Worcestershire Cover January 2019.qxp_Worcestershire Cover 14/12/2018 11:15 Page 1
MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands RETURNS TO THE REGION WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S ON JANUARY 2019 Worcestershire ISSUE 397 JANUARY 2019 ’ 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
KING PLEASURE And The Biscuit Boys visit Bromsgrove’s Artrix TWITTER:@WHATSONWORCS
SPIRIT OF THE DANCE shows at Malvern Theatres FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWORCESTERSHIRE
STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE! WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK waltzes back into the Midlands Audley Villages F/P Jan 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 11:23 Page 1 Contents January Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 09:44 Page 2
January 2019
Contents
Swanning around - Matthew Bourne’s masterpiece gets a new lease of life... page 32
Nick Hancock Nish Kumar Spirit Of The Dance the list
talks about appearing in taking comedy seriously at award-winning spectacular Your 16-page Octopus Soup! at the Belgrade Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre visits Malvern Theatres week-by-week listings guide feature on page 8 page 25 page 35 page 51 inside:
4. First Word 11. Food 13. Music 24. Comedy 26. Theatre 37. Film 42. Visual Arts 49. 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
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Entertainment news from around the region
Warwickshire festival celebrates new talent A four-day biennial festival celebrating Coventry & Warwickshire’s best up-and- coming creative talent makes a welcome return in the spring. Shoot Festival, taking place at various venues around Coventry from 4 to 7 April, provides a platform for artists who’re based within the CV postcode. Commenting on the festival, Shoot direc- tors Jennifer Davis and Paul O’Donnell said: “Since our first event in 2014, Shoot has developed so much. It’s now an es- tablished event in Coventry’s cultural cal- endar, and plans are well underway for this year’s festival. We’re going to be sup- porting more artists than ever before.” For more information, visit coven- tryshootfestival.com
Bar+Block restaurant to the North Pole. Warwick theatre looks The show has been written by playwright opens in Leamington Tatty Hennessy. “I’m excited to write a piece towards a dark future Whitbread, the owner of the Premier Inn of serious drama focused on a teenage girl,” A ‘darkly comic warning for the future’ is hotel chain, has opened its latest restaurant says Tatty, “and one who takes her difficul- being presented at Bridge House Theatre in format on the Parade in central Leamington ties and desires seriously - especially at a Warwick this month. Spa. time when the pressures and constraints on Blending ‘magical’ visuals with live song and The new 148-cover Bar+Block restaurant oc- young women are so varied and complex.” clowning, Where The Hell Is Bernard is per- cupies the former Barclays Bank building ad- A Hundred Words For Snow runs at Warwick formed by the award-winning Haste Theatre jacent to the Premier Inn hotel. Arts Centre from Monday 4 to Thursday 7 on Wednesday 30 January. An additional 13 Premier Inn bedrooms have February. The show tells the story of four women who also been created above the ground-floor unwittingly find themselves with the future restaurant as part of the same development. of humanity in their hands. A further six rooms will follow in the main For more information about the production hotel building. and the rest of the venue’s season, visit bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
Coventry set to kick-start mass-participation charity cycle ride A mass-participation charity cycle ride from Burt Bacharach to play Coventry is set to be one of the city’s first Midlands music festival One woman’s journey in events as European City of Sport 2019. The 2019 edition of Birmingham’s Mostly Jazz The Starley Sportive returns to Coventry & honour of her father... Funk & Soul festival will be brought to a close Warwickshire roads next month with a new, A new play shedding light on the world of fe- by the legendary Burt Bacharach. longer route, offering cyclists the chance to male polar exploration will visit Warwick The award-winning composer, whose hits in- shake off any lingering Christmas cobwebs Arts Centre in Coventry early next month. clude Alfie, I Say A Little Prayer, I'll Never and raise money for their chosen charities. Performed by Mobius Theatre, A Hundred Fall In Love Again and Walk On By, will per- Places on the cycle ride, which is being held Words For Snow finds Rory embarking on a form at the three-day Moseley Park event on on Sunday 17 February, can be journey of epic proportions across the Arctic, booked online Sunday 14 July. Tickets for the festival can yclinguk.org as she attempts to get the ashes of her father at c now be purchased at mostlyjazz.co.uk 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 17:46 Page 2
First Word
Ben Elton hits the road with a new comedy tour Blackadder and Upstart Crow writer Ben Elton is this year making a long-overdue return to the world of stand-up comedy, heading out on an autumn tour that sees him visiting various Midlands venues. Commenting on the news, Ben said: "The last time I toured, I was still smarter than my phone. Things have definitely taken a funny turn.” To find out where he’s appearing in the re- gion and to book tickets for the show, visit Ticketmaster.co.uk
Caroline Quentin to star in RSC’s restoration comedy Familiar television face Caroline Quentin is to star in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of John Vanbrugh’s restoration comedy, The Provoked Wife. Quentin, who shot to fame in 1990s ‘lads sitcom’ Men Behaving Badly, will be joined in the show by RSC Associate Artists Alexandra Gilbreath and Jonathan Slinger. The Provoked Wife shows at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 2 Hall & Oates May to 7 September. For more information, visit rsc.org.uk to play Resorts World Arena Human rights X Factor winners Rak-Su to perform in The biggest-selling music duo highlighted Coventry’s Soundscape Weekender in history, Daryl Hall & John Coventry’s City of Cul- X Factor 2017 winners Rak-Su are to appear at major Coventry music Oates, will be stopping off at ture Trust has launched festival Soundscape Weekender this summer. Birmingham’s Resorts World a campaign aimed at Since winning the ITV1 talent contest, the in-demand R&B four-piece Arena on 24 April as part of a highlighting the issue of have scored a number-two hit in the charts and toured with Little Mix. four-date UK tour. human rights. They will appear at Ricoh Arena on Sunday 16 June, the second day of The legendary pair, who last The campaign - #Hu- the festival. For more information about the event, visit soundscape- headline-toured the country mansOfCov - will turn weekender.co.uk in 2014, have sold an esti- the spotlight on every- mated 40 million records, in- day heroes and grass- cluding six n umber ones, and roots activism in were inducted into the Song- Coventry communities, writers Hall of Fame in 2003. as well as starting a con- For more information about versation about what the concert, visit resortsworl- human rights mean for a darena.co.uk modern and diverse city in the 21st century. The campaign was launched last month with the touring of a 14ft- high mobile and illumi- nated peace poem to different parts of the city.
whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Warwickshire January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 17:46 Page 3
First Word
Nostalgia show celebrates its 20th Popular Midlands nostalgia show Go And Play Up Your Own End is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, cast mem- bers from across the years are this month appearing in a concert ver- sion of the production. Blending comedy, variety, music, theatre and dance, the concert is being presented at The Core in Solihull on the evening of Friday 18 January. A matinee perfor- mance takes place the following day.
Hotel Indigo Smash-hit Queen musical rocking its Cluedo capers! opens in Stratford way back to the Midlands A Grade II listed historic Smash-hit West End musical We Will Rock You is returning to Birming- building in Stratford-upon- ham Hippodrome in 2020 as part of a reimagined tour Avon will next month reopen Written by Ben Elton and inspired by the music of Queen, the show following an 18-month refur- features the band’s most famous hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, bishment. Radio Ga Ga, We Are The Champions, I Want To Break Free, Don’t Stop Hotel Indigo was formerly Me Now, and of course the title track itself. Award-winning interactive called The Falcon Hotel and We Will Rock You stops off in Birmingham from 20 April to 2 May 2020. murder-mystery game has been closed since Decem- For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com ber 2017. CluedUpp will this year be The refurbishment has seen turning Coventry, Leaming- the decorative black-and- ton Spa, Stratford-upon- white half-timbered building Avon and Warwick into being blended with modern, real-life Cluedo boards. stylish, contemporary bed- Using a mobile app, partici- rooms, lounges and restau- pants in the game are tasked rant. with searching the town in question for clues, in order to solve a ‘whodunit thriller’. More gold for Teams must consist of two to Motor Museum six players, with the event Warwickshire’s British Motor lasting between one and four Museum has won gold at the hours, depending on how FreeFrom Eating Out Awards quickly the crime is solved. for the second year running. Visit cluedupp.com for more The popular visitor attraction The best medicine at Bromsgrove’s Artrix information. claimed top prize for its ‘focus on gluten’, and also won sil- Laughter is most definitely the best Springboard... medicine at Bromsgrove’s Artrix ver in the ‘cafes and teashops’ Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre venue this spring. category. is on the lookout for newly Included in the arts centre’s line- Commenting on the success, established performance up of visiting comedians is Birm- Paul Kelly, head chef at the companies and individual ingham-born Darren Harriott Motor Museum, said: “We are artists to participate in its (pictured), Britain’s Got Talent star delighted to have won gold for Springboard talent develop- Mandy Muden, DIY chef George a second year running, which ment programme. Egg and Bear Grylls' Celebrity Is- is testament to my team, who The deadline for applica- land star Mark Watson. aspire to the highest food pro- tions is 14 January. To check out the full line-up of duction standards.” For more information, visit performers, visit artrix.co.uk belgrade.co.uk. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 17:46 Page 4 Nick Hancock.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:28 Page 1
OCTOPUS SOUP! Midlander Nick Hancock chats about starring in a brand new play at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre
8 whatsonlive.co.uk Nick Hancock.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:28 Page 2
by Stephen Taylor
Best known for presenting television sports quiz They Think It’s All Over and long-running comedy show Room 101, Midlands-born Nick Hancock next month makes a return to the limelight at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, starring in brand new comedy Octopus Soup!. What’s On recently caught up with Nick to find out more...
When TV presenter and stand-up comedian “Quite often what happens in farce is that “The show’s central idea is of being swept up Nick Hancock took a 2005 sabbatical from ridiculous events are forced upon an unready into some sort of white-collar criminal showbusiness to work as a mortgage broker, stooge, which I think is going to be me, to tell enterprise without really knowing how it little did he know that the experience would you the truth!” happened. I liked the fact that it was quite prove to be the ideal preparation for a complex; all to do with algorithms and stuff The plot of Octopus Soup! revolves around starring role in Octopus Soup!, a new comedy that I would never be able to understand in a Nick’s character of Seymour, who, as one which shows at the Coventry Belgrade million years. But, of course, that’s exactly might expect from a man who makes risk Theatre next month. what insurance is all about - odds and critical assessments for a living, personifies the mass.” “My character in the play is a slightly down- phrase ‘belt and braces’. Seymour is on-his-luck insurance broker,” explains Nick, preparing for a life-changing conference call As for the title of the play, Nick is careful to who’s best remembered as the 1990s host of when bungling burglar Marvin (played by offer an explanation without giving away any TV shows They Think It’s All Over and Room Paul Bradley of EastEnders and Holby City spoilers: “The octopus soup is part of the 101. “The fact that I’ve actually done some fame) enters the stage and puts a spanner in sub-plot and is to do with cookery and work in insurance is one of the interesting the works. animal husbandry.” things about playing the role.” Nick is looking forward to working with an So what can audiences expect when they see The Stoke-born actor has been treading the ensemble cast: “I’ve seen them all before, the show? boards since joining the Cambridge they’ve all done lots of stage work, they’re all “It’s not Bertolt Brecht, put it that way, but University Footlights more than 30 years ago, far more experienced than me, and it’s I’m hoping that it’s going to be a slick, funny and is certainly looking forward to getting completely terrifying for me to work with farce and an enjoyable evening of nonsense back on stage with Octopus Soup!: “The them. All of their biographies are about 17 and fun. There are four brilliant actors, and thing that really struck me was the play’s pages long, whereas mine’s two paragraphs - me, in it, so that’ll be quite good. And do you farcical element. It’s very difficult with a new but hopefully I’ll learn something off them.” know what? If I’m terrible, that’ll make it play to have any real idea what it’s going to While 56-year-old Nick’s experience of the even more entertaining, and if I’m any good, be like until you start rehearsal, so it’s quite insurance industry provided him with an then I think it should be good. nice to take that risk every now and again.” insight into the world of underwriting, there “Octopus Soup! can be an escape from The recent Coventry Belgrade success of are other traits of Seymour’s character that whatever ails you, to tell you the honest Nigel Planer’s The Game Of Love And Chai is also appeal to him: “Seymour is very straight- truth. Well, unless your biggest problem is testament to the popularity of farce in laced and probably quite sheltered in his looking after your octopus, in which case I’m modern theatre, and Nick is confident that outlook, so it’s a case of ‘the innocent in the afraid it’s going to be a little bit of a busman’s this resurgence is not about to stop: “Maybe middle of the madness’. The more important holiday!” with farce, its time has come again. The thing about the character is that he’s a man classic Whitehall farces and the Georges of a certain age, who feels he may be in the Feydeau plays were pretty much one person last-chance saloon to make any sort of going out of rooms as one person was coming impact in his field of expertise. So that’s very Nick Hancock stars in Octopus Soup! at in, so I think the sh0w will be stage- easy for me to understand and very fitting to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from direction-heavy. my age. Sat 2 to Sat 16 February
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Food
colourful abstract artworks, a of Belgian chocolate and rasp- swinging funk soundtrack and a berry torte served with chocolate soothing colour palette of cream, and orange blossom ice cream mint and sage, created a was presented with theatrical uniquely stylish yet effortlessly flare and glazed with a zesty cosy atmosphere, which was berry compote. I only wish I’d only improved by the warmth, left room for seconds - a feeling discretion and attentiveness of shared by my partner, whose am- the waiting staff. bitious choice of banoffee sun- This same care and attention to dae - a rich cocktail of chocolate historical detail was carried brownie, bourbon vanilla ice through in the venue’s choice of cream, sliced banana and mas- finishings, from the table linen carpone - was every bit as deca- through to the glassware. dent as it sounds. Opting for a starter of calamari If bright and spacious surround- served with harissa mayonnaise, ings, contemporary interiors, REVIEW: The Globe I was immediately struck by both great service and quality food & the quality of ingredients and drink aren’t enough to tempt you Historic roots, contemporary interiors, their preparation. Beautifully along to this newly renovated great service and quality food & drink tender and packed full of flavour, historic gem, The Globe also of- the smokiness of the squid - fers up to 16 luxury en-suite Located just a short walk from pork belly, slow-cooked in cider, cooked to perfection, I might add rooms for those wishing to ex- Warwick Castle and the historic finished in the Josper oven and - was offset by the sharpness of tend their stay a little longer; a Market Place, The Globe is an served on a bed of mashed the lemon and chilli, whilst the perfect excuse, if needed, to sam- exquisitely refurbished former potato, apple puree, broccoli, semolina batter gave the dish a ple one of the venue’s sought- 18th century ‘inn turned theatri- carrots and crackling. deliciously light texture. after breakfast options, which range from the traditional full cal playhouse’. The venue offers Add to this an extensive brunch My partner’s choice of lamb English to the cosmopolitan a perfect marriage of contempo- menu, a choice of Sunday roasts, meatballs - served in a terracotta sweet potato, avocado and feta rary Mediterranean-inspired cui- a well-stocked bar complete with dish - was equally delicious. Rich hash. sine and the unmistakable locally brewed beers, a hand- and almost game-like in inten- warmth and personality of a tra- paired wine selection and a gen- sity, the earthiness of the meat- Whether you’re a bard-tripper in ditional ‘local’. erous range of vegan and ball found its perfect partner in search of the authentic spirit of Steadfast in its commitment to gluten-free options, and you the sweetness of the tomato Shakespeare’s England, stopping freshly prepared British meats have the ultimate in home-from- sauce - which was quickly off for a light lunch with friends, and poultry, responsibly sourced home comfort! mopped up by the accompanying spending quality time with the extended family over a Sunday fish and seasonal fruit and veg- Special mention must go to The puccia bread. roast or letting loose with a cele- etables, The Globe boasts an ex- Globe’s newly launched kids’ For our main course, I chose the bratory cocktail or two, The tensive and imaginative a la carte menu - health-conscious yet roast leg of duck served on a bed Globe’s relaxed and welcoming menu. Dishes include the hearty, and surprisingly afford- of risotto rice with a side-serving ambience, commitment to fresh Mediterranean staples of tomato able to boot at just £9 for three of sweet potato fries. Needless to produce and unrivalled historic bruschetta, lamb meatballs and courses (with a free activity pack say, I wasn’t disappointed. Gen- surroundings ensure an experi- calamari marinated in fresh thrown in). erously portioned, tender to the lemon and chilli, build-your-own ence that’s a world apart from a Tastefully refurbished to a classi- taste and served in a rich red super salads, signature grills and visit to your average high-street cal yet contemporary brief, it was wine jus, this was hearty French classic ‘home comforts’ lovingly pub chain. clear that every attention had comfort food as I remember it. reincarnated to suit even the I’ll drink to that! Katherine Ewing been paid to honouring The But could - and would - the steak savviest of 21st century diners. Globe’s historic roots. Infused stand up to the same scrutiny? A Cooked over a Josper grill in an with the authentic spirit of a 10oz rib eye - a staple of any suc- Food: nnnnn open kitchen at the heart of The Georgian townhouse, hardwood cessful pub franchise - my part- Service: nnnnn Globe’s 87-seater restaurant, no- floors, mullioned window panes, ner’s steak, though a little pricey Ambience: nnnnn table specialities on offer in- generously proportioned dark- at £25.25, arrived perfectly Overall value nnnnn clude: 14 varieties of wood-fired oak tables and a vast array of cooked, beautifully seasoned OVERALL nnnnn pizza, freshly prepared on site nautical wall hangings offered a and generous of portion. A great and cooked over charcoal, the- example of pub grub delivered delightful nod to the venue’s The Globe atre-style; steak served on a bed past. with panache! 10 Theatre Street of dressed rocket with signature The addition of modern lighting Rounding off a perfectly indul- Warwick house fries; and the ultimate fixtures, glass ceiling panels, gent evening in style, my dessert CV34 4DP ‘winter warmer’ - 12-hour roasted Tel: 01926 479100 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 GIGS January Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:32 Page 1 GIGS January Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:32 Page 2
Gigs
The 1975 Arena Birmingham, Wed 23 January Fronted by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matthew Healy, pop rock band The 1975 achieved chart-topping success with both their self-titled debut album and their follow- up offering, I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. Following a stint in rehab for heroin addic- tion, Healy has rejoined the band for this short tour in support of their third album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships.
Bastille won British Breakthrough Act at the 2014 BRIT Awards and scored a second number O2 Academy, Birmingham, one with their follow-up album, Wild World, Tues 29 - Wed 30 January in 2016. To say indie-pop four-piece Bastille have Ahead of the release of their hugely antici- had a whirlwind few years would be an un- pated third album, they’re heading out on derstatement. Their debut album, Bad an intimate headline tour to give fans an ex- Blood, was twice number one, certified dou- clusive first listen to some of their new King Pleasure & ble-platinum and named the biggest-selling music. The Biscuit Boys digital album of 2013. The band have since Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 5 January King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are past Ben Howard Martyn Joseph masters at creating an evening of frenzied fun Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 21 January Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, and frolics, presenting a trademark mix of Thurs 17 January Ben Howard’s music has been described as nutty on-stage antics and accessible musi- “Really what I do is to try and write songs cianship. ‘a blissful blend of electronics, psychedelic pop, subtle strings and dreamily delivered that might step up and make some sense of With a line-up featuring King Pleasure, Boy- a moment in time,” explains modern folk sey Battrum, Bullmoose K Shirley, Mighty lyrics’. With all that going for him, it’s hardly sur- artist Martyn Joseph. “A good song makes Matt Foundling, Shark Van Schtoop and Gary you feel like you’re not alone in the world.” ‘The Enforcer’ Barber, the KPs have spent 30 prising he’s basking in the glory of album success, following up the chart-topping I Often compared to the likes of Bruce Spring- years on the road, performing more than steen, John Mayer, Bruce Cockburn and 6,500 gigs in a total of 21 countries. Forget Where We Were with the highly ac- claimed Noonday Dream, released last year. Dave Matthews, Martyn is a unique per- Described as ‘the world’s best jump, jive and former who’s driven by passion, social swing band’, they’ve opened shows for BB All profits from Ben’s Birmingham show will be donated to the Koestler Trust - a charity awareness and an abiding love for his trade. King, Cab Calloway and Ray Charles, and also He visits Shrewsbury in support of his 33rd toured with the Blues Brothers Band. which helps ex-offenders, secure patients and detainees in the UK to express them- album, Here Come The Young, produced by Expect an evening of foot-tapping sounds Gerry Diver. and plenty to chuckle about... selves creatively. Ruby Turner Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 19 January A warm and witty woman with a great voice, prolific songwriter Ruby Turner this year hits the road with her own band. The tour comes hot on the heels of her autumn/win- ter appearances with Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with whom she’s been performing for a number of years.
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Classical
Carducci String Quartet Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Fri 25 January Performing more than 90 international concerts each year, Carducci are regarded as one of the most successful string quar- tets in the business. Featuring Matthew Denton and Michelle Fleming on violins, Eoin Schmidt-Martin on viola and Emma Denton on cello, the quartet make a welcome return to the re- gion as part of their international cycle. Their Leamington concert sees them per- forming works by Mozart, Shostakovich and Philip Glass.
The National Youth Orchestra Of Great Britain Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 4 January Kickstart 2019 by enjoying 164 of the country’s finest young musicians raising the roof as they perform an imaginative programme of high-energy music. The National Youth Orchestra’s Coventry concert sees them taking on the challenge of Sibelius’s mighty second symphony, having first of all focused their attention on a pair of compositions which can definitely be described as ‘out of this world’ - Rick Dior’s Science Rafał Blechacz Fiction and John Adams’ Doctor Atomic Symphony... In Recital One word of warning, though: the concert features a film projection containing scenes of Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 23 January ‘moderate horror and violence’ which may not be suitable for younger children. By the time the 20-year-old Rafał Blechacz entered the Frederic Chopin International The Musicke Companye Zelkova String Quartet Piano Competition in 2005, he’d been St Mary’s Church, Warwick, Tues 29 January Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 11 January playing piano for 15 years and had bagged a few awards. The Chopin competition, Bringing together superb musicianship and however, saw him reach a new level of ex- stagecraft in highly original and dynamic cellence, becoming the only musician ever programmes, The Musicke Companye has to win all five first prizes. Indeed, one of been exploring the rich and varied world of the judges said that Blechacz had ‘so out- baroque vocal chamber music for nearly 30 classed the remaining finalists’ that no years. They appear in Warwick as part of second prize could actually be awarded. Leamington Music’s Early Music Series, Having made his Birmingham debut in presenting a collection of work designed to 2017, Rafał returns to the city this month celebrate Venice, ‘a city of pleasure, lovers, with a programme featuring Mozart, excess and extravagance’. The concert fea- Beethoven, Schumann and ‘a very per- tures the music of, among others, Handel, sonal interpretation’ of Chopin’s Monteverdi, Stradella and Vivaldi. Opening the Bromsgrove Concert pro- Mazurkas. gramme for 2019, this prize-winning Manchester-based quartet take their name from the elegant Zelkova tree and include three siblings - Caroline, Ed and Jonathan Pether (Alex Mitchell is the fourth member). Favouring a relaxed approach to perfor- mance that sees them talking about their concert programme to their audience, the quartet here present music by four very dif- ferent composers - Haydn, Bartok, Beethoven and Judith Weir. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Stephen K Amos.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:29 Page 1
16 whatsonlive.co.uk Stephen K Amos.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:29 Page 2
STEPHEN K AMOS A combination of quality material and an effortless ability to strike all the right notes with his audience has made Stephen K Amos one of the UK’s best-loved comedians. His current success is a far cry from his early years in the business, when opportunities for black comics were few and far between and Stephen would joke that his only chance of working on TV would be if Lenny Henry died. What’s On caught up with the London-born comedian ahead of his late-month appearance in Coventry...
There’s good reason why Stephen K Amos is Brexit, but I try to tackle them by using really had time to stop, take stock and think. considered a seriously feelgood comedian. another example of something just as It’s all about going out there and listening to His years of touring the nation with crowd- ridiculous. But I don’t mention any names people’s laughter or their reactions to what pleasing shows have seen him build up a and will try to do it in a subtle way. At the I’m saying. At one show, one lad felt loyal fanbase who know that he’ll provide beginning of a tour, I start off with a script, confident about being out and proud at the them with an evening of non-stop laughter. but it changes depending on world events age of 15 - something I couldn’t have done. and my own mood. Things are constantly Those moments make it all worthwhile.” With his new show, Bouquets And Brickbats, happening.” Stephen is promising the usual quota of gags As well as making people laugh in the live and funny stories, but on this occasion he’s One thing that Stephen most certainly won’t arena, Stephen also has his own podcast, also being contemplative about the universe. be doing is shouting down the opinions of The Stephen K Amos Talk Show, the first anyone in his audience. He knows full well series of which came out on Audible in “I picked that title because the last 18 months that there will be people coming to his shows August and reached number one in Australia. have been awful, both personally and for the from both sides of the EU referendum debate, A second series should be available world at large. Some things are so joyful on and he’s more than willing to hear their sometime during the tour. Meanwhile, he has one hand, and on the other, so devastating. viewpoints. Not all current comedians are of plans to spend a few months working in the So I was trying to find a way of saying that the same mindset, though. US during 2019. “I think this is the right time some days are rosy and other days are to go to America, as Brits are doing very well downright shitty.” “I was doing a late-night show in Edinburgh out there - the likes of James Corden, John with a mixed line-up, and a very well- Across 2017 and ’18, Stephen has lost both his Oliver, Gina Yashere and Idris Elba.” respected comic slammed down a woman mother and his twin sister, and working who admitted that she’d voted for Brexit. I For now, though, Stephen is very much through this sadness has given his comedy a thought that wasn’t very fair because people looking forward to getting out and about in different perspective. “I never thought I could are entitled to their own opinions - and the UK and meeting his fans. “I love touring, do something like this, as my whole thing instead of tackling this in a creative way, he’d and I’m very grateful that people still want to has been to keep them laughing and not to just slagged her off and probably made sure come out and see me because I don’t do that hold the silence. But I’ve now found out that that she’d never admit to anything like that much on TV these days. I try to mix it up and it’s more powerful to hold the silence. That again in any situation. I think we should be go to venues and cities and towns that I whole thing about losing people and death is able to sit down and discuss things in an haven’t been to before, or I’ll go back to a bit in the show where there’s a silence in adult way. When it descends into abuse, places and play bigger venues. Travelling the room and you can hear a penny drop. For you’ve lost the argument.” around does give you an idea of the mood of me, that’s a bit weird.” the nation. Live comedy is thriving, and In this fractured world, how does Stephen Not only is Stephen a highly popular stand- people are coming out to see lots of different stay positive? “I get my positivity from up, he’s also a potent social commentator, a kinds of comedy. It’s great that people are human beings. Something good happens on fact he’s proved across the years with touring prepared to listen to a person on stage saying a daily basis: a text from someone, a stranger shows like The Spokesman and World whatever they like. That’s one of the doing something nice for you on the street, or Famous, his award-winning Channel Four beautiful things about this job. Unlike someone just saying something positive. We documentary Batty Man, and radio television, radio or newspaper print, I can all have a story to tell; you might see a programmes such as What Does The K Stand literally say whatever I want.” façade, but you never know what’s going on For? You can rest assured that he will be inside a person. Sometimes people have looking to tap into the issues of the day come up to me after this show with tears in during this latest tour, albeit in his own their eyes or wearing a badge for breast distinctive style. “I don’t want people to sigh Stephen K Amos plays Warwick Arts cancer or something, and it’s about being when I mention the likes of Trump and Centre, Coventry, on Saturday 26 January touched by other people’s stories. I haven’t
whatsonlive.co.uk 17 p18.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 09:55 Page 1
January 2019 www.artrix.co.uk
Friday 4 January Saturday 5 January Sun 6 & Mon 7 January TAKE THAT KING PLEASURE & ANDRE RIEU’S NEW EXPERIENCE THE BISCUIT BOYS YEAR CONCERT TOP TRIBUTE TO TT & RED HOT RHYTHM & BLUES RECORDED IN SYDNEY ROBBIE WILLIAMS
Friday 18 January Saturday 19th January Fri 25 +Sat 26 January MONEY FOR THE JOHNNY CASH THE COUNTERFEIT NOTHING ROADSHOW STONES DIRE STRAITS TRIBUTE TRIBUTE TO THE MAN IN NEW TOUR MIDNIGHT BLACK SCAM-BLER
COMING SOON: he T Best Of Queen, Oddsocks, Barnstormers Comedy, Andrew Doyle, T.Rextasy, Darren Harriot, Mark Watson, George Egg, Best Of Wham, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope, Mandy Muden, Creedence Clearwater Reimagined, Andrew Maxwell, Fairport Convention, Living Spit, Whitney Houston Live Experience, Gary Delaney, Rachel Parris, Croft & Pearce, Cloudbusting, Georgie Fame, Stand Up For Women, Soniari, RoySab G Hemmings, Glenn Wool, Phil Beer Band…
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 arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330
18 whatsonlive.co.uk Reader's Awards 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 14:41 Page 2
Get VOTING for your favourite Midlands events, shows and venues in the... What’sOn Readers’ Awards 2019
Some of last year’s winners...
Best Midlands Music Venue - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Best Large Theatre - Birmingham Hippodrome Best Arts / Cultural Festival - Birmingham Weekender
whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Reader's Awards 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 14:41 Page 3
20 whatsonlive.co.uk Reader's Awards 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 14:41 Page 4
#culturematters #artsmatters
Yes, it’s once again time for you to show just CATEGORIES INCLUDE: how much you appreciate Birmingham & Best Large Theatre the West Midlands’ ever-vibrant arts & Best Regional Theatre entertainment scene. Best Touring Musical Best Home Produced Show Nominate and vote online for your Best Touring Show favourites to help them secure a place in our Best Kids Show What’s On Readers’ Awards Best Classical Production Top 5 Shortlist. Best Orchestra Best Panto The shortlist will be announced in our Best Amateur Theatre Company February issue. You will then be able to Best Arts Venue VOTE for your WINNER in each category. Best Large Music Venue So get voting now! Best Regional Music Venue Best Band/Artist And complete our Readership Survey for the Best Exhibition chance to WIN £1,000 cash! Best Comedy Night VOTE for your NOMINATIONS Best Dance Production Best Visitor Attraction by Friday 18 January. Best Indoor Event WINNERS will be announced in the Spring. Best Outdoor Event Best Music Festival Best Arts/Cultural Festival Best Food Festival Best Independent Restaurant Best Independent Coffee Shop Best Independent Bar Best Touring Company - The Fizzogs Best Pantomime - Jack and The Beanstalk at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Best Artisan Market VOTE now at whatsonlive.co.uk
whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Festivals 2019.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:23 Page 1
Festivals
When it comes to music, regardless of your preference - be it jazz, indie, folk, classical, world or pop - you’re almost certain to find a festival in the Midlands to suit your taste. And 2019 looks set to be another bumper year for the region’s festival-goers. Get your diary out and get booking!...
nounced. Sat 4 - Sun 5 May, O2 Sun 26 May, Riverside Park, Lechlade, in Nottingham. More information at APRIL Academy, Leicester. More information Gloucestershire. More information at dottodotfestival.co.uk at handmadefestival.co.uk lechladefestival.co.uk LICHFIELD BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL NANTWICH JAZZ, BLUES & MUSIC FESTI- FORBIDDEN FOREST Line-up to be an- GLASTONBUDGET Line-up to be an- Line-up includes Soft Machine and VAL Line-up includes Martin Turner, nounced. Sun 5 May, Wymeswold Aer- nounced. Fri 24 - Sun 26 May, Turnpost Remi Harris. Thurs 30 May - Sun 2 June, Bernie Marsden and Big Wolf Band. drome, Leicestershire. More Farm, Leicestershire. More information various venues around Lichfield. More Thurs 18 - Mon 22 April, various information at forbidden-forest.co.uk at glastonbudget.org information at lichfield-jazz.co.uk venues in Nantwich. More information SWINGAMAJIG Line-up to be an- STAFFS FEST Line-up to be announced. WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- at nantwichjazz.com nounced. Sun 5 May, Venue to be an- Fri 24 - Sun 26 May, Lower Drayton cludes Chris While & Julie Matthews, DUBS IN WONDERLAND Line-up in- nounced, Birmingham. More Farm, Penkridge, Staffs. More informa- The Wilsons and Tom McConville cludes The SKA 45's, Rattlesnake Jake information at swingamajig.co.uk tion at staffsfest.co.uk Band. Thurs 30 May - Sun 2 June, The and Marquis Drive. Fri 19 - Mon 22 Whitby Club, Ellesmere Port. More in- FOCUS WALES Line-up includes Boy HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN The world’s April, Himley Hall, Dudley. More infor- formation at wirralfolkonthecoast.com Azooga, The Lovely Eggs and BC largest philosophy and music festival. mation at dubscollective.com Camplight. Thurs 16 - Sat 18 May, vari- Line-up to be announced. Fri 24 - Mon THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN ous venues in Wrexham, Wales. More 27 May, Hay on Wye, Hereford. More in- Line-up includes Big Country, Eagle information at focuswales.com formation at howthelightgetsin.org Eye Cherry, and Ian Prowse & Amster- MAY dam. Fri 31 May - Sun 2 June, Uttoxeter BEARDED THEORY Line-up includes CHESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- Racecourse. More information at Suede, The Wildhearts and Reef. Thurs cludes Blackbeard’s Tea Party, The CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- acousticfestival.co.uk 23 - Sun 26 May, Catton Hall, South Askew Sisters and Belshazzar’s Feast. cludes Gregory Porter, Sergio Mendes Derbyshire. More information at Fri 24 - Mon 27 May, Kelsall Village. WYCHWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up and Joshua Redman. Wed 1 - Mon 6 beardedtheory.co.uk More information at chesterfolk.org.uk to be announced. Fri 31 May - Sun 2 May, Montpellier Gardens, Chel- June, Cheltenham Racecourse. More tenham. More information at BREAKING BANDS Line-up includes NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER Line-up information at wychwoodfestival.com cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz Falling Red, Witch Tripper and Trucker includes George Ezra, Richard Ashcroft Diablo. Thurs 23 - Mon 27 May, Stoke and Primal Scream. Sat 25 - Sun 26 UPTON UPON SEVERN FOLK FESTIVAL Prior Sports & Country Club, Broms- May, Victoria Park, Warrington. More Line-up includes Melrose Quartet, JUNE grove. More information at information at nbhdweekender.com Alice Jones and The Pigeon Swing. Fri breakingbandsfestival.com 3 - Mon 6 May, various venues, Upton BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Line-up to be an- GATE TO SOUTHWELL FOLK Line-up in- upon Severn, Worcestershire. More in- MELLO Line-up includes Incognito, nounced. Sat 25 - Sun 26 May, Birming- cludes Skipinnish, Sam Kelly & The formation at uptonfolk.org Brand New Heavies, The Wonder Stuff, ham Gay Village. More information at Lost Boys and Blue Rose Code. Thurs 6 and Stereo MC’s. Fri 24 - Sun 26 May, birminghampride.com - Sun 9 June, Southwell Racecourse, LEAMINGTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up Seven End Country Estate, Hanley Cas- Nottinghamshire. More information at includes Tasmin Little, Ensemble 360 ROCK AND BOWL Line-up to be an- tle, Worcestershire. More information southwellfolkfestival.org.uk and Raphael Wallfisch. Fri 3 - Fri 10 nounced. Sat 25 - Mon 27 May, Picnic at mellofestival.co.uk May, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Area, Market Drayton. More informa- DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Line-up includes Spa. More information at LECHLADE MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up in- tion at rockandbowlfestival.com Def Leppard, Slipknot and Tool. Fri 14 - leamingtonmusic.org cludes The Feeling, The Marley Experi- Sun 16 June, Donington Park, Derby. DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- ence and That 80s Rock Show. Fri 24 - More information at HANDMADE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- nounced. Sun 26 May, various venues
22 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals 2019.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:23 Page 2
downloadfestival.co.uk twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk Prestwold Hall, Leicestershire. More mation at justsofestival.org.uk information at barefootfestival.com FOXTON LOCKS FESTIVAL Line-up to be BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up SHAMBALA Line-up to be announced. announced. Sat 15 - Sun 16 June, Fox- includes Richard Digance, Churchfit- CARFEST NORTH Line-up includes Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Aug. A secret location ton Locks, Leicestershire. More infor- ters and The Bad Pennies. Thurs 11 - Clean Bandit, The Jacksons and All in Northampton. More information at mation at foxtonlocksfestival.co.uk Sun 14 July, various venues across Saints. Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Bolesworth shambalafestival.org Bromsgrove. More information at Castle, Chester. More information at SOUNDSCAPE Line-up includes David CREAMFIELDS Line-up to be an- bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk carfest.org Guetta, Anne Marie and Years & Years. nounced. Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Aug, Sat 15 - Sun 16 June, Ricoh Arena, NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- INDIE TRACKS Line-up to be an- Daresbury, Halton, Cheshire. More in- Coventry. More information at nounced. Thurs 11 - Mon 15 July, Coney nounced. Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Butterley formation at creamfields.com soundscapeweekender.co.uk Woods at Noseley Hall, Leicestershire. Station, Derbyshire. More information BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- More information and tickets at at indietracks.co.uk NOCTURNE LIVE AT BLENHEIM PALACE cludes Face Up!, The Face Of Ruin and noisilyfestival.com Line-up includes Tears For Fears, Kylie MADE BIRMINGHAM Line-up to be an- Frozen In Shadows. Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Thurs 20 - Sun THE MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL FES- nounced. Sat 27 July, Perry Park, Birm- Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, 23 June, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. TIVAL Line-up includes Burt ingham. More information at Bromsgrove, Worcester. More informa- More information at nocturnelive.com Bacharach. Fri 12 - Sun 14 July, Mose- madebirmingham.com tion at beermageddon.co.uk ley Park, Birmingham. More informa- SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 2019 Line-up in- SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes tion at mostlyjazz.co.uk cludes Hawklords and Oresund Space 10CC, Peter Andre and The Osmonds. Collective. Thurs 20 - Sun 24 June, LICHFIELD ARTS PRESENTS FUSE Line- AUGUST Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Fish Meadow, Stoke Prior Sports and Country Club, up to be announced. Fri 12 - Sun 14 Upton upon Severn, Worcestershire. Worcester. More information at July, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Stafford- 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- More information at sonicrocksolstice.com shire. More information at fuselich- nounced. Fri 2 - Sun 4 Aug, Gopsall uptonfestival.co.uk field.org.uk Hall Farm, Leicestershire. More infor- BEARDY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes mation at 110above.com cludes 3 Daft Monkeys, Martyn Joseph LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY Line-up in- Scouting For Girls, Melanie C, Feeder & and Urban Folk Quartet. Fri 21 - Sun 23 cludes The Human League, Sister BOARDMASTERS Line-up to be an- The Coral. Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Ragley June, Hopton Court, Cleobury Mor- Sledge and Belinda Carlisle. Sat 13 July, nounced. Wed 7 - Sun 11 Aug, Water- Hall, Warwickshire. More information timer, Shropshire. More information at The Quarry, Shrewsbury. More infor- gate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall. More at campercalling.com beardyfolkfestival.co.uk mation at letsrockshrewsbury.com information at boardmasters.com THE BIG FEASTIVAL Line-up to be an- UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- NOZSTOCK Line-up to be announced. BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- nounced. Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Kingham, nounced. Thurs 27 - Sun 30 June, Vari- Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July, Rowden Pad- cludes Sabaton, Code Orange and Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. More ous venues in Upton-upon-Severn, docks, Bromyard, Herefordshire. More Scorpions. Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Cat- information at thebigfeastival.co.uk Worcestershire. More information at information at nozstock.com ton Hall, Derbyshire. More information SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up uptonjazz.co.uk at bloodstock.uk.com UPTON BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up in- includes Kate Rusby, Martyn Joseph, cludes Dave Ferra Allstars, Dino Bap- LAKEFEST Line-up includes Happy Skerryvore, Grace Petrie & the Phil JULY tiste & Night Train and The Achievers. Mondays, Bluetones and Red Hot Chilli Beer Band. Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, Green- Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July, various venues Pipers. Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Eastnor hous West Mid Showground, Shrews- around Upton upon Severn, Worcester- Castle, Herefordshire. More informa- bury. More information at NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be shire. More information at uptonblues- tion at lakefest.co.uk shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk announced. Fri 5 - Sat 6 July, Village festival.com Centre, Napton On The Hill, Warwick- ROCK THE PARK WREXHAM 2019 Line- OFF THE TRACKS Line-up to be an- shire. More information SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be up includes Basshunter, Metallica nounced. Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Don- naptonfestival.co.uk announced. Fri 19 - Sun 21 July, various Reloaded and Just Floyd. Fri 9 - Sun 11 ington Park Farmhouse, Derbyshire. venues around Birmingham, Solihull Aug, Borras Hall Lane, Wrexham. More More information at offthetracks.co.uk CAMPERJAM Line-up to be announced. and Sandwell. More information at su- information at rockthepark.co.uk MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Don McLean Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Weston Park, Shrop- personicfestival.com shire. More information at FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL The first act announced as Sunday headliner. Fri 30 camperjam.com THE BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL & confirmed are Lindisfarne. Fri 9 - Sun Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Moseley Park, Birm- SANDWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up to be 11 Aug, near Gatten Farm, Shropshire. ingham. More information at ALSO FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- announced. Fri 19 - Sun 28 July, The More information at moseleyfolk.co.uk nounced. Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Park Farm, Crossing + Boxxed + Wilde Building in farmerphilsfestival.com Warwickshire. More information and Floodgate Street, Birmingham. More tickets at also-festival.com THE MOIRA FURNACE FOLK FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER information at Line-up includes Blackbeard’s Tea TIMBER FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- birminghamjazzfestival.com Party, Anthony John Clarke Band and BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to nounced. Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Feanedock, WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up to be ALAW. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, Moira Fur- be announced. Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Sept, The National Forest. More information announced. Thurs 25 - Sun 28 July, nace Museum and Monument Site, Bromyard, Herefordshire. More infor- and tickets at timberfestival.org.uk Warwick School and Warwick Town Derbyshire. More information at mation at bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk THE ROCK AND BIKE FEST Line-up in- Centre. More information at warwick- moirafurnacefolkfestival.co.uk folkfestival.co.uk cludes The Quireboys, ACDC UK and OLD BUSH BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up in- Dr. Feelgood. Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, OCTOBER DEERSTOCK Line-up to be announced. cludes Northsyde, The Achievers and Carnfield Hall, Derbyshire. More infor- Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Newton Cross Will Wilde. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, The mation at rockandbikefest.co.uk Country Course, Nottinghamshire. Old Bush, Callow End Worcester. More LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK Line-up 2000TREES FESTIVAL Line-up to be an- More information at deerstock.co.uk information at oldbushblues.co.uk includes Home Service and John Tams. nounced. Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, Upcote Fri 18 - Sun 20 Oct, venues around BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up includes THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up to be Farm, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Lichfield, Staffordshire. More informa- The Social Ignition, Moscow Drug Club announced. Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, Rode More information at tion at lichfieldarts.org.uk and Strizzy Strauss. Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Hall Parkland, Cheshire. More infor-
whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:13 Page 1
Comedy
Daisy Earl Comedy Loft, Birmingham, Sat 19 January Late-blooming and fast-rising comedian Daisy Earl finds humour in the everyday events and experiences of life, her subjects ranging from incompetence on the dating scene to her struggle to focus on important political issues despite her low boredom threshold. Daisy appears at The Comedy Loft this month in a line-up that also fea- tures Rudi Lickwood and Hayley Ellis.
Sam Avery The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 19 January As his new show is all about the perils of being a hapless learner-parent to toddlers, Sam Avery often finds himself being asked whether his twins will be putting in an appearance on the night. “No chance,” he says. “They’re way funnier than me. I’ll look crap in compar- ison.” Sam’s hoping the show will win him a whole new audience, and is encouraging fans to bring along their friends: “I’ll win them over with my cheeky northern charm,” he says. “And if that fails, I’ll hit them with some high-quality knob gags.” Jason Manford Gary Delaney Aatif Nawaz Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 22 January; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sat 26 January Fri 15 February South Shropshire, Fri 18 January; The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 26 January; Warwick Becoming successful in comedy is no walk Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 24 February; in the park, as Jason Manford knows. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 28 February And the former One Show presenter has “The hardest part of running competitively some sage advice for wannabe comedians: in Wales must be keeping up with the “Don’t take any of my work! I would also say Joneses,” quips the Solihull-born Gary De- to people, compare yourself to yourself. laney. Don’t think, ‘Why has that guy got that?’ or And Gary’s certainly no one-gag pony: “It ‘Why is Michael McIntyre doing so well?’ or turns out that one of my ancestors was ‘I’m really funny, so why is so-and-so doing Arabian, lived in a lamp, and granted peo- that gig, not me?’ You know what, just don’t ple three wishes. It’s amazing what you worry about it. If can find out from a genieology test.” you’re doing Or how about: “Tom Cruise could have better now than made a lot more films if he wasn't you were six “There shouldn’t be this abstract idea of constantly getting months ago, ‘making it’,” explains Aatif Nawaz. “You caricatures of his face then you’re do comedy for the joy of doing it. I love done in Leicester doing well.” Square.” eliciting the raw response of a laugh, and I enjoy being energetic on stage too. That said, I do know stand-ups who’re more deadpan than me and do equally as well.” Presenting a storytelling style of comedy that sees him combining puns with a deeper message, Aatif visits Birmingham with a brand new show that’s being de- scribed as ‘a hilarious assault on the impa- tience and entitlement of the 21st century’. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:13 Page 2
Nish Kumar Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 25 January; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 15 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sunday 17 February; Oakengates Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Fri 22 February “Once you get established as a comedian,” says Nish Kumar, “you have to start taking comedy seriously, which is obviously an oxymoron. When you’re a nobody, you can just go up to the Edinburgh Fringe, get drunk and have fun.” Nish’s days of anonymity, inebriated or oth- erwise, are now behind him. The Croyden- born comedian has hit the big time - and even more impressively, he’s done so simply by being his usual affable self. Touring later in 2019
Eddie Izzard Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 17 - Sat 21 September Not many comedians make it to god-like building his reputation with material status through stand-up alone. Jerry Sein- based around skewed logic and surreal feld had a TV show, while Saturday Night tangents. Live alumni like Steve Martin and Bill Mur- For his autumn 2019 visit to Birmingham, ray used the movies to make it big. Only he’s presenting Wunderbar, a brand new performers like Bill Hicks, Jackie Mason show “about everything from humans over and Lenny Bruce managed it through stage the last 100,000 years to talking dogs and work alone - but you can definitely add animal superheroes”. Following the tour, Eddie Izzard to that list. Eddie intends to step away from the com- Eddie’s worked a live crowd for more years edy scene in order to concentrate on be- than he probably cares to remember, coming mayor of London. Mandy Muden Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 25 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 February Josh Widdicombe Magic and comedy combine when former Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 13 October; Britain’s Got Talent contestant Mandy Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 14 Octo- Muden takes to the stage. A member of Lon- ber; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 7 November don's famous Inner Magic Circle, Mandy is visiting the Midlands as part of her first ever Peddling a nice line in exasperated, self- solo tour, presenting a show that brings to- deprecating humour, Devon-raised funny- gether ‘amazing tricks, razor-sharp wit and man Josh Widdicombe pumps out cleverly lots of audience participation’. crafted gags at a brisk pace, hitting the mark with the vast majority of his material. Widdicombe’s jokes include: “Hotdogs cause bum cancer - that was the original slogan for McDonald's before ‘I'm loving it’.” There’s also: “I’ve no idea what the story- line of Monopoly is. Seemingly I’m a tiny dog who repeatedly wins beauty contests, on his birthday demands £10 from every- Touring body he can see, and then bankrupts him- later in self to stay in a hotel when he owns four houses on the next street!” 2019
whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Sandi T.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 09:23 Page 1 Sandi T.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 09:23 Page 2 national trevor Sandi Toksvig brings her new tour to the Hippodrome
Sandi Toksvig is remembering a terrific occa- During the show, Sandi invites the audience "For a brief moment we can forget about sion at the Festival Hall in London 4 years to help her conduct a piece of music, too. "I Brexit or whatever it is we're worrying about ago. “My wife and I renewed our wedding get them to conduct Beethoven's Ode to Joy. I and lose ourselves in the show. That's good vows on the stage. It was a small gathering, a chose that piece because Beethoven was deaf for us. We feel better." few family – and a thousand of my close by the time he completed it. One of the main themes of "National Trevor" friends. It was held on the day that same sex "It's remarkable to want to create music when is our current fixation with celebrity. Sandi marriages were made legal. you can't hear it. On the night of the pre- explains that, "The thing I'm slightly ob- “It was astonishing, you know. I invited 150 miere, he was seen running through the sessed with is our whole attitude to fame. family and friends, and let it be known to the streets shouting, 'Grab life by the throat!' There is a new trend of calling people a 'Na- general public that if anybody wanted to That's what I'm saying in this show." tional Treasure'. come, they were most welcome. The hall was Sandi adds that, "Whenever I see people "I don't know where it's come from, but I full. There were literally thousands of people. wearing a T-shirt that says,' Living the heartily disapprove. I think everybody has It was every kind of person you could possi- Dream,' I think, 'You're totally not.' I want something to commend them. Everyone has a bly imagine. It was very jolly. The only draw- to tell them, 'If you had to buy a T-shirt say- story where you go, 'Really?' We don't get to back was that there wasn’t enough cake!” ing that, it's not working'." hear their stories of extraordinary endeav- This story tells you everything about the pre- ours." The aspect of the tour Sandi is most looking senter’s popularity. She’s the sort of ap- forward to is the audience interaction. She Sandi proceeds to outline where the show's proachable, lovable figure everyone adores the spontaneity of it all. "I can't wait title comes from. "One day, a friend of mine considers their friend. You will not find any- to get out there. The best bit is not me talking was being extremely rude to me . A lot of my one who doesn’t like Sandi Toksvig. She is a to them - it's them talking to me. Me talking? friends are - I encourage it! So in the middle national treasure. Not so interesting. Them talking? Very inter- of this argument, I said to her, 'Don't you Which brings us to her latest UK tour, which esting! know I'm a National Treasure?' is entitled “National Trevor.” In person, "You never quite know what is going to hap- "And she replied,'You're a National Trevor?' Sandi is every bit as delightful as you would pen. The unexpected stuff is always the Then her husband said, 'Who's been calling hope. Offscreen, she is just as warm, witty, most enjoyable part. The most unexpected her Trevor?' Now they call me Trevor. So welcoming and generally wonderful as she is thing that ever happened in a show took that's why I gave the show this title. I'm going on screen. She is marvellous company, and place during a Q and A in Bradford. A woman round the country looking for all the National an hour with her simply flies by. asked me what my bra size was. I couldn't re- Trevors. I'm celebrating people." Over a burger in a central London hotel, member, so she had to come up on stage and Sandi muses on what she hopes audiences Sandi is brimming with excitement about the have a look!" will take away from "National Trevor." "I forthcoming tour, which kicks off at The Sandi, who was a very popular host of Radio hope they think that they have had a really Lowry in Salford on Wednesday 9 January. 4's News Quiz for a decade, proceeds to un- good evening, that they're had a great laugh After a spell making such hugely popular TV derscore her love of live performance. "The and that I'm much younger, taller and thin- shows as The Great British Bake Off and QI, other reason to do a live show is that there is ner in the flesh!" Sandi can’t wait to come face-to-face with her still something magical about sharing an Before she has to go off to another gig, Sandi audience again in a show that will feature a evening out at the theatre. decides to order an alcohol-free cocktail to Q&A and lots and lots of excellent jokes. "When actors stand backstage before a per- clear her throat. It's called, "Endless Joy." In addition, Sandi will be regaling audiences formance, we listen to the sound of the audi- Quick as a flash, Sandi jokes: "That should with a raft of funny facts."I'm endlessly inter- ence. We say, 'They're a bit Monday night' or be the title of my next live show." ested in things," confirms the 60-year-old. "I 'They're a bit Saturday matinee'. A distinct think detail is terribly funny. Did you know personality overtakes an entire group of peo- Well, I'd go and see that, wouldn't you? that the glue on Israeli postage stamps is ple." Kosher?" The theatre also demands a focus that we Sandi Toksvig brings her National Trevor "National Trevor" also showcases a general sometimes lack in other parts of our life. "It's tour to Birmingham Hippodrome Fri 1 Feb knowledge quiz. "I don't know if you want to about getting people to put their phones & Sat 2 Feb 2019 win it," Sandi smiles, "because then you have away, have an engagement with the show to come up on stage and talk to me all about and listen to other people laughing - hope- your life!" fully - or weeping! Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 1
Theatre Theatre previews from around the region
Ghost The Musical the next, desperately attempts to communicate with his girlfriend, Molly, and warn her that she’s in mortal danger from his murderer. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 22 - Sat 26 January A timeless tale about the power of love that beautifully blends the This ever-popular stage version of the award-winning film starring genres of romance and comedy, Ghost features The Righteous Broth- Patrick Swayzee, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg makes a welcome ers’ Unchained Melody and numerous songs co-written by Euryth- return to the Midlands. For those not in the know, the production tells mics’ Dave Stewart. the story of a ghost named Sam who, caught between this world and
Living With The Lights On The Tale Of Robin Hood An Indian Abroad The REP, Birmingham, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 22 - Sat 26 January Wed 2 - Sat 5 January Fri 18 & Sat 19 January Mark Lockyear’s confessional solo show has The always-exceptional Jars Of Clay Theatre Writer and performer Pariah Khan’s debut been widely praised since making its debut Company are the ensemble behind this one-man show takes the familiar concept of in 2016. The production sees the actor taking brand new telling of an age-old story. white adventurers exploring foreign lands his audience back to the mid-1990s and a The show is firmly aimed at family audi- and spins it on its head, recounting the expe- time when he was appearing for the RSC in ences and comes complete with ‘action, ad- riences of a middle-class Indian who pays a Stratford-upon-Avon; a time, too, when his venture, music and romance’. visit to ‘the exotic island of Great Britain’. undiagnosed bipolar disorder led to him Rising-star Khan (real name Hari Ramakrish- thinking he was possessed by the devil... nan) is an exceptional talent who aims to The Singular Exploits challenge his audience’s way of thinking Of Sherlock Holmes while at the same time making them laugh. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 16 January This one-man homage to the world’s greatest fictional detective finds Holmes recalling some of his most memorable cases and das- tardly adversaries. The production is being presented by highly rated Midlands company Don’t Go Into The Cellar, who describe themselves as the UK’s ‘finest practitioners of theatrical Victoriana in a macabre vein’. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 2 Doctor Dolittle.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:57 Page 1 Doctor Dolittle.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:57 Page 2
Talking to the animals... Midlands-born actor Mark Williams will be chatting to some splendidly exotic furred and feathered friends when he takes the title role in Leslie Bricusse’s Doctor Dolittle The Musical at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this month. We recently caught up with Mark to find out what audiences can expect...
Do you ever wish that you could talk to the tion of the show for Mark was its use of pup- The prospect of touring is also something animals? Well, there’s a certain gentleman pets: “Using puppets that can dance, sing that appeals to Mark. “I was touring way stopping off in Wolverhampton late this and move in a completely different way adds back and have toured all my life, so it’s nor- month who can do just that. a whole other layer that fascinates me. In the mal for me. Besides, it makes home all the film, it was real animals, and then on stage it sweeter.” His name is Dr John Dolittle - an English was animatronics - but this time around, it’s physician from the West Country village of Joining Mark on tour is Vicky Entwistle, fa- completely different. Puddleby-on-the-Marsh and the title charac- miliar to soap fans as Coronation Street’s ter in family-friendly stage show Doctor Dolit- “It also seemed like the right time to do the loud and lairy Janice Battersby. Donning tle The Musical. Created in the World War show again. With all due respect to other pro- feathers and a beak to play Polly the Parrot, One trenches by author Hugh Lofting - ap- ductions, I don’t think Doctor Dolittle has who teaches Doctor Dolittle the language of pearing in the serviceman’s illustrated letters been done justice to, and I think it’s the right the animal kingdom, Vicky is no stranger to home to his children - Doctor Dolittle is this time to talk about taking care of animals. musical theatre, having played Madame Thé- month being brought to life on the Grand nardier in the West End production of Les “Leslie Bricusse was really interested in look- Theatre stage by Bromsgrove-born actor Mark Misérables. ing again at a new adaptation, and we now Williams, making his musical theatre debut. have the chance to interact in a much more “Polly is very old, very wise and extremely Best known of late as television’s Father dramatic way. And that superhero skill of funny,” she explains. “She’s also quite Brown, Mark’s CV also features 1980s sketch talking to the animals really interested me cheeky and is the only animal that can speak phenomenon The Fast Show, the 1996 film because it opens up a whole other universe.” human and all the animal languages. Doctor version of 101 Dalmatians, and the hugely Dolittle is taken aback when he first realises. For those not familiar with the show, it re- popular Ha He thinks rry Potter series of movies, in counts the story of Doctor Dolittle’s journey he’s the clever one, but really Polly which he played the character of Mr Weasley. is always giving him clues and leading him in to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, a magical the right direction.” Promising song, dance, ‘stunning’ puppetry creature that holds the secret of life and how and fun for all the family, the current tour of to make the world a happier place. The good Vicky is delighted to be playing Polly, and Leslie Bricusse’s Doctor Dolittle is celebrating doctor is accompanied on his quest by a any initial fears about taking on the role were the 50th anniversary of the much-loved film menagerie of exotic animals, including the quickly allayed by the fact that she would be version starring Rex Harrison. Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick, Poly- in the company of two old friends: “I worked nesia the Parrot. with Mark on Father Brown, and with Brian “I’ve always wanted to do a musical, but the Capron (who plays the vivacious Albert Blos- timing has never worked out,” explains ‘There are lots of things in the show that kids som and the mighty Straight Arrow) on Coro- Mark, who has previously been offered the especially will find hilarious,” says Mark. nation Street, so that’s really helped. I have role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda. “I nearly “After all, what’s not funny about a naughty my two pals to keep me company.” did My Fair Lady recently. I got so close to it, monkey? And the great thing is that it’s all but there were problems with American Eq- live! For kids, going to the theatre for the first uity and it fell through. So when Doctor Dolit- time is like having only watched football on Doctor Dolittle The Musical shows at tle came along, I said yes, definitely yes!” the telly and then going to a match. It hap- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from pens right there in front of you. This is the Alongside his desire to do a musical and the Tuesday 29 January to Saturday 9 real deal - and with all the puppetry, it will be fact that it’s a milestone tour, another attrac- February really exciting.” Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 3
Theatre Theatre previews from around the region
Fame The Musical Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 28 January - Sat 2 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 15 - Sat 20 April; Malvern Theatres, Mon 8 - Sat 13 July One of the world’s best-loved shows, Fame The Musical explores the tumultuous teenage years of students at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts. This 30th anniversary touring production stars former Hollyoaks favourite Jorgie Porter as spoilt and stuck-up rich girl Iris. Jorgie is a firm believer in Fame’s universal qualities. Its storylines focus on numerous subjects that are close to the hearts of young people today, including prejudice, identity, sexuality and first love. “Adolescents are more involved in tackling these issues head-on nowadays,” says Jorgie, “and it’s definitely interesting to see how a musical that originally came from a film made in the 1980s can still be so relevant now.”
Steaming A Christmas Carol to find some common ground regarding how MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 17 & Fri 18 January Royal Shakespeare Theatre, best to move forward in Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 20 January Nell Dunn’s wickedly witty comedy, set in the terms of nationality and forbidden world of an all-female steamroom, internationality, theatre sees four women coming together to expose and politics. themselves on pretty much every level imag- inable. The show is being presented by a cast and crew of young people. Robin Hood And The Revolting Peasants Dirty Dusting The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Fri 11 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 25 January Sun 13 January When overzealous office manager Dave de- Zany funsters Oddsocks put their own unique cides to put his cleaners, Gladys, Elsie and Of all Charles Dickens’ festive stories, A spin on the legend of Robin Hood when they Olive, out to pasture, the three women won- Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The cov- visit the region this month. The long-estab- der how they’re ever going to make ends etous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the lished company most often present high-jinx meet. Until, that is, they have the brilliant eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, and the versions of Shakespeare plays, so it’s nice to idea of setting up The Telephone Belles - ‘a eerie visions of redemption - visiting see them taking their repertoire of men-in- dirty sex chatline that really cleans up’! Ebenezer in the shape of three seasonal tights productions in an altogether different ghosts - all combine to give this classic cau- direction. tionary tale a real olde worlde charm. The RSC production has been penned by David Edgar, whose previous work for the Company includes an award-winning adapta- tion of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby.
Commonism The REP, Birmingham, Tues 8 - Fri 11 January Two award-winning theatre-makers - the UK's Andy Smith and Norway's Amund Sjølie Sveen - discuss the state of the world. Taking part in a performed conversation, they hope
28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 4 Jodie Prenger.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:53 Page 1
JODIE PRENGER talks about the challenge of playing Beverly in Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party Jodie Prenger.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:53 Page 2
by Patsy Moss
No stranger to playing iconic contemporary roles, Jodie Prenger this month returns to the Midlands to star as big and blousy Beverly in Abigail’s Party, Mike Leigh’s voyeuristic look at suburban life in 1970s Britain. We caught up with Jodie to find out how she plans to tackle the role made famous by Alison Steadman...
Will this new staging of Abigail’s Party be awkward to watch because they’re so true. like to call them. I’ve also done a lot of true to Mike Leigh’s original, or will it Mike’s writing manages to bring to the research into the era, the dynamics of the have a contemporary slant? forefront the darkest parts of people’s souls. family and the area where she came from. All It’ll be very true to Mike’s vision, and in fact of that has been really interesting to do. And Is the play relevant to a modern audience? he’s very, very much on board with this Sarah has given us a whole backlog of production. I’m a huge fan of his, and of It’s still very relevant, as it brings to the research homework to do, which I love her Sarah Esdaile, the producer, who’s just forefront the dynamics of relationships: the for because it’s made both the characters and fantastic. Her vision for the play is to keep it manipulation in couples and the masks that the text a lot richer. true. Moving away from that could result in people put on when you first meet them; the When you step back out of character, do losing some of the little gems that are in this wanting to have a good time, and when it you ever feel envious of Beverly? piece. Keeping it in that era makes it jump off doesn’t work out, the unravelling of the page, it really does. Why change it when relationships. We’ve all gone to parties and I’m actually quite scared by how much of it’s so perfect - the text is rich, the era’s rich, put on a face when really we just can’t be Beverly is in me. I haven’t admitted that to the dynamics are there. It’s just fantastic, and arsed. The play has a realness that hasn’t the director yet, but I do recognise that we I don’t believe there’s any way to take it other changed and won’t change. It’s something have huge amounts in common. than to keep it true to its actual form. that will go on for centuries. If it was set today, you’d have that whole social media What would you say is the greatest What does Abigail’s Party tell us about thing to contend with. If Beverly had an strength of Mike Leigh’s writing, both in Britain in the mid-1970s? Instagram account, she’d be there taking general and in Abigail’s Party? It was a very aspirational, materialistic time; pictures of the cheese and pineapple and I think it’s the sense of truth. It’s the a time when many questioned their role in putting about 10 filters on it. She’d be making uneasiness he creates because it’s so raw, society. It was all about what you knew, how out her life was perfect when in reality it was and that’s what it is with Abigail’s Party. It you knew it, what you did, how you looked. full of cracks. resonates. It’s the gritty action scenes of life It was very pre-Thatcher and all about the behind closed doors that you can present to You’re playing an iconic role made famous economic climb - this is what we’ve made the nation. by Alison Steadman. How have you ourselves. All of that I find really fascinating. approached playing the part? You’ve said the play is true to the original, You were born in the late ’70s, so how Alison created Beverly, because it was all so will we have the pleasure of Demis much of the play can you relate to? done from improvisation. There are elements Roussos? As a child coming out of the ’70s, the music that you can’t differ that much from because The music is great and very nostalgic for me. and the materialistic things I was surrounded it’s set in script. Every single one of the It’s a great soundtrack, much of which I by are vividly clear, and being part of this characters are so different, and of course already have on my Spotify. brings back so many memories. My nan and there’s going to be a bit of yourself that you my grandad had just moved from bring into the role. I just hope that I do her Beverly is on your bucket list of roles to Manchester. Both they and my mum & dad proud because I really love her. Even when I play. If you could play any other Mike had hotels and did really well for themselves. played Shirley Valentine, it was a role Leigh character, who would you choose? It was a time of new money and all of the personified by Alison. I don’t mind following Vera Drake. Age-wise, it’s a bit of a way off, things that Beverly surrounds herself with - her around. I’m having a lovely time. I did but that’s what I’d lean towards. Then again, the marble table, the marble lighter. I’m like, actually meet her at the press night of Fat if Mike saw me at six o’clock in the morning, Oh gosh, my nan had one of them! For me, Friends The Musical, and I was very nervous he’d probably have me in for an audition! because she’s such an icon. it’s something I can totally connect with, and I totally understand why Beverly wants these So what’s your starting point when things. They are the showpieces of her life. preparing to play Beverly? The great thing about Mike Leigh’s work is Abigail’s Party shows at The Alexandra that there are always characters who you can There’s quite a lot of history research that I’ve Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 21 to Sat relate to, whether it’s yourself or someone done. I’ve gone into House of Fraser and 26 January and then at the Regent you know. After all, there’s a social climber in watched people working behind the counter. Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Mon 18 to everyone - sad but true. Some scenes are I’ve talked to quite a few of my friends who are stay-at-home ‘ladies of the manor’, as I Sat 23 February. Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 5
Theatre
Kinky Boots Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 28 January - Sat 9 February; Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 11 - Sat 23 March The newly appointed manager of his late father’s shoe factory in Northampton, Charlie Price has got some tough decisions to make as he attempts to save the strug- gling business. After a chance meeting with drag queen Lola, Charlie identifies a potentially lucrative niche market - creat- ing footwear to cater for men who dress as women... A topical story about diversity and accep- tance, Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 film of the same name and features music & lyrics by ’80s pop star Cyndi Lauper. Ex- pect a feelgood evening of catchy tunes, fierce anthems and warm-hearted humour.
tious libel’ when he dares to parody religious Timon Of Athens The Verdict texts, the government and the monarchy. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, If the reviews are anything to go by, this is an Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Fri 22 February Wed 30 January - Sat 2 February evening of theatre that’s well worth catching. Barry Reed’s 1980 novel is best known from This new RSC production provides a not-to- the Oscar-nominated film adaptation starring be-missed opportunity to check out one of Paul Newman and James Mason. The Circus Of Horrors Shakespeare’s least-performed plays. A dark When washed-up lawyer Frank Galvin takes satire questioning whether anything can be The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 10 considered of true value in a world of unfet- on a medical malpractice case that no one January; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 15 thinks he can win, he finds unexpected sal- January; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs tered greed, the production stars Kathryn vation from his addiction to drink... 17 January Hunter as Timon, a woman who finds herself Presented by the much-admired Middle An off-kilter affair that bears more resem- alone and without influence when her wealth Ground Theatre Company, the production blance to a freak show than any modern defi- runs out and her friends desert her. stars former Emmerdale actor Ian Kelsey. nition of a circus, the one-time Britain’s Got Talent finalists here present a world beyond political correctness and taste. With the per- formers dressed in a manner reminiscent of The Rocky Horror Show, there’s no denying the ensemble’s sheer ‘wow’ factor. Giving a nod to one of Circus Of Horror’s pre- vious and most popular productions - The Asylum - this latest offering takes place in the dubious company of the deranged serial killers inhabiting the Psycho Ward... Hoppers Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 29 & Wed 30 January When Sal’s husband dies, she finds herself Trial By Laughter embarking on an adventure that sees her Malvern Theatres, Mon 21 - Sat 26 January hopping from one football ground to another, eager to fulfill her late spouse’s non-league Ian Hislop and Nick Newman follow up their legacy... success with The Wipers Time with this story Hoppers is presented by the Birmingham- of a David-versus-Goliath-style battle set in based Gritty Theatre, an ensemble who pro- the early 19th century. At the centre of their duce plays which fly the flag for their home tale is satirist William Hone, ‘the forgotten city. In the process, they endeavour to engage hero of free speech’, who finds himself with people who might not ordinarily be charged with ‘impious blasphemy and sedi- tempted to watch a live theatrical production. 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre January.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 13:09 Page 6
Theatre previews from around the region
The Snowman The Tiger Who Emily Brown And The REP, Birmingham, Came To Tea The Thing Wed 16 - Sat 26 January Symphony Hall, Birmingham, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Making a welcome return to The Rep in its until Sun 13 January until Sun 6 January traditional New Year slot, Raymond Briggs' When young Emily Brown and her best pal - The Snowman is best known, of course, for toy rabbit Stanley - discover a Thing crying Howard Blake's classic song, Walking In The outside their bedroom window, they can’t Air... When a young boy’s snowman comes to help but try to assist him... Adapted from the life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a book of the same name by Cressida Cowell, nighttime quest for excitement. On their trav- the author behind the famous How To Train els they meet reindeer, dancing penguins and Your Dragon series, this witty and some of the Snowman’s many and varied heartwarming children’s show is presented friends. The adventure's not without its anxi- by the ever-magical Tall Stories theatre eties, however, with the wicked Jack Frost company. eager to get his icy mits on the pair of un- likely chums...
The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- ping in on Sophie and her mum just as they’re settling down for an afternoon cuppa... Adapted by David Wood from Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show fea- tures some splendid singalong songs and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, of course! Suitable for young- sters aged three and older.
Pantos in January Dick Whittington: Robin Hood The Rock And Roll Panto Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 6 January Aladdin Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, until Sun 6 January ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons Palace Theatre, Redditch, until Sun 6 January As usual, Stafford Gatehouse’s Christmas the tights to star as Sherwood Forest’s most A perfect story for an evening of family enter- show features all manner of familiar pan- famous outlaw. Fellow Regent pantomime tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying tomime elements and a high-energy sound- regular Christian Patterson takes on the role against all odds to win the hand of the beau- track of chart-busting hits. of Friar Tuck. tiful princess - and being helped in his en- deavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... Mother Goose Sleeping Beauty Cinderella Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 5 until Sun 6 January January; The Core, Solihull, until Sun 6 Jan- The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, uary; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, until Sun until Sun 6 January Theatre Severn’s favourite panto dame, Brad 13 January Fitt, takes the title role in a show that boasts Oakengates Theatre’s panto version of Cin- Sleeping Beauty’s taking a nap at venues 3D effects, singing & dancing galore and derella features CBeebies star Joe Chambers across the Midlands, including the Coventry plenty of family-friendly humour. and ’90s pop singer Anna Kumble. Belgrade, whose show is written and directed EastEnders actor Tony Discipline plays Prince by Iain Lauchlan, and the Wolverhampton Charming. Peter Pan Grand Theatre, where Strictly Come Danc- Birmingham Hippodrome, ing’s Debbie McGee stars alongside Sooty Dick Whittington until Sun 27 January and Doreen ‘Lazy Cow’ Tipton. Jimmy Osmond takes top billing as wicked pi- Lichfield Garrick, until Sat 5 January; The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, rate Captain Hook in a show that also fea- Snow White And The until Sat 5 January tures Meera Syal, making her pantomime Seven Dwarfs debut as the Magical Mermaid, and Union J Dick Whittington undertakes his legendary Malvern Theatres, until Sun 6 January journey to London - but not before stopping star Jaymi Hensley - another panto first-timer Heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to Malvern we go! off at a couple of Midlands theatre venues. - in the role of Peter Pan. Su Pollard heads the cast as the ever-so-nasty Both shows come complete with all the usual Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack makes a Wicked Queen. Hi-de-hi! panto trimmings. welcome return to star as Smee.
whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Swan Lake.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 17:10 Page 1
32 whatsonlive.co.uk Swan Lake.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 17:10 Page 2 Swanning about
Matthew Bourne gives his iconic masterpiece a new lease of life
First staged in 1995 and the longest-running stable, as one of our associates for the show. time classic? ballet in the West End and on Broadway, Paule has never seen our Swan Lake before - “We’re a contemporary dance theatre com- Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is best known not on film or on stage - so we’ll get a com- pany, so we had to tell a story through move- for the fact of having an all-male cast. pletely fresh approach from her, and I don’t ment in a different way, and it needed a big Twenty-four years after the show’s premiere, know what it will look like yet. It’s definitely idea to make people see it in a different way Bourne has decided to restage what is widely going to look different, as Paule’s a differen t as well. So the male swans were the big idea, considered to be his most-admired work. kind of designer, so that will be a big change. and a secondary big idea was modern royal “It’s always exciting to bring back Swan “We’ve got a completely new cast as well. scandal. This was in the news all the time Lake,” says Matthew. “So many people love There are lots of new dancers who will bring while we were making the piece, with Diana it, and you know they’re going to want to their own interpretations to the piece - as & Charles, and Sarah Ferguson, and Camilla come and see it again and bring along friends they do with all of our shows - and that keeps Parker-Bowles, and Princess Margaret. All of and family who didn’t see it last time. That’s the work fresh and alive. I certainly don’t these stories were daily news during the mak- what accounts for the growth of the show think audiences who already love our Swan ing of the show. And so it was a very topical over the years, I think - the fact that people Lake will be in any way disappointed.” thing to have a prince who couldn’t be the want other people to come and see it. Taking the lead role in the 2019 production is person he really was, or couldn’t be with the person he wanted to be with. It was all very “There’s also a whole new generation of Will Bozier. A graduate of Tring Park School relevant to contemporary Britain and con- young people who won’t have seen it. We for the Performing Arts, Will has been with temporary royalty. So we’re still telling the know, even from discussions with the cast we Matthew’s New Adventures company since same story - it’s still about a royal family, but have at the moment, how it can inspire 2014, since which time he’s performed in pro- a modern royal family. young people to pursue a career in theatre ductions of The Red Shoes, Sleeping Beauty and, particularly, dance. Many of the men in and Edward Scissorhands. “I thought that would be picked up on quite a the show, and in fact the women too, first Will’s inspiration for becoming a professional lot when the show was first seen, but actually came to the artform of dance through this dancer was Adam Cooper’s performance as the attention was much more on the use of piece, and now they’re in it themselves. the Swan/Stranger in the original production the male swans. It was such an iconic image for people to have a male dancing swan. It “It still seems to move and inspire people, of Swan Lake. Could Bourne ever have envis- was very unexpected, and people couldn’t and therefore we get excited about doing it aged the impact his show would have on imagine what it was going to look like. They because that’s what we’re here for. We’re here young male dancers? all thought it was going to be a send-up, and to entertain.” “Obviously when we made Swan Lake we that it was going to be a humorous piece. So will the changes to this much-loved work didn’t know that it would have the impact it’s There’s a bit of humour in it, but the main be obvious ones? had, but over the years I’ve come to realise bulk of it isn’t humorous. We needed an idea that it’s been the trigger for a lot of boys and “I wouldn’t say we’re changing it enormously that could wipe away everyone’s existing per- young men going into dance. I think it felt but refreshing it for this next period of time. ceptions of Swan Lake, and the male swans like something very cool and very masculine, It may change again in the future, who did that very well. yet it also required a lot of artistry and sensi- knows, but I think whilst we’re still excited “It got dubbed ‘the gay Swan Lake’, which tivity. So it was that mixture of things, I about the piece and we feel we’ve got this op- wasn’t what the aim was, but there was cer- think, that really inspired a lot of young men portunity, it seems a great chance to do it. tainly a story within it that was very mean- to want to get into dance and to be a swan - Everything we’ve done to the piece has been ingful for gay audiences, and I celebrate that. and that’s a view which is borne out by virtu- mindful of the fact that people already love I did then, and I do now. It’s a bit more wide- ally every member of our cast who grew up it. ranging than th with this piece. at, however, and it can really “Many people seeing the new version of be interpreted in many ways. “A lovely aspect of the show now is how Swan Lake probably won’t recognise a lot of meaningful it is for the people who’re actu- “It’s accepted now by a much wider audi- the changes we’ve made, and I think they will ally in it. They really want to be in it and it’s ence, who come to see the show and, rather feel that they’re still seeing the same piece. been their ambition to be in it. There aren’t than be shocked by any element of it, find it We will know, however, that we’ve made hun- uplifting that this is a story being told about a many shows where you can say that you’ve dreds of little changes. The changes won’t be young man who’s confused about his future got an entire cast of people whose burning so big that people will think, ‘Oh, what did and his sexuality. I think that’s something ambition has been to be in the piece, so you you do that for?’ or ‘Why did you lose that which is very meaningful for young people in get a wonderful connection with the dancers great idea?’ Maybe there will be one or two the audience as well.” things that big fans of the show will feel the and a wonderful sense of community.” loss of, but generally speaking, I think we’re Variously described as thrilling, audacious, celebrating the piece that already exists. witty and emotional, Bourne’s Swan Lake is Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake shows at like no other production of the show. So what “We have a new lighting designer, Paule Con- Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 5 made him take a different approach to an all- to Saturday 16 February
whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:22 Page 1 Mark Kermode.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:53 Page 1
HOW DOES IT FEEL? Mark Kermode talks about a life of musical misadventures Mark Kermode.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:53 Page 2
by Stephen Taylor
A well-respected film critic, journalist and musician, Mark Kermode this month takes to the stage at Birmingham Repertory Theatre to talk about his ‘foolhardy’ attempts to become a pop star - and the inspiration he took from some of music’s finest...
It takes some nerve to walk on stage at one of and there was a plan in it of how you could it because it just looked a funny shape!” London’s most prestigious venues and play build an electric guitar for £12. It said that So three years after Kermode’s last stage the theme from a critically acclaimed you could do it with really simple things and show, The Movie Doctors - in which he was European movie on an instrument that it would take two months to build. Well, it joined by Simon Mayo, his presenting partner you’ve never played before. actually took two years, but I did it. I built an on BBC Radio Five Live’s weekly film review electric guitar completely from scratch, but But for film critic, broadcaster, author and programme - what can audiences expect from by the time I’d finished building it, glam rock musician Mark Kermode, this is just one his latest theatrical offering? had gone out of fashion and everybody was example of his undying faith in the concept into punk, so the guitar was already “It’s me on stage for 90 minutes. I take of simply ‘having a go’ - a faith he’ll be outmoded by the time I started playing it.” questions from the audience and I attempt to talking about in Mark Kermode: How Does It demonstrate that anybody at all can play a Feel? when he visits the Birmingham Rep this The guitar was modelled on the Gibson musical instrument, as long as they’re month. The new show has been inspired by Flying V - the weapon of choice for axe enthusiastic about it. You don’t need to be his book of the same title. heroes like UFOs Michael Schenker and technically proficient, you just need to have a Wishbone Ash’s Andy Powell at a time when “My whole ethos to do with music is, how lot of front and not be scared of failure. the punk movement saw rock music as hard can it be?” explains Mark. “The book anathema. “We’ve been getting people out of the starts with me on stage with the BBC Concert audience to play blues harmonica and Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall in Mark’s homemade instrument may have been theremins. It’s a really good, fun show about London, about to play the theme from the unfashionable, but that wasn’t about to stifle the fact that nobody should be frightened of film Touchez Pas au Grisbi on the chromatic his musical ambitions: “I played that guitar musical instruments, and that if you’ve got harmonica, an instrument which I could not in a couple of school bands - the first band enough chutzpah and a following wind, play, was with David Baddiel - and it made me anyone can play anything. You may not be realise that you should never be scared of “It was a concert that was being broadcast brilliant at it, but it’s easier than you think to musical instruments. Once you’ve built a live on BBC Radio Three to a packed Hall, be adequate.” guitar, you go, ‘Okay, well, it’s not magic, it’s and the book starts with me on stage, literally just bits of glue and string’. Are there any instruments that Kermode thinking, ‘How on earth did I get here?” would like to tackle in the future? “I kept hold of that guitar, which was worth Kermode’s show focuses on a musical nothing at all, and years later my flat got “The theremin was the thing for ages. I’ve journey that began at school with a passion broken into. I also had a Fender Stratocaster now got two theremins and still can’t play for an iconic Midlands rock group: "I saw which was worth about £2,000. They stole either of them, but it doesn’t stop me from Slade In Flame, which is a film that I the guitar that I’d built and left the trying. absolutely love - and that’s where the title of Stratocaster behind!” my book and tour, How Does It Feel?, comes “I have this rule of trying to learn a new from; it’s a song that Slade do in the film. Kermode was inspired to build his guitar by instrument every year, at least to be able to Slade guitarist Dave Hill had these weird- the guitarist who’s most associated with play one song decently on a new instrument shaped guitars - one of them was shaped like playing a homemade instrument - Queen’s every year, and the saxophone is down for a machine gun and one had the words Super Brian May. next year. I look at those old pictures of Little Yob written on it.” Richard, when he had the three saxophones, “I thought, well, if Brian May can do it, and I’ve always thought it was an incredibly The teenage Kermode, inspired by Hill to get anyone can. I was always encouraged by the cool instrument, so I’d like to be able to play his hands around a fretboard, quickly story of May’s father taking the top of the that.” realised that his meagre pocket money was fireplace off to give his son a piece of wood to unlikely to stretch to a trip to his local music build the guitar out of. Brian May ended up store to belt out Smoke On The Water. making an instrument that’s become a classic, and I ended up making an Mark Kermode: How Does It Feel? shows “I wanted an electric guitar, but I couldn’t instrument that’s probably currently being at The REP, Birmingham, on Monday afford one, so I got a copy of a magazine used as a cricket bat by somebody who stole 21 January called Everyday Electronics, which was 20p, Dance January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:22 Page 2
Dance previews from around the region Dance
Echoes And I Imagine The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 31 January Aakash Odedra has made a real name for himself in a relatively short period of time. In the process, he’s worked alongside a number of high-profile choreographers - including Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi and Russel Maliphant - and produced a collec- tion of critically acclaimed danceworks - two of which are presented here... Echoes is a high-octane experience which explores our relationships with our ances- tors and adds a contemporary twist to the Kathak form of dance... I Imagine, meanwhile, sees Aakash combin- ing beautiful choreography with powerful spoken word as he contemplates ‘the imag- ined future and the confines of skin’.
Anton & Erin: Dance Spirit Of The Dance Those Magic Musicals Malvern Theatres, Tues 22 January Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 26 January This lively and colourful show, following in the footsteps of Riverdance and Lord Celebrity dancing duo Anton du Beke and Of The Dance, highlights traditions of Erin Boeg return to Birmingham’s Sym- dance and music from around the world. phony Hall this month with their brand new The winner of nine global awards, the show. Blending smart choreography, sassy production showcases the talents of tunes and sparkly costumes, Dance Those world champion dancers and the pound- Magic Musicals sees the popular pair doing ing rhythms of tango, flamenco and exactly what it says on the tin - performing salsa. routines to a musical-theatre soundtrack “Spirit Of The Dance has been seen by 30 that includes favourites from The Phantom million people worldwide,” says its cre- Of The Opera, Mary Poppins, 42nd Street, ator and producer, David King. “Every Hairspray, Cabaret, Wicked, Top Hat and Jer- year, I update the show to include the lat- sey Boys. The duo are joined by singer Lance est and most fashionable dance style - Ellington and the London Concert Orchestra and that's why audiences keep coming conducted by Richard Balcombe. back time and time again.” The Sleeping Beauty vetskaya. Outstanding soloists and full orchestral ac- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 13 January companiment also play their part in a pro- The highly regarded Saint Petersburg Classic duction that promises to provide a Ballet here present their production of a memorable evening of top-quality ballet. timeless favourite set to Tchaikovsky’s en- chanting score. Telling the story of the Princess Aurora and the evil spell that sees her falling asleep for 100 years instead of marrying her prince, The Sleeping Beauty is a fairytale which has always sparkled whenever it’s been in the safe and secure hands of the Saint Peters- burg company, who as usual are performing under the expert direction of Marina Med-
whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:37 Page 1 Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:37 Page 2
Film
Vice CERT 15 (132 mins) Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Alison Pill, Jesse Plemons, Eddie Marsan Directed by Adam McKay (USA) Writer-director Adam McKay examined the financial crisis in his smart and stylish The Big Short (2015) and secured an Oscar nomination for Christian Bale as the unorthodox investment maven Michael Burry. Now McKay has cast Bale as the formidable vice president Dick Cheney and has surrounded him with another mouth- watering cast, including Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld, Sam Rockwell as George W Bush and Bill Pullman as Nelson Rockefeller. Bale is already a favourite to win the Oscar, but he’ll have to battle it out with Bradley Cooper and Ethan Hawke. Again, McKay directs from his own original screenplay. Released Fri 25 Jan
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Film highlights released in January...
The Favourite CERT 15 (119 mins) Welcome To Marwen Life Itself CERT 15 (117 mins) Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Mandy Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, Mark Gatiss Patinkin, Olivia Cooke, Annette Bening, Anto- Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos nio Banderas Directed by Dan Fogelman (USA) (Ireland/UK/USA) The writer of Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) turns Our very own Olivia Colman is storming to, well, life itself, for his directorial follow- America with her extraordinary performance up to Danny Collins (2015). Here, his drama as Queen Anne in this historical comedy, follows a number of couples as they navigate supported by the Oscar-winners Emma Stone the vicissitudes of, well, life itself, before a and Rachel Weisz. Word is that Ms Colman single event unites them all. will secure herself a nomination, at least, Starring Steve Carell, Leslie Mann, Diane under the direction of the wildly unpre- Kruger, Merritt Wever, Janelle Monáe, Eiza Released Fri 4 Jan dictable and controversial Greek filmmaker González, Gwendoline Christie Directed by Robert Zemeckis (USA) Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer). Inspired by the documentary Marwencol (2010), this is the remarkable story of a Released Tues 1 Jan man who was so severely assaulted that he suffered from major amnesia. As a form of self-therapy, he then started to build a model town in his yard, populated by miniature figures, vehicles and other furnishings from the Second World War. From the director of Forrest Gump and Cast Away. Released Tues 1 Jan
whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:38 Page 3
Film
The Front Runner Glass CERT 12a (100 mins) CERT 15 (113 mins) Starring James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Samuel Starring Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga, JK Sim- L Jackson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sarah Paulson mons, Alfred Molina, Sara Paxton Directed by M. Night Shyamalan (USA) Directed by Jason Reitman (USA) The schizophrenic that James McAvoy It’s quite a month for American political played so brilliantly in M Night Shya- shenanigans (see Vice), and here we have malan’s sly and suspenseful Split (2016) Hugh Jackman as Senator Gary Hart on the would seem to have started something. campaign trail. And then he dallies with that He’s now become a central cog in a new woman Donna Rice (Ms Paxton). franchise (known as the Eastrail 177 tril- Released Fri 11 Jan ogy), which merges Shyamalan’s Unbreak- able (2000) with the former, with Bruce Willis reprising his role as the security guard with supernatural powers. Released Fri 18 Jan
Untouchable (2011), itself based on a true The Upside CERT 12a (126 mins) story. Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman, Genevieve Angelson, Julianna Mar- Released Fri 11 Jan gulies Directed by Neil Burger (USA) Love Sonia CERT 18 Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) is a cul- Starring Mrunal Thakur, Richa Chadha, Freida Pinto, Demi Moore, Mark Duplass tured, obscenely wealthy paraplegic who Directed by Tabrez Noorani (India) needs an assistant. Petty criminal Dell Set in the world of sex trafficking, this is the Scott (Kevin Hart) is on parole and needs a true story of a woman who tries to rescue her job. It’s a perfect match, although it really sister. Filmed in Mumbai, Jaipur, Hong Kong shouldn’t be. A remake of the French film and Los Angeles. Released Fri 11 Jan
Beautiful Boy CERT 15 (120 mins) Starring Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan, Jack Dylan Grazer, Timothy Hutton Directed by Felix Van Groeningen (USA) Based on the dual memoirs of father and son, this is the story of their strained rela- tionship as the latter deals with his addic- tion to crystal meth. From the Belgian director of the Oscar-nominated The Bro- Stan And Ollie PG ken Circle Breakdown (2012). Starring Steve Coogan, John C Reilly, Shirley Released Fri 18 Jan Henderson, Danny Huston Directed by Jon S Baird (UK/USA/Canada) Laurel and Hardy remain the world’s most beloved comic duo, but it was not all wine Mary, Queen Of Scots and roses. With their film career in decline, CERT 15 (124 mins) the pair embark on a stage tour in post-war Starring Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Britain that truly tests the performers’ bond. Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennant, Released Fri 11 Jan Guy Pearce Directed by Josie Rourke (UK/USA) Two of the best actresses around play the royal cousins Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I, who compete for power and love in a man’s world. Expect thespian fireworks. Based on the biography My Heart Is My Own by John Guy. Released Fri 18 Jan
38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film January-2.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 10:38 Page 4
Film highlights released in January...
Monsters And Men CERT tbc Starring John David Washington, Anthony Ramos, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Rob Morgan, Cara Buono Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (USA) Three witnesses to the killing of a black man by police reveal their versions of the event. John David Washington (son of Denzel) plays the black cop who is caught between his sense of duty and community. Released Fri 18 Jan
CRITIC’S CHOICE
intoxicated by the beau monde of Paris. It’s Colette CERT 15 (114 mins) been five years since Keira Knightley has had One Nation, One King CERT tbc Starring Keira Knightley, Dominic West, Denise the central role in a film and, if anything, she Gough, Fiona Shaw, Robert Pugh, Eleanor Starring Gaspard Ulliel, Adèle Haenel, Olivier has grown as an actress in the interim. She Gourmet, Louis Garrel Directed by Pierre Tomlinson Directed by Wash Westmoreland Schoeller (France/Belgium) (UK/USA) not only conveys the passion and intelli- gence of Colette, but also a new stillness and The French are revolting again in this histori- It’s hard today to envisage just how influen- poise. Thankfully, the director Wash West- cal drama about the French Revolution. tial Colette was in France during the early part of the 20th century. She drew on her moreland services his screenplay with due Released Fri 25 Jan childhood, her personality and above all her focus, presenting a refreshingly old-fash- ability as a writer to create a literary sensa- ioned film addressing very modern issues, tion, Claudine, her alter ego. Yet because she not least female empowerment, gender fluid- was a woman, she was denied the rewards of ity and sexual diversity, making for an elo- her success. This biography focuses on Co- quent, highly relevant and deeply moving lette’s early life and influence and in particu- drama. lar her marriage to the writer and Released Fri 11 Jan entrepreneur Henry Gauthier-Villars, a man
Second Act CERT 12a (104 mins) The Mule CERT tbc Starring Jennifer Lopez, Leah Remini, Vanessa Starring Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Lau- Hudgens, Treat Williams, Milo Ventimiglia rence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, Destroyer Directed by Peter Segal (USA) Andy García Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) CERT 15 (121 mins) While stuck in a low-paying job, Maya Starring Nicole Kidman, (Lopez) gets herself mistaken for a top-tier Toby Kebbell, Tatiana consultant by a private finance firm in Man- Maslany, Scoot Mc- hattan. All she needs now is for her street Nairy, Sebastian Stan smarts to kick in… Directed by Karyn Kusama (USA) Released Fri 25 Jan Nicole Kidman lets her Based on an article in The New York Times, hair down as an alco- this is the true story of a man who becomes a holic, prematurely drug trafficker for an international crime aged LA cop whose past as an undercover op- syndicate. Nothing odd about that, but this erative comes back to haunt her. Under Karyn guy happens to be 90 years old. Clint East- Kusama's direction, the film feels no more wood, a mere 88, plays him and also directs special than an episode of NCIS. And, like and produces. Kidman, Kusama tries too hard to impress. Released Fri 25 Jan Released Fri 25 Jan
whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Rachel Maclean.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:11 Page 1 Rachel Maclean.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:11 Page 2
Sweet gets sinister at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Known for her distinctive satirical films, academic account of cuteness and its effects, the effect they have on us. Something which Scottish artist Rachel Maclean is examining she is constantly hindered by sudden has come to the fore in curating the show has the world of cuteness by curating works from emotional responses, as artworks incite been the number of artists who toe the line both the Arts Council Collection and the reflexes of love, repulsion and fear. between cuteness and creepiness. There’s Birmingham Museum collection. something fascinatingly complex about this, Maclean is no stranger to Birmingham, and for me, it’s the fundamental mystery of Too Cute! - which opens at Birmingham having spent August 2017 as the Bullring’s the cute object - how can things that look Museum & Art Gallery this month - reveals artist-in-residence for Channel Four’s The sweet be simultaneously sinister?” how objects and images can have the unique Shopping Centre. Sleeping, eating and ability to be both sweet and sinister. working there, she explored the question of whether shopping can ever make people Via the exhibition, which is presented in a happy. Her findings resulted in a film in Too Cute! Sweet is about to get Sinister gallery reflecting the artist’s signature which she played a character called the shows at Birmingham Museum & Art ery colourful style, Maclean asks why we feel the Satisfaction Bunny and asked, ‘r u satisfied?’, from Sat 26 January to Sunday 12 May need to share and reproduce cute things. She bombarding dissatisfied shoppers with also questions the fine line between cuteness advertising. and creepiness. Commenting on Too Cute!, Rachel says: “I’ve Showcasing multiple manifestations of had a fantastic time exploring Birmingham’s sinister cuteness - the pieces on display range collection and the Arts Council Collection. from 19th century oil paintings to internet- It’s been an honour to be able to bring inspired installations - Too Cute! includes together a show that includes so many artists works by John Isaacs, Gillian Wearing, Ana who I admire. I’ve been fascinated by Maria Pacheco, Helen Chadwick, Paula Rego, cuteness for a long time and think that, Peter Blake and Hermann Sondermann. despite it being an area which so many artists The exhibition is accompanied by an investigate, it can often be overlooked as interpretative video with a twist. Dr Cute - a being too silly, shallow or feminine a subject grotesque Care Bear-like creature played by for debate. Rachel Maclean - presents a short lecture on “I think cuteness is fundamental to our the themes explored in the show, whilst experience of consumer capitalism, and it’s repeatedly being distracted by its contents. important that we take it seriously in order to As the doctor attempts to put forward an understand what we use cute objects for and
whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:10 Page 1
Visual Arts previews from around the region
Amy Sharrocks Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, until Sun 24 February Live pieces and sonic artworks exploring Leamington Spa as a site of water are the focal point of this first major survey of Amy Sharrocks’ artistic output. The Camden-born, Sorbonne-educated sculptor, photographer and artist creates works which investigate the architecture of a moment; ephemeral and intangible pieces that evaporate or are ‘just barely there’. The exhibition brings together photographs of Amy’s numerous live works with her own photos of water. It also includes a number of previously unseen drawings and prints, a series of works looking at the making of clouds and the movement of air, and a number of pieces exploring, among other subjects, risk, daring and shame.
42 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts January.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2018 16:10 Page 2
Visual Arts
StART Exhibition RBSA Gallery, until Sat 9 February A must-attend exhibition for budding art collec- tors, StART features original artwork by mem- bers of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, all of which is priced at £300 and under. To accompany the show, the RBSA will once again be hosting a ‘studio sale’ (Saturday 26 Jan- uary). One of the Society’s most popular annual events, the sale provides visitors with an oppor- tunity to snap up original artworks by members and associates from as little as £20.
Ways Of Belonging Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 19 January - Sun 17 March Work by four young Birmingham-based female artists is brought together in Ways Of The Sun Never Sets Belonging. The show is a collaboration between Midlands Arts Centre and Ort Gallery, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, a local artist-led exhibition space which seeks to ‘represent the underrepresented’ and Sat 12 January – Sun 10 March facilitate dialogue in the community. The exhibition aims to redefine the narrative “I want the viewer to sense the complications,” around what it means to be ‘local’ and to belong somewhere, in the process subvert- says Matthew Krishanu in talking about The Sun ing media-generated stereotypes about certain community groups and individuals. Never Sets, an exhibition in which he explores The four artists contributing to the show are Sabiheh Awanzai Mahmoud, FreeHand- his childhood years spent living in Bangladesh. Fanatic, Farwa Moledina and Anisa Fazal. “The scenes depicted are not always ones of in- nocence. There are historical and cultural cur- rents at play, and the childhood world is easily punctured by adult constructions and beliefs.” An associated exhibition - Matthew Krishanu: A Murder Of Crows - shows at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery at the same time as The Sun Never Sets.
Fertile Ground Argentea Gallery, Birmingham, Thurs 10 January - Sat 9 February An exhibition of new work by artists Barbara Gibson and Mark Murphy, Fertile Ground is dedicated to promoting the best artistic talent in the region. Both Barbara and Mark are highly respected artists in the field of collage photography. The exhibi- tion marks the first time their work has been shown together. All pieces on display are available to purchase.
whatsonlive.co.uk 43
Bear Grylls Adventure.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:20 Page 1 I’ve learned how to deal with fear - and that it’s okay.“ “ Just keep going towards it, don’t run from it, reach out and hold someone’s hand when you need it
44 whatsonlive.co.uk Bear Grylls Adventure.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 14:20 Page 2
by Lauren Foster
Bear essentials
Escape the ordinary, test your limits by trying some of the world’s most incredible mental and physical challenges, and achieve something epic at Birmingham’s Bear Grylls Adventure...
A former SAS serviceman, a survival crack codes, solve puzzles and find their way Despite Bear’s wealth of experience when it instructor, an honorary lieutenant-colonel, to freedom using logic and resourcefulness. comes to adventuring, things don’t always go an adventurer, writer, television presenter according to plan for him: “I’ve had Visitors can also try their hand at swimming and businessman; Bear Grylls is indeed a parachute failures, been pinned in rapids, with aquatic creatures, including fish, Black man of many talents. He’s also the inspira- got bitten by snakes, had close encounters Tip Reef Sharks and Cownose Rays. tion behind one of the Midlands’ newest with crocodiles - you name it, I’ve experi- Accompanied by a professional diving team visitor attractions - The Bear Grylls Adventure enced it. All those things have taught me to and armed with a full snorkel and scuba kit, park. be very grateful for life, and to be smart and participants don’t need any previous safe. Part of Merlin Entertainments - the company experience and can choose between that owns, among other venues, Alton snorkelling or full scuba diving, depending So which daredevil activity does he find most Towers, the National Sea Life Centre, on which they feel most comfortable with. challenging? Legoland and Thorpe Park - the first-of-its- Ever fancied skydiving? Then Bear Grylls “Skydiving is definitely something that’s kind attraction opened at Birmingham’s NEC Adventure is the place to head for. The park hard for me after breaking my back in a last autumn and is suitable for visitors aged features a hair-raising indoor skydiving free-fall accident whilst I was in the military, 11 and older. activity, where guests can experience a but I still have to jump and deal with heights “I wanted to create a large-scale attraction so freefall that’s almost three times longer than every day in my job. that you don’t have to travel the world to get a an average skydive. The indoor wind tunnel “I’ve learned how to deal with fear - and that real taste of adventure,” explains Bear. “We is operated by experienced skydiving experts, it’s okay. Just keep going towards it, don’t run found out that 18% of Brits rarely get to do who will put intermediate visitors through from it, reach out and hold someone’s hand anything outside of their comfort zone. We’re their paces. when you need it. It’s so exciting to see here to help change that. The adventure park The Extreme Climb section of the park boasts people’s faces when they confront some real is based on experiences that have shaped my replicas of El Capitain and Fontainebleau: fears. Whether they’re close up with a shark life, pushed me to my limits and taken me far “The attraction features some of the toughest or they’re six storeys up, balancing on a little out of my comfort zone.” climbs out there,” says Bear, “all designed to ledge. I love watching people leave the park; The park tests the skills, strength and nerve help you test yourself to the max. It’s all it’s my favourite part. You see the smiles on of the most intrepid thrill-seeker. Those brave about helping you find the courage and their faces, and they have a real sense of enough can zip wire out of a chinook tenacity to conquer your fears.” pride that they’ve done something difficult. helicopter several floors up and then take on Bear will be opening similar parks in both “The thing I get most excited about in life is a Royal Marines-inspired high-ropes course - China and the US in 2020. He then hopes to bringing adventure to people who never the most extreme in Europe. The challenge expand the brand further and build more normally get it. The world is an incredible offers the 54% of Brits who’re scared of around the world. So why did he choose place that’s full of adventure and heights and flying the chance to conquer Birmingham as his first destination? opportunity, and that’s what’s so exciting both fears at the same time. about the park - there’s lots of adventure and The hub of the attraction, the Basecamp, “We wanted to start somewhere that had a opportunity all under one roof.” comprises a collection of mental and physical good international feel, and I felt that group and individual challenges designed to Birmingham was that place. It’s the UK’s second city, Birmingham International help visitors develop the core Bear Grylls Adventure is open seven days station is right next door and 14,000 young skills needed for adventure. As well as a a week and is located at the NEC, Marston people walk past the park every night going maze, an assault course and target archery, Green, Birmingham. For more informa- to events at the arena. Everyone has been so the Basecamp also features escape rooms, tion, visit beargryllsadventure.com where visitors have to race against time to lovely and welcoming to us here.”
whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events January (1 page).qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:39 Page 1
46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events January (1 page).qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 10:39 Page 2
Events previews from around the region Events
British Basketball Cup Finals Arena Birmingham, Sun 27 January
One of the most eagerly antici- pated dates on the British Basket- ball League (BBL) calendar, this well-established annual event sees stars of the national game go head- to-head in pursuit of coveted sil- verware. The get-together also features some of Europe’s top slam dunkers giving it their all in a bid Autosport International sport fans alike. Featuring every level of motor to become the BBL Slam Dunk racing - from karting through to Formula One - Champion. NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 January the event offers visitors the chance to check out Described as ‘the world’s greatest four-wheel the latest performance road cars, chat to club indoor extravaganza’, Autosport International members and watch precision-driving displays Arrows Of Time: caters for industry professionals and motor- in the Live Action Arena. A Tribute To Dr Who Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Fri 11 January Strictly Come Dancing Live Ice Skate Birmingham Arena Birmingham, Fri 18 - Mon 21 January Eastside City Park, Birmingham, until Sun 6 January Ice, ice, baby! Ice Skate Birmingham is back. Voted one of the best outdoor facilities of its kind in the UK, the ice rink attracts thousands of skaters across the festive period. Visitors will be able to skate whatever the weather, as the rink is covered with a weatherproof roof. For those who aren’t so keen to take to the ice, the nearby Ice Lounge offers a wide selection of food & drink to enjoy. Also on site is the Birmingham Big Wheel and a children’s four-storey fun factory to keep the This brand new show celebrates whole family entertained. the 55th anniversary of the first Strictly Come Dancing Live waltzes back onto the episode of Dr Who. road this month with a supersized and sequin- Presented in association with Im- filled show. mersive Experiences, Arrows Of Strictly favourite and 2016 winner Ore Oduba Time sees not one but 10 Doctors hosts the tour for a second time, with all four battle it out with ‘their darkest Strictly TV judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno enemy ever’ in a 35-minute full- Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Shirley Ballas - dome planetarium presentation. adding to the glitz and glamour. The show features animated bio- This year’s star-studded line-up includes Stacey metric talking avatars, ‘stunning’ Dooley, Ashley Roberts, Dr Ranj Singh, Lauren visuals, and the voice of Colin Steadman, Joe Sugg, Graeme Swann and Faye Baker, the sixth Doctor, as The Tozer. Narrator. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Dr Ranj.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 18:04 Page 1
48 whatsonlive.co.uk Dr Ranj.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 18:04 Page 2
by Patsy Moss
WHAT S UP, DOC? Dr Ranj talks about his Strictly experience
Why Strictly, and why now? and down because it was the first time I’d Regarding your personal life, how old I can answer that one straight away. It’s be- done that routine without any mistakes. It were you when you realised you were gay? cause it’s the first time they said yes! I’ve ’was a really special feeling that I’ll never for- I came out later in life. I was about 30. I first been a massive fan of the show for years, and get. had to realise who I really was, and then have it’s always been my pipe dream, so when any- the confidence to be myself before I could tell one has ever asked me which is the one show What appeals to you most about touring everybody else. It wasn’t the easiest process. I would like to do, it was always Strictly. It’s with the rest of the Strictly crew? Obviously some people come out earlier than been my dream, and this year it just so hap- I miss dancing so much, and I think I’ve be- that and some people a lot later, but no mat- pens to have come true. I was a little over- come weirdly addicted. I’ve also missed see- ter when it is or who it is, it’s not easy for whelmed and shocked when it did. ing everybody because you become so close, people, and that’s why I’m a massive cham- both to the pros and the other celebs. I had pion of helping people become who they are You saw it through to week seven. What kind of been thinking to myself that if I didn’t and be happy. did the experience teach you about your- get on the tour, then I would definitely take self? up some dance lessons, so when news came Was the coming-out experience easier or It taught me that I’m far more resilient than I through about the tour, I was absolutely harder than you anticipated? give myself credit for. Strictly has been the blown away. It’s fun. We get to do our dances I didn’t really have any expectation of what it hardest thing I’ve ever done, both physically again with our partners. We get to share all would be like. Growing up, I really didn’t and mentally. I’ve got two degrees and work that time with our friends again, and we get have any friends from the LGBTQ+ commu- in children’s A&E, but I found it to be physi- to go on the road and meet people who are nity, or any role models. That came later, cally very demanding. You have to train so fans of the show. It’s going to be one big when I was older. I did then meet and make a hard, and it’s taught me that I can do that. I party. It’s all the good things about the show lot of friends who were gay. Up until then, I can train for six hours a day and kind of get without the stress of learning new routines didn’t have any expectations about the com- through it, but mentally you have to be really every week. And because it’s the same show munity or gay life because I really hadn’t resilient. It’s very stressful, and you take on a over and over again, you just get better and known it. My own experience was quite diffi- lot of pressure. It’s about coping with the better and really enjoy it. With the TV show, cult and quite painful, but I really didn’t have anxiety which comes with being in the com- you have such a short space of time to learn anything to compare it to. It was just what it petition. It’s made me realise that just when your routine. You learn a brand new style and was. you think you can’t do any more, you can ac- a brand new routine in a maximum of four tually dig deeper and find something. Janette days. I was also trying to do all of my other What advice would you give to gay Asians [Manrara, his Strictly dance partner] taught jobs, so I never really got to a point where I who are on the brink of coming out? me that, which is why I think we got on so could do the dance and just enjoy it. I’m hop- Firstly, don’t be afraid to be who you are, be- well. She was able to support me through not ing that once I’m on the tour and the dance is cause you have just as much right as every- only the amazing bits, but also the times in my head, I can just have fun and be myself. body else to be happy. Secondly, if you need when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. That’s what I’m really looking forward to - help, there are lots of people around who will being able to just enjoy the dancing instead help you and catch you afterwards. Finally, Which was your favourite moment? of worrying about which step comes after no matter how difficult it is, how painful it Oh, there were so many, and it’s all such a which. may be and what you might have to go blur now. I guess one of my most memorable through to get there, it always gets better. You moments was the first dance we did. It was to Has your Strictly experience fuelled your will be happier for it in the end. For a lot of a Whitney song, and I’m a massive Whitney desire to do more reality TV, or is that it Gaysian people, it’s a very difficult experi- fan. It was one of my favourite Whitney now? ence. There are many of us here who’ve been songs, and we did the Cha Cha. That was the I would never say never. This has been the through it, have come out the other side and first time I’d ever done a formal dance of any first reality show that I’ve ever been part of, are much happier as a result. sort. It went really well, and I absolutely and it’s been a pretty special one because loved it. I remember right at the end being there’s nothing like it. Probably nothing else completely knackered, as it was a full-on rou- will give me as much of a buzz, but we’ll have Dr Ranj joins the Strictly crew when it tine, but it was such an incredible buzz. It to see what happens. stops off at Arena Birmingham from was so great, and Janette was jumping up Fri 18 to Mon 21 January
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YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide JanuaryJanuary 20192019 thelist Tartuffe at The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon - until Sat 23 February at The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Tartuffe
Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!
What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 January Mon 7 to Sun 13 January Mon 14 to Sun 20 January Mon 21 to Thurs 31 January
CBSO Viennese New Year The Bluejays at the Belgrade The Velveteen Rabbit at Sir Ranulph Fiennes at Gala at Malvern Theatres Theatre, Coventry The Roses, Tewkesbury Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Sat 5 January Fri 11 January Fri 18 - Sat 19 January Tues 29 January
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thelist THROUGHOUT JANUARY
lection of photographs from an Ed- Visual Arts wardian Rugby family providing a snapshot of local life before the First World War, until Sat 12 Jan Artrix, Bromsgrove RUGBY OPEN EXHIBITION 18 High-qual- THE CANAL SIDE STUDIOS EXHIBITION ity contemporary art from emerging This small, busy studio actively en- and established local artists, until Sat gages in community art activities and 12 Jan is passionate about promoting local artists' work, organising art exhibi- The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- tions at local venues and for local seum businesses, until Sun 6 Jan CÉZANNE: MONTAGNE SAINTE-VICTOIRE NEW 5 CUBED: NEW BEGINNINGS Featur- Opportunity to see a post-impres- ing work by a group of mature artists sionist masterpiece and a much- who have exhibited together for the loved work from the Courtauld last 14 years, Tues 8 Jan - Sun 3 Feb Gallery’s world-class collection. Also on show are landscape paintings by Birmingham Museum & artists like Paul Nash, David Art Gallery Bomberg, LS Lowry and Prunella Citylightz - O2 Academy, Birmingham FIGHTING FOR OUR HERITAGE Exhibition Clough, until Sun 20 Jan explores the rich history of amateur ARTIST ROOMS PRESENTS ANSELM Bromsgrove bridge boxing clubs and famous boxers KIEFER One of Germany’s most signif- Gigs NEARLY DAN Fri 4 Jan, KING PLEASURE AND from Birmingham, until Fri 1 Feb icant post-war artists, Kiefer’s work The Robin, Bilston THE BISCUIT BOYS Sat 5 FLARES SINGLE LAUNCH WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND explores themes of national identity ROD & THE FACEZ Fri 4 Jan, Artrix, Broms- Thurs 3 Jan, Hare & THE SELF Exhibition examining how and collective memory, until Sun 27 Jan, The River Rooms, grove Hounds, Birmingham social, historical and cultural factors Jan Stourbridge BOWIE: A TRIBUTE Sat 5 affect body image, and how this is ex- GUNS 2 ROSES Thurs 3 THE LEARNED PROTOCOLS OF TRUTH URBAN INTRO Fri 4 & Jan, The Night Owl, pressed through objects and art- Jan, The Robin, Bil- During a three-day workshop this au- Sat 5 Jan, The Jam Birmingham works, until Fri 1 Feb ston tumn, photographer and filmmaker House, Birmingham THE RICKY NELSON FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Jonny Bark worked with 11 students DINO BAPTISTE Thurs 3 CITYLIGHTZ Sat 5 Jan, ROCK & ROLL SHOW different faiths have influenced and from Bluecoat Church of England Jan, The Jam House, O2 Academy, B’ham Sun 6 Jan, Lichfield shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb School & Music College in Coventry Birmingham Guildhall to produce this body of work inspired JEAN GENIE Sat 5 Jan, WOMEN POWER PROTEST Inspired by CATAPULT CLUB FEAT NIK TURNERS NEW by the exhibition Artist Rooms: The Robin, Bilston the bold work of feminist artists and (SKETCH) Fri 4 Jan, O2 SPACE RITUAL Sun 6 Anselm Kiefer, until Sun 27 Jan activists, Women Power Protest aims Academy, Birmingham THE ESSENTIAL PARTY Jan, The Robin, Bil- COVENTRY OPEN 2018 The work on dis- BAND Sat 5 Jan, The to raise awareness, provoke debate TAKE THAT EXPERIENCE ston River Rooms, Stour- and assess how much has changed play, selected by a panel of judges, is Fri 4 Jan, Artrix, for women, until Sun 31 Mar produced in a wide range of media, from painting and drawing to sculp- ture and textiles, until Sun 24 Feb A WORLD WAR ONE COMMEMORATION Exhibition including work by contem- porary artists and work by artists from the period of the war, until Sun 3 Mar
Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery CRAFTED FOR YOU Featuring an array of jewellery, glassware, ceramics and other handmade crafts, until Sat 5 COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS Jan BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- tions that reflect the experiences of WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 71ST diverse Birmingham people - from ANNUAL EXHIBITION Eclectic selection working lives to community activists of art created by local artists, until Sat and protest movements, until Sun 27 26 Jan Oct Other VISUAL ARTS Leamington Spa Art Gallery & IN MY SHOES: ART & THE SELF SINCE Museum THE 1990S Arts Council Collection na- AMY SHARROCKS Exhibition by sculp- tional touring exhibition - featuring tor, filmmaker and live artist Amy works by Hayley Newman, Sarah Sharrocks, showing works from over Lucas, Grayson Perry and Tracey a decade of making, collecting and Emin - explores the ways in which conversations, until Sun 24 Feb UK-based artists have included them - selves in their work since the 1990s, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum until Sun 6 Jan, PACCAR Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- THE EADONS OF HILLMORTON ROAD Col- ford-upon-Avon Dino Baptiste - The Jam House, Birmingham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs new 1-6 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 09:45 Page 2
Saturday 1 - Sunday 6 January
GARRY POWNDLAND & FRIENDS Fri 4 - Classical Music Sat 5 Jan, The Glee Club, B’ham THE JOHANN STRAUSS GALA Featuring the Johann Strauss Orchestra, John Rigby (conductor), Corinne Cowling (soprano) & William Morgan (tenor). Theatre Programme includes Blue Danube CRIMES OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING Waltz, Cinderella Waltz, Radetzky The award-winning New Old Friends March & the Thunder and Lightening present a ‘fast-paced, gig-filled romp Polka, Tues 1 Jan, Symphony Hall, of a show’, until Sat 5 Jan, Lichfield Birmingham Garrick NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT THE WIZARD OF OZ Doctors star Lorna BRITAIN Programme includes works Laidlaw stars as the Wizard/Professor by Rick Dior, John Adams & Sibelius, alongside Chisara Agor (Dorothy Fri 4 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, Gale) in a new staging of L Frank Coventry Baum’s classic story, until Sun 13 VIENNESE NEW YEAR GALA Featuring Jan, The REP, Birmingham Stephen Bell (conductor), Jennifer A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s France (soprano) & the City of Birm- acclaimed staging of Dickens’ festive ingham Symphony Orchestra. Pro- classic, showing at the RSC for a gramme includes works by J. Strauss second year, until Sun 20 Jan, Royal II, Waldteufel, Lehár & E. Strauss, Sat Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- 5 Jan, Malvern Theatres upon-Avon TIMON OF ATHENS Simon Godwin di- rects Kathryn Hunter in Shake- speare's satire on wealth, greed and betrayal, until Fri 22 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Tartuffe TARTUFFE New updated version of Moliere’s provocative French classic, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 23 February until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, A comedy about faith, family and faking it, this brand new ver- Stratford-upon-Avon sion of Moliere’s 17th century masterpiece brings events bang up VIENNESE NEW YEAR Featuring THE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD Presented by to date. The story centres around the wealthy Pervaiz family. Liv- Jars Of Clay Theatre Co, Wed 2 - Sat Stephen Bell (conductor), Jennifer ing in modern-day Birmingham, they have in their midst the France (soprano) & the City of Birm- 5 Jan, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham ingham Symphony Orchestra. Pro- charismatic and devout Muslim cleric Tartuffe. But is their guest gramme includes works by J. Strauss all that he seems - and will family life ever be the same again?... II, Waldteufel, Lehár & E. Strauss, Sun 6 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham Kids Shows loved picture book for children, Wed 26 Dec - Sun 13 Jan, Birmingham EMILY BROWN AND THE THING Tall Sto- Pantomime Town Hall ries present a magical adventure for SLEEPING BEAUTY High-energy pan- the whole family to enjoy, until Sun 6 TROUBLE AND THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT tomime fun, written and directed, as Comedy Jan, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Featuring ‘fun, songs & plenty of au- usual, by Iain Laughlan, until Sat 5 Hippodrome dience participation’, Sat 5 Jan, Swan LAURA LEXX, BRENNAN REECE, MARK Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Theatre, Worcester ROW & TOM GLOVER Thurs 3 Jan, The THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Stage ALADDIN Family pantomime, until Sat George Hotel, Lichfield adaptation of Judith Kerr’s much- 5 Jan, Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth
The Wizard Of Oz - The REP, Birmingham
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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 6 January MAID MARIAN AND THE MERRY MEN SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie Malvern Theatres, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 all-new lanterns, until Tues 1 Jan, Worcester Repertory Company pre- McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Jan Birmingham Botanical Gardens sent an ‘action- packed’ pantomime Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until DISOBEDIENCE (15) Drama/Romance. LICHFIELD WINTER WONDERLA ND Fea- in which a feisty Maid Marian leads Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Starring Rachel Weisz, Rachel turing a Christmas market, ice rink, the way in overthrowing the evil Sher- Theatre McAdams. Malvern Theatres, Wed 2 - fair rides and lots of family entertain- iff of Nottingham, until Sun 6 Jan, The PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera Thurs 3 Jan ment. Party nights for grown-ups only Swan Theatre, Worcester Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack are also available, until Fri 4 Jan, CINDERELLA Festive family favourite star in a swashbuckling pantomime Beacon Park, Lichfield starring Isabel Gamble, Tony Disci- adventure featuring ‘barrels of laugh- ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Skate what- pline, Anna Kumble, Joe Chambers & ter, amazing flying effects and a trip ever the weather on the weatherproof Carl Dutfield, until Sun 6 Jan, The to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, Birm- rink, until Sun 6 Jan, Eastside Park, Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford ingham Hippodrome Birmingham ROBIN HOOD Jonathan Wilkes & Chris- FIRST MAN (12a) Biography/Drama. FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE Take a tian Patterson star in a ‘Sheriff-bust- Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy. leisurely steam-train journey along ing pantomime extravaganza’, until Number 8, Pershore, Fri 4 & Tues 8 the beautiful Severn Valley, hopefully Sun 6 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Jan with a sprinkling of snow in evidence, Trent Film until Sun 6 Jan, Severn Valley Rail- SLEEPING BEAUTY Brand new spin on INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster an old yarn, starring Eva Crawford as NEW YEAR FAMILY ACTIVITIES Explore Princess Rose & Nic Lamont as Cara- FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF Released from Tues 1 Jan, showing GRINDELWALD (12a) Fantasy. Starring at selected cinemas and find out about a collection of bosse, until Sun 6 Jan, The Core 300-plus British cars before building Theatre, Solihull Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, THE FAVOURITE (15) Jude Law. Number 8, Pershore, Fri your own vehicle from Lego, Wed 2 - 28 - Sat 29 Dec, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Jan WELCOME TO MARWEN (12a) Sun 6 Jan, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (12a) Biogra- phy/Drama. Starring Rami Malek, BACKSTAGE TOUR: GENERAL Journey Joseph Mazzello. Number 8, Per- behind the scenes at one of Britain's shore, Sat 29 Dec premier producing theatres, Sat 5 Jan, The REP, Birmingham THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR Events REALMS (PG) Adventure/Family. Star- MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2018 The OPEN ASTON Enjoy a wander around ring Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley. festival is back at the Gardens with the grand old mansion, Sun 6 Jan, Aston Hall, Birmingham
Wednesday 16 January Wednesday 23 January PAUL JONES & DAVE KELLY THE SYD LAWRENCE ACOUSTIC DUO ORCHESTRA From the Blues Band The ultimate Big Band are BACK!
Thursday 24 January Saturday 26 January THE BILLY FURY YEARS R.E.S.P.E.C.T TO ARETHA "The best Fury since Fury” Dedication to the Queen of Soul
Tuesday 29 January Wednesday 30 January A VIENNESE STRAUSS GALA GAELFORCE IRISH DANCE Beautiful classical music show Traditional and contemporary Irish music and dance
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thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 January 11 Jan, The River Bar, Worcester Gigs Rooms, Stourbridge EMAROSA Sat 12 Jan, BLACK ELVIS Fri 11 Jan, The Asylum, B’ham CUPCAKKE Mon 7 Jan, The Night Owl, B’ham The Asylum, B’ham KICK UP TH 80’S Sat 12 BAREFOOTIN’ WITH ED Jan, The River Rooms, ELLA MAI Thurs 8 Jan, EDWARDS AND FRIENDS Stourbridge O2 Institute, B’ham Fri 11 Jan, The Night LEGEND - THE MUSIC OF WOLF & MOON Wed 9 Owl, Birmingham BOB MARLEY Sat 12 Jan, Hare & Hounds, THE BLUEJAYS: ROCK Jan, The Belgrade Birmingham AND ROLL REVOLUTION Theatre, Coventry STRATFORD JAZZ - NEW Fri 11 Jan, The Bel- THE MIDNIGHT SOUL YEAR SPECIAL: ALAN grade Theatre, Coven- BAND Sat 12 Jan, The BARNES & DAVE NEW- try Night Owl, B’ham TON Wed 9 Jan, Strat- RICKY COOL AND THE IN ford Playhouse, WASSAIL! Sat 12 Jan, CROWD Fri 11 Jan, Stratford-upon-Avon The Fleece Inn, Bret- Lichfield Guildhall forton, Nr Evesham BECKY MILLS & RUTH ELO AGAIN Fri 11 Jan, ANGELL PLUS DAVID JILTED GENERATION - Lichfield Garrick FISHER Wed 9 Jan, The THE PRODIGY TRIBUTE Red Lion Folk Club, THE BEST OF WHAM! Fri + SPECIAL GUESTS Sat Birmingham 11- Sat 12 Jan, Albany 12 Jan, The Assembly, Theatre, Coventry Leamington Spa Britain’s Got Magic - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed 9 Jan, The Jam GIN ANNIE Fri 11 Jan, KOJO FUNDS Sat 12 CIRCUS OF HORRORS: PSYCHO ASYLUM House, Birmingham The Marr’s Bar, Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- An amalgamation of bizarre and fan- Worcester ingham Classical QUADROPHENIA - THE tastic circus acts, all woven into a ALBUM, LIVE! Thurs 10 FLAMINGO Fri 11 Jan, THE BEST OF QUEEN Sat ‘sensational shock-horror story’, Jan, The Belgrade Lichfield Guildhall 12 Jan, Artrix, Broms- Music Thurs 10 Jan, The Alexandra The- atre, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry THE DIME NOTES Fri 11 grove CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- MATT OWENS (EX NOAH Jan, Pizza Express BABY JOOLS & THE JAZ- CHESTRA: HAYDN TO BEETHOVEN Fea- JUST LIKE THAT! THE TOMMY COOPER AND THE WHALE) Thurs Live, Birmingham ZAHOLICS Sat 12 Jan, turing Piotr Anderszewski SHOW Celebration of one of Britain’s (conductor/piano). Programme in- favourite comedians - complete with 10 Jan, The Marr’s TRU GROOVE Fri 11 & Lichfield Guildhall cludes works by Haydn, Mozart & misfiring magic, trademark fez and Bar, Worcester Sat 12 Jan, The Jam QUEBONAFIDE Sat 12 Beethoven, Wed 9 Jan, Symphony quickfire gags, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Jan, House, Birmingham Jan, The Castle and SOLID SOUL Thurs 10 Hall, Birmingham The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Jan, The Jam House, CATAPULT CLUB FEAT Falcon, Birmingham CBSO CENTRE STAGE: THE JANE AUSTEN ingham Birmingham THE SUNSET BEACH HUT A BOWIE CELEBRATION SONG BOOK Featuring Alexandra Gib- ROBIN HOOD Join Robin and his Sat 12 Jan, O2 Sun 13 Jan, O2 Insti- ASOMVEL Thurs 10 son (soprano), Martin Perkins Merry Men as they take on the evil Academy, Birmingham tute, Birmingham Jan, The Robin, Bil- (square piano), Julia Åberg & Kelly Sheriff, Fri 11 - Sat 19 Jan, Oldbury ston TRAVELIN’ MAN - THE THE SIMON & GAR- McCusker (baroque violins) & Jackie Rep RICKY NELSON ROCK & FUNKEL STORY Sun 13 CATAPULT CLUB FEAT Tyler (baroque cello), Thurs 10 Jan, BRITAIN'S GOT MAGIC Starring Britain's ROLL SHOW Sat 12 Jan, Jan, The Roses The- OPOLLO Fri 11 Jan, O2 CBSO Centre, Birmingham Got Talent finalist Christian Lee, Sat Huntingdon Hall, atre, Tewkesbury Academy, Birmingham ZELKOVA STRING QUARTET Programme 12 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Worcester BAD SUNS Sun 13 Jan, BROKEN MINDS & DUB- includes works by Haydn, Judith PIED PIPER Norwich Puppet Theatre MIKE HOLLOWAY Sat 12 Hare & Hounds, Birm- GASM - 4 DA CAUSE Fri Weir, Bartok & Beethoven, Fri 11 present a one-person show combin- Jan, Pizza Express ingham 11 Jan, Hare & Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove ing puppetry, foot-tapping music & Live, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham BRAVADO Sun 13 Jan, storytelling, Sat 12 Jan, Henry San- UK GUNS ‘N’ ROSES Fri THE MACHINE RAGES ON The Robin, Bilston don Hall, Worcester Sat 12 Jan, The Marr’s ROBIN HOOD AND THE REVOLTING PEAS- ANTS Oddsocks bring their trade- Comedy mark humour, fast-paced action and ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 10 Jan, The live music to the legend of Robin Glee Club, Birmingham Hood, Sun 13 Jan, Artrix, Broms- grove COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 10 Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, SARAH KEYWORTH, AL- ISTAIR WILLIAMS & FREDDY QUINNE Sat 12 Jan, The Comedy Loft, Birm- Kids Shows ingham PIED PIPER Norwich Puppet Theatre SPONTANEOUS POTTER Sun 13 Jan present a one-person show combin- The Glee Club, Birmingham ing puppetry, foot-tapping music & storytelling, Sat 12 Jan, Henry San- don Hall, Worcester Theatre COMMONISM A performed conversa- Pantomime tion piece exploring nationality, inter- nationality, theatre & politics, Tues 8 SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie - Fri 11 Jan, The REP, Birmingham McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, The Bluejays: Rock and Roll Revolution - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Warwicks/Worcs 7-13 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 09:43 Page 3
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Monday 7 - Sunday 13 January
theSun 13 Jan, Wolverhamptonlist Grand Pershore, Thurs 10 & Wed 16 Jan PERFORMANCE AND TUNING CAR SHOW Theatre Talks THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN (12A) Com- The newly rebranded show is an ideal event for enthusiasts who take PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera OUT-SPOKEN Hosted by Joelle Taylor edy/Crime. Starring Robert Redford, Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack Sissy Spacek. Number 8, Pershore, their car modification seriously, Thurs and featuring work from two of the 10 - Sun 13 Jan, NEC, Birmingham star in a swashbuckling pantomime UK’s best-known poets, Anthony Fri 11 - Sat 12 & Mon 14 Jan; Roses adventure featuring ‘barrels of laugh- Anaxagorou and Malika Booker, Sat Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 11 - Thurs GHOST THEATRE TOUR Journey into the ter, amazing flying effects and a trip 12 Jan, The REP, Birmingham 17 Jan depths of one of the UK’s most to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, Birm- haunted theatres, Fri 11 Jan, Alexan- AN EVENING WITH ALICE ROBERTS MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) Adven- ingham Hippodrome The dra Theatre, Birmingham anthropologist, author & broadcaster ture/Family. Starring Emily Blunt, shares insights, anecdotes and be- Emily Mortimer. Roses Theatre, ARROWS OF TIME Celebration of the hind-the-scenes stories from her ex- Tewkesbury, Fri 11 - Sun 20 Jan 55th anniversary of the first broadcast ploration of Britain’s past, Sat 12 Jan, of Dr Who, Fri 11 Jan, Thinktank Sci- ence Museum, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 11 Jan, showing at selected cinemas COLETTE (15) Film STAN AND OLLIE (PG) INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE FRONT RUNNER (15) THE UPSIDE (12a) LOST & FOUND (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring Liam O’Mochain, Norma Sheahan. Number 8, Pershore, Mon BACKSTAGE TOUR: GENERAL Journey 7 Jan behind the scenes at one of Britain's THE CHILDREN ACT (12a) Drama. Star- Events premier producing theatres, Sat 12 SNOW WHITE Birmingham Youth The- ring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci. Jan, The REP, Birmingham atre presents its version of the classic Number 8, Pershore, Wed 9 Jan AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL Featuring tale, complete with twists, turns, GHOST TOURS Experience a spooky RETURN OF THE HERO (12a) every level of motor racing - from dancing, singing and laughs aplenty, evening in one of Britain’s most Comedy/History. Starring Jean Du- karting through to Formula One, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Jan, The Old Rep haunted buildings, Sat 12 Jan, Aston jardin, Mélanie Laurent. Foreign lan- Thurs 10 -Sun 13 Jan, NEC, B’ham Theatre, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham guage, subtitled. Number 8,
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thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 January Roses, Tewkesbury Classical A VISION OF PIERS PLOWMAN The Worcester Repertory Company offer an insight into medieval England, Music Sat 19 Jan, Henry Sandon Hall, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Worcester THOMAS TROTTER Mon 14 Jan, Birm- ingham Town Hall MENDELSSOHN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Featuring the City of Birmingham Talks Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Beil- man (violin) & Andrew Gourlay (con- RAY STURDY TALKS: THE RISE AND FALL ductor)/ Programme includes works OF WORCESTERSHIRE’S WITLEY COURT by Dvorak & Mendelssohn, Wed 16 - Tues 15 Jan, Henry Sandon Hall, Sat 19 Jan, Symphony Hall, B’ham Worcester MATTHEW WADSWORTH & JULIA DOYLE DAN CRUICKSHANK: PALMYRA AND - AN INTIMATE RECITAL Programme in- COVENTRY... STUDIES IN DEATH AND cludes works by Britten, Purcell, RESURRECTION Fri 18 Jan, Warwick John Dowland & Laura Snowden, Arts Centre, Coventry Thurs 17 Jan. Symphony Hall, Birm- ingham Kids Shows Neil & Liam Finn - Birmingham Town Hall Comedy THE SNOWMAN Stage show based on Raymond Briggs' popular children's BUDDY HOLLY - THE DIG Sat 19 Jan, The COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- book, Wed 16 - Sat 26 Jan, The REP, LEGEND REBORN Fri 18 Night Owl, B’ham SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 17 Gigs Birmingham Jan, Huntingdon Hall, NEIL & LIAM FINN Sat Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Hammerpuz- CHARLES ESTEN Tues Worcester 19 Jan, Birmingham SAM AVERY Sat 19 Jan, The Old Rep zle Theatre Company fuse live music 15 Jan, Birmingham BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Fri Town Hall Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall & song with plenty of audience par- 18 Jan, The Belgrade RUBY TURNER Sat 19 JIM DAVIDSON Sat 19 Jan, Wolver- Theatre, Coventry ticipation, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Jan, The MATERIAL GIRL - THE Jan, Warwick Arts hampton Grand Theatre Roses, Tewkesbury MUSIC OF MADONNA ROYAL REPUBLIC Fri 18 Centre, Coventry RUDI LICKWOOD, DAISY EARL, HAYLEY Wed 16 Jan, The Bel- UNCLE’S STORY SHOP Unique interac- Jan, O2 Academy, JESSOP, JESSOP, JESSOP ELLIS & COMIC TBC Sat 19 Jan, The grade Theatre, Coven- tive theatre experience for children Birmingham Sat 19 Jan, Pizza Ex- Comedy Loft, Birmingham try aged four to seven, Sat 19 Jan, The MONEY FOR NOTHING - press Live, B’ham REP, Birmingham NINEBARROW Wed 16 DIRE STRAITS TRIBUTE TV SMITH Sat 19 Jan, Jan, The Red Lion Fri 18 Jan, Artrix, The Marr’s Bar, Folk Club, B’ham Bromsgrove Worcester PAUL JONES AND DAVD DAN + SHAY Fri 18 Jan, QUADROPHENIA Sat 19 Theatre KELLY Wed 16 Jan, The O2 Institute, B’ham Jan, Hare & Hounds, CIRCUS OF HORRORS: PSYCHO ASYLUM Pantomime Core Theatre, Solihull CRAIG CHARLES Fri 18 Birmingham An amalgamation of bizarre and fan- PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera ADRIAN COX Wed 16 Jan, Hare & Hounds, MARQUIS DRIVE Sat 19 tastic circus acts, all woven into a Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack Jan, The Tin Music Birmingham Jan, The Night Owl, ‘sensational shock-horror story’, star in a swashbuckling pantomime and Arts, Canal Basin, THE BEE GEES STORY Birmingham Tues 15 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, adventure which promises ‘barrels of Coventry Coventry Fri 18 Jan, Wolver- THE LITTLE MIX EXPERI- laughter, amazing flying effects and CARL SINCLAIR TRIO hampton Grand The- ENCE Sat 19 Jan, The SHERLOCK HOLMES One-man homage a trip to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, Tues 15 Jan, The Jam atre Belgrade Theatre, to the world’s greatest detective, Birmingham Hippodrome House, Birmingham THE ONCE Fri 18 Jan, Coventry Wed 16 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Presented THE STREETS Wed 16 Theatre The Sunflower WAVED Sat 19 Jan, The by Kays Theatre Group, Thurs 17 - Jan, O2 Academy, Lounge, Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham STEAMING The story of four women Sun 20 Jan, Swan Theatre, Worces- Birmingham from completely different back- ter FRANCIS DUNNERY - THE BEST OF QUEEN Sat AVATAR Thurs 17 Jan, grounds who meet every week at THE BIG LAD IN THE 19 Jan, The Belgrade O2 Institute, B’ham WINDMILL Fri 18 Jan, their local baths, Thurs 17 - Fri 18 Theatre, Coventry Jan, Midlands Arts Centre, Birming- THE ELVIS SONGBOOK The Slade Rooms, DESPERATE JOURNALIST ham Thurs 17 Jan, Bed- Wolverhampton + GUNTHER PRAGUE worth Civic Hall BIFFY MCCLYRO Fri 18 GO AND PLAY UP YOUR OWN END - IN Events +MODERN LITERATURE CONCERT Live concert version cele- MARTYN JOSEPH Thurs Jan, The Marr’s Bar, NATIONAL RUNNING SHOW The UK’s + THIS IS THE SEA Wed brating the 20th anniversary of this 17 Jan, Huntingdon Worcester biggest independent running exhibi- 16 Jan, The Tin Music popular Midlands show, Fri 18 - Sat Hall, Worcester tion, with all the kit, tech, nutrition THE JOHNNY CASH and Arts, Canal Basin, 19 Jan, The Core Theatre, Solihull RAVE GROOVE PROJECT ROADSHOW: SAN Coventry advice and inspiration you need to AN INDIAN ABROAD Pariah Khan’s new plan your running season, Fri 19 - Thurs 17 Jan, The Jam QUENTIN ANNIVERSARY ALL VINYL PROMOTIONS solo show follows the character of Sun 20 Jan, NEC, Birmingham House, Birmingham Sat 19 Jan, Artrix, PRESENTS: WAX ON – Bromsgrove Krishnan on a journey from middle- SOUL LEGENDS FEAT THE FREE PARTY Sat 19 class India to the ‘exotic island of OYE SANTANA LEMAR Thurs 17 Jan, Sat 19 Jan, Hare & Hounds, Great Britain’, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Jan, Jan, The Assembly, Wolverhampton Grand Birmingham The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Theatre Leamington Spa MARTYN JOSEPH Sun THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP Hammer- ULTRA 90’S THE SMYTHS Fri 18 Jan, Sat 19 Jan, 20 Jan, Midlands Arts puzzle Theatre Company present a The River Rooms, The Assembly, Leam- Centre, Birmingham new version of Charles Dickens’ fa- Stourbridge ington Spa mous story, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Jan, The whatsonlive.co.uk 61 Rook&Bone.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 13:03 Page 1 The List Warwicks/Worcs 21-27 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 09:47 Page 2
thelist Monday 21 - Sunday 27 January 25 Jan, The Palace pictured)) & Pavel Šporcl (violin). Theatre, Redditch Classical Programme comprises Dvorak’s 80’S MANIA Sat 25 Jan, Slavonic Dances, Violin Concerto in The Belgrade Theatre, A minor op.53 & Symphony no.8 in Coventry Music G minor op.88, Sat 26 Jan, Malvern Theatres SNOW PATROL Fri 25 RAFAŁ BLECHACZ (PIANO) IN RECITAL Jan, Arena B’ham Programme includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann & THE JOHNNY CASH Chopin, Wed 23 Jan, Birmingham ROADSHOW Fri 25 Jan, Town Hall Malvern Theatres COULL QUARTET: OF KINGS AND SIS- PAUL JONES & DAVE TERS Programme includes works by KELLY Fri 25 Jan, Hunt- Mendelssohn, Mozart & Beethoven, ingdon Hall, Worcester Wed 23 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri Coventry 25 Jan, The River Rooms, Stourbridge THE BOSCOBEL QUARTET Featuring So- CROWDED OUT Fri 25 phie Barber & Iona Davies (violins), Jan, The Marr’s Bar, Kate Fawcett (viola) & Kinga Gabor- Worcester jani (cello), Sun 27 Jan, Huntingdon FOR THOSE ABOUT TO Hall, Worcester Paul Carrack - Symphony Hall, Birmingham ROCK 2019 - LIVE/WIRE A NIGHT IN THE WEST END WITH KERRY VS WHITESNAKE UK Fri ELLIS Sun 27 Jan, Birmingham Town CLARK TRACEY, ARNIE 25 Jan, The Assembly, Hall Gigs SOMOGYI TRIO Thurs 24 Leamington Spa Jan, Eastside Jazz PAUL CARRACK Fri 25 TETZLAFF PLAYS SIBELIUS Featuring Club, Royal Birming- Jan, Symphony Hall, JAKE HILL & JOSH A City of Birmingham Symphony Or- ham Conservatoire Birmingham Mon 21 Jan, Hare & chestra, Karl-Heinz Steffens (con- THE BILLY FURY YEARS Hounds, Birmingham THE COUNTERFEIT ductor) & Christian Tetzlaff (violin). Thurs 24 Jan, The Comedy BEN HOWARD Mon 21 STONES Fri 25 - Sat 26 Programme includes works by Core Theatre, Solihull Jan, Symphony Hall, Jan, Artrix, Broms- Sibelius & Brahms, Wed 23 - Thurs DALISO CHAPONDA, JONNY AWSUM & Birmingham GENESIS VISIBLE TOUCH grove 24 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham IAN SMITH Thurs 24 Jan, The Bra- Thurs 24 Jan, Midland mall, Birmingham JAZZ ORCHESTRA: CON- DIG Sat 26 Jan, The MALVERN CONCERT CLUB Featuring Arts Centre, B’ham TEMPORARY BRITS Mon Night Owl, B’ham Tasmin Little (violin - pictured) & Mar- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- 21 Jan, Royal Birming- WHITNEY - QUEEN OF KILLERSTREAM Sat 26 tin Roscoe (piano). Programme in- SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 24 ham Conservatoire THE NIGHT Thurs 24 Jan, The River Rooms, cludes works by Beethoven, Thurs Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham Jan, The Roses The- MASTODON Tues 22 Stourbridge 24 Jan, Malvern Theatres BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Thurs atre, Tewkesbury Jan, O2 Academy, FIREBALLS UK - ROCK 24 Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham CLEVELAND WATKISS ‘N’ ROLL JUKEBOX Sat OMID DJALILI, STEPHEN BAILEY, ROSIE ALLSTARS Thurs 24 FRANK TURNER Tues 22 26 Jan, Number 8 JONES & WAYNE BEESE Fri 25 Jan, Jan, Midland Arts Cen- Jan, Arena B’ham community Arts Cen- Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, B’ham tre, Birmingham tre, Worcester UNCLE ACID & THE DAVE GORMAN Sat 26 Jan, Warwick OH! WHAT A FEELING - DEADBEATS Wed 23 WRONG JOVI Sat 26 Arts Centre, Coventry TRIBUTE TO LIONEL Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- Jan, The Marr’s Bar, RICHIE & THE COM- STEPHEN K AMOS Sat 26 Jan, War- ingham Worcester MODORES Thurs 24 wick Arts Centre, Coventry R.E.S.P.E.C.T TO ARETHA JEZ LOWE Wed 23 Jan, Jan, The Palace The- AATIF NAWAZ Sat 26 Jan, The Glee Sat 26 Jan, The Core The Red Lion Folk atre, Redditch Club, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Theatre, Solihull CBSO: GLINKA AND BRAHMS TRIOS Fea- THE HUNNA Thurs 24 - DANIEL SLOSS Sat 26 Jan, O2 BEYOND THE BARRICADE turing Oliver Janes (clarinet), David BLACK MIDI Wed 23 Sat 26 Jan, O2 Insti- Academy, Birmingham Jan, Hare & Hounds, Sat 26 Jan, The Roses Powell (cello) & Robert Markham tute, Birmingham TEZ ILYAS, HOWARD READ, ANDY ASK- Birmingham Theatre, Tewkesbury (piano). Programme includes works CATAPULT CLUB FEAT ALI INS & FREDDY QUINNE Sat 26 Jan, The BLOBBIE WILLIAMS - by Glinka & Brahms, Fri 25 Jan, THE 1975 Wed 23 Jan, GILBERT EP LAUNCH Fri CBSO Centre, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham Arena Birmingham 25 Jan, O2 Academy, THE HEAVIER ENTER- CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 26 Birmingham TAINMENT SHOW Sat 26 Featuring STEVE SAUNDERS PRE- Jan, Huntingdon Hall, Matthew Denton & Michelle Fleming Jan, Artrix, Bromsgrove SENTS THE JAZZ CLUB THE LOST PROJECTS Fri Worcester (violins), Eoin Schmidt-Martin (viola) DAVE GORMAN Sun 27 Jan, Sym- Wed 23 Jan, Royal 25 Jan, Hare & THE SKIDS Sat 26 Jan, & Emma Denton (cello). Programme phony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Conser- Hounds, Birmingham includes works by Mozart, Philip vatoire The Empire, Coventry AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ OR- Glass & Shostakovich, Fri 25 Jan, THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN STRATFORD JAZZ - LEE CHESTRA Fri 25 Jan, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Sat 26 Jan, Belgrade JONES QUINTET Wed 23 Eastside Jazz Club, Spa Theatre, Coventry Jan, Stratford Play- Royal Birmingham PRO YOUTH PHILHARMONIA: BEACON house, Stratford-upon- Conservatoire GAVIN JAMES Sat 26 OF HOPE TOUR Featuring Wissam Avon Jan, O2 Institute, Birm- THE NEIL DIAMOND Boustany (conductor) & Matthew ingham THE SYD LAWRENCE OR- STORY Fri 25 Jan, The Barley (cello). Programme includes CHESTRA Wed 23 Jan, Core Theatre, Solihull JERRY WILLIAMS Sat 26 works by Bushra El-Turk, Dvorak, The Core Theatre, Jan, The Kasbah, THE CAROUSEL + SPE- Amelia Clarkson & Beethoven, Sat Solihull Coventry CIAL GUESTS Fri 25 26 Jan, The Bramall, University of OMYO Thurs 24 Jan, Jan, The Actress & MUSED Sat 26 Jan, O2 Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Bishop, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Fea- GARETH WILLIAMS, WHOLE LOTTA RED Fri turing Kenneth Woods (conductor - whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Subscription Advert New Jan 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 18:08 Page 1 The List Warwicks/Worcs 21-27 January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 09:48 Page 4
Monday 21 - Sunday 27 January
thelist dren’s verse, packed with puppetry & live music, Sat 26 Jan, Henry Sandon Theatre Hall, Worcester ENRON The story of the rise and fall of Texan energy company Enron, told through a mix of political satire, mod- ern morality, physical theatre and multimedia spectacle. Presented by Dance BOA Year 13 Acting Students, Mon SPIRIT OF THE DANCE Award-winning 21 - Tues 22 Jan, The Old Rep, Birm- show combining the powerful ingham rhythms of Irish dance with the Latino ABIGAIL'S PARTY Jodie Prenger leads rhythms of tango, flamenco & salsa, the cast, Mon 21 - Sat 26 Jan, The Tues 22 Jan, Malvern Theatres Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ANTON & ERIN: DANCE THOSE MAGICAL TRIAL BY LAUGHTER New play penned MUSICALS ‘The nation’s favourite ball- by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman room couple’ present their new which takes inspiration from real-life dance production. Also featuring TV events, Tues 22 - Sat 26 Jan, Malvern favourite Lance Ellington and the Theatres London Concert Orchestra con- LIVING WITH THE LIGHTS ON The ‘grip- ducted by Richard Balcombe, Sat 26 ping story of a life lived on the edge’, Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Tues 22 - Sat 26 Jan, The REP, Birm- ingham GHOST THE MUSICAL Hit stage show based on the much-loved movie, Talks Tues 22 - Sat 26 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre MARK KERMODE: HOW DOES IT FEEL? Film critic Mark Kermode recounts SINATRA: RAW Warts-and-all portrait of his utterly foolhardy attempts to fulfill The Children Of The Moon - Henry Sandon Hall, Worcester Frank Sinatra’s last intimate show in his dreams of becoming a pop star, Palm Springs in 1971, Wed 23 - Sat Mon 21 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill. Number 26 Jan, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, 8, Pershore, Thurs 24 Jan Birmingham AN AUDIENCE WITH JOANNA TROLLOPE Pantomime Spend an evening with the popular PETERLOO (12a) Drama/History. Star- ARISTOPHANES' FROGS Patron-god of PETER PAN Jimmy Osmond, Meera author, who’s been described as one ring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake. theatre Dionysus and his lovable Syal, Jaymi Hensley and Matt Slack of the 21st century’s most insightful Number 8, Pershore, Fri 25 & Tues 29 slave journey to the Underworld in star in a swashbuckling pantomime social commentators, Tues 22 Jan, Jan the hope of resurrecting the play- adventure which promises ‘barrels of Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry wright, Euripides, Thurs 24 Jan, War- laughter, amazing flying effects and a STAN & OLLIE (12a) Biography/Com- wick Arts Centre, Coventry DAN SNOW: AN EVENING WITH THE HIS- trip to Neverland’, until Sun 27 Jan, edy. Starring Steve Coogan, John C. TORY GUY The popular TV presenter Reilly. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 25 - NELL GWYNN Presented by BOA Year Birmingham Hippodrome shares anecdotes from his career as Thurs 31 Jan; Roses Theatre, 13 Acting Students, Thurs 24 - Fri 25 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Presented a historian and broadcaster, Tues 22 Tewkesbury, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Jan Jan, The Old Rep, Birmingham by Kays Theatre Group, Thurs 22 - Jan, The Roses, Tewkesbury DO YOU THINK THAT’S WISE? THE LIFE Sun 27 Jan, Swan Theatre, Worcester AND TIMES OF JOHN LE MESURIER Leading impressionist Julian Dutton pays tribute to one of Britain’s best- Events loved comedy stars, Fri 25 Jan, The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Film BEHIND THE SCENES GUIDED TOUR OF BEYOND THE BARRICADE - 2OTH AN- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: BLAKESLEY HALL Wed 23 Jan, NIVERSARY TOUR Featuring principal Blakesley Hall, Birmingham THE FAVOURITE (15) performers from Les Miserables, Sat Biography/Com- CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT WITH CHIVAS 26 Jan, The Roses, Tewkesbury edy. Starring Olivia Colman, Emma REGAL A ‘meet the distiller’ evening Stone. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, that sees traditional food paired with THE CHILDREN Amateur staging of Mon 21 - Thurs 24 Jan Lucy Kirkwood’s award-winning play samples of whisky, Fri 25 Jan, Black DON'T WORRY, HE WON'T GET FAR ON about two retired nuclear scientists Country Living Museum, Dudley FOOT (U) living in an isolated cottage by the LIBRARY LATES Relaxed evening of Biography/Comedy. Starring sea as the world around them crum- poetry & spoken word with guest bles, Sat 26 Jan - Sat 2 Feb, Criterion Emma Purshouse, Thurs 24 Jan, The Theatre, Coventry Core Theatre, Solihull CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA AN EVENING WITH KATE HUMBLE Join Showcase of Chinese performing Kate as she talks about her latest arts, including contortion and lion book and her life working with dancing, Sun 27 Jan, Wolverhampton wildlife, Thurs 24 Jan, Lichfield Gar- Grand Theatre rick GEORGE GALLOWAY & FRIENDS: THE OUTSIDERS Veteran MP, writer and broadcaster George Galloway - elected six times to parliament in Kids Shows three different cities - and Ken Living- stone - an MP and twice mayor of THE CHILDREN IN THE MOON The London - take a trip down memory Makeshift Ensemble present a visual lane, Sun 27 Jan, The Old Rep The- and original take on centuries of chil- atre, Birmingham Spirit Of The Dance - Malvern Theatres
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thelist Monday 28 - Thursday 31 January LEDISI Thurs 31 Jan, Hare & Hounds, Gigs Birmingham THE MESSTHETICS Mon 28 Jan, Hare & PIANO MAN - THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL Hounds, Birmingham Thurs 31 Jan, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester BEN OTTEWELL Mon 28 Jan, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LARRY BARTLEY TRIO FEAT TONY KOFI Thurs 31 Jan, The Tin Music and AMY SHARK Tues 29 Jan, O2 Institute, Arts, Canal Basin, Coventry Birmingham THE SEARCHERS Thurs 31 Jan, The Core Theatre, Solihull MIKE WILLIAMS QUARTET Thurs 31 Jan, Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birming- ham Conservatoire
Classical Music LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT Mon 28 JUDY COLLINS Tues 29 Jan, The Glee Jan, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Club, Birmingham THE MUSICKE COMPANYE: A VENETIAN THE WILD LIFE + WILLIAM RAY KEY CARNIVAL Featuring Philippa Hyde Tues 29 Jan, O2 Institute, B’ham (soprano), Tim Carleston (counter- tenor), Daisy Vatalaro (baroque cello) JAZZ CANON: THE MUSIC OF HORACE & Helen Rogers (harpsichord & SILVER Tues 29 Jan, Eastside Jazz chamber organ), Tues 29 Jan, St An Evening With Sir Ranulph Fiennes - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Club, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Mary’s Church, Warwick toire Theatre present a football-themed Odedra and choreographed by con- A VIENNESE STRAUSS GALA Tues 29 play, Tues 29 - Wed 30 Jan, The Old temporary Kathak icon Aditi Mangal- DILLY DALLY Tues 29 Jan, Hare & Jan, The Core, Solihull Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham das, Thurs 31 Jan, The Patrick Hounds, Birmingham BEETHOVEN’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Featur- ROAD BOA Year 13 Acting Students Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome SJM CONCERTS PRESENTS SILENT RIVAL ing Cristian M celaru (conductor), present an amateur staging of Jim Tues 29 Jan, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Augustin Hadelichā (violin) & the City Cartwright’s play, Tues 29 - Wed 30 THE DANDY WARHOLS Tues 29 Jan, O2 of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Jan, The Old Rep, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Programme includes works by BLOOD BROTHERS Willy Russell’s fa- Prokofiev, Beethoven & Vaughan mous ‘play with music’, set in his na- Williams, Wed 30 Jan, Symphony tive Liverpool, Tues 29 Jan - Sat 2 Hall, Birmingham Feb, Malvern Theatres ST PETERSBURG PHILHARMONIC Featur- DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL Mark ing Yuri Temirkanov (conductor), Williams, Vicky Entwistle & Brian Freddy Kempf (piano) & Nadine Capron star in a new staging of Leslie Koutcher (soprano). Programme in- Bricusse’s acclaimed family musical, cludes works by Prokofiev, Rach- Tues 29 Jan - Sat 9 Feb, Wolver- maninoff & Mahler, Thurs 31 Jan, hampton Grand Theatre Symphony Hall, Birmingham WHERE THE HELL IS BERNARD Mixing vi- suals, movement, live song and BASTILLE Tues 29 - Wed 30 Jan, O2 clowning, the award-winning Haste Academy, Birmingham Theatre create a darkly comic warn- ing for the future, Wed 30 Jan, Bridge ISRAEL NASH Wed 30 Jan, O2 Insti- House Theatre, Warwick tute, Birmingham Comedy THE VERDICT Middle Ground Theatre FAIRPORT CONVENTION Wed 30 Jan, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- presents Barry Reed's critically ac- The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury SON FEATURING COMIC TBC Thurs 31 Talks Jan, The Glee Club, Birmingham claimed courtroom drama. Ian Kelsey CREEDANCE CLEARWATER Wed 30 Jan, stars, Wed 30 Jan - Sat 2 Feb, Bel- AN EVENING WITH SIR RANULPH FI- The Swan Theatre, Worcester grade Theatre, Coventry ENNES Explorer Sir Ranulph talks THE WAVE PICTURES Wed 30 Jan, Hare THE ADULT PANTO: HANSEL AND GRETEL about his lifetime of adventure, Tues & Hounds, Birmingham GO DOWN IN THE WOODS The Market 29 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- try ALEXANDER O’NEAL Wed 30 Jan, The Theatre Theatre Company present a ’corrupt’ Jam House, Birmingham version of the traditional fairytale, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Thurs 31 Jan, Swan Theatre, Worces- TYLER MASSEY’S A&E Wed 30 Jan, The The Nonentities present an amateur ter Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham staging of Oscar Wilde’s ‘trivial com- LOW Wed 30 Jan, Town Hall, B’ham edy for serious people’, Mon 28 Jan - Sat 2 Feb, The Rose Theatre, Kidder- Events BANG ON THE WALL BAND: CEILIDH Wed minster BEHIND THE SCENES GUIDED TOUR OF 30 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- BLAKESLEY HALL Wed 30 Jan, try KINKY BOOTS Acclaimed West End musical that takes audiences from a Dance Blakesley Hall, Birmingham OH! WHAT A FEELING - TRIBUTE TO LI- Northampton factory floor to the GAELFORCE DANCE Fusion of tradi- INTERACTIVE FUTURES Offering a range ONEL RICHIE & THE COMMODORES Wed glamorous catwalks of Milan, Mon 28 tional and contemporary Irish dance, of opportunities and sessions for any- 30 Jan, Malvern Theatres Jan - Sat 9 Feb, Regent Theatre, music & song, Wed 30 Jan, The one with a passion for video games, THE WOMBATS Thurs 31 Jan, O2 Stoke-on-Trent Core, Solihull Thurs 31 Jan - Sat 2 Feb, Royal Spa Academy, Birmingham HOPPERS Birmingham-based Gritty ECHOES & I IMAGINE Featuring Aakash Centre, Leamington Spa 66 whatsonlive.co.uk BMAG Women Power F/P Nov 2018.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 10:02 Page 1 Ice Skate Birminghm Full Page Jan 2019 NEW.qxp_Layout 1 13/12/2018 17:12 Page 1