Journalist, television presenter and

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Monday 14 - Sunday 20 November

theNEW FILMS ON GENERALlist RELEASE: Nov - Thurs 29 Dec, Birmingham City Centre Released from Thurs 17 Nov, showing at selected cinemas CRAFTING FOR CHRISTMAS: WREATH WORKSHOPS Learn a new skill and FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND create a beautiful wreath, ready for THEM (tbc) Christmas, Fri 18 Nov, Upton House GIMME DANGER (tbc) & Gardens, Warwickshire INDIGNATION (15) SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL OF VIENNA - AMERICAN PASTORAL (15) 450TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR The world’s oldest and most famous equestrian THE INNOCENTS (15) academy celebrates its 450th anniversary, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 18 Events Nov - Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth Motorcycle Live - NEC, Birmingham SPARK YOUNG WRITERS GROUP CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING Tues 15 Monthly writing group for young peo- a Christmas on the home front at available from leading companies Nov, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove ple interested in creative writing, Croft. Find Father Christmas in his across the globe, Sat 19 - Sun 27 LUNATICK ASTRONOMY Join Odyssey from poems to plays, and from edit- workshop, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, Croft Nov, NEC, Birmingham Dramatic Presentations for an illus- ing to dialogue, Sat 19 Nov, The Castle, nr Leominster ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Get your trated talk, accompanied by music Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS skates on in beautiful city surround- and props and presented in the CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING Santa stars in his very own show, ings, Sat 19 Nov - Sun 8 Jan, exact setting of the Lunar Society, Learn the history of the craft and the with a gift for every child, Sat 19 - Centenary Square, Birmingham Thurs 17 Nov, Soho House, techniques needed to create your Sun 20 Nov, Cadbury World, PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Sun 20 Birmingham own wreath, Sat 19 Nov, Birmingham Bournville, Birmingham Nov, Croome Park, Worcestershire Back to Backs THE SKILLS SHOW One-stop shop for MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON FAMILY CHRISTMAS PUDDING MAKING careers inspiration, bringing jobs and CRAFTING FOR CHRISTMAS: WREATH Numerous celebrities make guest Get hands-on and make your own skills to life in a highly interactive WORKSHOPS Learn a new skill and appearances at this well-established Christmas pudding, Sun 20 Nov, environment, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Nov, create a beautiful wreath, ready for show, including Flash Gordon star Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove NEC, Birmingham Christmas, Sat 19 Nov, Upton House Sam Jones, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Nov, CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE Sun 20 Nov, & Gardens, Warwickshire NEC, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, MARKET The famous festive market CHRISTMAS ON THE CROFT HOME MOTORCYCLE LIVE Representing the Bromsgrove returns for another year, Thurs 17 FRONT Experience the camaraderie of best products, bikes and services

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whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 21 - 31 October (dav)- Warwicks & Worcs Davina.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2016 16:44 Page 1

thelist Monday 21 - Wednesday 30 November BLAZIN' FIDDLES Thurs SUICIDE SILENCE Sat 26 Bach, A Guilmant, G Edmundson, Gigs 24 Nov, Huntingdon Nov, O2 Academy, Classical Music C.Saint-Saens (arr. Lemare) & L Hall, Worcester Birmingham Boellmann, Mon 28 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall MELANIE MARTINEZ BOURBON ALLEY Sat 26 AIRBOURNE Mon 21 Thurs 24 Nov, O2 Nov, The Marr's Bar, LUDOVICO EINAUDI Tues 22 Nov, MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE BOE Mon 28 Nov, O2 Institute, Institute, Birmingham Worcester Symphony Hall, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham CHASE & STATUS Thurs BARRY STEELE AS ROY BLAKE Thurs 24 Nov, Palace Theatre, MILITARY WIVES: HOME FOR CHARLIE HUNTER Mon 24 Nov, O2 Academy, ORBISON Sat 26 Nov, Redditch CHRISTMAS Tues 29 Nov LIchfield 21 Nov, Hare & Birmingham Palace Theatre, STILE ANTICO An enticing programme Cathedral Hounds, Birmingham YESTERDAY, TODAY, Redditch for Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary. BENJAMIN GROSVENOR: BRAHMS MADELEINE PEYROUX FOREVER Thurs 24 Nov, WARWOUND, INDECENT Featuring music mostly set to his Featuring Alpesh Chauhan (conduc- Mon 21 Nov, Hare & Hounds, ASSAULT & SICKPIG SUP- words with works by Morley, Byrd, tor), Benjamin Grosvenor (piano). Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham PORT Sat 26 Nov, The Dowland, Huw Watkins, Wilbye, Programme includes works by TOY Tues 22 Nov, The Weelkes, Johnson, Tomkins, Dvorak, Brahms & Sibelius, Wed 30 CURVED AIR Fri 25 Nov, Rainbow Venues, Rainbow Venues, Ramsey, Nico Muhly and ending with Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Birmingham The Silver Swan and What is Our Life Worcester RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS by Gibbons, Thurs 24 Nov, Malvern SHE MAKES WAR Tues CHRIS WOOD Fri 25 Nov, Sat 26 Nov, The Theatres 22 Nov, The Sunflower Royal Spa Centre, Assembly, Leamington Lounge, Birmingham Spa TOTALLY TCHAIKOVSKY: CBSO Leamington Spa BENEVOLENT FUND CONCERT Featuring ELVIS PRESLEY LIVE ON Comedy Gigs THE NAKED BEATLES Fri VANT Sat 26 Nov, Edward Garner (conductor). SCREEN WITH THE ROYAL 25 Nov, The River Kasbah, Coventry Programme includes Tchaikovsky's PHILHARMONIC Rooms, Stourbridge ANNE-MARIE Sat 26 Swan Lake: Suite, 31’; & Eugene JON RICHARDSON Mon 21 Nov, Artrix, ORCHESTRA Tues 22 Nov, O2 Institute, Onegin (Excerpts), 60’, Thurs 24 Bromsgrove Nov, Genting Arena, DIZZY LIZZY Fri 25 Nov, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 22 Birmingham The Roadhouse, B’ham HOSPITALITY Sat 26 COULL QUARTETS: FLIGHTS OF FANCY Nov, The Dark Horse, Birmingham MARTIN TURNER EX SARAH MCQUAID Fri 25 Nov, The Rainbow Programme includes works by FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 23 Nov, WISHBONE ASH Tues 22 Nov, The Roses Venues, Birmingham Haydn, Schnittke & Beethoven, Thurs The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre, Tewkesbury TEENAGE FANCLUB Sat 24 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, ANDREW ALBERT LEE & PETER FRANK TURNER & THE 26 Nov, O2 Institute, Coventry STANLEY & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ASHER Tues 22 Nov, SLEEPING SOULS Fri 25 Birmingham BLAKE Fri 25 Nov, The Core Theatre, ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 24 Nov, The Huntingdon Hall, Nov, The Empire, Solihull Glee Club, Birmingham Worcester Coventry DAVIE JOHN Sun 27 Nov, The Tin Music PAUL LEWIS IN RECITAL Programme JERRY SADOWITZ THE SISTERS OF MERCY 3 DIVAS TRIBUTE Fri 25 Fri 25 Nov, Wulfrun And Arts, Coventry includes works by Schubert, Brahms Hall, Wolverhampton Tues 22 Nov, O2 Nov, The Robin, Bilston & Liszt, Fri 25 Nov, Birmingham Town Institute, Birmingham FALLEN Fri 25 Nov, THE SONS OF PITCHES CRAIG HILL, JULIAN DEANE, SALLY-ANN Sun 27 Nov, The Hall HAYWARD & COMIC TBC REVEREND AND THE MAK- Route 44, Birmingham Fri 25 - Sat 26 Assembly, Leamington AMY HARMAN & ERDEM MISIRLIOGLU Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ERS Tues 22 Nov, The DEACON BLUE Fri 25 Spa Programme includes works by Copper Rooms, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, ANDREW Nov, Symphony Hall, Schumann, Mozart, Medelssohn & Coventry ALTER BRIDGE Sun 27 STANLEY, JOHN ROBINS & DAVE FULTON Birmingham Dutilleux, Fri 25 Nov, The Barber Nov, Genting Arena, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov, The Glee Club, RUMOURS OF UNDERGROUND OCEAN Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham FLEETWOOD MAC Wed Fri 25 Nov, The Marr's ELIAS STRING QUARTET Programme 23 Nov, Malvern NYA'S HOUSE OF SOUL BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 26 Bar, Worcester includes works by Haydn, Britten & Theatres Sun 27 Nov, Artrix, Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove THINK FLOYD Fri 25 Nov, Bromsgrove Beethoven, Fri 25 Nov, Royal Pump MARZY'S JAMMING Artrix, Bromsgrove Rooms, Leamington Spa ROMESH RANGANATHAN Sat 26 Nov, NIGHT Wed 23 Nov, The SLICK RICK Mon 28 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton TOM MISCH Fri 25 Nov, DOMONKOS CSABAY IN RECITAL Marr's Bar, Worcester O2 Institute, B’ham Hare & Hounds, B’ham Programme includes works by Liszt, STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Sat 26 MUTUAL BENEFIT Wed WHITE LIES Tues 29 Nov, mac, Birmingham MIKA SINGH Fri 25 Nov, Clara Schumann & Chopin, Fri 25 23 Nov, Hare & Nov, O2 Institute, Barclaycard Arena, Nov, Birmingham Town Hall ANDY ROBINSON, KEVIN DEWSBURY, Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring EDDY BRIMSON & JOE JACOBS Sat 26 GIGSPANNER Wed 23 AGNES OBEL Tues 29 Nov, Coventry Showcase AUTONOMADS BUS Daniele Rosina (conductor). Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Nov, Birmingham Town Programme includes works by TOMMY TIERNAN Sat 26 Nov, Warwick STATION LOONIES Fri 25 Hall THE FRONT BOTTOMS Nov, The Slade Rooms, Mendelssohn & Elgar, Sat 26 Nov, Arts Centre, Coventry Wed 23 Nov, O2 Wolverhampton MERRY HELL Wed 30 The Bramall, Birmingham University MICKEY SHARMA, SUNIL PATEL, OMAR Institute, Birmingham Nov, The Red Lion Folk CBSO: BEETHOVEN & ADAMS Featuring HAMDI, BILAL ZAFAR, PATRICK EMO DISCO Fri 25 Nov, Club, Birmingham GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, Hare & Hounds, Edward Gardener (conductor), MONAHAN & NOREEN KHAN Sun 27 FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Birmingham CLARE TEAL Wed 30 James Ehnes (violin) & the CBSO Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham MIC NIGHT Wed 23 Nov, Nov, Malvern Theatres Chorus. Programme includes works LITTLE BARRIE Fri 25 SEANN WALSH Tues 29 Nov, The Glee The Night Owl, B’ham by Beethoven & Adams, Sat 26 Nov, Club, Birmingham Nov, The Sunflower Symphony Hall, Birmingham SAVITRI GRIER & JEAN Lounge, Birmingham THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW LIVE Wed SELIM ABDELMOULA REGENCY SINFONIA Programme com- MARTIN STEPHENSON 30 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, B’ham Wed 23 Nov, Evesham prises Handel’s Alexander’s Feast, AND THE DAINTEES Fri Arts Centre Sat 26 Nov, Malvern Theatre 25 Nov, O2 Institute, EDEN'S CURSE Thurs 24 Birmingham BRASS BAND & CHAMBER CHOIRS Nov, The Asylum, Featuring Stuart Birnie (brass band FUTURE OF THE LEFT Sat NOTHING BUT THIEVES Birmingham director) & Bradley Gill & Callum 26 Nov, The Flapper, Wed 30 Nov, O2 Thompson (chamber choir conduc- Theatre THE NICK ROSS Birmingham Institute, Birmingham tors). Programme includes works by ORCHESTRA: SOUNDS OF THE SOUL SURVIVORS ELECTRIC SIX Wed 30 Durante, John Rutter & Eric Whitacre, AIDA Presented by Ellen Kent and THE GLENN MILLER ERA WITH MEL DAY Sat 26 Nov, O2 Academy, Sun 27 Nov, The Bramall, Amphitheatre Productions, Mon 21 Thurs 24 Nov, The Nov, Nailcote Hall, Birmingham Birmingham University Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Core Theatre, Solihull Berkswell, PETE TONG PRESENTS JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Joannah BIRMINGHAM TRADFEST Warwickshire IBIZA CLASSICS Wed 30 ORCHESTRA: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES Tincey's imaginative production sees The UK’s newest tradi- GAGA Sat 26 Nov, Nov, Genting Arena, Sun 27 Nov, Symphony Hall, two actors bring Jane Austen's clas- tional Irish music festi- Evesham Arts Centre Birmingham Birmingham sic novel to life, Mon 21 Nov, Albany val, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Theatre, Coventry Nov, Various venues in PIERCE THE VEIL Sat 26 THE LEMON TWIGS Wed LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Digbeth, Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, 30 Nov, Hare & THOMAS TROTTER: FROM RUSSIA WITH SHAKESPEARE, HIS WIFE AND THE DOG Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham LOVE... Programme includes works by ‘Heartfelt’ comedy which lays bare

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Monday 21 - Wednesday 30 November

the secrets, lies, resentments and THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders passions of Will & Anne’s marriage, Lustgarten’s visceral new play con- Mon 21 - Wed 23 Nov, The REP, fronts the dangerous necessity of Birmingham compassion, in a world where it’s in THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Scott short supply. Directed by RSC Ritchie Productions joins forces with Deputy Artistic Director Erica Birmingham Ormiston Academy to Whyman, Thurs 24 Nov - Fri 10 Feb, present Kenneth Grahame's classic The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- children's story, Mon 21 Nov - Sat 31 Avon Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, LIVING WITH LUKE Nationally touring Birmingham show about a father’s efforts to main- THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK tain his relationship with his autistic ‘Energetic, exotic and eclectic’ enter- son, Fri 25 Nov, Albany Theatre, tainment, Tues 22 Nov, Coventry Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PSYCHIC SALLY - CALL ME PSYCHIC The FROZEN FLORAL ROADSHOW A new live show celebrates Sally's eighth year floral show to brighten any winter on the road!, Fri 25 Nov, Living With Luke Wolverhampton Grand Theatre evening, Tues 22 Nov, The Roses Albany Theatre, Coventry, Fri 25 November Theatre, Tewkesbury WEST END OF BROADWAY Crescendo AS YOU LIKE IT Warwick University Musical Theatre present an evening Steve Hannam’s blogs about his son, Luke, who has autism, have Drama Society put a dystopian twist of hit songs from the West End and been read in excess of 20,000 times in a total of more than 60 coun- on one of Shakespeare’s most cele- Broadway, Sat 26 Nov, Albany tries. This new play is based on those blogs and tells Steve and Theatre, Coventry brated comedies, Tues 22 - Fri 25 Luke’s story. Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry THE COLOUR OF ME Wriggle Dance Theatre invites audiences to join “I want people to enjoy the production,” says Steve, a real-life RENT Brand new production of the wrestler who uses the name Danson Thunderbolt when he takes to award-winning rock musical, inspired them in a magical world of colour, by Puccini’s classic opera, La Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Warwick Arts the ring, “but also to take away a new understanding of both autism Boheme, Tues 22 Nov - Sat 26 Nov, Centre, Coventry and how one dad deals with it every day.” Malvern Theatres DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY The play is staged entirely in a wrestling ring, as Steve - appearing as GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE ON STAGE Features hit songs includ- Danson - grapples with the ever-growing emotional distance that Birmingham Stage Company pres- ing ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do exists between himself and his son. You Love Me?’ and the heart stop- ents Roald Dahl's much-loved story, “Many mums have talked publicly about what it’s like to have an Tues 22 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, New ping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, autistic child,” adds Steve, “but less is known about how the experi- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ence affects a father. Living With Luke aims to offer an insight.” IN OUR HANDS Award-winning Smoking Apples use innovative pup- THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY The petry, striking sets and an original Nonentities present their take on a score to transport young audiences longstanding school tradition, Mon to the sea, under the ocean and onto 28 Nov - Sat 3 Dec, The Rose explores the imagined future and the deck of the Catcher's Fortune, Theatre, Kidderminster confines of the skin, Wed 30 Nov - Wed 23 Nov, Bridge House Theatre, BROKEN BISCUITS Paines Plough & Thu 1 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Film Warwick Live Theatre present a heartwarming Coventry GREASE Amateur production present- coming-of-age story, Tues 29 Nov - INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ed by Norbury Youth Theatre, Wed Sat 3 Dec, The REP, Birmingham 23 - Sat 26 Nov, Norbury Theatre, WHO KILLED SANTA CLAUS? A seasonal LITTLE MEN (PG) Drama/Family. Droitwich thriller by Terence Feely, Tues 29 Nov Talks / Starring Greg Kinnear, Alfred Molina. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 22 WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? The Bone - Sat 3 Dec, Malvern Theatre Nov Ensemble take audiences ‘on a mag- GET IT ON: OUTSPOKEN A fusion of live Spoken Word ical journey through an Arctic world performance, music and digital tech- DAD'S ARMY (PG) Comedy/War. of soaring snow geese, pet husky nology exploring issues of sexual Starring Mark Tandy, Russell Balogh. dogs and starry nights’, Wed 23 - health and healthy relationships for Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 24 OWEN JONES: THE POLITICS OF HOPE Sun 27 Nov, mac, B’ham young people, Wed 30 Nov - Thurs 1 Nov How can we build societies run in Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove DICK WHITTINGTON Join Dick on his the interests of working people, not BURN and POPO + Q&A Documentary. quest for fame and fortune, Wed 23 run as a racket for the mean and the Two short films directed by Ken Fero. Nov - Sat 7 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, greedy at the top? Popular Guardian The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs Coventry columnist and author of Chavs and 24 Nov AUSTENTATIOUS An all-star cast in The Establishment shines some light YOUR NAME (12A) Drama/Horror. period costume improvise a brand Dance on a positive way forward, Mon 28 Starring Mone Kamishiraishi. Electric new Jane Austen work, based on a Nov, The REP, Birmingham Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Nov single audience suggestion, Thurs THE NUTCRACKER Presented by NADIYA HUSSAIN IN CONVERSATION The BEYOND THE HILLS (12) Drama. 24 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Midland Theatre Ballet and The 2015 winner of Great British Bake Off Starring Cosmina Stratan, Cristina INTO THE WOODS Local musical the- Lisayne Ballet School, Thurs 24 - Sat talks about her upbringing, life as a Flutur. Foreign language, subtitled. atre company 4PLAY debut with 26 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Muslim woman in Britain, and her mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 Nov Stephen Sondheim’s award-winning Birmingham meteoric rise from stay-at-home I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Drama. Starring musical. Mark Rattray stars, Thurs 24 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S THE mum to Times columnist, author, pre- Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Dylan senter and soon-to-be novelist, Wed Nov - Sat 26 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, NUTCRACKER Brimming with festive McKiernan. Roses Theatre, 30 Nov, Stratford Artshouse Coventry energy, this ballet promises the per- Tewkesbury, Sat 26 Nov I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW fect Christmas treat for the entire IN BLOOM (15) Drama. Starring Lika CHANGE! OJSMTC pay tribute to family, Fri 25 Nov - Tues 13 Dec, Babluani, Mariam Bokeria. Foreign those who have fallen on their face at Birmingham Hippodrome language, subtitled. mac, the portal of romance... Thurs 24 - ECHOES & I IMAGINE (DOUBLE BILL) A Birmingham, Sat 26 Nov Sat 26 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, double bill of works featuring Adita NG83: WHEN WE WERE B BOYS + Q&A Birmingham Mangaldas' Echoes - an exhilarating, (12A) Documentary. mac, STICK MAN Scamp Theatre present a high-octane dance experience which Birmingham, Sat 26 Nov stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson explores our relationships with our BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (15) and Alex Scheffler's popular chil- ancestors, and I Imagine, Aakash Comedy/Romance. Starring Renée dren's book, Thurs 24 Nov - Sat 31 Odedra & Sabrina Mahfouz's beauti- Zellweger, Gemma Jones. Artrix, Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry fully choreographed work which Bromsgrove, Sat 26 Nov

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thelist Monday 21 - Wednesday 30 November NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: GREYFRIARS AT CHRISTMAS As part of RECRUITMENT EXHIBITION Meet 27 Nov, Coventry Transport Museum Worcester Christmas Market, see recruiters from the industry’s top Released from Fri 25 Nov, showing at WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY Greyfriars decorated with the tradi- employers and get one-to-one selected cinemas EXHIBITION Featuring in excess of 90 tions of 500 years of Christmas, advice, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov, NEC, layouts, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, ALLIED (tbc) Thurs 24 - Sat 26 Nov, Greyfriars Birmingham Birmingham ALMOST CHRISTMAS (tbc) House & Garden, Worcester BLACKOUT TOURS Experience the THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See BAD SANTA 2 (tbc) BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER atmosphere of an exclusive evening Packwood dressed for Christmas by CREEPY (tbc) Featured celebrities include The tour after dark, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Nov, professional artist Jennifer Collier, Hairy Bikers (pictured), Tom Upton House & Gardens, Sat 26 Nov - Fri 6 Jan, Packwood MUM'S LIST (tbc) Kerridge, Raymond Blanc, Nadiya Warwickshire House, Solihull PATERSON (tbc) Hussain, Paul Hollywood & Mary TWISTED BARREL BREWERY TOURS CHRISTMAS CAMPERS 2016 This year's A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) Berry, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Nov, NEC, 2016 Meet the team behind Twisted Birmingham Christmas Campers theme is pan- I AM BOLT (tbc) Barrel Ale on this exclusive tour. tomime... everything from Puss In Learn how the brewing process THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (tbc) Boots to Dick Whittington, Sun 27 works and sample the ales and food, Nov, Coventry Transport Museum Sat 26 Nov, Fargo Village, Coventry RAG RUG WREATH WORKSHOP Sun 27 CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING With Nov, Upton House & Gardens, the guidance of craft specialists, Warwickshire learn the history of the craft and the Events techniques needed to create your CRAFTING FOR CHRISTMAS: VINTAGE own wreath, Sat 26 Nov, Birmingham PAPERCRAFT DECORATIONS Learn Back to Backs some new skills for Christmas, Mon CHRISTMAS PUDDING MAKING Make 28 Nov, Upton House & Gardens, your own Christmas pudding, Tues CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Warwickshire 22 Nov, Avoncroft Museum, Santa stars in his very own show, CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Mon 28 Bromsgrove OPEN AFTERNOON AT THE MUSEUM with a gift for every child, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Nov, Cadbury World, Nov - Tues 27 Dec Baddesley PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy COLLECTION CENTRE Must be booked Clinton, Solihull 360-degree views from the balcony in advance, Fri 25 Nov, Museum Bournville, Birmingham CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP: RAG RUG of the tower, Wed 23 Nov, Croome Collection Centre, Birmingham FAMILY WEEKEND: THE WONDERS OF Park, Worcestershire WINTER Including workshops, per- WREATH MAKING Tues 29 - Wed 30 CRAFTING FOR CHRISTMAS: VINTAGE Nov, Croome Park, Worcestershire WINTER WONDERLAND SEASONAL PAPERCRAFT DECORATIONS Learn formances, cinema screenings and CHRISTMAS FLORAL WORKSHOP STYLE EVENT Personal stylist Beth some new skills for Christmas, Fri 25 various sporting activities, Sat 26 - Table Goodrham shares her top picks for Nov, Upton House & Gardens, Sun 27 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, decoration workshop and festive the festive season, Wed 23 Nov, Warwickshire Coventry afternoon tea, Wed 30 Nov, Birmingham Botanical Gardens CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 26 - Sun Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford- ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION upon-Avon

Friday 11 November - 8.00pm Friday 18 November - 7.30pm Rob Rouse Kiki Dee Are You Sitting Comfortably? An Acoustic Journey

Friday 2 December - 7.30pm Thursday 8 December - 8.00pm Buddy Holly Mark Thomas & The Cricketers The Red Shed

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