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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 370 OCTOBER 2016

Wolverhampton ’

OMID DJALILI: WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk FEATURE INSIDE...

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Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th Friday 21st October at 7.30pm Saturday 29th October at 7.30pm October at 7.30pm Tayo Aluko Productions MANDELA: Highly Sprung LET FREEDOM FALL OUT REIGN

Toby Peach THE EULOGY OF TOBY PEACH

Tickets: £10 / £8 Conc. Tickets: £10 / £8 Conc. Tickets: £10 / £8 Conc.

Read the reviews online Contents October Staffs/Wolves/Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 16:39 Page 2

October 2016

Contents

The Sunshine Underground - bring their farewell tour to the Midlands... page 14

Omid Djalili Jasmin Vardimon The Sound Of Music the list

talks about being a Schmuck rediscovers Pinocchio at The Hills Are Alive With The Your 16-page For A Night Theatre Severn Sound Of Music, at the Grand week-by-week listings guide interview page 8 page 19 page 28 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 26. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

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Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Whats On Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 MAGAZINE GROUP Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 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 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Adam Jaremko, Kathryn Ewing, David Vincent, Eva Easthope 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 October Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:51 Page 1

First Word

Major new Tamworth project sees art popping up in unusual places A major new project is set to see various forms of art popping up in unusual spaces across Tamworth over the course of the next two years. The project, which has been designed to create and nurture new audi- ences in preparation for the opening of the new-look Tamworth Assembly Rooms, has been made possible as a result of a £68,000 grant from Arts Council England. Comprising a wide variety of initiatives, the project will feature a new sculpture for the town centre, bus shelter art, street music, a ‘big draw’ event, a massive community mosaic, theatre in new community loca- tions, a film depicting a day in the life of Tamworth and an original World War One commemorative song performed by local choirs. Commenting on the initiative, Councillor Joy Goodall, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Environment & Culture, said: “With the refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms, we’re creating a theatre that’s fit for future generations, but while it’s closed we must look at how we can continue to provide high-quality arts entertainment and activities. “By taking a variety of fun, exciting and sometimes unique events out into the community, and often in places that are not normally used for art, we are doing just that. We’re making sure that performers still get to perform and theatre lovers still get to enjoy the theatre.”

Kara Tointon to star Phillip and Holly to bring in Gaslight This Morning to the Midlands A lifestyle show inspired by ITV1’s This Morning programme will make its debut at Birmingham’s NEC next spring. Featuring live appearances by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby - the presen- ters of the popular daytime television series - the event will also feature numerous lifestyle elements, including fashion & style, food & drink, home, gardening, pets, beauty, and health & wellbeing. Commenting on the new four-day show, Shrewsbury arts venue Emma Gormley, ITV Daytime Managing launches new season of Director, said: “This Morning is one of ITV's folk music concerts most loved and iconic brands. With our fan- Shrewsbury arts venue The Hive is launching tastic presenting talent and the wonderful a new season of folk music concerts this mix of content that we'll be taking on the month. road, this event promises to delight fans of Uptown Folk will feature gigs by Chris Wood, the show across the country.” The Small Glories (featuring Cara Luft and JD Former EastEnders favourite Kara Tointon, This Morning Live takes place at the NEC Edwards), Luke Jackson Trio, Jim Moray (pic- Merlin actor Rupert Young and one-time from 18 to 21 May. tured), Kris Drever and Martin Simpson. hellraiser Keith Allen visit the Midlands next The series is kicked off on 29 October with a year in a revival of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 performance by all-female folk trio Lady psychological thriller, Gaslight. Maisery. West End leading lady Kara, whose career “We're thrilled to be starting our album has also seen her win Strictly Come Dancing, launch tour at The Hive,” says the group’s will take the part of Bella Manningham, the Rowan Rheingans. “Over the last few years, role memorably played by Ingrid Bergman in Shrewsbury Folk Festival has been an impor- the classic 1944 film adaptation. tant gig for us, and we always look forward The UK tour of Gaslight begins at the New to playing there. We can't wait to return, to Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, where it share our new album, Cycle, with the good plays from 6 to 14 January. people of Shrewsbury.”

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Entertainment news from around the region

Contemporary craft fair makes a welcome return The always-popular Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair makes a welcome return next month (The Left Bank, 11 - 13 November). The annual show features contem- porary craft designer-makers pre- senting a wide variety of work, including jewellery, textiles, furni- ture, ceramics, glass, stone carving, basketry, fashion & accessories and metalwork. Commenting on the show, organiser Leoni Linton says: “Visitors to the event are able to meet every single maker of the craft they see, bringing to life an object of beauty with an understanding of who made it, and how and why they made it. This makes every purchase both personal and special - especially a bespoke commission, which virtually all our exhibitors take.” An elephant in the room at the Wolverhampton Grand The first ever UK touring production of Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild is visiting the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton next summer. Ninth life for Telling the story of a girl who takes a ride on an elephant, only to find herself needing to survive in street festival a rainforest following a devastating tsunami, the award-winning stage adaptation of Morpurgo’s Blackberry Fair, Whitchurch’s much- novel features ‘spectacular’ life-size puppets. It shows at the Grand from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 loved all-day street festival, is this June. month taking place for a ninth con- Tickets are on general sale from Thursday 6 October and can be purchased via the box office on secutive year. “It’s a day to celebrate 01902 429212 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk all things ‘local’,” say its organisers, “and there’s plenty of fun to be had, from bees to bunting and from funky processions to markets and mayhem. Blackberry Fair is for A Life More A fashionable show indeed! everyone and dares to be different, Ordinary in The Midlands Fashion Awards take place in Birmingham this through fabulous food, colourful month. events and plenty of arts and crafts. South It’s a day designed to be fun for all.” Shropshire Now in its ninth year, the event offers a platform for local design- Blackberry Fair takes place in ers to showcase their collection to fashion industry professionals. Whitchurch, North Shropshire, on 1 Ludlow Assembly Rooms “We’ve seen so many previous winners go on to develop their own October. is to screen a series of careers,” says show founder Jenny Eason. “We’re giving creatives More details can be found at black- popular films - including a chance to excel in their field as well as on their home turf. Often berryfair.co.uk High Society, Singin’ In the pressure for designers and creatives to move to London is The Rain and White overwhelming, but there are so many potential opportunities right Poison Dart Frogs Christmas - for people here in the Midlands. An event like this proves that there’s a melt- arrive in Walford with dementia and memo- ing pot of talented individuals just waiting for their chance to ry loss. shine.” An animal care lecturer at North The movie screenings The event takes place at the CBSO Centre on Friday 7 October. Shropshire College’s (NSC) Walford Campus has successfully bred a form part of A Life More Tickets are available from midlandsfashionawards.co.uk number of Blue Poison Dart Frogs. Ordinary (ALMO), a The frogs, which are famous for national programme their toxic skin and bright colours, being rolled out to 15 ven- originate from rainforests in South ues over three years TV favourites to star in The Exorcist America. which also includes train- “I started the project about 12 Popular television and theatre actors Jenny Seagrove and Peter months ago,” explains Laura Pugh, ing, theatre shows and the “with many unsuccessful attempts development of a ‘memo- Bowles will star in this month’s production of The Exorcist at at actually getting a tadpole to ry loss theatre group’. Birmingham Repertory Theatre. hatch. But now we have three frogs The dementia-friendly Seagrove is perhaps best known as QC Jo Mills in the television and seven tadpoles. It takes a lot of film screenings will take series Judge John Deed, while Bowles has enjoyed starring roles in time and dedication to ensure tem- place at the Assembly numerous TV shows, including To The Manor Born, The Irish RM, perature, humidity and feeding pro- The Bounder, Rumpole Of The Bailey and Only When I Laugh. cedures are correct to successfully Rooms on Tuesday after- hatch and rear a frog. The whole noons during the autumn The Exorcist is receiving its UK premiere at The REP, where it process can take a few months.” and are open to everyone. shows from Friday 21 October to Saturday 5 November.

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First Word

Great start for Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust campaign Here I Belong... Shropshire-based theatre Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is hoping to raise nearly £12,000 to buy a number of signifi- company Pentabus are cant pieces of locally made china which it fears may otherwise disappear from public view forever. heading out on tour this The pieces, which are currently on loan to the Trust’s Coalport China Museum, are now being sold by their month with their brand owner. new production, Here I More than 65% of the required funds have already been raised, allowing the museum to purchase two Belong. Coalport China plaques exquisitely painted by John Randall, one of the company’s best-known artists. A celebration of village The museum is still raising funds for the additional items of great local importance - two Caughley bowls life, companionship and decorated with images of the Iron Bridge, one of which, a square salad bowl, is extremely rare, and a community across six Coalport ‘Loving Cup’, decorated with images of the Forest Glen and Buildwas Abbey. decades, the play also Alongside its efforts to raise the near-£12,000 required to purchase the items, the museum is also hoping to highlights the challenges attract donations worth a further £50,000 in order to buy the opulent Northumberland Vase at auction in faced by people in rural November. The porcelain vase was created as an exhibition piece to advertise the superior quality of the areas. Coalport China Company’s ornamental china. It was showcased at the 1862 International Exhibition in “At Pentabus we’re com- London, where it won a bronze medal. mitted to making plays All donations for the Northumberland Vase will take the form of pledges and will only be called in if the about rural issues and tak- auction bid is successful. ing them directly to affect- To contribute to either or both fundraising campaigns, visit ironbridge.org.uk/support-us/urgent-appeal- ed communities,” says the pilkington-collection/. For more information, call the fundraising team on 01952 435 900 or email fundrais- company’s Artistic [email protected]. Director, Elizabeth Freestone. “I’m excited that these audiences will From Kenya to Dudley-born Josie Lawrence to see our cast transform Shrewsbury... through the different time headline Birmingham’s first periods before their eyes. Film director and photogra- Here I Belong will be an pher Harry Hook is visiting improv festival uplifting and entertaining Shrewsbury this month to Birmingham is hosting its first Improv Festival this month. piece of theatre for people tell the epic story of Africa's The brand new three-day event, comprising 10 shows and eight work- of all ages.” people and their inspiring shops, sees Dudley-born actress and ‘improv queen’ Josie Lawrence For further information journey from the land to the making a welcome return to the Midlands. about the tour, visit city. Presented in the intimate setting of the Jewellery Quarter’s Blue Orange pentabus.co.uk Brought up in Kenya, Harry Theatre - from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 October - the festival features has been photographing plays, musicals, sketches, puppets and costume dramas. and filming the African Commenting on the event, its director, Jon Trevor, said: “This is a Continent and its people for unique opportunity for people to be part of the over 40 years. His 14 first festival of its kind in what I believe to be a October show at Theatre great festival city. Audiences can expect the Severn sees him bringing unexpected, with lots of twists and turns. In together extraordinary sto- fact, nobody knows how each performance will ries and unique film footage pan out - it really is relying on audience partici- to shine fresh light on Africa pation. I want people to immerse themselves and both past and present. just have a really memorable and fun night out.” The festival culminates in a special charity Dudley digital showcase in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital. festival debuts Dudley Libraries is holding its first ever Digital Festival Silly songs and manic monologues... t his month. Taking place at Halesowen Long-established Shrewsbury comedy act Three Men In A Bowtie is Library on Saturday 8 making a rare home-town appearance this month. October, the event features Described in an Edinburgh Fringe review as ‘the funniest thing to come workshops on a range of out of Shropshire in a long while’, the trio of performers have been subjects, including stop treading the theatrical boards for over 20 years, during which time motion animation and dig- they’ve apparently performed in 400 village halls, half a dozen tents, ital music creation. three cowsheds and an opera house! Visitors can also have a go They present their latest collection of at finding a geocache, try ‘silly songs and manic monologues’ at out Minecraft, take part in The Wightman Theatre in The Square, Wii and XBox gaming tour- Shrewsbury, on Saturday 15 October. Tickets can be booked via thewight- naments and create light- man.co.uk or purchased on the door. up robot cards.

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FEATURE

Omid Djalili talks about being a Schmuck For A Night

Award-winning funnyman Omid Djalili is probably one of the most subversive comedi- ans currently doing the rounds on the UK comedy circuit. An actor as well as a comic, Omid has appeared in numerous box office blockbusters, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Sex And The City 2 and the James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough. He visits the Midlands this month with his brand new stand-up show, Schmuck For A Night. What’s On met up with him to find out more... Your new show's called Schmuck For A Night. Why Schmuck? I like the word ‘schmuck’. It means ‘fool’ or buffoon. You have to be a schmuck to do com- edy in today’s climate. I’m embracing the schmuck in me to take on the big issues of our day. Plus, it’s a word that ends with ‘uck’, which can only be a good thing. The show is mellower than your other tours. Is that fair to say? I've become less frenetic. I used to dance every two minutes in between the stand-up. I can’t even remember why. It was mentioned to me that when I danced, audiences were laughing at me, not with me. So it was either stop dancing or ban my manager from the gigs. You touch on Brexit, ISIS and Trump in the show. It's a long tour - will the show change while you’re on the road? I think the show will change even while I’m on stage. It’ll be so current sometimes that audiences won’t laugh until they get home and turn on the TV. Are you looking forward to that challenge? Of course - although my main challenge is getting the audience in a good mood again after my support act, Boothby Graffoe, has been on. Sometimes people haven’t finished booing until a few minutes into my act!

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Omid Djalili DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:59 Page 2

You produced a show known as the Iraq matter. The documentary We Are Many Shepperton Studios. I walked straight on Out & Loud Project at the Edinburgh was about the 2003 protests against the stage in my film costume. I went on stage in Fringe, which involved reading the war in Iraq. Are you proud of the film? full 1930s Egyptian prison warden garb. I Chilcot report in full, 24 hours a day. How It’s not a comedy, but you could easily say even heard an audience member say, “Well at did the idea come about? it’s my crowning achievement so far. I’ve least he’s making an effort.” I was on the phone to Boothby in July and worked on the project for the last five years - Away from stand-up, you have an impres- said, “We should do a show at next year’s Ed- countless edits, screenings, meetings, discus- sive acting CV, having worked with Rus- inburgh Festival where we just read the sions. The fact that Universal Pictures bought sell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Robert Redford, Chilcot report 24 hours a day.” He mentioned it, that it’s been so well received and hit Johnny Depp, Mike Myers and Sarah Jes- it to a promoter called Bob Slayer, rang me number one on iTunes in about 10 different sica Parker. Who’s been the most fun to back and said, “There's a guy called Bob countries, you could say I’m very proud of it. work with? who's mad enough to do it this year.” So A film promoting worldwide public opinion That’s a tough one. I’d say - and anyone while Bob was building a shed to stage it in, as a ‘second superpower’ has got to be doing who’s worked with him as an actor would we were contacting all our friends in comedy good. agree - that Keith Richards from the Rolling to read it and kick the idea off. It took 285 Will the film and the Chilcot report read- Stones was probably the most extraordinary. hours and 1,444 people to read it. I read too. ing make a difference, do you think? He played the father of Captain Jack Sparrow It was a truly one-off experience. You can never quantify the impact of such - Johnny Depp - in Pirates Of The Caribbean It was a great idea. The Edinburgh Com- things, but certainly it felt like they were im- 3. His character shoots and kills my character edy Awards judges certainly thought so, portant projects to be part of. In this life for no reason. This seemed to bother him. In awarding it the Panel Prize. you're either a problem or a solution. I’d like fact, he shot me about 14 times, and after At my age, winning an award! What a pleas- to think these projects - which raise more each take he’d come up to me and say, “Lis- ant surprise - although I’ve found that when questions than answers - are firmly en- ten, you do know I don't mean this?” After an idea is really good, it's no longer your trenched in the solution camp. Or at least try- every take. It was almost like a joke, but it idea. The idea belongs to the collaborators. ing to be! wasn’t. Bang! and he’d shuffle up and say, In fact, the idea felt like it belonged to the “Nothing personal mate, I hope you realise.” Your stand-up isn't particularly political comedy industry. Comics do nutty things all Then, after another take, with the same sin- or agenda-based, though... the time at the festival. Sometimes it’s a 24- cerity and intensity, “It’s all acting. You know Well, yes and no. I'm not party political, if hour show, sometimes mad benefit gigs, but that? You’re not upset with me, are you?” On that’s what you mean. I have no party politi- sometimes an idea really captures the zeit- one occasion he shot me and just said, “For- cal agenda. But I'll talk about what's going geist. Comedians are very adept at smelling give them, Lord, they know not what they on around us, trying to contribute to the dis- bs - by which I mean sensing when we’re do.” The final time he shot me, he just stood course. In fact, that’s what the show should being fobbed off - so it was important to us over me and mumbled, “We’ve all got issues. have been called: Schmuck Talks About that the readings were a simple, non-politi- It’s all about mummy, innit?” How right he What’s Going On Around Him, Trying To cal, people-powered public service. was. Contribute To The Discourse. Did you find anything funny in such a se- You’ve just been cast in The Nutcracker rious report? with Morgan Freeman and Keira Knight- Yes. It was in the final moments of the read- Omid Djalili brings his Schmuck For A ley. How’s it going to feel, filming and ings, after 285 hours and 1,444 people. The Night tour to Civic Hall, Wolverhampton then showing up at a theatre to do stand- very last paragraph of the Chilcot report is: on Sat 22 October; Royal Spa Centre, up? ‘How to read the Chilcot report’! It was a Leamington Spa on Sat 29 October; Palace You’d think it’d be weird, but it has never great punchline. Theatre, Redditch on Fri 4 November and fazed me. Once, in Barnet years ago, I was Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on Tues 15 You were involved as executive producer late, so didn’t change and came straight to November. on another project about similar subject the theatre from the set of The Mummy at More dates at whatsonlive.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 FOOD October- SHROPS_STAFFS_WOLVES.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 16:20 Page 1

The Yockleton Arms is under new management, Live Music - October offering a new and exciting venue in the countryside. We offer a locally sourced menu and use as many local products as possible using Lamb, Beef & Pork from local farms.

PLUS OPENING TIMES: Sat 8th October Sept, 9pm RESIDENT MON, TUES - CLOSED DJ’S WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY 12-9 SYNERGY SUNDAY 12- 4

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10 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD October- SHROPS_STAFFS_WOLVES.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 16:20 Page 2

Food

A cornucopia of vegan delights... West Midlands pub comes out top

The ninth annual West clothing, cosmetics and toi- A Birmingham pub which hosts Director of Fuller’s Inns, which Midlands Vegan Festival letries. theatrical performances in its owns the pub, said: “This is an takes place at The festival also includes 10 upstairs room has been voted one amazing accolade for The Old Joint Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall cookery demonstrations, 40 of the West Midlands’ top hostel- Stock. Being crowned one of the this month (Saturday 29 & talks, a selection of live, on- ries. best pubs in the country is fantas- Sunday 30 October). stage entertainment The Old Joint Stock on Temple Row tic, but to be the only Birmingham The two-day event will fea- throughout the weekend, a West is the only Birmingham pub to pub to be recognised demonstrates ture 120-plus stalls offering vegan bar, alternative thera- be included in The Good Pub Guide just how much hard work, enthusi- hot and raw food, cakes, pies and numerous kids’ 2017. asm and passion the team have put confectionary, footwear, activities. Commenting on the success, into ensuring that the pub is a cut Jonathon Swaine, Managing above its competitors.

REVIEW: The Ugly Duckling, Telford, Shropshire definitely the best dish of the evening... At least until the Fantastic service and desserts to die for... desserts arrived. Being a fan of savoury dishes, I rarely get excited about desserts - but these were to die for. The sticky baked meringue served with grilled banana and salted caramel was as naughty as it sounds, as was the sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream and toffee sauce. I’d return to The Ugly Duckling just for the desserts alone! As well as the a la carte menu, The Ugly Duckling offers a graz- ing menu, a Sunday lunch menu and a ‘grilled over the pine’ menu, which consists of a vari- ety of beef and pork steaks and skewers. The service was fantastic. Located in Telford, The Ugly indeed. The whiskey and orange served with celeriac puree, shal- Alongside the tasty, well-present- Duckling is one of numerous created a flavour that was subtle lot fondant and vanilla cream. ed food and modern surround- recent additions to Shropshire’s enough to ensure it didn’t over- The duck was cooked well and to ings, it certainly played its part long list of high-quality eateries. power the taste of the fish. The my taste; the celeriac puree was in making the evening a thor- fennel and crème fraiche was a rich, creamy and complemented The new bar & grill opened its oughly enjoyable one. doors to the public back in perfect accompaniment, helping the meat nicely. The vanilla I very much look forward to August after undergoing a much- to bring the dish together. cream added significantly to the returning to the venue in the needed refurbishment. My partner chose the braised sweetness of the dish. It was a flavour combination that may future to further investigate its On arrival there, we were greeted beef and horseradish bon bons, not suit all palates but it certain- mouthwatering menu. with broad, welcoming smiles served with roast garlic mayon- ly suited mine. My only criticism Lauren Foster from all the staff. The restaurant naise. The bon bons were made was that I’d have liked crispy boasted cosy yet stylish décor up of lightly battered shredded duck skin, but overall it was a Food: and a pleasant and relaxed beef - a nice idea, and one n n n n n tasty and well-thought-out dish. Service: atmosphere. It was packed out which, again, I’d never previous- n n n n n Ambience: too - always an encouraging sign ly encountered. I’d have liked a My partner chose the slow n n n n n Overall value when you’re visiting somewhere touch more seasoning in the braised lamb shank served with n n n n n OVERALL for the first time. beef, but that’s down to personal roast garlic mash and rosemary n n n n n preference. My partner thought and redcurrant sauce. The lamb To start, I opted for the whiskey the dish was delicious. was cooked perfectly and melted and orange cured sea trout, in the mouth - I’d even go so far served with charred and pickled The starters were certainly a suc- as to say that it was the nicest The Ugly Duckling fennel and dill and caper crème cess, and with that in mind, we Long Lane lamb shank I’ve ever tasted. The fraiche - a flavour combination couldn’t wait for our mains to Telford redcurrant sauce proved to be a I’d never come across before. It arrive. TF6 6HA fantastic accompaniment, as did was a very tasty plate of food I chose the roast breast of duck, Tel: 01952 257979 the creamy garlic mash. It was

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD October- SHROPS_STAFFS_WOLVES.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 16:20 Page 3

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READERS OFFER: Get 20% OFF ALL FOOD when quoting 'what’s on 20' Valid on the Peach Tree Restaurant 'a la carte' menu only when dining Sunday to Thursday. Booking essential. Offer ends 30/11/17.

18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. SY2 6AE. Tel: 01743 355055 FOOD October- SHROPS_STAFFS_WOLVES.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 16:20 Page 4

Food

Green accolade for Shrewsbury Food Festival Shrewsbury’s annual food festival is one of the greenest in the UK, according to a new report by envi- ronmental auditors Credibly Green. The festival recycles 81 per cent of its waste, an amount that saves suf- ficient energy to boil a kettle 37,382 times. The report also reveals that the 2016 event generated 6.37 tonnes of waste and managed to recycle 5.17 tonnes, with only 1.2 tonnes being sent for energy recovery. Total carbon dioxide equivalent REVIEW: The Littleton Restaurant, Walsall emissions associated with waste management activities were 1.9 Stylish, informal and exceptional value for money... tonnes of CO2, which Credibly Green described as ‘a fantastic recycling A college isn’t somewhere salmon served with marinated pistachio brownie with performance’. you’d typically think of visit- cucumber, roasted peppers coconut ice cream and the ing if you fancied a meal out - and lemon crème fraiche. glazed lemon tart with laven- or so I thought... But then I Both dishes were full of der honeycomb and raspberry Glynn Purnell to visited The Littleton. flavour and seasoned perfect- textures. They arrived beauti- The Littleton is a professional- ly. fully presented, imitating become ‘Secret Chef’ ly led kitchen boasting two For the main course, I opted what you might see in an upmarket restaurant. They Michelin-starred Birmingham chef chefs of an AA-rosette back- for the sirloin steak served tasted wonderful too. The Glynn Purnell will host his own tele- ground who train level two with balsamic vine cherry brownie was cooked nicely, vision show on ITV1 next year. and three diploma students tomatoes, a baked field mush- hard on the outside yet gooey Secret Chef will see Glynn teaching first hand, helping to give room, triple cooked chips and in the middle, and the a complete novice how to cook and them an insight into a real garlic & thyme butter. The flavours in the lemon tart were prepare a lavish meal for their fami- working environment. The steak was cooked beautifully a spot-on balance of sharp ly and friends, entirely from scratch. venue combines modern sur- and to my taste, with the other and sweet. “This was probably the most diffi- roundings, friendly service elements helping to create a cult TV job I’ve had,” says Glynn. and high-quality British food. very enjoyable dish. I was All in all, The Littleton is an “I’ve taught my children to chop Although part of Walsall blown away by the quality of ideal restaurant for just about vegetables and help out in the College, the restaurant itself is the meat - it certainly didn’t everyone. Due to its exception- kitchen - and they are better cooks situated in The Hub - a com- reflect the budget price tag in al value for money, it’s a per- than the person I was teaching! I mercial building which is any way whatsoever. fect place for students and had six weeks to teach this person open to external guests all My partner opted for the families as well as couples to cook. At the end of it, he had to year round. seared fillet of stone bass and groups of friends. The price certainly doesn’t reflect surprise his friends and family with For £19.95 you can enjoy five, accompanied by a mussel the quality of the food, so if a meal they thought that I’d yes five, courses: an amuse chowder, buttered spinach you fancy an informal bite to cooked!” bouche, a starter, a main, and fish croquette, which eat experienced in a stylish As well as his new TV show, Glynn chef’s pre-dessert and a again was a really delicious surrounding, The Littleton is is making a welcome return to BBC’s dessert. Not surprisingly, my plate of food. The fish was the place for you. Saturday Kitchen next month. He’s partner and I opted to give it a stunning, with the other Lauren Foster also published a new cookery book, try. ingredients complementing it Rib Ticklers And Choux-Ins - avail- perfectly. The quality of the The amuse bouche consisted able now, priced £19.99. ingredients really shone Food: n n n n n of mango chutney and sesame through in the main courses. Service: n n n n n houmous, a cheese stick and Ambience: n n n n n The chef’s pre-dessert was a mixed herb popcorn - a fun Overall value n n n n n mini sticky toffee pudding, and quirky dish which worked OVERALL n n n n n much to my partner’s delight. well. The houmous was espe- cially tasty and something I It was very tasty and of a per- hadn’t encountered before. fect consistency. It was served The Littleton Restaurant Next up was the pressed ham with a popcorn foam - a wel- The Hub hock served with pineapple comed and inventive addition. Littleton Street West textures and cheese bon bons, For our main desserts, we Walsall alongside the blackened opted for the chocolate and WS2 8ES Tel: 01922 657061

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - October - Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:52 Page 1

Gigs

The Sunshine Underground The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 13 October; O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 20 October It’s 10 years since Shropshire band The Sunshine Underground released their debut album, Raise The Alarm. Although both that and second album Nobody’s Coming To Save You showcased an indie rock sound, the boys took a different direction a couple of years back and focused on their first love - electronic music. Following the release of their fourth (and last) album, Luminescent, the band is this month embarking on their farewell tour. Commenting on the split, lead singer Craig Wellington said: “Musically, we’ve become a very different band to the one we started out as, and 10 years since the debut album felt like the right time to say ‘that was a good progression from album one to four, and now it’s time to do something different’.” Read the full interview at whatsonlive.co.uk

Ezio Jean-Michel Jarre Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sun 16 October Sat 8 October The godfather and pioneer of electronic music makes a welcome return, six long years after his last live show. Jarre came to prominence back in 1976, following the release of debut album Oxygène, and has since sold hundreds of millions of albums worldwide. Famed for staggering visuals and the use of cutting-edge digital technology, his new live show promises to be a truly immersive musical journey, with Jean- Michel performing brand new music from two-part LP Electronica alongside Italian-born Ezio Lunedei and Mark ‘Booga’ classic material from previous albums. Fowell mix rock and folk with intelligent Read our interview with Jean-Michel at Nickelback lyrics, rhythmic power and acoustic whatsonlive.co.uk Genting Arena, Birmingham, Fri 14 October melodies. Lead singer and composer Lunedei’s line in Comprising guitarist and lead vocalist Chad perceptive songs, many of which contem- Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing plate such subject matter as the male condi- vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger tion, temptation and vulnerability, have and drummer Daniel Adair, multi-platinum- established the duo as a real force to be reck- selling Canadian rock band Nickelback bring oned with on the acoustic scene. their No Fixed Address world tour to Formed 26 years ago, their career famously Birmingham. received a boost in 1996 via the then-prime The band were originally due to play the city minister, Tony Blair. While being interviewed last November but were forced to cancel due on Desert Island Discs, Blair revealed that he to Chad needing an extended period of vocal would listen to Cancel Today - a track from rest following voicebox surgery. second album Black Boots On Latin Feet - Having sold more than 50 million albums before facing the weekly ordeal of Prime worldwide and notched up the fourth best- Minister’s Questions in the House of selling song of the 21st century’s first decade Commons. - 2001’s How You Remind Me - the fellas are a must-see experience for any rock fan. 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - October - Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:52 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Wishbone Ash The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 20 October

Although Wishbone Ash have always been admired for their unique blend of blues, jazz and English folk, it was breathtaking effect. the way their guitars played melodic Lady Maisery Having been nominated for the Horizon BBC leads together that became their The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 29 October Folk Award of 2012 and in the Best Debut trademark, inspiring bands such as Bringing together Hannah James (Kerfuffle), category at the Spiral Awards that same Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. Hazel Askew (The Askew Sisters and The Formed in 1969 and named the year, the three-piece have spent the last five 'brightest hope' and 'best new group' Artisans) and Rowan Rheingans (Fidola), years performing sell-out shows across the in the influential music publications Lady Maisery’s fresh interpretations of UK and Europe. Melody Maker and Sounds, the songs and ballads explore vocal harmony to band's following and ability to influ- ence remain very much intact. Lee Mead Level 42 Jamie T The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, O2 Academy, Birmingham, Fri 21 October Thurs 6 Oct; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 1 October Tues 11 October One of the most distinctive voices in To say ’80s pop legends Level 42 have had a British music, Jamie T released his successful career would be an understate- debut album, Panic Prevention, in ment. The band have released 27 albums, 2007 to great critical acclaim. had 18 top-40 singles, sold out Wembley Best known for singles such as If You Arena for 21 nights and sold over 30 million Got The Money, Sheila and albums worldwide. Sticks’n’Stones, the London-born This month’s Birmingham gig comes in sup- singer-songwriter has since released port of their recently released EP, Sirens II, a further three albums - Kings & and showcases new material alongside a Queens (2009), Carry On The Grudge selection of their greatest hits. (2014) and this year’s Trick, a highly praised fusion of rock, punk, reggae, rap and pop, in support of which Nell Bryden he’s playing this gig and touring the The Glee Club, UK. Birmingham, Sun 9 October Lee Mead shot to fame when he won BBC TV casting show Any Dream Will Do, a contest In 2012, Brooklyn-born to find Andrew Lloyd Webber a new leading singer-songwriter Nell man for his 2007 West End revival of Joseph Bryden released Sirens - a song based on And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. her experiences of living in New York in the Since then, Lee’s made steady progress with aftermath of 9/11. The track caught the his career, appearing in numerous other attention of many an artist - Gary Barlow, West End shows as well as bagging himself Jools Holland and Counting Crows, to name a regular role in long-running TV series but a few. Casualty. Nell has since become a Radio Two listeners' He visits the Midlands this month with favourite, gaining plenty of acclaim for her Some Enchanted Evening, a touring show powerful, soaring vocals and accomplished featuring music from his bestselling studio songwriting. album of the same name.

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Jean-Michel Jarre DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 17:18 Page 1

FEATURE

Jean-Michel Jarre

The godfather and pioneer of electronic music this month stops off in Birmingham as part of his world tour. What’s On recently caught up with the music icon to find out more...

You’re bringing your tour to Barclaycard Arena this month, Jean-Michel. What can your Birmingham audience expect from your upcoming show? I’ve spent a lot of time working on what I be- lieve to be an exciting stage design. I’ve al- ways been involved in the visual aspect of my work. It’s very important nowadays, with technology allowing us to push the bound- aries even more than when I started out. It’s a very exciting challenge to be able to explore different directions. On this new production, I want to share with the audience a totally dif- ferent experience from what I’ve done in the past, and also, hopefully, a totally different experience from a usual electronic or rock music show. I want to immerse the audience in my music and performance. I’m going to do my best to deliver a show that will satisfy them beyond their expectations. I know how big their expectations are, so I’m going to try not to disappoint them. This is your first live show for six years. Why the break? Quite simply, I’ve spent the last few years in the studio and travelling the world to com- pose and produce my double Electronica album, with over 30 collaborators from the electronic music scene who are legends and/or newcomers, and with whom I share a common music DNA. Believe me, it was far from a break! The Electronica project took over my life these past few years, and I’m de- lighted to have worked with so many wonder- ful musicians and to have made great friends along the way. Jean-Michel Jarre DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 17:18 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

‘‘ I’m addicted to making and performing my music - it consumes my life daily ” Your recent releases, Electronica 1: The ence of the multimedia concert as we the Great Pyramids. Now Birmingham hope- Time Machine and Electronica 2: The know it today. What was the original in- fully will be another great moment! Heart Of Noise, have seen you collaborate spiration behind the idea? with an eclectic mix of artists, including With electronic music, you are not confined Hans Zimmer, Moby, Massive Attack, Pet to the acoustics of a concert hall, and that Your album, Oxygène, was released by a Shop Boys and Edward Snowden. Can inspired me to bring my music performance French independent label, having previ- you tell us a bit about how that came outdoors. Also, I’ve always been inspired by ously been turned down by every major about? architecture and how we perceive our envi- record label. What were their reasons for The project came from an idea I started ronment, whether man-made or natural. rejecting it? some time ago, gathering around me musi- That's where the idea initially came from for At the time, Oxygène was considered a to- cians, artists and collaborators who’ve been my Cities In Concert concept - hijacking a tally ‘far out’ concept. What was ‘in’ at the and who are an ongoing source of inspira- public space for a night and deploying all time was disco, hard rock and the early days tion to me - linked, directly or indirectly, to the tools available to me to create a unique of punk. And moreover, Oxygène was instru- technology and electronic music covering sound-and-vision spectacle and experience. mental. And I was French! different generations. Because everyone Before your professional career, you said yes, the project became much bigger The album has since gone on to sell 12 studied classical musical composition than I had imagined, and I decided to divide million copies and was presumably one and fronted punk act The Dustbins. Clas- Electronica into two separate albums. Vol- of the pinnacle moments of your career... sical, electronic and rock/punk are all ume one was released in October 2015, and Oxygène was the meteorite that indeed completely different sounds. Why did volume two in May 2016 with another bunch launched my career, and this year is its 40th you choose to go down the electronic of great collaborators. The essence of the anniversary, for which I have plans to cele- music route? double album was to physically travel to brate, but cannot say more at this moment. meet with those artists I’d invited on board, I am an explorer, a sound-hunter. I love all Watch this space! spending time in their working environment genres of music, but with technology, I dis- You’ve compared music to a ‘hard drug’. and sharing a creative process physically - covered that I could also create something Can you explain what you mean by this? merging our DNA through a piece of music. I new sound-wise. My classical education was composed the first demo for every artist a great foundation to compose with sounds I I’m addicted to making and performing my with my fantasy of their music and touch in could record from nature, voices and other music - it consumes my life daily. means, creating my own notes and personal mind, to start from something as a platform, Your live concert is something spectacu- sound. while leaving enough space for him or her to lar, featuring synthesizers and large- add their part. You’ve played a countless number of con- scale audio-visual shows. Are there any Electronic music festival Sónar saw the certs throughout your four-decade ca- plans to evolve it further? world premiere of your new show back in reer. Can you name some particularly I invite you to see the evolution on this tour! June this year. Why Sonar? memorable shows and venues? And finally, what does the future hold for That’s not easy to answer for me, as all of Sónar is one of the most renowned elec- Jean-Michel Jarre? tronic music festivals in the world, and they my concerts and shows are quite singular The future is here and now. kindly invited me to headline this year’s edi- and memorable, but this year is the 30th an- tion, showcasing my new music and kicking niversary of the Houston concert which I did off my brand new stage production. with NASA in front of the amazing down- town skyline of skyscrapers. The London Jean-Michel Jarre plays Barclaycard You’re the pioneer of electronic music Docklands concerts were also a most memo- Arena, Birmingham, on Saturday and were the first to create the experi- rable moment, as was Millennium Night at 8 October. Classical Shrop_Wolves_Staffs October.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 09:45 Page 1

Classical Music

Royal Philharmonic The King’s Singers Orchestra Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Wed 19 October Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 30 October Since its formation in 1946, the RPO has operated under the directorship of some of the world’s most respected conductors, Rudolf Kempe and Andre Previn included. Based in the beautiful surroundings of Chelsea’s Cadogan Hall, the orchestra is no stranger to the recording studio, regularly laying down sound- tracks for films and enjoying a long partnership with many of the major commercial record com- panies. The Grammy Award-winning King’s The RPO’s visit to Shropshire this month - form- Singers are no strangers to a busy concert ing part of its 70th anniversary schedule of con- schedule, regularly touring to countries certs - sees it presenting a programme that across the globe and in the process per- includes the opening of Rossini’s William Tell forming at some of the world’s greatest Overture and Sibelius’ hugely engaging concert venues, including Sydney Opera Symphony No 2. Solo violinist Carolin Widmann House and Carnegie Hall. also makes a contribution to the evening, per- Always looking to create programmes forming Mendelssohn’s highly praised Violin both to perform and record, they’ve com- Concerto. missioned over 200 works, including The RPO’s principal associate conductor, landmark pieces from numerous leading Alexander Shelley (pictured), is the man with the contemporary composers. They’ve also baton. commissioned arrangements of every- thing from jazz standards to pop chart hits, exploring medieval motets and BBC Philharmonic The Swingles Renaissance madrigals along the way. Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Allington Hall, Shrewsbury School, Fri 14 October Sat 8 October City Of London Sinfonia The Swingles originated in the early 1960s, when American-born vocalist Lichfield Cathedral, Fri 7 October and jazz musician Ward Swingle brought together a number of Parisian session singers to perform Bach’s keyboard music. In the 50-plus years which have fol- lowed, the group have inevitably undergone numerous personnel changes. They’ve also extended their musical repertoire to include pop songs and contemporary music, With its mission to ‘create dynamic, released more than 50 recordings, engaging and outstanding musical expe- won five Grammy awards and con- riences for people of all ages and back- The BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to tributed to numerous film and televi- grounds’, the City Of London Sinfonia Stoke-on-Trent, regularly presenting Victoria sion soundtracks, including Glee, this month touches down in Lichfield’s Hall concert-goers with much-loved works Grey's Anatomy, Milk and Sex And cathedral to perform a programme of from its impressive repertoire. The City. Great British Choral Anthems, including This season-opening performance sees talent- They visit Shrewsbury having recent- Handel's widely admired Zadok The ed young conductor Ben Gernon being joined ly performed in San Francisco and Priest. The ensemble is joined for the by virtuosic violinist Jennifer Pike (pictured), prior to shows in Sweden and Italy. occasion by the cathedral’s very own who plays Sibelius' Violin Concerto. choir. It also performs Bach's Suite No. 3 The programme also features Mozart’s in D, which contains possibly his best- Symphony No 25 in G minor and Dvorak’s known piece of music, Air On The G Symphony No 8 in G major... String. The orchestra returns to Victoria Hall on 9 An anthem especially written for the December to play Dvo ák, Chopin, Sinfonia’s tour by renowned British com- Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky.ř Their early-2017 poser James MacMillan completes the visits see them playing Haydn, Mozart and programme. Sibelius on 10 February and Berlioz, Elgar Stephen Layton and Ben & Cathy Lamb and Mussorgsky on 3 March. conduct.

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical Shrop_Wolves_Staffs October.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 09:45 Page 2

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Dance October Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:50 Page 1 Dance October Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:50 Page 2

Dance Dance previews from around the region

Aneckxander DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 7 October Cartwheels and nudity combine in this solo performance by Belgian dancer and circus artist Alexander Vantournhout. “Aneckxander questions the way in which identity can be reduced to physical charac- teristics,” explains Vantournhout. “I have two short legs, two short arms and a long neck, and it’s these disproportions that I make use of to provide a creative answer to the reduction of identity.” The piece sees Vantournhout performing all manner of gymnastics as a means of convey- ing the way in which the body exposes itself to prying eyes; eyes from which it also tries to escape...

Jasmin Vardimon: Aditi Mangaldas Dance Romeo And Juliet Pinocchio Company: Inter_rupted Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 20 October; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 22 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 29 October Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 26 October; Sun 30 October Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thurs 27 October; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 9 “For kathak dance to be appealing to new November; Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, audiences and young people,” explains Thurs 19 January Indian dance revolutionary Aditi Mangaldas, “it’s essential that their minds and their pre- conceived notions of classicism are chal- lenged.” Mangaldas’ latest kathak work is an explo- ration of ‘fragility, disintegration and renew- al’. Featuring seven dancers, it perfectly exemplifies the choreographer’s ongoing commitment to the task of infusing tradi- tional dance with modern sensibilities, com- "I find unique curiosity in rediscovering this bining 21st century sound, rhythm and light original 1883 classic tale,” says Jasmin with an art form that’s existed since at least Vardimon in speaking about Carlo Collodi's 400 BCE. famous story of Pinocchio. “The original “New audiences, young audiences, need to novel allows us to critically examine the be drawn into a world of imagination,” Aditi assumptions of ourselves and others about continues, “a world which engages them what it means to be human.” and demands their immediate attention. Jasmin’s company here combines physical Dance is different from a book, a painting or a piece of music in that it’s intangible - it’s theatre and quirky characterisation with Innovation is definitely the name of the innovative technologies, text and dance to presented and then it’s over and finished with. That’s why it’s so important to trans- game for Leicestershire dance company create a hugely accessible work. Ballet Theatre UK. The ensemble draw their port young viewers and transform their “We have so many audience members telling inspiration from classical dance, theatre, minds. One of the best ways to do that is to us it’s the first time they’ve ever seen dance, popular culture and literature, all of which refashion a traditional dance form like and that they didn’t realise they’d enjoy it so feed into their critically acclaimed produc- kathak by producing contemporary work much,” says Jasmin. “You can see that tions of timeless ballets. which is based upon it.” they’re emotionally attached or intellectual- The company is this season joining the year- ly engaged and want to speak and talk about long celebrations to mark four centuries of it more. And that’s exactly what I always Shakespeare’s legacy by presenting this hope to do with my art. I want to make peo- brand new version of Romeo And Juliet. ple think and ask questions; I don't want to Expect exquisite dancing, stunning cos- give answers. At the end of the day, I see tumes and imaginatively designed stage myself as a storyteller and communicator sets. about things that are important to me.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Michael Morpurgo DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 17:17 Page 1

FEATURE

MICHAEL MORPURGO

talks about Adolphus Tips, the story of how 946 American soldiers lost their lives during World War Two...

At first glance Adolphus Tips seems a pretty grim story for a family audience. What made you choose it? At first glance you’re right. One of the great challenges of writing about serious subjects for young people is to find a way of telling the story without patronising, and without senti- mentalising. In this case, I came across the story of a cat called Adolphus Tips who was owned by a farmer’s daughter at Slapton. This cat had to be left behind when the family, along with hundreds and thousands of others, were moved from their homes and farms and villages so that the Americans could practise life-like landings from the sea on the beach at Slapton sands. The true story is that the fami- lies were gone from their houses over a year, and all that time Adolphus Tips, the family cat, was left in a live exercise area with bombs falling all around. The cat survived and was found again by the family when they came home after the D-Day landings, after all the American soldiers were gone. During these ex- ercises, the US soldiers and local people got to know one another and to like one another, and it was during that year of exercises that Opera- tion Tiger happened, during which German e- boats surprised the American ships and landed craft at sea and attacked them. Nine hundred- and-forty-six died, and this event was hushed up by the US and the British for a long time. So yes, a grim story, but on the other hand, a time when people from different lands and dif- ferent cultures got to know one another well and when friendships were made. I concen- trated my story on that family and the relation- ship between them and two black American GIs and their search for the missing cat, for the farmer’s daughter. It was a way into telling the story, I felt, maintaining the seriousness of what happened, about the loss, but also about the love and the triumph of love over loss. Michael Morpurgo DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 17:17 Page 2

Michael Morpurgo

The story’s about displaced people. the Asylum at the wonderful Heligan Gar- Which of your books is your favourite? Given the current situation regarding mi- dens in Cornwall, where Kneehigh put on All my books are special to me - they are all grants and refugees, is there any signifi- some of their shows. It was a huge hit there, my babies if you like. Often it’s the latest cant message within Adolphus Tips that wonderfully received and universally ac- one that I’ve written that’s my favourite. I’d we may do well to heed in 2016? claimed. Shortly afterwards, she was ap- been dreaming it for so long, living and Everyone in the story of Adolphus Tips is, pointed as artistic director at the Globe, and breathing its story, so that when it finally ar- for one reason or other, obliged to leave I believe felt it important to reach out to a rives as a newly published book, smelling home. The Americans over here, thousands wider audience at that theatre, a brave and wonderful and fresh out of the box, there is of miles from home and family. The farming important decision. There will be many fam- nothing like it. However, if I was to mention families expelled from their houses and the ilies who saw 946 at the Globe and loved the some favourites, War Horse would be up evacuee children finding refuge in the vil- spirit and energy of it and will no doubt be there, and the prequel to War Horse - Farm lage. So everyone in the story is in one sense back to see Shakespeare there. Boy - and Private Peaceful. War Horse is my a migrant, and everyone is supporting wife’s favourite too and that means a lot. For people who loved the stage version of everyone else. Is there a message in that? I War Horse and might be hoping that Is there a children’s book that you wish hope so. Adolphus Tips is a similar experience, in you’d written? Why Kneehigh? what ways will the production satisfy I wish I’d written The Iron Man, which I ad- What I love about Kneehigh is their wonder- their desire? mire because of its epic quality, its economy ful inventiveness and the way they weave to- In every way, but it is significantly different of writing and the beauty of the language. gether wonderful acting and glorious music as a show, smaller in scale, more intimate, What advice would you give to a would- and song. And terrific dance, and a script funnier, but like War Horse deals with seri- be writer of children’s stories? that never puts a foot wrong. ous issues. In War Horse, the puppets took Write from the heart and get it down, with- centre stage and were huge. In 946, the pup- Are the techniques and devices you use out worrying too much. Settle on an idea pets were important but not so significant in to engage a young reader different from that you care about, that you’re really pas- the production. They were also infinitely the ones used to engage a young theatre- sionate about, then research around it and smaller, especially the sheep and the mice! goer? dream it out in your mind. Don’t plan out No difference. When you write or make a As with Adolphus Tips, you feature ani- the plot too much, rather let it emerge as play for whatever audience, all that’s impor- mals in a number of your stories. What you write. Try and live inside your story, tant is that you mean it and that you write do you feel they bring to your books? hear and feel it all around you and become and act with total commitment, that you I think for many children, an animal helps the characters. never talk down to any audience and treat them go to places they would otherwise not them with the respect and sensitivity they venture into. With a dog, horse or cat as a deserve. companion, a young reader can empathise more readily, and so for a writer it does Earlier this year, Adolphus Tips was the 946: The Amazing Story Of Adolphus allow me to engage with subjects that might first ever family-friendly production to Tips is at Birmingham Rep from Thurday otherwise be too difficult or traumatic for be staged at the Globe, a theatre more 6 until Saturday 15 October and Warwick younger readers. Also, I am fascinated by usually associated with Shakespeare Arts Centre from Tuesday 8 until the relationship between animals and hu- plays. What prompted the venue to Saturday 12 November mans and how it affects us. How we can choose the story for its first foray into give and receive affection and trust. family entertainment? Emma Rice created the play last year for at Comedy October.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 12:08 Page 1

Comedy

Dane Baptiste Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 8 October; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 30 October With a new sitcom hitting TV screens recently and this touring show enjoying a positive response from critics and audiences alike, it’s fair to say 2016 is working out well for Dane Baptiste. It’s certainly been a whirlwind couple of years for the London-born funnyman. In 2014, he became the first ever black comedian to be nominated for the Foster's Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, a success achieved with his debut solo show, Citizen Dane. “This is my second show,” says Baptiste of the currently touring Reasonable Doubt, “so essentially it’s like my second album. And the pressure’s cranked up because the first show did so well. I’ve pretty much always wanted to be a comic, so there’s no alternative for me - I’ve got to make sure this goes well...”

Six of the best...

Kerry Sam Miles Jupp Godliman Simmons Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 29 October Artrix, Warwick Arts Bromsgrove, Sat Centre, Coventry, Once described by 8 October; The Fri 14 October the Evening Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri Junkie seagulls, Standard as having 14 October cherry tomatoes the distracted air of Comedian and on a train station bewilderment you actress Kerry platform and the might expect of a Godliman’s new heavily medicated man ‘who’d fallen touring show, Stick Or Twist, zeroes in on years of Brian Wilson featured among the asleep in the 1950s to the sound of cricket on why people take certain decisions and make subjects visited by Aussie funnyman Sam the village green and had only very recently particular choices - especially when it comes Simmons when he performed his latest show, woken up’, Miles Jupp wears tweeds and is to that potentially life-transforming (or ruin- Not A People Person, in Edinburgh this sum- posh. He’s also a hugely popular stand-up ing) moment when they start to think about mer. comedian, entertaining his audience with a moving house, city or country. Having last year bagged the Foster’s style of presentation that’s disarmingly polite “I was prompted by whether I should move Edinburgh Comedy Award and the Barry (given which fact, it’s perhaps a little surpris- out of London with my family,” explains Award at the Melbourne International ing that one of his best chums on the circuit Kerry, “but it opens up beyond that to why Comedy Festival, great things were under- is the bile-spewing Frankie Boyle!). people live where they live. Some people standably expected at the 2016 Fringe - Miles is visiting the Midlands with his latest choose it, others are forced to stay where although the show did prompt a surprisingly touring show, Songs Of Freedom. Expect they are or forced to move. Whether I’m mixed bag of reactions. ungainly attempts at being laddish and opin- happy where I live is the $64million ques- Sam’s style of comedy is off the wall, to say ions on all manner of subjects, from astro- tion.” the least. If you’ve enjoyed him before, this nauts and poo to lost stuff and other stuff. Kerry’s TV work includes the Ricky Gervais Midlands gig is an event not to miss; if you’re comedies Extras, Life’s Too Short and Derek. a first-timer, get yourself along, take a suit- She appeared in the latter as care home man- ably open mind with you and, in accordance ager Hannah. with Sam’s motto, embrace the chaos.

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Rich Hall New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme; Mon 3 October; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 4 October; William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Thurs 6 October; Theatr Hafren, Newtown, Powys, Fri 7 October; The Place, Telford, Shropshire; Thurs 13 October; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 21 October His official biography somewhat less than modestly describes American funnyman Rich Hall as ‘a comic genius’, albeit a ‘grouchy, deadpan’ one. It also explains that he ‘quit his job as a hurricane-namer for the United States meteorological service’ more than two decades ago - since which time, it’s fair to say, the sun has been smiling rather warmly on the hugely talented Virginian. With much of his comedy centring on making fun of life across the pond in his homeland, Rich is perhaps best known for his creation of Otis Lee Crenshaw, a bourbon-swilling red- neck jailbird from Tennessee whose many wives have all been named Brenda. Rich’s jokes include: “A hotel mini-bar allows you to see into the future and find out what a can of Pepsi will cost in 2020”.

Mark Zoe Lyons Joel Watson Artrix, Bromsgrove, Dommett Thurs 27 October Brewhouse Arts The Glee Club, Centre, Burton- High on confidence Birmingham, Fri 21 upon-Trent, Fri 7 and blessed with a October; Stafford October; Royal Gatehouse Theatre, Spa Centre, razor-sharp wit, Zoe Sat 29 October Leamington Spa, Lyons creates funny Thurs 13 October routines based on “I absolutely love A regular contrib- astute observation performing in utor to the of life’s absurdities. small, intimate Edinburgh Fringe, Mark Watson has the curi- Her latest show, titled Little Misfit, looks spaces,” says Joel Dommett, once the face of ous distinction of having performed stand- back on her experiences as the ‘awkward gay MTV - until he was sacked at the age of 27 for up shows which have lasted for a period in kid at school’ whose feeling of being differ- being ‘too old’. “I’d far rather do a small gig excess of 24 hours. ent was heightened by a severe bout of in front of 50 people, but be doing new stuff, “Comedy is certainly a time-consuming ele- alopecia and, consequently, a less-than- than do old stuff in front of 5,000 people.” ment of my life,” he admits, “but then while attractive comb-over. She also harboured Joe’s extremely committed to the business of I’m out touring and on stage, I’m not having secret desires for Charlie’s Angels - “The keeping his act fresh. “I’m working on mate- to do the far less glamorous things at home. blonde one mostly,” she admits, “but with a rial pretty much all the time,” explains the There have certainly been times when I’ve comb-over, who can afford to be fussy? one-time warm-up act for Justin Bieber been very happy to say, ‘Of course I’d like to Described by one reviewer as ‘Alan Bennett whose television work includes Skins, Live stay and help out with that plumbing crisis, on speed’, Zoe’s jokes include: ‘The old blind In Chelsea and Impractical Jokers UK. “In but Burton awaits!’” fisherman liked nothing more than coming fact, I try to put in something new every time home and putting on a pair of his favourite I go on stage. If there’s something new in kippers.’ there, it brightens up the whole set and gives it more energy and excitement.”

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Birmingham Comedy Festival

Tickling the ribs of Midlanders since 2001, this annual event is one of the longest-running comedy festivals in the UK. Previous contributors include Peter Kay, Lee Evans, Michael McIntrye, Lenny Henry, John Bishop, Miranda Hart and Jimmy Carr. The festival returns this month to provide another 10 days of marvellous mirth across the city, and features perform- ances by Justin Moorhouse, Simon Munnery, Kerry Godliman, Tony Law, Jason Byrne and many more... Birmingham Comedy Festival runs from 7 to 16 October at various venues across the city. Here are just a few of our festival favourites. For full listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk

Birmingham Comedy Neighbourhood Watch Atomic Magic Festival Breaking Talent Cherry Reds, The Electric Cinema, Award Tues 11 October Thurs 13 October The official publicity Thom Peterson’s alter The Glee Club, Fri 7 October for Neighbourhood ego of The Amazing Watch carries the Guy isn’t to be con- Birmingham comedy warning that ‘this fused with your com- legend Jasper Carrott show will make you mon-or-garden super- is among the judges laugh out loud a lot!’ Comic Theatre hero. There’s no catch- Stand-up running the rule over a Described as ‘an ing of speeding bullets hand-picked selection eccentric, madcap, character comedy show’, in his bare hands. What there is, however, is of emerging acts from Stand-up the production features Brassy Brenda, the a level of mind-twisting, wow-factor magic across the West Bumsville villagers, bingo, songs and ample that’s seen him become a regular performer Midlands. The competitors have been select- opportunities for audience participation. at Hollywood’s world famous Magic Castle. ed for their ‘gag-writing skills, observational And this being the BCF, you can expect plen- chops, deft delivery and potential to break ty of ‘uproarious comedy’ too. out’. LoveHard: Murdered By Murder Croft And Pearce Barry Bling, Mr Velvet And The Victoria, Old Joint Stock The Orchestra Of Chaos Tues 11 October Theatre, No strangers to the Sat 15 October The Spotted Dog, Digbeth, Fri 7 October Birmingham Comedy Hannah Croft and Festival, madcap dou- Fiona Pearce are cer- Local lads Barry Bling ble-act LoveHard tainly creating a (on keyboards) and Mr make a welcome splash in the sketch- Velvet, pictured, (on return with a 1930s-set show world at the drums) are the rather Sketch Show tale of a murder-mys- Comic theatre moment. Much small Orchestra Of tery party that goes admired at the Edinburgh Fringe, the duo Chaos, presenting an Musical Odyssey horribly wrong. Expect an absorbing night of last year won the BBC Audio Drama Award act that’s often been laughter-inducing mayhem. for Best Scripted Comedy after participating described as 'Pulp Fiction meets Phoenix in Radio Four’s Sketchorama, a success that Nights'. Their Birmingham Comedy Festival earned them their very own show. appearance sees the boys performing their first ever musical odyssey, from the Swinging Simon Munnery ’60s to the 21st century. The Victoria, Tues 11 October Tony Law Simon Munnery’s lat- The Station Pub, Suttoncoldfield, Rough est show features ‘an Fri 14 October opening to die for, Zany alternative come- Works seven wry observa- dy is Canadian funny- The Glee Club, tions, a tone poem, man Tony Law's stock- Sun 9 October four fresh skits and in-trade, a fact which A presentation of new two new command- Stand-up means his audience is material from ments’. Stand-up guaranteed an evening Midlands comics, His bag of gags include: “Beware the smile of of truly off-the-wall, boundary-defying Rough Works is curat- Stand-up a waiter. It means he's pissed in your soup,” stand-up. Jokes include: “My kid was looking ed by Birmingham's very own Jo Enright. and “In love, as in fighting, the winner has at me with doey eyes - we'd been baking that Alongside her stand-up career, Jo’s also an an eight-foot pole”. morning”. actor, appearing in television comedy series including Phoenix Nights, I’m Alan Partridge and Life’s Too Short.

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FEATURE Memories Are Made Of This

Million Dollar Quartet, the Vegas, West End and Broadway hit, arrives in the Midlands

The fourth of December 1956. Record pro- bumptious and never shuts up, and at this ducer Sam Phillips makes musical history point in his career, Elvis is still an extremely by uniting four rock’n’roll icons at his Sun polite, shy young man. It's almost hard to Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. believe it when you think of all those pic- Inspired by an astonishing real-life event, tures of him at the end of his career, bloated Million Dollar Quartet brings to life on stage and addled with drugs and so on. But that's the legends that are Elvis Presley, Johnny what he was like at this point. Sam Phillips I Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. see as quite a grisly, tough guy who wants to control them all. He's very possessive.” Following successful runs in Vegas, the West End and on Broadway, this smash-hit It might create moments of inspiration or musical is visiting Malvern Theatres and even genius, but to some extent, putting Birmingham Hippodrome this month as four megastars together in one room is part of a new UK tour directed by Ian Talbot. bound to lead to clashes. For the most part, We spoke to Talbot to find out more. this is a laid-back jamming session where all of the musicians get their chance to “What I've tried to do with this version is shine, but it's certainly not without its ten- make it less like a concert and more like a sions. play with music,” he says. “In previous pro- ductions on Broadway and in the West End, “I actually didn't know until I came to direct they've had stand mics down the front, the play that Blue Suede Shoes was origi- which they'd go to every time they came to nally written and recorded by Carl Perkins, do a number. They don't do that in this ver- and that he'd already had a hit with it before sion - it's more about exploring the relation- Elvis did. One day, when Carl was on his ships between the four singers and Sam way to perform the song on The Perry Como Phillips. One of our cast members has been Show, he got caught in a really bad car acci- in the show in Vegas for four years, and our dent. Later, while he was still lying in hospi- Musical Director, John Mayer, worked on it tal, he was watching television and up came in London, and they both say that this pro- Elvis singing Blue Suede Shoes on The Ed duction is entirely different.” Sullivan Show. Pretty much from then on, whenever Carl sang it, everybody thought By placing the relationships between the he was covering Elvis. So there’s quite a bit characters centre stage, Talbot is able to ex- of animosity between them.” plore each one individually in greater depth, drawing out the personalities behind Nevertheless, if there's one thing to unite the public personae. people, it's a common grievance, and even Carl and Elvis are brought together by their “What I've tried to cultivate is distinct per- mutual irritation with another member of sonalities. Carl is kind of the moody one, the quartet. Johnny is the silent one, Jerry is really “I think all of them would quite like to

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by Heather Kincaid

bump Jerry Lee Lewis on the head,” laughs Of course, we also know that Elvis left Sun called Marilyn Evans. Talbot. “He's just so cocky - any opportunity, Records too, at which point the Colonel took “I think she was probably more of a showgirl he'll pop up and say, 'Oh, shall I play you an- over his career, and he started making what than the play indicates, but she stayed very other song?' or 'I've done this...' or 'I'm many people see as pretty awful movies - a quiet and never used the publicity. There's gonna be the best!' And indeed he was, but lot of people would say that he sold out. an iconic photograph of her sitting on the he creates quite a lot of the humour in the “Sun Records is very small in comparison piano, but after that she just sort of disap- piece.” with RCA and Colombia, but Phillips hangs peared.” Nicknamed ‘The Killer’, Lewis was once de- on to it like a terrier with a bone. He really But if Million Dollar Quartet takes some liber- scribed as ‘rock & roll's first great wild man’ did discover all these stars, and during the ties with the truth, it's all in the name of and is widely acknowledged to be one of play he also mentions that he's just signed good storytelling and creating an exhilarat- popular music's most influential pianists. At up a guy called Roy Orbison, so he obviously ing live experience that has thrilled audi- the age of 80, he's now the one surviving had this great knack for spotting people. All ences on both sides of the Atlantic. It might member of the quartet, and remains musi- the big record companies want to know how not be the first jukebox musical of recent cally active to this day. he does it, and of course he won't tell them, years, but it might just be one of the most ir- “Apparently he's still as erratic as ever. I which amuses him no end.” resistible. think he's cultivated that. From what I hear, In addition to the five men, there's also a “I think a lot of [the rise of jukebox musicals] he's quite deaf, and when he's waiting to give sixth, female character - Elvis' girlfriend is about nostalgia - I know I love Jersey Boys a performance he just sits in a corner quietly, who, within the context of the show at least, because that was my era. But I think when until somebody comes and says, 'Okay Jerry, is a singer called Dyanne. they fail is when they take all those songs you're on'. Then suddenly this miracle hap- “Dyanne has come with Elvis because she's and try to pin them to a story that isn’t very pens and he leaps to the floor, plays the going to meet his parents, and my take on good. This show has a great book, but also piano and then scuffles back and sits in his her is that she's the most sensible of the lot every song that's sung is a huge hit. There's a corner again.” of them. When you get these five men to- great sort of mega mix at the end which is in Lewis might ruffle a few feathers in his way, gether, there's an element of them all behav- the form of a concert, culminating in Jerry but there's deeper trouble brewing at Sun ing like overgrown schoolboys, whereas she's Lee Lewis doing Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' Records. As an independent producer with got a wise head on her shoulders. It's her On, and I defy anybody to stay in their seat relatively limited resources, Sam Phillips that's able to get Sam Phillips to calm down, by the end. Above all, this is the sort of show made himself the envy of the big guns like and when Jerry Lee tries to come on to her, that you can't help coming out of with a big RCA and Colombia with his talent-spotting she gives him this withering put-down and smile on your face, which I think is quite a ability. Unfortunately, his work was such a he immediately sits down and feels rather nice thing in this time we live in.” soaring success that it wasn't long before his silly. But she's still 'one of the boys' in the boys became too big for him. sense that she's got a fantastic voice, and she “The story really revolves around how Sam sings two hit numbers, Fever and I Hear You Million Dollar Quartet is at Malvern Phillips built Sun Records. At this point, he's Knocking.” Festival Theatre from Monday 17 until hoping to get Johnny Cash to renew his con- This isn't strictly true to life. In reality, the Saturday 22 October, and Birmingham tract, but what he doesn't know is that both girlfriend Elvis brought with him to the Hippodrome from Monday 24 until Cash and Perkins are going off to Colombia recording session was a dancer from Vegas Saturday 29 October.

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

946: The Amazing Story Of Adolphus Tips The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Sat 15 September; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 8 - Sat 12 November Lily Tregenza’s life on a farm in Slapton is pretty idyllic, even though beyond the picturesque seaside village’s boundaries the Second World War is raging. Lily’s dad is away and her school is being attended by evacuee chil- dren - but other than that, her world remains untouched by the terrible conflict. Until, that is, the villagers are told to leave their homes so that the allies can use Slapton to practise their landings for D-Day. When Lily’s cat finds her way beyond the ‘keep out’ signs and through the barbed wire, the 12-year-old girl thinks little of her own safety as she searches for her beloved pet... Michael Morpurgo’s delightful story is here presented by the ever-inventive Kneehigh theatre company, who clev- erly combine music, puppetry and ‘foolishness’ to recount a tale that’s been described by The Times as a life-affirming piece of theatre.

Method In Madness The Rocky Horror Show Fall Out mac, Birmingham, Tues 11 - Wed 12 October; The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 20 - Friday 21 October Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 19 - Mon 10 - Sat 15 October Thurs 20 October Hook up your fishnets, tighten your corsets and prepare to ‘do The Time Warp again’ - The Rocky Horror Show is returning to Birmingham. Richard O Brien’s cult production tells the tale of the straight-laced Brad and the deli- ciously corruptible Janet, who arrive at the castle of alien transvestite Frank N Furter and witness the birth of the monster, Rocky. This latest work from Midlands-based Highly Along the way, they take the audience Sprung Performance Co has been produced through a selection of love-’em-or-loathe-’em in response to what the company describes musical numbers, including Sweet as a growing concern about young people Transvestite, Damn It Janet and The Time becoming disempowered - ‘no longer having Any actress who accepts the role of Hamlet’s Warp. a voice, or control over their own future’. Ophelia needs to be ready and able to under- Great fun’s a guarantee - particularly if you The story focuses on three teenagers on the take a necessary plunge into her own psyche. get into the spirit of things and attend the roof of a nightclub, thrown together through So when a young Hollywood starlet in Blitz- show dressed in your very best stockings and circumstance, who’re all searching for an ravaged London struggles to connect with suspenders (as many patrons do)! answer to the same question - who, if any- Shakespeare’s enigmatic and ultimately trag- This touring production stars The Voice’s body, cares? A young revolutionary named ic character, she turns for salvation to Liam Tamne as Frank N Furter, S Club 7’s Jay thinks he knows how to bring about ‘method acting’, a technique that sees the Paul Cattermole as Eddie/Dr Scott and come- change: “Thousands of us,” he says, “on the actor aspire to complete emotional identifi- dian Steve Punt as the Narrator. cation with the role they’re playing. Her last day of exams - we’re all gonna jump. resulting performance is sensational - but it They’ll have to listen to us then, they’ll have isn’t long before the boundaries between the- no choice...” atre and her own reality become disturbingly Set in empty studio spaces, Fall Out com- blurred... bines physical theatre performance with the Fusing Shakespearean text and new writing experience of a club night. with physical theatre, dance and mask/pup- “Audiences are invited to enter a nightclub,” petry work, Method In Madness is presented Highly Sprung explain. “Dance becomes against a soundtrack of haunting music by interspersed with story, movement and dia- folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling. logue, and action takes place around and above the audience. It’s a self-contained, interactive, promenade experience.”

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Avant Garde Dance Company and The Place present Fagin’s Twist

Sat 1 - Thu 20 & Mon 10 - Sat 8 Oct Fri 21 Oct Sat 22 Oct From £16 £12 From £18

Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate

Mon 24 - Tue 1 - Thu 10 - Sat 29 Oct Sat 5 Nov Sat 12 Nov From £14 From £12 From £16.50

performance!Extra Thu 17 Nov 2pm

“Uproariously entertaining – Mon 14 - Tue 25 Nov Mon 19 Dec every inch a whopping hit” Sat 19 Nov - - Sun29 Jan Daily Telegraph From £16 Tue 13 Dec From £15.50

Everyone’s Welcome

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 12:12 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Sound Of Music Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 4 - Sat 8 October One of the most popular family musicals of all time, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound Of Music is best known, of course, from its mid-1960s film version starring Julie Andrews. It tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s World War Two flight across the mountains of Austria, along the way featur- ing hit songs including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Every Mountain and The Lonely Goatherd. This touring version of the show stars The Voice’s Lucy O’Byrne as Maria and former Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel as Captain Von Trapp.

On The Edge Of Me sidered to be his finest work. Henceforward... Using the struggles of one particular family Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, as a focal point, Dickens’ explores the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Thurs 13 October Tues 11 - Sat 29 October human drama of the revolution in all its myr- “Stigmas such as gender, race and class are iad forms. And having had such rich and Not exactly one of Alan Ayckbourn's best transcended by mental health issues,” dramatic subject matter at his disposal, it’s known or most performed plays, explains Yolanda Mercy, who fuses story- hardly surprising that the resulting story Henceforward... is a curious offering that's telling, poetry, live music and audience par- makes for compelling theatre. set in a futuristic world devoid of human ticipation in this one-woman show. Although The show’s music is provided by Oscar-win- contact. the production focuses on the subject of ning composer Rachel Portman. With both his family and his inspiration mental health in the context of graduate gone, lonely composer Jerome Watkins is a unemployment, Yolanda is keen to point out desperate man - and it's hard to imagine that that she hopes the piece speaks to a wide Seriously Dead his deranged android childminder is ever audience. “It isn’t a play that’s exclusively for The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, likely to help him regain the person who unemployed graduates,” she says. “I hope Sat 15 October matters most to him... On The Edge Of Me doesn’t just re-educate Benidorm favourite Crissy Rock takes top Alan Ayckbourn himself directs this much- but gives people something to identify with.” billing in a new comedy that she co-wrote anticipated revival of the 1987 comedy. It’s with Leah Bell, who also stars. presented by Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph When bank robber Albert Blunderstone Theatre, of which Ayckbourn is the long- returns home from abroad to attend a funer- standing artistic director. al, he runs into Betty, the former wife of his accomplice, a small-time crook called Nodger Wilson. Suddenly alert to the possi- The Hound Of The bility of finally finding out what happened to Baskervilles his share of the loot, Albert befriends Betty and her husband, Billy Blenkinsopp. But as Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thurs 13 - Fri 14 October you might expect, the course of true crime never runs smooth... Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is One-time Emmerdale actor Frazer Hines and one of literature’s most enduring characters, comedian Billy Pearce co-star. The Hound Of The Baskervilles his most famous adventure. Yet no matter how many A Tale Of Two Cities actors don the deerstalker and solve the mys- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, tery of the monstrous moorland beast, the Wed 19 - Sat 22 October story remains a popular choice for both stage Charles Dickens’ name is probably best and screen adaptation. known to the wider population via all man- This latest version finds the ever-reliable ner of Christmas Carol adaptations and the Ambient Night Productions bringing a wel- hugely successful stage musical version of come dose of humour to the lonely waste- Oliver Twist. But it’s A Tale Of Two Cities - an land of the desolate moors... epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption set during the turbulent days of the French Revolution - which the author himself con-

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Theatre

Blood Brothers Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 10 - Sat 22 October Although it’s effectively a class-driven ‘scouse melodrama’, to describe Blood Brothers as such is to greatly underestimate the emotional response it produces within its audience. This touring production stars one-time New Seeker Lyn Paul as Mrs Johnstone, an unfor- tunate mother compelled to give away one of her twins. The show also features adult actors playing children, a narrator who wan- ders through the scenes with warnings of impending doom, a good helping of sharp social awareness to counteract the sticky sentimentality and a raft of much-loved musical numbers, including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True.

Paradise described by the RSC as ‘A Midsummer The show was a massive success in Night’s Dream meets Fight Club’, and with Edinburgh this summer, where it made fun Of The troubled lovers, woodland scenes and mortal of the radio programme its name recalls - Assassins combat all playing a part, it’s easy to see “Next: Judi Dench talking about her men- Belgrade Theatre, why. strual cycle” - and presented such concepts Coventry, When Duke Theseus of Athens is victorious as the pink, gender-specific Kinder Egg, com- Thurs 13 - Sat 15 in battle with King Creon of Thebes, the 'two plete with the surprise ‘gift’ of a message October noble kinsmen' - cousins and Thebans informing the not-so-lucky recipient that The former associate Palamon and Arcite - find themselves impris- she’s fat. artistic director of oned. Looking from their window, they see a Commissioned by Camden People’s Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Anthony beautiful woman with whom they both fall the show promises an evening of imaginative Clarke, is the man behind this chillingly res- instantly in love. In so doing, they set in sketch-based comedy that hits the funny onant stage adaptation of a century-old tale. motion a chain of events that will see one of bone far more times than it misses. Clarke’s company, Theatre Accord, has them win her hand in marriage and the other teamed up with Tara Arts to present the lose his head... story, written by Abdul Halim Sharar in 1899. Sharar’s novel focuses on a young man Shooting With Light named Hussain who finds himself faced with Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, the decision of a lifetime - whether to live Women’s Tues 11 October without his beloved Zamurrud or to join her Hour The long-neglected story of pioneering pho- in Paradise. But choosing the latter comes Warwick Arts Centre, tojournalist Gerda Taro is here presented via with a heavy price attached - if he wishes to Coventry, the use of innovative staging, physicality and be reunited with her, he must first join The Tues 25 - Wed 26 multimedia. October Assassins... Fleeing from Germany to Paris in the early This thought-provoking reflection on the The female-led Sh!t 1930s, Taro soon found herself using her price people are willing to pay for Utopia Theatre are quite camera to record the tyranny of fascism in contains scenes of a violent nature and sexu- open about the fact the Spanish Civil War. But it was the fellow al references. As such, it’s not recommended that their on-stage refugee with whom she undertook the dan- for anybody under the age of 12 product is intention- gerous project, a man called Robert Capa, ally a little bit, er, sh!t. Their style of presen- whose name would become synonymous tation aims to be reflective of life - and life, with compelling and The Two Noble Kinsmen too, can sometimes be a little bit... well, you provocative war pho- get the drift. tography. Taro, mean- Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, A cabaret piece of ‘giddy, freewheeling silli- until Tues 7 February while, would be all ness’, Women’s Hour takes the format of but forgotten... Chaucer’s Knight’s Tale was Shakespeare’s Radio Four’s morning magazine programme Presented by the inspiration for this rarely performed tragi- of a similar name. Along the way it makes highly rated Idle comedy, written in collaboration with John the point that dedicating 60 radio minutes Motion theatre com- Fletcher only a couple of years before the per day exclusively to women hardly consti- pany. Stratford bard’s death. tutes a prime example of equality in action... This latest version of the play is being 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 12:12 Page 6 Theatre October.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 18:15 Page 7

theatre for younger audiences...

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

Disney On Ice: Frozen The Curious Adventures Of Pinocchio

Disney On Ice: Frozen surprising to find him embarking on his first Penguin! Elephant! ever live tour, bringing along with him his Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, pugs, his close friend Dr Trayaurus and lots Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Tues 25 - Sun 30 October Sun 2 October; Bridge House Theatre, of other characters from his children-focused Warwick, Sun 16 October Disney On Ice’s latest extravaganza brings Diamond Minecart gaming channel. “Goblin theatre company believes that imagi- the snowy wastelands of the hugely popular Plenty of bums on seats at these touring nation inspires imagination,” says its movie Frozen to the Midlands this month. shows is pretty much a guarantee and will founder and producer, Matt Borgatti, “so we The company promises a production replete further swell an annual income that’s esti- aim to create shows that will make young with ‘dazzling’ special effects and ‘astonish- mated to be somewhere between £160,000 people want to tell stories, be characters, ing’ skating - not to mention, of course, the and £1.6million. make up songs and remember the experience cast of ever-popular characters from the Daniel’s also got a graphic novel coming out long after the performance finishes.” Academy Award-winning film. this month - DanTDM: Trayaurus And The Goblin’s currently-touring show for children But wait, there’s more; Mickey and Minnie Enchanted Crystal. are on hand to host proceedings, with the aged three-plus is an energetic celebration of Mouse House’s beloved Princesses making ‘difference’, telling the story of a selfish pen- guest appearances too. With characters from The Adventures Of Walter guin that has its black-and-white world all-time favourites like Toy Story, Finding Lemonface turned upside down by the arrival of a big, Nemo and The Lion King also getting their messy, colour-loving elephant. skates on, this is one winter wonderland that mac, Birmingham, Sun 23 October Food based-mess, a ‘magical’ balloon ride should definitely warm the cockles of any If you’re looking for something a little differ- and a fish-finger rap add to the fun. youngster’s heart. ent for your kids to enjoy, check this out. Walter Lemonface is a fun and friendly char- acter with a lemon for a head. An older-than- Gangsta Granny We’re Going On A the-hills adventurer, fearless inventor, con- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, noisseur of carrots and hunter of rhubarb Wed 12 - Sun 16 October; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 22 - Sun 26 March Bear Hunt ogres, he lives in a purple shed at the bottom Old Rep, Birmingham, of a waterfall. And his adventures very much The ever-popular Birmingham Stage Thurs 20 - Sat 22 October depend on the suggestions called out by the Company make a welcome return with their Suitable for children aged two-plus, this youngsters in the audience. critically acclaimed adaptation of David Little Angel Theatre adaptation of Michael The refreshingly imaginative 154 Collective Walliams’ best-selling book. Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s popular picture are the company behind this hit show, a win- Ben’s no lover of Friday nights - and why book follows the exciting adventures of a ning blend of live animation, music and sto- would he be? After all, Friday night means family as they head out on an intrepid quest rytelling that’s suitable for children ‘aged having to stay at Granny’s house, where he’s to find a bear. Catchy songs and enchanting three to 93’. not only bored senseless but also has to eat puppets are combined with no shortage of an unholy trinity of cabbage dishes - cabbage swishy swashy grass and oozy, squelchy mud soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake. in a show that seems certain to keep young- The Curious Adventures But experiences can sometimes be deceptive, sters entertained. and Ben soon finds out that there’s way more Of Pinocchio to his boring old Granny than he’d ever imag- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, ined... Dan TDM Tour Fri 28 - Sat 29 October A singular visual flair, an inventive use of Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 23 October props and an interactive approach to per- Coventry-based Daniel Middleton is one of formance are the trademark features of the world’s most viewed YouTube creators. Lyngo theatre company’s productions for A professional gamer who goes by the han- children. dle The Diamond Minecart (DanTDM), he has This latest show brings to life the much- over 12 million subscribers and has accumu- loved tale of the puppet-boy whose nose lated around seven billion views across his grows whenever he tells a porky-pie. two YouTube channels. CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch is the man pulling Given such massive popularity, it’s hardly the strings. Gangsta Granny

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whatsonlive.co.uk 35 BRB DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 17:18 Page 1

FEATURE

BIRMINGHAM ROYA

posed to be drowning, basic Storms, spells & shipwrecks: Birmingham Royal Ballet that's how I start,” he adds.

“Just the thought of it's mak present the world premiere of David Bintley's The Tempest feel sick!” laughs Mackay. Fo

for him, Prospero doesn't ha With 2016 marking one of the biggest Shakespeare milestones to date, it's little wonder that any flying. In fact, as often a just about everyone's been getting stuck in to the 400th anniversary celebrations, particu- the one who's making other

larly in the playwright's native West Midlands. Back in April, Birmingham Royal Ballet In addition to the choreogra

dancers Elisha Willis and Tyrone Singleton performed a preview from David Bintley's brand there's also the design to con

and for this production, Bint new Shakespeare Suite, which sets snapshots of Shakespeare's best-loved couples to a assembled a stellar team, at swinging Duke Ellington soundtrack. Then in July, the company revived John Cranko's lively of which is award-winning W 1969 ballet of The Taming of the Shrew to rave reviews designer Rae Smith.

“The designs are stunning. H Now the BRB continues its focus on choreographer,” says Iain Mackay, which Bintley has always excelled. down this is the best costum the Bard with a full season of shows who plays the ageing magician Pros- Among the more unusual aspects of had!” says Mackay. “The firs inspired by some of Shakespeare's pero. “He does allow us to find our this production is its extensive use of she showed me was a pictur most iconic plays. Two sets of three own way, but he's so aware of the text aerial choreography. movie with Clive Owen in it, short ballets sandwich the autumn and how he's going to bring out the “We've done flying ballet before, but I thought it was brilliant. I've season with a mix of new and estab- story in dance that sometimes I think guess that's what you'd call quite basic amazing cloak, and there ar lished works by Bintley, José Limón, the best thing to do is just be led by stuff. Generally you're up and off, like incredible masks in it too. I t Frederick Ashton and Jessica Lang, him. If you want to understand how in Aladdin or The Nutcracker, whereas guy who made them does th but the jewel in its crown will be the he wants it, one of the best things to in this, it's very choreographic and Doctor Who and stuff like th world premiere of Bintley's full-length do is just to watch him. He's amazing, there's the whole element of the char- They're unbelievable!” adaptation of The Tempest. especially with the acting: all of a sud- acter still moving in the way that he den he just gets up and completely be- “I think they've tried to keep In some respects, it's hard to conceive should,” says Mackay. comes the character – and then he period-ish, but it's a stylised a better choice to translate into a phys- does the other ones as well!” “It seems difficult at first, but actually that,” says Caley. “It can't be ical medium. Wild, wonderful and a it's easier than I thought it was going because I've got to be able to little bit weird, Shakespeare's last solo “I think with a production like this, to be. We have really, really good in- around and lift my arms up i play is set on an isolated island where because the play is so complicated, structors,” says Joseph Caley, who they're going for that look.” Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, probably half the people in the com- plays Prospero's shipwrecked nephew lives in banishment with his daughter, pany have no idea what's going on for For most ballet dancers, star Ferdinand. “It's all about where you Miranda. There, he practises magic, some of it!” says Jenna Roberts, who world premiere would be som put your weight – the harness can re- conjuring island spirits to do his bid- plays Miranda. “But when you're a that happens only on an occ ally rub on your hips, but once you get ding, foremost among them the myste- lead character, you definitely need to basis, but at BRB, the compa the technique down, it's quite fun. I rious Ariel, whom Prospero rescues know what the part entails and the customed to regularly taking think for the Ariels, they have to do from captivity. Also under his com- emotions they're feeling. David did ex- creations and new challenge this sort of dive which can be quite dif- mand is the earthy island child Cal- plain some of it - in the very first re- ing the dancers (quite literal ficult to control, just tipping your body iban, a “thing of darkness” born to the hearsal we discussed what kind of their toes. and holding it there, whereas I do cruel witch Sycorax. Yet at the same person Miranda was, but I don't think tumbling, so it's just somersaults.” “It's part of what makes it go time, The Tempest's complexity can he did that with everyone. I like to in this company – it's excitin make it an unwieldy and difficult read about it, watch the play and “After I've done all my tumbling, we new and the rep's constantly piece to stage even as a play, let alone watch movies so I can get a really have these strange fish characters that ing,” says Mackay. “If we did in other forms. Fortunately, the com- good idea of them.” grab on to me and start rocking me Lake from now until next Au pany's ever-inventive artistic director and moving me around. They've also The storms, spells and shipwrecks all be pulling our hair out, a is well-equipped for the challenge. put some bungee cord in so there's a that fill The Tempest's scenes demand so would the audiences.” kind of buoyancy effect to it. I'm sup- “David is like a dramaturg as well as a bold creative choices – something at BRB DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/09/2016 17:18 Page 2

HAM ROYAL BALLET

posed to be drowning, basically – “We've done quite a lot recently – am Royal Ballet that's how I start,” he adds. we've had Cinderella and Aladdin too, but generally I guess it's not that com- “Just the thought of it's making me y's The Tempest mon. We're really lucky to have feel sick!” laughs Mackay. Fortunately David,” Roberts agrees. for him, Prospero doesn't have to do it's little wonder that any flying. In fact, as often as not, he's “The thing is, with a new production celebrations, particu- the one who's making other people fly. like this, we don't know how it's going to be. It's a journey for us as well. With mingham Royal Ballet In addition to the choreography, anything else, you can go and watch David Bintley's brand there's also the design to consider, YouTube videos of the dancers you and for this production, Bintley has est-loved couples to a love so you can see their take on it – I assembled a stellar team, at the heart d John Cranko's lively could go and look up how Carlos did of which is award-winning War Horse Shrew to rave reviews something and wish that I could do it designer Rae Smith. like him. Whereas if you've got some- “The designs are stunning. Hands thing new that's come straight from ley has always excelled. down this is the best costume I've ever the man at the front of the studio, more unusual aspects of had!” says Mackay. “The first thing you've got no idea what you're going ction is its extensive use of she showed me was a picture from a to be doing,” Mackay adds. eography. movie with Clive Owen in it, and I In this regard, the opportunities that ne flying ballet before, but I thought it was brilliant. I've got an BRB presents for young talent are al- s what you'd call quite basic amazing cloak, and there are all these most unparalleled. Not only does rally you're up and off, like incredible masks in it too. I think the being part of the company provide or The Nutcracker, whereas guy who made them does things for them with a steady position and a very choreographic and Doctor Who and stuff like that. chance to work with one of Britain's whole element of the char- They're unbelievable!” most celebrated living choreogra- moving in the way that he “I think they've tried to keep it sort of phers, it's also a relatively small, tight- ays Mackay. period-ish, but it's a stylised take on knit team where everyone gets a

difficult at first, but actually that,” says Caley. “It can't be exact, chance to shine on stage.

han I thought it was going because I've got to be able to move “We're not like the Royal Ballet – ave really, really good in- around and lift my arms up in it, but there's only 60 of us, and David often says Joseph Caley, who they're going for that look.” brings through young dancers. I've pero's shipwrecked nephew For most ballet dancers, starring in a been here for 17 years now – I got my “It's all about where you world premiere would be something first principal role when I was 20,” eight – the harness can re- that happens only on an occasional says Mackay. “It's a really talented your hips, but once you get basis, but at BRB, the company is ac- company, and while David always que down, it's quite fun. I customed to regularly taking on new picks whoever he thinks will be best he Ariels, they have to do creations and new challenges, keep- for a role, he's got the luxury that dive which can be quite dif- ing the dancers (quite literally) on everyone in the company is really ntrol, just tipping your body their toes. strong. There are a lot of young mem- g it there, whereas I do bers who are phenomenal, but also so it's just somersaults.” “It's part of what makes it good to be dancers that have been here a long in this company – it's exciting, it's time who are better than ever now.” done all my tumbling, we new and the rep's constantly chang-

strange fish characters that ing,” says Mackay. “If we did Swan me and start rocking me Lake from now until next August we'd Birmingham Royal Ballet perform g me around. They've also all be pulling our hair out, and I think The Tempest at Birmingham Hippo- ungee cord in so there's a so would the audiences.” drome from Saturday 1 until Satur- oyancy effect to it. I'm sup- day 8 October. Film Oct- GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 17:37 Page 1

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Film

Southside With You CERT 12a (84 mins) Starring Parker Sawyers, Tika Sumpter, Vanessa Bell Calloway Directed by Richard Tanne (USA) With just one month to go before the presidential blood- bath, this is one film that fans of the current administra- tion will want to seek out. If you can imagine Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise trilogy peopled not by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy but by Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson, then you will get the picture. It is 1989 on Chicago’s Southside and the future commander in chief is working as a young law associate alongside the beautiful attorney Michelle. The young man is obviously smitten with his colleague and invites her out on a date disguised as a trip to a local community assembly. Throwing in a visit to an exhibition of Afro-Centric art and a picnic in the park, Barack has just a few hours to win the attorney’s heart. If there’s any justice in Hollywood, newcomer Parker Sawyers should be heading for an Oscar nomina- tion for his performance as Obama - he not only nails the man’s mannerisms but gives him a credible humanity, vul- nerability and passion, to boot. The film - superbly written and directed by Richard Tanne - is also an intelligent look at what it was to be black and motivated in 1989 with no idea of what the future held. Now showing

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in October...

The Girl On The Train War On Everyone CERT 15 (112 mins) CERT 15 (112 mins) Starring Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Peña, Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Édgar Theo James, Tessa Thompson, Caleb Landry Ramírez Directed by Tate Taylor (USA) Jones, Paul Reiser Directed by John Michael McDonagh Not to be confused with the 2009 French film (UK/Ireland) of the same name, this thriller is based on The corrupt cops Terry Monroe (Skarsgård) the 2015 novel by Paula Hawkins. Emily and Bob Bolaño (Peña) don’t mess around. If Blunt plays a divorcee who, on the same they can’t catch their man, they’ll frame him. train each day, fantasises about the couple Then they come across an adversary who’s just down the street from where she and her even meaner than they are. Possibly. We ex-husband used to live together. Then she expect great things from this, as the director witnesses something quite shocking… previously brought us The Guard and Tate Taylor previously directed the award- Blood Father Calvary. Shot in New Mexico. winning The Help (2011). CERT 18 (88 mins) Released Fri 7 October Released Wed 5 October Starring Mel Gibson, Erin Moriarty, Diego Luna, Michael Parks, William H Macy, Elisabeth Röhm Directed by Jean-François Richet (France) It all sounds rather familiar. An ex-con on parole attempts to bond with his estranged 17-year-old daughter while saving her from the clutches of some very nasty drug dealers. Although the film is technically French, it was shot in English in New Mexico. Released Fri 7 October

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Film

American Honey CERT 15 (164 mins) Starring Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, Riley Keough, Raymond Coalson, Arielle Holmes Directed by Andrea Arnold (UK/USA) A new film from Andrea Arnold (Red Road, Fish Tank) is always worth seeking out. Here, she cast the waitress Sasha Lane as Star, a teenager from an abusive home who links up with a magazine subscription sales team. As they travel across the American Midwest, Star falls in with their hard-partying antics and brushes with petty crime… As usual with Arnold, much of the film was improvised. Winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes. Released Fri 14 October

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Marvel Comics’ Stephen Vincent Strange, Doctor Strange CERT tbc the neurosurgeon-turned-sorcerer. And Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tilda Swinton Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton, Michael in the mix, it should certainly be more Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt lively than Batman v Superman. Indeed, Directed by Scott Derrickson (USA) when the film’s trailer was first released, Scott Derrickson has made some pretty it caused a storm in nerdland. duff movies (The Day The Earth Stood Apparently, even Benedict says he got the Still, Deliver Us From Evil) but Doctor shakes watching it. Benedict Wong plays Strange is likely to change his fortunes. Wong, Doctor Strange’s valet. In 3D. The film has certainly got an intriguing Released Fri 28 October cast, with Benedict Cumberbatch as

Inferno CERT 12a (121 mins) Storks CERT U (90 mins) Queen Of Katwe Starring Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Irrfan With the voices of Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, CERT PG (124 mins) Khan, Omar Sy, Ben Foster, Sidse Babett Kelsey Grammer, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Knudsen Directed by Ron Howard (USA) Peele, Jennifer Aniston Directed by Nicholas Madina Nalwanga Stoller and Doug Sweetland (USA) Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon, Professor of Directed by Mira Nair (USA/South Africa) Religious Iconology and Symbology, is back Just the presence of David Oyelowo (Selma) in a new adventure. This time Langdon (Tom and the Oscar-winning Lupita Nyong’o (12 Hanks, for the third time) follows in the foot- Years a Slave) alone should make this film steps of Dory and Jason Bourne and wakes worth seeking out. But the true-life story of up with amnesia in an Italian hospital. Then, Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga), a poor girl from like Jason Bourne, he discovers that he is the Uganda whose father died of Aids, sounds target of a major manhunt. Luckily, our very simply inspirational. With her family unable own Felicity Jones is on hand to help out. In to afford her schooling, Phiona, aged nine, 3D. enrolled in a chess programme organised by Released Fri 14 October the Sports Outreach Institute. And she turned out to be rather good at the game… Released Fri 21 October

While Amazon is revving up its drone infra- structure, this computer-animated fable has the eponymous birds delivering packages for the global internet giant Cornerstore.com. Then, when a mishap produces a real live baby, Junior (voiced by Andy Samberg) is forced to deliver the infant. Like in the old days. In 3D. Released Fri 14 October

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Film releases in October

Jack Reacher: Daniel Blake After Love CERT tbc CERT 15 (100 mins) Never Go Back CERT tbc Starring Bérénice Bejo, Cédric Kahn, Marthe Starring Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Keller, Catherine Salée Starring Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Danika Dylan McKiernan, Briana Shann Directed Directed by Joachim Lafosse (Belgium/France) Yarosh, Robert Knepper Directed by Edward by Ken Loach (UK/France/Belgium) Zwick (USA) It’s a tricky situation. After 15 years of mar- In spite of the first film’s disappointing box- riage, Boris and Marie are in the process of office (for a Tom Cruise vehicle, that is), Jack divorce. However, they are forced to stay in Reacher is back and in trouble. Here, he’s the same house - until they can resolve their accused of a 16-year-old homicide and must differences over the property. The Belgian clear his name and uncover a major govern- writer-director Joachim Lafosse previously ment conspiracy. Edward Zwick previously brought us the intelligent and absorbing Our directed Cruise in The Last Samurai (2003). Children (2012), which also dealt with people from different backgrounds sharing a con- Released Fri 21 October fined space under unusual circumstances. Released Fri 28 October

Winner of this year’s Palme d'Or at Cannes, Ken Loach’s latest film fea- tures Dave Johns as the titular carpen- ter. When Daniel Blake falls foul of heart disease, he attempts to untie the red tape that would enable him to ben- efit from Employment and Support Allowance. And, along the way, he befriends a single mother who is also Ouija: Origin Of Evil CERT tbc battling the system. Typical Ken Loach Starring Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, fare who, amazingly, is now 80 years Lulu Wilson, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel Directed by Mike Flanagan (USA) old. Burn Burn Burn CERT tbc Time for another horror film, and a sequel at Released Fri 21 October that. Set almost 50 years prior to the events Starring Laura Carmichael, Chloe Pirrie, Jack Farthing, Joe Dempsie, Hannah Arterton featured in Ouija (2014), a mother and her Directed by Chanya Button (UK) two daughters introduce a new scam into Keeping Up With The Marking the directorial debut of Chanya their séance sessions. And, lo and behold, Joneses CERT tbc Button, this is a bittersweet road movie in the younger daughter finds herself possessed which Seph and Alex set out across Britain by a very real entity… Starring Jon Hamm, Zach Galifianakis, Gal Gadot, Isla Fisher, Maribeth Monroe with a singular mission in mind. They are Released Fri 21 October Directed by Greg Mottola (USA) accompanied by the ashes of their friend Dan, who has instructed them to scatter his remains across his favourite old haunts. Trolls CERT tbc Released Fri 28 October With the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Russell Brand, James Corden, Gwen Stefani Directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn (USA) After The Boxtrolls of 2014 we now just have Trolls. This cartoon musical animates the plastic so-called ‘gonk trolls’ available in every good toyshop. Here, a grouchy troll called Branch (voiced and sung by Justin Timberlake) teams up with the flighty Poppy Neighbours ain’t what they used to be. (Kendrick), princess of the Trolls, to help Suburban couple Jeff and Karen save the future of Troll Town. In 3D. Gafney (Galifianakis, Fisher) find themselves caught up in a world of Released Fri 21 October espionage when they discover that their new neighbours are secret agents. Not to be confused with The Joneses (2009) in which Demi Moore and David Duchovny played suburbanites who were not entirely who they said they were… Released Fri 28 October

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts October.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 12:17 Page 1

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Visual Arts

Roy Lichtenstein Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 22 October - Sun 26 February Renowned for works based on comic strips and advertising imagery coloured with his signature Benday dots, Roy Lichtenstein was one of the most radical and influential artists of the 20th century and a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. This exhibition of his art is drawn from Artist Rooms, a collection of international modern and contempo- rary art owned by National Galleries of Scotland and Tate on behalf of the public. Commenting on the show, Wolverhampton council- lor John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, said: “This is the fourth time the art gallery has hosted an Artist Rooms exhibition, and we’re delighted the Lichtenstein works, newly added to the collection, are coming here this month. They were first displayed at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh in 2015, and this will be the first opportunity for visi- tors to see the works at an Artist Rooms associate venue.” Roy Lichtenstein Reflections on Crash 1990. ARTIST ROOMS, Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Lent by The Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Collection 2015

Sara Barker Peter Kennard: The Human Document Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Off Message Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Sun 27 November Fri 7 October - Sat 10 December mac, Birmingham, until Mon 27 November “The point of my work,” explains Peter Kennard, “is to use easily recognisable iconic images, but to render them unacceptable; to break down the image of the all-powerful missile, in order to represent the power of the millions of people who are actually try- ing to break them.” The image of the Broken Missile to which Kennard refers is perhaps the artist’s most famous work, a 1980 photomontage he pro- When it was created in 1937, the primary duced for the Campaign for Nuclear objective of the US’s Farm Security Disarmament (CND). Administration (FSA) was to combat Kennard is widely considered to be Britain’s Depression-era rural poverty. The agency most important political artist, producing, attempted to do this by means of rural reha- for nearly half a century, images which have bilitation, farm loans and subsistence home- been deployed on placards and banners by stead programmes. For all of its good work in activist groups and organisations throughout this regard, the FSA during this period is per- The boundary between sculpture, painting the UK. His distinctive photomontages have haps best known for its collection of photo- and drawing is the place where Sara Barker been published extensively in newspapers graphs documenting rural conditions. The makes her art. and magazines, while his collaborations photos not only promoted the agency’s pro- The Glasgow-based artist often draws on the with artists including Banksy offer evidence grammes but also provided a record of the written word for inspiration, dipping time of a persisting desire to present art which is people, cultures and landscapes of rural and again into the works of Virginia Woolf, relevant and topical. America. Gertrude Stein and Doris Lessing, authors This new retrospective exhibition, produced As well as presenting a selection of these who write about their own creative space. by mac birmingham and curated by Craig famous photographs, The Human Document “It’s also a crutch to coax the work,” Sara Ashley, features examples of Kennard’s work also explores the fascination of modern-day told The List, “to distract away from the between 1968 and the present day. photographers with the FSA images - a col- work, to allow my mind to think more clearly lection created as much to awaken human about what I need to do. It’s very multiple.” emotions as to provide a historical record of Sara here presents existing installations as a desperate period in 20th century American well as a new work made especially for Ikon. history. For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 41 ICHF NEC XMAS16 A4 (4SHOWS):Layout 1 26/09/2016 11:33 Page 1

THURS 3 - SUN 6 NOVEMBER 2016 9.30am - 5.30pm (5pm Sun)

4 SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 Christmas at the NEC Birmingham

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t FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK t GIFT WRAPPING t CHRISTMAS PRODUCT SHOWCASE t BAUBLE MAGIC! t LIVE MUSIC

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Events

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Grand Designs Live Kevin hosts various events in the show’s Grand Theatre, where guest speakers offer tips and advice on a variety of homebuilding issues. NEC, Birmingham, Wed 19 - Sun 23 October This year’s show also features tons of inspiring ideas to help visitors The UK’s leading contemporary home show makes its annual visit to create stylish interiors for their homes, state-of-the-art bathroom Birmingham this month, with design guru Kevin McCloud once again products, suggestions for making the most of available kitchen space, presiding over proceedings. and ‘must have’ products for gardens and outdoor spaces.

Weston Park Horse Trials Flame And Thunder Brick Live Weston Park, Staffordshire, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants, NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 27 - Sun 30 October Sat 18 - Sun 19 October Sat 29 October This haven for LEGO fans boasts numerous This annual two-day event features the Blue interactive features. Attractions include Chip Central North West BE80(T) Challenge brick pits - enabling visitors to showcase and the Mitsubishi Motors Cup BE90 & BE100 their inner master builder - a movie zone, a Regional Finals. fan zone, LEGO Minecraft, a museum of Commenting on the show, internationally LEGO history, a collection of well-known renowned course designer and Weston Park film and television characters recreated in Horse Trials organiser Janet Plant said: LEGO, and race ramps on which to test cus- “Every year we’re faced with a slightly differ- tom-built cars. ent course depending on the weather during New for 2016 is the LEGO League - in which V Festival in August, which always keeps the teams compete to design, build and program ” course interesting and different! an autonomous robot to solve a series of A regular on the Santa Pod calendar, missions - and LEGO Mindstorms, demon- the family-focused Flame And Thunder strating how to build a robot. show brings together monster trucks, jet cars and drag cars for plenty of spectacular main-track action. Away from the circuit, entertainment comes courtesy of (alongside numerous other attractions) a wall of death, a funfair, helicopter pleasure flights and a kids’ Halloween disco. The event is brought to a close with a ‘huge’ firework display and ‘massive’ bonfire.

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Events

Birmingham Oktoberfest Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, Wed 12 - Sun 16 October Munich is coming to Birmingham this month. Well, sort of. Oktoberfest is the leg- endary Munich beer festival pro- viding the inspiration behind this popular annual event, which organisers promise will be a ‘truly unique’ experience. Expect huge steins, Bavarian lager, German games, authentic German food and plenty of lederhosen...

The Horse Of The Year Show Genting Arena, Birmingham, a display at the show in 2008, the Drive per- Wed 5 - Sun 9 October formance had previously been presented from A spectacle reminiscent of the traditional driv- the 1950s until 1999. ing tasks asked of heavy-breed horses in a This year’s Horse Of The Year Show also fea- bygone era is making a welcome return to the tures international showjumping, the finals of Horse Of The Year Show. the national Showing and Showjumping The Musical Drive sees the jingling of the Championships, a line-up of equestrian enter- chains created by the heavy horses’ majestic tainment and a performance by the West End footing providing a harmonious accompani- cast of hit Abba musical Mamma Mia! Festival Of Flight ment to military-style drill music. Last seen as For more information, visit hoys.co.uk Spectacular Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Sat 1 - Sun 2 October Motorhome And World War One Top display pilots from around Caravan Show History Weekend the world will be flying into the Midlands for this two-day family NEC, Birmingham, Tues 11 - Sun 16 October British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, air show. Sat 1 - Sun 2 October Attracting huge crowds and filling numerous Featuring aerobatic displays on halls of the NEC, the Motorhome And Caravan both days and a World War Two Show is this year being opened by cyclist and pyrotechnics display, the event Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins. also includes a craft fair, a small The six-day event offers visitors the chance to funfair for children, an on-site check out all the new 2017 caravan, camping facility and a ‘spectacu- motorhome, holiday home, trailer tent and lar’ fireworks and light show, folding caravan models, as well as to access illuminating the skies on the plenty of free help and advice on all aspects of Saturday night. touring. The show also features a space in which visi- tors can enhance their motorhome manoeu- vring skills, the opportunity to sample a virtual The British Motor Museum this month joins in reality zipwire experience, and the chance to with the ongoing national World War One com- check out a wide range of accessories - many of memorations via this family-friendly weekend. which will be available at show-only prices. Attractions include the opportunity to check out a ‘Battle Bus’ on loan from London Transport Museum, and to find out from a ‘tommy’ in the trenches what life was like for soldiers on the Front Line. There’s also the chance to visit a Field Hospital and discover how injuries sustained in battle led to the dis- covery of new medical techniques, including plastic surgery. Numerous ‘dynamic’ displays and re-enactments also take place across the weekend, presented by the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1914-1918 Living History Group.

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more events from around the region

Birmingham Literature The International Festival Astronomy Show Various locations across Birmingham, Thurs 6 - Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Sun 16 October Fri 14 - Sat 15 October This annual event features appearances by a “We have a full lecture pro- host of well-known names, this year including gramme running both days of Hans Rosenfeldt - writer of hit Nordic noir televi- the show,” says Martin Stirland, sion series The Bridge - and Elif Shafak, the one of the organisers of this most widely read woman writer in Turkey. annual event. “We also have The 2016 festival celebrates an impressive range over 30 trade vendors from of subjects - from the creativity of concrete to Europe and the UK selling all what makes Birmingham a great speech-making things astronomy - telescopes, city. binoculars, eye pieces, mounts, Other festival highlights include an appearance cameras, clothing. We even by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell have meteorites and astro and the National Poetry Day Gala. Launching images available for sale - the 11-day event, the gala features the framed and ready to hang on announcement of the new Birmingham Poet your wall. There are also kids’ Laureate and Young Poet Laureate. booths, the purpose of which is to make space simple, and ven- dors selling space jewellery.” Martin has been running the event with his friend, Graham Destination Star Museums At Night Smith, since 2012. “It’s very Trek Europe Various locations across the Midlands, much a show organised by Thurs 27 - Sat 29 October astronomers for astronomers,” NEC, Birmingham, Fri 7 - Sun 9 October This annual after-hours celebration of arts, says Graham, “I’ve been an history and heritage sees hundreds of muse- amateur astronomer for nearly ums and galleries across the UK staying open 40 years and I’ve attended a lot late and hosting special events. of events, most of which are in Midlands highlights include a spooky trail London or near Scotland. We’re around St John’s House Museum in Warwick, proud to have created some- code-cracking fun at Worcester’s Infirmary thing that’s far more central.” Museum, and a line-up of ghoulish characters appearing and disappearing in the ghostly gaslight of Blists Hill Victorian Town in Diwali Shropshire. Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, Sun 16 October For a full run-down on events taking place in the region, visit museumsatnight.org.uk Diwali (the festival of lights) cel- Birmingham is surely offering a special kind of ebrations will be much in evi- heaven on earth for Trekkers this month. dence across the Midlands this This homage to all things Star Trek beams into month, with the biggest event the city’s NEC complete with interactive taking place in Handsworth, exhibits, two 50th anniversary parties and all Birmingham. manner of fascinating information about the Diwali is an ancient Indian fes- long-running franchise’s impact on science, tival which celebrates the tri- space and technology. umph of good over evil. Its The absolute highlight of the three-day event, dates change each year in accor- though, must surely be the appearance of dance with the Hindu lunar cal- Captain James Tiberius Kirk himself, aka actor endar. This Diwali celebration William Shatner... will include live performances ‘The Shat’, as he’s affectionately known by his Dive Show from Punjabi artist Roshan legion of fans, will be taking to the stage on NEC, Birmingham, Sat 22 - Sun 23 October Prince and local artist Jaz the Saturday night to present his hit one-man Dhami. As well as a variety of Broadway show, Shatner's World. Boasting over three hundred exhibitors - street food and Indian cuisine Other well-known actors from the Star Trek including manufacturers and retailers of div- on offer, a fun fair and a range universe who’re scheduled to appear at the ing equipment and travel agents offering dive of family activites to enjoy. event include Walter Koenig and George Takei holiday options - the Dive Show also features (Mr Chekov and Mr Sulu in the original series) an unrivalled programme of guest speakers. and Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis and Will Popular in-hall features include the Try Dive Wheaton (Dr Beverley Crusher, Deanna Troi Pool, the Rebreather Pool, a photo zone and a and Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next new-product showcase. Generation). Themed travel and dive training areas are also included.

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Halloween spooky goings-on around the region

As the late American children’s author Harry Behn observed in his famous poem, Halloween is the night ‘when dead leaves fly like witches on switches across the sky’... And it wasn’t just broomstick-riding witches that Harry made As you’d expect, there’ll be no shortage of freaky and frightening reference to either, pointing out that ‘ghoul and ghost and goblin other-worldly creatures and characters in evidence at Halloween host’ were other supernatural entities that featured prominently happenings across the Midlands this month. Check out some of in the All Hallows’ Eve mix. the region’s eeriest events in the following few pages...

The Haunting The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, Sat 29 October Organisers of The Haunting are promising that their show will feature a haunted cir- cus, a ghost train, a haunted house, black magic, voodoo witchcraft and more ‘terrify- ing treats’ than you can shake a witch’s broomstick at. More than 50 actors, acrobats and perform- ers will ensure a real sense of the theatrical is much in evidence, while an impressive line-up of DJs is headed by Wilkinson. Attending in fancy dress is very much encouraged.

Ghostly Gaslight Haunted Castle Halloween Nights Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Shropshire, Sat 29 October Mon 24 - Fri 28 October Fri 28 - Sat 29 October A spine-tingling but family-friendly experi- With a well-established reputation for ence awaits visitors to Ironbridge Gorge’s effectively evoking whatever atmosphere Blists Hill Victorian Town this half-term holi- any one of its numerous themed events day. Included among the popular venue’s may require, the Black Country Living Halloween-related attractions is a ghost story Museum is an obvious place to visit if trail, providing participants with the chance you’re looking for some hair-raising, to learn about the supernatural tales that spinetingling, knee-trembling and utterly were so beloved of the God-fearing ghoulish fun this Halloween. Victorians. There’s also the chance to find Highlights of the event include the chance out about curious Halloween customs of the to descend into the depths of the venue’s Victorian era, and to enjoy a selection of ‘spooky’ mine, a competition to decide Shropshire ghost stories and spooky scenes who’s the best-dressed ghoul in the from Sweeney Todd, courtesy of the Prince Halloween costume parade, and perform- Albert Players. ances by street entertainers, fire jugglers and magicians.

Castles are great settings for spooky Halloween capers, as Tamworth’s proves every October. End-of-month visitors to the venue will find themselves challenged by hags to make spells and play ping pong eye- balls. Ghoulish characters making their presence felt include St Editha and the eerie executioner.

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Halloween

Creepy Carnevil Waterworld, Hanley, Stoke-on- Trent, Thurs 27 - Fri 28 October Waterworld is evidently intend- ing to make a big splash this Halloween - and judging by its line-up of creepy characters, the popular Stoke-on-Trent visitor attraction has every chance of doing just that. Killer clowns, insane ringmas- ters, psychotic puppet masters, supernatural puppets, zombie showgirls and crazy fortune- tellers are all present and correct in a show that’s being advertised as ‘not for the fainthearted’.

Halloween at Hickman Park Hickman Park, Bilston, Alton Towers Scarefest Sat 29 October Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire, Sat 8 - Sun 9, in which small groups venture through the It’s time to get out your needle Sat 15 - Sun 16 and Fri 21 - Mon 31 October darkened corridors of a forgotten ruin and dis- and thread and start sewing - Alton Towers’ hugely popular Halloween attrac- cover the terrifying secret of ‘what lies within’. the organisers of Hickman Park’s tion makes a welcome return this month. Featured alongside the three mazes are two Halloween event will be on the Highlights of this year’s Scarefest include equally spinetingling scare zones. lookout for the best-dressed Altonville Mine Tours - presenting ‘the chilling Dark Apocalypse sees quarantine procedures ghoul, ghost or witch when they tale of the Skin Snatchers’ - Sub-Species: The implemented as a deadly virus gets out of hand. host this family-friendly get- End Games - featuring a post-apocalyptic, Freak Show, meanwhile, dares visitors to walk together at the end of the month. sewer-dwelling community infested by a species among the freakishly fascinating misfits of a The best costume will win a from another world - and Terror Of The Towers, travelling circus sideshow. prize, with categories for under eights, under 16s and adults. Other highlights of the event include a pumpkin parade for Dudley Canal Trust Lockdown II - Sanatorium youngsters and their families, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines, Dana Prison, Shrewsbury, the lighting of a dozen cauldrons Dudley, Fri 28 - Mon 31 October Thurs 27 - Sun 30 October prior to an ‘impressive’ firework What better way can there be to get into the If you fancy scaring the living daylights out of display, and plenty of family Halloween spirit than by exploring Dudley yourself, Shrewsbury’s former prison, the Dana, entertainment from Signal FM Canal Trust’s naturally spooky tunnels and cav- could well be the venue for you this Halloween. breakfast show host Dicky Dodd erns? Part of a three-event story arc called Lockdown, and his team. The Trust is running special children’s boat Sanatorium presents participants with the chal- trips lasting between 45 minutes and an hour lenge of finding the formula for a ‘cure’, after this half-term holiday (28 to 31 October), during the country has been plunged into a post-apoc- Red Ditch which youngsters will encounter some truly alyptic nightmare. impressive glow-in-the-dark Halloween pup- The only trouble is, Halloween pets. The boat trips are ‘spooky’ but not scary, the clues to the for- Film Festival and should be suitable for children over three mula’s whereabouts Palace Theatre, Redditch, years of age. lie with the inhabi- Fri 28 - Sat 29 Oct And the fiendish fun doesn’t end there. On the tants of Sanatorium, Big Frog Films are the organisa- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings of all of whom have tion behind this cinematic half-term week (25 - 27 October), families can been driven to insan- spookfest, promising not one enjoy a 45-minute heritage boat trip and get cre- ity... but two evenings of ‘the best ative with a selection of Halloween-themed This 90-minute zom- short horror films from around craft activities. Each child will get to make a bie fest is followed the world’. The event is hosted witch or wizard hat, have a go at creating an by a short Scare by Redditch undertaker Weird animal superpower potion and add a spooktac- Maze experience, Mortimer Balmer. Guests who ular creation to the Trust’s truly ghastly ghostly bringing to life the dress to scare ‘may be reward- gallery. origins of the ed’... Lockdown story arc.

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spooky goings-on around the region

Seance Centenary Square, Birmingham, Tues 18 - Sat 29 October “We won’t prey upon the paranoid, the bereaved, the credulous, the wide-eyed, the weak or the inbred,” promise performers David Rosenberg and Glen Neath of Seance, their third collaboration, “but in return we ask that you proceed with an open mind. Seance is an entertainment only, and we can- not hold the medium responsible for the out- come.” Having previously scored successes with projects Ring and Fiction, Rosenberg and Neath present this 15-minute ‘event’ (for up to 20 people) in a shipping container, in complete darkness. Expect a tingle or several in the region of your spine... Drayton Manor More Trick Than Treat Note: Seance is recommended for ages 18- Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Sat 15 - Sun 30 Oct plus and, as stated above, is an entertain- Drayton Manor Park is inviting families to dust off their broomsticks and batwings and ment only. treat themselves to some ghoulish Halloween fun this month. As well as providing ‘creepy arts and crafts, spooky sweet treats and pumpkin donuts’, Spooky Science Night the Staffordshire venue is also staging a fireworks spectacular, presenting ‘the animals of the night’ and transforming its popular Thomas Land attraction into the ‘spooktacular’ Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Island of Sodor. And if that little lot isn’t enough to give you the heebie jeebies, you can Sat 29 October always give yourself the fright of your life by trying out one of the theme park’s stomach- Thinktank is calling on all mad scientists, churning white-knuckle rides! witches and wizards to come together for a spooky party featuring tricks, treats and opti- cal illusions. Highlight of the venue’s Halloween offering Halloween Pokemon Go The Haunting is its Science Of Fright show, ‘where making Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, Heart of England Conference and Events a monster is all a matter of choosing the right Sat 29 October Centre, Coventry, Fri 28 - Sat 29 October ingredients’. Visitors can also make their This Halloween-themed charity With an arrival cocktail, three-course carvery own family light photos and create their own fundraiser follows on from the Pokémon meal, music and party games all featuring on sample of blood to take home, while those in Go-inspired walk that took place in July. The Haunting’s programme of entertain- fancy dress have the opportunity to be As with the inaugural walk, donations ment, there’s certainly more than a ghost of a entered into a ‘fantastic’ prize draw. are in aid of Birmingham Children’s chance that you’ll head for home at the end Hospital. of the night having had a thoroughly enjoy- “We love how the Pokéwalk team have able experience. And in true Halloween spir- taken the latest social media craze and it, the event also features a seance. Guests ingeniously turned it into a fundraiser,” are invited to help a medium make contact says Miranda Williams, Public with the restless spirit of a lady who Fundraising Manager at Birmingham drowned her children in the lake, burying Children’s Hospital Charity. “The money them somewhere in the grounds before hang- donated from the last Pokémon Go walk ing herself in the boathouse. Fancy dress, by will make a massive difference to our the way, is compulsory... brave young patients and their families, so we’re certainly excited about this Spookfest Halloween event!” The Halloween Pokéwalk takes place in Lower Drayton Farm, Nr Stafford, Sat 22 - Sun 30 October Birmingham on Saturday 29 October from 1pm, with an open-to-all, family- Award-winning horror-maze creators Twisted friendly after-party at Second Cup cafe Attractions have designed a Halloween show from 5pm until midnight. especially for very young children to enjoy. For more information about the event, SpookFest is a daytime event with a ‘boo fac- visit birminghampokewalk.com tor’ designed to keep little ones happy and engaged, but without running the risk of keeping them awake at night. Highlights of the show include three ‘scary’ attractions, children’s entertainers, a soft-play area and the chance to enjoy the popular Halloween practice of pumpkin carving.

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Your week to week listings guide October 2016 thelist Austentatious at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury - Sat 15 October 15 Sat - Shrewsbury Severn, Theatre at Austentatious

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

What’s On Sat 1 to Sun 9 October Mon 10 to Sun 16 October Mon 17 to Sun 23 October Mon 24 to Mon 31 October

Lennon Through A Glass Onion Felicity Ward at Wolverhampton The Eulogy Of Toby Peach at Halloween Ceramic Workshops at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Art Gallery Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton at Coalport China Museum, Wed 5 October Sun 16 October Fri 21 October Ironbridge Sat 22 - Sun 30 October

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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 October Hounds, Birmingham SALLY BARKER Fri 7 Oct, THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Gigs BLUE ROSE CODE Tues 4 The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrewsbury Museum & Art Oct, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham Shropshire Gallery OTIS GIBBS Sat 1 Oct, Visual Arts CARL SINCLAIR DUO STEVE MASON Fri 7 Oct, 'HEAVENLY LIGHTS: THE UNTOLD STORY Birchmeadow Centre, Tues 4 Oct, The Jam The Sugarmill, Stoke- Bilston Craft Gallery OF STAINED GLASS ARTIST MARGARET Broseley, Shropshire House, Birmingham on-Trent WORK IN WARTIME An exploration of AGNES ROPE' Celebrating the life and THE ENGLISH BEAT Sat 1 AURORA Fri 7 Oct, O2 the key part played by local indus- times of Shrewsbury stained-glass Oct, O2 Institute, FEEDER Tues 4 Oct, O2 Institute, Birmingham tries in military-related production in artist Margaret Agnes Rope, until Birmingham Institute, Birmingham MOTOR CITY DRUM the First and Second World Wars. Sun 15 Jan 2017 STOP STOP Sat 1 Oct, THE HUNNA Tues 4 Oct, ENSEMBLE Fri 7 Oct, Featuring archive images, Villiers The Slade Rooms, O2 Academy, B’ham engines, a motorcycle and bicycle The Rainbow Venues, The Willow Art Gallery, Wolverhampton JAKE QUICKENDEN Wed used in combat, and a rare Sunbeam Birmingham Oswestry AGAINST THE CURRENT 5 Oct, O2 Academy, V12 aero-engine on special loan THE WEDDING PRESENT MARCHES INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHY Sat 1 Oct, The Asylum, Birmingham from the Black Country Living Sat 8 Oct, The Slade EXHIBITION A photographic exhibition Birmingham Museum, until Sun 13 Nov BOO HEWERDINE Wed 5 Rooms, W’rhampton by a group of independently minded GORDIE MACKEEMAN & Oct, Kitchen Garden HEIDI BROWNE Sat 8 Dudley Museum & Art Gallery photographers living in Shropshire, HIS RHYTHM BOYS Sat 1 Cafe, Birmingham Oct, Havana Republic The Marches and beyond, until Sat Oct, The Brewhouse A BRUSH WITH NATURE The Wildlife Art FIREBALL - FUELLING Bar and Restaurant, 29 Oct Arts Centre, Burton- Society International present a THE FIRE TOUR Wed 5 Shrewsbury national exhibition of animal illustra- upon-Trent Oct, O2 Academy, Weston Park ELO AGAIN ELECTRIC tions. Includes some recent works FLEETWOOD BAC Sat 1 Birmingham LIGHT ORCHESTRA TRIB- from Dudley Zoo, until Sat 19 Nov NEW CAPABILITY BROWN: DIGITAL Oct, The Robin, Bilston THE UNIQUE KOMEDY INTERPRETATIONS Exhibition by the UTE SHOW Sat 8 Oct, TREASURES FROM THE GLASS THE BILLY JOEL UKULELE ORCHESTRA Transatlantic Digital Print Group The Robin, Bilston COLLECTION until Sat 31 Dec SONGBOOK Sat 1 Oct, Wed 5 Oct, The Place, exploring Capability Brown’s legacy THE WHITNEY HOUSTON William Aston Hall, Oakengates Theatre, through digital prints, Sat 1 Oct - Fri SHOW Sat 8 Oct, Wrexham Telford Museum of Cannock Chase 28 Oct William Aston Hall, NEW EVERYBODY'S DARLING: THE FIRST THE MAGIC GANG Sat 1 GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, Wrexham WORLD WAR, NURSE Oct, O2 Institute, FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Exhibition paying Wolverhampton Art Gallery RHINO AND THE RANTERS homage to the nursing organisations Birmingham MIC NIGHT Wed 5 Oct, Sat 8 Oct, Hare & that served during the war, Mon 24 NEW UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON The Night Owl, B’ham MA SHOW Showcase of work by over GEOFF RODGERS Sat 1 Hounds, Birmingham Oct - Fri 16 Dec Oct, Havana Republic GABRIEL BRUCE Wed 5 50 MA Students from the Fine Art, JEAN-MICHEL JARRE Sat Bar and Restaurant, Oct, The Rainbow Applied Arts and Digital & Visual 8 Oct, Barclaycard New Art Gallery - Walsall Shrewsbury Venues, Birmingham Communication programmes, as well Arena, Birmingham OLIVER JONES: DIVINE Photorealist THE REAL THING Sat 1 LEVEL 42 Thurs 6 Oct, as artists in residence, Sat 1 Oct - THE IMPOSSIBLE chalk drawings which consider how Sun 9 Oct Oct, Theatre Severn, Victoria Hall, Hanley, GENTLEMEN Anglo- the media advertises, manipulates Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent NEW YOUNG ARTIST ROOMS Artworks American jazz super- and exploits imagery of flesh, until made by students attending creative JAMIE T Sat 1 Oct, O2 THE KILLS Thurs 6 Oct, group Sat 8 Oct, Arena Sun 20 Nov courses at the City of Academy, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Theatre, RECENT ACQUISITIONS PART 2: Wolverhampton College, Mon 3 Oct - POP WILL EAT ITSELF ERJA LYYTINEN WITH Wolverhampton LANDSCAPE AND THE URBAN Mon 31 Oct Sun 2 Oct, The Robin, HER BAND Thurs 6 Oct, THE REGULARS Sat 8 ENVIRONMENT Showcasing works NEW BACK TO BLACK An exhibition of Bilston The Robin, Bilston Oct, O2 Academy, which complement the themes of artwork by contemporary Black ROSE-MARIE Thurs 6 Birmingham Metropolis and Landscape by Willie RED FANG Sun 2 Oct, British artists for Black History Oct, Prince Of Wales Doherty, John Newling, David O2 Institute, B’ham GARAGE GATHERING Sat Month, Thurs 6 Oct - Sun 4 Dec Centre, Cannock Rowan, Paul Seawright and Emma RALPH MCTELL Sun 2 8 Oct, Civic Hall, Stibbon, until Sun 12 Feb 2017 NEW WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIETY OF Oct, Ludlow Assembly FOUR LAST SONGS Thurs Wolverhampton ARTISTS - AUTUMN EXHIBITION A Rooms, South 6 Oct, Symphony Hall, MISHKA RUSHDIE chance for members to showcase Potteries Museum & Art Shropshire Birmingham MOMEN Sat 8 Oct, new work, including responses to the Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent NANCY KERR AND THE TOYAH WILLCOX Fri 7 Ludlow Assembly theme of ‘Metamorphosis’, Sat 8 Oct SWEET VISITOR BAND Oct Enginuity Museum, Rooms, South NEW EUROPEAN CULTURAL LIFESTYLE - Sun 13 Nov IN CERAMICS: FROM BAROQUE UNTIL Sun 2 Oct, mac, Ironbridge, Shropshire Shropshire NEW CULTURAL CURIOSITIES FROM THE TODAY An international touring exhibi- Birmingham THE ELO EXPERIENCE Fri TAIL FEATHER Sat 8 Oct, COLLECTION Display of seldom-seen tion of about 200 works from nine LOYLE CARNER Sun 2 7 Oct, Prince Of Wales The Sugarmill, Stoke- objects held in the gallery’s collec- European ceramic museums cover- Oct, O2 Institute, Centre, Cannock on-Trent tion, Mon 17 Oct - Sun 11 Dec ing the history of ceramic design Birmingham BILLY MITCHELL AND RAY TALON - THE BEST OF from the 17th century to the present, MOOSE BLOOD Mon 3 LAIDLAW: THE EAGLES Sun 9 Oct, Sat 1 Oct - Sun 8 Jan Other VISUAL ARTS Oct, O2 Institute, LINDISFARNE STORY Fri Theatre Severn, NEW MASTERS OF ART & SPORT NEW WOMAN'S WORK Exhibition seek- Birmingham 7 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ing to make visible the hidden and Celebrating the abstract similarities Shrewsbury DERVISH Sun 9 Oct, unsung labour carried out by women CLARE MAGUIRE Mon 3 and differences between the Masters THE RUTS DC Fri 7 Oct, Lichfield Guildhall in the home, the workplace and pub- Oct, The Glee Club, of Art and the Masters of Sport. The Slade Rooms, lic life, Fri 30 Sep - Sat 5 Nov, Birmingham FOCUS Sun 9 Oct, The Featuring paintings by artist Philippe Wolverhampton Aird and one produced with Gold AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent MARIANAS TRENCH Mon Robin, Bilston SECRET AFFAIR Fri 7 Olympic medalist Darren Campbell, NEW UNSEEN WORKS FROM THE ESTATE 3 Oct, O2 Academy, JANE MCDONALD Sun 9 Oct, The Robin, Bilston Sat 29 Oct - Sun 12 Feb OF ARTHUR BERRY Berry painted his Birmingham Oct, New Alexandra own unique version of the Potteries HANNAH SANDERS & BEN HUNTER AND THE BEAR Theatre, Birmingham Shire Hall Gallery - Stafford and is now considered to be one of SAVAGE Mon 3 Oct, Fri 7 Oct, Newhampton NELL BRYDEN Sun 9 the most important industrial land- Stafford Gatehouse Arts Centre, SWEETHEARTS - MORWENNA CATT Oct, The Glee Club, scape artists of the 20th century, Sat Theatre Wolverhampton Featuring a textile installation of out- Birmingham 1 Oct - Sat 12 Nov, Foxlowe Arts sized Sweetheart cushions by THE BIRTHDAY HANNAH & BRIAN Fri 7 AUSSIE WRECKING CREW Centre, Leek Morwenna Catt which mimic the pin- MASSACRE, THE RED Oct, Havana Republic Sun 9 Oct, The Slade cushions that were often created by NEW LANGUAGE OF ART Exhibition pre- PAINTINGS, AMONG THE Bar and Restaurant, Rooms, wounded soldiers recovering in hos- sented by Art International Group. ECHOES & THE DEAD Shrewsbury Wolverhampton pitals during WWI, until Sat 29 Oct Celebrating new cultural alliances BETAS Tues 4 Oct, O2 ROXY MAGIC Fri 7 Oct - between UK and Russian artists from Institute, Birmingham Sat 8 Oct, Theatre On the group, Tues 4 Oct - Sat 29 Oct, WILLE & THE BANDITS The Steps, Bridgnorth, VAN Gallery, Shrewsbury Tues 4 Oct, Hare & Shropshire

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Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 October

opera, in which Carmen shifts her Stourbridge Town Hall Classical Music passion from one lover to another Theatre with tragic consequences, Sun 9 Oct, MARK WATSON Fri 7 Oct, The THE PAULUS SCHAFER TRIO Sat 1 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Trent DIAL M FOR MURDER Blue Orange Arts Shropshire THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF present Frederick Knott’s erotic tale THE GODDESSES Sun 9 Oct, JUICE COMEDY Fri 7 Oct, Stafford ARCADIA MUSIC FESTIVAL Featuring of betrayal, passion and murder - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Gatehouse Theatre Jeremy Huw Williams (baritone & best known from its 1954 Alfred MATT FORDE Fri 7 Oct, The Old Rep reciter), Thomas Bowes & Patrick Hitchcock-directed film version star- Theatre, Birmingham Kiernan (violins), Louise Williams ring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly, (viola), Sally Pendlebury (cello), RICH HALL Fri 7 Oct, Theatr Hafren, until Sat 1 Oct, The Blue Orange Eleanor Alberga (piano & composer) Powys Theatre, Birmingham & Adam Gorb (composer). Sat 1 & Comedy Gigs PAUL F TAYLOR, ANDY ASKINS, ANDRE DEAD SHEEP Steve Nailon and Sun 2 Oct, St Michael & All Angel, VINCENT, DARIUS DAVIES & GUZ KHAN Graham Seed star in Jonathan Ludlow, South Shropshire ADAM HILLS Sat 1 Oct, Victoria Hall, Fri 7 Oct, The Glee Club, B’ham Maitland's tale of love, honour, loyalty CARMEN Russian State Ballet & Opera Stoke-on-Trent BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL BREAK- and revenge, which charts the story House present Bizet's passionate ING TALENT AWARD Fri 7 Oct, The of how Mrs Thatcher, once the most PAUL TONKINSON, PHIL NICHOL, LLOYD powerful woman in the world, was opera, in which Carmen shifts her GRIFFITH & ALLYSON SMITH Sat 1 Oct Glee Club, Birmingham passion from one lover to another brought down by Geoffrey Howe, her The Glee Club, Birmingham ROGER MONKHOUSE, SCOTT BENNETT, with tragic consequences, Sun 2 Oct, one-time friend and political soul BRENNAN REECE Fri 7 Oct, Katie Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury PAUL MCCAFFERY, JARLETH REGAN, mate, with one of the greatest GARETH RICHARDS & KANE BROWN Sat Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge speeches ever made, until Sat 1 Oct, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH 1 Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham OH DEAR DIARY Fri 7 Oct, Old Joint The REP, Birmingham THOMAS TROTTER Programme Stock Theatre, Birmingham includes works by Bach (arr. M. LLOYD GRIFFITH, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Dupre), Bach, J. Francaix, C.H Parry BEN NORRIS & DAN NIGHTINGALE Sun JOHN HEGLEY Fri 7 Oct, mac, B’ham Examination of desperation, injustice, 2 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury & Rossini (arr. Trotter), Mon 3 Oct, BARRY BLING MR VELVET AND THE friendship and hope in the claustro- Birmingham Town Hall RICH HALL Mon 3 Oct, New Vic ORCHESTRA OF CHAOS Fri 7 Oct, The phobic setting of a maximum security facility. Based on Stephen King’s TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN IN RECITAL Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Spotted Dog, Birmingham 1982 novella, until Sat 1 Oct, Featuring Huw Watkins (piano). ADAM HESS & MAE MARTIN Tues 4 SCOTT BENNETT, DANNY BEET, JON Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Programme includes works by Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre PEARSON, COLIN HAVEY & RED RDMOND DISCO PIGS A furious, funny and vio- Beethoven, Elgar, Ravel & Gershwin RICH HALL Tues 4 Oct, The Glee Fri 7 Oct, The New Inn, W’hampton (arr.Heifetz), Mon 3 Oct, Birmingham lent dash through a lifelong friend- Club, Birmingham DAN NIGHTINGALE, THE NOISE NEXT Town Hall ship at the moment of its savage THE UNIQUE KOMEDY UKULELE DOOR, MARLON DAVIS & BEN BRIGG Fri destruction, until Sat 1 Oct, The REP, CBSO: FOUR LAST SONGS Featuring ORCHESTRA Wed 5 Oct 7 - Sat 8 Oct, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Alpesh Chauhan (conductor) & Talise The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Birmingham Trevigne (soprano). Programme Telford, Shropshire RICE N PEAS N CAVIAR (SECOND includes works by Humperdinck, R. HELPINGS!) Sat 8 Oct, Old Joint Strauss & Bruckner, Thurs 6 Oct, JAMES ACASTER Wed 5 Oct, The Glee Stock Theatre, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Club, Birmingham PAUL F TAYLOR, ANDY ASKINS, ANDRE CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA: GREAT MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 6 Oct, VINCENT & DARIUS DAVIES Sat 8 Oct BRITISH CHORAL ANTHEMS Programme The Victoria, Birmingham The Glee Club, Birmingham includes works by Handel, Vivaldi, WAYNE DEAKIN, ANDREW WATTS, PETE James MacMillan & Bach, Fri 7 Oct, TECKMAN, BEN BRIGGS & KEVIN SIMON MUNNERY Sat 8 Oct, mac, Lichfield Cathedral DEWSBURY Thurs 6 Oct, Foxlowe Arts Birmingham Centre, Staffordshire ORGAN PROMS Featuring Jonathan DANE BAPTISTE Sat 8 Oct, Theatre THE KITCHEN SINK Tom Wells’ huge- Scott Concert Organist (Manchester) THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, ALISTAIR Severn, Shrewsbury hearted play about marriage, families Sat 8 Oct, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- BARRIE, TOM LITTLE & JAMES MEEHAN ROMESH RANGANATHAN Sun 9 Oct, and making ends meet, until Sat 8 Trent Thurs 6 Oct, The George Hotel, Birmingham Town Hall Oct, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Lichfield THE SWINGLES IN CONCERT Sat 8 Oct, PAUL RICHARDS Sun 9 Oct, Old Joint under-Lyme Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School PAUL F TAYLOR, ANDY ASKINS & Stock Theatre, Birmingham CYMBELINE Melly Still directs COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY MISHKA RUSHDIE MOMEN (PIANO) THE BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL Shakespeare's rarely performed ROBINSON Thurs 6 Oct, The Glee Programme includes works by HALF-DAYER - PART 1 Sun 9 Oct, The romance, until Sat 15 Oct, Royal Club, Birmingham Mozart, Janacek, Beethoven, Victoria, Birmingham Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Schumann & Schubert, Sat 8 Oct, MARKUS BIRDMAN, NOEL JAMES, JAMES upon-Avon ADHAM FISHER Sun 9 Oct, Six Eight Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South COOK & DAVE BRYON Thurs 6 Oct, Kafe, Birmingham, KING LEAR RSC Artistic Director Shropshire Branston Golf & Country Club, Gregory Doran directs Antony Sher CARMEN Russian State Ballet & Opera Burton-upon-Trent in the title role, until Sat 15 Oct, House present Bizet's passionate EARL OKIN, DANNY HURST Thurs 6 Oct, Royal Shakespeare Theatre,

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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 October Stratford-upon-Avon THE SOUND OF MUSIC Timeless family THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on musical starring Lucy O'Byrne from Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two BBC's The Voice and former Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John Coronation Street actor Andrew Fletcher and William Shakespeare Lancel, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Oct, and is best described as a tragicom- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre edy exploring the intoxication and SUNSET BOULEVARD Amateur produc- strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, tion presented by Lichfield Garrick The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Youth Theatre, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Oct, Avon Lichfield Garrick THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic LENNON: THROUGH A GLASS ONION Part restoration comedy, rich with seduc- concert, part biography, this off- tion, intrigue and danger, is set in the Broadway success celebrates the topsy-turvy world of the carnival, until genius and music of John Lennon, Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Wed 5 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre ROMEO & JULIET Amateur staging of STRICTLY MUSICALS Featuring hits Shakespeare’s classic tale, Fri 30 from over 25 of the world’s most Sept - Sat 8 Oct, Hall Green Little famous musicals, Wed 5 - Sat 8 Oct, Theatre, Birmingham Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent The Country Doctor - Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton THE HARBINGER OF HUSSAIN RHUM & CLAY: 64 SQUARES A story Ridhayatullah Theatre present a two- about memory, free will and how the Against The Machine to tell the cen- part play exploring the life and times choices of our past define who we turies-old folk tale of Bluebeard, Sat Talks / of the seventh century CE Muslim ibn are in the present. Accompanied by 8 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Aqeel, who served as a selfless emis- a live jazz percussive score, Thurs 6 RICE N PEAS N CAVIAR (SECOND HELP- Spoken Word sary to deliver a message of peace Oct, mac, Birmingham INGS!) Character comedy taking a and unity to lands in Mesopotamia, satirical look at the lives of ladies THE COUNTRY DOCTOR Noctium DAN CRUICKSHANK: A HISTORY OF Sat 1 Oct, The Crescent Theatre, from the British Afro-Caribbean com- Theatre take audiences on a journey ARCHITECTURE IN 100 BUILDINGS Dan Birmingham munity and a little further afield, Sat 8 into a world of gruesome operations, Cruickshank talks about the most Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham URBAN ASTRONAUT Highly Sprung taking place deep in the isolated, inspirational and characterful world combine a unique travelling flying frozen wastes of the Russian country- TEENSPOTTING Key Theatre Academy buildings, Sat 1 Oct, Festival machine with simple storytelling to side, Thurs 6 Oct, Arena Theatre, explore all aspects of teenage life, Drayton, Market Drayton, North provide a glimpse of a possible Wolverhampton Sun 9 Oct, Theatre Severn, Shropshire future... Sat 1 Oct, University Square, Shrewsbury THE RUBY DOLLS The acclaimed NICHOLAS PARSONS Coventry Join raconteur cabaret ensemble here use unique MONSTERSAURUS New show from the Nicholas Parsons for an evening of MY BIG FAT COWPAT WEDDING Kali arrangements of songs by Nick creators of Aliens Love Underpants, anecdotal entertainment based on Theatre & Black Country Touring Cave, Amy Winehouse and Rage packed with ‘thrills, spills, magic and his life and a career spent in an present a light-hearted look at mixed Against The Machine to tell the cen- mayhem’, Sun 9 Oct, The Place, unpredictable and always fascinating marriages and rural weddings, Sat 1 turies-old folk tale of Bluebeard, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire profession, Sat 1 Oct, Lichfield Oct, Meole Brace Peace Memorial Thurs 6 Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, CARMEN Russian State Ballet & Opera Garrick Hall, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury Birmingham House present Bizet's passionate BIRMINGHAM - BRICK LANE - ROSA PARKS: THE HIDDEN JOURNEY HIM Actor Tim Barlow reflects on life opera, in which Carmen shifts her BANGLADESH Emerging local writers Thought-provoking exploration of the at 80 in a new collaborative work by passion from one lover to another share their narratives, exploring their civil rights movement, performed by writer/theatre-maker Sheila Hill and with tragic consequences, Sun 9 Oct, family lives and personal journeys, a community cast, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Oct, photographer/videographer Hugo Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Sun 2 Oct, mac, Birmingham mac, Birmingham Glendinning, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Oct, The A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Box JOHN HEGLEY - NEW & SELECTED REP, Birmingham MY BIG FAT COWPAT WEDDING Kali Tale Soup presents its version of POTATOES Performance poet, comedi- Theatre & Black Country Touring 946: THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS Shakespeare’s enchanting story, Sun an and musician John hits the road, present a light-hearted look at mixed TIPS Kneehigh Theatre fuse music, 9 Oct, Kinokulture, Oswestry, North mandolin in hand, to present medita- marriages and rural weddings, Sun 2 puppetry and foolishness to tell Shropshire tions on subjects such as family, cel- Oct, Conquest Theatre, Hereford Michael Morpurgo’s tale of war, prej- ery and happier Daleks, Fri 7 Oct, CARMEN Russian State Ballet & Opera udice and love, based on his novel of mac, Birmingham the same name, Thurs 6 - Sat 15 House present Bizet's passionate IN THE SPACE WITH NIKKI TAPPER BBC Oct, The REP, Birmingham opera, in which Carmen shifts her radio presenter Nikki Tapper hosts an passion from one lover to another THE HAUNTING OF EXHAM PRIORY Dance evening of live music and conversa- with tragic consequences, Sun 2 Oct, Spine-chilling drama which follows tion accompanied by dance and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury the fate of Mr Delapore, who retires HUMANHOOD: ZERO New full-length poetry, Fri 7 Oct, mac, Birmingham THIS MIGHT HURT John Godber's take to England to restore his ancestral work exploring the relationship on the National Health Service, told home only to discover there’s more between memory, space and time in a physical theatre style, Mon 3 to its past than he could ever have and choreography, lighting and Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre imagined, Fri 7 Oct, Rose Theatre, sound, Sat 1 Oct, mac, Birmingham Kidderminster FRANKENSTEIN A brand new adapta- BRB: THE TEMPEST An original new tion of Mary Shelley's Gothic horror BEDTIME STORIES Tucked up with your ballet in celebration of Shakespeare's family and friends in a bedroom Film masterpiece, fusing ensemble story- 400th anniversary, Sat 1 - Sat 8 Oct, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: telling, puppetry, live music and the- installation, unwind and be dazzled Birmingham Hippodrome atrics. Presented by Blackeyed by circus, theatre, dance and projec- tions, Sat 8 Oct, Forest Arts Centre, ANECKXANDER Choreographed by Theatre Company, Mon 3 - Thurs 6 HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (12a) Walsall Alexander Vantournhout & Bauke Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Lievens, this is a solo show in a mini- Ricky is a defiant, trash-talking misfit DEAD SHEEP Steve Nailon and SETH KRIEBEL: A HOUSE REPEATED mal setting for one acrobatic body, a sent by child services to start a new Graham Seed star in Jonathan Interactive performance-game com- handful of carefully selected objects life in rural New Zealand with a foster Maitland's tale of love, honour, loyalty bining the simplicity of bare-bones and three variations on a piece of family: aunt Bella, gruff uncle Hec and revenge, which charts the story storytelling with the limitless possibili- piano music by Arvo Pärt, Fri 7 Oct, and dog Tupac. But when events of how Mrs Thatcher, once the most ties of contemporary open-world DanceXchange, Birmingham threaten his return, Ricky runs into computer games, Sat 8 Oct, mac, the bush, with Hec in pursuit. Stars powerful woman in the world, was WRIGGLE DANCE THEATRE: THE COLOUR Birmingham Sam Neill & Julian Dennison. mac, brought down by Geoffrey Howe, her OF ME Interactive dance theatre per- Birmingham, until Thurs 6 Oct one-time friend and political soul THE RUBY DOLLS The acclaimed formance for young audiences, Sun mate, with one of the greatest cabaret ensemble use unique 9 Oct, mac, Birmingham THE CLAN (15) In an affluent suburb of speeches ever made, Mon 3 - Sat 8 arrangements of songs by Nick Buenos Aires in the early ’80s, a Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Cave, Amy Winehouse and Rage seemingly normal family makes its

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Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 October

living off kidnapping and murder. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: and skilled exhibitors from the UK Wellington Welcome to the home of the Puccios and further afield, Sat 1 Oct - Sun 2 KINGS NORTON FARMERS' MARKET Sat - and the astonishing true story of Oct, NEC, Birmingham 8 Oct, The Green, Kings Norton, Released from Wed 5 Oct, showing Argentina’s most notorious crime HARVEST WEEKEND Special activities Birmingham family. Stars Guillermo Francella, at selected cinemas include a traditional apple pie being DUDLEY LIBRARIES' DIGITAL FESTIVAL Peter Lanzani. Foreign language, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) baked in the Back to Back House, subtitled. mac, Birmingham, until Sat 8 Oct, Halesowen Library, Dudley Released from Fri 7 Oct, showing at Sat 1 - Sun 2 Oct, Black Country Thurs 6 Oct THE FACTS BEHIND THE SHROPSHIRE selected cinemas Living Museum, Dudley KIRIKOU & THE SORCERESS (U) MAMMOTH BY DR ADRIAN LISTER Find THE GREASY STRANGLER (tbc) SPOOKY SKULL TRAIL Tuesdays to out more about the Shropshire Drawing elements from West African Saturdays during October. Can you folk tales, this is the story of a very MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) Mammoth found in the gravel quarry find the spooky skulls hidden all in Condover, Sat 8 Oct, Shropshire small but very brave boy. When his WAR ON EVERYONE (15) around the museum? Sat 1 - Sat 29 village is terrorised by an evil sorcer- Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, Oct, Gladstone Pottery Museum, South Shropshire ess, baby Kirikou sets off on an Stoke-on-Trent intrepid quest to save his friends and AUTUMN FILM FESTIVAL A month of STARS IN YOUR SKIES - THE COMET'S neighbours. With the voices of great films including Academy Award TALE What are comets, where do they Antoinette Kellermann & Fezele winning Spotlight, Sat 1 - Sat 29 Oct, come from and what has the Mpeka. mac, Birmingham, Sat 1 Oct Events The Belmont Hall, Wellington Philae/Rosetta mission taught us? Find out with Dr Alan Longstaff, Sat 8 BLACK BRITAIN ON FILM A specially ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 2 curated archive compilation looking THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW With Oct, Carding Mill Valley & The over 300 wedding specialists from Oct, Bantock House & Park, Shropshire Hills at the black experience in Wolverhampton Birmingham. Drawing on a superb bridal boutiques and florists to jew- BAVARIAN EVENINGS Featuring a collection of original 16mm film shot ellers and photographers, this event WORKSHOP: HOW TO TELL A GREAT Bavarian Oompah band and a by ATV and Central Television from is the ultimate wedding shopping GHOST STORY Sun 2 Oct, The Custard Bavarian buffet feast, Sat 8 Oct, West the 1960s to 1980s that’s cared for experience, until Sun 2 Oct, NEC, Factory, Digbeth, Birmingham Midland Safari and Leisure Park, by the Media Archive for Central Birmingham WARTIME WANDER Re-discover the Bewdley, Worcestershire England at the University of Lincoln. STONE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL until legacy of World War Two via a guid- A LITTLE BOOK OF LEAVES Day course mac, Birmingham, Sat 1 Oct Sun 2 Oct, Westbridge Park, ed walk, Sun 2 Oct, Attingham Park, for those looking to return to hand- BADDDDD: SONIA SANCHEZ An intimate Staffordshire Shropshire stitching, Sat 8 Oct, Sunnycroft, and revealing portrait of the poet and SHAKESPEARE RE-FASHIONED until Sun RELAXED @ NEWMAN BROTHERS A fac- Telford, Shropshire educator Sonia Sanchez. Amongst 2 Oct, The Bullring Shopping Centre, tory tour designed specifically for AZTEC WEEKEND Sat 8 - Sun 9 Oct, other events it recalls her days as a Birmingham people on the autistic spectrum and Cadbury World, Bournville, Black Panther and as a leading figure FLATPACK FESTIVAL - BIRMINGHAM ON their families, Sun 2 Oct, Coffin Birmingham in developing black studies and the FILM until Sat 15 Oct, Various loca- Works, Birmingham black arts movement of 1960s TOWN WALLS TOWER OPEN DAY tions throughout Birmingham BRIDAL FAYRE Including three fashion Discover Shrewsbury's last remaining America. mac, Birmingham, Sun 2 shows, Sun 2 Oct, Himley Hall & Oct 4X4 IN THE FOREST Join the rangers in watchtower, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Oct, your 4x4 to explore Cannock Chase. Park, Dudley Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, ROOM (15) Held captive for years in Meet at Birches Valley Forest Centre, FLATBREAD MAKING Fun and informal Shropshire an enclosed space, a woman (Brie Sat 1 Oct, Cannock Chase Forest, baking class, Sun 2 Oct, Sarehole SCAREFEST Sat 8 - Sun 9 Oct, Alton Larson) and her young son (Jacob Staffordshire Mill, Birmingham Tremblay) finally gain their freedom, Towers, Staffordshire allowing the boy to experience the MURDER-MYSTERY DINNER WEDDING FAYRE Sun 2 Oct, The BRING IN THE HARVEST WEEKEND outside world for the first time. Forest EXPERIENCES Performed by the Snowdome, Tamworth Harvest-themed craft activities to take Arts Centre, Walsall, Fri 7 Oct Creative Arts Theatre Company, Sat TUESDAY TILE DECORATING part in - from making corn dollies to 1 Oct, Shugborough Historic WORKSHOPS Tues 4 Oct, Jackfield gathering straw into traditional bales MUSTANG (15) When five orphan girls Working Estate, Staffordshire are seen innocently playing with Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire utilising old-fashioned techniques, boys on a beach, their scandalised COILED POT MAKING Create a decora- CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Discover, play Sat 8 - Sun 9 Oct, Lower Drayton conservative guardians confine them tive pot to take home with you by and create with your child. For chil- Farm, Stafford while forced marriages are arranged. handbuilding and coiling clay, Sat 1 dren from under one to five years of WESTON PARK HORSE TRIALS Featuring Stars Günes Sensoy & Doga Zeynep Oct, Gladstone Pottery Museum, age, Tues 4 Oct, Bilston Craft Gallery, both FEI International classes and Doguslu. Foreign language, subti- Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton National classes under British tled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 7 Oct THE SOOTY SHOW: SOOTY IN SPACE Sat ARTFORUM A range of art activities for Eventing, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Oct, Weston THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS (15) 1 - Sun 2 Oct, Cadbury World, 14 to 25-year-olds using different Park, Staffordshire Adapted by MR Carey from his own Bournville, Birmingham materials and methods, Wed 5 Oct, TRENTHAM FERN TRAIN TRIPS Take a novel, this is another sci-fi thriller set BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL Wolverhampton Art Gallery trip on The Trentham Fern, the resi- in a post-apocalyptic dystopian 2016 Sat 1 Oct - Sun 16 Oct, various CRAFTPLAY LITTLE EXPLORERS For dent diesel engine that chuffs along future. When a fungal infection wipes locations, Birmingham City Centre young children and babies, Wed 5 the lakeside on a light gauge railway, out most of mankind (check your #LOSTANDFOUND: AN EVENING WITH Oct, Bilston Craft Gallery, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Oct, Trentham toenails!), a teacher and a scientist BRILLIANT YA TALENTS KATHRYN EVANS, Wolverhampton Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent set out on a journey of survival - with EUGENE LAMBERT, PATRICE LAWRENCE, "NOT A PUB" PUB QUIZ Waterstones' MUSHROOM MOSEY AND MUNCH Fungi a young teenage girl (Nanua) unlike OLIVIA LEVEZ AND SUE WALLMAN A dis- forage with local mushroom expert normal human beings… Stars monthly quiz, Wed 5 Oct, cussion of identity, loss, and the Waterstones, High St, Birmingham John Hughes from the Shropshire Gemma Arterton & Paddy Considine. darkness inside, of self-discovery, Wildlife Trust. Enjoy a two-course, HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Wed 5 Oct mac, Birmingham, Fri 7 - Thurs 13 friendship, and hope for a better mushroom-themed lunch after your - Sun 9 Oct, NEC, Birmingham Oct tomorrow as part of the walk, Sun 9 Oct, Fordhall Organic LITTLE MEN (PG) Jake is a quiet, sen- #LostandFound Book Tour, Sat 1 OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Farm, Market Drayton, North sitive middle schooler with dreams of Oct, Waterstones, High St, Unique event showcasing the world's Shropshire being an artist. He meets the affably Birmingham most amazing ocean films, filmed KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE 10K RUN brash Tony at his grandfather’s funer- LITTLE SWITZERLAND'S OKTOBERFEST above and below the water's surface, AND 5K RUN Sun 9 Oct, Shugborough Fri 7 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre al, and the unlikely pair soon hit it off. Sat 1 - Sun 2 Oct, Churnet Valley Historic Working Estate, Staffordshire The budding friendship is put at risk, Railway, Staffordshire DESTINATION STAR TREK Featuring WEDDING OPEN HOUSE A special wed- however, when a rent dispute special guests, props, sets, talks, TRENTHAM FERN TRAIN TRIPS Take a ding party providing visitors with the between Jake’s parents threatens to photo shoots, autographs and more, trip on the Trentham Fern, the resi- chance to take a look inside the become contentious. Stars Jennifer Fri 7 - Sun 9 Oct, NEC, Birmingham Ehle & Alfred Molina. mac, dent diesel engine that chuffs along beautiful Victorian Orangery and OPEN DRAWERS AND DOORS Explore Birmingham, Fri 7 - Thurs 13 Oct the lakeside on a light gauge railway, check out the jaw-dropping dining Sat 1 - Sun 2 Oct, Trentham the life of the Lander family, Fri 7 - room, sophisticated library and some Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent Mon 10 Oct, Sunnycroft, Wellington of the luxurious 28 bedrooms, Sun 9 MINIATURA - THE INTERNATIONAL WELLINGTON FESTIVAL Three-week Oct, Weston Park, Staffordshire DOLLS' HOUSE MODELLING SHOW celebration of arts and culture, Fri 7 - Featuring workshops, old favourites Sun 30 Oct, Various venues across

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thelist Monday 10 - Sun 16 October THE NIGHT Thurs 13 Oct, Symphony Hall, FRICK & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 12 Gigs Oct, Victoria Hall, Birmingham Classical Music Oct, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent THE RESCUE BLUES Sat DIRTY WHITE BOYS Wed 12 Oct, Old THE SUNSHINE 15 Oct, The Slade DERVISH Mon 10 Oct, ZOE BEYERS (VIOLIN) Programme Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham UNDERGROUND Thurs 13 Rooms, W’hampton Theatre Severn, includes works by J.S Bach & Ysaye, ALEX AND SARAH Wed 12 Oct, Cherry Oct, The Sugarmill, ANDY MILLS Shrewsbury Sat 15 Oct, Mon 10 Oct, The Lion Hotel, Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Havana Republic Bar RYAN MCGARVEY BAND Shrewsbury 1-EYE REGGAE REVIEW and Restaurant, JACOB LOVICK Wed 12 Oct, Cherry Mon 10 Oct, The ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN Featuring Thurs 13 Oct, The Jam Shrewsbury Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham Robin, Bilston Lucia Caruso (piano) & David Curtis House, Birmingham MO Sat 15 Oct, The RICH HALL Thurs 13 Oct, The Place, PETULA CLARK Mon 10 (conductor). Programme includes NINA NESBITT Thurs 13 Rainbow Venues, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Oct, Birmingham Town works by Salieri, Mozart & Haydn, Oct, O2 Academy, Birmingham Shropshire Hall Wed 12 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham JUDY TZUKE: SONGS & NATHAN CATON Thurs 13 Oct, The ADY SULEIMAN Mon 10 TCHAIKOVSKY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WHILE & MATHEWS STORIES Sat 15 Oct, Glee Club, Birmingham Oct, O2 Institute, Programme includes works by Thurs 13 Oct, Crescent Stafford Gatehouse TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, MICHAEL LEGG Birmingham Borodin & Tchaikovsky, Fri 14 Oct, Theatre, Birmingham Theatre Symphony Hall, Birmingham & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY GOO GOO DOLLS Thurs BABBU MAAN Sat 15 ROBINSON Thurs 13 Oct, The Glee Mon 10 Oct, O2 BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring Ben 13 Oct, O2 Institute, Oct, Barclaycard Club, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Gernon (conductor) & Jennifer Pike Birmingham Arena, Birmingham (soloist). Programme includes works PATRICK MONAHAN Thurs 13 Oct, Old OCTOBER DRIFT Mon 10 MUSO JAM NIGHT Thurs THE LOST NOTES Sat 15 by Mozart, Sibelius & Dvorak, Fri 14 Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Oct, The Sunflower 13 Oct, The Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent SEAN PERCIVAL, STEPHEN DODD, Lounge, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham SHAKESPEARE AND HIS NIPPER THOMAS & RYAN GOUGH Thurs TWIN ATLANTIC Tues 11 THE BIRMINGHAM THE GIRL FROM MARS CONTEMPORARIES Featuring Joel 13 Oct, Dawley Town Hall, Oct, O2 Institute, COMEDIANS CHOIR Thurs Sat 15 Oct, The Williams (tenor) & Duncan Appleby Shropshire Birmingham 13 Oct, mac, B’ham Roadhouse, B’ham (piano). Programme includes works THE BIRMINGHAM COMEDIANS CHOIR LEVEL 42 Tues 11 Oct, by Dowland, Purcell arr. Benjamin RACKHOUSE PILFER FALL FESTIVAL Sat 15 Thurs 13 Oct, mac, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Britten, Britten, Parry, Robert Thurs 13 Oct, The Oct, Wulfrun Hall, ALEX HYLTON Thurs 13 Oct, Cherry Birmingham Busiakiewicz & Quilter, Fri 14 Oct, Wightman Theatre, Wolverhampton Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham FRANKIE BALLARD Tues The Barber Institute, Birmingham Shrewsbury MC TRIGGA BIRTHDAY SEAN PERCIVAL, STEPHEN DODD, 11 Oct, O2 Academy, REGER CENTENARY FESTIVAL: FROM MY DARLING BASH Sat 15 Oct, O2 NIPPER THOMAS & RYAN GOUGH Thurs Birmingham DARKNESS TO LIGHT Members of CLEMENTINE Thurs 13 Institute, Birmingham 13 Oct, Dawley Town Hall GAVIN JAMES Tues 11 Birmingham Conservatoire Organ Oct, Hare & Hounds, DEAD LETTER CIRCUS ZOE LYONS, EDD HEDGES, TAMAR Oct, The Glee Club, Department perform works by JS Birmingham Sat 15 Oct, The BROADBENT & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 14 Birmingham Bach, Mendelssohn Schumann & THE AUSTRALIAN PINK Rainbow Venues, Reger, Fri 14 Oct, St Chad’s Oct, Lichfield Garrick BEACH BABY Tues 11 FLOYD SHOW Fri 14 Oct, Birmingham Cathedral, Birmingham KERRY GODLIMAN Fri 14 Oct, The Oct, Hare & Hounds, Barclaycard Arena, WILLE AND THE BANDITS MAX REGER CENTENARY FESTIVAL Visit Glee Club, Birmingham B’ham Birmingham Sun 16 Oct, The bcu.ac.uk for full listings, Fri 14 - NAOMI PAUL Fri 14 Oct, Old Joint O’HOOLEY & TIDOW Tues LEFTFOOT & MOSTLY Wightman Theatre, Tues 18 Oct, Birmingham Stock Theatre, Birmingham 11 Oct, The Brewhouse JAZZ FESTIVAL Fri 14 Shrewsbury Conservatoire Arts Centre, Burton- Oct, Hare & Hounds, BEST OF BRUM COMEDY SHOWCASE SONIC BOOM SIX Sun 16 LEN RAWLE MBE ORGAN CONCERT Sun upon-Trent Birmingham Fri 14 Oct, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Oct, The Rainbow 16 Oct, The Buttermarket, Birmingham LISA MILLS Wed 12 Oct, THE JANOSKIANS Fri 14 Venues, Birmingham Shrewsbury The Robin, Bilston Oct, The Asylum, CANNON & BALL Fri 14 Oct, Bedworth RAGLANS Sun 16 Oct, BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Birmingham Civic Hall LLOYD COLE Wed 12 O2 Institute, B’ham TRA Featuring Michael Lloyd (con- TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, MICHAEL LEGG, Oct, The Glee Club, KANO Fri 14 Oct, O2 ductor) & Alison Roddy (soprano). JAMIE LAWSON Sun 16 HARRIET DYER & JOE WELLS Fri 14 - Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Programme includes works by Oct, O2 Academy, Sat 15 Oct, The Glee Club, FIFTH HARMONY Wed 12 Wagner, Cantaloube & Bartok, Sun NICKELBACK Fri 14 Oct, Birmingham Birmingham Oct, Barclaycard 16 Oct, Bramall Music Building, Elgar Genting Arena, B’ham EZIO Sun 16 Oct, Henry Arena, Birmingham Concert Hall, Birmingham University RUDI LICKWOOD, JIM SMALLMAN, ALL SAINTS Fri 14 Oct, Tudor House, BARRY DODDS & ANDY ASKINS Fri 14 - GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, O2 Academy, B’ham Shrewsbury Sat 15 Oct, The Comedy Loft, FUNK AND SOUL OPEN STEVE ‘BIG MAN’ CLAY- THE FEELING Sun 16 Birmingham MIC NIGHT Wed 12 Oct, TON Fri 14 Oct, Blue Oct, The Slade Rooms, The Night Owl, B’ham LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 15 Oct, Regent Piano Restaurant And Wolverhampton Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent KERBDOG Wed 12 Oct, Bar, Birmingham Comedy Gigs O2 Institute, B’ham JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sat 15 Oct, THE LAPELLES Fri 14 Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent ROYAL REPUBLIC Wed Oct, The Rainbow LOUDEEMY SOUP COMEDY NIGHT Mon 12 Oct, The Slade Venues, Birmingham 10 Oct, The Blue Orange Theatre, SEANN WALSH Sat 15 Oct, The Edge Rooms, W’hampton Birmingham Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South JONES Fri 14 Oct, Hare Shropshire THE ELO EXPERIENCE & Hounds, Birmingham ROADHOUSE COMEDY NIGHT: Thurs 13 Oct, William THE WHITNEY HOUSTON BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FEST' SPECIAL PHIL ELLIS, AARON TWITCHEN & THREE KARKOSA Fri 14 Oct, O2 Aston Hall, Wrexham SHOW Sun 16 Oct, Mon 10 Oct The Roadhouse, COMICS TBC Sat 15 Oct, Arena Academy, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton CHRISTY MOORE WITH Birmingham, BOSTIN' DAYS 2 FESTIVAL Theatre DECLAN SINNOTT & JIM FREEWHEELERS IMPROV COMEDY NIGHT LEE NELSON Sun 16 Oct live Fri 14 - Sat 15 Oct, HIGGINS Thurs 13 Oct, GILMORE & ROBERTS Mon 10 Oct, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, The Mockingbird, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Symphony Hall, B’ham Sun 16 Oct, Kitchen Birmingham JASON BYRNE Sun 16 Oct, ALL TVVINS Fri 14 Oct, Garden Cafe, B’ham SUZANNE VEGA Thurs 13 GRIMM UP NORTH PRESENTS - Birmingham Town Hall The Sugarmill, Stoke- Oct, Birmingham Town LE BUTCHERETTES Sun NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Tues 11 Oct, on-Trent FELICITY WARD Sun 16 Oct, Hall 16 Oct, Hare & Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham Wolverhampton Art Gallery WILKO JOHNSON Sat 15 Hounds, Birmingham ANTI-NO WHERE LEAGUE VODKA, KGB AND MIND TICKLES Tues Oct, Birmingham Town KANE BROWN Sun 16 Oct, The Glee Thurs 13 Oct, The STREAM OF PASSION 11 Oct, Everyman Theatre, B’ham Club, Birmingham Hall Sun 16 Oct, The Robin, Robin, Bilston LOVEHARD - MURDERED BY MURDER BROKEN WITT REBELS Bilston PANEL BEATERS Sun 16 Oct, The Glee AKALA Thurs 13 Oct, Tues 11 Oct, The Victoria, B’ham Club, Birmingham Sat 15 Oct, The SAINT LEONARDS HORS- O2 Institute, ROMESH RANGANATHAN Wed 12 Oct, Rainbow Venues, ES Sun 16 Oct, The THE BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, HALF-DAYER: PART 2 Sun 16 Oct WHITNEY - QUEEN OF TONY HADLEY Sat 15 Birmingham ANNETTE FAGON, JOANNA NEARY, ALICE The Victoria, Birmingham

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thelist graduate unemployment, Thurs 13 Theatre Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton FRANKO B: MILK & BLOOD An uncom- THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Starring promising performance that Diana Vickers as Janet, Ben responds to personal traumas, soci- Freeman as Brad, Richard Meek as etal ills, corrupt politics and barbar- Eddie/Dr Scott and Kristian ic conflict, Thurs 13 Oct, mac, Lavercombe as Riff Raff, Mon 10 - Birmingham Sat 15 Oct, New Alexandra Theatre, SCARABEUS AERIAL THEATRE Birmingham Immersive theatre show combining BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s ‘breathtaking’ aerial skills, a pulsat- acclaimed musical, set in his native ing soundtrack and ‘stunning’ pro- Liverpool and starring Lyn Paul in jections, Thurs 13 - Fri 14 Oct, the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Mon 10 - Sat 22 Oct, Birmingham HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Hippodrome Ambient Night Productions bring a CABARET & COMEDY Featuring hus- dash of humour to the classic band-and-wife duos Dandy and Sherlock Holmes tale, Thurs 13 - Fri Eternity, Tues 11 Oct, Forest Arts 14 Oct, Prince of Wales Centre, Centre, Walsall Cannock FALL OUT Highly Sprung Theatre ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR Amateur explore the story of three young production of the tale of lost love, people whose night out leads to a infidelity, romance and punch-ups, journey of self-discovery that tests Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Oct, Festival friendships and questions notions Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, of identity and loyalty, Tues 11 - North Shropshire Wed 12 Oct, mac, Birmingham HOUSE OF ORPHANS: A BED OF GUYS AND DOLLS Amateur produc- SHARDS The story of Ronnie and tion presented by Lichfield Operatic Button, two tower-block residents Society, Tues 11 - Sat 15 Oct, whose eviction to a brand new bun- Lichfield Garrick galow reveals dark truths about their relationship, Fri 14 9 TO 5 - THE MUSICAL South Staffs Oct, mac, Birmingham Musical Theatre Company cele- brates its 80th birthday with this ROMEO & JULIET Traffic Of The Stage stage version of the hit Dolly Parton Touring presents its version of the movie, Tues 11 - Sat 15 Oct, greatest love story ever told, Fri 14 - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Sat 15 Oct, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire HENCEFORWARD Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, present a ALAN AYCKBOURN’S KARAOKE THE- revival of Alan Ayckbourn’s classic ATRE COMPANY Fast-moving concoc- comedy, directed by Ayckbourn tion of farce, comedy, drama and himself, Tues 11 - Sat 29 Oct, New melodrama, all topped off with a Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme dash of good old-fashioned stage magic, Fri 14 - Sat 29 Oct, New Vic CLOAKS Fishouse Theatre present Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Alison Dunne’s ‘tender journey of love, hope and disappointment’, GRAEME SWANN'S GREAT BRITISH SPIN Wed 12 Oct, Arena Theatre, OFF With Henry Blofeld, Sat 15 Oct, Wolverhampton Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA AUSTENTATIOUS An all-star cast in Birmingham School of Acting pres- period costume improvise a brand ents an amateur production of new Jane Austen work, based on a Shakespeare exuberant romantic single audience suggestion, Sat 15 comedy, Wed 12 - Sat 15 Oct, The Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Crescent Theatre, Birmingham STARTING OUT New piece of political theatre that shines a light on the experiences of young women enter- ing the world of work in 2016, Wed 12 - Sat 15 Oct, The REP, Birmingham MERCHANT OF VENICE Amateur pro- duction presented by Birmingham School of Acting, Wed 12 - Sat 15 Oct, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham GANGSTA GRANNY Birmingham Stage Company bring David Walliams' best-selling book to the stage, Wed 12 - Sun 16 Oct, Theatre Severn, SERIOUSLY DEAD Brand new comedy Shrewsbury play starring Crissy Rock, Frazer CANTERBURY TALES Blast From The Hines, Paul Dunn, Billy Pearce and Past present six of the best-loved Leah Bell, Sat 15 Oct, The Place, tales, told in a variety of styles, Oakengates, Shropshire Thurs 13 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse LET’S TWIST AGAIN A full company of Theatre acclaimed artists and musicians ON THE EDGE OF ME Yolanda Mercy deliver a show combining music, performs a solo comedy exploring fun and laughter, Sun 16 Oct, the subjects of mental health and Lichfield Garrick

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thelist Monday 10 - Sun 16 October GONE TO EARTH (PG) This brooding Dance romantic drama was filmed on loca- tion in Shropshire in 1950 and fea- tured many extras drawn from the RUN 2Faced Dance present a triple local area. Adapted from the 1917 bill choreographed by Tamsin novel of the same name by Fitzgerald, Lenka Vagnerova and Shropshire's celebrated author Mary Rebecca Evans, with original music Webb, the film is still fondly remem- by Angus MacRae and Tomas bered locally as a moment when Vychytil, Thurs 13 - Fri 14 Oct, Hollywood came to the county and DanceXchange, Birmingham brightened the post-war gloom. Old ROSIE KAY DANCE COMPANY: DOUBLE Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 Oct POINTS: K & MOTEL Featuring two ath- GOSTA GREEN REVISITED (PG) When letic, intelligent and technical dance BBC Birmingham outgrew its first duets - Double Points: K, a study of base on Broad Street, television pro- synchronicity and stamina set to a duction moved to the old Delicia soundtrack of Bach, dub step and Cinema on Gosta Green. This after- electronica, and Motel, a dark and noon’s screening is a rare chance to sexy piece inspired by the paintings sample a selection of Gosta Green’s of visual arts duo Huntley Muir, Fri 14 output, introduced by TV historian Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Lez Cooke. mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 MAY CONTAIN FOOD Award-winning Oct dance company Protein present a WOMEN LIKE US/WOMEN LIKE THAT specially adapted version of their First screened in 1989 as part of playful show about the sensory, cul- Channel Four's groundbreaking TV tural and social implications of food, series Out On Tuesday, these two Sat 15 Oct, Wem Town Hall, documentaries explore and revisit Shropshire the lives of older lesbians in the UK from different cultures, classes and backgrounds, from the 1920s to that present day (1989). Old Market Hall, Protein Dance Company: May Contain Food - Wem Town Hall Shrewsbury, Sat 15 Oct Film REAL BOY Bennett Wallace is a charis- in the story and more in the land- and butter from scratch and have a INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: matic teenager on the brink of adult- mark staging of the first on-screen tour of the house, Mon 10 Oct, hood. As he navigates the ups and lesbian love story that didn't end up Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton downs of gender transition and grap- in suicide or ménage à trios! Stars TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WHITE MATERIAL (15) Amidst turmoil ples with a history of substance Helen Shaver & Patricia WORKSHOPS Tues 11 Oct, Jackfield and racial conflict in Africa, a French abuse, he embarks on a journey to Charbonneau. Old Market Hall, Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire woman fights for her coffee crop, her find his voice - as a musician, a Shrewsbury, Sun 16 Oct RICK STEIN SIGNING Rick’s in store to family and, ultimately, for her life. friend, a son, and a man. Old Market ALIGARH (NC) An Indian professor is sign copies of his new book, Long Stars Isabelle Huppert & Christopher Hall, Shrewsbury, Sat 15 Oct humiliated and expelled. His plight is Lambert. Foreign language, subtitled. Weekends, Tues 11 Oct, Waterstones SUMMERTIME (15) Two women from recognised by a rookie journalist. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 12 Oct - High St, Birmingham entirely different worlds - Carole is a The story is set against a back- THE MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (15) Twelve militant feminist teaching Spanish in ground of the repeal and reinstate- Tues 11 - Sun 16 Oct, NEC, years on and Bridget is still compos- Paris and Delphine is a farmer’s ment of notorious para. 377 of the Birmingham ing her diaries. And this time she daughter committed to her parents in Indian Penal Code. Foreign lan- really does have something to write rural southwest France - fall passion- guage, subtitled. Old Market Hall, GREGORY LEADBETTER: LAUNCH OF THE about: her bump. Scripted by the ately in love. Stars Cécile de France Shrewsbury, Sun 16 Oct FETCH Wed 12 Oct, Waterstones - redoubtable triumvirate of Emma & Izïa Higelin. Old Market Hall, GERONTOPHILIA (18) This Canadian High St, Birmingham Thompson, Helen Fielding and Dan Shrewsbury, Sat 15 Oct romantic comedy, directed by some- OKTOBERFEST Wed 12 - Sun 16 Oct, Mazer, the romcom sees Bridget bat- LAUREL & HARDY ALL AT SEA (PG) times-controversial director-writer Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham tling with her 40s but settling down to Three classic films with a nautical Bruce LaBruce, sees Lake, an 18- THE AUTUMN VEGETARIAN COOKERY a contented routine with her reliable theme from one the greatest double- year-old sports-centre poolside atten- COURSE circle of friends. And then a dashing Hands-on cookery session, act of all time, Stan Laurel and Oliver dant, discover that he has an unusu- American enters her life… Starring Thurs 13 Oct, Shropshire Hills Hardy... mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 al attraction for the elderly. Fate Renée Zellweger & Colin Firth. Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, Oct lands him a job at an assisted-living South Shropshire Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs care home, where he develops an EMPIRE ROAD (PG) Empire Road was 13 - Sun 16 Oct; mac, Birmingham, intimate relationship with Mr REVEREND RICHARD COLES SIGNING the first serious attempt at a long- Fri 14 - Tues 18 Oct Peabody. Stars Pier-Gabriel Lajoie & The Reverend Richard Coles signs running drama on British television LOSING GROUND Losing Ground by Walter Borden. Old Market Hall, copies of his new book, Bringing In addressing Britain's growing multi- Kathleen Collins, one of the first Shrewsbury, Sun 16 Oct The Sheaves, Thurs 13 Oct, racial society. This screening offers a African-American women to direct a Waterstones, High St, Birmingham rare opportunity to see two episodes feature film, will be a revelation to BOOK TO THE FUTURE University of of the show on the big screen. audiences denied the opportunity to NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Birmingham’s annual festival of the Followed by Q&A with actress see it on its completion in 1982. A Released from Fri 14 Oct, showing at written and spoken word, Thurs 13 - Corinne Skinner-Carter. mac, picture of a romance at the cross- selected cinemas Sat 15 Oct, The University of Birmingham, Sat 15 Oct roads of a New York summer, it’s AMERICAN HONEY (15) Birmingham SWEET BEAN (PG) Sweet Bean is the also a story of black lives, presented HARRY HOOK: ABOUT AFRICA Fri 14 name given to a delicious red paste INFERNO (tbc) with a sensitivity rarely seen even Oct, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, in the middle of the dorayaki pan- today. mac, Birmingham, Fri 14 Oct KATE PLAYS CHRISTINE (tbc) Shropshire cakes that Sentaro sells from his BLACKBIRD (NC) Seventeen-year-old STORKS (U) bakery to a small but loyal clientele. INDEPENDENT BREWERS FESTIVAL Taste Randy tries very hard to be a good He’s a remote man, for whom things around 50 real ales and keg beers, person. Since his father left, Randy change when the eccentric, 76-year- sourced from small independent UK takes care of his emotionally dis- old Tokue responds to his ad for an brewers, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Oct, National turbed mother, and he's the kind of assistant. Stars Kirin Kiki & Masatoshi Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent friend all of his classmates can Nagase. Foreign language, subtitled. Events THE VAPER EXPO Europe’s biggest depend on. As strong as he seems mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Sun 16 and best vape convention, attracting on the outside, Randy is hiding a Oct exhibitors worldwide, Fri 14 - Sat 15 secret inner struggle and denial of BAKE AND MAKE - THE ART OF BREAD Oct, NEC, Birmingham his true self. Old Market Hall, DESERT HEARTS (18) In 2016, the AND BUTTER Learn a 17th century skill Shrewsbury, Fri 14 Oct appeal of Desert Hearts may be less to take home. Make a loaf of bread FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on

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thelist experience of blacksmithing under SCAREFEST Sat 15 - Sun 16 Oct, the experienced guidance of a lock- Alton Towers, Staffordshire smith demonstrator, Sat 15 Oct, APPLE WEEKEND Sat 15 - Sun 16 Black Country Living Museum, Oct, Castle Bromwich Hall Dudley Gardens, Birmingham VILLAGE WATER OLYMPIC CHALLENGE THE BIG BANG SNOWBOARD SHOW Meet and challenge Debbie Flood, WEEKENDER Sat 15 - Sun 16 Oct, silver medallist at the 2004 and The Snowdome, Tamworth 2008 Olympic games, Sat 15 Oct, The Square, Shrewsbury TRENTHAM FERN TRAIN TRIPS Take a trip on The Trentham Fern, the resi- JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK dent diesel engine that chuffs along Sat 15 Oct, Museum of the the lakeside on a light gauge rail- Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham way, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Oct, Trentham WILDLIFE WATCH GROUP: FURRY Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent CREATURES Under the guidance of ORCHARD DAY Celebrate the apple the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, harvest with dancing, apple press- catch some of the mini creatures ing, competitions and more, Sun 16 who like to call the Arboretum Oct, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire home, Sat 15 Oct, National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire CAPABILITY BROWN TOUR Overview of Brown's landscape, with a focus CVR DIESEL DAY Sat 15 Oct, Churnet on the new perennial plantings, Valley Railway, Staffordshire Sun 16 Oct, Trentham Gardens, CRAFTPLAY SATURDAY FAMILY STAY Stoke-on-Trent AND PLAYS Create, explore and play BREADMAKING WORKSHOP Sun 16 along with your child. For children Oct, Fordhall Organic Farm, Market from under one to seven years old, Drayton, North Shropshire Sat 15 Oct, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton AUTUMN RUNNING DAY Sun 16 Oct, Aston Manor Road Transport CADBURY CHARACTER WEEKEND Sat Museum, Walsall 15 - Sun 16 Oct, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham TREES IN THE PARK WALK Rediscover the parkland with a guided walk, SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Sat 15 Sun 16 Oct, Attingham Park, - Sun 16 Oct, Apley Farm Shop, Shrewsbury Shifnal, Shropshire

Wellington Arts Festival various venues, Wellington, South Shropshire, Sat 1 - Sun 30 October This annual autumn festival may have lost the word ‘literary’ from its title, but it’s made several gains in the process, with comedy, photography, dance and culture all being added to the programme of events. There’s plenty for literature lovers to enjoy too, includ- ing travel writing workshops, poetry and performance writing. This year’s festival is a spectacular three-week celebration of arts and culture,” says new chair Councillor Cindy Mason-Morris. “Opening the event will be Eddie ‘the eagle’ Edwards, who’ll be talking about when he became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping in 1988. The following day will see a Comedy Club night with award-winning comedian Hannah Sylvester (pictured) and five fur- ther acts. Another major highlight of the programme is an appearance by Tom Watt, the ghost writer of David Beckham’s autobiography. Tom’s also an actor, broadcaster and filmmaker, and returns to the festival following a successful appearance in 2015.”

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thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 October KAREN CARPENTER BROTHERS OF THE 20 Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham Thurs 20 Oct, Lichfield MOMENT Fri 21 Oct, O2 Gigs Classical Music NIGEL NG, ROBYN PERKINS, DAVE Garrick Academy, Birmingham POLLARD, JOHN MEAGHER, JOSEPH THE SENSATIONAL 60'S ROBERT CRAIG OULTON CBSO SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE BLOGGS & SPIKY MIKE Thurs 20 Oct, BARS AND MELODY Mon EXPERIENCE Thurs 20 Fri 21 Oct, O2 Institute, Featuring Nicholas Collon (conduc- The Alfred, Burton-upon-Trent 17 Oct, The Slade Oct, Theatre Severn, Birmingham tor) & Vilde Frang (violin). Programme RH COMEDY PRESENTS Rooms, W’hampton Shrewsbury ALL TVVINS Fri 21 Oct, includes works by Ravel, Couperin, HOSTED BY LAURA MONMOTH Thurs 20 STEVE MASON Mon 17 KEYWEST Thurs 20 Oct, The Rainbow Venues, Korngold & Berlioz, Wed 19 Oct, Oct, The Roadhouse, Birmingham Oct, The Glee Club, O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham TOM ALLEN, SUZI RUFFELL Fri 21 Oct, THE SUNSHINE BOOTLEG BLONDIE Sat THE KING’S SINGERS Wed 19 Oct, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton FIELD STUDIES Mon 17 UNDERGROUND Thurs 22 Oct, The Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South JOEL DOMMETT Fri 21 Oct, The Glee Oct, The Sugarmill, 20 Oct, O2 Institute, Roadhouse, B’ham Shropshire Club, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham THE CHRISTIANS 30TH BERLIN PHILHARMONIC WIND QUINTET RICH HALL Fri 21 Oct, Ludlow JUSTIN BIEBER Mon 17 FAUSTUS Thurs 20 Oct, ANNIVERSARY TOUR Sat Programme includes works by Mozart Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire Oct - Tues 18 Oct, Festival Drayton 22 Oct, O2 Institute, (arr. Hasel), Kalevi Aho, Tomasi & Barclaycard Arena, Centre, Market Birmingham Paul Taffanel, Wed 19 Oct, The Birmingham Drayton, North ANTARCTIC MONKEYS Barber Institute, Birmingham Shropshire THE TUBES Tues 18 Oct, Sat 22 Oct, O2 LA VOCE Thurs 20 Oct, New Alexandra The Robin, Bilston POLICA Thurs 20 Oct, Academy, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham WE ARE SCIENTISTS GORGON CITY Sat 22 ELGAR’S STRING QUARTET Programme Tues 18 Oct, The Slade SPRING KING Thurs 20 Oct, O2 Institute, includes works by Bax & Elgar, Thurs Rooms, W’hampton Oct, The Sugarmill, Birmingham 20 Oct, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent SPRING KING Tues 18 BARS AND MELODY Sat LA VOCE Fri 21 Oct, Victoria Hall, Oct, O2 Institute, FIELD STUDIES Thurs 20 22 Oct, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Oct, The Sunflower Stoke-on-Trent FRONTIERS TRIO Featuring David Le Lounge, Birmingham JAY BRANNAN Tues 18 BAY CITY ROLLERS STAR- Page (violin), Mark Ashford (guitar) & MONTY BURNS, DANNY BEET, FREDDIE Oct, O2 Institute, HEAVEN 17 Fri 21 Oct, RING LES MCKEOWN Sat Nick Stringfellow (cello). Programme FARRELL & JIM BAYNES Fri 21 Oct, The Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall 22 Oct, The Robin, includes works by Vivaldi, Paganini, MPV, Walsall BARB WIRE DOLLS Tues MIDGE URE Fri 21 Oct, Bilston Monti & Piazzola, Fri 21 Oct, Recital 18 Oct, O2 Academy, Stratford Artshouse HENRY PRIESTMAN Sat Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire JOJO SMITH, MIKE WILMOT, JONNIE PRICE & MATT PRICE Fri 21 - Sat 22 Birmingham 22 Oct, The RICHARD JENKINSON & DAVID LE PAGE SOUL'D OUT Fri 21 Oct, Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham AMBER ARCADES Tues The Robin, Bilston Brewhouse Arts Programme includes works by Kodaly 18 Oct, Hare & Centre, Burton-upon- & Ghys/Servais, Fri 21 Oct, The STEVE ROYAL, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, LONELY THE BRAVE Fri Hounds, Birmingham Trent Barber Institute, Birmingham STEPHEN BAILEY & TUDUR OWEN Fri 21 21 Oct, O2 Academy, - Sat 22 Oct, The Comedy Loft, LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III JIMMY OSMOND Sat 22 LA BOHEME Ellen Kent present a brand Birmingham Birmingham Tues 18 Oct, Oct, Theatre Severn, new production of Puccini's tragic LEE MEAD Fri 21 Oct, Birmingham Town Hall Shrewsbury tale, Sat 22 Oct, New Alexandra COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 22 Oct, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre STEEL PANTHER Wed 19 Theatre, Shropshire MAXIMUM RNB WITH THE Oct, Barclaycard MANFREDS Sat 22 Oct, CBSO: THE SPIRIT OF ENGLAND NINA KRAVIZ PLUS Arena, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Programme includes works by Ravel, BODDIKA & ADAM Elgar & Berlioz, Sat 22 Oct, THE STRAY BIRDS Wed SHELTON Fri 21 Oct, AT DAWN WE ATTACK Sat Symphony Hall, Birmingham 19 Oct, Stafford The Rainbow Venues, 22 Oct, The Slade Theatre Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham Rooms, W’hampton THE SONGS OF BENJAMIN BRITTEN Pianist Elizabeth Rossiter presents an BEN POOLE Wed 19 Oct, HOW SWEET IT IS - JO HARMAN & COMPANY afternoon recital of Benjamin Britten, DOMESTICA The Robin, Bilston MOTOWN'S GREATEST Sun 23 Oct, Henry Highly anticipated new Tudor House, Purcell & Quilter, Sat 22 Oct, Ludlow work from Sleepwalk Collective which TOM WALKER TRIO Wed HITS Fri 21 Oct, Shrewsbury Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire asks what we might cling to and what 19 Oct, The Jam Theatre Severn, we might love in an ever-louder, ever- House, Birmingham Shrewsbury JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR PAUL DRAKELEY ALL-STAR ORCHESTRA accelerating new century the we Sun 23 Oct, Theatre Sat 22 Oct, The Edge Arts Centre, THE VRYLL SOCIETY VIVA NEIL DIAMOND Fri already seem to be leaving, Mon 17 Severn, Shrewsbury Much Wenlock, South Shropshire Wed 19 Oct, The 21 Oct, Prince Of Oct, The REP, Birmingham Wales Centre, KIKO BUN Sun 23 Oct, THE SONGS OF BENJAMIN BRITTEN Sugarmill, Stoke-on- SORRY! NO COLOUREDS, NO IRISH, NO Trent Cannock The Rainbow Venues, Featuring Frances Israel and Elizabeth Rossiter Sat 22 Oct, Ludlow DOGS Gazebo returns with one of its DOMINIC KIRWAN Fri 21 Birmingham BILLY TALENT Wed 19 Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire most powerful plays - an exploration Oct, O2 Institute, Oct - Sat 22 Oct, SHANE FILAN Sun 23 of racism and migration, presented in THE SPIRIT OF ENGLAND Programme Birmingham Festival Drayton Oct, Victoria Hall, response to events taking place Centre, Market Stoke-on-Trent includes works by Ravel, Elgar & BELINDA O’HOOLEY & across the UK and internationally, Drayton, North Berlioz, Sat 22 Oct, CBSO Centre, HEIDI TIDDOW Wed 19 THE ROOM Sun 23 Oct, Tues 18 Oct, Arena Theatre, Shropshire Birmingham Oct, The Red Lion Folk The Robin, Bilston Wolverhampton THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Pop-Up Opera Club, Birmingham A VISION OF ELVIS Fri 21 BIRDY Sun 23 Oct, O2 HUBBUB A MUSICAL ADVENTURE present a fast-paced version of Oct, New Alexandra Institute, Birmingham Musical journey which sees five AUSTIN LUCAS & Rossini’s sparkling opera, Sun 23 Theatre, Birmingham friends follow the trail of the mysteri- DREAMING SPIRES Wed TOM WOODMAN BAND Oct, Alington Hall, Shrewsbury NIBBS & EDDY Fri 21 ous blue beetle in the quest for a lost 19 Oct, Hare & Sun 23 Oct, Lichfield School Hounds. Birmingham Oct, Havana Republic Guildhall voice. Presented by Mishmash Bar and Restaurant, Productions, Tues 18 Oct, The KIKI DEE AND CARMELO Shrewsbury GEORGE MONBIOT AND Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- LUGGERI Thurs 20 Oct, EWAN MCLENNAN Sun Trent Stafford Gatehouse THE CLONE ROSES Fri 21 23 Oct, Ludlow LIVING WITH LUKE Theatre Oct, The Sugarmill, Assembly Rooms, Critically acclaimed Stoke-on-Trent Comedy Gigs play about a father coping with his WISHBONE ASH Thurs South Shropshire AQUILO Fri 21 Oct, O2 son’s autism, Tues 18 Oct, The Place, 20 Oct, The Slade FLASH OF THE BLADE TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 17 Oct Institute, Birmingham Oakengates, Shropshire Rooms, W’hampton Sun 23 Oct, The Slade The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham THE WOMAN IN BLACK Stephen THE CRAZY WORLD OF MICHAEL KIWANUKA Fri Rooms, W’hampton ELIS JAMES & JOHN ROBINS EXPERIENCE Mallatratt's stage adaptation of Susan ARTHUR BROWN Thurs 21 Oct, O2 Institute, BLACK FOXXES + BIG Wed 19 Oct, The Glee Club, Hill’s acclaimed ghost story, Tues 18 - 20 Oct, The Robin, Birmingham SPRING Sun 23 Oct, Birmingham Sat 22 Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Bilston BAD COMPANY Fri 21 The Sunflower Lounge, JOJO SMITH, MIKE WILMOT & COMEDY on-Trent Oct, Genting Arena, Birmingham VOICE OF THE HEART - CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Birmingham THE EXORCISM Supernatural thriller 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 17 - 23 Oct - Wolves/Staffs/Shrops ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 26/09/2016 14:56 Page 2

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

SAT 1 OCT, 7.30PM NICHOLAS PARSONS Join raconteur Nicholas COMING SOON... Parsons for an evening of anecdotal entertainment Thursday 13th October 14+ based on his experience of life and working in the var- RICHARD HALL 1 October, 8pm ious media of an unpre- Gordie MacKeeman & his dictable and always fasci- Time: 8.00pm Rhythm Boys £21.50 nating profession.

Tickets: £14 otd, £12 adv TUE 4 - SAT 8 OCT, 7.30PM SAT MAT 2.30PM LICHFIELD GARRICK YOUTH THEATRE PRESENT 6 October, 4.30pm & 7.30pm SUNSET Zest Theatre presents: SAturday 15th October Thrive BOULEVARD featuring music by Andrew SERIOUSLY DEAD Tickets: £9 (18+) £6 (14+) £25 family of 4 Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Christopher Hampton. Time: 7.30pm £21 - £17 , £11 Students 7 October, 8pm Mark Watson: SAT 8 OCT, I’m Not Here 3+ 1.00PM & 3.30PM BLUNDERBUS THEATRE Sunday 16th October Tickets: £17 COMPANY THE SORCERER’S GRIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND APPRENTICE Time: 3.00pm 12 October, 8pm Charlie Hubble is a little boy with a very big dream, Nottingham Playhouse presents: Tony’s Last Tape he wants to be a £10 , £7.50 Child world-class magician. Tickets: £12, £10 concessions TUE 11- SAT 15 OCT, 7.30PM SAT MAT 2.30PM Friday 21st October LICHFIELD OPERATIC SOCIE- 18 October, 1.30pm & 5pm TY LEE MEAD MishMash Productions: GUYS AND DOLLS Hubbub With songs such as Guys Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £8, £6 Concessions, and Dolls, Luck Be A Lady £25 family of 4 and the show-stopping Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat. 29th October, 12pm £17.00 - £19.50 GEM Recitals Saturday 22nd October A Celebration of English TUE 18- SAT 22 OCT, Song 14+ 7.45PM LICHFIELD PLAYERS BEYOND THE BARRICADE Tickets: £5 THE EXORCISM Time: 8.00pm Terrifying events unfold when Rachel and Edward 2 November, 7.30pm invite their friends to stay at Seann Walsh: their secluded cottage for One for the Road Christmas. Wednesday 2nd November £13 , £11 Students Tickets: £14 ISLE OF WOMAN THURS 20 OCT, 7.30PM Time: 7.30pm 3 November, 8pm VOICE OF THE Nimble Fish: HEART - KAREN Lost in Blue CARPENTER Tuesday 8th November Pay What You Think It’s Worth! With superb vocals from CAROLE GORDON and out- standing talent from the MAGICAL MOZART BY brilliant BLUE JEANS BAND 8 November, 1pm & 7pm £22 - £20.50 & SINGERS . CANDLELIGHT Highly Sprung: Fall Out TUE 25 - SAT 29 OCT, 7.30PM, MATS 2.30PM Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £9 (18+) £6 (14+) SUTTON COLDFIELD MUSICAL £25 family of 4 THEATRE COMPANY THE WIZARD OF OZ Friday 11th November 23 November, 8pm Join Dorothy as she makes Jon Richardson: her way through Oz with the PADDY help of the Scarecrow, Lion Work in Progress and Tinman Time: 7.30pm £12 - £19, £55 Family Tickets: £14 FRI 28 OCT, 7.45PM KICKING & SCREAMING Wednesday 23rd November An honest, funny and touching show about Box office: when a baby arrives and THE ILLEGAL EAGLES 01283 508100 suddenly the world you know becomes a different Time: 7.30pm place entirely. With a live BOOK ONLINE AT score played on children’s www.brewhouse.co.uk £12 , £8 Students instruments. Brewhouse Arts Centre, BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Union Street, www.lichfieldgarrick.com Burton-upon-Trent, LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, Staffordshire DE14 1AA TWC GP 01050 LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

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thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 October presented by the Lichfield Players, MONOLOGUESLAM UK Check out the Tues 18 - Sat 22 Oct, Lichfield brightest new acting talent and see Garrick actors go head-to-head to be SÉANCE Tues 18 - Sat 29 Oct, The crowned the winner of their respec- REP, Birmingham tive rounds, Fri 21 Oct, The REP, Birmingham FALL OUT Highly Sprung Theatre explore the story of three young peo- CABARET XXL - EAST END CABARET ple whose night out leads to a jour- Featuring alternative, filth-mongering ney of self-discovery, one which tests musical comedy duo, Bernie & Victy, friendships and questions notions of Fri 21 Oct, The REP, Birmingham identity and loyalty, Wed 19 - Thurs LOST DOG: PARADISE LOST (LIES 20 Oct, Arena Theatre, UNOPENED BESIDE ME) One-man stag- Wolverhampton ing fusing theatre, comedy and A TALE OF TWO CITIES The Touring movement to retell Milton’s epic Consortium Theatre Company pres- poem in just 75 minutes, Fri 21 - Sat ents its version of Charles Dickens' 22 Oct, mac, Birmingham French Revolution-set story of love, ROUNDABOUT SEASON: I GOT SUPER- sacrifice and redemption, Wed 19 - POWERS FOR MY BIRTHDAY Three Sat 22 Oct, Wolverhampton Grand almost-teens go on an epic quest to Theatre save the planet, Fri 21 -Sun 23 Oct, THE HOLLOW A Mad Cow production New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- of Agatha Christie's classic English Lyme country-house murder-mystery, Wed THE EXORCIST Unleashed for the first Fagin’s Twist - The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome 19 - Sat 22 Oct, Theatre Severn, time in a uniquely theatrical experi- Shrewsbury ence, Fri 21 Oct - Sat 5 Nov, The CYMBELINE Birmingham School of REP, Birmingham Acting present Shakespeare’s little- LOVERS ROCK MONOLOGUES Janet Kay, Dance Film performed tale of adultery, betrayal Carroll Thompson and Victor Romero INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: and banishment, Wed 19 - Sat 22 Evans fuse timeless music and the- FAGIN’S TWIST Avant Garde Dance Oct, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham atrical storytelling to present an Company shed new light on Dickens’ THINGS TO COME (12a) Nathalie teach- TITANIC THE MUSICAL Amateur pro- account of the Lovers Rock lifestyle, Oliver Twist, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Oct, es philosophy at a high school in duction of Maury Yeston & Peter Sat 22 Oct, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome Paris. Married with two children, she Stone’s ensemble musical, Thurs 20 THE MAGNETIC DIARIES Contemporary ROMEO AND JULIET Ballet Theatre UK divides her time between her family, - Sat 22 Oct, Forest Arts Centre, exploration of one woman’s depres- present a passionate and innovative former students and her very posses- Walsall sion, Sat 22 Oct, mac, Birmingham recreation of the world's greatest love sive mother. One day, Nathalie’s hus- WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Little ROUNDABOUT SEASON: LOVE LIES AND story, Thurs 27 Oct, Prince of Wales band announces he’s leaving her for Angel Theatre bring Michael Rosen's TAXIDERMY An offbeat love story by Centre, Cannock another woman. With freedom thrust much-loved children's book to life in Alan Harris, Sat 22 Oct, New Vic upon her, Nathalie must reinvent her PINOCCHIO: JASMIN VARDIMON a new puppetry production featuring Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme life. Foreign language, subtitled. Old COMPANY A brand new adaptation of music and lyrics by renowned singer- Market hall, Shrewsbury, Mon 17 - THE COLOURS OF KENNY ROACH A the classic tale, based on the original songwriter Barb Jungr, Thurs 20 - Sat Thurs 20 Oct warm, funny and deeply moving book by Collodi and performed by 22 Oct, The Old Rep, Birmingham drama about creativity, the nature of Vardimon's multi-talented dancers, HELL OR HIGH WATER (15) Chris Pine METHOD IN MADNESS Fusion of the artist and the self-destructive Sat 29 Oct, Theatre Severn, has already been through hell and Shakespearean text and new writing impulse of addiction, Sat 22 Oct, Old Shrewsbury high water this year (in the water- with physical theatre, dance and Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham logged Finest Hours), but here the mask/puppetry work, Thurs 20 - Fri JANAK DULARI SITA Subrang Arts title proves to be a little more 21 Oct, Old Joint Stock Theatre, present a dramatic staging of India’s metaphorical. He plays a Texan Birmingham timeless epic, told through musical farmer whose business is facing fore- ROUNDABOUT SEASON: GROWTH A storytelling, choreography and Talks / closure, so he and his brother, an ex- comedy about growing up and man- dance, Sat 22 Oct, The Crescent con, set about acquiring some major ning up, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Oct, New Theatre, Birmingham cash by somewhat unorthodox Spoken Word means… Also stars Jeff Bridges. Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme BEYOND THE BARRICADE Concert pres- mac, Birmingham, Mon 17 - Thurs 20 ROSES OF EYAM True story of a village entation of some of the greatest CHRIS PACKHAM: TADPOLES NOT Oct in Derbyshire in the aftermath of the songs in musical theatre, performed INCLUDED The popular presenter of English Civil War, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 by Andy Reiss, David Fawcett, Katie TICKLED (15) Journalist David Farrier Springwatch and The Really Wild stumbles upon a mysterious tickling Oct, The Belfrey, Wellington, Leeming, Rebecca Vere and an Show talks about his encounters with Shropshire ensemble of talented musicians, Sat competition online. As he delves large hungry carnivores, his close deeper, he comes up against fierce THE EULOGY OF TOBY PEACH 22 Oct, The Place, Oakengates, shaves with extinction and his views resistance - but that doesn't stop him Exploration of modern science and Shropshire on conservation, Mon 17 Oct, getting to the bottom of a story the human body, self-mortality and LA BOHÈME Ellen Kent present a Wolverhampton Grand Theatre stranger than fiction. mac, the celebration of life, presented brand new production of Puccini's AN EVENING WITH SIMON GARFIELD Birmingham, Wed 19 Oct through the story of one man’s jour- tragic tale, Sat 22 Oct, New Simon takes a look at the worldwide ney with cancer, Fri 21 Oct, Arena Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham PRIMARY COLOURS (15) John Travolta obsession with keeping time, Tues leads an all-star cast (including Theatre, Wolverhampton SING-A-LONG-A GREASE Interactive 18 Oct, Waterstones, High St, Oscar-winners Emma Thompson, screening of the classic film starring Birmingham Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton) John Travolta and Olivia Newton- AN EVENING WITH MONTY DON The gar- on a wild race to the presidency in John, Sun 23 Oct, New Alexandra dening expert talks about his life and this savagely funny comedy. mac, Theatre, Birmingham travels, Tues 18 Oct, Lichfield Birmingham, Thurs 20 Oct DAN TDM ON TOUR One of the world’s Garrick, Staffordshire PARADISE NOW (15) Two Palestinian biggest YouTubers takes to the road garage mechanics and best friends with his pugs, Dr Trayaurus and lots living on the West Bank are recruited of other friends, Sun 23 Oct, to cross into Israel for a suicide Birmingham Hippodrome bombing. Can anyone or anything THE ADVENTURES OF WALTER LEMON- change their minds? Foreign lan- FACE 154 Collective present a mix of guage, subtitled. The Hive, live animation, music and storytelling Shrewsbury, Fri 21 Oct for children aged three-plus, Sun 23 THE INFILTRATOR (18) Based on the Oct, mac, Birmingham autobiography of US Customs agent

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thelist Robert Mazur (Cranston), this is the PUMPKINFEST Featuring pumpkin story of an undercover operation in Events carving, apple bobbing, marshmal- which Mazur pretended to be a cor- low toasting and games for all the rupt businessman. His aim was to family to enjoy, Sat 22 Oct, The Cut expose a Colombian money-laun- TUDOR THREADS AND STUART SEWING Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury Meet the costumed volunteers as dering drug cartel run by none other TRAFALGAR SUPPER A special hom- they sew, embroider and stitch their than Pablo Escobar. Stars Bryan age to Lord Nelson, complete with way back to the 17th century, Sun Cranston & Diane Kruger. mac, traditional naval food and entertain- 16 - Mon 17 Oct, Moseley Old Hall, Birmingham, Fri 21 - Wed 26 Oct ment, Sat 22 Oct, Churnet Valley Wolverhampton THE BLUE ROOM (15) An adaptation of Railway, Staffordshire TUESDAY TILE DECORATING George Simenon’s taut 1964 novel GCCF 40TH SUPREME CAT SHOW Sat WORKSHOPS Tues 18 Oct, Jackfield of the same name. It follows the for- 22 Oct, NEC, Birmingham tunes of Julien, a modestly success- Tile Museum, Ironbridge DIVE 2016 The UK's biggest event for ful man in provincial France running CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Discover, play divers, Sat 22 - Sun 23 Oct, NEC, his own agricultural business, living and create with your child. For Birmingham in a designer house with a young youngsters under one to five years family, who finds himself in the old. Tues 18 Oct, Bilston Craft depths of an affair. Stars Mathieu Gallery, Wolverhampton Amalric, Léa Drucker. mac, ATTINGHAM RE-DISCOVERED TOUR: A Birmingham, Fri 21 - Mon 24 Oct MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY Join experi- FREE STATE OF JONES (15) Set shortly enced guides as they explore the after 1862, after the Battle of Corinth story of a silver collection, Tues 18 in Mississippi, this true-life drama Oct, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury stars Matthew McConaughey as GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Wed 19 - Sun Newton Knight, a poor farmer. It was 23 Oct, NEC, Birmingham he, during the American Civil War, who gathered together a ragbag of SPEED-DATING SPECTACULAR - local farmers and slaves and led an CELEBRATING 500 VERY SHORT armed rebellion against the INTRODUCTIONS Learn about six sub- HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Ghoulish Confederacy. Old Market Hall, jects from experts in a variety of fun and eerie entertainment, Sat 22 - Shrewsbury, Fri 21 - Thurs 27 Oct fields, including Shakespeare, ‘lead- Sun 30 Oct, Cadbury World, ership’ and ‘sound’, Thurs 20 Oct, Bournville, Birmingham FINDING DORY (U) Since it opened in Waterstones,High St, Birmingham 2003, Finding Nemo has become HALLOWEEN CERAMIC WORKSHOPS Sat the sixth highest-grossing cartoon of BIG FICTION NIGHT IN A special event 22 - Sun 30 Oct, Coalport China all time. So, here is the sequel. Dory with four authors: Miranda Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire is the forgetful Pacific regal blue Dickinson, Lucy Diamond, Cathy CREEPY CRITTERS Go on the hunt for tang from the first film which, in case Bramley and Cressy McLaughlin, all things gruesome as the museum you’ve been away, is a fish. She Thurs 20 Oct, Waterstones, High St, disgusts and delights you over half (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) sud- Birmingham term, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Oct, Black denly remembers the events of her MARTINA COLE SIGNING Martina Cole Country Living Museum, Dudley childhood and so sets off to find her signs copies of her latest book, SPOOKLEY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Sat 22 - family - along with the clownfish Betrayal, Fri 21 Oct, Waterstones, Sun 30 Oct, Apley Farm Shop, Nemo (Albert Brooks) and Marlin High St, Birmingham Shifnal, Shropshire (Hayden Rolence). There will be HALLOWEEN SCREAM NIGHTS Uncover adventure along the way... Old FAMILY FUN DAYS - HALLOWEEN 2016 the haunting mystery of the Priory Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sat 22 - Spooky outdoor trail with take-home Fields, discover the gory secret of Sat 29 Oct activities, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Oct, Mrs Piggot’s Pie Shop, feel the fear Baddesley Clinton, Solihull JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE (15) Outkast’s on the ‘Destruction’ trailer ride, and MORE TREAT THAN TRICK Ghoulish André Benjamin stars as Jimi risk never sleeping with the lights off fun, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Oct, Drayton Hendrix in this revealing biopic from again when you visit the House of Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire Academy Award-winning writer- Insomnia, Fri 21- Sat 22 Oct, Lower director John Ridley (12 Years A Drayton Farm, Stafford TRENTHAM FERN TRAIN TRIPS Take a Slave). The film covers a year in trip on The Trentham Fern, the resi- HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Pick a Hendrix’s life, from 1966 to ’67; from dent diesel engine that chuffs along free pumpkin, take part in broom- being an unknown back-up guitarist the lakeside on a light gauge rail- stick training and explore the playing New York’s Cheetah Club to way, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Oct, Trentham spooky haunted house, Fri 21- Sun making his mark on London’s music Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent 30 Oct, National Forest Adventure scene, up until his Monterey Pop tri- Farm, Burton-on-Trent SPOOKFEST A traditional pumpkin umph. Also stars Imogen Poots. carving and three spooky attrac- SCAREFEST Fri 21 - Mon 31 Oct, mac, Birmingham, Sun 23 Oct tions, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Oct, Lower Alton Towers, Staffordshire Drayton Farm, Stafford BEAR GRYLLS PRESENTS ENDEAVOUR NEW FILMS ON GENERAL SPOOKY SEAS Sat 22 - Mon 31 Oct, Sat 22 Oct, Genting Arena, B’ham RELEASE: National Sea Life Centre, Released from Fri 21 Oct, showing Birmingham at selected cinemas HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Sat 22 - I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Mon 31 Oct, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry, South Shropshire IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE (tbc) WICKED WILD ART Halloween-inspired JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK (tbc) half-term activities, Sat 22 - Sun 6 OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL (tbc) Nov, Erddig Hall, Wrexham PHANTOM BOY (PG) ATTINGHAM IN FOCUS WALK check out THE QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) some of the best spots around the park for photography - bring your TROLLS (PG) camera, Sun 23 Oct, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury A NIGHT IN THE DANA An insight into WEDDING FAIR AT DRAYTON MANOR the nightlife of a 200-year-old prison, HOTEL Sun 23 Oct, Drayton Manor, Sat 22 Oct, The Dana Prison, Tamworth Shrewsbury

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thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 October THE ILLEGAL EAGLES WILDHEARTS ALISTAIR BARRIE, CAIMH MCDONNELL & Gigs Thurs 27 Oct, Victoria HALLOWEEN Classical Music IVO GRAHAM Sat 29 Oct, The Hall, Stoke-on-Trent HOOTENANNY 3 Sat 29 Comedy Loft, Birmingham SIMONE FELICE Thurs 27 Oct, The Slade Rooms, NINA CONTI Sun 30 Oct, Birmingham JAKE BUGG Mon 24 Oct, CBSO: SHOSTAKOICH’S EIGHT Featuring Oct, The Glee Club, Wolverhampton Town Hall O2 Academy, B’ham Cristian M celaru (conductor) & Birmingham GEHTIKA Sat 29 Oct, O2 10CC Mon 24 Oct, Akiko Suwanaiă (violin). Programme VULA VIEL Thurs 27 Academy, Birmingham Theatre Severn, includes works by Liadov, Oct, mac, Birmingham DAVID HAMILTON'S ROCK Shrewsbury Mendelssohn & Shostakovich, Wed THE SHIMMER BAND 'N' ROLL BACK THE 26 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ABC Mon 24 Oct, YEARS Sat 29 Oct, Theatre Thurs 27 Oct, The THE ENGLISH CONCERT: BAROQUE Symphony Hall, Prince Of Wales Sugarmill, Stoke-on- MASTERS Programme includes works Birmingham Centre, Cannock Trent by Purcell, Corelli, Telemann, Vivaldi, PSYCHIC SALLY - CALL ME PSYCHIC JUSTIN BIEBER Mon 24 LADY LESHURR Thurs 27 TSB - HALLOWEEN Handel & JS Bach, Wed 26 Oct, The Mon 24 Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Oct, Genting Arena, Oct, O2 Institute, SPECIAL Sat 29 Oct, Barber Institute, Birmingham on-Trent Birmingham Havana Republic Bar Birmingham LA BOHEME Ellen Kent Opera present HEADS WILL ROLL Told By An Idiot THE DIVINE COMEDY and Restaurant, CHRIS BOURNE Thurs 27 Puccini's romantic opera. Sung in explore the themes of delusion, vani- Mon 24 Oct, Shrewsbury Oct, O2 Academy, Italian with English surtitles, Thurs 27 ty and the corruption of power, Mon Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham OBITUARY & EXODUS Sat Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent 24 - Wed 26 Oct, The REP, JAPANESE BREAKFAST 29 Oct, O2 Academy, Birmingham PUBLIC ACCESS TV FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: CLASSIC FM Mon 24 Oct, Hare & Birmingham BRUMMEGEM PALS Thurs 27 Oct, Hare & HALL OF FAME Featuring Michael Seal New play written Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham TOM JONES TRIBUTE BY (conductor), John Suchet (presen- by Malcolm Stent and Don Maclean MATT BERRY & THE MARTIN JARVIS Sat 29 about two ordinary boys caught up THE WICKED WHISPERS ter), Mihkel Poll (piano) & Zoë Beyers MAYPOLES Tues 25 Oct, Oct, Genting Club, Star in the horrors of war, Tues 25 - Wed Thurs 27 Oct, Hare & (violin). Programme includes works O2 Academy, B’ham City, Birmingham by Vaughan Williams, Uematsu, 26 Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Hounds, Birmingham Theatre BLIND BOY PAXTON Tues MAXWELL & MARY J Rachmaninov, Elga, Sibelius, Grieg, FOLK & ROOTS CLUB 25 Oct, Kitchen Garden BLIGE Sat 29 Oct, Bruch & Shore, Fri 28 Oct, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Smash-hit Thurs 27 Oct, The Cafe, Birmingham Genting Arena, B’ham Symphony Hall, Birmingham musical starring Jason Donovan as Roadhouse, B’ham record producer Sam Phillips. The THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS Y&T Sat 29 Oct, The LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH DANIEL FORT HOPE Thurs 27 story of how four stars made rock- Tues 25 Oct, The Jam Robin, Bislton LEBHARDT Programme includes Oct, The Slade Rooms, ’n’roll history, Mon 24 - Sat 29 Oct, House, Birmingham THE DELRAY ROCKETS works by JS Bach, Ades & Wolverhampton Beethoven, Fri 28 Oct, The Barber Birmingham Hippodrome MADDIE & TAE Tues 25 Sun 30 Oct, The TRUDY AND THE Institute, Birmingham HIGH JINX Fast-paced fusion of Oct, O2 Institute, Actress & Bishop, ROMANCE + FOX CHAPEL magic, illusions, escapology and Birmingham Birmingham CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: THE WOODEN + SPILT MILK SOCIETY PRINCE Featuring Cristian M celaru music, Tues 25 Oct, Stourbridge LISA HANNIGAN Tues 25 THEATRE OF HATE Sun Thurs 27 Oct, The (conductor), Martin James Bartlettă Town Hall Oct, The Glee Club, 30 Oct, O2 Academy, Sunflower Lounge, (piano) & the CBSO Youth Orchestra. MARK RADCLIFFE... SHOULD YOU BE Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Programme includes works by INTERESTED Tales of ineptitude and MARTHA FFION Tues 25 OZZMOSIS Fri 28 Oct, BEN MONTAGUE Sun 30 Copland, Gershwin & Bartok, Sun 30 encounters with some of music's Oct, Hare & Hounds, Route 44, Birmingham Oct, Hare & Hounds, Oct, Symphony Hall, Birmingham most famous names, Tues 25 Oct, Birmingham Birmingham THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Fri ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury TYGERS OF PAN TANG 28 Oct, Stafford JAH WOBBLE'S INVADERS Programme includes works by THE SOUND OF MUSICALS New pro- Tues 25 Oct, The Gatehouse Theatre OF THE HEART Sun 30 Rossini, Mendelssohn & Sibelius, gramme of show–stopping music Robin, Bilston Oct, Theatre Severn, Sun 30 Oct, Theatre Severn, and songs from the greatest GEKO Fri 28 Oct, O2 Shrewsbury NASTY + AVERSIONS Academy, Birmingham Shrewsbury Broadway and West End musicals, CROWN + MALEVOLENCE AKALA Sun 30 Oct, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Oct, Tamworth SUNSET SONS Fri 28 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS + VITJA + SAND Tues Newhampton Arts Assembly Rooms Oct, O2 Institute, TROTTER: HAPPY HALLOWEEN 25 Oct, The Rainbow Centre, Wolverhampton Birmingham Progamme includes works by Bach, THE WIZARD OF OZ presented by Venues, Birmingham ALIEN ANT FARM Sun 30 A. Guilmant, G. Edmundson, C. Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre THE DOORS ALIVE Fri 28 PAIN Tues 25 Oct, The Oct, The Slade Rooms, Saint-Saens (arr, Lemare) & L. Company, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Oct, Oct, The Robin, Bilston Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Boëllmann, Mon 31 Oct, Symphony Lichfield Garrick Wolverhampton FLATLANDS Fri 28 Oct LIVE & UNSIGNED FEA- Hall, Birmingham DISNEY ON ICE: FROZEN Tues 25 - Sun Havana Republic Bar BABAJACK Wed 26 Oct, TURING DEVIL'S DICE, 30 Oct, Barclaycard Arena, B’ham and Restaurant, The Robin, Bilston BUZZARD, CANCEL PROFESSOR BRIAN COX LIVE Wed 26 Shrewsbury TOMORROW, RKB Sun 30 MIDGE URE Wed 26 Oct, Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ASYLUMS Fri 28 Oct, Oct, The Robin, Bilston Stafford Gatehouse The Rainbow Venues, Comedy Gigs FINDERS KEEPERS Hot Coals Theatre Theatre MAXIMUM RNB WITH THE present a highly visual piece inspired Birmingham MANFREDS Sun 30 Oct, COOPE, BOYES AND by the story of Moses. Suitable for BACK TO BACHARACH Fri Regent Theatre, Stoke- HANS TEEUWEN Mon 24 Oct, The SIMPSON Wed 26 Oct, children aged eight-plus, Wed 26 28 Oct, Wolverhampton on-Trent Glee Club, Birmingham The Red Lion Folk Oct, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Club, Birmingham ULTIMATE BOWIE Sun 30 NICK DIXON, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH THE TELL-TALE HEART Tin Robot RAT PACK VEGAS SHOW Oct, Stafford ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs FOUR TOPS AND THE Theatre present a new adaptation of Fri 28 Oct, Prince Of Gatehouse Theatre 27 Oct, The Glee Club, Birmingham TEMPTATIONS Wed 26 Edgar Allen Poe's psychological Wales Centre, Cannock Oct, Genting Arena, THE LUMINEERS Sun 30 DAMIEN CLARK & LARRY DEAN Fri 28 thriller, Wed 26 - Sat 29 Oct, Old Birmingham TAIL FEATHER Fri 28 Oct, Oct, O2 Academy, Oct, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham DMA'S Wed 26 Oct, O2 NICK DIXON, PHIL ELLIS, EDDY BRIMSON MIDLAND OPERA PRESENT CAVALLERIA Birmingham Institute, Birmingham BEN POOLE BAND Sun 30 COMIC TBC Fri 28 - Sat 29 Oct, The RUSTICANA & I PAGLIACCI Wed 26 - Sat BONDAX Fri 28 Oct, The Oct, Lichfield Guildhall Glee Club, Birmingham 29 Oct, The Old Rep, Birmingham EMMA BLACKERY Wed Rainbow Venues, 26 Oct, O2 Academy, TOM CHAPLIN Sun 30 ALISTAIR BARRIE, MIKE NEWALL, CAIMH CINDERELLA THE MUSICAL Tadlop Birmingham Birmingham Oct, The Glee Club, MCDONNELL & IVO GRAHAM Fri 28 Oct, present an amateur staging of the JP COOPER Sat 29 Oct, Birmingham The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Rodgers & Hammerstein musical LEO GREEN'S SOUND OF O2 Institute, B’ham classic, Wed 26 - Sat 29 Oct, The THE 50'S Wed 26 Oct, SKYE AND ROSS FROM ROMESH RANGANATHAN Sat 29 Oct, Place, Oakengates, Shropshire Prince Of Wales LADY MAISERY Sat 29 MORCHEEBA Sun 30 Victoria Hall, Stoke-onTrent Centre, Cannock Oct, The Hive, Oct, Bramall Music JOEL DOMMETT Sat 29 Oct, Stafford LA BOHEME Ellen Kent Opera present Shrewsbury Building, Birmingham Puccini's famous romantic work. IAN PARKER & HIS BAND Gatehouse Theatre Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Thurs 27 Oct, The BARS AND MELODY Sat THE JAPANESE HOUSE MILES JUPP Sat 29 Oct, Birmingham Thurs 27 Oct, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Robin, Bilston 29 Oct, O2 Institute, Mon 31 Oct, O2 Town Hall Birmingham Institute, Birmingham on-Trent

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thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 October A BLACK COUNTRY FAIRYTALE... AY IT! CHANGED Critically acclaimed comedy Fizzog Productions weave together stage adaption of the cult TV classic, various fairytales in one 'spectacular' Sat 29 Oct, mac, Birmingham production, Thurs 27 Oct, VAMPIRES ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Sequel Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to the phenomenally successful A MUSICAL MEDLEY An evening of Vampires Rock Musical Concert, Sat entertainment and laughter inspired 29 Oct, Wolverhampton Grand by Dr Terry Gasper, Thurs 27 Oct, Theatre Stratford Artshouse CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING: THE DINOSAURS 2: THE MAGIC CUTLASS Les TRIBUTE SHOW Homage to ‘the great- Petits present an action-packed est movie soundtrack of all time’, adventure for children, a sequel to Thurs 27 Oct, New Alexandra Captain Flinn And The Pirate Theatre, Birmingham Dinosaurs, which, in turn, is based PENGUIN! ELEPHANT! New show com- on the popular book by Giles bining original songs, physical come- Andarea and Russell Ayto, Sun 30 dy and dance. Suitable for young Oct, Birmingham Town Hall audiences, Thurs 27 Oct, FEMALE GOTHIC Rebecca Vaughan Newhampton Arts Centre, (Dalloway, Austen's Women) stars in Wolverhampton this chilling one-woman show which The Fizzogs: A Black Country Fairytale...Ay It! - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre FIRST STAGES: MAVIS SPARKLE M6’s celebrates three lost Gothic works cosmic new production, mixing from Victorian-era female writers, magic, animation and laughter, urges Mon 31 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse at the spooktacular haunted castle, its audience to dust away doubts, fol- Theatre Film Mon 24 - Fri 28 Oct, Tamworth low their dreams and reach for the THE MOUSETRAP Touring production INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Castle, Staffordshire stars. Age recommendation is four- of Agatha Christie's famous thriller - MONSTER MAYHEM Halloween-themed plus, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Oct, The REP, the longest-running show in the his- activities make a paper bag puppet, Birmingham tory of British theatre, Mon 31 Oct - BAFTA SHORTS 2016 (15) Seven short monster bookmark and a monster WHAT SHADOWS Roxana Silbert- Sat 5 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, live-action and animated films from mask. Join in the trail, play games directed play starring Ian McDiarmid Birmingham BAFTA. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed and delve into ‘yucky’ boxes, Mon 24 as Enoch Powell, Thurs 27 Oct - Sat 26 Oct - Fri 28 Oct, Selly Manor, Bournville, 12 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Read THE DRESSMAKER (12) Jocelyn Birmingham more on page 26 Moorhouse directs this Australian MAMMOTH MYSTERIES FAMILY THE NOSE THAT NOBODY PICKED Dance revenge comedy starring Kate WORKSHOP Make a replica cast of a Surreal yarn for all the family, with Winslet as Myrtle Dunnage, a woman mammoth bone, Mon 24 - Fri 28 Oct, songs and, we’re reliably informed, who returns to her hometown to take Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, ‘snot’! Suitable for children aged five- ROMEO AND JULIET Ballet Theatre UK care of her ailing mother, Molly (Judy Craven Arms, South Shropshire Davis). Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, plus, Fri 28 Oct, mac, Birmingham present a passionate and innovative SPOOKY TALES & CRAFTS Mon 24 - Fri Thurs 27 Oct DOREEN’S FINAL GRAND NIGHT OUT recreation of the world's greatest love 28 Oct, Stokesay Castle, Craven Satirical stand-up, music and video story. Thurs 27 Oct, Prince of Wales HALLOWEEN SHORTS This collection of Arms, South Shropshire Centre, Cannock silent horror shorts celebrates the surprises as Doreen assesses the HALLOWEEN SCREAM NIGHTS Uncover inventive and the imaginative in early state of the nation, Fri 28 Oct, Forest PINOCCHIO: JASMIN VARDIMON the haunting mystery of the Priory cinema with a selection of rarely Arts Centre, Walsall COMPANY A brand new adaptation of Fields, discover the gory secret of seen films on the lighter side of hor- the classic tale, based on the original Mrs Piggot’s Pie Shop, feel the fear SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL Popular ror and, forming the programme's book by Collodi and performed by on the ‘Destruction’ trailer ride, and musical visiting the magical world of centrepiece, one of the truly dark but Vardimon's multi-talented dancers, risk never sleeping with the lights off Dr Seuss and featuring much-loved little-known masterpieces of the Sat 29 Oct, Theatre Severn, again when you visit the House of characters including The Cat In The avant-garde in silent cinema. Old Shrewsbury Insomnia, Mon 24 - Mon 31 Oct, Hat, Horton The Elephant, Gertrude Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Sat 29 Oct McFuzz, Amazing Mayzie and JoJo, Lower Drayton Farm, Stafford Fri 28 & Sat 29 Oct, Theatre Severn, TUESDAY TILE DECORATING Shrewsbury NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: WORKSHOPS Tues 25 Oct, Jackfield KICKING & SCREAMING An ‘honest, Released from Fri 28 Oct, showing at Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire funny and touching’ show with a live Talks selected cinemas ZOMBIE DAY Arrive dressed as a zom- score played on children’s instru- I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) bie and enjoy scary stories, craft ments, Fri 28 Oct, Lichfield Garrick LEVEL UP SEASON 4.5 VS TONGUE FU activities and glassmaking, Wed 26 Featuring some of the sharpest IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE (tbc) DRACULA: THE MUSICAL Amateur pro- Oct, Red House Glass Cone, poets, storytellers, rappers and JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK (tbc) duction presented by Blue Orange Stourbridge comedians around, accompanied by Arts and Night Project Theatre, Fri 28 OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL (tbc) CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES - a live soundtrack from the Tongue Fu Oct - Sat 5 Nov, The Blue Orange HALLOWEEN FUN Band, Tues 25 Oct, The REP, B’ham PHANTOM BOY (PG) Meet Dusty, Theatre, Birmingham Dudmaston's spooky cat and take KEN CLARKE IN CONVERSATION Join the THE QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) PAJAMA MEN: 2 MAN 3 MUSKETEERS her trail around the garden. Can you Tory Grandee as he talks about his TROLLS (PG) Two comedians attempt to stage an answer all her questions to win a autobiography, Kind Of Blue, which epic historical romance novel in prize? Venture back to the marquee charts his rise from a working-class under an hour, Sat 29 Oct, Stafford to make a scary puppet or Jack background and 46 years as an MP, Gatehouse Theatre O'Lantern to take home, Wed 26 Oct, Fri 28 Oct, Stratford Artshouse Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire A CORUCOPIA OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN AN AUDIENCE WITH MARTIN KEMP Fri Sat 29 Oct, Festival Drayton, Market Events HALLOWEEN HOCUS POCUS Thurs 27 - 28 Oct, Stourbridge Town Hall Drayton, North Shropshire Fri 28 Oct, Dudley Zoological MICHAEL PORTILLO - LIFE: A GAME OF Gardens MANDELA: LET FREEDOM REIGN Nelson CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES - TWO HALVES Mon 31 Oct, Wulfrun Mandela returns to earth to retell his HALLOWEEN FUN Meet Dusty, BIRMINGHAM BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL Hall, Wolverhampton remarkable story, Sat 29 Oct, Arena Dudmaston's spooky cat and take Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Oct, New Bingley Theatre, Wolverhampton her trail around the garden. Can you Hall, Birmingham answer all her questions to win a SPILLKIN: A LOVE STORY Pipeline BRICKLIVE Celebrating all things prize? Venture back to the marquee Theatre Company present a love LEGO, Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Oct, NEC, to make a scary puppet or Jack story with a difference, Sat 29 Oct, Birmingham O'Lantern to take home, Mon 24 Oct, SpArc Theatre, Bishops Castle, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire LOCKDOWN III - SANATORIUM Thurs 27 Shropshire - Sun 30 Oct, The Dana Prison, HAUNTED CASTLE Ghostly goings on KNIGHTMARE LIVE: THE GAME HAS Shrewsbury

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thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 October HALLOWEEN NIGHTS The popular visi- Blists Hill Victorian Town transformed Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge Park, Staffordshire tor attraction gets into the Halloween into an eerie place filled with ghosts, SPOOKY HALLOWEEN Dress in your HALLOWEEN NIGHTS The popular visi- ‘spirit’, Fri 28 - Sat 29 Oct, Black ghouls and monsters, Sat 29 Oct, best costume and be prepared for tor attraction gets into the Halloween Country Living Museum, Dudley Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire some spine-tingling fun, Sun 30 Oct, ‘spirit’, Mon 31 Oct, Black Country THE MONSTER BALL Fri 28 - Sat 29 CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN EVENING Get Birmingham Botanical Gardens Living Museum, Dudley Oct, West Midland Safari and Leisure dressed up in your spookiest cos- DIWALI - CELEBRATION MUSIC, FOOD & STEVE BACKSHALL'S WILD WORLD Park, Bewdley, Worcestershire tume and enjoy the ghostly goings- DANCE FESTIVAL Sun 30 Oct, Illustrated with photos and films from THE MURDEROUS MANSION: SPOOKY on around the castle, Sat 29 Oct, Birmingham Botanical Gardens his expeditions, Mon 31 Oct, Regent Tamworth Castle ENCOUNTERS Meet the Master of the PHOTOGRAPHY WALK Photographer- Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Mansion, hear his spooky tale and STEVE BACKSHALL'S WILD WORLD led walk around the estate, Sun 30 GHOST SEARCH A ghost walk around take on his tricky task, Fri 28 - Sun Illustrated with photos and films from Oct, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire the medieval castle, with vigils con- 30 Oct, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury his expeditions, Sat 29 Oct, ducted in reputedly haunted rooms, Birmingham Town Hall CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES - STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS HALLOWEEN FUN Meet Dusty, Mon 31 Oct, Tamworth Castle Outdoor screening followed by a THE WEST MIDLANDS VEGAN FESTIVAL Dudmaston's spooky cat and take ‘galactic’ firework and laser show, Fri Celebrating and promoting vegan her trail around the garden. Can you 28 - Sun 30 Oct, Drayton Manor lifestyles, Sat 29 - Sun 30 Oct, Civic answer all her questions to win a Theme Park, Staffordshire Hall, Wolverhampton prize? Venture back to the marquee PUMPKIN FLOTILLA Watch pumpkins ELIZABETHAN LIVING HISTORY EVENT to make a scary puppet or Jack float across the Mill Pond at twilight, Reenactments of Elizabethan life, O'Lantern to take home, Sun 30 Oct, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Oct, Sarehole Mill, with costumes, music and dancing, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire Birmingham Sat 29 - Sun 30 Oct, Harvington Hall, MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTIVAL Featuring CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN Special kids’ Kidderminster alternative therapies, psychic one-to- boat trips through Dudley’s under- FEMALE KING: THE LIFE & TIMES OF one readings, complementary heal- ground caverns, Fri 28 - Mon 31 Oct, HATSHEPSUT Profile of a woman who, ing, mediumship, tarot, angel cards, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone 3,000 years ago, took the throne of well-being and beauty products, ethi- Mines Egypt, Sat 29 Oct, Herbert Art cal cosmetics, crystals, incense, fair- HALLOWEEN GHOST TOURS AND BALL Gallery & Museum, Coventry trade gifts and alternative crafts, Sun Hear about Burton's resident ghosts THE LOCKSMITH'S HOUSE - HORRIBLE 30 Oct, Royal International Pavilion, and listen to their tales of passion, HISTORIES Horrible Willenhall Llangollen scandal and tragedy, Fri 28 - Mon 31 Histories, a spooky, themed trail and KICK ASS ENDURANCE Hardcore out- Oct, National Brewery Centre, family-friendly ghost stories, Sat 29 door physical events including mud Burton-upon-Trent Oct, Black Country Living Museum, runs, obstacle courses, 10k road/off- GHOSTLY GASLIGHT Dress up in your Dudley road runs, half-marathons and most scary costume and discover TRICK OR TREAT Sat 29 - Sun 30 Oct, marathons, Sun 30 Oct, Weston

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