Birmingham Cover Online.Qxp Birmingham Cover 24/08/2016 10:08 Page 1

Birmingham Cover Online.qxp_Birmingham Cover 24/08/2016 10:08 Page 1

Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 369 SEPTEMBER 2016

RHYDIAN AT Birmingham THE GARRICK ’

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On birminghamwhatson.co.uk

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

SISTERSTARRING ALEXANDER BURKE ACT AS DOLORES Birmingham Conservatoire (FP- September 16).qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:23 Page 1 Contents September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:09 Page 1

September 2016

Contents

Sunny Afternoon - West End musical charts the highs and lows of The Kinks - feature page 8

Beth Orton Chitty is back... Big Art Project the list

brings her folktronica sound to all-star cast feature in new exhibition opens at the Your 16-page the O2 Institute much-loved family musical Library Of Birmingham week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 28 page 40 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 26. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbirmingham Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 MAGAZINE GROUP Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Adam Jaremko, Kathryn Ewing, David Vincent Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD September B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 17:48 Page 1

First Word

Comedy festival promises 10 days of mirth... Birmingham Comedy Festival (BCF) this year features headline appearances by Romesh Ranganathan (9 & 12 Oct, Town Hall), Sam Wills appearing as The Boy With Tape On His Face (13-15 Oct, mac Birmingham) and Kerry Godliman, co- star of the Ricky Gervais television series, Derek (14 Oct, The Glee). Returning in October to provide another 10 days of mirth, the annual event also features performances by Matt Forde, Justin Moorhouse, Nathan Caton, Tony Law and Jason Byrne. Other festival highlights include hit musical The Rocky Horror Show, Paul Richards’ 50 Ways To Leave Your Drummer - in which the musician/comedian recounts the experience of being fired by 50 acts, including Frank Turner and Heaven 17 - live panel show Panelbeaters, co-created by Mock The Week’s Gary Delaney, and two free-to-attend Sunday afternoon ‘half-dayer’ events featuring 18 comedians performing new shows. The Birmingham Comedy Festival runs from Friday 7 to Sunday 16 October. For full details, visit: bhamcomfest.co.uk

A month of art in the Jewellery Quarter A fast-paced programme of art installations is being curated by a firm of Birmingham- based architects this month. Between 5 and 30 September, four artists will endeavour to turn ‘an ordinary space into something extraordinary’ in the loading bay A taste of Smethwick of Three - BPN Architects’ property at 3 Mary A photographer who’s spent two years creat- Street in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. ing an intimate photographic portrait of the Each artist will have the space to themselves Black Country town of Smethwick, its people for one week and will have the opportunity and its food, has had her work showcased in to develop new skills through the support of a brand new publication. the architects and technical staff. A fifth Home Made In Smethwick features Liz Homegrown in Brum artist has been appointed to document the Hingley’s photographs presented alongside initiative using photography and video. the hand-written recipes of Smethwick resi- An ambitious artist development programme The project’s stated aims are to raise aware- dents. showcasing West Midlands live art and per- ness of the value of artists working alongside Commenting on the publication, Liz said: formance talent is being presented in architects, enhance the Jewellery Quarter’s “The smells of cooking from all around the Birmingham this month. cultural offer, and allow an ordinary build- world permeate the terraced streets of Homegrown is run by local live art agency ing to have a relationship with passers-by. Smethwick. I was generously welcomed into Home For Waifs And Strays and supported homes and given the unique opportunity to by Arts Council England and the Jerwood taste personal dishes embedded with mean- Charitable Trust. The aim of the programme ings and associations. All those I met con- is to give emerging artists the chance to tributed to this celebration of the social her- receive mentoring, develop new work and itage and culinary richness of Smethwick perform at venues across the UK. today. With the aim of capturing the essence The show features drag performance, perfor- of a community, I’ve been the lucky guest at mative baking, filmmaking, writing and the- their table and passenger on their journey.” atre, with each of the contributing artists Home Made In Smethwick was commis- having been assisted in developing their sioned by Multistory, a community arts char- work by a personal mentor. ity based in West Bromwich. Homegrown is being presented at Vivid The book can be purchased from Multistory’s Projects in Digbeth on Friday 9 September website: multistory.org.uk/shop/ from 7pm till 10pm. Entry to the event is free.

4 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD September B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 17:48 Page 2

Entertainment news from around the region

Wanted! Football fans to share their stories... Supporters of Birmingham’s three major football clubs are being invited to help create a new play. Birmingham Repertory Theatre wants fans of Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion to share their stories about why they love the game and why their club is so important to them. The contributions are needed for a new play, Stadium, which will premiere at The REP next summer. “Birmingham is lucky to have three football clubs, all with a huge, loyal following,” says the play’s director, A mischievous Twist on Fagin and co at the Hippodrome Mohamed El Khatib, “so The REP is the perfect place for us to create Birmingham Hippodrome is next month hosting a work of dance that reimagines Charles Dickens’ Stadium. Football is full of drama, classic novel, Oliver Twist. adrenaline and emotion, both on Fagin’s Twist is presented by innovative hip-hop and contemporary dance company Avant Garde, and off the pitch, and we want to led by Artistic Director Tony Adigun. talk to the supporters who make football what it is. We’re keen to “I’ve always been excited by the idea of retelling a popular tale,” says Tony. “I wanted to add a mis- hear why fans have grown up sup- chievous twist that would play with and challenge the audience’s perspectives of a much-loved porting their particular club and classic.” why some families have supported Fagin’s Twist shows at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, on Thurs 20 & Fri 21 October. one team for generations.” Tickets are £12 and can be booked on 0844 338 5000 or from birminghamhippodrome.com Stadium is part of The REP’s Furnace initiative, offering local people opportunities to develop new talents, discover how theatre is made and create their own shows. Legendary Financial boost for Midlands museums Any Villa, Birmingham or West Urdu poet Six West Midlands museums have been awarded a total of £414,719 Brom supporters interested in shar- by Arts Council England to help them become more sustainable ing their stories and explaining celebrated at their passion for their club should Symphony Hall businesses. contact Rosalyn.lesurf-olner@birm- The money comes from the Arts Council’s Museum Resilience Fund ingham-rep.co.uk or call 0121 245 A show celebrating the and will support a range of projects to ensure the museums have 2023. For further information, visit life and work of renowned the resources they need to make the most of their collections. birmingham-rep.co.uk/furnace Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi is Commenting on the award, Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts being presented in Council England, said: “In the Midlands we’re fortunate to have an Birmingham this month. exceptional mix of museums housing local histories and national Kaifi, who died in 2002 at treasures. We believe these museums - and the objects they keep the age of 83, is best safe - play a vital part in community life, helping us celebrate our known for having brought heritage, deepening our knowledge of the world around us, and Urdu literature to Indian entertaining people of all ages. This latest investment from our Mohamed El Khatib with Blues fan films. Museum Resilience Fund is about helping our region’s museums Recounting the real-life become more sustainable businesses so that their rich collections Open rehearsals love story of the poet and can be used and enjoyed for many years to come.” his wife, Shaukat, Kaifi The six museums are: Lapworth Geology Museum, Birmingham for city choir Aur Main is presented by (awarded £58,184); Shropshire Council (£72,890); Museum of Birmingham Festival Choral veteran actress Shabana Cannock Chase, Staffordshire (£78,000); Staffordshire Archives & Society is holding an open Azmi, poet, lyricist and Heritage Service Lapworth Geology Museum rehearsal this month for anybody screenwriter Javed Akhtar, (£102,000); interested in joining the choir. Compton Verney, Comprising male and female and ghazal maestro singers between the ages of 15 Jaswinder Singh, accom- Warwickshire and 85, the society’s next concert panied by a live orchestra. (£56,000); and takes place in November and fea- Kaifi Aur Main shows at Association of tures the requiems of Faure and Symphony Hall on British Transport & Durufle. Saturday 3 September. Engineering This month’s open rehearsal is Museums, being held at Lordswood Girls' Warwickshire School in Harborne on Wednesday 7 September, from 7pm to 9.30pm. (£47,645).

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 FIRST WORD September B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 17:48 Page 3

First Word

Literary estival programme Benjamin Zephaniah Love, loss and announced... loneliness at Subjects ranging from the creativity of concrete to The REP... what makes Birmingham a great speech-making city are featured in next month’s Birmingham Literary Birmingham Repertory Festival. Theatre and the City Of Comprising 43 events, the 11-day celebration features Birmingham Symphony contributions from more than 80 writers, performers, Orchestra are combining historians, illustrators and orators. their talents this month to Highlights include a National Poetry Day with Jean present a ‘powerful’ explo- Binta Breeze, Roy McFarlane and Birmingham Poet ration of love, loss and lone- Laureates (6 October) and a meeting of literary minds liness. with Benjamin Zephaniah and Liz Berry, who come Cold Calling: The Arctic together to discuss how the distinctive accents and dialects spoken in Birmingham and the Black Country Project is described as ‘a shape and colour their writing (11 October). Both events take place at the Library of Birmingham. dreamlike yet vividly raw Word Of Mouth - featuring Michael Rosen and presented by BBC Radio Four at The Mailbox on 16 October - journey through what it feels brings the festival to a close with an exploration of the linguistic gems of the Birmingham and Black like to be human and to feel Country region. alive’. The production, The festival runs from 6 to 16 October at various locations across the city, including the Library of which sees musicians and Birmingham, the Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Marmalade on Broad Street, actors unite against a back- Waterstones and Birmingham Cathedral. drop of beautiful Arctic landscapes, receives its world premiere in The REP’s Studio on 16 & 17 September.

Kathak and The Big Sleuth coming to Bear-mingham tabla classes on Birmingham is set to become Bear-mingham next summer, when over offer in Digbeth 100 giant sun bear sculptures will leave their paw prints all over the A leading South Asian city. dance company is launch- The sculptures will create a trail of art called The Big Sleuth - sleuth ing a new term of kathak being the collective noun for a group of bears. Bigger and and tabla classes at its The initiative is a collaboration between Birmingham Children’s better at Kings Digbeth home in Hospital Charity and creative producers Wild In Art. The organisations Birmingham this month. previously teamed up to present The Big Hoot, a trail of owl sculptures Heath Fest Sonia Sabri Company’s that inspired residents and tourists to uncover Birmingham’s cultural Organisers of Kings Heath dance and music classes gems and discover areas of the city they may not have explored before. Street Fest have confirmed provide people of all ages The sun bear sculptures are intended to serve the same purpose and that the free community and levels of ability with the will be created by regional and national artists. event will return on Sunday opportunity to immerse To find out more about The Big Sleuth, visit thebigsleuth2017.co.uk. 11 September. themselves in two of India’s Follow The Big Sleuth at Facebook.com/thebigsleuth, Twitter.com/the- Coordinated by Kings Heath most traditional art forms. bigsleuth and Instagram.com/thebigsleuth. Business Improvement Term begins on Saturday 17 District (BID), the festival is September and runs for 10 now in its third year and will weeks. All classes take Midlands comedian makes Birmingham- once again feature street place on Saturdays from based comedy for BBC Three food, live music, arts & 12pm unless otherwise indi- crafts stalls and numerous cated on the company’s A Birmingham-based comedy feed by a Midlands stand-up comedian is children's activities. website, ssco.org.uk coming to BBC Three this month. “We’ve got some exciting Coventry-born Guz Khan is the writing talent behind Man Like Mobeen, plans to make sure this which tells the story of one-time criminal Mobeen Deen’s attempts to year’s event is even bigger go straight after finding his faith. and better,” says Stan Hems, Commenting on the film, Guz said: “For me, the beauty of telling a Kings Heath BID’s Chair of story is in its authenticity. There wasn't any other option but to film Events & Marketing, “so put Man Like Mobeen in the areas where the character was born and lived. the date in your diaries and It was filmed in Small Heath and Balsall Heath, areas that very rarely invite your friends, family, get positive media portrayal. It was amazing in terms of the interaction neighbours and colleagues. we were getting from local residents. Okay, I'm related to 62% of those Everyone’s welcome - the local residents, but that's not the point!...” more the merrier.” Man Like Mobeen and BBC Three’s other comedy feeds will be available Keep up to date with Street on BBC Three and BBC Three On iPlayer from Thursday 1 September. Fest news at facebook.com /EnjoyKingsHeath and twitter.com/EnjoyKingsHeath

6 whatsonlive.co.uk THSH (FP- September 16).qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 17:46 Page 1 Sunny Afternoon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:18 Page 1

FEATURE

Days To Remember

There's a heavy rumbling deep in your we grew up listening to this music, having ments, but there are also other people on chest, right at the base of your throat, as a our dads or uncles or whoever saying, stage playing trombones and guitars and thunderous guitar riff tears through the 'You've got to check out this band, they're things, and it's amazing to watch.” stage and reverberates around the audito- brilliant!' Learning the guitar became an ob- “His drum solo is amazing!” adds Newn- rium, shaking seats and rattling bones. This vious step for me, and I joined a band while ham. “You should come and see it just for is sound you can feel: raw, visceral and ag- I was at school, so when this came up it was that!” gressive. It is, insists an adamant young Ray an ideal melting pot for me.” While The Kinks' blistering early hits might Davies, “the best song [he's] ever written,” In this, Newnham is not alone among the prefigure the distinctive sounds of punk, kicking back against the managers demand- cast taking The Kinks musical out on its first grunge and metal by several years, Ray ing something safer, something saleable. ever UK tour. Andrew Gallo, who plays the Davies, the mastermind behind the band, This isn't really Top Of The Pops 1964, but as volatile drummer Mick Avory, also spent would soon become best known as a rather the iconic roar of You Really Got Me floods part of his youth performing in bands, while more introspective and sardonic observer of the theatre hosting Sunny Afternoon, The Ryan O'Donnell, who plays the band's ‘modern life’. At times sharply satirical, at Kinks' iconic single sounds as fresh and ur- charismatic frontman Ray, boasts a stint as a others wistful and nostalgic, his lyrics con- gent as ever. member of Jethro Tull among his musical trast an anger bordering on cynicism with “There are a lot of people who were around credits, as well as an appearance in an essentially romantic, sentimental heart. to see them at the time who have now got to Quadrophenia on stage. Sunny Afternoon casts Ray as its thoughtful an age where they want to relive that,” says “Sunny Afternoon is a great show for seeing and quietly driven protagonist, trying to Mark Newnham, who's responsible for actor-musicianship,” says Gallo. “As the hold the band together as it threatens to im- recreating Dave Davies' game-changing gui- members of the band we play all our instru- plode around him. Though anyone who's tar style on stage. “From our point of view,

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Sunny Afternoon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:18 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

If there are theatre buffs out there who like a good script ‘‘ and witty gags, then what Joe Penhall has written is bang on the money ” ever seen the real Ray Davies live isn't likely dence that fame and fortune can procure; managers singing it, which works just as to forget his on-stage energy, this more in- hardly surprising when one realises that he well as having Ray narrating it, if you like.” troverted side of him is reflected in the cast's wasn't yet an adult when The Kinks first “All of the songs work and fit in the right experiences of meeting the man. made it big. In one outrageous scene, Dave place in the story,” Gallo agrees. “One of my “He's very... not exactly quiet,” explains swings from a chandelier clad in a pink neg- favourite songs in the show is Money Go Ryan O'Donnell, “but he keeps his thoughts ligée he's swapped with a strange woman Round, which is the tale of where all the to himself, and whatever he does say is for his own clothes - nor is this the only time money disappears to, and it's quite specific. never what you expect. I don't think I've he shows up in a dress. Meanwhile, the It's really overt in naming different people, ever asked him for any advice, but he some- homesick Ray, missing his wife and new- so when we do it on stage, it feels like it was times offers it here and there.” born baby, is sent into a deep, depressive written for this.” funk as the financial and emotional pres- “It was quite strange when he came into the Far from simply being a high-quality tribute sures of touring the US grow and his band- space where we were rehearsing for the first act, then, Sunny Afternoon is an intimate mates' constant tiffs erupt in bloody three weeks,” says Garmon Rhys, who plays domestic drama with touching moments be- violence on stage. But if Ray is the brooding bassist Peter Quaife. “We all went round and tween siblings and spouses, a big-scale Yin to Dave's flamboyant Yang, as Sunny Af- introduced ourselves, and when it came to band biopic that crosses continents and ternoon amply demonstrates, his contain- me, he said, 'Yeah, we've met.' He said it as deals with the giddy whirlwind of sudden ment does nothing to dampen his ambition; if I’d forgotten that I'd met him, and in my success, and a feel-good party that ends it’s sacking the band's greedy management head I was going, 'Dude, I would remember with everyone in the audience up on their that eventually gets him back on form. that. You are Ray Davies.' But it was quite feet. “I was really shocked by how much these sweet.” “Even without the songs in it, I think it guys took the reins when some of them were “I remember the first time he came to watch would still be a really good show,” says still in their teens to begin with,” says O'- me do it,” recalls O’Donnell. “I didn't know Newnham. “If there are theatre buffs out Donnell. “They went over and took America he was in until about halfway through when there who like a good script and witty gags, by storm, and when they kept getting used I saw him and I just thought, 'Oh my God, then what Joe Penhall has written is bang by their management, Ray stood up to them this changes everything!’ I always think it on the money.” and took the credit back and refused to let must be difficult for him to allow some of anything stop him. When you look back at “I think the reason it's been so successful,” the details of the story to be put on stage it, I don't think I could have done now what offers Rhys, “is that not only is it a collec- while he's still around to watch it, but what Ray did when he was 20 years old. Not many tion of really amazing songs, but it's also got I'm trying to present in my performance isn’t people could have done it.” such a strong set of characters and a great necessarily a direct version of Ray. From story. It's so well written that you feel as Despite not being directly written for the what I've seen of him, he thinks about though you know them straight away and show, many of The Kinks' songs have a clear things very intensely but doesn't always vo- you really invest in all of them, so by the narrative, and are so transparently inspired calise those thoughts. Obviously we need to end of the play it's like you've been on this by Ray's personal experiences as to slide get the story out of him, so in our version amazing journey with them.” he's a bit more brash and loud with more of neatly into the account of his life as told a physicality, but sometimes when he comes through Sunny Afternoon's biographical to watch the show, I feel like I should tone it plot. Sunny Afternoon shows at the New down a bit!” “Ray is such a good storyteller anyway,” Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues- says Newnham, “but what's different here is It's this relative reserve that makes Ray's he- day 6 to Saturday 10 September; Regent that you have the various characters on donistic little brother his perfect foil in the Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 29 No- stage. For example, in Well Respected Man production. Dubbed ‘Dave the Rave’, the vember to Saturday 3 December. guitarist dives head-first into all the deca- About Town, you have these well-respected

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 FOOD September - Region Brum .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:11 Page 1

10 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD September - Region Brum .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:11 Page 2

Food

Birmingham venue to host prestigious Celebrating the Chinese Harvest British Street Food Awards Festival at Chung Ying The finals of this year’s British Street Food Awards take place in Birmingham’s Chung Ying restaurant group is marking Birmingham this month. this month’s Moon Festival - the Chinese harvest festival The two-day celebration of the nation's finest street cuisine brings - by offering customers ‘a fantastic night of food, drink together the winners of the competition’s regional heats, all of whom and live entertainment’. will be hoping to come out on top at the end of the Birmingham event. The company is hosting celebrations at all three of its The Awards were founded in 2009 by food critic, journalist and ambas- Birmingham eateries on the night of Thursday 22 sador of the British street food revolution Richard Johnson. September, providing patrons with a menu of Cantonese Birmingham’s very own Digbeth Dining Club earned the Awards’ top cuisine, a variety of oriental wines and Moon cake. The prize for Best Street Event In The UK in both 2013 and ’14. evening will also include live music and karaoke. For The British Street Food Awards take place at Rainbow Venues in Digbeth more information, visit www.chungying.co.uk on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September. Tickets for the event cost £5.

REVIEW: El Borracho del Oro, Harborne Court, Birmingham visiting my favourite tapas restaurant in Barcelona - the El Restaurant ticks all the right boxes... Borracho De Oro version was certainly up there in terms of dish together. taste and quality. Next up were the chicken livers - Scallops and black pudding are cooked in Spanish sherry and two of my favourite foods, so it’s served with fried potatoes a dish I opt for quite often. The (£5.50) - and the Iberian suck- scallops were sealed nicely on ling pig, served with an apple the outside yet soft on the puree (£9.95). I’m a big fan of inside, the black pudding was of liver, but it has to be cooked a decent quality. The piquillo right! These livers were cooked pepper created a sweet burst of perfectly, with the sherry accom- flavour - a necessary addition to paniment beautifully comple- the dish. menting the meaty flavour. The For dessert, we opted for a coffee Iberian pig was also cooked crème brulee and churros served nicely, the apple puree the natu- with a chocolate dipping sauce. ral accompaniment - a delicious The crème brulee was lovely and combination. creamy. The churros were slight- Those familiar with the ever- encouraging sign when you’re From the seafood section we ly overdone - but by that time we growing food scene in visiting somewhere for the first chose the Calamar Relleno, were suitably full, so it didn’t Birmingham will know that the time. which was squid stuffed with bother us too much. fennel, egg and prawns (£8.25), residential area of Edgbaston is The Tapas Clasicas menu was Overall, the service was fantastic the roasted octopus leg served home to an abundance of top- split into three sections: Del and the food of a high quality. with what was almost a bubble quality eateries - and tapas Campo - from the pasture; Del Whether it’s an evening meal & squeak-style side (£9.50) and restaurant El Borracho De Oro Mar - from the sea; and De La you fancy or just a nibble and a the Viera con Morcilla - grilled certainly fits that bill. Tierra - from the ground. An egg drink after work, El Borracho De scallops and black pudding Located on Harborne Court, just tapas menu, consisting of a vari- Oro ticks all the boxes for an served with a piquillo pepper a short drive from the city cen- ety of omelettes, and a bread, enjoyable dining-out experience. sauce. The seafood dishes out- tre, El Borracho De Oro boasts cured meats and cheese menu Lauren Foster shone the meat in terms of authentic Spanish tapas dishes were also available. We chose to flavour, although all were deli- in spacious, classy surround- opt for three from both the pas- Food: n n n n n cious. ings. ture and sea sections of the Service: n n n n n Upon arrival, we were politely Tapas Clasicas. The squid was stunning and Ambience: n n n n n unique - a dish I’d never before shown to our table and intro- First up was the Pepito de Overall value n n n n n seen on a tapas menu. The addi- duced to our exemplary wait- Tenera, which comprised beef OVERALL n n n n n tion of the fennel created a sub- ress, Carmen. We ordered a jug sirloin with manchego cheese, tle flavour and the squid was of sangria to share whilst perus- jamón and roasted green pep- cooked to perfection. ing the menu, as well as some per, served on toasted coca El Borracho del Oro Harborne Court olives and tomato bread served bread (£9.50). The beef was Although a bit on the steep side with alioli. price-wise, the octopus was 65 & 67 Harborne Road cooked nicely and to our taste, Birmingham Both the restaurant and the bar the other elements serving their another perfectly executed dish. B15 3BU were packed out - always an desired purpose of bringing the I’d not long had the same whilst Tel: 0121 454 5368 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD September - Region Brum .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:11 Page 3

12 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD September - Region Brum .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:11 Page 4

Food

Jimi Mistry joins Michelin-starred Friday Night Kitchen restaurant gets a Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell rebrand... will be joined by East Is East, Coronation Street and EastEnders One of Birmingham’s Michelin- actor Jimi Mistry when he opens the starred restaurants is now open for doors of his Friday Night Kitchen at longer and boasts ‘a more accessi- Villa Park next month (7 October). ble price tag’. Jimi will be assisting Glynn with the Award-winning chef Richard Turner cooking in what promises to be a fun- has rebranded his well-established filled live show. Harborne eatery Turners At 69. He’s Glynn’s previous Friday Night also created a pared-back menu Kitchens have raised over £100,000 with high-quality ingredients and a for Cure Leukaemia, a charity of seasonal focus. which the chef is a trustee. “Customers want great food, good “I’m really excited about supporting value and a friendly, welcoming Glynn at his Friday Night Kitchen,” service,” explains Richard. “I love says Jimi. “We’re going to have some cooking and look forward to the great banter! I’ve been pals with renaissance of my restaurant.” Glynn for about six years, since we For more information and to make appeared together on Saturday reservations, visit turnersat69.co.uk Kitchen. He’s a great personality and an absolutely amazing chef. I’m sure he’ll crack the whip! But it will be great fun helping him prepare what will undoubtedly be an amazing feast for the live audience - and all for a Turning up the heat terrific cause.” in Brindleyplace Temperatures are set to rise in Brindleyplace mid-month with the welcome return of the almost-too-hot-to-handle Birmingham Chilli Festival. The event is now in its sixth year and as usual features numerous food stalls selling a wide range of chilli-influenced street cuisine. Plenty of live music and family entertainment is also on the bill, as is the always-popular chilli-eating competition. Going ‘down under’ The festival takes place on Saturday 17 in Birmingham September. Wine expert Rachel Barnett and executive chef Lewis Walker are teaming up in Birmingham this month to pres- Enjoy a ‘painter’s platter’ at luxury four-star hotel... ent an Australian wine and gourmet evening. Luxury four-star hotel Park Regis Birmingham along - you’d be surprised at what you could The special event features a selection is holding a Paint & Wine Party on Saturday 10 create.” of unusual and different wines, each September (from 3pm to 5pm). Tickets costing £35 and including all art mate- of which will be accompanied and Inspired by an increasingly popular trend in rials, two glasses of wine and a painter’s plat- complemented by a gourmet tasting- America, the event sees guests following a ter are available from parkregis.eventbrite.com size dish. The menu will reflect mod- step-by-step painting guide while at the same ern Australian fusion food. Highlights time enjoying glasses of wine and a ‘painter’s include BBQ spiced pork fillet, chori- platter’ of canapes and nibbles. zo, jumbo prawns & pineapple, pan- Commenting on the event, Robin Ford, general seared barramundi and mandarin & manager at Park Regis Birmingham, said: butterscotch pavlova. “Whether you’re a seriously talented painter or The event takes place at St Paul’s an absolute beginner, everyone will be able to Club in the city’s Saint Paul’s Square create a work of art to be proud of while enjoy- on Wednesday 14 September. ing a few glasses of wine and some delicious The cost of the dinner is £39.95, nibbles. If you’re thinking ‘I really can’t paint, excluding booking fees. I’d be terrible’, then you should definitely come

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - September - Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:17 Page 1

Gigs

Haley Reinhart The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mon 19 September Twenty-five-year-old Haley Reinhart is an American singer, songwriter and voice actress from Chicago who rose to prominence after coming third in the 10th series of American Idol. Reinhart garnered widespread recognition in 2015 for performing and touring with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, and for her cover of Elvis' Can't Help Falling In Love. The latter appeared in a TV ad for Extra Gum, racking up nearly 13 million views on YouTube and peaking at number 16 on the US Adult Contemporary Chart. Reinhart made her voiceover debut last December, playing a little boy named Bill in the Netflix animated series, F Is For Family. She performs in the Midlands as part of a UK headline tour to support her new album, Better.

Inheaven Hypnotic Brass The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, Ensemble Wed 14 September Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Thurs 29 September Hypnotic Brass are an eight-piece Chicago-based ensemble consisting of eight sons of the jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran. Their musical style ranges from hip-hop and jazz to funk and rock, incorporating calypso and gypsy music along the way. They’ve recorded with artists such as Erykah Badu and Ghostface Killah, and performed with the likes of Wu Tang Clan, De La Soul, Prince, Femi Kuti and Gorillaz, to name but a few. Hailing from south east London and certainly Their hit song War was featured in box office favourite The Hunger Games. ones to watch out for, new kids on the block The ensemble’s latest release, Sound Rhythm & Form, is said to be ‘a teaser to Inheaven generate a sound that’s been satisfy the fans who’ve been waiting described as ‘an amp-pulverising noise that patiently for Bad Boys Of Jazz’, which is set to be released next year. Roy Harper updates the post-punk template for a new Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 7 September generation’. English folk-rock singer Roy Harper has been The band visit the Midlands this month for on the professional music scene since the mid-1960s. With 23 studio LPs and almost as their first ever Birmingham headline show, many live and compilation releases to his name - not to mention public endorsements having previously supported Yak, Sundara from the likes of Fleet Foxes, Led Zeppelin Karma and Circa Waves. They also appeared and Kate Bush - it’s little wonder he’s been honoured with both the MOJO Hero Award at Glastonbury, Field Day and Bilbao BBK (2005) and Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards (2013). Live this summer. Roy visits Birmingham in celebration of his 75th birthday. 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - September - Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:17 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Beth Orton O2 Institute, Birmingham, Wed 28 September

Best known for her folktronica sound, English singer-songwriter Beth Orton came to prominence in the mid-1990s via collaborations with Of Mice & Men with the likes of Metallica and Queens Of William Orbit, Red Snapper and The The Stone Age. The metal quintet stop off in Chemical Brothers. O2 Academy, Birmingham, Fri 30 September Birmingham this month as part of a UK Her first solo album, Trailer Park Since the 2010 release of their self-titled headline tour in support of new album (she chooses not to count the earlier, debut album, Of Mice & Men have garnered Restoring Force, which has made it to num- Orbit-influenced SuperPinkyMandy, plenty of critical acclaim, amassed over 20 ber one on both the Billboard Independent which was released only in Japan), million YouTube viewings and shared stages and Rock album charts. received great critical acclaim, and she’s since released a further four - Central Reservation (1999), Daybreaker (2002), Comfort Of Lynched Megson Strangers (2006) and Sugaring Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 16 September Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham, Season (2012). Tues 20 September Orton's latest offering, Kidsticks, includes the song 1973, the music Since releasing first album On The Side in video for which featured the singer 2004, husband-and-wife team Stu and spray-painting a federally protected Debbie Hanna have developed an enviable cholla cactus and Joshua Tree in the reputation on the English folk music circuit. southern California desert. The local Specialising in self-composed melodies community’s subsequent outrage led which bring together intimate harmony to Orton removing the video from singing and multi-instrumental acoustic online and publicly apologising on playing, the pair have released numerous her Facebook page. Combining distinctive four-part vocal har- albums since On The Side, with their latest monies with arrangements of uilleann studio offering - Good Times Will Come pipes, concertina, Russian accordion, fiddle Again - available now. We Are Scientists and guitar, this four-piece traditional folk Kasbah, Coventry, Sat 3 September group from Dublin comprises Ian and Daragh Lynch, Radie Peat and Cormac Mac Diarmada. Although the band describe themselves as ‘folk miscreants’, their music is actually quite traditional, albeit with subtle traces of the group’s collective influences, from ambi- ent techno and black metal to punk and rock’n’roll. Their 2013 album, Cold Old Fire, scored a massive hit, bringing together songs as diverse as murder ballads and protest We Are Scientists’ breakthrough suc- anthems. Its success catapulted the four cess came with debut studio album friends into the glare of a mainstream spot- With Love And Squalor, which fea- light for which their performance history tured hit single Nobody Move, had hardly prepared them - previous Nobody Get Hurt, the song for which engagements had included a gig while sit- they’re best known. The rock duo ting on bins, another on the top deck of a visit the Midlands this month in sup- bus, a tour of squats and a show in front of port of fifth album Helter Seltzer, 300 glue-sniffing punks in the middle of a released earlier this year. thunderstorm!

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 BCMG DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:15 Page 1

FEATURE

Stephan Meier

Heather Kincaid talks to Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s new Artistic Director…

Almost 30 years after helping to set up the organisation back in 1987, husband-and-wife team Stephen and Jackie Newbould have finally bid goodbye to Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, stepping down from their respective roles as Artistic Director and Executive Producer. Since 2001, under Stephen's watchful eye, BCMG has flowered into one of Europe's most well-respected music ensembles, and the departure of not just one, but two of its key figures is bound to entail major changes. The Artistic Director's shoes might be big ones to fill, but BCMG is confident it's found the right man for the job in percussionist, composer and conductor Stephan Meier, who is eager to get stuck in to the task ahead. What's On spoke to Meier to find out more about his background and his plans for the future of the group. “I'm finding it absolutely thrilling here so far!” Meier enthuses. “I feel like this is a very special story which I'm diving into at the moment.” Originally from Germany, Meier rose to prominence on the contemporary music scene as the founder and Artistic Director of Hanover's acclaimed Das Neue Ensemble. It was in this capacity that his awareness of BCMG and its work began to grow. “I've known some of the musicians here for quite a long time, having met them in Frankfurt and Berlin and other places where contemporary music is pushed forward. Those shared experiences have been in the background while working with my own Das Neue Ensemble.” As someone coming from outside the UK, Meier brings with him a wealth of knowledge about music from across Europe that will be invaluable in the role. His vision for BCMG is of a dynamic, outward-looking, international organisation that can hold its own on the world stage. “I'm looking forward to broadening the scope of

16 whatsonlive.co.uk BCMG DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:15 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

BCMG and bringing more of the excellent First established in 1992, Sound Investment staying on as Artistic Director of Das Neue. music being worked on around the world to is a unique BCMG creation that pioneered “Having set up this small ensemble in Birmingham. I think it would be lovely to crowdfunding for new commissions long be- Hanover for contemporary music, I feel that build up BCMG's exceptional standard of fore the use of such methods of raising saying goodbye to it would be like giving up playing and performing knowledge on a money for creative projects became popu- my identity. But I don't think it will be a global level.” larised online. This radical approach has problem for me, otherwise I wouldn't have In this, he's not alone. Meier's arrival in proved highly successful, enabling BCMG to been chosen. Just look at Mirga, who I think Birmingham happens to coincide with the position itself at the forefront of contempo- has three jobs at the moment! My impression appointment of the Lithuanian Mirga rary music. To date, the scheme has given is that the board who appointed me would Gražinyt -Tyla as Music Director of the City rise to over 70 original works by an impres- see this as an advantage rather than a disad- of Birminghamė Symphony Orchestra, an or- sive array of composers, as well as encourag- vantage, because of the possibilities it opens ganisation with which BCMG has always fos- ing a sense of ownership and direct up for international exchange.” engagement from its supporters. tered strong ties. Add to this the ongoing Far from being troubled by the workload, redevelopment of the Birmingham Conserva- “The composers from the BCMG family, if I then, Meier is looking forward to the chal- toire under its new Principal, Julian Lloyd- may put it like that, are at the core of what lenges ahead. Having previously described Webber, as well as the arrival of Caroline we're doing over the coming months - people BCMG as “one of the world's finest new Newton as Executive Producer at BCMG, and like Thomas Adès and Colin Matthews, as music ensembles, admired for its joyous, un- the coming year starts to feel like a very ex- well as younger musicians like our fantastic compromising championing of the music of citing time for music in the city. Apprentice Composer-in-Residence Patrick today,” he views it as a privilege to lead the “I'm continuously meeting people who are Brennan. I'm very much looking forward to group through this exciting new chapter in really intensely keen to drive things forward, being part of this process of collaboration its story. and co-operation.” who are very open to new ideas and to every “There are two things, I believe, that make possibility. And not just in the musical field, Elsewhere, Meier will also be overseeing the this group so special. The first is the extraor- I have to add.” group's education and outreach arm, taking dinary capability of the players, who are all Among Meier's main responsibilities in his a lead on its various projects. working at a standard well above what is new position will be programming the many “BCMG has gained a worldwide reputation, usual. The second is the way in which they concerts and events that fill the BCMG calen- not only artistically, but also in the sector work together as an ensemble. There is a re- dar, as well as commissioning new work which they call Learning & Participation. I ally wonderful community of musicians here from current composers. For the 2016/17 sea- would say that currently, the main focus is - 'work' is almost not the right word to de- son, he will be mainly focused on continuing on young people, so I hope to extend that to scribe what they are doing, since you can see the work of his predecessor and seeing encompass the wider public. We have won- how much they're enjoying going on these through projects already set in motion. derful plans in terms of broadening these ac- adventures together. It's a fantastic starting “For the next 12 months, Stephen has set a tivities, and I hope that all curious people point for me to build from.” wonderful programme celebrating all the will want to share with BCMG in exploring things that BCMG has reached and achieved. what today's music will be.” Our next season will be about building up a Without a doubt, it's going to be an ex- Stephan Meier's tenure as Artistic Direc- strong network of nationwide and worldwide tremely busy period for Meier. As well as tor of BCMG begins with the 2016/17 sea- eminent composers and conductors, as well spending time mapping out the future of son. A full programme of events and as building up the Sound Investment BCMG, he'll also be continuing with much of activities is available at whatsonlive.co.uk scheme.” his work back home in Germany, including

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Daniel Koek DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2016 15:36 Page 1

FEATURE

MY WEST END STORY

Daniel Koek performs at Shrewsbury's Henry Tudor House

He's played countless coveted roles in the end, people like hearing a nice melody much-loved musicals, performed in major with a through-line and a chorus and good international venues from Edinburgh to lyrics. It can be really joyous and inspira- Adelaide, taken on the part of Tony in West tional for them.” Side Story's 50th anniversary tour and be- For a singer with such varied interests, come the West End's youngest ever Jean there are endless possibilities when it Valjean; over the last 10 years, Australian comes to assembling material for a new tenor Daniel Koek has been making waves album or tour, but as far as Koek is con- in musical theatre around the world, as cerned, there are two key factors in choos- well as releasing two successful solo al- ing what to include: the personal emotional bums. This month, as part of an ongoing resonance of a song, and the potential to UK regional tour, Koek visits Shrewsbury's make it his own. Henry Tudor House for a small-scale con- “I think music inspires us and touches us cert that will take listeners on a journey on a daily basis, and there are certain songs through the highs and lows of his career so and pieces of music that form a kind of far. soundtrack to your life. Sometimes you just “I originally put the show together for the find yourself coming back to a song that re- 2015 Cabaret Festival in Adelaide, to mark minds you of a particular occasion or a the 10th anniversary of me moving to Lon- poignant moment or a success that you've don to study musical theatre,” he explains. had. I remember those and set them aside “It's a very intimate sort of show with just for when I'm putting together shows like me and a piano, doing songs and stories this. Of course, I also like to put my own about all the ups and downs and the roles slant on things, like with Set Fire To The I've played along the way.” Rain. It's a beautiful song with such a great Though classically trained, Koek is best lyric that when I did it for the album, I de- known for his renditions of popular musi- cided to make it more acoustic, especially cal show tunes. As such, both his albums at the beginning.” and his solo concerts feature an eclectic Released last year, Koek's second album, mix of songs ranging from Italian arias to HiGH, includes a medley of Billy Joel songs contemporary pop hits, all brought together - And So It Goes and She's Always A in an engaging crossover style that's been Woman - as well as a rendition of Josh described as ‘popera’. Groban's February Song, both of which, he “I think it’s a genre of music that’s always says, will appear in the concert. The album been quite popular and helps to make clas- also features the vocal talents of former G4 sical music more accessible. While I've tenor Jonathan Ansell, as well as Britain's been classically trained, I've always loved Got Talent's Charlotte Jaconelli, with whom the big production songs as well. I think in Koek has also performed live. Daniel Koek DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2016 15:36 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

“Charlotte actually originally came to me of control over the finished product to artists it was my sixth year in a row of doing eight after she parted ways with Jonathan [An- and creators. shows a week. Not that I wasn't enjoying it, toine, her former singing partner]. She’d seen “I've always been very determined and very but towards the end of Les Mis, I found my- me in Les Mis and her management called up focused on the kind of music that I want to self becoming all new levels of exhausted, to ask if I would be interested in doing a duet make. Sometimes, if you're signed to a major and I think sometimes you just need to listen on her album. She's a beautiful little up-and- label, that can get taken out of your hands, to your body and your mental state and give coming star, so of course I jumped at the which I don't really like the idea of.” yourself a rest. chance. With Bring It Home, after doing Les Over the years, Koek has built up an impres- “I also decided it was time to kind of regroup Mis, I knew I wanted it on my new album, sive list of stage credits, including parts in and redefine myself as an artist, rather than but of course everyone who plays that role West Side Story, South Pacific, Chess and just being the product of someone else's records it for an album, so I was looking for a Saturday Night Fever, but his most stand-out show. I think that's a trap that a lot of musi- way of doing something different with it. The role, as previously mentioned, has been Jean cal theatre performers get stuck in: obviously arrangement I did with my MD works really Valjean in the West End production of Les the financial rewards of doing lots of big well with two male voices, and Jonathan's a Miserables. As much as it's a joy and a privi- shows are high, and you can become reliant beautiful tenor, so we brought him on board lege to play a part like that, however, Koek is on that if you don't do something fresh and for that.” also candid about the costs. new to inspire yourself. To raise the money for his album, Koek “When you're in a production like that, it “At the moment, I'm really enjoying being turned to crowdfunding website PledgeMu- means doing seven or eight shows a week, able to do regional gigs like this one in sic, enabling him to capitalise on his existing sometimes two a day, and that particular part Shrewsbury. It will be my very first time fanbase and offer them a range of perks and is like a marathon. It's really all-consuming, there, but I've got a property up in Der- goodies for supporting his work. and from an audience perspective, it requires byshire where I'll be staying for the weekend, “It's a really great platform for engaging the you to be bang on the money all the time, so so it won't be far for me to travel. fans you already have and getting them on you just have to really knuckle down and “I'm also doing a lot of corporate work. I'll go board with the funding of a new album. Ob- keep yourself very fit and healthy and fo- out and headline cruise ships from time to viously, in this day and age, making money cused and look after your body. For a while, I time, and I've been doing some writing. Just out of music is much harder, and creating basically had no social life and no personal not having that packed schedule gives you something on the scale I did for the second life, but it's a sacrifice you make for your ca- time and energy to create things.” album isn't cheap - there are the musicians reer.” and the arrangements and the photoshoots, Over time, this strenuous routine began to which can all really add up. This way, people take its toll, and Koek realised it was time to can help by doing anything from buying the make a change. After taking some time out to album on pre-sale to getting signed items or Daniel Koek: My West End Story is at recover, he began to focus on smaller con- gig tickets and experiences with me. It makes Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury on certs, as well as recording his album and de- the fans feel involved and that's what I really Sunday 11 September. veloping new material. like about it.” “I'd been lucky enough to go from show to As well as giving a sense of ownership to the show, touring both nationally and interna- fans, crowdfunding also offers a greater level tionally, so by the time I finished in Les Mis, Festivals September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:16 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:16 Page 2

Festivals

Moseley Folk Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sun 4 September There’s no need to walk 500 miles to see The Proclaimers this month - they’re much closer to home than that, sharing headlining duties at this genre-hopping annual festival. Presented in the stunning setting of Moseley Park, the event has a reputation for punching above its weight when it comes to enticing star names, and this year is no exception. Along with Scottish twins Craig and Charlie, who’ll draw proceedings to a close on the Sunday, the line-up also includes Levellers, The Coral, The Jayhawks and Billy Bragg. Other notable names taking to the stage at the three-day festival are Phosphorescent, Songhoy Blues, Oysterband and Benjamin Francis Leftwich. Line-up at a glance: Levellers, The Coral, The Proclaimers, Billy Bragg, The Jayhawks, Songhoy Blues, Phosphorescent, Oysterband, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle, Sam Lee & Friends, This Is The Kit, Laura Gibson, Steve Tilston.

Kenilworth Arts Festival Stafford Blues Festival Rockstock And Barrel The Chimneys, Willington, Derbyshire, Various venues, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, Lower Drayton Farm, Nr Penkridge, Fri 30 September - Sat 1 October Mon 12 - Sun 18 September Staffordshire, Fri 2 - Sun 4 September A small but perfectly formed event is how its “Our aim,” explain the organisers of Eager to ensure the second edition of relatively modest band of dedicated enthusi- Kenilworth Arts Festival, “is to bring together the Stafford Blues Festival builds on asts would describe Rockstock And Barrel, a some of the finest contemporary music, liter- the promising notes sounded by last festival taking place in the shadow of the ature and art from across the country, as well year’s inaugural offering, organisers Willington cooling towers. as to offer a platform for bright local talent. have added what they describe as ‘a Live power lines overhead, an atmosphere “That said, it’s important to point out that touch of rock’ to this year’s event. The sparking with electricity, plenty of highly ‘arts’ isn’t intended as a code word for Sick Notes, Stuart Woolfenden and charged music and no small amount of ‘hodgepodge’. We have a very clear vision for Rock Dogs will all be on hand to offer brain-battering cider ensure the two-day the festival, and our insistence on quality, a side-order of headbanging to go event boasts a style and character all its originality and contemporary creative with the main dish of chilled-out jazz own. expression will shape the programme of and blues. This year’s line-up features Nottingham folk- events.” There’s also a Women In Blues day, punk/ska band Ferocious Dog and South Previously called the Kenilworth Festival and featuring contributions from female Yorkshire blues/rockers Black Tartan Clan, rebranded for this year, the event includes artists including the internationally both of whom are headlining. contributions from critically acclaimed con- acclaimed Judy Emeline and up-and- temporary artists and keynote speakers. coming local talent Rheanna Line-up at a glance: Ferocious Dog (pic- There are numerous workshops to attend as Forrester. tured), Black Tartan Clan, The Lagan, Blind well, and a free, open-air, child-friendly get- A jam/open-mic session kickstarts Fever Hillbilly Blues, Headsticks, Star together in Abbey Fields featuring music, proceedings on the Thursday, at what Botherers, Emma And The Professor, We food, arts & crafts and stalls selling local promises to be a pleasantly low-key Steal Flyers, The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val produce. get-together boasting a relaxed, family Doonican, The Blue Horizon, The Eskies. atmosphere. Line-up at a glance: Jason Rebello, Kitty MacFarlane, Line-up at a glance: Stu Woolfenden, Luke Jackson, Rachel The Sick Notes, Rockdogs, Bang To Sermanni (pictured), Rights, Rainbreakers, Lol Goodman Rebecca Omonira-Oyekanmi, Band, Pistol Pete Wearn, Used Blues, Rob Cowen, The Ayoub Ged Wilson, Ben Miles, Cold Flame, Sisters, Andrew Davies, Voodoo Stone, Blackfish, The Zoe Claire Trevien, David Morley, Green Band, Maggie Thomas, Narn, Jo Bell, Jonathan Edwards, The Bonny Lou Band, Imaner, Luke Kennard, Sarah Howe. Northbound, Barrel House Jukes.

For more festivals visit whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:10 Page 1

Comedy

Romesh Ranganathan William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Sat 24 September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 25 September; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 29 September; Malvern Theatre, Sat 8 October; Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 9 & Wed 12 October; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 14 October; Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 29 October Romesh Ranganathan’s transition from maths teacher to stand-up comedian wasn’t always an easy one. "When I was starting out,” Romesh recalls, “I’d be performing to one man and his dog in a local pub, and all of a sudden my sixth for- mers would turn up to watch me die on stage. Telling them off in class the following day was certainly not easy!” With his support slots having included one for Ricky Gervais, Romesh has become a familiar face on TV, having lent his talents to, among other series, Live At The Apollo and Stand Up For The Week. He’s returning to the Midlands this month with brand new show Irrational, in which he’ll not only examine the global issues close to his heart but also explain why everybody else is wrong about them...

Six of the best...

Sara Andrea Funhouse Pascoe Hubert Comedy Stratford The Glee Club, Night Artshouse, Thurs Fri 23 - Sat 24 Brewhouse Arts 22 September September Centre, Thurs 22 In common with At a gangly 6ft 2in, September Mitch Benn Andrea Hubert BRMB presenter (opposite page), stands out from Tom Binns became Sara Pascoe is the crowd even former BRMB pre- clear about one before she opens senter Tom Binns thing - there are no off-limit subjects when it her mouth, let alone tells a joke. on Christmas Day 2009. It was on that day comes to comedy. A second-place finish in all manner of presti- that he stopped the Birmingham radio sta- “People forgive the subject matter when they gious stand-up competitions offers tion’s broadcast of the Queen's Speech, find something funny,” she says, “but that irrefutable evidence of the consistently high declared it to be “Two words: Bor-ring”, and doesn’t mean the comedian has no responsi- quality of her material. played the Wham song Last Christmas bility to question their own material. If Her Edinburgh stand-up show this summer instead... According to Tom, there’s plenty they’re going to tell a joke about rape, they took the theme of depression - not a subject more to that story than meets the eye, but the should first consider how you might feel if that’s an obvious bag of laughs but certainly bottom line is that he was subsequently you’ve been a victim of it. If, after that, they one that’s been significant in Andrea’s life. sacked from the station. Not that the dis- still feel it’s a joke worth telling, then they’ll Having suffered with the ‘black dog’ for missal has weighed too heavily on his career be doing so with complete faith in their own years, she finally decided to take antidepres- in the years which have followed, thanks in material, which is great.” sants - and hasn’t looked back since. She no small measure to his impressive comic tal- Sara first entered the realm of stand-up com- would advise anybody in a similar position to ent. edy back in 2007. Since that time she’s con- follow her lead - just bite the bullet and swal- He’s best known on the circuit for his alter tinued to develop both her act and her CV, low the pill. “Do take them,” she urges. egos, Ivan Brackenbury - an inept hospital with roles in The Thick Of It and Being “Positive feelings will start to creep in. radio DJ - and Ian D Montford - a man whose Human sitting alongside her live work. Embrace them the way you would a polite propensity for getting things wrong belies his new boyfriend after years of bastards.” belief that he’s Britain's top psychic. Tom here appears as both characters. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:10 Page 2

Mitch Benn Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 10 September; Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Thurs 22 September “I wouldn’t say there’s an absolutely taboo subject when it comes to comedy,” says Mitch Benn, who visits the Midlands this month with his Don’t Believe A Word tour, “but there are some things which are just so hard to make funny, you’d probably just upset yourself and everyone else by trying. Sure, I have the right to crack jokes about everything. The question is, do I have the capacity to crack jokes about everything? Am I that good that I can take the most abhorrent subjects and make them funny? “I’ve often thought that offensive humour is a bit of an oddity. In my mind, if something’s offensive, then it’s not funny. I’m also quite suspicious of self-consciously dark humour. My problem with it is that I think it shifts the burden onto the audience. It makes it their job to find me funny, rather than it being my job to make them laugh. As a comedian, I believe it’s never the audience’s responsibility to find you funny.”

Ross Bridget Tape Face Noble Christie The Core, Solihull, Sun 18 September; The Place, Royal Shakespeare Royal Spa Centre, Oakengates, Theatre, Stratford- Leamington Spa, Shropshire, upon-Avon, Sun 18 Wed 12 October; Thurs 22 - Fri 23 September mac, Birmingham, September Bridget Christie Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Geordie comic October; Wulfrun describes herself as Hall, W’hampton, Ross Noble may ‘a female person’ Tues 1 November not have hit the and ‘the only stand- Otherwise known heights once up to have been billed as The Boy With Tape On His Face, hailed as expected of him, but he’s undoubtedly one alongside both Lionel Blair and Naomi Wolf’. a modern-day Buster Keaton and described of the UK’s most talented funnymen. He also Bridget’s appearance at the Royal as 'a mad scientist of vaudevillian pranks', has a nice line in surreal comedy, never gives Shakespeare Theatre, alongside comedian there's no question that Canadian comedian an audience the same show twice, and and writer Andy Hamilton, is sandwiched Sam Wills brings something to the table boasts hundreds of thousands of followers between her Edinburgh Festival appearances that’s just a little bit different. on Twitter. and numerous London performances of Mime with noise, stand-up with no talking, He’s heading for the Midlands this month to Because You Demanded It, her new show and drama with no acting are among the perform a warm-up for his brand new show, about Brexit. novelty numbers he peddles in his shows, Brain Dump, and includes among his jokes, “If you didn’t want to leave the EU,” says which have also been known to draw on a “If the Pope doesn't want to be knocked Bridget, “or you did, but now don’t because heritage that includes magic, puppetry and down, he shouldn't dress up as a skittle”. everything’s gone to shit, then this is Motown. absolutely the show for you.” Oh, and the films of Patrick Swayze... Gags include: “Every vagina is a unique snowflake... made of gammon”, and “Feminism isn’t a fad. It’s not like Angry Birds. Although it does involve a lot of angry birds. Bad example.”

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Isy Suttie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:09 Page 1

FEATURE

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Isy Suttie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:09 Page 2

by Brian Donaldson Isy Suttie

Best known for playing Dobby in Channel Four’s Peep Show, comedian Isy Suttie this month visits the Midlands to promote her book, The Actual One. What’s On recently caught up with her to find out more…

Isy Suttie has been swapping the lights of the after with. And nor is it me going about leav- pared to some things where you’re running stage for the glow of her desk lamp recently, ing my knickers on rugby posts. It’s quite an out of time and everyone is a bit knackered. and now that she's completed her book, The honest account of me bumbling through life But with Peep Show, even when we were re- Actual One, she's back on tour with a new trying to make the best of things.” ally up against it, the cast and the director show of the same name. However, it’s not ex- Certainly, Isy Suttie has made more than the never made it feel like work. A lot of that is to actly like a regular stand-up tour - as she ex- best of things when it comes to her career in do with the writing; when you know you plains: “It’s effectively a book tour, but I still comedy to date, with a series of successful have a really great script, everyone is more want to make it as varied as possible, so Edinburgh Fringe shows under her belt. relaxed and you’re on a very solid founda- there’ll be bits of stand-up and songs and I’ll Love Lost In The British Retail Industry was tion.” be chatting to the audience. The book is an her acclaimed 2007 character-led debut, Now that Suttie is a published author as well account of me being single and in various re- while her most recent appearance was in as a TV actress, musical comedian and lationships in my late 20s/early 30s, but 2011, with Pearl And Dave. “When I was award-winning radio playwright (her adapta- what’s come out from the writing of it is a cel- growing up, I always wanted to be an actress tion of Pearl And Dave for Radio Four won ebration of friendship. What I do generally is and musician. I never thought I’d go into the Sony Radio Academy Award in 2013), her quite upbeat, and I’m not about to do a series comedy, although I was always larking about career’s building blocks are rock-solid. And of one-liners about misery, so it will hope- and playing the fool at school. I used to write thanks to her aforementioned ‘book tour’, fully be quite spirited and fun.” these serious songs, and around the age of 2016 is proving to be a big year for her. When she came to deciding how she wanted 18, I really thought I could be a folk singer “When you’re writing a live show, you just to structure The Actual One (the working title and an actress. I just knew that I’d want to have to think, ‘Is this funny?’ You might say, of which was Glass Half Full), Suttie took a tell stories in my songs.” ‘Well, I’ve done enough funny stuff to earn degree of inspiration from Lena Dunham, the It would be fair to say that music has been an the right to talk about my dead grandfather creator of US hit comedy-drama Girls and au- important element in much of Suttie’s work. for 10 minutes’, but when you’re writing a thor of Not That Kind Of Girl. “Her book is As a teenager, she was a regional winner in book, you can allow yourself a bit of space. written in essay form where there’s no narra- the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Competition, You can plunge deeper down in a book than tive per se or even a thread running through while a few years later she won the Julian you can on stage. I love doing radio, but it; it’s just chapters about different periods of Slade Songwriting Competition. Subse- you’re always a bit confined because you her life, and that works brilliantly. I’d toyed quently, she’s been tour support for one of can’t talk about sex unless you’re alluding to with doing my book that way, but it felt that her heroes (ex-Carter The Unstoppable Sex it. With the book, I found I could write about the right thing was to write about a concen- Machine leader Jim Bob) and enlisted the whatever I wanted, with no need to shy away trated period of time.” help of another idol, The Stranglers’ Jean- from any of those cringey and sometimes sad One of the main events in this period features Jacques Burnel, for a short film she made, moments that feel more honest. I had a rule the time Suttie was back at her parents’ The Best Night Of Roxy’s Life. that I wouldn’t write anything in the book house feeling a little sorry for herself having TV has also come a-calling for Suttie, with that I wouldn’t say on stage. I do talk about just witnessed her pregnant best mate mov- appearances opposite Alan Davies in BBC sex; I mean, it’s not Jordan’s autobiography ing away. “As a joke, my mum and I set up an kitchen drama Whites, as a regular character or anything, but if I thought it would be good internet dating profile for me and she started in Shameless’ 11th season and, in arguably for the reader to know something, then I’d choosing guys for me and logging in as me. It her biggest coup, a recurring role across sev- put it in. And the best bit, of course, is that culminated in a bet where, if I didn’t end up eral seasons as Dobby in Peep Show. With you can’t see people’s faces when they’re with a boyfriend in a month, I’d go on a date that series coming to a close in 2015, it was reading it.” with someone she’d chosen. She really got the right moment for Suttie to reflect on into it. I talk a lot in the book about the na- being part of one of Britain’s most critically ture of relationships according to my experi- adored sitcoms of recent times. ence, and the fact that I know more unhappy Isy Suttie brings her The Actual One Book “When I got on Peep Show, I didn’t fully re- people who are in relationships than aren’t. Tour to the Glee Club, Birmingham on alise how big it was. I remember being nerv- This isn’t a book that’s the equivalent of a Friday 23 September. ous for the whole of my first series because it romcom, where I’m all Bridget Jonesy and Hard copies of The Actual One are now felt like a big jump for me. The writing never eventually find someone to live happily ever available from all leading book shops. wavered, and it was so relaxed there com-

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Dance September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:11 Page 1

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:11 Page 2

Dance Dance previews from around the region

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 23 - Sat 24 September It’s been six years since the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater last performed in Birmingham, so this return visit is long over- due. Since forming in the late 1950s, the company has bedazzled more than 20 million people across 70-plus countries on six continents and continues to impress with its the- atrical style of performance. The ensemble here present a repertoire of seven shows across two days. Their all-too-brief stop-off at the Hippodrome is brought to a close with a performance of Revelations. Choreographed by founding father Ailey and first performed in 1960, the work uses song-sermons, spiritu- als, holy blues and gospel songs to tell the story of the African-American journey from slavery to freedom.

National Dance Company notion of rhythm - and Lee Johnston’s They BRB: The Tempest Seek To Find The Happiness They Seem, a Of Wales: Folk ‘heart-wrenching exploration of the separa- Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 1 - Sat 8 October DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, tion and disconnection within a relation- Birmingham Hippodrome, ship’. Thurs 22 - Fri 23 September David Bintley’s full-length ballet version of The Tempest has been a long time coming - 30 years, in fact. Rosie Kay Dance “Thirty years ago I made my first full-length ballet, The Swan Of Tuonela,” explains Company Double Bill David, the artistic director of Birmingham mac, Birmingham, Royal Ballet, the company next month per- Thurs 15 - Sat 16 September forming the brand new work. “The music Rosie Kay’s Midlands-based company here was derived from a number of Sibelius’s present two pieces that perfectly illustrate scores, including the overture from his inci- why the ensemble is so highly regarded on dental music to The Tempest. Later, I the UK dance scene. acquired a recording of the complete music Bach, dubstep and electronica provide the and was fired to make a ballet. soundscape against which the dancers per- Unfortunately my excitement was tempered form Double Points: K, an impressive study by my feeling that this music, excellent National Dance Company Wales’ new artistic of synchronicity and stamina. though it was, was not the score for me to director, Caroline Finn, is one of three lead- Meanwhile, it’s the paintings of visual arts make ‘my’ Tempest to, so the idea was rele- ing choreographers whose work is being duo Huntley Muir that provide the compa- gated to the back burner.” presented in this brand new show. Well ny’s inspiration for Motel - a ‘dark, sexy and And there it remained - until, that is, David known for her quirky style, Finn here pres- exciting’ work exploring the spaces in which discovered the music of British composer ents Folk, a darkly comic piece that explores ‘illicit affairs occur and secret relationships Sally Beamish. “Her output is pictorial in the theme of social dynamics. play out’. concept,” he says, “often lyrical, dramatic, “I wanted to create a community in which pulse driven and strongly, recognisably the characters could exist that was surreal structured. Imagine my delight on meeting yet familiar,” explains Caroline, “a world her and learning that she’d longed to write that we can all relate to on some level but for dance!” which isn’t immediately identifiable or Bintley’s Tempest is the highlight of recognisable. Folk is a piece which features Birmingham Royal Ballet’s contribution to some quite intense moments, but it also has Shakespeare400, a nationwide festival mark- a dash of dark British humour.” ing the 400th anniversary of the play- Alongside Finn’s work, the company also wright’s death. The ballet will head out on a performs Alexander Ekman’s Tuplet - a witty UK tour following its premiere at the and high-octane exploration of the simple Hippodrome next month.

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Sister Act New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 12 - Sat 17 September; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 27 February - Sat 4 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May Alexandra Burke stars in this hit show, which is based on the Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name and directed by Craig Revel Horwood. Packed to the rafters with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco, Sister Act tells the story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier. After witnessing a murder, Deloris is put in protective custody by the police, in the one place they feel confident she won't be found - a convent, and disguised as a nun...

The Importance Of Labels ed snakes!”... Patrick Marley’s well-reviewed work is a Being Earnest Lichfield Garrick, Fri 30 September thoughtfully compiled celebration of the The REP, Birmingham, Worklight Theatre came to prominence five flawed genius that Wilde so colourfully and Fri 9 - Sat 24 September years ago with their debut show, How To accurately described himself to be in De Start A Riot. They’ve been building a solid Profundis. The production visits various reputation for thoughtfully constructed stage points in the writer’s life, introducing the work ever since. people who influenced him and charting the Labels, their third offering, is a one-man triumphs and tragedies of one of Irish litera- show that seeks to highlight the dangers of ture’s most talented and controversial char- trivialising racism, examining how the use of acters. language reflects people’s personal preju- dices and those of society in general. The show uses comedy, storytelling and spo- A Slave To Love ken word to highlight its message, with per- mac, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Sat 17 September former Joe Sellman-Leava warning his audience to expect ‘paper planes, racist “My play is set in 1860 Jamestown, Virginia,” romances and lots of sticky labels!’ explains writer and director Nathalie Bazan in talking about her new work. “It tells the story of three slaves sold at auction to Patrick Marley: Governor John Johnson to work on his small “We're not messing with genius,” says Curve plantation. Leicester's Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster, in Wilde At Heart “As the story unfolds, we discover the truth speaking about the venue’s new version of The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, behind the lies, the secrets kept hidden and Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, a co-produc- Fri 16 - Sat 17 September the sacrifices made for love. A life is at risk tion with Birmingham Rep. “People who “The gods had given me almost everything,” for committing the ultimate crime. Falling in know and love the play are going to get a wrote Oscar Wilde in De Profundis, the letter love. Or was it des- very fine reading of it. he sent to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, tiny all along?” “Hopefully it's the best of both worlds: I from his cell in Reading gaol, where he’d Containing strong think young people coming to see it for the been imprisoned for acts of gross indecency language and first time will love the anarchy of these with other males. “Genius, brilliancy, intel- scenes of nudity young people telling porkies and creating lectual daring. Whatever I touched I made and violence, A alter-egos to escape their overbearing par- beautiful... Along with these things, I had Slave To Love is ents and guardians, and people who’re a bit things that were different. I let myself be presented in associ- older and know the play will get to see some- lured into long spells of senseless and sensu- ation with Lying thing very glamorous and unlike any produc- al ease... The danger was half the excite- Lips Theatre tion they've ever seen before.” ment... They were to me the brightest of gild- Company.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 2

Do something different, see something new

Dance Consortium presents

Wed 7 - Tue 20 & Fri 23 & Sun 18 Sep Wed 21 Sep Sat 24 Sep From £23.50 From £17 From £10

Sat 1 - Mon 10 - Mon 24 - Sat 8 Oct Sat 22 Oct Sat 29 Oct From £16 From £18 From £14

Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate

performance!Extra Thu 17 Nov 2pm

Tue 1 - Thu 10 - “Uproariously entertaining – Mon 14 - Sat 5 Nov Sat 12 Nov every inch a whopping hit” Sat 19 Nov From £12 From £16.50 Daily Telegraph From £16

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 7 - Sun 18 September Everybody's favourite flying car makes a welcome return to the Midlands this month, complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects, the Sherman Brothers’ mem- orable score and a high-energy cast headed by Lee Mead, Claire Sweeney and comedian Phill Jupitus. When eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Mead) creates an amazing flying car, he takes his family to the fictional country of Vulgaria. But all is not well in the European barony, where the sinister Baron Bomburst has decided to make children illegal... Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song feature among the show’s best-known musical numbers.

Little Shop Of Horrors by the playwright in 1997, is every bit as orig- Disco Pigs inal and thought-provoking as her later Lichfield Garrick, Tues 20 - Sat 24 September; award winner. The REP, Birmingham, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 27 Thurs 29 September - Sat 1 October September - Sat 1 October Set in the 1920s, it focuses on the friendship between Dora and Persephone, who find Enda Walsh’s fast and furious play, about This cult, tongue-in-cheek show is an affec- themselves incarcerated in a hospital for the the fragility of a friendship that asks too tionate spoof of 1950s science fiction movies. criminally insane. Dora is there for wishing much, caused a significant stir when it It’s probably best known from its 1980s film to dress and live like a man, Persephone debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe way back version, which featured a hilarious turn from because she bore an illegitimate child. in 1997. Steve Martin as sadistic dentist Orin As the years pass and their desperation Darren and Sinead have known one another Scrivello. The show-stealing role is here intensifies, the friends adopt alter egos and all of their lives, having been born seconds taken by Welsh baritone and one-time X take refuge in a fantasy world of their own apart in Cork City hospital. They’re close - Factor star Rhydian Roberts, whose musical creation - a world inhabited by Doris Day, almost telepathically close. So close, in fact, theatre CV includes productions of Grease, Bolshevik women, a Moulinex hand whisk that they’ve renamed themselves Pig and We Will Rock You, The War Of The Worlds, and airswimming... Runt, developed their very own language Jesus Christ Superstar and The Rocky Horror and created a special fantasy world in which Show. they can shelter from reality. But as they pre- The Collector pare to enjoy a 17th birthday binge, it’s clear that all is no longer well between the pair. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 27 September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Pig needs more from Runt, and Runt needs Thurs 29 September - Sat 1 October more from life. When When the pro-Western Nazir is offered a job reality violently col- as a translator by the Allies in Iraq’s Mazrat lides with their fan- Prison, once one of Saddam Hussein's most tasy, it isn’t too long notorious torture houses, he gratefully before their self-cre- accepts. The money he makes will allow him ated world begins to to marry his sweetheart, Zoya. He’ll also be crumble... able to feel that he’s making a positive contribution towards the building of a new Iraq. But when he’s recognised by a new prisoner, Dial M For Murder a psychotic supporter of the old regime, it Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, isn’t long before Nazir’s life becomes a living Thurs 22 September - Sat 1 October hell... Frederick Knott’s erotic tale of betrayal, pas- Henry Naylor's highly acclaimed show sion and murder is best known from its 1954 Airswimming bagged the prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Alfred Hitchcock-directed film version star- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Award at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival, a suc- ring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly. Fri 23 September cess which was followed by a sold-out run at When Tony becomes convinced that wife Charlotte Jones may be best known for her London's Arcola Theatre. 2001 offering, Humble Boy, but this sad-yet- Margot is having an affair, he devises a plan funny story of two forgotten women, written to have her murdered...

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 4 Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 5

Theatre

The Shawshank Redemption Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 27 September - Sat 1 October Given that film critics regard The Shawshank Redemption as one of the greatest movies of all time, it’s hardly surprising to find that its stage version is out on the road and doing good business. Based on a 1982 Stephen King novella, the story revolves around the character of Andy Dufresne, a man serving a double life sentence at the notorious Shawshank facility. An unlike- ly friendship with prison fixer Red makes life a little more bearable - but when the warden decides to make Andy’s life hell, the nothing- to-lose lifer hatches a daring and ingenious plan to escape... Paul Nicholls (Joe Wickes in EastEnders), Ben Onwukwe (Stuart McKenzie in London’s Burning) and Jack Ellis (Prime Suspect, Coronation Street) star.

The Rover Lady Anna: All At Sea Who’s Afraid Of Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Malvern Theatres, Virginia Woolf? Thurs 8 September - Sat 11 February Mon 26 September - Sat 1 October Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 17 - Sun 18 September; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs Thirty years after last being staged by the 22 - Sat 24 September RSC (as part of the Swan Theatre’s opening season), this anarchic restoration comedy Edward Albee’s 1962 play is best remembered makes a welcome return to Stratford for a from its film version, which starred Richard new generation to enjoy. It was written by Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Aphra Behn, a woman considered by many The play focuses on a middle-aged couple to be the first ever professional female play- named Martha and George and examines the wright in England. spectacular decline of their marriage. As the Premiering in 1677, The Rover presents the couple wage war against one another, in the story of three wandering cavaliers, exiled “Last year was the bicentenary of process drawing their young house-party from Cromwell’s England, who meet up in a Anthony Trollope’s birth,” says his guests into a series of all-or-nothing ‘games’, Spanish colony as carnival begins. descendant, the novelist Joanna it becomes increasingly hard for them to dis- When three wealthy sisters disappear into Trollope, “so what could celebrate it tinguish the line between fact and fiction... the city in search of love, an evening of better than a play inspired by his novel This particular staging is presented by local seduction, intrigue and danger is very much about one of the great themes of our theatre troupe All & Sundry. in prospect... own times - that of defying convention “We’re basing it in a kind of reinvented 17th and convenience to follow one’s heart. century world,” explains director Loveday Even the title of the play is apt, since he The Woman In Black Ingram. “Essentially, we've taken all the was at sea when he wrote it, on his way Lichfield Garrick, Tues 13 - Sat 17 September; ingredients that make up the play - the carni- to Australia.” Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 18 - Sat 22 October val, the Catholicism, Spanish colonial rule, Busying himself aboard a steamship by the excessiveness, the wonderful, multicul- writing a scandal entitled Lady Anna, The Woman In Black, adapted by Stephen tural, dangerous city - and we've created our Trollope finds that his story of intrigue, Mallatratt from the Susan Hill novel, is a own version of it. It's very exciting to bring it rebellion and social politics proves classic ghost story first performed in 1989. to life - it should feel hot, steamy and sexy in hugely divisive among his fellow pas- It’s since become one of the West End's most a way that's not necessarily English, I hope.” sengers... successful plays and was made into a film Craig Baxter’s dramatisation of the 1873 starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2012. novel was commissioned by the Solicitor Arthur Kipp believes that his family Trollope Society as part of the author’s have somehow been cursed by a mysterious bicentenary celebrations and sees a woman in black. In an attempt to tell his cast of seven playing multiple roles. story, and to exorcise the evil curse which Although the production hasn’t met he’s convinced hangs over him, he hires a with universal acclaim since debuting young actor to assist him in recounting his last summer, it’s certainly enjoyed its experiences... fair share of exuberant reviews.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 6 Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 7

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September .qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:08 Page 8

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Cats Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 5 - Sat 10 September A spectacular and captivating adaptation of TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, this Andrew Lloyd Webber production has been performed in over 300 cities in more than 20 countries around the world. It's also widely considered to be the show that redefined the modern musical. As well as paving the way for a seemingly relentless stream of blockbuster hits, it also gave starring roles to Elaine Page, Sarah Brightman and Brian Blessed. All in all, then, one helluva the- atrical experience...

My Big Fat Cow Pat Stick Man Giants On The Hill Wedding Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 23 - Sat 24 September Thurs 29 September Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Wed 28 September; Quatt Village Hall, “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my In a fictional rural community, two farming Bridgnorth, South Shropshire, Fri 30 spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- families find their longstanding friendship September ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely put under strain when they discover that a Based on the lives and stories of Midlanders, popular children’s book on which this show large wind farm is to be developed nearby... this three-way co-commission from Black is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I Centric Theatre Company are the ensemble Country Touring, Arts Alive and Kali Theatre love their production of Stick Man, and so do behind this thought-provoking work, which garnered plenty of positive reviews on a pre- the audiences.” seeks to take a balanced view in the topical vious tour of theatre venues and village Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely debate about wind turbines and the urgent halls. It focuses on the wedding reception of do love the show, as a smash-hit season in need to find sustainable energy sources. As country girl Clare and city boy Arjun, in the the West End ably demonstrated. befits the subject matter, Centric have been process taking a lighthearted look at mixed Featuring a trio of talented performers, the exploring ways to enable their production to marriages and rural weddings. Fast-paced production brings together puppetry, songs, function 'off grid', with the three performers and peppered with neat twists, the show also live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story generating the energy to power the show. boasts an end-of-performance disco Bhangra of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back dance, designed to get the audience up on to the family tree. their feet and moving to the beat. Suitable for children aged three and older. Romeo And Juliet Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 8, Sat 10, Mon 12 & Wed 14, Fri 16 & Honk! The Musical Sat 17 September Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth The Old Rep, Birmingham, tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret Wed 14 - Sat 17 September love tends to fair less well critically than the At the time of writing, Stiles & Drewe’s hit rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. musical has been performed in excess of Nonetheless, its popularity is ensured by its 8,000 times, at venues across the world. It's timeless themes and its regular appearance based on Hans Christian Andersen's The as a study text on the National Curriculum. Ugly Duckling and tells the story of an odd- This new version of the play, presented by looking baby duck and his quest to find his Here To There Productions, sets the action in mother. But while en route, he encounters a England in the rock’n’roll era of the mid- beautiful swan tangled in a fishing line and 1950s. Expect teddy boys, greasers on motor- subsequently falls in love... bikes and an original score played by a live This quacker of a well-hatched story is here band. presented by Great Barr Musical Theatre Company.

For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Mandela Triology DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:02 Page 1

FEATURE

THE MANDELA TRILOGY Cape Town Opera this month return to Birmingham Hippodrome to present an epic operatic tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela...

On 11 February 1990, 27 years after he was opera sees three singers - tenor Lukhany- first imprisoned and in the face of consider- oMoyake and baritones Mandla Mndebele able political pressure, Nelson Mandela fi- and Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri - portray differ- nally regained his freedom. Four years ent incarnations of the character. later, at the age of 75, he would go on to be- “We're three different individuals, and the come both the oldest and the first non- versions of him are like different charac- white president in South African history. ters,” says Mahaka-Phiri. “So every now The image of the serene elder statesman, and then, we might have similar gestures, with his careworn eyes, broad smile and but mostly Mandela's power resides in still- awe-inspiring presence, is now ingrained in ness. He doesn't need to do much. He can The message is minds the world over, yet that familiar pic- command people just with his voice and his ‘‘ ture represents just a tiny portion of his life. presence, and that's something the three of very strong - we Though his long struggle against apartheid us really worked on.” has gone down in history, it's easy to forget “Nobody can imitate Mandela's charisma,” need to strive about the flawed humanity of the man be- Williams adds, “but each performer brings hind the legend. his own, and by having different people in- for a non-racial Written and directed by Michael Williams terpreting him, you start to get a sense of and performed by the outstanding, world- the whole.” society... class Cape Town Opera, Mandela Trilogy il- Alongside the three Mandelas, the show luminates a life that spanned almost an also introduces three of the women in his entire century, with an innovative score by life - his first wife Evelyn (Pumza Mxinwa), Mike Campbell and Peter Louis van Dijk. his second wife and partner in politics Win- “Mandela himself said, 'I am more a sinner nie (Siphamandla Yakupa), and the jazz ” than a saint,'” says Michael Williams. singer Dolly Rathebe (Candida Mosoma) “You'll see that elder statesman in the final with whom he became involved before his section of the piece, but you're also going to second marriage. see the brash, eager young man who stole “Dolly is a huge icon!” Mosoma explains. his father's cattle, high-tailed it out of the “She was an amazing crooner, a beautiful village on a train and went to work in a blues and jazz singer, and she was consid- mine. You'll see the suave, elegant man in a ered to be South Africa's first black pin-up suit, a womaniser with a cigarette in hand girl.” as if he's Cary Grant. You'll see how he Though her relationship with Mandela has made a lot of mistakes and that he origi- never been widely spoken of, in the 2003 nally called for violence, which he later re- documentary Sophiatown, Rathebe inti- gretted.” mated that during the time she knew him in Divided into three acts, each correlating the ’90s, they were close enough that she with different periods in Mandela's life, the would have married him if he had asked

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Mandela Triology DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:02 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

her. But there were reasons why that was not “I think it's a lovely mixture of different gen- riod. Do you know how many days 27 years to be. res - like a recipe of music,” says Mahaka- is? It's nearly 10,000 days - that's how long “I think she kept herself quite separate from Phiri. “We start with some Xhosa opera, and he was away from society. When they took the politics,” says Mosoma. “She wasn't that then we move into a drastically different jazz him out of prison for the first time, four years girl - she just wanted to be a singer. I think in style, where all these opera singers will be before his official release, they had to intro- the end he needed someone who was ready dancing like trained theatre performers. And duce him to things like cell phones - he'd to be on the front line with him, and he then in Act Three, we've got a more pure op- never seen one before. They took him on found that partner in Winnie.” eratic style, with 15-minute arias. I think it's trips and you can just imagine this old man fantastic!” driving around - at one point in the show he The rule of three that forms both the basic says, 'I was a tourist in a remarkable land.' structure of the show as well as the founda- Xhosa - pronounced with a hard, ‘K’-like He didn't even know how to open a can of tion of the casting and character choices is click that's pretty difficult for Brits to wrap Coke!” also echoed in other aspects of the produc- their tongues around - is the language of sev- tion. eral South African cultures, including Man- With a whole new generation born since 1990 dela's own Thembu people. It's also spoken having now grown up with only a vague “The whole notion of a triad is important as a by many - though not all - of the performers sense of who Mandela was and what he went literary concept - it gives you balance and in the company. through, and with racism apparently on the rhythm,” Williams explains. “There are the rise in many places, it's vital that his mes- three women in his life, the three prisons “The first act is really a sort of journey into sage of equality and reconciliation continues that he's in, the three speeches that he makes the music of the countryside,” says Williams. to be promoted. and three conversations he has with 'White “Traditional songs are woven into the score Man'.” alongside new music. I didn't know the lan- “I think his death has made it more poignant guage beforehand, but with a company that's and also more important,” Williams contin- With each of these three acts composed in a about 90% young Xhosa men and women, ues. “The message is very strong - we need to different style, the music matches Mandela's you do start to get to know it a bit. We have strive for a non-racial society, to not be afraid story in richness and complexity. Though surtitles, so audiences will always be able to of the ‘Other’, and to reconcile with our ene- Mandela Trilogy is officially an opera, it's understand what’s being sung.” mies. What a great opportunity to share that threaded through with songs in accessible through a rousing, foot-stomping, exciting styles, from the folk and traditional music of From the days of his headstrong youth, form such as musical theatre - it's a gift of a South Africa, to the popular tunes of the jazz through his early involvement in politics and story!” scene Mandela encountered in Sophiatown. a lengthy incarceration from which he was Williams sees the show as fundamentally a not permitted leave even to attend his own piece of musical theatre that he hopes can be son's funeral, to his eventual, triumphant re- enjoyed by a wide and varied audience. lease, Mandela's story makes for an emo- Mandela Trilogy shows at Birmingham tional whirlwind of a production. Hippodrome on Tuesday 20 and “It's such a breath of fresh air!” says Mo- Wednesday 21 September soma. “Usually, whether you're going to a “One of the sad things I discovered,” says musical or an opera, you know more or less Williams, “was that while he was in prison, what you're getting yourself into, but with they gave him calendars every year full of this you don't at all.” photographs of white South Africa. You can see all his notes on them over this 27-year pe-

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Dead Sheep DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/09/2016 09:55 Page 1

FEATURE

Steve Nallon talks to What’s On about playing Margaret Thatcher in Jonathan Maitland’s story of loyalty, love, political morality and Britishness...

On 13 November 1990, Geoffrey Howe deliv- “She was much crueller than I thought,” says ered the fatal blow to Margaret Thatcher's Nallon of Thatcher. “When she moved Geof- premiership with a devastating resignation frey out of the Foreign Office, she basically speech that sent shockwaves through parlia- fired him, and took away his home, because ment. His attack was uncharacteristic and al- when you're Foreign Secretary you get a most entirely unexpected: such was Howe's grace-and-favour country house. Apparently, reputation for quietness and docility that his the way she took it away from him was quite Labour opponent Denis Healey once likened spiteful. I think what the play makes clear is criticism from him to “being savaged by a that Prime Ministers are very, very powerful. dead sheep”. They're the ones that appoint and shape the So Dead Sheep became the title of Jonathan government, and we're seeing it again at the Maitland's first play, inspired by the turbulent moment with Theresa May.” relationship between the Iron Lady and this Of course, as it turned out, far from chasten- ‘mouse that roared’. Arriving at the Birming- ing him, Thatcher's snub pushed Howe to ham REP this month and then visiting kick back with a response that would ulti- Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn and Coventry’s mately be her own undoing. Among Howe's Belgrade in October, the production stars Paul main motives for resigning was the Prime Bradley (Eastenders/Holby City) as Geoffrey Minister’s undermining of EMU (Economic Howe, alongside Spitting Image's Steve Nal- and Monetary Union of the European Union) lon as Thatcher. policies proposed by the Chancellor and the “I remember watching Howe's speech at the Governor of the Bank of England. time and just thinking, 'She's toast!'” Nallon “It’s rather like sending your opening bats- recalls. “One of the great dramatic points is men to the crease,” Howe said of her interfer- that there's a rule that you can't be heckled ence, “only for them to find, as the first balls when you're making a resignation speech are being bowled, that their bats have been from the government. So here was an ideal broken before the game by the team captain.” opportunity for this very quiet man to say ex- At the time, disputes over what the extent and actly what he wanted, and he stabbed her, nature of Britain's involvement in Europe and you can see it on her face. We do most of ought to be caused massive rifts within the the speech in the play, and when we do that party which continue to this day: the conver- scene, it's electric! It puts the audience right sations that finally brought about a referen- in the House of Commons.” dum on Britain's EU membership in 2016 Well before Howe's final decision to leave the actually began decades earlier. Cabinet, tensions had been growing between “I'm 55 now and I've been aware of the argu- him and Thatcher. Having previously served ments about Europe since I was a kid,” says as both Chancellor of the Exchequer and For- Nallon. “Britain first tried to join the common eign Secretary, he regarded the offer of Home market, as it was then, back in the 1960s. Had Secretary in the Prime Minister's 1989 cabinet the referendum vote been to remain, I think reshuffle as a demotion - a punishment for that would have been it - Dead Sheep would disagreeing with her on key foreign policy de- have become a museum piece. But with the cisions. He turned down the position, instead prospect of Brexit, the play feels very contem- becoming Deputy Prime Minister and Leader porary, and the philosophical arguments of the House of Commons. Alexandra Gilbreath

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Dead Sheep DPS.qxp_Layout 1 15/09/2016 09:55 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

providing voices for multiple personalities including hers, he's since lent his talents in vocal impersonation to various films and TV shows, often without a credit. “Bizarrely, recordings of Mrs Thatcher are quite difficult to clear for copyright reasons. It's hard to get clearance to use recordings of her speeches in parliament or even clips from the BBC, so more than once I've gone into a studio and done the voice for films and so on, because it's so much easier and cheaper for them.” Far from making him an obvious choice for the role, however, his experience as an im- pressionist has been a source of scepticism for some, often hindering his ability to find ‘serious’ acting work. “I don't think anybody wanted me to do this play. It was my friend Alistair McGowan who suggested to the writer that they get me in for a reading. Alistair and I have both suffered over the years because directors and casting people will say that they don't want an im- about Britain's place in Europe and the world pressionist, they want an actor, whereas we From Handbagged to The Iron Lady, Dead just buzz with excitement.” share the opinion t hat the two things aren't Sheep is far from the first production on Nevertheless, the way Jonathan Maitland’s mutually exclusive.” stage or screen to place Britain's first female play tells it, the Europe question was only Then, of course, there's the fact that he's a and perhaps most divisive Prime Minister part of the wider story of Howe's clashes with man who'll be cross-dressing for the part, centre stage. Just what is it about Thatcher his party leader: a much longer-running con- which might lead some to be concerned that and her government that has captured the flict of loyalty also helped to spur him on to his casting could undermine the more seri- imaginations of so many writers? his momentous decision. ous elements of the story. They needn't “I think it's partly just the fact that it's now “It became very clear that Geoffrey Howe's worry, however: there's a world of difference history, but of course, there are some great wife and Margaret Thatcher really hated each between Dead Sheep and shows like Mar- stories from that period, and she's a great other,” Nallon explains. “Howe was obvi- garet Thatcher: Queen Of Soho. character. I should add that the play is also ously loyal to his wife, but he also had great “To be honest, I don't really like the word very funny. My favourite scene is actually one loyalty to Thatcher, so he was torn between 'drag'. I can see why journalists and review- where I don't even speak. Thatcher was the two of them, and that became the basis of ers have described it that way, but I think it's known for not having a sense of humour, and the play. When I spoke to Jonathan Maitland misleading. There's nothing wrong with there's a wonderful moment where someone about who had influenced him as a writer, he drag, but what drag artists do is constantly tells her a joke, and all she does is stare at mentioned Terence Rattigan, who wrote remind you of the fact that they're a man the man with incredulity. Every single night, plays that were very talky and also very dressed up as a woman. They'll usually be that's what gets the biggest laugh from the human, often on big themes like loyalty. I wearing an outrageous outfit and exagger- audience.” think you can see that influence in Dead ated make-up to draw attention to the artifi- Sheep.” cial nature of what they're doing, whereas I Dead Sheep shows at Birmingham REP Though physically portraying Thatcher for simply regard the outfit as a costume like any from Monday 26 September to Saturday 1 the first time in this play, Nallon is certainly other. In fact, a lot of the people who came to October and at Theatre Severn, no stranger to capturing the way she sounds. see the show didn't even know it was a man Shrewsbury from Monday 3 to Having made his name on Spitting Image doing it!” Saturday 8 October.

It became very clear that Geoffrey Howe’s wife ‘‘ and Margaret Thatcher really hated each other ” whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Roll Over Beethoven DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2016 15:44 Page 1

FEATURE

Roll Over

BeethovenHeather Kincaid talks to the Belgrade’s former Artistic Director about his latest venture - a punchy new musical set in the 1950s ...

It's 1956, and Johnny Hamlet has just returned couldn't stop! But it's not something you have from his national service following his father's to be clever to understand or anything. You untimely death, only to find his Uncle Claude might not even notice that that's what it's has already made a move on his mother. When doing, although you'll probably get an idea the ghost of his dead dad appears and accuses there's something going on. There are some them of murder, Johnny is faced with a rhymes which might make you notice it a bit dilemma: should he take revenge, or play it more, but mostly it just gives the whole thing cool and concentrate on carving out a life for rhythm.” himself and his girl Ophelia in the new music Originally conceived as a jukebox musical, Roll Pretty much the scene that's taking the country by storm? Over Beethoven is inspired by the popular ‘‘ Created and realised by the Belgrade's former music and spirit of teenage rebellion that whole thing is Artistic Director Bob Eaton, Roll Over sprang up in the ’50s against a backdrop of Beethoven is a punchy new musical cocktail drab austerity and stiff upper lips in the hang- written in blank with a dash of Shakespeare topped up with over from two crippling World Wars. More than tons of rock ’n’ roll energy. We spoke to Eaton just a musical genre, this rock ’n’ roll move- verse - I just to find out more. ment brought with it a youthful hedonism and “As you can see, it's very loosely based on a new idea of what it meant to be a teenager started doing it Hamlet,” he says. “For me, the story of the that would radically transform British and young man as a kind of rebel in this world American culture for good. The title of the play and then I where the older adults rule everything just fit- is taken from a 1956 Chuck Berry record - a ted with the story of rock ’n’ roll. In a sense, it’s song subsequently covered by the likes of The couldn’t stop. about a generational clash: you've got Laertes Beatles and ELO. Eventually, however, Eaton and Ophelia as the kids in the piece as well as ditched the pre-existing tracks, opting instead Hamlet. But it's absolutely not essential to to write his own. know anything about Hamlet to enjoy it - or “I first had the idea about 10 years ago, so I've about Beethoven, for that matter.” had a lot of time to think about it, and when I Nevertheless, it's not just the story he's appro- came to rewrite it a couple of years back, I ” priated from the Bard: Eaton has also adopted found that the songs were too constricting. Shakespeare's preferred form of poetic writing They just didn't really do the job of telling the - unrhymed iambic pentameter, otherwise story that I wanted to tell. So I decided to write known as blank verse. some original songs that are in the right style and have the right feel for the era. Of course, “Pretty much the whole thing is written in that also meant that I could make them fun- blank verse - I just started doing it and then I nier.” Roll Over Beethoven DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/08/2016 15:44 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Eaton's songwriting process typically begins, someone else was directing it, I'd have to be that energy into the work I was writing and he says, with a kind of lyric phrase that sets there explaining things to them every few directing. When I was about 15 or 16, I was in the ball rolling. minutes, so it's much easier if I just get on a band, and it was exhilarating going around “It's difficult to know whether the music or and do it.” playing gigs in pubs and clubs. But what also the words come first. Once you get that Nor is this the only advantage to directing struck me was that it was very accessible to a phrase, it will have a sort of tune to it, and one's own writing as opposed to someone wide audience. There was no class barrier in after that you go backwards and forwards else's: “You know you're never going to of- popular music - everybody loved The Beatles, and build the song from that - or I tend to, fend yourself. If something isn't working, you and that was something that I wanted to tap anyway!” don't have to go to the writer and apologise into, to break down the barrier that theatre sometimes presents to people.” Interestingly, there's no supporting band or about changing it, you just say, 'This doesn't orchestra behind the scenes of this produc- work, does it?' And then you go away and As a long-term Coventry resident, Eaton has tion: all of the music in Roll Over Beethoven change it.” worked extensively with the Belgrade, both is performed by the cast on stage. Though the show actually premiered last as artistic director of the theatre until 2003 and as an independent creator touring his “When I first started doing these sorts of year at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, the productions there. His last show at the Bel- shows back in 1981, it was very difficult to version arriving at the Belgrade this month grade was the warmly received Three Minute find good actor-musicians. I wrote and di- will be completely fresh - a whole new pro- Heroes, which told the story of the rise of ska rected what I think was probably the very duction with a different cast and design team and 2Tone in the 1980s. first show like this at the Liverpool Every- on board. man, which was Lennon. But of course, now “The response to the first production was “I love working at the Belgrade. I still live in what's happened is that there are courses at great! I think the main change in this one has Coventry and I've got family here. Doing drama schools that teach it, and there's a been to make the band more central, but I’ve Three Minute Heroes a couple of years ago whole generation of actor-musicians coming also rewritten several of the songs and - I was fantastic - a real treat for me. I left my up who are really good and very talented.” hope - improved them.” job running the Belgrade 13 years ago, so it's really nice to feel part of the scene in the city As someone with experience of writing, di- Between Lennon in 1981 and Roll Over again.” recting, composing and even leading produc- Beethoven in 2016, Eaton has steadily built a ing theatres, Eaton knows well what a reputation for writing and directing energetic difference it can make having several strings rock musicals, spurred on by an early pas- to your bow, particularly when pioneering sion for pop music and its power to unite Roll Over Beethoven shows at the unusual techniques. people from all walks of life. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from “With something like Roll Over Beethoven, “When I was growing up in the ’50s and ’60s, Saturday 3 until Saturday 17 September. it's so key to the concept that the band are the most important thing was rock ’n’ roll part of the show, that in a sense I've written and popular music, and I think back when I the production as well as the play. I think if started in theatre, I wanted to inject some of Film Sep- GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:12 Page 1

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk

Win!

Tickets to Summer Nights Tickets to Daniel Koek Tickets to The Three Degrees at Film Festival ‘My West End Story' The Old Rep

Closes Thursday 1 September Closes Friday 2 September Closes Monday 12 September

Tickets to Sister Act Tickets to That'll Be The Day! Tickets to Bowie Experience

Closes Friday 2 September Closes Monday 5 September Closes Wednesday 7th September

Tickets to Jimmy Osmond Tickets to The Shawshank Tickets to Mugenkyo Taiko and his band Redemption Drummers

Closes Monday 19 September Closes Monday 21 September Closes Friday 14 October

Ministry of Science Live Tickets to The Rover Tickets to A Tale of Two Cities

Closes Tuesday 19 September Closes Friday 23 September Closes Wednesday 12th October

To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter for more great competitions 36 whatsonlive.co.uk Film Sep- GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:12 Page 2

Film

Bridget Jones's Baby CERT tbc Starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Emma Thompson, Sally Phillips, Celia Imrie, Shirley Henderson Directed by Sharon Maguire (UK/USA/France/Ireland) Twelve years on and Bridget is still composing her diaries. And this time she really does have something to write about: her bump. Scripted by the redoubtable triumvirate of Emma Thompson, Helen Fielding and Dan Mazer, the romcom sees Bridget battling with her forties but settling down to a contented routine with her reliable circle of friends. And then a dashing American enters her life… Based on the columns that Helen Fielding wrote for The Independent in 2005, BJB suffered a tumultuous production history with a number of writers dipping their toes in the material until the final script was birthed. Ed Sheeran appears as himself. Released Fri 16 September

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in September...

Café Society CERT 12a (96 mins) Sausage Party CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Jeannie Berlin, Steve Carell, Jesse With the voices of Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Eisenberg, Blake Lively, Parker Posey, Kristen Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, Michael Cera, James Stewart, Corey Stoll, Ken Stott Franco Directed by Greg Tiernan (USA) Directed by Woody Allen (USA) In animation, nothing is too weird, apparent- Woody Allen’s 45th feature as writer-director ly. Here, a sausage called Frank (voiced by sees Jesse Eisenberg as a young man who Seth Rogen), who resides in a supermarket leaves New York for Hollywood, where he called Shopwell's, discovers the fate of what falls in love with the secretary of his uncle will happen to him should he be sold to a (Steve Carell). Bruce Willis was originally customer. So he teams up with his girlfriend, cast as the uncle, but Woody fired him on a hot dog bun (Kristen Wiig), to escape… account of his prima donna behaviour. Expect what is known as ‘adult’ humour. Released Fri 2 September Released Fri 2 September

Morgan CERT tbc Starring Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Giamatti Directed by Luke Scott (USA) Morgan is a suitable case for treatment. An artificial ‘being’ created in a labora- tory, Morgan has got rather out of hand and somebody has to terminate her… The director Luke Scott is the son of director Ridley, so this could be special. Released Fri 2 September

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film Sep- GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:12 Page 3

Film

Ben-Hur CERT 12a (123 mins) Starring Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, Rodrigo Santoro, Nazanin Boniadi, Morgan Freeman Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (USA) Not so much a remake of the Oscar-winning epic of 1959 as a "re-imagining" of Lew Wallace's 1880 novel. Judah Ben-Hur (Huston) is a Jewish nobleman who, after years of slavery, sets out to avenge his childhood friend who betrayed him. Expect chari- ots. And CGI. In 3D. Released Wed 7 September

CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Magnificent Seven story: seven gun-toting outlaws are unit- ed under the supervision of a bounty CERT 12a (133 mins) hunter to help defend a small town Starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, against a ruthless industrialist (Peter Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Byung- hun Lee, Peter Sarsgaard, Manuel Garcia- Sarsgaard). The original star, the magnif- Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, Haley Bennett icent Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, was Directed by Antoine Fuqua (USA) replaced by the Russian-born Yul Who would have thought that Akira Brynner in the first remake and has now Kurosawa’s Japanese classic, Seven been transmogrified into a black man. Samurai (1954), would end up as one of And Denzel Washington is in good the most beloved Westerns of all time? hands: the director Antoine Fuqua Well, the 1960 remake with Yul Brynner steered Denzel to an Oscar in his 2001 and Steve McQueen looks pretty stodgy crime thriller Training Day. and dated today, so another remake was Released Fri 23 September perhaps inevitable. It’s the same old

Anthropoid CERT 15 (120 mins) Don’t Breathe CERT 15 (88 mins) Starring Cillian Murphy, Jamie Dornan, A a Starring Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Geislerová, Toby Jones, Harry Lloyd, Charlotteň Zovatto, Stephen Lang Le Bon Directed by Sean Ellis (UK/ Directed by Fede Alvarez (USA) France/Czech Republic) Rocky and her younger sister need some ‘Anthropoid’ was the code name used by the money fast. So they decide to break into the Czechs for their mission to assassinate SS home of a blind man, who is believed to be General Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi behind pretty well-off. However, they underestimat- the Final Solution. This is the (true) story of ed the ingenuity of the sightless occupant… two soldiers who are parachuted into their The reviews in the US were excellent. homeland in order to carry out the plan. Released Fri 9 September Released Fri 9 September

Captain Fantastic CERT 15 (120 mins) Starring Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, George MacKay Directed by Matt Ross (USA) Jason Bourne is not the only one living off the grid. A man called Ben (Mortensen) has managed to raise his six children single- handed in the deepest recesses of the forests of the Pacific Northwest. But when they’re forced to attend the funeral of the children’s mother in New Mexico, Ben finds out what it’s like to be a father in the real world. Released Fri 9 September

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film Sep- GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:12 Page 4

Film releases in September

Hell Or High Water The Infiltrator Free State Of Jones CERT 15 (102 mins) CERT 15 (127 mins) CERT tbc Starring Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Starring Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, Starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Gil Birmingham Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Amy Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, Keri Russell, Directed by David Mackenzie (USA) Ryan, Saïd Taghmaoui, Olympia Dukakis Brendan Gleeson Directed by Brad Furman (USA) Directed by Gary Ross (USA) Chris Pine has already been through hell and high water this year (in the waterlogged Based on the autobiography of US Set shortly after 1862, after the Battle of Finest Hours), but here the title proves to be Customs agent Robert Mazur Corinth in Mississippi, this true-life drama a little more metaphorical. He plays a Texan (Cranston), this is the story of Mazur’s stars McConaughey as Newton Knight, a farmer whose business is facing foreclosure, undercover operation in which he pre- poor farmer. It was he, during the American so he and his brother, an ex-con, set about tended to be a corrupt businessman. Civil War, who gathered together a ragbag of acquiring some major cash by somewhat His aim was to expose a Colombian local farmers and slaves and led an armed unorthodox means…. money-laundering drug cartel run by rebellion against the Confederacy. Gary Ross none other than Pablo Escobar. has only directed three films in the last eight- Released Fri 9 September Released Fri 16 September een years, but they do happen to be Pleasantville, Seabiscuit and The Hunger Games, so we’re expecting great things from The Girl With All this. Released Fri 30 September The Gifts CERT 15 (111 mins) Starring Gemma Arterton, Paddy Considine, Glenn Close, Sennia Nanua, Anamaria Marinca Directed by Colm McCarthy (USA) Adapted by M.R. Carey from his own novel, this is another sci-fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future. When a fungal infection wipes out most of mankind (check your toe- nails!), a teacher and a scientist set out Kubo And The Two Strings on a journey of survival – with a young teenage girl CERT tbc (Nanua) unlike With the voices of Charlize Theron, Art normal human Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Matthew McConaughey beings… Some Directed by Travis Knight (USA) of the footage Miss Peregrine's Home In a small village in ancient Japan, a boy of London was For Peculiar Children called Kubo looks after his ailing mother. actually shot in CERT tbc Chernobyl. Then a vengeful spirit from the past upsets Starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris the status quo and Kubo must go in search of Released Fri O'Dowd, Allison Janney, Rupert Everett, a magical suit of armour once worn by his 23 September Terence Stamp, Judi Dench, Samuel L. Jackson Directed by Tim Burton (USA) father, a legendary samurai. Filmed in the painstaking form of stop motion animation. Nobody does peculiar like Tim Burton, so In 3D. he’s a good choice to adapt Ransom Riggs’ Deepwater Horizon 2011 novel for ‘young adults.’ The epony- Released Fri 9 September CERT tbc mous home is for orphans with peculiar Starring Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, traits, like a sort of X-Mansion for the young. John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan Appropriately, the screenplay is by Jane Blair Witch CERT 15 (89 mins) O'Brien, Kate Hudson Goldman, who co-scripted X-Men: First Directed by Peter Berg (USA) Starring James Allen McCune, Valorie Curry, Class. Callie Hernandez, Brandon Scott It was, of course, the worst oil spill in Directed by Adam Wingard (USA) US history – when the eponymous rig Released Fri 30 September The 1999 phenomenon that prompted the blew up and sent hundreds of thou- craze for cheap “found footage” films now, sands of gallons of crude into the Gulf seventeen years later, returns as a sequel. of Mexico. Wahlberg will be playing James, the brother of Heather – who is still the real-life hero Mike Williams, pair- missing – decides to retrace her steps in the ing up with director Peter Berg again creepy Black Hills Forest of Maryland. And after their collaboration on Lone he brings a documentary crew along with Survivor (2013). Next, they’ll be team- him… This actually got rather good reviews ing up on a film about the Boston in the US. Marathon bombing. Released Thurs 15 September Released Fri 30 September

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts September NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:13 Page 1

Visual Arts

Birmingham Big Art Project Library Of Birmingham, Mon 5 September - Sun 4 December This month moving to the Library of Birmingham from the city’s Millennium Point, the Big Art Project exhibition features five proposals by five artists for ‘the most ambitious public art commission in Birmingham’s long history’. The Birmingham Big Art Project has hired artist-run organisation and gallery Eastside Projects as the initiative’s commissioning agents. The process will create a £2million permanent public artwork to the east of the city centre, at a site that will become a busy arrival point following the construction of Birmingham’s High-Speed Railway Station (HS2). Visitors to the Library of Birmingham exhibition are being encouraged to share their opin- ions on all five proposals. The winning pro- posal will be chosen in January.

Mitra Saboury: Oliver Jones: Divine Jeremy Deller: Pulling Walls New Art Gallery, Walsall, The Battle Of Orgreave until Sun 20 November Grand Union, Birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery, Fri 2 September - Fri 4 November Shropshire-born, Birmingham-based, John Sat 17 September - Sat 26 November Ruskin Prize-nominated artist Oliver Jones’s “It wouldn’t be an exaggeration,” says artist photorealist chalk drawings contemplate the Jeremy Deller in talking about his exhibition, ways in which the media advertises, manipu- “to say that the Miners’ Strike, like a civil lates and exploits imagery of flesh. war, had a traumatically divisive effect at all Alongside a selection of works from his levels of life in the UK.” impressive portfolio, the internationally Deller’s artwork is a spectacular recreation of acclaimed artist is also presenting a new, events that took place on 18 June 1984, when large-scale, multi-panel work created specifi- some of the strike’s most violent clashes took cally for the exhibition. Taking the studio of place at the site of the Orgreave coking plant the tattoo artist as its subject, Divine is Mitra Saboury describes her body as a tool in South Yorkshire. described by Oliver as ‘emblematic of a reli- with which to navigate the environment. The recreation, which was co-ordinated for gious altar-piece’. “I want to touch everything,” she says, “to Deller by a historical re-enactment expert, “Through the work,” explains Oliver, “I’m fill every hole in the asphalt, every crack in featured more than 800 people, including hoping to prompt questions about the psy- the granite. To click the rust off the iron former miners and ex-policemen. chology of body modification and the role of fence.” “Families were torn apart by the strike extreme procedures in the attainment of Saboury splits her time between London and because of divided loyalties,” Jeremy contin- physical perfection.” Los Angeles and uses performance, video ues. “The union movement was split on its and installation to explore the impact of the willingness to support the National Union of built environment on the human body. Mineworkers... in all but name it became an Pulling Walls is her first solo show outside ideological and industrial battle between the the US and follows on from a residency at two sections of British society.” Birmingham’s Grand Union in summer 2015. On loan from Tate, the exhibition also “I didn’t have a car but the public trans- includes a documentary film, directed by portation in the city was great,” she says, “so Mike Figgis, and objects, images and audio I was working from the point of view of a recordings from Deller's archive of research pedestrian. I pushed myself against surfaces, materials for his reenactment of the battle. and I ruined so many pairs of shoes! Working in Birmingham was great because I could walk the city in a day, and really came to understand it from my feet.”

40 whatsonlive.co.uk . Visual Arts September NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:13 Page 2

Lost Generation Heavenly Lights: The Untold Shire Hall Gallery, Staffordshire, Story Of Stained Glass Artist Sat 10 September - Sat 29 October Margaret Agnes Rope Artist Andy Farr here exhibits work Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, from a recent project he conducted Mon 12 September - Sun 15 January with students in the Midlands and The artwork of a Shrewsbury woman who was Yorkshire. one of the great female artists of the early 20th Designed to make the ongoing World century is the subject of this new exhibition. War One centenary more relevant to Margaret Agnes Rope - or Marga, as she was young people, the project provides an known - was born in 1882 and produced stained insight into the experience of being a glass that can be found in churches and cathe- teenager living in Britain 100 years drals on three continents. Although her work is ago - an experience which makes for collected by museums in the US, she’s now large- sobering reading. ly forgotten here in the UK. The grim truth was that a 1914 teenag- Commenting on Heavenly Lights, Stuart West, er would have found a third of their Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture friends were dead by the end of the and leisure, said: “Despite her obvious genius, war four years later. And those young Margaret’s name is hardly remembered at all. We people who did survive the ravages of hope this exhibition - the first dedicated solely to the conflict would have been physical- her work and times - will give her reputation the ly injured and mentally scarred... boost it deserves.” Lost Generation is an Arts Council- funded initiative.

For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 41 CircusMASH DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:08 Page 1

FEATURE

Attempting the Impossible

Birmingham-based company CircusMASH specialises in the use of circus arts and performance to help people of all ages build their confidence and self-esteem. The company runs circus training events, workshops and classes, youth circus programmes and school workshops across the West Midlands region. Heather Kincaid visited them to find out more about circus skills - and have a go herself... I don't drive, which, as far as getting enough exercise is concerned, is probably just as well. For at least the best part of a decade, I've de- pended on tons of walking and a whole lot of laptop and heavy book-lugging to keep me in reasonably good health. At school, I looked forward to PE about as much as I'd look forward to a kick in the teeth, and even now, the thought of entering a gym sends an involun- tary shudder down my spine. As far as balance and co-ordination are concerned, let's just say they're concepts I hope to one day understand in more than theory. You can perhaps imagine, then, my reaction to being asked to participate in a ‘Mixed Aer- ial’ circus skills workshop, even one that did claim to be for beginners. Arranging a date to come along over the phone, I did my best to be enthusiastic and laugh it off - it is, after all, my job - but silently the terror set in. Never mind what I'd do when I got there - I didn't even have anything appropriate to wear. In the end, the best I could come up with at short notice was a pair of harem pants from the music festival where I'd spent the four

42 whatsonlive.co.uk CircusMASH DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:08 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

preceding days (everything else I owned was maybe a couple more sessions, I felt as ing was that, when it came to the aerial jeans or skirts). though I could be up there with the rest of hoop act, I realised I could understand a lot After stretches, the very first task I was faced them. of what the performer was doing. Some of with at the class was vaulting up from a Reassuringly, too, I wasn't the only one who the moves were clearly a long way off what crash mat to straddle a hoop suspended was finding it tricky - I found myself ‘team- I'd attempted, and even those I recognised from the ceiling. I think I probably laughed ing up’ with someone else who'd done some were done with much more grace and confi- when I first saw it. If this is where we're similar stuff before, but had been out of dence. Nevertheless, what struck me most is starting, ran my thoughts, we might as well practice for a while. The atmosphere of that it no longer looked like magic, or some- call it a day now. But the thing that no one friendly, mutual encouragement is another thing beyond the realms of possibility for ever tells you is that it actually all gets easier thing that distinctly marked this out from al- the likes of me. I even noticed a sneaky side- from that point on. most all my past experience of doing any- ways climb onto the hoop - and it actually looked pretty good! Over the last few years, work and various thing physical. Competition is easily the voluntary projects have taken me to see most off-putting thing any beginner has to Would I go back? Maybe if I lived in Birming- plenty of circus shows - not as many as a face - there's not much that knocks your ham - it's quite a long way for me to travel die-hard enthusiast would get through, but confidence more than doing your best and out at present. But if you do and you're even certainly more than your average person on still knowing you are, in a very definable slightly tempted, I'd definitely recommend the street. As I said to one of the leaders at way, the worst. Here were no ranking sys- giving it a go, whether you're a circus enthu- my class, to the uninitiated like me, most of tems, no fixed goals or winners and losers - siast, someone who wants to learn somewhat the pros do, seemingly with no effort just the room to try things out and learn at thing new, or just looking for a novel way of at all, always looks like nothing short of your own pace. keeping fit. Just make sure you dress better magic. The likelihood of me ever doing any- Plastered on postcards and across their web- than I did. thing like that seemed about as remote as site, CircusMASH's slogan is ‘Achieve the im- If you’re thinking of going along to one of my chances of becoming prime minister or possible’ and it suits them. What's so great the sessions, here's a list of dos and don'ts I travelling into space. about their approach is the sense of achieve- learned from my first effort! The truth is, though, that climbing to the top ment you'll feel from mastering a few simple has never really been the hard part; of steps. To the untrained eye, the results of course it takes talent to be the absolute best even the most basic grounding look immedi- CircusMASH offers a wide range of at what you do, but achieving reasonable ately impressive. At the same time, there's classes aimed at various abilities, as well competence in anything is mostly down to also an acknowledgement that what they do as parties, youth programmes and open time and dedication. What this means is can seem ‘impossible’. Here, you'll meet no space for training. For more information, that the most seemingly insurmountable underlying assumptions that you're bring- visit circusmash.co.uk. barrier to learning a new skill is always just ing with you any prior knowledge, and you beginning. can go over things as many times as you like until you get a grip on them. Regardless of I'll be honest, I never did quite manage that your ability when you come in, if it's your Dos and Don'ts head-on straddle of the hoop, but once I first go at it, then by the time you leave, learned that you could get up from the side you'll almost certainly have managed some- DO wear comfortable clothing. You'll need instead, I was away, and more or less man- to be able to move freely, but you might be thing that you've never done before. aged everything else that was thrown at me. hanging upside down at times, so you It was even (dare I say it?) really fun. Silks Two weeks later, I was invited along to the probably don't want anything too loose. company's Hullabaloo event at Woodlands are harder. I was fine with all the pretty DO ask for help if you're having trouble. Football Pitch in Bournville, Birmingham - a moves and balances, but the monkey-like The team is very patient at explaining shimmy up the drapes proved more of a kind of combination showcase and hands- things – several times, if necessary, as I problem. What was interesting, though, was on family fun day for the local community. found... that I didn't necessarily find things difficult Free from all the embarrassment and inhibi- tions that us hopeless grown-ups feel, ex- DON'T give up. Some things take a bit of for the reasons that I thought I would. I was practice, but you'll get there. definitely stronger than I imagined. Most of cited kids packed in, dying to have a go at my issues were technical. I couldn't get the everything and completely unperturbed DON'T rush your stretches at the end, es- motion right, but sort of understood what I when things went wrong. It was a joy to pecially if you're not used to this sort of was doing wrong to the point that, with watch them, but what was even more excit- thing. Trust me, you'll regret it.

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:15 Page 1

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

44 whatsonlive.co.uk Events September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:15 Page 2

Events

A Place In The Sun Hamilton, all of whom will be on hand to share their experience and offer advice on buying a property abroad. NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 September Whether it’s the idea of finding a place in Spain, France, Portugal or The official exhibition show of Channel Four’s popular oversees trav- further afield that floats your boat, A Place In The Sun is the perfect el series returns to the Midlands this month, complete with presen- event from which to launch an exciting new travel adventure. ters Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman, Jonnie Irwin and Laura

Trucking Live Shropshire British Superbike Midland Game Fair Oswestry Showground, Shropshire, Championship Weston Park, Shropshire, Sat 24 - Sun 25 September Sat 17 - Sun 18 September Donington Park, If traditional country pursuits are your pas- Widely considered to be the ‘friendliest’ Fri 16 - Sun 18 September event of its kind in the UK, Trucking Live sion, the well-established Midland Game Attracting some of the best-known Fair makes for a rewarding weekend. The Shropshire features a line-up of main arena names in the sport, the Superbike entertainment that includes appearances by premier event of its kind in the country, the Championship is Britain’s biggest show features an impressive selection of quad-bike-riding stuntman the Kangaroo motorbike racing series. Kid. attractions, with everything from clay shoot- This Donington meet is the first round ing to game and coarse fishing demonstra- There’s also a display of hundreds of trucks of the crucial ‘showdown’ phase and to enjoy, the region’s largest showcase of tions. Gun dog competitions, falconry dis- promises a weekend of high-quality plays, family entertainment, live music, a truck accessories, and celebrity guests visit- bike racing. ing on both days of the weekend. On the food festival, fine arts and traditional rural There’s action from the packed-out crafts also feature, as do over 700 trade Saturday, it’s Coronation Street star Antony grids of the National Superstock 1000 Cotton, taking a break from playing bar- stands catering for a wide range of visitors’ & 600 to enjoy, along with the British countryside shopping needs. tender Sean Tulley, who joins in the fun. Supersport Championship, the The Sunday sees Motostar Championship and an FIM fellow Corrie World Sidecar race. favourite Ryan Donington is once again operating an Thomas (Jason open-paddock policy, allowing specta- Grimshaw) tors to mingle with the riders and see appearing at the the teams in action. event with his real-life brother Adam, who plays Adam Barton in Emmerdale.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:15 Page 3

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:15 Page 4

more events from around the region

Events

Middle Earth Festival Sarehole Mill, Birmingham, Sat 3 - Sun 4 September If you’re a fan of The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit but haven’t yet checked out this family-friendly festival, then it’s fair to say you’re missing a Gandalf- sized trick. First taking place in 1998, when it was called Fun At The Mill, the event has proved enormously popular with Tolkien enthusiasts and made a comeback in 2015 following a year’s absence due to a lack of volunteers. Attractions at this year’s get-together include living history camps, medieval traders, food stalls, weapon displays, Glamping Show children’s activities and a cos- Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Described as ‘a showcase of all that’s glamping tume pageant, not to mention Thurs 22 - Sat 24 September in camping’, the show presents a wide selec- the chance to encounter all man- The Glamping Show is making a welcome tion of pop-up, temporary and pre-pitched ner of characters from the return to the Midlands this month. accommodation solutions, including yurts, tipi famous fantasy novels, includ- Glamping is a more luxurious form of camping and safari tents. ing hobbits, elves and orcs... that’s become increasingly popular during the It also features contributions from experts on last few years and is now a prominent part of subjects such as bushcraft, up-cycling and sur- the leisure business. vival techniques.

Cycle Show Harvest Festival NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 September Blists Hill Victorian Town, Shropshire, With cycling’s profile in the UK at an all-time Sun 18 September high, this hugely popular show is not surpris- Hymns in the Mission Church, a main service ingly bigger than ever, with over 280 bike com- in the Pleasure Gardens (complete with a dis- panies in attendance to showcase their latest play of produce) and the opportunity to enjoy kit. an afternoon of morris dancing provide visitors The event also features a dedicated eBike area to Blists Hill with the chance to experience a Stafford Arts plus test track and a new drop-in lounge-come- Victorian-style Harvest Festival this month. theatre especially for female cyclists. And with One of 10 award-winning Ironbridge Gorge Festival this year's show coming hot on the heels of the museums and populated by friendly and Stafford Town Centre, Sat 17 September Rio Olympics, organisers are also promising ‘a informative costumed characters, Blists Hill is stellar line-up of medal winners, current pro very much an interactive experience. Stafford’s sixth arts festival sees riders and legends of the sport’. Attractions include numerous shops, among dancers, musicians and artists which are a general drapers, a blacksmiths and taking to the streets to provide a pharmacy. There’s also a pub and a bank, passers-by with a range of per- shire horses (horse-and-cart rides), blast fur- formances and activities to naces, the cottage gardens, a doctor’s room, a enjoy. funiculars train, a clay mine ride and a funfair Free-to-participate arts & crafts featuring carousel, chair-o-planes and game workshops ensure there’s plenty stalls. of opportunity for children to get Visitors to Blists Hill can get a yearly pass, hands-on with a range of activi- allowing them to enjoy the town as many times ties. as they wish during a 12-month period and Street theatre performers, face also to check out the other museums managed painting opportunities and a by the Ironbridge Gorge Trust. bubbleologist further add to an extensive programme of entertainment.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:15 Page 5

more events from around the region

Events

Mid-Autumn Festival Arcadian Centre, Birmingham, Fri 16 September Musical performances, martial arts demonstrations, high-kicking lion dancing, the culinary delights of a street food festival and a ‘spectacular’ fireworks finale all feature in this popular Chinese event. Taking place on the day of the year when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and brightest, the festival is held in celebration of the harvest. “It’s a day when families come together to share a meal and celebrate as one,” explains James Wong, chair of Birmingham’s Chinese Festival Committee. “People travel far and wide to be with their loved ones on this special day. We are inviting people of all ages to come together and join us in the celebrations, as we do every year. With the recent events in the US, France and Turkey, the festival is even more vital, allowing communities to come together and celebrate in a safe environment.”

Every September over 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate the country’s fantastic history, architecture and culture. These Heritage Open Days offer you a chance to discover hidden places, try out new experiences and learn fascinating facts about some of England’s most interesting visitor destinations - all free of charge. Below we’ve selected a few Midlands highlights from this year’s four-day festival. You can find an extensive list of Heritage Open Days events, both in the Midlands and fur- Thursday 8 - Sunday 11 September ther afield, at heritageopendays.org.uk Highlights

Warwickshire

Birmingham Worcestershire ALL THE FUN OF THE COURTYARD FETE Experience POP-UP GARDEN EXHIBITION A drop-in exhibition CONSERVATION AT THE COMMANDERY Featuring how people lived and worked in the courtyard looking at plants, gardens and gardening in talks, tours and demonstrations of conservation from the 1840s to the 1970s. Join in with the Shakespeare’s time, including children’s activi- skills. Discover how the Commandery’s team courtyard fete and try your hand at traditional ties and illustrated talks from the Head of care for the medieval building’s special archi- games. Sat 10 September, Birmingham Back to Gardens. Sat 10 - Sun 11 September, The tectural features. Sun 11 September, The Backs, Birmingham Shakespeare Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon Commandery, Worcester

The Black Country Shropshire

Staffordshire

EDWARDIAN FAMILY DAY Watch performances of THE DUDLEY GHOST TOUR HISTORY & SHREWSBURY FLAXMILL MALTINGS OPEN DAY the Charleston and demonstrations of MEMORABILIA EXHIBITION An exhibition of masks, Discover the history of the grade one listed Edwardian cookery, and take part in numerous puppets and costumes used on the Ghost Tour buildings and their uses over two centuries. themed craft activities. Sat 10 September, The and other projects from local theatres and tele- There will also be family-friendly activities and Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, vision. Fri 9 - Sun 11 September, Station Hotel, entertainment. Sat 10 - Sun 11 September, Staffordshire Dudley Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Shropshire

Check The List for individual events taking place in your region

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:15 Page 6

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:18 Page 1

50 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Cover September Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:18 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide September 2016 thelist Bikefest 2016 - Victoria Square, Birmingham, Sun 18 September 18 Sun Birmingham, Square, Victoria - 2016 Bikefest

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 September Mon 12 to Sun 18 September Mon 19 to Sun 25 September Mon 26 to Fri 30 September

LouiseLive! at The Old Rep, Birmingham Chilli Festival EGX at NEC, Birmingham Joan Collins at Birmingham at Brindleyplace Thurs 22 - Sun 25 September Birmingham Town Hall Fri 2 September Sat 17 September Mon 26 September

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List 1 - 11 Sept - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:19 Page 1

thelist Thursday 1 - Sun 11 September Robin, Bilston THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER DAVE GILES & JOE MCCORRISTON Thurs 8 NEW SUPPORTING THE NEXT Sept, The Sunflower Visual Arts GENERATION OF DESIGNER-MAKERS Lounge, Birmingham Showcasing the work of prize winners from Birmingham City THE SUBTERRANEANS Fri Birmingham Museum & University's School of Jewellery, Mon 9 - Sat 10 Sept, The Art Gallery 26 Sept - Sat 29 Oct Jam House, B’ham BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY THE COUNTERFEIT IN 130 YEARS The story of the STONES Fri 9 Sept, Museum & Art Gallery, told via a spe- The Barber Institute Lichfield Garrick cial anniversary exhibition, until ROD STEWART TRIBUTE Thurs 1 Sept ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE Marking the NIGHT Fri 9 Sept, The TURNING TO SEE: FROM VAN DYCK TO 400th anniversary of the death of Irish Centre, B’ham LUCIAN FREUD Van Dyck's last self- William Shakespeare, until Sun 25 SPEAR OF DESTINY Fri 9 Busted - Wolverhampton Racecourse portrait, curated by Midlands-born Sept Sept, The Assembly, and internationally renowned artist TALES OF THE CITY A display of prints Sept, The Sunflower Leamington Spa John Stezaker, until Sun 4 Sept and drawings capturing the expan- Lounge, Birmingham LUCIE SILVAS Fri 9 Sept, INSPIRE 16: THE YOUNG CREATIVES OF sion of European cities from the 17th Gigs LISTENER Sat 3 Sept, O2 Institute, B’ham BIRMINGHAM to 19th century, until Sun 2 Oct An array of artwork from The Rainbow Venues, the 10th anniversary exhibition of QUILL Thurs 1 Sept, SUMMER ALBUM LAUNCH BURIED TREASURES Exhibition explor- Birmingham PARTY Fri 9 Sept, Hare Arts Council England’s Arts Award ing coin hoards, telling the stories of mac, Birmingham IO EARTH Sun 4 Sept, & Hounds, Birmingham achievers, plus sculptural models their deposition and discovery, until SPEEDOMETER Thurs 1 The Robin, Bilston created by local schools and Sun 26 Feb 2017 Sept, The Jam House, THE ABSOLUTE KINKS Fri inspired by the Birmingham Big Art Birmingham T R DALLAS Sun 4 Sept, 9 Sept, Hare & Project, until Sat 17 Sept Irish Centre, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham mac, Birmingham TIM BURGESS & PETER GORDON Thurs 1 Sept, SUCH STRANGE ARTS JAMES BURTON Fri 9 Ikon Gallery BERT HACKETT: THE GEMINI YEARS A Hare & Hounds, B’ham Sun 4 Sept, The Sept, The Robin, timely tribute to the former Rainbow Venues, Bilston NEW ŽILVINAS KEMPINAS A number of THE HUNNA - LIVE PER- Birmingham Post cartoonist, display- Birmingham QUADROPHONIA Fri 9 installations representing natural ing a selection of his best-loved FORMANCE AND ALBUM SUNFLOWER BEAN Mon Sept, The Roadhouse, phenomena such as light and the cir- drawings, until Sun 4 Sept SIGNING Thurs 1 Sept, culation of air, Fri 23 Sept - Sun 27 HMV Bullring, B’ham 5 Sept, Hare & Birmingham MADE AT MAC: LIFE OF A SONG Nov Hounds, Birmingham PINEGROVE Fri 9 Sept, Interactive exhibition allowing audi- CROWDED SCOUSE Thurs THE JEEPS Tues 6 Sept, The Sunflower Lounge, NEW PHILIPPINE HAMEN French design ence members to listen to the differ- 1 Sept, The Robin, The Jam House, B’ham Birmingham student Philippine Hamen presents a ent song stages while observing the Bilston new hybrid piece of furniture inspired songwriting process. Get involved by SOLID SOUL Fri 2 - Sat 3 ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER THE FULL SHA BANG Sat by David Lodge’s short story, The strumming, pushing buttons and lis- Sept, The Jam House, Tues 6 Sept, O2 10 Sept, The Irish Man Who Wouldn’t Get Up (1998), tening, until Sun 11 Sept Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Fri 23 Sept - Sun 27 Nov BACK:N:BLACK Fri 2 LIONLIMB Tues 6 Sept, THE DESTROYERS Sat 10 NEW SARA BARKER A major museum Hare & Hounds, B’ham Sept, Hare & Hounds, NEW OFF MESSAGE: PETER KENNARD A Sept, The Robin, exhibition by Glasgow-based artist Birmingham retrospective exhibition bringing Bilston DUOTONE Tues 6 Sept, Sara Barker, presented by Ikon in together a collection of the artist’s LANY Kitchen Garden Cafe, KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 10 collaboration with The Fruitmarket Fri 2 Sept, O2 work since 1968, Sat 24 Sept - Sun Birmingham Sept, The Robin, Gallery, Edinburgh, Fri 23 Sept - Sun Academy, Birmingham 27 Nov Bilston 27 Nov ADRIAN SHERWOOD Fri 2 LUCAS D & THE GROOVE Sept, Hare & Hounds, GHETTO Wed 7 Sept, DAVID HAMILTON'S ROCK Birmingham The Jam House, B’ham 'N' ROLL BACK THE BOM (B’ham Open Media) YEARS Sat 10 Sept, The The Library of Birmingham MONTPARNASSE Wed 7 NEW NOVO SAPIENS BOM fellow THE HARRINGTONS Fri 2 Core Theatre, Solihull NEW BIRMINGHAM BIG ART PROJECT Sept, Kitchen Garden Laurie Ramsell will attempt to Sept, The Rainbow The exhibition presents the five Venues, Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS address the question: What is it to Sat 10 Sept, Artrix, shortlisted artists’ proposals commis- ROY HARPER Wed 7 be human?, Wed 14 - Sat 1 Oct TRITONE QUARTET Fri 2 Bromsgrove sioned by Birmingham Big Art Sept, Symphony Hall, Foundation to imagine a major new Sept, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham QE2 - THE VERY BEST OF work of public art for the city of Museum of The Jewellery QUEEN Sat 10 Sept, The KING GIZZARD AND THE Birmingham, to be completed in Quarter EXHAILERS Fri 2 Sept, Roadhouse, B’ham 2018, Mon 5 Sept - Sun 4 Dec The Sunflower Lounge, LIZARD WIZARD Wed 7 COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: STORIES Birmingham Sept, Hare & Hounds, ELVANA Sat 10 Sept, O2 THAT SHOULD BE SHARED The first in a Birmingham Academy, Birmingham, series of four exhibitions showcasing MAINLY MADNESS Sat 3 RBSA Gallery GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, THE MOODY BLUES' JOHN objects collected from local people, Sept, The Robin, NEW ROBERT PERRY RBSA: SUNLIGHT 2 FUNK AND SOUL OPEN LODGE Sat 10 Sept, telling their stories of life in Bilston Showcase of new work that explores MIC NIGHT Wed 7 Sept, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham, until Sat 31 Dec BEN PORTSMOUTH IS the different effects created by sun- The Night Owl, B’ham ELVIS Sat 3 Sept, JUICE, ORANGE VISION & light through mists, reflections, SUPERCLOUD GANG + APATHY Sat 10 Sept, foliage and the tracery of trees, Mon Barclaycard Arena, Other Birmingham ICEY STANLEY + WILLS The Sunflower Lounge, 5 - Sat 17 Sept Wed 7 Sept, The Birmingham EXODUS BY KAMIL TATARA A project JOE LONGTHORNE Sat 3 NEW PETER SHREAD RBSA An exhibi- Sunflower Lounge, developed by Polish artist Kamil Sept, New Alexandra THE BEACH BOYS BAND tion of printed and painted land- Birmingham Tatara which responds to the situa- Theatre, Birmingham Sun 11 Sept, The scapes, Mon 12 Sept - Sat 5 Nov tion caused by the humanities crisis, THE BARNHART/HUXLEY Roadhouse, B’ham THE GLITTER BAND Sat 3 NEW NEXT WAVE EXHIBITION Designed analysing Europe's realities, until HOT FIVE Thurs 8 Sept, Sept, The Roadhouse, MICK FLAVIN Sun 11 to help support and promote emerg- Thurs 1 Sept, Centrala Gallery & Core Theatre, Solihull Sept, The Irish Centre, Cafe, Digbeth Birmingham ing and early-career artists, and cre- THE REAL THING Thurs 8 Birmingham ating a very different-looking exhibi- THE SOUTHMARTINS Sat NEW MA CONTEMPORARY CURATING Sept, The Jam House, MITCH MALLOY - VAN tion, Wed 21 Sept - Sat 15 Oct 3 Sept, O2 Academy, EXHIBITION, Fri 2 - Sun 11 Sept, Birmingham HALEN’S LOST BOY Sun Article Gallery, School of Art, Birmingham NEW ALL THAT GLITTERS CRAFT STICKY FINGERS Thurs 8 11 Sept, The Robin, Birmingham City University THE BOOTLEG SIXTIES EXHIBITION A selection of handmade Sept, O2 Institute, Bilston crafts including statement necklaces, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Sept, WELLCOME IMAGE AWARDS EXHIBITION Birmingham REG MEUROSS Sun 11 striking ceramics and beautiful until Sun 23 Oct, Thinktank at Artrix, Bromsgrove CONNIE LUSH BAND Sept, Kitchen Garden scarves, Mon 26 Sept - Sat 21 Jan Millennium Point, Birmingham HARRY JORDAN Sat 3 Thurs 8 Sept, The Cafe, Birmingham

52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1 - 11 Sept - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:19 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sun 11 September

THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on Classical Music Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John Fletcher and William Shakespeare BOURNVILLE STRING ORCHESTRA and is best described as a tragicom- Featuring Timothy English (conduc- edy exploring the intoxication and tor), Caroline Pether (leader), Naina strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, Reddy (voice), Ivy Laugh, Bronagh The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Lee & Junias Wong (violin soloists), Avon Sat 3 Sept, The Barber Concert THE STARS FROM THE COMMITMENTS Institute, Birmingham The Commitments is a jam-packed CENTRAL ENGLAND CAMERATA CONCERT soul-singing, toe-tapping extravagan- Featuring music by Andrew Downes, za of guaranteed entertainment for all including Symphony No.1, Sat 3 ages, Thurs 1 Sept, The Core Sept, Birmingham Cathedral Theatre, Solihull SUNDAY CLASSICS Presenting a range THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY of young stars of the future from the Using huge projection photos and classical world, ranging from opera original film footage, this 50 singers to violinists to harpists at the Anniversary Celebration features a very start of their careers… Sun 4 full live band performing the iconic Sept, The Spotted Dog, Birmingham duos hits including Mrs Robinson, BRASS BAND GALA CONCERT Featuring Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Black Dyke Band, Foden’s Band & Homeward Bound and many more, Cory Band, Nicholas Childs (conduc- Thurs 1 Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove tor) Sun 11 Sept, Symphony Hall, SPRINKLE OF GLITTER PRESENTS Birmingham LOUISELIVE! New show featuring stories about dating, tales of life as an internet sensation, mother and friend, life-confidence tips and fashion successes and failures, Fri 2 Sept, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Comedy Gigs Torcher Chamber Arkestra - mac, Birmingham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Using huge projection photos and CHITTY CHITTY BA NG BANG Featuring sion of Alan Bennett’s iconic and cel- MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 1 Sept, original film footage, this 50 Lee Mead as Caractacus Potts, ebrated memoir, Sat 10 - Sat 17 The Victoria, Birmingham Anniversary Celebration features a Claire Sweeney as Baroness Sept, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham SOL BERNSTEIN, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH full live band performing the iconic Bomburst and Andy Hockley as OSTRICH BOYS UK premiere of Carl & LENNY SHERMAN & SALLY-ANNE duos hits including Mrs Robinson, Grandpa Potts, Wed 7 - Sun 18 Sept, Miller’s staging which sees four HAYWARD Thurs 1 Sept Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Birmingham Hippodrome actors play multiple roles. Please The George Hotel, Lichfield Homeward Bound and many more, MORBID CURIOSITIES A selection of note, this production contains strong ASHER TRELEAVEN, JONNY PELHAM & Fri 2 Sept, New Alexandra Theatre, Victorian horror fiction, featuring language throughout. COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Birmingham stage adaptations of The Yellow Recommended for ages 12-plus. Sat ROBINSON Thurs 1 Sept, The Glee TORCHER CHAMBER ARKESTRA Wallpaper, John Charrington's 10 - Sat 24 Sept, Belgrade Theatre, Club, Birmingham Craftspace Curates present a per- Wedding and The Old Nurse's Story, Coventry ASHER TRELEAVEN, TOM TOAL, JONNY formance featuring fire, live and elec- Thurs 8 Sept, Old Joint Stock RICE PAPER TALES Trikhon Theatre PELHAM & JONNY AWSUM Fri 2 - Sat 3 tronic music, and glass blowing, Fri 2 Theatre, Birmingham present a collection of beautiful, Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham - Sat 3 Sept, mac, Birmingham RACHAEL YOUNG: I, MYSELF & ME One- funny and captivating Vietnamese PAUL SINHA, ANDRE VINCENT, STEVE SOMEWHERE UNDER THE RAINBOW woman show about loneliness, folk tales, Sun 11 Sept, mac, WILLIAMS & COLIN COLE Fri 2 - Sat 3 West End performer Sharon Sexton breaking free and bravery, inspired Birmingham Sept, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham stars in Cillian O'Donnachadha's one- by autobiographical material, Thurs 8 woman show which, set in the inti- Sept, mac, Birmingham mate surroundings of Liza's Minnelli's 13 (THIRTEEN) Birmingham Institute of dressing room, shares legendary sto- Theatre Arts present a grown-up ries and secrets from a fascinating story about growing up, Thurs 8 - Sat Talks / Theatre career, Sat 3 Sept, Old Joint Stock 10 Sept, Palace Theatre, Redditch Theatre, Birmingham THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic Spoken Word MORGAN & WEST: PARLOUR TRICKS NIGHT OF THE BRIDE OF PLAN 9 FROM restoration comedy, set in the topsy- Time-travelling duo Morgan & West OUTER SPACE Tongue-in-cheek hom- turvy world of the carnival. Loveday present a show ‘chock full of jaw- LUCY BRETT: BROMSGROVE WORDS Sun age to one of Tinseltown's most Ingram (The Merchant Of Venice, dropping, brain-bursting, gasp-elicit- 11 Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove famous yet least talented directors, 2001) returns to the RSC to direct, ing feats of magic’, Sat 3 Sept, mac, Ed Wood, until Sat 10 Sept, The Blue Thurs 8 Sept - Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Birmingham Orange Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon A NIGHT ON BROADWAY Sat 3 Sept, KING LEAR RSC Artistic Director THE STARS FROM THE COMMITMENTS Dovehouse Theatre, Solihull Gregory Doran directs Antony Sher The Commitments is a jam-packed Film in the title role, until Sat 15 Oct, THE AGE OF CONSENT The Green soul-singing, toe-tapping extravagan- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Room Theatre Company present two za of guaranteed entertainment for all INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Stratford-upon-Avon acutely uncomfortable monologues ages, Fri 9 Sept, Lichfield Garrick about childhood, responsibility and THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TAT MAN the shattering of innocence, Sat 3 One-man play featuring the rag-and- THE MARTIAN (12a) A team of astro- Sept, The Crescent Theatre, tat tales gathered during the tat nauts encounter a raging storm dur- Birmingham man's years on the road, Fri 9 Sept, ing a mission to planet Mars. They 60 YEARS OF BOLLYWOOD: A LIVE Lichfield Garrick escape the burning planet but leave Mark Whatney (Matt Damon), whom MUSICAL JOURNEY Sun 4 Sept, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST they believe to be dead, behind. But Birmingham Town Hall Cathy Tyson stars as Lady Bracknell Whatney is alive, and now finds him- SUNNY AFTERNOON Olivier Award-win- in Nikolai Foster’s contemporary self alone on the red planet, where ning musical which tells the captivat- staging of Oscar Wilde’s class come- he must develop means to survive ing tale of how one of Britain's great- dy, Fri 9 - Sat 24 Sept, The REP, until his rescue. Outdoors at est bands, The Kinks, rose to star- Birmingham Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Fri dom, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Sept, New THE LADY IN THE VAN Crescent 2 Sept Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Theatre Company presents its ver-

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List 1 - 11 Sept - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:19 Page 3

thelist Thursday 1 - Sun 11 September THE SHALLOWS (15) Just when you request a story from the company. access to the Numan family as they forces to save the world. Stars thought it was safe… A surfer on a But the reply he receives is shocking unpack in California, the story Melissa McCarthy & Kristen Wiig. secluded beach in Mexico finds her- - the sender mocks Farrier's sexual unfolds at home, in the studio and Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 - Sun 11 self the prey of a great white shark, orientation and threatens extreme on the road. This screening will be Sept even though she’s only 200 yards legal action should he dig any deep- followed by a live onstage director WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FAC- from the beach. Stars Blake Lively er. The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Q&A. The Electric Cinema, TORY (PG) Charlie Bucket, whose and Óscar Jaenada. The Electric Sat 3 Sept Birmingham, Tues 6 Sept family is poor, strikes it lucky when Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (PG) A ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING (18) A he discovers one of the five golden Sept tale of a man, a woman and a rabbit unique one-night-only cinema event tickets to tour Willy Wonka’s mysteri- OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (15) The latest in a triangle of trouble. It's a world directed by Andrew Dominik ous chocolate factory. Gene Wilder adaptation of a John le Carré novel, where laughing can be dangerous, (Chopper, Killing Them Softly), One stars in this Roald Dahl classic. mac, this spy thriller sees a British couple romance can be hilarious, and Toons More Time With Feeling is the first Birmingham, Sat 10 Sept on holiday who find themselves and people live side by side. Stars ever opportunity to hear Skeleton befriended by a Russian oligarch. Bob Hoskins & Christopher Lloyd. Tree, the 16th studio album from However, Dima has an ulterior motive mac, Birmingham, Sat 3 Sept Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. The NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: for his amiability, and soon the cou- THE BLUES BROTHERS (15) Direct out Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs ple’s holiday in the sun turns into a 8 Sept; Warwick Arts Centre, Released from Fri 2 Sept, showing at of jail, Jake Blues and his Brother selected cinemas game of shadows. Artrix, Elwood are off on a "mission from Coventry, Thurs 8 Sept; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 2 & Mon 5 Sep God" to raise funds for the orphan- Bromsgrove, Thurs 8 Sept THE 9TH LIFE OF LOUIS DRAX (15) THE BFG (PG) A live-action adaptation age in which they grew up. The only CAESAR & CLEOPATRA (PG) A witty and BROTHERHOOD (15) of Roald Dahl’s story of the lonely thing they can do is do what they do seductive comedy about the relation- CAFE SOCIETY (12A) giant (played here by Mark Rylance) best: play music. So they get their ship between a veteran Roman politi- JIM: THE JAMES FOLEY STORY (tbc) who kidnaps a little girl (Ruby old band together and they're on cal strategist and an enchanting Barnhill) to help him outwit the man- their way - yet not without getting in Egyptian teenage queen. Stars MORGAN (tbc) eating giants that have been plagu- a bit of trouble here and there. Stars Christopher Plummer & Nikki M ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING (tbc) ing the human world. Also stars John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd. mac, James. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 8 SAUSAGE PARTY (15) Ruby Barnhill & Dame Penelope Birmingham, Sat 3 Sept Sept THINGS TO COME (12A) Wilton. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, GARY NUMAN: ANDROID IN LA LA LAND GHOSTBUSTERS (12A) Who you gonna Sun 4 - Thurs 8 Sept; mac, + DIRECTOR Q&A (15) Filmed with call? Paul Feig, apparently, he who Birmingham, until Tues 13 Sept candour, warmth and humour, guided Melissa McCarthy to stardom NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: TICKLED (15) After stumbling upon a Android In La La Land explores life in Bridesmaids, The Heat and Spy. Released from Fri 9 Sept, showing at bizarre competitive endurance tick- for Gary and his Numanoid family as Now McCarthy and the girls are selected cinemas ling video online, wherein young men they set up home in California and as replacing the boys in this distaff are paid to be tied up and tickled, Gary records his eagerly anticipated remake of the 1984 hit about a mot- BEN-HUR (tbc) reporter David Farrier reaches out to new album Splinter. With exclusive ley crew of spectral experts who join ACTOR IN LAW (tbc)

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1 - 11 Sept - BIRMINGHAM ONLY VERSION MM.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:19 Page 4

CAFE SOCIETY (12A) HADEN HILL HOUSE DAY Find out more ANTHROPOID (15) about the house by joining in with quizzes and trails, Fri 2 Sept, Haden BAAR BAAR DEKHO (tbc) Hill House Museum, Cradley Heath THE BLUE ROOM (15) VW ACTION The world's longest-run- CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (15) ning family VW festival, Fri 2 - Sun 4 DON'T BREATHE (tbc) Sept, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants HELL OR HIGH WATER (15) THE ULTIMATE MOTOGP EXPERIENCE Fri 2 - Sun 4 Sept, Silverstone Circuit, KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (tbc) Northants THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH (PG) KINGS HEATH FARMERS’ MARKET Sat 3 THE LAND OF THE ENLIGHTENED (tbc) Sept, All Saints' Church, Birmingham THEO AND HUGO (18) GLASS PAINTING Ideal for beginners, Sat 3 Sept, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK Sat 3 Sept, Soho House, Birmingham Events BIRMINGHAM HONEY SHOW Back for a sixth year, a chance to learn all about GREAT FIRE OF LONDON WEEK bees, honey and the craft of bee Commemorate 350 years since the keeping, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Sept, Great Fire of London at Blakesley Martineau Gardens, Birmingham Hall with themed crafts, garden and CLASSIC SPORTS CAR RACES The house trails, quizzes and perform- Classic Sports Car Club takes two Family Summer Activities, until Sat 17 Sept @ Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery ances based on the Great Fire, until days of racing to Donington Park, Sun 4 Sept, Blakesley Hall, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Sept, Donington Park across the continent battle it out to Cradley Heath Birmingham Racing Circuit, Derby be the best, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Sept, WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF Santa Pod Raceway, Northants FAMILY SUMMER ACTIVITIES until Sat MIDDLE-EARTH FESTIVAL A celebration BOULTON AND WATT Admire fine 17 Sept, Gas Hall, Birmingham of all things Tolkien, Sat 3 - Sun 4 WILLIAM ALEXANDER HARVEY AND Georgian and Victorian architecture, Museum & Art Gallery Sept, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham LAURENCE CADBURY - HERITAGE TALKS a convent designed by Augustus Gillian Ellis and Daniel Callicott pres- Pugin, a church built nearly 1,000 BEHIND THE SCENES AT HIMLEY HALL BIRMINGHAM BUS TOURS 2016 Sat 3 - ent two talks focusing on men who years ago and magnificent civic Thurs 1 Sept, Himley Hall & Park, Sun 4 Sept, Birmingham City Centre made a significant contribution to buildings, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Sept, Dudley MAC CONTEMPORARY CRAFT MARKETS Selly Manor, Thurs 8 Sept, Selly Soho House, Birmingham SUMMER WORKSHOP - PAPER PLANES Sun 4 Sept, mac, Birmingham Manor, Birmingham COIN & BANKNOTE FAIR Sun 11 Sept, Thurs 1 Sept, Selly Manor, TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 4 Sept, ROMAN VS FOUSEY Join the YouTube National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham NEC, Birmingham sensations for an evening of sketch- Solihull NON-DIGITAL GAMES DAY Play board & SHAKESPEARE AND MEDIEVAL es, stand-up comedy & pranks, Fri 9 PROMS IN THE PARK The popular other traditional games, Thurs 1 BIRMINGHAM BUS TOUR Combined Sept, O2 Academy, Birmingham music afternoon returns this year Sept, Haden Hill House Museum, guided walking and bus tour looking PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Fri 9 - Sat 10 with jazz, easy listening music and Cradley Heath at the origins of Birmingham and its Sept, Black Country Living Museum, the Halesowen Brass Band. Bring DAY OF CHAMPIONS The stars of medieval past, Sun 4 Sept, Dudley your picnic and enjoy the atmos- MotoGP come together to help sup- Birmingham City Centre EXCALIBUR PAPER CRAFTING FAIR phere, Sun 11 Sept, Haden Hill port its official charity, Two Wheels REGGAE CARIBBEAN COOKOUT Sun 4 Papercrafting and stamping show, House Museum, Cradley Heath for Life. Includes an auction, live Sept, Coffin Works, Birmingham Sat 10 Sept, National Motorcycle COMMUNITY FOOD FESTIVAL AND music and stunt displays, Thurs 1 Museum, Solihull HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sun 11 Sept, Sept, Silverstone Circuit, Northants ROTARY CLUB COUNTRY FESTIVAL Sun 4 Sept, Birmingham Botanical KINGS NORTON FARMERS' MARKET Sat Winterbourne House & Garden, SCULPTURE TRAIL An exhibition of dra- Gardens 10 Sept, The Green, Kings Norton, Birmingham matic sculptures, Thurs 1 - Tues 4 Birmingham CYCLAMEN SHOW See a display of Oct, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK Wed 7 beautiful Cyclamen in bloom, with Bromsgrove Sept, Soho House, Birmingham LEAMINGTON SPA FOOD & DRINK experts on hand to answer your THE LUNA CINEMA Cinema in the cas- FESTIVAL Sat 10 - Sun 11 Sept, Royal DIGBETH FIRST FRIDAY Digbeth comes questions, Sun 11 Sept, Birmingham tle grounds, Wed 7 - Fri 9 Sept, Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa alive on the first Friday of each Botanical Gardens month with exhibitions, late-night Warwick Castle BIRMINGHAM BUS TOURS 2016 Sat 10 - THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME FILM openings, special events, culture in EVENING SUPPER LECTURES 2016 A Sun 11 Sept, Birmingham City SCREENING Imperial War Museumss unexpected spaces, live music, street two-course supper in the Barn Centre UNESCO-listed film screening, Sun food and more, Fri 2 Sept, Digbeth, Restaurant accompanied by a talk on THE BASIL BRUSH SHOW Sat 10 - Sun 11 Sept, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Birmingham a variety of subjects, followed by an 11 Sep, Cadbury World, Bournville BPM PRO From bedroom DJs to pro- OPEN-AIR CINEMA - THE MARTIAN Take after-hours stroll in the gardens, THE BIRMINGHAM CRUISE SHOW 2016 fessional audio technicians, your picnic blankets and nibbles, sit Thurs 8 Sept, Baddesley Clinton, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Sept, NEC, BPM|PRO is a fresh, feature-rich back and relax under the stars, Fri 2 Solihull Birmingham event for the entertainment world’s Sept, Avoncroft Museum, FIA/FIM EUROPEAN FINALS 2016 The HADEN HALL OPEN DAY Sat 10 - Sun most passionate, Sun 11 - Tues 13 Bromsgrove fastest drag cars and bikes from 11 Sept, Haden Hill House Museum, Sept, Genting Arena, Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List 12 - 18 Sept - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:20 Page 1

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 September Birmingham MOTOWN AND SOUL Classical Music Theatre NIGHT WITH DJ PAUL KELLY Fri 16 Sept, The COLD CALLING: THE ARCTIC PROJECT Fri SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL Alexandra Irish Centre, B’ham 16 - Sat 17 Sept, Birmingham Burke stars in Craig Revel Horwood’s NOAH GUTHRIE Fri 16 Repertory Theatre staging of the hit musical, based on Sept, O2 Institute, the film of the same title, Mon 12 - Birmingham Sat 17 Sept, New Alexandra Theatre, FRET & FIDDLE Fri 16 Birmingham Sept, Symphony Hall, THAT'LL BE THE DAY A musical romp Birmingham through the youthful days of ALAN BRAXE Fri 16 Sept, Rock’n’Roll in the ’50s, on through Hare & Hounds, B’ham the Swinging ’60s and into the taste- free days of the 1970s, Tues 13 Sept, LYNCHED Fri 16 Sept, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Artrix, Bromsgrove THE WOMAN IN BLACK Stephen GUADALUPE PLATA Fri 16 Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adapta- Sept, The Rainbow tion of Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost Venues, Birmingham B.A ZIMMERMANN: SONATA FOR SOLO story, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Sept, Lichfield B'SPOKE Fri 16 - Sat 17 CELLO BCMG cellist and founding Garrick Sept, The Jam House, musician Ulrich Heinen performs HONK! THE MUSICAL Amateur produc- Birmingham Bernd Alois Zimmermann's Sonata for solo cello, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Sept, tion of Stiles & Drewe's hit musical, FRED ZEPPELIN Sat 17 Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Wed 14 - Sat 17 Sept, The Old Rep Sept, The Robin, Theatre, Birmingham Bilston JUKEBOX MUSICALS IN CONCERT WILLIAM CONTROL Sat Featuring hits from popular jukebox 17 Sept, The Rainbow musicals, Fri 16 - Sat 17 Sept, Old Madison Violet - The Glee Club, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham Comedy Gigs Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE PHONICS Sat 17 COLD CALLING: THE ARCTIC PROJECT FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Sept, The Roadhouse, Musicians and artists unite against a Gigs MIC NIGHT Wed 14 Birmingham LOUDEEMY SOUP COMEDY NIGHT Mon backdrop of beautiful Arctic land- Sept, The Night Owl, 12 Sept, The Blue Orange Theatre, ELLIE JONES ACOUSTIC scapes for a powerful exploration of Birmingham Birmingham love, loneliness and loss. World pre- CELESTIAL FIRE FEATUR- GIANTS Sat 17 Sept, INHEAVEN Wed 14 Sept, KAREN BAYLEY, JULIE JEPSON, MANDY miere presented by Birmingham ING DAVE BAINBRIDGE Hare & Hounds, The Rainbow Venues, MUDEN & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 14 Repertory Theatre and the City Of Mon 12 Sept, The Birmingham Birmingham Sept, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Robin, Bilston ASHA BHOSLE Sat 17 JOHN J PRESLEY Wed GARY DELANEY Thurs 15 Sept, The Fri 16 - Sat 17 Sept, The REP, NASHVILLE IN THE Sept, Genting Arena, 14 Sept, Hare & Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Birmingham ROUND: SONGS FROM Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham A SLAVE TO LOVE Lying Lips Theatre MUSIC CITY Mon 12 THE FALL OF TROY Sat MICK FERRY, GORDON SOUTHERN & Company present the 19th century Sept, Kitchen Garden GAGA Thurs 15 Sept, 17 Sept, The Asylum, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY story of three slaves sold at auction Cafe, Birmingham The Core Theatre, Birmingham ROBINSON Thurs 15 Sept, The Glee Solihull Club, Birmingham to work on a small plantation, Fri 16 - THE SHERLOCKS Mon 12 BEV BEVAN'S ZING BAND Sat 17 Sept, mac, Birmingham Sept, O2 Academy, THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE Sat 17 Sept, The Core PAUL SINHA, INGRID DAHLE, TAMAR UNCLE’S STORY SHOP Unique interac- Birmingham Thurs 15 Sept, Theatre, Solihull BROADBENT & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 16 Wolverhampton Grand Sept, Lichfield Garrick tive theatre experience which encour- PATSY FULLER & THE KING GOAT Sat 17 Sept, Theatre ages young audiences to help create REVELATORS Tues 13 The Slade Rooms, SEAN PERCIVAL, MARKUS BIRDMAN & new stories, Sat 17 Sept, The REP, Sept, The Jam House, CLUB CLASSICS - LIVE! Wolverhampton KAREN BAILEY Fri 16 Sept, Molineux Birmingham Thurs 15 Sept, The Stadium, Wolverhampton Birmingham SAM LEE AND THE Jam House, B’ham SHARKS Tues 13 Sept, ROUNDHOUSE CHOIR Sat MICK FERRY, GORDON SOUTHERN, JOHN The Robin, Bilston MADISON VIOLET Thurs 17 Sept, mac, B’ham LYNN & PRINCE ABDI Fri 16 - Sat 17 15 Sept, The Glee Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham DAN WALSH & JOHN GOSKINO Sat 17 Sept, Club, Birmingham DOWLING Tues 13 Sept, The Sunflower Lounge, MANDY KNIGHT, ALEX BOARDMAN, MIKE Kitchen Garden Cafe, STEVIE NIMMO TRIO Birmingham WILMOT & RHODRI RHYS Fri 16 - Sat Thurs 15 Sept, The 17 Sept, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Birmingham SHAWN CUDDY Sun 18 Robin, Bilston LEVEL UP SEASON 4.5 Sept, The Irish Centre, GARY DELANEY Sat 17 Sept, Artrix, (FEATURING SOWETO THEE MVPS Thurs 15 Birmingham Bromsgrove KINCH) Tues 13 Sept, Sept, The Sunflower BRIDGET CHRISTIE & ANDY HAMILTON LEON HENDRIX Sun 18 TEN LETTERS New piece of intergener- The REP, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham Sept, The Robin, Sun 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare ational poetry theatre about BLACK PEAKS & HECK BIG COUNTRY Fri 16 Bilston Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham, featuring the best in Sept, The Robin, Tues 13 Sept, The DILLY DALLY Sun 18 SHAZIA MIRZA Sun 18 Sept, Artrix, local poetry talent. Produced by Bilston Slade Rooms, Sept, Hare & Hounds, Bromsgrove Giovanni 'Spoz' Esposito and Lorna Wolverhampton FORWARD X LOSE LIPS Birmingham Meehan, and incorporating multime- #2 WITH DAMIANO VON METHYL ETHEL Tues 13 SOUL CITY Sun 18 Sept, dia and live music, Sat 17 - Sun 18 ERCKERT Fri 16 Sept, Sept, Hare & Hounds, The Roadhouse, Sept, mac, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Birmingham CLUB KURU + YUNG GUTTERDÄMMERUNG Amateur production of Edward THE WORLD FAMOUS JIMMY’S BIG IDEAS Tues Sun 18 Sept, O2 Albee’s famous play, Sat 17 - Sun 18 ELVIS SHOW WITH CHRIS 13 Sept, The Sunflower Academy, Birmingham Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove Lounge, Birmingham CONNOR Fri 16 Sept, THE MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS Concert- The Core Theatre, WHISPERED & GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed style show featuring hit songs from Solihull COUNTLESS SKIES Sun 14 Sept, The Jam 18 Sept, The Rainbow some of the biggest names in musi- FLATBUSH ZOMBIES Fri House, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham cal theatre, including Andrew Lloyd 16 Sept, O2 Institute, Webber, Stephen Sondheim, George RAY QUINN Wed 14 Birmingham CRIME & PUNISHMENT Gershwin and Rodgers & Sept, The Robin, 2011 Sun 18 Sept, The TAPE FACE Sun 18 Sept, The Core SMALL FAKERS Fri 16 Hammerstein, Sun 18 Sept, Lichfield Bilston Sunflower Lounge, Theatre, Solihull Sept, The Roadhouse, Garrick GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, Birmingham

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 12 - 18 Sept - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:20 Page 2 The List 12 - 18 Sept - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:20 Page 3

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 September

thelist RY Tongue-in-cheek evening tour keeps to the theme of music here Dance with a definite adult slant, Thurs 15 Film with this simple love story in which a Sept, Wightwick Manor, boy starts up a band in order to Wolverhampton impress a girl. Bono himself collabo- ROSIE KAY DANCE COMPANY Double bill AN EVENING WITH MONTY DON Join INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: rated on the soundtrack. Stars Lucy of athletic, intelligent and technical gardening expert Monty as he talks Boynton & Maria Doyle Kennedy. dance routines. The featured shows about his life and travels, Fri 16 Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 13 - Wed 14 are Double Points: K - a study of syn- THE WAVE (15) Although anticipated, Sept Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- no one is really ready when the chronicity and stamina set to a Avon soundtrack of Bach, dubstep and mountain pass above the scenic, electronica - and Motel, a ‘dark, sexy ROUND THE FOOTLIGHTS: THE narrow Norwegian fjord Geiranger, and exciting’ piece inspired by the UNOFFICIAL THEATRE TOUR Join author collapses and creates an 85-meter paintings of visual arts duo Huntley Mick Escott as he discusses his lat- high violent tsunami. Stars Thomas Muir, Thurs 15 - Sat 16 Sept, mac, est book, which gives a candid Bo Larsen & Kristoffer Joner. Foreign Birmingham insight into a life spent in the arts, language, subtitled. mac, Sat 17 Sept, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham, Fri 9 - Sat 10, Tues 13 - MAKING A SCENE, PLAYWRIGHTS TODAY: Wed 14 Sept TOM MORTON SMITH Playwright David DAVID BRENT: LIFE ON THE ROAD (15) Edgar talks to fellow playwright Tom David Brent, you will remember, is Talks / Morton-Smith about his favourite the character that Ricky Gervais SEED + Q&A (PG) A feature-length scenes from Shakespeare and where played in the mockumentary sitcom documentary following passionate Spoken Word he finds inspiration in his work, Sat The Office (2001-7). Now, 15 years seed keepers protecting our 12,000- 17 Sept, The Other Place, Stratford- later, Brent fancies himself a rock star year old food legacy. mac, upon-Avon and is followed up and down the Birmingham, Thurs 15 Sept LICENCED TO RHYME New, monthly country by a camera crew. However, TEN LETTERS A new piece of intergen- GENERATION REVOLUTION + Q&A (15) spoken-word event mixing poetry, Brent’s delusions of grandeur sit erational poetry theatre about Generation Revolution brings to prose and, occasionally, music. Co- uneasily in the real world… Stars Birmingham, starring the best in local screen the powerful story of a new hosted by Maggie Doyle, Ricky Gervais & Doc Brown. mac, poetry talent, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Sept, generation of black and brown Worcestershire Poet Laureate Birmingham, Fri 9 - Mon 12 & Wed mac, Birmingham activists who are changing the social Emeritus, and former Birmingham 14 Sep and political landscape in the capital Poet Laureate, Giovanni ‘Spoz’ SING STREET (12A) John Carney start- and beyond. This feature-length doc- Esposito, Mon 12 Sept, Artrix, ed out as bassist for the Irish rock umentary film follows an exciting new Bromsgrove band The Frames, directed some of breed of organisations as well as the SPECIALIST TALK - THE PRE- their music videos and went on to young Londoners that are part of RAPHAELITES - SEX, DRUGS AND POET- helm the critically acclaimed feature them. mac, Birmingham, Fri 16 Sept films Once and Begin Again. He

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 12 - 18 Sept - Birmingham Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:20 Page 4

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 September

SHADOW WORLD + Q&A (15) The film JESSIE LINDON Tues 13 Sept, reveals how the international trade in Packwood House, Solihull weapons – with the complicity of MEET SIR THOMAS HOLTE: A governments and intelligence agen- BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE WEEK TOUR cies, investigative and prosecutorial Wed 14 Sept, Aston Hall, bodies, weapons manufacturers, Birmingham dealers and agents – fosters corrup- tion, determines economic and for- MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Wed 14 - Sun eign policies, undermines democracy 18 Sept, Shugborough Historic and creates widespread suffering. Working Estate, Staffordshire mac, Birmingham, Fri 16 Sept THE CHORUS (12) When he takes a job teaching music at a school for troubled boys, Clement Mathieu is unprepared for its harsh discipline and depressing atmosphere. But with passion and unconventional teaching methods, he's able to spark his students' interest in music. Stars Gerard Jugnot & Francois Berleand. Foreign Bikefest 2016 language, subtitled. mac, Victoria Square, Birmingham, Sun 18 September Birmingham, Sat 17 Sep With Team GB’s glorious Rio Olympics successes still fresh in the COOL AND CRAZY (12) When he takes WOMEN'S WORK: A BIRMINGHAM a job teaching music at a school for mind, what better and more inspiring time can there be to don the HERITAGE WEEK TOUR Find out about lycra and get out on your bike? Taking place on 2km of car-free, city- troubled boys, Clement Mathieu is the lives of women who lived at unprepared for its harsh discipline Aston Hall, Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Sept, centre road, Birmingham Bikefest comes complete with numerous and depressing atmosphere. But with Aston Hall, Birmingham fun activities, including the BMX masterclass and the chance to race passion and unconventional teaching round the Street Velodrome. Younger riders, meanwhile, can test methods, he's able to spark his stu- A TASTE OF HISTORY - A BIRMINGHAM dents' interest in music. Stars Gerard HERITAGE WEEK TOUR Exclusive culi- their skills in the Kids’ Strider Adventure Zone, a specially designat- Jugnot & Francois Berleand. Foreign nary evening tour of Aston Hall. ed area boasting ‘mini ramps, and twists and turns that'll thrill and language, subtitled. mac, Explore the art and theatre of dining excite’. For those who’d rather watch than take part, the stars of the Birmingham, Sat 17 Sep through the ages, Fri 16 Sept, Aston Action Sports Tour - including, among others, three-times World Hall, Birmingham Champion Trials rider Ben Savage - will be demonstrating their ‘spec- MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP Fri 16 - Sun 18 Sept, tacular’ skill, control and expertise. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Released from Fri 16 Sept, showing BIRMINGHAM CHILLI FESTIVAL Sat 17 at selected cinemas Sept, Brindleyplace, Birmingham BRIDGET JONES'S BABY (tbc) EXPLORE AVONCROFT EVENT: IDENTIFY THE BROTHER (tbc) THAT TREE Sat 17 Sept Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove THE CLAN (tbc) A CLOSER LOOK - EVENING HOUSE EL SUR (THE SOUTH) (PG) TOURS 2016 A chance to see the HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (tbc) house by night and discover the his- THE INFILTRATOR (15) tory of the collection, Sat 17 Sept, Packwood House, Solihull THE NEIGHBOUR (tbc) SILVER RING WORKSHOP Join local BLAIR WITCH (tbc) designer-maker Grace Page to create your own silver ring, Sat 17 Sept, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham MIDLAND GAME FAIR Country pursuits Events event, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Sept, Weston Park, Staffordshire CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER - TALK, Q&A DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR AND BOOK SIGNING Mon 12 Sept, The CHAMPIONSHIP Gladiatorial-style rac- Glee Club, Birmingham ing, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Sept, Silverstone TURTLE FEST Unique activites plus fun Circuit, Northants & engaging creature talks. There’ll HERITAGE WEEKEND AT CADBURY also be a chance to meet Molokai WORLD Sat 17 - Sun 18 Sept, the Sealife Centre’s giant green turtle Cadbury World, Bournville, who turns 40 this year, Mon 12 - Sun Birmingham 25 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, BIRMINGHAM BUS TOURS 2016 Sat 17 - Birmingham Sun 18 Sept, Birmingham City Centre FORDFEST Season finale for Ford Fans. The best examples of classic and modern models on display, Sun 18 Sept, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants BIRMINGHAM ARMS FAIR Sun 18 Sept, National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull HONDA RON HASLAM RACE SCHOOL HSBC BIKEFEST 2016 Now in its sec- Experience riding on the Donington ond year, BikeFest is completely free Park GP Circuit, Tues 13 Sept, and aims to inspire Birmingham peo- Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby ple to get active, Sun 18 Sept, RAG RUGGING MASTERCLASS WITH Victoria Square, Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 19 - 25 Sept - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:21 Page 1

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 September 21 Sept, The Sunflower STEVE AJAO BLUES Gigs Lounge, Birmingham GIANTS Sat 24 Sept, MEADOWLARK Thurs 22 Hare & Hounds, B’ham Sept, Hare & Hounds, RAT BOY Sat 24 Sept, DEAD SEA SKULLS Mon Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham 19 Sept, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham A CELEBRATION OF JOHN RELIGHT MY FIRE: THE DENVER Thurs 22 Sept, TAKE THAT EXPERIENCE HALEY REINHART Mon The Core Theatre, Sat 24 Sept, Artrix, 19 Sept, The Glee Solihull Bromsgrove Club, Birmingham LOWKEY Thurs 22 Sept, A R RAHMAN Sat 24 BLUE OCTOBER Mon 19 The Rainbow Venues, Sept, Barclaycard Sept, O2 Institute, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham Birmingham MIKE BLADEN Thurs 22 ANNIE MAC PRESENTS LOTTERY WINNERS TOUR Sept, The Rainbow ALL DAY RAVES Sat 24 Mon 19 Sept, Hare & Venues, Birmingham Sept, The Rainbow Hounds, Birmingham TANGERINES + THE Venues, Birmingham THE MAYBYS Mon 19 AMERICAS + RISCAS Sept, Kitchen Garden Thurs 22 Sept, The Cafe, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, WALK OF FAME (ROLLING Birmingham STONES) Mon 19 Sept, HANSU-TORI Fri 23 Sept, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham BLOSSOMS Fri 23 Sept, DAVE MCPHERSON Mon O2 Institute, B’ham A.R Rahman 19 Sept, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham TONY MORTIMER Fri 23 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 24 September Sept, O2 Academy, DAN & SHAY Mon 19 Birmingham AN INTIMATE EVENING Film score composer AR Rahman may have two Oscars (he won Sept, O2 Academy, WITH JUSTIN HAYWARD them for the film Slumdog Millionaire) but he certainly hasn’t let Birmingham MORGANISATION Fri 23 Sept, Artrix, Sat 24 Sept, his international success go to his head. Asked at a recent press THE THREE DEGREES Bromsgrove Wolverhampton Grand conference whether he had any plans to cut an album of non-film Tues 20 Sept, The Old Theatre music, the Tamil Nadu-born maestro said that he needed to Rep Theatre, B’ham LIZZIE AND THE BANSHEES Fri 23 Sept, TWEET Sat 24 Sept, O2 become a better singer first. DANIEL O'DONNELL Tues The Roadhouse, B’ham Institute, Birmingham 20 Sept, Symphony The talented 49-year-old stops off in Birmingham this month as LEO GREEN'S SOUND OF Hall, Birmingham MOTHERSHIP - LED part of a short UK tour, presenting a programme that features east- ZEPPLIN TRIBUTE Fri 23 THE 50S Sat 24 Sept, SUNDARA KARMA Tues ern classical music, modern electro, world music and traditional Sept, The Core Core Theatre, Solihull 20 Sept, O2 Institute, orchestral arrangements. Theatre, Solihull NATALIE MCCOOL + BRY- Birmingham SLIPKNOWT Fri 23 Sept, ONY WILLIAMS + NOIIIS- THE BLUEWATERS Tues The Rainbow Venues, ES Sat 24 Sept, The 20 Sept, Artrix, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Bromsgrove Birmingham THE BEAT STARRING MEGSON Tues 20 Sept, DAVID WAKELING Fri 23 STAN TRACEY LEGACY Kitchen Garden Cafe, Sept, The Robin, OCTET Sat 24 Sept, Birmingham Bilston mac, Birmingham THE BLUESWATER Tues POPES OF CHILLITOWN DEAN FRIEDMAN Sun 25 20 Sept, Artrix, Fri 23 Sept, The Slade Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove Rooms, W’hampton Bromsgrove SEAFOAL + ANAVAE MUSIC LIKE LEMONS Fri SEAN WILSON Sun 25 Tues 20 Sept, The 23 Sept, The Sunflower Sept, The Irish Centre, Sunflower Lounge, Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham ATLANTIC PLAYERS Fri MIC LOWRY Sun 25 MICHAEL ENGLISH Wed 23 Sept, Hare & Sept, Hare & Hounds, 21 Sept, The Core Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Theatre, Solihull MIKE SKINNER & GRAHAM PARKER AND ALEXANDER O'NEAL Wed MURKAGE PRESENT BRINSLEY SCHWARZ Sun 21 Sept, The Jam TONGA Fri 23 Sept, 25 Sept, Artrix, House, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham Bromsgrove JO HARMAN & COMPANY THE GLOAMING Sun 25 Wed 21 Sept, The Sept, Symphony Hall, Robin, Bilston Birmingham Three Degrees MCFLY Wed 21 - Fri 23 TONY CHRISTIE Sun 25 Old Rep, Birmingham, Wednesday 20 September Sept, O2 Academy, Sept, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham Given that The Three Degrees have been touring continuously for US THE DUO Sun 25 CAVERN OF ANTI MATTER more than 40 years, it’s hardly surprising that the make-up of the Sept, O2 Academy, Wed 21 Sept, Hare & Birmingham group has changed and changed again. The current line-up fea- Hounds, Birmingham COLLEEN GREEN & tures Valerie Holiday, who’s been a member since 1967, and Helen GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, CASSIE RAMONE Sun 25 Scott, who’s clocking up her 40th year of continuous service in FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Sept, Hare & Hounds, MIC NIGHT Wed 21 2016 (she also performed with the group between 1963 and ’66). XVII Sat 24 Sept, O2 Birmingham Sept, The Night Owl, The third current member is newcomer Freddie Pool, who came on Academy, Birmingham JANE SIBERRY Sun 25 Birmingham board in 2011. WILD IRISH Sat 24 Sept, Sept, Kitchen Garden BIRMINGHAM JAZZ Expect all the hits, including those from the Sheila Ferguson- The Irish Centre, B’ham Cafe, Birmingham ORCHESTRA Wed 21 THE KAZ HAWKINS BAND inspired halcyon days of the mid-to-late 1970s: Take Good Care Of Sept, Symphony Hall, ONLY SHADOWS Sat 24 Sun 25 Sept, Lichfield Yourself; My Simple Heart; Giving Up, Giving In; and the 1974 Birmingham Sept, O2 Institute, Birmingham Guildhall chart-topper, When Will I See You Again. JORDAN MACKAMPA Wed

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 19 - 25 Sept - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:21 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 September

Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove Classical LLOYD LANGFORD, MICHAEL FABBRI, ANDREA HUBERT & RORY O'HANLON Sat Music 24 Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham WAYNE DEAKIN, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, IVAN BRACKENBURY & IAN D MONTFORD CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY Sat 24 Sept, The Comedy Loft, ORCHESTRA Featuring Edward Birmingham Gardner (conductor) & Steven Osbourne (piano). Programme NINA CONTI Sun 25 Sept, includes works by Beethoven, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Butterworth & Walton, Thurs 22 Sept, THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS Symphony Hall, Birmingham Sun 25 Sept, mac, Birmingham

Theatre

GHOST THE MUSICAL Stage version of the award-winning movie, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Sept, New Alexander Theatre, Birmingham MANDELA TRILOGY Cape Town Image courtesy of Dance Nuvo Opera’s epic operatic tribute to the CBSO CENTRE STAGE: QUARTET FOR THE life of Nelson Mandela, Tues 20 - B-Side Hip-Hop Festival Wed 21 Sept, Birmingham END OF TIME Featuring artist in resi- Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 23 - Sun 25 September dence Steven Osbourne (piano) & Hippodrome the CBSO musicians. Programme This new addition to Birmingham’s festivals calendar is a free three- comprises Messiaen’s Quartet for the day celebration programmed by local hip-hop artists ‘Marso’ Riviere, End of Time, Fri 23 Sept, CBSO Juice Aleem, Dance Nuvo and Break Mission. Centre, Birmingham Building on a range of grassroots hip-hop events and projects, the CBSO: NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND festival’s aim is to provide local performers with a high-profile plat- Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) & Catherine Arlidge (presenter), Sat 24 form from which to showcase their talents. Highlights include a Sept, Symphony Hall, Birmingham range of outdoor ‘pop-up’ performances, sci-fi film, spoken word, MUSIC MAZE WITH FLAUTIST TONY talks and graffiti artists, explosive street dance crews and b-boys/b- ROBB Sun 25 Sept, CBSO Centre, girls battling it out for cash prizes. Birmingham Commenting on the event, Graham Callister, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Director of Creative Programmes, said: “We recognise that Birmingham and the wider Midlands region has a long association with and demand for hip-hop culture, from the production of Comedy Gigs artists and performers to music producers and audiences. Through LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Rhydian the new festival we want to provide a platform to engage with and Roberts stars as Orin Scrivello in a celebrate today's talent from the city region and further afield.” TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 new staging of the hit musical sci-fi Sept, The Blue Orange Theatre, spoof, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Sept, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick MITCH BENN Thurs 22 Sept, ANIMAL FARM George Orwell’s alle- Sept, mac, Birmingham Wolverhampton Art Gallery gorical ‘fairy story’, boldly retold in a STICK MAN Scamp Theatre present a Dance SARA PASCOE Thurs 22 Sept, Stratford production suitable for audiences of stage adaptation for children, based Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon all ages, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Sept, on Julia Donaldson and Alex LLOYD LANGFORD, MICHAEL FABBRI & Lichfield Garrick Scheffler's popular children's book, ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER Combining Ailey classics with new COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY GIRLS Talawa Theatre Company, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Sept, Stafford works by some of today’s most ROBINSON Thurs 22 Sept, The Glee HighTide and Soho Theatre present Gatehouse Theatre acclaimed choreographers, Fri 23 - Club, Birmingham Theresa Ikoko’s ‘funny and fiercely JUSTIN LIVE! Interactive show featur- Sat 24 Sept, B’ham Hippodrome ISY SUTTIE Fri 23 Sept, The Glee passionate new play’, Tues 20 - Sat ing CBeebies favourite Justin Club, Birmingham 24 Sept, The REP, Birmingham Fletcher, Sun 25 Sept, B-SIDE HIP-HOP FESTIVAL Free annual festival celebrating all things hip-hop, SHOOTING WITH LIGHT Idle Motion use Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Fri 23 - Sun 25 Sept, Birmingham innovative staging, physicality & mul- NINA CONTI: IN YOUR FACE Expect the Hippodrome timedia to piece together the life on unexpected as Nina and her sidekick an exceptional woman, glimpsed monkey unleash some ‘hilarious CHANTRY DANCE COMPANY Double bill through the lost photographs she witchery’, Sun 25 Sept, of works - Ulysses Unbound & The risked her life to take, Wed 21 Sept, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Stacked Deck, Sat 24 Sept, Elmhurst mac, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE DIAL M FOR MURDER Blue Orange Arts Blunderbus fuse music, puppetry present Frederick Knott’s erotic tale and storytelling in a brand new adap- of betrayal, passion and murder - tation of a classic tale, Sun 25 Sept, best known from its 1954 Alfred Artrix, Bromsgrove Hitchcock-directed film version star- AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Talks LLOYD LANGFORD, MICHAEL FABBRI & ring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly, Phileas Fogg and his faithful manser- ANDREA HUBERT & COMIC TBC Fri 23 Thurs 22 Sept - Sat 1 Oct, The Blue vant race to beat the clock. Sept, The Glee Club, Birmingham Orange Theatre, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH BARRY FRY & RON Presented by the Crescent Theatre ATKINSON An evening of behind-the- THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, MATT WELCOME, A GAMBLER'S GUIDE TO DYING Traverse Company, Sun 25 Sept - Sat 1 Oct, scenes football anecdotes from two WAYNE DEAKIN & ALLYSON JUNE SMITH Theatre present Gary McNair's inter- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham of the Midlands’ most colourful for- Fri 23 Sept, The Comedy Loft, B’ham generational tale of what we live for mer managers, Mon 26 Sept, and what we leave behind, Fri 23 BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 24 Lichfield Garrick

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 19 - 25 Sept - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:21 Page 3

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 September the therapeutic effects of literature, Fri 23 Sept, Shakespeare's Film Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: VENUS AND ADONIS Indulge your senses with poetry, cheese and wine, NOTES ON BLINDNESS (U) In the sum- Fri 23 Sept, Shakespeare's mer of 1983, just days before the Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon birth of his first son, writer and the- PASSIONE FERRARI Event dedicated to ologian John Hull went blind. To Ferrari owners and fans, Fri 23 - Sat make sense of this change, he 24 Sept, Silverstone Circuit, began keeping a diary on audio-cas- Northants sette. The film gives exclusive access to these original recordings that A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE The official encompass dreams, memory and exhibition of the hit overseas proper- imagining life, excavating the interior ty TV show, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Sept, world of blindness. Artrix, NEC, Birmingham Bromsgrove, Mon 19 & Wed 21 Sept THUNDERSPORT GB MOTORCYCLE SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (PG) A RACES Fri 23 - Sun 25 Sept, childhood summer in the Lake Donington Park Racing Circuit, District. Two groups of children - in Derby their dinghies Amazon and Swallow - BIRMINGHAM FLOATING MARKET Fri 23 - play pirates in between the camping Sun 25 Sept, Birmingham and and fishing trips. Stars Kelly Fazeley Canal Macdonald & Rafe Spall. Artrix, PARKHEAD CANAL FESTIVAL Popular Bromsgrove, Fri 23, Sun 25 - Tues 27 biennial boat festival organised by Sept Dudley Canal Trust and the Worcester/Birmingham and Droitwich Parkhead Canal Festival - Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust Canal Society at Parkhead Locks, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Sept, Dudley Canal NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Tunnel and Limestone Mines Bavarian Oompah band and a SHAKESPEARE IN SPACE Poems and Bavarian buffet feast, Sat 24 Sept, performance for children, Sun 25 Released from Fri 23 Sept, showing DISCOVER RAG RUGGING Sat 24 Sept, West Midland Safari and Leisure Sept, Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon- at selected cinemas Birmingham Back to Backs Park, Bewdley, Worcestershire Avon DARE TO BE WILD (tbc) TWISTED BARREL BREWERY TOURS JOUST! Be part of the kiddie drills and FAMILY AUTUMN ANTICS Press apples, LITTLE MEN (tbc) 2016 Meet the team behind Twisted see the knight practice their skill at produce leaf art, make elf homes Barrel Ale on this exclusive tour. THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (12A) arms drills, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Sept, and participate in bush craft, Sun 25 Learn how the brewing process Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove Sept, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY (tbc) works and sample the ales and food, Herefordshire FREE STATE OF JONES (tbc) Sat 24 Sept, Fargo Village, Coventry NATIONAL FINALS The National Drag Racing Championship Finals for MSA SHOW BUS INTERNATIONAL Colourful, MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR MOSELEY ARTS MARKET Featuring Pro Mod and national sportsman themed display of buses old and CHILDREN (tbc) locally produced artwork, Sat 24 classes, plus Top Methanol, Wild new, Sun 25 Sept, Donington Park Sept, Victoria Parade, Moseley, SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU (tbc) Bunch, Nostalgia Fuel Altered Racing Circuit, Derby Birmingham UNDER THE SHADOWS (tbc) Association and the ACU National AUTUMN EVENT Apple pressing, sea- THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIAEVAL BANQUET Drag Bike Championship, including sonal produce, children’s wildlife An evening of eating, drinking and SuperTwins, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Sept, activities and live music from local medieval revelry, Sat 24 Sept, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants bands, Sun 25 Sept, Martineau Warwick Castle CASTLE COLLECTIONS WEEKEND Gardens, Birmingham INTRODUCTION TO JEWELLERY MAKING Events Featuring items in the castle's collec- CLASSIC CAR RALLY Members of the Learn the traditional techniques of tion not normally available to view, Black Country Classic Car Club bead and chainmail jewellery-mak- Sat 24 - Sun 25 Sept, Tamworth show off their vehicles around the MINI MOVERS Mon 19 Sept, British ing, Sat 24 Sept, Black Country Castle site, Sun 25 Sept, Red House Glass Motor Museum, Gaydon, Living Museum, Dudley DOLL AND TEDDY FAIR Sun 25 Sept, Warwickshire Cone, Stourbridge LOCKDOWN II - SANCTUM Fully immer- National Motorcycle Museum, COME FLY A KITE CHARITY DAY HONDA RON HASLAM RACE SCHOOL sive zombie experience, Sat 24 Sept, Solihull Supporting Primrose Hospice, Sun Experience riding on the Donington The Dana Prison, Shrewsbury MAC FOOD MARKET Sun 25 Sept, mac, Park GP Circuit, Wed 21 Sept, 25 Sept, The Jinney Ring Craft CELEBRATION OF THE BRITISH CAR Birmingham Donington Park Racing Circuit, Centre, Bromsgrove SYMPOSIUM Offering a snapshot of Derby Britain’s modern-day motor industry, EVENING SUPPER LECTURES 2016 A the panel also takes a look into the two-course supper in the Barn future at what we might be celebrat- Restaurant accompanied by a talk on ing in the next 50 years, Sat 24 Sept, a variety of subjects, followed by an British Motor Museum, Gaydon, after-hours stroll in the gardens, Warwickshire (EST 86) Thurs 22 Sept, Baddesley Clinton, THE SOOTY SHOW: SOOTY IN SPACE Sat THE DINNER CLUB Solihull A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY 24 - Sun 25 Sept, Cadbury World, THE GLAMPING SHOW Thurs 22 - Sat Bournville 24 Sept, Stoneleigh Park, BIRMINGHAM BUS TOURS 2016 Sat 24 - SINGLE? Warwickshire Sun 25 Sept, Birmingham City THE CYCLE SHOW The UK's biggest Centre For the more discerning cycling event, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 unattached person, age 40+ SVARTLAND VIKING WEEKEND Sept, NEC, Birmingham Experience the life of a Viking, Sat 24 Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie PACIFIC POWER Flying Scotsman and - Sun 25 Sept, Bodenham balls, theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. Tornado, two world famous steam Arboretum, Kidderminster balls, theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. locomotives, meet at the Severn SUTTON RECORD FAIR Sat 24 Sept, Valley Railway for the first time, Thurs The Carpenter’s Arms, Sutton NOT A DATING AGENCY 22 - Mon 26 Sept, Severn Valley Coldfield Railway, Kidderminster (Day) (Eve/W-end) MIGRANT MUSIC FESTIVAL Sat 24 Sept, 01244 677030 /01244 548816 STRESSED, UNSTRESSED: CLASSIC Soho House, Birmingham POEMS TO EASE THE MIND Discover BAVARIAN EVENINGS Complete with www.thedinnerclubuk.com

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 19 - 25 Sept - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 15:21 Page 4

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 26 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:12 Page 1

thelist Monday 26 - Friday 30 September Classical Music Theatre

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN FEAT LAURA JOAN COLLINS The actress, philanthro- VAN DER HEIJDEN (CELLO) David Curtis pist and best-selling author shares sto- conducts. Programme includes works ries and secrets from her celebrated by Haydn & Mozart, Wed 28 Sept, life and career, Mon 26 Sept, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Town Hall NOAH STEWART Wed 28 Sept, Prince Of DEAD SHEEP Steve Nailon and Graham Wales Centre, Cannock Seed star in Jonathan Maitland's tale of love, honour, loyalty and revenge which charts Mrs Thatcher’s demise at the hands of one-time friend and political soulmate Geoffrey Howe, Mon 26 Sept - Sat 1 Oct, The REP, Birmingham DALLOWAY Dyad Productions present an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s celebrated map of hearts, minds and Ren Harvieu - O2 Academy, Birmingham memories, Tues 27 Sept, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Rhydian Sept, O2 Institute, Sept, Evesham Arts Roberts stars as Orin Scrivello in a Birmingham Centre Gigs new staging of the hit musical sci-fi THE TUTS & TACO HELL ARRIVAL UK - ABBA spoof, Tues 27 Sept - Sat 1 Oct, New Wed 28 Sept, Hare & TRIBUTE Thurs 29 WATSKY Mon 26 Sept, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Sept, Lichfield Garrick O2 Institute, B’ham THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Based on A.J. CROCE Wed 28 MING CITY ROCKERS ROLLING BACK THE Stephen King’s 1982 novella, Rita Sept, Kitchen Garden Thurs 29 Sept, The YEARS Mon 26 - Tues BEETHOVEN’S FOURTH Featuring the City Hayworth And Shawshank Cafe, Birmingham Spotted Dog, B’ham 27 Sept, The Core of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Redemption, and the classic Tim Theatre, Solihull 6IX 7EVEN Wed 28 REN HARVIEU Fri 30 Richard Farnes (conductor) & Jack Robbins/Morgan Freeman 1994 movie Sept, O2 Institute, Sept, O2 Institute, version, Tues 27 Sept - Sat 1 Oct, RONAN KEATING Mon 26 Liebeck (violin). Programme includes Birmingham Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Tues 27 Sept, works by Wagner, Sibelius & Symphony Hall, B’ham GREGORY PECK'S JAZZ, OF MICE & MEN Fri 30 Beethoven, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 Sept, MY BIG FAT COW PAT WEDDING Based on FUNK AND SOUL OPEN Sept, O2 Academy, Symphony Hall, Birmingham real people’s experience of mixed mar- JIMMY OSMOND Mon MIC NIGHT Wed 28 Birmingham riages or rural weddings attended by 26 Sept, TRIO SEVERN Featuring Zoe Beyers Sept, The Night Owl, city dwellers out of their comfort zone, Wolverhampton Grand ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE (violin), David Powell (cello) & Robert Birmingham this is a lighthearted exploration of Theatre Fri 30 Sept, The Markham (piano). Programme BLUEGRASS AND OLD Rainbow Venues, includes Sterndale Bennett’s Chamber relationships across the rural/urban, MICHELE STODART Mon TIME Wed 28 Sept, Birmingham Trio in A major, Op26 & FE Bach’s race and gender divides, Wed 28 26 Sept, Kitchen The Spotted Dog, Piano Trio in D Minor, Op25, Fri 30 Sept, Newhampton Arts Centre, Garden Cafe, B’ham DURAN: THE TRIBUTE Fri Wolverhampton Birmingham 30 Sept, The Sept, CBSO Centre, Birmingham CHRIS HOLMES EX THE SHAHNAMEH - THE EPIC BOOK OF HYPNOTIC BRASS Roadhouse, B’ham W.A.S.P WITH HIS BAND KINGS ENSEMBLE Thurs 29 Adventure and romance com- MEAN MAN Mon 26 JOE STILGOE Fri 30 Sept, Hare & Hounds, bine in a production inspired by a Sept, The Robin, Sept, The Old Rep Birmingham masterpiece of world literature, Thurs Bilston Theatre, Birmingham Comedy Gigs 29 Sept, mac, Birmingham ARRIVAL UK - THE NO.1 PRETTY VICIOUS Tues FROM THE JAM - THE A INTERNATIONAL ABBA WIFI WARS Live comedy game show 27 Sept, O2 Academy, & B SIDES Fri 30 Sept, TRIBUTE Thurs 29 FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 28 Sept, where audiences are invited to play Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Sept, Lichfield Garrick The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham along, Thurs 29 Sept, Artrix, THE ACOUSTIC WESTROCK Fri 30 Sept, Bromsgrove DEL CAMINO Thurs 29 PAUL TONKINSON, PHIL NICHOL & SESSIONS Tues 27 The Core Theatre, MACBETH - BLOOD WILL HAVE BLOOD Sept, The Jam House, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY The Sept, The Jam House, Solihull Birmingham ROBINSON Thurs 29 Sept, The Glee bard’s famous tragedy, reinvented for Birmingham MIVVI Fri 30 Sept, O2 young audiences, Thurs 29 Sept, DEREK RYAN IN Club, Birmingham SPOTTED DOG JAZZ Academy, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick CONCERT Thurs 29 TUESDAYS Tues 27 DISCO PIGS Sept, Crescent RUTH GRAHAM Fri 30 A ‘furious, funny and vio- Sept, The Spotted Theatre, Birmingham Sept, Kitchen Garden lent dash’ through a friendship too Dog, Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham close to survive, Thurs 29 Sept - Sat 1 UP ON THE ROOF Thurs HANNAH GRACE + Oct, The REP, Birmingham 29 Sept, The Robin, THE REEL HOT CEILIDH GRETA ISAAC Tues 27 LABELS Bilston PEPPERS Fri 30 Sept, Worklight Theatre's award-win- Sept, The Sunflower Lichfield Guildhall ning exploration of issues surrounding Lounge, Birmingham TOSELAND Thurs 29 mixed heritage and immigration, Fri 30 Sept, The Slade PSYCHOSTICK + GREEN YUNG Tues 27 Sept, Sept, Lichfield Garrick Rooms, W’hampton JELLY Fri 30 Sept, The Hare & Hounds, Slade Rooms, Birmingham EMAROSA Thurs 29 Wolverhampton Sept, O2 Institute, JUDIE TZUKE Wed 28 Birmingham THE MOODY BLUES' STEVE BUGEJA & COMICS TBC Thurs 29 Sept, The Robin, JOHN LODGE Fri 30 Sept, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield Bilston THE BRIAN Sept, Birmingham HUMPHERSON TRIO JEREMY HARDY Fri 30 Sept, Stratford KESTON COBBLERS CLUB Town Hall Thurs 29 Sept, Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon Wed 28 Sept, The Red Wolverhampton Grand BRONCHO Fri 30 Sept, Lion Folk Club, B’ham The Sunflower JONATHAN PIE Fri 30 Sept, The Glee Theatre Club, Birmingham MEILYR JONES Wed 28 Lounge, Birmingham THE RONNIE SCOTT’S Sept, The Rainbow PAUL TONKINSON, PHIL NICHOL, LLOYD ALL STARS Thurs 29 JAMIE CROFT Fri 30 Venues, Birmingham Sept, O2 Institute, GRIFFITH & ALLYSON SMITH Fri 30 Sept, JOURNEYS END RC Sheriffs's harrowing Sept, The Core The Glee Club, Birmingham KATE RUSBY Wed 28 Theatre, Solihull Birmingham insight into the humanity of the First Sept, Stafford THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, PAUL MCCAFFERY, World War, based on the author's own FOLK IN THE FOYER: GROUPER Fri 30 Sept - Gatehouse Theatre Sat 1 Oct, The Jam GARETH RICHARDS & KANE BROWN Fri 30 experiences in the trenches, Fri 30 ANGE HARDY & LUKAS Sept, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Sept, Lichfield Garrick BETH ORTON Wed 28 DRINKWATER Thurs 29 House, Birmingham

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 26 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:12 Page 2

Monday 26 - Friday 30 September

Richard, 15 years old with learning Talks & difficulties, longs to put down roots, but his restless and destructive brother Polly needs to keep moving. Spoken Word When the land they live on is bought by a new landowner, and the electric- AN EVENING WITH BARRY FRY & RON ity supply to their caravan is cut, their ATKINSON An evening of behind-the- already precarious living conditions scenes football anecdotes from two get even worse. Then a chance of the Midlands’ most colourful for- meeting with the new landowner's mer managers, Mon 26 Sept, daughter, Annabel, leaves Richard Lichfield Garrick besotted, while Polly befriends the guys who run a seedy travelling fair. AN EVENING WITH WILL GREENWOOD The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, MBE Thurs 29 Sept, Sixways Wed 28 Sept Stadium, Worcester

Film

INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: National Wedding Show - NEC, Birmingham, 30 September - 1 October

SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (PG) A THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION STONE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Fri 30 childhood summer in the Lake Showcasing a huge range of national Sept - Sun 2 Oct, Westbridge Park, District. Two groups of children - in franchise opportunities, Fri 30 Sept - Stone, Staffordshire their dinghies Amazon and Swallow - Sat 1 Oct, NEC, Birmingham play pirates in between the camping Events BRINDLEYPLACE SUMMER MARKETS Fri and fishing trips. Stars Kelly THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW 30 Sept, Brindleyplace, Birmingham Macdonald & Rafe Spall. Artrix, Featuring more than 300 wedding HEAVYCON New three-day event held Bromsgrove, Tues 27 Sept; mac, HONDA RON HASLAM RACE SCHOOL specialists, from bridal boutiques in Birmingham, ‘the birthplace of Birmingham, Sat 24 - Tues 27 Sep Experience riding on the Donington and florists to jewellers and photog- heavy metal’, Fri 30 Sept - Sun 2 Oct, Park GP Circuit, Wed 28 Sept, raphers, Fri 30 Sept - Sun 2 Oct, CHICKEN + DIRECTOR Q&A (15) NEC, Birmingham Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby NEC, Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 W/O Subscription Advert 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 18:22 Page 1

GET YOUR

DELIVEREDCOPY TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTH All you need to do is select the regional edition you’d like... Birmingham What’s On; Worcestershire What’s On; Warwickshire What’s On; Wolverhampton What’s On; Staffordshire What’s On; Shropshire What’s On;

Have your method of payment - debit/credit card - at the ready and call our subscription hotline on 01743 281714

For just £2 an issue - to cover postage and packing, there’s never been a better time to get your What’s On delivered to your door...

...you just pay for the postage and packing! 6 Months £12, 12 Months £24, 2 Years £45 BMAG (FP- April 16).qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2016 17:31 Page 1 Mind Body Soul (FP- September 16).qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2016 16:23 Page 1