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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 372 DECEMBER 2016

Wolverhampton ’ KATHERINE JENKINS WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk GETS FESTIVE IN THE MIDLANDS

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide p02 (IFC) Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:07 Page 1

Sunday 4th December at 11.00am & 1.00pm Saturday 10th December at 11.00am Tuesday 13th December at 7.30pm Monday 5th December at 11.00am & 2.00pm NO AMPS, NO CHAT, NO CHARGE NIKKI ROUS

Wriggle Dance Theatre

Krazy Kat Theatre Company THE COLOUR RAPUNZEL AND OF ME HER WITCH

Tickets £5 Tickets £5 Entry is FREE. Contents December Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:22 Page 2

December 2016

Contents

Shrewsbury Winter Festival - festive fun in the town’s Quarry Park page 47

Placebo Josh Widdicombe Marvel Universe the list

Alternative rock band celebrate Devon funnyman plays the Superheroes assemble for live Your 16-page 20th anniversary Wolverhampton Civic... Midlands show week-by-week listings guide page 14 page 20 page 45 page 53

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4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 39. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD December Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 17:28 Page 1

First Word

Enter Shikari announced as Slam Dunk headline act British rock band Enter Shikari will headline the 2017 Slam Dunk Festival in Birmingham. The talented four-piece, who are this year celebrating their 10th anniversary, made their first appearance at the festival in 2015 and will be performing ‘a very special exclusive UK festival set’. "Slam Dunk is a festival that we’ve been attending from the very start,” says band member Rou Reynolds. “It's grown into one of the most important festivals in alter- native music, and it will be an absolute honour to head- line it in 2017. We’re going to be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our debut album, Take To The Skies, which feels totally mental in and of itself. The fact that we get to reminisce and relive tracks we recorded so long ago, and which are still held dear by so many, is some- thing I could never have anticipated back then, and it fills me with appreciation for everyone who’s supported the band over the years.” Slam Dunk Festival Midlands takes place at the Genting Arena and NEC on 27 May. For tickets, visit theticketfac- tory.com or call 0844 33 88 222.

Image courtesy of Shrewsbury Winter Festival Celebrating 25 years of Sound Investment... A concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s (BCMG) Sound Investment crowdfund- ing scheme takes place this month. The Thomas Adès-con- Monster alert! Dippy the ducted event at the city’s Thomas Ades CBSO Centre, on Dinosaur heads for Brum Saturday 10 December, will feature several The UK’s most famous dinosaur is heading Shrewsbury named a Sound Investment pieces and the world pre- for the Midlands. top-10 winter destination miere of a new work by Francisco Coll. The Natural History Museum’s (NHM) plas- Commenting on the celebrations, BCMG’s ter-of-Paris model of a Diplodocus will spend Shrewsbury has been included in The artistic director, Stephan Meier, said: “Sound four months at Birmingham Museum & Art Guardian’s list of the top-10 UK towns in Investors share with BCMG a mercurial Gallery (BMAG) as part of a nationwide tour. which to enjoy a winter break. enjoyment in seeing a new work develop and The model, affectionately referred to as Best known for its medieval castle, impres- an inherent sense of adventure. The bril- Dippy, has been delighting visitors to the sive array of listed buildings and annual liance of Sound Investment lies in its sim- NHM since 1905 and has never before been flower show - and for being the birthplace of plicity. In creating Sound Investment, my exhibited outside London. Charles Darwin - the Shropshire town is this predecessors, Simon Clugston and Stephen The full skeleton in its displayed pose is an month hosting a two-day winter festival Newbould, developed a model for engage- impressive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide (Quarry Park, 10 - 11 December). ment and creative fundraising that was way and 4.25 metres high. The 2016 edition of the event boasts a mar- ahead of its time, and which has been Commenting on the exhibit, which arrives at quee filled with more than 170 artisan pro- admired and replicated in various forms BMAG on 17 May 2018, Dr Ellen McAdam, ducers, crafts people, designers, florists, worldwide. Most importantly, it has created Director of Birmingham Museums Trust, quality clothing boutiques and homeware, an international BCMG family that extends said: “I remember encountering Dippy on my as well as an abundance of food and drink far beyond the concert platform. Our chal- first visit to London at the age of 11, when I vendors. lenge is to continue to stay ahead of the was fascinated equally by fossils and mum- Family-fun activities and a giant Christmas game, something we are very much looking mies. I’m thrilled that we’re now able to carol singalong also feature in the weekend’s forward to doing.” bring the most famous dinosaur cast in programme of entertainment. Britain to Birmingham.” 4 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD December Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 17:28 Page 2

Entertainment news from around the region

Iconic truck makes Christmas stop-off in Shropshire The iconic Coca-Cola truck is visit- ing Telford in Shropshire this month as part of its UK tour. The truck stops off in the town on Wednesday 14 December, provid- ing families with the opportunity to explore a ‘magical winter won- derland’, and then, after dark, to enjoy a short Christmas animation screened onto the truck. “Coca-Cola is synonymous with the Christmas season,” says Aedamar Howlett, marketing director for Coca-Cola Great Britain, “and it’s no secret that our much-loved truck tour marks the unofficial countdown to Stars of stage and screen heading for the Grand Theatre Christmas.” For more information, visit coca- Three of the UK’s best-loved stars of stage and star Adrian Zmed (TJ Hooker) in a new produc- cola.co.uk/stories/keep-on-truck- screen are visiting the Wolverhampton Grand tion of La Cage Aux Folles, showing at the ing Theatre in 2017. venue from Tuesday 27 June to Saturday 1 July... Former Coronation Street and Dinner Ladies And Samantha Womack, best known as Ronnie favourite Shobna Gulati takes top billing in Mitchell in EastEnders, takes top billing in The Tanika Gupta’s award-winning theatre produc- Addams Family when it tours to the venue from tion of Anita And Me when it visits the theatre Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 October. from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 February... For ticket information about the three shows, West End leading lady Marti Webb joins former visit grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 42 92 12. EastEnder John Partridge and 1980s television

Don your First literary festival for Wolverhampton shades and Wolverhampton is next month hosting its first ever literary festival. Tamworth Castle head for The Wolverhampton Original Literature Festival (Wolf) takes place at vari- The Hive ous venues across the city from 27 to 29 January and features acclaimed named Best Small authors, musicians, workshops, art and children’s events. Visitor Attraction Art Squad Commenting on the new festival, Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet mem- Anarchy’s Anti- ber for City Economy, said: “We’ve got a diverse literary tradition in Tamworth Castle has been named Wolverhampton and across the Black Country, and what better way of cel- the Best Small Visitor Attraction Christmas Special in Staffordshire. art event, taking ebrating it than by hosting our own festival. Already there’s a great variety The venue won gold at the NFU place at The Hive, of entertainment during the weekend, with even more authors and events Mutual Enjoy Staffordshire Shrewsbury, on 9 still to be announced.” Tourism Awards. The castle will December, com- The festival is a mix of free and ticketed events. For more information, visit now go on to represent the county bines life drawing wolvesliteraturefestival.com at the national VisitEngland with costumed Awards For Excellence, taking models, live music, place in the spring. Commenting on the success, comedy and A ‘stormy’ summer in prospect as Stafford Councillor Joy Goodall, cabinet cabaret. Castle hosts Shakespeare’s Tempest member for Environment & Commenting on the Culture, said: “Tamworth Castle is event, organiser Stafford Festival Shakespeare’s outdoor production for 2017 will be The an absolute gem, and this gold John Benge said: Tempest. award is a well-deserved recogni- “The fun starts at The show will be presented at Stafford Castle, in a purpose-built auditori- tion of its value and importance. 7pm and lasts well um under the stars, from Thursday 22 June until Saturday 8 July. “The castle now goes on to repre- into the evening. Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest tells the story of Prospero, the sent the borough on the national exiled Duke of Milan, who becomes stranded on a largely uninhabited stage next spring, which is also a So grab a pencil, island of music, magic and supernatural spirits. great accolade. It will boost the put on your best profile of Tamworth even further Hawaiian shirt and The Stafford version of the play will be set against the backdrop of the and hopefully attract even more shades, and join us glamour and elegance of the 1930s - the golden age of luxury cruise liners, visitors to come and see us.” for an evening of Hollywood glamour and the dying days of vaudeville. anarchy, holiday Early Bird tickets for the production are available until 31 January and save style!” £3 per ticket on selected performances. For more information, contact the box office on 01785 619080. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 FIRST WORD December Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 17:28 Page 3

First Word

Garrick launches plans for working in partnership with the brilliant Peter Autumn nativity year-long celebration... Walker on the sculpture project. We’re now hoping at The REP... dedicated theatre audiences will help us to realise Birmingham Repertory Lichfield’s Garrick theatre has launched a year-long this vision, and are asking for contributions Theatre will be getting into celebration of one of the city’s most famous sons. towards creating this iconic statue.” the Christmas spirit early Actor, producer, dramatist and poet David Garrick The mask is currently on display in Lichfield next year when it stages the was born in Lichfield in 1717. The theatre that now Garrick’s upper bar. world premiere of Nativity! bears his name will spend the forthcoming 12 The theatre will be running a series of fundraising The Musical. months marking the 300th anniversary of his birth events throughout 2017. If you would like to get Based on the popular UK by staging a series of events across the city. involved or find out how to make a donation film franchise and running The celebrations were launched recently with the towards the creation of the Garrick statue, email at The REP from Friday 20 unveiling of a bronze mask of Garrick’s face, [email protected] October until Saturday 12 designed by Lichfield artist Peter Walker. The mask November, the show is writ- is the first stage of a project which will see the the- ten and directed by Debbie atre incorporate a large-scale statue of the leg- Isitt, who also created the endary actor on its outside wall. movies. Commenting on the Garrick300 celebrations, “I’ve always believed that Lichfield Garrick’s artistic director, Tim Ford, said: Nativity! would make a fan- “David was a revolutionary in the theatre world, tastic stage musical,” says working as an actor, writer, director, theatre manag- Debbie. “It’s so full of joy, er and entrepreneur, and was a hugely important the children are so sweet person to Lichfield. and funny and the songs so “We’ve been working really hard this last year plan- catchy that it lends itself to ning some really exciting events and programmes to being the perfect Christmas mark this very special year, and we’re thrilled to be musical. Now we’ve been able to assemble our theatri- cal dream team, I can’t wait to get started on creating an unforgettable stage show.” Disney On Ice Venues announced for To book tickets for the pro- celebrates 100 New Art West Midlands 2017 duction, ring 0121 236 4455 or visit Birmingham- years of magic Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools are set to exhibit new rep.co.uk Mickey Mouse and a whole work at four leading galleries as part of New Art West Midlands 2017. host of other famous car- A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands will next Robbie at toon characters take to the year use Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac birmingham, ice at Birmingham’s Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Worcester City Art Gallery to display the Ricoh Genting Arena next year, to the new work, which includes painting, installation, sculpture, photog- Pop icon and Midlands man celebrate a century of raphy, video, animation and digital artworks. Robbie Williams is making a Walt Disney-inspired The exhibition will show at each of the four venues from 18 February to welcome return to the region entertainment. 14 May. For more information, visit newartwestmidlands.co.uk as part of a 2017 stadium Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of tour. Magic will feature over 50 The Stoke-on-Trent-born characters from the compa- Snow White first edition a star attraction superstar will take his Heavy ny’s long and illustrious at Antiques For Everyone’s winter show Entertainment Show Tour to history, including Aladdin, Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on A rare first-edition book, recounting the popular fairytale of Snow Beauty And The Beast, 13 June, supported by White And The Seven Dwarfs, looks set to be the star attraction at this Pinocchio and The Lion Erasure. month’s Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair in Birmingham. King. Frozen’s Anna, Elsa Robbie will also make histo- Published in 1937 and valued at £28,500, the first edition features a and Olaf also feature. ry by being the first solo high number of original signatures. Walt Disney himself signed the Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of artist to headline the book, as did 51 of the 64 original illustrators who worked on the classic Magic shows at the Genting London Stadium at the movie version of Snow White. Arena from 12 to 16 April. Queen Elizabeth Olympic The book is being exhibited at the event by Paul Foster, of London- For tickets, ring 0844 33 88 Park, playing the 60,000- based Foster Books. “It’s one of those rare books that pop up from time 222 (Calls cost 7p per minute seat venue on 23 June. to time that are highly sought after and everyone wants to get hold of,” plus your phone company's says Paul. “The book has a perfect storm of collectable features, such access charge). as it being a first edition, having its original dust jacket and the highly unusual number of signatures. We’re expecting a lot of interest at the fair.” Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 1 to 4 December. For more information, visit antiquesforevery- one.co.uk

6 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD December Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 17:28 Page 4 BRIAN - James DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 17:45 Page 1

INTERVIEW

We Are James

Lauren Foster caught up with the band’s Saul Davies ahead of their Wolverhampton gig this month

You joined James in 1989. What was it south of England, working down there, only wanted to work with people who like becoming part of an already- and I went back up to Manchester for the could improvise, who could just get in a formed group? weekend and went to Band On The Wall. room and make a noise that might have I’d never been in a band as such. I’d done Larry was there, and his mate asked if some coherence about it, without it being little bits and pieces but I hadn’t really anyone wanted to get up out of the audi- the form of improvisation that commonly been in a proper band, so I didn’t really ence and play something. I had my violin people think of. Anybody can do some- have any preconceptions about what it with me. I hadn’t wanted to leave it in the thing flash, whether it’s football or would be like. Also, the band was going car because it could’ve got nicked. So I whether it’s music. It’s a different lan- through a massive flux at the time. Gavin, ended up on stage, playing. I found my- guage when you get together in a room the original drummer, left, and Dave, our self just getting shoved quite reluctantly and communicate through music; when current drummer, joined at the same time onto the stage. I couldn’t really hear any- that music is meaningful. as I did. Shortly after, Mark the keyboard thing and I didn’t really know what I was Where was your first gig with James? player joined. Then Andy the keyboard doing, but it worked out well. I played one player joined, so it was very much in flux - note, I think it was a G, and I just played Within 10 days of meeting these guys, we a watershed period for the band, I sup- one long note for about a minute, which I were on tour. I know we played Hull Uni- pose. Dave is a very different kind of thought was quite cool. Larry also thought versity and Newcastle, and the Free Trade drummer, so it became more muscular it was very cool. The thing is, I could play Hall in Manchester, which is now a hotel. and more direct. Gavin was more skittery properly, but it’s only when you get to the The Mancs have got no sense of their own and odd. I joined at a point where the point where you can play really well that history. How can they just turn The Ha- band was changing from being a very, you play less. So he obviously thought, cienda into flats, the Free Trade Hall into very indie, very scratchy, low-fi thing to ‘This guy must be really good because a f**king hotel? The city will come to re- something a little bit more muscular - not he’s chosen to play only one note’. Either I gret the fact that those landmarks don’t that muscular, let’s face it, but something was f**king useless and could only play exist. They can’t even be visited. You can’t a little bit more dreamy. I must’ve con- one note or I was near genius. go to where The Hacienda was. You can’t tributed to the process; I was there. come over from Seattle with your kids on And you were offered the job on the some musical pilgrimage, to see where all You were discovered by band member spot? that late ’80s, early ’90s British indie Larry Gott at Manchester’s Band On Yeah. I had lots of people come up to me, music you loved actually came from. The The Wall. What did you play on the about eight or nine people, asking scousers did it with The Cavern - knocking night to catch his attention? whether I wanted to be in a band, and I it down, then building it again down the We laugh about it sometimes, how mo- was like, ‘No no no, I don’t want to be in a road and saying, ‘This is The Cavern’. Well ments in people’s lives define how the rest band’. Then Larry was like, ‘Do you want no, it’s not. of their life will be, and how, as you ap- to be in a band that’s signed to a major Why do you think James have managed proach that moment in time, you have no record label?’, and I was like, ‘Yeah, I do to survive for so long, through so many idea that that’s what’s actually happen- actually’. The next morning, I went into a scenes? ing. I say this to my kids. You’ve got to try room with Larry, Jim and Tim and we everything because you don’t know what made a racket together. Although it was Because we genuinely weren’t really part the domino effect is going to be. I’d left just a jam, it was also an audition. We of anything. We knew that at the time, in Manchester by then. I was living in the were just making noise together, but they Manchester. I remember doing lots of in-

8 whatsonlive.co.uk BRIAN - James DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 17:45 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

terviews in the early ’90s, especially after Are there any songs you’ve grown to thing that makes money. People used to Sit Down kicked off. Obviously other dislike over the years? lose money playing live, but that was a bands around us were doing brilliantly No, not really. We’ve got quite a big cata- way of driving sales of records. Now peo- well and gaining international recognition logue. We play everything, so it’s really ple stream stuff, listen to it, then go and - The Roses and The Mondays and the rest nice when we get to the point where we see the gigs. of it, The Smiths to some extent. The go, ‘Actually, on this tour, what we’ll do is Finally, how does your 14th album, Girl media was very keen to find a capsule and give songs X, Y and Z a rest and bring in At The End Of The World, compare try to lump everyone together. There were some of these others that we haven’t with previous James’ releases? those things going on in Manchester, played for a while’. We’re constantly chop- that’s absolutely clear - and it wasn’t only ping and changing our set. In that process Bands always say that their latest record is then but later on as well, with Oasis and it’s really nice when we reach the natural the best one they’ve ever made. I’m not all the rest of it. We’ve always said that point at which we want to leave a song be- saying it’s our best record ever, but it’s we’ve got nothing to do with those other hind - not because we don’t like it, just be- certainly been met with a really warm and bands. They were bands we took on tour, cause we feel we’ve probably gone as far positive response, so I would say it’s a they all supported us. All the bands, to as we can go with that particular tune for good record. It’s quite a typical James some extent, looked after each other. We the time being. When our fans start to ex- record because stylistically it isn’t one all went to each other’s gigs. James’ real pect a certain thing, I think it’s right that thing. Some bands make a record on gig was supporting The Fall. If James we change it. That way, we can keep our- which, in a good way, all the songs kind of wanted to be anybody, it was The Fall in selves and everybody who’s into us on sound like they’re from the same band, ’82/’83 - although that would be hard to their toes a little bit. We’re taking out all and that’s great. I think we always make it imagine, listening to our music and listen- our biggest hits and replacing them with a little bit more difficult for our listeners ing to Mark E Smith. The attitude was all other big songs that we don’t play as because we’re not consistent in that way. the same - that feeling of being very alien- much. We’re constantly trying to change Our records kind of lurch from one thing ated and very northern. Everybody knows things around, simply because we get a to another. It’s very much a sign that we about all this stuff. little bit bored with it. We’re very aware make records that we ourselves like. We That’s why, to some extent, we still have a that some people are coming to see James won’t omit something from a record be- voice, because we have this incredible fan for the first time, so we’ve got to get the cause we don’t think it fits the tone of the base that weirdly has grown. We’ve sold balance right between playing our new record. We’ll only omit something because more tickets on this tour than any other record, giving people songs which they’ve we think it’s shit. At the same time, if we UK tour. We haven’t suddenly become a perhaps forgotten about and also playing like something collectively then we’ll put band looking to have mass appeal, but to the gallery, but not doing it in such a it on a record, even if it slightly disturbs we’re certainly finding a wider appeal. way that we feel like we’re playing on the balance of that record. That’s what we One reason why that is, in truth, is that some f**king cruise ship. do, really - we make quite unbalanced, we’ve had unbelievable support from 6 weird pop records. Music, and that really does help. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen to the music industry? I think that’s simple - buying has gone to James play Civic Hall, Wolverhampton streaming. The other thing I would say is on Wednesday 7th December that it’s gone from the record being the

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Food

Thai restaurant voted Best Oriental Establishment at prestigious national awards event

Popular Thai eatery Sabai Sabai has owned eatery also won the Best Oriental been named Best Oriental Establishment Restaurant title at the Birmingham at the annual Food Awards England Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards. event. Food Awards England is now in its third Winning the coveted title topped off a year. Based on the results of a public great 2016 for the restaurant chain, vote, the initiative commends the talent- which has Birmingham branches in ed individuals and businesses that ‘con- Harborne and Moseley and a new estab- stantly deliver high-quality dishes, pro- lishment in Stratford-upon-Avon. Earlier duce and supplies, to ensure impeccable in the year, the husband-and-wife- service to their customers’.

REVIEW: Umai, Golden Cross Passage, Shrewsbury hearty and comforting bowl of ingredients, bursting with deli- Tastes from the Land of the Rising Sun in the Town of Flowers cious, authentic Japanese flavours. The chilli gave the dish a nice, subtle kick, but nothing too overpowering. Both were served with miso soup, a wel- come addition to the main cours- es. On the chef’s request, we were also presented with a chicken teriyaki dish to sample. The chicken was juicy and tender, the teriyaki sauce agreeably sweet. The dish made for a per- fect end to an extremely enjoy- able evening. In addition to its mouthwatering food options, Umai serves a vari- ety of Japanese beers, as well as sake, Japanese green tea, a Japanese soda and calpico. Previously home to The Pantry cado with a sweet baked miso octopus balls to you and me. To The restaurant has something for and located in Shrewsbury’s his- mayonnaise and tobikko. The our delight, they turned out to everyone. The service was fan- toric Golden Cross passage, the rolls were of a good size and be three perfectly executed and tastic, the staff being both Japanese eatery Umai opened its packed full of ingredients. The tasty dishes. The tempura batter knowledgeable and welcoming. doors to the Town of Flowers just flavour combination was was soft, light and in no way The food was exceptional and over a month ago. absolutely spot on. Even from hindered the taste of the prawns. the surroundings comfortable. I Being a huge fan of Japanese that first dish, it was apparent The crab melted in the mouth can hardly wait for the next cuisine and having seen many a that the chefs really knew their and was definitely up there with opportunity to sample the exqui- positive review online prior to trade. My partner opted for the some of the nicest I’ve had, and site cuisine that this new gem my visit, it’s safe to say I had Red Tiger maki - fried prawn, the octopus balls tasted has to offer. pretty high expectations of this salmon, tobikko, cucumber and absolutely divine. Lauren Foster exciting new addition to the mayonnaise; another fantastic For my main course, I opted for town’s culinary scene - and I cer- and flavoursome dish. the Kimchi Pock Bibimbap - stir- Food: n n n n n tainly wasn’t disappointed. Umai prides itself on its fresh fried kimchi pork belly served Service: n n n n n With 117 dishes to choose from sushi, stating on its website: with rice in a hot stone bowl. Ambience: n n n n n and absolutely nothing on the ‘Our sushi is made fresh by order The sticky rice and the sour and Overall value n n n n n menu that I wouldn’t order, it and never left over from the pre- salty kimchi complemented the OVERALL n n n n n was no easy task selecting which vious hour’. It was certainly sweet pork belly perfectly. The delicious-sounding offerings to some of the freshest-tasting addition of a fried egg added fur- sample. sushi I’ve ever eaten - and I’ve ther taste and texture to the Umai To start, my partner and I each eaten a lot! dish. A flavour match made in Golden Cross Passage chose a maki dish. I opted for Next up were the Ebi tempura, heaven! 2 High St, Shrewsbury SY1 1SY the Golden Dragon, which com- the soft shell crab with pepper- My partner opted for the chilli Tel: 01743 344929 prised salmon, sea eel and avo- corn salt, and the Tokoyaki - pepper beef rice teppanyaki - a

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‘Shropshire’s NO.1 new year’s Party Venue’

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance STRICTLY LIMITED AVAILABILITY 3 courses just £31.95 including entrance into C:21 Nightclub & Havana Republic cocktail bar, until 4am! THE PEACH TREE CAFE BAR AND RESTAURANT 18-21 ABBEY FOREGATE, SHREWSBURY, SY2 6AE. TEL: 01743 355055 WWW.THEPEACHTREE.CO.UK *PLEASE NOTE: A £15 PER PERSON NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING

*Terms & conditions apply

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Food

Italian wine tasting at Shrewsbury restaurant Following several successful sold-out events, independent Shrewsbury restaurant The Peach Tree has announced its next wine-tasting evening - the first of many due to take place at the popular eatery in 2017. The Thursday 9 February event will see wine expert and guest speaker Simon Grayson guide attendees through a lesson about Italian wines. Not only that, succulent sharing plates from the restaurant’s award- winning Executive Head Chef, Chris Burt, will be on offer throughout the evening. Tickets are priced at £30 and can be booked directly through The Peach Tree by calling 01743 355055.

New seafood eatery opens in old cinema building A brand new seafood restaurant has opened in mussels and garlic prawns. the building which once housed Birmingham’s The top floor of the venue is a state-of-the-art Futurist Cinema. nightclub, which opens on Friday and Saturday Situated on John Bright Street near the New nights until 3am. Alexandra Theatre, Lobster Peninsula boasts a Lobster Peninsula is open Monday to Thursday Sparkling start to the nine-strong kitchen team led by head chef from 12pm to 11pm (last orders at 10pm), Friday Saming Saetang, a Brummie of Thai origin. and Saturday from midday to midnight, and festive season at The new eatery’s menu includes lobster bisque Sunday from 12pm to 10.30pm. Weston Park and lobster chowder, chilled oysters, steamed Weston Park in Staffordshire is this month offering guests ‘a sparkling start to the festive season’, courtesy Shropshire set to sample a taste of Uncle Sam of a special one-off ‘dine & stay’ event. An American-style diner is to join Biggies is the brainchild of Sam Taylor, whose A late-afternoon Champagne recep- Shrewsbury’s ever-expanding restaurant scene. venues also include The Libertine cocktail bar tion will be followed by a ‘mouthwa- Set to open in Frankwell - in the building and House Of The Rising Sun, a fusion restau- tering’ seasonal four-course meal. which was once The Silverton Hotel - Biggie’s rant & bar where East meets West. Following dinner, guests will be able diner is a new concept for the town, promising Rumour has it that the new diner will open in to enjoy a drink by the fireside before to serve classic food from across the pond, early 2017. We’ll keep you posted! heading off to bed. including shakes and fresh American waffles. A full English breakfast the following morning rounds off the overnight event. The ‘dine & stay’ experience takes Midlands’ entrepreneur opens Miss Macaroon place from Saturday 10 into Sunday An informal venue where customers can enjoy up to 30 different 11 December and costs £375 per cou- types of macaroon and a glass of carefully chosen prosecco has ple. Pre-booking is essential. To do opened in Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade. so, call Emily Thompson on 01952 Miss Macaroon is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Rosie 852106 or email her at: emily@west- Ginday, who trained as a pastry chef under Glynn Purnell. on-park.com “We’ve been working towards this for some time,” says Rosie, “so I’m genuinely proud that we’ve been able to bring the first Miss Macaroon store to the people of Birmingham, my home city. “Whilst this is our first outlet, there are plans to open multiple venues across the UK. Leeds will hopefully be our next destina- tion, and we have an ambitious business plan that we hope will see us hit 100 Miss Macaroon shops by 2021.” For further information, visit missmacaroon.co.uk or follow @iammissmacaroon on twitter.

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Gigs

Pixies O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 8 December Supporting their sophomore post-reunion album, Head Carrier, Pixies embark on a high- ly anticipated world tour. The 12-track collection of the band's unique mix of surrealism, psychedelia, dissonance and surf rock was released in September to great critical acclaim. In addition, the band - Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering - officially wel- come bassist Paz Lenchantin to the permanent line-up. Lenchantin has been the band's tour- ing bassist since January 2014, and played an integral part in the recording of Head Carrier. Best known for singles such as Where Is My Mind? and Here Comes Your Man, Pixies’ lyrics cover offbeat subjects such as extrater- restrials, surrealism, incest and biblical vio- lence.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Placebo Genting Arena, Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sun 11 December Thurs 8 December Alternative rock band Placebo, heading to Birmingham this month as part of a world tour, are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of their plat- inum-selling, self-titled debut album. With best-known songs including Pure Morning and Every You, Every Me, and a cult fanbase that’s stood by them throughout, their career has seen them delve into the genres of glam rock, goth rock, grunge and punk rock. The band promise a set list spanning their whole back catalogue. Brian Molko teased: “Let's just say there will be songs in the set that I've sworn never to play again. I think it's time that we purpose- fully acknowledged what a lot of Placebo fans really want to hear.” Blue Rose Code Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 4 December “Blue Rose Code is more of a name for my music than for me,” reveals Edinburgh-born songwriter Ross Wilson in an interview with With a reputation for outrageous on-stage thankfolkforthat.com. “I have a collective of antics, Red Hot Chili Peppers brilliantly people who I’m lucky enough to have believe blend rock with funk, throwing in elements in me and want to play with me.” of punk, hip-hop and psychedelic rock just Ross has made a welcome return to the for good measure. music scene after a few years in the wilder- Comprising Anthony Kiedis on vocals, Flea ness, during which period substance abuse on bass, Chad Smith on drums and Josh robbed him of his natural impulse to pick up Klinghoffer on guitar, the band are touring in a guitar and play. support of their Danger Mouse-produced 11th His appearance at Henry Tudor House is in studio album, The Getaway. Mixed by Nigel support of his latest album, The Ballads Of Godrich, it made the number-one spot in 10 Peckham Rye - Live At St Pancras. countries across Europe. 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - December - Staffs_Shrops_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:06 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Luke Jackson Trio The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 10 December

Luke Jackson

Canterbury-based Luke Jackson has been compared to a young Tim Buckley and hailed for possessing Biffy Clyro album, so the boys were no overnight suc- the kind of voice you could get lost cess story. Indeed, it was only their decision Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, in. He’s also a BBC Radio Two Young Wed 7 December to perform ‘more mainstream’ songs that Folk Award winner, bagging the title brought them to the attention of a wider Finding stardom in 2007 with the album back in 2013. Not bad for a fella audience. Puzzle, Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro have who’s only recently left his teenage The three-piece have recently released sev- since established themselves as one of the years behind him. Luke’s debut enth studio album Ellipsis, which shot biggest bands on the music scene. album, More Than Boys, was straight to number one in the UK. launched in the Midlands at the Puzzle was actually the group’s fourth Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Its success led to a follow-up offering, Fumes And Faith, a slower-burn album released in early 2014. The Urban Folk Quartet Meilyr Jones He and his band visit The Hive fol- Stafford Gatehouse, Fri 9 December The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, lowing the release of third album Tall Thurs 8 December Tales And Rumours. Meilyr Jones’s visits to various European locations have provided the inspiration for his loose and spacious folk music offerings - songs which he constructs with all manner The Bootleg Beatles of instrumentation, from guitar and banjo to Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, 30-piece orchestras and Glaswegian commu- Fri 9 December nity choirs. The former lead singer of quirky Formed in 1980 from the cast of the Welsh band Race Horses, Meilyr visits the musical Beatlemania, the Bootleg Potteries in support of debut album 2013, Beatles remain one of the most popu- recently released on Moshi Moshi and fea- lar tribute acts in the country, despite turing a selection of brilliant concoctions the emergence of numerous rivals. that sound even better when performed live. Their ongoing success is down to the accuracy of their portrayals of the Mad Dog Mcrea Fab Four, not only managing to look uncannily like them but also sound- ing incredibly authentic. The Urban Folk Quartet are like no other A nostalgic but vital journey through folk band. With Birmingham’s vibrant and the 1960s awaits... diverse music scene having a significant Meilyr Jones influence on their work, they dabble in all kinds of sounds, from funk grooves and Mad Dog Mcrea Middle-Eastern melodies to afrobeat and north Indian rhythms. The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 1 December They tug their collective forelock in the Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of direction of more traditional folk music too, folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz and bluegrass. describing their sound as being ‘fiddle-led’ From self-penned numbers telling of adven- and drawing ‘heavily on celtic dance forms ture, drinking, love and life to traditional and traditional song’. offerings about gypsies, fairies, legless The band's 2016 tour sees the first airing of pirates and black flies, their infectious brand new material and follows on from the songs never fail to capture their audience’s success of last year's Escape album. imagination. For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Shrop_Wolves_Staffs December 2.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:32 Page 1 Classical Shrop_Wolves_Staffs December 2.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:32 Page 2

Classical Music

Katherine Jenkins: BBC Philharmonic Celebration Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 9 December Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 22 December Residing at the Corporation's Manchester “The live performance aspect is my home of Media City in Salford Quays, the favourite part of what I do, and I also hap- BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke- pen to love Christmas,” says Katherine on-Trent, regularly presenting Victoria Jenkins in talking about her festive-season Hall concert-goers with popular classical concert tour. “The show will feature tradi- works from its impressive repertoire. tional and popular Christmas music - and I This latest concert sees Chief Conductor also want to get everyone together to sing a Juanjo Mena picking up the baton for a little bit. I really want some community programme which features a selection of carol singing. I want to hear the voices of Dvorák’s Slavonic Dances, Mussorgsky’s the audience and compare them as I make full-blooded Night On A Bare Mountain my way around the UK!” and extracts from Tchaikovsky’s colourful As well as a selection of seasonal music, the Nutcracker. concert also includes songs from The BBC New Generation Artist of 2014, Katherine’s 11th and most recent album, Pavel Kolesnikov, also makes a contribu- Celebration, a collection created to mark a tion to what’s certain to be an evening of year that’s included the Queen’s 90th birth- high-quality music, performing Chopin’s day, the Rio Olympics and Euro 2016. stylish Piano Concerto No2, written by the composer while still a teenager. The BBC Phil returns to Victoria Hall on 10 February to play Haydn, Mozart and Sibelius, visiting the venue again on 3 Ex Cathedra: Christmas City Of Birmingham March with a programme that features the Music By Candlelight Symphony Orchestra: music of Berlioz, Elgar and Musorgsky. St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 White Christmas December; St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 3 December; St Paul’s Church, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Birmingham, Mon 19 - Thurs 22 December Fri 9 December Even if Birmingham’s Symphony Hall isn’t literally decked with boughs of holly this festive season, there’s no question that the popular venue is offering its patrons plenty by way of yuletide cheer in the run-up to Christmas. One of the undoubted highlights of its December programme is this con- cert of seasonal music presented by the City of Birmingham Symphony Juanjo Mena Orchestra, complete with contribu- tions from top West End vocalists. The concert also includes an oppor- Halesowen Orchestra tunity for audience members to exer- Cornbow Hall, Halesowen, cise their own vocal chords in a sure- Sat 10 December to-be-fun singalong. The Halesowen Orchestra was once Festive described by James Morris MP as “one of favourites fea- the town’s hidden jewels”, a description tured in the with which the 40-strong ensemble’s show include many supporters will no doubt whole- What better way to get into the Christmas Let It Snow, heartedly agree. spirit than by enjoying an evening with one When A Child Founded in 1986, the amateur group of of the country’s finest choral music ensem- Is Born, musicians meet once a week to practise a bles? Frosty The wide and varied repertoire of works by Under the directorship of its founder, Jeffrey Snowman some of the world’s greatest classical Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this month present- and All I composers. ing its atmospheric Christmas Music By Want For This month’s concert sees them turning Candlelight experience, an event that features Christmas Is their attention to Mendelssohn’s Overture festive favourites from around the globe and You. Richard to A Midsummer Night's Dream, across the ages, interspersed with a variety of Balcombe Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet Suite No2 and conducts. Richard Balcombe Elgar’s Violin Concerto. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Barbara Nice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:53 Page 1

Barbara Nice talks about her Christmas Cracker and explains why we all need to carry on laughing...

Fast becoming a staple feature of Birming- ham's festive offering, Barbara Nice is back again with a brand new, bumper Christmas show for the fifth year running. As December descends upon us, we caught up with the much-loved King's Heath housewife - played by local legend Janice Connolly - to find out what we can expect from this year's Christmas Cracker... “It's going to be a really good night out,” Connolly assures. “You name it, I've got it! I've got a ukulele band, mince pies and Barbara's famous raffle. I've got special guests including Lorraine Bowen, who was a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent last year. It's great fun and a brilliant thing to do with friends. People always come out saying it's put them right in the mood for Christmas!” The continued success of Barbara's an- nual Christmas show in the city has sur- prised Connolly, but she's pleased as a festive spiced punch that people are still turning out in their droves to share an evening of silliness with her - and there'll be more of them this year than ever! “It was only supposed to be a one-off re- ally, but people enjoyed it so much that I think it's become part of people's tradi- tion now - it's as traditional as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! It started off as just the one night at mac, and now it's grown into a kind of little tour. I'm doing a few dates at mac and also one at the Ar- trix in Bromsgrove, and then there are shows in Manchester, Clitheroe and Brighton.” Naturally, Barbara is pretty big on Christ- mas, but for Connolly herself, it's the quiet time that comes just after the big day that's the real joy of the holiday sea- son. “I don't mean to be miserable, but I do sometimes find Christmas Day itself can be a bit much. It's lovely when people get together and enjoy themselves, but there's such a lot to do, isn't there? I much prefer

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Barbara Nice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:53 Page 2

those days in between Boxing Day and In the past, Connolly has commented on at The REP, and also when we took the New Year's Eve - those kind of lost days the negative attitudes towards Birming- show to London, which is great because where you haven't got to do anything, but ham that are present in much of the rest we're not particularly well known there.” your house looks great because your of the country, both in the north and the Nevertheless, Women In Theatre isn't, as Christmas tree's up, and you can watch all south. In recent years, however, huge re- the name might suggest, a project exclu- the stuff on telly that you've been wanting development and investment in the city, sively by and for women. Over the years, to see on catch-up, and you can just kind as well as a growing cultural output, has they've worked with many men, and even of breathe a bit. That's my favourite.” helped to really challenge those percep- addressed important male issues such as Of course, a Barbara is for life and not just tions. mental health and testicular cancer. But for Christmas, and 2016 has definitely “I was working with an actor from Walsall at its heart is a commitment to improving been a brilliant year for the King's Heath on a radio play recently, and he said he's diversity in our theatres, providing a plat- comic. As well as taking home the title of noticed that a lot more people are asking form for those whose voices might not Best Midlands Comedian in our own for his proper accent now - it's something otherwise be heard. What's On Readers' Awards, she was also people are seeking out and enjoying, per- With her theatre company known for tak- named as runner-up in the Midlands Com- haps partly because of things like Peaky ing on weighty issues, Connolly is acutely edy Awards, and has been busy in Birm- Blinders. Anybody that comes to Birming- aware of the many pressing problems in ingham and Salford recording a new ham for the first time immediately our society today. From the outside, the sitcom set to air on BBC Radio Two in changes their mind about it, and a lot of increasing hardship and division in our March. that is to do with what the powers-that-be world might make a comedian's job seem “Barbara was never one for rushing - she's are providing for people. It looks a lot bet- like a tough one, but for her, the difficul- been taking it very slowly, but I do think ter now, and there’s genuinely more to do. ties that we're facing only serve to make she's finally starting to get the recognition I went to the Royal Television Society laughter more important than ever. Awards at the Motorcycle Museum, and she deserves. The sitcom is about Bar- “I'm a big believer in comedy running side Steven Knight, who made Peaky Blinders, bara's life at home with her husband and by side with serious issues because I think was there. Now he's a great fella! And he her best friend, Mary. She and her hus- that, in life, often the times you laugh the said that, I think within the next two band Ken have both got a lot of time on most are after big, terrible events. I also years, they're looking to open a film stu- their hands, but Barbara's a get-up-and- think the working class are really good at dio at the NEC, so hopefully there should doer while Ken just wants to stay at home laughing, and I think we should continue be more and more really good stuff com- watching quiz shows, so it's about her sort to do that. A lot of that is maybe because ing this way.” of putting a firework under him! We people have had harder lives and they recorded four episodes to capacity audi- Outside of being Barbara, Connolly also know how to make the most of it when ences that really, really liked it, so I'm has a career as a theatre-maker, having they're in a bad situation. In the north hoping people will listen in and say to the run the well-regarded company Women In particularly you get a lot of comedy com- BBC, 'More of this please! More Barbara Theatre for an impressive 33 years. Their ing out of women working in the mills and Nice!'” latest project, Starting Out, premiered at shouting to each other and becoming It's now several years since Connolly came Birmingham REP in October, and was these big, matriarchal characters - that's to Birmingham, but to this day she still highly praised for its portrayal of the diffi- part of what's made things like Corona- nods to her northern origins in perform- culties faced by young women entering tion Street so successful. And I think it's ances outside the city. She’s Barbara from the world of work today. important. I think we've got to keep Stockport in some shows, Barbara from “About three years ago, to celebrate our laughing because it gives us strength, and King's Heath in others. 30th anniversary, we talked to women in also it's a way of connecting with people “I don't change a thing really, apart from Birmingham who’d also been doing their and making them feel less powerless.” the bus - it's a number 50 bus when I'm jobs for 30 years, and we created a set of doing King's Heath Barbara and a 192 if monologues based on those conversa- I'm doing Stockport Barbara. That's the tions. So this year, I thought it'd be really Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker shows only change. But she travels very well. good to talk to young women about their at Artrix, Bromsgrove, on Monday 12 Wherever I go, people come and tell me experiences of getting onto the career lad- der, because I think it's really tough for December and mac birmingham on that I'm just like their auntie or their mum Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December. - it's the same down south as well.” young people now. We got great feedback

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:55 Page 1

Comedy

25 Years Of Reeves & Mortimer: The Poignant Moments Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 9 December Reeves & Mortimer’s scheduled appearance in Birmingham last winter had to be postponed due to the latter’s need for a triple heart bypass operation, so it’s particularly nice to see them back in the Midlands this month. Vic and Bob first worked together over a quarter of a century ago. They shot to stardom courtesy of a brand of anarchic humour that blended surreal material with more traditional double-act fare such as corny jokes and violent slapstick. For a time in the 1990s they were pretty much the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit. Their TV work included shows such as The Smell Of Reeves & Mortimer and Shooting Stars - and even a remake of the cult 1960s television adventure series Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased). “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us,” says Bob Mortimer. “Some people feel most alive when they’re on fire or in Turkey, but for us the stage is where we thrive. I will ensure that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise not to mention foot- ball, JLS or apricots during the performances. Should you choose to attend, be warned - I will not be wearing a toupé.”

Six of the best...

Mick Ferry Mickey Josh The Glee Club, Sharma Widdicombe Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sat 17 & Sat 31 mac, Birmingham, Civic Hall, December Sat 10 December Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 December Highly regarded not If life had worked Peddling a nice line only as a stand-up out differently for in exasperated, self- but also a compere, Mickey Sharma, the deprecating humour Mick has peddled tool of his trade when performing his cynical brand of would have been a live, Devon-raised funnyman Josh humour on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s cricket bat rather than a microphone. Widdicombe pumps out his cleverly crafted Comedy Roadshow. The Karachi-born funnyman was a promising gags at a brisk pace, hitting the mark with He’s also enjoyed the experience of ‘being a young cricketer with an ambition to play for the vast majority of his observational materi- film star’, having appeared in Ken Loach’s India, but a nasty head injury, sustained al. Palm D’Or-nominated movie, Looking For while practising his batting, hit his chosen This latest touring show, What Do I Do Now, Eric. career for six... has met with favourable reviews and sees He’s an old-style comedian in many ways, his One emergency operation later, Mickey’s Josh blending nostalgic recollections about dour manner a throwback to the days when sporting aspirations were in tatters, and a his childhood with a well-pitched rant at the blunt northern funnymen were ten-a-penny, long period of both recovery and depression modern world. while his humour is derived from a fairly pes- followed. But the Indian cricket team’s loss Widdicombe jokes include: “Hotdogs cause simistic outlook on life. has proved to be comedy’s gain, with Mickey bum cancer - that was the original slogan for “There's no message in this show”, he earning himself plenty of plaudits and admir- McDonald's before ‘I'm loving it’,” and, declared at one of his gigs. “There's no moral ers since launching his full-time stand-up “People say it’s better to have loved and lost lesson, there are just some jokes. And if you career four years ago. than never loved at all. But that’s not how need a comedian to tell you how to think and His Birmingham appearance this month sees losing things works. When you lose your treat other people, then you should take a him presenting his latest show, A Sharma phone, your first reaction isn't, “At least I ****ing hard look at yourself.” Sutra’s Tale. had a phone; it's better to have had a phone and lost a phone than never to have phoned at all.” 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:55 Page 2

Stephen K Amos The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 3 December Stephen K Amos returns to Birmingham this month with his latest touring show, World Famous, in which he reveals everything he’s learned from the cultures of the countries in which he’s performed his stand-up routine. His popularity both here and abroad are suitable reward for a comedian who sometimes wondered whether his big break would ever come. “I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny Henry to die before I could get on television,” he says, referring to his belief that opportu- nities for black comedians are few and far between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen's very much basking in the televisual limelight these days. His success is no surprise, mind, given the quality of his material and his effortless ability to strike all the right chords with his ever-appreciative audience. Jokes include: “Christmases were terrible, not like nowa- days when kids get everything. My sister got a miniature set of perfumes called ‘Ample’. It was tiny, but even I could see where my dad had scraped off the ‘S’.”

Ahir Shah Rudi Scott Stafford Gatehouse Lickwood Capurro Theatre, Sat 17 December Regent Theatre, Lichfield Garrick, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 15 December Oxbridge graduate Sat 31 December Ahir Shah is happy Outrageous and out- Nobody’s safe from to describe his act as spoken, gay comedi- becoming a target of a blend of ‘philo- an Scott Capurro cer- Rudi Lickwood’s sophical inquiry, tainly knows how to fast-paced humour, political vigour and provoke a response - least of all his wife, sweet gags’. as hefty numbers of complaints following who, he claims, has emasculated him, and He also realises that the path to comedy star- various television appearances ably testify. whose snoring and menstruating he hates. dom can be a long and arduous one: “Over Confident, catty, charismatic and His kids don’t escape unscathed either - but the course of the last decade,” he says, “my Californian, Scott has no qualms about using then if they were better at art and playing the status on the circuit has skyrocketed from material that might well offend a significant recorder, they wouldn’t give their dad quite ‘curiosity’ to ‘interloper’!” proportion of an unprepared audience. so much material to work with. Ahir’s latest touring show, Machines, not When he’s not in boundary-pushing mode Lickwood started out as an Eddie Murphy only went down a storm in Edinburgh last and talking about subjects like AIDS - which, impersonater back in the late 1980s, before summer but also, he enthusiastically reveals, according to his website, he’s avoided con- turning his considerable comic talent to the contains an absolutely cracking joke about tracting ‘by telling unsavory jokes in every business of stand-up. lizards. English-speaking country’ - his material Jokes include: “I’ve got a 26-year-old kid who The gig’s not without its serious moments - includes such humorous observations as, I found out about last year through the Child the comedian was caught up in the Paris “Scotland had oil, but it's running out Support Agency. They tracked me down and attacks last year and shares his experience of thanks to all that deep frying.” gave me a court summons for leaving the the devastation - but his natural optimism The gag was voted one of the top 10 at the scene of the accident.” and incisive delivery of his material ensure Edinburgh Fringe a couple of years back. Rudi appears at the Regent as part of the that a reason to smile is never too far away. venue’s Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club night.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Chicago DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:54 Page 1

FEATURE

Crime, Christmas and celebrity culture

John Partridge stars in Chicago at the New Alexandra Theatre

Chicago in the 1920s. These are violent, names stay in the press and ultimately get troubled times, where danger lurks in them let off for their crimes. It's a dream of shadows and gangsters run the show. It's a part. I get to flick the hair, shine the also the beginning of a burgeoning shoes, put on the tux, and get draped in celebrity culture, with the growth of Holly- feathers!” wood movies, popular music and a boom- Some things change while others stay the ing media industry combining to nurture a same. The internet and the explosion of re- new breed of megastars. Sensational sto- ality TV might have affected the way we in- ries sell, and journalists prowl the streets, teract with our celebrities today, not to sniffing out the juiciest morsels they can mention swelling their ranks enormously, find in the hope of making headlines... but ultimately, our culture is a continua- Living and working among them is Mau- tion of the one that Watkins saw emerging rine Dallas Watkins, a young reporter for close to a century ago. the Chicago Tribune. It's while covering “It's very topical now,” Partridge contin- two high-profile murders that she sees how ues. “Even when the musical was con- celebrity obsession is changing the way ceived back in 1975, I don't think we had that courts treat criminals, prompting her any idea of how celebrity culture would ex- to write a play based on her stories. plode. It's everywhere now - it's in people's Nearly 50 years later, the play would be homes, on television, in magazines and on transformed into what would become the social media. There's no getting away from longest-running American musical on it. I think that's part of the reason the show Broadway, outdone only by the British has this lasting appeal - the story is very ‘‘ Phantom Of The Opera. contemporary in its nature but it’s dealt It’s a dream of Forty-one years after its smash-hit US with in this old-school way.” a part. I get to debut, Chicago is undertaking a brand new Doing justice to the powerful story and its UK tour, arriving at Birmingham's New compelling characters is paramount in this flick the hair, Alexandra Theatre in time for Christmas. production, which has been stripped clean The production's fabulous cast includes of all the flashy and sometimes shallow ex- shine the shoes, EastEnders' John Partridge in the starring tras that are often part and parcel of large- role of slick, quick-talking lawyer Billy scale musicals. Flynn, a character he imagines might have put on the tux, “It's a very stark, minimal set that we have, carved a slightly different career were he which really focuses your attention on the around today... and get draped narrative and the storytelling of the show. “Billy is the King of Spin,” explains Par- There are no scene changes and no cos- in feathers! tridge. “I guess today's equivalent would tume changes, which is quite unusual for a be something like a PR Guru. It's his job to musical and quite brave. Often, shows rely raise the profiles of our two loveable mur- on sets and costumes, perhaps because ” deresses, Roxy and Velma, to ensure their they need to, whereas Chicago is so power- 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Chicago DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:54 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

ful that it doesn't need all the extras. It which I do not recommend!” he laughs. thing, especially at this stage in the tour.” does mean audiences have to really pay “It was scary. I came out of the Big Brother Partridge is no stranger to working during attention, though, because they're not house on the Friday, did all the press that the Christmas season. Over the last five being directed by the set. That's what went with that, and then I had my first re- years, he's appeared in various pan- makes it such a great piece for an actor - it hearsal on the Monday. When we opened tomimes, including Birmingham Hippo- means that we're in charge of taking the on the Wednesday, there were a lot of drome's Snow White And The Seven audience on the journey, rather than ex- grey-faced producers standing in the Dwarfs in 2013. ternal things doing that for you.” wings thinking, 'Oh my God, is he gonna “This is the first year in a while that I pull this off?' But fortunately musical the- Rest assured, however, that the show will won’t be slapping my thigh and mugging atre is in my blood. I went into Cats when still look and sound fantastic. It might not outrageously to the audience for laughs! I was 16 and I'm now 46, so it's something be conventionally flamboyant, but it's still I'm afraid working over Christmas is all I've done for a long time. And, I'm pleased undeniably stylish in its own way, packed part and parcel of being an actor - the hol- to say, it all came off. Funnily enough, I'm full of iconic musical numbers and incred- idays are our busy times, so we take our going to be going through another hair- ible choreography. vacations at other times of the year. But raising rehearsal period shortly - we finish “It's a very clever, highly stylised musical. all my family are going to come and watch Chicago on 31 December, and then my The choreography and the dialogue and the show on Boxing Day - if I've got to do next show, La Cage Aux Folles, opens in the songs are all woven seamlessly to- two shows on Boxing Day then they can Oxford on 5 January. It seems to be becom- gether so that everything is very fluid, and all come and see me!” ing what I'm known for!” there really is something for everybody. And while treading the boards instead of Of course, it may have helped that Par- The score is legendary - you couldn't ask flopping in front of the telly at the height tridge already had some familiarity with for a better one - and our band is ab- of the holiday season isn't for everyone, the role, having initially been offered it solutely exceptional. People often forget Partridge is looking forward to being back back in 2010. But since beginning this that Chicago has a jazz score, and in this here for another Christmas show, having year's tour, he's had plenty of time to get tour, we have an amazing 12-strong jazz thoroughly enjoyed his stint in the UK's to grips with Billy, continually learning, fi- band who’re very much part of the show. biggest and best panto. In my opinion, they're worth the ticket nessing and developing the part. “Every audience is different, and every price alone! We also have one of the sexi- “When I was first offered it in 2010, I town you visit has a different sort of feel. est ensembles of dancers that you’ll see turned it down because I didn't think I Some are harder than others, but others on stage this Christmas, trust me!” had the maturity, but when I knew the are on their feet the minute you come out show was coming round again, I actively With its clever script, intricate dancing on stage! I've always found the audiences threw my hat into the ring. Luckily they and stand-out musical numbers, you to be very warm and receptive in Birming- were very receptive and offered me the might think that such a complex and de- ham, so I'm glad to be coming back.” manding show would make hours of prac- part straight away. I've had a wonderful tice and rehearsal an essential, but for time doing it - it's a great company, we've Partridge, fresh from his stint on Celebrity really grown together, and we're all still Chicago runs at Birmingham's New Big Brother, time was a luxury not af- constantly finding new ways of playing it. Alexandra Theatre from Monday 12 to forded in this case. In Birmingham we're also going to be joined by Mica Paris, and it's always Saturday 31 December. “I actually only had three days' rehearsal, lovely to have a fresh viewpoint on some-

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Pantos Festive favourites from around the region

Dick Whittington Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman will be hoping the streets of the second city are paved with gold this Christmas, when he takes the title role in Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime production of Dick Whittington Joining John on stage this year, to star as King Rat, is Steve McFadden, best known as EastEnders bad boy Phil Mitchell. Support comes from The Krankies (as Councillor and Jimmy Krankie), Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack (as Idle Jack), West End star Jodie Prenger (as Fairy Bow Bells) and popular Midlands panto Dame, Andrew Ryan (as Sarah the Cook). The story of a young man who heads off on his travels in search of fame and fortune, Dick Whittington is one of the most popular of all pantomimes. It’s therefore no surprise to find that our eponymous hero’s journey sees him stopping off at not one, not two, but three theatres across the Midlands this Christmas. Dick Whittington shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Mon 19 December - Sun 29 January As well as the Hippodrome, Dick’s also visiting the Coventry Belgrade, where the venue’s long-term panto writer, director and Dame, Iain Lauchlan, is returning for his 22nd show. Iain’s heading up a production that comes complete with ‘singalong songs, amazing sets and extravagant costumes’ - and which will no doubt be packed to its festive rafters with action, comedy and family fun. Dick Whittington shows at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 7 January Another well-established ‘king of Midlands pantomime’ is comedian Malcolm Stent, who, like Iain, has clocked up more years of writing and per- forming pantos than he probably cares to remember. In much the same way as Iain has made his indelible mark at the Belgrade, Malcolm has become a festive-season legend at The Core - formerly known as Solihull Arts Complex. His latest version of Dick Whittington features ‘action, adventure, secrets, songs, dancing, trickery, romance, swashbuckling sailors and rogue-ish rats aplenty’. In short, pretty much every ingredient you need for a barnstorming evening of pantomime magic. Dick Whittington shows at The Core, Solihull, from Fri 9 - Sat 31 December

Jack And The Beanstalk Robin Hood And The mirth at the Artix. Down the M5 in Tewkesbury, meanwhile, The Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Babes In The Wood Thurs 22 - Fri 30 December Roses’ version of the show has been written The Roses, Tewkesbury, Sat 3 December - by the ever-reliable Ben Crocker, whose pre- Sat 7 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 16 - Fri 23 December vious work for the theatre includes its last four pantomimes: Aladdin 2012; Jack And As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough The Beanstalk 2013; Beauty And The Beast on his plate, dealing with the evil Sheriff of 2014; and Cinderella 2015. Nottingham, wooing the delicious Maid Marion and wondering how to stop the colos- sal Friar Tuck from eating everything in his path, the festive season also finds him get- ting tangled up in the many and varied tradi- tions of pantomime. When the dastardly sheriff hires a pair of If you’re up for a bit of fe-fi-fo-fumming this bungling baddies to put paid to his brother festive season, a trip to the Prince of Wales King Richard’s children - the ‘Babes’ of the Centre should be right up your beanstalk, title - he thinks his wickedness will secure with a talented cast of performers ensuring him the throne of England. But he’s reck- that not all encounters with grumpy, cash- oned without our dashing hero, a Santa’s counting ogres need end in tears. Sack-worth of audience participation and Keith de Winter gets all glammed up to star more corny gags than you could fit into a as Dame Dolly, with CBBC’s Shorelle Hopkin giant-size Christmas stocking. returning ‘by popular demand’ to perform As is usually the case, Midlands theatre com- some wand-waving magic as The Fairy. pany All & Sundry are the purveyors of panto 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 2

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

Wed 15 - Tue 7 Mar - Mon 29 May Sat 25 Feb Sat 29 Apr - S at 3 Jun From £16 From £25 From £15

The perfect Christmas Gift Vouchers make the perfect Christmas present so friends and family can see the show of their choice. birminghamhippodrome.com/giftvouchers

Or buy Memberships for great ticket sav- ings, priority booking, invitations to special events and more! Tue 6 - Mon 3 - Sat 10 Jun Sat 8 Jul birminghamhippodrome.com/giveandjoin From £17 From £15 Terms and conditions apply.

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0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 3

Pantos

Aladdin The Wolverhampton Grand is certainly on a roll when it comes to providing high-quality panto fare - and the venue's Christmas 2016 offering looks set to be every bit as energised and entertaining as any of its illustrious predecessors. X-Factor winner Joe McElderry takes the title role in a show that also sees internet sensation Doreen Tipton making her panto debut as the Lazy Empress Of China. Pantomime stalwart Lisa Riley stars as the Slave Of The Ring, with CBeebies' Mr Bloom - Ben Faulks - threatening to feel a collar or two as the Chief of Peking Police. Britain’s Got Talent soprano Lucy Kay appears in the role of Princess Jasmine, while illusionist Stefan Pejic plays the evil sorcerer Abanazar. Panto regular Ian Adams dons a plethora of glamorous outfits as Widow Twankey. Aladdin shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Sat 10 December to Sun 22 January Aladdin also manages to fly his magic carpet into Birmingham and Stratford this Christmas. He comes in to land in Brum at the Jewellery Quarter’s Blue Orange Theatre, where the Midland Academy of Musical Theatre are the ensemble charged with the task of recounting this most famous of Arabian Nights stories. Meanwhile over in ‘Shakespeare country’, a talented cast of West End performers will be looking to provide audiences with an Open Sesame to an evening of laugh-out-loud family fun. Aladdin also shows at The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, from Wed 7 to Fri 9 December and Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon from Wed 14 to Tues 27 December

Sleeping Beauty Sam Rabone - as the production’s Dame, Snow White And The Nurse Nelly - and a host of special effects, Seven Dwarfs Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 1 - Sat 31 December; including a fire-breathing dragon... The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Wed 7 - Meanwhile, the star of this year’s panto at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Sat 31 December; Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 Fri 16 - Fri 30 December December - Sun 8 January The Place might well arrive at the venue in a rather unusual way. By ostrich! Long-established comedian and entertainer Bernie Clifton - who's best known for ‘riding’ his faithful ostrich companion, Oswald - is appearing in the Shropshire theatre’s Christmas presentation alongside Wink Taylor from CITV’s The Sooty Show... And speaking of The Sooty Show, another of its stars, Chris Pizzey, is appearing as Silly Sleeping Beauty - Lichfield Garrick Billy in the Malvern Theatre version of the story. He’s joined by a top-billing Gillian The tragic tale of a young princess who’s Wright - aka EastEnders’ Jean Slater - tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger Channel Five’s Milkshake presenter Amy on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for Thompson and Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley. 100 years, offers a great story around which Quinn Patrick dons the poorly applied rouge to build a pantomime production of real and comedy wig to play Nurse Nelly. quality. Everybody knows the story of Snow White And judging by the above venues’ previous Sleeping Beauty - The Place, Oakengates And The Seven Dwarfs, even if there are still yuletide offerings, the Garrick, The Place and a few people who haven't seen the golden- Malvern Theatre’s 2016 festive versions of the age Disney movie. The fact that it's a 24-carat popular fairytale are likely to provide some classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime truly top-notch family fun... stage version is always a surefire winner. In Lichfield, Cbeebies television favourite Expect all the usual elements, including Rebecca Keatley takes the role of Fairy rouged-up Dames and more slapstick come- Moonbeam, appearing alongside local lad dy than you could throw a custard pie at. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 4

Festive favourites from around the region

Cinderella ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to star as Buttons in this ever-popular pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan is pretty much a fes- tive fixture at the Regent Theatre nowadays, as is his good pal Christian Patterson, who’s also making a welcome return. With its comical Ugly Sisters, match- making fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. And the Regent Theatre production isn’t the only incarnation of this legendary fairytale delighting Midlands audi- ences this Christmas... Cinderella shows at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from Thurs 8 December to Sunday 8 January Theatre Severn’s version of the story features all the usual panto elements of comedy, singing, dancing, audience participation and ‘stunning’ sets and cos- Cinderella at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent tumes. And also very much as usual, it stars the ever- popular Brad Fitt, on this occasion appearing ‘as you’ve never seen him before’... Cinderella shows at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 30 Nov - Sun 8 January Cinders is this year also putting some elbow grease into scrubbing the stage at the Swan Theatre in Worcestershire, courtesy of the well-regarded Worcester Theatre Company. Cinderella shows at Swan Theatre, Worcester from Mon 5 December to Sun 8 January Cinderellat at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Cinderella at Swan Theatre, Worcester

Aladdin: Franklin, The Monkees, James Brown, The ment by two popular Midlands theatres. Temptations and The Jackson Five. The Royal Spa Centre in Leamington is prom- The Wok’n’Roll Panto A recipe for success if ever there was one, so ising a show that features ‘spectacular Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, brace yourself for a fabulous festive feast of scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible spe- Thurs 8 December - Sun 8 January fun and frivolity. cial effects and bags of slapstick fun’ - not to mention a glamorous Dame with a turbo- charged hoover!... Beauty And The Beast Over at the Palace in Redditch, Dancing On Ice winner and EastEnders actor Sam Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 3 - Sat 31 December; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Attaway stars as the oafish and arrogant Mon 5 - Sat 31 December Gaston, with Emmerdale and Bad Girls When a young woman favourite Nicole Faraday lending support in is captured by a the role of Witch Guillotine. hideous beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in his mysterious palace. The Beast, too, is They’ve done it before and now they’re doing trapped - seemingly it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used forever - inside the strategy of imbuing their annual pantomime grotesquery of his with a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so physical appearance, popular in previous years that the venue is the consequence of a spell cast upon him by giving the exact same treatment to its 2016 an evil witch. Only Beauty’s ability to look production. So... they’ve taken this famous beyond his ugliness and see the person with- Arabian Nights story, stirred in a few time- in can save him... honoured pantomime favourites, and then That’s pretty much the story outline of this seasoned liberally with all manner of rock- much-loved, age-old fairytale, which is this ’n’roll hits - including favourites from Aretha Christmas being given the pantomime treat-

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Theatre Check out these alternatives to the traditional panto...

The Tempest Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 21 January Boasting strange beings with superhuman by an actor live on stage. powers, a thrilling fantasy plot and an “We had to really work at the vocabulary of underlying moral message about the tri- this digital stuff,” says Russell Beale. “As umph of reconciliation over revenge, The Prospero, I do have a relationship with Ariel Tempest is the most obviously spectacular of as a digital figure, but I think in the end it's Shakespeare’s works. important for the character to have a human This brand new production, starring Simon dimension - and especially in the big, emo- Russell Beale in the lead role of exiled Duke tional moments, like when Ariel asks if of Milan Prospero, is likely to be more visual- Prospero loves him, or when they say good- ly impressive than any version that’s gone bye. But for the rest of the play you've got before, thanks in no small measure to the Ariel showing off, which causes Prospero use of groundbreaking motion capture tech- great delight, and you can just enjoy the nology. sheer splendour of these extraordinary fig- This modern-day ‘device’ sees the shape- ures.” shifting spirit Ariel rendered as a digital pro- Read our online interview with Simon jection whose movements will be controlled Russell Beale at whatsonlive.co.uk

Crimes Against Christmas shows. For this particular theatrical offering, A Christmas Carol the ensemble are promising a ‘fast-moving, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 9 - Sat 31 December audience-led, made-up comedy romp’ The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, New Old Friends, whose previous theatrical through the wonderful world of Charles the eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, the endeavours have included the highly rated Dickens. ghostly visions of redemption; of all Charles Falcon’s Malteser, describe their latest offer- Preposterous names, ludicrous coincidences Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Carol ing as an ‘anti-panto’ cross between an and crowd-rousing melodrama will “delight reigns supreme. Agatha Christie whodunnit, The Twelve Days and astound you,” claim Foghorn. And it's a As you might expect at this time of year, Of Christmas and The 39 Steps. claim about which they're so confident, Dickens’ Victorian-age cautionary tale is Produced in partnership with Lichfield they’re even willing to bet “a hundred gold much in evidence at theatres across the Garrick, Theatre Royal Bath and Natural sovereigns” that they'll be bang on the country - not least here in the Midlands, Theatre Company, the show sees a host of money... where it’s being performed at three popular characters invited to a party in a mysterious Given the company’s impressive collection of venues... house on a remote island. Once the guests five-star reviews, you would probably do At mac birmingham, the highly rated have gathered, curious and fatal things relat- well to politely decline that wager. Chapterhouse Theatre Company present a ed to Christmas begin to happen, with Lords version that comes complete with song, a-leaping to their deaths, lead-pipes ‘piping dance and a ‘magnificent’ original musical people’s heads in’, and the guest of honour The 39 Steps score... more than a little concerned about the pres- A Christmas Carol shows at mac, Birmingham Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, from Fri 9 to Sat 10 December ence of a rope in a nearby pear tree... Thurs 15 - Fri 23 December People who remember the various film ver- Coventry’s Albany Theatre, meanwhile, plays sions of John Buchan's classic spy thriller host to the award-winning Tread The Boards, will be hard-pressed to call any of them as they present their family-friendly take on 'humorous'. By contrast, the stage version of the much-loved Christmas classic... his much-loved yarn bagged the 2007 Olivier A Christmas Carol shows at Albany Theatre, Coventry, Mon 12 December to Mon 2 January Award for Best New Comedy - courtesy of some imaginative thinking on the part of its The Crescent Theatre’s ever-reliable in-house creative team. company is the other ensemble this month So why not catch up with handsome hero recounting the story of Scrooge’s spiritual Richard Hannay as he battles to remain awakening. impressively stiff-upper-lipped in the face of A Christmas Carol shows at The Crescent dastardly murders and life-threatening Theatre, Birmingham from Sat 3 to Sat 17 December encounters with double-crossing secret agents. Oh, and there are some beautiful and myste- What The Dickens?! rious women involved too, so it's not all bad Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 7 December news for our intrepid hero! Four fearless actors play no fewer than 150 Birmingham-based comedy improvisers roles in this real gem of a show. Foghorn Unscripted use suggestions from their audience and the power of their own imaginations to create and perform their A Christmas Carol at The Albany Theatre

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Christmas

Treasure Island The Snow Queen Stick Man

Treasure Island The Snow Queen himself. And as an extra-special treat, audi- ence members can also have their photo New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Birmingham Rep, taken with the white-bearded giver of gifts, Fri 25 November - Sat 7 January until Sat 28 January so be sure to have your cameras and smart This latest theatrical version of Robert Louis The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys. phones at the ready.... Stevenson’s classic tale, a modern adapta- When she kidnaps young Kay, it’s left to his tion by Bryony Lavery, puts an interesting sister, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future spin on the author’s swashbuckling story, in the frostbitten wastelands... Stick Man with the chief protagonist being a girl rather The New Vic here give this Hans Christian than a boy. Andersen work a brand new treatment, pre- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Sat 31 December When pirates ransack her grandmother’s senting a timeless tale that brings together inn, fearless Jim is drawn into the adventure ‘enchanting characters, original music and “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my of a lifetime - one which will see her not only breathtaking on-stage magic’. spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- setting sail in search of buried treasure but This particular take on sibling love set ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely also spending time in the company of a one- against the snow-laden landscapes of the popular children’s book on which this show legged pirate with murder in mind... north has been directed with the intention of is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I appealing to family members of all ages. love their production of Stick Man, and so do the audiences.” Zorro’s Christmas Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely Rapunzel And Her Witch do love the show, as a smash-hit season in Adventure the West End ably demonstrated. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 29 December Sun 4 & Mon 5 December Featuring a trio of talented performers, the production brings together puppetry, songs, If you’ve already sampled a Little English ‘Beautiful’ puppets, ‘magical’ transforma- live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story Theatre production, you’ll know just how tions and an innovative use of sign language of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back much fun they are. And there’s every reason are here combined by the highly rated Krazy to the family tree. Suitable for children aged to imagine this latest offering will follow Kat theatre company, an ensemble well three and older. suit. When Santa Claus crash-lands in the versed in the business of visual storytelling. scorching Mexican desert, the future of The 50-minute show, which is being publi- Christmas is on the line. Thank heaven, cised as ‘a tall tale of princes and pigtails, then, for the arrival of the one and only potions and pizzas’, has been created for Santa And The Pirates Zorro. A masked avenger, he’s on a mission children aged between three and seven. That Don’t Want Christmas not only to save Christmas but also to thwart The production is suitable for both deaf and the evil El Scorchio, who plans to marry the hearing audiences. Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, beautiful (take a deep breath...) Maria Tues 13 December Conchita Juanita Tortilla Bonita... CBeebies Spot Bots stars Callum Donnelly Santa’s New Sleigh and Robin Hatcher are the dynamic duo behind this brand new touring show. Wind In The Willows Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - Sat 24 December Santa’s getting ready for Christmas Eve and The OId Rep, Birmingham, needs to know who’s been naughty and When Theatre Severn regular Brad Fitt isn’t until Sat 31 December who’s been nice. Problem is, he’s lost his busy playing pantomime Dames - or, as he’s A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s naughty list. Enter some mainbrace-splicing doing this year, starring as Buttons in the much-loved riverside tale ably demonstrates pirates from the Good Ship Christmas Cheer, venue’s production of Cinderella - he enjoys the way in which one life can command the offering him the kind of helping hand he’d nothing more than replacing the panto wig full attention of three others! do well to accept - but then can he really with his playwright’s hat. Loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and steady old afford to trust a pirate?... Brad’s Santa's New Sleigh - here being pre- Badger simply don’t have time for any of Awash with familiar songs, this lively festive sented by Curve Theatre and suitable for two their own interests - they’re far too busy hav- offering also provides children with the to seven-year-olds - comes complete with fes- ing to look after their reckless and irrepress- chance to post their Dear Santa letters, not to tive-show favourites including audience par- ible friend, Mr Toad... mention pick up a post-show gift from the ticipation, singalong opportunities and a Presented by Scott Ritchie Productions and big man himself. special Christmas present from Santa Claus Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

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more festive fun across the region...

Where’s My Igloo Gone? What The Ladybird Heard The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Where’s My Igloo Gone? tiniest and quietest of creatures - namely, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice one very small ladybird... Arena Theatre, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 December; Fifty-five action-packed and musical minutes The Core, Solihull, Sat 17 - Sun 18 & Tues 20 - Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 18 December; Sat 24 December in length, this well-reviewed show is recom- Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry mended for children aged three and older. Blunderbus theatre company are past mas- nights, fishing adventures and the kind of ters at pitching their shows to perfection cold that makes the skin tingle are all fea- when it comes to delighting and entertaining tured in this Bone Ensemble story about a lit- The Witches children aged three to seven. And the tle girl who sets off in search of help when Dudley Little Theatre, Nottinghamshire-based ensemble are at it her igloo starts to melt... Thurs 8 - Sat 10 December again with this latest offering, in which a lit- “We’re collaborating with experts in climate Roald Dahl’s evil witches don’t look any dif- tle boy with a dream to be a world-class change and social psychology,” explain the ferent from human women - at least until magician encounters a real-life sorcerer. Birmingham-based theatre company, “so that you scratch the surface. When you do, it Music, puppetry and storytelling are all pres- we can weave scientific knowledge into a becomes apparent that they sport wigs to ent and correct in a 55-minute, interval-free compelling narrative with dynamic interac- conceal their bald heads, gloves to cover show that comes complete with all manner tive activities, engaging audiences with cli- their clawed hands, and find ‘pretty shoes’ a of ‘magical’ and Christmas-related surprises. mate change in a new and refreshing way.” far-from-comfortable fit for their toeless feet. What’s more, they’d love to squish and squelch all the wretched little children they Room On The Broom Dear Santa despise. Fingers crossed, then (not clawed The REP, Birmingham, ones, though!), that an unnamed seven-year- Thurs 22 December - Sun 8 January Lichfield Garrick, Tues 13 - Sat 24 December old boy and his Norwegian grandmother can Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the cre- stop the gruesome rotters in their tracks. ators of The Gruffalo and We’re Going On A Presented with the intention of giving chil- Presented by Dudley Little Theatre. Bear Hunt, are the team behind this spell- dren aged two to seven both a fun introduc- binding tale. A witch makes the mistake of tion to theatre and an early yuletide treat, thinking she can fit a daft dog, a beautiful Dear Santa tells the tale of Father Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate bird and a friendly frog - as well as her own Christmas’s attempts to sort out the most cat - on her broomstick without it snapping fantastic of festive gifts for a girl named Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 8 - Sat 24 December in two. And when a hungry dragon appears, Sarah. But it’s only with the intervention of things really start to hot up... his cheeky Elf that he finally manages to set- Imagine Theatre’s previous Father Christmas Presented by Tall Stories, this Olivier-nomi- tle on the perfect prezzie for her... adventures - Santa’s Dizzy Day and Santa’s nated show features ‘songs, laughs and scary Youngsters get the chance to meet-and-greet Rusty Robot - went down an absolute snow- fun’ for children aged three and older. Santa after the show. storm with their target audience. The Coventry-based company will be hoping that their latest addition to the series warms What The Ladybird Heard the cockles of just as many tiny hearts. Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 27 December - Audience participation and singalong fun Wed 11 January are much in evidence in a show that finds Given the success of numerous stage adapta- the Polka Dot Pirate lost at the North Pole. tions of Julia Donaldson’s hugely popular Created with two to six-year-olds in mind books, it’s a real no-brainer to mount one of and with a running time of approximately 35 her stories as a festive offering. Birmingham minutes, the production provides youngsters Town Hall has very wisely done just that, with the opportunity to give their Christmas presenting a stage version of the award-win- wish-list to the great man in person. ning picture book by Donaldson and Lydia Monks. When Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len set out to steal the farmer’s prize cow, they soon find that the best-laid plans of mice and crafty robbers can sometimes be undone by the

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Raymond Gubbay (DPS).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:24 Page 1 Raymond Gubbay (DPS).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:24 Page 2 Amplify single page.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:52 Page 1 Amplify single page.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:52 Page 2

FEATURE

AMPLIFY YOUR EXPERIENCE Get the most out of gigs and shows at Birmingham’s arenas

We've all been there; flustered, fed up and to a slightly older, more affluent audi- from Olly Murs to Cirque du Soleil. Sally's stuck at the back of a long line that seems ence,” says Sally, “but they're actually re- own top recommendation is the hotly an- to be going nowhere fast. Queueing has ally popular across everything from ticipated Sports Personality Of The Year almost become a quintessential part of Disney shows to Justin Bieber to Rod awards ceremony. Christmas - but what if it didn't have to Stewart. It might be that you want a more “The Sports Personality is a big one we've be? comfortable and convenient experience got coming up at the Genting Arena with a At Birmingham's Genting and Barclaycard when you've got a group of kids with you, super bespoke package. VIPs will come Arenas, there's an easy way to beat the or it might be that you want to avoid the into our newly refurbished restaurant, the Christmas crush, whether you're organis- queues and treat yourself or a loved one.” Lakeside Lounge, and enjoy a glass of ing a get-together or simply hunting for There are various ways to take advantage champagne and a three-course gourmet the perfect gift. of what Amplify has to offer. If it's just a meal. We've also got former Sports Per- Working with the NEC Group across its single event that's caught your eye, there's sonality Of The Year Steve Cram doing an two venues, Amplify deliver a range of no need to commit long-term, with vari- exclusive Q&A before the show. Once unique hospitality packages, offering not ous Freestyle packages available on an as- they're inside, they'll be seated right at only priority booking and a private mem- and-when basis. Nevertheless, there are the front overlooking all the VVIPs – peo- bers' entrance away from the crowds, but excellent reasons for signing up for an- ple like Andy Murray and David Beckham. also a whole host of extras that will make nual Club membership - around £500 plus Then we'll be putting on some after-show you the envy of everyone else attending. VAT guarantees priority booking and great entertainment as well, with a band and discounts and extras for all shows across more refreshments. I think the regular “The concept has been running at the NEC both venues throughout the year. tickets for Sports Personality Of The Year for about 30 years, starting out as the have now sold out, so this is a great op- Arena Club,” explains general manager Those looking for that extra level of lux- portunity for anyone who’s desperate to Sally Walder. “Then, in 2009, it was re- ury, meanwhile, can find it in Air member- go and is looking for that top-tier experi- branded as Amplify. We cover everything ship, described as the ‘crème de la crème’ ence.” from rock and pop to classical, and from of hospitality and particularly popular comedy to special events like Crufts and with business clients. Due to its exclusiv- Sports Personality Of The Year, with bene- ity, however, Air is currently sold out, Whoever you are and whatever your fits including premium tickets, car park with a waiting list for those hoping to sign needs, Amplify promises to make your passes, food and drink and access to our up! visit extra special. For full pricing and brand new and newly refurbished hospi- “When we've got huge names like Adele to find out more, visit amplify.co.uk tality areas before the shows.” or Take That,” explains Sally, “and there's That's not all, though. For each event, a high demand, sometimes only our Am- packages are carefully tailored to suit the plify members will be able to enjoy the VIP treatment. I think the big advantage, performance and its audience. A show for Courtesy of Amplify, What’s On is though, is how well looked-after all our families might incorporate face-painting giving away one pair of VIP tick- members are. For us, it's all about going and fun activities for kids, for example, ets, plus a hospitality package, to that extra mile, forming a rapport and while a high-end concert like Paul Simon Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour at making sure we do the very best for them or Sting will boast a glamorous cham- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, on every single visit.” pagne reception and some of the best on Sunday 22 January. seats in the house. Over the coming months, visitors should Visit whatsonlive.co.uk to find out “You might think, from the outside, that look out for what's on offer for everything more and to enter. hospitality packages would mainly appeal from Black Sabbath to Andre Rieu and

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Christmas Gifts.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:56 Page 1

Roberts Revival RD-60 DAB Radio Q and A a Day: 5-year Journal Borg Dressing Gown £45 Marks & Spencer £180 House of Fraser £13.79 WH Smith

‘tis the Season Your ultimate gift guide for this Christmas, courtesy of What’s On

KitchenAid 150 Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer £449.95 John Lewis

Bayswater bag in Oxblood Christmas Miniatures Candle Collection £950 Mulberry £66 Jo Malone Christmas Slogan Jumper £34 Topshop

Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer YSL Holiday Look Palette Collectors Edition Lulu Guinness Hard Sided 4W Medium Case £299.99 Boots £59 Exclusive to Selfridges £229.99 very.co.uk

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Gifts.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:56 Page 2

GoPro HERO5 Action Camcorder Kiehl’s Limited Edition Skincare gift set for men £349 currys.co.uk Chillsner beer chiller £17 root7.com £29.50 Selfridges

Micro Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter Personalised Polar Bear Bookends by Bombus £119.99 John Lewis £50 notonthehighstreet.com Furby Connect £74.99 Toys R Us

Happy Socks Gift Box Tile Gen 2 Bluetooth Tracker Amazon Echo £149.99 amazon.co.uk £28 flannels.com £19.99 currys.co.uk

Rolling Stones neon sculpture Fitbit Alta in Black/22K Gold Plated Personalised The Snowman And The Snowdog £59.99 iconneon.com £129.99 fitbit.com from £17.99 penwizard.com

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 1 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 2

Film

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story CERT tbc Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed Directed by Gareth Edwards (USA) No, this is not a sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but a free-standing episode in the so-called Star Wars universe. Here, Jyn Erso, a recruit for the Rebel Alliance (Birmingham’s very own Felicity Jones), is mobilised to steal the plans of the Death Star. But even with the aid of the intelligence officer Cassian Andor (Mexico's Diego Luna), the task proves to be more perilous than anybody could have imagined. The director, Gareth Edwards, is the Warwickshire-born filmmaker who conjured up the special effects for his first film - Monsters (2010) - on his laptop, before going on to helm the $160million reboot of Godzilla (2014). Expect your multiplex to be packed. Released Fri 16 December

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in December...

Sully: Miracle On Chi-Raq CERT 15 (127 mins) The Hudson CERT 12a (96 mins) Starring Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Teyonah Parris, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, John Starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Cusack, Samuel L Jackson Linney, Anna Gunn, Ann Cusack Directed by Spike Lee (USA) Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) Classics’ scholars will be familiar with the The US Airways pilot Chesley 'Sully' tale of Aristophanes' Lysistrata, in which the Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) grabbed interna- women folk in ancient Greece withheld their tional headlines when he landed his dis- sexual favours until their men put down abled aircraft on the waters of the Hudson their weapons. Here, writer-director-producer River, saving the lives of everybody on board. Spike Lee transfers the action to the However, what happened afterwards did not Englewood neighbourhood of Chicago where paint ‘Sully’ in such a favourable light... gang violence has become a way of life. It’s Adapted from the book Highest Duty by the first film produced by Amazon Studios. Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow. Released Fri 2 December Released Fri 2 December Eat That Question CERT 15 (93 mins) Directed by Thorsten Schütte (France/Germany) Biographical documentaries have become all the rage. This one is about the late rock musician and songwriter Frank Zappa, who challenged both the political and musical norm. Expect some rude words. Released Fri 2 December

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Film

Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism CERT U (96 mins) Starring Dominic Monaghan, Lesley Manville, Emily Watson, Joan Collins, Raffey Cassidy, Celia Imrie, Anne-Marie Duff Directed by Christopher N. Rowley (UK) Kids just love these long titles. This is an adaptation of Georgia Byng's 2002 novel and features Molly Moon, an orphan and child hypnotist. However, once she achieves a degree of fame and fortune, a nasty stranger holds her dog captive and demands that she helps him steal some loot. The American reviews were not charitable. Released Fri 2 December CRITIC’S CHOICE

Waialiki (the voice of Cravalho), the 16- Moana CERT tbc year-old daughter of a chieftain, who With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i takes to the high seas in order to rescue Cravalho, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Jemaine her people. Along for the ride comes Clement, Alan Tudyk Directed by Ron none other than Maui, a Polynesia demi- Clements and John Musker (USA) god voiced by Dwayne Johnson. From the directing team that brought us The songs were co-written by the Pulitzer The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, Moana Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel promises big old-fashioned values and Miranda, who previously wrote the music entertainment. This story, though, is a and lyrics for the Tony-winning musical total original and is credited to seven dif- In The Heights. ferent writers. Set within a mystical com- Released Fri 2 December munity in Polynesia, it features Moana

Bleed For This CERT 15 (117 mins) Office Christmas Party Starring Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey CERT 15 tbc Sagal, Ciarán Hinds, Ted Levine Starring Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, TJ Directed by Ben Younger (USA) Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B Vance, Kate Hollywood does love its pugilism. After Jake McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck (USA) Gyllenhaal gave his all in Southpaw, now comes Miles Teller as former champ Vinny The details are irrelevant. This is a seasonal Pazienza, he who held world titles as light- American comedy in which grown men and weight, light middleweight and super mid- women behave like animals in the spirit of dleweight. Expect quite a lot of physical con- farce. The title says it all.. frontation. Released Wed 7 December Released Fri 2 December

The Unknown Girl CERT tbc Starring Adèle Haenel, Olivier Bonnaud, Jérémie Renier, Louka Minnella, Olivier Gourmet Directed by Luc Dardenne and Jean-Pierre Dardenne (Belgium/France) The Dardenne brothers continue their socio- political agenda with this drama about a doctor (Adèle Haenel) who sets about investi- gating why a patient was refused the surgery that might have saved her life. The Dardennes previously brought us the award-winning films L'Enfant, The Kid With A Bike and Two Days, One Night. Released Fri 2 December 40 whatsonlive.co.uk Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 4

Film releases in December

Birth Of A Nation The Eagle Huntress Collateral Beauty CERT tbc CERT 15 (120 mins) CERT U (87 mins) Starring Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, Starring Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Colman Narrated by Daisy Ridley Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren Domingo, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Directed by Otto Bell (UK/Mongolia/USA) Directed by David Frankel (USA) Gabrielle Union Directed by Nate Parker (USA/Canada) Strange as it may seem, Mongolia has Following a terrible tragedy, a New York produced some of the most engaging It’s quite a year for revolting slaves. After the advertising executive (Will Smith) finds that and haunting of documentaries (not African-American rebellion portrayed in Gary Love, Time and Death are irrevocably linked. least The Cave Of The Yellow Dog and Ross’s exquisite and harrowing Free State Of Expect some big questions and metaphysical The Story Of The Weeping Camel). This Jones we now have the true-life story of Nat musings. This could be a genuine turkey - or one, co-produced by the English Turner (Nate Parker). Parker also directed, a future cult. actress Daisy Ridley and the US docu- co-wrote and co-produced the drama, which Released Mon 26 December mentarian Morgan Spurlock, is the received the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s true story of a 13-year-old Mongolian Sundance festival. Oscar glory is expected to girl who attempts to become the first follow. female eagle hunter in her country. Released Fri 9 December Released Fri 16 December

Ballerina CERT U (89 mins) Starring Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Maddie Ziegler, Carly Rae Jepsen Directed by Eric Summer and Éric Warin (France/Canada) Félicie is a poor 11-year-old orphan girl from Brittany who finds her way to Monster Trucks Paris in 1879. There, she hopes to enrol CERT PG (105 mins) at the Grand Opera House to become a Starring Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Barry Pepper, ballerina, without really knowing what Amy Ryan, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover The Pass CERT 15 (87 mins) the arduous process entails. Then she Directed by Chris Wedge (USA/Canada) Starring Russell Tovey, Arinzé Kene, Lisa meets Victor, an aspiring young inven- In an effort to escape McGrillis, Nico Mirallegro tor, who believes that it is possible to the claustrophobia of Directed by Ben A Williams (UK) realise one’s dreams. The dance his small town, a high In the age of celebrity and the digital image, sequences employed motion capture school senior builds a one can never be too careful. Something that the better to realise the authenticity of monster truck out of the once happened between two aspiring foot- the moves. remnants of car scrap. ballers returns to haunt them years later. Released Mon 19 December And this is the really Expect some strong ‘adult’ themes. odd bit: an accident at a Released Fri 9 December local oil-drilling site unleashes a subterranean creature with a Passengers CERT 12a tbc need and talent for speed. Well, of course. In Snowden CERT 15 Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, 3D. Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Andy García Directed by Morten Tyldum Released Mon 26 December Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom (USA) Wilkinson, Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage Directed by Oliver Stone (USA/Germany) Don’t you hate it when you’re woken Not a film about the prematurely? For Why Him? CERT tbc Welsh mountain (or the two passengers on Starring James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Zoey photographer) but the a spacecraft bound Deutch, Megan Mullally, Griffin Gluck, whistle-blower Edward Keegan-Michael Key for a distant Snowden. It was he who Directed by John Hamburg colony, a malfunc- (USA) leaked the NSA's illegal tion in the sleep surveillance techniques What are fathers like? A chamber wakes and was forced to up somewhat over-protective them up 90 years sticks and move to paterfamilias, Ned too early. And Moscow. Oliver Stone does like to court con- Fleming (Bryan Cranston) that’s an awful long time for two isolat- troversy and has made a number of brilliant visits his daughter at uni- ed strangers to get to know each films, but he can also be a self-conscious versity where she intro- other… Jennifer Lawrence was paid director who lets his style overwhelm his duces him to her new $20million for her part (against 30 per- subject. However, if this film is half as good boyfriend (James Franco). cent of the profit). The director previ- as the stunning, Oscar-winning documentary Ned takes an immediate dislike to the man, a ously brought us The Imitation Game. about Snowden, Citizenfour (2014), it will be profane, socially awkward character who In 3D. worth catching. also happens to be a billionaire… Released Wed 21 December Released Fri 9 December Released Mon 26 December whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:57 Page 1

Visual Arts

Roger Hiorns Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 7 December - Sun 5 March “You always have to think about materials and objects in terms of being malleable,” explains Birmingham-born artist Roger Hiorns. “You have to cut them off from what their established use is, to directly interfere with their world-ness. It becomes a process of human empowerment to re-use and re- propose the power of objects simply left lying in the street.” Roger transforms materials and readymades in order to focus on various aspects of mod- ern life, often through current affairs. His work to date has involved growing vast amounts of copper sulphate crystals on objects ranging from car engines to domestic interiors. He’s also created paintings made from brain matter, injected jet engines with anti-depressant drugs to affect a robotic nervous system, and produced a video work in which choristers of Birmingham’s St Philip’s Cathedral sing Evensong while lying on their backs on the floor of the nave. “I believe that the artist’s role is to move things on,” explains Roger, “to hold up a truthful mirror in order that progress might continue. Frankly I’m suspicious of many of my contemporaries who make work that sim- ply reflects the desires of collectors.”

Midpointness The Riches Beneath Us The Pastoral And AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton, The Sublime until Sat 17 December until Sat 31 December The Barber Institute, Birmingham, This new exhibition features a range of geo- until Sun 8 January logical objects drawn from a vast collection that was bequeathed to the city of Wolverhampton by Scottish geologist Doctor John Fraser in 1911. The objects on show all have a local connec- tion. Highlights include an internationally renowned spider fossil - discovered near Coseley - and a fossilised leaf which fell from “Midpointness seeks to explore the dynamics a prehistoric tree. Both objects are over 300 of inner/outer dialogues between the work million years old. and the viewer,” explain the exhibition’s The show also features the tooth of a Watercolours, drawings and prints by curators, Andrew Bracey and Steve Dutton. Plesiosaur, a vicious predator from the Gainsborough, Turner and Constable all fea- “It opens up other potentials that an artist Jurassic age. ture in this remarkable exhibition, which might hope for when he/she explores the also features three impressive watercolours generative potential of the work of art.” by Birmingham-born artist David Cox, one of This evolving project, investigating the is pictured above. nature of the artist, the exhibition, the audi- Focusing on the work of British artists ence and the work of art, brings together between the late 18th and 19th centuries, the pieces by 27 UK and international artists. show presents contrasting images of the nat- As part of the evolution process, the show’s ural world, displaying vast, desolate, dra- curatorial control will at times be handed matic and sometimes terrifying landscapes over to the gallery’s staff and exhibition visi- alongside charming and familiar pastoral tors. scenes.

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Night In The Museum Made In The Middle Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 12 February Fri 2 December - Sun 5 February An exhibition presented to cele- This touring exhibition features brate the Arts Council Collection’s work by some of the best con- 70th anniversary, Night In The temporary craftmakers in the Museum features a selection of Midlands, bringing together works curated by leading British ceramics, jewellery, metalwork artist Ryan Gander. and textiles created by both new All of the included pieces, drawn and established artists. from the Council’s world-class Selected by an expert panel national collection of modern and through open entry, the items on contemporary British art, challenge show reflect the latest develop- visitors to rethink the role of the ments and trends in craft. curator, the art object and the spec- The exhibition is the eighth in tator. the Made In The Middle series The exhibition features the work of and provides visitors with an over 30 artists, including Gander ideal opportunity to purchase himself. locally produced work as Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Christmas gifts for family and is one of four ‘national partners’ friends. hosting exhibitions drawn from the Arts Council Collection over the coming three years.

Life Echo Birmingham Open Media, until Sat 28 January “Life Echo explores the links between sound, memory and wellbeing,” explains sound artist Justin Wiggan. “It started when I discovered that my wife had triple negative breast cancer, which obviously had a massive impact on our lives. I became aware of how much I was relying on recalling good memories to get me through this traumatic period, and I started analysing those memories. As a sound artist, I was curious about the connection between sound and memory, and wanted to investigate that fur- ther.” It wasn't long before Wiggan realised that his research might be able to impact positively on other people's lives as well. He therefore embarked on a residency at the John Taylor Hospice, interviewing patients and selecting five strong memories from each. From these, he created one- minute sound experiences, which were then given to the patients to access whenever they were feeling low. “We found that this not only had a massively positive effect on them,” explains Wiggan, “but also that it helped their families, both in terms of leav- ing a legacy and bridging a gap at a time when conversa- tion is hard. When you see someone at a hospice, day in, day out, you often end up not talking about what's impor- tant and just discussing mun- dane things like medication, so this became a way for peo- ple to share emotions.”

For more visual arts listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 1 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 2

Events

Marvel Universe Live real game-changer for these web-slinging, cape-wearing, hammer- wielding world-savers. Movie-makers can now create stunning visu- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 22 - Fri 30 December als and special effects that regularly leave cinema-goers wide-eyed Having flown, leapt, jumped and powered their way off the comic and gobsmacked. book pages and onto cinema screens across the globe, Marvel’s leg- Little wonder, then, that Marvel is looking to further develop its prod- endary superheroes are now coming in to land at the Barclaycard uct by ‘going live’. Cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial Arena. stunts, martial arts and motorcycles all feature in a brand new tour- The Stan Lee-created universe, including star names like Spiderman, ing show that sees the aforementioned superheroes going into battle Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America and Wolverine, has been against some of Marvel’s most sinister supervillains. delighting generations of fans since the early 1960s. But it’s been the Sounds as though a breathtaking couple of hours could well be on advent of high-quality computer-generated imagery that’s been the the cards...

Blists Hill Antiques For Everyone Victorian Christmas Winter Fair Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 3 - Sun 4 and Sat 10 - Sun 11 Thurs 1 - Sun 4 December December The Birmingham Assay Office, where hall- Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on marks are applied, is making a significant offer at Shropshire’s Blists Hill muse- contribution to this month’s show. um this month, as residents busy A number of items from a beautiful range of themselves with preparations for silver - inspired by the arts & crafts move- Christmas. ment and manufactured in Birmingham in Visitors to the award-winning site can the late 19th and early 20th century - will be enjoy seasonal music from bands and on show at the fair in a special feature exhi- choirs, ride on a horse-drawn cart, bition. The items form part of the Assay experience some festive-style enter- Office’s private collection. tainment - including a mini-pan- The fair features displays of antique and tomime and a singalong with carol decorative furniture, treen, ceramics, singers - and partake in a spot of kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery and Christmas shopping in the town’s works of art, arms and armour, maps, dolls, numerous retail outlets. bears and an array of vintage and decorative And just in case all that’s not enough collectables. With more than 250 dealers to ensure your youngsters are happily showcasing their wares - and with items entertained, Father Christmas himself - ranging in price from as little as £10 right up along with his reindeer - will be on to £100,000 for the more serious collectors - hand to hear some last-minute gift this ever-popular event offers the perfect requests. opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 3

FEATURE

ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM It’s been a long time since Birmingham experienced a white Christmas, but there is at least one place in the city where people can enjoy the delights of a winter wonderland. As in previous years, Ice Skate Birmingham is offering fun-seeking Midlanders the chance to pretend they’re Torvill or Dean by taking a yuletide spin across the ‘icy wastes’ of Centenary Square. The big observation wheel is back too, for anybody who fancies a bird’s-eye view of the second city this festive season. Lauren Cox gets her skates on to find out more...

The countdown to Christmas is now in full The big wheel swing, with Ice Skate Birmingham, located And speaking of the big wheel... why not in the city’s iconic Centenary Square, now take a ride right up to the top and enjoy officially open for business. beautiful views of Birmingham’s skyline and And there are plenty of reasons to visit the Centenary Square’s ‘winter wonderland’. ice rink, the Ice Lounge bar and the big The sights are pretty spectacular, whether wheel during the festive season. you’re taking a ride in the daytime or at Situated next to the Frankfurt Christmas night. Market & Craft Fair, Ice Skate Birmingham And make a special note in your diary for was opened by the city’s Lord Mayor - New Year’s Eve, when the big wheel, ice rink Councillor Carl Rice - and Father Christmas and Ice Lounge bar will all be open until himself. 1am, allowing you to skate your way into The Ice Lounge bar 2017. The ice rink What better way to relax after a 45-minute A great way to get into the festive spirit, the ice-skating session than with a hot choco- attraction is suitable for participants of all late & marshmallows, a glass of mulled wine ages and abilities, from ice-skating novices or cider. to professional-standard skaters. The Ice Lounge, located right next to the ice Skating aids in the shape of penguins can be rink and open both to skaters and non- purchased for beginners from the box office skaters, serves coffee, tea, wine, beer, pros- for £3. ecco and a selection of spirits. It's the per- Marshals are on the ice at all times to ensure fect place to unwind and watch others tak- that the rink is always a safe place to skate, ing a spin on the ice. so there’s no need to worry about falling You can also spectate from the viewing plat- over - after all, it's all part and parcel of the form outside the bar. fun and adds to the overall experience. With 600 square meters of iced surfaces, Ice Skate Birmingham can accommodate up to 300 people at any one time and is therefore Ice Skate Birmingham is open seven days ideal for large groups. Parties of more than a week from 10am to 10pm (closed 10 people who are looking to book for Christmas Day) and can be enjoyed until Christmas office outings, birthday celebra- 8 January. tions and social get-togethers can make use Prices for the ice rink range from £7 to of the discounted prices on offer for the ice £9.50. Tickets for the big wheel cost £5 rink and the big wheel. each

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more events from around the region

Santa’s Winter Clothes Show Live Wonderland NEC, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Tues 6 December SnowDome, Tamworth, until Sat 31 December Suitable for all age groups, Santa’s Winter Wonderland provides plenty of festive fun for visitors to Tamworth’s snowy indoor attrac- tion. A safe environment ensures youngsters are able to play and slide in real snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. There’s also an all-new Santa Show to enjoy, with the Big Man in Red making final prepara- A hot ticket for fashionistas tions for another ‘Christmas extravaganza’. everywhere, Clothes Show Live The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe regularly attracts a plethora of the snow-related action as they amble along well-known celebrities from the the promenade walkway. There’s even an ani- worlds of music and TV - and mal village, where you can visit Santa’s rein- this year is no exception. deer and meet some of his furry friends. With appearances by TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Made In Chelsea’s Binky and Jamie con- Christmas In The Home atmosphere. firmed, 2016 promises to be a “The market will not only be showcasing food, bumper show. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Sat 26 - Sun 27 November drink and products from authentic European In addition to showcasing wares Sat 3 - Sun 4, Sat 10 - Sun 11 stallholders,” says Shaun Davies, Leader of from hundreds of leading fash- and Sat 17 - Sat 24 December Telford & Wrekin Council, “it will also give a ion and beauty brands, the five- number of local businesses the opportunity to day event also features non-stop have a stall of their own at an event which is catwalk shows and live perform- likely to attract thousands of visitors.” ances by, among others, rising British music stars Charlotte OC and Daecolm. Shrewsbury Winter Festival Other attractions include a Q&A The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Sat 10 - Sun 11 December session with fashion blogger Sarah Ashcroft - otherwise known as ‘that Pommie girl’ - The sights, sounds and smells of Christmases and TV favourite Mark Heyes’s past are very much in evidence at the Black Curves With Confidence work- Country Living Museum this month. shop. Visitors can step inside period cottages and Plenty to enjoy at this year’s houses to help costumed characters create ‘a show, then, which is sadly the host of fabulous festive recipes from Mrs last one to be held in Beeton’s Book of Household Management’. Birmingham. From 2017, the Helping to stir the sixpence into the Christmas event will be taking place in pudding, assisting with some ‘make do and Liverpool, as part of British mend’ decorations and crafting a spiced Style Collective. Shopping avenues filled with more than 170 orange pomander are among the other attrac- artisan producers, craftspeople and designers tions ensuring a hands-on experience for fami- ensure the Shrewsbury Winter Festival offers lies to enjoy. plenty of opportunity for visitors to get their Christmas shopping done. And there’s lots to Telford European enjoy at the event besides retail therapy, Christmas Market including family activities across the weekend and a programme of live music events. There’s Southwater, Telford, Thurs 1 - Fri 23 December even the chance to ‘get vocal’ yourself, by tak- Running daily throughout December until the ing part in a big festive singalong. 23rd, Telford’s European market features 32 There are numerous activities to enjoy outside traditional chalets, 70 percent of which will be the festival gates too, not least among which European, 30 percent local. are the Hobsons Ale and Festive Food trails. A funfair for younger visitors and performanc- The event is this year fundraising on behalf of es from local choirs and acoustic bands also the Shrewsbury Ark, a charity for homeless play their part in creating a suitably festive and vulnerable people. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 5

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more events from around the region

Santa Safari Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Fri 23 December The North Pole’s most famous resident comes to North Shropshire this month, with Hawkstone Park Follies once again transformed into a Santa Safari experience. A trip through the site’s ‘illuminated woodland’ leads the way to a hillside grotto, where a Wishing Arch marks the entrance to a network of fairy-lit caverns and tunnels. It’s here that Santa will reside in the run-up to Christmas (along with his elves and reindeer, of course), spreading plenty of festive cheer and handing out a special gift to every visiting child. Magic Lantern Festival tifully constructed lanterns and the natu- Birmingham Botanical Gardens, ral scenery, visitors to the festival can also Christmas At The Valley Fri 25 November - Mon 2 January catch up with Santa and his reindeer. Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern fes- Other attractions include a 12-metre-wide Sandwell Park Farm, Sat 3 - Sat 24 December tivals, this ‘illuminating’ event sees visitors lantern scene - featuring penguins, snow- Given that it’s one of the Midlands’ most accessing the venue through a giant men, Christmas trees and baubles - and a popular visitor destinations, it’s perhaps a lantern entrance before following a special fairy-themed area, complete with a little surprising that this is Sandwell Park lantern-lit trail around the gardens. floating fairy, beautiful butterflies and Farm’s very first Christmas At The Valley. Aside from enjoying the collection of beau- thousands of bright and tiny lights. If the inaugural festival’s line-up is anything to go by, though, it’s unlikely to be the venue’s last such event, with organisers ensuring there’s plenty to make the experi- ence one that will see families returning year Drayton’s Magical made mulled wine and festive food are after year. Attractions include Santa Claus in Christmas available for anybody who enjoys them- his grotto with a sackful of goodies to hand selves best on a full stomach. Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, out to young visitors, kids’ activities galore, a until Sat 31 December Christmas treasure hunt, the chance to sam- Real reindeer, an indoor ice rink, ple seasonal food and drink, and extra Victorian Christmas Christmas arts and crafts, live shows, car- events scheduled at the weekends. ols, presents, light shows, Santa Claus and Weekends And good ol’ St Nick’s even brought along his a ‘magnificent’ fireworks display - oh, and Compton Verney, Warwickshire, reindeer too, to delight children who’re keen snowfall over the Island of Sodor! - are Sat 3 - Sun 4 and Sat 10 - Sun 11 December to make some fabulous four-legged friends among the attractions giving Drayton this festive season. If you’re going to host a Victorian-style Manor Park & Zoo a decidedly festive feel Christmas, who better to have along for the this month. ride than Queen Victoria herself? Families can also catch a ride on Thomas Her Majesty is part and festive parcel of Carols in the Caverns The Tank Engine, dance along with The Compton Verney’s 2016 yuletide celebra- Dudley Canal & Fat Controller and all his Fungineer friends tions, explaining to visitors how the Tunnel Trust, Dudley, and sample the thrills and spills of a 15- Victorian era changed the way in which Sun 4, Sun 11 and Sun 18 December minute Polar Express In 4D experience. the country celebrates Christmas. As well as this fascinating brush with As Christmas expe- bygone royalty, the event also features a riences go, this festive food fair, craft demonstrations and one’s pretty unique, Tudor Christmas workshops, the chance to learn how to featuring a boat trip Blakesley Hall, Birmingham design and make Christmas cards and an around the Dudley Sat 10 December opportunity to say a yuletide hello to Canal Trust’s caverns and limestone mines. Historical reenactors, handbell ringers, Father Christmas and his reindeer. Along the way, an onboard choir sing a host costumed musicians and a talented choir Compton Verney’s ‘season to be jolly’ ends of festive favourites, including; Ding Dong, are all present and correct at this special with hymns and songs in the chapel, fol- Merrily On High; God Rest Ye Merry, one-day event. Visitors to the 17th century lowed by traditional Christmas tunes Gentlemen; Coventry Carol; and Silent Night. house can find out what domestic life underneath the portico. The trip through the tunnel network takes in would’ve been like for a well-to-do family, A sure-to-be-impressive fireworks display locations such as Cathedral Arch and the their friends, servants and visiting trades- brings proceedings to an end with a suit- famous Singing Cavern. men during the Christmas season. Home- ably big bang or several.

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more events from around the region

The Bear: Story Readings mac, Birmingham, Mon 12, Sat 17 and Sat 24 December Now here’s a novel and entirely admirable approach to introduc- ing young children to theatre. Cognisant of the fact that tiny tots and toddlers might find a great big polar bear just a little bit disconcerting, those clever people at mac birmingham have taken steps to stop the young- sters’ nerves from jangling while they’re watching the venue’s Christmas adaptation of Raymond Briggs’s The Bear. Prior to three performances of the show, a member of the cast will read the story aloud, so that children know what to expect when they settle down to enjoy the production. Moscow State Circus And who knows - if they’re really Star City, Birmingham, many of which are evident in its current produc- lucky, they might even catch a Tues 20 December - Sun 8 January tion, Zhelaniy. sneaky glimpse of the big, The Moscow State Circus is very possibly the Based on a popular Russian folklore story, the friendly bear himself... best-known circus in the world, based on over show transports its audience to ‘a wondrous 200 years of tradition. and mysterious enchanted garden’, where wish- When animals became an unpopular aspect of es are granted to the beautiful Zhenya, who circuses, this flexible family favourite adapted finds herself surrounded by ‘a multitude of fly- to survive by moving the emphasis to astonish- ing, back-flipping, juggling, wire-walking and ing displays of human skill and endurance - roller-skating performers’.

Santa’s Workshop Webb’s Ice Skating Coventry Transport Museum, Webbs Of Mon 19 - Wed 21 December Wychbold Garden Yuletide At Centre, until As well as the chance to check out numerous Mon 2 January Avoncroft work & leisure vehicles and stop off in the glit- Visitors to Webbs Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove tering Jaguar room, a yuletide visit to the Of Wychbold Tuesdays & Wednesdays between Coventry Transport Museum also provides visi- 6 & 21 December Garden Centre can tors with plenty of opportunity to get them- get their skates on Avoncroft’s historic buildings selves in the festive spirit. and have some fun are being transformed for the While Santa looks after his sleigh ride, children on the ice this festive season by the addition of can ‘get crafty’ in a mini Christmas workshop Christmas. period decorations. by making large paper stars, winter wands and The popular Yuletide visitors can help re- jingle sticks. There’s also a free Family Trail to Worcestershire enactors prepare for Christmas, enjoy, which sees participants following Santa venue is once again hosting a festive-season try seasonal craft activities and through the museum’s exhibitions, decorating ice-skating rink - and is letting it be known that enjoy festive music in the the venue’s Makaton Christmas tree as they go. this year’s version is bigger and better than ever Mission Church. Children of any age are welcome, but activities before. Meanwhile, on Fridays and are particularly suitable for youngsters aged Open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Saturdays between the 9th and four-plus. Day and Boxing Day), the rink comes complete the 23rd, younger visitors can with a lit-up roof, allowing families to skate join the Avoncroft Elves and whatever the weather. help Santa prepare for the big The popular attraction also provides skates that day. strap over normal shoes, to ensure that younger And speaking of Santa, he’ll be children and toddlers can have lots of fun on taking up residence in his Grotto the ice too. Sit-on and push-along aids are also and giving a gift to every child available. who pays him a visit.

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Your week to week listings guide December 2016

thelist December 11 Sun - 10 Sat and 4 Sun Town,-Victorian Hill3 BlistsSat at - ChristmasIronbridge Victorian

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 December Mon 12 to Sun 18 December Mon 19 to Sun 25 December Mon 26 to Sat 31 December

Dan Owen at The Wightman Scrooge’s Victorian Christmas Christmas Gothic at Stafford Aladdin at Wolverhampton Theatre, Shrewsbury at The Potteries Museum & Art Gatehouse Theatre Grand Theatre Fri 2 - Sat 3 December Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Tues 20 December until Sun 22 January Sat 17 December

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thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Gigs KAY BOYCE: THE BLACK ON WHITE Visual Arts COLLECTION A new aspect of Kay's SENIOR CITIZENS work following her study and admira- ORCHESTRA Thurs 1 Dudley Museum & Art Gallery tion of a beech tree at the foot of her Dec, Forest Arts garden, which rekindled her interest Centre, Walsall NEW DUDLEY SOCIETY OF ARTISTS in the medium of pen and ink, until ANDY MORTON’S JAZZ EXHIBITION Works in a variety of Sat 14 Jan media by members of the highly BALLARDS Thurs 1 Dec, respected local art society, Sat 3 - Kitchen Garden Cafe, Sat 31 Dec Wolverhampton Art Gallery Birmingham LARISSA SANSOUR - IN THE FUTURE MAD DOG MCREA Thurs Museum of Cannock Chase THEY ATE FROM THE FINEST PORCELAIN 1 Dec, The Robin, The Saw Doctors - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton EVERYBODY'S DARLING: THE FIRST Film by Larissa Sansour which focus- Bilston WORLD WAR, NURSE Exhibition paying es on a resistance group that makes DR JOHN COOPER Hermon Chapel, PRIMAL SCREAM Sat 3 homage to the nursing organisations underground deposits of elaborate CLARKE & HUGH Oswestry, Shropshire Dec, Keele University, that served during the war, until Fri porcelain - suggested to belong to an CORNWELL Thurs 1 SIMON SPILLETT Fri 2 Staffordshire 16 Dec entirely fictional civilisation, until Sun Dec, O2 Institute, Dec, Symphony Hall, RAYMOND FROGGATT 8 Jan B’ham Birmingham AND HIS BAND Sat 3 New Art Gallery - Walsall GERRY COLVIN Sun 4 FRONTEERS Fri 2 Dec, Dec, The Edge Arts Other VISUAL ARTS Dec, Hare & Hounds, NEW WALSALL SOCIETY OF ARTISTS The Sunflower Lounge, Centre, Much Wenlock, THE MAN ON THE HORSE Display mark- Birmingham The 67th annual exhibition by Walsall Birmingham South Shropshire Society of Artists brings together ing the 150th anniversary of Queen DR HOOK STARRING SETH LAKEMAN BUFFALO SUMMER Sat 3 works in a range of media by local Victoria’s visit to Wolverhampton, DENNIS LOCORRIERE Fri 2 Dec, Birmingham Town Dec, The Asylum, artists, Fri 2 Dec - Sun 22 Jan until 2 Dec, Wolverhampton City Thurs 1 Dec, Civic Hall, Hall Birmingham Archives Wolverhampton Potteries Museum & Art EMPIRES OF EMPTINESS - FORTRESSES DAN OWEN Fri 2 - Sat 3 GARY BLAND Sat 3 Dec, KATIE MELUA Thurs 1 Blue Piano Restaurant Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent OF THE SAHARA AND THE STEPPE Dec, Symphony Hall, Dec, The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury And Bar, Birmingham THE HISTORY OF ETRURIA; FACTORIES Photographic exhibition by Alain Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS IS SEAN TAYLOR Sat 3 Dec, AND FESTIVALS Sèbe which concentrates on two EMILY PORTMAN AND Using objects from ELVIS The Brewhouse Arts colonial conquests in arid environ- THE CORACLE BAND Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, across the museum’s collections, the Centre, Burton-upon- ments, until Sat 17 Dec, Jackfield Tile Thurs 1 Dec, mac, Theatre On The Steps, display charts the history of Etruria , Ironbridge Trent Museum Birmingham Bridgnorth, Shropshire from its inception by Josiah MIDPOINTNESS A group exhibition, ROD STEWART Fri 2 - Sat ZEUS Sat 3 Dec, The Wedgwood in the 18th century THE SCRATCH BAND featuring works by 27 UK and inter- 3 Dec, Barclaycard Haygate, Telford, through to today’s business, retail Thurs 1 Dec, The national artists, until Sat 17 Dec, Arena, Birmingham Shropshire and leisure developments, Sat 26 AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Roadhouse, B’ham THE BEAT WALSALL SYMPHONY Nov - Fri 31 Mar GORDON HENDRICKS IS Sat 3 Dec, ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE MAGIC TRICKS The Slade Rooms, ORCHESTRA Sat 3 Dec, Qube Gallery, Oswestry ELVIS Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, The exhibition, from the private col- Wolverhampton Forest Arts Centre, CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS lection of Michael Dixon, displays Theatre On The Steps, Walsall LISSIE Sat 3 Dec, O2 EXHIBITION A collection of handmade some of the most popular tricks of Bridgnorth, Shropshire Institute, Birmingham CELTIC CHRISTMAS arts and crafts, created locally and the last 100 years, until Sat 31 Dec, VOODOO SIOUX, FURY, STRINGS Sat 3 Dec, for sale over the festive period, until Bantock House & Park, VALOUS & THE DEVILS DARKSIDE - THE PINK Lichfield Guildhall Fri 23 Dec Wolverhampton PLAYGROUND Fri 2 Dec, FLOYD SHOW Sat 3 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, JIM BOB Sat 3 Dec, MERRY MID-WINTER EXHIBITION The Haygate, Wellington Wolverhampton The Rainbow Venues, Shire Hall Gallery - Stafford Showcase of members’ work and a Birmingham great chance to buy a unique THE ELECTRIC SWING THE BORN AGAIN CHRISTMAS CRAFT & CONTEMPORARY BREAK STUFF Sat 3 Dec, PRINT Christmas crafts ranging from Christmas present, until Sat 28 Jan, CIRCUS Fri 2 Dec, BEATLES Sat 3 Dec, VAN Gallery, Shrewsbury Hare & Hounds, B’ham The Roadhouse, B’ham The Sugarmill, Stoke- handmade jewellery, Christmas dec- on-Trent orations and textiles to metalware DESIGN AND DESIRE: THE GREAT PANIC ROOM Fri 2 Dec, THE SMYTHS Sat 3 Dec, ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN and ceramics, on display alongside EXHIBITION OF 1851 Objects and The Robin, Bilston O2 Academy, B’ham works by contemporary printmakers, images, including prints and paint- Sun 4 Dec, New ICONIC 80S Fri 2 Dec, THE SHIRES Sat 3 Dec, Alexandra Theatre, until Sun 8 Jan ings from the Elton Collection, tell The River Rooms, O2 Institute, B’ham the story of how the Great Exhibition Birmingham Stourbridge THE JAR FAMILY Sat 3 became one of the most influential THE FABULOUS BORDEL- Dec, Birchmeadow Shrewsbury Museum & Art and renowned events of the 19th THE TRAVELLORS Fri 2 LOS Sun 4 Dec, The Centre, Broseley, Gallery century, until Fri 24 Feb 2017, Dec, The Huntsman, Robin, Bilston Little Wenlock, South Shropshire 'HEAVENLY LIGHTS: THE UNTOLD STORY Coalbrookdale Gallery, Telford THE MOONS Sun 4 Dec, OF STAINED GLASS ARTIST MARGARET Shropshire SACK SABBATH Sat 3 PICTURES OF THE FUTURE Hare & Hounds, AGNES ROPE' Celebrating the life and Dec, Route 44, B’ham INSTALLATION JESSARAE Fri 2 Dec, Birmingham times of Shrewsbury stained-glass This interactive installa- O2 Institute, B’ham THE SENSATIONAL ELIZA AND THE BEAR artist Margaret Agnes Rope, until tion is a response to Peter Rice’s DUA LIPA Fri 2 Dec, 'MOTOWN' PARTY WITH Sun 4 Dec, O2 Sun 15 Jan 2017 mural, A Bright Past For Stoke-on- O2 Academy, B’ham RHINO AND THE RANTERS Trent, and includes day-to-day Academy, Birmingham PILGRIMAGE FEAT Sat 3 Dec, Katie Weston Park objects, voiceovers and musical Fitzgerald's, KATE TEMPEST Sun 4 demonstrations, until Thurs 26 Jan, ROTUNDA OF WONDER, Dec, O2 Institute, NEW ROYAL BIRMINGHAM SOCIETY OF Stourbridge Keele University SKA'D FOR LIFE & YOUNG Birmingham ARTISTS Exhibition by members of THE BREWHOUSE CHRISTMAS PILGRIMS Fri 2 Dec, FROM THE JAM Sat 3 SCOTT MATTHEWS Sun 4 the Royal Birmingham Society of EXHIBITION Hare & Hounds, B’ham Dec, The Robin, Bilston Artists who’re considering the A mixed-media exhibition Dec, Glee Club, B’ham WHISKEY MYERS Fri 2 ANDY O'BRIEN Sat 3 Capability Brown legacy, Thurs 1 - featuring a range of festive artworks Dec, O2 Institute, Dec,Havana Republic BLUE ROSE CODE Sun 4 Sat 31 Dec and decorations, made by local Bar and Restaurant, Dec, Henry Tudor schools, alongside a hand-picked Birmingham Shrewsbury House, Shrewsbury selection of professional handmade SONIA ˜INDIGO’ CLARKE PRIMAL SCREAM The Willow Art Gallery, items sourced from local designer- & LYNETTE WALTERS ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 Sun 4 Dec, O2 Oswestry makers, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 7 Jan, Fri 2 Dec, Blue Piano TRIBUTE Sat 3 Dec, Institute, Birmingham ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITION The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- Restaurant And Bar, The River Rooms, Showcasing work from Border visual upon-Trent Birmingham Stourbridge THE SAW DOCTORS Sun arts group Bijoux and Kay Boyce, DONA OXFORD Fri 2 Dec, 4 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, amongst others, until Sat 14 Jan Wolverhampton

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Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December

Two Noble Kinsmen is attributed to promises to be yet another excel- Classical Music Comedy Gigs John Fletcher & William lent production from Evolution. Ian Shakespeare and is best described Smith & Matt Daines star as the as a tragicomedy exploring the Ugly Sisters, Wed 30 Nov - Sun 8 ALISON BALSOM WITH THE ZURICH KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs intoxication and strangeness of Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Programme 1 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall love, until Tues 7 Feb, The Swan includes works by Mozart, Hummel & THE FESTIVE FOOTSIE CLUB Featuring STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Thurs 1 Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon femme fatales, quirky comedy and Shostakovich, Thurs 1 Dec, Dec, mac, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders ‘extraordinary performances to sur- MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 1 Dec, Lustgarten’s visceral new play con- prise and delight...’ Thurs 1 Dec, HANDEL’S MESSIAH Featuring the City The Victoria, Birmingham fronts the dangerous necessity of Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham of Birmingham Choir, Alison Roddy compassion, in a world where it’s in (soprano), Fri 2 Dec, Symphony Hall, MITCH BENN, CARL DONNELLY, ANGIE FRANKENSTEIN A brand new adapta- short supply. Directed by RSC Birmingham BELCHER & GEORGE ZACH Thurs 1 Dec, tion of Mary Shelley's Gothic horror The George Hotel, Lichfield Deputy Artistic Director Erica masterpiece, fusing ensemble story- FLORENTINE ARTS ENSEMBLE: DAHL'S VINCE ATTA, DAVE TWENTYMAN, GARY Whyman, until Fri 10 Feb, The Swan telling, puppetry, live music and NORWEGIAN LANDSCAPE Programme Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon includes works by Grieg, Fri 2 Dec, MEIKLE, HANNAH SILVESTER & LEE KYLE stunning theatrics. Presented by The Barber Institute, Birmingham Thurs 1 Dec, Foxlowe Arts Centre, THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic Blackeyed Theatre Company, Thurs Leek, Staffordshire restoration comedy, set in the 1 - Sat 3 Dec, Arena Theatre, BRASS CLASSICS AT ADVENT topsy-turvy world of the carnival. Wolverhampton Programme includes works by ANDREW O'NEILL Thurs 1 Dec, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Loveday Ingram returns to the RSC ORLANDO Little Earthquake direct Mahler, Saint-Saens, Berlioz arr. to direct, until Sat 11 Feb, The Brand & Dvorak arr. Tarling, Fri 2 ED GAMBLE, JIMMY MCGHIE, JOHN Sarah Ruhl's staging of Virginia Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Dec, St Paul’s Church, Birmingham FOTHERGILL & ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 1 Woolf's gender-bending novel, DIRTY DANCING The story of Baby Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Dec, George BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY SINGERS AND Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham and Jonny, told through heart- Cadbury Hall, University Of B’ham UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CHOIR GEOFF BOYZ, EDDIE BRIMSON, MATT pounding music and sensationally Featuring Simon Carrington (choir WELCOME & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS sexy dancing, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 director). Programme includes works Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Dec, The Comedy Adrian Berry’s acclaimed tale of a by Guerrero, Lully, Berlioz, Poulenc, Loft, Birmingham Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre young David Bowie obsessive, Fri 2 Dove, Byrd, Legrenzi & Raminish. CARL HUTCHINSON Fri 2 Dec, Stafford THE FLINT STREET NATIVITY The Dec, mac, Birmingham Fri 2 Dec, The Bramall, University Of Gatehouse Theatre Nonentities present a staging of Tim TINA TURNER: TEA LADY AND FRIENDS Birmingham Firth’s comedy, which explores the TOM BINNS, IAN D MONTFORT & IVAN Character comedian Tracey Collins paediatric power-politics of the EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY BRACKENBURY Fri 2 Dec, Katie returns to the OJS with a range of school nativity, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 CANDLELIGHT Fri 2 Dec, St Chad's Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge new characters in what promises to Church, Shrewsbury Dec, Rose Theatre, Kidderminster be a ‘high-octane and utterly hilari- JOHN SIMMIT, RUDI LICKWOOD, ERIC'S CHRISTMAS PARTY Eric is ous show’, Fri 2 Dec, The Old Joint UNIVERSITY CHORUS Programme ANNETTE FAGON & ROGER D Fri 2 Dec, back for his annual christmas party. Stock Theatre, Birmingham includes Vaughan Williams' In mac, Birmingham Windsor Forest & George Shearing's Join him and his multi-talented TREASURE ISLAND ANDREW BIRD, ED GAMBLE, JIMMY Luke Players pres- Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare, band of actors and musicians for a ent Phil Willmott’s adaptation of the MCGHIE & JOHN FOTHERGILL Fri 2 - Sat Sat 3 Dec, The Bramall, University Of non-stop night of comedy, inspired Robert Louis Stevenson classic, Fri 2 3 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham mayhem, and some of the greatest - Sat 3 Dec, mac, Birmingham COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 3 Dec, music of the 1960s, Mon 28 Nov - EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY ALADDIN New production based on Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Sat 10 Dec, New Vic Theatre, CANDLELIGHT Sat 3 Dec, St Peter's a Middle Eastern folk tale, Sat 3 Newcastle-under-Lyme Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton STEPHEN K AMOS Sat 3 Dec, Old Rep Dec, Festival Drayton, Market LUDLOW ORCHESTRA Featuring Theatre, Birmingham BROKEN BISCUITS Paines Plough & Drayton, North Shropshire Live Theatre present a heartwarm- Thomas Payne (conductor) & Claire HAIRY FAIRY TALES Fun-packed sto- ing coming-of-age story, Tues 29 Tocknell (leader). Programme com- rytelling for all the family, featuring Nov - Sat 3 Dec, The REP, B’ham prises a semi-staged production of physical theatre, puppetry and live Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Sat 3 Dec, THE TUNNELLERS Tower Players music, Sat 3 Dec, The Market Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Theatre present a brand new play about a Theatre, Ledbury, Herefordshire Shropshire group of local miners who took their LOST IN BLUE Debs Newbold’s funny, DI XIAO PIANO RECITAL Sat 3 Dec, Holy skills and toughness to the Western RELATIVELY SPEAKING The Crescent uplifting, poignant and at times Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield Front in World War One, Wed 30 Theatre Company present an ama- downright bizarre performance of Nov - Fri 2 Dec, Prince Of Wales THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY teur production of Alan Ayckbourn’s innovative storytelling fuelled by Centre, Cannock ORCHESTRA - PROMS NIGHT comedy of mistaken identity, until playful sound technology, Sat 3 SPECTACULAR Programme includes Sat 3 Dec, Crescent Theatre, CINDERELLA Panto favourite Brad Fitt Dec, Quatt Village Hall, Bridgnorth, works by Puccini, Wagner, Walton, Birmingham make his debut as Buttons in what South Shropshire John Williams & Beethoven, Sat 3 GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE The Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Stage Company pres- PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA ents its acclaimed version of Roald Programme includes works by Dahl's much-loved story, until Sat 3 Dvorak & Shostakovich, Sun 4 Dec, Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, The Bramall, University Of Birmingham Birmingham THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An irrever- EX CATHEDRA: A BRAZILIAN CHRISTMAS ent and playful take on Kenneth Featuring the Ex Cathedra Consort & Grahame's classic children's story, Baroque Orchestra. Jeffrey Skidmore until Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep conducts, Sun 4 Dec, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s MONDAY SHOWCASE Featuring Yue Yu modern adaptation of Robert Louis (viola), Gyorgy Hodoszo (piano), Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Michael Lam (baritone) & Jonathan French (piano). Programme includes until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, B’ham works by Vieuxtemps, Liszt, Mozart, THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian Schubert & Brahms, Mon 5 Dec, Andersen's classic children's tale of Recital Hall, Birmingham adventure, friendship and bravery, Conservatoire until Sat 28 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Dirty Dancing - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

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thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December ROBINSON CRUSOE AND THE MOANA (15) Christmas throughout the ages. CARIBBEAN PIRATES Presented by Film MOLLY MOON AND THE INCREDIBLE Pomander-making sessions and Wassailing included as part of the Stoke Amateur Theatre Society, Sat INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: BOOK OF HYPNOTISM (U) 3 - Sun 11 Dec, Mitchell Arts tour, Thurs 1 - Thurs 22 Dec, SULLY (12a) Centre, Stoke-on-Trent Blakesley Hall, Birmingham THE UNKNOWN GIRL (tbc) A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Crescent INFERNO (12A) Action/Adventure. TELFORD EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS Theatre Company presents its ver- Starring Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones. MARKET See page 47 for details, sion of Charles Dickens’ festive tale, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, until Thurs 1 Dec - Fri 23 Dec, Southwater Sat 3 - Sat 17 Dec, Crescent Thurs 1 Dec; Wem Town Hall, Development, Telford, Shropshire Theatre, Birmingham Shropshire, until Thurs 1 Dec Events SANTA'S GROTTO Thurs 1 Dec - Sat 24 SLEEPING BEAUTY Casting includes ARRIVAL (12a) Mystery/Thriller. Dec, Dudley Zoological Gardens CBeebies star Rebecca Keatley as Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner. CHRISTMAS REVELS BY THE FIRESIDE Light House Media Centre, Princess Aurora and Sam Rabone TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT Settle around the magnificent Wolverhampton, until Thurs 1 Dec as Nurse Kelly. Children's entertain- THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until Fri Jacobean fireplace for some festive er Ben Thornton and author Ian FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, storytelling and join in the seasonal Billings also star, Sat 3 - Sat 31 Dec, THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Birmingham songs performed by the Birmingham Lichfield Garrick Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids City Council Choir, Fri 2 Dec, Aston Miller. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, to Lapland to see Santa this Hall, Birmingham LOST IN BLUE Debs Newbold’s funny, until Thurs 1 Dec; Light House Media uplifting, poignant and at times Christmas when they can visit him by WINTER ART FAIR Showcasing afford- Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 1 boat in his underground grotto deep able artworks, artist books and edi- downright bizarre performance of Dec innovative storytelling fuelled by in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 tions, music and homemade refresh- playful sound technology, Sun 4 A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and ments, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, Eastside Dec, The Wightman Theatre, Biography/Drama. Starring David Limestone Mines Projects, Birmingham Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Electric Shrewsbury CHRISTMAS GROTTO until Fri 23 Dec, FLYER LIVE The UK’s biggest indoor Cinema, Birmingham, until Thurs 1 Darwin Shopping Centre, aviation event, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to Dec; The Mockingbird, Birmingham, Shrewsbury Telford International Centre, the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, until Thurs 8 Dec; Old Market Hall, Shropshire Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion. Shrewsbury, Fri 9 - Thurs 22 Dec MEET SANTA until Fri 23 Dec, National Presented by Working Theatre, Sun Sea Life Centre, Birmingham ILLUMINATED GARDENS Brighten up ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING (15) the dark winter night with a stroll 4 Dec, Newhampton Arts Centre, Documentary. Starring Nick Cave. CHRISTMAS AT THE NATIONAL FOREST Wolverhampton ADVENTURE FARM until Sat 24 Dec, around the formal gardens, terraces Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs and courtyard, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Dec, RAPUNZEL AND HER WITCH A fantasy 1 Dec National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton-on-Trent Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool for three to seven-year-olds and HOLDING THE MAN (15) their families, Sun 4 - Mon 5 Dec, THE SHROPSHIRE SANTA EXPERIENCE WINTER WONDERFARM Get into the Biography/Romance. Starring Ryan festive spirit with a visit to Lower Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Corr, Sarah Snook. Old Market Hall, until Sat 24 Dec, Park Hall Farm, Shropshire Drayton Farm’s ‘winter wonderfarm’, Shrewsbury, until Thurs 1 Dec Fri 2 - Sun 4 Dec, Lower Drayton THINGS TO COME (12a) Drama. SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day Farm, Stafford out for all the family, combining a Starring Isabelle Huppert, André THE CLOTHES SHOW 2016 See page 47 Marcon. Foreign language, subtitles. four-mile self-drive safari with a visit to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West for details, Fri 2 - Tues 6 Dec, NEC, Dance Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Birmingham Shropshire, Thurs 1 Dec Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley SANTA SAFARI A magical adventure by BURN BURN BURN (15) THE NUTCRACKER - BRB Brimming BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Land Rover through the woodland to with festive energy, this ballet is the Comedy/Drama. Starring Laura see Santa in his hillside grotto, Fri 2 - Carmichael, Joe Dempsie. Stoke MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, perfect Christmas treat for the entire Fri 23 Dec, Hawkstone Park & Film Theatre, Thurs 1 Dec Birmingham City Centre family, until Tues 13 Dec, Follies, Shrewsbury SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Birmingham Hippodrome JOY (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro. Sat 31 Dec, Snowdome, Tamworth THE WOLF AND PETER Coisceim GARDEN TRAIL From flamingo croquet Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Fri 2 Dec MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page Dance Theatre present an energetic and shadow puppet shows to mak- TANGERINES (15) Drama/War. Starring 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, ing a mad hat to take home, this staging of the timeless story of Birmingham Botanical Gardens courage and imagination, Fri 2 - Sat Lembit Ulfsak, Elmo Nüganen. unforgettable trail promises to delight 3 Dec, DanceXchange, Birmingham Foreign language, subtitles. The ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM An ice rink both young and old, Fri 2 - Sun 29 Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 Dec located near the Frankfurt Christmas Jan, Erddig Hall, Wrexham ETHEL & ERNEST (PG) Market, until Sun 8 Jan, Centenary CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING Animation/Drama. Stoke Film Square, Birmingham Learn the history of the craft and the Theatre, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec NATIVITY TRAIL Follow the stars, techniques needed to create your A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12a) answering the Christmas questions own wreath, Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham Comedy/Drama. Starring Bob, Luke as you go, before reaching the live Back to Backs Treadaway. Old Market Hall, Nativity scene in the barn buildings. CHRISTMAS FAIR Sat 3 Dec, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Dec You may even be lucky enough to Freemasons Hall, Ditherington, see a new-born baby donkey, until Shrewsbury ZARAFA (PG) Animation/Family. mac, Sun 8 Jan, Bodenham Arboretum, Birmingham, Sat 3 Dec Kidderminster CHILDREN'S PINE CONE DECORATION BLUE COLLAR (18) Crime/Drama. WORKSHOP Have a go at making your DECK THE HALLS Browse stalls and very own Christmas penguin and owl Starring Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel. visit Father Christmas in his grotto, mac, Birmingham, Sun 4 Dec decorations with pine cones gath- Thurs 1 Dec, Manor House Museum, ered from the garden, Sat 3 Dec, BOYZ N THE HOOD (15) Crime/Drama. West Bromwich Biddulph Grange Garden, Starring Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS Magical Staffordshire Jnr. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, steam train journey along the Severn Sun 4 Dec CHRISTMAS ON THE HOMEFRONT Valley in the company of Father Explore period houses and shops Christmas, Thurs 1 Dec, Severn against a backdrop of festive wartime Valley Railway, Kidderminster entertainment, and discover how Talks NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: LUDLOW CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs 1 ordinary families kept their spirits Dec, Ludlow, South Shropshire high while the rations were low, Sat 3 AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON Released from Fri 2 December, Dec, Black Country Living Museum, showing at selected cinemas ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR Join the broadcaster and comedian See page 45 for details, Thurs 1 - Dudley as he talks about his debut novel, BLEED FOR THIS (15) Sun 4 Dec, NEC, Birmingham WINTER MARKET Sat 3 Dec, The Bond Holding, Sun 4 Dec, Symphony CHI-RAQ (15) Complex, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES EAT THAT QUESTION (15) Guided tours of the Hall exploring CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sat 3 Dec,

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Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December

Prestfelde School, Shrewsbury Sven in a special singalong show, FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM new, from the 1920s to the present CHRISTMAS CAROLS & FESTIVE FAIR then meet Santa - who may have a Step into a winter wonderland and day, Sat 3 - Fri 23 Dec, Attingham Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham Botanical little Christmas surprise for you to visit Father Christmas in his study in Park, Shrewsbury Gardens take home, Sat 3 Dec, Manor House the Mansion, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, CHRISTMAS AT THE VALLEY Sat 3 - Sat Museum, West Bromwich Attingham Park, Shrewsbury ART LATES: BUBBLES & BLUES An 24 Dec, Sandwell Park Farm, West evening of art, bubbles and blues UK DRONE SHOW Europe's largest SANTA HUNTS Fun-filled search for Bromwich music, Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham gathering of drones, drone racers, Santa, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Black SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a Museum And Art Gallery RC cars, robot fighting and con- Country Living Museum, Dudley magical festive sleepover at one sumer technology, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 4 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Featuring NEC, Birmingham carol singing, costumed guided tours Dec, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent and a children's Christmas Lanterns DEER FEEDING AT ATTINGHAM PARK Get CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS Join the live craft activity, Sat 3 Dec, Museum of closer to the fallow deer as the war- on-board choir for a unique tour of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham dens feed them in the winter months, the caverns and limestone mines, Sat 3- Sun 4 Dec, Attingham Park, Sun 4 Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and WESTON PARK CHRISTMAS FOOD & Shrewsbury CRAFT FAYRE See page 13 for details, Limestone Mines Sat 3 Dec, Weston Park, Shifnal, CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BUS TOUR Sun 4 Shropshire time and take part in some seasonal Dec, Birmingham City Centre activities, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Black CHRISTMAS TUDOR BANQUET Dine like Country Living Museum, Dudley ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 4 King Henry VIII, be entertained by STORYTELLING AT BROCKHAMPTON Dec, Bantock House & Park, musicians, singers and storytellers, VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Soak up the Festive stories and exciting tales, Sat Wolverhampton seasonal atmosphere and revel in Sat 3 Dec, Tamworth Castle, 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Brockhampton Estate, CHRISTMAS MAGIC LANTERN SHOW Staffordshire traditional celebrations and entertain- Herefordshire ment, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Blists Hill, Step back in time and witness a tra- THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Ironbridge, Shropshire SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by ditional Victorian magic lantern show, Meet the world’s most famous detec- steam train from Kidderminster to Sun 4 Dec, Blakesley Hall, tive, Sherlock Holmes, as he’s called CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Arley and meet Father Christmas in Birmingham Santa stars in his very own show and upon to solve the greatest mystery of his grotto, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Severn CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Make your own all time, Sat 3 Dec, Severn Valley has a gift for every child, Sat 3 - Sun Valley Railway, Bewdley 4 Dec, Cadbury World, Birmingham small Christmas Tree out of sticks Country Park, Bridgnorth, South SANTA AND MRS CLAUS Meet Santa, and pine cones, Sun 4 Dec, Carding Shropshire CHRISTMAS SWAGS SWING Sat 3 - Sun make a wish and take away a gift, Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills IRONBRIDGE CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH 4 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Trentham Estate, Wolverhampton MAKE A CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATION ON & FIREWORKS Sat 3 Dec, Stoke-on-Trent Spend a cosy afternoon making a Ironbridge, Shropshire FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS GROTTO Sat ATTINGHAM 1920S CHRISTMAS centrepiece for your festive table, A FROZEN CHRISTMAS AND SANTA 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Powis Castle and Discover Christmas traditions old and Sun 4 Dec, Dudmaston Estate, SATURDAY Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Garden, Welshpool Bridgnorth, Shropshire

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thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 December Centre, Wolverhampton THE SENSATIONAL ‘60S GAVIN WEBSTER, MATT REED, STEPHEN Gigs MEILYR JONES Thurs 8 EXPERIENCE Sat 10 Dec, Classical Music BAILEY & STEVE SHANYASKI Thurs 8 - Dec, The Sugarmill, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- Sat 10 Dec, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Stoke-on-Trent Trent PAUL MCCAFFERY, ANDY ASKINS, TOM AGAINST ME! Tues 6 BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE TRIO SURF'S UP Sat 10 Dec, STADE & COMIC TBC Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Dec, O2 Academy, LARKIN POE Fri 9 Dec, Programme includes works by Philip Theatre On The Steps, Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Glass, Rachmaninov, Ravel, Roxanna Bridgnorth, Shropshire REEVES & MORTIMER Fri 9 Dec, ROACHFORD Tues 6 JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO Panufnik & Mendelssohn, Tues 6 SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 10 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Dec, The Robin, Bilston DAVID BOWIE Fri 9 Dec, Dec, Recital Hall, Birmingham The Roadhouse, B’ham Dec, The River Rooms, Conservatoire KEN DODD Sat 10 Dec, Civic Hall, BULLET FOR MY Stourbridge Wolverhampton VALENTINE Tues 6 Dec, ROBYN GORDON Fri 9 LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS MUSIC WITH BLACK ROSE CADILLAC O2 Academy, B’ham Dec, O2 Institute, THE CHORISTERS OF WESTMINSTER MICKEY SHARMA Sat 10 Dec, mac, Birmingham Sat 10 Dec, O2 ABBEY Featuring James O’Donnell Birmingham PAUL YOUNG Tues 6 Academy, Birmingham (conductor) & Thomas Trotter GO WEST Fri 9 Dec, DAN NIGHTINGALE, MARK SMITH, Dec, William Aston (organ), Wed 7 Dec, Symphony Hall, The Robin, Bilston HUMAN LEAGUE Sat 10 DARREN HARRIOTT & PIERRE NOVELLIE Hall, Wrexham Birmingham Dec, Barclaycard Sat 10 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke- BEANS ON TOAST Tues 6 THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Arena, Birmingham EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY on-Trent Dec, Hare & Hounds, Fri 9 Dec, Civic Hall, DAN PAGE Sat 10 Dec, CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffery Birmingham Wolverhampton Havana Republic Bar Skidmore (conductor) & Alexander HEART OF GOLD Tues 6 ONE STOP BOOGIE Fri 9 and Restaurant, Mason (organ), Wed 7 Dec, Hereford Dec, The Sunflower Dec, The River Rooms, Shrewsbury Cathedral Lounge, Birmingham Stourbridge MAGNUM Sat 10 Dec, CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY Theatre JAMES Wed 7 Dec, THE BAD F LOWERS Fri 9 Wulfrun Hall, ORCHESTRA WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI Civic Hall, Dec, Route 44, B’ham Wolverhampton Featuring Omer Meir Wellber (con- THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An irrever- Wolverhampton ductor). Programme includes works ent and playful take on Kenneth FULLSHORE, ROOK THE OVERTONES Sat 10 by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky & Grahame's classic children's story, THE FRANKIE VALLI CRUTCHES, THE BRAZEN Dec, Symphony Hall, R. Strauss, Wed 7 Dec, Symphony until Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep STORY - JERSEY BOY Fri 9 Dec, The Actress Birmingham FEAT: STEPHEN JAMES & Bishop, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham ABSOLUTE BOWIE Sat 10 Wed 7 Dec, The Robin, CBSO CENTRE STAGE: WIND SERENADE TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s JON PLEASED WIMMIN Dec, O2 Academy, Bilston Programme includes works by modern adaptation of Robert Louis Fri 9 Dec, Hare & Birmingham MARTIN HARLEY Wed 7 Hounds, Birmingham Hummel, Mozart & Dvorak arr. Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, EASTWOOD Sat 10 Dec, Dec, Hare & Hounds, Clements, Thurs 8 Dec, CBSO until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, B’ham THE AMITY AFFLICTION Katie Fitzgerald's, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Fri 9 Dec, O2 Institute, Stourbridge CINDERELLA Panto favourite Brad Fitt MARTHA TILSTON Wed 7 Birmingham CBSO: WHITE CHRISTMAS Featuring make his debut as Buttons in what SUPER FURRY ANIMALS Richard Balcombe (conductor) & Dec, The Red Lion Folk BELSHAZZAR'S FEAST promises to be yet another excel- Sat 10 Dec, O2 Graham Bickley, Mary Carewe, Club, Birmingham Fri 9 Dec, The Talbot lent production from Evolution. Ian Institute, Birmingham Emma Kershaw & Maurice Clarke Smith & Matt Daines star as the CLAY Wed 7 Dec, The Theatre, Whitchurch, LUKE JACKSON TRIO Sat (vocalists), Fri 9 Dec, Symphony Sunflower Lounge, North Shropshire Ugly Sisters, until Sun 8 Jan, 10 Dec, The Hive Hall, Birmingham Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Birmingham A SELECTION OF PRE- Shrewsbury BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA BULLET FOR MY 1918 CHAPLIN SHORTS THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian THE YARCHESTERS Sat Featuring Juanjo Mena (conductor), VALENTINE PLAY THE Fri 9 Dec, Theatre Andersen's classic children's tale of 10 Dec, Birchmeadow Pavel Kolesnikov (soloist). POISON Wed 7 Dec, O2 Severn, Shrewsbury adventure, friendship and bravery, Centre, Broseley, Programme includes works by until Sat 28 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Academy, Birmingham CANDICE NIOR Fri 9 Dec, Dvorak, Chopin, Mussorgsky & Shropshire Newcastle-under-Lyme BIFFY CLYRO Wed 7 The Haygate, Tchaikovsky, Fri 9 Dec, Victoria Hall, THE ZOOBS Sat 10 Dec, Dec, Barclaycard Wellington, Shropshire Stoke-on-Trent THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a The Haygate, brand new staging of Raymond Arena, Birmingham OF KINGS AND CAPTAINS BCMG: SOUND INVESTMENT 25TH Wellington, Shropshire Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- GLENN TILBROOK Wed 7 Fri 9 Dec, Katie ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Featuring IN2MINDS U2 INXS and Dec, Foxlowe Arts Fitzgerald's, Thomas Ades (conductor) & ous wintry tale, Mon 5 - Sat 31 Dec, Simple Minds tribute Centre, Leek, Staffs Stourbridge Elizabeth Atherton (soprano), Sat 10 mac, Birmingham band. Sat 10 Dec, The Dec, CBSO Centre, Birmingham WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? The Bone GALACTIC EMPIRE Wed 7 USED & ABUSED Fri 9 Marr's Bar, Worcester Dec, O2 Academy Dec, The Rainbow SUTTON COLDFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY & Ensemble take audiences ‘on a Venues, Birmingham BOWJANGLES Sat 10 magical journey through an Arctic ROY WOOD ROCK & ROLL ORCHESTRA: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat 10 Dec, Chelmarsh Paris world of soaring snow geese, pet BAND Thurs 8 Dec, The THE URBAN FOLK Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Hall, Bridgnorth husky dogs and starry nights’, Tues Robin, Bilston QUARTET Fri 9 Dec, HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA Featuring RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 6 - Thurs 8 Dec, Arena Theatre, Stafford Gatehouse Charlotte Moseley (soprano). THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Sat 10 Dec - Sun 11 Wolverhampton Theatre Programme includes works by Thurs 8 Dec, Dec, Genting Arena, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev & Elgar, Sat SILHOUETTE Amateur production of Symphony Hall, DEVILMENT Fri 9 Dec, Birmingham Birmingham The Sugarmill, Stoke- 10 Dec, Cornbow Hall, Halesowen Simon Brett’s ingeniously structured JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS on-Trent CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY thriller, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Dec, Stoke- THE FRATELLIS Thurs 8 RHYTHM & BLUES Sun 11 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham on-Trent Repertory Theatre Dec, O2 Institute, THE ULTIMATE EAGLES ORCHESTRA Sun 11 ALADDIN Midland Academy of Birmingham Sat 10 Dec, The Robin, Dec, Victoria Hall, Bilston Musical Theatre presents its version PLACEBO Stoke-on-Trent Thurs 8 Dec, of the festive favourite, Wed 7 - Fri 9 Barclaycard Arena, KING PLEASURE AND THE MOSTLY AUTUMN Sun 11 Dec, The Blue Orange, Birmingham Birmingham BISCUIT BOYS Sat 10 Dec, The Robin, Bilston Dec, Lichfield Guildhall THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PIXIES Thurs 8 Dec, Comedy Gigs THE LINDISFARNE STORY Innovative new writing, absurd O2 Academy, B’ham SHOWADDYWADDY Sat Sun 11 Dec, Lichfield 10 Dec, William Aston humour and an entire improvised DANIEL LIONEYE Thurs 8 Guildhall CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 6 Dec, Hall, Wrexham The Dark Horse, Birmingham scene come together in this Dec, The Slade BEARTOOTH Sun 11 ‘Christmas show with a difference’, REAL FRIENDS Sat 10 Rooms, Dec, O2 Institute, JOJO SMITH, PAUL MCCAFFERY, TOM Wed 7 - Fri 9 Dec, Old Joint Stock Dec, The Asylum, Wolverhampton Birmingham STADE & COMIC TBC Wed 7 Dec, The Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham JAZZ COLLECTIVE REUBEN JAMES TRIO & BLITHE SPIRIT Birmingham School of CHRISTIMAS SWING- LEVELLERS Sat 10 Dec, JOSH WIDDICOMBE TROPE Sun 11 Dec, The Thurs 8 Dec, Civic Acting present its version of Noel ALONG Thurs 8 Dec, O2 Academy, B’ham Hall, Wolverhampton Glee Club, Birmingham Coward’s comic play, Wed 7 - Sat The Bramall, University THE ARTHUR DOHERTY THAT'LL BE THE DAY GARY DELANEY, LLOYD GRIFFITH, DAVID 10 Dec, The Crescent Theatre, of Birmingham BAND Sat 10 Dec, CHRISTMAS SHOW Sun MORGAN Thurs 8 Dec, The Bramall, Birmingham SON OF DAVE Thurs 8 Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham 11 Dec, Birmingham WIND IN THE WILLOWS Follow the Dec, Newhampton Arts Theatre Town Hall 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 5 - 11 Dec - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:48 Page 2

adventures of Toad, Rat, Mole, Badger and friends as they battle Dance their adversaries, the weasels and stoats from the Wild Wood, Wed 7 - Sat 10 Dec, Prince of Wales KEEP DANCING Brand new dance Centre, Cannock show celebrating the world of Ballroom and Latin, featuring SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring comedy Robin Windsor and other special legend Bernie Clifton, West End celebrity guests from Strictly star Matt Brinkler and family Come Dancing, Tue 6 - Sat 10 favourites Theo The Mouse & Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, Wendy, Wed 7 - Sat 31 Dec, The Birmingham Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire ROMEO & JULIET Ballet Cymru pres- ents a choreographed staging of THE WITCHES Amateur staging of the greatest love story of all time, one of Roald Dahl’s most popular Sat 10 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall tales, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Dec, Dudley Little Theatre THE COLOUR OF ME Wriggle Dance Theatre invite audiences to join ALADDIN Discover a magical tale of them in a magical world of colour, eastern promise, Genie wishes where live music, projection and and singing fish!, Thurs 8 - Mon 19 dance promise to 'delight, tickle Dec, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall and inspire young audiences', Sat CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s 10 Dec, Arena Theatre, favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as Wolverhampton Buttons, alongside panto favourite Christian Patterson and Simon Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, Thurs 8 Dec - Sun 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Talks HAIRY FAIRY TALES Fun-packed sto- rytelling for all the family, featuring JOHNNY MARR: SET THE BOY FREE Fri physical theatre, puppetry and live 9 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall music, Fri 9 Dec, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire A CHRISTMAS CAROL Chapterhouse Theatre bring Charles Dickens’ festive story to life via period cos- Film tume, song, dance and a ‘magnifi- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: cent’ original musical score, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Dec, mac, Birmingham ALADDIN Ben Crocker’s version of A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (12a) the much-loved pantomime, Fri 9 - Comedy/Drama. Starring Tom Sat 17 Dec, Hall Green Little Hanks, Sarita Choudhury. Theatre, Sutton Coldfield Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 5 Dec CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Drama. Starring comedy thriller that sees a host of Dave Johns, Hayley Squires. characters invited to a party in a Ludlow Assembly Rooms, mysterious house on a remote Shropshire, Mon 5 - Wed 7 Dec; Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Tues 6 island, Fri 9 - Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield & Thurs 8 Dec Garrick WHITE CHRISTMAS (U) ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO Musical/Romance. Starring Bing Festive show with a difference, fea- Crosby, Danny Kaye. Ludlow turing classic rock'n'roll hits from Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Tues Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, 6 Dec James Brown, The Temptations, The Jackson Five, and many TOP FIVE (15) Comedy/Romance. more... Fri 9 Dec - Sun 8 Jan, Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Dawson. mac, Birmingham, Fri 9 Dec MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER Mr B THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (PG) continues his ongoing quest to Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah reconnect hip-hop with manners Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric and the Queen’s English, Sat 10 Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 9 Dec Dec, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham COURTED (12a) Musical/Romance. Starring Fabrice Luchini, Sidse THE KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW Sat Babett Knudsen. Foreign language, 10 Dec, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton subtitles. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, ALADDIN Magical pantomime Shropshire, Fri 9 Dec adventure starring Joe McElderry, THE RETURN OF THE KING (12) Lisa Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah and ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, Sat Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric 10 Dec - Sun 22 Jan, Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 11 Dec Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE TWO TOWERS (12) WIFI WARS Live comedy game Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah show where audience participation Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric is compulsory, Sun 11 Dec, mac, Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 10 Dec Birmingham IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Family/Fantasy. Starring James

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thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 December Stewart, Donna Reed. Electric to day, Tues 6 Dec, Jackfield Tile CIRCUSMASH PRESENTS MAD WORLD Shropshire Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sat 24 Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire WINTER SHOWCASE Fri 9 - Sat 10 Dec, FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM Dec CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Discover, play CircusMASH, Birmingham Step into a winter wonderland and THERE WILL BE BLOOD (15) Drama. and create with your child, Tues 6 INSOMNIA59 Featuring the latest and visit Father Christmas in his study in Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dec, Bilston Craft Gallery, greatest in games, music and drone the Mansion, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Dano. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wolverhampton racing, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Dec, NEC, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Sun 11 Dec CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS Take a Birmingham CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS magical steam train journey along Santa stars in his very own show and the Severn Valley in the company of has a gift for every child, Sat 10 - Father Christmas and your class- Sun 11 Dec, Cadbury World, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: mates, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Dec, Severn Birmingham Released from Fri 9 Dec, showing at Valley Railway, Bridgnorth, LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION General selected cinemas Shropshire Championship Dog Show licensed OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY (tbc) CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING by the Kennel Club, Sat 10 - Sun 11 BIRTH OF A NATION (15) WORKSHOP Create a wreath made Dec, NEC, Birmingham from hollies, berries and foliage from VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Soak up the THE PASS (15) the garden, Wed 7 - Fri 9 Dec, WINTER WONDERFARM Get into the seasonal atmosphere and revel in SNOWDEN (15) Biddulph Grange Garden, traditional celebrations and entertain- Staffordshire festive spirit with a visit to Lower Drayton Farm’s ‘winter wonderfarm’, ment, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Blists Hill, TALK: LOOKING FOR ORCHIDS IN CHINA Fri 9 - Sun 11 Dec, Lower Drayton Ironbridge, Shropshire Phil Seaton returns to the park to talk Farm, Stafford MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS Sat about his travels to China, Thurs 8 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Chirk Castle, Chirk Events Dec, Severn Valley Country Park, BOWMAN ANTIQUES Selection of Bewdley antiques, curios, vintage, retro and 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Taste tradi- collectables. Up to 400 stalls, Fri 9 - tional Christmas recipes, see the SPORTING LUNCH WITH PHIL TUFNELL MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS WREATH Sun 11 Dec, Staffordshire County house decorated with traditional Mon 5 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Fri 9 Dec, Severn Valley Country Showground, Staffordshire greenery, toast bread over the open Park, Tamworthr Park, Bridgnorth, Shropshire ILLUMINATED GARDENS Brighten up fire in the hall and much more, Sat AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS the dark winter night with a stroll 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Voices of Tantallon sing a wide vari- Stroll through the museum’s beauti- around the formal gardens, terraces Wolverhampton ety of festive music, Mon 5 - Tues 6 fully decorated gas-lit streets and and courtyard, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Dec, CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Dec, Wightwick Manor, take in the sights, sounds and smells Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool SANTA TRAILS Meet the Victorian Wolverhampton of a magical Christmas past, Fri 9 - household, readying themselves for Sat 10 Dec, Black Country Living CHRISTMAS AT SUNNYCROFT Enjoy TUESDAY TILE DECORATING Santa’s annual visit, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Museum, Dudley Sunnycroft dressed for Christmas, WORKSHOPS Activities vary from day with carol singers, handbell ringers Dec, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire and presents under the tree, Fri 9 - SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by Tues 13 Dec, Sunnycroft, Shropshire steam train from Kidderminster to FATHER CHRISTMAS' LIVING ROOM Sat Arley and meet Father Christmas in 10 Dec, Birmingham Back to Backs, his grotto, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Birmingham Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster CRUELTY FREE CHRISTMAS FAIR Sat 10 SANTA AND MRS CLAUS Meet Santa, Dec, The Wightman Theatre, make a wish and take away a gift, Shrewsbury Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent CAROLS IN THE TRENCHES An evening of carols and readings set in the ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS WEEKEND Sat WW1 trench system, concluded by a 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Harvington Hall, re-enactment of the Christmas Truce Kidderminster in No Man’s Land, Sat 10 Dec, The SANTA AT THE CONE Meet Santa, Staffordshire Regiment Museum, receive a gift, try a craft and follow a Staffordshire trail (charges apply), Sat 10 - Sun 11 FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CONCERT Free Dec, Red House Glass Cone, charity carol concert raising money Stourbridge for Heart Research UK at CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AT ST Birmingham Children's Hospital, Sat CHAD'S Sat 10 - Sat 17 Dec, St 10 Dec, Brindleyplace, Birmingham Chad's Church, Shrewsbury TUDOR CHRISTMAS AT BLAKESLEY HALL SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a See Blakesley Hall dressed for a magical festive sleepover at one Tudor Christmas and meet Tudor Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 11 characters preparing for the Yuletide Dec, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent festivities, Sat 10 Dec, Blakesley Hall, CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING Birmingham Learn the history of the craft and the AN EVENING WITH SANTA Charity event techniques needed to create a to raise funds for the zoo's new Snow wreath, Sun 11 Dec, Birmingham Leopard enclosure project, Sat 10 Back to Backs Dec, Dudley Zoological Gardens A CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE Join the SONGWRITING WORKSHOP Luke Friends of the Museum as they bring Jackson shares tips on how to get the 1837 Darby Hand Chapel to life creative. A truly unique opportunity for a traditional candlelit carol serv- to learn from an expert! The work- ice, Sun 11 Dec, Black Country shop is free of charge but booking is Living Museum, Dudley essential, Sat 10 Dec, The Hive CAROLS ON THE FARM Mulled wine, Shrewsbury mince pies, community Christmas CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in songs, hot chocolate and Father time and take part in some seasonal, Christmas in the Green Grotto, Sun activities, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Black 11 Dec, Fordhall Organic Farm, Country Living Museum, Dudley Market Drayton, North Shropshire SANTA'S GROTTO Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, HUNT FOR SANTA Sun 11 Dec, Manor Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal, House Museum, West Bromwich

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 5 - 11 Dec - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:48 Page 4

Tuesday 24th January 2017 TONY STOCKWELL Time: 7.30pm

Thursday 2nd February 2017 THAT'LL BE THE DAY Time: 7.30pm

Friday 3rd February 2017 Fri 2 December 9pm - 12pm LEGENDS OF AMERICAN nibbs & Eddy COUNTRY SHOW ...... Time: 7.30pm

sat 3 December 9pm - 12pm Sunday 5th February 2017 andy o’brien ...... THE JUNGLE BOOK Time: 7.30pm Fri 9 December 9pm - 12pm nibbs & Eddy ...... Friday 10th February 2017 sat 10 december 9pm - 12pm ALL STAR SUPERSLAM dan page WRESTLING

...... Time: 7.30pm

fri 16 december 9pm - 12pm Dan page Saturday 11th February 2017

...... BACK TO BACHARACH Time: 7.30pm sat 17 december 9pm - 12pm garage flowers & flatlands Wednesday 15th February 2017 ...... FAIRPORT CONVENTION Time: 7.30pm fri 23 december 9pm - 12pm cameron forrest ...... Friday 17th February 2017 Fri 30 december 9pm - 12pm michaela wylde THE RAT PACK CONCERT ...... Time: 7.30pm

sat 31 december 9pm - 12pm hannah & brian Tuesday 21st February 2017 ...... AN AUDIENCE WITH LESLEY GARRETT Time: 7.30pm

TWC GP 01051

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 12 - 18 Dec - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:31 Page 1

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 December Birmingham 16 - Mon 19 Dec, BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Gigs SYNERGY Thurs 15 Dec, Symphony Hall, Classical Music TRA featuring the City Of Birmingham The Huntsman, Little Birmingham Choir, Michael Lloyd (conductor) & Wenlock, South SHOWADDYWADDY Sat Alison Roddy (soprano). Programme KULA SHAKER Mon 12 DANIELLE DE NIESE Intimate concert Shropshire 17 Dec, The Robin, includes works by Stravinsky, Dec, O2 Institute, with ‘operas coolest soprano’, Mon Bilston Bernstein, Respighi & Tchaikovsky, Birmingham NE-YO Thurs 15 Dec, 12 Dec, Recital Hall, Birmingham Sun 18 Dec, The Bramall, University O2 Academy, B’ham MADNESS Sat 17 Dec, WHITE TYGER + WHITE Conservatoire Of Birmingham Barclaycard Arena, COAST REBELS Mon 12 WAVES AGAINST TIDES JOHN RUTTER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRA- Birmingham Dec, The Robin, Bilston Thurs 15 Dec, The TION Featuring the Royal Roadhouse, B’ham IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC JAMES TW Mon 12 Dec Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter ROCK DISCO Sat 17 Dec, The Sunflower Lounge, THE JAKE LEG JUG BAND (conductor), Elin Manahan Thomas Route 44, Birmingham Birmingham Thurs 15 Dec, Stafford (soprano), Melanie Marshall (mezzo- Comedy Gigs Gatehouse Theatre BEAT GOES BANG Sat 17 soprano), Andrew Lucas (organ), ROCKET Mon 12 - Tues Choristers of St Albans Cathedral & DEVILMENT Thurs 15 Dec, Hare & Hounds, 13 Dec, The Jam The Bach Choir, Mon 12 Dec, JO ENRIGHT, CHARMIAN HUGHES ALI Dec, The Slade Birmingham House, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham WARWOOD & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed Rooms, DARK SIDE OF THE WALL JASON DONOVAN Tues 14 Dec, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham Wolverhampton Sat 17 Dec, The THE TALLIS SCHOLARS: A RENAISSANCE 13 Dec, Victoria Hall, CHRISTMAS Programme includes MICK FERRY, ROB DEERING, MIKE TALON Thurs 15 Dec, Roadhouse, B’ham Stoke-on-Trent works by Victoria, Part, Sheppard, WILMOT & ANDY ROBINSON Wed 14 - Prince Of Wales STARVIN RASCALS Sat THE DYLAN PROJECT Britten, Tavener & Tallis, Tues 13 Dec, Sat 17 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham Centre, Cannock 17 Dec, Katie Tues 13 Dec, The Symphony Hall, Birmingham SCOTT CAPURRO, ABBIE SCHAMAUN & CLUTCH Fri 16 Dec, O2 Fitzgerald's, Robin, Bilston CBSO: ENIGMA VARIATIONS Featuring BEC HILL Thurs 15 Dec, Lichfield Institute, Birmingham Stourbridge NIKKI ROUS Tues 13 Vassily Sinaisky (conductor) & Garrick TSB Sat 17 Dec, Dec, Arena Theatre, FULLY LOADED & VON Behzod Abduraimov (piano). Havana Republic Bar CHARLIE BAKER, PAUL TONKINSON Wolverhampton KRYSTAL ROXZ Fri 16 Programme includes works by and Restaurant, Thurs 15 Dec, Station Pub, Sutton Dec, Route 44, B’ham Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens & Elgar, MIST Tues 13 Dec, O2 Shrewsbury Coldfield Institute, Birmingham STATUS QUO Fri 16 Dec, Tues 13 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham FREESTYLE XMAS PARTY ROB ROUSE, RAY PEACOCK, VINCE ATTA Barclaycard Arena, BLAKE Wed 14 Dec, Festival Drayton, BOB LOG III Tues 13 WITH DJ FORMAT Sat 17 & SEAN PERCIVAL Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Birmingham Market Drayton, North Shropshire Dec, Hare & Hounds, Dec, Hare & Hounds, Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham SLADE Fri 16 Dec, The Birmingham MESSIAEN: LA NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR KEN DODD Sat 17 Dec, Victoria Hall, Robin, Bilston Enjoy this testament to Olivier JORJA SMITH Tues 13 A CHRISTMAS BALL FOR Stoke-on-Trent Messiaen’s faith, inspired by the birth Dec, The Sunflower HELLS BELLS Fri 16 A MODERN WORLD Sat AHIR SHAH Sat 17 Dec, Stafford of Jesus, performed by members of Lounge, Birmingham Dec, The Roadhouse, 17 Dec, O2 Institute, Gatehouse Theatre the Birmingham Conservatoire organ Birmingham Birmingham THE URBAN VOODOO department, Wed 14 Dec, St Chad’s MARK NELSON, JAY HANDLEY, MICKY P ROY ORBISON STORY Fri MACHINE Wed 14 Dec, CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Cathedral, Birmingham KERR & ADAM ROWE Sat 17 Dec, The Robin, Bilston 16 Dec, Prince Of Sat 17 Dec, Symphony Religion, Wolverhampton THE BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR MALE Wales Centre, Cannock Hall, Birmingham THE ALBION CHRISTMAS CHOIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS MARK NELSON, MICKY P KERR, JAY ALEXANDER O'NEAL Fri BAND Wed 14 Dec, WOLFTOWN Sat 17 Dec, CONCERT Thurs 15 Dec, Birmingham HANDLEY & ADAM ROWE Sat 17 Dec, 16 Dec, William Aston New Vic Theatre, The Slade Rooms, Town Hall Couture, Stafford Newcastle-under-Lyme Hall, Wrexham Wolverhampton MIDLANDS HOSPITAL CHOIR: CHRIST- WES ZAHARUK, MICHAEL LEGGE, ROBIN BOWIE EXPERIENCE Fri AREA 11 Wed 14 Dec, FOREVER YOUNG - MAS-IS-A-COMING Featuring James MORGAN & PAUL IMRIE Sat 17 Dec, 16 Dec, Victoria Hall, The Asylum, B’ham BANDS & DJS Sat 17 Llewelyn Jones (conductor), Gemini Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent ALISON EVE Wed 14 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, Brass (Ensemble), Richard Dawson BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER Dec, The Red Lion Folk UNDER A BANNER WITH Wolverhampton (Organist), Kieran Jones (Soloist) & Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, mac, B’ham Club, Birmingham HEADSTICKS Fri 16 Dec, VELVET TARDIS Sat 17 the Four Oaks Cluster Choir, Fri 16 The Slade Rooms, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Sun 18 Dec, THE CHRISTMAS SKA Dec, The Haygate, Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Wolverhampton The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham PARTY FEATURING THE Wellington, Shropshire PIVA Evening of Renaissance music NEVILLE STAPLE BAND, SKABURST Fri 16 Dec, THE TWANG Sat 17 Dec, to celebrate the festive season, Fri 16 TALISMAN & BUSTER The Haygate, O2 Academy, Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Wellington, Shropshire SHUFFLE Wed 14 Dec, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE REPER- Birmingham Town Hall THE WILDHEARTS Fri 16 AMINGTON BAND Sat 17 TOIRE ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Theatre JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS Dec, Wulfrun Hall, Dec, Tamworth Rosina (conductor) & Nafis RHYTHM AND BLUES Wolverhampton Assembly Rooms Umerkulova (piano). Programme THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An irrever- ORCHESTRA Wed 14 - includes works by Liadov, BOWJANGLES Fri 16 METROPOLITAN BRASS ent and playful take on Kenneth Thurs 15 Dec, Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky, Fri 16 Dec, The Silvester QUINTET Sat 17 Dec, Grahame's classic children's story, Symphony Hall, Dec, Bramall Hall, Birmingham Horne Institute, Church Symphony Hall, until Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep Birmingham University Stretton, South Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham THE STONES Thurs 15 Shropshire FESTIVE FAVOURITES WITH JESSICA GENERATIONS Sat 17 SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring comedy Dec, Theatre On The SAX IN THE CITY: THE HYNES Featuring Simon Halsey (con- Dec, The Sugarmill, legend Bernie Clifton, West End star Steps, Bridgnorth, NOTEBENDERS Fri 16 ductor), Jessica Hynes (presenter) & Stoke-on-Trent Matt Brinkler and family favourites Shropshire Dec, Symphony Hall, the CBSO Choruses, Fri 16 - Mon 19 ANDY MCKEE Sun 18 Theo The Mouse & Wendy, until Sat SLOW CLUB Thurs 15 Birmingham Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, 31 Dec, The Place, Oakengates Dec, Hare & Hounds, THE FRONCYSYLLTE MALE VOICE CHOIR PIVA Fri 16 Dec, Birmingham Theatre, Shropshire Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Sat 17 Dec, New Vic Theatre, SLADE Sun 18 Dec, CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New BAY CITY ROLLERS Thurs Theatre Newcastle-under-Lyme William Aston Hall, comedy thriller that sees a host of 15 Dec, Civic Hall, THE CHOIR WITH NO NAME: BIG CHRIST- BLACK COAST Fri 16 Wrexham characters invited to a party in a Wolverhampton Dec, The Sugarmill, MAS SINGALONG Sat 17 Dec, The TOUCHSTONE Sun 18 mysterious house on a remote SCHOOLBOY Q Thurs 15 Stoke-on-Trent Bramall, University Of Birmingham Dec, The Robin, Bilston island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Dec, O2 Institute, SOLID SOUL Fri 16 - Sat LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- Garrick Birmingham 17 Dec, The Jam YELLOWCARD Sun 18 MAS CLASSICS Featuring Kevin Dec, O2 Institute, TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s THE LINDISFARNE STORY House, Birmingham Whately (special guest reader), Birmingham Adrian Lucas (conductor), Julia modern adaptation of Robert Louis Thurs 15 Dec, The KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 16 - Doyle (soprano), City of Birmingham Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Robin, Bilston Sat 17 Dec, The River Choir & the Fanfare Trumpeters from until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, B’ham KORN & LIMP BIZKIT Rooms, Stourbridge the Band of the Queen’s Division, Sat CINDERELLA Panto favourite Brad Fitt Thurs 15 Dec, FESTIVE FAVOURITES 17 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham make his debut as Buttons in what Barclaycard Arena, WITH JESSICA HYNES Fri

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 12 - 18 Dec - Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:31 Page 2

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 December

promises to be yet another excel- CINDERELLA Thurs 15 Dec, Arena Staffs, Wed 14 Dec Into The Cellar present an evening of lent production from Evolution. Ian Theatre, Wolverhampton SING STREET (12) Comedy/Music. classic ghost stories, Fri 16 Dec, The Smith & Matt Daines star as the JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Ugly Sisters, until Sun 8 Jan, Pantomime experience in a heated Gillen. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury big top, Thurs 15 - Thurs 22 Dec, Dec TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s Tamworth Castle Grounds, Staffs INFERNO (12A) Action/Adventure. Stroll through the museum’s beauti- fully decorated gas-lit streets and favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as THE 39 STEPS Award-winning, fast- Starring Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones. Buttons, alongside panto favourite Festival Drayton Centre, Market take in the sights, sounds and smells paced whodunnit where over 150 of a magical Christmas past, Fri 16 - Christian Patterson and Simon zany characters are played by a Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri 16 - Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, until Sun Sat 17 Dec Sun 18 Dec, Black Country Living cast of four, Thurs 15 - Fri 23 Dec, Museum, Dudley 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham CAR WASH (PG) Comedy. Starring Trent CHRISTMAS AT SUNNYCROFT Enjoy CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER- Richard Pryor, Franklyn Ajaye. mac, Birmingham, Sat 17 Dec Sunnycroft dressed for Christmas, ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO ENDING NIGHTMARE An amalgama- Festive show with a difference, fea- with carol singers, handbell ringers tion of bizarre, brave and beautiful CINEMA PARADISO (15) Drama. and presents under the tree, Fri 16 - turing classic rock'n'roll hits from acts, all woven into an Alice In Starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Tues 20 Dec, Sunnycroft, Wellington Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, Horrorland-type story, driven by a Cannavale. Electric Cinema, SCROOGE'S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS James Brown, The Temptations, mainly original soundscape and Birmingham, Sat 17 Dec Christmas comedy performed by two The Jackson Five, and many performed with a forked tongue BATMAN RETURNS (15) Action. Starring storytellers who need your assis- more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford firmly in each cheek! Fri 16 Dec, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito. Gatehouse Theatre tance, Sat 17 Dec, The Potteries Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17 Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- SANTA'S NEW SLEIGH A festive treat Dec Trent ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa for youngsters, with audience par- TROLLS (U) Animation/Adventure. Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Taste tradi- ticipation, singalongs and a present With the voices of Anna Kendrick, tional Christmas recipes, see the ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun from Santa for every child, Fri 16 - Justin Timberlake. Wem Town Hall, 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand house decorated with traditional Sat 24 Dec, Theatre Severn, North Shropshire, Sat 17, Mon 19 - greenery, toast bread over the open Theatre Shrewsbury Tues 20 Dec fire in the hall and much more, Sat THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian SNOW WHITE Singing sensation HOME ALONE (PG) Comedy/Family. 17 - Sun 18 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Andersen's classic children's tale of Lydia Borg stars in the title role of Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci. Wolverhampton adventure, friendship and bravery, this festive favourite, Fri 16 - Fri 30 Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS until Sat 28 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall - Sat 24 Dec Santa stars in his very own show and Newcastle-under-Lyme CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER- A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama, has a gift for every child, Sat 17 - I, CORINNE DADAT Fiction and docu- ENDING NIGHTMARE An amalgama- Fantasy. Starring George C. Scott, Sun 18 Dec, Cadbury World, mentary blend to paint a portrait of tion of bizarre, brave and beautiful Frank Finlay. Old Market Hall, Bournville a woman who’s invisible to most, acts, all woven into an Alice In Shrewsbury, Sat 17 - Sat 24 Dec SANTA'S GROTTO Sat 17- Sun 18 Dec, Mon 12 - Tues 13 Dec, The REP, Horrorland-type story, driven by a HOME ALONE 2 (PG) Comedy/Family. The Dana Prison, Shrewsbury Birmingham mainly original soundscape and Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci. SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL Evening of performed with a forked tongue Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17 steam train from Kidderminster to festive fun, Christmas comedy and firmly in each cheek! Sat 17 Dec, Dec; Light House Media Centre, Arley and meet Father Christmas in seasonal song, Mon 12 - Tues 13 Star City, Birmingham Wolverhampton, Sun 18 Dec his grotto, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, Dec, Highbury Hall, Birmingham EMBRACED BURLESQUE: CHRISTMAS Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John SPECIAL Cabaret extravaganza fea- CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Partridge stars as lawyer Billy Flynn turing live music, comedy, bur- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: SANTA TRAILS Meet the Victorian in a brand new UK tour of Kander & lesque, mistletoe and audience par- household, readying themselves for Ebb's smash-hit musical. Soul ticipation, Sat 17 Dec, Newhampton Released from Fri 16 Dec, showing Santa’s annual visit, Sat 17 - Tues 20 at selected cinemas Queen Mica Paris stars as Mama Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Dec, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE (tbc) Morton, while Coronation Street star THE KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW Sat SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as 17 Dec, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (tbc) magical festive sleepover at one Roxie Hart, Mon 12 - Sat 31 Dec, Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sat 17 - New Alexandra Theatre, Fri 23 Dec, Alton Towers, Birmingham Staffordshire SANTA AND THE PIRATES (THAT DON'T SANTA AT THE CONE Meet Santa, WANT CHRISTMAS!) Festive show for Film Events receive a gift, try a craft and follow a young audiences featuring Callum trail (charges apply), Sat 17 - Fri 23 Donnelly and Robin Hatcher, stars Dec, Red House Glass Cone, AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS of popular CBeebies TV show Spot INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Stourbridge Voices of Tantallon sing a wide vari- Bots, Tues 13 Dec, The Brewhouse ety of festive music, Mon 12 - Tues SANTA AND MRS CLAUS Meet Santa, Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) 13 Dec, Wightwick Manor, make a wish and take away a gift, DEAR SANTA Festive story which Family/Fantasy. Starring James Wolverhampton Sat 17 - Fri 23 Dec, Trentham Estate, Stewart, Donna Reed. Roses Stoke-on-Trent promises to be ‘a perfect introduc- TUESDAY TILE DECORATING Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 12 Dec; tion to theatre for two to seven-year- WORKSHOPS Activities vary from day CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in Birmingham Cathedral, Sat 17 Dec; olds’, Tues 13 - Sat 24 Dec, to day, Tues 13 Dec, Jackfield Tile time and take part in some seasonal Light House Media Centre, Lichfield Garrick Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire activities, Sat 17 - Sat 24 Dec, Black Wolverhampton, Sun 18 Dec Country Living Museum, Dudley IT'S A KIND OF PANTO Presented by CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS Take a MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U) Sound Foundations in association magical steam train journey along BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Family/Fantasy. Starring Richard with Walton's Way Music Charity, the Severn Valley in the company of Gary Lineker, Claire Balding and Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins. Wed 14 Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Father Christmas and your class- Gabby Logan celebrating the biggest Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent mates. Tues 13 - Thurs 15 Dec, sporting achievements of the year, Tues 13 Dec; Forest Arts Centre, Sun 18 Dec, Genting Arena, ROBIN HOOD: THE PANTO Brand new Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley Walsall, Thurs 15 Dec Birmingham local version of the tale of the leg- CAROLS IN THE SQUARE Eric Smith of LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP (U) endary Robin Hood and his band of BBC Radio Shropshire hosts, Wed Drama/Romance. Starring Kate Merry Men, Wed 14 - Sun 18 Dec, 14 Dec, The Square, Shrewsbury Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny. Foxlowe Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 13 SANTA AND MRS CLAUS Meet Santa, Shropshire Dec make a wish and take away a gift, BEYOND THE BARRICADE Concert por- Wed 14 Dec, Trentham Estate, Stoke- WHERE TO INVADE NEXT? (15) trayal of some of the greatest musi- on-Trent Documentary. Starring Michael cal songs in musical theatre, Thurs Moore. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, FRIDAY TWILIGHT - GHOST STORIES FOR 15 Dec, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent CHRISTMAS Theatre group Don’t Go whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 19 - 25 December - Wolves/Staffs/Shrops ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 14:29 Page 1

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 December Gigs Classical Music Theatre

SWEET FEATURING ANDY SING CAROLS WITH THE CITY ORGANIST SCOTT Mon 19 Dec, AND BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An irrever- The Robin, Bilston Featuring Marcus Huxley (musical ent and playful take on Kenneth JAMES YORKSTON Mon director), Jeremy Nicholas (presenter) Grahame's classic children's story, 19 Dec, Kitchen & Thomas Trotter (organ), Mon 19 until Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep Garden Cafe, B’ham Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Theatre, Birmingham CBSO CENTRE STAGE: A PALM COURT THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring comedy CHRISTMAS PARTY Featuring the TO ABBA Mon 19 Dec, legend Bernie Clifton, West End star Berkley Salon Ensemble & the CBSO Ludlow Assembly Matt Brinkler and family favourites Youth Chorus, Mon 19 Dec, CBSO Rooms, South Theo The Mouse & Wendy, until Sat Centre, Birmingham Shropshire 31 Dec, The Place, Oakengates TOM FITZPATRICK Mon CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG Featuring Theatre, Shropshire 19 Dec, The The Wonder Stuff - O2 Institute, Birmingham Louise Dearman (special guest singer), the London Concert Orchestra CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New Brewhouse Arts comedy thriller that sees a host of Centre, Burton-upon- & the London Concert Chorus, Mon 19 THE TEMPER TRAP Wed Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent characters invited to a party in a mys- Trent Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 21 Dec, O2 Institute, KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 23 terious house on a remote island, THE SEX PISSED DOLLS Birmingham Dec, The Robin, EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Garrick Tues 20 Dec, The A FAMILY CHRISTMAS Bilston CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s Robin, Bilston WITH THE TOWN HALL Skidmore (conductor), Mon 19 - Thurs THE REWIND 80's PARTY modern adaptation of Robert Louis GOSPEL CHOIR Wed 21 22 Dec, St Paul's Church, Birmingham MICHAEL BUBLE - KAI BAND Fri 23 Dec, Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Dec, Birmingham ANDRE RIEU Wed 21 Dec, Genting MCKENZIE Tues 20 Route 44, Birmingham until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, B’ham Dec, The River Town Hall Arena, Birmingham SPACEHOPPERS Fri 23 Rooms, Stourbridge CINDERELLA Panto favourite Brad Fitt NGOD Wed 21 Dec, Dec, Katie Fitzgerald's, AN EVENING WITH GILBERT & SULLIVAN The Sunflower Wed 21 Dec, Brewhouse Arts Centre, makes his debut as Buttons in what DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Stourbridge promises to be yet another excellent Tues 20 Dec, Kitchen Lounge, Birmingham Burton-upon-Trent THE WONDER STUFF Fri production from Evolution. Ian Smith Garden Cafe, B’ham JAMES ARTHUR Wed 21 23 Dec, O2 Institute, EX CATHEDRA FAMILY CONCERT: ANGELS & Matt Daines star as the Ugly THE TRAVELLORS Tues Dec, O2 institute, Birmingham STARS & KINGS Featuring Ex Cathedra, Sisters, until Sun 8 Jan, Theatre 20 Dec, The Birmingham Ex Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, JAYKAE Fri 23 Dec, O2 Severn, Shrewsbury Huntsman, Little THE STUBBLE BROTHERS Wed 21 Dec, St Paul's Church, B’ham Academy, Birmingham CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s favourite Wenlock, South Thurs 22 Dec, Katie KATHERINE JENKINS: CELEBRATION son Jonathan Wilkes as Buttons, Shropshire Fitzgerald's, THE HOGZ Fri 23 Dec, Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor) & alongside panto favourite Christian Stourbridge The Haygate, the London Concert Orchestra, Thurs ROY WOOD ROCKMAS Patterson and Simon Nehan as the Wellington, Shropshire 22 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Tues 20 Dec, THE HAIR ROCK Ugly Sisters, until Sun 8 Jan, Regent Symphony Hall, B’ham EXPERIENCE Thurs 22 ANDY WILLIAMS LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: WHITE CHRISTMAS Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent D-RAN D-RAN Dec, The Roadhouse, CHRISTMAS Featuring Laura Tebbutt & Wed 21 SPECTACULAR STARRING ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO Dec, The River Birmingham Tim Howar (guest singers), John THE OSMONDS Fri 23 Festive show with a difference, featur- Rooms, Stourbridge FRED ZEPPELIN Thurs Rigby (conductor) & Capital Voices, Fri Dec, Birmingham 23 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ing classic rock'n'roll hits from Aretha HOOPLA BLUE, FLAMIN- 22 Dec, The Robin, Town Hall Franklin, The Monkees, James MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA: CAROLS GO FLAME, PAPER Bilston Brown, The Temptations, The ROD STEWART TRIBUTE - BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Keri Fuge BUOYS & GRIM DISCO SANTAGEDDON Thurs 22 Jackson Five, and many more... until GARRY PEASE Sat 24 (soprano) & Michael Bawtree (conduc- Wed 21 Dec, Hare & Dec, The River Sun 8 Jan, Stafford Gatehouse Dec, The River tor), Sat 24 Dec, Symphony Hall, Hounds, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge Theatre Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham SUPREME QUEEN Wed MADDY PRIOR & THE THE STRAIGHT ACES Sat ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- 21 Dec, The Robin, CARNIVAL BAND Thurs 24 Dec, Katie ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa Bilston 22 Dec, Birmingham Fitzgerald's, Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and MAD JOCKS AND Town Hall Stourbridge ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun ENGLISHMEN Wed 21 THE STONES Fri 23 Dec, THE WEST COAST 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Dec, The Red Lion The Roadhouse, EAGLES Sat 24 Dec, Theatre Folk Club, Birmingham Birmingham Comedy Gigs The Roadhouse, THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian THE DESTROYERS Wed THE GURUS Fri 23 Dec, Birmingham Andersen's classic children's tale of LUISA OMILEAN Mon 19 Dec, The 21 Dec, The Glee The Sugarmill, Stoke- THE UPBEAT BEATLES adventure, friendship and bravery, Club, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham on-Trent Sat 24 Dec, The until Sat 28 Jan, New Vic Theatre, TIGRESS Wed 21 Dec, SHOWADDYWADDY Fri Robin, Bilston CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 20 Dec, Newcastle-under-Lyme The Dark Horse, Birmingham The Asylum, B’ham 23 Dec, Victoria Hall, DICK WHITTINGTON Starring John DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, STEVE HARRIS, Barrowman as Dick Whittington, ROGER MONKHOUSE & DARIUS DAVIES EastEnders' bad lad Steve McFadden Wed 21 - Fri 23 Dec, The Comedy as the evil King Rat, Jodie Prenger as Loft, Birmingham Fairy Bow Bells, legendary double GEOFF NORCOTT, CARL DONNELLY, MARK act The Krankies as Councillor & OLVER & ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 22 Dec, Jimmy Krankie, Matt Slack as Idle The Glee Club, Birmingham Jack and Andrew Ryan as Sarah the TAMAR BROADBENT & CHRISTIAN REILLY Cook, Mon 19 - Sun 29 Jan, Fri 23 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre CHRISTMAS GOTHIC Rebecca BARBARA NICE, TOM WARD, PAUL Vaughan's dark celebration of the RICKETTS & DAMION LARKIN Fri 23 Dec, festive season, complete with tales of Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent terror for dark Christmas nights, Tues GEOFF NORCOTT, CARL DONNELLY, STEVE 20 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre GRIBBIN & COMIC TBC Fri 23 Dec, The SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN A full screen- Glee Club, Birmingham ing of Disney's Frozen, with lyrics on screen to help you sing along during the film, Tues 20 Dec, Stourbridge Showaddywaddy - Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Town Hall

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SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS Join Fairy IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Twinkle and Pompom the Penguin Family/Fantasy. Starring James as they meet Father Christmas at Stewart, Donna Reed. Birmingham his home in the North Pole, Tues Cathedral, Wed 21 & Thurs 22 Dec; 20 Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Thurs Stoke-on-Trent 22 Dec MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO renowned circus present Zhelanly, FIND THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. an ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Russian folklore, Tues 20 Dec - Miller. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sun 8 Jan, Star City, Birmingham Fri 23 - Sat 31 Dec; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Sat SANTA IN LOVE The People’s 24 Dec Theatre Company present a festive tale for younger audiences, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre NEW FILMS ON GENERAL TEA WITH OSCAR WILDE Join Oscar RELEASE: Wilde as he interviews leading Released from Mon 19 Dec, show- celebrities of the Victorian era, ing at selected cinemas Thurs 22 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse BALLERINA (tbc) Theatre PASSENGERS (tbc) AN EVENING WITH JULIE ATHERTON Diverse cabaret performance from the woman who originated the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut in Avenue Q, Thurs 22 Dec, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Events Burton-upon-Trent JACK AND THE BEANSTALK SANTA BOAT TRIPS until Fri 23 Dec, Traditional panto promising plenty Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone of laughs, songs and audience Mines participation, Thurs 22 - Fri 30 SANTA SAFARI until Sat 24 Dec, West Dec, Prince of Wales Centre, Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Cannock Bewdley ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive stag- BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS ing of Julia Donaldson’s magical MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, tale for younger audiences, Thurs Birmingham City Centre 22 Dec - Sun 8 Jan, The REP, SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Birmingham Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, THE ANDY WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS Tamworth EXTRAVAGANZA Featuring The DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS until Osmonds, ventriloquist Steve Sat 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Hewlett, singer Charlie Green Park, Tamworth (Britain’s Got Talent) and The MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page Moon River Singers & Dancers, Fri 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, 23 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Botanical Gardens ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM until Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Birmingham SANTA HUNTS Mon 19- Sat 24 Dec, Film Black Country Living Museum, Dudley INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: A VICTORIAN CINDERELLA PUPPET SHOW Tues 20 Dec, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery STORKS (tbc) Animation/Comedy. With the voices of Kelsey Grammer, CHRISTMAS QUEST 2016 A trip round Andy Samberg, Jennifer Aniston. Kings Walk Wood to find the tastes, Festival Drayton Centre, Market sights, sounds and smells of Drayton, Mon 19 Dec; Ludlow Christmases past, Tues 20 - Wed 21 Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Fri Dec, Moseley Old Hall, 23 Dec Wolverhampton QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS See page 51 Biography/Drama. Starring Lupita for details, Tues 20 Dec - Sun 8 Nyong’o, David Oyelowo. Ludlow Jan, Star City, Birmingham Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Tues MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Marvel 20 & Thurs 22 Dec superheroes step off the silver RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (U) screen and onto the stage, Thurs Animation/Adventure. Starring Hugh 22 - Fri 30 Dec, Barclaycard Arena, Jackman, Alec Baldwin. Mitchell Birmingham Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 21 SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by Dec steam train from Kidderminster to TROLLS (U) Animation/Adventure. Arley and meet Father Christmas, With the voices of Anna Kendrick, Sat 24 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Justin Timberlake. Ludlow Bewdley Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Thurs 22 Dec

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Monday 26 - Sunday 31 December

thelist Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham BAD MANNERS Tues 27 Dec, The Roadhouse, Gigs Dec, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Classical TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s STEVE GIBBONS Tues 27 DEFINITELY MIGHT BE + modern adaptation of Robert Louis Dec, Hare & Hounds, ADORED + HAPPY Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Mon Music Birmingham MONDAZE Thurs 29 Dec, until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, 26 Dec, The Robin, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Bilston GORDON HENDRICKS IS LAST NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS ELVIS Tues 27 Dec, The WHITE TYGER + WHITE CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s RICHY AHMED Mon 26 Featuring the London Concert River Rooms, COAST REBELS Thurs 29 favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as Dec, The Rainbow Orchestra, Madeleine Pierard (sopra- Stourbridge Dec, The River Rooms, Venues, Birmingham no), Nicky Spence (tenor), Jonathan Buttons, alongside panto favourite SKABUCKS Tues 27 Dec, Stourbridge Antoine (guest singer) & Hilary Christian Patterson and Simon THE BON JOVI The Roadhouse, B’ham THE SOUND OF MUSICALS Davan Wetton (conductor), Tues 27 Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, until Sun EXPERIENCE Mon 26 Thurs 29 Dec, Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Dec, The River Rooms, THE TREVOR BURTON Symphony Hall, B’ham Trent Stourbridge CHRISTMAS SHOW Wed MOZART FESTIVAL CHORUS: GLORIOUS 28 Dec, The B'SPOKE Fri 30 Dec, The HANDEL BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring CINDERELLA Panto favourite Brad SOULED OUT 2 FUNK Roadhouse, B’ham Jam House, B’ham the Canzonetta Choir, Crispian- Fitt makes his debut as Buttons in Mon 26 Dec, The Steele Perkins (trumpet), Daisy what promises to be yet another Roadhouse, B’ham ABBA CLASSICS Wed 28 KILLERSTREAM Fri 30 Dec, Symphony Hall, Dec, The River Rooms, Brown (soprano) & Steven Devine excellent production from Evolution. RUBIO, BIGGER THAN Birmingham Stourbridge (conductor), Thurs 29 Dec, Ian Smith & Matt Daines star as the SEATTLE, PARGETERS Symphony Hall, Birmingham Ugly Sisters, until Sun 8 Jan, REUNION1 Mon 26 Dec, DIRT BOX DISCO Wed 28 KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 30 LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: ZIMMER Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Katie Fitzgerald's, Dec, The Asylum, Dec, The Roadhouse, VS WILLIAMS Enjoy the best scores Stourbridge Birmingham Birmingham ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive staging from the two greatest film composers of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale THE DIRTY DC - AC/DC SOUL SURVIVORS Fri 30 TREVOR NELSON CLUB of the 20th Century, Fri 30 Dec, for younger audiences, until Sun 8 TRIBUTE Wed 28 Dec, Dec, The Robin, Bilston CLASSICS UK TOUR Mon Symphony Hall, Birmingham Jan, The REP, Birmingham 26 Dec, O2 Institute, The Robin, Bilston THE DECADES BAND Sat LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: NEW Birmingham THE LIQUOR AND POKER 31 Dec, The River ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO YEAR’S EVE GALA Featuring Adrian Festive show with a difference, fea- DAVE BUSBY Mon 26 BAND Wed 28 Dec, Rooms, Stourbridge Dwyer (tenor), James Cleverton turing classic rock'n'roll hits from Dec, The Huntsman, Katie Fitzgerald's, T.REXTASY Sat 31 Dec, (baritone) & Anthony Inglis (conduc- Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, Little Wenlock, South Stourbridge The Robin, Bilston tor), Programme includes works by James Brown, The Temptations, Shropshire DIRTY MONEY NO. 5 Wed Debussy, Denza, Walton, Rossini, SOUL SUPPLY - NEW The Jackson Five, and many 28 Dec, The Sugarmill, Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Mascagni, Bizet HOUSE OF JEALOUS YEAR'S EVE PARTY Sat 31 more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford Stoke-on-Trent & Mussorgsky, Sat 31 Dec, LOVERS Mon 26 - Tues Dec, Ludlow Assembly Gatehouse Theatre 27 Dec, Hare & THE SEX PISTOLS Rooms, South Symphony Hall, Birmingham MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- Hounds, Birmingham EXPERIENCE Thurs 29 Shropshire renowned circus present Zhelanly, an ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on Russian folklore, until Sun 8 Jan, Star City, Birmingham Theatre ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and brand new staging of Raymond ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand ous wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, Theatre mac, Birmingham DICK WHITTINGTON Starring John SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring comedy Barrowman as Dick Whittington, legend Bernie Clifton, West End EastEnders' bad lad Steve star Matt Brinkler and family McFadden as the evil King Rat, favourites Theo The Mouse & Jodie Prenger as Fairy Bow Bells, Wendy, until Sat 31 Dec, The Place, legendary double act The Krankies Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire as Councillor & Jimmy Krankie, Matt Slack as Idle Jack and Andrew CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New Ryan as Sarah the Cook, until Sun comedy thriller that sees a host of 29 Jan, Birmingham Hippodrome characters invited to a party in a mysterious house on a remote WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Stage island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Garrick Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure, Tues 27 Dec - Wed 11 SLEEPING BEAUTY Casting includes Jan, Birmingham Town Hall CBeebies star Rebecca Keatley as Princess Aurora and Sam Rabone as Nurse Kelly. Children's entertain- er Ben Thornton and author Ian Billings also star, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Garrick THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, until Sat 31 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John Partridge stars as lawyer Billy Flynn in a brand new UK tour of Kander & Ebb's smash-hit musical. Soul Queen Mica Paris stars as Mama Morton, while Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as TRES TRES CABARET Wed 28 Dec, Roxie Hart, until Sat 31 Dec, New Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

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Monday 26 - Sunday 31 December

MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page Film 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Packwood dressed for Christmas by Released from Mon 26 Dec, showing professional artist Jennifer Collier, at selected cinemas until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, COLLATERAL BEAUTY (tbc) Solihull MONSTER TRUCKS (PG) ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun to be had at the ice rink located near WHY HIM? (tbc) the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Birmingham MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS until Sun 8 Events Jan, Star City, Birmingham MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Marvel super- heroes step off the silver screen and CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in onto the stage, until Fri 30 Dec, front of a crackling fire in the Great Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Tues 27 Dec, decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, NEC, Birmingham Baddesley Clinton, Solihull CHRISTMAS WINTER WARMERS 2016 BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Mon 26 - Wed 28 Dec, Churnet MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, Valley Railway, Staffordshire Birmingham City Centre FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE Let the SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Christmas festivities continue with a Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, leisurely steam train journey along Tamworth the beautiful Severn Valley, Mon 26 DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy Dec - Mon 2 Jan, Severn Valley the guaranteed snowfall over the Railway, Bewdley Island of Sodar, meet Father ALICE IN WINTERLAND NEW YEAR’S EVE Christmas and catch a ride on SPECIAL Sat 31 Dec, The Bohemian, Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton Wolverhampton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Santa’s Winter Wonderland - Snowdome, Tamworth

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