Pantomime Production Sir Elton John Will Visit the Midlands in 2020 of Dick Whittington This Christmas

Staffordshire Cover December 2018.qxp_Staffordshire Cover 20/11/2018 17:08 Page 1

MARTINE MCCUTCHEON Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands STARS IN ELF IN THE MIDLANDS STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S DECEMBER ON 2018

Staffordshire ISSUE 396 DECEMBER 2018 ’ FILMWhat I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onstaffordshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

NATIVITY! hit stage musical pays a festive visit to The Potteries WTE:@WHATSONSTAFFSTWITTER:

HARRY & CHRIS family-friendly fellas at Stafford Gatehouse FACEBOOK:@STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON

A CATHEDRAL LIT award-winning illuminations return to Lichfield STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IBC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:54 Page 1

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT

CHRISTMAS GOTHIC

TUES 4 & WED 5 DECEMBER, 7.30PM ALL TICKETS: £16.50

DICK WHITTINGTON THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO FRI 7 DECEMBER - SUN 6 JANUARY 2019 TICKETS: £20.00, £15.50 CONCS

HARRY AND CHRIS SAVE THE WORLD

THURS 13 DECEMBER, 8PM TICKETS: £13.00, £11.00 CONCS

URBAN FOLK QUARTET

SAT 15 DECEMBER, 7.30PM ALL TICKETS: £16.00

FAGIN’S LAST HOUR 12+

SAT 22 DECEMBER, 7.30PM TICKETS: £15.50, £13.50 CONCS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AS TOLD BY JACOB MARLEY (DECEASED) 7+

SUN 23 DECEMBER, 7.30PM TICKETS: £15.50, £13.50 CONCS

for more information visit: www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Contents December Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:18 Page 2

December 2018

Contents

Nativity! The Musical - hit West End show visits the Potteries... more on page 28

Izzy Wizzy... Roni Size Victorian Christmas the list

Richard and Sooty conjure up Brit Award winner makes his plenty of festive cheer at Your 16-page some festive magic in Wolves Shropshire club debut Blists Hill Victorian Town week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 15 page 46 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 19. Comedy 24. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

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Entertainment news from around the region

A grand 2019 line-up at Wolverhampton’s Grand! UK touring versions of Calendar Girls The Musical and The Rocky Horror Show (pictured) will visit Wolverhampton Grand Theatre next year. The productions are part of an impressive line- up of entertainment at the venue that also features appearances by Brian Blessed, Elkie Brooks, Tony Blackburn and Northern Ballet. Other 2019 highlights at the Grand include a first-ever visit by Birmingham Royal Ballet, who will be performing a double bill comprising new dance show Seasons In Our World and Prokofiev’s much-loved Peter And The Wolf. For more information about the Grand’s line- up of shows, visit grandtheatre.co.uk

New Vic Theatre seeking Sales & Development Manager, Matt Clay, Bongo’s Bingo takes its said: “We are overjoyed at the generosity of associate artist for 2019 local businesses. The amount of sponsored bow in Wolverhampton The New Vic Theatre has opened applica- tickets we’ve received has exceeded our ex- An ‘insane’ mix of a live show, a rave and a tions for its artistic development programme, pectations.” heads-down game of bingo is debuting in The Kiln, and is now searching for a local Wolverhampton this month. artist, collective or company to become Asso- Bongo’s Bingo takes place at the city’s ciate Artist for 2019. Inviting applications Hangar venue on Friday 7, Saturday 8 & Mon- from local artists based in North Stafford- day 31 December, with the first of the three shire who are working in performance, the shows featuring an appearance by chart-top- New Vic’s artistic development programme ping electronic band N-Trance. offers a 12-month placement of bespoke sup- Other highlights include dance-offs, audi- port, tailored to the needs and ambitions of ence participation, ‘countless’ hands-in-the- the successful Associate Artist. air anthems and the opportunity to win a For more information about The Kiln, visit selection of prizes, among which are a pink newvictheatre.org.uk. Dickens at Mitton Manor unicorn, mobility scooters, boxes of Coco Pops and life-size cardboard cut-outs! Visit Staffordshire’s Mitton Manor Gardens is kick- bongosbingo.co.uk for more information. starting December by hosting a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol. The highly rated Chapter- house theatre company are the ensemble presenting the production, which takes place at the venue on Saturday 1 December. For more information, visit mittonmanor.co.uk

Theatre and businesses team up to help families Lichfield Garrick Theatre is working with businesses and charities to help families who are suffering bereavement, illness or trauma Sir Elton back on the road to attend the venue’s pantomime production Sir Elton John will visit the Midlands in 2020 of Dick Whittington this Christmas. with his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. The scheme has already been a huge success, The show stops off at Arena Birmingham on 9 with 13 local businesses sponsoring 26 fami- November 2020, and then at Resorts World lies. The sponsored family tickets will be dis- Arena two days later, on the 11th. tributed by local charities. For information about ticket availability, Commenting on the initiative, the Garrick’s visit theticketfactory.com

4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:31 Page 2

First Word

Ian McKellen turns 80 in the Midlands Sir Ian McKellen is to celebrate his 80th birthday next year by presenting a new solo show on 80 stages across the UK, including Birmingham Repertory Theatre (on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June). The Lord Of The Rings star is touring his production to raise money for theatres. Commenting on the news, The REP’s Artistic Director, Rox- ana Silbert, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Ian to Birmingham next year. This will be a special show and a rare and excellent opportunity to celebrate one of the UK’s greatest actors.” Jasmin Vardimon celebrates 20 years of dance creativity Choreographer Jasmin Vardimon makes a welcome return to the Midlands early next year with a show that reflects on the powerful feminine symbol of Medusa, both in terms of the myth itself and its various contemporary connotations. The production celebrates the 20th anniversary of Jasmin’s company and is being presented at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn on Monday 18 February. For more information, visit theatresevern.co.uk

Steve Punt to Paul Weller to play Forest Live 2019 narrate Rocky Paul Weller will next year take part in Forest Live for the first time A feast of festive Horror in Stoke since 2014. The annual summer concert series, promoted by the Forestry Com- entertainment Comedian Steve Punt will mission, takes place in seven beautiful forests, including Cannock Birmingham’s Symphony Hall star as The Narrator in the Chase in Staffordshire and Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. looks to have Christmas cov- UK tour of The Rocky Horror Commenting on his ered this month, presenting a Show when it visits Stoke- participation in the programme of entertainment on-Trent’s Regent Theatre 2019 concerts, Paul for the whole family to enjoy. from Monday 3 to Saturday said: “The Forest The festive celebrations begin 8 June. Commenting on his shows are always with Christmas Spectacular, involvement in the produc- great gigs for us. ‘the ultimate Christmas party tion, Steve said: “Rocky is a It’s been a while with a snow-filled finale’. Fol- show I've known for a long since I last did lowing that, there's Carols By time and always loved, so it them, so I’m really Candlelight - featuring an or- was a lovely thing to be looking forward to chestra in full 18th century asked to do it.” next year.” costume - Christmas Carol Sin- Tickets for The Rocky Horror galong with Jonathan Cohen, Show are now available at White Christmas - comprising the Regent’s box office, on- favourite Christmas songs and line or by calling 0844 871 ESL One returns to the Midlands carols - the big band sound of 7649. If you’re a fan of multiplayer online battle arena video game Dota 2, Glenn Miller, and Piano Leg- there’s a Birmingham Arena event happening next spring that you ends - including the music of, won’t want to miss. among others, Billy Joel and Hosted by esports organiser and production company ESL, the three- Elton John. day get-together at the venue (31 May - 2 June) will see 12 of the To check out Symphony Hall’s world’s best Dota 2 teams battling it out for a share of the $300,000 complete line-up of Christmas prize pool. For more information and to purchase tickets, shows, visit thsh.co.uk visit theticketfactory.com or call 0844 33 88 222. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:31 Page 3

First Word

Dancing In The Streets in the Potteries Hit stage show Motown The Musical will visit Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent Theatre next year (Tuesday 21 May - Saturday 1 June) as part of a UK tour. Showcasing music and lyrics from the Motown catalogue, the production features a live orchestra playing 50 of the legendary record label’s best-known tracks, including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It Through The Grapevine. Commenting on the tour, Motown founder Berry Gordy said: “The UK has always been the gateway for Motown to the rest of the world. While the West End production continues to perform to great audiences, I’m thrilled that we’re taking a second production of Motown The Musical out to the rest of the UK.”

And the Strictly Marvel-ous event returns to the NEC judges are... Comic book superheroes including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Black All four of Strictly Come Danc- Panther, the Hulk, Black Widow and Doctor Strange will be smashing ing’s television judges will take their way into Birmingham late next year when Marvel Universe LIVE! part in the 2019 live UK arena returns to the city with a brand new show. tour of the show. Craig Revel Taking place at Arena Birmingham from 5 to 8 December 2019, the pro- Horwood, Darcey Bussell and duction will feature cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, 3D Bruno Tonioli will star along- video projection, aerial stunts, martial arts and daring motorcycle dis- side head TV judge Shirley Bal- plays. For more information, visit marvel.com Download Fest las in 29 supersized shows at announces first the start of the new year. The 2019 tour kicks off at Arena acts for 2019 Birmingham, from Friday 18 to Def Leppard, Slipknot and Tool Monday 21 January. For more have been announced as head- information and tickets, visit liners for the 2019 Download strictlycomedancinglive.com Festival, taking place at Don- ington Park in Derbyshire from 14 to 16 June. Commenting on the news, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott said: “We’re delighted to be going back to headline Down- load in 2019. The festival has a very special place in our hearts and it’s such a great place to play. We will be playing Hyste- Revolting peasants heading for Telford ria in full - yes, in full! - plus a load more hits, and we’re going Zany funsters Oddsocks put their own unique spin on the legend of to put on a very special show Robin Hood when they visit the region next month. for our UK fans. We can’t wait The long-established company stop off at Oakengates Theatre in to see you all there!” Telford on Friday 11 January to present a show entitled Robin Hood Tickets are now available at And The Revolting Peasants. For more information, visit downloadfestival.co.uk oddsocks.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:31 Page 4 Sooty Grand Theatre.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:14 Page 1

Izzy Wizzy... Sooty gets ready to weave his magic in Wolverhampton

08 whatsonlive.co.uk Sooty Grand Theatre.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:14 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

Sooty loves Christmas. Well, at least that’s what we think he said. Catching up with the iconic bear and his friend & ‘owner’, Richard Cadell, What’s On finds out what lies in store for audiences at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre this panto season.

In a salubrious hotel room on the outskirts of ing it when they were kids acknowledge this, and six-year-old could be boyfriend and girl- Wolverhampton sits entertainment and what Qdos has allowed me to do is take friend, Sooty and Soo are forever that; an entrepreneur Richard Cadell, the man the traditional stuff that everybody knows innocent pairing who love each other very charged with bringing the iconic Sooty to life and loves and work it into the story so that it much. I must add that Soo can’t stand Sweep, both on stage and TV. makes sense and has a place. although she’s very patient and does tolerate Regarded by his legion of fans as a national “A lot of people will be coming to the panto him.” treasure, Sooty this year celebrates 70 years just to see Sooty, so it’s going to be fun for us Magic is a game-changer in panto, and with in showbusiness, during which time he’s to do stuff they remember from their child- Magic Circle member McGee on board, audi- entertained generations of youngsters with hood, and hopefully to help them re-live a bit ences are promised a real spectacle of a show mischievous antics, magic spells and not a of their youth.” - as Richard points out: “I don’t think you can little assistance from his sidekick Sweep and As well as the Lovely Debbie McGee, Sooty is have too much magic in panto, and what long-term love interest Soo. appearing alongside Doreen ‘Lazy Cow’ Tip- Qdos have very cleverly done is align Debbie As is perhaps to be expected with someone of ton, stalwart pantomime Dame Ian Adams, and Sooty so that their magic is very much a such advancing years, Sooty was having an and the ever-reliable Julie Paton, who’ll be joint effort and they won’t be competing afternoon nap when we arrived at the hotel, showing her dark side as Carabosse. against each other.” leaving it to the affable Mr Cadell to enlighten West End star Oliver Ormson and Bethan- A professional magician himself, Richard us about the duo’s much-anticipated appear- Wyn-Davies play the Prince and Princess reveals that Sleeping Beauty features some ance in Sleeping Beauty at Wolverhampton’s Beauty respectively - but there’s no mention really big Las Vegas-style illusions - ones Grand Theatre this Christmas. of Sweep and Soo. Does this mean Sooty will which, at the time of our interview, are being “Sooty is of course a very magical teddy have to go it alone on this occasion? prepared in the States by the same people bear,” explains Richard. “He’s also very mis- “There’s been a great deal of interest in who provide props for David Copperfield. chievous and naughty, which gets him lots of whether Sweep and Soo will be in the show,” Although not wishing to give too much away, laughs from the audience. He’ll be using his says Richard, “but panto is full of surprises, Richard does reveal one of the tricks which magic wand and casting his famous Izzy and I can guarantee that there’ll be millions Qdos have up their pantomime sleeve: “With Wizzy spell to help the good fairy - the Lovely of surprises in this production. I can’t tell you the help of Doreen Tipton - so no guarantees Debbie McGee - as she fights her battles with whether or not they’ll be there, but wouldn’t it will happen! - we’re going to attempt the Carabosse and saves Sleeping Beauty from it be great if they were - and I’m sure the classic sawing-in-half trick live on stage. For the wicked fate that Carabosse has planned audience would love it. I’ll have to speak to the first time in the history of magic, we’ll be for her. He’ll certainly have a pivotal role in Sooty, and to Sweep and Soo’s agent, to see sawing audience members in half on stage the story, and we really can’t wait to get whether they’re working and what their without the aid of boxes or covers. I’m not started.” contractual agreements are over the going to spoil the ending, but with Doreen in Produced by panto specialists Qdos, Sleeping Christmas period!” tow, anything could happen. This really will Beauty promises to be another spectacular With Sooty’s sidekicks at the forefront of our be something that you need to see to success story for the Grand, and although the conversation, I ask Richard if he can believe...” Qdos team will be responsible for the major- enlighten us about the relationship between All this talk of magic is the cue for Sooty to ity of the content, there’s also an opportunity Sooty and Soo. wake from his box - just in time for a quick for Richard to showcase his writing talent. “People always wonder if something’s going photo before we head off in search of the “What’s been lovely is that Qdos have given on between Sooty and Soo, but they never Lovely Debbie McGee. me the chance to make sure Sooty is well ask if anything’s going on between Sooty and served within the story, so we’ve been able to Sweep. What we have to remember is that all rubber-stamp all the Sooty things. The Sooty three of them are blessed with the same Sleeping Beauty shows at Wolverhamp- Show is the longest-running TV series in the magic as Peter Pan - they never grow old. ton’s Grand Theatre from Sat 8 December world, and what’s great is that it hasn’t Sooty is eternally five, Soo is six and Sweep is until Sunday 13 January. changed a bit. People who remember watch- forever four. So in the way that a five-year-old

whatsonlive.co.uk 09 Debbie McGee.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 14:45 Page 1

Bringing the magic to Wolverhampton Debbie McGee stars as The Lovely Fairy Crystal alongside Sooty and Doreen ‘Lazy Cow’ Tipton in the Grand Theatre panto production of Sleeping Beauty Debbie McGee.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 14:45 Page 2

What keeps drawing you back to plane couldn’t take off, so he drove to much more a part of the team in later years. pantomime, Debbie? Norwich. The babes were actually putting a When we did the series on television, it was I just love it; it makes me feel happy. I love magic-illusion big box, like a wardrobe, in up to the director, and they would want me a Christmas, the kids and the families all being the middle of the stage, and then, as Maid bit in the background. I’ve had a radio show out together, having a good time. It really Marion, I would open it and say, “Oh look, and presented lots of corporate things, but makes me sparkle. There’s really something the babes have gone!” unless people had been at those events, the special about walking out on stage in panto - Paul knew the stage manager well, so he image they would’ve had of me was as an I’m immediately uplifted and have energy. went up and hid in the box side-stage for an assistant on The Paul Daniels Show. Strictly It doesn’t matter how tired I am, I can just hour-and-a-half to play a joke on me! I’d Come Dancing let the public and everyone pull it out of the bag. I love every second. been standing by it talking, and then it was else know that there’s a little bit more to me moved on stage with him in it. In the middle than that. They’ve gotten to know me better What’s your earliest memory of panto? of the scene in the second act, I went to open now, so that’s given me confidence because I was about five or maybe younger. My dad the door to say the babes had gone, and out they can see that there’s more talent there worked in a factory and for Christmas all of came Paul. Apparently I jumped about six than they thought. the kids were taken to the Palladium panto. feet in the air and laughed so much I couldn’t You’ve done a few celebrity things in the Danny La Rue was the star and I just fell in get my next line out. Paul just said, “Oh, I’m past, including MasterChef. Is there love with it. in the wrong place!” and walked off. Robin anything you wouldn’t do? Hood then came on with his Merry Men and And you’ve been performing in panto said my lines for me! I like to do things where you’re not just sit- yourself since the mid-’70s... ting around doing nothing, which is why I I think the first one I did was in 1976 at the The standard advice for performers is loved Strictly and enjoyed MasterChef Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury where I never work with children or animals - but enorm ously. I’m not a person who sits played a fairy. It was Sleepin g Beauty, the what about puppets? around at home. I’m good at talking, but I same as we’re doing this year. Well yes, we’ve done many shows where really like getting out and exercising and we’ve had puppet acts on, but I actually doing stuff. I think when you’re confined in Have you seen the artform and the wasn’t involved with them, so this is going to reality shows, in houses etc, it’s hard to have audience’s expectations change in that be a first for me. But I’ve worked with Sooty any kind of routine. time? before, and I know we get on very well. Yes, I have. In those days, everyone who was Are you watching this year’s Strictly? in a panto was a theatre performer. But now, You come across as a very hard-working, I’m watching it because I’m still in touch because it sells seats - and there’s nothing conscientious person - so what are your with all of them, and I’ve danced on and off wrong with it - there will be people from thoughts about working with Doreen with Giovanni over the year, dipping in and TOWIE or something like on the bill. People ‘Lazy Cow’ Tipton in this panto? out of his tour, so they’re all my mates now. who don’t necessarily understand theatre I’m sure that Doreen and I are goin g to get on Also I’ve got a podcast for the Telegraph, and performing and the tradition of panto. very well because she’s already shown me which I do every week. I go and record that It’s changed a lot, but I wouldn’t say for the that she’s got a great sense of humour. I love on Mondays, so I have to know what I’m worse because people go to see who they like laughter and a bit of fun, so I think we’ll hit it talking about. I’m absolutely loving watching watching on television. I think when I was off brilliantly. it. young, you didn’t need to have a name in Your panto character is always nice and Do you have any favourites this year, or panto; people just took their kids anyway. pure. If you could move over to ‘the dark anyone you feel will go the distance? Is pantomime more popular or less side’, is there a particular character you’d I really feel I can’t say because they’re all my popular than it used to be? like to play? friends - and obviously I’m biased towards I don’t know whether more people go, but I I don’t think I would make a good baddie - Giovanni because we’re such good friends know that pantomimes were much bigger I’m not suited to it. I’ve played fairies, the now. I just want him to do so well, but I think when my mother was a kid back in the 1950s Slave of th e Ring and, when I was younger, from the beginning this year there have been and ’60s. There were big companies - like Maid Marion or Cinderella. One of the things so many contestants who’ve been so good. Qdos, the one I’m working for in I love about playing the fairy is that although You’ve got to entertain the public and keep Wolverhampton this year and who really are I have to keep the story going, I can go up a standard of dance, which is why so one of the only ones that do big pantomimes off-script quite a lot without losing the plot many like the dark horse that takes over at now. I’m delighted to be working for them and have my giggly moments with the the last furlong to win. So I think it’s really because it reminds me of what my mum told audience. I’m very much an off-the-cuff per- difficult this year. There are so many who’re me about the pantos she went to see as a girl. former, so I know that’s going to happen good. They were huge. here, and it makes it more exciting for me as What would be your top tip for this year’s a role. Do you have a favourite performance celebrity contestants, having gone moment? Will we see some ‘Strict ly moments’? through the experience yourself? In panto I giggle a lot, so I have lots of those Yes, there will be some dancey moments, Just enjoy it. Do your best, put in the hours, moments that I can look back on and laugh let’s just say that! and when you go out there on a Saturday about, but the most memorable moment was night, love every minute of it. It’s your one Did the Strictly experience change you in about two years before I married Paul opportunity, and if you have a good time, the any way? (Daniels, the magician). audience has a good time too. In those days he didn’t do panto, and I was Strictly changed me in lots of different ways. playing Maid Marion in Babes In The Wood at It’s given me a lot more confidence. For such the Theatre Royal in Norwich. He told me a long time, people thought of me as an as- Sleeping Beauty shows at that he was at a magic convention in sistant, just walking on and off stage. If they Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Germany, but actually it had snowed and his saw Paul and me live, they’d realise there Sat 8 December until Sunday 13 January. was a lot more to me than just that - I became Food December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:33 Page 1 Food December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:33 Page 2

Food

The next dish was presented beautifully and featured three shells, each filled with a king scallop, some mushrooms, garlic and crispy chilli. The scallops were really tasty. However, they were also pan-fried, not deep- fried as per the menu. I was imagining a plate of tempura scallops or something similar. Perhaps the wording needs to be changed on the menu, as I'm sure I won’t be the only one left feeling a little disappointed. All in all it was a lovely dish, just not quite what I was expecting. To accompany the mains, we ordered a side of sticky rice and a Made In Thai noodle dish comprising yellow noodles with curry powder and mixed vegetables. I feel the £7.95 price tag for with light curry sauce, coconut this is a bit steep, considering REVIEW: Made In Thai milk and lime leaves - Pla Nueng you could order a chicken Pad - steamed sea bass with lemon- A taste of Bangkok in Wolverhampton Thai and a chicken special fried grass, lime juice, Thai herbs and rice for the same price. Flavour- chilli - Pra Rama Loong Soang - On a quiet and rainy Friday melt-in-the-mouth sensation and wise, however, there were no spicy nutty chicken with coconut evening in Wolverhampton, my boasted a substantial prawn lay- complaints. partner and I visited one of the ering, something you rarely see. in a creamy peanut and corian- To end our debut Made In Thai city’s most popular restaurants, It was the best prawn toast I've der sauce - and Chilli Lamb - stir- experience, we enjoyed a portion Made In Thai. eaten by some considerable dis- fried lamb with chilli and Thai of deep-fried ice cream. Made tance. The satay and the fish herbs. The Chef’s Special dishes Located in the city centre on Dar- from a breaded scoop of ice cake both followed suit and were are more expensive but sounded lington Street, the restaurant cream that’s quickly deep-fried, also the nicest I've enjoyed to more appealing to both my part- boasts a stand-out red-and-black creating a warm, crispy shell, it date - and I’ve visited Thailand! ner and I, so we chose our main frontage with a traditional Thai provided a tasty and enjoyable The fishcake was soft and burst- courses from this section. interior - think elephant statues, finale. dark wood tables & chairs and ing with stunning and comple- After much deliberation - the If you like Thai cuisine, I thor- green plants aplenty. Forget mentary Thai flavours, while the menu is so extensive and every- oughly recommend visiting Made Wolverhampton; you’ve been satay was just heavenly. thing sounded so delicious - we In Thai. From the polite service transported straight to Bangkok! We also ordered a soup each. My opted for a beef massaman curry and, mainly due to the fact that to the authentic decor and food, Choosing from an appetisers partner went for the chicken & we were both so intrigued, deep- it is, without doubt, one of menu including Hoy Obb - mushroom Tom Yum soup and I fried scallops served with crispy Wolverhampton’s best restau- steamed mussels with sweet opted for a prawn Tom Khar - a chilli, mushroom and garlic. I’ve rants - and one that I’ll certainly basil leaves and Thai herbs - spicy soup in coconut milk with never seen deep-fried scallops be visiting again in the future. Toong Tong - Thai golden bags lemongrass and galangal (a on a menu before. Lauren Foster with minced pork and prawn - plant from the ginger family). It and Taylay Tord - deep-fried was stunning - not the most aes- A firm favourite, the massaman Food: nnnnn seafood and vegetables served thetically pleasing of dishes but curry was extremely tasty and Service: nnnnn with sweet chilli sauce - we rich and flavoursome all the showcased strong roasted Ambience: nnnnn shared the Made In Thai platter - same. I was too busy enjoying peanut and tamarind flavours. Overall value nnnnn chicken satay, fish cake, veg- my soup to try the Tom Yum, but The beef was cooked perfectly OVERALL nnnnn etable spring rolls, prawn toast I was told it was also of an excep- and there was plenty of it, which and chicken wings in a red wine tionally high quality. is always a plus. I’m sure I speak Made In Thai sauce. The wings weren’t any- Towards the end of the menu, for many when I say that I'm al- 24 Darlington Street thing to shout out about, but the there’s a Chef’s Special section ways extremely disappointed Wolverhampton other items were genuinely which features more traditional when there isn’t enough of the WV1 4HW Tel: 01902 312512 among the most delicious I’ve Thai dishes such as Chu-Che main ingredient in the dish in tried. The prawn toast provided a Geoong - king prawns topped question.

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Project2_Layout 1 21/11/2018 19:42 Page 1

DINNER & DANCE MONDAYO 331 DECEMBERC 201820 8

3 Course Dinner & Dance Drinks Reception £39.95 per person from 7.30pm Party Classics in Spirit 3 course dinner at 8.30pm

Live Band in Havana Party until 4am!

BOOK ONLINE: www.thepeachtree.co.uk or call Steve on 01743 355055 or email [email protected] Food December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 15:33 Page 4

Food

A Victorian Christmas at Wolverhampton market Wolverhampton’s three-day Victorian Market takes place in Queen Square, Dudley Street and Lichfield Street from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 December. The event features more than 100 stalls selling unique and artisan goods, including colourful crafts, festive gifts and speciality food & drink. The market also hosts an original Victorian carousel and funfair rides, plus a huge variety of entertainment throughout the weekend.

Shropshire restaurant awarded prestigious Good Food accolade Bistro 7 Of Ludlow has won the 2019 Good Food Award. Based on nominations, votes and customer feedback, the restaurant demonstrated exceptional levels of food quality, service and value when compared to the industry benchmarks Slug & Lettuce to open in Wolverhampton this month in their category. Yates in Wolverhampton will this month re- A new and improved cocktail menu boasts a Everything at Bistro 7 Of Ludlow is open as popular bar chain Slug & Lettuce Sober Scene collection for customers watching homemade, with the menu including following a £600,000 revamp. their alcohol intake. Drinks featuring in the sirloin steak, roast rump of lamb and Slug & Lettuce offers an extensive range of collection include the refreshing Gordon’s Ultra confit duck leg. To book a table, visit world wines, beers and spirits, as well as ‘great Low Alcohol and the fruity Rekorderlig bistro7ofludlow.co.uk value’ deals for its customers. These include Strawberry & Lime Low Alcohol. Pornstar two-for-one cocktails all day every day, wine Martini Trees and Pimp Your Prosecco fizz from £12 on Wine Down Wednesdays and a bowls are also available. The exact opening Middleport Pottery bottle of Gancia Dry Prosecco at £13 on Fizz date of the venue is yet to be announced. For goes back to the past Fridays. The venue also serves quick snacks, more information, visit Staffordshire’s Middleport Pottery is breakfasts, nibbles and full-on three-course slugandlettuce.co.uk/wolverhampton hosting a Victorian Christmas Market meals. on Sunday 16 December. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, roasted chestnuts and a hog roast Shrewsbury’s Hencote Vineyard launches new restaurant whilst creating their own gifts and Shrewsbury’s Hencote Vineyard has opened a decorations. new restaurant following a major expansion. Stoke-on-Trent Accordion Band and With a focus on contemporary and locally carol singers will be in attendance at sourced ingredients, The View At Hencote’s the event, playing their part in creating menu features dishes including whole wood a suitably festive atmosphere. pigeon with ras el hanout, charcoal A visit to the venue’s steam engine is mayonnaise & fermented kale, lamb kofta with sure to keep the kids entertained - as warm buttermilk and mint oil, and ember- will Father Christmas’s two-hour roasted scallop with Jerusalem artichokes and afternoon drop-in from midday until hazelnut. 2pm. Alongside the vineyard and restaurant, Entry to the Victorian market is £3, with Hencote also provides private accommodation under-threes gaining free admission. for families, groups and special celebrations, All activities are free, and entry and extensive grounds and marquees for includes access to all heritage areas. weddings.

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Jimmy Osmond.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2018 17:05 Page 1

Jimmy Osmond Hooked on panto and enjoying being One Bad Apple in Peter Pan! Jimmy Osmond.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2018 17:05 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

If you’re 50 or older, your earliest memory of Jimmy Osmond will probably be when he appeared on television screens in the early 1970s, a chubby-faced nine-year-old belting out the chart-topping number for which he remains most famous, the classic Long Haired Lover From Liverpool. Thirty-six years later and with a varied career behind him - including reality TV show appearances on series including I’m A Celebrity - he’s reaching for the stick-on moustache to star as Captain Hook in Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime production of Peter Pan. What’s On caught up with him to find out more...

You have a reputation for being a really many have really understood it. I just love it. me grow up on the old variety shows, but nice guy, Jimmy, so what’s the appeal of I'm here about six months a year, so I feel like when you hit the stage, if you have any touch playing a villainous character like Captain I'm British. points with people, you make instant friends. Hook in pantomime? It’s a really special thing that you can only do Can you recall your first pantomime? Oh, I love it. This is my eighth panto. It took after being around a long time - like an old me a while to convince them that I really I’d just got out of the jungle - I hadn’t known penny like me who keeps showing up, right? wanted to be a baddie. This is my third time anything about the jungle, so that was quite What’s your all-time favourite panto, and being a baddie, and my favourite baddie is an experience! - and the next thing I knew I if you could play any other character, this, Captain Hook. I put in the teeth, put on was getting thrown into my first pantomime. which would you choose? the moustache, and you don’t even recognise It was in Northampton, it was Cinderella, and me when I’m done. I played Buttons - it was a great production. I My favourite panto character is what I'm thought, wow, I really like this. I love being doing, by far. My favourite panto is the What’s your favourite Hook moment? booed - you wouldn’t think that, but being biggest panto of all, which is also what we’re I haven’t seen the actual script yet, but I booed is like the greatest compliment of them doing, right here at Birmingham Hippo- know about some amazing effects that we’re all. When you look out into an audience and drome! I’ve been here before. I’ve done going to do. My favourite moments are you see a cross-section of people and they’re Chicago and Grease and I've done my own singing my hit records, but we twist them a all having fun, it’s great. These pantomimes concerts here. This is such a pro theatre - bit. Instead of Crazy Horses, it’s Crazy Pirates are written so intelligently that they speak to they really care about the community, and etc. I think part of pantomime is learning to every demographic, and the effects are amaz- when you see the set and the effects, they re- make fun of yourself a bit, to have a laugh ing too. It’s great fun just to be a part of it. ally blow your mind. I just have to keep and to push yourself - it’s a very physical People forget their troubles for a couple of pinching myself with my hook that I’m going show, this one. hours. It’s not a job, it’s just great fun. Two to be eaten by a crocodile the size of Mount shows a day, 70-something shows here in Rushmore! That’s pretty cool. Qdos do such How does prepping for panto differ from Birmingham - it’s a lot, and you can’t fake it; an amazing job producing these shows along any of your other stage roles? you have to love it, and I really do. with Birmingham Hippodrome. It really is an I’ve done a lot of musical theatre, so I’m used honour to be a part of the biggest pantomime You’ve appeared on numerous reality TV to learning scripts. I grew up doing these in the UK. How did that happen?! shows, including, as you mentioned, I’m A slapstick comedy bits on the Andy Williams Celebrity... Which show best revealed the What are your plans for the future? television series. There was a lot of music and real you, and did you learn anything about tap dancing and all that stuff, and that’s Some more of my ’70s jukebox shows - yourself in the process? what panto is, so that’s why I think I'm one of they’re great fun. I'm a ’70s guy and I can’t the only Americans who gets it. People ask me why I take those chances, and seem to shake it - nor do I want to, because I you know what - I've learned something love all that music. People come along and What’s the general American consensus every time I've done them. They’ve all been they’re dressed all fancy. I own a theatre in on this very British tradition? different. Pop Star To Opera Star, I’m A America - it’s a 2,100-seat theatre, the Andy I tried panto in America, just as a test, and Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Masterchef Williams Theatre - and I produce around 400 wow, we had to tell them that they had to boo - they were the top three for me. During every shows a year. I'm in around 100 to 150 of when the baddie comes out and stuff. That’s one of those, I made friendships that have them. It’s a lot, but I love what I do! I never what the amazing thing about playing Birm- lasted. The rule I have is that you never go on thought showbiz would last for me. I started ingham is - it’s the biggest panto in the world one of those shows with anything to sell. I when I was three and here I still am, doing really, and you guys, and me too, were raised think if you do, you compromise who you new, fresh, fun things. I think I’m hooked… on panto, so we get it. It’s in our DNA, and are. It’s been great for me because when I do you can’t force that. There’s been a few of my a concert tour, like I'm doing now before the American friends who get it, like David Has- panto, I get touch points from people of all Peter Pan shows at Birmingham selhoff and The Fonz, Henry Winkler - he was ages. Somebody may have watched me on Hippodrome from Wed 19 December to Captain Hook a couple of times - but not Masterchef, someone else may have watched Sun 27 January Peter Pan panto Brum Hipp.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 15:02 Page 1 OFF TO NEVERLAND! Peter Pan panto Brum Hipp.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 15:02 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Yes, it’s that time of year again... when Birmingham Hippodrome outdoes itself by presenting a ‘bigger and better than ever’ pantomime production! On this occasion, the theatre’s festive offering is based around JM Barrie’s classic story of Peter Pan. What’s On caught up with the show’s director, Michael Harrison, and panto favourite Matt Slack to find out more....

The boy who never grew up and his pesky same as Matt Slack being brilliant at what he you’d expect, and they want to laugh prop- pixie sidekick, Tinkerbell, make a welcome does. They’re no different talent-wise, it’s just erly too. That’s why it’s not just cheesy old return to Birmingham Hippodrome this that they operate in different ways.” pantomime here. We like to keep it modern Christmas. Audiences can expect to be and fresh for everyone. I think this is the Michael also believes it’s essential that the whisked off to Neverland with Wendy, John number-one venue for pantomime, and I show’s comedy stars, like Matt, have the op- and Michael Darling, to share in adventures hope I keep coming back for many more portunity to contribute to the creative pro- awash with pirates and liberally sprinkled years. It’s incredible that I’ve had the oppor- cess: “It’s vitally important that Matt is with fairy dust. tunity to create the following that I’ve got involved every step of the way because a here, and from my point of view, what’s not “A panto has to be like a great big glossy vari- panto is about two things: magic and com- to like? I come out and whatever I do, they ety show,” explains Peter Pan’s director, edy. I can take care of the magic with plan- love! That kind of popularity is just a great Michael Harrison. “We have to put on a pro- ning the special effects, sets and lighting. But privilege - I’m very lucky.” duction we know the audience will want to the comedy has to come from the performers, see. They want to laugh, be wowed by special so it’s vital that their input is there. I have to Matt also doesn’t mind working over Christ- effects and dazzled by scenery. This does look at the overall structure of the perfor- mas: “Some people would say it’s unfortu- mean bending and crafting the story - there’s mance, but Matt will come to me with new nate that our busiest time is the festive not a magical mermaid in the original, for in- routines or changes and I see what we can do period, but personally speaking, it allows me stance. There was no acrobatic troop in Nev- with placement.” to have time off in the summer. I’d rather be erland either, but in our show we have the working hard in the theatre when it’s cold Some of pantomime’s finest moments are Timbuktu Tumblers. There might have been a weather to make families’ Christmases extra born out of the rehearsal process and added drunken pirate somewhere on board Captain special. I like being a part of their traditions.” to the show at the eleventh hour - as Matt Hook’s ship, but he wasn’t doing acrobatics Slack explains: “That kind of adrenaline-fu- Birmingham Hippodrome makes the magic of on the deck like Sascha Williams - who was a elled pressure does sometimes make the best pantomime suitable for all when it hosts a re- Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist - will be.” stuff. Interesting ideas can pop into my head laxed performance on Wednesday 23 January. Michael freely admits that when it comes to at any point, whether it be September during On this particular day, the show will be spe- producing a pantomime, he’s not the biggest rehearsals or the start of December in the cially adapted to cater for people with an fan of JM Barrie’s classic adventure: “I’ve put dress runs. Like last year, when I did the Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and off doing Peter Pan because I’ve never really dance-off with Danny Mack - which proved to communication disorders or a learning dis- liked the story. I don’t like the section start- be a massive hit with the audience - it took a ability. ing off in the nursery because it always long time to really ‘feel’ it. You can’t really “It means a lot to me because I have an autis- seemed a bit like a school play. Instead, put performances like that on paper. They tic nephew,” says Matt. “I know how hard it we’ve done the whole nursery section on come from bouncing off each other in re- is for a family to bring an autistic child to the film. It’s all projections that show going hearsals.” theatre. It’s great that we create a space through the nursery window and seeing the This year, Matt plays Captain Hook’s right- where they won’t be frowned upon for shout- children. Then we set the story on the roof, hand man, Smee - but Matt’s version of the ing out or moving around. We don’t adapt and that’s where Peter Pan comes in with character comes with a twist: “Smee is al- that much of the performance. We just get on Tinkerbell to meet the kids before they fly off ways Captain Hook’s sidekick. In our version, with it and let the audience members do to Neverland.” Mr Smee happens to work for the Darlings what they have to do. It’s important that the Another key aspect of any pantomime’s suc- and follows them to Neverland to watch over performance isn’t patronising; they’re not cess is choosing the right performers. This them. It just so happens that when he lands stupid, they just need that space to feel com- year sees the return of Hippodrome favourite there, the first person he meets is Captain fortable in the theatre. All we do really is just Matt Slack alongside comedy writer and ac- Hook, but he spends the show going back change lighting, maybe remove some sound tress Meera Syal, Union J star Jaymi Hensley, and checking the kids are okay. For my status here and there, or add some extra explana- and the legendary Jimmy Osmond. here at the Hippodrome, I’ve got to be the tion in the performances. They do it so well good guy. What’s really exciting about Smee here, and it’s so successful. I think it’s the “The best people in pantomime are those is that he’s a swashbuckling adventurer, and nicest day of the whole run and, certainly for who’re funny by just being an extension of I slot into that role very well. It’s almost like me, the most rewarding.” themselves,” says Michael. “If you put on a Smee is partly just me and partly a perfor- funny voice or do a naff walk, it never really mance, so that’s fun.” works. Funny is at its best when it’s real. Per- forming in a panto is an art form - it’s no dif- Matt is thrilled that he’s able to return to Peter Pan shows at Birmingham ferent to being an opera singer or ballet Birmingham Hippodrome year after year: Hippodrome from Wednesday 19 dancer. For example, Mark Rylance is bril- “It’s a lovely venue for comedy. There are al- December to Sunday 27 January. liant at what he does at the Globe; that’s the ways many more adults in the audience than Elf FP Dec 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 17:17 Page 1 GIGS December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 17:10 Page 2

Gigs

Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 December Jools Holland and his acclaimed Rhythm & Blues Orchestra return to Symphony Hall for Christmas, this time alongside Marc Almond (pictured). Ex-Soft Cell frontman Almond has sold over 30 million records worldwide during his 36- year career, enjoying hits with, among other songs, Touch, Say Hello, Wave Goodbye and the ever-popular Tainted Love. Jools Holland’s well-established BBC TV series has long been an eclectic mixture of styles and genres, showcasing music from across the world. His own ability on the piano is nothing short of immense. Also performing on this annual UK tour are Urban Folk Quartet Middle-Eastern melodies to afrobeat and supremely talented vocalists Ruby Turner north Indian rhythms. and Louise Marshall. Original Squeeze Stafford Gatehouse, Sat 15 December They tug their collective forelock in the member Gilson Lavis is on drums for the The Urban Folk Quartet are like no other direction of more traditional folk music too, Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. folk band. With Birmingham’s vibrant and describing their sound as fiddle-led and diverse music scene having a significant drawing heavily on celtic dance forms and influence on their work, they dabble in all traditional song. kinds of sounds, from funk grooves and

Knight & Spiers Roni Size Lichfield Guildhall, Sat 15 December The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Fri 28 December When Peter Knight - legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span - British record producer and DJ Roni Size joined forces with John Spiers - leading came to prominence in 1997 as founder and melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead leader of drum & bass collective Reprazent. member - for a special one-off gig at the Although a Mercury Prize win for his New 2016 edition of FolkEast Festival, their Forms album brought him to the forefront of performance left audiences awestruck. dance music news, Roni still managed to Def Leppard The rest, as they say, is history... maintain underground credibility - despite Arena Birmingham, Mon 17 December Their Lichfield performance incorporates winning Brit awards and collaborating with Forming in Sheffield in 1977, Def Leppard seasonal music gathered from the English some of the biggest names in hip-hop. have sold more than 100 million albums tradition and beyond. Local drum & bass promoters Perception worldwide and become one of rock’s most bring him to The Buttermarket this month, influential bands. for what will be his Shropshire club debut. Their Birmingham show sees them play Bad Manners much-loved album Hysteria in its entirety, The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 27 December with various other hits thrown in for good Long in the tooth they may be, but English 2 measure. Tone ska wizards Bad Manners still command a significant following around the globe. Very much a novelty act - courtesy, in the main, of the on-stage antics of bald- headed frontman Buster Bloodvessel - they spent the early 1980s vying for chart positions with fellow ska revival bands Madness, The Specials and The Selecter. Hit albums include Gosh It's... Bad Manners, Loonee Tunes! and Ska’n’B.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Derren Litten.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2018 09:34 Page 1

Benidorm in Brum

British sitcom Benidorm has been enjoyed by TV audiences for over ten years. Featuring a cast of holidaymakers and staff at the Solana all-inclusive hotel, Benidorm received two National Television Awards for Most Popular Comedy Programme in 2008 and 2011 before sadly ending after its tenth series in May earlier this year. However, series creator and writer Derren Litten has adapted his much-loved TV show for stage which is currently touring the UK until April 2019. Ahead of its Christmas run at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham, Litten talks to us about the success of the TV show and what audiences can expect from the stage show. Derren Litten.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2018 09:34 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

What inspired you to pen the original What’s the reason behind bringing it to accepted. We didn’t just work together in series of Benidorm? the stage? Benidorm, we lived together so we’re very I never had any aspirations to write and It seemed a natural progression. A lot of close. Like any other family, we love and hate hadn’t written before when I was approached shows historically have done it including each other. It’s very sad to think that at the to write some material for Catherine Tate’s Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served? and Hi- end of the tour in Canterbury, that will be it. Edinburgh show, who was my best mate at De-Hi and have had very successful summer Is there any possibility of ITV bosses drama school. Following this, I went on to seasons. We have been trying for five or six having a re-think and us seeing a new write and perform in Catherine’s TV show. It years to bring it to the stage. In series three, series of Benidorm on our TV screens was after the second series that legendary we were first asked but the producers wanted anytime soon? comedy producer Geoffrey Perkins asked me to play in arenas and I wasn’t keen on that I don’t know. The thing is, television loves a to write my own sitcom. I definitely didn’t idea. People have watched the show on TV comeback. Birds of a Feather came back after want to do ‘The Derren Litten Show’ but he for ten years so why sit at the back of an ten years or so but if I wait that long, some of asked me to pen a comedy narrative…I didn’t aircraft hangar and watch it on the TV again! this lot will be dead! I’d never say never but I really know what that meant at the time but I And what’s been the most challenging doubt it. It would be lovely to say that the started writing a sketch about two middle- aspect of bringing it to the stage? DVD box set is out now with ten series aged swingers from Middlesborough. It was displayed in a lovely suitcase. For the stage funny but a bit dull basing them in their I didn’t really think of it as a challenge show, I specifically didn’t want the living room in an obscure suburban house initially but once I’d finished the script, a lot production to be filmed because part of the having their swingers AGM so I thought I’d of people asked how on earth we were going enjoyment is that it is a theatre show, not a better set it somewhere a bit more exotic. It to do it. People who have seen the show said television show and you would lose about shows you how my mind works that I didn’t that before it started, they never imagined 50% of being in the theatre within touching set it somewhere like Barbados! I originally how it would work but it just does. I have distance of the cast and enjoying it in the set it round a swimming pool - not in made a living as a writer for the last ten years way it was intended. I think it probably might Benidorm - just a generic all-inclusive - one show is luck but ten is a bit more than be the end but don’t cry that it’s ended, smile package holiday location. I had not been to that. I don’t deny the success of the show but because it happened. Benidorm at this point but had heard lots I don’t know how it all happened! about it. I also like the single word Is there a particular character with whom Tell us about your cameo appearance in ‘Benidorm’ with the number of syllables so you empathise most? the show? that’s the reason I called it as such. I wrote I play Derek Pickles, also known as gay two episodes and then when ITV It’s got to be Pauline, who is Johnny Vegas’ character’s sister. When I created her, I got Derek, who has been mentioned in the show commissioned it, I thought I’d better go and throughout the years. Jacqueline always see what it’s all about! completely obsessed! I once drove to a garage and found some chocolate brazil nuts and I spoke about Big Donna and Gay Derek, Who was the first character/family that remember thinking Pauline would love these. characters you don’t see like Captain you created? So I went home with a load, opened a bottle Mainwaring’s wife in Dad’s Army. I like the idea of characters who you form a picture of Donald and Jacqueline. I told Geoffrey of vodka and started watching a true crime in your own mind. Big Donna’s ashes were (Perkins) about them and he asked me to channel thinking of her doing the same brought to Benidorm for Donald and imagine who else would be around the pool thing! I’ve never been method in acting or Jacqueline to scatter but we’ve never seen so I thought back to some rubbish holidays writing but I did get a little obsessed with Gay Derek and he’s quite an important role we’d had as kids and went from there. The her. She says very inappropriate things, throughout the show. next characters I created were the posh mainly fuelled by alcohol and regret! couple, Martin and Kate, who had come to Just how close is the stage show to the Where’s your favourite holiday the wrong place for their holiday. I thought screen? destination? they would be most horrified by this grubby Well, obviously Benidorm! I’ve got a house pair of middle-aged swingers! It’s very close, having six of the main characters taking part. One of the key things about 15 minutes away and I go there a lot. I Why do you think the series remained so that I was worried about was the design. I bought it about five years in to writing the popular for so long? needn’t have though because our designer, series and I love it. I enjoy being close to the madness but also a short taxi ride away! I don’t know. If I knew the secret, I’d write Mark Walters, has created the most ingenious However, Benidorm is like my second home another one! Well I’m trying to actually at the set. When you watch a touring show, you so my favourite holiday destination is moment. I’ll tell you what I thought the don’t expect revolves etc but we have one! probably New York. I’ve always felt I could secret was and I was completely wrong. If the One minute you’re in reception, characters live there but if I spent as much money as I show ran for more than one series, I thought come on dancing with beach balls and usually do there on holiday, I’d be bankrupt I’d change the characters; stick with the one towels, they disperse and you’re in the within a month! family perhaps but change all the others. hairdressers, Blow’n’Go. It’s seamless and so However after the first series, I found out the slick. characters were so popular that in the end, And how much persuading was needed to we just brought them all back! For ten years, get the stars from the show to pack their we kept most of the same characters and not cases and head out on the road? one person has ever questioned why the Benidorm Live runs at the Alexandra Very little. I drew up a list of people I wanted characters return for their holiday in the Theatre from Monday 3 - Saturday 29 to be in it and I knew vaguely what the story same week each year. As long as they are December having fun watching, they don’t seem to was going to be about but was ready to adapt mind. if they weren’t available. However, they all Pinocchio (for online mag).qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 15:06 Page 1

Pinocchio comes to

lAcaidefmye stu defntos joinr pro fCessionhals inr a niews festivem-seasona prosduc!tion Pinocchio (for online mag).qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 15:06 Page 2

by Diane Parkes

Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre was created to at least one of the songs and some of the your school for a week, but you learn foster new talent - and now, more than 100 movements - our ‘armography’, as we call it. something very different when you’re putting years after it opened, the historic venue is I remember when we did Treasure Island, so on a show for weeks and weeks. That’s when showcasing a Christmas production by local many of the schoolchildren came dressed as you learn about stamina and commitment - performing-arts students. pirates. They will be able to get involved and and you need that if you want to work in Birmingham Ormiston Academy’s (BOA) dance along to Pinocchio - but I’m not sure theatre. Most of the students are in their first fourth festive-season show at the Old Rep is a what they’ll be wearing!” year, and this really sets them up for the new musical adaptation of classic children’s Launched in 2011, BOA is an independent future. This will probably be the first long tale Pinocchio. Opening on 17 November and state-funded academy which specialises in run they’ll have done.” running until 30 December, the production creative, digital and performing art s. Alec played Ratty in the BOA production of features 24 students, five professional actors Sponsored by the Ormiston Trust and Wind In The Willows, and the Mad Hatter in and a team of production staff. Birmingham City University, it runs courses Alice In Wonderland. BOA’s Christmas shows - they’ve previously for around 1,000 students from across “I hop between acting and directing, ” he produced Treasure Island, Wind In The Birmingham and the West Midlands. says. “If there’s a character who would be fun Willows and Alice In Wonderland - are a key “Our work with the Old Rep is a process,” to play, then I act, but if there’s a story that I component of the Academy’s strategy for explains Gaynor. “We’ve done a five-year think I would really like to tell, I step back giving young people opportunities to be on development plan and we’re reaching the and direct.” stage and experience live theatre. And where fifth year, so we will now revisit that plan. Pinocchio is one such story - the tale of a better to present their productions than in We’re definitely on a journey, and would like wooden puppet who wants to be a real child. one of the UK’s most revered theatre s? to look at opportunities for involving more “To me, Pinocchio is the perfect story for this young people in live performances at the Old Formerly managed by Birmingham City theatre,” says Alec. “If you asked a young Rep.” Council, the Old Rep was opened in 1913 by child to draw a theatre, they would pretty Sir Barry Jackson as the home for The venue also holds a special place in the much draw the Old Rep’s auditorium. The Birmingham Repertory Company. The venue heart of Pinocchio director Alec Fellows- idea of a story where toys come to life and it’s came under BOA’s management four years Bennett: “I go back 25 years, if not more, with all make-believe is the perfect story for a ago and is providing students with the the Old Rep, back to the days when the main classic theatre like this one.” chance to tread the same boards as Peter Rep Theatre ran its stage school there. I And, he adds, if audiences are coming Brook, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft. attended from about the age of 11. As soon as expecting the famous Disney movie on stage, I learned the venue was back in the hands of “When we took over the running of the Old they’re in for a real surprise. Rep in 2014, the theatre was dark most of the a producing theatre company, ie BOA, I “The show treads the line between a year but did have a Christmas show,” says wan ted to come back. ‘Disneyfication’ of Pinocchio and a BOA’s executive principal and CEO, Gaynor “The link with the Academy chimes with the ‘pantofication’ of the story. It’s not silly, but Cheshire. “We really wanted to make it a ethos of the Old Rep. When Barry Jackson it’s also not had the hard er bits taken out. It vibrant space and introduce young people to built the theatre, he built it as a training keeps the story and its moral. What we really the theatre, both on stage and in audiences. ground for young talent, so a large wanted to do was pick out the key things that educational establishment using the Old Rep “Our four Christmas shows have given our emphasise the moral journey that Pinocchio as a place where new students and students the opportunity to be involved in goes on in this story - ideas about free will, performers can learn from professionals productions with 60 to 70 performances, and making your own decisions, blindly makes for a perfect match.” in a theatre which is a real gem in the city.” following others, being overly cynical. There Students double up on roles, with two people Alec is determined to ensure that the are characters to represent all of these things, playing each part but in different casts. They students are at the heart of his production of and they take Pinocchio off on a definite also have opportunities to contribute to the Pinocchio: “The young people are integral to moral journey.” the show - they’re not simply a chorus. Every technical elements of the show, and to gain While Alec is prou d to be working with BOA single actor has at least one character they’re experience in marketing and social media. students, he has this message for potential following all the way through. They aren’t “What’s important is that youngsters have audiences. there just to support the professional cast; the chance to work with professional actors, they’re part of the cast. “What I would say to audience members is a professional director, a professional not to think of this Pinocchio as a ‘student “There’s no other organisation I know of that choreographer, a professional musical performance’. It’s a professional show, in the does what BOA is doing in such a fully director and other professional roles, ” says centre of the city, in a very well-respected integrated way, where the students form part Gaynor. “This is an opportunity offered by theatre, and there’s nothing going onto that of the company. I know there are lots of BOA each Christmas, but it’s also about stage that says ‘school’ or ‘college’ show. As shows where they have children or young giving the wider community the opportunity far as we’re all concerned, this is a people in the cast, but it’s not to the same to see good-quality theatre. More than 45,000 professional show wher e many of the cast level as this show.” young people have come to see our Christmas happen to be students. And it’s a Christmas shows over the past three years, so these And the youngsters also gain valuable musical which audiences will enjoy.” productions are about the audience and experience from being involved in a run of community as well. nearly eight weeks...

“We hold workshops for schools which have “It's a professional run,” says Alec. “You Pinocchio shows at the Old Rep, bought tickets, so their children get to learn learn an awful lot when you put on a show in Birmingham, until Sunday 30 December. Classical December Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 17:01 Page 1 Classical December Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 17:01 Page 2

Classical

Lichfield Cathedral Chorus: Haydn Creation Lichfield Cathedral, Sat 8 December Lichfield Cathedral Chorus, under the baton of Musical Director Ben Lamb, is here joined by the Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra and soloists for a performance of Haydn’s life-affirming oratorio, The Creation - a work depicting and celebrating the beginning of the world as described in the Book of Genesis. Widely considered to be the defining com- position of Haydn’s career, the oratorio is routinely praised for its musical colour, adventurous harmonies, rhythmic inven- tiveness and fantastic tunes.

Ex Cathedra: Christmas Music By Candlelight St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 1 December; Hereford Cathedral, Wed 5 December; St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Fri 7 December; St John’s Church, Hagley, B’ham, Tues 11 December; St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Tues 18 - Sat 22 December What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by enjoying an evening in the company of one of the country’s finest choral music ensembles? Under the directorship of its founder, Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this month presenting its annual and atmospheric Christmas Music By Candlelight event, an evening that features festive favourites from around the globe and across the ages, interspersed with a variety of seasonal readings.

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Handel’s London Concert Messiah Orchestra: Christmas Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 14 December Shrewsbury Abbey, Classics The BBC Philharmonic are no strangers to Hanley, regu- Sat 22 December larly visiting from their base in Salford’s MediaCityUK. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Shropshire Charity Con- Alongside their Potteries appearances, they also per- Fri 21 December certs’ December perfor- form an annual season of concerts at Manchester’s The City of Birmingham Choir and the mance of Handel’s Bridgewater Hall, and have most of their output broad- London Concert Orchestra team up to pre- magnificent choral master- cast on Radio Three. sent a programme of ‘seasonal classics piece is a well-established This latest Stoke-on-Trent visit sees the orchestra pre- and glorious carols’. element of the Midlands’ senting a programme featuring music by Mozart, Adrian Lucas picks up the baton for a con- festive music scene. Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens and Beethoven. cert that includes performances of Once In a Christmas nutshell, The conductor is Ben Gernon; the soloist, Leonard In Royal David's City, The First Nowell, the work compresses the Elschenbroich (pictured). Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Old Testament prophesies Good King Wenceslas. of Jesus’ life into two-and- Gruber’s Silent Night, Wilberg’s Joy To a-half hours and sets it to The World and Darke’s In The Bleak Mid- timeless and sublime winter also feature - as does celebrated music. baritone William Dazeley. The concert is presented by Shrewsbury School Community Choir, performing alongside talented soloists and an orchestra consisting largely of ex- music scholars from Shrewsbury School. John Moore conducts. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Alexandra F/P December 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 16:24 Page 1 Comedy December 2018 -2.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 15:36 Page 2

Comedy

David O’Doherty Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 6 December “Unhook your mindbras,” says David O’Do- herty. “I’m back on tour with a brand new show made up of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986.” David’s jokes include: “I like the Ten Command- ments but have a problem with the ninth. It should be: ‘Thou shalt not covet thy neigh- bour's ox - except in Scrabble’.”

The Harry & Chris Show Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 13 December Family-friendly fellas Harry Baker and Chris Read combine ‘humour, melody, poetry and best-matery’ to excellent effect. Presenting what they refer to as comedy- jazz-rap, the pair blend catchy tunes and clever wordplay to sing songs about subjects ranging from panda repopu- COBO: Live & Unleashed The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 18 December lation to television’s Now here’s a show that should help get you season edition. Taking to the stage on this Robot Wars. in the Christmas spirit. COBO, standing for occasion are Dane Baptiste (pictured), Lateef Comedy Of Black Origin, makes a welcome Lovejoy, Mickey Sharma and Marion Davis. Tamsyn Kelly return to the Glee Club with a special festive- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 7 December She may not be the finished article, but Barbara Nice’s Tom Wrigglesworth Tamsyn Kelly is certainly one to watch - as Christmas Cracker Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, this currently touring show ably illustrates. Wed 5 December Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 4 December; Entitled Tamsyn Kelly: You’re Welcome, it MAC, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Sun 16 December Whimsical storytelling and twisted logic, features the Cornish comedian appearing as stylishly wrapped in some elegant flour- all manner of quirky characters, including ishes of language, are the lifeblood of Tom an East European performance artist and a Wrigglesworth’s highly rated act. mouthy cockney estate agent. Yorkshire-born Tom made a big splash at The show scored a major hit at this sum- the Edinburgh Fringe a few years back, mer’s Edinburgh Fringe. since which time he’s been ploughing all the Tamsyn’s jokes include: “I'm from Cornwall usual comedy furrows, particularly those - like, way out in the sticks. Which is con- available on BBC venient as that's also our currency.” Radio Four. Fellow comedian Sukh Ojla is the other half Likened by the of the double bill for this Coventry gig. Guardian to Mark Thomas in the way he crusades for Everybody’s favourite Kings Heath housewife social justice, makes a welcome return to light up the fes- ‘albeit in a tive season. As well as containing more jokes more homely than you’d find in an oversized yuletide gag- fashion’, Tom bag (does such a thing actually exist?), is here sharing Barbara’s festive shows usually feature a the bill with tombola and raffle, no shortage of mince Dana Alexan- pies, and even the odd special guest or two. der.

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The Nutcracker Sir Peter Wright’s festive classic returns to the Hippodrome

Created in 1990, Sir Peter Wright’s produc- the Royal Ballet School, I was involved in pressure. At this point in the ballet, it’s tion of The Nutcracker is considered by its production of The Nutcracker at the Clara's first chance to rest. Clara is on stage many to be the finest ever interpretation of Royal Opera House. Every performance for the entirety of the ballet and only dis- Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmeris- was just as magical as the previous one, appears when she 'turns into' the Sugar ing score. and Clara quickly became one of my dream Plum Fairy. Each of the roles comes with In true Christmas spirit, the story follows a roles. I found everything happening in the its own challenges. Clara has to maintain young girl named Clara as she’s swept up ballet just as magical as she does, and the energy and sense of wonder for the in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow that’s the same feeling I get every time I whole show, and Sugar Plum must appear fairies, magic and mystery, before finally return to the role. out of nowhere near the end and deliver a being transformed into a beautiful highly demanding pas de deux. The tutu ballerina. Which is your favourite scene? for Sugar Plum is possibly the prettiest What’s On recently caught up with three of costume I’ve ever worn. It's stunning. Act One, the pas de deux between Clara the dancers playing the ballet’s main and her prince. There’s a lot of drama on characters to find out more... Do you watch or speak to other dancers stage before this moment, with the tree performing Clara or the Sugar Plum growing and King Rat appearing from the Fairy to get inspiration for your fireplace. The battle scene between the interpretation? Karla Doorbar from Stoke rats and soldiers creates a lot of tension. When I first danced these roles, I did of Then suddenly the stage is empty and alternates between playing course take inspiration from the other Clara is left alone with the Prince. Every- Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy... dancers in the company. They’re all amaz- thing is quiet, and at this point in the bal- ing! I also noticed how different everybody As a young dancer growing up in Stoke, let I always feel overcome with emotion. is. Apart from getting the steps right, I did you ever dream that you would one The music for pas de deux is gorgeous. think it's important to find your own way day perform a principal role for BRB? of telling the story. During the run, you play both Clara and The very first ballet I saw was Sir Peter the Sugar Plum Fairy - obviously on Wright's production of The Nutcracker at What’s your favourite Christmas different nights. What are the main the Hippodrome. A friend of mine was tradition? differences between these two roles? dancing as one of the young children in Winter time and Christmas is my favourite Whereas for Clara I would very much put the party scene, and I remember so badly time of year! The Christmas lights and the story first, for Sugar Plum your tech- wanting to be on that stage too. I didn't trees make everywhere look beautiful. And nique has to be flawless. Sugar Plum does- even know it was possible. It was magical like most people, I like to spend Christmas n't actually appear until nearly the end of back then, and now here I am trying to with my family. recreate the same magic myself... Whilst at Act Two, and so that in itself adds to the

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having had the rest of the ballet to build The Nutcracker is the first ballet many up to it. It’s very physically demanding, people see, especially children. What’s even though it’s short. the audience reaction like during the show? Is it important to you to inspire You’ve been performing this role for future generations of dancers and several years. How has your approach ballet lovers? changed over time? The audience feels more involved for The It’s always different, especially with differ- Nutcracker, just because of the time of ent partners, but the one thing that hasn’t year. People like to celebrate Christmas changed is that it never gets easier. There’s together, and I can feel that from the always something technical to work on, audience, as well as from my fellow but I try to add to the character each year. dancers on stage. A video of this version of It’s impossible to reach perfection - it’s still The Nutcracker was the first ballet I ever a work in progress, even though I’ve saw, and that really inspired me to become Principal Momoko Hirata danced it so many times. a ballet dancer, so I would be happy if plays the Sugar Plum Fairy some of the audience who come to watch on the nights that Karla What’s your pre-show routine like, the show here feel the same way I did. Doorbar is playing Clara from doing your make-up to warming up and putting on the costume? What’s your favourite Christmas tradition? What’s your biggest challenge when I don’t really have a routine, but I do like to dancing the role of the Sugar Plum feel the stage before the show, so I warm I’m from Japan, where we don’t really have Fairy? up on stage even if I’m not on until Act a Christmas tradition, but I like it when Two, like in The Nutcracker. As soon as I they start to play Christmas music on the

I would say The Nutcracker is not like any put my costume on, I feel like I become the television and in shops. Sometimes you other full-length ballet. In The Nutcracker, character, and that’s where the concentra- hear some music from The Nutcracker and

you go straight into the pas de deux, which tion starts to become more focused. that makes me happy. is normally the technical peak, without I remember so badly wanting to be on“ that stage too. I didn't even know it was possible. It was magical back then, and now here I am trying to “ recreate the same magic myself Karla Doorbar The first time I danced the Nutcracker That’s the difficult part of the role because Prince I was very excited to perform this technically it’s very demanding. famous role from the ballet repertoire. Even now, after I’ve done different ver- Why do you think audiences love sions of the ballet, it’s always nice to get The Nutcracker so much? back to it. I think audiences must love the beautiful dancing, beautiful music and costumes. What’s your favourite part of And also, when The Nutcracker is on, it The Nutcracker? means that Christmas is coming. In this version, my favourite part is the first entrance of the Nutcracker Prince What’s your favourite thing about after the battle. You are alone with just Christmas? Clara on stage, with this beautiful music, Well, I love to be with my family, but and all the magic starts to happen. because that’s not possible this year, I would say that my favourite thing is to be The Nutcracker Prince dances with with my closest friends, my dogs, having Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. What’s lovely food and being by the fire. Principal César Morales is it like dancing with these two characters? What are the main differences be- the Nutcracker Prince tween each pas de deux? What was your first experience of danc- It’s very different. Clara is a human, dis- The Nutcracker continues to show at ing The Nutcracker Prince like, and how covering many exciting things. The Sugar Birmingham Hippodrome until does that compare to your experiences Plum Fairy is more mature; she’s a fairy, so Thursday 13 December now, after dancing the role many times? she’s beautiful, effortless and magic.

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whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 15:42 Page 1

Theatre Festive favourites from around the region

Peter Pan Tumblers will be burning off any festive mince pies with some high-energy acrobat- Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 19 December - ics... Sun 27 January; Albany Theatre, Coventry, Mon 10 - Sat 22 December Over in Coventry, the Albany hosts an alto- gether different version of JM Barrie’s classic Birmingham Hippodrome audiences get the story, with the highly rated Ceridwen Theatre chance to fly away with the boy who wouldn't presenting ‘an action-packed festive family grow up this Christmas. treat’ that features ‘exquisite puppetry, an Jimmy Osmond takes top billing as wicked pi- unforgettable original music score and heroic rate Captain Hook in a show that promises swordplay’. plenty of festive cheer and dazzling spectacle. He’s joined by the West Midlands’ very own Meera Syal, who’s making her pantomime debut as the Magical Mermaid, and Union J star Jaymi Hensley in the role of Peter Pan. One man who’s most definitely not wet behind the ears when it comes to treading the festive boards is Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack, who’ll be bringing his own special brand of comedy gold to proceedings in the role of Smee. Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Sascha Williams also stars, while The Timbuktu

Dick Whittington: there was one - so brace yourself for a fabu- Birmingham’s Blue Orange Theatre is also lous festive feast of fun and frivolity. going to the Ball this festive season, promis- The Rock And Roll Panto ing a show packed to the yuletide rafters with Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, comedy, music, dancing and audience partic- Fri 7 December - Sun 6 January Cinderella ipation. They’ve done it before and now they’re doing The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Tues it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used 11 December - Sun 6 January; Blue Orange strategy of imbuing their annual pantomime Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 4 - Sat 8 December with a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so Oakengates Theatre is certainly giving popular in previous years that the venue is Telford’s 50th anniversary celebrations a giving the exact same treatment to its 2018 fairytale ending this Christmas. The venue’s production. So... they’ve taken the story of panto version of Cinderella features CBeebies Dick Whittington, stirred in a few time-hon- star Joe Chambers, ’90s pop singer Anna oured pantomime favourites and then sea- Kumble, and EastEnders actor Tony Disci- soned liberally with all manner of pline in the role of Prince Charming... chart-busting hits. A recipe for success if ever

Dick Whittington Dick’s in danger at Lichfield Garrick too, in a show that finds CBeebies favourite Katrina Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 29 November - Sat 5 Bryan co-starring alongside returning panto January; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 1 - Sun 30 December; The Roses Theatre, favourites Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton Tewkesbury, Sat 1 December - Sat 5 January; (main image). Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Sat 22 - Cannock’s Prince of Wales Centre and Sun 30 December Tewkesbury’s Roses The- Dick Whittington undertakes his legendary atre also play host to the journey to London this Christmas, but not young Mr Whittington this before he’s stopped off en route at a number Christmas. Both venues of Midlands theatre venues. These include are presenting versions of Leamington’s Royal Spa Centre (pictured the story that come com- right), where he’ll have to keep his wits plete with all the usual about him to steer clear of the evil Queen pantomime trimmings. Rat...

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Wilde about Christmas The Canterville Ghost.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2018 17:07 Page 2

by Dave Freak

Award-winning theatre company Tall Stories bring a celebration of Oscar Wilde’s lesser-known work to Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre this festive season...

Oscar Wilde is best known as a playwright - Birmingham Rep, Birmingham Theatre Com- which was really nice - or their parents, or thanks to such enduring fare as The Impor- pany and the RSC. "Our story starts with a other adults they admired from clubs they at- tance Of Being Earnest, An Ideal Husband band of musicians arriving in town. The tended, like their karate teacher.” and Lady Windermere's Fan - but he also mayor appears, and he’s planned to put up a Published in 1888 and 1891 in the collections penned a number of fantastic fairy stories, all statue of himself. He talks about this empty The Happy Prince And Other Tales and A of which have been overshadowed by his fre- space in the town square where The Happy House Of Pomegranates, Wilde's fairy stories quently performed stage plays. Prince statue used to stand. When it had lost have failed to enter the popular imagination all of its jewels, they pulled it down, and in "The fairytales are not very well known,” in the same way as other traditional tales its place the mayor’s going to put up a statue says actor Tom Jude, who’s presently working such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella of himself, as he thinks he’s very important.” on two Wilde productions for theatre com- and Hansel And Gretel. pany Tall Stories. “I think he’s just thought of The travelling musicians - played by Tom, “To be honest, I don’t know why they’re not as an adult author - and in fact, many of his Matt Jopling, Steve McCourt and Lauren Sil- better known,” says Tom. “The Selfish Prince fairytales were indeed written for adults. He ver - discover that there could be other poten- and others are very, very strong and clear sto- wrote them to tell to his friends at parties. tial candidates for the honour. Suggesting ries, quite easy to tell. There’s a lot in them. They’re moral lessons and are quite unflinch- friendship as the first of several admirable We should tell them to our children more.” ing.” qualities worthy of a civic monument, the cast recount Wilde's The Devoted Friend, fea- Alongside Wilde Creatures (aimed at young- Tall Stories’ acclaimed productions - Wilde turing a miller who believes he's the perfect sters aged five-plus), the same cast turn their Creatures and The Canterville Ghost - are the friend. attention to Wilde's comic fantasy, The Can- latest in a long line of shows by one of the terville Ghost - a rare Tall Stories production UK's most successful and predominantly Great knowledge is proposed as another hon- for older and adult audiences. Telling the family-focused theatre companies. Formed in ourable trait, so the story of the learned stu- story of an American family who move into a 1997, their biggest hit has been their phenom- dent from The Nightingale And The Rose is haunted house and proceed to give the resi- enal adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel also retold. Perceptions of beauty are then ex- dent phantom more than he bargained for, Scheffler's The Gruffalo. They’ve since turned plored in the tale of the attractive young Tall Stories once again take a unique ap- several other Donaldson & Scheffler picture princess from The Birthday Of The Infanta. proach to presenting Wilde’s work. books into plays (The Gruffalo's Child, Room “These people are suggested as candidates On The Broom and The Snail And The "We’ve framed it as a night at a Victorian for the statue,” says Tom, “then, at the end, Whale), as well as creating productions music hall,” explains Tom. “The four of us we ask the audience to decide.” based on stories by Edward Lear (The Owl play musical performers; one of us plays And The Pussycat), the Brothers Grimm (Car Of course, these being fairy stories, Wilde piano, one is a compere, Lauren is a psychic And No Mouse), David McKee (Mr Benn) and presents a seemingly positive attribute but and I’m an illusionist. And each of us plays Lemony Snicket (Latke Who Couldn't Stop then flips the notion to reveal a very different one of the characters in The Canterville Ghost Screaming). Meanwhile, their own original story: a character can be beautiful yet also too, and between the chapters we do our productions have been inspired by every- cruel; friendly yet inherently selfish and in- acts.” thing from artificial intelligence to time considerate; knowledgeable yet unworldly. travel. For Tom, visiting Wilde’s worlds has been an “The stories start with us being told who we inspiring experience, revealing inventive sto- Despite their association with Donaldson & should admire, but those people are really ries peppered with colourful characters both Scheffler, it was Wilde who gave the company shallow and there’s always somebody else, real and fantastic, tempered with darkness their first hit, when they debuted The Happy usually a victim, usually the moral character, and light, a strange otherworldliness and Prince And Other Stories at the 1997 Edin- who is more admirable - and quite young comedy aplenty: “I just think they’re beauti- burgh Fringe. And it’s to this princely tale children absolutely get that,” says Tom, who ful,” he says, “utterly beautiful and moving. that the company have returned for Wilde first performed the play to school audiences They have a great richness, moral depth and Creatures. and was surprised by responses during post- heart.” performance Q&As. Recalling chatting to "The story of The Happy Prince ends with the young pupils, he explains: "In terms of who townsfolk arguing over who should be the they admired, it was the usual movie stars, next statue in the town square, who’s the Tall Stories present Wilde Creatures at pop stars, superheroes; they admired people most important person - and we’ve taken that Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until because they were good singers or strong ath- as our starting point," explains Tom, who Sunday 30 December, and The Canterville letes. But without any prompting, some was raised in Rugby and has worked with Ghost at the same venue from would just say the names of their friends - Tuesday 18 to Sunday 30 December. Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 15:15 Page 3

Theatre more festive favourites from around the region

Sleeping Beauty duction looking set to be every bit as ener- gised and entertaining as any of its illustri- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 5 ous predecessors. January; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 8 December - Sun 13 January; The Core, Strictly Come Dancing favourite Debbie Solihull, Fri 14 December - Sun 6 January McGee leads the cast as the Good Fairy, with The Belgrade’s exemplary reputation when it Richard Cadell and Sooty ensuring the laugh- comes to presenting top-notch panto magic is ter count is suitably high for younger audi- sure to be further enhanced by their 2018 ence members. Also getting back in the production - written and directed by Iain Grand Theatre panto saddle is ‘queen of the Lauchlan (bottom left). Indeed, we’re so con- Black Country’ Doreen Tipton, who’s this fident you’ll be wide-eyed with excitement year playing herself, and pantomime that we’ll even wager our best antique spin- favourite Ian Adams, slapping on the rouge ning-wheel that the only person in the audi- to star as The Queen... torium who won’t be wide awake will be the Meanwhile, if daring duels, doting dragons, ever-so-sleepy title character herself!... lavish sets and bucketloads of comedy are on And joining Sleeping Beauty in the land of your festive wish list, then saddle up your nod is most definitely not an option at the reindeer and head for The Core (pictured Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (main image) right), where we’re assured that all of the either, with the venue’s 2018 pantomime pro- aforementioned will be in plentiful supply.

Expect all the usual panto elements in the Mother Goose Robin Hood Malvern Theatres offering, including oodles Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, of hearty thigh-slapping, super-singalongs until Sun 6 January F r i 1 4 D e c e m b e r - S u n 6 J a n u a r y a p l e n t y a n d s l a p s t i c k c o m e d y g alore. Su Pol- It may not be one of the most frequently per- lard heads the cast as the Wicked Queen... formed pantos, but Mother Goose nonethe- Stratford Playhouse’s version, meanwhile, less has plenty going for it, including the promises mayhem, malarkey, comedy capers opportunity to make all manner of eggstrava- and audience participation in abundance... gantly funny and eggcruciatingly unfunny Sound good? Then, heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s egg-related jokes. The show stars Theatre off to the panto you go... Severn’s favourite panto Dame, Brad Fitt, in the role of Mother Goose. BBC Radio Shrop- shire’s Eric Smith also features in the cast. Aladdin ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons Bedworth Civic Hall, Sat 1 - Sat 29 December; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Mon 10 December - the tights to star as Sherwood Forest’s most Sun 6 January famous outlaw in this ever-popular panto A perfect story for an evening of family enter- tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan’s a festive tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying fixture at the Regent Theatre nowadays, and against all odds to win the hand of the beau- is set to play an inevitably significant part in tiful princess - and being helped in his en- making Robin Hood one of the region’s must- deavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... see pantomimes this Christmas. He’s joined In Redditch, Strictly Come Dancing favourite by big pal and fellow Regent panto regular Robin Windsor (pictured below) plays the Christian Patterson, who’ll be giving his genie. The dashingly handsome Michael Jack And The Beanstalk usual larger-than-life performance in the role Auger, from Britain's Got Talent singing of Friar Tuck. group Collabro, takes the title role. Magic car- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 15 - Sun 23 December pets at the ready... Jack and his mam are hard-up and have no choice but to take their cow to market to raise Snow White And The some cash. However, Jack being Jack, he de- cides to trade her in (the cow, that is, not his Seven Dwarfs mam) for a handful of magic beans, which Malvern Theatres, Thurs 13 December - then grow into a real ogre of a beanstalk... Sun 6 January; Stratford Playhouse, Fri 21 - Mon 31 December If you’re up for a bit of fe-fi-fo-fumming this The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic fabulous festive season, a trip to Artrix of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- should be right up your beanstalk, with the sion is always a surefire winner - and there hugely popular All & Sundry ensuring that are a couple of Christmas crackers to enjoy in not every encounter with a grumpy cash- the Midlands this festive season. counting ogre need end in tears.

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Theatre

Elf - A Christmas Spectacular Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 20 - Mon 24 December This stage adaptation of Will Fer- rell’s hit festive movie stars pop legend David Essex and Love Actually favourite Martine McCutcheon. The original stage version of the show played to record-breaking audiences at London’s Dominion The- atre in 2015/16. “The big special effects that we have lined up are incredible,” reveals David Essex. “They include a giant sleigh that will fly across the arena, an indoor snow blizzard and lots of skating, which all adds to this perfect Christmas story.”

Nativity! The Musical geous Beauty and hopes that she’ll fall in Maid Marian And love with him, despite his shockingly grumpy Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, ways and frightfully furry features. The Merry Men Wed 5 - Sat 8 December But help is at hand for Beauty - and this Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 3 December - being a pantomime, it not surprisingly comes Sun 6 January in the shape of a rouged-up Dame with a With Robin Hood being too much of a soppy ridiculous name... romantic to take on the evil Sheriff of Not- tingham and thwart her dastardly plans, it falls to the seriously feisty Maid Marian to A Christmas Carol save the day... Worcester Repertory Company Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- present their cleverly reimagined version of Avon, Tues 4 December - Sun 20 January the ever-popular Sherwood Forest legend - The RSC’s version of this yuletide tale proved and even throw in a pantomime Dame for so popular last year that the Company is good measure! The Regent gets into the Christmas spirit with wisely giving it another outing. this hit stage musical based on the popular Of all Charles Dickens’ festive stories, A film franchise. Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The cov- The show is written and directed by Debbie etous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the eter- Isitt, who also created the movies. “I’ve al- nal hope offered by Tiny Tim, and the eerie ways believed that Nativity! would make a visions of redemption - visiting Ebenezer in fantastic stage musical,” says Debbie. “It’s so the shape of three seasonal ghosts - all com- full of joy, the children are so sweet and bine to give the tale a real olde worlde charm. funny and the songs so catchy that it lends it- The RSC production has been penned by self to being the perfect Christmas musical. David Edgar, whose previous work for the The songs really do change the dynamic. It Company includes an award-winning adapta- gives you much more insight into the charac- tion of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. ters and their backstories. And the emotions Wind In The Willows are more intense, like with the love story be- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, tween Mr Maddens and Jennifer - it feels even until Sat 26 January bigger now because they’re singing duets.” Artistic Director Theresa Heskins’ stage adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved riverside tale ably demonstrates the way in Beauty And The Beast which one life can command the full atten- Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, tion of three others! Mole, Badger and Ratty Tues 11 - Mon 31 December simply don’t have time for any of their own As handsome princes go, the Beast is an ugly interests - they’re far too busy having to look one. So he imprisons the stunningly gor- after their reckless and irrepressible friend, Toad...

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more festive favourites from around the region

The Wizard Of Oz The REP, Birmingham, until Sun 13 January This classic story from the pen of L Frank Baum has been delighting children for over a century. A mar- vellous mix of magic, mayhem and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy Gale and her unexpected trip over the rainbow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she meets the scarecrow, the tin man and a cow- ardly lion, heads off on a journey along the yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West. If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a wizard...

The Tiger Who nose and flashy antlers are making her less Pinocchio than popular with the other reindeer. And as Came To Tea if that’s not bad enough, she also can’t quite Old Rep, Birmingham, until Sun 30 December Birmingham Town Hall, shake the feeling that The legendary tale of the wooden boy with a Wed 26 December - Sun 13 January she really should be disappointing propensity for telling porky The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- somewhere else, on pies - to the detriment of his fast-growing ping in on Sophie and her mum just as some kind of big proboscis - is here presented as the Old Rep’s they’re settling down for an afternoon snowy adventure... Christmas treat for families. Carved by lonely cuppa... Adapted by David Wood OBE from Expect your children toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio -accompanied Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show to be suitably en- by his trusty Cricket companion - heads out features singalong songs and boasts plenty chanted. on an exciting journey, eager to discover of magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, what it will require of him to become a real of course! Suitable for youngsters aged three boy. But there’s plenty of danger lurking in and older. Emily Brown wait for the adventurous friends, not least in And The Thing the shape of the less-than-entirely-pleasant Birmingham Hippodrome, puppet master, Mangiafuoco... Mon 17 December - Sat 6 January When young Emily Brown and her best pal - toy rabbit Stanley - discover a Thing crying Wilde Creatures outside their bedroom window, they can’t Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, help but try to assist him... Adapted from the until Sun 30 December book of the same name by Cressida Cowell, “Wilde Creatures has four acting-musicians the author behind the famous How To Train who’re extremely talented and manage to Your Dragon series, this witty and bring Oscar Wilde’s stories to life in a very heartwarming children’s show is presented imaginative and modern way.” Rudolf by the ever-magical Tall Stories theatre So says Toby Mitchell, the co-founder of Tall company. Stories, the theatre company bringing this MAC, Birmingham, until Mon 31 December high-energy celebration of Wilde’s classic Puppetry, songs, laughter and fun are among fairytales to Coventry this Christmas. the family-friendly ingredients being “There’s a seamlessness to the productions. promised by Pins And Needles as they return Although the stories are complex and there to MAC to offer up another festive feast of are lots of scene changes and props, we make theatrical magic. Having previously scored it flow so that it doesn’t seem clunky. But that yuletide hits with their productions of Ray- doesn’t mean it’s simple to achieve... We may mond Brigg's Father Christmas and The Bear, look like swans from the front, but you don’t the talented company this year turn their at- realise how much furious paddling is going tention to Santa’s most famous reindeer. on behind the scenes!” Rudolf has landed in a zoo, and her big red whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 15:43 Page 7

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more festive favourites from around the region Theatre

Benidorm Live Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 3 - Sat 29 December Set aside the holly and the ivy in favour of soaking up sunshine and sinking down san- gria! Jetting back into the Midlands region this month, Darren Litten’s currently touring stage show is based on the hit ITV1 comedy series that’s been delighting viewers for more than a decade now. Benidorm regulars Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam) and Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple- Savage) are all present and correct, in a production that promises to bring plenty of sizzling summer fun to the frost-bitten festive season.

Crimes Of The made. The story is here staged as a live radio The Nightingales play taking place on Christmas Eve 1946. Five Christmas Pudding actors gather together in a studio for the Malvern Theatres, Mon 3 - Sat 8 December Lichfield Garrick, broadcast, ready to take on the challenge of Royal Shakespeare Company associate artist Wed 5 December - Sat 5 January playing dozens of characters and vividly Christopher Luscombe directs Gavin & Stacey An alternative festive-season comedy for bringing to life the sleepy American town of star Ruth Jones in a bittersweet comedy from adults, Crimes Of The Christmas Pudding Bedford Falls. the pen of William Gaminara. When a motley takes its inspiration from sources as diverse crew of acapella singers meet Maggie, their as Agatha Christie and the Jason Bourne lives are changed forever. Before too long, the movies. The show features a talented cast of The Canterville Ghost new arrival is urging them to try their luck four who between them play an impressively Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 18 - Sun auditioning for wide range of thoroughly quirky characters. 23 December & Thurs 27 - Sun 30 December Britain’s Got Tal- Award-winning theatre company New Old Oscar Wilde’s creepy comedy about ghostly ent. But reaching Friends present the production, making a goings-on in a horribly haunted house is here for the stars is no welcome return to the Garrick following a given the Tall Stories treatment, and comes walk in the park, sell-out success at the venue last Christmas. complete with vaudevillian performers and and life-changing magical illusions. experiences don’t “We did a preview of the show in London,” always work out in recalls Tall Stories’ Toby Mitchell, “to what the way that’s ex- we thought was going to be a very tough pected... crowd of South London school kids. But because we took them seriously, they were completely on board. It was joyous to watch Alice In Wonderland because we thought they were going to be Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, quite a demanding audience - and actually Tues 4 - Sat 15 December they were a demanding audience - but what A timeless classic telling the magical and de- they were demanding was a good story, cidedly topsy-turvy story of a little girl who It’s A Wonderful Life: which we like to think is what we gave falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a them.” weird world, Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adven- A Live Radio Play tures In Wonderland first made its way onto Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, the stage in 1886. Since that time it’s been Thurs 6 - Mon 24 December adapted for the theatre on countless occa- Telling the story of how the well-meaning but sions and in all manner of ways, including as down-on-his-luck George Bailey finally finds a ballet, a musical, an opera and a traditional out that life is worth living - thanks to the pantomime. With its cast of nonsensical and timely intervention of a guardian angel - amusing characters, including the White Frank Capra’s fabulous festive film, It’s A Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, Wonderful Life, is widely considered to be it invariably makes for a great Christmas one of the greatest Christmas movies ever show.

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As preparations for the festive season continue, we take a look at some of the lovely ladies who’ll be gracing Midlands theatres in the region’s Christmas productions... MEERA SYAL as Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan at Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 19 December - Sun 27 January Meera is sooo looking forward to performing alongside her teenage idol when she makes her panto debut at the Hippodrome this month. Reflecting on her formative years growing up in Wolverhampton, Meera admits to having been a fan of Jimmy Osmond, who’ll be playing Hook alongside her Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan. “He’s probably sick of people telling him that they had him on their wall, but I did,” says Meera. “Sadly I never got to see one of The Osmonds’ concerts. Unless you were lining up the day before, you didn’t really have a chance. It was crazy! I wasn’t anywhere near VICTORIA MCCABE getting tickets, but now I'm performing with as Jill in Mother Goose at Theatre Severn, him! How bizarre is that?” Shrewsbury, until Sun 6 January Meera’s also glad that she’s playing a nice Victoria is thrilled to be returning to character in her first panto, rather than a vil- Shrewsbury this Christmas to play Jill in lain: “I want the kids to love me. Being a vil- Mother Goose. Her previous pantomimes lain requires an awful lot of shouting and at Theatre Severn saw her starring as energy. I want to be the nice one.” Cinderella and Snow White. Her only reservation is how she’s going to navigate visits to the loo with her mermaid tail in tow - but we reckon that’s nothing more than a wee problem to contend with...

DEBBIE MCGEE as The Lovely Fairy Crystal in Sleeping Beauty at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, from Sat 8 December to Sun 13 January The Lovely Debbie McGee is no stranger to pantomime, or to playing the good fairy in Sleeping Beauty. In fact, she made her panto debut in the role at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre back in 1976. Since then, Debbie’s been a regular on our TV screens, and last year impressed Strictly viewers with her dancing prowess. This latest panto outing will see her swishing her wand and sprinkling her fairy dust to help a certain yellow bear with his magic tricks - and we’re pretty sure you’ll get to see her twinkle toes in action too!

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by Patsy Moss for the girls!

For a full list of pantos CHISARA AGOR and festive shows across as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard Of Oz at The REP, Birmingham, the Midlands, visit until Sun 13 January whatsonlive.co.uk London-born actress, singer and theatre maker Chisara is the person charged LISA DAVINA PHILLIP with taking REP audiences on a journey along the yellow brick road to the Emer- as Fairy Goodfeather in Mother Goose ald City this Christmas. As farm girl at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Dorothy Gale, Chisara will introduce us until Sun 6 January to a scarecrow needing a brain, a tin With a string of credits to her name - Oda man looking for a heart and a lion lack- Mae Brown (Ghost The Musical), Mrs ing in courage. “I can’t wait to follow the Phelps (Matilda) and Rafiki (The Lion yellow brick road to The REP this Christ- King), to name but a few - Lisa Davina mas,” she says. “It's exciting to be part Phillip here returns to the familiar role of of such a bold reimagining of what we Fairy Goodfeather, having made her know of the 1939 film of The Wizard Of debut in the part last year at Sheffield’s LORNA LAIDLAW Oz. Being here at The REP and having a Lyceum Theatre. We’re hoping Lisa can role like this says there’s no rulebook - as Wicked Witch in The Wizard Of Oz at conjure up sufficient fairy magic to coun- anyone can dream big and be Dorothy.” The REP, Birmingham, until Sun 13 January teract the evil intentions of Demon Vanity, in what promises to be another egg-cel- Probably best known as Mrs Tembe in lent pantomime offering from Evolution Doctors, Birmingham-born actress Lorna Productions. can’t wait to play The Wizard/Professor Marvel in this new staging of L Frank Baum’s classic story. “This is so exciting!” says Lorna. “I can say with my hand on my heart, ‘There’s no place like home’! And for me, The REP is home, and has been for well over 30 years.”

DOREEN TIPTON as Nurse Doreen in Sleeping Beauty at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 8 December to Sun 13 January Returning to the Grand for a third year, Doreen ‘Lazy Cow’ Tipton needs no introduction to Black Country audiences. Regarded as a ‘regional treasure’, Doreen’s ac- colades include Best Newcomer at the Great British Panto Awards and Midlands Personality of the Year, as voted for by What’s On readers. Her perpetual malapropisms and local references are always a good source of entertainment, and we have it on good authority that as Nurse Doreen she’ll be taking part in a major feat of magic on the Grand Theatre stage. Now that’s something we can’t wait to see...

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Let’s hear it for the girls...

ANNA KUMBLE as Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Tues 11 December - Sun 6 January Best known as pop singer Lolly, Sutton Coldfield-born Anna has been performing since the age of five - and although she’s got numerous West End credits under FINLEY GUY her belt (including as Maid Marion in Robin Hood Starlight Express), at the Regent Theatre, Hanley, it’s pantomime that’s Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 14 December - her favourite dis- Sun 6 January cipline. This year ISABEL GAMBLE taking part in A graduate of the Wilkes Academy of her 20th festive Performing Arts, Finley’s credits as Cinderella at The Place, Oakengates show, Anna include dancing for Little Mix on The X Theatre, Telford, Tues 11 December - not only acts Factor and at the Brit Awards. Previous Sun 6 January but also chore- panto appearances include Snow White A graduate of the Guildford School of ographs, and And The Seven Dwarfs in Acting, Isabel is ‘very excited’ to be on occasion works as Middlesborough and Cinderella at the playing her favourite Disney princess associate director. Regent Theatre in 2016, in which she in Telford. A real all-rounder, her played the title role. credits include Babe in The Pyjama Game, backing vocalist on ITV’s KELLY AARON Britain’s Got Talent, and a stint as a backing dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come as Alice in Dick Whittington (below) Dancing. at the Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Sat 22 - Sun 30 December Kelly graduated from London’s Royal MELISSA BROWN-TAYLOR Central School of Speech and Drama in 2006, since which time she’s amassed an as Princess Belle in Sleeping Beauty at impressive CV. Credits include a UK tour The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, of Hobson’s Choice, the role of Julia until Sat 5 January Matthews in an Italian tour of New York Having previously appeared in All Or Nothing - Mystery, and Perdita in Shakespeare’s The Mod Musical at the Belgrade, Melissa is look- The Winter’s Tale at Cornwall’s Minack ing forward to returning to the theatre to play her Theatre. first ever princess. “It’s been fun trying out a new role. In the past I’ve played the Genie in Aladdin, which is obviously a very different part, so it’s been really interesting getting used to the conventions of playing principal girl.”

GEORGINA NEWTON as Alice in Dick Whittington (left) at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 1 - Sun 30 December Georgina recently tweeted: “So excited to be playing Alice in Dick Whittington at the @spacentre, and to be playing alongside two Leamington pantomime legends! What an honour. Here’s to the most magical Christmas yet.”

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MARTINE MCCUTCHEON as Jovie in Elf - A Christmas Spectacular at Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 20 - Mon 24 December Best known as Tiffany in EastEnders and Natalie in Love Actually, Martine McCutcheon is overjoyed to be out on tour with this hit West End and Broad- way musical version of the block- buster festive film. “I’m absolutely delighted to be appearing in this wonderful show,” says Martine. “Elf is without doubt one of the all-time great Christmas movies, so I hope audiences in Birming- ham will love this production just as much as the film!”

SHERRIE HEWSON as Joyce Temple-Savage in Benidorm KATRINA BRYAN Live at Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 3 - Sat 29 December as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington Bringing more than a ray of sunshine to at Lichfield Garrick until Sat 5 January the Alexandra stage this Christmas, Sher- Recognised by younger audiences for rie Hewson and her Benidorm co-stars playing Nina in hit CBeebies series Nina promise to camp it up and have fans of And The Neurons, Katrina Bryan’s no the hit TV show grinning from ear to ear. stranger to pantomime, having played Alice Fitzwarren in a previous production of Dick Whittington. On playing Fairy Bowbells this time round, Kat- rina says: “I suppose it's a natural progression to go from leading lady to playing the fairy godmother. I've loved panto ever since I left drama school, and I'm very much looking forward to appearing in Dick Whittington after such a long time."

EVA CRAWFORD as Princess Rose in Sleeping Beauty at The Core, Solihull, Fri 14 Dec - Sun 6 January In addition to having numerous panto credits under her belt, Laine Theatre Arts- trained Eva is developing an impressive film career, including an appearance in Demi, a movie being sponsored by Rain- dance Film Festival.

NIC LAMONT as Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at The Core, Solihull, Fri 14 Dec - Sun 6 January One half of comedy duo The Twins Macabre, Nic Lamont certainly prefers life on the dark side. Credits include the West End run of comedy parody Graeme Of Thrones and the lead role in comedy horror film Egomaniac. Nic also created the role of Nation McKinley in the highly acclaimed Shock Treatment, the sequel to The Rocky Horror Show.

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Film

Mary Poppins Returns CERT PG Starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Dick Van Dyke, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury Directed by Rob Marshall (USA) You get one musical sequel with Colin Firth, Julie Walters and Meryl Streep and another comes along five months later. Here, the musical numbers have been penned by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (of Hairspray fame) and the film jumps forward 25 years to 1935. Jane and Michael Banks are now grown-up and when a family tragedy strikes, Mary Poppins floats back into their lives to lend a spoonful of sugar. Emily Blunt replaces Julie Andrews in the role and, following her turn as the Baker’s Wife in Rob Marshall’s Into The Woods (2014), has shown that she can belt out a tune along with the best of them. Marshall is perhaps the best musical director alive, earning his stripes on the Oscar-winning Chicago, as well as the underrated Nine (2009) and the exuberant Into The Woods. We expect great things. Released Fri 21 Dec

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in December...

Creed II CERT tbc The Image Book The Old Man & The Gun Starring Michael B Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, CERT 15 (84 mins) CERT 12a (93 mins) Tessa Thompson, Florian Munteanu, Dolph Directed by Jean-Luc Godard (Switzerland) Lundgren, Brigitte Nielsen Starring Robert Redford, Casey Affleck, Danny Directed by Steven Caple Jr (USA) Glover, Tika Sumpter, Tom Waits, Sissy Spacek, Elisabeth Moss You just can’t beat nostalgia. Now that Directed by David Lowery (USA) Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, is In his final role, Robert Redford plays the crowned light heavyweight champion - real-life escape artist and career criminal For- thanks to the guidance of Rocky Balboa - he rest Tucker who, at the age of 70, broke out of finds himself defending his title against San Quentin and embarked on a series of Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph heists. Following King Of Thieves, it’s been Lundgren), who killed his father. This is the quite a year for true-life geriatric lawlessness. eighth instalment in the Rocky franchise. Released Fri 7 Dec Now showing

In his day, Jean-Luc Godard was the enfant terrible of the French New Wave and a critics’ darling. Now 87, the director is as experimental as ever and his new film, an examination of the modern Arabic world, won the Special Palme d'Or at this year’s Cannes festival. Released Sun 2 Dec

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Film

Return Of The Hero friends who gather for a boozy reunion. But Aquaman CERT tbc beneath the cheeky banter, a darker mood CERT 12a (90 mins) Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem begins to surface… Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Starring Jean Dujardin, Mélanie Laurent, Kidman Directed by James Wan (USA) Noémie Merlant, Christophe Montenez, Released Fri 7 Dec Féodor Atkine The sixth instalment in the so-called DC Ex- Directed by Laurent Tirard (France/Belgium) tended Universe, this big-budget superhero The heartbroken fiancée of a Napoleonic offi- White Boy Rick fantasy gives the eponymous amphibian cer is given some solace by the letters she re- CERT 15 (111 mins) hunk centre stage for the first time. He previously appeared in Batman v Superman: ceives, although they’re actually written by Starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer her sister… This historical comedy is in ex- Jason Leigh, Jonathan Majors, Bruce Dern, Dawn Of Justice (2016) and Justice League ceptionally good hands, as the writer-direc- Piper Laurie, Richie Merritt, Bel Powley (2017) and is now taking his rightful place as tor Lauren Tirard previously brought us the Directed by Yann Demange (USA) lord of Atlantis. But he’s got a struggle on his innovative and most amusing Molière (2007) Incredible but true: In 1980s’ Detroit, hands… and Up For Love (2016), among others. Richard ‘Rick’ Wershe Jr (Merritt) was a street Released Fri 14 Dec Released Fri 7 Dec hustler, an undercover police informant and a drug tsar. And all before he turned six- teen… From the Paris-born director of the au- thoritative and uncompromising Northern Ireland thriller ’71 (2014). Released Fri 7 Dec

Free Solo CERT 12a (100 mins) Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (USA) Sorry To Bother You El Capitan is a notorious rock face, a 3,200- CERT 15 (111 mins) foot granite monolith on the north side of Yosemite Valley in California. This award- Starring Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Danny Glover, Armie Ham- winning documentary chronicles the attempt mer, and the voice of Lily James by Alex Honnold to climb it - without a rope. Directed by Boots Riley (USA) Expect vertigo. Get ready to blow your mind. In a parallel Released Fri 14 Dec universe, or just another version of Oakland, California, an African-American telemarketer finds new-found success when he starts to budget adaptation of Philip Reeve’s 2001 use a ‘white voice’ over the phone. Mortal Engines CERT tbc The sci-fi comedy marks the directorial debut Starring Hugo Weaving, Hera Hilmar, Robert novel (the first of a quartet). The post-apoc- of Boots Riley. Sheehan, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Stephen alyptic fantasy was scripted by Jackson Lang Directed by Christian Rivers (New along with his regular collaborators Released Fri 7 Dec Zealand/USA) Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh. The first fictional film from Peter Jackson Released Fri 14 Dec since his last Hobbit outing, this is a big-

Tides (99 mins) Starring Jon Foster, Robyn Isaac, Simon Mea- cock, Jamie Zubairi Directed by Tupaq Felber (UK) Shot in black-and-white on the canals of Southern England, Tupaq Felber’s debut- drama focuses on four fortysomething

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Film highlights released in December...

The House That Jack Built CERT 18 (152 mins) Starring Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Sofie Gråbøl, Riley Keough Directed by Lars von Trier (Denmark/France/Germany/Sweden) A brutal analysis of the modus operandi of a serial killer over the course of 12 years, this really divided the critics. Over a hundred of them walked out of the premiere at Cannes this year, while those remaining gave the film a 10-minute standing ovation. To use the new parlance, this really sounds sick. Released Fri 14 Dec

Lizzie CERT 15 (105 mins) CRITIC’S CHOICE Starring Chloë Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, Jay Huguley, Jamey Sheridan, Fiona Shaw, Kim Dickens his funeral and finds a number of ghosts Disobedience CERT 15 (114 mins) Directed by Craig William Macneill (USA) from her past catching up with her, including That’s Lizzie as in Lizzie Borden, the notori- Starring Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, her childhood confidante Esti (Rachel Alessandro Nivola, Anton Lesser, Bernice ous spinster who, in 1892, was accused of Stegers, Allan Corduner McAdams) who is now married to a mutual axing her father and stepmother to death. Directed by Sebastián Lelio (UK/Ireland/USA) friend. Based on the award-winning novel by Whereas the famous nursery rhyme claimed Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz) is the daughter Naomi Alderman, who grew up in an Ortho- she “gave her mother 40 whacks,” the film of a rabbi in a North London Orthodox Jew- dox Jewish environment herself, the film re- sets the record straight. ish community. However, having been ceived glowing reviews from the critics, who Released Fri 14 Dec shunned by her family, she now works as a particularly praised the performances of photographer in New York. Then, when her Weisz and McAdams. father dies, she returns to London to attend Now in cinemas Spider-Man: Into The Spider-VerseCERT tbc With the voices of Shameik Moore, Hailee Ste- Papillon CERT 15 (133 mins) Holmes And Watson CERT tbc infeld, Mahershala Ali, Jake Johnson, Liev Starring Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, Yorick Starring Will Ferrell, John C Reilly, Rebecca Schreiber, Lily Tomlin Directed by Bob Per- van Wageningen, Eve Hewson, Roland Møller, Hall, Rob Brydon, Kelly Macdonald, Ralph sichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman Tommy Flanagan Directed by Michael Noer Fiennes, Noah Jupe (USA) (Malta/Montenegro/Serbia/USA) Directed by Etan Cohen (USA) If you haven’t had enough of Spider-Man or When the Parisian safecracker Henri Char- Yes, of course we are talking about the cele- big-screen cartoons of late, you’re in luck as riere was framed for murder, he was impris- brated residents of 221B Baker Street, Sher- the new Spider-Man film is computer-ani- oned on the notorious penal colony of Devil's lock. This angle on the brilliant sleuths takes mated. However, this Spider-Man ain’t Peter Island in French Guiana. His self-penned a more comic approach as they attempt to Parker, but a whole new alter ego called book, Papillon (1969), became an instant thwart the assassination of the queen (Victo- Miles Morales, a half-Puerto Rican/half- bestseller and was previously filmed in 1973 ria, played by Pam Ferris). African-American kid from Brooklyn. You with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. see, in the Spider-Verse, there can be more Released Fri 26 Dec than one Spider-Man. Enjoy. Released Fri 21 Dec Released Fri 14 Dec Bumblebee CERT tbc Starring Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr, John Ortiz, Jason Drucker Directed by Travis Knight (USA) A prequel to Transformers (2007), this is the sixth chapter in the sci-fi series and centres on the robotic superhero of the title. It’s 1987 and the iron giant finds refuge in a Califor- nian junkyard and in the friendship of a teenage girl (Steinfeld). Released Fri 26 Dec

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50 years in the

Set andbusiness costume designer Terry Parsons talks about his life behind the scenes...

Image - Iain Laughlan who has - who Iainwritten and stars Laughlan Image in Sleeping Beauty Terry Parsons - Belgrade Theatre.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2018 17:07 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

Celebrated designer Terry Parsons has had an incredible career, working extensively in the UK and across Europe for over half a century. During that time, he’s lent his exceptional talents to more than 50 pantos. He’s now back where it all began in the late 1960s, working on the Coventry Belgrade Theatre’s festive production of Sleeping Beauty. What’s On recently caught up with Terry to find out more about his time in the industry...

Tell us about your very first foray into Whose costumes have you most enjoyed regional theatres jump out as highlights: the panto design at the Belgrade 50 years ago. designing? old Leicester Haymarket and the Theatre I started on 9 September 1968 as a ‘bucket Probably Danny La Rue’s and Stanley Royal Plymouth. For many years I also boy’, which was a job I won through the Arts Baxter’s. Danny and Stanley were both worked for the British Airways Playhouse, Council. I used to arrive at 7am to mix all the extremely nice but very demanding! run by actor Derek Nimmo. We used to build paints for the designer/scenic artists, using a theatres in ballrooms all over the world, thing called ‘size’ - the most disgusting Is the starting point always the same? presenting plays as dinner theatre. I travelled animal-based glue! Part of the prize was that It can be very one-to-one - like at the the world for 25 to 30 years doing that. So a I had to be given a show to design - and that Belgrade - where you chat a lot before you series of wonderful things linked together. went so well, they gave me another. The next put pen to paper. I then get given a list of I learned my trade through Stanley Baxter year I designed the costumes for Cinderella, scenes and a quick phone call to say what’s and those like him. I worked with George then the following year I worked on my first needed in each scene. That’s normally it until Lacy when I was 18 - he was my first dame. full panto - Mother Goose. costume fittings. Fingers crossed it’s usually Also Billy Dainty and Reg Dixon - they’re wow, wow, wow! On a Stanley Baxter panto, monumental in pantomime. I learned every What does it mean to you to be revisiting the curtain rises in December and your first trick in the book from them. I then went on to the theatre with Sleeping Beauty in 2018? meeting is in the previous January. The whole work with Les Dawson, Frankie Howerd, It’s lovely, and it really is a genuine coinci- of January and February you’re going back Danny La Rue etc. I just sat there and soaked dence that it’s 50 years. I couldn’t say no, and forth to Scotland to discuss it, and then it all in. really, could I?! you start. What single piece of advice would you Does the process you’ll follow to take In terms of collaboration, where does the offer someone thinking of entering the Sleeping Beauty from page to stage always director’s influence end and yours begin? industry? follow the same format? With the smaller regional shows, like this I wouldn’t want to start now because there It’s slightly different to how I normally work one, it’s more personable, and we talked a lot are an awful lot of clever people around! I’m because on the bigger shows I don’t get very more before I started. This is my first show very old-school - I still use a pencil and a involved. I feed it all into the system and with director Iain Lauchlan. There’s more ruler! Because I was so lucky, I didn’t have to don’t even necessarily see it because I use discussion because the scale means the con- struggle, but you just have to get in there and trustworthy people who I’ve been working tent is busier. In a bigger panto, you change somehow do it. People are coming out of the with for donkey’s years. I normally do at least scenes every four or five minutes, but here, colleges in large numbers who’re hugely three pantos a year, so there isn’t time to be the opening scene is perhaps 15 minutes. It’s talented, so it’s extremely competitive. I everywhere. It’s nice at the Belgrade because more about the small details than just setting think designers are underestimated, so I’m it’s an in-house team. It’s just a question of the scene. very blessed to have one of my models getting to know them and them getting to featuring in an exhibition at the new V&A know my style. You’ve spent a lot of time working in Museum in Dundee. It’s the first time I’ve felt Europe. Is there a noticeable difference in that other people view what I do as an art How has the profession changed during the approach to design compared to here form. your time in the industry? in the UK? Did you ever consider moving on from Pantomime used to be much bigger, so Yes, their budgets are huge! As I’m 73, I’ve the profession? although I was young and thrown in at the had to start saying no to some jobs around deep end, doing, for example, a Stanley Europe. At the start of the year, I was asked to No, I’ve known this is what I wanted to do Baxter pantomime in Scotland was as big as do a production of The Sound Of Music in since I was 11. I joined the amateurs at 13 and it got. Everything was extremely lavish and Norway but said no. It was an 18-month somehow I managed to find the college I extremely large! People would come to see commitment, and with all the commuting, wanted to go to - Central School of Art, now Stanley in coachloads because they knew that takes its toll. Those days are gone sadly. called Central St Martins. I got in on the spot what to expect. The show ran from early because of my portfolio of amateur work. I December to April and filled all the seats. I What’s been the highlight of your career was there for three years and then won the think a lot of that was due to star quality but and who have you enjoyed working with Arts Council bursary at the end, which also huge visual expectation. But on the flip the most? brought me here. As I’m winding down a side, I designed pantomimes at the Theatre I’ve had about five highlights! The first thing little, I want to spend more time with my Royal Richmond which were bijou but is that I’ve always been in the right place at grandchildren and have plenty of holidays! beautifully put together. The detail was still the right time, so I’ve never stopped working. there, so they had a huge following. I’ve had a West End career designing 37 Sleeping Beauty shows at Coventry’s shows, I have a foreign career, and two Belgrade Theatre until Sat 5 January Visual Arts December-2 copy.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 15:43 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Amy Sharrocks Haroon Mirza Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 24 February until Sun 24 February Live pieces and sonic artworks “I don’t wish to place any exploring Leamington Spa as a site of demands on someone water are the focal point of this first present with the work,” major survey of Amy Sharrocks’ says Haroon Mirza of his artistic output. Ikon show, an exhibition The Camden-born, Sorbonne-educated which fills the gallery sculptor, photographer and artist space with moving creates works which investigate the imagery, sculptural architecture of a moment; ephemeral installation and electronic and intangible pieces that evaporate or sound. “If one spends are ‘just barely there’. time, they will hear and The exhibition brings together see more. If one thinks photographs of Amy’s numerous live and delves, then ideas, works with her own photos of water. It concepts, methodology, also includes a number of previously points of reference and unseen drawings and prints, a series narrative will hopefully of works looking at the making of emerge, but that’s not clouds and the movement of air, and a something I wish to number of pieces exploring, among control.” other subjects, risk, daring and shame.

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Visual Arts

Women Power Visions In Stone: Protest Gilbert Ledward RA The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- Birmingham Museum & Art Trent, Sat 8 December - Sun 31 March Gallery, until Sunday 31 March Award-winning sculptor and Royal Academy trustee Gilbert Ledward was seconded to the An exhibition marking a cen- Ministry of Information as a war artist in 1918 - a tury since women won the fact which makes this much-heralded celebra- right to vote, Women Power tion of his work particu- Protest brings together modern larly relevant, taking and contemporary art to cele- place as it does in the brate female artists whose centenary year of the works have explored themes of First World War protest, social commentary armistice. The show is and identity. Comprising being presented as part pieces drawn largely from the of the Royal Academy’s Arts Council Collection, the 250th anniversary cele- exhibition aims to raise aware- brations. ness, provoke debate and prompt viewers to reflect on the changes which have hap- Looking At Animals pened for women during the last 100 years... The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 10 February

Hand Drawn Action Packed Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 15 December - Sun 3 March The work of 10 international artists is featured in this brand new exhibition, exploring the ways in which drawings can tell complex stories via the simplest of means. Subtitled Perspectives On The Natural World, Contributing artists include Marcel van the Barber’s Looking At Animals exhibition Eeden, Rinus Van de Velde and Otobong features works of art from the 16th to the 20th Nkanga, all of whom have created works century, including pieces by artists as diverse as specifically for the show. The featured Rubens, Gericault, Delacroix and Franz Marc. pieces, which contemplate subjects such As well as exploring a wide range of representa- as human relationships, geography, poli- tions of animals, the display also acts as a start- tics and mythology, showcase a range of ing point for a new gallery trail, encouraging Marcel Dzama_A Time Will Come or Delilah and Goliath and Delilah or Come Will Time Dzama_A Marcel media, from traditional pencil and char- visitors to check out ‘the other creatures that coal to modern methods of animation. lurk within the Barber’s collection!’.

Cézanne: Montagne The Aix-en-Provence-born painter is nowadays viewed as the artist whose Sainte-Victoire work formed a bridge between Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Impressionism and Modernism, with both until Sun 20 January Matisse and Picasso having Paul Cézanne’s Montagne Sainte-Victoire acknowledged the profound effect which With Large Pine is a masterpiece of the his output had on their own creativity. Post-Impressionist era. Cézanne painted Montagne Sainte- The painting was produced during the Victoire on numerous occasions late 1870s and brilliantly showcases how throughout his career, very much viewing Cézanne’s approach was changing the the mountain as a symbol of home. way in which people were thinking about The painting is on loan to the Herbert art. from the Courtauld Gallery in London.

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Selfridges Xmas gifts-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 15:40 Page 1

Have yourself a very merry Christmas at Selfridges Birmingham

If Christmas sparkle means splashing out on luxurious presents for family and friends, then Selfridges Birmingham is the one-stop destination for extraordinary gifts. From decadent diamonds and exquisite timepieces to sumptuous hampers and exclusive pieces that can’t be found anywhere else, well-heeled and generous spenders can go to town on their loved ones this festive season.

For the foodies For the ultimate foodie gift, Selfridges Birmingham luxury gift boxes and Personalisation is a great way to show that hampers are a must. The you’ve put some care and limited-edition Wolseley attention into selecting a Christmas Hamper gift for your loved (£349) is a memorable one. Selfridges is gift that brings a taste the exclusive of the legendary destination for cafe-restaurant to personalised your home. Enjoy a Veuve Clicquot bottle of The Wolseley Champagne Medoc 2011, The gifts (£56.99). Wolseley Sancerre 2016, Bearing the as well as teas with famous Clicquot silver-plated tea strainer Yellow label, it and caddy, jam, marmalade, comes in a signature hot chocolate, truffles and a arrow gift tin, which copy of Breakfast At The Wolseley can be personalised with by AA Gill. the recipient’s hometown, a special city or a name. This special edition Chopard Happy Sport watch (£8,850) - which celebrates its 25th anniversary - is a Selfridges exclusive. The stainless steel case has a contrasting 18ct For her rose-gold bezel, while mobile diamonds and sapphires float around the blue mother-of- pearl dial. It’s finished with a glossy alligator Who wouldn’t love a leather strap. designer bag this Christmas? This gorgeous glitter Harlow satchel by This stunning Valentino Mulberry flared cuff sequin dress (£1,195) (£6,700) will ensure adds the recipient is red sparkle to carpet ready for any any outfit. VIP occasion - perfect for any festive or New Year’s Eve party.

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Advertorial For the home For the beauty

Know someone who’s obsessed burning the candle at both ends? Give them a reason to From skincare that will relax at home provide TLC after a night out and buy them a to dramatic make-up for gorgeous home the ultimate party, fragrance. Selfridges Birmingham’s Diptyque’s trio renowned beauty hall of candles has on Level 3 is the place three scents in to head to for the best limited edition selection - and there’s designs (from £30) plenty of exclusive - or for a real treat, products and limited buy its luxury advent editions to choose from. calendar (£320). If you’re not sure what brands your beauty lover would love to open on Christmas Day, why not treat them to the first Selfridges Beauty For him Lovers Selection Box (£70), filled with full-sized and travel-sized products from unique For those who like a bit and new brands from its Beauty Workshop. more bling, this Valentino sequin- This Dark Lord eau de parfum by embellished satin Kilian (£285) is exclusive to bomber jacket Selfridges and comes in a gor- (£5,290) will geous box. It has notes of ensure he stands leather, vetiver, jasmine, rum, out in a crowd this bergamot and pepper, creating Christmas. an unmistakable fragrance.

For the Unicorns are still big news - and this year they’re joined by more fantasy creatures. little ones Think mermaids and fairies in all shapes and sizes, with Why should mum and dad prices from just £1 to £3,600. have the best Exclusive highlights include Jel- accessories? This lycat’s swan princess (£18 and £30 Monster faux- for the large) and Hansa’s animatronic shearling and Pegasus, which has a 5’7” wingspan (£900). vintage check satchel by Burberry (£450) doubles up as a Smartway’s officially licensed rucksack and Range Rover Sport ride-on has adjustable electric car (£550) has shoulder straps. working lights, a horn at the steering wheel and MP3 player, and can be driven using the pedal and wheel.

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Events Events previews from around the region

Toy Collectors Fair NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 27 December

Britain’s biggest toy fair makes its way to Birmingham this month to showcase a huge array of collecta- bles. From diecast models by Corgi and Dinky through to numerous TV and film-related items, this one-day event offers plenty of interest for enthusiasts. Expert toy valuers are on hand to assess visitors' items for free. So if Ice Skate Birmingham be able to skate whatever the weather, as the you have a particular piece that rink is covered with a weatherproof roof. Eastside City Park, Birmingham, you’d like to know a bit more about until Sun 6 January For those who aren’t so keen to take to the ice, - or that you’re maybe intending to the nearby Ice Lounge offers a wide selection of sell - why not take it along and get Ice, ice, baby! Ice Skate Birmingham is back. food & drink to enjoy. it valued? Who knows, you may be Voted one of the best outdoor facilities of its Also on site is the Birmingham Big Wheel and a pleasantly surprised... kind in the UK, the ice rink attracts thousands children’s four-storey fun factory to keep the of skaters across the festive period. Visitors will whole family entertained. Children’s Victorian Christmas Santa Trail Magical Lantern Festival Tamworth Castle, Sat 8 - Sun 9, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sat 15 - Sun 16, Sat 22 - Sun 23 until Tues 1 January December Returning to the grounds of Birmingham Botani- The Victorian household of Tam- cal Gardens, the Magical Lantern Festival is big- worth Castle is readying itself for ger and better this festive season. the arrival of a very special guest... The popular event is not only a celebration of Visitors can take part in a series of Christmas but also of Chinese culture and her- seasonal activities, including mak- itage, with an array of larger-than-life hand- ing Christmas pudding with the sculpted lanterns on display throughout the castle’s cook, decorating the tree gardens. Street food & drink, plus a merchandise with the mistress of the house, and marquee where you can buy yourself a souvenir, joining the stablehand to find car- also feature. Santa’s Winter Wonderland rots for the reindeer. There’s also the chance to track The Snowdome, Tamworth, until Monday 31st December down Santa in his grotto. Real snow? Check. Real animals? Check. The big bearded man himself? Check. Santa’s Winter Wonderland brings festive fun to families for a 14th magical year. Visitors can explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. The less-adventurous can watch all the fun and games from the promenade walkway - whilst over in the animal village, there’s a chance to get ‘up close and personal’ with Santa’s reindeer and other furry friends. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2018 16:42 Page 3

Events

Thinktank Elf Hunt Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Sat 1 - Sun 23 December The elves are hiding around Thinktank Science Museum this month, making sure that visitors to the venue behave themselves over the festive period. So why not grab yourself a finder’s sheet and see if you can locate the elusive little creatures as you make your way around the museum? If you’re successful, you’ll receive a special prize!

Victorian Christmas some festive-style entertainment - including a singalong with carol singers - and partake in a Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Sat 8 - Sun 9 spot of Christmas shopping in the town’s retail and Sat 15 - Sun 16 December outlet. Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on offer at And just in case all of the above isn’t quite Shropshire’s Blists Hill Victorian Town this enough to ensure your kids are happily enter- month, as residents busy themselves with prepa- tained, Father Christmas himself - together with Ebenezer’s rations for Christmas. his reindeer - will be on hand to hear younger vis- Christmas Carol Visitors to the award-winning site can enjoy sea- itors’ last-minute gift requests. sonal music from bands and choirs, experience Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wed 5 - Fri 21 and Mon 24 December Back by popular demand, Dick- Lichfield Winter Wonderland ens’ classic seasonal story, A Beacon Park, Lichfield, Fri 14 December Christmas Carol, is here told in the - Fri 4 January author’s own inimitable words on a lantern-lit journey through a Lichfield’s first Christmas market promises haunted house. plenty to keep visitors engaged and entertained. Meet the miserly Scrooge, the Taking centre stage is the wonderland ice rink - haunting Jacob Marley, the entire open every day for anybody who fancies getting Cratchit family, Mr & Mrs Fezziwig their skates on - and a host of food & drink and a whole host of memorable traders selling traditional festive treats. characters (not forgetting the Music from DJs, family discos, a comedy festival, ghosts of Christmas Past, Present cinema screenings and the chance to enjoy a and Future), all magically brought reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life by genial ghost guide also feature in an impressive debut line-up. Christmas in the Home Ebenezer Crouch. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 1 - Sun 2, Sat 8 - Sun 9, Sat 15 - Sun 16, and Wed 19 - Mon 24 December Step back in time to experience Christmases past - from the Victorian era through to a wartime festive season - as you explore the Black Country Living Museum’s 26 acres of shops and houses. Visitors can take part in a variety of traditional Christmas activities - including creating paper decorations and penning their very own Christmas card - as well as enjoying a classic movie or two in the venue’s 1920s Limelight Cinema.

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Events previews from around the region

Visit Santa! Vintage Sleigh Ride Coventry Transport Museum, until Sun 23 December

Enjoy a sleigh ride with a vintage twist this Christmas, as Coventry Transport Museum brings a touch of nostalgia to festivities. The original mechanics and fix- tures of the sleigh have been maintained but unchanged since the 1960s, making it a truly authentic experience. Once families have made their Meet Santa Visit the Antarctic Ice Cave, take your little ones magical journey to Lapland, to meet Santa and receive a free gift from him, they’ll have the chance to meet National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, and check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Pen- Santa, tell him their Christmas until Sun 23 December guins in the exclusive setting of the Ice Adventure wishes and take receipt of a spe- In an experience unique to Birmingham this fes- area. Families can also pay a visit to the 4D cin- cial gift. tive season, the National Sea Life Centre is bring- ema to enjoy a screening of classic festive movie ing the North Pole to the city’s Brindleyplace. The Polar Express. Santa Safari Hawkstone Park Follies, Shropshire, until Sun 23 December Christmas at Meanwhile, at Soho House, Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall, guests can step back in time by Birmingham Museums joining special Christmas-themed guided Visit birminghammuseums.org.uk tours... for more details If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift for Birmingham Museums is hosting a variety of a loved one, the Museum of the Jewellery Quar- events in the lead-up to Christmas. ter will be hosting a special winter jewellery Families can get into the festive spirit at Birm- fair, whilst over at Sarehole Mill, a variety of Little ones can enjoy a magical ad- ingham Museum & Art Gallery courtesy of twin- adult craft sessions - taking place throughout venture and meet Santa at Hawk- kling lights, piles of snow, a glittering grotto the month - provide participants with plenty of stone Park Follies this Christmas. and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself... inspiration for their Christmas decorations. Jump into one of the park’s Land Rovers to enjoy a journey through the illuminated woodland to Santa’s spectacular network of caves. The big man’s elves will keep you entertained as you wander around the fairy-lit caverns and tunnels, finally arriving at your ultimate destination - the magical grotto itself, where every child will receive a special gift from Santa. The chance to meet the big man’s trusty reindeer and enjoy an ‘illuminated woodland fantasy’ also feature.

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Events Events previews from around the region

Christmas At The Valley Sandwell Park Farm, Fri 7 - Sun 9, Fri 14 - Sun 16, Fri 21 - Sun 23 December Sandwell Park Farm is this month opening its doors for families to visit Santa in his grotto. Not only can little ones say hello to the cheery bearded one himself, they can also meet and greet his trusty reindeer as they pre- pare for their Christmas duties. Traditional Punch & Judy shows run throughout each day, with other attractions including circus skills workshops and children’s crafts. Hot food & drink outlets ensure visitors young and old can keep up their energy levels as they busy themselves getting into the festive spirit.

The Cathedral Illuminated the team behind it all, create a bespoke set of illuminations to light up both the inside and outside Birmingham Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 17 - Sat 22 December of Lichfield Cathedral. With the multi-award-win- Frankfurt Christmas Winner of the ‘best event in Staffordshire’ title in ning event now in its fourth year, visitors can ex- Market our What’s On Readers’ Awards 2018, Cathedral pect a mixture of festive light and sound that’s Birmingham city centre, Illuminated is back for another year. Luxmuralis, sure to get them in the Christmas spirit. until Sun 23 December The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Ger- many and Austria, this ever-pop- Winter Wonderland ular Birmingham attraction Stoke-on-Trent comprises 80-plus stalls boasting Birch Terrace car park, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, a wide range of traditional gifts until Sun 6 January and a mouthwatering selection of Stoke-on-Trent’s very own winter wonderland food & drink. returns this year to transport visitors into a The market has been running in festive haven filled with all things Christmas. the city for more than 15 years, Featuring an ice rink, Santa’s grotto and and is the centrepiece of Birming- wooden chalets serving up all manner of eats ham’s Christmas events package. and treats, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Other stand-out attractions include a full-size rollercoaster and a 60m sky swing.

European Christmas Market Southwater, Telford Town Centre, until Sun 23 December Now in its third year, Telford’s European Christ- mas Market has returned bigger and better. Featuring wooden chalets decked with garlands & lights and selling festive gifts from all around Europe, the market also includes a traditional funfair - complete with carousel and helter skel- ter - and showcases local choirs, acoustic bands and plenty of seasonal music. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Jaymi Hensleyforonlinemagazine.qxp_Layout130/11/201814:52Page

Photo credit: Owen Vincent Jaymi Hensley for online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 14:52 Page 2

JAYMI HENSLEY Jaymi flies into Birmingham this Christmas to play Peter Pan at the Hippodrome. We caught up with the Union J star to talk about fame, coming out and campaigning for LGBTQ rights...

This is your second outing as Peter Pan. different from the real me. Sometimes you lightheartedness, and she has a great What attracts you to playing the really struggle with parts that are quite vocal range. I also really love Dua Lipa. eternally young character? close to who you are because you can’t It’s been six years since your time on find the line between what’s you and I think that’s it. Being eternally young, The X Factor. What’s the hardest lesson what’s your character. I like all Disney trying to cling on to something, trying to you’ve learned since then? cling on to your youth. Plus, I get to fly, films, and in particular characters like Not to get too wrapped up in what you’re which is great, but that harness really is Maleficent and Ursula. You never know, doing. We were very lucky to come from uncomfortable! one day I might throw my hand in and play the wicked queen. I would definitely like to the show and walk into a record deal, but Do you share any traits with Peter Pan? play a baddie one day. you have to be careful not to get Yes, I think I do. I can be a bit stubborn at invincibility syndrome. When everything’s How old were you when you decided times. I want to do well, I’m really going right for you, it’s easy to forget that you wanted to make a profession out of determined and I do like to help others, things can, and often do, go wrong. There performing? but I sometimes throw my toys out of the are going to be hard times. When those pram, if you know what I mean. I have this I did my first professional panto when I hard times happened for us, they hit really pride thing, I let my feelings get hurt and I was eight years old, and I’ve been on stage hard. That’s why you see a lot of celebrities do sometimes overreact, just like he does. since then. I’ve never really known having breakdowns and mental health anything else. I was so determined that it issues, turning to drink and drugs, Can we expect any competition on the was going to happen for me, it was more a because you can have massive highs and vocal front between yourself and Jimmy matter of when. I never set my sights on then equally big lows. I think you have to Osmond, who’s playing Captain Hook? any other profession, so I had to really take every day as it comes and not have an Are you joking! He’s Jimmy Osmond and focus on this. expectation about tomorrow. I’d be a fool to try and compete. I’m super- Which artist or band did you most Would you say that’s one of the biggest excited to be performing alongside him listen to when growing up? downfalls of fame? because he’s a legend. I wasn’t about at the height of Osmond-mania, but I’ve I was obsessed with Whitney. I was this Yes, I would say it probably is. We’re all grown up with that music as my mother chubby little gay kid bumbling his way human and it’s natural to have lows - days loves them. When I met Jimmy at the pre- through life trying to fit in. I had this huge when you wake up and can’t be bothered, launch, he was just the nicest guy. I’m ballad-like voice and I loved listening to your personal life has gone wrong or you super-excited to create a relationship with Whitney and Celine because they were think your career is slipping away. I’ve him. artists who my mum listened to. That’s always felt a sense of guilt, because I’m kind of how I trained my voice; singing very privileged to do what I do. I’m very As well as Peter Pan, you’ve also had a those big, big songs. When I was 11, I stood lucky to have made a career out of this, stint playing Aladdin - two very good in front of the school assembly and belted and to be doing what I love, so when you and wholesome characters. Do you ever out My Heart Will Go On. I think that was do have a bad day, you kind of feel guilty fancy crossing over to the dark side - pretty courageous for someone my age. or ungrateful. I think that’s the biggest and if so, who would you choose to price of fame - you feel guilty about play? Who’s your favourite artist at the showing emotion because you worry As much as I like playing Peter Pan and moment? someone’s going to think you’re being a bit Aladdin, I think I’d actually prefer to play I love Ariana. She’s a superb pop star - of an idiot. a darker role because it would be so mixing a bit of camp with a bit of Jaymi Hensley for online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 14:52 Page 3

Ratings for The X Factor continue to in my family was laughing at me and Are there any other reality shows you decline. Do you think the format of the saying there was no way I could do it. might fancy doing? show, and similar shows, has had its Also, my diary didn’t match up. When I got I’m open to anything, and I love learning day? asked again, I said yes because I felt I new skills and meeting new people. I think I wouldn’t say it’s had its day, but it might needed something a little bit new and I Strictly or Dancing On Ice would be great need a rejig. It’s down to how accessible wanted to learn. When you’re doing the fun because you’d be learning a things are. I don’t think the buzz around X same job every day, you’re not necessarily completely new skill - that was the most Factor has necessary gone, but I think learning anymore. I wanted to learn a new rewarding thing about doing MasterChef. I people are watching it more on YouTube. craft, and I was prepared to rise to the would’ve loved to have done something Maybe the show does need a revamp, but challenge. I was excited, but it was all very like Big Brother or I’m A Celebrity... but you can’t deny the level of talent it puts stressful and I had lots of sleepless nights. you just sit around and are being voted on out. My house is really minimalistic, I don’t like your personality, which can be quite a clutter, but I suddenly acquired about a daunting experience. Let’s talk Celebrity MasterChef. How million cookbooks and had pots and pans was that experience? everywhere. It was like Delia Smith had What single piece of advice would you It was without a shadow of a doubt the exploded in my kitchen. I loved it, but I give to anyone starting out in the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I was glad when I could put all my stuff industry? was asked to do it the year before, but I back in the cupboard! Work your arse off; just work hard. This said no because I didn’t cook and everyone job is not what it seems. It’s not all happy Jaymi Hensley for online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2018 14:52 Page 4

days. It’s a lot of long hours - great because be okay, and that it will be okay. a write-off. But I don’t care, because I love you’re doing what you love, but you have my job. As a campaigner for LGBTQ rights, to work hard and be prepared mentally which single issue do you feel most What’s your favourite thing about and physically. You can’t have the lifestyle passionate about? Christmas? that comes with it without putting in the hard graft. If you’re a singer or an artist, For me, it’s Trans. That’s my biggest I don’t know because I haven’t had then you have to make sure you’re passion at the moment because one of my Christmas for the last three years. I’ve kind practising, sleeping, eating well and being closest friends, Jenna, is a trans woman. I of forgotten what it’s all about because of the best you can be because there is have the utmost admiration and respect working so much. I guess it’s just spending always going to be someone who is better for those members of our community. I time with family and friends when I can. than you. You have to develop a thick skin think as a community we do turn our But as I don’t have a normal schedule, I quite early on. It’s not about being better backs on them. I do think there’s a lot of really struggle to find time to spend with than other people, it’s about doing the best Trans shaming within the LGBT them, given their normal nine-to-five you can do. community by gay guys and lesbians, who schedules. When I get home at around tend to forget the struggle they themselves midnight, I’m raring to go and they’re all You were recently nominated in the had to go through. As a community we’ve asleep! Famous Male awards. Do you think had to fight for years to get equality, and You mentioned earlier that you did your such surveys feed the nation’s it’s the brothers and sisters of our Trans first panto at the age of eight. What was obsession with looks? community who are facing that battle now. that experience like? I don’t know. I’m more happy with this I think we really have to champion them as nomination because of what it stands for. a community, and give them the love and There were a couple of reasons it was It’s difficult, because I’ve had a bit of a support they need. I have to admit that I amazing. Firstly, it was the first time I was rough time on occasion regarding didn’t necessarily understand an awful lot on a professional stage. Secondly, it was appearance, like when I was overweight a about Trans until I met Jenna and her when I realised I was gay. There was a guy couple of years back. I did get papped and friends, but it’s been a massive eye-opener, in the juvenile chorus who was 14 or 15 had a horrible story written about me, and I think we all have to help them fight and who was openly gay. I just remember saying that I’d let myself go. Obviously for those rights. looking up to him and thinking, “Oh my God, that’s what I am!” That’s when I that’s not nice, but it gave me a kick up the As someone in the public eye, how can developed my first crush and realised that bum to look at my life. I wasn’t eating you have a positive influence on ‘showbusiness’ was where I fitted in - not healthily and I wasn’t the best I could be. changing perceptions? Fitness is key, and I think the way you only because I like to perform but also For the last six years, as much as I’ve present yourself is important. You should because it’s a place where gay people are campaigned, I feel I haven’t used my always try to be the healthiest you can be accepted. This is a place where everyone’s platform and my voice enough, but I will and look after yourself. We need to do that welcome. endeavour to do more next year. I suppose in a way that projects a positive body being in a group has meant that I’ve had to What’s your long-term goal as a image for all, but often it’s just the guys take the other boys’ feelings into performer? who are completely ripped or those who consideration, as all of my actions over the have ridiculous bodies and are so Just to do as much as I can, and add as last six years have reflected on other handsome who get covered. I can totally many strings to my bow as possible. I love people. Not that they don’t support me or understand where the problem is, but as every aspect of my career, and so to just try anything like that, but my actions have long as there’s a broad spectrum of and do this for the rest of my life would be had an effect on other people, and I nominees, then those awards provide a the best thing. wouldn’t like my path to be detrimental to platform for all. I wasn’t overly confident a somebody else. If I’d got into a heated Who would you most like to collaborate few years back, being overweight, but debate and said a wrong thing, I wouldn’t with - apart from Jimmy Osmond, of coming second last year gave me a massive have wanted that to reflect badly on my course!? boost. fellow band members. Now I’m in a That’s a really good question, I would love Can you tell us a bit about your position where, to some degree, I have a to sing with Leona Lewis. She’s the reason experience of coming out when you platform and can go out there and fight for I watched The X Factor. I remember were younger? our rights. Yes, I feel that I haven’t watching her when I was 16 and she was I was quite lucky, as I didn’t necessarily necessarily done enough over the past six the turning point of the show. She was the have to come out. I was so sure of who I years, so I’m looking forward to doing first global superstar to come out of the was from a very young age. We hear so more. series. So yes, I would love to sing with her. many horror stories about people coming Back to panto. How do you plan to out, so you do have to champion that there spend your downtime while you’re in are families, friends and loved ones who Birmingham? will cherish you for who you are and give Asleep. There’s no downtime in panto! I Peter Pan shows at Birmingham you the support that you need. I think think we get one day off a week. Two of Hippodrome from Wednesday 19 many people are scared because they only those days are Christmas Day and New December to Sunday 27 January hear about coming-out horrors. We should Year’s Day, and I reckon they’re going to be let young LGBTQ+ people know that it can The List Cover December Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:17 Page 1 The List Cover December Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:17 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide

Decemberecember 20182018 thelist Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Snowdome, Tamworth - until Monday 31 December 31 Monday until - Tamworth Snowdome, at Wonderland Winter Santa’s

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

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

Christmas at Shugborough A winter wonderland at Dan Whitehouse at Twixmas Walks at Weston Historic Working Estate Winter Wonderland, Telford Newhampton Arts Centre, Park, Staffordshire Sat 1 - Sun 23 December until Sun 23 December Wolverhampton Wed 26 December - Thurs 20 December Tues 1 January

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolverhampton 1-9 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

NEW WE ARE THIRTY Exhibition show- Visual Arts casing 30 years-worth of graduate work from the Illustration degree course at the School of Art, University New Art Gallery - Walsall of Wolverhampton, Sat 15 Dec - Sun LILY WALES - BLUE STREAK Working 3 Mar with photomontage, Birmingham- based artist Lily Wales creates 2D Other VISUAL ARTS and sculptural works that reference THE FIRST CASUALTY OF WAR IS TRUTH the language of military weaponry, Touring exhibition marking the 100th until Sun 9 Dec anniversary of the end of World War One, curated by Shropshire artists Newcastle Borough Museum Julie Edwards, Jill Impey, Jacqui & Art Gallery Dodds, Elizabeth Turner and Keith FOUR WAYS Exhibition by Ann Roach, Ashford, until Sun 2 Dec, Jackfield Jacqueline Saxton, Penny Beautiman Tile Museum, Telford and Vicky Christmas. Working in a THE WAR TO END ALL WARS: THE PEO- variety of media, the artists like to PLE'S STORY EXHIBITION A specially travel together to paint and sketch commissioned exhibition to com- their surroundings and produce work memorate the centenary of the end of which reflects their own individual World War One, until Fri 14 Dec, Mu- styles, until Sun 13 Jan seum of Cannock Chase, Stafford- Elles Bailey - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury shire Potteries Museum & Art SCHOOLING GOOD TASTE Exhibition cel- Birmingham Birmingham Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ebrating Coalbrookdale School of Art Gigs AND ONE + LEATHER THE ALARM Sun 2 Dec, NEW VISIONS IN STONE: GILBERT LED- and the artists and artwork that came STRAP Sat 1 Dec, The O2 Academy, B’ham BLUE NATION (ALBUM WARD RA - SCULPTURE AND DRAWINGS out of the school, until Fri 21 Dec, Slade Rooms, Wolver- LAUNCH) + IDUL + AN- THE JOHNNY CASH As part of the 250th anniversary cele- Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge hampton THONY PRICE Sat 1 ROADSHOW Sun 2 Dec, brations of the Royal Academy, Vi- FOUR IN THE FRAME A display of art- Dec, The Sunflower CAST - THE GREATEST Regent Theatre, Stoke- sions In Stone explores the work of work created by four local artists; Lounge, Birmingham HITS TOUR Sat 1 Dec, on-Trent sculptor Gilbert Ledward RA (1888- Hazel Gillard, Jacqueline Bradley, O2 Institute, B’ham GO WEST FEATURING GEKO Sun 2 Dec, O2 1960), Sat 8 Dec - Sun 31 Mar Steve Millward & Alex Maczkowski, PETER COX & RICHARD A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY Institute, Birmingham until Fri 21 Dec, Himley Hall & Park, DRUMMIE Sat 1 Dec, Sat 1 Dec, Eleven, Qube Gallery, Oswestry Dudley BOTOWN: THE SOUL OF The Robin, Bilston Stoke-on-Trent BOLLYWOOD Sun 2 CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBI- FOSSIL FUELLED Exhibition featuring FEAR WITHOUT REASON ABBA REVIVAL Sat 1 Dec, The Glee Club, TION Featuring locally made arts & objects from many of the town’s in- Sat 1 Dec, O2 Dec, The Buttermarket, Birmingham crafts. A great place to pick up dustries, including cut steel jewellery, Academy, Birmingham Shrewsbury unique Christmas gifts, until Sat 22 bicycles and the world famous Bil- RAYMOND FROGGATT & Dec ston Enamels, until Mon 31 Dec, Bil- ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS UK FOO FIGHTERS - HIS BAND Sun 2 Dec, ston Craft Gallery Sat 1 Dec, Hare & BANGING ON THE CEIL- The Robin, Bilston Shrewsbury Museum & Art Hounds, Birmingham ING TOUR Sat 1 Dec, THE NEW ROSES Sun 2 CENTENARY OF THE END OF THE END OF O2 Academy, B’ham Gallery THE FIRST WORLD WAR Display high- NICK HARPER Sat 1 Dec, The Robin, Bil- PVMNTS Sat 1 Dec, O2 ston OPEN ART EXHIBITION Shropshire- lighting the contributions made by Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, Institute, Birmingham based artists’ responses to the thousands of local men and women Stourbridge ELLES BAILEY Sun 2 themes of Wilfred Owen’s poems, during the First World War, both at THE HUMAN LEAGUE Sat SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 1 Dec, Henry Tudor using a variety of media, until Fri 4 home and overseas, until Mon 31 1 Dec, Arena B’ham Dec, The River Rooms, House, Shrewsbury Dec, Wolverhampton City Archives Stourbridge Jan FRANKIE VALLI & THE DARKSIDE OF THE WALL STRANGE MEETING Visual interpreta- RURAL SURREALISM Exhibition using FOUR SEASONS Sat 1 BJORN AGAIN Sat 1 Sun 2 Dec, Hare & tions of quotes from 14 different Wil- the imagery of dreams, folklore and Dec, Genting Arena, Dec, O2 Academy, Hounds, Birmingham fred Owen poems, until Fri 25 Jan fantasy in the tradition of painting and print, until Mon 24 Dec, Twenty Weston Park, Shifnal Twenty Gallery, Ludlow NEW HALLS YOUNG ARTIST COMPETI- RE-TURNING Group exhibition by An- TION 2018 The theme for this year’s drew Brown, Joanne Lee, Danica competition is Furniture Or Design. Maier and Christine Stevens, Thurs On show will be the shortlisted en- 29 Nov - Sat 15 Dec, AirSpace tries, Sat 1 - Mon 31 Dec Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent NEW STAFFORDSHIRE CONTEMPORARY The Willow Art Gallery, ARTIST & DESIGNER FAIR Showcase of Oswestry high-quality contemporary art, craft & design work, including ceramics, jew- AFFORDABLE ART Featuring an inspir- ellery, textiles, wood, fine art, mixed ing and diverse selection of artwork media & photography, Sat 1 - Sun 2 by members of the Borderland Visual Dec, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Stafford- Arts, until Sat 12 Jan shire Wolverhampton Art Gallery NEW WINTER CURIOSITIES Exhibition of work by painters, makers and pot- SITES OF MEMORY II Chris Harrison is ters, Sat 1 - Mon 24 Dec, Twenty a photographic artist who specialises Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock Dexter - The River Rooms, Stourbridge in producing large-format documen 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 1-9 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 2

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 December

BROKEN HANDS Sun 2 ORCHESTRA Wed 5 & Academy, Birmingham PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA Featuring Dec, Hare & Hounds, Thurs 6 Dec, Sym- THE SOUTHMARTINS Sat Classical Music Daniele Rosina (conductor). Pro- Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham 8 Dec, O2 Academy, gramme includes works by Peter BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ROY WOOD’S ROCKMAS THE CARDIGANS Thurs 6 Birmingham Levy, Dvorák & Brahms, Sun 9 Dec, Annual Proms Night Spectacular, Sat 2018 Sun 2 Dec, Sym- Dec, O2 Academy, The Bramall, University of B’ham DUB PISTOLS Sat 8 1 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham phony Hall, B’ham Birmingham Dec, Hare & Hounds, EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY THAT’LL BE THE DAY JONNY COLE & THE FLAT Birmingham CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skid- CHRISTMAS SHOW Sun PINT OF MILD Thurs 6 HEAVY DISCO/HERITAGE: more (conductor), Rupert Jeffcoat & 2 Dec, Victoria Hall, Dec, The Robin, Bil- ASHLEY BEEDLE/DIESEL/ Alexander Mason (organs), Sat 1 Stoke-on-Trent ston Comedy DAVE JARVIS/HERITAGE Dec, St Peter’s Collegiate Church, ALL SAINTS Mon 3 Dec, BUFFALO TOM Thurs 6 Sat 8 Dec, Hare & Wolverhampton CHARLIE BAKER, ROGER MONKHOUSE O2 Institute, B’ham Dec, O2 Institute, Hounds, Birmingham & EMANUEL SONUBI Fri 30 Nov - Sat 1 WIND BAND & SAXOPHONE CHOIR Pro- Birmingham Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham MOLLY BURCH Mon 3 BLONDIED Sat 8 Dec, gramme includes works by Philip Dec, Hare & Hounds, MABEL Thurs 6 Dec, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Sparke, Jessica Bowen, Goodwin, ANNETTE FAGON, NINIA BENJAMIN, TOJU Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham THE FOO FIGHTERS Sat Walton & Holst, Sat 1 Dec, The Bra- & LATEEF LOVEJOY, Sat 1 Dec, MAC, Birmingham THE KENDRICK LAMAR SOWETO KINCH Thurs 6 8 Dec, Route 44, Birm- mall, University of Birmingham ENSEMBLE Mon 3 Dec, Dec, Hare & Hounds, ingham THE MUSIC SOCIETY SYMPHONY OR- FREDDIE FARRELL, GORDON SOUTHERN, The Glee Club, B’ham Birmingham THE OVERTONES Sat 8 CHESTRA Featuring Daniele Rosina CATHERINE BOHART, ALISTAIR WILLIAMS & DAMION LARKIN Sat 1 Dec, Regent WESTERN SAND Mon 3 MALCOLM MIDDLETON Dec, Symphony Hall, (conductor). Programme comprises Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, The Robin, Bil- Thurs 6 Dec, Hare & Birmingham Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No.2 ‘A London Symphony’, Sun 2 Dec, ston Hounds, Birmingham VEGA Sat 8 Dec, The IVO GRAHAM Sat 1 Dec, The Edge Arts The Bramall, Birmingham Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- CLAIRE RICHARDS Mon BLOSSOMS Fri 7 Dec, Robin, Bilston LAURA SNOWDEN Sun 2 Dec, Festival shire 3 Dec, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham AUGUST BURNS RED Sat Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Town Hall ELO AGAIN Fri 7 Dec, 8 Dec, O2 Institute, North Shropshire DRAHLA/CHASTITY Tues The Robin, Bilston Birmingham EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS ORATORIO 4 Dec, Hare & LEA MICHELE AND DAR- MALIJA Sat 8 Dec, The Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conduc- Hounds, Birmingham REN CRISS Fri 7 Dec, Hive, Shrewsbury tor), Paul Bentley-Angell (Evangelist), MIDLAND Tues 4 Dec, Arena Birmingham 808 STATE:30 Sat 8 Dec, Elizabeth Adams & Katie Trethewey O2 Academy, B’ham LEON VYNEHALL Fri 7 O2 Institute, B’ham (sopranos), Harriet Hougham Slade DEACON BLUE Tues 4 Dec, Hare & Hounds, BLACK HEART ANGELS + & Martha McLorinan (altos), James Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham NICK HARPER Sat 8 Robinson (tenor) & Greg Skidmore Birmingham MARTIN KEMP BACK TO Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, (bass), Sun 2 Dec, Birmingham Town CYPRESS HILL Tues 4 THE 80’S DJ SET Fri 7 Stourbridge Hall Dec, O2 Academy, Dec, The Buttermarket, POPCAAN Sat 8 Dec, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MICHAEL Birmingham Shrewsbury O2 Academy, B’ham COLLINS PLAYS MOZART Programme also includes 2 works by Stravinsky, THE FRANKIE VALLI KILLERSTREAM Fri 7 DEXTER Sat 8 Dec, The Wed 5 Dec, The Bradshaw Hall, STORY Tues 4 Dec, The Dec, River Rooms, River Rooms, Stour- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Robin, Bilston Stourbridge bridge CHARLIE BAKER, ROGER MONKHOUSE & SHREWSBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: ZEAL & ARDOR Tues 4 HALF CENTURY BOY- THE BAND FROM EMMANUEL SONUBI Sat 1 Dec, The A FESTIVAL OF TCHAIKOVSKY Featuring Dec, O2 Institute, PARTY OF THE YEAR Fri COUNTY HELL Sat 8 Comedy Loft, Birmingham Vincent Barrella (soloist), Wed 5 Dec, Birmingham 7 Dec, Albert’s Shed, Dec, Birchmeadow CRAIG MURRAY, MIKE WILMOT, JIMMY Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School COURTNEY MARIE AN- Shrewsbury Centre, Broseley, MCGHIE AND JOSH JONES Sat 1 Dec, DREWS Tues 4 Dec, THE PRIMITIVES Fri 7 Shropshire CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR - HANDELS The Glee Club, Birmingham MESSIAH Also featuring the City of The Glee Club, B’ham Dec, O2 Institute, BLACK WATER FIEND Sat COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 1 Dec, Birmingham Choir, Thomas Trotter CHASE ATLANTIC Wed 5 Birmingham 8 Dec, O2 Institute, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre (harpsichord), Christopher Allsop Dec, O2 Academy, NUNS OF THE TUNDRA Birmingham (organ), Adrian Lucas (conductor), TANYALEE DAVIS Wed 5 Dec, MAC, Birmingham Fri 7 Dec, O2 Institute, DYLAN CARTLIDGE + RE- Julia Doyle (soprano), Anna Huntley Birmingham Birmingham MOLLY HATCHET Wed 5 LEASE + GREGSONEY (alto), Gwilym Bowen (tenor) & An- SPENCER JONES, DAVE JOHNS, SEAN Dec, The Robin, Bil- LIFE ON MARS - A TRIB- Sat 8 Dec, The Sug- drew Greenan (bass), Fri 7 Dec, COLLINS AND MARLON DAVIS Wed 5 ston UTE TO DAVID BOWIE Fri armill, Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham 7 Dec, Birmingham THOM MORECROFT Wed DON’T STOP - FLEET- EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Town Hall DAVID O'DOHERTY Thurs 6 Dec, Birm- 5 Dec, Albert’s Shed, WOOD MAC Sat 8 Dec, CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skid- ingham Town Hall Shrewsbury CHEEKY MONKEY Fri 7 The River Rooms, more (conductor), Rupert Jeffcoat & LLOYD GRIFFITH, NOEL JAMES, RADU Dec, Slade Rooms, Stourbridge Alexander Mason (organs), Fri 7 Dec, THE CHURCHFITTERS ISAC & JAMES COOK Thurs 6 Dec, The Wolverhampton St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury CHRISTMAS CRACKER HOOZIER Sun 9 Dec, George Hotel, Lichfield PLUS CLAIRE BOSWELL GRAVEYARD Fri 7 Dec, O2 Academy, B’ham HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA: PICTURES AT SPENCER JONES, DAVE JOHNS, SEAN Wed 5 Dec, The Red O2 Academy, B’ham AN EXHIBITION Featuring Christopher DALEY Sun 9 Dec, Hare COLLINS AND CAREY MARX Thurs 6 Lion Folk Club, B’ham Hoggarth (conductor). Programme MEMORIAM/GODTHRYM & Hounds, B’ham Dec, The Glee Club, Birmimgham includes works by Mussorgsky & THE WANDERING M/VALAFAR Fri 7 Dec, TALON Sun 9 Dec, Tchaikovsky, Sat 8 Dec, Cornbow KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs HEARTS Wed 5 Dec, O2 The Asylum, B’ham Prince Of Wales The- Hall, Halesowen 6 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall Institute, Birmingham KINGS OV LEON Fri 7 atre, Cannock LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHOIR: HAYDN STEVE HARRIS & ROB ROUSE Fri 7 & Sat NATHAN BALL Wed 5 Dec, Eleven, Stoke-on- MOSTLY AUTUMN + CREATION Also featuring the Darwin 8 Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Dec, Hare & Hounds, Trent TOUCHSTONE Sun 9 Ensemble Chamber Orchestra, Sat 8 Birmingham SURF’S UP Fri 7 Dec, Dec, The Robin, Bil- DANA ALEXANDER, SPENCER JONES, Dec, Lichfield Cathedral NAMIWA JAZZ Wed 5 Theatre On The Steps, ston SEAN COLLINS AND DAVE JOHNS Fri 7 - LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY: THE CHRIST- Sun 9 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham Dec, Hare & Hounds, Bridgnorth, Shropshire LIVING Sun 9 Dec, MAS ORATORIO Sung in English, Sat 8 Birmingham THE SMYTHS... SONGS Hare & Hounds, Birm- ANDREW LAWRENCE, RED RICHARDSON, Dec, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, JOOLS HOLLAND AND OF LOVE AND HATE TOUR ingham SIMON LOMAS & DAMION LARKIN Sat 8 South Shropshire HIS RHYTHM & BLUES Sat 8 Dec, O2 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolverhampton 1-9 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 3

thelist Conservatoire THE TROJAN WOMEN Royal Birming- plenty of audience participation in a Theatre THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL: A WARMING ham Conservatoire Theatre Company show for two to seven-year-olds, TALE FOR WINTER Last Baguette the- present a contemporary staging of Thurs 6 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse TAMBURLAINE Michael Boyd directs a atre company fuse physical comedy, Euripides’ classic tale, Wed 5 - Sat 8 Theatre new staging of Christopher Mar- live music & visual storytelling to Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ELF & REINDEER’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER lowe’s famous play, until Sat 1 Dec, shine a light on Hans Christian An- CRIMES OF THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING Storytelling, comedy & festive cheer The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- dersen’s classic tale, Sat 1 Dec, Far- The award-winning New Old Friends for younger audiences, Thurs 6 - Sun Avon low & Oreton Village Hall, Oreton, present a ‘fast paced, gig-filled romp 9 Dec, Lichfield Garrick THE WITCHES The Nonentities fuse Shropshire (DY14 0TS) of a show’, Wed 5 Dec - Sat 5 Jan, puppetry & special effects in a new THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW Lichfield Garrick staging of Roald Dahl’s much-loved The ever-popular rock’n’roll variety BUGSY MALONE Amateur staging pre- tale, until Sat 1 Dec, The Rose The- show celebrates the festive season sented by Rabble Youth Theatre, Pantomime atre, Kidderminster with Christmas classics from the ’50s, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Dec, Abbey Theatre, THE MOUNTAINTOP Award-winning ’60s & ’70s, Sun 2 Dec, Victoria Hall, Nuneaton, Warwickshire DICK WHITTINGTON Garrick panto play taking an intimate look at the Stoke-on-Trent THE SITCOM EXPERIENCE: DEL BOY & favourites Sam Rabone and Ben quieter moments in Dr Martin Luther I’M ERIC, GET ME OUT OF HERE! Festive RODNEY An evening of slapstick fun Thornton are joined by CBeebies star King’s life, until Sat 1 Dec, The REP, comedy featuring a ’60s soundtrack, with Peckham's finest entrepreneurs, Katrina Bryan, until Sat 5 Jan, Lich- Birmingham Mon 3 - Sat 15 Dec, New Vic Theatre, Thurs 6 - Sat 15 Dec, The REP, Birm- field Garrick WEST SIDE STORY A West Bromwich Newcastle-under-Lyme ingham MOTHER GOOSE Festive fun aplenty, Operatic Society production, pre- BENIDORM LIVE Stage version of the IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO with the ever-popular Brad Fitt in the sented to celebrate their 80th an- popular TV show starring Sherrie PLAY Inventive twist on Frank Capra’s lead role, until Sun 6 Jan, Theatre niversary and Leonard Bernstein’s Hewson, Adam Gillen, Tony Mauds- classic film, bringing to life a story of Severn, Shrewsbury centenary, until Sat 1 Dec, Wolver- ley, Jake Canuso & Janine Duvitski, disaster, redemption and holiday PUSS IN BOOTS Presented by Stoke hampton Grand Theatre Mon 3 - Sat 29 Dec, Alexandra The- magic, Thurs 6 - Mon 24 Dec, Old Amateur Theatre Society, Sat 1 - Sun SLEEPYHEAD Little Angel Theatre fuse atre, Birmingham Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 9 Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- ‘magic, circus, a dollop of silliness CHRISTMAS GOTHIC Enter into the A SPANISH HOUR Mid Wales Opera Trent and plenty of laughs’ in a show for Christmas spirit as a dark and spec- presents its version of Ravel’s one- JACK & THE BEANSTALK Dream Factory young audiences, until Sun 2 Dec, tral woman tells haunting tales of the act bedroom farce, Fri 7 Dec, Ludlow Theatre’s ‘exciting interpretation of MAC, Birmingham festive season, Tues 4 - Wed 5 Dec, Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire the classic panto fairytale’, Fri 7 - Sun BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A MUSICAL Stafford Gatehouse Theatre BABES IN THE WOOD Traditional family 9 Dec, Festival Drayton Centre, Mar- PARODY Fat Rascal Theatre explore pantomime, Fri 7 - Sat 15 Dec, Hall ket Drayton, North Shropshire whether fairytales really do come true Green Little Theatre, Birmingham DICK WHITTINGTON: THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL - even when the slipper doesn’t quite PANTO TIMON OF ATHENS Simon Godwin di- Join Dick & Tommy the cat as fit the princess, until Sun 2 Dec, Old they dance, twist and sing their way Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham rects Kathryn Hunter in Shake- speare's satire on wealth, greed & to Stafford in search of fame, fortune THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow betrayal, Fri 7 Dec - Fri 22 Feb, The & rock’n’roll fun, Fri 7 Dec - Sun 6 brick road to the Emerald City this Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Jan, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Christmas, until Sun 13 Jan, The REP, SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie Birmingham STAGE IT! CHRISTMAS CRACKER VARIETY SHOW Christmas show featuring a McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Brand new cast of 100-plus local children, Sun 9 Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, Sat 8 staging of Kenneth Grahame’s en- Dec, Landau Forte 6th Form Dec - Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton chanting riverside tale, until Sat 26 Grand Theatre THE ACT COLLECTION Showcase of Academy, Tamworth Jan, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- JACK AND THE BEANS TALK New pup- under-Lyme work by local theatremakers, Tues 4 THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton pet-inspired spin on the cautionary TARTUFFE New updated version of The ever-popular rock’n’roll variety tale about what might happen if you Moliere’s provocative French classic, RULES FOR LIVING Stoke Rep Players show celebrates the festive season throw things out of the window. Suit- until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, present Sam Holdcroft’s take on a with Christmas classics from the ’50s, able for three to seven-year-olds, Sun Stratford-upon-Avon family’s Christmas crisis, Tues 4 - Sat ’60s & ’70s, Sun 2 Dec, Birmingham 9 Dec, Newhampton Arts Centre, 8 Dec, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Town Hall Wolverhampton A CHRISTMAS CAROL Patrick Barlow's Stoke-on-Trent adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story of ghoulish ghosts and A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s eleventh-hour redemption, Tues 27 acclaimed staging of Dickens’ festive Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Crescent Theatre, classic, showing at the RSC for a Dance Birmingham second year, Tues 4 Dec - Sun 20 Kids Shows Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, THIS IS AN ISLAND DanceXchange GUARDS! GUARDS! Stage adaptation of Stratford-upon-Avon AWFUL AUNTIE David Walliams’ tale of Terry Pratchett's book, Thurs 29 Nov - frights, fights & friendship, until Sat 1 present Gary Clarke’s latest commis- Sat 1 Dec, MAC, Birmingham THE CURIOUS CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR Dec, Alexandra Theatre, B’ham sion, inviting audiences to experience HYDE Presented by Rain Or Shine a no-holds-barred version of Brexit SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE SIGN OF FOUR Theatre company, Wed 5 Dec, The- PINOCCHIO Brand new staging of through the eyes of Birmingham resi- Blackeyed Theatre Company world- atre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Carlo Callodi's classic tale about an dents, until Sat 1 Dec, Birmingham premiere their version of Sir Arthur Shropshire inquisitive young puppet, until Sun School of Art Conan Doyle’s famous tale, Thurs 29 30 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham AS YOU LIKE IT Royal Birmingham THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Arena Theatre, RUDOLF Festive treat for younger au- Wolverhampton Conservatoire Theatre Company pre- Ballet presents its annual staging of sent a new version of Shakespeare's diences, fusing puppetry, laughter, Peter Wright’s world famous festive A CHRISTMAS CAROL Chapterhouse pastoral comedy, Wed 5 - Fri 7 Dec, song and mischief, until Mon 31 Dec, production, until Thurs 13 Dec, Birm- Theatre Company present Dickens’ The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- MAC, Birmingham ingham Hippodrome classic tale, Sat 1 Dec, Mitton Manor, podrome SEUSSICAL JR Theatre Cats present a HANSEL & GRETEL Mitton, Staffordshire Uchenna Dance NATIVITY THE MUSICAL Debbie Issit’s show about friendship, loyalty, family present a modern-day retelling of the ENTER STAGE WRITE Transition Stage acclaimed production, based on her & community, Tues 4 - Wed 5 Dec, classic fairytale, combining New York Company present a Christmas- hit film of the same name, Wed 5 - The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- club styles of house, waacking and themed awards night for new screen- Sat 8 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- upon-Trent vogue with African and contemporary writing, Sat 1 Dec, Royal Birmingham Trent DEAR SANTA Music, laughter and dance, Fri 30 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 1-9 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:17 Page 4

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 December

DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippo- works display, until Mon 31 Dec, drome Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tam- CASSON & FRIENDS: CHOREOCRACY A worth new dance & technology collabora- MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2018 Back tion that puts the audience in control, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Thurs 6 Dec, The Brewhouse Arts due to exceptional demand, with all- Centre, Burton-upon-Trent new lanterns for 2018, until Tues 1 CINDERELLA Presented by Ballet The- Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens atre Cymru, Sat 8 Dec, Stourbridge CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL A ‘wonder- Town Hall ful array’ of real Christmas trees dec- ALICE IN WONDERLAND Amateur stag- orated by schools, charities and ing presented by Stephanie Parrott businesses, until Sun 6 Jan, Lichfield School of Dance, Sat 8 Dec, The Cathedral Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- WINTER WONDERLAND STOKE-ON-TRENT Trent until Sun 6 Jan, Hanley, Stoke-on- Trent MAKE A WOODEN ELF WORKSHOP Get Victorian Christmas - Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire into the festive spirit and create an elf Mon 24 Dec, Dudley Zoological Gar- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent decoration for your home or garden, Talks dens Sat 1 Dec, Attingham Park, Shrews- CAROLLING AT THE CASTLE Featuring SIR CHRIS BONINGTON: LIFE & TIMES bury SANTA’S GROTTO Sat 1 - Mon 24 Dec, carol singing and a traditional Shrop- Apley Farm Shop, Norton, Nr Shifnal shire mummers' play, Sat 8 Dec, Wed 5 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON Enjoy Stokesay Castle, Nr Craven Arms, AN EVENING WITH AGGERS AND Christmas tales on the boat and tradi- SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a South Shropshire TUFFERS No-holds-barred evening tional carol singers in the beautifully festive sleepover at one of Alton providing an insight into the lives of lit Victorian pottery factory, Sat 1 Dec, Tower's themed hotels, Sun 2 Dec, SHREWSBURY PRISON CHRISTMAS FAIR two cricketing legends, Fri 7 Dec, Vic- Middleport Pottery, Burslem, Stafford- Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent Festive stalls in C Wing plus carols & toria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent shire CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS FOR mulled wine in the exercise yard, Sat 8 Dec. Shrewsbury Prison A 1940S CHRISTMAS Explore period SCHOOLS Return steam train journey houses and shops against a back- from Kidderminster to Highley, Tues 4 A GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS Discover the drop of festive wartime entertainment, - Thurs 6 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, customs and traditions celebrated by Events Sat 1 Dec, Black Country Living Mu- Bewdley the Georgians at Christmas, Sat 8 seum, Dudley TUDOR CHRISTMAS AT BLAKESLEY Spe- Dec, The Potteries Museum & Art BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER A food- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS A festive cial guided tours exploring Christmas filled day out, until Sun 2 Dec, NEC, day out with a chocolatey twist. See in the time of the Tudors. Fun Christ- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS A festive Birmingham Father Christmas in his very own mas activities are included as part of day out with a chocolatey twist. See MEET SANTA In an experience unique stage show - and there's a gift for the tour, Wed 5 - Thurs 20 Dec, Father Christmas in his very own to Birmingham this festive season, every child, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Dec, Cad- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham stage show - and there's a gift for visit the North Pole of the city in the bury World, Birmingham AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS every child, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Dec, Cad- Antarctic Ice Cave, meet the man bury World, Birmingham SANTA HUNTS A surprise gift awaits Voices Of Tantallon sing a wide vari- himself and check out the family of anybody who succeeds in finding the ety of festive music, Thurs 6 Dec, CHILDREN'S VICTORIAN SANTA TRAILS cheeky Gentoo Penguins in the Ice jolly-faced bearded one, Sat 1 - Sun Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton Meet the Victorian household as they Adventure area, until Sun 23 Dec, 2 Dec, Black Country Living Museum, 100 COCKPITS AND CABS Check out ready themselves for the annual visit National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham Dudley cockpits and vehicles from the collec- of a very special guest, Sat 8 - Sun 9 SANTA SAFARI Combining a four-mile Dec, Tamworth Castle SANTA EXPRESS Fun for all the family tion, Fri 7 Dec, RAF Cosford, Shifnal self-drive safari with a visit to Santa, as you climb aboard Santa's magical CAROL EVENING Traditional carol CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME The period until Sun 23 Dec, Hawkstone Park & steam train, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Dec, Stat- evening in the magical setting of houses and cottages each run their Follies, Shrewsbury fold Barn Railway, Tamworth Shugborough's historic Park Farm own activities and demonstrations, THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE taking visitors back to the sights, UK DRONE & TECHNOLOGY SHOW LIVE Yard, Fri 7 Dec, Shugborough His- GROTTO Santa Claus and his elves are sounds and smells of a magical Celebrating all things UAV and show- toric Working Estate, Stafford coming to the Ironworks this Christ- Christmas past, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Dec, casing the latest products from MERRY MINECRAFT AND A HAPPY NEW mas, until Sun 23 Dec, The British Black Country Living Museum, Dud- across the drone, photography, con- ROBOT Christmas-themed technology Ironwork Centre, Oswestry ley sumer electronics, gadgets and tech- workshop, Sat 8 Dec, RAF Cosford, WINTER WONDERLAND Visit Santa in nology industries, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Dec, Shifnal VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Enjoy 1800s- his snow-capped log cabin, walk NEC, Birmingham style celebrations and entertainment, SHREWSBURY CHRISTMAS FAIR With through ice mountain, take a spin on and meet Father Christmas in his CHRISTMAS FOOD & CRAFT FAYRE Fea- over 30 traders, Sat 8 Dec, St Mary’s the winter carousel and enjoy a grotto, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Dec, Blists Hill turing over 100 indoor and outdoor Church, Shrewsbury sleigh ride, until Sun 23 Dec, Winter Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shrops stalls, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Dec, Weston Wonderland, Telford, Shropshire FESTIVE FAMILY FUNDAY Create your Park, Nr Shifnal LIVING NATIVITY See, hear, feel and own gifts, treats and baubles with the NORTH POLE ADVENTURE Two-hour smell the Christmas story as the ‘farm CHRISTMAS AT SHUGBOROUGH Marvel help of a team of elves and fairies, family Christmas journey to the North on wheels’ visits the venue, Sun 9 at decorations inspired by the adven- Sat 8 Dec, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Pole to meet Father Christmas and Dec, Emma Bridgewater Factory, tures, travels and triumphs of the two Burton upon Trent his friends, until Mon 24 Dec, Na- Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent brothers who built Shugborough, Sat tional Forest Adventure Farm, Burton MAKE A WOODEN ELF WORKSHOP Get 1 - Sun 23 Dec, Shugborough His- SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a Upon Trent into the festive spirit and create an elf toric Working Estate, Stafford festive sleepover at one of Alton decoration for your home or garden, SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Tower's themed hotels, Sun 9 Dec, THINKTANK ELF HUNT Pick up a finders’ Sat 8 Dec, Attingham Park, Shrews- Mon 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tam- Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent sheet at the box office to record all bury worth the elves you find as you explore the CHRISTMAS LANTERN SERVICE A ser- THE MOON AT CHRISTMAS A presenta- DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Fea- museum, Sat 1 - Sun 23 Dec, Think- vice including a lantern procession tion full of the excitement and drama turing live performances, carols, pre- tank Science Museum, Birmingham around the Cathedral and the lighting of the first manned moon flight, Sat 8 sents, festive food, light shows, of the Christmas Tree, Sun 9 Dec, DUDLEY ZOO SANTA'S GROTTO Sat 1 - Dec, The Potteries Museum & Art Father Christmas and a daily fire- Lichfield Cathedral

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops 10 - 16 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 1

Friday 11 Janaury, 7.30pm 6th Dec, 7.30pm Casson & Friends: Robin Hood and The Revolting Choreocracy Peasants presented by oddsocks Tickets: Pay What You Think

th Friday 25 Janaury, 7.30pm 8 Dec, 10am - 1pm Aretha: Respect Festive Family Funday A sensational celebration of the life and music of the Tickets: £7.50 per child, 2 for £12 greatest female soul vocalist of all time

11th Dec, 8pm Thursday 31 Janaury, 7.30pm Ivo Graham: Carpenters Gold Motion Sickness Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening featuring the Tickets: £12 musical brilliance of Richard and Karen Carpenter. 13th Dec, 7.30pm Festivities with Friends Saturday 9 February, 7.30pm Showaddywaddy Tickets: £8 'The greatest Rock & Roll band in the world' 14th Dec, 7.30pm Wil Pearson

Tuesday 12 February, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 circus of horrors Psycho Asylum 19th Dec 1pm & 4pm The Santa Show 2018: Santa's Christmas Party Tickets: £10, £36 Family (4) Wednesday 13 February, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Spirit of The Dance 20th Dec, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Special Xmas Edition

Tickets: £7 adv, £8.50 otd Wednesday 20 February, 7.30pm fast love 21st Dec, 7pm A Tribute to George Michael A Christmas Carol (U)

Tickets: £6

Friday 22 February, 7.30pm 22nd Dec, 7pm Green Matthews - Nish Kumar Brief History of Christmas It’s In Your Nature to Destroy Yourselves Tickets: £12, £10 conc.

Friday 1 March, 7.30pm Box ofﬁce: someone like show 0128301 50810000 The Adele Songbook BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA

TWC GP 01375

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops 10 - 16 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 2

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 December Birmingham GUNS OR ROSES Fri 14 Gigs MONKEY BUSINESS 2018 Dec, Eleven, Stoke-on- Classical Comedy (AZIZ & GOLDFINGER) Trent MERCURY REV Mon 10 IVO GRAHAM Tues 11 Dec, The Brew- Thurs 13 Dec, Hare & WILL PEARSON Fri 14 Dec, The Glee Club, house Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Hounds, Birmingham Dec, The Brewhouse Music Birmingham Trent SOME GUYS HAVE ALL Arts Centre, Burton- JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON OR- RAZORLIGHT Mon 10 IAN MOORE, ANDY ASKINS, ROB ROUSE THE LUCK Thurs 13 upon-Trent CHESTRA: AT THE MOVIES Mon 10 Dec, Dec, O2 Institute, & JOJO SMITH Wed 12 Dec, The Glee Dec, Prince Of Wales THE BEST OF QUEEN Fri Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Club, Birmingham Theatre, Cannock 14 & Sat 15 Dec, The CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- NOTHING + SUBURBAN THE HARRY & CHRIS SHOW Thurs 13 HEATHER FINDLAY TRIO Buttermarket, Shrews- CHESTRA: BRUCH'S VIOLIN CONCERTO LIVING Mon 10 Dec, Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Thurs 13 Dec, The bury Featuring Daniele Rustioni (conduc- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Slade Rooms, Wolver- THE TWANG Sat 15 tor) & Ray Chen (violin). Programme CATHERINE BOHART, IAN MOORE, ANDY ingham hampton Dec, O2 Academy, includes works by Tchaikovsky, ASKINS & ANDREW RYAN Thurs 13 - AQUIRE AT CHRISTMAS Bruch & Rachmaninov, Wed 12 Dec, Sat 15 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham REEF Thurs 13 Dec, Birmingham Mon 10 Dec, Forest Symphony Hall, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston WINGWALKERS Sat 15 ADAM BLOOM, SEAN PERCIVAL & PETE Arts Centre, Walsall ANDRÉ RIEU Thurs 13 Dec, Arena OTWAY Thurs 13 & Fri 14 Dec, The RHINO’S REVENGE Dec, Albert’s Shed, AARON CARTER Tues 11 Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham Thurs 13 Dec, Eleven, Shrewsbury Dec, O2 Academy, Stoke-on-Trent ESSENTIAL 80’S Sat 15 JOHN RUTTER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRA- MARTIN MOR, STUART GOLDSMITH, DE- Birmingham TION Featuring the Royal Philhar- BRAJANE APPELBY & DAMION LARKIN OCEAN COLOUR SCENE- Dec, The River THE BOOTLEG BEATLES monic Orchestra, John Rutter Sat 15 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke- THE CHRISTMAS SHOW Rooms, Stourbridge Tues 11 Dec, Sym- (conductor), Elin Manahan Thomas on-Trent Thurs 13 & Fri 14 Dec, JOHN KIRKPATRICK - (soprano), Melanie Marshall (mezzo phony Hall, B’ham SEAN PERCIVAL, PETE OTWAY & QUINCY O2 Academy, B’ham CAROLLING & CRUM- soprano), Andrew Lucas (organ), MARK SULTAN / THE Sat 15 Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birm- AVERAGE JOE Fri 14 PETS Sat 15 Dec, The Purcell Singers & The Temple MIGHTY YOUNG Tues 11 ingham Dec, The Sugarmill, Newhampton Arts Church Choir, Thurs 13 Dec, Sym- Dec, Hare & Hounds, Stoke-on-Trent Centre, W’hampton phony Hall, Birmingham CATHERINE BOHART, IAN MOORE, ANDY Birmingham ASKINS & ROB ROUSE Sun 16 Dec, SHOWADDYWADDY - URBAN FOLK QUARTET JUAN PÉREZ FLORISTÁN PIANO CON- SNEAKBO Tues 11 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham CHRISTMAS PARTY Fri Sat 15 Dec, Stafford CERT Programme includes works by O2 Institute, B’ham 14 Dec, The Robin, Gatehouse Brahms, Beethoven, Falla & Liszt, BLACKSTONE CHERRY Bilston OF KINGS AND CAPTAINS Thurs 13 Dec, Stoke Repertory The- Tues 11 Dec, Arena BORN IN THE 80’S Fri 14 Sat 15 Dec, Katie atre, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Dec, The River Fitzgeralds, Stour- ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Theatre VON HERTZEN BROTH- Rooms, Stourbridge bridge CHOIR Thurs 13 Dec, St Mary’s Cen- THE WIZARD OF OZ ERS Tues 11 Dec, O2 Follow the yellow GILES PETERSON Fri 14 MADNESS Sat 15 Dec, tre, Lichfield Institute, Birmingham brick road to the Emerald City this Dec, Hare & Hounds, Arena Birmingham MIDLANDS HOSPITALS’ CHOIR: SING Christmas, until Sun 13 Jan, The FIREBALL-FUELLING THE Birmingham KNIGHT & SPIERS Sat NOEL Conducted by James Llewelyn REP, Birmingham FIRE TOUR Wed 12 FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 14 15 Dec, Lichfield Jones, Fri 14 Dec, Birmingham Town A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec, O2 Academy, David Edgar’s Dec, Lichfield Guild- Guildhall Hall Birmingham acclaimed staging of Dickens’ festive hall HELLBENT FOREVER- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- classic, showing at the RSC for a BURY TOMORROW Wed THE STONES Fri 14 Dec, JUDAS PRIEST TRIBUTE CHESTRA: CHRISTMAS SWING Featur- second year, until Sun 20 Jan, Royal 12 Dec, O2 Institute, Theatre On The Steps, Sat 15 Dec, Eleven, ing David Firman (conductor) plus Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Birmingham Bridgnorth, Shropshire Stoke-on-Trent Caroline Sheen, Damian Humbley & upon-Avon THE ARTHUR DOHERTY Nadim Naaman (vocalists), Fri 14 DENZEL CURRY Fri 14 POP WILL EAT ITSELF- TARTUFFE New updated version of BAND Wed 12 Dec, Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, O2 Academy, XMAS SHOW Sat 15 Moliere’s provocative French classic, Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham Dec, The Slade ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, THE URBAN VOODOO Rooms, W’hampton REPERTOIRE ORCHESTRA Featuring Stratford-upon-Avon ROY ORBISON STORY Fri MACHINE Wed 12 Dec, Daniele Rosina (conductor), Yu-Tzu 14 Dec, Prince Of FUNCTION RECORDS MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS WITH TOO The Robin, Bilston CHRISTMAS PARTY Sat Kung (percussion) & Juan Honorato DARN HOT. CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! Fea- Wales Theatre, Can- Brugere (guitar). Programme in- MAC AYRES Wed 12 15 Dec, Hare & turing leading singers & musicians, nock cludes works by Andriessen, Villa- Dec, Hare & Hounds, Hounds, Birmingham direct from London’s West End, Tues BON JOVI FOREVER Fri Lobos & Elgar, Fri 14 Dec, The Birmingham 11 Dec, Dudley Town Hall 14 Dec, The Slade DANDELION PUSSY Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham KING 810 + PUPPY + Rooms, W’hampton +SILVERCHILD + JUB Conservatoire TWELFTH NIGHT Royal Birmingham BLACK COAST Wed 12 JUB + GOOD HABITS Sat Conservatoire Theatre Company PAPRIKA BLUES BAND LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHOIR: CHRIST- Dec, The Sugarmill, 15 Dec, The Sugarmill, presents its version of Shake- Fri 14 Dec, Albert’s MAS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 15 Dec, Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-Trent speare's popular comedy, Wed 12 - Shed, Shrewsbury Lichfield Cathedral THE JOLIET BLUES BAND MAGIC OF MOTOWN Sat Sat 15 Dec, Birmingham Hippo- SKENGDO X AM Fri 14 A CHORAL CHRISTMAS WITH MATT Wed 12 Dec, Lichfield 15 Dec, Prince Of drome Dec, O2 Institute, BAKER Featuring the City of Birming- Guildhall Wales Theatre, Can- A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Mynne’s Birmingham nock ham Symphony Orchestra, Matt JACOB BANKS Thurs 13 one-man performance of Charles LILY ALLEN Fri 14 Dec, Baker (presenter - pictured) & the Dickens’ timeless tale, Thurs 13 Dec, Dec, O2 Academy, BON GIOVI Sat 15 Dec, CBSO Choruses, Sun 16 Dec, Sym- O2 Institute, B’ham The Robin, Bilston Harley Village Hall, Nr Shrewsbury phony Hall, Birmingham (SY5 6LP) NILE RODGERS & CHIC Sun 16 Dec, Arena THE LEGEND OF EXCALIBOW Bowjan- Birmingham gles present a theatrical musical journey through folklore, mythology SAM KELLY & FRIENDS and legend, Fri 14 Dec, Silvester Sun 16 Dec, The Hive, Horne Institute, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury South Shropshire THEM HEAVY PEOPLE HARK! A NATIVITY STORY Saltmine Sun 16 Dec, The Theatre Company presents a ‘funny Blackstone Cherry - Arena Birmingham Robin, Bilston whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops 10 - 16 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 3

thelist A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama/Family. Film Starring George C. Scott, Frank Fin- lay, The Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Sat 15 - Mon 24 Dec EDIE (12a) Drama. Starring Sheila Hancock, Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 10 Dec Events WIDOWS (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, MEET SANTA Visit the North Pole of the Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 11 Dec city in the Antarctic Ice Cave, meet the man himself and check out the EDIE (12a) Drama. Starring Sheila family of cheeky Gentoo Penguins in Hancock, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, the Ice Adventure area until Sun 23 Tues 11 Dec Dec, National Sea Life Centre, B’ham THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS REALMS (PG) Family/fantasy. Starring MARKETS Offering a large range of Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Wem traditional food & gifts and a selec- Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 11 tion of tempting food and drink Dec across over 80 stalls, until Sun 23 Enchanted Weston - Weston Park, Nr Shifnal SCROOGE (U) Drama. Starring Alastair Dec, Birmingham City Centre Sim, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues THINKTANK ELF HUNT Pick up a finders’ and enchanting’ retelling of the Nativ- Severn, Shrewsbury 11 Dec sheet at the box office to record all ity story, Fri 14 Dec, Stourbridge DICK WHITTINGTON: THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (U) Comedy. the elves you find as you explore the Town Hall PANTO Join Dick & Tommy the cat as Starring Judy Garland, Margaret museum, until Sun 23 Dec, Thinktank GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS Don’t they dance, twist and sing their way O’Brien, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Science Museum, Birmingham Go Into The Cellar invite audiences to to Stafford in search of fame, fortune South Shropshire, Tues 11 Dec FESTIVE SKATING RINK Shrewsbury’s join them for an ‘evening of vengeful & rock’n’roll fun, until Sun 6 Jan, AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL (PG) Docu- ‘largest outdoor skating rink’, acco- revenants, restless spirits and malev- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre mentary. Starring Al Gore, Foxlowe modating more than 40 skaters at olent ghouls’, Fri 14 Dec, The Potter- SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie Arts Centre, Leek, Wed 12 Dec any one time, until Sun 23 Dec, ies Museum & Art Gallery, McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, SHOPLIFTERS (15) Crime/Drama. Star- Love2stay at Salop Leisure, Shrews- Stoke-on-Trent Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until ring Kirin Kiki, Lily Franky, Stoke Film bury CHRISTMAS WASSAIL An evening of Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 13 Dec SANTA SAFARI Combining a four-mile Christmas carols, music and stories, Theatre A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama/Family. self-drive safari with a visit to Santa, Fri 14 & Sat 15 Dec, Oldbury Rep BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Daniel Starring George C. Scott, Frank Fin- until Sun 23 Dec, Hawkstone Park & BETHLEHEM JUNCTION Modern nativity O’Brien’s festive treat, featuring a lay, The Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Follies, Shrewsbury play with music & dance, Fri 14 & Sat cast of actors, singers & musicians, Thurs 13 Dec TELFORD EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MAR- 15 Dec, Ludlow Methodist Church, Tues 11 - Mon 31 Dec, Sutton Cold- KET Soak up the Christmas atmo- South Shropshire field Town Hall THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS (PG) Family/fantasy. Starring sphere, indulge in some festive PETER PAN Amateur staging adapted CINDERELLA Festive family favourite Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Wem shopping and have a hot chocolate from the story by JM Barrie, Sat 15 - starring Isabel Gamble, Tony Disci- Town Hall, North Shropshire, Thurs or a tipple around the Christmas tree, Sun 16 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kid- pline, Anna Kumble, Joe Chambers & 13 Dec until Sun 23 Dec, Southwater, Telford, derminster Carl Dutfield, Tues 11 Dec - Sun 6 Shropshire Jan, Oakengates Theatre at The THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (15) WINTER WONDERLAND Visit Santa in Place, Telford, Shropshire Drama/musical. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo, The his snow-capped log cabin, walk DICK WHITTINGTON Theatre experience Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 Dec through ice mountain, take a spin on within a purpose-built performance the winter carousel and enjoy a Kids Shows area, Thurs 13 - Sun 23 Dec, Landau APOSTASY (PG) Drama. Starring Siob- sleigh ride, until Sun 23 Dec, Winter Forte Academy QEMS, Tamworth han Finneran, Sacha Parkinson, Lud- Wonderland, Telford, Shropshire ELF & REINDEER’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER low Assembly Rooms, South ROBIN HOOD Jonathan Wilkes & Chris- Storytelling, comedy and festive Shropshire, Fri 14 Dec cheer for younger audiences, Tues 11 tian Patterson star in a ‘Sheriff-bust- BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (12a) Biogra- - Sun 16 Dec, Lichfield Garrick ing pantomime extravaganza’, Fri 14 Dec - Sun 6 Jan, Regent Theatre, phy/Drama. Starring Rami Malek, SANTA’S ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER Stoke-on-Trent Joseph Mazzello, Festival Drayton Original songs and energetic chore- Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- ography feature in Brad Fitt’s festive shire, Fri 14 Dec treat for younger audiences, Fri 14 - WILDLIFE (12a) Drama. Starring Carey Mon 24 Dec, Theatre Severn, Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Stoke Film Shrewsbury Dance Theatre, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Dec THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal THE GRINCH (PG) Animation. With the Ballet presents its annual staging of voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Wright’s world famous festive Rashida Jones, Wem Town Hall, production, until Thurs 13 Dec, Birm- North Shropshire, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Dec 1940S CHRISTMAS Discover how At- Pantomime ingham Hippodrome tingham celebrated Christmas in the THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR 1940s, until Sun 23 Dec, Attingham DICK WHITTINGTON Garrick panto BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ‘Panto spec- REALMS (PG) Family/fantasy. Starring Park, Shrewsbury favourites Sam Rabone and Ben tacular’, Fri 14 - Sat 22 Dec, Forest Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, The Thornton are joined by CBeebies star Arts Centre, Walsall Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 - SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Katrina Bryan, until Sat 5 Jan, Lich- THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Vi- Thurs 20 Dec Mon 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tam- field Garrick worth enna Festival Ballet, Sat 15 Dec, Fes- FRENZY Thriller. Starring Jon Finch, MOTHER GOOSE Festive fun aplenty, tival Drayton Theatre, Market Barry Foster, Mitchell Arts Centre, DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS until with the ever-popular Brad Fitt in the Drayton, North Shropshire Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 15 Dec Mon 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme lead role, until Sun 6 Jan, Theatre Park, Tamworth

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops 10 - 16 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:16 Page 4

Monday 10 - Sunday 16 December

MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2018 Back fully decorated gas-lit streets and every child, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Dec, deer and visit Father Christmas in his at Birmingham Botanical Gardens take in the sights, sounds and smells Cadbury World, Birmingham traditional Scandinavian-style grotto, due to exceptional demand, with all- of a magical Christmas past, Fri 14 - VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS AT Sat 15 - Sun 23 Dec, Blthbury Rein- new lanterns for 2018, until Tues 1 Sat 15 Dec, Black Country Living Mu- WIGHTWICK MANOR Sat 15 - Sun 16 deer Lodge, Rugeley Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens seum, Dudley Dec, Wightwick Manor, W’hampton CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Sat 15 Dec ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Festive fun in ENCHANTED WESTON See the beautiful CHILDREN'S VICTORIAN SANTA TRAILS - Fri 4 Jan, St Chad’s Church, one of the ‘best outdoor ice skating Temple Wood lit with ‘magical, capti- Meet the Victorian household as they Shrewsbury rinks in the UK’, until Sun 6 Jan, East- vating lights’, Fri 14 - Sat 22 Dec, We- ready themselves for the annual visit A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAMILY FUN side City Park, Birmingham ston Park, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire of a very special guest, Sat 15 - Sun DAY Meet the Victorian potters, grab LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE ADULT LICHFIELD WINTER WONDERLAND 16 Dec, Tamworth Castle gifts from the artist market and create NIGHT Special adults-only night Christmas market with ice rink, fair CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME The period your own handmade gifts and deco- where visitors can explore Birming- rides and family entertainment! There houses and cottages each run their rations, Sun 16 Dec, Middleport Pot- ham's ‘ultimate indoor playground’, are also party nights for the grown- own activities and demonstrations, tery, Burslem, Staffordshire Wed 12 Dec, Legoland Discovery ups only, Fri 14 Dec - Fri 4 Jan, Bea- taking visitors back to the sights, WHAT THE DICKENS! CHRISTMAS AT Centre, Birmingham con Park, Lichfield sounds and smells of a magical ASTON HALL Meet your favourite ILLUMINATED ARBORETUM Wed 12 - Fri CHRISTMAS WISHES FESTIVE STORY Christmas past, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Dec, Charles Dickens characters and join 21 Dec, National Memorial Arbore- TRAIL Help the elves find the ingredi- Black Country Living Museum, Dud- in the Victorian festivities as Aston tum, Alrewas, Staffs ents for Mrs Christmas’ cake on a ley Hall presents a Dickensian Christ- FESTIVITIES WITH FRIENDS Evening of guided festive story trail around the SANTA HUNTS A surprise gift awaits mas, Sun 16 Dec, Aston Hall, B’ham Christmas songs and carols, Thurs museum, Sat 15 Dec, The Museum of anybody who succeeds in finding the SANTA EXPRESS Climb aboard Santa's 13 Dec, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Bur- Cannock Chase. Cannock jolly-faced bearded one, Sat 15 - Sun magical steam train, Sun 16 Dec, ton upon Trent SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Get dressed 16 Dec, Black Country Living Mu- Statfold Barn Railway, Tamworth CHRISTMAS CAROLS EVENING Demon- up as your favourite character and seum, Dudley CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS Join the on- strations of pottery skills by lamplight, join in the fun, with lyrics appearing VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Enjoy 1800s- board choir for a tour of the caverns followed by outdoor Christmas carols on the big screen throughout the film, style celebrations and entertainment, and limestone mines, Sun 16 Dec, accompanied by a brass band, Fri 14 Sat 15 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall and meet Father Christmas in his Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Dec, Gladstone Pottery Museum, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS A festive grotto, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Dec, Blists Hill SANTA'S GROTTO Sun 16 - Mon 24 Stoke-on-Trent day out with a chocolatey twist. See Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shrops Dec, Apley Farm Shop, Norton, Shif- TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS Father Christmas in his very own CHRISTMAS LAPLAND EXPERIENCE Meet nal, Shropshire Stroll through the museum’s beauti- stage show - and there's a gift for and feed the beautiful herd of rein-

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves 17 - 23 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:15 Page 1

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves 17 - 23 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:15 Page 2

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 December Classical Theatre BENIDORM LIVE Stage version of the Music popular TV show starring Sherrie Hewson, Adam Gillen, Tony Mauds- CHOIR OF KING’S COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE ley, Jake Canuso & Janine Duvitski, - A CHORAL CHRISTMAS Featuring until Sat 29 Dec, Alexandra Theatre, Stephen Cleobury (conductor). Pro- Birmingham gramme includes works by Britten & Vaughan Williams, Mon 17 Dec, THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow Symphony Hall, Birmingham brick road to the Emerald City this Christmas, until Sun 13 Jan, The BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring Ben REP, Birmingham Gernon (conductor) & Leonard Elschenbroich. Programme includes A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky & acclaimed staging of Dickens’ festive Saint-Saëns, Tues 18 Dec, Victoria classic, showing at the RSC for a Hall, Stoke-on-Trent second year, until Sun 20 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- BLAKE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS Tues 18 upon-Avon Dec, Festival Drayton, Market Dray- ton, North Shropshire THE SNOWMAN A screening of the iconic festive film, accompanied by A CHORAL CHRISTMAS WITH ALAN full orchestration, Mon 17 Dec, Victo- Dan Whitehouse - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton TITCHMARSH Also featuring the City ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent of Birmingham Symphony Orches- Dec, The Sugarmill, JOHNNY COPPIN’S ALL tra, Simon Halsey (conductor) & the ELF - A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Gigs Stoke-on-Trent ON A WINTERS NIGHT CBSO Choruses, Tues 18 - Wed 19 David Essex and Martine Mc- KINDOM OF MADNESSS Sat 22 Dec, Lichfield Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Cutcheon star in a ‘supersized show’ DEF LEPPARD Mon 17 Guildhall based on the hit West End and Fri 21 Dec, Newhamp- EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Dec, Arena B’ham Broadway musical, Thurs 20 - Mon ton Arts Centre, BON GIOVI CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skid- SWEET FEATURING ANDY 24 Dec, Genting Arena, Birmingham Wolverhampton PARTAY Sat 22 Dec, more (conductor), Rupert Jeffcoat & SCOTT Mon 17 Dec, FIGHT THE BEAR Fri 21 Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Alexander Mason (organs), Tues 18 - YOUNG DIRECTORS’ FESTIVAL Stage2 The Robin, Bilston Dec, Albert’s Shed, CRACKER 88’S Sat 22 Sat 22 Dec, St Paul’s Church, B’ham Youth Theatre present an evening of THE ALBION BAND Tues 10-minute extracts from classic and Shrewsbury Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- 18 Dec, New Vic The- contemporary texts, Fri 21 - Sat 22 KICK UP THE 80’S Fri 21 Stourbridge MAS CLASSICS Also featuring the City atre, Staffordshire Dec, MAC, Birmingham Dec, The Robin, Bil- SONIC BOOM Sat 22 of Birmingham Choir, Adrian Lucas THE SEX PISSED DOLLS ston Dec, Albert’s Shed, (conductor) & William Dazeley (bari- FAGIN'S LAST HOUR Production in- Tues 18 Dec, The spired by Charles Dickens’ Oliver THE SEX PISTOLS EXPE- Shrewsbury tone). Programme includes works by Robin, Bilston Twist, Sat 22 Dec, Stafford Gate- RIENCE Fri 21 Dec, HARD GRAFT Sat 22 Gruber, Wilberg, Darke, Strauss, house Theatre REPLAY CHRISTMAS Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, Irish Centre, Bach, Vaughan Williams, Berlioz & CHARITY PARTY Wed 19 Handel, Fri 21 Dec, Symphony Hall, GRIMMS FAERY TALES Blue Orange THE SPACEHOPPERS Fri Birmingham Dec, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Theatre present three favourite fairy- 21 Dec, Katie Fitzger- TALON - THE BEST OF Birmingham tales by the Brothers Grimm - alds, Stourbridge THE EAGLES Sat 22 EX CATHEDRA: ANGELS, STARS & KINGS MADDY PRIOR AND THE Also featuring Ex Cathedra Academy Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding FEROCIOUS DOG Fri 21 Dec, Birmingham CARNIVAL BAND: CAR- of Vocal Music, Jeffrey Skidmore Hood & Rapunzel, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Dec, Foxlowe Arts Town Hall OLS & CAPERS Wed 19 (conductor) & Alexander Mason Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, Centre, Staffordshire GREEN MATTHEWS - A Dec, Birmingham (organ), Sat 22 Dec, St Paul’s Birmingham BRIEF HISTORY OF Town Hall THE FINAL WOLFTOWN Church, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS CAROL - AS TOLD BY CHRISTMAS 600 YEARS Fri 21 Dec, The Slade JACOB MARLEY (DECEASED) Told from FRED ZEPPELIN XMAS OF YULETIDE SONGS, HANDEL’S MESSIAH Performed by Rooms, W’hampton the perspective of Scrooge's de- BASH Wed 19 Dec, The CAROLS, TUNES AND Shrewsbury School Community ceased business partner, this Robin, Bilston ABBA REVIVAL Fri 21 TALES Sat 22 Dec, The Choir, Sat 22 Dec, Shrewsbury ‘ground-breaking’ theatrical event Dec, The Buttermar- Brewhouse Arts Cen- Abbey DAN WHITEHOUSE AND has been hailed ‘the definitive telling ket, Shrewsbury tre, Burton-upon-Trent BOO HEWERDINE Thurs of A Christmas Carol’, Sun 23 Dec, CLUTCH Sat 22 Dec, 20 Dec, Newhampton NATHAN DAWE Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Arts Centre, Wolver- O2 Academy, B’ham LIVE#0121 Sun 23 A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICK- hampton THUNDER HAMMER Sat Dec, O2 Academy, ENS In December 1853, Charles 22 Dec, The Sugarmill, Birmingham Comedy MICHAEL BUBLE EXPERI- Dickens chose A Christmas Carol for Stoke-on-Trent ENCE Thurs 20 Dec, FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO MARLON DAVIS, DANE BAPTISTE, his first ever public reading in the The River Rooms, KICK UP THE 80’S Sat QUEEN Sun 23 Dec, MICKEY SHARMA AND LATEEF LOVEJOY Town Hall. Over 160 years later, Clive Stourbridge 22 Dec, The River The Robin, Bilston Tues 18 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham Francis recreates the occasion, Sun SLADE FEATURING DAVE Rooms, Stourbridge CARPET + SOUZA + THE TOM LUCY, ANDY ROBINSON, CARL DON- 23 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall HILL & DON POWELL MAETLOAF & THE NEV- INDOOR KITES + EN- NELLY AND DAVE FULTON Wed 19 - Sat Thurs 20 Dec, The ERLAND EXPRESS Sat TROPY Sun 23 Dec, 22 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Robin, Bilston 22 Dec, The Robin, The Sugarmill, Stoke- DAVE LONGLEY, KANE BROWN & ROBERT UB40 Fri 21 Dec, Arena Bilston on-Trent WHITE Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Dec, The Birmingham THE STRING BAND THE ED SHEERAN EXPE- Comedy Loft, Birmingham Kids Shows CHRISTMAS BOOGIE Sat RIENCE Sun 23 Dec, LIQUOR & POKER Fri 21 JOSH PUGH, COLIN COLE, DAMION EMILY BROWN AND THE THING Tall Sto- 22 Dec, Newhampton The River Rooms, Dec, The River LARKIN & DEBRA-JANE APPELBY Sat 22 ries present a ‘magical adventure for Arts Centre, Wolver- Stourbridge Rooms, Stourbridge Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent the whole family to enjoy’, Mon 17 hampton JOHN DHALI + CHINA FIRES THAT DIVIDE Sun DAVE LONGLEY, KANE BROWN & ROBERT Dec - Sun 6 Jan, The Patrick Centre, TANKS + SOLAR ASY- THUNDER HAMMER Sat 23 Dec, Katie Fitzger- WHITE Sat 22 Dec, The Comedy Loft Birmingham Hippodrome 22 Dec, The Sugarmill, alds, Stourbridge LUM + RIVIERA Fri 21 Birmingham ELF & REINDEER’S CHRISTMAS Stoke-on-Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves 17 - 23 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:15 Page 3 The List Wolves 17 - 23 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 16:15 Page 4

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 December CRACKER Storytelling, comedy & fes- THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS tive cheer for younger audiences, (PG) Drama/Comedy. Starring Dan Tues 18 - Mon 24 Dec, Lichfield Gar- Stevens, Christopher Plummer, Wem rick Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 18 SANTA’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Help get Dec Santa’s party back on track in an ad- SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORN- venture full of festive songs and party ING (PG) Drama/Romance. Starring games, Wed 19 Dec, The Brewhouse Albert Finney, Shirley Anne Field, The Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 19 Dec THE GRINCH (PG) Animation. With the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Thurs 20 Dec Pantomime A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama. Star- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Daniel ring Alistair Sim, Brewhouse Arts O’Brien’s festive treat, featuring a Centre, Burton upon Trent, Fri 21 Dec Shugborough Lantern Parade cast of actors, singers & musicians, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Family. 1940s, until Sun 23 Dec, Attingham Theatre, Wolverhampton until Mon 31 Dec, Sutton Coldfield Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Park, Shrewsbury Town Hall Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME The period FESTIVE SKATING RINK DICK WHITTINGTON Garrick panto Shropshire, Fri 21 Dec Shrewsbury’s houses and cottages each run their ‘largest outdoor skating rink’, acco- own activities and demonstrations, favourites Sam Rabone and Ben NATIVITY ROCKS! (U) Kids/Comedy. modating more than 40 skaters at taking visitors back to the sights, Thornton are joined by CBeebies star Starring Simon Lipkin, Craig Revel any one time, until Sun 23 Dec, sounds and smells of a magical Katrina Bryan, until Sat 5 Jan, Lich- Horwood, Festival Drayton Centre, Love2stay at Salop Leisure, Shrews- Christmas past, Wed 19 - Mon 24 field Garrick Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri bury Dec, Black Country Living Museum, DICK WHITTINGTON: THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL 21 - Sat 22 Dec SANTA SAFARI Combining a four-mile Dudley PANTO Join Dick & Tommy the cat as FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF self-drive safari with a visit to Santa, CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along they dance, twist and sing their way GRINDELWALD (12a) Fantasy. Starring until Sun 23 Dec, Hawkstone Park & or just soak up the festive atmo- to Stafford in search of fame, fortune Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Follies, Shrewsbury sphere as you get Christmas off to a & rock’n’roll fun, until Sun 6 Jan, Jude Law, Wem Town Hall, North traditional start with an evening of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Shropshire, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Dec TELFORD EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MAR- KET Soak up the Christmas atmo- carols & festive songs, Fri 21 - Sat 22 SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie NATIVITY ROCKS! (U) Kids/Comedy. sphere, indulge in some festive Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Starring Simon Lipkin, Craig Revel shopping and have a hot chocolate SHUGBOROUGH LANTERN PARADE Fri 21 Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until Horwood, Wem Town Hall, North or a tipple around the Christmas tree, - Sat 22 Dec, Shugborough Historic Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Shropshire, Fri 21- Mon 24 Dec until Sun 23 Dec, Southwater, Telford, Working Estate, Stafford Theatre THE GRINCH (PG) Animation. With the Shropshire CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS A festive CINDERELLA Family panto starring voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, WINTER WONDERLAND Visit Santa in day out with a chocolatey twist. See Den Siegertsz (BBC Radio Stoke) & Rashida Jones, The Old Market Hall, his snow-capped log cabin, walk Father Christmas in his very own Victoria Cook (CBBC), Mon 17 - Mon Shrewsbury, Fri 21 - Thurs 27 Dec through ice mountain, take a spin on stage show - and there's a gift for 31 Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, FIRST MAN (12a) Biography/Drama. Stoke-on-Trent the winter carousel and enjoy a every child, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Dec, Cad- Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, sleigh ride, until Sun 23 Dec, Winter bury World, Birmingham PETER PAN Matt Slack returns to enter- The Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri Wonderland, Telford, Shropshire TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS tain Hippodrome audiences in a 21 - Thurs 27 Dec BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS swashbuckling pantomime adventure Stroll through the museum’s beauti- MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U) Family. MARKETS Offering a large range of fully decorated gas-lit streets and which promises ‘barrels of laughter, Starring Mara Wilson, Richard Atten- amazing flying effects and a trip to traditional food & gifts and a selec- take in the sights, sounds and smells borough, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, tion of tempting food and drink of a magical Christmas past, Fri 21 - Neverland’. Jimmy Osmond, Meera South Shropshire, Sun 23 Dec Syal & Jaymi Hensley also star, until across over 80 stalls, until Sun 23 Sun 23 Dec, Black Country Living Sun 27 Jan, Birmingham Hippo- Dec, Birmingham City Centre Museum, Dudley drome NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until MONSKI MOUSE'S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL DICK WHITTINGTON Traditional family Released from Fri 21 Dec, showing at Mon 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tam- Join DJ- pantomime starring Kelly Aaron as selected cinemas worth mumma Monski Mouse and her dancers for a morning of family fun, Alice Fitzwarren, Sat 22 - Sun 30 Dec, MARY POPPINS RETURNS (tbc) DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS until Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock Mon 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Sat 22 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Park, Tamworth SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Get Christmas MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2018 Back off to a magical start by meeting Fa- at Birmingham Botanical Gardens ther Christmas in his grotto, Sat 22 - Events due to exceptional demand, with all- Sun 23 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Film new lanterns for 2018, until Tues 1 Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MEET SANTA Visit the North Pole of the Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens SANTA EXPRESS Climb aboard Santa's city in the Antarctic Ice Cave, meet ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Festive fun in magical steam train, Sat 22 - Sun 23 THE BOOKSHOP (PG) Drama. Starring the man himself and check out the one of the ‘best outdoor ice skating Dec, Statfold Barn Railway, Tamworth Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy, Stour- family of cheeky Gentoo Penguins in rinks in the UK’, until Sun 6 Jan, East- CHILDREN'S VICTORIAN SANTA TRAILS bridge Town Hall, Mon 17 Dec the Ice Adventure area until Sun 23 side City Park, Birmingham Meet the Victorian household as they Dec, National Sea Life Centre, B’ham LEAN ON PETE (15) Drama. Starring THE REAL FATHER CHRISTMAS Meet Fa- ready themselves for the annual visit Charlie Plummer, Amy Seimetz, Edge THINKTANK ELF HUNT Pick up a finders’ ther Christmas and Mary in a tradi- of a very special guest, Sat 22 - Sun Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South sheet at the box office to record all tional grotto, Tues 18 - Sun 23 Dec, 23 Dec, Tamworth Castle Shropshire, Mon 17 Dec the elves you find as you explore the Middleport Pottery, Burslem, Stafford- SANTA HUNTS A surprise gift awaits THE GRINCH (PG) Animation. With the museum, until Sun 23 Dec, Thinktank shire anybody who succeeds in finding the Science Museum, Birmingham voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, FESTIVE FRIVOLITIES Celebrate the jolly-faced bearded one, Sat 22 - Mon Rashida Jones, Wem Town Hall, 1940S CHRISTMAS Discover how At- season with live entertainment, crafts 24 Dec, Black Country Living Mu- North Shropshire, Tues 18 Dec tingham celebrated Christmas in the and mince pies, Wed 19 Dec, Arena seum, Dudley whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolverhampton 24 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 17:02 Page 1

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64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 24 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 17:02 Page 2

thelist Monday 24 - Mon 31 December Dec, The River Rooms, ADORED Sun 30 Dec, Club, Birmingham Gigs Stourbridge The Robin, Bilston Classical LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB Mon QEII TOTALLY LIVE Fri 28 SARCOLINE + DESERT 31 Dec, The Slade Rooms, Wolver- THE UPBEAT BEATLES Dec, Eleven, Stoke-on- JONES + FEARS Sun 30 hampton Mon 24 Dec, The Trent Dec, The Sugarmill, Music Robin, Bilston LOL COMEDY CLUB WITH DAMION FILTH + FEEDBACC + Stoke-on-Trent LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: STAR LARKIN Mon 31 Dec, Regent Theatre, THE STRAIGHT ACES Wed SAINT IVY + SOBER Fri THE BIG NYE PARTY WITH WARS AND BEYOND A John Williams Stoke-on-Trent 26 Dec, Katie Fitzger- spectacular conducted by Anthony 28 Dec, The Sugarmill, CHARLIE SLOTH Mon 31 ANDY ROBINSON, GEOFF NORCOTT , alds, Stourbridge Inglis and featuring scores from Stoke-on-Trent Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- DANNY MCLOUGHLIN & COMIC TBC Mon NEW AMEN CORNER & Jaws, Gravity, Batman Suite, E.T, DIRTY DC Fri 28 Dec, ingham 31 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham SOUL SURVIVORS Wed Hook, Close Encounters, Jurassic The Robin, Bilston NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH 26 Dec, The Robin, Bil- Park, Schindler’s List and more... Sat NICK PAGE & DAVE LONGLEY Mon 31 EGO FRIENDLY Mon 31 ston BEBE AND THE TROJANS 29 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Fri 28 Dec, Katie Dec, Albert’s Shed, WHITE TYGER Wed 26 TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR Featuring Fitzgeralds, Stourbridge Shrewsbury Dec, The River Rooms, the London Concert Orchestra, Ben- NEW YEAR - MODERN DAY Stourbridge BRUK UP CHRISTMAS jamin Pope (conductor) & Jennifer PARTY Fri 28 Dec, Hare COWBOYS, HAIR TO THE Pike (violin), Sat 29 Dec, Symphony ROUGH KUTZ CHRISTMAS & Hounds, Birmingham THRONE, MEANSTREAK Hall, Birmingham DO WITH 2 GUITARS Mon 31 Dec, Eleven, Theatre CLASH AND BUD SMUG- SENSATIONAL 70’S V INTO Stoke-on-Trent LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: WHITE GLERS Thurs 27 Dec, THE 80S Sat 29 Dec, CHRISTMAS Also featuring Can- BENIDORM LIVE Stage version of the GIANT AND THE GEORGES Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent The River Rooms, zonetta, Anthony Gabriele & guest popular TV show starring Sherrie Stourbridge PLUS THE LOVELESS Mon singers Matt Ford & Emma Kershaw, Hewson, Adam Gillen, Tony Mauds- DIZZY LIZZY Thurs 27 31 Dec, Katie Fitzger- THE MAD HATTERS NEW Sat 22 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham ley, Jake Canuso & Janine Duvitski, Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, alds, Stourbridge until Sat 29 Dec, Alexandra Theatre, YEARS EVE TEA PARTY THE FRONCYSYLLTE MALE VOICE CHOIR Stourbridge Birmingham Sat 29 Dec, The Flapp- NEW YEARS EVE - ESSEN- Sat 22 Dec, New Vic Theatre, New- PURE WHITNEY HOUSTON per, Birmingham TIAL 80S Mon 31 Dec, castle-under-Lyme Thurs 27 Dec, The River The River Rooms, Rooms, Stourbridge DAN DONNELLY Sat 29 Stourbridge LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, MAS CAROL SINGALONG Featuring BAD MANNERS Thurs 27 Stourbridge T.REXTASY- GET IT ON Jonathan Cohen (conductor/presen- Dec, The Robin, Bilston Mon 31 Dec, The DEFINITELY MIGHTBE + ter) & Louise Dearman (guest SUPREME QUEEN Fri 28 Robin, Bilston singer), Sun 23 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring the Can- THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow zonetta Choir, Michael Bawtree (con- brick road to the Emerald City this ductor), Rowan Pierce (soprano) & Christmas, until Sun 13 Jan, The Peter Davison (special guest reader). REP, Birmingham Programme includes works by A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s Cullen, Handel, Pearsall & Willcocks, acclaimed staging of Dickens’ festive Mon 24 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham classic, showing at the RSC for a LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA - LAST second year, until Sun 20 Jan, Royal NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS Also Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- featuring John Pryce-Jones (con- upon-Avon ductor), Robyn Lyn Evans (tenor) & TRES TRES CABARET An evening of Sky Ingram (soprano). Programme cheeky decadence, presented by includes works by Humperdinck, Stafford's first and only burlesque & Grieg, Puccini, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, variety show, Fri 28 Dec, Stafford Debussy & Strauss, Thurs 27 Dec, Gatehouse Theatre Symphony Hall, Birmingham A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS Celebration LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: NEW of musical theatre, performed by YEAR’S EVE GALA Featuring Anthony local girl Shannon Whetnall, Fri 28 Inglis (conductor), Grant Doyle (bari- Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent tone) & Peter Auty (tenor). Pro- gramme includes works by Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Mascagni, Coates & Elgar, Mon 31 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Kids Shows THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Stage adaptation of Judith Kerr's much- Comedy loved picture book for children, Wed 26 Dec - Sun 13 Jan, Birmingham ANDY ROBINSON, ANDY WHITE, CRAIG Town Hall MURRAY & JOSH JONES Fri 28 - Sat 29 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham SOL BERNSTEIN, MIKE NEWALL, GAR- RETT MILLERICK & DIANE SPENCER Sat 29 Dec, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Pantomime COMEDY IN THE MET Line up tbc, Sat 29 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre DICK WHITTINGTON Traditional family pantomime, until Sun 30 Dec, Prince GUZ KHAN, DALISO CHAPONDA, SLIM & Of Wales Centre, Cannock KANE BROWN Sun 30 Dec, The Glee whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolverhampton 24 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2018 17:02 Page 3

thelist Monday 24 - Mon 31 December BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Daniel amazing flying effects and a trip to A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama/Family. Corden, Wem Town Hall, North O’Brien’s festive treat, featuring a Neverland’. Jimmy Osmond, Meera Starring George C. Scott, Frank Fin- Shropshire, Mon 31 Dec cast of actors, singers & musicians, Syal & Jaymi Hensley also star, until lay, Festival Drayton Centre, Market until Mon 31 Dec, Sutton Coldfield Sun 27 Jan, Birmingham Hippo- Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri 28 Dec Town Hall drome THE CHILDREN ACT (12a) Drama. Star- CINDERELLA Family panto starring ALADDIN Festive frolics courtesy of ring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Events Den Siegertsz (BBC Radio Stoke) & D.E. Caversmill Theatre Company, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Victoria Cook (CBBC), until Mon 31 Sat 29 - Sun 30 Dec, Stoke Repertory Shropshire, Fri 28 Dec SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF Mon 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tam- Stoke-on-Trent GRINDELWALD (12a) Fantasy. Starring worth DICK WHITTINGTON Garrick panto Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS until favourites Sam Rabone and Ben Jude Law, Festival Drayton Centre, Mon 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Thornton are joined by CBeebies star Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri Park, Tamworth Katrina Bryan, until Sat 5 Jan, Lich- Film 28 - Sat 29 Dec MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2018 Back field Garrick INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET Anima- at Birmingham Botanical Gardens DICK WHITTINGTON: THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL tion. With the voices of Kristen Bell, due to exceptional demand, with all- NATIVITY ROCKS! (U) PANTO Join Dick & Tommy the cat as Kids/Comedy. Gal Gadot, The Old Market Hall, new lanterns for 2018, until Tues 1 they dance, twist and sing their way Starring Simon Lipkin, Craig Revel Shrewsbury, Fri 28 Dec - Thurs 3 Jan Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Horwood, Festival Drayton Centre, to Stafford in search of fame, fortune WILDLIFE (12a) Drama. Starring Carey ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Festive fun in & rock’n’roll fun, until Sun 6 Jan, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Mon 24 Dec Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, The Old one of the ‘best outdoor ice skating Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 28 Dec - rinks in the UK’, until Sun 6 Jan, East- PADDINGTON 2 (PG) SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Debbie Kids. Starring Thurs 3 Jan side City Park, Birmingham Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville, High- McGee, Richard Cadell & Sooty, BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER NEW TWIXMAS WALKS A chance to walk off Doreen Tipton and Ian Adams, until bury Theatre Centre, Sutton Cold- field, Thurs 27 Dec YEAR’S EVE CONCERT Classical con- those Christmas indulgences, Wed Sun 13 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand cert. Conducted by Daniel Baren- 26 Dec - Tues 1 Jan, Weston Park, Nr NATIVITY ROCKS! (U) Theatre Kids/Comedy. boim, The Old Market Hall, Shifnal, Shropshire PETER PAN Matt Slack returns to enter- Starring Simon Lipkin, Craig Revel Shrewsbury, Mon 31 Dec Horwood, Festival Drayton Centre, TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore over tain Hippodrome audiences in a SMALLFOOT (U) Animation. With the 500 stalls packed with all kinds of col- swashbuckling pantomime adventure Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Thurs 27 Dec voices of Channing Tatum, James lectable toys, trains and models for which promises ‘barrels of laughter, sale. Thurs 27 Dec, NEC, B’ham

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