Worcestershire Cover April 2018.qxp_Worcestershire Cover 23/03/2018 14:06 Page 1

Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands WICKED RETURNS TO THE MIDLANDS WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S APRIL ON 2018 Worcestershire ISSUE 388 APRIL 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On worcestershirewhatson.co.uk PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

THE LITTLE UNSAID rock, folk, electronica, jazz and alt-pop at The Marr’s Bar TWITTER:@WHATSONWORCS

HARRY STYLES One Direction star goes it alone at the Genting Arena FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWORCESTERSHIRE

FAST AND FURIOUS stunts, special effects and 3D

WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK projections at the Arena... (IFC) Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 15:10 Page 1 Contents April Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:33 Page 2

April 2018

Contents

Bollywood farce - Nigel Planer’s The Game Of Love & Chai opens at the Belgrade - feature page 8

Martine McCutcheon Wicked Romeo And Juliet the list

the Love Actually star Lost hit musical returns to cast its brand new RSC staging of the your 16-page And Found at The Core spell over Midlands audiences world’s most famous love story week-by-week listings guide page 17 feature page 22 page 24 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 35. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Ellie Hutchings [email protected] 01743 281706 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee 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 Warwickshire April.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 11:40 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Ronan Keating to play Coventry’s Godiva Fest Former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating will headline this year’s Godiva Festival on Sunday 2 September. And the Irish heartthrob, who’s forged a hugely successful solo career since the leg- endary boyband called it a day, is very much looking forward to performing in Coventry. “I haven’t spent that much time in the city, so I'm not an expert in any way, but it’s a cool town, cool people and they love their music, which is very important to me. I’m looking forward to playing there, seeing everybody and singing a few tunes.” At the time of going to print, talks are also underway to add Gabrielle to the Godiva Fes- tival line-up, with further acts expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit godivafestival.com

A Countrytastic time at 100 million downloads, sees Jamie Morton One-woman Sex And The and his best pals, James Cooper and Radio Malvern’s showground One DJ Alice Levine, read a ‘lost chapter’ City visits the Midlands from Jamie’s dad’s ‘dirty book’. A one-woman show visiting the Midlands My Dad Wrote A Porno: Live visits the arts next month will pay tribute to the hit US TV centre on Saturday 19 May. series Sex And The City. Kerry Ipema takes on the role of all four of the series’ leading characters when she visits The Swan Theatre in Worcester, Solihull’s Core Theatre, Artrix in Bromsgrove and Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn on 1, 9, 10 and 11 May respectively. “I hope to create an environment that’s very similar to the girls’ brunches,” says Kerry. An event aimed at providing children with an “There’s a lot of drinking, there’s a lot of fun, enjoyable introduction to the countryside is there’s a lot of laughter, and I like to source a making a welcome return this month. lot of material from the audience, so every Countrytastic takes place at the Three Coun- show is different.” Check out each venue’s ties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, Were you a dirty stop-out? website for further details. on Thursday 5 April, and offers visitors ‘an action-packed day of discovery’. A publishing company is on the lookout for BBC Countryfile farmer Adam Henson head- someone to write its forthcoming book about lines a show that also features tractor and Birmingham’s nightlife, music and fashion trailer rides, a hands-on farm kitchen attrac- scene during the 1970s. tion for youngsters, a pottery workshop and Dirty Stop Outs Ltd has already published the chance to enjoy countryside activities in- guides to 1970s Coventry, Manchester and cluding bird-nest making, willow weaving Liverpool. and whistle making. The company’s Neil Anderson said: “We need to find someone who can truly capture the essence of what was happening in the city in Smash-hit podcast show the 1970s. We want to come up with a book set to visit Coventry that takes people straight back to that time The team behind My Dad Wrote A Porno are and celebrates the legacy of the era that next month bringing a live version of the spawned heavy metal and so much more.” smash-hit podcast to Warwick Arts Centre in For more information, contact Neil on Coventry. The cult show, which boasts nearly [email protected]

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First Word

Military history on show at British Motor Museum The British Motor Museum will once again be hosting the Gay- don Military Show this autumn (Sunday 30 September). Now in its third year, the show encompasses all aspects of mili- tary history and features a range of activities to enjoy. “The event is a real step back in time,” says organiser Tom Caren. “There’ll be the chance for visitors to make a weekend of it and camp in the grounds. We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in dis- playing their military vehicle or selling vintage fashion and mili- taria.” To find out more about the Gay- Jellyfish invasion at the National Sea Life Centre! don Military Show, visit british- A brand new permanent exhibition at Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre has opened in time for motormuseum.co.uk or call Easter. 01926 641188. Jelly Invaders features five different jellyfish species from across the world - from the bizarre freshwa- ter upside-down jellyfish to the glittering ‘sea nettle’ variety from the Indo-Pacific. The Final Curtain Commenting on the new attraction, curator Jonny Rudd said: “Jellyfish are actually older than di- nosaurs, as it’s believed they first swam in our oceans some 500 million years ago. With more than for Robert and Lisa 350 different species, there’s a lot to uncover!” Two well-known television faces For further information or to pre-book tickets, visit sealife.co.uk/birmingham. team up in Malvern next month to star in a brand new play about England’s greatest fic- tional detective. B-SIDE is back! Read all about it! Tales from Coventry’s Robert Powell takes the title role in Sherlock Holmes: The Final diverse history in unique mini-festival Curtain, with Liza Goddard star- With Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre marking its 60th anniversary this ring as the wife of the Victorian year, celebrations will get into full swing this summer with an ambi- sleuth’s former associate, Dr tious performance takeover of the nearby Coventry Evening Tele- John Watson. A new thriller graph building. Running from 10 to 14 July, a unique mini-festival from award-winning dramatist Simon Reade, the production entitled Read All About It! will bring together professional perform- shows at Malvern Theatre from ers from Mercurial Dance with the Belgrade’s own community com- panies for two site-specific shows inspired by the city’s diverse 21 to 26 May. Birmingham Hippodrome’s history. For more information, visit belgrade.co.uk free annual festival cele- A New Year party, brating all things hip-hop Bangla style! returns next month. Now in its third year, B- Birmingham Town Hall is SIDE Hip-Hop Festival this month takes place from Wednes- hosting a spe- day 9 to Sunday 13 May cial celebration and features outdoor per- in recognition formances, pop-up dance of Pohela events, interactive talks, Boishakh, the live graffiti art and a pro- Bangla New Year. The Sunday 22 gramme of high-energy April family event will see the workshops. city’s Bangladeshi community come together to enjoy an For more information, visit evening of traditional food and birminghamhippodrome.c music. For more information, om/bside and visit thsh.co.uk facebook.com/bside2018

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Readers' Awards Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 12:13 Page 1

Readers’ What’sOn Awards WINNERS announced... With over 50,000 votes cast in the What’s OnReaders’ Awards 2018 - we are delighted to announce your winners...

Midlands Large Theatre Best Kids Show Best Dance Production WINNER Gangsta Granny WINNER Birmingham Royal Ballet’s RUNNER-UP The Snowman The Nutcracker RUNNER-UP Matthew Bourne’s Best Festive Show The Red Shoes WINNER A Christmas Carol - The RSC RUNNER-UP The Lion, The Witch and Best Classical Production The Wardrobe - Crescent Theatre inc Opera WINNER CBSO Spectacular Classics Best Pantomime RUNNER-UP Birmingham Bach Choir: Handel’s Messiah WINNER Birmingham Hippodrome Best Orchestra/Choir RUNNER-UP Wolverhampton Grand WINNER Birmingham Philharmonic Best Touring Musical Orchestra RUNNER-UP CBSO WINNER Jersey Boys RUNNER-UP Billy Elliot Best Midlands Arts/ Best Touring Play Cultural Festival WINNER The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time RUNNER-UP Shirley Valentine In The Midlands 2017/18 Best Touring Company WINNER Jack and The Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre RUNNER-UP Cinderella - Birmingham Hippodrome Best Panto Dame WINNER Ian Adams - Jack and The Beanstalk at Wolverhampton Grand WINNER Birmingham Weekender Theatre RUNNER-UP Lichfield Fuse Festival RUNNER-UP Sam Rabone - Aladdin at Lichfield Garrick Theatre Best Exhibition Best Amateur Dramatic Group WINNER Wildlife Photographer of the WINNER The Fizzogs Year 2017 - Wolverhampton Art Gallery RUNNER-UP Motionhouse WINNER West Bromwich Operatic RUNNER-UP Quentin Blake: Inside Society (WBOS) Stories - Compton Verney Art Gallery Best Home-Produced Show In RUNNER-UP Mad Cow Productions The Midlands Best Independent Cinema Best Amateur Production WINNER Nativity! The Musical - WINNER Electric Cinema - Birmingham Birmingham Repertory Theatre WINNER Hairspray - Get Your Wigle On RUNNER-UP Light House Media Centre RUNNER-UP Alice in Wonderland - RUNNER-UP Present Laughter - - Wolverhampton The Old Rep Mad Cow Productions 6 whatsonlive.co.uk Readers' Awards Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 12:13 Page 2

Readers’ Awards

Best Midlands Live Band Best Midlands Street Food Vendor WINNER UB40 WINNER The Meat Shack RUNNER-UP Black Sabbath RUNNER-UP Bournville Waffle Co. Best Midlands Retail Best Midlands Comedian Shopping Centre WINNER Joe Lycett WINNER Bullring, Birmingham RUNNER-UP Greg Davies RUNNER-UP Grand Central, Birmingham Best Midlands Comedy Night Best Midlands Chef WINNER Comedy Carousel at The Glee Club, Birmingham Best Midlands Music Venue RUNNER-UP Funhouse Comedy WINNER Symphony Hall, Birmingham RUNNER-UP Genting Arena, Birmingham Best Midlands Food Festival WINNER Lichfield Food Festival Best Midlands Music Festival RUNNER-UP Ludlow Food Festival WINNER Lichfield Festival RUNNER-UP Shrewsbury Folk Festival Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award Best Midlands Musician WINNER Julie Walters WINNER Laura Mvula RUNNER-UP Doreen Tipton RUNNER-UP Scott Matthews WINNER Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Bham) RUNNER-UP Adam Stokes (B’ham)

and the winners in your region... Warwickshire Best Event Best Music Venue WINNER Godiva Festival WINNER Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Best Arts/Theatre Venue RUNNER-UP Art In The Park RUNNER-UP The Iron Road, Evesham WINNER The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Best Visitor Attraction Best Visitor Attraction RUNNER-UP Belgrade Theatre WINNER Warwick Castle Best Music Venue RUNNER-UP Coventry Music Museum WINNER Warwick Arts Centre Best Gallery Exhibition Venue RUNNER-UP Leamington Assembly WINNER Herbert Art Gallery and Museum Rooms RUNNER-UP Coventry Music Museum

Best Festival Best Independent Restaurant WINNER Godiva Festival WINNER La Coppola, Leamington Spa RUNNER-UP Stratford River Festival RUNNER-UP Lambs, Stratford-upon-Avon WINNER Severn Valley Railway Best Independent Cafe/Coffee Shop RUNNER-UP West Midlands Safari Park WINNER The Big Comfy Bookshop, Coventry Best Festival WINNER Worcester Festival RUNNER-UP The Fourteas, RUNNER-UP Asparafest Stratford-upon-Avon Best Independent Cafe/Coffee Shop Worcestershire WINNER G&Tea, Worcester RUNNER-UP Mac & Jac’s Cafe, Worcester Best Arts/Theatre Venue WINNER Malvern Theatres You can find a full list of winners RUNNER-UP Swan Theatre, Worcester at whatsonlive.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Love & Chai DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 16:04 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Love & Chai DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 16:04 Page 2

by Stephen Taylor

WHEN RANI MET RAJ A classic French farce is given the Bollywood treatment in Nigel Planer’s new touring show, The Game Of Love & Chai. What’s On caught up with the play’s director, Jatinder Verma...

Mention farce to many people and what might Confused? You won’t be, according to Verma. music and the songs in the text. What I find spring to mind is an image of Brian Rix with “The premise is, ‘Okay, I want to disguise interesting is that in the plays of Moliere and his trousers around his ankles, as doors fly myself to find out if the person I’m going to Marivaux there tends to be an interlude, and open and slam shut all around him, on the marry is genuine’. Then you add to that in a completely different way, we’ve got those stage of the Whitehall Theatre in the 1950s premise another one, which is that the interludes in our version too. The meeting of and ‘60s. person who they’re supposed to be getting one pair of lovers is all done through music, In the 1970s, Fawlty Towers elevated farce to married to has exactly the same idea!” because they love singing, so it’s very much character-driven.” an art form, while Benny Hill’s rather As the events unfold in front of a British implausible popularity in the United States Asian family backdrop, Verma sees many Of course, Planer’s popularity on TV, the was based on elements of the genre that were parallels with modern society: “In an Asian West End stage, the big screen and even in incorporated into his routines. By the ’80s, setting, it gets closer to the heart of Marivaux. the pop charts was always likely to raise the farce had become a staple ingredient of TV In the 18th century, marriage was a business, production’s profile: “It has obviously meant comedy, with the anarchic sitcom, The Young and the jeopardy that a woman faced was that there’s been a greater amount of Ones, drawing heavily from the tradition to that her entire possessions would be given publicity, which is all very good, but from my create some of TV’s most hilarious moments. over to the man. point of view, I think the best thing is that Some of the show’s most farcical scenes “That’s not that far away from the modern Nigel is such a trouper. He comes to see featured Neil, the long-haired hippie notion of marriage - certainly amongst shows, he’s been in rehearsals, he’s very character played by Nigel Planer, so it’s rather Asians. The stakes for women are much prepared to move things around, and is very fitting that his new play, The Game Of Love & greater once you put it in this sort of setting. supportive. He has a number of ‘groupies’ Chai, is an adaptation of Pierre de Marivaux’s It seemed to make more sense that she’s so who like The Young Ones, and that’s great - a 1730 comedy farce, Le Jeu de l’amour et du determined to see if the person actually loves number of them have come to see the show.” hazard - albeit relocated to a modern culture her, rather than loves the fact that she’s rich So what can audiences expect to experience far away from its original Parisian setting. and she’s educated.” when The Game Of Love & Chai rolls into The Tara Arts production of the play shows at According to Verma, the play “makes no Coventry? “It’s a comedy, so they should the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, this month, apology about falling in love, which is very expect to have a number of laughs. It’s and Jatinder Verma, co-founder of the much a part of Bollywood films”. beautifully designed and it’s got some great company and the play’s director, is pleased to song & dance routines. It’s all about how Planer’s enthusiasm for Bollywood, arguably have collaborated with Planer. “This is Nigel’s tricky the game of love is, so in many ways India’s most famous contribution to pop version of the classic French farce, and it’s it’s a complete and wonderful antidote to the culture, is not overlooked on stage: “I think been a delight working with him. I think he’s current doom and gloom of austerity, Brexit what’s great is that Bollywood is quite up done a very, very good job in terms of and all that. Things are bad enough, but at front and in your face. For Nigel, the comedy adapting it to an Asian setting.” least for a couple of hours in the theatre, we that he likes is also in your face, so it seems can think of something else.” The strapline for The Game Of Love & Chai is to me that there’s a connection between the When Rani Met Raj - yet this only reveals part two.” of the plot. In true farce tradition, before they In the best tradition of Bollywood movies, meet and without each other’s knowledge, The Game Of Love & Chai shows at the The Game Of Love & Chai contains its fair Rani swaps places with Sita, her cousin, while Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Tuesday share of tunes. “This was the other joy of Raj makes a switch with Nitin, his driver. 24 to Saturday 28 April Nigel’s script, that he’d incorporated the

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Food

tion from the specials board - on this occasion, Cornish lemon sole fillet, sweetcorn chowder, crab dumplings and cerrano ham. This turned out to be a ter- rific mix of textures and flavours, from flaky fish to crispy ham, smooth chowder to chunky pota- toes. I opted for Keralan baked cod and coconut curry, which came with basmati rice and roti bread. It was one of the lightest curries I’ve ever had. The delicate fish was set in a gently spiced sauce that was surprisingly light given the coconut content. After a lengthy break - further proof of how relaxed we’d be- come - we were ready to go for dessert, choosing lemon and passion fruit pavlova and long- term favourite créme brûlée. My partner described the former as “very tart - but in a good way”, while my brûlée was per- fect, the seriously crunchy top- ping giving way to beautifully specials board - too, with the REVIEW: The Almanack comforting custard within. I also evening selection including a loved the crumbly pistachio Great food, reasonable prices and range of tapas-style deli plates shortbread that accompanied it. (£4 each) as well as starters a very relaxing environment I later discovered this was (£5.50-£10.50), mains (£13-£25) gluten-free - as were all but one and desserts (£5.25 to £7.75, or Going out could be the new stay- lace after a tough day at the of- of the desserts on the menu (the £10.50 for the sharing cheese ing in if the relaxed experience fice, and it also gets plenty of chocolate cheesecake) - a board). we enjoyed at Kenilworth’s daytime custom from shoppers thoughtful as well as very mod- homely gastro pub The Al- and parents in need of a break My partner kicked off with what ern touch from head chef Jakub manack is anything to go by. with some coffee and cake. turned out to be our favourite Fijak, who is one to watch on the Manager Ania Juszkiewicz wel- The latter have become a reliable dish of the night - pan-seared strength of those scallops alone. scallops served with pork belly, comed us like old friends, and segment of the pub’s clientele, With a warming hot chocolate to pea puree and peashoot salad. whether she knew it or not, her which has been part of the send us on our way after a truly Heaven on a plate. Cooked to cheery smile and gregarious town’s furniture for the past 10 enjoyable evening, we decided perfection, the delicate melt-in- chatter were just what the doctor years but still feels new, not least we’d found a ‘nack’ to winding the-mouth scallops contrasted ordered after a long working because a recent refit - including down after the working week. week. As was the pint of Purity the addition of half-moon booths beautifully with the meat of the Longhorn IPA I promptly ideal for small dining groups - pork belly, the flavours further Steve Adams supped, which in contrast to has accentuated the contempo- heightened by the light pea considered opinion, helped alle- rary feel. puree. Stunning. Food: nnnnn Service: viate rather than intensify the The environment is also aided by My chicken and bacon cro- nnnnn Ambience: headache I’d felt developing. Or exemplary service, on the night quettes with chilli jam were great nnnnn Overall value maybe it was just the cosy atmo- provided by our fantastic wait- - the crispy breadcrumbed coat- nnnnn OVERALL sphere that aided our overall de- ress Jamie. Always friendly and ing encasing a generous soft fill- nnnnn stressing. Either way, we quickly attentive but never obtrusive, she ing with lovely hits of bacon - but The Almanack felt at home in our surroundings. was enthusiastic about the menu frankly weren’t in the same league. I know what I’m having Abbey End North The Almanack, which is part of and informative about the wines Kenilworth next time. the Peach group of gastro pubs, (and there’s a great selection CV8 1QJ is definitely the sort of place from which to choose). For her main dish, my partner Tel: 01926 353637 you’d wander into for some so- There’s plenty on the menu - and chose the ‘What’s the fish?’ op-

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APRIL/MAY HIGHLIGHTS

3-4 APR

DEAR ZOO

£14.00 The annual 6 APR Festival celebrates the centenary of the creation of Czechoslovakia CLARE TEAL & HER MINI BIG and the end of the BAND - SWING'S THE THING Great War £25.00 ...... Friday 4 May at 7:30pm 21 APR PRAŽÁK STRING QUARTET WITH IVAN KLÁNSKÝ piano Suk, Smetana, Dvořák ...... Saturday 5 May at 12:00pm PRAŽÁK STRING QUARTET SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS Suk, Smetana, Dvořák 3pm SHOW ONLY £23.50 ...... Saturday 5 May at 7:30pm 28 APR GUARNERI PIANO TRIO Smetana, Suk, Martinů, Dvořák ...... Sunday 6 May at 12:00pm JANA VONÁŠKOVÁ- NOVÁKOVÁ violin & 12 MILLION VOLTS MARTIN KASÍK piano Smetana, Schulhoff, Dvořák, Suk £17.00 ...... Sunday 6 May at 7:30pm 4 MAY ENSEMBLE 360 Reicha, Janáček, Kabeláč, Schulhoff, Smetana, Martinů ...... Monday 7 May at 12:30pm AN EVENING WITH MARTIN KASÍK piano PAUL GAMBACCINI Janáček, Smetana, Dvořák, Schulhoff, Fiser, Slavický £25.50 ...... 24 MAY Monday 7 May at 7:30pm MICHAEL COLLINS clarinet & PIATTI STRING QUARTET Reicha, Schulhoff , Bridge, Bliss ...... Tuesday 8 May at 12:00pm THE UPBEAT BEATLES JACK MCNEILL clarinet DAVID LE PAGE violin £23.00 VIV MCLEAN piano Bliss, York Bowen, Elgar, Debussy, 26 MAY Stravinsky ...... Tuesday 8 May at 7:30pm RODERICK WILLIAMS baritone & IAIN BURNSIDE piano Browne, Farrar, Butterworth, THE OPERA BOYS Schubert Schwanengesang £22.00

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 For tickets and details www.lichfieldgarrick.com of these concerts visit LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, www.leamingtonmusic.org LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR Or call 01926 334418 12 whatsonlive.co.uk Food April Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 15:20 Page 4

Food

Leamington eatery bags coveted awards Leamington Spa’s Millennium Balti has won the Best Asian Restaurant in Warwickshire and Male Entrepreneur of the Year titles at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2018. The awards are the latest industry recognition for a venue that’s been making its presence felt on the Midlands culinary scene for a number of years now. Vegan festival returns for a second year Coventry’s FarGo Village is this month hosting its second vegan festival. The debut event proved a big hit with visitors last year, and organisers are expecting this month’s get-together to be equally well received. The festival runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday 14 April and then from 11am to 4pm on Sunday the 15th.

City centre restaurant unveils its spring menu Birmingham city centre restaurant and bar The Botanist has launched a new Pizza and prosecco festival heading for Coventry menu. Highlights include a flat iron steak sandwich with whipped garlic After a hugely successful national tour in 2017, the Pizza & Prosecco Festival is visiting Coventry goats cheese, crispy calamari coated this summer. A preliminary but subject-to-change date has been set for 21 July, with the host venue with fajita salt, and a new range of yet to be announced. vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free The boutique event will see every ticket-holder given a free slice of pizza and an Aperol Spritz options. These include charred cocktail. Dancers, live music and vendors selling gluten-free and vegan options also feature. edamame beans with chilli, garlic and Visitors can enjoy more than 20 different types of prosecco, a variety of sparkling cocktails from sesame oil, and harissa aubergine steak the Tiny Tipple Van and delicious pizza from traders such as Doughboys, Ffwrnes and The Original with saffron and almond couscous. Goodfillas.

New Birmingham brasserie set to open this month A 135-cover brasserie will open its doors in the heart of Birmingham on Wednesday 11 April. The Ivy is situated on the city’s Temple Row, in a building formerly occupied by Louis Vuitton, and will offer sophisticated yet relaxed all-day dining. The menu will include a truffle chicken sandwich, The Ivy Collection shepherd’s pie and seasonal grilled fish, as well as light and healthy brunch options, afternoon teas and an extensive cocktail menu. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Patrick Kincaid DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:54 Page 1 Patrick Kincaid DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:54 Page 2

MONSTERS, MYSTERIES & MOVIE MAGIC... Coventry author Patrick Kincaid talks about his debut novel, The Continuity Girl

Following a successful online campaign that her dilemma seemed to contrast nicely with has won the backing of established novelists Jim’s. I’m very pleased that there’s this con- and American movie-makers alike, Coventry temporary element, because we live in inter- author Patrick Kincaid has launched his esting times. And it means I can let my 1969 debut novel, The Continuity Girl. characters be true to themselves, without What’s On caught up with him to find out being tempted to apologise for them. more about it... There’s a lot about identity and place in What’s your novel about, Patrick? the novel. Tell us a bit about your own It’s a comic love story, set in 2014 and 1969. In background. 2014, a film studies lecturer, Gemma, gets the I’m what our PM might call ‘a citizen of the gig of her career: introducing a newly discov- world’! Actually, I’m a product of the Cold ered, full-length cut of her favourite film, Billy War, and of the ‘special relationship’… Dad Wilder’s The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes, met Mum when he was stationed with the at a film festival in Scotland. She seeks out USAF in East Anglia in the ’60s, and I was the film’s continuity supervisor, April Ko- born in Texas a few years later. Eventually, rzeniowski, to interview before the screening, Dad sought a posting back to England and and through her finds out all about what hap- we’ve been here ever since. April in the novel pened when the film was shot in 1969. But we has a similar background - though she’s a also find out about what happened in 1969 - product of World War Two. Jim is displaced at least, during the location shoot on Loch too - he’s an Englishman who has made his Ness - from the perspective of Jim, a young home in Scotland and never feels anything Loch Ness investigator, who is very reluctant other than foreign. Gemma is a Londoner, but to share his territory with this invading film one who is constantly made aware of her her- crew. Then he meets the crew’s continuity itage: her dad is a Scot (and a nationalist to ‘girl’, April, and everything changes… boot), and her mum is a first-generation African-Caribbean. Where did the idea for the novel come from? its production and initial failure. It’s a late Looking back, there are a number of sources, Why publish with Unbound, who raise the work by a Hollywood great, Billy Wilder, co- but one big moment when they came to- money to publish using their own crowd- written by IAL Diamond, with whom he’d gether. I’d heard a couple of programmes on funding platform? made Some Like it Hot and The Apartment - Radio Four about the role of the continuity Unbound is amazing. Like any quality pub- wildly successful movies. Sherlock Holmes girl. I love the idea of approaching stories lisher, they’re looking for the really good was a labour of love, but so much went from the point of view of someone who isn’t books - but their model means they can wrong. The star, Robert Stephens, was trou- quite in the thick of it, who isn’t the most fa- greenlight more of the things they love. bled and took an overdose which delayed mous participant. Then, I’d always loved The Crowdfunding is a challenge, but you’re production; the model monster sank; and Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes and been ob- given lots of support, and it’s a great lesson then, the studio ordered the three-hour epic sessed - as all fans of it are - by what’s miss- in how to let people know about your book. cut to two. The public didn’t take to it at first, ing: the one third of it that the producers Once through it, you enter the normal and critics didn’t get it, so the movie also forced Billy Wilder to cut. And then, there process of mainstream publishing knowing sank. But then it rose again. TV screenings was meeting a real monster hunter out on that there are already 200 people waiting for gained it a cult following. Loch Ness during a boat tour, who still the book to appear. It’s all very new, and claimed that he’d seen Billy Wilder’s monster Tell us a bit more about the 2014 timeline. makes you feel like a pioneer. It’s an adven- model sink on its test run on the water… I What inspired that dual narrative? ture. was on my honeymoon at the time, and the I was partly worried that not many people idea of a love story sprang to mind pretty knew The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes, so much instantly I wanted a way of legitimately explaining it to people. So, I came up with a character who is The Continuity Girl was published by What’s so special about The Private Life a film studies lecturer. I imagined the 2014 Unbound Digital in March, and is avail- Of Sherlock Holmes? storyline acting like a commentary track on a able from unbound.com/books/the-conti- There’s a bit of a romance about the film DVD, giving context to the 1969 story. But nuity-girl and that’s inevitable given the circumstances of then Gemma took on a life of her own, and www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079N6S2SF

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 GIGS April Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:38 Page 1 GIGS April Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:38 Page 2

Gigs

Martine McCutcheon The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 18 April Having found fame as Tiffany Mitchell in Eas- tEnders, Love Actually star Martine Mc- Cutcheon released her platinum-selling debut solo album - and number one single Perfect Moment - back in 1999. She visits the Midlands with her acoustic band following the release of Lost And Found - her first album in 15 years. Read our interview with Martine at whatson- live.co.uk.

The Little Unsaid sounds and songwriter John Elliott's haunt- ing, androgynous vocals, the on-the-rise The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Thurs 12 April four-piece are one of the UK’s must-see live The Little Unsaid’s music embraces ele- acts. ments of rock, folk, electronica, jazz and alt- They’ve spent the last year touring Europe, pop. Combining string and brass presenting a live show that’s been heralded orchestration with beats, electronics, found for boasting ‘a thumping depth of passion’.

Cabbage King King Dreadzone The Empire, Coventry, Sat 14 April Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sat 14 April Leamington Assembly, Warwickshire, Sat 28 April Manchester-based five piece Cabbage serve With a reputation for creating a great chem- up music which has been described as discor- istry between themselves and their audi- Presenting an eclectic fusion of dub, reggae, dant neo post-punk. ence, award-winning Scottish band King techno, folk and rock music, Dreadzone Following on from their startling and much- King boast an outstanding back catalogue, a formed in 1993, during their early years em- loved debut EP, Le Chou, highly anticipated full-blooded style, plenty of technical bril- ploying backing vocalists who included album Nihilist Glamour Shots was released liance and impassioned vocals from lead Melanie Blatt, Denise van Outen and Alison last month. The record was produced by singer Alan Nimmo. This is a must-see show Goldfrapp. James Skelly and Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The for rock and blues lovers alike. One of the most energetic, exciting and pow- Coral, She Drew The Gun). erful live bands to emerge from the post-rave The band stop off in Coventry this month as scene, they last year released the album part of an extensive UK tour. Emily Barker and Dread Times, tracks from which will feature Dan Whitehouse in this gig. The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 28 April UK Artist Of The Year 2018 in the UK Ameri- cana Awards, Emily Barker is here joined by singer-songwriter Dan Whitehouse for an evening of top-quality musicmaking. With his sound having been described as ‘Black Country soul’, Dan will be showcas- ing new album That’s Where I Belong. Emily, meanwhile, will treat her audience to tracks off Sweet Kind Of Blue, an album mix- ing soul, blues, country and folk.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Sting (option 2) DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:30 Page 1

THE LAST SHIP Superstar Sting’s first musical, The Last Ship, visits Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with him to find out more about a show that’s based around a subject particularly close to his heart... Sting (option 2) DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:30 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

In 2011, it was confirmed that Grammy identity because the work they do is being Due to be released on 20 April, Sting has Award-winning musician Gordon Sumner, taken away. That’s the serious side of it. It’s produced an album with Jamaican music better known by his stage name of Sting, was also a love story, it has some big production icon Shaggy that reflects the duo’s mutual working on his first musical. numbers and it’s an entertaining evening. It’s love of Jamaica. “Everyone loves Shaggy, and emotional and serious.” it’s just a surprise. For me, the most Now, in 2018, that musical, entitled The Last important element in music is surprise. He Ship, is setting sail on a UK theatre tour. The musical is a constant work in progress, and I met and did a reggae record together, despite having been brought to the stage Initially inspired by his 1991 album, The Soul which no one was expecting.” countless times. “For me, art is never Cages, and his own childhood experiences, finished. You’re always tinkering with it, While a Shaggy collaboration is indeed a The Last Ship tells the story of how a close- always changing your mind about things - so surprise, what isn’t a surprise is to find that knit community deals with the closure of the I will keep tinkering as long as I can, until The Police will not be reforming any time Swan Hunter shipyard and the demise of the they lock me out. That’s what I do. soon. “Everything we set out to achieve, we shipbuilding industry in Tyne and Wear. achieved tenfold. You can’t step on the same “Since Broadway, it’s become more political “I was born literally within spitting distance river twice. That’s just an exercise in because it’s more specific about the actual of the shipyard,” says Sting. “I thought that’s nostalgia, and I'm not terribly nostalgic - I'm politics of the time. On Broadway we kind of where I’d end up because all my family living now. I’m curious about now and what’s glossed over that a little more. The story is a worked there and all of my neighbours going to happen tomorrow. But going back? little simpler, there are fewer strands - I think worked there - but I didn’t want that; I I've been there.” it was probably too complicated on Broadway wanted to leave. I escaped and became a - but I’m very happy with the way it’s musician, but at some point in my life I had developed. to come back, like a salmon who has to go The Last Ship stops off at the New back to the spawning ground to figure out “The Last Ship is a thank you to the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from who he is.” community that formed me; it’s a way of Monday 16 to Saturday 21 April paying an emotional debt to the people who Receiving two Tony nominations for Best brought me up. The characters are either Original Score and Best Orchestrations, The people who existed or composites of people Last Ship features some of Sting’s best-loved who existed, or people who I knew or people songs: Island Of Souls, All This Time and who I've just made up but who’re drawn from When We Dance. Despite being set in reality. People have asked if it’s biographical Newcastle, the show premiered in Chicago in for me. There are elements of my own life in the summer of 2014, and then moved to the there, but it’s certainly not my story. There Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway. are elements of my own journey.” “When most plays start out, you think, ‘Well, Being the principle songwriter, lead singer if it ever gets to Broadway, it will be a and bassist for new wave rock band The miracle’, so I just started there and worked Police from 1977 to 1986, as well as boasting backwards! I live in New York, I knew a an immensely successful and ongoing solo producer who liked the idea of the story, and career, Sting is certainly no stranger to the theatre was just down the road from songwriting. “I’ve always been interested in where I live. But then I thought it deserved to writing narrative songs, songs that tell a be seen where it comes from, and that’s the story, and this is just a larger canvas. The north of England.” difficulty is that each song has to advance the The ensemble cast is led by Coronation story. You can’t have a static song, and that’s Street, West End and Broadway star Richard a very hard discipline. Every song has to Fleeshman as Gideon. Charlie Hardwick, best fight for its life - every line, every word. known for her role as Val Pollard in It’s very demanding, very exacting, but Emmerdale, plays Peggy, Joe McGann (Elf I’ve had more fun doing this than The Musical and The Upper Hand) is Jackie almost anything else I've done in and Frances McNamee, who recently starred my life. There has also been some in Big Fish in the West End, takes on the role interest from some very, very of Meg. influential filmmakers, whose names will remain anonymous…” “I’ve got a fabulous cast of northern actors who understand it in their bones, and it’s an So would he be keen to embark on a emotional rollercoaster ride. I think the second musical adventure? “I can’t imagine play’s themes will resonate with people in anything would be as personal as this, but the north of England because it’s really about having got my feet wet, as it were, I'd the industry and the closing of factories and probably have another go at it. But you know, coal mines and shipyards and what happens I have this other job where I make records to communities when they’re robbed of their and sing for money.” Classical April Warwickshire_Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:34 Page 1

Classical

Britten Oboe Quartet Malvern Theatre, Thurs 26 April It’s been said of oboist Nicholas Daniel and violinist Jacqueline Shave that, were there to be a chamber music equivalent of a fantasy football team, they would both undoubtedly be in the squad! They’re joined in the Britten Oboe Quartet by two other hugely talented musicians - cellist Caroline Dearnley and Clare Finni- more on viola. The evening’s programme includes compositions by Elgar, Mozart, Britten and Knussen.

Orchestra Of The Swan: Debussy And Rodrigo European Union Chamber Orchestra Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 17 April; Birmingham Town Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 25 April Wed 18 April Boasting some of the continent’s finest young professional players, EUCO is very much a As well as being held in high regard for musical ambassador for the European Union. their championing of new music, having Since its formation in 1981, the orchestra has toured extensively, both across Europe and presented more than 70 world premieres, further afield. Along the way they’ve performed with a wealth of distinguished classical the Stratford-based Orchestra of the Swan artists, including Nicola Benedetti, Julian Lloyd Webber and Alina Ibragimova. are also much admired for their perfor- This Warwickshire concert sees the orchestra joined by clarinettist Emma Johnson (pic- mances of works by such legendary com- tured) to perform a programme featuring Mozart, Respighi, Elgar and Schubert. posers as Berlioz, Brahms, Mozart, Strauss Schumann and Vaughan Williams. This latest concert sees them commemo- Russell Watson: Ilker Arcayürek - rating the centenary of French composer Canzoni d’Amore Schumann And Schubert Claude Debussy’s death. They are joined for the evening by their as- Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 15 April Fri 27 April sociate artist, Pedro H da Silva (pictured), who performs Joaquín Rodrigo’s masterful Often referred to as ‘the people’s tenor’, Guitar Concerto. Russell Watson first came to the nation’s at- tention when he sang God Save The Queen to a packed Wembley Stadium in 1999. Two years later, debut album The Voice topped the classical charts, with Russell making history by becoming the first British artist to hold both the US and UK classical number-one slots. Working in the genres of classical, pop rock and operatic pop, Watson’s soaring voice has garnered him an army of incredibly de- ‘An afternoon of really compelling music- voted fans, many of whom will no doubt be making’ is how the publicity for this show in attendance at this Leamington concert. reads - and it’s a description that’s likely to be right on the button. Ilker Arcayürek, the tenor who made such an enormous splash at the 2015 Cardiff Singer of the World competition, here dis- plays his phenomenal talent by performing works by Germany’s two greatest-ever ro- mantic songwriters. He’s joined on piano by the ever-impressive Hartmut Höll.

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical April Warwickshire_Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:34 Page 2 Martine McCutcheon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:33 Page 1

Martine

McCutcheontalks music, motherhood and soaps... Martine McCutcheon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:33 Page 2

Having found fame as Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders, Martine McCutcheon released her platinum-selling debut solo album - and number one single Perfect Moment - back in 1999. This month, the Love Actually star visits the Midlands following the release of Lost And Found - her first album in 15 years. Lauren Foster caught up with Martine ahead of her tour...

You’re bringing your new tour to various own little way, but I just want to do my thing which you might only have one line or Midlands venues. What can audiences because I love it. I do it because it’s part of something. I love the process of filming a expect from your show? who I am, and if people buy into that, lovely. soap, and I’ve got such amazing memories. It’s an intimate night with me on a music and The only thing is, it’s such a different time What are you looking forward to the most conversational level. It’ll basically be talking now. Soap was so exciting then, and such a about being back on tour? through the years, what inspired me to make big thing in people’s lives because there was the different choices that I made along the I’m a real people person, and I love feeding no reality TV - I just don’t know whether way, which songs have got a reputation for off the atmosphere of people; the public have people feel as attached to soaps as they used being one thing but in fact meant something so much good will for me. When I’ve been the to. I don’t know if it would be like going back else, and just a real insight into me, my life critics’ star one minute and their least to uni or going back to school but with none and my music over the years. I’ve got an favourite person the next, the only thing of the same people there. It would feel weird. acoustic band, and it’s very much about the that’s stayed constant is the public, who I Who have you most enjoyed working music and my journey. It’s something I’m very much feel part of - I feel like a very with? really excited to do; I’ve never done anything normal person who does a very unusual job. like it before. So it’s lovely to feed off the energy of the The person I loved working with most in my people I meet. They make me feel a million TV career would probably be Barbara You co-wrote a host of songs off new dollars. Windsor. She’s an amazing teacher and she album Lost And Found with your has your back. She chooses her friends husband. Was working together always on Aside from your music career, you’re best within the industry very carefully, but when the cards? known for playing Tiffany in EastEnders she’s got your back, she’s so loyal. She was and Natalie in Love Actually. Do acting I was concentrating on wanting to be a mum, so ‘pro me’ that I adored her and still do. I’d roles still interest you? and that was my main focus, so I never say in movies, it’s got to be Hugh Grant thought it would happen when it did. Yeah. I did a movie last year with Alan Davies because he championed and believed in me. Because I’d grown up in the public eye, I called The Bromley Boys - it’s out for cinema In music it would be Andrea Bocelli - he was needed time out to take stock. He told me to release later this year. It’s set in the early spinetingling to be on stage with; I had write all my thoughts down during this time, ’70s; Alan is playing the dad of a young boy goosebumps all over. I felt like I was going to and I did. Then it became more musical, and and I’m playing the mum. He falls in love burst into tears on stage because I was so I’d hear stuff that he was doing, love it and with football, he’s very lonely, doesn’t really emotional. He’s just a real star! want to do a song. The album was never have any friends, and it’s about how he How is motherhood treating you? meant to be for public consumption. The establishes a little life for himself through the music was just to help me get through a most rubbish football club ever - Bromley. It’s It’s amazing! It’s been the best thing that’s difficult time and also to celebrate when I felt a really sweet story. ever happened to me. I love the fact that like I was ready to go and grab life again. It children help you rediscover a zest for life, an only took off because he played it to Do you prefer acting or singing? innocence and an excitement for everyday somebody in the industry and they said they For me, it’s all linked. I feel like I’m a things. Just the love - the love is just out of knew a label that would want to sign it. It storyteller, and whether that’s through music this world. I always knew I wanted it, so I feel was quite scary to think that all these or acting, I’m happy just to be that person. It very grateful to have it. personal things were going to be out there - sounds a bit cheesy, but I’ve always felt that What does the future hold for Martine but at the same time, what’s lovely is that I’m there to help people switch off from their McCutcheon? people have since got in touch and made the everyday lives. I feel like that’s my purpose in songs their own, through their own this lifetime, and if that’s through five I just want to keep doing what I love. experiences. minutes of song or a couple of hours of a Hopefully doing what I love makes people movie, then great, my job is done. happy and will touch people in some way. And it’s your first album in 15 years.. That’s all I want to do in my lifetime. Yeah, and I didn’t think there’d even be one - Would working in soap again interest you? what a lovely surprise! I thought I’d be Yeah, I think that soap is the hardest thing focusing on TV work, and maybe the music I’ve ever done. You don’t have the luxury of Martine McCutcheon performs at Theatre side of things might have gone for me. I’m 41, time or a big budget, but it’s quite nice to just Severn, Shrewsbury, on Sat 14 April; and it’s very much a young person’s game - get on with it. When you’re doing movies or The Core, Solihull, on Wed 18 April; Regal unless you’re the Rolling Stones or dramas, you’re sat in a Winnebago for hours Cinema, Evesham, on Wed 16 May and something. It’s hard to stay relevant in your on end, just waiting for the next scene, in Palace Theatre, Redditch, on Thurs 17 May Comedy April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:13 Page 1

Comedy

Tez IIlyas MAC, Birmingham, Tues 24 April “You’ve got to be self-aware if you want to Count Arthur Strong be a successful comedian,” says Blackburn Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 13 April; funnyman Tez Illyas. “It’s really important Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 23 May; that you discover what works for you and Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 31 May; Malvern then hone that. Trying to be somebody Theatres, Sat 16 June; New Alexandra The- atre, Birmingham, Sun 17 June you’re not just doesn’t work.” Tez’s jokes include: “I love being British. If “With each live show I’ve done, I’ve you’re not British, you’re missing out, be- found out a little bit more about Arthur,” cause there are so explains Steve Delaney, in talking about many benefits to the character he created. “If I watch being British. Lit- footage from the early days, he looks like erally. There are so the bones of something, but he’s defi- many benefits. nitely continued to develop, and that’s Just learn how to very important. Simply reproducing what fill out a form, and I’ve done before would neither be as it’s brilliant. I much fun nor as interesting.” don’t call them benefits, obvi- ously, I call them reparations, but nevertheless they’re great.”

Iliza Shlesinger The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 18 April “Women want to be treated as equals, and Tiff Stevenson we want feminism to be a thing, but it’s re- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues ally difficult when every woman makes the 24 April; The Slade Rooms, Wolver- same point about her vagina, over and hampton, Sun 29 April over,” said American comedian Iliza She may not be the most inventive Shlesinger in a recent and hugely controver- of comedians, but 2011 Show Me sial interview with US online magazine The Funny contestant Tiff Steven- Deadline Hollywood. “I think I’m the only son more than makes up for a lack woman out there that has a joke about of imagination with her charming World War Two in my set. I think ‘shock personality and engaging style of value’ works well for women, but beyond delivery. She’s been described as ‘a that, there’s no substance. I want to see breathing version of Heat maga- what else there is with such complex, smart zine’, is appealingly self-disparag- creatures. That’s why women like Tina Fey ing and ensures that her audience do well. It’s smart, and men can laugh at it never has to wait too long for a too. I consider myself one of those comics, punchline. and quite frankly, I’m appalled by what’s ex- An example of her style of humour pected of women, and what women offer in is as follows: “You can tell how response to that.” good a medical person is in bed de- pending on which area of medicine they work in. The paramedics obvi- ously like a quick ‘get in and out’, the GPs cover a lot of areas but don’t really know what’s going on, and the surgeons like to go in there, rummage around, mess things up and then leave something behind that shouldn’t have been there.”

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:13 Page 2

Patrick Monahan The George Hotel, Lichfield, Thurs 5 April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 28 April Half-Iranian, half-Irish standup comic Patrick Monahan is no slouch when it comes to bringing up the subject of his own ethnicity on stage - after all, he’s got a qual- ity gag about spending all of his holidays in customs, and he’s not afraid to use it! “I guess I like to think that maybe I’m break- ing down stereotypes,” explains Patrick, who’s eager to make it clear that his comedy isn’t just political. “The comedians I most admire are the ones who can play to every- body. I think it’s important to look for posi- tive stuff in life. Focusing on the bad stuff all the time would mean that the only peo- ple who’d come to my shows would be the ones who thought the end of the world was nigh!”

Russell Peters Arena Birmingham, Tues 24 April Having been responsible for the highest ever class and cultural stereotypes, and often attendances at a comedy show in Oman, the refers to his own life experiences growing up United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, South in an Indian family. Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Jokes include: “Every group is racist. White Malaysia and his home country of Canada, folks will see a group of Indian people and it’s fair to say Russell Peters has got more they’re like, ‘Look at all those brown people, than a couple of lame gags stuffed up his they’re probably all very happy together.’ comedy sleeve. One of the highest earners on Then you get in that group and like, ‘Hey, you the US laughter circuit, Peters uses observa- from India? I’m from India. What part? No, tional humour to highlight racial, ethnic, not that part. Go to hell, you dirty bastard.’ John Robins Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Wed 4 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 25 April Lou Conran Honesty, charm and lightning-quick improv- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 7 April isation are among the qualities John Robins ‘Imagine visiting your favourite friend/aunty/spin- brings to the party whenever he hits the ster/woman of independent means,’ urges the road with a brand new tour. publicity for Lou Conran’s touring show. ‘She's a This latest live show, The Darkness Of touch eccentric and always “alright”. Until last Robins, should certainly be one worth year, when it wasn’t alright and it all went a bit catching, having bagged the coveted Edin- wrong. With lessons learned, a bit of self-discov- burgh Comedy Award at the 2017 festival. ery and some painful yet funny situations, this is a story about life and, ultimately, death. But in a positive, uplifting sort of way...’ Lou’s latest show, I Love Lou C, tells the real story of her experiences with baby loss. By her own ad- mission, it’s not the most obvious subject around which to base a comedy show, but she’s keen to ‘lift the taboo and open the discussion on a sub- ject that the majority of us still struggle to deal with’. Although she’s faced her fair share of criticism for seemingly making light of her baby’s death, her show received rave reviews at last summer’s Edin- burgh Festival, with critics hailing it a work of groundbreaking standup.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Wicked DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:12 Page 1

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Wicked DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:12 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

Return to Oz Hit musical Wicked - telling the story of how The Wizard Of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West turned bad - makes a welcome return to Birmingham this month. What’s On caught up with Michael McCabe, the man who originally brought the show to the UK...

Despite a staggering 110,000 people having Michael greatly hoped that UK audiences original tour and in the West End - whereas seen Wicked The Musical when it last visited would feel the same way about Wicked as he Amy Ross, playing Elphaba, is brand new to Birmingham back in 2014, there’s clearly still did, and his gamble in bringing the show to us.” a hunger in the city and wider Midlands these shores has most definitely paid off. But As with any show, running a tour and a region for a show that’s won over 100 major did he anticipate the success Wicked has London production simultaneously is a awards. And so, to the delight of many, it achieved in the UK? “No, not in one’s wildest challenge - but there are definite returns to the Hippodrome this month for a dreams! It wasn’t until audiences started advantages... “The tour has ended up being a three-week run. watching the show that I realised their roadshow for the London production. It feeds reaction was exactly the same as mine. Since last visiting Brum, the production has the interest enormously and, inevitably, People make an incredibly emotional been transported nearly 12,000 miles in 13 marketing a show all over the country has led connection to Wicked. The roar of the articulated lorries by road, air and sea, people to London.” audiences is still the thing that I find so delighting regional audiences across the UK. A staggering 8.5 million people - across meaningful after 12 years of doing this. I still The London production, meanwhile, almost 5,000 performances - have so far seen stand at the back and listen to the way they continues to pull in the crowds too, and has Wicked in the capital, making it the seventh react. It’s extraordinary.” been playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre longest-running show currently playing in for 12 years. Wicked is a show to which people return time the West End. and again, but also one that continues to Wicked The Musical is essentially a prequel to And with the equivalent of one-tenth of the attract new audiences. “No long-running The Wizard Of Oz, focusing on what made the entire population of Birmingham catching production could do what it does without Wicked Witch of the West bad. The legendary the last tour, it’s obvious why Michael is people coming back more than once. I think Judy Garland film will be 80 years old in 2019, happy to be bringing the show back to the there’s something about Wicked that people yet the musical is very much ‘in the present’. city. “The Hippodrome is truly one of the want to share in; the emotion that they feel “When I saw the show on Broadway, it felt at most beautiful theatres in the country. with others. It’s an experience that people the time - and remains - so fresh and Because it’s so alive with resident companies, find unforgettable.” contemporary,” says producer Michael you feel like you’re a part of something very McCabe, the man who brought Wicked to the So will the new touring version of the show much more than just a theatre building. UK. “It’s very much a modern musical, in that differ in any way from the one that visited Birmingham is such a huge city - you’re its cleverness is so much based on the Birmingham back in 2014? “It’s the same benefiting from so many different types of characters that you know and are familiar production, with all of the same high people and age groups. The support for with, but everything that happens to them is production values. This was a commitment theatre in Birmingham is very humbling.” new. we made right from the beginning; that it wouldn’t be a cut-down version of the show.” “The idea that you can take this beloved story There is, however, a new cast... and turn it on its head just seems so “With each new cast comes new levels, layers intriguing. There’s such a fascination with the and interpretations. We’re very, very lucky Wicked The Musical shows at whole idea of prequels, where you find out that we keep finding extraordinary people. Birmingham Hippodrome from what decisions led the characters to be who Helen (Woolf), who is Glinda, has been with Wednesday 4 to Saturday 28 April they become. I found that so engaging.” us in various guises for some time - in the

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Fat Friends The Musical Just like the TV show, the production focuses on a group of pals who’re keen to drop some pounds and get into shape. New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 3 - Sat 7 April Appearing alongside Freddie is the winner of BBC One’s I’d Do Any- He’s best known, of course, for bowling out the Aussies, but former thing talent show, Jodie Prenger, X Factor success story Sam Bailey, England cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is here hoping to bowl Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton, Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson over a whole new audience as he makes his stage debut in the theatri- and Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy. cal version of Fay Mellor’s hit television series. An evening of high-energy feelgood fun seems a guarantee.

Trump - The Musical! The King Lear Romeo And Juliet Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 25 April Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Fri 27 - Sun 29 April Avon, Sat 21 April - Fri 21 September Having previously presented Boris The Musi- Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth cal!, it would seem that the highly rated tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret Blowfish Theatre are choosing to specialise love tends to fair less well critically than the in shows about modern-day political figures rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. who sport ludicrous blond hairstyles. A satir- Nonetheless, its popularity is ensured by its ical, songtastic extravaganza (so say Blowfish timeless themes and its regular appearance themselves), Trump - The Musical! finds ‘the as a study text on the national curriculum. power-crazed narcissist’ hoping to get re- This latest version of the play is ‘set in a elected in 2020. Expect ‘raucous’ comedy, world very like our own’. original music and ‘one truly awful wig’...

Potent, accessible theatre is the name of the game when Shifting Sands take to the stage. The critically acclaimed ensemble here blend physical theatre, clowning and vibrant story- telling to recount the tale of Shakespeare’s fa- mous tragedy, albeit with the significant difference that this version is set in a pub. When landlord Mr Lear demands to know which of his daughters loves him the most, he unleashes a tidal wave of frustration and jealousy that will change his life forever...

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Brighton Rock struction after murdering a rival gang member in the seaside town of Brighton - and who then marries the waitress who witnessed the inci- The REP, Birmingham, Tues 10 - Sat 14 April dent in order to keep her quiet. This new adaptation of the famous Graham Greene novel tells the The show has been written by Bryony Lavery and is a co-production story of Pinkie, a razor-wielding teenager who spirals towards self-de- from Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal.

Are You Being Served? by the loss of their children and their Private Lives inability to have more, and a lot of what Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, happens is them both trying to make each Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 April Thurs 19 - Sat 21 April other feel better about that absence of a Ambient Night Productions here provide a future.” Written in 1930, Private Lives is one of Noel trip down memory lane for fans of the long- Coward’s sharpest comedies. It tells of a running BBC TV comedy series of the same divorced couple - Amanda and Elyot - who title. The show is one of the newest in a now- meet each other again on their second significant line of television sitcoms to be honeymoons in Deauville, and begin to adapted for the stage, following in the laugh- consider dumping their new loves to try and ter trail of other top-rated telly favourites rekindle their relationship... Typically replete such as Birds Of A Feather, Dad’s Army and with devastating one-liners, Private Lives is a Porridge. cynical portrayal of married life, infidelity, selfishness and insecurity, and is here presented by London Classic Theatre. Macbeth Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- A Streetcar Named Desire Avon, until Tues 18 September Malvern Theatres, Tues 10 - Sat 14 April “For me, Macbeth is scenes from a marriage as much as it’s about a traitor,” says Tennessee Williams’ absorbing story is best Christopher Eccleston, who takes the title known, of course, from the 1951 movie star- role in this latest version of Shakespeare’s ring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. blood-spattered tragedy. “The relationship Pride, jealousy and lust are on a collision between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is key. course when the fragile and fading Blanche It’s a deep, romantic love, and even in their DuBois visits her sister, Stella. While there, madness, right up to the end, the most she finds herself tormented by her brutish important person in either of their worlds is brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. As tensions each other. I think they’ve been devastated mount, Blanche soon finds her life beginning to fall apart around her...

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre April Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:19 Page 4 Jake Shears DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:38 Page 1

JAKEtalkstalks BirminghamBirmingham Pride,Pr ide,SHEARS hishis newnew memoirmemoir andand goinggoing iitt alonealone Jake Shears DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:38 Page 2

Best known as lead singer of millennium pop group Scissor Sisters, Jake Shears is now going it alone. A headliner at next month’s Birmingham Pride, Jake recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk to What’s On about collaborations, making his Broadway debut, writing his memoir and why he’s so excited to be performing songs from his new album in front of Midlands audiences...

What does it mean to you to be performing beginning. I’m hoping me being back will anything like it before. I did a play a couple of as one of the headliners at this year’s conjure up a lot of good memories for people, years ago in Los Angeles, but I’m not an actor. Birmingham Pride, Jake? and that makes me happy in a very specific Well, I wasn’t an actor; I am now. The thought way. of it all was so frightening but at the same For me to be able to perform at Pride with a time exciting. I like to put myself in situations full band is really exciting, as it’s something I Who would you cite as your all-time that make me a little bit uncomfortable, and I don’t get to do very often. The majority of biggest musical influence? like to be in a little bit over my head, as I was Pride events aren’t equipped to hold a whole I would have to say Bowie, just because I when we began rehearsals. There were band - they’re usually PA gigs, which means started to listen to him at such a young age. moments where I was like, I don’t know if I’m people perform with just a mic to a pre- My first fantasy about performing came about going to be able to do this. I wasn't quite sure recorded track. This is one of the first Prides while listening to his music. He’s still my if it was within my capabilities. It’s turned out at which I’ve played. I’ve done City Mardi main inspiration, and I always go back to to be one of the joys of my life. I’ve now been Gras, but that was DJing, and I did a him. My number two would have to be Paul doing the show for three months, and it’s performance with Courtney Act, but it was Williams - he’s a songwriter who did the something I will never forget. It’s given me a more of a dance performance. What’s also Bugsy Malone movie. His musical style has new kind of confidence, and I’ve learned so exciting is I’ll be performing my new stuff. So always been a massive influence on what I do. much from all the people around me. I’ve far I’ve just done one concert in London with realised that not only can I do this but I this material, so I’m looking forward to Of all the artists you’ve collaborated with - actually love doing it. The process has given playing new music to people who haven’t either in a performing or writing capacity - me a lot of insight into musical writing. I’ve heard it. And I love Pride season - it’s a blast! who’s been the most memorable? written a couple of scores. I love writing I’m honoured to be able to do it in musicals, and this is something I now want to Birmingham - it’s going to be a lot of fun. There are so many. I think getting to write with Bryan Ferry and then going to London continue doing. I've learned a lot from being What can audiences expect from your solo and recording with Roxy Music was massive. on the other side, and being inside a great performance? I am a huge Roxy Music fan and a huge fan of musical. It’s been an amazing experience, Bryan Ferry’s, so to get to watch his process, and I'm going to be really sad without it in my You know, I just do my thing. I’m still finding and to watch the band’s process, was life, for a while at least... my footing with this new stuff and with being something I will never forget. I’ve had lots of a solo performer. The gigs I’ve done so far Prior to Kinky Boots, we’d not heard from experiences of great collaborations, but that have been an absolute blast; it’s been so you in a while. What had you been up to? was one where I was like, “How did this even much fun. At first I was kind of nervous. The happen?” For a couple of years, I was just searching first couple of times I performed, I was like, around. I wrote a book, which is soon to be “Wow, this is so weird, to do this without At what age did you realise your future lay released in the UK, and my album is done and Scissors - like, where’s Ana?”, but I got the in performing? mastered - in the can, as they say. I recorded it hang of it real quick, and I think people are in New Orleans, in Kentucky, and I reckon it’s going to be very entertained. I was 22, and it was around the time that the Scissors were a three-piece. Comfortably one of the best things I’ve ever made. I On a scale of one to 10, how flamboyant Numb had been released and was getting wanted to hide away and get some really good will your performance be? plenty of airplay. I was at Sonar in Barcelona, work done. I didn’t want to re-emerge until I and one of my favourite DJs, Tiga, played one had some really good stuff to show for it. I am Oh, a 10. I’m excited to dress up again - it’s of the songs from the single. I remember that really, really proud of all of the stuff I’ve been a while since I’ve donned the sequins. night having this full sensation of knowing gotten done in the last couple of years. I’ve Who are you most looking forward to this was going to be my life - this was the path worked really, really hard on it. I’m so seeing at Birmingham Pride? I was on; one I was excited to be on. Before excited, and it’s surreal to now be sharing it then, I was just kind of throwing things at a with the world. I think this album is going to Beth Ditto is going to be there too, isn’t she? wall. There was a time when I thought I was blow people away. I’m hoping people are That’s going to be fucking awesome. It’s going to be a horror novelist, and it wasn’t really going to love it. always been my dream to do something with until we put out our first music that I realised her. We got to play with Beth once at a Your memoir, Boys Keep Swinging, is a there was a lot of potential in what we were Lovebox Festival; I love her so much. I think candid account of fame, success, music, doing. she and I would make a great pair, playing sex and sexuality. What was the most back to back. I’ve always wanted to go on tour You recently made your Broadway debut challenging aspect when writing this? with her - a co-headline with me and Beth as Charlie Price in the acclaimed musical Just getting through the hard parts and doing Ditto would be a fucking sicko tour. Kinky Boots. How did that come about, some form of self-examination whilst I was and what new skills have you had to learn What do you enjoy most about performing writing it. Also, the realisation of the for the role? in the UK? memories which are lost. There’s so much I They called me up and asked if I was remember and so much that I don’t, and It’s awesome to play the UK. We have a interested - and of course I was. I was also that’s a kind of sad feeling. The hardest part history, and it feels like UK audiences have really scared because I’ve not really done was that first draft - just spitting it out. You been with me (The Scissors) since the know it’s garbage and you have to keep Jake Shears DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:38 Page 3

writing it, even though you know it’s just a cute little pizza places where you could hang plate at the moment. I think this is what I’m mess. That was definitely the hardest part. out and spend a whole evening drinking wine doing now, and I think when people hear this Once I’d finished a big chunk, say 350 pages, I without breaking the bank. There were so album, they’ll understand why. It definitely could go back to the beginning and then many amazing people around. Downtown feels the start of a new chapter for me. Maybe really start writing it. That was a lot more fun. was pretty vibrant, and it was interesting some day we’ll do something, but at the because when I got here, Rudy Giuliani was moment, I don’t necessarily feel like I’ve got You came out to your parents at the age of mayor and everybody was grousing about anything to say through that filter. We had a 15. Reflecting on that time, what advice how he was cleaning up the city. They were great run and we had a lot of fun. We had a would your 39-year-old self offer to a 15- all talking about ‘how the city was over’, but I solid 10 years and made a lot of great year-old Jake Shears? didn’t think that was necessarily the case. memories. I think writing the book was sort of I probably would’ve waited. I came out at The city is so different now. Manhattan itself a good way for me to put a cap on it for now, school before I came out to my parents, and if has become so commercialised, and it’s and move forward. I’m ready to do my own I’d known the sort of heat I would get, I prohibitive to live here for a lot of people. thing now. probably would’ve waited a couple of years. Everything is very expensive, and so a lot of Finally, where do you see yourself as a When young people come to me and ask for stuff has moved over to Brooklyn - a lot of the performer in 10 years’ time? coming-out advice, I kind of grill them a little nightlife at least. I haven’t really been able to bit on where they’re living, what their parents partake in the nightlife since I’ve been here I love having multiple projects going on. I are like, what their school environment is because I’ve been doing the show, and those want to keep writing. I’m going to turn my like. I often tell kids to sit on it for a second two don’t really go hand in hand. It was an hand to fiction for a while, and see where that because I think not every environment is a exciting time in New York, and it seemed as takes me. I’m going to write another musical, perfect one to come out in. Coming out at though the possibilities were endless. I felt a and I want to keep making albums. So I hope school when I was 15 was not the most kind of freedom I hadn’t felt anywhere else. in 10 years’ time there’s a handful of Jake brilliant of ideas, I have to say. So I would’ve Shears’ albums, a couple of shows and God You hit 40 later this year. How do you plan told myself to wait a minute. But I did it, and knows what else. I like to stay busy. to celebrate? it kind of shaped who I am now, so I don't regret it. I’m going to do a big party. I haven’t had a big birthday party in a long time. I plan on being Next year marks the 20th anniversary of in New Orleans and having all my friends your arrival in New York. Tell us about over for a huge party. Jake performs at Birmingham Pride on your first impressions of the Big Apple? Sunday 27 May. He’ll also be chatting You released your first single in five years about his memoir, Boys Keep Swinging, at It was so overwhelming. I couldn’t sleep at with the Scissor Sisters in 2017, five years Birmingham Town Hall on Sat 5 May. night because I was just so excited. It seemed after your last gig as a band. Are there any there was just so much possibility, and it was plans to re-form? just fun. There was so much to do. You could get by without a lot of money - there were No, I don’t think so. I’ve got too much on my Alexandra Theatre F/P Pride 2018.qxp_Layout 1 06/04/2018 16:45 Page 1 Theatre April Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:19 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Turn Of The Screw for Susan Hill’s The Woman In Black. A young governess hired to care for two children at a remote country Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 10 - Sat 14 April estate begins experiencing eerie visions of a man and woman wan- Written by Tim Luscombe, this is a stylish stage adaptation of Henry dering through the house - and soon becomes convinced that the James’ gothic classic, the story that provided the original inspiration youngsters in her charge are aware of the ghostly presence too...

This Restless State Beautiful: The Carole 12 Million Volts Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 April King Musical Lichfield Garrick, Sat 28 April Obligations to the past, present and future Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, “Expect holograms… sort of,” say award-win- are contemplated, as a single performer takes Tues 24 - Sat 28 April ning theatre company The Outbound Project the audience on ‘an imaginative and soni- of their latest production. “And pigeons with cally rich journey spanning three time peri- lasers coming out of their eyes… pretty much. ods’. A highly personal examination of Oh, and more lighting tricks than we ever family, nationhood and belonging, the show thought we would get into one show!” has been inspired by a collection of inter- It’s clear, then, that if an evening of innova- views with young Europeans. tive stage performance is a floater of your boat, you need look no further than 12 Mil- lion Volts. Aside from the above-mentioned theatrical magic, the show tells the story of Nikola Tesla - the world’s smartest man (at least according to Einstein). “But there are al- ways three sides to every story,” say The Out- bound Project. “One person’s side, the other Touring to the Midlands on the back of person’s side - and the truth...” Olivier Award-winning West End success, Beautiful boasts a playlist of Carole King’s most famous songs. Bronté Barbé takes the title role in a show that features, among other famous numbers, You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, Take Good Care Of My Baby, You’ve Got A Friend, So Far Away and Locomotion.

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Theatre

The Twisted Tale Of The Sagas Of Noggin Ready Steady Lift Off! Hansel And Gretel The Nog Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 2 - Sat 7 April Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 4 - Sun 8 April; MAC, Birmingham, Wed 4 - Thurs 5 April Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 April; Malvern Theatres, Tues 17 - Wed 18 April Now here’s one for the grandparents as well as the kids! The Viking story of Noggin The This imaginative take on the famous Brothers Nog comes from the same children’s televi- Grimm tale is produced by Birmingham Hip- sion stable as Bagpuss, The Clangers and Ivor podrome with participants from BecauseWe- The Engine, and first delighted TV-watching CanCanCan, who work closely with the youngsters back in the late 1950s. theatre to support emerging performers with This new stage version is presented by Third learning disabilities. With live music, ‘ hilari- Party Productions and is suitable for children ous performance and a mesmerising design’ aged four-plus. all featuring, expect to be told the famous story of two children’s journey deep into the Youngsters here get the chance to join the forest - but not quite as you know it... Creative Learning Team to explore a selection You’ve Got Dragons of space-related activities designed by the Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 11 April; Arena The- University of Warwick’s Physics department. atre, Wolverhampton, Sat 14 April The show offers kids the chance to find out This intergenerational show, featuring cre- what it’s like to work in space and learn how ative captioning, interwoven BSL and audio to make a rocket out of a film canister. And if description, takes a look at what a young those two assignments aren’t enough to keep child can do if they have ‘a bad case of the them busy, they can always make a scale dragons’ - namely, unhappy dreams, a swirly model of the solar system using playdough! tummy and a feeling of being prickly. Taking Flight theatre company is the ensem- ble behind this new stage adaptation of the Horrible Histories: popular book by Kathryn Cave. More Barmy Britain Peppa Pig’s Adventure The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Milkshake! Live Tour Sun 22 - Mon 23 April; Belgrade Theatre, Sat 7 - Sun 8 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Coventry, Wed 30 May - Sat 2 June Trent, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 June Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Tues 3 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the Fri 6 April previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and en- If your kids love Channel Five’s Milkshake!, joyed the experience of watching them hav- then they’re sure to enjoy this high-energy ing a fantastic time - you’ll already know that live version. Milkshake! favourites Little this latest production is well worth catching. Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Peppa’s getting ready for an exciting camping Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 trip into the woods. But no adventure would & B2 - the Bananas In Pyjamas - have all hit be worth having without brother George and the road for a tour that’s promising to bring her school friends, including Pedro Pony, to life all the familiar magic from the hugely Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe... popular television series.

Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor Dear Zoo If you love the Horrible Histories series - and Lichfield Garrick, Tues 3 - Wed 4 April; why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then Barmy Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 2 April; The Old Rep, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 6 - Sat 7 April Britain is a show well worth catching. Along- Birmingham, Wed 4 April; Mitchell Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent; Belgrade Theatre, Coven- First published in 1982, Rod Campbell’s lift- side providing answers to such searching try, Fri 13 - Sat 14 April the-flap book has delighted generations of questions as ‘what would happen if a Viking If your youngsters have previously enjoyed children and accumulated in excess of eight moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand Marty MacDonald’s Farm and Santa’s Christ- million sales worldwide. This first-ever stage and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the mas Wish, they’ll be pleased to know that version of the show also invites its audience to escape the this ‘most chocolatey Easter show ever’ story features clutches of Burke & Hare, move to the groove comes from the very same team. child-friendly with the partying Queen Victoria and prepare Suitable for children aged two to seven, the puppets, music to do battle in the First World War. production features plenty of songs and a and lots of audi- In short, and as its publicity says, it’s ‘a truly post-show ‘meet, greet and treat’ with the ence participa- horrible history of Britain - with all the nasty Easter Bunny himself. tion. bits left in!’

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Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Morgan & West: Tiddler And Other Captain Flinn And The More Magic For Kids Terrific Tales Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 8 April; Num- Birmingham Town Hall, Magic Cutlass ber 8, Pershore, Wed 11 April; Ludlow Assem- Fri 30 March - Tues 3 April MAC, Birmingham, Fri 13 April bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 12 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 26 May Award-winning children’s ensemble Les Pe- Whether you’re five or 105, a lover of brain- tits Theatre here present an action-packed se- busting illusion or a fan of good old-fash- quel adventure that sees Flinn’s kidnapped ioned tomfoolery, this brand new show is friends being forced to hunt for the Magic definitely the one for you, according to its Cutlass by the tyrannical Mr T-Rex. presenters. A time-travelling Victorian magic Cue the ever-heroic captain, and a dangerous duo, Morgan & West promise to ‘unload an- rescue mission that could well see his tim- other boxful of bafflement and impossibility bers being comprehensively shivered... where magic and silliness abound’.

Freckle Productions here bring together a host of colourful characters from four books by Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Live music and puppetry are combined in a show that promises to take its audience under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Michael Clark Company The REP, Birmingham, Tues 24 April Hailed as British dance’s true iconoclast, Michael Clark here presents ‘to a simple, rock’n’roll...song’, a triple bill of works, per- formed by ‘a company of fearless and other- worldly dancers’, that made such an impression when first performed at the Barbi- can in 2016 that it earned an Olivier Award nomination. The evening’s performance begins with a re- flection on Erik Satie and his influence on Clark's mentors past and present. This is then followed with a show of high-en- ergy choreography presented to the punk rock of Patti Smith's landmark album, Horses. An ‘iridescent tribute to David Bowie’ rounds off a production that further benefits from Charles Atlas's ‘scintillating’ lighting design, featuring a stage adaptation of his multi- channel video installation, Painting By Num- bers.

The Little Mermaid Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 19 April; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 30 May; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 2 June The always-good-value Ballet Theatre UK are the company behind this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s fa- mous tale. Exploring the nature of longing, how mak- ing choices can have lasting consequences, and how goodness can be rewarded in the most unexpected of ways, the story finds the Little Mermaid falling head over tail for a human prince and deciding to give up everything in order to win his love. The show is a Ballet Theatre UK world pre- miere.

Remembering Fred About The Elephant MAC, Birmingham, Sun 29 April Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 21 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 25 April; The subject of fake news is very much on the William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Thurs 26 April agenda in this playful and thought-provoking Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaz and Janette UK premiere from two bright new talents. are the high-energy performers here paying Questioning how people negotiate manipu- tribute to the one and only Fred Astaire. lated information to arrive at the truth, and With more than 50,000 people having asking how they address issues that they’d watched this hit show last year, there’s lit- rather not face, About The Elephant is per- tle wonder it’s back on the road in 2018, formed by two BBC Young Dancer 2015 stars - complete with classic songs written by kathak artist Vidya Patel and contemporary George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and dancer Connor Scott. Cole Porter. The dance routines and staging The duo are accompanied by composer, pro- are new too, as is the inclusion of numer- ducer and multi-instrumentalist Shammi ous interviews with the man himself. Pithia, who will be performing original live Top hats and white ties are optional! music during the show. whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Shrewsbury Folk Festival @shrewsburyfolk E ICK TS T 24.25.26.27 august 2018 NOW! O E Richard Thompson N L Electric Trio S A Ceilidh Bands Concerts STEELEYE SPAN Morris Teams Workshops P@nde onium! TURIN BRAKES mChildren’s Festival Jon Boden & The refolkus Remnant Kings for 11-17 year olds Great Campsite SHOW OF HANDS Singarounds and Sessions Real Ale and Cocktail Bars Daoirí Farrell Trio Caterers Craft Fair Gretchen Peters Dance Acts: || BLOWZABELLA Daoirí Farrell Trio Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band || BEDLAM || COMMITTEE BAND The Fitzgeralds Shooglenifty with Dhun Dhora Skerryvore Guo Yue & Joji Hirota with members of London Taiko Drummers || VERTICAL EXPRESSION The Mighty Doonans Fisherman’s Friends Rusty Shackle || KIRKOPHANY || OUT OF HAND Peter Knight and John Spiers Johnny Coppin and Phil Beer State of the Union Brooks Williams Trio with special guests O’Hooley and Tidow Megson Blowzabella Mankala Callers: Jo Freya, Phil Bassendale The Wilson Family Midnight Skyracer Yola Carter Band Nick Walden plus many more! see website for latest… John Kirkpatrick www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

SSF 2018 - 210mm wide x 275mm high.indd 1 23/03/2018 09:33 Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em .qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:53 Page 1

SOME MOTHERS DO AVE EM Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em .qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:53 Page 2

Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em, the ’70s sitcom which made Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice household names, has now been carefully recreated for the stage, with comedy star Joe Pasquale starring as the accident-prone Frank Spencer and Sarah Earnshaw as his long-suf- fering wife, Betty. What’s On caught up with writer and director Guy Unsworth to find out more, ahead of the show stopping off in the Midlands next month...

Working together on Spamalot in the West years discussing what we shouldn’t be Mrs Fisher, Frank’s disapproving mother-in- End two years ago, Guy Unsworth recalls how laughing at. Watching something that makes law, Moray Treadwell as Mr Luscombe, David actor and comedian Joe Pasquale blew up an us laugh and feel warm is a reaction to that, I Shaw-Parker as Father O’Hara and Chris Kiely electric fan in a bid to mend it. Inadvertently think.” as Desmond. Playing Frank’s long-suffering creating a moment that was straight out of wife, Betty, is Joe’s Spamalot co-star Sarah And with Joe playing the hapless Frank, it Some Mothers (a BANG! followed by the Earnshaw. “Box office ratings at panto time seems that laughter is guaranteed. “I loved smell of singed hair and a look of electrified show us that family entertainment is working with Joe on Spamalot. He’s just a bewilderment on Joe’s face), the idea for Joe popular, so I’m glad we’re doing something fantastic spirit in a room; such a hard worker to play Frank in a stage version was born, that everyone can enjoy together. We live in a and great natural comedian, but also a and Guy and Joe joined forces to drive the divided world in many ways, and theatre is a technician. He, I’m glad to say, likes working project forwards. chance for different groups of people to come with me too. I wouldn’t do this without him.” together and experience something at the Writing the script was a particular privilege So will Joe’s Frank be a carbon copy of same time. With Netflix and TV ‘on demand’, for Guy, who, after studying Industrial Michael Crawford’s original character? we never really sit down and watch Economics at the University of Nottingham, something together. I love that electric won the Directors Guild of Great Britain “Michael was brilliant; iconic. It’s difficult to feeling you get when a theatre is full and the award for Best New Director. Following imagine another Frank Spencer, so it needed show is about to start.” postgraduate training and the mentorship of somebody who was really going to make leading theatre directors on numerous Frank their own. Joe is perfect. Interestingly, Guy laughs at the suggestion that he could productions in the West End and at the Royal the role of Frank was originally offered to write more ’70s sitcoms as stage shows - Shakespeare Company, he is now regarded as Norman Wisdom before Michael Crawford. Terry And June The Musical, perhaps? one of theatre’s brightest young talents. A Norman was 57 at the time, so while Joe is “Not quite yet! These shows take a long time huge fan of British comedy and with an older than Michael, he’s not as old as to develop. We said early on that we wanted encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject, Guy Norman was when he was considered for the time to get Some Mothers right, and it really says that he had clear ideas about the Some part.” has been a labour of love. We are devoted to Mothers stage play from the outset. With an impressive and diverse CV, what it.” “I was very keen that it shouldn’t just be a re- other ambitions might Guy be harbouring? “I With tickets shifting faster than Frank run of old episodes, so it’s based on a grew up in Southport, Lancashire, and I was Spencer on roller skates, the mood music particular point in Frank’s life, when Betty lucky to have a popular theatre close to suggests the show will amass new devotees was trying to tell him she’s pregnant. I knew home. I don’t come from a politics at every performance of every date of the six- it had to be something written specifically for background or an English literature month national tour. “People should come the stage - something that would work in a background, but from a love of theatre and, because it’s a great celebration of that period theatre. What we have now is quite a specifically, watching theatre. It doesn’t of time for all the family. It’s got some great traditional British farce, with surprises. It is matter what; Shakespeare or a brand new ’70s music in it and is simply a feelgood, two hours in real time, set one evening when comedy, it’s about the quality for me. funny and nostalgic trip to the theatre with a they’re expecting people for dinner. Chaos Entertainment has developed a slightly really great cast.” ensues!” negative connotation in recent years, but it used to be a treat, and that’s what I feel it Agreeing that there seems to have been a should be - a great night out.” developing trend for theatrical comedies in Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em shows at recent times, Guy explains why that might Certainly Some Mothers sounds like it ticks Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues be. “We’ve spent a lot of time in the last few that box. Joining Joe will be Susie Blake as 15 to Sat 19 May. Film April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 16:12 Page 2

Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

expensive film ever made. Following Avengers Assemble and Avengers: Infinity War CERT tbc Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Avengers: Age Of Ultron, the ultimate crime-fighting team is faced Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pratt with stopping the heinous goal of Thanos (Josh Brolin) to bend uni- Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (USA) versal reality to his will, thus ending all life as we know it. To help The cast that is listed above is just the tip of the iceberg of this mas- thwart Thanos’s plans, Iron Man and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) reach sive, massive movie. One source put the budget of the two-part Marvel out to Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) and epic at $1billion, but we refuse to believe this, just as we refuse to be- Gamora (Zoe Saldana) from the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise for lieve the reported $200million that Robert Downey Jr is being paid to a bit of extra muscle. You might have to book your tickets now. reprise his role as Iron Man. But we do suspect that this is the most Released Fri 27 April

Film highlights released in April...

A Quiet Place CERT tbc Death Wish CERT 15 (107 mins) Starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Starring Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisa- Jupe, Millicent Simmonds beth Shue, Dean Norris, Kimberly Elise Directed by John Krasinski (USA) Directed by Eli Roth Silence is truly a virtue in this chiller in When the wife and daughter of a Chicago sur- which a nuclear family live in a remote out- geon (Willis) are brutally attacked in their post in fear of their lives. An unknown men- own home, the latter decides to take the law ace has materialised, a predator that hunts into his own hands. Soon, he gets a taste for by sound. For the record, Krasinski, the film’s vengeance and his deeds become a media star and director, is the real-life husband of sensation. Based on the 1974 film of the same Emily Blunt. The Hurricane Heist name that starred Charles Bronson. Released Thurs 5 April CERT 12a (103 mins) Released Fri 6 April Starring Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, Ryan Kwanten, Melissa Bolona, Ralph Ineson, Ben Cross Directed by Rob Cohen (USA) Recently, a number of films have ex- ploited the dramatic vagaries of climate change. And there have been a goodly number of heist thrillers, too. This action- drama combines the two genres, in which a gang of hackers attempt to break into a Treasury facility under cover of a hurri- cane. Released Fri 6 April

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Film highlights released in April...

Let The Sunshine In CERT 15 (123 mins) Starring Juliette Binoche, Gérard Depardieu, Josiane Balasko, Xavier Beauvois, Philippe Katerine, Bruno Podalydès, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi Directed by Claire Denis (France) In essence a romantic comedy, Claire Denis’s acclaimed film is considerably more besides. There is romance, and humour, but this story of a Parisian divorcee (Binoche) looking for a second chance at love is full of poignant ob- servation and joie de vivre. The critics positively swooned over it when it played at Cannes last year. EDITOR’S CHOICE Released Fri 20 April

120 Beats Per Minute ‘Heathers meets American Psycho’. Wonderstruck In his last film before his death, Anton CERT 15 (143 mins) Yelchin plays the drug dealer Tim. CERT PG (116 mins) Starring Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Arnaud Val- Starring Oakes Fegley, Julianne Moore, ois, Adèle Haenel Released Fri 6 April Michelle Williams, Millicent Simmonds, Tom Directed by Robin Campillo (France) Noonan Directed by Todd Haynes (USA) Set in Paris during the 1990s and based on Based on the novel the filmmaker’s own experience, this drama by Brian Selznick, takes us back to the dark days of the Aids epi- the film marks the re- demic. In particular, the film focuses on the union of Julianne activist outfit ACT UP and its attempt to com- Moore and director bat the French government’s inertia. Todd Haynes, who Winner of the Grand Prix at last year’s previously worked to- Cannes shindig, as well as winner of the gether on Safe (1995) and Far From Home French Oscar for best film. (2002). Released Fri 6 April Released Fri 6 April

Love, Simon CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Nick Robinson, Josh Duhamel, Jen- Ghost Stories CERT 15 (98 mins) nifer Garner, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Starring Andy Nyman, Paul Whitehouse, Alex Shipp Directed by Greg Berlanti (USA) Lawther, Martin Freeman, Nicholas Burns Simon Spier (Robinson) has his hands full. Directed by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson (UK) He’s not only desperate to find out the iden- tity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen in love with online, but of the blackmailer who’s threatening to ‘out’ him to the entire school. Based on the novel Simon vs The Homo Sapi- ens Agenda (2015) by Becky Albertalli. Released Fri 6 April Thoroughbreds CERT 15 (93 mins) Starring Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Adapted by Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson Yelchin, Paul Sparks, Francie Swift Directed by Cory Finley (USA) from their own play, this three-part chiller is already causing shock waves among horror Amanda and Lily are the thoroughbreds in fans. Nyman recreates his original role as question, a couple of blue bloods from Con- professional sceptic Phillip Goodwin, whose necticut. Reunited after a breakdown in their whole belief system is shaken by a trio of un- friendship, the girls embark on a hideous solved cases concerning the occult. plan, prompting IndieWire to dub the film, Released Fri 6 April

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Film

Rampage CERT 12a (107 mins) Starring Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Åkerman, Joe Manganiello, Jake Lacy, Jeffrey Dean Morgan Directed by Brad Peyton (USA) Loosely based on the video game, this Planet Of The Apes clone stars The Rock as the muscu- lar primatologist Davis Okoye. A clandestine genetic experiment transforms Davis’s pet gorilla into a giant, rag- ing beast, while transmogrifying other crea- tures, too. Expect some CGI. Released Fri 13 April

The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society CERT tbc Truth Or DareCERT tbc Starring Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen ing the Nazi occupation onto paper. Starring Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, Violett Beane, Powell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine The film is based on the 2008 bestselling Nolan Gerard Funk, Hayden Szeto Parkinson, Matthew Goode, Tom Courtenay, Directed by Jeff Wadlow (USA) Penelope Wilton novel of the same name by Mary Ann Shaffer Directed by Mike Newell (UK/USA) and Annie Barrows, which was inspired by A group of young friends embarks on the tit- real events. As a director, Mike Newell has a ular game when ‘something’ starts punishing The title is a bit of a mouthful, but that didn’t pretty good track record, including such ti- those who refuse to fulfil a dare - or who tell stop a certain Exotic Marigold Hotel from at- tles as Dance With A Stranger, Enchanted a lie. From the writer-director of Kick-Ass 2, tracting a huge audience. Here, a writer (Lily April, Four Weddings And A Funeral and which is a good thing. James) forms a close correspondence with the inhabitants of Guernsey in the Channel Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. Released Fri 13 April Islands, while putting their experiences dur- Released Fri 20 April

Tully CERT 15 (96 mins) Starring Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass, Ron Livingston Directed by Jason Reitman (USA) From Diablo Cody, the Oscar-winning writer of Juno, Young Adult and Ricki And The Flash, this promises much. Tully (Mackenzie Davis, from Blade Runner 2049) is a ‘’night nanny’ who helps out the hard-pressed Marlo (Theron), mother of three. Funny Cow CERT 15 (103 mins) She is a gift from Marlo’s brother… Starring Maxine Peake, Paddy Considine, Tony Expect a lot of laughs, and some tears. Pitts, Alun Armstrong, Stephen Graham, John Bishop Directed by Adrian Shergold (UK) Released Fri 20 April Stand-up comedy has provided fertile material for such films as Lenny, Every Day CERT 12a (97 mins) The King Of Comedy and Starring Angourie Rice, Justice Smith, Debby Punchline, with Tom Ryan, Maria Bello, Owen Teague Directed by Michael Sucsy (USA) Hanks. But Funny Cow is set in the working men’s It’s not easy, but 16-year-old Rhiannon (Rice) clubs of northern Eng- manages to fall in love with the same person land and the protagonist every day, although that ‘soul’ keeps popping is a woman (Maxine Peake). She’s certainly up in different bodies. Based on the romantic got plenty of raw material to work from. And fantasy novel by David Levithan. there are songs, too. Released Fri 20 April Released Fri 20 April whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Beyond Windrush DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:14 Page 1

FROM A SMALL ISLAND Andrew Jackson’s exhibition marks 70 years since Windrush

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Beyond Windrush DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:14 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

On 22 June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush thought about the fact that I hadn’t seriously parents, but when I came back and told them docked at Tilbury, bringing with her 492 documented or recorded their stories. about it, I realised that my experiences were Jamaican passengers, the first in a whole new starting to override and erase their own. “I became interested in the ways in which wave of migrants to make the journey from Thinking about how those stories had shifting geography impacts upon the one tiny island nation to another, attracted by sustained them over the years, it felt strange psychology of the individual. I think for many new citizenship rights conferred on Britain’s coming back and telling them that it wasn’t migrants like my mum, on some level, it’s former colonial subjects. like that any more, like I was loosening their almost as though they’ve never landed. grip on the space.” Seventy years on, those who made that long They’re always somewhere out at sea.” sea crossing are now woven into the fabric of But it’s not just the journey of that generation Given its visible presence and historical British cultural life, along with their children, ‘slipping away’ that Jackson seeks to importance for both Britain and Jamaica, it’s grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. document. The story of From A Small Island no surprise that the sea features prominently Yet far from being resolved, the questions is an intergenerational one, exploring how in Jackson’s photographs, serving as a potent around race, identity and nationality that attitudes and perceptions both change and metaphor for isolation, change and yearning they grappled with continue to be a focus for stay the same. for something out of reach. At the same time, intense and often heated debate today. however, many of the images also firmly “For much of my youth, I guess the myths In From A Small Island, a new exhibition anchor their human subjects on the land. around Jamaica had sustained me too. commissioned by MAC Birmingham to Growing up, I think perhaps I didn’t feel “One of the mottos of Jamaica is that it’s the coincide with this year’s Windrush entirely British or really wanted here. At Land of Wood and Water, so there are anniversary, Birmingham-born photographer school, people would say I was Jamaican or elements of that within the work. I was also Andrew Jackson uses his own family’s West Indian or Afro-Caribbean - I was never thinking about the reasons why black people experiences as a starting point to explore the just British. So mentally, you retreat to that were brought there in the first place - they subject of migration. Between visits to place, maybe as a place of safety. came over the sea as well as leaving by it, and Jamaica and the US, Jackson found time to they were brought to work the land, so the “But of course, when I actually went out to tell us more about the show, ahead of its human body is placed in direct connection to Jamaica, people started telling me I was opening in May. the landscape in my work.” English. My nickname there was English - “We’re at a pivotal time in Britain where in which of course I am. So even as a second- That complex link between people and place the last few years, migration has been ever- generation migrant, I can feel something of not only begs the question of what happens present on the political scene, clouding the that dislocation my parents felt.” to a person when connections are cut, but Leave vote, among other things,” he says. “I also of what happens to the place they leave Moreover, in today’s increasingly globalised like to see this exhibition as opening a behind. and super-connected world, it’s a feeling that window for discussion. I’d seen lots of work more and more people may be able to identify about migration before, but it always seemed “I began to wonder what effect that with. to be presented as a problematic, short-term generation leaving might have had on thing. There was hardly anything about what Jamaica - if there was a brain-drain and all “Whether you’re going from Jamaica to happens to migrants when they stay in a the brightest and youngest people left. I think Britain or just moving down from Scotland to country as they age and get older.” for my parents, it’s a place stuck in time - one a new job in London, you’re effectively that in many ways ceased to exist for them leaving one space where you have one Despite its weighty and politically charged when they left. My mum never went back, she defined identity and moving to another space themes, the project was initially borne out of never saw her brother and father again, never to create a new one. Ultimately, I guess it’s something at once more personal and more attended any funerals. Of course, like all about exploring the nature of belonging, and universal. families, we have our own folklore that’s been why it matters to us.” “Growing up I’d heard a lot of stories about passed down, so part of me wanted to go and Jamaica, but when you’re a kid, you kind of check the veracity of those stories.” mentally switch-off: ‘Oh no, not that story Unsurprisingly, when Jackson visited Jamaica again!’ But as you get older, you suddenly From A Small Island runs from Saturday 5 for the first time, in 2017, what he saw there become more aware that your parents aren’t May until Sunday 8 July as part of MAC didn’t quite match up to what his parents had going to be around forever. Birmingham’s Beyond Windrush season. described. Admission is free from 11am to 5pm “Whenever I bought new equipment I’d “What’s interesting is that I initially saw Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. always used my family as amateur models, going to Jamaica as a way of connecting to my but it wasn’t until my dad got very ill that I

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

Rie Nakajima: Cyclic Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 3 June “I work and communicate with architectural environments, and there is always something new to discover with sounds and objects,” says experimental artist Rie Nakajima. “ I would like to make this exhibition flexible and open, with the potential to change and transform at any moment.” A Japanese artist working with installations and performances that generate sound, Nakajima produces pieces using a combination of kinetic devices, musical instruments and found objects. This Ikon exhibition consists entirely of new work and includes a number of performances in collaboration with other artists.

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

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Visual Arts

Created In Conflict: British Soldier Art From The Crimean War To Today Compton Verney, Warwickshire, until Sun 10 June Produced in partnership with the National Army Museum, and aiming to challenge percep- tions about war and behaviour, Created In Con- flict showcases the diversity of artwork made by British Armed Forces personnel. In the process, the exhibition contemplates subjects such as patriotism, loyalty and the treatment of veter- ans. The show features loans from the V&A, the Imperial War Museum and the Museum of Mili- tary Medicine.

Deeper In The Pyramid Grand Union, Birmingham, until Sat 21 April

Vanley Burke: Photographing Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 1 Juiy “I’m delighted that this collection has right that the people represented in the im- found a permanent home with Birming- ages and their families can appreciate ham Museums,” says Vanley Burke, in them for many years to come. In fact, I feel talking about his exhibition of photos doc- like the photos belong to the people of umenting 40 years of African Caribbean Birmingham, as so many people feel con- experience in the city. “The photos reflect nected to the stories and experiences doc- an important era of migration and settle- umented in them. I’m very pleased they ment in Birmingham, and it feels only will now be part of the city’s collection.”

Consequence Of War 1918 - 2018 Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 16 April - Sun 24 June This major exhibition contemplates Melanie Jackson’s expansive new work fea- themes of war and peace throughout art tures animation, sculpture, a filmed perfor- and history. mance and a publication in a graphic-novel Featuring work by internationally format. The artist’s publicity for Deeper In renowned artists including Henry Moore, The Pyramid describes the piece as taking Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland and Henri its viewers ‘on a journey of lactic abstrac- Gaudier-Brzeska, the collection explores tions, through the webs of bio-invasion and the impact of World War One, focusing on collective fantasy that interconnect various the immediate aftermath of the conflict life forms through milk, its technologies and and the quest for long-lasting peace over representations.” the subsequent century. Melanie’s previous works have included Other exhibits on show include original large gateway sculpture, bespoke street fur- work by the Cathedral's artist-in-resi- niture and integrated art with landscape. dence, Peter Walker, items from the Above: Henry Moore: Mother and Child 1949 Her pieces are produced in many materials, Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Military bronze (LH 269b) Photo: Michael Muller Repro- among them glass, fabricated and cast met- Valour awards duced by permission of The Henry Moore als, real and pre-cast stone and timber. and trench art. Foundation’

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Easter events from around the region Events

Traditional Victorian Easter Activities Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 April Never let it be said that Ironbridge’s famous Victorian town doesn’t get into the spirit of Easter! The venue’s holiday fun kickstarts on Sunday 1 and Mon- day 2 April when visitors can watch the unusual Victo- rian Easter pastime of egg dancing and join in the traditional parade. There’s plenty to do in the two weeks that follow as well. Entertainment on offer includes the chance to watch chicks’ eggs hatch and chocolate eggs being made, and the opportunity to print a poster using a Victorian print- ing press. A bunny hunt around the town and a trail to solve an Easter anagram further add to the fun.

Family fun at Birmingham Museums Easter Fun Days Severn Valley Railways, Bewdley, until Sun 15 April Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, Aston Hall, Sarehole Mill, Blakesley Hall & Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham Museums are offering families ‘a jam-packed schedule of delights and surprises’ this Easter holiday. Visitors to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery can uncover a treasure trove of history, courtesy of a range of object-handling sessions. There’s a visit from the Easter Dinosaur to enjoy at science museum Thinktank, and an opportunity ‘to get lost in Wonderland’ thanks to a fairytale takeover at Aston Hall. And that’s not all. Visitors to Sarehole Mill can enjoy an Easter trail or a spring- themed craft activity, while Blakesley Hall is holding workshops designed to ‘unleash your inner Easter artist’. A family-friendly guided tour of the Smith & Pepper jewellery factory provides visitors with the opportunity to delve deeper into the history of the Jewellery Quarter. It’s full steam ahead for family fun on the Severn Val- ley Railway this school holiday. Attractions include the chance to find the Easter chicks hidden around the Engine House. There’s also an introduction to kids origami, Easter card making and colouring-in, and the opportunity to enjoy Easter afternoon tea for two. Easter weekend itself sees Ron- nie Crackers making balloon animals and Dippy The Clown holding circus-tricks workshops.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Mon 2 - Fri 6 April There’s plenty to see and do at Birmingham’s Botani- cal Gardens during the Easter holiday, with popular clown Bibbledy Bob and the Easter Bunny both on hand to crank up the fun. Activities to enjoy include drop-in arts & craft ses- sions, face-painting and a chocolate workshop. Visi- tors can also meet a variety of interesting animals, including the corn snake, a giant land snail, a panther chameleon, a gargoyle gecko and a bearded dragon.

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Easter events from around the region Events

Egg-citing Easter Operation Earth Activities Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Mon 2 - Fri 13 April Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, until Sun 15 April The Black Country Living Museum has good form when it comes to ensuring the Easter hols are an exciting time for visit- ing families, and this year is no exception. Youngsters and their grown-ups can take the Bunny's Trail - in the process explor- ing the venue’s canalside village and solv- ing clues to find a prize - participate in traditional egg rolling competitions, and test their balance in an egg-and-spoon race. There’s also the chance to learn about Easter traditions in the home, sample a freshly baked hot cross bun and get in- volved in all manner of traditional street games. A trip 'into the thick' to sample life in an 1850s coal mine, the chance to expe- rience a Victorian school lesson and the Described by its organisers as ‘the opportunity to savour some traditionally ultimate interactive experience’, cooked fish & chips complete the venue’s Operation Earth is an exploration Easter holiday entertainment package. of environmental science, provid- ing youngsters with plenty of infor- mation about how they can help to keep the planet healthy. Activities include an indoor nature Royal Eggstravaganza survey, air analysis and a micro- Easter Treasure Hunt scopic look at ‘the world around Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, until Mon 2 April us’. Eastnor Castle’s ever-popular Easter egg hunt Children can also get creative with makes a welcome return, with participating a themed craft and borrow one of families challenged to follow the map and solve the event’s fun-filled backpacks, the clues to work out which famous Royal Wed- specially designed for youngsters ding couples the bunnies are dressed up as. aged between three and seven. Other attractions to enjoy at the venue include the Knight’s Maze, a junior obstacle course, an Cadbury Easter adventure playground, a new rope swing route, Egg Hunts a treetop walkway and a woodland play area. Various National Trust sites, until Mon 2 April Who better to organise an Easter Burton’s Children’s egg hunt (or several) than those Easter Festival lovely people at Cadbury? The Various venues, Burton-upon-Trent, chocolate-making Birmingham until Wed 11 April company are this Easter coordinat- “Back for our third year and bigger and bet- ing more than 250 hunts at Na- ter than before, this year’s event is all about tional Trust properties across the big tops, bunting and making memories!” UK. say the organisers of Burton’s Children’s And there’s plenty more for fami- Easter Festival. “We’re bringing some of the lies to enjoy on their fun-filled day best circus performers to the town, as well out, with many of the venues offer- as lots of fun activities to make, see and do.” ing ‘games and craft activities ga- The popular event this year includes an lore’. Easter egg trail, cinema screenings of Lego What’s more, all participants will Movie and The Goonies, a host of workshops be rewarded with a sure-to-be-deli- to enjoy, and the chance to meet & greet the cious Cadbury treat at the end of Red Power Ranger. each completed hunt. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 15:26 Page 5

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Events previews from around the region Events

Kidtropolis NEC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sun 8 April Listening, learning, engaging and exploring is very much the name of the game at Kidtropolis. The three-day event features favourite children’s characters, much-loved brands, ‘exciting entertainment and a host of amazing activities’. My Little Pony favourite Twilight Sparkle is on hand to meet & greet visitors, while fans of Nickelodeon’s smash-hit series The Thundermans are sure to be delighted by the fact that series star Kira Kosarin is putting in an appearance. Also in attendance is the Julia Donaldson/Alex Scheffler creations of Stick Man and the Gruffalo. A jungle slide, ferris wheel bouncer, roller disco and Legoland discovery centre further add to the fun.

The Man Engine Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Sat 14 April The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain visits Blists Hill Victorian Town this month. The Man Engine crawls at 4m high and ‘transforms’ to stand at 11.2m high, powered by Volvo’s L220 wheeled-loader. The team behind the Man Engine have created a be- spoke visual, theatrical and aural experience for the Blists Hill stop-off, highlighting the area’s status as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

St George’s Day Celebration Tamworth Castle, Sat 21 April Tamworth Castle goes medieval to cel- Out in the open air, meanwhile, ebrate the patron saint of England, there’s the chance to test your archery presenting a day of entertainment that skills, enjoy the spectacle of a joust, includes a selection of living history explore a medieval encampment, ex- experiences. perience the special atmosphere cre- Visitors can have a go at doing the ated by an array of talented street laundry, learn about medieval entertainers and encourage your weaponry and armour, or try out some youngsters to busy themselves with traditional games with the castle’s numerous children’s activities. Lady Freville.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 20 - Sun 22 April Stratford-upon-Avon is providing plenty by way of entertainment to celebrate what would’ve been its most famous son’s 454th birthday this month. Taking centre stage is a parade through the streets of the town, with community festivities and street entertainment in evidence across Stratford throughout the day. For more detailed information about what’s happening during the weekend, visit shakespear- escelebrations.com

Fast & Furious Live ating in order to bring Fast & Furious Live to the global stage. With this mix of extraordinary Arena Birmingham, Fri 20 - Sun 22 April stunts, special effects, cutting-edge 3D-projec- “It’s been years in the making,” says Rowland tion mapping - as well as drivers pushing their French, creative director & executive producer own limits - every performance will create an of Fast & Furious Live, the arena tour based on unforgettable experience for the live audience. the hit movie franchise. “We are beyond excited Twenty-three cities across 14 countries is just to finally show fellow fans what we’ve been cre- the beginning for Fast & Furious Live.”

STEMtastic Weston Park Horse Trials Explorers Weston Park, Shropshire, Sat 7 - Sun 8 April Coventry Transport Museum, Wed 18 April “For many riders, Weston Park will be their last outing before Badminton, so we have high hopes New to the Transport Museum’s for April 2018,” says Janet Plant, one of the or- programme of events, STEMtastic ganisers of this 40th anniversary event. “As Explorers aims to introduce the usual the April dates will include advanced, in- world of science, technology, engi- termediate and novice sections. neering and maths (STEM) in a fun “We will also be hosting the European Team Pre- way. The sessions are led by a liminary Trial for both the Pony Championships member of the venue’s learning and the under 18 and under 21 Championships, team, who will guide participating so there’ll be plenty of chances to see the rising children through different STEM- stars of the future.” AutoScience Activities related themes using a blend of British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, song, stories and experiments. Tues 3 - Sun 15 April The science of the automobile comes under the spotlight in a series of fun activities at the British Motor Museum this month. Visitors can follow the AutoScience Secret Mis- sion Trail around the museum, join one of the family tours and meet the venue’s very own ‘mad scientist’. A 25-minute live show provides inspiration for youngsters who fancy putting their design skills to the test in the AutoScience Technics work- shops. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover April Birmingham .qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 13:51 Page 1 Ceri Dupree DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:42 Page 1 Ceri Dupree DPS.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2018 14:42 Page 2

THE FAAAAAAABULOUS CERI DUPREE Having played Ugly Sister Voluptua in Birmingham Hippodrome’s Christmas pantomime version of Cinderella, female impersonator extraordinaire Ceri Dupree this month returns to the venue with his one-man, 21-woman show, featuring impersonations of some of the world’s most iconic divas...

From Camilla Parker Bowles and Cilla Black, What’s been the most memorable venue If you could travel back to any showbiz to screen icons of Hollywood and pop you’ve performed in? era, which would it be? princesses old and new, Ceri’s inimitable There have been lots, but I would have to say It would have to be the 1970s because that’s delivery, energy and style bring together Athens in Greece. I performed to 2,000 people when showbusiness was really out there. We hilarious comedy, fantastic showmanship in a nightclub there. They wanted me to do only had three channels on the television, and more than a sprinkling of Las Vegas-style the singer Nana Mouskouri, who’s a real icon and there was no such thing as Twitter or glitz and glamour! As Ceri says, “If it’s worth in Greece. I was sending her up in a very Facebook. You had variety, you had a lot more doing, it’s worth overdoing!” tongue-in-cheek way, but I thought to myself, people who would go to the theatre. You had We caught up with him to discover more if I do this here, they’ll kill me, as she’s so summer seasons that ran for 20 to 24 weeks. It about the fabulous females past and present revered! was a great time to be performing! I didn’t who feature in his latest lavish stage Anyway, we put her into the show start until 1982/83, but I would’ve loved to offering… (somewhere in the middle, so as not to draw have been around in the heyday of the big too much attention) and it went down an cabaret clubs and large-scale variety Who first inspired you to go into absolute storm, - so much so that the entertainment. Oh, and there was also glam showbusiness? following night I opened the show as Nana! rock in the 1970s! Well, when I was a little boy, I had three idols The more I sent her up, the more they Who’s currently on your wish list to - Stanley Baxter, Dick Emery and Danny La laughed! impersonate? Rue - and I loved them all. I suppose it was Do you have a favourite female in your through my parents taking me to pantomimes The one I’m working on at the moment is Cilla repertoire? from an early age that I started to think, I Black. I did her years and years ago, but then want to do that one day. I wanted to be a I have lots. Interestingly, the audience of course she sadly died, and I didn’t want to costume designer too, but I’m wearing the favourites are often not my favourites. I like put her back in the repertoire straight away as costumes now. Actually, I still design them, the old stars, like Mae West, Bette Davies and it would’ve been in bad taste. Time has but I get to wear them as well! Marlene Dietrich. I suppose the more current moved on enough now for us to do an ones are people like Joan Collins, Cher, Bette affectionate send-up or a tongue-in-cheek You’re well known for being one of the Midler and Lady Gaga. tribute, as I like to think of it. It’s very difficult UK’s leading female impersonators. How The audience favourites tend to be Tina these days to find the stars to do. Our does that differ to ‘drag’ in your eyes? Turner, Amy Winehouse and - believe it or not television now is full of reality shows. My pet I always say I’m a female impersonator - Camilla Parker Bowles. She’s like the Wicked hate is the term ‘reality TV star’; you’re not a because I’m first and foremost an Queen in pantomime. They all start booing star. Shirley Bassey’s a star! Tom Jones is a impressionist. I don’t have a ‘character’, like when she enters the stage. Audiences love to star! Why would I want to impersonate Paul O’Grady or Barry Humphreys – I hate her, I suppose. someone like Gemma Collins?! Having said all impersonate internationally recognised And, you wouldn’t necessarily expect it, but I that, I would love to do someone like Paloma female artists, soap stars, comediennes and still do Gladys Pugh from Hi-De-Hi and Faith, as she’s amazing, so watch this space! famous personalities across the board. I’ve audiences lap it up. Even younger audience impersonated Lily Savage, I’ve impersonated members who wouldn’t necessarily remember Dame Edna, don’t get me wrong, but as part her still seem to find it funny! The Faaaaaaabulous Ceri Dupree Show of a repertoire of impersonations! That’s the visits Birmingham Hippodrome on Fri 27 & fundamental difference. Sat 28 April. For tickets, call 0844 338 5000 or visit birminghamhippodrome.com The List Cover April Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:31 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide AprilApril 20182018 thelist

Protein Dance: Border Tales at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry - Tuesday 24 April

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

What’s On Sun 1 to Sun 8 April Mon 9 to Sun 15 April Mon 16 to Sun 22 April Mon 23 to Mon 30 April

Sam Smith plays 20th Century Boy The Musical Star Vehicle Stories at Jane Eyre: An Autobiography Genting Arena at Malvern Theatres Coventry Transport Museum at Artrix, Bromsgrove Tues 3 - Wed 4 April Tues 10 - Thurs 12 April Mon 16 April Wed 25 April

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Warwicks/Worcs Sun 1 - Sun 8 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:29 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT APRIL Gigs SISTERS OF SOUL FEAT. NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Mixed- JOCELYN BROWN, JAKI media exhibition including painting, Visual Arts GRAHAM & GWEN sculpture, digital and sound installa- DICKEY Sun 1 Apr, New tions, assemblage, photography & Alexandra Theatre, Artrix, Bromsgrove prints by 28 selected artists, all of Birmingham NEW INVISIBLE: A NEW LOOK AT M.E. Ex- whom are recent graduates from the hibition of art and verse by Anne region’s six university art schools, THE TIN TINS RE-UNION Nicholls which aims to enlighten cyn- until Sun 13 May Sun 1 Apr, Hare & ics about the effects of Chronic Fa- COVENTRY ARCHIVES: COVENTRY LIFE IN Hounds, Birmingham tigue Syndrome, Wed 4 Apr - Sun 20 THE 1960S Explore the Swinging 60s EASTER SUNDAY WITH May through photographs, newspapers, JAMES HYPE, RITON, theatre, music and cinema, until Fri 1 SHIFT KEY & DARKZY Birmingham Museum & June Sun 1 Apr, Kasbah, Art Gallery POP! BRITISH & AMERICAN ART 1960 - Coventry COMING OUT: SEXUALITY, GENDER AND 1975 Explore how art found its POP! PHILIPPA HANNA Tues 3 IDENTITY Groundbreaking exhibition in this transatlantic showcase of the Apr, O2 Academy, marking the 50th anniversary of the movement’s most iconic artists, until Birmingham partial decriminalisation of male ho- Sun 3 June FINBAR FUREY Tues 3 Sam Smith - Genting Arena, Birmingham mosexual acts in England and Wales. Apr, The Glee Club, Featuring over 80 modern and con- The Hive, Worcester Birmingham THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Assembly, Leamington temporary artworks by internationally ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY INTER- NO AGE Fri 6 Apr, Malvern The- Spa renowned artists who explore themes Tues 3 Apr, NATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE Exhibi- atres DIRE STREETS of gender, sexuality and identity in Hare & Hounds, Birm- Sat 7 tion featuring 100 images submitted art, until Sun 15 Apr ingham CHARLIE GREEN Fri 6 Apr, Palace Theatre, from over 80 countries and selected THIS IS ELVIS Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Redditch NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS A mixed- Tues 3 by an expert judging panel, until Sun Apr, Malvern Theatres Worcester REBEL REBEL Sat 7 Apr, media exhibition including painting, 18 Mar sculpture, digital and sound installa- SAM SMITH Tues 3 & THE FIDGETS Fri 6 Apr, Route 44, Birmingham tions, assemblage, photography & Wed 4 Apr, Genting The Marr's Bar, THE VACCINES Sat 7 Worcester City Museum & Art Worcester prints by 28 selected artists, all of Gallery Arena, Birmingham Apr, O2 Academy, whom are recent graduates from the SUN RA ARKESTRA Wed KEVIN ROWLAND Fri 6 Birmingham BENJAMIN WILLIAMS LEADER: BLEST BY region’s six university art schools, 4 Apr, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, THE MAGNIFICENT THE SUNS OF HOME Exhibition explor- until Sun 6 May Town Hall Birmingham MUSIC HALL Sat 7 Apr, ing the significance of landscape MARTIN TURNER EX The Swan Theatre, painting during World War One, when LOWER THAN ATLANTIS, WISHBONE ASH Fri 6 Worcester the British countryside became a MILK TEETH & THE FAIM Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove symbol of hope and national identity Wed 4 Apr, The As- HORSE MEAT DISCO Sat at a time of crisis, until Sat 2 June sembly, Leamington IVORY WAVE Fri 6 Apr, 7 Apr, Hare & Hounds, Spa Kasbah, Coventry Birmingham Other VISUAL ARTS ROMAIN VIRGO Wed 4 RICKY COOL AND THE IN WALK THE MOON Sat 7 Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- CROWD Fri 6 Apr, The Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- THE PAST IS NOW: BIRMINGHAM AND LOVE AS A REVOLUTION Inspired by the ingham Core Theatre, Solihull ingham THE BRITISH EMPIRE Exhibition chal- stories and characters of Shake- lenging the typical colonial narrative speare's Romeo And Juliet, seven THE ELO EXPERIENCE HATS OFF TO LED ZEP- THE WEST COAST EA- used to present the history of the key moments in history are portrayed Thurs 5 Apr, The Swan PELIN Sat 7 Apr, Artrix, GLES Sat 7 Apr, The British Empire, until Sun 24 June as murals, showing how taking a Theatre Worcester Bromsgrove Marr's Bar, Worcester stand can lead to groundbreaking EMBRACE Thurs 5 Apr, THE VERVE EXPERIENCE FAITH - THE GEORGE change, until Mon 7 May, Royal O2 Institute, B’ham Sat 7 Apr, O2 MICHAEL LEGACY Sat 7 Forge Mill Needle Museum, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- THE MANFREDS Thurs 5 Academy, Birmingham Apr, The Core Theatre, Redditch upon-Avon Apr, Palace Theatre, Solihull NEW CLOTH + COLOUR + THREAD: AN OASIS VS. BLUR Sat 7 SOLDIER ART - CREATED IN CONFLICT, Redditch Apr, The Empire, SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS ECLECTICA EXHIBITION Nine Midlands- 1850 TO TODAY Exploration of creativ- ROLO TOMASSI Thurs 5 Coventry Sun 8 Apr, New based textile artists produce vibrant ity in conflict, with a focus on artwork Apr, The Asylum, Birm- MOTOWN’S GREATEST Alexandra Theatre, contemporary stitched textiles that made by British Armed Forces per- ingham HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS Birmingham showcase a wide range of tech- sonnel, from the Crimean War to the Sat 7 Apr, Malvern SPEAK, BROTHER Sun 8 niques, Fri 27 Apr - Mon 21 May present day, until Sun 10 June, THE FALLEN STATE Theatres Apr, The Marr's Bar, Compton Verney Gallery, Warwick Thurs 5 Apr, O2 Academy, Birmingham HARRY STYLES Sat 7 Worcester Leamington Spa Art Gallery & RAVILIOUS & CO: THE PATTERN OF Apr, Genting Arena, MACKLEMORE Sun 8 Museum FRIENDSHIP. ENGLISH ARTIST DESIGN- GREGORY PORTER Thurs Birmingham Apr, O2 Academy, LIGHTS OF LEAMINGTON New exhibition ERS 1922-1942 Exhibition of work by 5 - Fri 6 Apr, Sym- Birmingham showing the diverse ways that light the prolific artist & designer Eric Rav- phony Hall, B’ham ZOË SCHWARZ BLUE runs through the collection at Leam- ilious (1903-1942), mounted along- KEITH SLATER'S 60S CEL- COMMOTION Sat 7 Apr, TOKIO MYERS Sun 8 ington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, side pieces by some of his EBRATION Fri 6 Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- until Sun 15 Apr contemporaries, until Sun 10 June, Palace Theatre, Red- Worcester ingham Compton Verney Gallery, Warwick ditch VIVA MORRISSEY Sat 7 FAREED AYAZ & ABU The Herbert Art Gallery & NEVILLE STAPLE - THE ORIGINAL RUDE BARRY STEELE & Apr, Kasbah, Coventry MUHAMMED SUFI Museum BOY The exhibition hopes to show FRIENDS AS THE ROY TUBULAR BRASS Sat 7 QUWWALI Sun 8 Apr, IRISH HEART, COVENTRY HOME Explore many aspects of a man who has ORBISON STORY Fri 6 Apr, The Roses The- Birmingham Town Hall the unique role that the Irish commu- done so much for Coventry music, Apr, The Swan The- atre, Tewkesbury WIZZ JONES Sun 8 Apr, nity has played, and continues to but also so much for other artists, atre, Worcester NOVANA - IN UTERO Kitchen Garden Cafe, play, in Coventry, through interviews, until Sun 2 Dec, Coventry Music Mu- EN VOGUE Fri 6 Apr, O2 25TH ANNIVERSARY Birmingham images and objects, until Tues 10 Apr seum Institute, Birmingham TOUR Sat 7 Apr, The 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs Sun 1 - Sun 8 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:29 Page 2

Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 April

survive in a world where masculinity Classical Music has become toxic, until Fri 3 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- JONATHAN ANSELL & ZYRAH ROSE Fri 6 ford-upon-Avon Apr, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: ENGLISH cal thriller marks Christopher Eccle- SONG Featuring Roderick Williams, Fri ston’s RSC debut and Niamh 6 Apr, Worcester Cathedral Cusack’s return to the company, until NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT Tues 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare BRITAIN - UNLEASHED Featuring Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Kwamé Ryan (conductor) & Karen STONES IN HIS POCKETS The Crescent Gillingham (director). Programme in- Theatre Company presents its ver- cludes works by Mason Bates, Bern- sion of Marie Jones' poignant tragi- stein, John Williams & James Newton comedy, Sat 31 Mar - Sat 7 Apr, Howard, Sat 7 Apr, Symphony Hall, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS Starring Clive ORGAN RECITAL BY STEPHEN HARG- Webb and Danny Adams - winners of REAVES Sat 7 Apr, Great Malvern Pri- the Ken Dodd Comedy Award and ory CFA Best Comedy Award, Sun 1 Apr, SPIRES PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CHORUS Programme includes works FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL Stage ver- by Dvorak & Brahms, Sat 7 Apr, sion of Kay Mellor’s award-winning The Last Tango In Redditch Coventry Cathedral TV show. Jodie Prenger, Sam Bailey, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 April; Natasha Hamilton, Kevin Kennedy & Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 April Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff star, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, The ever-popular All & Sundry are the ensemble behind this gen- Birmingham tle comedy from Roger Goddard, author of the well-received Fifty Comedy THIS IS ELVIS Steve Michaels stars as Shades Of Beige. Telling a tale of 'love, loss and old secrets', Last the King in a musical which recreates KANE BROWN, SLIM, PRINCE ABDI & JU- Tango finds miserable widower Henry living an uncomfortable ex- the drama leading to Elvis’ 1968 NIOR BOOKER Sun 1 Apr, The Glee istence with his daughter and son-in-law. But when longstanding comeback concert, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Club, Birmingham Apr, Malvern Theatres pal Ron suggests his less-than-happy friend joins a dance class, THE COMEDY HUT Tues 3 Apr, The Henry finds a whole new world suddenly opening up to him... SERVICE! THE LIVE SITCOM Fast-paced, Civic, Stourport foul-mouthed, relentless comedy set KIRI PRITCHARD MCLEAN Thurs 5 Apr, in the restaurant of a four-star hotel, MAC, Birmingham Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Apr, Old Joint Stock THE MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL Step Little Angel Theatre present a spin on DOREEN: RISE OF THE YAM-YAM Thurs 5 Theatre, Birmingham back into the golden era of 1890s a classic story about two misfits who British music hall, Sat 7 Apr, The just want to fit in, Tues 3 - Thurs 5 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre WICKED Award-winning musical Swan Theatre, Worcester Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry JOHN MOLONEY, JENNY COLLIER & COM- telling the untold story of an unlikely EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON but profound friendship between two EASTER BUNNY'S EGGS FACTOR Family Thurs 5 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham young women, Wed 4 - Sun 29 Apr, show for two-to-seven-year-olds, Birmingham Hippodrome packed with fun, songs, laughter and KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs lots of audience participation. Audi- 5 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall DOREEN: RISE OF THE YAM YAM Join the Kids Shows ence members also get the chance LOU SANDERS, JAMIE HUTCHINSON & comedy queen of the Black Country to meet the Easter Bunny and bag JOSH PUGH Fri 6 Apr, Cherry Reds as she challenges Darwin with her MONSTERSAURUS Energetic show for themselves an Easter treat, Wed 4 Cafe-Bar, Birmingham very own Theory of Evolution, Thurs younger audiences packed with Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham 5 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre thrills, spills, magic, mayhem, original IMRAN YUSUF, DANNY POSTHILL & SY THE SAGAS OF NOGGIN THE NOG Oliver THE EMBROIDERY GIRL Dance drama music and plenty of audience partici- THOMAS Fri 6 Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, pation! Sat 31 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, War- Postgate’s iconic creation is brought Stourbridge set during the transformation period to the stage in a new piece of theatre from China’s last imperial dynasty to wick Arts Centre, Coventry RAW COMEDY Fri 6 Apr, Evesham Arts for children, Wed 4 - Thurs 5 Apr, the republic of China, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 EASTER BUNNY’S EGGS FACTOR Family MAC, Birmingham Centre Apr, Albany Theatre, Coventry show for two-to-seven-year-olds, FOIL, ARMS AND HOG Sat 7 Apr, Birm- packed with fun, songs, laughter and HANSEL & GRETEL The award-winning LAST TANGO IN REDDITCH All & Sundry Metro-Boulod-Dodo bring their cre- ingham Town Hall Productions present John Godber’s lots of audience participation. Audi- ence members also get the chance ative flair and quirky humour to the ARCHIE MADDOCKS, GAVIN WEBSTER, story about the way in which love, classic Grimm Brothers fairytale, Wed EMMANUEL SONUBI & ANDREW O'NEILL loss and old secrets can impact on to meet the Easter Bunny and bag themselves an Easter treat, Mon 2 4 - Sun 8 Apr, The Patrick Centre, Sat 7 Apr, The Comedy Loft, B’ham friendship, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Apr, Artrix, Birmingham Hippodrome Bromsgrove Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove READY STEADY LIFT OFF An immersive JACK AND THE BEANS TALK Garlic The- OUTRAGE Uncanny Theatre present a atre presents a charming and inven- highly visual, interactive response to theatre show for three-to-eight-year- olds and their families, combining live tive play with plenty of interaction, Fri a world where the most offensive 6 Apr, The Hive, Worcester seem to set the agenda, Fri 6 Apr, performance, music, storytelling and Theatre MAC, Birmingham painting in one interactive theatre show, Mon 2 - Sat 7 Apr, Warwick THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH POLICE COPS IN SPACE Join the award- Arts Centre, Coventry Mary Pix's comedy of manners, com- winning Pretend Men as they present DEAR ZOO Rod Campbell’s children’s bining mischief-making and a mind- an ’80s 'low-fi sci-fi' that’s set in ‘the book is brought to life in a new stage bending plot, until Thurs 14 Jun, The most dangerous place on Earth’... show featuring puppetry, original Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Space, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham music and plenty of audience partici- THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg pation, Tues 3 - Wed 4 Apr, Lichfield directs John Webster's tale of re- WILDVIXEN'S BURLESQUE Hall of Fame Garrick venge, which asks how anyone can Legends Extravaganza Sat 7 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warwicks/Worcs Sun 1 - Sun 8 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:29 Page 3

thelist DEAR ZOO Rod Campbell’s children’s MAC, Birmingham, until Thurs 5 Apr A WRINKLE IN TIME (PG) Family/Fan- Nr Banbury, Coughton Court, Alces- book is brought to life in a new stage PETER RABBIT (PG) Animation/Adven- tasy. Starring Storm Reid, Oprah Win- ter, Croft Castle, Nr Leominster show featuring puppetry, original ture. With the voices of James Cor- frey. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri ROYAL EGGSTRAVAGANZA EASTER TREA- music and plenty of audience partici- den, Fayssal Bazzi. MAC, 6 - Thurs 12 Apr SURE HUNT Enjoy some right royal fun pation, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Apr, Belgrade Birmingham, until Thurs 5 Apr; SHIRAZ: A ROMANCE OF INDIA (U) with this legendary Easter treasure Theatre, Coventry Malvern Theatres, until Thurs 5 Apr; Drama/Romance. Starring Himansu hunt around the castle and grounds, THE STONE SPELL Join in the fun, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until Rai, Charu Roy. A silent film. Warwick until Mon 2 Apr, Eastnor Castle, Led- songs and audience participation in Thurs 5 Apr; Royal Spa Centre, Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 8 Apr bury popular plays for two-to-nine-year- Leamington Spa, Fri 6 - Thurs 12 Apr UNREST (12a) Drama/History. Starring MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE olds, Sat 7 Apr, Swan Theatre, Jennifer Brea, Omar Wasow. Artrix, CHAMPIONSHIP The 2018 British Su- Worcester Bromsgrove, Sun 8 Apr perbike Championship kicks off at TILDA’S MAGIC ATTIC Button Tree The- Donington Park this Easter weekend atre presents a blend of storytelling, as home hero Leon Haslam gears up song and puppetry, Sat 7 Apr, The NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: to take on arch rival Shane 'Shakey' Hive, Worcester Released from Fri 6 Apr, showing at Byrne who begins his title defence, PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE Brand new selected cinemas until Mon 2 Apr, Donington Park Rac- live children’s show packed with ad- 120 BEATS PER MINUTE (15) ing Circuit, Derby venture, games, laughs and live A QUIET PLACE (tbc) EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Calling all music, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Wolver- valiant adventurers! Join the hunt for hampton Grand Theatre DEATH WISH (18) legendary dragon eggs. Set off on a THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- GHOST STORIES (15) quest to crack the clues, meeting GRANDAD’S ISLAND Benji Davies’s tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia award-winning book is brought magi- LOVE, SIMON (12a) characters from the past along the Spencer. Warwick Arts Centre, way, then claim your chocolate re- cally and sensitively to life with songs Coventry, Sun 1 - Tues 3 Apr THE HURRICANE HEIST (12a) and laughter, Sun 8 Apr, MAC, Birm- ward, until Mon 2 Apr, Kenilworth THOROUGHBREDS (15) ingham PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- Castle ture. Starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- WONDERSTRUCK (PG) EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Calling all Grant. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, valiant adventurers! Join the hunt for LOWED A FLY Theatre for younger au- Mon 2 Apr diences and their families, complete legendary dragon eggs. Set off on a with a feast of singalong songs, FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) quest to crack the clues, meeting colourful animal characters and Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna characters from the past along the heartwarming family fun, Sun 8 Apr, Lumley, Celia Imrie. Roses Theatre, Events way, then claim your chocolate re- Artrix, Bromsgrove Tewkesbury, Mon 2 - Thurs 5 Apr; ward, until Mon 2 Apr, Witley Court, No8, Pershore, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Apr; FESTIVAL OF POWER An action packed Worcestershire Easter weekend of family Drag Rac- Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, INSOMNIA62 A four-day event ‘com- ing entertainment including Top Fuel Fri 6 - Wed 10 Apr bining all the best bits of video-gam- Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, Jet Cars EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure. ing’ and offering enthusiasts the and National Drag Racing. Plus all With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, chance to play an impressive selec- things powerful off track including Dance Eddie Redmayne. No8, Pershore, tion of both new and vintage games, Monster Trucks, Stunt Displays and SWAN LAKE Vienna Festival Ballet pre- Tues 3 Apr; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed until Mon 2 Apr, NEC, Birmingham , Santa Pod sents its version of the classic love 4 - Thurs 5 Apr more, until Sun 1 Apr story, Mon 2 Apr, Evesham Arts Cen- Raceway, Wellingborough EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA With daily A FANTASTIC WOMAN (15) Drama. Star- bonnet competitions plus an Easter tre GOLDEN EGG TRAIL Follow the trail in ring Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes. egg hunt around the venue, until Mon search of the Golden Egg and collect BALLET CENTRAL Featuring a mixed Foreign language, subtitled. Malvern 2 Apr, Cadbury World, Birmingham a tasty Easter reward, until Mon 2 bill from ‘world-renowned choreogra- Theatres, Tues 3 & Thurs 5 Apr phers’, Fri 6 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Apr, Spetchley Park Gardens, EASTER HALF TERM Easter family fun Birmingham YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (15) Worcester including a trail around the grounds Mystery/Thriller. Starring Joaquin and craft activities for children, until CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS Phoenix, Dante Pereira-Olson. War- All partic- Sun 8 Apr, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 3 - ipants will be rewarded with a sure- Birmingham Thurs 5 Apr to-be-delicious Cadbury treat at the end of each completed hunt, until EGG HUNT Join in this fun hunt but GOT LIFE! (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Mon 2 Apr, Upton House & Gardens, don’t forget to record the egg loca- Film ring Agnès Jaoui, Thibault de INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Montlembert. Foreign language, sub- titled. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, DARKEST HOUR (PG) Wed 4 - Thurs 5 & Sat 7 Apr Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With man, Lily James. Warwick Arts Cen- the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael tre, Coventry, until Mon 2 Apr García Bernal. No8, Pershore, Thurs I, TONYA (15) Biography/Comedy. 5 Apr; MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 5 - Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- Sun 8 Apr ney. MAC, Birmingham, until Tues 3 THE MAGIC FLUTE (PG) Fantasy/Music. Apr Starring Ulrik Cold, Håkan Hagegård. BLACK PANTHER (12A) Adventure/Sci- Foreign language, subtitled. Warwick Fi. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Michael B. Jordan. Malvern Theatres, Apr until Wed 4 Apr SWEET COUNTRY (15) Crime/Drama. MARY MAGDALENE (12a) Drama. Star- Starring Bryan Brown, Matt Day. ring Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Mon 9 Apr Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until WONDER WHEEL (12a) Drama. Starring Thurs 5 Apr Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple. War- THE SQUARE (15) Comedy/Drama. wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 6 - Starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss. Tues 10 Apr Easter fun aplenty at Warwick Castle

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Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 April

tions on the quiz sheet – as you will filled with Medieval music and danc- hand in the sheet to receive a small ing, talented re-enactors will demon- prize, until Wed 11 Apr, Tamworth strate the arts of archery and cookery Castle in the Middle Ages, Sun 1 - Mon 2 EASTER EGG HUNT An eggsciting Apr, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster Easter egg hunt around the museum 100 YEARS OF THE RAF FESTIVAL Cele- - find all the letters and win a prize, brate the foundation of the RAF in its until Sat 14 Apr, Museum of the Jew- centenary year with nostalgic activi- ellery Quarter, Birmingham ties for the whole family to enjoy, Sun EGG-CITING EASTER ACTIVITIES Hop on 1 - Mon 2 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr over to find a cracking programme of Wolverhampton Easter fun ready and waiting, until TRADITIONAL VICTORIAN EASTER ACTIVI- Sun 15 Apr, Black Country Living Mu- TIES Entertainment on offer includes seum, Dudley the chance to watch chicks’ eggs EASTER AT WARWICK CASTLE Celebrate hatch and chocolate eggs being the 950th anniversary of William the made, and the opportunity to print a Conqueror’s motte and bailey castle poster using a Victorian printing on the site, until Sun 15 Apr, Warwick press, Sun 1 - Sun 15 Apr, Blists Hill, Castle Ironbridge, Shropshire EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy a fun pro- EASTER HOLIDAYS AT BOTANICAL GAR- gramme of activities at the Shake- DENS A variety of fun activities to get speare Family Homes this Easter, involved with across the Easter holi- Kickback Motorcycle Show - Stoneleigh Park until Sun 15 Apr, Shakespeare's Birth- days including arts and crafts, an WORKSHOP Filmmakers will design items from Victorian to Vintage, Re- place, Stratford Upon Avon Easter Bonnet Parade and chocolate workshop, Mon 2 - Fri 6 Apr, Birming- and build a short animated scenario, gency to Retro and everything in be- EASTER DINO EGG HUNT The Easter ham Botanical Gardens that will then be brought to life using tween, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, British Bunny doesn't visit Thinktank, but the stop frame animation, Wed 4 Apr, Motor Museum, Gaydon OPERATION EARTH SHOW Weekdays Easter Dinosaur does and they have FarGo Village, Coventry during Easter, take part in Operation KICKBACK MOTORCYCLE SHOW Provid- left large Dino eggs hidden around LET'S ANIMATE LEGO STORY - STAR ing a free platform, for young and the museum, until Sun 15 Apr, Think- Earth, an exciting new family show WARS Working in teams Filmmakers emerging builders, to show off their tank Science Museum, Birmingham exploring the amazing stories and science of the environment, Mon 2 - will devise a short scenario, build engineered masterpieces this Apr, SPRING SPECTACULAR Welcoming all Fri 13 Apr, Thinktank Science Mu- sets, animate their scene, add sound Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Stoneleigh Park, the new arrivals from lovable lambs seum, Birmingham effects and edit their creations, Thurs Warwickshire to cheeping chicks, until Sun 15 Apr, 5 Apr, FarGo Village, Coventry HSCC HISTORIC CAR CHAMPIONSHIP Hatton Adventure World, Warwick MAMMOTH EASTER EGG HUNT Track down the Mammoth and her prehis- FAMILY FUN DAY Take a family friendly The Historic Sports Car Club arrive at EGGZOOBURANT EASTER Bring the toric friends in the Lost Landscapes guided tour of the Smith & Pepper Donington Park this weekend trans- whole family for a day out to treasure hunt. Mammoths do not lay jewellery factory and then enjoy a fun porting the circuit back in time for two EGGSplore over 500 animals includ- eggs but there will be a chocolate craft activity in the Education Space, days of classic and historic racing, ing giraffes, meerkats, humboldt pen- treat for successful trackers! Tues 3 Thurs 5 Apr, Museum of the Jewellery Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, Donington Park guins, snow leopards plus lots more! Apr, The Hive, Worcester Quarter, Birmingham Racing Circuit, Derby You may even spot a few new spring EAGLES AT EASTER An array of birds of WACKY WORLD HIGH ENERGY UK TOUR babies around the zoo too, until Sun ZOO CLUB Children aged between 8 – prey including Hawks, Buzzards, Fal- Expect Total Wipeout, Extreme Hun- 15 Apr, Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire 14 years can get involved with lots of engaging and exciting activities all cons, Owls and a Bald Eagle, along gry Hippo's, Assault Courses, Gladia- EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy two themed around animals, wildlife, na- with their handlers will be on site all tor Duels & much much more... Sat 7 exclusive stage shows on your visit ture and zoos, Tues 3 - Fri 6 Apr, day to meet with visitors, Thurs 5 Apr, - Sun 8 Apr, Wolverhampton Indoor this Easter, until Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton Community Sports Arena World, Birmingham EASTER CRAFT ACTIVITIES This Easter BIG DREAMERS FESTIVAL Bringing SPRING MAKERS MARKET Packed full of EGG-CELLENT EASTER AT DRAYTON school holidays why not join in with some of the best children’s theatre everything from jewellery to art, crafts MANOR PARK Heart-stopping roller- some fun Easter themed craft activi- companies from around the UK to to food and everything in between, coasters in the main park and tod- ties at Blakesley Hall on a Tuesday Worcester. As well as the excellent the Makers Market is a chance for dler-friendly rides in Europe’s only and Thursday, Tues 3 - Thurs 12 Apr, programme of shows at The Hive, you to explore all our talented local Thomas Land are among the attrac- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham workshops and events will be taking creatives, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr, FarGo tions to enjoy at Drayton Manor place at community centres across Village, Coventry AUTOSCIENCE EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVI- Theme Park this Easter, until Sun 15 the city, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Apr, The Hive, TIES Follow the AutoScience Secret OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND The return of Apr, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Worcester our popular model railway exhibition, Tamworth Mission Trail around the museum and join one of the family tours and meet ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR alongside opportunities for you to EASTER AT BECKETTS FARM Visit lambs, the museum's very own ‘mad scien- The largest vetted art, antiques and peep behind the scenes, Sat 7 - Sun chicks and a selection of other ani- tist’, Tues 3 - Sun 15 Apr, British interiors fair outside of London, bring- 8 Apr, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- mals, until Sun 15 Apr, Beckett's Motor Museum, Gaydon ing together over 160 specialist deal- ley Farm, Wythall ers showcasing over 30,000 pieces THE ADVENTURES OF MRS TIGGY-WIN- GO WALKIES FOR GUIDE DOGS Arrive at including furniture, ceramics, jew- ASTON IN WONDERLAND: A FAIRY TALE KLE TRAIL Relive the magical story the Jinney Ring and join the Guide ellery, paintings, sculptures, bronzes TAKEOVER Meet lots of your favourite and reconnect with nature as Croft Dogs for the Blind fund-raising walk and more, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Apr, NEC, story book characters including Alice, starts to spring to life, Tues 3 - Sun 15 event, Sun 8 Apr, The Jinney Ring Birmingham the Hatter, and the angry Queen as Apr, Croft Castle, Nr Leominster Craft Centre, Nr Bromsgrove you explore this spectacular building, KIDTROPOLIS Kidtropolis a place for FEATHERS AND FLIGHT TRAIL Families SHROPSHIRE SCALE MODEL SHOW Sun 1 Apr, Aston Hall, Birmingham children to play and have fun and for will need to be eagle-eyed as they Thousands of modelling fans from parents, grandparents and carers to EASTER SUNDAY AT BOTANICAL GAR- pass through the hangars, when they across the country will descend on make fun filled memories, Fri 6 - Sun DENS Celebrate Easter Sunday at the go in search of the answers to six the RAF Museum Cosford for the an- 8 Apr, NEC, Birmingham Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a tricky aircraft and bird themed ques- nual Shropshire Modellers' Show, day packed full of fun, Sun 1 Apr, tions, Tues 3 - Sun 15 Apr, RAF Cos- ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR An An- Sun 8 Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolver- Birmingham Botanical Gardens ford, Nr Wolverhampton tique and Collectors Fair by Field hampton Dog Fairs, with 1000s of collectable MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT The hall will be LET'S ANIMATE FAMILY ANIMATION whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs 9-15 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:28 Page 1

thelist Thurs 12 Apr, The LOZ PETTITE Sat 14 Apr, ties present an amateur staging of Gigs Swan Theatre, Hare & Hounds Keres- Classical April De Angelis’ poignant backstage Worcester ley, Coventry drama, Mon 9 - Sat 14 Apr, Roses Theatre, Kidderminster LIL UZI VERT Mon 9 Apr, TOMMY FLEMMING LITTLE COMETS Sat 14 Music O2 Academy, B’ham Thurs 12 Apr, Palace Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- VAMPIRE’S ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN Theatre, Redditch ingham DANIEL MOULT ORGAN CONCERT Pro- Steve Steinman ramps up the vamp NIGHT RIOTS Mon 9 grame includes works by Handel, in this sequel show, Tues 10 Apr, Apr, O2 Academy, AYANNA WITTER-JOHN- ELKIE BROOKS: PEARLS Mozart, Liszt, Whitlock, J.Van Oort- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham SON Thurs 12 Apr, GREATEST HITS TOUR Symphony Hall, Birm- Sat 14 Apr, Birming- merssen & Wammes, Mon 9 Apr, 20TH CENTURY BOY - THE MUSICAL ROY ORBISON IN ingham ham Town Hall Symphony Hall, Birmingham New musical based on the life of DREAMS Mon 9 Apr, RUDOLF BUCHBINDER: SCHUMANN Fea- Marc Bolan, Tues 10 - Thurs 12 Apr, Genting Arena, B’ham THE VANDEPEER QUAR- THE EVERLY BROTHERS TET Fri 13 Apr, Eve- & FRIENDS TRIBUTE turing the City of Birmingham Sym- Malvern Theatres MYRKUR Mon 9 Apr, sham Arts Centre SHOW Sat 14 Apr, Eve- phony Orchestra, Mirga TURN OF THE SCREW Henry James' Hare & Hounds, Birm- Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Rudolf EMILY SMITH AND JAMIE sham Arts Centre classic ghost story, Tues 10 - Sat 14 ingham Buchbinderė (piano). Programme in- MCCLENNAN Fri 13 Apr, GUNS OR ROSES Sat 14 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NERINA PALLOT Mon 9 cludes works by Wagner, Schumann Artrix, Bromsgrove Apr, The Marr's Bar, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Bold new Apr, The Glee Club, & Beethoven, Thurs 12 Apr, Sym- Worcester revival of Tennessee Williams’s time- Birmingham BLACK CELEBRATION Fri phony Hall, Birmingham 13 Apr, The River NASHVILLE Sat 14 Apr, less masterpiece, Tues 10 - Sat 14 ASTON MERRYGOLD THE 440 QUARTET Programme in- Rooms, Stourbridge Genting Arena, B’ham Apr, Malvern Theatres Tues 10 Apr, O2 Insti- cludes works by Mozart, Borodin, MACBETH The National Production tute, Birmingham THE CARPENTERS SONG- CABBAGE + THE Dvorak, Purcell & Handel, Fri 13 Apr, BOOK, Fri 13 Apr, The RHYTHM METHOD + Evesham Arts Centre Company presents its version of TREMBLING BELLS & Roses Theatre, REAL LIFE ENTERTAIN- Shakespeare's famous bloodfest, BABY COPPERHEAD BLAKE Fri 13 Apr Palace Theatre, Tewkesbury MENT Sat 14 Apr, The Tues 10 - Sat 14 Apr, The Old Rep Tues 10 Apr, The Tin Redditch Empire, Coventry Theatre, Birmingham Music And Arts, Canal FEAST OF FIDDLES 25TH ILKER ARCAYIÜREK: SCHUMANN AND BRIGHTON ROCK Pilot Theatre and Basin, Coventry ANNUAL TOUR Fri 13 MARILLION Sat 14 Apr, SHUBERT Also featuring Hartmut Höll Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Symphony Hall, Birm- York Theatre Royal bring the dark JETHRO TULL 50TH AN- (piano). Programme includes works Worcester ingham underworld of Graham Greene's NIVERSARY TOUR Tues by Schumann & Schubert, Sun 15 classic novel to the stage in this new 10 Apr, Symphony THE BIG CHRIS BARBER THE BIG TIME FUN BAND Apr, Birmingham Town Hall adaptation by acclaimed writer Bry- Hall, Birmingham BAND Fri 13 Apr, Sat 14 Apr, The Swan ony Lavery, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Apr, The Malvern Theatres Theatre, Worcester ALEX HITCHCOCK QUIN- REP, Birmingham TET Wed 11 Apr, Strat- TALISK Sat 14 Apr, Ar- THE WONDER STUFF & OKLAHOMA Amateur staging pre- ford Artshouse, trix, Bromsgrove NED'S ATOMIC DUSTBIN - sented by Leamington & Warwick Stratford-upon-Avon ESSENTIAL 80S Sat 14 LOVE FROM STOUR- Comedy Musical Society, Tues 10 - Sat 14 BRIDGE Sat 14 - Sun 15 THE SHOWHAWK DUO Apr, The River Rooms, Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Apr, O2 Academy, JARRED CHRISTMAS, THE NOISE NEXT Thurs 12 Apr, Mama Stourbridge Spa Birmingham DOOR & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Roux's, Birmingham BACK TO THE 80'S PARTY ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 12 Apr, The SPAMALOT Amateur staging pre- ARCADE FIRE Sun 15 BLACK CARROT & WITH 80'S EXPERIENCE Glee Club, Birmingham sented by the award-winning Peter- Apr, Genting Arena, ECHOLOCATION Thurs Sat 14 Apr, Nailcote brook Players, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Apr, Birmingham ROBIN INCE Fri 13 Apr, Warwick Arts 12 Apr, The Tin Music Hall, Berkswell Centre, Coventry The Core Theatre, Solihull And Arts, Canal Basin, ANDREW W.K. Sun 15 BEYOND FAITH (GEORGE TONY LAW Fri 13 Apr, The Glee Club, LEAVING Immersive experience which Coventry MICHAEL) Sat 14 Apr, Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- promises to change the way in ingham Birmingham TOM PAXTON AND THE Albany Theatre, which we think about young people GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP Fri 13 Apr, DONJUANS Thurs 12 Coventry SHONEN KNIFE Sun 15 in care and beyond, Wed 11 - Sat 14 MAC, Birmingham Apr, Huntingdon Hall, NEARLY DAN - 21ST AN- Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, The REP, Birmingham Worcester NIVERSARY TOUR Sat Birmingham BARRY CASTAGNOLA, MARK SIMMONS, BRIGHT SMOKE A poetry night with a ROBERT WHITE & BEN VAN DER VELDE THE LITTLE UNSAID 14 Apr, Artrix, Broms- THE WHITNEY HOUSTON difference, bringing together ‘writing Fri 13 Apr, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton Thurs 12 Apr, The grove SHOW Sun 15 Apr, and performance, the topical and the Marr's Bar, Worcester THE TIN PIGEONS Sat 14 Symphony Hall, Birm- SIMON CLAYTON, JARRED CHRISTMAS, transcendent, the entertaining and ingham THE NOISE NEXT DOOR & LAURA LEXX the cathartic’, Thurs 12 Apr, The YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND Apr, Kasbah, Coventry Fri 13 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon JARRED CHRISTMAS, SIMON CLAYTON, MARK JAMES SIDESHOW TRICKS Fu- LAURA LEXX & COMIC TBC Sat 14 Apr, sion of comedy and magic, with jug- The Glee Club, Birmingham gling, escapology and music all GUZ KHAN, STEPHEN BAILEY, KIRI featuring, Thurs 12 Apr, Palace The- PRITCHARD-MCLEAN & ALISTAIR atre, Redditch WILLIAMS Sat 14 Apr, The Comedy STEPTOE & SON RIDES AGAIN Caramba Loft, Birmingham return to the Bear Pitt with another ALUN COCHRANE Sun 15 Apr, The three episodes of the trials and tribu- Glee Club, Birmingham lations of the father-and-son rag- and-bone duo, Thurs 12 - Sat 14 Apr, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed Church, Stratford-upon- Avon Theatre STAGE DOOR JOHNNY: LESS MISERABLE Enjoy an evening of standards from THE SCARY BIKERS John Godber’s the world of musical theatre, ‘lov- new comedy about life, love and ingly shredded, ripped off and po- staying on your bike, Mon 9 - Tues tentially ruined for good!’ Fri 13 Apr, 10 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Marillion - Symphony Hall, Birmingham PLAYHOUSE CREATURES The Nonenti- 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 9-15 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:28 Page 2

Monday 9 - Sunday 15 April

THE TIME MACHINE Rebecca Vaughan colourful farmyard adventure, Fri 13 - EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure. left large Dino eggs hidden around presents Elton Townend Jones’ radi- Sat 14 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coven- With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, the museum, until Sun 15 Apr, Think- cal new interpretation of the HG Wells try Eddie Redmayne. No8, Pershore, tank Science Museum, Birmingham classic, in which a Victorian time trav- PETER PAN: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE Tues 10 Apr; Warwick Arts Centre, SPRING SPECTACULAR Welcoming all eller transcends the ages - from the Aspire Vocal Academy present an Coventry, Fri 13 - Sun 15 Apr the new arrivals from lovable lambs fall of man to the end of the world, Fri amateur staging of JM Barrie's clas- DARK RIVER (15) Drama/Mystery. Star- to cheeping chicks, until Sun 15 Apr, 13 Apr, The Swan Theatre, Worcester sic story, Sat 14 Apr, Bridge House ring Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley. Hatton Adventure World, Warwick PALS Dark, poignant comedy follow- Theatre, Warwick Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 10 EGGZOOBURANT EASTER Why not take ing the story of two innocent and en- ALICE IN WONDERLAND Starring Dave Apr the whole family for a day out to thusiastic men who volunteer their Benson-Phillips, Ashley & her dog THE NILE HILTON INCIDENT (15) EGGSplore over 500 animals includ- services to Britain after Kitchener's Sully, and Men Behaving Badly's Drama/Thriller. Starring Fares, Mari ing giraffes, meerkats, humboldt pen- call for a New Army, Sat 14 Apr, Old Leslie Ash, Sat 14 Apr, Palace The- Malek. Foreign language, subtitled. guins, snow leopards plus lots more! Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham atre, Redditch Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues You may even spot a few new spring THE FAAAAAAABULOUS CERI DUPREE THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN Featuring 10 & Thurs 12 Apr babies around the zoo too, until Sun SHOW Female impersonator Ceri pre- the Amazing Bubble Man and all THE CINEMA TRAVELLERS (tbc) Docu- 15 Apr, Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire sents a brand new show, complete manner of, er, bubbles! Sat 14 Apr, mentary. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy two with costumes, routines, jokes and Birmingham Town Hall Thurs 12 Apr exclusive stage shows on your visit songs, Sat 14 Apr, Mitchell Arts Cen- this Easter, until Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury tre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. World, Birmingham No8, Pershore, Thurs 12 Apr EASTER AT BECKETTS FARM Visit lambs, WONDER WHEEL (12a) Drama. Starring chicks and a selection of other ani- Dance Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple. mals, until Sun 15 Apr, Beckett's Farm, Wythall Kids Shows GIOVANNI PERNICE - Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 12 - Thurs 19 Apr; Roses The- HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 2018 Filled with ALICE IN WONDERLAND Starring Dave BORN TO WIN Join the Strictly star for atre, Tewkesbury, Sun 15 - Tues 17 & drama games and practical activities, Benson-Phillips, Ashley & her dog Thurs 19 Apr it’ll keep your young people enter- Sully, and Men Behaving Badly's an evening of ‘glitzy costumes COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With tained during the school holidays, Leslie Ash, Mon 9 Apr, The Roses, Mon 9 - Tues 10 Apr, Belgrade The- Tewkesbury and amazing rou- the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael tines’, Thurs 12 García Bernal. No8, Pershore, Fri 13 atre, Coventry JUSTIN’S BAND Join Justin and his Apr, Albany Theatre, Coventry Apr ZOO CLUB Children aged between 8 – friends on a musical journey, singing SWAN LAKE Vienna Festival Ballet pre- PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Ro- 14 years can get involved with lots of lots of songs and learning about mu- engaging and exciting activities all sical instruments along the way, Tues sents its version of the classic love mance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel story, Fri 13 Apr, Bedworth Civic Hall Day-Lewis. No8, Pershore, Sat 14 Apr themed around animals, wildlife, na- 10 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall ture and zoos, Mon 9 - Fri 13 Apr, SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT DI- SWAN LAKE Vienna Festival Ballet pre- READY PLAYER ONE (12a) Action/Sci-Fi. Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire sents its version of the classic love Starring Hannah John-Kamen, Ben NOSAURS Hit stage show starring di- LET'S ANIMATE FAMILY ANIMATION nosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod, story, Sun 15 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Mendelsohn. Roses Theatre, Tewkes- bury, Sat 14 - Thurs 19 Apr WORKSHOP Filmmakers will design Tues 10 Apr, Palace Theatre, Red- and build a short animated scenario, ditch THE DIVINE ORDER (15) that will then be brought to life using YOU’VE GOT DRAGONS Taking Flight Comedy/Drama. Starring Marie Le- stop frame animation, Wed 11 Apr, Theatre present a touching explo- unenberger, Maximillian Simonis- FarGo Village, Coventry chek. Foreign language, subtitled. ration of the dragons we all face, Talks LET'S ANIMATE LEGO STORY - STAR Wed 11 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 15 - THE GREAT GAMBO: THE PROFESSOR OF Tues 17 Apr WARS Working in teams Filmmakers THE TWISTED TALE OF HANSEL AND GRE- POP Paul Gambaccini reveals how a will devise a short scenario, build TEL The award-winning Metro-Boulot- boy from the Bronx wound up as the THE SQUARE (15) Comedy/Drama. sets, animate their scene, add sound Dodo join forces with Open Theatre UK’s Professor of Pop, Wed 11 Apr, Starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss. effects and edit their creations, Thurs Company to bring their 'creative flair Artrix, Bromsgrove Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 12 Apr, FarGo Village, Coventry 15 - Tues 17 Apr and quirky sense of humour' to the MAMMOTH READING DAY Make your famous fairytale from the Brothers own mammoth, join in with The Grimm, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 Apr, Bel- Hive’s story time, relay a mammoth grade Theatre, Coventry fact, take part in the venue’s mam- CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DI- Film moth games and watch a special NOSAURS - THE MAGIC CUTLASS INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Events screening of the animated adventure Les Petits returns to the high seas EASTER EGG HUNT An eggsciting film Ice Age (certificate U), Thurs 12 with its highly anticipated sequel, FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) Easter egg hunt around the museum Apr, The Hive, Worcester based on the award-winning book by Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna - find all the letters and win a prize, THE MAN ENGINE The largest mechani- Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto, Fri Lumley, Celia Imrie. No8, Pershore, until Sat 14 Apr, Museum of the Jew- cal puppet ever constructed in Britain 13 Apr, MAC, Birmingham Mon 9 - Tues 10 Apr ellery Quarter, Birmingham will be paying a visit to Blists Hill Vic- EASTER BUNNY'S EGGS FACTOR Family CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (15) EASTER AT WARWICK CASTLE Celebrate torian Town, Sat 14 Apr, Blists Hill, show for two-to-seven-year-olds, Drama/Romance. Starring Armie the 950th anniversary of William the Ironbridge, Shropshire packed with fun, songs, laughter and Hammer, Timothée Chalamet. War- Conqueror’s motte and bailey castle FARGO'S VEGAN FESTIVAL With plenty lots of audience participation. Audi- wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 9 & on the site, until Sun 15 Apr, Warwick of totally vegan stallholders, you will ence members also get the chance Wed 11 Apr Castle be spoiled for choice, Sat 14 - Sun 15 to meet the Easter Bunny and bag MOANA (12a) Animation/Adventure. Apr, FarGo Village, Coventry themselves an Easter treat, Fri 13 - EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy a fun pro- With the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, gramme of activities at the Shake- MAMMOTH EASTER EGG HUNT Track Sat 14 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Dwayne Johnson. Abbey Theatre, Coventry speare Family Homes this Easter, down the Mammoth and her prehis- Nuneaton, Tues 10 Apr until Sun 15 Apr, Shakespeare's Birth- toric friends in the Lost Landscapes WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Live PADDINGTON 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- place, Stratford-Upon-Avon treasure hunt. Mammoths do not lay music, puppetry and an abundance ture. Starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh eggs but there will be a chocolate of audience participation come to- EASTER DINO EGG HUNT The Easter Grant. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Bunny doesn't visit Thinktank, but the treat for successful trackers! Sun 15 gether in a glittering stage version of Tues 10 Apr Apr, The Hive, Worcester Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ Easter Dinosaur does and they have whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Warwicks/Worcs 16-22 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:36 Page 1

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 16-22 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:36 Page 2

thelist Monday 16 - Sunday 22 April BARE JAMS Thurs 19 ALEXANDER O'NEAL Fri THE LAST SHIP UK premiere of Sting's Gigs Apr, The Marr's Bar, 20 Apr, Birmingham Classical personal, political and passionate Worcester Town Hall musical - an epic tale of community, GOAT GIRL Mon 16 Apr, JOAN AS POLICE TALON – THE ACOUSTIC hope and a great act of collective de- Hare & Hounds, Birm- WOMAN: DAMNED DEVO- COLLECTION: IN THE Music fiance, Mon 16 - Sat 21 Apr, New ingham TION TOUR Thurs 19 RAW 2018 Fri 20 Apr, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: DEBUSSY Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham AQUILO Mon 16 Apr, O2 Apr, Birmingham Town Huntingdon Hall, AND RODRIGO Featuring Andrew Grif- Institute, Birmingham Hall Worcester fiths (conductor) & Pedro H. da Silva DUA LIPA Tues 17 Apr, KATHRYN ROBERTS AND YOU WIN AGAIN - THE (guitar). Programme includes works Genting Arena, Birm- SEAN LAKEMAN Thurs STORY OF THE BEE GEES by Debussy, Rodrigo & Bizet, Tues ingham 19 Apr, MAC, B’ham Fri 20 Apr, Malvern 17 Apr, Stratford Artshouse, Strat- ford-upon-Avon THE SENSATIONAL 60S SNOWPOET Thurs 19 Theatres EXPERIENCE Tues 17 Apr, Hare & Hounds, JESS ROBINSON: HERE SAINT-SAËNS' ORGAN SYMPHONY Fea- Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham COME THE GIRLS Fri 20 turing the City of Birmingham Sym- Coventry Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove phony Orchestra, Harish Shankar JESS ROBINSON: HERE (conductor), Boris Giltburg (piano) & GEORGIE FAME Tues 17 COME THE GIRLS Thurs AND FINALLY... PHIL Darius Battiwalla (organ). Pro- Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove 19 Apr, The Core The- COLLINS Fri 20 Apr, The gramme includes works by Ravel, MY COUSIN RACHEL Amateur staging LISA STANSFIELD Tues atre, Solihull Core Theatre, Solihull Prokofiev & Saint-Saëns, Wed 18 of Daphne Du Maurier’s romantic 17 Apr, Symphony DOS FLORIS Thurs 19 THE COMMANDMENTS Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham mystery, Mon 16 - Sat 21 Apr, Talis- Hall, Birmingham man Theatre, Kenilworth Apr, The Sunflower Sat 21 Apr, The River ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: DEBUSSY SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS Lounge, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge AND RODRIGO Featuring Andrew Grif- LILIES ON THE LAND Moving portrayal Wed 18 Apr, Belgrade SHOWADDYWADDY Fri ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Sat fiths (conductor) & Pedro H. da Silva of women who signed up to join the Theatre, Coventry 20 Apr, Bedworth Civic 21 Apr, The Marr's Bar, (guitar). Programme includes works Women's Land Army during World War Two, Tues 17 - Sat 21 Apr, The GRANT LEE PHILLIPS Hall, Bedworth Worcester by Debussy, Rodrigo & Bizet, Wed Bear Pit Theatre - The United Re- Wed 18 Apr, Hare & 18 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri ANNETTE GREGORY: formed Church, Stratford-upon-Avon Hounds, Birmingham 20 Apr, The River LADIES OF JAZZ Sat 21 ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MAGICAL INTO THE WOODS Worcester Operatic IAN SIEGAL Wed 18 Apr, Rooms, Stourbridge Apr, Palace Theatre, MOZART Fri 20 Apr, Number 8 Com- Dramatic Society present an amateur Huntingdon Hall, Redditch munity Arts Centre, Worcestershire LOTTO BOYZZ Fri 20 Apr, staging of Stephen Sondheim’s Worcester O2 Institute, B’ham BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS’ SYMPHONY award-winning musical, Tues 17 - Sat MARTINE MCCUTCHEON FLOYD IN THE FLESH Fri Sat 21 Apr, The Roses ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael Seal 21 Apr, Swan Theatre, Worcester Wed 18 Apr, The Core Theatre, Tewkesbury (conductor) & Richard Harwood 20 Apr, Palace Theatre, VITA AND VIRGINIA Amateur staging of Theatre, Solihull Redditch UK SUBS Sat 21 Apr, (soloist). Programme includes works by Dvorak, Berlioz & Sibelius, Sat 21 Eileen Atkins’ dramatisation of the JESS ROBINSON: HERE The Assembly, Leam- WHITE RHINO Fri 20 Apr, & Sun 22 Apr, The Bramall, B’ham correspondence between Virginia COME THE GIRLS Wed The Marr's Bar, ington Spa Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, Tues 18 Apr, The Roses Worcester REPUBLICA Sat 21 Apr, THE ENGLISH PREMIERE OF DEWI SANT 17 - Sat 21 Apr, Swan Theatre, Theatre, Tewkesbury The Empire, Coventry BY KARL JENKINS James Lewis con- Worcester SAY SUE ME & WOLF ducts his Birmingham choirs - Birm- CARPENTERS GOLD SUIT Fri 20 Apr, The Tin MAGGIE BELL AND DAVE ingham Canoldir Male Choir, THIS HOUSE Critically acclaimed play Thurs 19 Apr, Palace Music And Arts, Canal KELLY Sat 21 Apr, Hunt- Midlands Hospitals’ Choir and providing an often amusing insight Theatre, Redditch Basin, Coventry ingdon Hall, Worcester Phoenix Singers Birmingham, Sun into the workings of British politics, JIVE TALKIN' Sat 21 Apr, 22 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Tues 17 - Sat 21 Apr, The REP, Birm- Artrix, Bromsgrove ingham LES MCKEOWN'S BAY THAT’LL BE THE DAY Evening of nostal- CITY ROLLERS Sat 21 gia featuring smash hits spanning Apr, Palace Theatre, the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s, plus comic Redditch Comedy sketches, Wed 18 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa KIM WILDE: HERE COME ILIZA SHLESINGER Wed 18 Apr, The THE ALIENS TOUR Sat Glee Club, Birmingham GYPSY QUEEN The story of 'Gorgeous George' O’Connell, a bare-knuckle 21 Apr, Birmingham DAVE FULTON, SUSIE MCCABE & COM- fighter and traveller whose foray into Town Hall EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON the world of professional boxing puts DISC SELECTA Sun 22 Thurs 19 Apr, The Glee Club, B’ham him on a collision course with his Apr, Kitchen Garden ROBIN INCE Fri 20 Apr, MAC, B’ham roots, his identity and his greatest Cafe, Birmingham SHIP OF FOOLS Fri 20 Apr, Palace The- fear... Wed 18 - Sat 21 Apr, Old Joint CALUM SCOTT Sun 22 atre, Redditch Stock Theatre, Birmingham Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- DAVE FULTON, SUSIE MCCABE, DAN DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Amateur ingham THOMAS & ANDRE VINCENT Fri 20 - Sat staging based on the 1988 movie of BANGLA NEW YEAR: PO- 21 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham the same name, Wed 18 - Sat 28 Apr, HELA BOISHAKH Sun 22 Priory Theatre, Kenilworth NICO YEARWOOD, NICK PAGE, LUKE Apr, Birmingham Town TOULSON & COMIC TBC Sat 21 Apr, JANE EYRE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY Hall The Comedy Loft, Birmingham One-woman show from Rebecca FM Sun 22 Apr, The Vaughan based on Charlotte River Rooms, Stour- Bronte's gothic subversion of fairy- bridge tale romance, Thurs 19 Apr, Bridge FEAST OF FIDDLES Sun House Theatre, Warwick 22 Apr, The Roses Theatre THE HYPNOTIST: LIVE & OUTRAGEOUS! Theatre, Tewkesbury Featuring hypnotist Robert Temple, BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s REJJIE SNOW Sun 22 Thurs 19 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove award-winning musical, Mon 16 - Sat Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Liz Grand 21 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand The- ingham stars in a one-woman show explor- Dua Lipa - Genting Arena, Birmingham atre

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Monday 16 - Sunday 22 April

ing a series of events which sparked one of the biggest and most exten- Dance sive police hunts in history, Thurs 19 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE LITTLE MERMAID Ballet Theatre UK present a dramatic re-telling of the PRIVATE LIVES London Classic Theatre Hans Christian Andersen all-time present a major new touring produc- favourite, Thurs 19 Apr, Albany The- tion of Noel Coward's sparkling com- atre, Coventry edy, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry FUNNY FACES A double bill of plays based on the lives and loves of two British legends, Sid James and Joan Talks Sims, Fri 20 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove POETRY SLAM Wed 18 Apr, Palace JESS ROBINSON: HERE COME THE GIRLS Theatre, Redditch Fri 20 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove HENRY BLOFELD: 78 RETIRED Brand- SOME ENCHANTED EVENING The Arcadi- new show, jam-packed with previ- ans present a fully staged, all- ously untold anecdotes from both on singing, all-dancing concert featuring and off the cricket pitch, as well as many of musical theatre’s best- stories from the Test Match Special known numbers, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Apr, commentary box that weren’t allowed Crescent Theatre, Birmingham on the radio! Sat 21 Apr, Albany The- ROMEO AND JULIET Contemporary pro- atre, Coventry Star Vehicle Stories - Coventry Transport Museum duction of Shakespeare's famous ALYS FLOWER: WORDS Gardener, pre- love story, Sat 21 Apr - Fri 21 Sept, senter and journalist Alys discusses Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- dieval entertainment and hearty food Royal Shakespeare Theatre, her latest book, Hidden Nature: A ney. No8, Pershore, Sat 21 Apr and drink all set within the unique Stratford-upon-Avon Voyage Of Discovery - a memoir and BIENVENUE CHEZ LES CH’TIS (12A) surroundings of Warwick Castle, Sat exploration of Birmingham’s water- OLIVER SAMUELS & VOLIER MAFFY Comedy/Romance. Starring Kad 21 Apr, Warwick Castle ways, Sun 22 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove JOHNSON IN FRENEMY Family comedy Merad, Dany Boon. Foreign lan- AVIATION EDUCATION CONFERENCE This exploring the most testing of friend- guage, subtitled. Malvern Theatres, brand new conference will see youth ships, Sun 22 Apr, New Alexandra Sun 22 Apr and education experts join forces to Theatre, Birmingham VICTIM (PG) Drama. Starring Dirk Bog- inspire the next generation, Sat 21 Film arde, Sylvia Syms. MAC, Birming- Apr, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ham, Sun 22 - Tues 24 Apr SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRA- TIONS Celebrate Shakespeare’s birth- day in his hometown of Stratford with PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Ro- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Kids Shows mance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel a day of live performances, crafts and Released from Fri 20 Apr, showing at cake, Sat 21 Apr, Stratford Town Cen- THE TWISTED TALE OF HANSEL AND GRE- Day-Lewis. No8, Pershore, Mon 16 - selected cinemas tre TEL The award-winning Metro-Boulot- Tues 17 Apr; Warwick Arts Centre, Dodo join forces with Open Theatre Coventry, Mon 16 - Thurs 19 Apr FUNNY COW (15) MSVR CLUB CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS Mo- Company to bring their 'creative flair THE POST (12a) Biography/Drama. LET THE SUNSHINE IN (15) torSport Vision Racing are at Doning- Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. Ar- ton Park this weekend for the first of and quirky sense of humour' to the THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO trix, Bromsgrove, Mon 16, Wed 18 & two back-to-back race meetings on famous fairytale from the Brothers PEEL PIE SOCIETY (tbc) Grimm, Tues 17 - Wed 18 Apr, Fri 20 Apr the National circuit, Sat 21 - Sun 22 TULLY (tbc) Apr, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Malvern Theatres LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Derby TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STARS ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. Stage 2 presents a staging of Ger- No8, Pershore, Wed 18 Apr DAFFODIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SHOW 2018 The Daffodil Society will be re- vase Phinn's sequel to the much-ac- DARK RIVER (15) Drama/Mystery. Star- turning to Coughton Court for their claimed A Wayne In A Manager, Wed ring Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley. National Show, with hundreds of ex- 18 - Sat 21 Apr, Crescent Theatre, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 19 Events hibits, new varieties, and experts on Birmingham Apr STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know hand to answer questions, Sat 21 - THE JUNGLE BOOK the Star Vehicles of the collection Immersion Theatre THE DIVINE ORDER (15) Sun 22 Apr, Coughton Court, Alcester present a new musical adaptation of Comedy/Drama. Starring Marie Le- with your little explorer, through inter- SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR One of the the family favourite, Sat 21 Apr, Eve- unenberger, Maximillian Simonis- active stories, songs and hands-on Midlands' recognised gardening sham Arts Centre chek. Foreign language, subtitled. experiences, Mon 16 Apr, Coventry events where thousands of garden No8, Pershore, Thurs 19 Apr Transport Museum plants are for sale, an ideal way to STEMTASTIC EXPLORERS Introducing THE NILE HILTON INCIDENT (15) start planning your planting for the the world of Science, Technology, En- Drama/Thriller. Starring Fares, Mari spring and summer with many rare gineering, Maths (STEM) in a fun Malek. Foreign language, subtitled. and new varieties from over 30 spe- way, Wed 18 Apr, Coventry Transport Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 20 cialist nurseries, Sun 22 Apr, Spetch- Museum Apri ley Park Gardens, Worcester DISCOVER RAG RUGGING Join the craft ISLE OF DOGS (12a) Animation/Adven- PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy experts this spring and discover the ture. With the voices of Bryan 360 degree views from the balcony of Cranston, Yoko Ono. Warwick Arts traditional craft of rag rugging, Sat 21 MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE the Panorama Tower, Sun 22 Apr, Centre, Coventry, Fri 20 - Thurs 26 Apr, Beckett's Farm, Wythall Amateur staging presented by PQA Croome Park, Worcester Apri ST. GEORGE'S DAY To celebrate the pa- Warwick & PQA Banbury, Sun 22 Apr, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON LITERARY FES- tron saint of England, the Castle is Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa READY PLAYER ONE (12a) Action/Sci-Fi. TIVAL 2018 An exciting mixture of de- Starring Hannah John-Kamen, Ben holding a truly Medieval experience, THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN WHO SWAL- bate, ideas, celebrity author events, Mendelsohn. Warwick Arts Centre, Sat 21 Apr, Tamworth Castle LOWED A FLY The People’s Theatre workshops and humour, Sun 22 - Coventry, Fri 20 - Thurs 26 Apr present a new young persons pan- MEDIEVAL BANQUET Experience an im- Sun 29 Apr, Stratford-upon-Avon tomime, Sun 22 Apr, MAC, B’ham I, TONYA (15) Biography/Comedy. mersive evening of enthralling me-

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APRIL 2018 www.artrix.co.uk

Mon 9 & Tues 10 April Weds 11 April Tues 17 April THE SCARY BIKERS PAUL GAMBACCINI GEORGIE FAME STARRING JOHN GODBER & AN EVENING WITH THE A VERY SPECIAL CONCERT JANE THORNTON PROFESSOR OF POP WITH GEORGIE & SONS

Fri 20 April Fri 27 April Sat 28 April JESS ROBINSON A BRAVE FACE TOYAH CELEBRITY IMPRESSIONS, COMPELLING FULL MASK EXPERIENCE POP ICON TOYAH MUSICAL COMEDY & VOCAL THEATRE FROM VAMOS UP CLOSE & PERSONAL GYMNASTICS

COMING SOON: Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor, Martin Turner, Hats Off To Led Zeppelin, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, You’ve Got Dragons, Emily Smith, Nearly Dan, Talisk, Vienna Festival Ballet, Where Is Mrs Christie?, Robert Temple, Funny Faces, Jive Talkin’, Barnstormers Comedy, Sarah McQuaid, Patrick Monahan, Eddi Reader, Ange Hardy, One Woman Sex & The City, Eleanor Conway, Small Fakers,lbert Lee... A

Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN @artrix arts centre Box Office: 01527 577330

THU 19th APR, 7.30pm JANE EYRE – AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Presented by Dyad Productions, the creators of Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, The Time Machine, Dalloway, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe and Christmas Gothic ★★★★★ ‘Truly extraordinary… one of the most exciting young performers on the British Stage’(British Theatre Guide)

TUE 24th APR, 7.30pm A BRAVE FACE

Presented by Vamos Theatre A Brave Face explores Post-Traumatic Stress, an unseen and often unrecognised injury of war, and the impact it can have on even the closest of families. With compassion and fearlessness, Vamos brings its trademark, wordless, full mask style to a story that needs to be told. Suitable for aged 12 years up and accessible to hearing and d/Deaf audiences alike.

TUE 1st MAY, 2.30pm & 7.30pm LEARNED FRIENDS

Preented by Ginny Davis Productions Prosecution and Defence Counsel await the verdict in the trial of a high profile football manager. Each holds a secret which will pose irreconcilable conflicts as irregularities in the trial are exposed and friendships, careers and the true course of justice are placed on trial. A high stakes legal drama with echoes of TVs Judge John Deed and Silk. MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:27 Page 2

thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 April MATE TRIBUTE TO NEIL cote Hall, Berkswell MITCH BENN Fri 27 April, Huntingdon Gigs DIAMOND Thurs 26 Apr, THE SMYTHS... UNITE Classical Music Hall, Worcester Artrix, Bromsgrove AND TAKE OVER TOUR DIPPER MALKIN Mon 23 EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER ORCHESTRA GENGAHR Thurs 26 Apr, 2018 Sat 28 Apr, O2 Apr, Kitchen Garden Featuring Emma Johnson (clarinet). Hare & Hounds, Birm- Academy, Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham Programme includes works by ingham NETHERHALL Sat 28 BARENAKED LADIES Respighi, Elgar & Schubert, Wed 25 GINGER SNAPS Thurs 26 Apr, O2 Academy, Mon 23 Apr, O2 Insti- Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Apr, The Sunflower Birmingham tute, Birmingham STEPHEN HOUGH PIANO CONCERT Pre- Lounge, Birmingham PARADISE GARAGE Sat OUGHT Mon 23 Apr, eminent British pianist Stephen BARRY STEELE AS ROY 28 Apr, Hare & Hare & Hounds, Birm- Hough returns to the Barber Institute ORBISON Fri 27 Apr, Hounds, Birmingham ingham for a special performance that New Alexandra The- NATALIE PRASS Sat 28 launches the programme for the 2018 THE DUBLIN LEGENDS- atre, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham International Piano Festi- FORMERLY OF THE PLAN B Fri 27 Apr, O2 Birmingham val. Programme includes works by MICK FERRY, JOJO SMITH, GEORGE DUBLINERS Mon 23 Apr, Debussy, Chopin & Beethoven, Wed Academy, Birmingham EMILY BARKER & DAN LEWIS & EMMANUEL SONUBI Fri 27 - The Roses Theatre, 25 Apr, The Barber Institute, B’ham Sat 28 April, The Glee Club, B’ham Tewkesbury INDEPENDENT COUNTRY WHITEHOUSE LIVE AT Fri 27 Apr, MAC, Birm- THE RSC Sat 28 Apr, SIMON TRPCESKI - SCHEHERAZADE Pro- PATRICK MONAHAN Sat 28 April, Artrix, WILL HEARD Tues 24 ingham The Other Place, Strat- gramme includes works by Grieg, Bromsgrove Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- Mendelssohn & Rimsky-Korsakov THE MIGHTY WRAITH Fri ford-upon-Avon CHRIS WASHINGTON, IAN COGNITO, JEN ingham (arr. Paul Gibson), Wed 25 Apr, Birm- 27 Apr, Route 44, R.E.M. BY STIPE Sat 28 BRISTER & KANE BROWN Sat 28 April, AKALA Tues 24 Apr, O2 ingham Town Hall Birmingham Apr, The Marr's Bar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham BRITTEN OBOE QUARTET Featuring HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT Worcester ROUGH WORKS Sun 29 April, The Glee DANIEL O'DONNELL Tues Nicholas Daniel (oboe), Jacqueline Fri 27 Apr, The Assem- COMMON PEOPLE Sat 28 Club, Birmingham 24 Apr, Symphony Shave (violin), Clare Finnimire (viola) bly, Leamington Spa Apr, The River Rooms, Hall, Birmingham & Caroline Dearnley (cello). Pro- SARAH MCQUAID Fri 27 Stourbridge SINATRA - HIS WAY, WITH gramme includes works by Elgar, Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove CLAIRE-LOUISE ROSSI ROBERT HABERMANN Moeran, Mozart & Britten, Thurs 26 Sat 28 Apr, Hare & Tues 24 Apr, The Core VINNY PECULIAR Fri 27 Apr, Malvern Theatres Hounds, Birmingham Theatre, Solihull Apr, The Marr's Bar, SHOSTAKOVICH'S TENTH Featuring Theatre Worcester THE SMALL FAKERS Sat WUTHERING HEIGHTS - Nicholas Collon (conductor) & So- MIDDAY VARIETY Celebrate St 28 Apr, The Empire, THE MUSIC OF KATE GILBERT O'SULLIVAN Fri phie Bevan (soprano). Programme George's Day with comedian Roy Coventry BUSH Wed 25 Apr, 27 Apr, Birmingham includes works by Ravel, Britten & Hudd, comedienne Jan Hunt, circus Malvern Theatres Town Hall DREADZONE Sat 28 Apr, Shostakovich, Thurs 26 Apr, Sym- speciality Van Buren & Allyson (The phony Hall, Birmingham Generation Game), Midlands MANIC STREET PREACH- The Assembly, Leam- RYAN DRIVER Wed 25 songstress Maggie O'Hara and resi- ERS Fri 27 Apr, Arena ington Spa RUSSELL WATSON An intimate evening Apr, The Tin Music And dent host Andy Eastwood, Mon 23 Arts, Canal Basin, Birmingham TOYAH: ACOUSTIC, UP with one of the world's most promi- nent tenors, Fri 27 Apr, Royal Spa Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Coventry IVORY WAVE Fri 27 Apr, CLOSE AND PERSONAL Sat 28 Apr, Artrix, Centre, Leamington Spa THE KING LEAR Shifting Sands fuse OF MICE & MEN Wed 25 O2 Academy, B’ham Bromsgrove BRAHMS’ PIANO QUINTET Featuring physical theatre, clowning and story- Apr, O2 Institute, Birm- IZEIDI & IZEIDI Fri 27 Robert Markham (piano), Kate telling, as one of Shakespeare’s most ingham Apr, The Tin Music And DARK SIDE OF THE WALL Suthers & Moritz Pfister (violins), famous characters takes charge of a Arts, Canal Basin, Sat 28 Apr, The Swan KIERAN HALPIN Wed 25 Adam Römer (viola), Hetty Snell pub, Mon 23 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Coventry Theatre, Worcester Apr, The Fleece Inn, (cello), Fri 27 Apr, CBSO Centre, THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT EMMA MCGANN Sun 29 Bretforton, Nr Eve- WHITE TYGER Fri 27 Birmingham BOA Year 13 Acting Pathway present sham Apr, The River Rooms, Apr, O2 Academy, SHOSTAKOVICH'S TENTH Featuring a poignant courtroom drama, Mon 23 Stourbridge Birmingham THE LOW ANTHEM Wed Nicholas Collon (conductor) & So- - Tues 24 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, WYJO - WORCESTER- 25 Apr, The Glee Club, THE CLAUSE Fri 27 Apr, phie Bevan (soprano). Programme Birmingham SHIRE YOUTH JAZZ OR- Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham includes works by Ravel, Britten & NAVAJOS Joe White’s lively and CHESTRA Sun 29 Apr, COLUMBIA MILLS Wed Shostakovich Sat 28 Apr, Symphony poignant story about ‘Us and them’, DAN SHAKE & HENRY Artrix, Bromsgrove 25 Apr, The Sunflower WU Fri 27 Apr, Hare & Hall, Birmingham Mon 23 - Thurs 26 Apr, The REP, SARAH MUNRO Sun 29 Lounge, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, THE SUBHUMANS Thurs PRESENTS: THE BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- A BRAVE FACE Vamos Theatre brings THE HOLLIES Fri 27 Apr, Birmingham 26 Apr, The Marr's Bar, Symphony Hall, Birm- MONIC CONCERTO COMPETITION Featur- its trademark wordless, full-mask Worcester ingham GALAXIES COLLIDE: ing Michael Lloyd (conductor), Sun style to a story about war-induced CHLOE ELLIOT Sun 29 MICHAEL ENGLISH & HIS 29 Apr, Royal Birmingham Conserva- post-traumatic stress, Tues 24 Apr, HARRY & THE HOWLERS Apr, The Marr's Bar, BANDWITH SPECIAL toire Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Fri 27 Apr, The Sun- Worcester GUEST BRENDAN SHINE flower Lounge, Birm- HYENA Synchronised display of Thurs 26 Apr, Bed- ingham BRYAN FERRY Sun 29 strength from Alula Cyr, renowned for worth Civic Hall Apr, Symphony Hall, their innovative approach to creating THE NEW JERSEY BOYS – Birmingham structures with Cyr wheels to hand- SHARON NEEDLES Thurs THE MUSIC OF FRANKIE stand on, tumble through and use as 26 Apr, O2 Institute, VALLI Fri 27 Apr, The GORDON GILTRAP Sun Comedy 29 Apr, The Fleece Inn, a tightwire, Tues 24 Apr, Malvern The- Birmingham Swan Theatre, RUSSELL PETERS Tues 24 April, Arena Bretforton, Nr Eve- atres JESUS JONES Thurs 26 Worcester Birmingham sham MADE IN DAGENHAM Amateur staging Apr, The Assembly, THE SMALL FAKERS & TEZ ILYAS Tues 24 April, MAC, B’ham presented by Solihull On Stage, Tues Leamington Spa WHOS WHO Sat 28 Apr, THE KING IS BACK Sun MICK FERRY, JOJO SMITH & COMEDY 24 - Sat 28 Apr, The Core Theatre, The Empire, Coventry 29 Apr, Arena B’ham PAUL LAMB & THE KING CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Solihull SKINDRED Sun 29 Apr, SNAKES Thurs 26 Apr, THE SPRING PINK BALL 26 April, The Glee Club, Birmingham OKLAHOMA Amateur staging pre- Huntingdon Hall, FOR BREAST CANCER O2 Institute, B’ham RICK KIESEWETTER, BRETT GOLDSTEIN & sented by Studley Operatic Society Worcester CHARITIES WITH NOLAN G3 Mon 30 Apr, Sym- CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 27 April, Wolver- Musical Theatre Group, Tues 24 - Sat BAND Sat 28 Apr, Nail- phony Hall, B’ham DIAMOND – THE ULTI- hampton Grand Theatre 28 Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 14:27 Page 3

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 23-30 April.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 16:16 Page 4

thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 April PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Ama- LAST TANGO IN REDDITCH An All & teur staging presented by West Sundry Production, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Bromwich Operatic Society, Tues 24 - Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch Sat 28 Apr, Wolverhampton Grand A BRAVE FACE Vamos Theatre brings Theatre its trademark wordless, full-mask LEGALLY BLONDE Bournville Musical style to a story about war-induced Theatre Company present an ama- post-traumatic stress, Fri 27 Apr, Ar- teur staging of the award-winning ro- trix, Bromsgrove mantic comedy, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Apr THE FAAAAAAABULOUS CERI DUPREE Crescent Theatre, Birmingham SHOW Female impersonator Ceri pre- THE GAME OF LOVE & CHAI Actor Nigel sents a brand new show, complete Planer (The Young Ones, Filthy Rich with costumes, routines, jokes and and Catflap) updates Marivaux’s clas- songs, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Apr, Birming- sic French farce to a modern Asian ham Hippodrome family in England, Tues 24 - Sat 28 TRUMP - THE MUSICAL! Blowfish The- Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry atre present ‘an evening of raucous TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN Amateur comedy, original music and one truly staging presented by Leamington- awful wig’, Fri 27 - Sun 29 Apr, based Teatro Theatre School, Wed 25 Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington MR JOHN ROBERTSON: THE DARK ROOM Spa (FOR ADULTS) Show inviting audiences JANE EYRE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY One- to play as contestants in the world's woman show from Rebecca Vaughan first live-action text-based adventure Protein Dance: Border Tales - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry based on Charlotte Bronte's gothic game, Sat 28 Apr, MAC, Birmingham BORDER TALES Award-winning Protein subversion of fairytale romance, Wed MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL All-singing, 25 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove fuse dance-theatre with live music to Talks all-dancing comedy about night present a thought-provoking com- MY DAD WROTE A PORNO LIVE Wed 25 sweats, hot flushes and memory loss, mentary on multicultural Britain, Tues AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: ALEX CHRISTOFI Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Sat 28 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, 24 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- Alex talks about his latest novel, Let LA TRAVIATA Ellen Kent’s staging of Birmingham try Us Be True, which charts the lives of two extraordinary characters through Verdi’s love story, Wed 25 Apr, New THE THRILL OF LOVE The Crescent TO A SIMPLE. ROCK’N’ROLL SONG an era of great uncertainty - from the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Theatre Company present Amanda Michael Clark Company’s latest work Second World War and its aftermath FOREVER DUSTY Revealing story of Whittington's play about Ruth Ellis, comprises a triple bill of ‘gorgeously to the deadly unrest of 1960s Paris, how a shy Irish Catholic schoolgirl the last woman to be hanged in arresting choreography’, Tues 24 Apr, Thurs 26 Apr, The Hive, Worcester from West London transformed her- Britain, Sat 28 Apr - Sat 5 May, Cres- The REP, Birmingham cent Theatre, Birmingham self into the voice of blue-eyed soul, SINERGIA Dance production exploring the face of Swinging London and a THE HYPNOTIST: LIVE & OUTRAGEOUS! the inner feelings and emotions of its worldwide superstar, Wed 25 - Sat 28 Featuring hypnotist Robert Temple, creator and dancer, Manuel Liñán, Apr, Albany Theatre, Coventry Sun 29 Apr, Crescent Theatre, B’ham one of Spain's most celebrated fla- Film MOTHER'S RUIN: A CABARET ABOUT GIN ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Musical jour- menco dancers, Thurs 26 Apr, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Sixty-minute theatrical cabaret featur- neys through the past six decades, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- ing music originally performed by Mon 30 Apr - Tues 1 May, The Core podrome DARK RIVER (15) Drama/Mystery. Star- Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Theatre, Solihull ring Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley. Martha Wainwright, The Popes, The LAST RESORT 2Magpies Theatre pre- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 24 Pretenders and more... Thurs 26 Apr, sent a multi-sensory performance April MAC, Birmingham about the detention of terror suspects RED SPARROW (18) Mystery/Thriller. at Guantanamo Bay, Mon 30 Apr - Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Sat 5 May, Warwick Arts Centre, Edgerton. Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Coventry bury, Tues 24 - Wed 25 April A FANTASTIC WOMAN (15) Drama. Star- ring Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes. Foreign language, subtitled. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 24 - Thurs Kids Shows 26 April THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- THE DIVINE ORDER (15) LOWED A FLY Theatre for younger au- Comedy/Drama. Starring Marie Le- diences and their families, complete GRANDE FINALE Hofesh Shecter Com- unenberger, Maximillian Simonis- MADAMA BUTTERFLY Ellen Kent pre- with a feast of singalong songs, pany present a bold and ambitious chek. Foreign language, subtitled. sent Puccini’s heart-breaking story of colourful animal characters and new piece featuring 10 dancers and No8, Pershore, Wed 25 April; War- a beautiful Japanese girl who falls in heartwarming family fun, Sun 29 Apr, six musicians, Thurs 26 Apr, The REP, wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 27 & love with an American naval lieu- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Birmingham Mon 30 April tenant, Thurs 26 Apr, New Alexandra ABOUT THE ELEPHANT Sampad join WALK WITH ME (PG) Documentary. Theatre, Birmingham forces with MAC to present the UK Starring Thich Nhát Hanh, Brother LORD OF THE FLIES BOA Year 13 Act- premiere of a topical new perfor- Pháp De. No8, Pershore, Thurs 26 ing Pathway presents a staging of mance by rising stars of dance and April William Golding’s dystopian novel, Dance music, Sun 29 Apr, MAC, B’ham YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (15) Thurs 26 - Fri 27 Apr, The Old Rep PASHA KOVALEV & ANYA GARNIS: MAGIC PASHA KOVALEV & ANYA GARNIS: MAGIC Mystery/Thriller. Starring Joaquin Theatre, Birmingham OF HOLLYWOOD New dance show fea- OF HOLLYWOOD New dance show fea- Phoenix, Dante Pereira-Olson. Roses ENTANGLEMENT! AN ENTROPIC TALE turing plenty of sequins, glitz and turing plenty of sequins, glitz and Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 26 - Fri Opera describing the mysteries of the glamour, Sat 21 Apr, Malvern The- glamour, Sun 29 Apr, Royal Spa Cen- 27 April universe, Thurs 26 - Fri 27 Apr, Royal atres tre, Leamington Spa THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. Birmingham Conservatoire Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth.

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thelist Monday 23 - Monday 30 April No8, Pershore, Fri 27 & Mon 30 April WONDERSTRUCK (PG) Family/Mystery. Starring Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 27 - Mon 30 April

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 27 April, showing at selected cinemas AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (tbc) ISLE OF DOGS (tbc) READY PLAYER ONE (tbc) JOURNEYMAN (tbc)

Events STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know the Star Vehicles of the collection with your little explorer, through inter- active stories, songs and hands-on Stratford Literary Festival experiences – and all inside the gal- Stratford Artshouse & other venues, Sun 22 - Sun 29 April leries, Mon 23 Apr, Coventry Trans- port Museum Offering a veritable feast of ham MP Jess Phillips - in con- write poetry and create anima- THE VAPER EXPO The sixth edition of readings, talks, workshops and versation with Woman’s Hour tion provide opportunities to the show based at the NEC Birming- performances, Stratford Literary presenter Jane Garvey - ques- develop a skill or try something ham, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 Apr, NEC, Festival promises something for tion how far women have come new. B’ham visitors of all ages, with pro- in politics in 100 Years Of Suf- For the very young, enchanting NAIDEX Europe's most far reaching gramming for families playing a frage. Jane also hosts a session characters from Axel Scheffler’s event dedicated to the disability, in- dependent living and healthcare pro- big part in the eight-day event. featuring readings of poetry in- Pip And Posy and Camille fessional sectors, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 Suffrage for woman and the spired by the #MeToo cam- Whitcher’s Luna And The Moon Apr, NEC, Birmingham #MeToo campaign are a central paign. Rabbit are brought to life on JIGSAW FESTIVAL 2018 Hundreds of theme of this year’s festival. Ac- Other highlights include per- Children’s Day (29 April). Perfor- donated jigsaws on sale. All money claimed actress Dame Harriet sonal appearances by historian mances of The Owl Who Was raised goes towards vital conserva- Walter shares her experiences Dan Cruickshank, BBC presen- Afraid Of The Dark, The Tiger tion work at Coughton, Wed 25 - Sun Who Came To Tea, Little Fish 29 Apr, Coughton Court, Alcester of playing Shakespeare’s char- ters Simon Mayo and Louise Storytelling and Ben Garrod’s LET'S ANIMATE PRESENTS AWESOME AN- acters (both male and female), Minchin, actor Greg Wise, co- IMATORS: SPEED An intermediate while Paula Byrne, Lyndall Gor- median Harry Hill and politi- So You Think You Know About course designed to help animators don and Fiona Sampson ex- cian Alan Johnson - all of whom Dinosaurs also feature. learn about the techniques and skills plore women writers and the will be discussing their latest For full details of what’s hap- of animating, Fri 27 Apr, FarGo Vil- invention of the novel. literary offerings. pening, where and when, visit lage, Coventry Harriet Harman and Birming- Workshops on how to draw, stratfordliteraturefestival.co.uk BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS SHOW Three days of VW fun with great racing, music and entertainment at the home of European Drag Racing, Fri 27 - Sun 29 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough, Northants DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP The BTCC is back for its 60th anniversary season, with some of the closest and most excit- ing racing you’ll see all year, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Apr, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby PAW PATROL VISIT See Chase & Skye who will appear at regular intervals throughout the day at The Engine House, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Apr, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know the Star Vehicles of the collection with your little explorer, through inter- active stories, songs and hands-on experiences, Mon 30 Apr, Coventry Transport Museum Animation from Axel Scheffler’s Pip And Posy 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Swingamajig F/P April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2018 17:31 Page 1 Skyline Series April 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/03/2018 09:12 Page 1