Coventry & Warwickshire Cover December 2019.qxp_Coventry & Warwickshire Cover 22/11/2019 15:51 Page 1

THETHE BOYBOY ININ THETHE DRESSDRESS MAKESMAKES Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands HISHIS DEBUTDEBUT ATAT THETHE RSCRSC COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ONDECEMBER 2019

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 408 DECEMBER 2019019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

inside: PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

CAT’S WHISKERS Puss In Boots feline fine at the Belgrade this Christmas! WTE:@WHATSONWARWICKSTWITTER:

THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive family favourite returns FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

SKATING AROUND... festive fun at Warwick Castle’s latest Christmas attraction WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK IFC Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 08:54 Page 1 Contents December Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 16:25 Page 2

December 2019

Contents

The Boy In The Dress - world premiere of David Walliams’ story at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre - page 30

Club 2B Ex Cathedra Enchanted Witley the list

leave reality behind at the perform festive favourites at explore an illuminated Your 16-page Belgrade this Christmas Coventry Cathedral wonderland this festive season week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 15 page 49 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 19. Comedy 24. Theatre 34. Film 36. Visual Arts 41. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss 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 December_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 14:42 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Hit West Ender heading to the Midlands region next summer A hit West End and Broadway show is visiting War- wickshire and Worcestershire next year as part of its first ever UK tour. Based on the cult 2007 Irish indie movie of the same name, Once tells the uplifting story of two lost souls - a Dublin street busker and a Czech mu- sician - who unexpectedly fall in love. Featuring the Oscar-winning song, Falling Slowly, the production has also won a Grammy, eight Tonys and an Olivier Award. It stops off at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March, and then visits Malvern Theatres from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 March...

Festive Shakespeare... £3million Lottery boost for prize value of £1,000. The winner will receive career advice from a leading literary agent, Visitors to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in City of Culture Trust publicity through the Stratford Literary Stratford-upon-Avon will be transported back Festival, and may even be lucky enough to be in time to 1615 this Christmas, as costumed published by Salariya’s Scribblers imprint. actors bring to life the characters of Anne The final date for entries is 31 January and and her brother, Bartholomew. the winner will be announced in late The living-history performances take place February... For details about how to submit, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday visit stratlitfest.co.uk/bookcompetition throughout December (between 12pm and 4pm), giving an insight into the relationship between Anne and her elder brother. Getaway with George... Visitors will also be able to try traditional Tudor food as they help the siblings decide An enterprising Warwickshire couple have who should host Christmas Day. opened a new holiday lodge on the site of their previous business. Jo Carroll and Steve Taylor have converted part of their former baby day nursery into George’s Getaway, the fourth lodge at Plans to ensure that Coventry’s year as UK Winchcombe Farm, their boutique luxury City of Culture in 2021 leaves a lasting and glamping retreat in Upper Tysoe. positive legacy have been given a £3million Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural boost by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Beauty on a private estate in the The funding, awarded to the Coventry City of Warwickshire countryside, the destination Culture Trust, will support plans to invest in has become a huge hit with holidaymakers initiatives that will protect and develop the since it opened 18 months ago. city’s natural environment and promote For more information and to make a health & wellbeing. These will include an reservation, visit winchcombefarm.co.uk ambitious programme of events and activities Leamington’s ‘creative in Coventry’s green spaces, urban sites, quarter’ gets green light heritage locations and on its waterways. As part of the phased delivery of a ‘creative quarter’ in Leamington Spa, Warwick District Children’s Picture Book Council has given the go-ahead for a regener- Prize taking submissions ation of the town’s Spencer Yard, a space which provides a home for creative busi- The Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival nesses and pop-up & community events. and the Salariya Book Company are now The regeneration is taking place ahead of taking submissions for their Children’s Leamington hosting the lawn bowls and Para Picture Book Prize. bowls during the Birmingham 2022 Common- The competition, launched in 2017 and open wealth Games. to unpublished writers and illustrators, has a 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word December_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 14:42 Page 2

First Word

Book explores city’s milestones A new book uncovering the immense impact Worcester has had on shaping England’s sovereignty and society is published this month. Worcester Moments: River, Religion And Royalty is the first book of its kind to chart both Worcester’s famous and lesser-known milestones over a 2000-year period. The book is published by History West Midlands on 3 December and retails at £20. For more information, visit historywm.com

Walking In The Air at Coventry A Question Of Sport celebrates its 50th with a live tour Cathedral The BBC’s A Question Of Sport - the world's The new live version of the show features host longest-running TV sports quiz - is celebrating Sue Barker, resident team captains Matt Dawson its 50th anniversary in 2020 with a live tour. and Phil Tufnell, and a number of big-name Since debuting on television in January 1970, guests from across the sporting world. more than 1,000 episodes of the programme The tour stops off at Birmingham’s Symphony have been broadcast, with over 2,000 of the Hall on Monday 27 April. biggest names in British and international sport Tickets are now available and can be purchased having appeared as panellists. by visiting ticketmaster.co.uk

TEDx returns Winter weekender at Bromsgrove’s Artrix to Coventry In a break from the tradition of the last few years, Bromsgrove’s Christmas Coventry is to host its festivities will this month be taking place in the warmth of the town’s very own TEDx event Artrix venue. Festive family events, live music, food and ‘good cheer’ are for the second year promised across the weekend of Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December. Fans of festive family running. Highlights include screenings of popular seasonal movies - one of which is favourite The Snowman have TEDxCoventry Revive the new Wham!-inspired rom-com, Last Christmas (pictured) - and live the chance to go Walking In aims to bring ‘new performances by Cara Dillon and popular Midlands folk collective Quill... The Air once again this approaches and For full details and the most up-to-date listings, visit artrix.co.uk Christmas. forward-thinking A screening of the much- ideas to a community loved animated version of that has thrived on its Raymond Briggs’ story is innovative and taking place this month at the dynamic spirit’. cathedrals of Coventry and Talks throughout the Lichfield - and in both cases day will touch on a will be accompanied by a live variety of subjects, orchestra. including technology, The event, which also features innovation and youth new animated film A foundations. Donkey’s Tale, takes place at The event takes place Coventry Cathedral on at the city’s Belgrade Saturday 7 December, and Theatre on Saturday then at Lichfield Cathedral on 29 February. Friday 27 December.

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First Word

The magic of Christmas comes to Touchwood Visitors to Solihull’s Touchwood centre should have no trouble getting into the Christmas spirit this festive season, with the shopping destination’s yuletide attractions including the chance to say a big hello to Santa in his grotto. Touchwood is extending its opening hours for Christmas shoppers during December. For a full schedule of events and grotto opening times, visit touchwoodsolihull.co.uk

Festive family fun returns to Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre Warwick Arts Centre’s Winter Family Day returns storytelling, face-painting, Christmas craft-making on Sunday 1 December, this year taking the theme and interactive shows. of ‘winter wonderland’. Drumming workshops and hands-on experiments Featuring a packed programme of activities, the designed to explore the science of winter ensure day includes free events for family members of all that there’s plenty to keep older visitors busy and ages. Children from as young as two can enjoy entertained too.

Orchestra launches funding campaign The Stratford-upon-Avon-based Or- chestra of the Swan has launched a campaign to raise £18,000 to sup- port the recording of its latest Meet Stratford’s album, Timelapse. mini-beasts! The recording will be the first from Stratford Butterfly Farm is once the orchestra’s new label, ROOTS. again holding its popular Meet Timelapse will be recorded at the The Mini-Beast handling Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at sessions this Christmas and the start of 2020 and will feature New Year. Taking place twice a music from across the centuries, day from 27 December to 5 including works by Schubert, The January, the sessions provide Smiths, Vivaldi and Radiohead. visitors with the chance to hold Commenting on the news, David Le creatures including a giant Page, the orchestra’s artistic direc- African Millipede, an African Strictly Come Dancing, live and on tour tor, said: “Although the music we land snail and a Madagascan With 2018 winner Stacey Dooley taking on the presenting role, the play was written hundreds of years hissing cockroach. Strictly Come Dancing Live tour is back with a bang next month. apart, it’s striking how much these The farm will be showcasing its Waltzing its way into Arena Birmingham from Thursday 16 to contrasting works inhabit such new high bay lighting system, Sunday 19 January, the sequin-filled show features TV judges similar emotional space. I want the designed to ensure that the Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli. Taking to album to be a place where time and Rainforest Flight Area will be the dancefloor with their professional dance partners are style have become irrelevant - good drenched in light and colour celebrities Karim Zeroual, Kelvin Fletcher, Saffron Barker, Mike music is good music, however and on even the dullest of days, Bushell, Alex Scott, Emma Barton and Catherine Tyldesley. whenever you look at it.” enabling the tropical If you’re a fan of the hit BBC TV show, this is definitely an evening For more information, visit orches- butterflies to stay active. out not to be missed... traoftheswan.org 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word December_Worc Davina November.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 14:42 Page 4 Club 2B Belgrade.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 09:52 Page 1

LEAVE REALITY BEHIND... Director Corey Campbell talks about immersive theatre experience Club 2B, showing at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre this month...

Club 2B is an intriguing piece of immersive Hera and their reincarnations as iconic tion, revenge, adultery and the male-written theatre that tackles famous stories of love and figures we all know and love. female narrative. Throughout history men revenge throughout the ages - all with an have written for women. For example, Lady “We focus on Zeus and Hera’s quite danger- Ancient Greek twist. Presenting a fusion of a Godiva was depicted just as a woman who ous love for one another,” explains the 1930s Berlin cabaret club, a Secret Cinema rode a horse naked, rather than the powerful event’s director, Corey Campbell. “Zeus is event and an underground prohibition-era land-owning woman she really was. So what very unfaithful and Hera is very jealous, nightclub, it’s an exclusive event for theatre- we do with the script is suggest that Zeus had continually taking her anger out on women lovers, the adventurous and party animals his part to play in twisting her narrative - and he’s been unfaithful with. What Club 2B sug- alike. the same with figures like Marilyn Monroe. gests is that Zeus and Hera come back as all We take Zeus and Hera’s relationship right the Eat, drink and party alongside Zeus, the kinds of different characters we recognise, way through the ages to 2019, where Hera Greek King of all Gods and men (disguised as such as Marilyn Monroe and Jay Gatsby. We meets Zeus at this nightclub and demands her charismatic club owner ‘Z’), his jealous wife definitely address the themes of reconcilia- revenge on him for his treatment of her.”

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by Lauren Cole

So what can audiences expect from Club 2B? cal director. Then, after the show, we’re just ing on the role of Zeus in Club 2B.” free-styling. Our band are ready for requests “They can expect a lot of dancing, live music, So how did the show come about? and even karaoke-type singing. As our band singing, acting - this is an interdisciplinary takes a break and the night fades, a DJ takes “People would always contact me to ask me to performance. We’ll have magicians, photo over, and that will more than likely focus on bring my energy to their events, in the hope booths...there’ll also be some special guests popular culture. But within the show itself, that it would increase their footfall. So what on different days. You’ll get the same high- the genre really varies, and I’d say the only we started to do at Strictly Arts wasn’t neces- quality main performance, where you sit in thing we don’t cover is Heavy Metal. We’re sarily an immersive theatre experience but a cabaret seating and engage with the show, focusing on the eras the story comes from - so clubbing experience. We would have little but each fully immersive, improvised after- the Ancient Greek era will have folk music, shows in nightclubs. For example, we had a party will be slightly different. I think being the 1930s will be Gatsby’s era, the 1950s will Peaky Blinders room in a club in Birmingham. able to leave the theatre thinking, ‘Wow, I had have a heavy jazz sound - right the way They had a secret door in this nightclub via a a great dance and a good laugh’ is amazing. I through to the 2019 contemporary space, bookcase, which led to this little smoking know that this show will leave people where we can really experiment.” area. So Strictly Arts used to occupy that area surprised and saying they didn’t know theatre as Peaky Blinders or all sorts of other themes could be like this - so exciting, so innovative. Corey feels that Christmas through to New each week. People started to hear about this Audiences are so passive in the theatre some- Year’s Eve is the perfect time of year for an club that had a little show in it and it got times, and Club 2B is all about getting in- immersive theatre piece: “Around the festive really popular, so we started to move around volved. I’m expecting people to want photos period we have a lot of pantomimes, which to other cities like Manchester. I thought how with Zeus and to get up and dance with him. are really a phenomenal British art form of amazing it would be if we could establish that We’re definitely breaking convention - espe- their own, but I felt like Coventry needed and same feeling, energy and vibe in an actual cially because there’ll be a bar where you can deserved something that could bring a diverse theatre. Then along came the opportunity to get drinks within the theatre piece itself. Get- group of people together from different do Club 2B at the Belgrade.” ting a drink is part of the show, and Z is going cultures, backgrounds and religions. I find to give you the opportunity to do that that immersive theatre, where you allow your- Given his reputation for theatrical innovation, throughout the night. This is an experience self to be embedded into the narrative of the it’s no surprise that Corey will also be co-artis- like no other…” very performance you’ve gone to see, is a tic director of the Belgrade programme for really binding experience. There’s no better Coventry’s year as City of Culture in 2021. And what involvement will the audience have time for something of that nature than the in the storytelling? Christmas period. The opportunity to bring a “Strictly Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts com- pany telling the Afro-Caribbean story, which “Anyone coming to see Club 2B will have to be piece like Club 2B into the Belgrade Theatre in is something that I’m very, very passionate ready to become fully involved and throw this period is all about reconciliation of love. about. That’s obviously something I’ll take themselves into the whole experience. We Coventry has reconciled the masses, espe- forward to the Belgrade, but I’ll also be look- obviously don’t expect you to do anything in cially through music, since way back when - ing at the stories of other marginalised com- particular or get up and perform, but we may think of The Specials, and even before that munities. The Belgrade Theatre should be a refer to audience members as specific individ- with its nightclub scene. That’s a legacy of home and a hub, where any community can uals within the story. Those immersive Coventry that I want to continue.” come to express themselves - be it from the moments are embedded into the script, and Corey certainly boasts impressive credentials, stage or as an audience member in dialogue that character will be represented by a differ- as both a performer and a creative. As well as with a performance. I intend to plough that ent person each day. That’s what’s so exciting being artistic director of Strictly Arts Theatre vision right the way through the 2021 City of about this show - every single performance Company, who were behind critically ac- Culture programme. As an Afro-Caribbean will be unique. Then, at each after-event, you claimed Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show Free- man myself, my attention does tend to lie can fully place yourself in the world we’ve man, he was also associate & movement there, but diversity on the whole should be of created and can continue to enjoy the charac- director for the recent UK tour of Noughts And the utmost importance in theatre - and not ters you’ve seen and made. I would encourage Crosses - an adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s just when it comes to race, but a whole man- audiences to come as characters they’ve groundbreaking Young Adult novel. ner of things, from age and economic back- created - whether that be their own creation ground to religion. The next shows that I have or someone from their favourite book or film - “I was supposed to be stepping back from in mind will be new for Strictly Arts. Even and fully get into our nightclub experience.” performing for a little while because I’ve Club 2B is quite new for our style, but we’re headed up all of our shows at Strictly Arts Club 2B offers a fusion of eras not only in really going to start taking more risks. I would and really led from the stage. But when I terms of its characters but also its music. really love for Coventry to be behind me as we spoke to my team, they said it’d be a real embark on this journey.” Club 2B is the place “In the show itself we have near enough all shame if I didn’t perform in this one too. So to be.” genres of music. We have lyrics coming from I’ll definitely be making an appearance, along very recognisable songs in popular culture, with some of my colleagues from Freeman. but put over a very 1930s composition. Then It’s really exciting because I was going to Club 2B shows at the Belgrade Theatre, we’ve also done the same thing in reverse, really miss performing. I was trying not to tell Coventry, from Wednesday 11 to Tuesday where we have poetry that dates back to the you because it’s meant to be a secret, but 31 December. 1950s put into contemporary rap by our musi- you’ve really pulled it out of me - I will be tak- whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food December Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 15:24 Page 1 Food December Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 15:24 Page 2

Food

nature ‘paellas’. The jewel in our tapas platter also came com- Head Chef Jose Enrique Peña plete with a generous helping of Lopez’s culinary crown, they’re Russian salad - a Spanish staple available in a choice of chicken, comprising potatoes, carrots, seafood and vegetarian - unri- mayonnaise and gherkins in- valled in flavour and just perfect fused with the salty flavour of for sharing! fresh tuna fish. The surprising Eurosceptic diners can try a addition of oriental calamari Mediterranean twist on English (squid marinated in ginger, yuzu, pub-grub classics. These include soya and coriander) provided a fish & chips coated in Estrella zesty and refreshing contrast to beer batter, lamb chops served the rich, earthy flavours of the with Mediterranean vegetables Southern European continent. and tzatziki, or - my personal Our favourite small plate by far, favourite - Iberian secret pork though, was the Venezuelan served with mojo picon sauce, ‘Tequedos’, or Columbian cheese REVIEW: Flamenco pan-seared mushrooms and stick. Hand-rolled and fried to hand-cut fries. perfection in a lightly spiced Historic Tudor venue brings the warmth of Taking the advice of our friendly dough, these melt-in-the-mouth the Spanish sun to the town of Warwick waitress and opting for a glass of cheesy morsels really are too Tempranillo Rioja Viña Pomal good to share, so be sure to order Britain’s love affair with Spanish Moorish charm, this recently ren- Reserva 2013, our choice of appe- a double-portion! tapas has well and truly blos- ovated Tudor inn has been lov- tiser was the traditional ‘deli So much more than just great somed this last decade. With ingly restored to a brief which board’ of mixed cheeses and food, tapas is an experience high-street chains quick to claim marries authentic Tudor detail cured meats, a culinary homage which, above all, is built on shar- the no-frills finger food as their with a fiery kick of neo-gothic to Spain’s rich tradition of re- ing, socialising and a sun- own, the nation’s appetite for Spanish flamboyance. The venue gional produce and the perfect drenched desire to escape to novelty shows no sign of abating. positively abounds with original opening to any sharing experi- foreign shores. Such was the And whilst a historic Tudor inn period features; English oak pan- ence. And what tapas platter unique ambience of Flamenco located just a stone’s throw from els, black-and-white timber would be complete without a that leaving the warmth of the Warwick Castle might not be the frames and dry stone fireplaces generous serving of toasted fireplace felt akin to a holiday first place you think of to sup on sit happily alongside wine- bread and aioli, an intensely that was coming to an end all too a sangria, you’d be hard-pushed coloured walls and moody, can- flavoured garlic-yoghurt dip in- soon. Warm, welcoming and id- to find a more authentic taste of dlelit nooks which just scream fused with olive oil that’ll leave iosyncratic in style, Flamenco’s contemporary Spanish cuisine rustic charm - all appreciated to you eager for more - even if a kiss abundant charm is matched by a served from the heart! the unmistakable notes of an am- goodnight is off the cards. genuine passion for the food cul- bient Spanish guitar soundtrack. The brainchild of restauranteur After a refreshing glass of iced ture and a willingness to let fresh Alex Clayton - owner of War- In keeping with the restaurant’s Hendricks Gin & cucumber tonic, produce speak for itself. This was wick’s award-winning Tasca Dali intimate surroundings, Fla- it was time to get serious. Cue a tapas as it’s meant to be enjoyed - Flamenco prides itself on its menco’s menu is as eclectic as it generous helping of Pardon pep- - savoured without pressure, contemporary Mediterranean-in- is intriguing. Bringing together pers, a Galician speciality with a cooked to perfection, packed full spired dishes, prepared with tra- Spanish staples such as Iberian fiery kick that made the experi- of the unmistakable flavours of ditional cooking methods and chorizo served with pear aioli ence of eating them not unlike a the Med and served with a enjoyed within the historic sur- Morcilla (traditional Spanish game of Russian roulette. From quintessentially eccentric En- roundings of one of the town's black pudding) and freshly the Iberian peninsula, the glish twist! Katherine Ewing most iconic and atmospheric cooked tortilla with pan-Euro- chorizo in tempura with pear Food: nnnnn buildings. pean-influenced dishes such as aioli was a delight to eat, served Service: nnnnn Oriental Calamari, Hummus and For my own part, from the mo- with its own lollipop skewer and Ambience: nnnnn Turmeon Mussels served with ment I stepped from the cobbled infused with smoky hints of pa- Overall value nnnnn vermouth sauce, Flamenco’s tan- promenade into the warmth of prika, chilli and sweet pear. OVERALL nnnnn Flamenco’s cocktail bar, com- talising selection of contempo- The tried-and-tested choice of plete with stunning 17th century rary ‘market tapas’ comes Spanish croquettes served with Flamenco jam-packed with authentic ingre- potato, chorizo and fresh cheese Inglenook fireplace, I was trans- The Tudor House dients, seasonal produce and - ported from the chill of a typical was everything you could ask for 90 West Street British autumn to the warmth of above all - genuine passion for - effortlessly light in texture, easy Warwick sunnier climes. Small but per- the craft. on the crumb and irresistibly CV34 6AW fectly formed, exuding historic Be sure not to leave before sam- moreish. Tel: 07445 223527 atmosphere yet imbued with pling one of the restaurant’s sig- For an authentic taste of the sea,

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Food

Thai eatery achieves international Royal Seal of Approval Warwick Thai restaurant Giggling Squid has received the Royal Seal of Approval from the Thai Royal Court. The accolade indicates a degree of excellence meriting five stars and above. Giggling Squid has also won the Ambassador Choice Award, having been selected by the Ambassador as his favourite restaurant out of all the nominees.

Prestigious award for young Kenilworth chef Nathan Lane, Chef de Partie at The Cross in Kenilworth, has been named British Culinary Federation Young Chef of the Year. The 21-year-old competed against 14 other young chefs in the final, which took place at University College in Birmingham. The accolade means that Nathan will now automatically be entered into the Young National Chef of Experience ‘world-class luxury’ at the award-winning the Year competition. Belfry Hotel & Resort this Christmas and New Year The award-winning Belfry Hotel & Resort in on arrival, a hot and cold buffet, live tribute Worcestershire’s only Sutton Coldfield is offering a ‘winter wonder- acts, DJs and dancing till the early hours. Michelin star awarded land’ in which to enjoy opulent dining this To kick off 2020 with a bang, the popular resort A small restaurant in a tiny town in festive season. is holding a selection of New Year’s Eve celebra- Worcestershire has become the region’s The venue's calendar is packed with Christmas tions, a highlight among which is The Wood- only Michelin-star winner. parties, family breaks and festive dining, with land Family Ball, which includes dinner in the Pensons, near Tenbury Wells, secured New Year's Eve revellers also being catered for. Woodland Suite, a DJ and dancing, fireworks, the award at a glittering ceremony. The hotel’s Bel Air Party Nights (Best of Girl an overnight stay, a showcase breakfast and The fine dining restaurant, situated on Bands on Saturday 7 December and Best of Boy use of the facilities. To book, call 01675 238 600 an agricultural estate near to the Bands on Friday the 13th) feature a glass of fizz or email [email protected] Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire border, is a joint enterprise by owner Peta Darnley and Hairy Bikers to bring their 2020 tour to the Midlands region chef Lee Westcott. Following a major UK tour earlier this year, national treasures Si King and Dave Myers - aka The Hairy Bikers -have announced that they will once again be hitting the road to the Mid- lands in October 2020. Offering an entertaining evening of cooking and conversation, the boys’ autumn tour stops off at Victoria Hall, Stoke, on 16 October, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on the 18th of the month, and Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on the 29th. Si and Dave said: “The audience is a huge part of our show, so no night is the same. There will be music, chat, food, questions, answers, fun and frolics. A perfect bikers’ night out! ” Tickets for the shows are now on sale. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Classical December Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:05 Page 1

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Classical

The Carice Singers St Mark’s Church, Leamington, Wed 18 December Acclaimed vocal ensemble The Carice Singers were formed in the Cotswolds eight years ago and named after Edward Elgar's daughter. They here make a welcome return to St Mark’s Church to present a concert featuring popular carols and seasonal works by, among others, Byrd, Sibelius, Warlock, Bax, Roderick Williams and Master of the Queen’s Music Judith Weir. George Parris conducts.

Ex Cathedra: Christmas Music By Candlelight St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 December; St John’s Church, Hagley, Birmingham, Tues 10 December; Coventry Cathedral, Mon 16 December; St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Wed 18 - Sat 21 & Mon 23 December What better way to get into the Christmas presenting its annual and atmospheric Armonico Consort: spirit than by enjoying an evening in the Christmas Music By Candlelight event, an company of one of the country’s finest evening that features festive favourites from Handel’s Messiah choral music ensembles. around the globe and across the ages, inter- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Under the directorship of its founder, Jef- spersed with a variety of seasonal readings. Thurs 5 December; Malvern Theatres, Sat 21 December frey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this month If you’ve never heard Handel’s Messiah, you’ve missed out on one of music’s most Stile Antico: CBSO: Mirga uplifting experiences. The oratorio fea- A Spanish Nativity Conducts Brahms tures a series of much-loved classics, including For Unto Us A Child Is Born and St Mary’s Church, Warwick, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 10 December Thurs 12 December the legendary Hallelujah!. Telling the story of Christ's Nativity, Pas- Innovative vocal ensemble Stile Antico aim sion, Resurrection and Ascension, the to shine new light on Renaissance music. oratorio has been performed somewhere The London-based group has a uniquely in Britain every year since the mid-18th collaborative style of working, its members century. rehearsing and performing as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical results. Regular visitors to Warwick, the ensemble here present a collection of works celebrat- ing the Christmas season and featuring 12 a cappella pieces penned during the Spanish The City of Birmingham Symphony Orches- Golden Age of the 16th century. tra’s Music Director, Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla, takes to the podium to conduct a concertė that features not only Brahms’ Third Sym- phony but also music by a man who abso- lutely adored the work - Edward Elgar. The Worcestershire-born composer’s Two Part Songs Op26 is included in the programme. The UK premiere of Jörg Widmann’s ‘deli- ciously dark fairytale songs’ also features.

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Gigs

Belshazzar’s Feast Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Wed 18 December Primal Scream Folk duo Belshazzar’s Feast are Paul Sartin The Empire, Coventry, (Faustus and Bellowhead) and Paul Hutchin- Sun 1 December son (Pagoda Project and resident accordion Formed in Glasgow in 1982 and tutor for English Folk Dance & Song Society). fronted by Bobby Gillespie, Those attending the pair’s annual sell-out Primal Scream were key Christmas shows can look forward to a mix of contributors to the mid-1980s seasonal songs and tunes, classical music, indie pop scene. They eventu- pop, music hall and traditional folk - all ally moved away from their topped off with audience participation and jangly sound, taking on more lashings of wry humour. garage rock and psychedelic influences, before incorporat- ing a dance music element into their output with 1991 album Screamadelica, which broke them into the main- stream. The band visit Coventry in support of their third compila- tion album, Maximum Rock’n’Roll: The Singles.

Childcare Quill The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 7 December Sat 7 December When bass guitarist Ben Brain died sud- Soft-core psych quartet Childcare released Emeli Sandé denly in 2012, his wife and Quill’s lead debut album Wabi-Sabi back in May. singer, Joy Strachan-Brain, was of a mind to Symphony Hall, Birmingham, “The term wabi-sabi means ‘beauty in Mon 2 December call time on the band’s 30-plus years of imperfection’,” explains the group’s bass musicmaking. Eventually, though, she Multi-platinum award-winning singer-song- player & vocalist, Emma Topolski. “It’s decided it was more important to battle on, writer Emeli Sandé first came to prominence about the grace in ageing and in things that in so doing ensuring that the songs Ben had when she featured on rapper Chipmunk’s aren’t supposed to be beautiful. It’s about written for a new album would eventually 2009 track, Diamond Rings. making sure that those things aren’t taken be heard... Now established as one of the UK’s most for granted and that you appreciate your Incorporating numerous influences into revered artists, her debut album, Our Version flaws. A lot of the songs on the album are their sound, including Celtic folk and rock, Of Events, broke the chart record for the most about betterment and self-improvement.” the popular Tamworth band have developed consecutive weeks inside the top 10, beating With numerous festival performances a unique musical style over the years and a 50-year-old record held by The Beatles. tucked under their belt, the band’s vivid and perform a repertoire that features a number She returns to the stage this month in sup- visceral live show goes from strength to of time-honoured classics. port of her critically acclaimed new album, strength. Real Life. Rick Wakeman Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 21 December Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman has sold more than 50 million albums across five decades and continues to win new admirers wherever he performs. He stops off in Coventry this month with his Grumpy Old Christmas Show, an evening that brings together music from his new offering, Christmas Portraits, with a selec- tion of classics from his extensive repertoire. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Witley Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:13 Page 1 Comedy December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:17 Page 2

Comedy

Adam Kay Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 17 December After watching an Adam Kay performance, Stephen Fry declared, “This made me very, very happy.” Numerous sell-out years at the Edinburgh Fringe and tens of millions of YouTube hits later, former obstetrician and gynaecologist Adam is this month visiting the Midlands with his latest show about the NHS, Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas - ‘a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck...’

Jim Jefferies Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 5 December Boasting a brash confrontational style that observations along the same lines as the goes down a treat in all manner of far-flung following: “The Bible’s too wordy. The 10 destinations around the world, Australian- Commandments are a load of shit. You don’t born Jim Jefferies is one of the fastest-rising need all these things. The Bible should be stars on the global comedy circuit, delighting one sheet of paper, and on that sheet of and shocking his audiences in equal mea- paper it should say: ‘Try not to be a c**t’.” sure. Jim stops off in Birmingham this month with His brand of comedy is most definitely not for his latest show, The Night Talker Tour. the faint-hearted, and includes plenty of

COBO: Kings Of Comedy Justin Moorhouse Tom Binns The Glee Club, Birmingham, Stafford Gatehouse, Fri 6 December; Warwick Cornbow Hall, Halesowen, Fri 6 December Sun 29 December Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 7 December BRMB presenter Tom Binns became former Now here’s a show that should help keep Justin Moorhouse BRMB presenter Tom Binns on Christmas you in a festive mood post-Christmas and is a naturally and Day 2009. It was on that day that he stopped pre-New Year... COBO, standing for Comedy seriously funny the Birmingham radio station’s broadcast of Of Black Origin, makes a welcome return to stand-up - which the Queen's Speech, declared it to be “Two the Glee Club with this special yuletide isn’t something words: Bor-ring”, and played the Wham! edition. Taking to the stage on this occasion that can be said song Last Christmas instead. are Danny ‘Slim’ Gray and Kane Brown. about every co- According to Tom, there’s plenty more to median who picks that story than meets the eye, but the abso- up a mic and fires lute bottom line is that he was subsequently off an evening’s- sacked from the station. worth of material. Not that the dismissal has weighed too Audience mem- heavily on his career in the years which bers catching his have followed, thanks in no small measure act for the first time will find themselves in to his impressive comic talent. the company of a seasoned pro who knows He’s best known on the circuit for his alter exactly how to work a crowd. Although his egos, Ivan Brackenbury - accent and style of delivery call to mind Peter an inept hospital radio DJ Kay, Moorhouse is very much his own man, - and Ian D Montford - a presenting an evening of well-honed, hugely man whose propensity for enjoyable, adult-themed entertainment. getting things wrong He visits the Midlands with his Northern belies his belief that he’s Joker tour. Britain's top psychic. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Milton Jones online.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:20 Page 1 Milton Jones online.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:20 Page 2

MILTON: IMPOSSIBLE Comedian Milton Jones chats ahead of his brand new tour...

Forget James Bond, Jason Bourne, Ethan it stays in the show. So I would never have got myself, as the programme is endlessly re- Hunt. There’s a new spy in town - and he’s to point B without going through the dreadful peated on Dave. But I watch them from be- not dressed in a neat tuxedo or head-to-toe point A. hind a sofa a bit. I’m very grateful to Mock camouflage. He’s wearing a garish Hawaiian The Week for giving me a wider platform and Do you end up with a lot of great jokes that shirt! a slightly different audience. It’s a younger just don’t fit into the theme or narrative of That’s right, Milton Jones - Mock The Week’s audience, and those people will come to a the show? resident oddball, Radio Four regular and king tour show, sometimes even bringing their of the surreal one-liner - is back on tour; and Yeah, I do. As I said, there are about 250 jokes grandparents or parents. My audiences are a this time he’s an international man of mys- in the show, but I reckon I end up writing motley selection of people - which I quite like, tery. about 350. A lot of them are then used some- actually. The wild-haired joke-teller might not be the where else - in the next tour, on radio, on How do you cater for different generations obvious choice for a secret agent, but in Mil- Mock The Week - so they’re never wasted. And in the same audience? ton: Impossible, the 55-year-old comic will be if they’re particularly brilliant, then I might go taking his audience through an action-packed out of my way to include them in the show! I’m aware that if I make a reference to Insta- gram or something, I’m going to lose everyone story via hundreds of his trademark, When do you consider a joke ‘finished’? exquisitely crafted examples of wordplay. over 50. But that’s fine because overall my ref- What’s On caught up with the Live At The When I’ve got an idea across in the minimum erences are quite general, and even if you did- Apollo star ahead of his UK tour, to check he’s number of words, then I know it’s done. n’t get it, the joke’s only going to last 20 had the proper training... And what makes the perfect joke? seconds, so there’ll be something else along soon enough. The new tour is called Milton: Impossible. If a gag works, it makes a cartoon in some- What made you decide on the spy theme? one’s head - a very brief picture where they You have another Radio Four series in the works, then there’s the tour and more Basically I came up with the title before the think they know where it’s going, and then Mock The Week episodes. What’s next show! I thought to myself, that sounds good, you pull the carpet from under them and it after all that? so I made a rod for my own back by theming becomes apparent that the joke was all about it. But sometimes it’s easier to write to a something else all along. It’s reverse engi- I don’t have anything else planned, but who theme than have a completely blank page. neering from an idea or a phrase. knows what will turn up? Sometimes the un- The show is based on Mission: Impossible, Your last tour played to more than 100,000 expected things that come along are the most but Mission: Impossible has a huge budget people, and you’ve appeared on Mock The interesting - other quiz shows, a corporate and lots of special effects. My show is just me, Week over 40 times. What’s more fun to event abroad, Celebrity Mastermind. some hats and about 250 jokes. It’s low-tech do, a live show or a TV appearance? What was your specialist subject on instead of high-tech. They’re both good in different ways. Going to Celebrity Mastermind? a small place on a Saturday night where So just like your last two tours - Milton Potatoes. Jones is Out There and The Temple Of Daft they’re all determined to have a great laugh - - this show has a narrative element to it? in one sense I don’t think that can be beaten. Potatoes?! With radio or television, you’re only as good If you’re going to do a show for over an hour, I mean, if I’d taken it seriously I’d have done as the edit, and it’s out of your control. That you can’t just tell bits. That’s what I do on something like Arsenal. But when he an- may well work in your favour or it may not. Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo, nounced it - “your specialist subject is pota- With Mock The Week, when I think I’ve done which is fine, but you want something with toes” - the audience all laughed and I thought a bad show, I’ll watch it back and think, Oh, it the veneer of satisfaction, otherwise it’s too to myself, in a way, I’ve chalked up! I came was all right. But when I think I’ve done a re- fragmented. This show’s got an interrogation last obviously. But I’m employed as a come- ally good show, I’ll watch it back and think, scene, a car chase with a swivel chair, and I dian. It’s entertainment. If I get to do it again, “Oh, it was all right. It all evens out. end up escaping on top of a Vince Cable Car. I’ll choose carrots. It’s not strictly realistic; it’s as daft as ever. Do you always watch your Mock The Week Before touring, you perform work-in- appearances back? progress shows to test your material. How Yes, because I need to know what they used Milton Jones in Milton: Impossible stops important are those previews? and what they didn’t. Doing several episodes, off at Dudley Town Hall on 7 February, William Aston Hall, Wrexham, on 20 They’re very important. Even after all these the same subjects may come back, so obvi- February and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- years, I’ll think I’ve written the best joke ever ously I don’t want to say the same thing that’s Trent, on 21 February. and it turns out to be one of the worst jokes already been aired. And then, occasionally, ever. But what I’ve improvised off the back of I’ll be channel-flicking and I’ll come across The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 1

20 whatsonlive.co.uk The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 2

by Jenny Ell & Lauren Cole

West End and Broadway smash hit spends Christmas in Brum...

ShallThe King And I follows the flourishing We friendship ofDance? the mid-19th century King of Siam and Anna, his children’s recently widowed British governess. Returning performers Jose Llana and Annalene Beechey explain more about this regal musical...

Rodgers & Hammerstein are one of the most in each venue we go to. In America, whether Bart Sher is the Tony Award-winning director famous composer-lyricist duos of all time. the audience is more conservative or liberal, behind this particular production of The King The release of their musicals, The King And I, it’s cathartic to see a story that was set 150 And I. So what have Sher and the other The Sound Of Music and Oklahoma!, marked years ago still apply today. If our show can be creatives brought to the table? a golden age for the lavish world of musical an example of how you can lead with “We’re bringing the exact same show on tour theatre. kindness, as opposed to leading with failure, as was on Broadway,” explains Jose. “It’s a we’ve done our job. There’s a line in the show Reprising their roles in The King And I are different company, but still features Catherine that I say about the King fearing colonisation, Broadway’s Jose Llana and the West End’s Zuber’s costumes and Michael Yeargan’s sets. so he wants to build a fence around Siam. Annalene Beechey, Sher went directly to the source at the This often reminds people about Trump want- Rodgers & Hammerstein Foundation and Jose’s first professional acting role was play- ing to put up a wall. So that got lots of laughs found the original script that they rehearsed ing a supporting character in The King And I in the US - sometimes uncomfortable laughs, with on day one of the original 1951 Broadway over 20 years ago: “I can only describe the as it’s quite close to home! People thought production. He went back to that script to experience as someone inviting me to put on we’d written that line into the show, but it was revive many of the political lines that had my dad’s shoes and walk around the house actually in the original script from when the been lost on the way to Broadway, as he pretending to be him. My entry into perform- show premiered 70 years ago.” wanted to remind the audience of the political ing was playing the Young Lover in the last The King is quite a controversial character in climate in 1862. He also wanted to strengthen Broadway revival in 1996, so I always saw the terms of his attitude towards women, which Anna’s and Lady Thiang’s characters to a King as someone played by an older man; Jose certainly recognises: “I approach his greater extent than had happened in the past. men who I looked up to. It’s been a sexism as part of the growth that he makes complete joy and a profound experience to “We also have to remember that the show was within the show. I don’t defend the misogyny, come back to this show, but this time I’ll be written post-World War Two, when a lot of but I have to remind myself of the way that putting on the royal robes. Also, to have American and British audiences had never life was structured in the Siamese monarchy. someone like our director, Bartlett Sher, to been to Asia. There wasn’t a lot of Asian The polygamy was established so that he had guide me through the process has been representation back then, so there was a lot of blood ties to every province in Siam. The amazing. This production in particular has orientalism and otherness on stage. The power of the story is that through Anna’s abil- meant so much to me that I’ve stayed with it design was purposely slightly garish in order ity to show the King’s head wife, Lady Thiang, for the last few years. We did it on Broadway to be a little shocking. But now most people that a woman’s intelligence is not to be taken four years ago, toured the US for the last two have at least seen photos or videos of the for granted, nor underestimated, she is able years, and now I get to tour the UK with the East. The challenge was to make it as opulent to prove that she’s not only equal to the King lovely Annalene as Anna. It’s a very as they could, but also be respectful and but actually knows more than he does. We’re sentimental show for me in that way.” authentic to the actual time.” really proud that The King And I is one of It isn’t lost on Jose that The King And I seems many examples in the Rodgers & Hammer- So what does Jose think is the reason behind to have more resonance today than ever stein anthology where there’s a strong, out- the continuing popularity of Rodgers & Ham- before: “The biggest and most unfortunate spoken female character at the core. I’m merstein’s musicals? similarity that American and British people proud to have my niece come to see the show “They define family entertainment, and it’s currently share is that our governments are and look up to Anna, Lady Thiang and even great to be able to go home and talk about not really in the best situation right now. To Tuptim. All three women test the system in something important after a show too. A lot of perform in a show about a world leader very different ways, speaking their minds and their musicals - The King And I, The Sound Of bringing Anna - a foreigner - in to help him demonstrating enormous strength.” Music and South Pacific in particular - educate his children seems to read differently whatsonlive.co.uk 21 The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 3

address racism and difficult issues but in a all about you, getting to like you, getting to Such a huge role doesn’t come without its comfortable way so that you can bring your hope you like me’. It speaks volumes.” challenges, however... children along. I think the genius of Rodgers & The King And I is based on Margaret Landon’s “It’s a very physically and vocally demanding Hammerstein is that they’re able to relay these novel, Anna And The King Of Siam, which was part,” explains Annalene. “There’s a lot of really important life lessons in a package of in turn a fictional reimagining of the real Anna dialogue and long scenes, which are great to catchy melodies and beautiful songs. It’s so Leonowens’ memoirs. Anna was governess to get your teeth into as an actor, but then you lovely to look out to the audience and see sev- King Mongkut of Siam’s children in the early realise that you have to sing at the end too! eral generations watching together. There’s no 1860s. Added to this, I’m in a corset for the entire better way to spend an afternoon with the fam- three-hour show and carrying very heavy ily! “The company and associate director brought costumes - including the iconic dress for Shall some books into rehearsals early on and, with Annalene Beechey, who returns to the role of We Dance?, which weighs three stone!” huge respect to Deborah Kerr (who played the Anna Leonowens, agrees: “The King And I has part in the film version), they painted a slightly And yet Shall We Dance is a stand-out such a connection to family, so it’s appropriate different picture of Anna. This woman was ex- moment for both performers... that we’re playing in Birmingham over the traordinarily courageous. She was recently festive season; a time for families to come “If we’ve done our jobs properly throughout widowed and had a 12-year-old son, yet she together and share in something special. This the show, the audience will have been angry still moved to a country that wasn’t colonised certainly gives the show its longevity. with us or laughed with us,” says Annalene. to teach the King of Siam’s children. As a “So when we get to the moment during Shall “There are also some wonderful female mother myself, I don’t think I would be brave We Dance? when we come together and the characters in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s shows, enough to do that - even today, when everyone King takes Anna’s waist, you can often hear at a time when there generally weren’t great is more travelled. Anna is feisty, brave and not an audible gasp from the auditorium.” roles for women. Occasionally, female roles are afraid to stand up for something she believes just seen as money notes and big songs. We in. I wish I had a little bit more of that myself! “The audience has been waiting for this have beautiful musical numbers in this show But at the same time, she is very understand- moment,” Jose adds, “and it’s a legacy we are that involve intimate storytelling, such as ing of the King’s values and is accepting of happy to continue - if not a responsibility. during Getting To Know You, but they’re so what he’s trying to achieve. He’s trying to bring People are waiting for that dress, and it’s a much more than just pleasant tunes. Some- knowledge of her world into his, and in doing beautiful thing.” times when you know a song so well, you have so, make his court and country more under- to stop yourself and really listen to the lyrics. standing of other cultures. They want the two They’re so relevant to what we’re dealing with cultures to progress together, which is ex- The King And I shows at The Alexandra today in terms of the UK being divided. The tremely admirable.” Theatre, Birmingham, from Tuesday 10 lyrics are ‘getting to know you, getting to know December to Saturday 4 January.

Did you know...

The King & I has been seen by Each of the 22,000 flowers in the Over 250 sq. metres of gold leaf has 1 million people globally garden were made by hand been used in the production

The show is a winner of multiple Nearly 2 miles of fabric was used to It takes 8 trucks to move the production awards, including four prestigious create the award-winning costumes between theatres Tony Awards

22 whatsonlive.co.uk The King and I.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 15:57 Page 4 Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 13:02 Page 1

Panto Festive favourites from around the region

Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

Birmingham Hippodrome Swan Theatre, Worcester Snow White sion is always a surefire winner. Expect all heartland of Brummie territory... the usual elements, including rouged-up Presumably working on the principle that if Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 2 December - dames in colourful costumes, plenty of thigh- she keeps on the move, the Wicked Queen Sun 5 January; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 7 December - Sun 5 January; Artrix, slapping and slapstick comedy, singalongs will never catch her, Snow White is very sen- Bromsgrove, Sat 14 - Sun 22 December; aplenty to enjoy, and even a few naughty sibly taking shelter in a variety of locations The Regal, Tenbury, Wed 18 December - Fri 3 jokes to make sure the grown-ups don't feel across the Midlands this Christmas. She can January; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 21 December - Sun 2 February too left out of things. be seen getting along famously with her Lesley Joseph top-bills as the Wicked Queen seven new-found chums in all of the above- Everybody knows the story - the nasty old at Birmingham Hippodrome, where she’s listed venues. queen’s less than keen on her younger and joined by X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, the A notable contributor to one of the shows is more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes ever-popular Matt Slack, Coronation Street’s Imelda Staunton. The Oscar-nominated ac- refuge from her royal evilness by holing up in Faye Brookes and Britain’s Got Talent final- tress is the patron of Worcester’s Swan The- the deep, dark forest with a household of ists Flawless. Andrew Ryan is the man atre and is giving a voice to the Magic Mirror vertically challenged miners... charged with the task of getting all Damed in the venue’s Worcester Repertory Company The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic up, while ‘lazy cow’ Doreen Tipton brings her production. of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- ‘strung’ Black Country accent into the very

Cinderella Keatley as Cinders’ Fairy Godmother and sees the much-loved Sam Rabone making a wel- Lichfield Garrick, until Sun 5 January; Palace come return to the venue to play comedy Theatre, Redditch, Mon 9 December - Sun 5 January; Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock, sidekick Buttons. Sat 21 - Sun 29 December At the Palace Theatre in Redditch, X-Factor With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking winner Ben Haenow will have glass slipper in fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince hand as he searches for his true love, with Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- Emmerdale's Sapphire Elia (pictured left) only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably eventually providing the delightfully dainty lay claim to being foot he’s been looking for. the most popular of Meanwhile, Prince of Wales Centre patrons all pantomimes. who enjoyed last year’s adventure with Dick The Lichfield Gar- Whittington will be delighted to know that rick version stars it’s the same production team who’re present- ing this year’s pantomime. CBeebies' Rebecca Lichfield Garrick 24 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Dec. RIGHT HAND FP 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 11:25 Page 1

Audio Described BSL Interpreted Captioned Relaxed See website

Performance Performance Performance Performance for details. 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge.

Thu 6 & Until Sat 21 Dec - Sat 14 Dec Sun 2 Feb Fri 7 Feb

Tue 11 - Tue 18 - Wed 8 - Sat 15 Feb Sat 29 Feb Sat 11 Apr

Mon 13 - Mon 20 Apr Thu 7 May Sat 18 Apr - Sat 2 May

Tue 12 - Fri 19 - Tue 30 Jun -

Sat 30 May Sat 27 Jun Sat 18 Jul

Brad Fitt Theatre Severn.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:07 Page 1

if the shoe fitts...

Panto favourite Brad Fitt steps back into his high heels as he returns as the dame for Theatre Severn’s pantomime...

Firstly, how does it feel to be a new-found Arts Theatre, where I was the company man- What keeps drawing you back to Theatre international superstar? ager working backstage, and I used to write Severn? Is this because of Brad Pitt? It’s alright, actu- jokes for him. Then he left and they asked me This is my ninth year. Paul Hendy, the pro- ally. It’s actually happened before, when peo- to write the panto one year, so I fell into writ- ducer, came to see me in Cambridge when I ple have misspelt my name in reviews and ing it. Then they asked me to direct it, so I fell was there, and I think every year for about things like that, but I don’t think they’ve man- into directing it, and one year they asked me three years he kept offering me one of his aged to print such a large banner before. The to be in it, and I said, ‘That’s a stupid idea, shows, but I was under contract to Cam- next day, The Sun got in touch, it was on Sky I'm not going to do that, I've never been on bridge. One year he phoned me and asked News, the radio in Spain. He’s been after this stage before’. It was Cinderella and eventually whether I would like to go and do Chatham in job for years! He wouldn’t be able to do it, but I said I'd do it because I love panto. So then I Kent, and I said no. Then the next year, he then I wouldn’t be able to do what he does. did it and that was it, I've done it ever since. phoned and asked whether I wanted to do So every Christmas, there I am, putting the Crawley, but I wasn’t fussed on going there ei- You’re no stranger to the world of pan- tights on. It’s always a bit of a shock come the ther. The third year he phoned me, I hadn’t tomime. What is it that attracts you to autumn when I have to get everything down signed a contact with Cambridge and he said spending a season in panto? from the loft again, and my boobs have gone a that he had Shrewsbury available - a new the- I love it! I never trained as an actor, I trained bit flat in the suitcase and I need to plump atre that had just opened. I googled Shrews- as a stage manager. I used to work for Christo- them up a bit, and I get the makeup out. I love bury and I thought, ‘That looks nice, I like pher Biggins for years and used to write little it, though. I love panto! that’, so that was it. So then I came to Shrews- bits for him. He did five years at Cambridge Brad Fitt Theatre Severn.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:07 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

bury, loved it, and I've had a lovely time here. after year. It’s like seeing your friends again. then Boxing Day I'm up at 5am to drive back You have a shorthand with the audience be- You see the same families at the stage door. I here for 7am to get ready for a matinee. That’s cause you come back year after year, so you always used to go out and have pictures the toughest thing. don't have to do all that ‘my name’s Widow taken. Now people will show me pictures of You’ve played many a panto role. Which Twankey’ thing. People know what to expect, me with their kids when they were four, and character’s your favourite? so I can just come on and shout, ‘Hello now their kids are 13 and it’s part of their Shrewsbury’ and we’re back where we left off. Christmas tradition. I love meeting people. My favourite panto is Dick Whittington; I It’s like those close friends who you don’t Because I'm dressed as a Dame and have all think because Sarah the Cook is a good char- speak to for ages but when you phone them this makeup on, I go around Shrewsbury and acter, it’s a bit nautical, you get on the ship, up, you just pick up from where you left off. nobody knows who I am. I can slip out and go and I just like the story. When I did Cinderella That’s what my relationship is with Shrews- and buy unhealthy food and stuff like that here at Theatre Severn and I played Buttons, I bury. and nobody’s watching me. didn’t think I was going to enjoy it. I assumed I was going to be an Ugly Sister, and Paul said What are you looking forward to most Panto can be very gruelling. Do you have a that I couldn’t be one because we couldn’t about performing in Aladdin? fitness routine to get you festive-ready? have people booing me in Shrewsbury, so I'd Aladdin is a good one. It’s magical, it’s a I’m quite an active person in life; I'm always have to be either Buttons or Dandini. I’d never lovely story, and it’s nice to meet up with old busy. I’ve got three foster children who keep been on stage dressed as a man before, but I friends like Eric and Victoria, who I've worked me busy, I’ve got an allotment, I do loads of really enjoyed it - I had a great time! I wasn’t with a lot in the past. And then it’s nice to different jobs and I'm always on the go. I do getting changed 36 times a day either - I had have new people join the company too. It’s have a gym membership, which I haven’t re- just two costumes. When you’re doing this, nice to have a bit of familiarity, but Harry and ally used for a while, but I do have one. I’m you’re getting changed 30 times a day. That’s David I’ve seen before. I know that their work not sat there watching Homes Under The what keeps me fit - I don’t need the gym! is good, and I'm looking forward to working Hammer, eating pot noodles. When I'm doing When does your prep for panto begin? with them. I’ve worked with Phil before, but panto, I do take vitamins and things like that, not on stage, so I'm looking forward to that. as you do have to look after yourself. I have Before this one is over, Paul Hendy will be It’s nice. We all live all over the country, and my flu injection because you don’t want to be talking to me about what the next one is we’re all thrown together at Christmas and ill - that’s the worst thing! When I'm doing going to be. Once we’ve got through re- you have to get on. It’s a nice family atmo- the show, I make a drink with hot water, hearsals and we’re into the run of Aladdin, sphere. You bond quickly because you’re chopped-up ginger, apple cider vinegar, he’ll start talking about next year because thrown together over Christmas - you only get Manuka honey, lime juice and fresh rosemary. they’ll want to take pictures and they’ll want one day off - so if you don’t like each other, It’s all anti-inflammatory, healthy bacteria, to get posters up, etc. To be honest with you, you’re stuffed really. etc. Never use lemon juice! Lemon is acidic it’s continuous. You never, ever stop. and lime is acetic. Lemon juice will strip the Have you played the character of Widow Do you feel there are any subjects which lining of your throat whereas lime juice just Twankey before? are out of bounds in terms of making kills bacteria. There’s my tip for today - you jokes? She’ll be nine years older. She might not slip shouldn’t have hot honey and lemon. over as much. I have to think of my hips There are pantos that go a bit near the nowadays because it’s very dangerous when What’s your earliest memory of panto? knuckle. I don’t think we do, really. I would you get to my age. I don’t think she’ll be any Going to see the Norwich Theatre Royal panto never tell a joke that was offensive or rude. different at all. I don’t think my Dame is dif- when I was five or six. I remember coming Sometimes you can use a double entendre - ferent. You only get one thing with me. I’m home from school and my mum saying that but then that’s in your mind, that’s not me. not Brad Pitt; I can’t do Benjamin Button or we were going to the panto that evening and I'm just saying whatever it is that I'm saying, Mr & Mrs Smith. With me you get the one trying to make me sleep beforehand because and if you start laughing because you think character. it was an evening show. I remember having to it’s dirty, that’s your mind, not my mind. You lie down on the sofa and my mum closing the have to blame yourself. Why are Midlands audiences the best? curtains and not being able to sleep - I was Bar prep for Aladdin, what else have you They come year in, year out. They have the too excited! I think it was Benny from Cross- been up to since Mother Goose last year? same seats. It’s amazing. I’ll be here on Box- roads - I’m sure it was Cinderella. I remember ing Day, and you look out and think ‘That an Ugly Sister coming out, and she was quite This year I’ve booked tours of The Woman In family sat there last Boxing Day’. They go out tall and had ping-pong balls down her tights Black, An Inspector Calls and I've been asso- and they pick the same seats. I usually pick in front of her knees, which I thought was hi- ciate producer for Toast, which is a show on men in the audience, and I keep this little larious. I loved it. about Nigel Slater. So I’ve got three shows out book of their names, and it’s amazing how on the road. I’m going round the country at the very same day one year on, you see the What are your favourite and least favourite the minute with An Inspector Calls. I’ve writ- same people in the audience. When I see that, aspects of appearing in panto? ten Basildon and Welwyn Garden City panto I can look in my book and see that his name I love the families. It’s a feelgood thing. It’s a scripts - Dick Whittington and Snow White was Leonard, and low and behold you come wonderful thing to be able to do something And The Severn Dwarfs respectively. I’ve got out and there he is. They're thrilled because I that makes a lot of people happy. If you make my allotment as well, so I've grown some very come out and go, “Leonard, there you are’ someone happy or make somebody laugh, it’s nice asparagus this year. I’ve kept busy! and they go, ‘Oh my god, he remembers me’. I a nice feeling, isn’t it? If you do that twice a do remember; there are certain people who I day to 700 people, it’s a lovely feeling! That’s do remember - Leonard’s family, for example. what I like. It’s tough being away from your You can see Brad Pitt at Widow Twankey There’s a postman who comes; his family are family - I have children and I'm married. It’s in Aladdin at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury always in the same seats and they come year tough. You get one day really, Christmas Day, from Wed 4 December - Sun 12 January It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 1

ItIt’s said that Takes good things come in pairs - think Two... Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, Ant & Dec, Laurel & Hardy, French & Saunders. The list goes on... Some pairings are long term, others are just for Christmas. We asked some of the region’s premier panto partnerships what they liked (and disliked) about their festive sidekick...

Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson star in Sleeping Beauty at the Regent Theatre, Stoke

Jonathan Wilkes stars as Most irritating thing about Christian? Funniest moment starring together? Muddles Hmm… He never shares food - he’s like Joey When we did Peter Pan, Jonny ripped his from Friends! trousers - and I mean really ripped his What do you like best about Christian? What would be the most apt Christmas gift trousers! We couldn’t continue for about five He makes me laugh on a minute-by-minute you could buy Christian? minutes because Jonny literally wanted every basis! He’s hilarious! single audience member to see just how badly It would have to be a vegan hamper because What’s his star quality? he’d ripped his trousers - they were literally he loves food. I don’t know if anyone’s hanging off him! I was laughing so much that Christian’s comedy timing is incredible, and noticed, but he loves food! his ability to know what I’m about to say I had tears in my eyes and pains in my stomach! before I say it is brilliant. Christian Patterson stars as Most irritating thing about Jonny? Funniest moment starring together? the Dame There are so many to choose from over the He has the concentration span of a streak of What do you like best about Jonny? years, but I think the funniest moment has to lightning! I always start the first day of be when we were in Dick Whittington and an Jonny is unbelievably kind - he’s incredibly rehearsals by telling the cast that we only inflatable sausage got bigger and bigger. So generous as a person and a performer. It’s have Jonny until 3.30pm every day... he funny! almost impossible for me even to imagine not literally can’t concentrate or sit still after that! standing next to Jonny at Christmas time! I I have to send people to look for him! Most of honestly believe that Jonny is the best the time he’s watching the ensemble rehearse frontman in panto...and he’s a very good or bothering his wife... the wonderful, friend too! I love him dearly. beautiful, kind and long-suffering Nikki Wilkes, the best choreographer in all of Pantoland! What do you consider to be What would be the most apt Christmas gift his star you could buy Jonny ? quality? Jonny doesn’t ask for much, his pleasures are His energy is beyond very simple! Two shows every day is compare! He’s like the incredibly hard work and takes its toll, so Duracell bunny! Honestly, after the shows Jonny likes to take a shower he’s like a big kid! Even and sit in his dressing room with a cold beer. Mickey, his son, calls him Last year I bought him a box of Corona and the ‘man-child’! He’s also put it in his dressing-room fridge. He was over incredibly charming! the moon! When you add those two factors to the fact that Catch Jonny and Christian in Sleeping he’s also incredibly Beauty at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- funny, it’s the perfect Trent, from Friday 13 December to Sunday combination! 5 January. It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 2

Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland star in Dick Whittington at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Su Pollard stars as Queen Rat doing his own one-man show based around What would be the most apt Christmas gift them, so what I’d like to do is edit a Laurel & you could buy Su? What do you like best about Jeffrey? Hardy film with him superimposed into the A grow bag, so that she could grow her own Jeffrey is such a warm and welcoming man. scenes. He’d love that! tomatoes, which she loves. He always makes you feel completely at ease, especially because he’s such a reliable person Jeffrey Holland stars as to work with. Catch Su and Jeffrey in Dick Whittington at Merchant Fitzwarren Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Sat- What’s his star quality? What do you like best about Su? urday 7 December to Sunday 12 January. He has a winning smile. Her presence on stage and screen. She’s a Funniest moment starring together? cut above the rest! It has to be one of our times together on Hi- What’s her star quality? de-Hi! One time, Jeffrey was dressed as a fire- place, so he couldn’t even go to the toilet and Her amazing singing voice. There’s had to move sideways like a crab! That was nothing she couldn’t sing. very funny. Also, one time, our characters Funniest moment starring were looking at old film reels that went in the together? projector at the pictures. My character, Peggy, Our funniest moment together has thought it was a wedding or a party, but it to be appearing in an early turned out to be a rather naughty adult film. episode of Hi-de-Hi dressed as Jeffrey and I were in stitches. a pantomime horse! She was Most irritating thing about Jeffrey? the back end and I was in I wouldn’t say it’s irritating, but Jeffrey can be front! a little over-cautious. That isn’t always a bad Most irritating thing thing, but I always want him to have as much about Su? fun as possible doing his work. We jokingly She’s always so nice to call him ‘the vicar’ because sometimes he people. She makes needs to loosen up a bit - but it’s all done in time for everyone, so good spirits. it’s hard to find a fault! What would be the most apt Christmas gift you could buy Jeffrey? Jeffrey is a massive Laurel & Hardy fan, even

Carl Dutfield and Tim Ames star in Jack And The Beanstalk at The Place, Telford

Carl Dutfield stars as Jack Tim Ames stars as Dame Trott Most irritating thing about Carl? What do you like best about Tim? What do you like best about Carl? His non-stop infectious enthusiasm before I’ve had my first coffee of the day. His professionalism and his ability to have a His non-stop infectious enthusiasm. He’s like laugh. a permanent little ray of sunshine. What would be the most apt Christmas gift you could buy Carl? What’s his star quality? What’s his star quality? A small step ladder. He seems like he’s always up for a laugh, The fact that he’s so tiny. He takes up very which for me is what a Dame needs in order little space in the dressing room. I do like to to be great. His star quality would be his give- spread out. Catch Carl and Tim in Jack And The it-a-go attitude. Funniest moment Beanstalk at The Place, Telford, from Funniest moment starring together? starring together? Wednesday 11 December to Sunday 5 January. That would be seeing Tim running around the The moment when nei- corn field, in the rain, dressed as a Dame. ther of us can remember Most irritating thing about Tim? the next line and we just stare at each other with Being bloody good at what he does, and blind panic in our eyes. knowing that I have to step up my game to Although that never reach his standard. actually happens, What would be the most apt Christmas gift of course, you could buy Tim? because we are A pair of doc martens - the masculine boot professionals, that any woman can wear. daaahling! It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 3

Eric Smith and Brad Fitt star in Aladdin at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Eric Smith stars as Brad Fitt stars as the audience, it was a very sombre moment Emperor of China Widow Twankey with suitably heart-wrenching music. We were back-lit from above, and the wig I was What do you like best about Brad? What do you like best about Eric? wearing gave me a shadow that looked like Brad has infinite patience - and he’s no doubt I like the fact that when I’m stood next to him Mickey Mouse. I pointed down to it and whis- told you that working with me over the years, on stage, he makes me look a better actor pered, ‘Hello Pluto’ into Eric’s ear. The next he certainly needs it! He is kind and has a than I really am! In all seriousness, though, I thing you could see was the shadow of Eric’s wicked sense of humour. You learn to watch love his attitude to everything I present him shoulders rising and falling like a fiddler’s out when you see that deadpan face, because with. Around September, when things start to elbow. We both lost it, and thankfully did a surely something is coming your way! ramp up for the pantomime season, Eric will lot of upstage acting during that scene. What do you consider to be his star get little texts from me saying things like, My favourite ever moment, though, I wasn’t quality? ‘What do you look like in lycra’ or ‘When did actually onstage with Eric. It was last year in you last shave your legs’, and Eric will know Mother Goose. Earlier in the year, I’d had an A critic once said of Brad that ‘he has funny that I’ve got something planned. I’ve yet to idea that Eric and Matt should come on bones’ - and indeed he has. He could read the suggest something to him that he’s not gone dressed as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman phone book and make it funny! He has that with. Even when he thinks it might not be - or Wrinkled Man, as the character became. I innate sense of comedy timing and does funny, he trusts me implicitly - which might hadn’t seen Eric in the whole get-up until the Dame better than anybody else I know - but well be his downfall! first show. When he walked on in hot pink don’t tell him I said that! What do you consider to be his heels and a black trouser suit, I completely Funniest moment starring together? star quality? lost it. At the time, I was stood in the wings It has to be in last year’s Mother Goose. All dressed as a flamingo, so I had nothing to His timing is impeccable - he always manages pantomimes have a party, and Brad’s idea laugh about really! to leave the bar before it’s his round! Eric is was that Matt Dallen (Billy Goose) and I wonderful to work with. Over the years, he’s Most irritating thing about Eric? (Squire Squashem) should host the party with grown as the foil or the butt of many of my Where do I begin?! To be fair, I can’t think of a Strictly Come Dancing theme. Brad and I jokes. It’s all done with sincerity, and I’m glad anything irritating about Eric. After nine years would do a quick change and come back on to say that Eric can always laugh at himself - together, we know exactly how the other one stage dressed as Tess and Claudia. The audi- which is great because otherwise he’d be works and we dovetail very nicely together ence were crying with laughter! There have missing out on the joke of the century… onstage and off. been so many funny moments. We laugh our way through the whole run each year! Funniest moment starring What would be the most apt Christmas gift together? you could buy Eric? Most irritating thing about Brad? I’ve had several He’s a man of simple pleasures is Eric. My He’s always right! You can deliver a line and funny moments on- first thought is a blow-up mattress for his think you’ve got it just about perfect, and stage with Eric. dressing room, but to be honest, Eric Smith then Brad, in his kind way, will take you to During Sleeping could fall asleep on a washing line or a one side and suggest it might be better if you Beauty many galloping hedgehog. If money were no object, did it a slightly different way. And he’s right years ago, I had to I’d get him a nice cruise or a couple of weeks every time. put my arm around on a Greek island. Eric values his downtime, What would be the his shoulder and and his wife, Linda, values her holidays. most apt Christ- console him at the fu- Perhaps I’d send him off on a family holiday mas gift you could neral of Sleeping with his nearest and dearest. Or maybe just buy Brad? Beauty. We had socks. A Girl’s World styling our backs to head. Hours of fun! Catch Eric and Brad in Aladdin at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Wednesday 4 December to Sunday 12 January. It Takes Two - Panto Double Acts.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:24 Page 4

Rebecca Keatley and Sam Rabone star in Cinderella at Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Rebecca Keatley stars as she have any eyebrows? All the best people loves playing with my Frankie - that's my dog! Fairy Godmother have a good fringe - Miss Keatley, Claudia So I think she'd love a puppy! Then a holiday Winkleman, Dawn French, the fairy in Yeovil! to New Zealand. She works so hard all year What do you like best about Sam? Long live the fringe! round, I think she could do with a break, and His voice. You know Sam's in the vicinity even What do you consider to be her star going to New Zealand would force her to have if you can't see him. His beautiful Sutton quality? some ‘me time’. That's what the 24-hour flight Coldfield tones fill a room. is for. Once she's there, she'll be white water She is a star - and like all the best stars, she rafting and scaring the locals with a haka in What do you consider to be Sam’s star should only come out at night. Everyone no time! quality? looks better by the light of the moon! She's a His sense of humour. He's always got a joke gem and gets the comedy of the fairy. She up his sleeve. delivers the lines with a twinkle in her eye - Catch Rebecca and Sam in Cinderella at Funniest moment starring together? try and spot it under the fringe! Lichfield Garrick Theatre from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 5 January. Probably when I messed up on stage. I mis- Funniest moment starring together? pronounced, in Welsh, the name of the The first time I called her Alex Jones on stage, longest train station in Wales. He absolutely she wasn't ready for it! I'm not sure who ribbed me for that on stage. He completely found it funnier, her or the audience! corpsed me. Last time we were on stage together was three Most irritating thing about Sam? years ago, and I've slept a few times since then, so that's the one I can remember. I'm His boundless energy. He never, ever tires. It's hoping for lots more this year in Cinderella. less irritating and more unbelievable. You'll have to book tickets to enjoy more What would be the most apt Christmas gift funny moments! you could buy Sam? Most irritating thing about Rebecca? Now, I may be way off the mark here, but I She doesn't like condiments of the reckon a cooking gadget. He's very handy in saucy variety! Who doesn't like the kitchen. His lemon drizzle is to die for. If ketchup with their chips! However, you're reading this, Sam, you know what you annoyingly she's one of those irritatingly can give me as a Christmas gift! lovely people who doesn't get on your nerves at all! She's just too damn nice. Sam Rabone stars as Buttons She's definitely hiding something under What do you like best about Rebecca? that fringe! Her fringe. Anyone who can keep a fringe that What would be the most apt Christmas well-maintained is a champion in my book! It gift you could buy Rebecca? offers intrigue and mystery. What's under I know you shouldn't give dogs as Christ- there? Where does the forehead end? Does mas gifts, but when she visits, she

Other festive shows in the Midlands this Christmas...

Snow White at Birmingham century and located in Birmingham) is The Boy In The Dress at the RSC, Hippodrome, Sat 21 Dec - Sun 2 Feb helmed by Liam Steel, who last Christmas Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 8 Mar Lesley Joseph tops the bill as the Wicked directed The Rep’s acclaimed production of David Walliams’ critically acclaimed Queen and is joined by X-Factor winner Joe The Wizard Of Oz. children’s story about friendship and the acceptance of others is here being McElderry, the ever-popular Matt Slack, Puss In Boots at Belgrade Theatre, performed on stage for the very first time. Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes and Coventry, until Sat 11 Jan Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless. Having not been performed at the Belgrade Peter Pan at Stafford Gatehouse, Andrew Ryan and Doreen Tipton also for many a year, this new production of Mon 13 Dec - Sun 5 Jan feature on the bill. Puss has been left in the capable hands of Coronation Street and EastEnders actor Ian Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory the ever-magnificent Iain Lauchlan, a man Reddington takes on the role of Captain Theatre, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 19 Jan who’s been writing and starring in the Hook in what the show’s producers are This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the venue’s festive shows for more years than promising will be ‘a high-energy, localised JM Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st he probably cares to remember. production’. Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 3

Panto more festive favourites from around the region

Dick Whittington Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 7 December - Sun 12 January With ex-Corrie favourite Ryan Thomas taking the title role and one-time Hi-De-Hi! duo Su Pollard and Jeffrey Holland lending their comic flair, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s 2019 pantomime production looks set to be every bit as energised and entertaining as any of its illustrious predecessors. The story of a young man who heads for London in search of fame and fortune is one of the most popular of all pantomimes, not least because of the top adventures in which the happy-go-lucky Dick finds himself involved. Joining Ryan, Su and Jeffrey in the cast are Ian Adams - taking on the role of the Dame for a fourth consecutive year at the Grand - and comedian and celebrity impressionist Aaron James, who’s making his Wolves pantomime debut.

Aladdin sal Friar Tuck from eating everything in his Sleeping Beauty path, the festive season also finds Sherwood Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Forest’s most famous resident getting tangled Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 4 - Sun 8 December; Theatre Severn, Fri 13 December - Sun 5 January Shrewsbury, Wed 4 December - Sun 12 up in all manner of pantomime traditions January; Malvern Theatres, Thurs 12 Decem- (custard pie, anyone?). The tragic tale of a young princess who’s ber - Sun 5 January With King Richard away negotiating a trade tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger deal with Europe - he may be some time! - the on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for sheriff hatches an evil plan. But he’s reck- 100 years, offers a great story around which oned without our dashing hero, a Santa’s to build a pantomime production of real Sack-worth of audience participation and quality. And judging by its festive offerings in more corny gags than you could fit into an previous years, the Regent’s 2019 presenta- oversized Christmas stocking. tion is likely to be just that. ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to take top billing in the ever-popu- Peter Pan lar pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan’s a festive fixture Stafford Gatehouse, Flying carpets at the ready, boys and girls... Mon 13 December - Sun 5 January at the Regent Theatre nowadays, and is set to play an inevitably significant part in making A perfect story for an evening of family enter- Coronation Street and EastEnders actor Ian Sleeping Beauty one of the region’s must-see tainment finds street youth Aladdin trying Reddington is delighted to be returning to pantos this Christmas. against all odds to win the hand of the beau- Stafford to play Captain Hook, particularly as Jonathan is joined by his faithful panto com- tiful princess - and being helped in his en- the town was the scene of what he considers panion, Christian Patterson, who will be get- deavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... to be his greatest ever theatrical triumph - ting all frocked up to star as the Dame. One of the Midlands favourite and best-es- Richard III at Stafford Castle back in the tablished pantomime Dames, Brad Fitt, is 1990s. once again being over-enthusiastic with the Peter Pan’s producers are promising ‘a high- A Christmas Carol eye-liner at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn energy, localised show packed with all the (pictured above). Malvern’s version of the fa- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, ingredients that make pantomime such an Tues 3 - Sat 14 December mous tale stars Only Fools And Horses unforgettable experience for the entire fam- Of all Charles Dickens’ festive stories, A favourite John Challis. ily”... What more could a panto-loving the- Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The cov- atre-goer possibly want? etous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the Robin Hood: The eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, the eerie Pantomime Adventure visions of redemption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of his long-deceased partner Jacob The Core, Solihull, Selected dates between Marley and three seasonal ghosts - all com- Fri 13 December - Sun 5 January bine to give the tale a real olde worlde charm. As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough Indeed, if you want to get yourself into the on his plate dealing with the dastardly Sher- festive spirit, there can surely be no better iff of Nottingham, wooing the delicious Maid way than by revelling in the magic of this Marion and wondering how to stop the colos- most famous of yuletide tales.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 4 The Snow Queen Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:21 Page 1

Let it snow...

Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen is casting her icy spell over Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre this festive season. The show’s director, Alec Fellows-Bennett, explains more...

Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the infa- explains Alec. “The title immediately says looking after your own interests - the things mous Snow Queen has had a profound winter, and because of films like Frozen, that lead to people’s ruin. Whereas if you’re impact on countless other stories, including which take a very different interpretation of inclusive and look at things from other peo- The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Hans Christian Andersen’s story, there’s a ple’s perspectives, then the ice melts and we Disney’s Frozen and classical ballet The very particular vision and a widespread popu- get to the spring. The Snow Queen has comic Nutcracker. This Christmas sees Birming- larity surrounding The Snow Queen. Its characters and lots of goblins, fairies and ham’s Old Rep theatre present its own take on themes are also what I look for in a good other beasties and mythical creatures, while The Snow Queen, a show that’s directed by festive yarn. Dickens started it off by writing A also conforming to that tradition of the moral Alec Fellows-Bennett. Christmas Carol and injecting morals and the quest, where all the characters get it right in ‘Christmas message’ into his story. The Snow the end.” “The Snow Queen has all the elements you’d Queen certainly carries on that idea of coming want from a Christmas period show,” Alec firmly believes that the changes made to together. It’s a story of isolation, and about The Snow Queen Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 11:21 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The Snow Queen by writer Toby Holst have cause we’ve got the Birmingham Ormiston signer. In fact, one of the dance routines for ransformed the story: “Hans Christian Ander- Academy (BOA) students working with us, last year was made up entirely of sign. We sen’s original isn’t actually very good! It’s Part of my responsibility is to run it like any didn’t know if it would work or not, but we bizarre because it has obviously influenced so other professional production, to give them had such positive feedback on last year’s many other stories. It’s iconic, but when you that insight. We don’t give them any special efforts that we’re getting even more sign actually sit down and read it, it’s almost like a treatment - they do a professional job on a language into the movement of the charac- repository for all the short stories that he professional schedule. We put on the same ters. Sign is fantastic for storytelling.” couldn’t work out how to finish or fit else- with the BOA students as we would with a So why has Alec continued to return to the where. This young boy, Kai, gets stolen by the professional chorus and dancers. Old Rep throughout his career? Snow Queen - no one knows why and it’s “When Barry Jackson first thought of the Rep never explained - and his best friend, Gerda, “They keep having me back! I started my pro- as a professional company, as opposed to a has to rescue him. Gerda goes on loads of fessional life in this theatre 20-odd years ago. pro-amateur company, the idea was that it adventures on the way to getting to the Snow I started in the youth theatre here, training would be where young actors came to cut Queen’s palace - none of which have anything since I was nine or 10. Back in those days, their teeth on new plays, new writing and to do with getting there. So the story sort of Birmingham Stage School was based here at new interpretations of classics like Shake- doesn’t hang together. the theatre, and they had a pool of young speare. George Bernard-Shaw wrote plays to actors and professionals who would get audi- “As a result, other versions of it have picked premiere here and be performed by bright tions first when the main Rep, Alexandra out other characters to carry the story along. young things. Those upcoming actors went on Theatre or the Hippodrome were casting. There’s a very tiny mention about the sisters to be Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson and Working here feels like going home. This was in the original story, and that’s what Disney Edith Evans - these great names of 20th cen- where I made all those early connections to picked out and ran with for Frozen. We’ve tury theatre. But they all came here to learn the theatre world and discovered what it was done a little prologue to the main story. I sup- their craft. I’m very proud to continue that like to be on stage. If I could only perform or pose it’s about how prejudice came into the legacy of the building and establishment.” direct for the last ever time in one place, I’d world. So when Gerda is on her adventures, As well as giving the performers of the future choose the Old Rep. Having gone on to be on it’s the people who help and hinder her - and a space to learn, The Snow Queen’s run will stage all over London, the UK and America, why they do so - that we’ve picked out to include relaxed and BSL performances. this would still be the place I’d come back to. I focus on. We’re hoping that this makes it into think what gives a theatre its personality, one coherent story.” “The key word is family. This is a show for identity and language is more what it pro- everyone. Theatre is a communal activity. We The Old Rep’s version of The Snow Queen is duces itself than what tours to it. I’m so proud do everything we can to be inclusive. I would more than just a play for the festive season… to be a part of that.” never want a person to sit at home and think it’s actually a Christmas musical! that, because their child has some sort of Alec’s focus is firmly on getting The Snow “Our original score has been written to coin- disability of any description, the theatre isn’t Queen right for Birmingham audiences: “We cide with our brand spanking new script. The for them. I understand, of course, parents can live in uncertain economic times, and for Snow Queen isn’t quite like a pantomime. It’s worry about affecting other people’s enjoy- many, the Christmas period is the only time of Christmas, and I can’t have a scene with a ment when, for example, they bring their year a family might splash out on theatre tick- goodie creeping up behind a baddie without autistic child to the theatre. Therefore, ets for everyone - even though we do try to someone shouting, ‘He’s behind you!’. I’m not relaxed performances are great, because par- keep our prices as affordable as possible. going to stop anyone from doing that, but it’s ent and child can feel absolutely happy that What I always want my audiences to leave not there as a traditional panto piece. We’re everyone in that room is either in the same feeling is that they shared a wonderful experi- doing something different, although it’s still boat, or completely understands what they’re ence. The 19th century idea of the fourth wall very funny. going through and doesn’t mind if they need between the actors and the audience is abso- to get up and move around or shout out. lute nonsense - the theatre is all about togeth- “Steve Allen-Jones is brilliant at composing, We had a massive uptake on our relaxed erness. We as actors and theatre-makers rely and he’s really got to know the Old Rep audi- performances last year and almost tripled our on the audience to lie and tell themselves that ence over the last few years. Toby Hurst will uptake on previous years. It’s wonderful! what’s happening on stage is real, and the go away and write a whole page of dialogue audience relies on us to tell a great story and and Steve will come back and say that he’s “We’re doing the same with the signed perfor- pretend the audience isn’t there at the same incorporated a song. So I would go as far as to mances. It’s all about making sure anyone time. Theatre is a load of people in a room say that what we produce here now are Christ- can see our show. Last year we experimented silently agreeing to all tell the most wonderful mas musicals. They’re not Les Mis or Phan- in seeing if we could somehow effectively get lie - and that makes anything possible. tom Of The Opera, where everything is sung sign language into the actual performance, Theatre is like nothing you can ever experi- all the way through, but I think that now the and we’re looking to expand that this year. ence elsewhere, and if people coming to see songs have become so integral to the story- The people who do the signing to accompany The Snow Queen leave believing in the magic telling, then yes, we do produce Christmas the show came into Pinocchio rehearsals last of theatre, then we will have done our jobs musicals here at the Old Rep. And it’s a year and helped us incorporate sign language right.” Christmas musical with puppets, too!” into our choreography. If you don’t speak sign, you wouldn’t have noticed it in our The Snow Queen’s cast combines professional shows, but if you do, then you can under- actors and students. The Snow Queen shows at The Old Rep, stand sections of the dialogue without having Birmingham, until Monday 30 December. “Our production doesn’t change simply be- to constantly look over to the side to see the Grandpa's Great Escape Dec online.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:08 Page 1 Grandpa's Great Escape Dec online.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2019 15:08 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

the elderly escape artist David Walliams talks about having his children’s book, Grandpa’s Great Escape, adapted for the stage - and the show is in Birmingham over Christmas!

David Walliams’ much-loved children’s book, we’ve got Kevin Cecil, who co-wrote the is something you really can’t find elsewhere.” Grandpa’s Great Escape, follows a young boy screenplay for Grandpa’s Great Escape with Writing his next story is continually at the named Jack as he tries to rescue his confused me, to do the script for the arena tour, and forefront of David’s mind... grandfather - a World War Two RAF veteran - Phil McIntyre Entertainments Ltd is also on from a retirement home... board. They’re a company that’s used to “I’m always writing a new book. There will be doing massive productions; they do the big more out by the end of the year. I had a Almost two years after a BBC film adaptation tours for popular comedians and things like novella in February, a book of short stories of the book lit up New Year’s Day, Grandpa’s the Strictly Come Dancing UK tour, so they over the summer and a novel. As soon as I fin- Great Escape visits Birmingham this month as definitely know how to do things on a big ish one, I’m starting the next, and the novels part of an arena tour. scale. Nigel Planer - who’s one of my comedy especially take a really long time to get right. “Grandpa’s Great Escape came from a number heroes from when I was a teenager, because Plus, now I’ve got an audience, they’re ex- of ideas for a story,” explains David Walliams. he was in The Young Ones - is a great choice pecting it to be as good as the last one, so I “I really wanted to do a great escape from an for Grandpa. I’m sure he’ll get all the comedy have to work doubly hard to get them as good old people’s home, and I wanted to write a and sadness out of the writing.” as I possibly can. Also, I don’t tend to write story for kids about dementia. I thought that sequels for anything; I always write stories David believes Grandpa’s Great Escape is the it would be really good to combine the comic with a new situation and a new set of charac- perfect feelgood family story for the festive idea with the more serious. Stories that have a ters, so I’m always moving forward. That’s season. range of emotions from sad to funny are al- quite exciting but also difficult. You go ways very engaging. It was kind of a hark “We’ve always made these little films for the through so many emotions writing a book, es- back to all the films I used to watch with my BBC around Christmas, so it seems natural to pecially when it’s late at night and you’re hit dad or grandad as a kid, like The Great Es- do the show around this time too. At Christ- by the enormity of the task and you despair cape, Reach For The Sky and Where Eagles mas, everyone is in the mood for a family and get a little tearful! I’m very, very lucky to Dare. thing. I think sometimes it feels like time just have all this variety in my career. I never get stops and everyone’s stuck in limbo between stuck in a rut, feeling like I’m doing the same “Sometimes as a writer you’re not completely the moment they’ve eaten the last bit of old thing. I always love the fresh challenges satisfied with your work. You’ll walk down Christmas dinner and given the last presents and doing something that has a chance of the street a couple of months later and think, until after Boxing Day. No one really knows failure. if only I’d done this or that. But with what to do with themselves. That’s why so Grandpa’s Great Escape, I was really, really “There’s great pleasure in books, and it’s a many TV things do so well over Christmas, pleased with the story and even more de- great shame if young people don’t get to expe- even if they’re not necessarily a Christmas lighted with the TV adaptation, which had rience that. I don’t think it’s a good idea to be story - as is the case with my adaptations. To Tom Courtenay as Grandpa and Jennifer snobby about books, especially when it go see a show together at the theatre is a wel- Saunders as the matron of the old people’s comes to kids, because they should read what come distraction. For many, Christmas might home. I then hoped that we’d be able to do they want for pleasure or they’ll never get into be the only time they treat the family to a something else with it, and the idea came up it. Some really reluctant readers want some- show all year. There’s definitely enough in the that we could turn it into a spectacular the- thing palatable - they want to read Wimpy story of Grandpa’s Great Escape for both kids atre show with a real-life Spitfire in the arena! Kid, not Dickens. I go into schools and talk to and adults to enjoy. kids to find out what they want. I always ask “I was really set on getting an amazing team “There’s something special about witnessing them who hates reading, and there are always together for it, and we got Sean Foley in to di- a live event. As much as I love going to the some who put up their hands. I feel like I rect. He’s an incredible performer, director cinema, it doesn’t quite do it in the same way want to inspire them and reach out to them.” and writer, especially in comedy, and was as the theatre because it’s a slightly colder ex- part of the amazing company, The Right Size. perience. No one claps at the end or laughs Grandpa’s Great Escape shows at Arena They’re particularly famous for The Play What out loud as much, but being in the theatre Birmingham on Monday 23, Tuesday 24 & I Wrote, about Morecambe & Wise. I was sure and right there sharing that special moment Thursday 26 December. that Sean would make it hilarious. Then Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 5

more festive favourites from around the region

Puss In Boots Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 11 January A show which is being referred to as ‘the cat’s whiskers’ by producers Imagine The- atre, Puss In Boots tells the tail, sorry, tale, of a fabulous feline who outwits both a king and an ogre to make his master the top, er, dog... Having not been performed at the Belgrade for many a year, this new production of Puss has been left in the capable hands of the ever-magnificent Iain Lauchlan, a man who’s been writing and starring in the venue’s fes- tive shows for more years than he probably cares to remember. Having written the script, Iain will once again be donning the comedy wig and applying far too much blusher to star as the show’s pantomime Dame, a role which he’s very much made his own in recent times. Expect an evening of purr-fectly splendid family entertainment.

Jack And The Beanstalk Adapted and helmed by the venue’s Artistic How The Grinch Director, Theresa Heskins, the production The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Wed 11 features ‘imaginative storytelling, live music, Stole Christmas! December - Sun 5 January; Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 12 December - humour, puppetry and plenty of festive Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 5 January magic’. Tues 3 - Sat 7 December Jack and his mum are hard-up and have no In a writing career spanning 60-plus years, choice but to take their cow to market to raise American author Theodor Seuss Geisel, bet- some much-needed cash. However, Jack ter known as Dr Seuss, produced some of the being Jack, he decides to trade her in (the 20th century’s best-loved children’s stories. cow, that is, not his mum) for a handful of Among these was his 1957 rhymed-verse magic beans, which then grow into a real book, How The Grinch Stole Christmas!. ogre of a beanstalk. And speaking of ogres... The famous festive tale finds the grumpy Coronation Street’s Oliver Mellor top-bills in Mount Crumpit-dwelling creature of the title Telford as Fleshcreep, while across the region deciding that it’s high time he stole Christ- in Stratford, a mas from the Whos, the endlessly joyful brand new townsfolk at the bottom of the mountain who version of the are positively bursting with annoying holiday popular fairytale The Snow Queen cheer... is presented by The Old Rep, Birmingham, X-Factor's Matt Terry stars as Young Max in until Mon 30 December; Albany Theatre, this musical version of the popular story. highly rated Coventry, Mon 9 - Sat 28 December theatre company Tread The The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys. Boards. When she kidnaps young Kai, it’s left to his Charlie And The friend, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future in the frostbitten wastelands... Christmas Cat This much-loved Hans Christian Andersen Lichfield Garrick, various dates between The Prince And story is presented at The Old Rep by the Fri 6 - Tues 24 December The Pauper creative team behind the theatre’s 2018 pro- Advertised as ‘festive, fun and purrfect for all New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, duction of Pinocchio. The new show comes the family’, Charlie And The Christmas Cat is until Sat 25 January complete with ‘an epic original score, spell- being presented by the Lichfield Garrick Pro- An interesting and imaginative choice for a binding storytelling and more than a pinch of duction Company for children aged between Christmas show, Mark Twain’s famous story Christmas magic’. two and seven. is here being produced by the creative team The Albany’s version, meanwhile, sees the It’s the most magical night of the year - what behind the New Vic’s adaptations of The Bor- critically acclaimed Ceridwen Theatre Com- better time for Charlie and his feline friend to rowers, Treasure Island and the UK Theatre pany making a welcome return to the Coven- head off on an unforgettable adventure?... Award-winning The Snow Queen. try venue.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 16:11 Page 6

Theatre

Peter Pan The Rep, Birmingham, Sat 30 November - Sun 19 January Fly away to Neverland with the boy who wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and beware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock!). This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the JM Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st cen- tury and located in Birmingham) is helmed by Liam Steel, who last Christmas directed The Rep’s acclaimed production of The Wiz- ard Of Oz.

Raymond Briggs’ cheeky Elf, he finally settles on the perfect rations, disaster strikes. prezzie... Intending to begin his countdown to the big Father Christmas Youngsters get the chance to enjoy a meet- day by opening the windows of his giant Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, and-greet with Santa after the show. Christmas calendar, he finds that not only is until Sun 29 December said enormous item well and truly broken, but all the magical goodies contained inside Kipper’s Snowy Day it have mysteriously disappeared. With Christmas suddenly under threat, the Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Tues 31 December jolly bearded one needs as much help as he can get, which is where the show’s young Slot Machine Theatre present a show that’s audience comes in - not to mention Dotty the actually an amalgamation of two books by Elf, Dasher the Reindeer, Jack Frost and Pom- award-winning children’s author Mick pom the Penguin... Inkpen: Kipper’s Snowy Day and Kipper’s Presented by the company which last year Christmas Eve. performed Santa’s Christmas Party. For those not in the know, Kipper is a dog who’s been delighting generations of young Raymond Briggs is best known for his story readers for the past 30 years. Penguins about a little boy who makes friends with a This is Slot Machine’s first-ever stage adapta- tion of the much-loved books and sees Kip- The REP, Birmingham, snowman - but talented theatre company Wed 4 - Sat 14 December Pins And Needles are doing plenty to pro- per and his friends, Tiger and Arnold, going Friendship, fun, identity and the ever-chang- mote one of the author’s slightly less famous on an adventure in the snow. ing meaning of family are among the themes tales this festive season. Suitable for children being explored in this returning theatre & aged three and older, Father Christmas fea- dance production for children aged three and tures songs, live music, playful puppetry, older. secret doors, hidden hatches and plenty of Inspired by a true story reported in the New trademark Briggs humour. Expect your chil- York Times, the show focuses on two male dren to be suitably impressed. Chinstrap penguins named Roy and Silo. Living alongside other penguin pairs in Cen- Dear Santa tral Park Zoo, they determine to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg - a decision that sees Malvern Theatre, Tues 3 & Wed 4 December; Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 6 & Sat 7 Decem- them embarking on a most unexpected ber; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 13 - Tues adventure... 24 December Presented with the intention of giving chil- Santa’s Christmas dren aged two to seven both a fun introduc- Countdown tion to theatre and a memorable yuletide treat, Dear Santa tells the tale of Father Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Thurs 19 December; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Christmas’s backfiring attempts to sort out Mon 23 & Tues 24 December the most fantastic of festive gifts for a girl Just when Santa Claus thinks everything’s named Sarah. With the assistance of his going swimmingly with his Christmas prepa-

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Nia Gwynne Peter Pan The REP.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 10:58 Page 1 Nia Gwynne Peter Pan The REP.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2019 10:58 Page 2

You’ll be Hooked... Nia Gwynne stars as Hook in the reimagined production of Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre...

How did your playing Captain Hook at The creates a world which is both fantastical and Have you noticed any significant changes Rep come about, Nia? weirdly familiar. The result is spooky and hi- in British theatre since you entered the Like most actors, it started with a phone call larious at times. Our Peter and Wendy are profession? from my agent asking me if I was interested in rooted in a contemporary world; they’re ut- The most significant change for me is a very the role and the project. After replying with a terly recognisable as modern children who recent one. It’s the opening up of casting to definite yes, I then went for an initial audi- sound and look like their audience. This gives include more women and BAME actors. It’s tion. I then had what’s called a recall - a fur- the story a freshness and vitality that will taken a while but hopefully people will see ther audition - where we read more of the hopefully resonate with a 2019 Birmingham themselves more diversely represented on script and had a short sword-fighting session. audience. stage. I bemoan the lack of stories being told A few days later, my agent called to say they Why do you think the story of Peter Pan about and by working-class voices. That feels wanted me to play the part. I said yes. Loudly. has been so successful over so long a pe- like it’s got worse. What attracted you to the role? riod of time? If you could make a single change to ‘how It’s Captain Hook! What’s not to love?! It’s ultimate fantasy. People fly, there are pi- things are’ in terms of British theatre, rates, fairies, a battle between innocence and what would it be? How are you hoping to make your inter- evil and a thoroughly nasty baddie. As an More money for arts organisations outside pretation of the character distinctive from adult, I think there are times when you long London. others? for the joy and irresponsibility of youth that I won’t be trying to make it consciously dis- Peter and the Lost Ones represent. As a child How will you be spending Christmas Day? tinctive; it’ll just be me trying to make it make you delight in seeing that portrayed. With my partner and our four-and-a-half-year- sense in our version of the story. I’m a mother, old son in front of the fire, eating too much Your theatre credits include films like so that may bring a different flavour to Hook’s and watching Christmas films. Tolkien and Darkest Hour and stage adap- relationship to the children in the play - what tations of classical works such as Timon Of What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever it means to be a mother or not. Really I’m just Athens and Titus Andronicus. If you could received and the one you’re proudest of trying to concentrate on making my character perform in only one of those genres for the having given? make sense. It’s great that the part is finally rest of your acting career, which would being played by women. JM Barrie wrote it for My partner always gives me really well- you choose and why? an actress, but the actor playing Mr Darling thought-out things - stuff he knows I’ll love. had a word and got to play the part instead. Theatre. I love the discipline, the camaraderie Anything that makes my son excited and my and knowing it’s different every night. Shame partner happy makes me proud. It’s usually What do you think The Rep’s version of the the money is terrible. chocolate. Job done. show will provide for audiences that’s dif- ferent from any other versions they might You trained at RADA. Do you believe that If you had to spend Christmas Day on a have seen? training at an academy or other such pres- desert island with just one character from tigious school gives you significant advan- Peter Pan, who would you choose and Where to start? As far as the staging, the tech- tages as an actor over performers who’ve why? niques used for the flying scenes are thor- entered the profession via a different oughly acrobatic and haven’t been seen at The Tinkerbell. She’s lawless; fairies don’t have to route? Rep before. Some of it is like aerial ballet. abide by the rules. And with a sprinkle of her Breathtaking! We’ve got street dance, rap, and It was my only way to get seen and get a foot fairy dust she could teach me to fly. the most kick-ass Wendy and Tinker Bell in the door. I cherish the voice training. I don’t think it’s necessary to go to drama you’re ever likely to see. They literally kick pi- Peter Pan: Reimagined shows at the Birm- rate butt. The design is stunning. In our con- school, but for me, I didn’t know how else to get into the business. ingham Repertory Theatre from Saturday temporary version, Neverland is magically 30 November to Sunday 19 January. created using mundane every-day objects. It Theatre December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 16:23 Page 7

Theatre more festive favourites from around the region

The Nutcracker Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 14 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this festive family favourite shows at the Hippo- drome courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. Created in 1990, Sir Peter’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows a young girl named Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina. This is a magical must-see show for little princesses everywhere…

The Boy In The Dress Santa who reckons he’s the real Kris Kringle Grandpa’s Great Escape (which, like St Nick, is another name for Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Santa). Not that any of society’s serious Arena Birmingham, Avon, until Sun 7 March Mon 23 & Tues 24, Thurs 26 December grown-up types give his claim the time of David Walliams’ day, of course. After all, when it comes to It’s tough being in an old folk’s home when critically acclaimed believing in a supernatural entity whose once upon a time you were a World War Two children’s story about traditional visual presentation involves the flying ace. Even so, the spirit of adventure friendship and the sporting of a big white beard, the greater continues to burn brightly in Grandpa, who acceptance of others number of folk prefer to pin their colours to enlists the help of his grandson, Jack, to plot is here being per- the mast of that all-powerful fella in the a daring escape from Twilight Towers. But lit- formed on stage for Bible... tle do they know that the sinister Matron the very first time. Swine is onto them... “The Boy In The Dress is about what it means This first-ever staging of David Walliams’ to be different,” explains David. “I thought a My Cousin Rachel hugely popular children’s book stars former boy going to school dressed as a girl would Young One Nigel Planer in the title role. speak to the wider implications of being dif- Malvern Theatres, Tues 3 - Sat 7 December “It’s a great honour to be asked to play ferent, which is something most people prob- Daphne du Maurier’s menacing psychologi- Grandpa in the live version of this amazing ably feel at some point in their lives. cal thriller has twice been made into a film, and cockle-warming story by David “It’s ultimately a feelgood family show. Even most recently in 2017 starring Rachel Weisz. Walliams,” says Nigel. “It’s set to be such an though it’s a story with children at its centre This new touring production of the best- amazing spectacular, and I can’t wait to drive and is super-fun for a young audience, it’s selling novel sees the eponymous character a tank and fly a lifesize Spitfire over Birming- very grown up in other ways. I think everyone being played by Helen George, best known as ham audiences!” will feel really uplifted at the end of it!” Trixie Franklin in BBC One’s cosy Sunday night drama, Call The Midwife. While visiting Italy, wealthy landowner Miracle On 34th Street Ambrose Ashley meets and marries distant Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, relation Rachel and then unexpectedly dies. Thurs 5 - Thurs 24 December When Rachel disappears, Ashley’s young Most people who delight in the magic of the ward, Phillip, can’t help but wonder whether festive season will surely have seen at least his guardian’s new wife might have had one of the two movie versions of this splen- something to do with his untimely death. didly charming story. The more recent film, But when Phillip then encounters Rachel in made in 1994, starred Richard Attenborough Cornwall - and despite his considerable mis- as the sleigh-riding Saint Nicholas. givings about her - he soon finds himself The story revolves around a department-store falling for her undeniable charms.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Mailbox Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2019 16:19 Page 1 G4 Christmas.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:22 Page 1

Dreaming of a G4 Christmas...

Classical popera stars G4 were runners-up on series one of The X-Factor. The quartet chat to What’s On ahead of their Christmas concert in Birmingham...

Vocal troupe G4’s classical-style delivery of or the worst idea in the world. G4 are ‘yes’ we owe it to them to give an honest and emo- pop songs has seen them enjoying plenty of men! It’s also rare to have such a range of tive performance of our work! chart-topping success, with two of their voices in one group, so we’re able to go to Mike: Even if a whacky idea doesn’t work out, albums going platinum. places other acts can’t. Particularly with Jon’s it always inspires something else totally voice going so high - the sky really is the limit. There have been a few line-up changes to the unique. We don’t like playing it safe, and While a lot of groups have to stick to one key, group since they finished runners-up on the when we’ve worked with people who want to we can change it up and keep pushing our- first-ever series of The X-Factor. Original kind of create us in this image of the typical selves. members Jonathan Ansell (tenor) and Mike classical crossover group, it just hasn’t Christie (baritone) are nowadays joined by Jonathan: Our shows are very much our own worked. When we launched, we were some- relative newcomers Lewis Raines (second takes, interpretations and creations on stage, thing totally new to the industry, and it’s tenor) and Duncan Sandilands (bass). which is what gets us so excited about important that we stay true to ourselves. singing. We sing our interpretations of what What’s the key to G4’s continuing success? What are the highlights of the Christmas the best parts of popular songs are, which tour for you as performers? Lewis: We always do our medleys and gives us such a unique personal connection to arrangements ourselves - for both Christmas everything we do. I think that’s why we’re still Mike: We get to perform in such amazing tours and our other tours. We’re never short of going 15 years on. If people have got through venues, particularly a lot of cathedrals and ideas, and we’re always willing to give some- the Christmas markets to our show without grand buildings, like Birmingham Town Hall. thing a go before deciding whether it’s genius getting delayed eating all the hotdogs, then That really sets the tone, and the tour takes

32 whatsonlive.co.uk G4 Christmas.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 14:22 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

on this really magical feeling. Last year’s ties to be in films and feature on soundtracks, Lewis: For me, it was when the Red Arrows Christmas tour saw us perform at Blackpool so I’m actually in the choirs of Four Weddings welcomed us to Jersey when we went to Tower Ballroom for the first time, so that was And A Funeral. Rowan Atkinson was so perform there. Obviously we also remember a particular highlight for us. It’s such an supportive. And the actress Sarah Crowe we the shows, but it’s always those little iconic building and so beautiful. We were instantly recognised because she was in a moments that stand out. For example, Jon has there just a week after Strictly Come Dancing certain cream cheese advert with a high, really got me into fishing. All our tours are full were, so we fed off the buzz from that, too. squeaky voice in the clouds. If you’re a certain of amazing memories, both on and off the age, you’ll know what I’m talking about! It stage, that we could sit and talk about for Lewis: As a local, I’ve been to Blackpool really was an amazing experience that hours. many, many times, but the ballroom was just inspired me to keep singing for life. I think it incredible to perform at, and we’re excited to Duncan: The first time we rehearsed together can be really difficult for boys because return this year too. What I love most about after I joined was a really exciting moment for singing just isn’t seen as cool. Bands and pop touring at this time of year, though, is that me. There’d been all this talk about G4’s fresh acts are different because obviously men like there are always amazing Christmas markets look, but we hadn’t sung together yet. When Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi are huge icons, right on our doorstep. we actually did, it was just the most lovely but classical singing, and choirs in particular, blend, and you don’t always get that straight Duncan: I’m a big kid and always will be. I are seen only as a thing for girls. away with groups - they can take a long time absolutely love Christmas, and being able to Lewis: I didn’t start singing until I was about to find their stride. Singing together for that work over this period and sing in some beau- 16. I was doing GCSE music because I thought first time in full voice and realising we worked tiful venues is a real treat. Talking of Black- it was one of those subjects where I could just together was amazing - and also a massive pool, it’s the Pleasure Beach I’m looking mess around. It got to the summer and I re- relief! forward to - great way to warm up the voice! alised I had an exam coming up, but I didn’t You also have some very dedicated fans... What’s different about G4 Christmas? actually play an instrument, so I ended up singing. I had a lovely school experience, but Lewis: We’re so lucky to have fans who just Jonathan: We do some of the same songs there’s still that stigma around boys singing. connect with us and keep coming back to see each year because there’s such a need for If you’re not in the sports teams with the lads us perform again and again. nostalgia around the festive period. We have being a manly man, then you’re admitting some great singalong moments. We’ve created that you’re different. That’s really hard, par- Jonathan: We literally do have women who our own version of Mariah Carey’s All I Want ticularly for youngsters. throw their bras onto the stage. There were For Christmas. It’s amazing to get that oppor- these two ‘bra ladies’ in particular - and some tunity to play with an entirely different ar- Duncan: I was lucky at my school in that we bras they were, too... more like UFOs! I was rangement of something the audience knows. were encouraged to do sport and music. You’d always concerned for the safety of people in It’s nice to see the audience like our version of see our headmaster both on the sidelines at their vicinity because they’d lift the bras up such a popular festive track. We don’t like to the rugby match and in the cathedral, cheer- and start swinging them around - everybody sing songs the exact same way the audience ing on the chamber choir. I should really pay near them had to duck! expects. We love medleys, particularly at tribute to my mother, who introduced me to Mike: We’re using their words, to be fair. They Christmas time because there are so many to such an eclectic mix of singers - from Gilbert were very open about their hammock-sized get in there. & Sullivan to Bessie Smith. I was unfortunate in my cathedral-choir aspirations, though, bras. We’ve had knickers thrown at us too, Mike: We also have some really wonderful because I auditioned a little late and my voice and flowers. All sorts. I think what’s so hum- children’s choirs at every date. They’re the had started to break quite early. That almost bling is having so many people supporting us. next generation of singers, and seeing their killed my singing career and I remember Our shows are great because we get a good enthusiasm, funny Christmas hats and smil- taking a few years out, but it was thanks to mix of superfans and people who’ve never ing faces is just lovely for us. Each choir will school again that I got back into it. seen us live before but remember us from The choose a soloist to sing the first verse of Once X-Factor or something similar. We also get a In Royal David’s City, which they will perform Do you have a favourite G4 moment? lot of husbands being dragged along by their a capella in front of the audience. That’s a wives to see us, and then they end up becom- Mike: I think for me it was when our first particularly special moment because you can ing bigger fans than their wives! They come album went to number one. We literally just see the confidence and joy that that opportu- along determined not to enjoy it, but in the went on The X-Factor for a laugh and didn’t nity brings them. end they have a great time. It’s really touch- really expect to get anywhere. Jennifer Lopez ing. We get so many gifts too, particularly What was the inspirational music moment had released an album that same day and we around Christmas, which is very generous of for each of you when you were youngsters? outsold her - it was incredible! We also did the everyone. Late Late Show in Ireland, and it was so weird Jonathan: For me, there wasn’t really a to be recognised by famous people. It didn’t moment - apparently I was just always loud! help that Andrea from The Corrs was there, so One day my shouting just turned into singing, I was a bit of a mess - and Caprice was one of I suppose! I confused everyone at school the guests too! We had to fly back to London G4 Christmas shows at Birmingham Town because I was a prop in the rugby team but for an early-morning interview, and she came Hall on Tuesday 10 December. The boys also sung ‘like a girl’ in the choir with my into our dressing room and invited us on a return to the region next autumn for G4 unbroken voice. night out after the show. We were gutted to Live 2020, playing Theatre Severn, Mike: I was a chorister from the age of eight have to turn her down. It’s moments like that Shrewsbury, on Sunday 13 September and to 13, and that really set me up for a music where we realised how insane the entire Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, on Saturday career. I had some really amazing opportuni- experience was going to be. 3 October.

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Film

Motherless Brooklyn CERT 15 (144 mins) Starring Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones Directed by Edward Norton (USA) Based on the 1999 novel by Jonathan Lethem, this crime drama sees Edward Norton as a 1950s’ private investigator with Tourette’s syndrome. The actor previously directed the romantic comedy Keeping The Faith (2000). Released Fri 6 December

CRITIC’S CHOICE

balletic look at the life of a tribe of cats Cats CERT tbc called the Jellicles. However, a wonderfully Starring James Corden, Judi Dench, diverse cast and a screenplay by Lee Hall Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, CERT 12a (92 mins) Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and Tom Hooper promises much, once one Ordinary Love Francesca Hayward can come to accept James Corden and Starring Lesley Manville, Liam Neeson, Directed by Tom Hooper (UK/USA) Taylor Swift as credible kitties. Tom Hooper David Wilmot, Amit Shah Directed by Lisa Barros D'Sa and It’s hard to imagine a film version of previously brought the stage musical Les Glenn Leyburn (UK/Ireland) Andrew Lloyd Webber’s feline musical, but Misérables to the screen, following his A middle-aged woman struggles to come to then the stage show was no small feat, Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, so the terms with her breast cancer. From a screen- either. Essentially a musical adaptation of project is in good paws. TS Eliot's poetry collection Old Possum's play by the Northern Irish playwright Owen Released Fri 20 December McCafferty. Book Of Practical Cats, the show was a Released Fri 6 December

Honey Boy CERT 15 (94 mins) Lucy In The Sky Jumanji: The Next Level Starring Shia LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges, CERT 15 (124 mins) CERT 12a Noah Jupe, FKA Twigs, Maika Monroe, Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Starring Natalie Portman, Jon Hamm, Natasha Lyonne Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Zazie Beetz, Dan Stevens, Colman Directed by Alma Har'el (USA) Awkwafina, Danny DeVito Domingo, Ellen Burstyn Directed by Jake Kasdan (USA) Taking the title from his childhood nick- Directed by Noah Hawley (USA) name, Shia LaBeouf documents his early The success of Jumanji: Welcome To The years and relationship with his dad. He wrote Jungle (2017) surprised everyone, not least the film as part of his rehabilitation pro- Sony Pictures. Less surprising is the new gramme and plays his own father. sequel (Welcome To The Jungle was, itself, a sequel to the original Jumanji of 1995). Here, Released Fri 6 December Spencer has vanished into the world’s most dangerous video game and his friends must team up again to find him. Expect arid deserts and snow-whipped mountains. Released Wed 11 December

Loosely inspired by real events, the character of Lucy is based on the NASA as- tronaut Lisa Nowak who, following a lengthy period aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, began to lose touch with reality. It seems that there can be crime after space… Released Fri 6 December

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Film highlights released in December...

Black Christmas CERT tbc Starring Imogen Poots, Lily Donoghue, Aleyse Shannon, Brittany O'Grady, Cary Elwes Directed by Sophia Takal (USA/New Zealand)

This is unusual. This slasher pic set on a EDITOR’S CHOICE sorority campus happens to be a remake of the remake (2006) of the somewhat Star Wars: The Rise clash between the Resistance and the First unremarkable 1974 original Black Christmas. Order. The good news is that JJ Abrams Filmed in New Zealand (on the South Island). Of Skywalker CERT tbc returns to the fold, after directing Episode Released Fri 13 December Starring Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, VII - The Force Awakens (2015), the high- Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, est-grossing Star Wars film yet. And by Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E Grant, salvaging footage from the last two instal- The Courier CERT 18 (99 mins) Lupita Nyong'o, Keri Russell, ments, Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia will Ian McDiarmid, Billy Dee Williams Starring Olga Kurylenko, Gary Oldman, appear in a leading role, thanks to the leg- Directed by JJ Abrams (USA) Dermot Mulroney, William Moseley, Amit Shah erdemain of the various scriptwriters Directed by Zackary Adler (USA/UK) Are you excited yet? It’s been a long time employed on the project. Anthony Daniels, A London-based courier (Kurylenko) finds coming, but The Rise Of Skywalker is the who recreates his turn as the humanoid that a package she’s transporting is a bomb. final nail, um, segment, in the nine-part droid C-3PO, will be the only actor to have And, back in New York, a heinous Gary space opera that is Star Wars. It will high- appeared in all nine Star Wars films. light the end of the on-going tiff between Oldman tries out one of his interesting Released Thurs 19 December accents. Expect some strong violence and the Jedi and the Sith as well as an almighty bloody imagery. Released Fri 20 December Playing With Fire Spies In Disguise CERT PG CERT PG (106 mins) With the voices of Will Smith, Tom Holland, Little Women CERT PG (135 mins) Starring John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, John Leguizamo, Brianna Hildebrand, Rachel Brosnahan, Karen Gillan Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Greer Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (USA) Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep Directed by Andy Fickman (USA) Directed by Greta Gerwig (USA) We all know that children are a match for anybody (cf. Kindergarten Cop with Arnold Schwarzenegger). Here, in this family- friendly comedy, a gang of tough firefighters find themselves outclassed by three kids they have rescued. Released Thurs 26 December

Following the American Civil War, the four This is the third film this year in which Will March sisters adapt to a grown-up world. Smith has lent his voice to a digital version of Based on Louisa May Alcott's beloved 1868 himself. Here, he plays Lance Sterling, the novel, this is the eighth time that the story world's most awesome spy who is acciden- has been put on film. Scripted by the tally turned into a pigeon. From the company actresses Greta Gerwig and (an uncredited) that brought us Ice Age and Rio. It’s for kids, Sarah Polley. of course. Released Thurs 26 December Released Thurs 26 December whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Visual Arts December.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 17:07 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Dressed To The Nines Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 7 December - Fri 4 September Dressed To The Nines is a particularly appropriate exhibition to view at this time of year, with Christmas parties, nights on the town and more formal gatherings in plentiful supply and all requiring a serious amount of thought about what to wear. Taking a look at the subject of dressing up and going out, and covering the period from around 1850 up to the present day, the exhibition highlights some of the changes which have occurred in the types of clothing that are worn for special occasions. Featured in the show are a number of garments, accessories and full outfits from the city’s dress collection, included among which are a 1930s beaded evening dress, an embroidered court uniform which belonged to Neville Chamberlain and cocktail dresses by Christian Dior and Norman Hartnell. Oh, and shoes. Lots and lots of shoes...

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Visual Arts

Meryl McMaster: As Immense As The Sky Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 4 December - Sun 23 February “I want to bring specific awareness to the broad consequences of colonisation, and how the men- tality of greed and/or lack of foresight is still impacting us today,” explains Canadian artist Meryl McMaster, who is here presenting her first UK solo exhibition. “At the same time, my work isn’t intended to resolve this dilemma but rather to create an opportunity for introspection and conversation. “Each of us has a complicated relationship with the past, with gaps and biases. It’s important to expose and explore these gaps, so that we may encounter our next moments better prepared.” The Bloomsbury Effect Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 14 December - Sun 16 February This new exhibition is part of an ongoing a Courtaulds factory was in operation project by the Courtauld Gallery which is from 1927 to 1970. designed to reignite links between the The exhibition comprises three prestigious collection and its industrial heritage. early 20th century British paintings on The initiative sees the Gallery engaging loan from the Courtauld Gallery. with communities living in areas near to The paintings can be viewed alongside the where textile company Courtaulds Ltd Wolverhampton Society of Artists once had a significant industrial presence. Centenary Exhibition. One such place is Wolverhampton, where Crafting A Better Future Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, until Sun 1 March When is an exhibition of scarves more than just an exhibition of scarves? When it’s aiming to raise people’s awareness of homelessness, that’s when... The work of the West Midlands Craft Group, the 70-plus on-show creations have been produced as part of a project designed to be supportive of homeless people and those living in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation. The group elected to focus on the scarf in particu- lar because they considered it to be a symbol of something which many people are able to take for granted, but which the homeless most definitely are not - comfort. Alongside the display of scarves, the exhibition also features photographs of craft workshops which the group has been running in Birmingham for people who have experienced or are experi- Changing Times: Humour And Satire encing homelessness. Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron, Ironbridge, Shropshire, until Fri 28 February A free exhibition, Changing Times: and the possibilities that it held. Humour And Satire showcases a mix of Once ‘railway mania’ had gripped the na- satirical prints and objects from the mu- tion, music, books and games were quick seum’s Elton Collection, dating from the to feature the new wonders of steam, as mid-18th century onwards. well as to ridicule the popularity of cheap

credit: @kategreenphotog The prints and objects on show made fun excursion trains and the overcrowding at of new technology such as steam power train stations and seaside resorts.

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Advertorial

8 REASONS TO VISIT BULLRING & GRAND CENTRAL

THISThe countdown to the big dayCHRISTMAS is on, and Christmas has never looked better at Bullring & Grand Central. There are so many reasons to visit the centre - we’ve picked eight of our favourites below…

The Bull’s Christmas Outfit Once Upon A Time in 1 5 Birmingham Would it even be Christmas if the Bull wasn’t all dressed up? He’ll be wearing his panto- Just imagine... 88,000 fairy lights inspired costume from Friday 29 November - and a whole lot of Christmas, and of course he’ll be selfie-ready. mixed with cocktails and a light refracting jelly dessert… Now you’ve got Once Upon A Time in Snow House Birmingham! Open daily until late in 2 the old Jamie’s Italian restaurant. The Snow House is back on St Martin’s Balcony, offering great views of the city and a range of beers and wine, mulled wine and 6 Christmas Boogaloo hot chocolate. Open daily until late. Bullring & Grand Central have teamed up with Birmingham Hippodrome to throw a Christmas party to rival all Christmas parties. 3 PAW Patrol Trail Intrigued? Head to St Martin’s Square on Help the pups save Christmas by taking part Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December. in the PAW Patrol trail. Maps are available from Bullring & Grand Central’s Customer Under Wraps Service Desks, with pups located throughout 7 Boutique the centre. If you’ve ever struggled with those difficult-to-wrap gifts, Christmas Movie Screenings we have great news - the 4 Bullring & Grand Central You can shop and dine, then watch some of Under Wraps Boutique will your favourite festive classics on the big be open on Thursday 19 & screen in St Martin’s Square on Thursdays Friday 20 December. With an and Sundays in December. international wrapping expert- Thursday 28 November 6pm: Elf led team, you’ll be able to choose from five different Sunday 1 December 2pm: The Grinch disguised options so that the Thursday 5 December 6pm: Nativity! recipient has no idea what’s inside. Sunday 8 December 2pm: Home Alone Thursday 12 December 6pm: And of course, the shops and Miracle On 34th Street 8 restaurants... Thursday 19 December 6pm: The Holiday With lots of new shops and restaurants, Sunday 22 December 2pm onwards: The including LEGO, H&M HOME, Levi’s and Muppet Christmas Carol and Polar Express Indian Streatery, your options are endless.

Find out more about what’s new and what’s happening at Bullring & Grand Central by visiting bullring.co.uk

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Events previews from around the region Events

Toy Collectors Fair NEC, Birmingham, Fri 27 December Britain’s biggest toy fair makes its way to Birmingham this month to showcase a huge array of collectables. From diecast models by Corgi and Dinky through to numerous TV and film-related items, this one-day event offers plenty of interest for enthusiasts. Expert toy valuers are on hand to assess visitors' items for free. So if you have a particular piece that you’d like to know a little bit more about - or that you’re maybe intending to sell - why not take it along and get it val- ued? Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised...

Marvel Universe LIVE Universe LIVE! returns to the city with a brand new show. The production features cutting- Wales Comic Con: Arena Birmingham, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 December edge special effects, pyrotechnics, 3D video Telford Takeover Comic book superheroes including Spider-Man, projection, aerial stunts, martial arts and dar- Telford International Centre, the Avengers and Doctor Strange smash their ing motorcycle displays. Shropshire, Sat 7 & Sun 8 way into Birmingham this month as Marvel December Wales Comic Con this month crosses the border to bring ‘a big- ger and better event’ to Telford for the very first time. A whole host of big names from the world of TV and film will be taking part in the event across the weekend, with Guardians Of The Galaxy’s Sean Gunn and Michael Rooker and Harry Pot- ter’s David Bradley and Matthew Lewis being joined by former Doctor Whos David Tennant (pictured) and Matt Smith.

PAW Patrol Pups Save pops up across Birmingham city centre. Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang will be in lo- Christmas Trail cations including Selfridges, John Lewis and The Birmingham city centre, until Fri 3 January Mailbox. Pick up a trail map to take part in a Pups Save PAW Patrol fans get to meet the canine stars of Christmas mission and be in with a chance of the hit Nick Jr TV show this Christmas, as a toy winning £250-worth of shopping vouchers. brick trail featuring 21 characters and buildings whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 3 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 4

Festive events previews from around the region Events

Christmas At The Castle Warwick Castle, until Tues 31 December If you’re looking for places to take the kids for some seasonal fun this Christmas, Warwick Castle should certainly be on your radar. Attractions include ‘magical sto- rytelling experiences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their merry elves, the chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa and his wife, Christ- mas feasts and medieval ban- quets, Santa sleepovers, a special carol-singing session and a brand new ice rink.

Ice Skate Birmingham accommodates up to 300 people per session and is this year weather-proofed thanks to the addi- Centenary Square, Birmingham, tion of a roof. Younger or inexperienced skating until Sun 12 January enthusiasts can keep upright by using special Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel make a penguin skating aids. And when skaters have welcome return to Centenary Square. finished their Torvill & Dean routine, they can While the wheel offers the opportunity to enjoy warm themselves up with some festive fare in the fantastic views across the city, the ice rink nearby Ice Lounge.

Santa At The Valley Candlelit Sandwell Park Farm, West Bromwich, Christmas every Sat and Sun between 7 - 22 December, plus Mon 23 December Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Sat 7 December Sandwell Park Farm this month opens its doors Guests are invited to enjoy a for families to visit Santa in his grotto. traditional English Christmas at Not only can little ones say hello to the cheery Avoncroft this month, as the bearded one himself, they can also meet and museum gets into the festive greet his trusty reindeer as they prepare for their spirit by presenting the sights Christmas duties. and sounds of Christmases past. Traditional Punch & Judy shows run throughout With costumed reenactors occu- each day, with other attractions including circus pying the historic buildings, skills workshops and children’s crafts. entertainment comes in the form Hot food & drink outlets ensure visitors young Santa Safari of street performances, star and old can keep up their energy levels as they West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, gazing and a selection of festive busy themselves getting into the festive spirit. various dates throughout December music performed by, among Families visiting West Midland Safari Park this others, choirs and bell ringers. festive season can meet an elf, climb on board a Younger visitors can enjoy a sleigh and head for the North Pole. special reindeer trail and railway And that’s just for starters! Having arrived at rides on the miniature Santa their destination, young visitors can then say Express. hello to Santa Claus, tell him what’s on their And to top off what promises to Christmas wish-list and pose with the great man be a throughly enjoyable day, while a helpful elf takes a picture. Father Christmas will be paying a But wait, there’s more... After meeting Santa, visit to the site too - a site, we children can also select their own present in the should add, that will be splen- elves’ workshop and sample a special walk- didly illuminated by candlelight! through ‘discovery trail’... whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 5

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Festive events previews from around the region Events

Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, various dates in December Throughout December, families can discover the stories behind some of Shakespeare's most famous ousted monarchs, includ- ing the likes of Caesar, Cleopatra and Richard III, to name but three... Other attractions at the venue this month include Flowers Of Winter (Sat 14 December - Sun 5 January) - an exhibition of floral displays inspired by traditional winter blooms - and Come A-Was- Victorian Christmas bands fill the streets with festive cheer. sailing (Mon 30 December - Wed 1 Families can enjoy a range of workshops, in- Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, January) - a chance to participate Sat 7 & Sun 8 and Sat 14 & Sun 15 December cluding candle dipping and Christmas card in the precursor to the modern- making, while entertainment in the Big Top day activity of carol singing. Enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas in the comes in the form of circus acts, Punch & Judy recreated town of Blists Hill at Ironbridge shows and pantomime performances. Gorge this festive season. Across two week- Visitors wanting to meet Santa and his elves ends, the site will be decorated with twinkling can board a train and journey along the wood- Ebenezer’s lights and sparkling snow as choirs and brass land to the hillside grotto. Christmas Carol Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon, on selected dates between Wed 11 - Tues 24 December Meet Santa at Sea Life Santa’s Winter Wonderland National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffs, until Mon 23 December until Tues 31 December This year’s all-new Santa Show sees the white- bearded one preparing for his big festive per- formance of The Twelve Days Of Christmas - but finding his efforts somewhat hampered by two elves who have a decidedly different perspective on how to present a yuletide showstopper... Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s Back by popular demand, snowy indoor attraction. Ebenezer Crouch’s A Christmas Visitors can also explore Santa’s Christmas snow Carol tours will be haunting trail, take a walk through an enchanted forest, Tudor World in the lead-up to enjoy a game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a Christmas. sledge, meet Santa’s furry friends and check out Meet Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Mr & the brand new traditional children’s carousel. Mrs Cratchit and all the little The National Sea Life Centre is bringing the Cratchits, Mr & Mrs Fezziwig and North Pole to Birmingham’s Brindleyplace this a whole host of other equally Christmas. memorable characters - includ- Visit the Antarctic Ice Cave, take your little ones ing, of course, the ghosts of to meet Santa (and receive a free gift from him) Christmas Past, Present and Yet- and check out a family of cheeky Gentoo pen- To-Come. guins in the exclusive setting of the Ice Adven- There’s every chance that this will ture area. prove to be the very best fun Families can also pay a visit to the 4D cinema to you’ve ever had while in the enjoy a screening of classic festive favourite The company of a grumpy old man! Polar Express. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 09:40 Page 7

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Festive events previews from around the region Events

The Polar Express Train Ride Train departs Birmingham Moor Street Station, until Sun 22 December The Polar Express train rides re- turn to Birmingham this Christ- mas. The popular motion picture film is being theatrically recreated so that families can immerse them- selves in the sights and sounds of a classic children’s story. Youngsters are invited to join in the fun with the movie’s charac- ters, while the event also features carol singing and a visit from Santa.

Santa Family Days biggest Christmas tree - standing at 39 feet and brought to life by 23,000 LED lights - taking pride Millennium Point, Birmingham, of place. Attractions include a host of free activi- Sun 8, Fri 13, Sat 19 December ties to keep youngsters entertained, and the Millennium Point is transformed into a winter chance to have a photo taken with Santa (who’ll wonderland this month, with Birmingham’s be handing out a special gift to every child).

Christmas Through Time Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Enchanted Weston until Tues 24 December Weston Park, Shifnal, nr Telford, Visitors to the Black Country Living Museum Shropshire, can take in the sights, sounds and smells of Fri 13 - Sat 21 December long-ago Christmases this month, thanks to a The Weston Park woods are this brand new immersive experience. month transformed into an illumi- Christmas Through Time starts way back dur- nated wonderland for a second ing Queen Victoria’s reign, carries on through year running, with towering trees to the 1930s, and provides plenty for families and historic landmarks colour- to see and do - from making plum puddings fully lit up along a half-mile route. and writing Christmas cards to enjoying a After completing the enchanted selection of classic movies in the venue’s walk, visitors can enjoy street 1920s Limelight Cinema. food and cocktails around fire pits in the courtyard, or pick up some Christmas at last-minute gifts from local pro- Compton Verney ducers at the indoor market. Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park, Warwickshire, Sun 1 - Sun 15 December Compton Verney is certainly helping families get into the Christmas spirit this month. Young visitors to the popular venue are invited to join Mother Christmas as she shares some of her favourite festive stories, while Father Christ- mas and his reindeer will also be on hand to say a cheery hello. There are Christmas paper crafts to enjoy too, providing families with the chance to make festive garlands, floral wreaths, tree decorations and advent calendars.

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Festive events previews from around the region Events

Statfold Santa Express Statfold Barn Railway, nr Tamworth, until Sun 22 December All aboard the Statfold Santa Express! Taking place every pre-Christmas weekend in December, this fam- ily-friendly event sees visitors climb aboard Santa’s magical steam train and journey to the North Pole. Once arrived, there’s plenty for youngsters to see and do, including paying a visit to Santa’s reindeer, decorating cook- ies with Mrs Claus and selecting their very own special gift on a visit to the toy shop.

Fairy Tale Christmas As visitors explore the mansion’s many magnifi- cent rooms, they’re in for a pleasant surprise or Aston Hall, Birmingham, Sat 7 & Sun 8, Sat 14 & Sun 15 December several, with much-loved fairytale characters and pantomime favourites turning up in all man- Aston Hall will be displaying its finest festive ner of places! The chance to warm up by a roar- decor mid-month, as it hosts a family-friendly ing fire further adds to the weekend’s appeal. weekend designed for people of all ages to enjoy

Enchanted Witley Court Witley Court & Gardens, Worcestershire, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 December The grounds of Witley Court are once again being transformed into an illuminated wonderland this festive season. An ‘enchanting experience of light, colour and Santa Safari sound’ sees tunnels and pathways lit with twin- kling lights, with glowing canopies and the Hawkstone Park, Weston-under- Redcastle, North Shropshire, grand fountain radiating a spectrum of colour. until Mon 23 December Once guests have made their way around the Little ones can enjoy a magical illuminated world, they can enjoy a selection of adventure and meet Santa at festive food & drink, numerous Christmas games Hawkstone Park Follies this and some sure-to-be-fun fairground rides. Vintage Sleigh Ride & Christmas. Jump into one of the park’s Land Winter Wonderland Rovers to enjoy a journey through Coventry Transport Museum, the illuminated woodland to Mon 2 - Mon 23 December Santa’s spectacular network of Coventry Transport Museum this year includes a caves. brand new walk-through winter wonderland in Hawkstone’s friendly elves will its line-up of Christmas attractions. keep you entertained as you wan- Also featured is a reindeer-pulled vintage sleigh, der around the fairy-lit caverns leading families to Lapland for a meet-and-greet and tunnels, finally arriving at with Santa Claus, who’ll be listening to Christ- your ultimate destination - the mas wishes and pointing youngsters in the direc- magical grotto itself, where every tion of the elf’s toy shop to pick up a special child will receive a special gift festive gift. from Santa.

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Your week- by-week listings guide December 2019 thelist

Robin Hood - The Pantomime Adventure at The Core Theatre, Solihull, Fri 13 December - Sun 5 January

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

What’s On Sun 1 to Sun 8 December Mon 9 to Sun 15 December Mon 16 to Sun 22 December Mon 23 to Tues 31 December

Vienna Festival Ballet at The Mullah Of Downing Street Father Christmas at Steam In Lights at Severn Evesham Arts Centre at Warwick Arts Centre Croome Park, Worcester Valley Railway, Bewdley Sat 7 December Tues 10 - Thurs 12 December Sat 21 & Sun 22 December Tues 24 December

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thelist Academy, Birmingham Worcester THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Gigs ST AGNES FOUNTAIN VICE CITY: QUEEN NIGHT Tues 3 Dec, Hunting- Fri 6 Dec, Hare & THE XCERTS / SWIM lection, jointly owned by Tate and Na- don Hall, Worcester Hounds, Birmingham tional Galleries of Scotland, until Sun SCHOOL Sun 1 Dec, Visual Arts The Flapper, B’ham AMYL AND THE SNIF- DONAE’O Fri 6 Dec, O2 1 Dec FERS Tues 3 Dec, Hare Academy, Birmingham ALLMAN BROWN Sun 1 & Hounds, B’ham Artrix, Bromsgrove Dec, The Cuban Em- CATAPULT CLUB: THE KATHLEEN WATSON AND LYNNE SAWYER Rugby Art Gallery & Museum bassy, Birmingham THE OVERTONES XMAS PUNK MONKEYS Fri 6 2019 Tues 3 Dec, Sym- Dec, O2 Institute, - INSPIRE BY NATURE Exhibition explor- RUGBY OPEN until Sat 11 Jan, Rugby FRANK TURNER & THE phony Hall, B’ham Birmingham ing the natural world in a celebration Art Gallery & Museum SLEEPING SOULS Sun 1 of texture and colour, until Sun 5 Jan CURIOUS CURES AND MARVELLOUS Dec, Symphony Hall, CLAIRO Wed 4 Dec, O2 THE SMYTHS - 35TH AN- MEDICINES Explore medical instru- Birmingham Institute, Birmingham NIVERSARY TOUR Fri 6 Dec, O2 Academy, ments and packaging dating from the RIDE KNOCKED LOOSE Wed 4 Birmingham Museum & Sun 1 Dec, O2 In- Birmingham Art Gallery late Victorians to the mid-20th cen- stitute, Birmingham Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, tury in a new exhibition about health Birmingham TALON Fri 6 Dec, NEW DRESSED TO THE NINES Exhibition ECHOBELLY “STRIPPED and medicine, until Sat 14 Mar EMIKA - FALLING IN LOVE Malvern Theatres about dressing up and going out, BACK” Sun 1 Dec, O2 WITH SADNESS BJORN AGAIN from around 1850 to the present day, Academy, Birmingham Wed 4 Fri 6 Dec, Dec, Hare & Hounds, O2 Academy, B’ham Sat 7 Dec - Fri 4 Sept The Herbert Art Gallery & THE MIDNIGHT BEAST - Birmingham NEW BIRMINGHAM REVOLUTIONS - Museum 10TH ANNIVERSARY RAT PACK CHRISTMAS A BRIEF HISTORY OF SHOW WITH SPECIAL POWER TO THE PEOPLE Display explor- RADICAL DRAWING: WORKS FROM TOUR Sun 1 Dec, O2 CHRISTMAS Wed 4 Dec, GUESTS DON MACLEAN ing Birmingham’s vibrant and varied COVENTRY AND THE COURTAULD Unique Academy, Birmingham The Fleece Inn, Bret- AND CHARLEY TOULAN history of protest and activism, Sat 7 opportunity to explore a group of re- THE DARKNESS Sun 1 forton, Nr Evesham Fri 6 Dec, Regal, Ten- Dec - Fri 4 Sept markable drawings by artists who Dec, O2 Academy, bury Wells have pushed the boundaries of what Birmingham MUNA Wed 4 Dec, O2 it means to draw, until Sun 19 Jan Institute, Birmingham UK FOO FIGHTERS Sat 7 Compton Verney Gallery, BILLY BRAGG Sun 1 - MIDLAND Thurs 5 Dec, Dec, O2 Academy, Warwick Tues 3 Dec, O2 Insti- Birmingham tute, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham ART IN THE PARK - GREEN DWELLING In- SAM FENDER CHILDCARE Sat 7 Dec, stallation by Dutch artist Krijn de Kon- SIGRID Mon 2 Dec, O2 Thurs 5 Dec, O2 Academy, Tin Music And arts, ing consisting of a collection of Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Canal Basin, Coventry differently sized green blocks ranged CAVETOWN Mon 2 Dec, HOT CLUB DE SWING across the Old Town Meadow, until MIKE SANCHEZ Thurs 5 O2 Academy, B’ham WITH ELECTRIC SWING Sun 15 Dec Dec, Huntingdon Hall, EMELI SANDÉ Mon 2 Worcester CIRCUS Sat 7 Dec, THIS IS US Take on the role of the Dec, Symphony Hall, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Magnum photographer by taking a Birmingham ANGEL HAZE Thurs 5 THE FUTUREHEADS Sat photo which reflects an aspect of COVENTRY BIENNIAL - THE TWIN Exhibi- Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, THE MELLSTOCK BAND 7 Dec, O2 Institute, your present world and relating it to tion contemplating themes such as Birmingham Tues 3 Dec, Lord Birmingham one of the following themes: individu- ideas and processes while also ex- Leycester Hospital, THE TROUBLE NOTES ality, community, society, until Sun 15 ploring some of the difficulties pre- D BLOCK EUROPE Sat 7 Warwick Thurs 5 Dec, Cuban Dec sented by globalisation, political Embassy, Birmingham Dec, O2 Academy, inequality and conflict, until Sun 26 PLANES MISTAKEN FOR Birmingham MAGNUM MANIFESTO Featuring some Jan STARS, TO THE WALL, BLANCK MASS / VIOLET of the most significant and enduring V2A NIGHTMARE BEFORE FINITE Tues 3 Dec, The GRACE & FRANS GEN- images from the world famous Mag- EXPLORING ELIOT'S COVENTRY Exhibi- CHRISTMAS PARTY Sat 7 Flapper, Birmingham DER/ ROSEBUD: SA#80 num Photos agency, the exhibition fo- tion marking the 200th anniversary of Thurs 5 Dec, Marr’s Dec, Marrs Bar, cuses on the history of the second the birth of author George Eliot and MEMPHIS MAY FIRE Bar, Worcester Worcester half of the 20th century, as seen celebrating her connections with Tues 3 Dec, O2 THE ELVIS YEARS AT THE FAIM Sat 7 Dec, O2 through the lenses of 75 leading pho- Coventry, until Sun 26 Apr Academy, Birmingham CHRISTMAS Thurs 5 Institute, B’ham tographers, until Sun 15 Dec BAD MANNERS Tues 3 Dec, Malvern Theatres QUILL CHRISTMAS CON- Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, Other VISUAL ARTS CERT Sat 7 Dec, Artrix, Birmingham ELVANA: ELVIS FRONTED THE PLAY'S THE THING Display of cos- NIRVANA Fri 6 Dec, O2 Bromsgrove DIZRAELI Tues 3 Dec, tumes and props from the archives, Institute, Birmingham THE PETE BODDIS COUN- Hare & Hounds, B’ham until Tues 31 Dec, Swan Theatre, VERY SANTANA Fri 6 TRY BAND Sat 7 Dec, WILD FRONT AND POLAR Stratford-upon-Avon Dec, Marrs Bar, Huntingdon Hall, STATES Tues 3 Dec, O2 CRAFTED FOR YOU 2019 Array of jew- Worcester ellery, textiles, ceramics and other J.I.D Sun 8 Dec, O2 In- handmade items, until Sat 4 Jan, stitute, Birmingham Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery DINOSAUR PILE-UP Sun CIVIL WAR WORCESTERSHIRE New dis- 8 Dec, O2 Institute, ARIEL SCHLESINGER Solo exhibition of play about featuring objects and doc- Birmingham new work to accompany the Ways To uments from the Worcestershire THE YORK WAITS Sun 8 Say Goodbye sculpture in the park, Archive & Archaeology Service col- Dec, Huntingdon Hall, until Sun 15 Dec lections, until Fri 24 Jan, The Hive, Worcester Worcester JOHN SOUTHWORTH & Leamington Spa Art Gallery & FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY THE SOUTH SEAS Sun 8 Museum AFTER THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION Ex- Dec, Tin Music And hibition exploring how the changes ARTIST ROOMS: DIANE ARBUS Diane arts, Canal Basin, brought about through the Great War Arbus (1923-1971) is considered one Coventry were reflected in clothing and fashion of the great figures of American pho- CARA DILLON from 1918 through to the Roaring Sun 8 tography. The works in this exhibition Dec, Artrix, Broms- 20s, until Mon 12 Oct 2020, Hartle- are drawn from the Artist Rooms col- Cara Dillon- Artrix, Bromsgrove grove bury Castle, Kidderminster 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 1 - 8 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:39 Page 2

Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 December

Sat 7 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Classical TEWKESBURY CHORAL SOCIETY: CHRIST- MAS ORATORIO Also featuring Re- UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK CHAMBER gency Sinfonia, Alex Aldren (tenor), CHOIR: MUSIC FOR TROUBLED TIMES Anne Braley (mezzo soprano) & Programme includes works by Thomas Humphreys (baritone), Sat 7 Haydn & Shostakovich, Sun 1 Dec, Dec, Tewkesbury Abbey Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CAROL SINGING IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE CANDLELIT ADVENT PROCESSION AND Sat 7 Dec, Cathedral Square, B’ham CAROL SERVICE Sun 1 Dec, Worcester Cathedral THE YORK WAITS Music for Christmas & Advent performed on medieval in- EX CATHEDRA: BACH MASS IN B MINOR struments, Sun 8 Dec, Huntingdon Featuring the Ex Cathedra choir & Hall, Worcester Baroque Orchestra, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor) and Elizabeth Adams, BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Katie Trethewey & Amy Wood (sopra- TRA: SNOWMAN AT CHRISTMAS Featur- nos), Sun 1 Dec, Birmingham Town ing Richard Laing (conductor) and Hall Chris Passey (narrator). Programme includes works by Blake, Rimsky-Kor- FRANÇOIS LELEUX: MENDELSSOHN Fea- sakov and Prokofiev, Sun 8 Dec, turing François Leleux (conductor/ Birmingham Town Hall Oboe) and Hanna Hipp (mezzo so- prano). Programme includes works by Mendelssohn & Berlioz, Wed 4 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Comedy BARCLAY’S PENSIONERS CAROL SERVICE Wed 4 Dec, Birmingham Cathedral ELEANOR TIERNAN, CARL DONNELLY, SCOTT GIBSON & COMIC TBC Wed 4 - UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK CHAMBER Sun 8 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham CHOIR: FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Wed 4 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry JIM JEFFERIES Thurs 5 Dec, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham My Cousin Rachel - Malvern Theatres FRANÇOIS LELEUX PLAYS MOZART Also featuring Emmet Byrne (oboes), SUZI RUFFELL Thurs 5 Dec, The Roses Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- CAL RADIO PLAY Featuring live Foley Oliver Janes & Joanna Patton (clar- Theatre, Tewkesbury atre, Stratford-upon-Avon effects and a score of holiday carols, inets), Nikolaj Henriques & Margaret SUZI RUFFELL Fri 6 Dec, Warwick Arts KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Thurs 5 - Tues 24 Dec, The Old Joint Cookhorn (bassoons) and Elspeth Centre, Coventry formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Stock Theatre, Birmingham Dutch, Martin Wright, Mark Phillips & JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Sat 7 Dec, War- until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, GOODNIGHT MR TOM Amateur staging Jeremy Bushell (horns), Thurs 5 Dec, wick Arts Centre, Coventry Stratford-upon-Avon of Michelle Margorian’s wartime tale, CBSO Centre, Birmingham HAYLEY ELLIS & SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD THE GREATEST SHOW WENCH Holly- Fri 6 - Sat 14 Dec, The Bear Pit The- I FAGIOLINI: LEONARDO DA VINCI - SHAP- Sat 7 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, wood has The Greatest Showman, atre, Stratford-upon-Avon ING THE INVISIBLE Featuring Robert Birmingham the Black Country has The Greatest THE SOUND OF MUSIC Rodgers & Ham- Hollingworth (conductor) and Profes- Show Wench! Fizzog are back with merstein’s heartwarming musical, Fri sor Martin Kemp. Programme in- their latest production... Sun 1 Dec, 6 - Sun 15 Dec, Rugby Theatre cludes works by Tallis, Howells, Artrix, Bromsgrove Cipriano de Rore, Monteverdi & more... Thurs 5 Dec, Symphony Hall, Theatre THE RAILWAY CHILDREN The Nonenti- Birmingham IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO ties present an amateur staging of Edith Nesbit’s much-loved tale, Mon ARMONICO CONSORT: HANDEL’S MES- PLAY Joe Landry’s theatrical version Pantomime of one of the most popular Holly- 2 - Sat 7 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kid- SIAH Featuring Christopher Monks derminster BEAUTY AND THE BEAST until Sat 28 (director), Thurs 5 Dec, Warwick Arts wood films of all time, until Sat 7 Dec, Dec, Bedworth Civic Hall Criterion Theatre, Coventry ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Centre, Coventry ALADDIN Festive family show written & THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- & THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Pre- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: MESSIAH sented by Pershore Operatic & Dra- directed by Ben Crocker, until Sat 4 Fri 6 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham dersen's family classic follows the ad- Jan, The Roses, Tewkesbury ventures of inseparable friends Kai & matic Society, Mon 2 - Sat 7 Dec, WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY: Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The Old Number 8, Pershore PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- HANDEL’S MESSIAH Featuring Susanna Rep Theatre, Birmingham MY COUSIN RACHEL Helen George ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, Fairbairn (soprano), Joyce Tindsley until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling takes the lead in a new staging of (mezzo soprano), Nick Pritchard Daphne Du Maurier’s psychological Coventry (tenor) & Njabulo Madlala (baritone). creation flies into Birmingham for Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The REP, thriller, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Dec, Malvern CINDERELLA until Sun 12 Jan, Samuel Hudson conducts, Sat 7 Dec, Theatres Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham Worcester Cathedral Birmingham SOME EXPLICIT POLAROIDS Royal Birm- SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS KARL LOXLEY - THE MAGIC OF CHRIST- A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- sured history, desperate choices and ingham Conservatoire’s Theatre Featuring Imelda Staunton as the MAS Sat 7 Dec, Stratford Playhouse Company presents Mark Ravenhill’s voice of the Magic Mirror, Mon 2 Dec Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- satirical urban fairytale, Wed 4 - Sat 7 - Sun 5 Jan, Swan Theatre, Worces- ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: SNOW RIDE! ford-upon-Avon Dec, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham ter Programme includes works by Hippodrome THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER Featuring SNOW WHITE Featuring JP McCue, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, De- OLIVER! Amateur staging of Charles Sean Dodds, Tom Ling & Emma bussy, Vivaldi, Leroy Anderson, imaginative storytelling, live music, humour, puppetry & festive magic, Dickens’ classic story, Thurs 5 & Fri 6 Marsh, Sat 7 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Royal Prokofiev & Grieg, Sat 7 Dec, War- Dec, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Spa Centre, Leamington Spa wick Arts Centre, Coventry until Sat 25 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme CRAZY FOR YOU Amateur staging pre- DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pol- WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY: THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere sented by Rabble Youth Theatre, lard, Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat 7 Dec, Worces- Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Dec, Abbey Theatre, Aaron James & Ian Adams, Sat 7 Dec ter Cathedral based on David Walliams' bestselling book and featuring songs by Robbie Nuneaton - Sun 12 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY OR- Williams and Guy Chambers, until MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSI- Theatre CHESTRA: PROMS NIGHT SPECTACULAR whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warwickshire 1 - 8 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:39 Page 3

December 2019 BROMSGROVE

Saturday 7 December QUILL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Main House I £20

Saturday 7 December THE POLAR EXPRESS

£7 adult, £5 Child, £20 Family (4)

Sunday 8 December CARA DILLON: UPON A WINTER'S NIGHT Main House I £23.50

Tuesday 17 December LITTLE STAR BABY SHOW

Studio I £10 Baby & Adult

Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 December SANTA'S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Main House I £11, £40 Family

20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, & 31 December FROZEN 2

£5 Adult, £3 Child, £14 Family (4) box office: 01527 57733 I www.artrix.co.uk. I @artrixarts

Join our Mailing List and receive information about up coming shows Artrix, Slideslow Drive or down load our latest brochure Bromsgrove, B60 1GN 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 1 - 8 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:39 Page 4

thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 December naire Alyssa Edwards, Sun 1 Dec, Kids Shows The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS Join Santa on the busiest day of his year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 Film Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & music, puppetry and humour com- SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. bine in a stage version of Mick Starring Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honey- Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues wood. Malvern Theatres, Fri 29 Nov - 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Sun 1 Dec, Tues 3 & Thurs 5 Dec; Ar- trix, Bromsgrove, Mon 2 - Thurs 5 THE BIG SNOWY CHRISTMAS Heart- Dec warming snowy tale about a little bear who helps to save Christmas, THE AERONAUTS (PG) Adventure/Biog- Sun 1 Dec, Evesham Arts Centre, raphy. Starring Felicity Jones, Eddie Worcestershire Redmayne. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 29 Nov - Thurs 5 Dec; The Roses The- DEAR SANTA Rod Campbell's festive Vienna Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker - Evesham Arts Centre atre, Tewkesbury, Fri 6 - Tues 10 Dec tale for younger audiences, Tues 3 - THE WORCESTER VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec & Sat 7 - Sun 8 Wed 4 Dec, Malvern Theatres THE GOOD LIAR (15) Drama. Starring Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen. Malvern FAYRE Now in its 27th year, Thurs 28 Dec, Cadbury World, Birmingham HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Theatres, Sat 30 Nov - Thurs 5 Dec; Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Worcester City Cen- CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say Join in the festive fun with a produc- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 6 - Wed 11 tre hello to Santa in his woodland grotto, tion which critics have called 'a ge- Dec MINICHRISTMAS Activities include tree Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec & Sat 7 - Sun nius of a show’, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Dec, decorating, paper-chain making and 8 Dec, Coalbrookdale Museum of The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham AFTER THE WEDDING (12a) Drama. Starring Michelle Williams, Julianne snowflake cutting, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Iron, Ironbridge, Shropshire PENGUINS Show for children about Moore. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Dec, Thinktank Science Museum, MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS ‘Fusing in- friendship, fun, identity and the ever- bury, Mon 2 - Tues 3 Dec Birmingham credible entertainment with a deli- changing meaning of family, Wed 4 - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR 2019 cious festive feast and a Sat 14 Dec, The REP, Birmingham LAST CHRISTMAS (12a) Comedy/Ro- mance. Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry Featuring a range of stalls selling a spectacularly themed environment’, DEAR SANTA Rod Campbell's festive Golding. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 6 - variety of items, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Sat 30 Nov - Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birm- tale for younger audiences, Fri 6 - Sat Wed 11 Dec Dec, Upton House & Gardens, Nr ingham 7 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Banbury THE POLAR EXPRESS (U) Animation/Ad- ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS KINGDOM Visit THE LOST PRESENT Topsy Turvy The- venture. With the voices of Tom THE BABY TO TODDLER SHOW Featuring Father Christmas and receive a atre present ‘a Christmas adventure Hanks, Chris Coppola. Artrix, Broms- more than 100 brands covering ev- golden key to unlock his magical like no other’, Sat 7 Dec, The Hive, grove, Sat 7 Dec erything from prams and furniture to toyshop, where each child can Worcester toys and clothing, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 choose their very own present, Sat THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM (PG) Docu- Dec, NEC, Birmingham 30 Nov - Tues 24 Dec, Hatton Adven- mentary. Starring John Chester, Molly ture World, Warwick Chester. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 8 SANTA SPECIALS Steam train ride Dec through the Severn Valley with Santa, CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Seasonal Dance Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec & Sat 7 - Sun build activities and holiday theming C’EST LA VIE / LE SENS DE LA FÊTE (15) THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal 8 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- throughout the attraction, Sat 30 Nov Comedy/Drama. Starring Olivier ley, Nr Kidderminster - Tues 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Ballet presents its annual staging of Nakache, Éric Toledano. Foreign lan- Peter Wright’s world-famous festive Centre, Birmingham guage, subtitled. Malvern Theatres, SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on production, until Sat 14 Dec, Birming- Sun 8 Dec board a sleigh and head for the North CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions ham Hippodrome Pole, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec & Wed include ‘magical storytelling experi- THE NUTCRACKER The most festive of 4 - Sun 8 Dec, West Midland Safari ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their ballets is here presented by Russian NEW FILMS ON GENERAL and Leisure Park, Bewdley, Nr Kid- merry elves, the chance to enjoy State Ballet & Opera House, Sun 1 RELEASE: derminster breakfast with Santa and his wife, Dec, Malvern Theatre CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a day Christmas feasts and medieval ban- Released from Fri 6 Dec, showing at quets, Santa sleepovers, a special THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Vienna selected cinemas out that's ‘choc-full of festive fun’, Sat Festival Ballet, Sat 7 Dec, Evesham GREMLINS (12a) Arts Centre, Worcestershire HONEY BOY (15) LUCY IN THE SKY (15) MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN (15) Talks / ORDINARY LOVE (12a) Spoken Word NO SUCH THING AS A FISH: THE BOOK OF Events THE YEAR 2019 Join the award-win- ning podcast team as they fill us in BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER Annual on the year we didn’t know we’d lived show offering plenty of opportunity to through... Tues 3 Dec, Birmingham purchase tasty food & drink for Town Hall Christmas, Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, NEC, Birmingham ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE The largest vetted art, antiques and interi- Cabaret ors fair outside London and featuring 180 specialist dealers, Thurs 28 Nov - RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE Live on stage Sun 1 Dec, NEC, Birmingham and hosted by Drag Queen Extraordi- Santa Specials - Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster

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thelist Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 December carol-singing session and a brand festive activities, including story- new ice rink, Sat 30 Nov - Tues 31 telling, crafts and trails, Sun 1 - Sun Dec, Warwick Castle 15 Dec, Compton Verney Gallery, THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE The- Warwickshire atrical recreation of the popular mo- THINKTANK ELF HUNT Pick up a finder’s tion picture film, until Sun 22 Dec, sheet and record all the elves you Birmingham Moor Street find as you explore the museum, Sun MEET SANTA Visit the Antarctic Ice 1 - Mon 23 Dec, Thinktank Science Cave, meet the man himself and Museum, Birmingham check out a family of cheeky Gentoo VISIT SANTA! VINTAGE SLEIGH RIDE AND penguins, until Mon 23 Dec, National WINTER WONDERLAND Wander Sea Life Centre, Birmingham through a ‘magical winter wonder- CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Step back land’ of festive activities and snowy in time to discover a brand new im- scenes before taking a ride on an en- mersive experience, taking in the chanting vintage sleigh pulled by two sights, sounds and smells of Christ- trusty reindeer, Mon 2 - Mon 23 Dec, mases past, until Tues 24 Dec, Black Coventry Transport Museum Country Living Museum, Dudley STEAM IN LIGHTS Illuminated adven- CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM PALACE A ture along the Severn Valley, com- new, ‘magical’ one-mile glittering trail plete with ‘a dazzling extravaganza of Christmas at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage - Stratford-upon-Avon that winds its way through the park- magical creatures, sparkling lights, bridge, Shropshire Sun 15 Dec, Hall's Croft, Stratford- land, until Wed 1 Jan, Blenheim snowfall and thrills’, Tues 3 - Sat 7 upon-Avon Palace, Oxfordshire Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, CHRISTMAS WASSAIL 2019 Christmas Nr Kidderminster stories and carols from Birmingham SANTA'S GROTTO Make your museum THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes Crescent Theatre. Mulled wine, a visit extra special by popping along a welcome return to Birmingham’s MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - TOOL roaring fire and mince pies are in- to the festive family grotto, Sat 7 - Bullring, complete with its super-pop- SKILLS Practise your tool skills and cluded! Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Coughton Sun 22 Dec, Birmingham Museum ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The make a beautiful wooden toy to take Court, Alcester And Art Gallery Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham home, Wed 4 Dec, Coventry Trans- port Museum CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Enjoy some CHILDREN'S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS AT SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTH- yuletide cheer with the castle jester, SANTA TRAILS Meet the Victorian PLACE Attractions include floral dis- FESTIVE TOURS Learn about Christmas indulge in a treat in the tearoom, and household readying themselves for plays and a glass of Wassail, until in the past, Wed 4 - Thurs 19 Dec, hand-deliver your Christmas list to the annual visit of their very special Sun 5 Jan, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Aston Hall, Birmingham Santa Claus, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Kenil- guest, Sat 7 - Mon 23 Dec, Tamworth Stratford Upon Avon LANTERN PARADE Take along your own worth Castle Castle ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate lanterns or make one in the onsite CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Browse SANTA DASH Join St Richard’s Hos- Birmingham and the Big Wheel make workshop, Thurs 5 Dec, The Hive, seasonal gifts & craft stalls. Chil- pice for a two-mile festive and family- a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, Worcester dren’s activities include horse & car- friendly fun-run or walk, Sun 8 Dec, Centenary Square, Birmingham MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Action-packed riage rides, musical performances Worcestershire Country Cricket Club, battle to defend the universe from MORNING EXPLORERS The museum and the chance to meet Father Worcester opens early for those wanting to ex- evil, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Dec, Arena Birm- Christmas, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Dec, Hartle- CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy plore in a quiet and welcoming envi- ingham bury Castle, Kidderminster warm drinks and mince pies, sing ronment, Sun 1 Dec, Thinktank ENCHANTED WITLEY COURT ‘Enchant- FATHER CHRISTMAS AT CROOME Join along with carols and make Christ- Science Museum, Birmingham ing experience of light, colour and Father Christmas and his elves as mas decorations, Sun 8 Dec, Birm- sound’ as the grounds are trans- WINTER FAMILY DAY Featuring a they make a whistle-stop visit, Sat 7 - ingham Back to Backs packed programme of activities for formed into an illuminated world, Sun 8 Dec, Croome Park, Worcester CHRISTMAS AT MILLENNIUM POINT Meet families, including free events for all Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Dec, Witley Court, MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS AT HALL'S Santa, take part in craft workshops, ages, Sun 1 Dec, Warwick Arts Cen- Worcestershire CROFT Each child will receive a pre- browse stalls and enjoy family enter- tre, Coventry CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKET A chance sent with a personalised name tag tainment, Sun 8 - Thurs 19 Dec, Mil- to get your hands on some indepen- SANTA'S SLEEPOVER Experience ‘the and can also join in with Christmas lennium Point & Eastside Park, dent, handcrafted gifts, Fri 6 Dec, most magical Christmas Escape’ with biscuit decorating in the cafe, Sat 7 - Birmingham Santa's Sleepover, Sun 1 & Sun 8 FarGo Village, Coventry Dec, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent CHRISTMAS AT ANNE HATHAWAY'S COT- GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS TOURS See the TAGE Anne Hathaway's Cottage pre- house decorated with festive green- pares for Christmas with a feast and a ery and find out how Boulton and his visit from the lady herself, Fri 6 - Mon friends would have celebrated the 30 Dec, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & festive season during the 18th cen- Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon tury, Sun 1 Dec, Soho House, B’ham CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Glittering CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Featuring a va- avenues of decorated trees celebrat- riety of crafts and both vintage and ing the festive season, Sat 7 Dec, handmade goods, Sun 1 Dec, Sare- Worcester Cathedral hole Mill, Birmingham CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS An evening of CHRISTMAS CRACKER CRAFTING AT festive activities, entertainment and SOHO Get into the Christmas spirit by refreshments, Sat 7 Dec, Avoncroft designing your own cracker, Sun 1 Museum, Bromsgrove Dec, Soho House, Birmingham TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS TALL TALES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST CRAFT ACTIVITY Create the Pomander, STORY TOUR Interactive telling of the an authentic Elizabethan Christmas traditional story, Sun 1 Dec, Aston decoration, Sat 7 Dec, The Hive, Hall, Birmingham Worcester CHRISTMAS AT COMPTON VERNEY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Sat 7 - Sun 8 Compton Verney hosts a range of Dec, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Iron- Christmas at Kenilworth Castle

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Warwickshire/Worcs 9 - 15 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:34 Page 1 The List Warwickshire/Worcs 9 - 15 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:34 Page 2

thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 December Worcester Classical TIDINGS OF JOY CATHEDRAL CHRIST- MAS CONCERT Sat 14 Dec, Worcester Music Cathedral BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: SERVICE OF WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR: NINE LESSONS & CAROLS Service of LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS MUSIC Featur- bible readings & carols, Sun 15 Dec, ing Andrew Lumsden (conductor) St Alban the Martyr, Birmingham and Thomas Trotter (organ). Pro- gramme includes works by Cor- LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA Featur- nelius, JS Bach and aar. Wilberg, ing Freddie Tapner (conductor), Mon 9 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Laura Tebbutt & Tim Howar (guest singers) & the Jingle Belle Dancers, G4 CHRISTMAS Tues 10 Dec, Birming- Sun 15 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham ham Town Hall ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR Also featuring Papa- gena vocal quintet, Tues 10 Dec, The Blank Tapes - Tin Music & Arts, Coventry Comedy Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon- GOD SAVE OUR QUEENS - THE TOUR 12 Dec, Tin Music And BBMAK Fri 13 Dec, O2 Avon Tues 10 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham arts, Canal Basin, Academy, Birmingham Gigs SOL BERNSTEIN, ALLYSON SMITH, PAUL Coventry MOTIONLESS IN WHITE BARNEY ARTIST MCCAFFREY & ANDY ROBINSON Mon 9 THE UTOPIA STRONG Fri 13 Dec, O2 Insti- Wed Dec, Hare & Hounds, Thurs 12 Dec, Hare & tute, Birmingham 11 - Sun 15 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham DENIS COLEMAN Fri 13 TENNIS SYSTEM + SPE- ADAM BLOOM, LEO KEARSE & PETE GINGER MINJ'S SUPER Dec, O2 Institute, CIAL GUESTS Mon 9 SPECTACULAR (LOW Birmingham OTWAY Thurs 12 Dec, The Comedy Dec, The Sunflower Loft, Birmingham BUDGET) HOLIDAY EX- SOUL STRIPPER Sat 14 Lounge, Birmingham BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER TRAVAGANZA Thurs 12 Dec, Marr’s Bar, GEORGE HINCHLIFFE Dec, O2 Academy, Worcester Thurs 12 - Fri 13 Dec, Midlands Arts UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF Birmingham PABLO FERRÁNDEZ PIANO RECITAL Also Centre, Birmingham SALLY IRONMONGER & featuring Luis Del Valle (piano). Pro- GREAT BRITAIN Mon 9 HOBO JOHNSON & THE DANIEL SLOSS Fri 13 Dec, O2 Dec, Symphony Hall, BRIAN CARTER Sat 14 gramme includes works by Bruch, LOVEMAKERS Thurs 12 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Dec, Number 8 Com- Brahms, Shostakovich and Anton Dec, O2 Institute, munity Arts Centre, Garcia-Abril, Wed 11 Dec, Sym- ADAM BLOOM, SEAN PERCIVAL & DAVE NEW POWER GENERA- Birmingham Pershore, Worcester phony Hall, Birmingham LONGLEY Fri 13 Dec, The Comedy TION - CELEBRATING BUZZCOCKS Thurs 12 VETIVER + TREETOP ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: UPON A Loft, Birmingham PRINCE Tues 10 Dec, Dec, The Slade O2 Institute, B’ham FLYERS Sat 14 Dec, MIDNIGHT CLEAR Also featuring Papa- ADAM BLOOM, LEO KEARSE & PETE Rooms, Wolverhamp- The Cuban Embassy, gena vocal quintet, Wed 11 Dec, OTWAY Sat 14 Dec, The Comedy HOT SNAKES Tues 10 ton Birmingham Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Loft, Birmingham Dec, Hare & Hounds, COUNTERFEIT Thurs 12 Birmingham KATE RUSBY AT CHRIST- CBSO: MIGRA CONDUCTS BRAHMS Fea- Dec, O2 Academy, MAS Sat 14 Dec, Birm- turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- SOPHIELOU + Birmingham ingham Town Hall tor), Thomas E. Bauerė (baritone) & PLEASEPRETTYLEA + THE ALBION CHRISTMAS the CBSO Youth Chorus. Pro- Theatre PHELEBA + MADISASKIA ROY WOOD’S ROCKMAS BAND Thurs 12 Dec, gramme includes works by Elgar, Wed 11 Dec, The Sun- Sat 14 Dec, Sym- THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- Huntingdon Hall, Jörg Widmann and Brahms, Thurs flower Lounge, B’ham phony Hall, B’ham dersen's family classic follows the Worcester 12 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham adventures of inseparable friends PETE TONG PRESENTS WE LOVE THE 90'S Sat T.REXTASY Fri 13 Dec, NADINE BENJAMIN IN CONCERT Also Kai & Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The IBIZA CLASSICS Wed 11 14 Dec, Arena B’ham Huntingdon Hall, featuring Gomez Ferrer (tenor) and Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Dec, Arena B’ham HAPPY MONDAYS Sat Worcester Chris Hopkins (piano). Programme PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuck- HISS GOLDEN MESSEN- 14 Dec, O2 Institute, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Fri 13 includes extracts from Verdi’s Otello, ling creation flies into Birmingham GER Birmingham Wed 11 Dec, Hare Dec, Marrs Bar, Ballo and Il Trovatore, Thurs 12 Dec, for Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The & Hounds, B’ham Worcester BROKEN WITT REBELS Royal Birmingham Conservatoire REP, Birmingham DERMOT KENNEDY Wed Sat 14 Dec, O2 Insti- ROD STEWART Fri 13 MIDLANDS HOSPITALS CHOIR: CAROLS A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of 11 Dec, O2 Academy, tute, Birmingham Dec, Arena B’ham FOR CLIC Fri 13 Dec, Birmingham treasured history, desperate choices Birmingham THE LIBERTINES Sat 14 - Town Hall ALUNAH Fri 13 Dec, and the remarkable Gertrude Bell, THE CHATS Sun 15 Dec, O2 Wed 11 The Flapper, B’ham CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: STAR until Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Dec, O2 Institute, Academy, Birmingham WARS Featuring Stephen Bell (con- Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham KYLE FALCONER Fri 13 ductor), Fri 13 Dec, Symphony Hall, Dec, The Castle & Fal- DWEEZIL ZAPPA - HOT Birmingham con, Birmingham RATS LIVE! Wed 11 CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT WITH Dec, Birmingham BIG COUNTRY Fri 13 LINDA TOLCHARD Also featuring Tim Town Hall Dec, The Mill, Digbeth, Sidford (piano & violin) & Catherine Birmingham MAX & IGGOR CAV- Handley (flute), Sat 14 Dec, Christ RUSS MB Sun 15 Dec, ALERA: RETURN BE- CATAPULT FT. HIT THE Church, Malvern O2 Institute, B’ham NEATH ARISE Thurs 12 FLOOR Fri 13 Dec, O2 BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR: HAN- Dec, O2 Academy, Academy, Birmingham BRONNIE Sun 15 Dec, DEL’S MESSIAH Featuring David Birmingham GHETTS Fri 13 Dec, O2 The Asylum, B’ham Hardie (conductor), Sat 14 Dec, THE BOY IN THE DRESS World pre- miere based on David Walliams' FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE Institute, Birmingham BLACK BOMBERS & Birmingham Cathedral bestselling book and featuring TO GEORGE MICHAEL DAVE KUSWORTH STRANGLERS & IAN ENGLISH STRING ORCHESTRA Pro- songs by Robbie Williams and Guy Thurs 12 Dec, Arena GROUP Sun 15 Dec, DURY TRIBUTE XMAS gramme includes works by Vaughan Chambers, until Sun 8 Mar, Royal Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- SHOW Fri 13 Dec, Williams, Corelli, Bach & Warlock, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Route 44, Birmingham ingham THE BLANK TAPES Tues Sat 14 Dec, Huntingdon Hall, upon-Avon whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Warwickshire/Worcs 9 - 15 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:34 Page 3

thelist KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- formed tale of a nation in turmoil, ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Dance Events Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon Coventry THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS ‘Fusing in- THE SNOW QUEEN Ceridwen Theatre CINDERELLA Featuring Emmerdale’s Ballet presents its annual staging of credible entertainment with a deli- Company present a new version of Sapphire Elia, X-Factor winner Ben Peter Wright’s world-famous festive cious festive feast and a Hans Christian Andersen’s famous Haenow, Dean Horner & The Man production, until Sat 14 Dec, Birming- spectacularly themed environment’, story, Mon 9 - Sat 28 Dec, Albany They Call ‘G’, Mon 9 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, ham Hippodrome until Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry Palace Theatre, Redditch THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE The- THE MULLAH OF DOWNING STREET A TINDER-ELLA Adults-only panto, Tues atrical recreation of the popular mo- timely political comedy set in the liv- 10 - Sat 14 Dec, The Blue Orange tion picture film, until Sun 22 Dec, ing room at 10 Downing Street on the Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Moor Street eve of a general election, Tues 10 - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Tread The MEET SANTA Visit the Antarctic Ice Thurs 12 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Boards Theatre presents a ‘giant’ of a Cave, meet the man himself and Coventry pantomime... Thurs 12 Dec - Sun 5 check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Jan, The Attic Theatre, Stratford- penguins, until Mon 23 Dec, National upon-Avon Sea Life Centre, Birmingham ALADDIN Featuring Only Fools & CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Step back Horses actor John Challis as in time to discover a brand new im- Abanazar, Thurs 12 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, mersive experience, taking in the Malvern Theatres sights, sounds and smells of Christ- Film mases past, until Tues 24 Dec, Black ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- Country Living Museum, Dudley TURE Festive show featuring ‘daring INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: duels, stunning sets, outrageous cos- CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Seasonal DOWNTON ABBEY (PG) Drama. Starring build activities and holiday theming tumes and a very merry man in a Matthew Goode, Maggie Smith. dress’, Fri 13 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, The throughout the attraction, until Tues THE KING & I Tony Award-winning Number 8, Pershore, Mon 9 & Wed Core Theatre, Solihull 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Centre, Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. 11 Dec Birmingham Jose Llana & Annalene Beechey star, SNOW WHITE All & Sundry present a THE FAREWELL (PG) Drama/Comedy. CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Tues 10 Dec - Sat 4 Jan, The Alexan- traditional family pantomime ‘packed Attractions Starring Shuzhen Zhao, Awkwafina. include ‘magical storytelling experi- dra Theatre, Birmingham with fun, laughter and plenty of audi- Foreign language, subtitled. Number ence participation’, Sat 14 - Sun 22 ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their RED RIDING HOOD Presented by The 8, Pershore, Mon 9 & Wed 11 Dec Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove merry elves, the chance to enjoy Abbey Players, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Dec, MONOS (12a) Drama/Thriller. Starring breakfast with Santa and his wife, The Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton Sofia Buenaventura, Moises Arias. Christmas feasts and medieval ban- THE GOOD SOUL OF SZECHUAN Royal Foreign language, subtitled. The quets, Santa sleepovers, a special Birmingham Conservatoire’s Theatre Kids Shows Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 11 - carol-singing session and a brand Company presents its version of Thurs 12 Dec new ice rink, until Tues 31 Dec, War- Bertolt Brecht’s exploration of the PENGUINS Show for children about THE GOOD LIAR (15) Drama. Starring wick Castle friendship, fun, identity and the ever- human soul, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Dec, Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen. Number SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This changing meaning of family, until Sat The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- 8, Pershore, Fri 13 & Mon 16 Dec year’s all-new Santa Show sees the podrome 14 Dec, The REP, Birmingham SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. white-bearded one preparing for his A PICTURE OF ‘ELF Presented by RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS Starring Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honey- big festive performance of The Worcester Repertory Company, Wed Join Santa on the busiest day of his wood. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Twelve Days Of Christmas, until Tues 11 - Sat 21 Dec, Swan Theatre, year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 bury, Thurs 12 - Tues 17 Dec 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth Worcester Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (U) Musical/Ro- DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet CLUB 2B Immersive theatrical experi- mance. Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Father Christmas in the Castle of ence for the festive season - an event Reynolds. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 13 Dreams, experience ‘magical’ char- for 'anyone with a thirst for life, an Dec acter parades, live shows, falling open mind and a sense of snow and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, KNIVES OUT (12a) adventure.', Wed 11 - Tues 31 Dec, Comedy/Crime. until Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans. Theme Park, Tamworth Malvern Theatres, Fri 13 - Sat 14, A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL Festive feast of Mon 16 - Tues 17 & Thurs 19 Dec THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes music, comedy & spoken word, Sat a welcome return to Birmingham’s HUSTLERS (15) 14 Dec, Hartelbury Castle, Kidder- Comedy/Crime. Star- Bullring, complete with its super-pop- minster ring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez. ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The Number 8, Pershore, Sat 14 & Wed Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham A CHRISTMAS CAROL Smoking Apples 18 Dec fuse puppetry & visual theatre in a ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate LAST CHRISTMAS (12a) new staging of Charles Dickens’ fes- Comedy/Ro- Birmingham and the Big Wheel make tive classic, Sat 14 - Tues 24 Dec, mance. Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Golding. Malvern Theatres, Sat 14 - Centenary Square, Birmingham Sun 15, Tues 17 - Wed 18 Dec A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A festive feast STEAM IN LIGHTS A ‘spectacular’ illu- of music, comedy & spoken word, minated adventure along the Severn Sun 15 - Tues 17 Dec, The Crescent KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Valley with ‘a dazzling extravaganza Theatre, Birmingham music, puppetry and humour com- Released from Wed 11 Dec, showing of magical creatures, sparkling lights, bine in a stage version of Mick at selected cinemas snowfall and thrills’, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (12a) 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Nr Kidderminster BLACK CHRISTMAS (tbc) Pantomime SANTA'S DIZZY DAY ‘Fun-packed festive MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - LIGHTS Dis- CINDERELLA Festive family favourite show’ featuring interactive songs and LUCY IN THE SKY (15) cover light and shade through play, starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) audience participation., Thurs 12 - MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN (15) Wed 11 Dec, Coventry Transport Mu- and Sam Rabone, until Sun 5 Jan, Tues 24 Dec, Belgrade Theatre, seum Lichfield Garrick Coventry EBENEZER'S CHRISTMAS CAROL TOUR

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Monday 9 - Sunday 15 December

Ebenezer Crouch is back by popular CHRISTMAS TILE DECORATING WORK- demand with his unusual recitation of SHOPS Try a fun tube-lining technique Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Wed 11 - to produce your own ceramic master- Fri 13 Dec, Tudor World, Stratford- piece, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Dec, Jackfield upon-Avon Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along board a sleigh and head for the North or just soak up the festive atmo- Pole, Wed 11 - Sun 15 Dec, West sphere, Sat 14 Dec, Severn Valley Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster wdley, Nr Kidderminster FAMILY SATURDAY: THIS MAKES THAT CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD Enjoy WITH THESE - STAR STRUCK Explore the warm drinks and mince pies, sing star collection with fun family activi- along with carols and make Christ- ties and have a go at making a mini mas decorations, Thurs 12 Dec, model to take home, Sat 14 Dec, Birmingham Back to Backs Coventry Transport Museum ENCHANTED WITLEY COURT Make the THE FESTIVE GIN TRAIN Travel through most of winter evenings with ‘an en- the Severn Valley in a 1936-built luxu- chanting experience of light, colour rious first-class carriage (once hauled and sound as the grounds are trans- by the Flying Scotsman) whilst sip- formed into an illuminated world’, ping gin cocktails, Sat 14 Dec, Sev- Christmas Celebrations - Cadbury World, Birmingham Thurs 12 - Sun 15 Dec, Witley Court, ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, nr FATHER CHRISTMAS AT BLAKESLEY HALL they make a whistle-stop visit to Great Witley, Worcestershire Kidderminster Meet Father Christmas and see Croome, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKET A chance CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say Blakesley Hall dressed for Christmas, Croome Park, Worcester to get your hands on some indepen- hello to the man himself in his wood- Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Blakesley Hall, VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Sat 14 - Sun 15 dent, handcrafted gifts, Fri 13 Dec, land grotto, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Birmingham Dec, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Iron- FarGo Village, Coventry Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Iron- FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS Explore Aston bridge, Shropshire MAC GIN & JAZZ CLUB: FESTIVE EDITION bridge, Shropshire Hall and encounter a host of favourite CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a day Step into the festivities with a gin SANTA SPECIALS Steam train ride fictional characters, Sat 14 - Sun 15 out that's ‘choc-full of festive fun’, Sat cocktail in hand, listening to ‘the best through the Severn Valley with Santa, Dec, Aston Hall, Birmingham 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Cadbury World, live jazz around’, Fri 13 Dec, Mid- Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec, Severn Valley FATHER CHRISTMAS AT CROOME Join Birmingham lands Arts Centre, Birmingham Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Father Christmas and his elves as

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thelist Classical Music Comedy EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY TOMMY SANDHU, ESHAAN AKBAR, MAU- CANDLELIGHT Popular festive concert REEN YOUNGER & MARLON DAVIS Tues featuring Jeffrey Skidmore at the 17 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham helm, Mon 16 Dec, Coventry Cathe- DANA ALEXANDER, DALISO CHAPONDA, dral ANDY ASKINS & MICKEY D Wed 18 - SING CAROLS WITH THE CITY ORGANIST Sun 22 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham AND LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHOIR Fea- DAVE LONGLEY, FREDDY QUINN & ALIS- turing Thomas Trotter (organ), Mon TAIR BARRIE Thurs 19 Dec, The Com- 16 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall edy Loft, Birmingham ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: HAN- ALISTAIR BARRIE, DAVE LONGLEY & DEL’S MESSIAH Tues 17 Dec, Great MATT RICHARDSON Fri 20 - Sat 21 Dec, Malvern Priory The Comedy Loft, Birmingham REGGAE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: SAM AVERY, DARIOUS DAVIES, TOM TAY- FESTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA Wed 18 Dec, LOR & BARRY DODDS Sat 21 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton Alter Bridge - Arena Birmingham ARMONICO CONSORT: CAROLS BY CAN- DLELIGHT Featuring Christopher THE MAD JOCKS AND STRIP SEARCH TRAMP, Monks (director), Adrian Lucas (or- Gigs ENGLISHMEN CHRIST- HIGH KNUCKS, FUTUM- ganist) & Julian Glover (narrator), Theatre MAS EXTRAVAGANZA CHE Sat 21 Dec, Tin Wed 18 Dec, Collegiate Church of St A ‘NARTHEN’ CHRIST- Wed 18 Dec, The Red Music And Arts, Canal Mary, Warwick A PICTURE OF ‘ELF Presented by MAS : COOPE, CAUSLEY, Lion Folk Club, B’ham Basin, Coventry Worcester Repertory Company, until FREYA AND FRASER CBSO: A CHORAL CHRISTMAS Featuring HANNAH JOHNSON & JAMIE KNIGHT AND THE Sat 21 Dec, Swan Theatre, Worcester Mon 16 Dec, The Simon Halsey (conductor) & the THE BROKEN HEARTS MANUKA BAND Sat 21 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Smoking Apples Fleece Inn, Bretforton, CBSO Chorus. Hugh Dennis pre- Wed 18 Dec, Hare & Dec, Huntingdon Hall, fuse puppetry & visual theatre in a Nr Evesham sents, Wed 18 - Fri 20 Dec, Sym- Hounds, Birmingham Worcester phony Hall, Birmingham new staging of Charles Dickens’ fes- STEELEYE SPAN 50TH tive classic, until Tues 24 Dec, Bridge SWIM DEEP Wed 18 THE CLAUSE Sat 21 ANNIVERSARY TOUR EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY Dec, The Mill, Digbeth Dec, O2 Academy, House Theatre, Warwick 1969 - 2019 Mon 16 CANDLELIGHT Popular festive concert Birmingham THE SNOW QUEEN Ceridwen Theatre Dec, Birmingham SONS OF PITCHES Thurs featuring Jeffrey Skidmore at the Company present a new version of Town Hall 19 Dec, Hare & FRED ZEPPELIN Sat 21 helm, Wed 18 - Sat 21 Dec, St Paul's Hounds, Birmingham Dec, Marrs Bar, Church, Birmingham Hans Christian Andersen’s famous FUNZING TALKS: MANIP- Worcester story, until Sat 28 Dec, Albany The- ULATION: WHY DO WE SUPER SONIX 16+ BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR MALE CHOIR & atre, Coventry XMAS PARTY FT. MR TALON - THE BEST OF PHOENIX SINGERS Two local choirs ALLOW IT? Mon 16 THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- Dec, Hare & Hounds, TRAUMATIK Thurs 19 THE EAGLES Sat 21 combine, under the leadership of dersen's family classic follows the ad- Birmingham Dec, O2 Institute, Dec, Birmingham James LLewelyn Jones, to bring you Birmingham Town Hall an exciting selection of seasonal ventures of inseparable friends Kai & AITCH Tues 17 Dec, O2 music both new and old, Thurs 19 Gerda, until Mon 30 Dec, The Old HEAVY BEAT CHRISTMAS UB40 - CHRISTMAS Institute, Birmingham Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Rep Theatre, Birmingham HOUSE PARTY Thurs 19 HOMETOWN SHOW Sat RONNIE SPECTOR & THE Dec, Hare & Hounds, 21 Dec, Arena B’ham THE CHASE CAROL SERVICE Thurs 19 CLUB 2B Immersive theatrical experi- RONETTES: SPECIAL Birmingham Dec, Great Malvern Priory ence for the festive season - an event CHRISTMAS SHOW Tues LOST SOCIETY: XMAS for 'anyone with a thirst for life, an 17 Dec, Warwick Arts JANE MCDONALD Fri 20 PARTY, ROBERT NICKSON BBC WM CAROL SERVICE Thurs 19 Dec, open mind and a sense of adven- Centre Dec, Arena B’ham & SAM MITCHAM Sat 21 Birmingham Cathedral ture.', until Tues 31 Dec, Belgrade Dec, Hare & Hounds, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES THE OFFICIAL RE- WORCESTER NEWS CAROL SERVICE Fri Theatre, Coventry Birmingham Tues 17 Dec, Sym- CEIVERS Fri 20 Dec, 20 Dec, Worcester Cathedral THE KING & I Tony Award-winning phony Hall, B’ham Marr’s Bar, Worcester THE CRAIG CHARLES ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE OR- Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. METZ Fri 20 Dec, Sky FUNK & SOUL CLUB Sun CHESTRA: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Directed Jose Llana & Annalene Beechey star, By The Water, Resorts 22 Dec, The Mill, Dig- by Christopher Monks, Sat 21 Dec, until Sat 4 Jan, The Alexandra The- World, Birmingham beth, Birmingham Malvern Theatres atre, Birmingham THAT’LL BE THE DAY - NATHAN DAWE #0121 CHRISTMAS CRACKER WITH ALED JONES PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling THE CHRISTMAS SHOW Sun 22 Dec, O2 Also featuring Adrian Lucas (conduc- creation flies into Birmingham for Fri 20 Dec, Birming- Academy, Birmingham tor), London Concert Orchestra, City Christmas, until Sun 19 Jan, The REP, ham Town Hall SAVING GRACE FEATUR- of Birmingham Choir and Jennifer Birmingham KNE Fri 20 Dec, O2 In- ING SUZI DIAN AND France (soprano), Sat 21 Dec, Sym- A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- stitute, Birmingham ROBERT PLANT Sun 22 phony Hall, Birmingham sured history, desperate choices and Dec, Birmingham BORN IN THE 80’S Fri 20 TOWN HALL GOSPEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until COSMOTHEKA Tues 17 Town Hall SPECIAL Sat 21 Dec, The Bradshaw Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- Dec, The Fleece Inn, Dec, The World Bar, Resorts World NOW THAT’S WHAT I Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- ford-upon-Avon Bretforton, Nr Eve- CALL CHRISTMAS Sun toire sham THUNDER - XMAS SHOW THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere 22 Dec, Symphony EX CATHEDRA: ANGELS, STARS & KINGS based on David Walliams' bestselling JOHNNY AND THE BAP- Fri 20 Dec, O2 Hall, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Featuring Ex Cathedra Academy of book and featuring songs by Robbie TISTS Wed 18 Dec, SLADE - THE ROCKIN' Vocal Music, Jeffrey Skidmore (con- Williams and Guy Chambers, until Midlands Arts Centre, SPENCER JAMES AND HOME FOR CHRISTMAS ductor) and Alexander Mason Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- Birmingham FRIENDS Fri 20 Dec, TOUR 2019 Sun 22 (organ), Sat 21 Dec, St Paul's atre, Stratford-upon-Avon BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST Huntingdon Hall, Dec, O2 Institute, Church, Birmingham Worcester KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- Wed 18 Dec, Hunting- Birmingham CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICES Tradi- formed tale of a nation in turmoil, don Hall, Worcester THE WONDER STUFF Sat THE TWANG Sun 22 - tional service of Nine Lessons and until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre ALTER BRIDGE Wed 18 21 Dec, O2 Academy, Mon 23 Dec, O2 Insti- carols sung by the Cathedral Choir, Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham Dec, Arena B’ham tute, Birmingham Sun 22 Dec, Worcester Cathedral UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF

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Monday 16 - Sunday 22 December

URSULA THE SEA WITCH Musical par- Boards Theatre presents a ‘giant’ of a GUYS AND DOLLS (U) Crime/Musical. a welcome return to Birmingham’s ody from the award-winning Fat Ras- pantomime... until Sun 5 Jan, The Starring Marlon Brando, Jean Sim- Bullring, complete with its super-pop- cal Theatre Company, Mon 16 - Sun Attic Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon mons. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 17 ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The 22 Dec, Patrick Studio, Birmingham PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite writ- Dec Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham Hippodrome ten by and starring Iain Lauchlan, NON-FICTION (15) Comedy/Drama. ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT Evening until Sat 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Starring Guillaume Canet, Juliette Birmingham and the Big Wheel make of ‘mirth, merriment & mayhem’, Tues Coventry Binoche. Number 8, Pershore, Thurs a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, 17 - Fri 20 Dec, The Rose Theatre, ONCE UPON A PANTO ‘A magical adven- 19 Dec Centenary Square, Birmingham Kidderminster ture through pantoland’, Sat 21 - Sun STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER MINI MOTORISTS Under-fives activity A CHRISTMAS CAROL Nick Wilkes’ one- 22 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kidder- (12a) Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Billie morning, allowing them to discover, man performance of Charles Dick- minster Lourd, Daisy Ridley. Malvern The- through play, the world's largest col- ens’ festive classic, Thurs 19 Dec, SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS atres, Thurs 19 Tues 31 Dec lection of historic British cars, Mon 16 Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, FROZEN 2 (U) Animation/Adventure. Dec, British Motor Museum, Gaydon DID WE MENTION THE MINCE PIES? Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- With the voices of Idina Menzel, Kris- A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS EVENING Check Evening of festive comedy & song, less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, ten Bell. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- out Eastnor’s Christmas decorations Thurs 19 - Fri 20 Dec, United Re- Sat 21 Dec - Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham bury, Fri 20 - Mon 30 Dec; Artrix, and enjoy some festive entertain- formed Church, Stratford-upon-Avon Hippodrome Bromsgrove, Fri 20 - Tues 31 Dec; ment, Wed 18 Dec, Eastnor Castle, THE NUTCRACKER New dramatisation Malvern Theatres, Sun 22 - Tues 24 Ledbury based on ETA Hoffman’s festive tale, Dec MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS – MARBLE Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Dec, The Bear Pit RUNS Wed 18 Dec, Coventry Trans- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Kids Shows port Museum BEYOND THE BARRICADE The best of PENGUINS Show for children about Broadway and the West End, Fri 20 friendship, fun, identity and the ever- Events Dec, Malvern Theatres changing meaning of family, until Sat MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS ‘Fusing in- 14 Dec, The REP, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS CAROL One-man show credible entertainment with a deli- adapted & performed by Nick Wilkes, SANTA'S DIZZY DAY ‘Fun-packed festive cious festive feast and a Fri 20 - Sat 21 Dec, Malvern Theatres show’ featuring interactive songs and spectacularly themed environment’, audience participation, until Tues 24 until Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham RICK WAKEMAN - THE GRUMPY OLD Dec, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry CHRISTMAS SHOW Featuring ‘spell- THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE The- binding piano music, side-splitting RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS atrical recreation of the popular mo- stories and revealing insights into a Join Santa on the busiest day of his tion picture film, until Sun 22 Dec, year - Christmas Eve, until Sun 29 Birmingham Moor Street EBENEZER'S CHRISTMAS CAROL TOUR lengthy and varied career’, Sat 21 Ebenezer Crouch presents his un- Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry MEET SANTA Visit the Antarctic Ice usual recitation of Dickens’ A Christ- THE SNOWMAN Raymond Briggs’ fes- KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & Cave, meet the man himself and mas Carol, Wed 18 - Fri 20 Dec, tive story shown on screen and ac- music, puppetry and humour com- check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon companied by a professional bine in a stage version of Mick penguins, until Mon 23 Dec, National ENCHANTED WITLEY COURT ‘Enchant- orchestra, Sun 22 Dec, Warwick Hall Inkpen’s much-loved book, until Tues Sea Life Centre, Birmingham 31 Dec, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham ing experience of light, colour and CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Step back sound as the grounds are trans- LITTLE STAR BABY SHOW Show for little in time to discover a brand new im- formed into an illuminated world’, ones aged six to 18 months, fusing mersive experience, taking in the Thurs 19 - Sun 22 Dec, Witley Court, puppetry, music & ‘captivating’ visu- Pantomime sights, sounds and smells of Christ- Great Witley, Worcestershire SNOW WHITE All & Sundry present a als, Tues 17 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove mases past, until Tues 24 Dec, Black CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a day traditional family pantomime ‘packed SEARCH FOR THE SECOND STAR Country Living Museum, Dudley Immer- out that's ‘choc-full of festive fun’, Fri with fun, laughter and plenty of audi- sive theatre experience to coincide CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Seasonal 20 - Mon 23 Dec, Cadbury World, ence participation’, until Sun 22 with the venue's Christmas produc- build activities and holiday theming Birmingham Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove tion of Peter Pan, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 throughout the attraction, until Tues A CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG Special SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARVES Dec, The REP, Birmingham 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Centre, Makaton Christmas singalong, Sat 21 until Fri 3 Jan, Regal, Tenbury Wells SANTA IN LOVE ‘Fun-filled family musi- Birmingham Dec, Shakespeare's New Place, Strat- cal complete with games, giggles THE FROG PRINCE Family pantomime CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions ford-upon-Avon based on the Brothers Grimm fairy- and all your favourite Christmas include ‘magical storytelling experi- CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Say tale, until Sat 4 Jan, Talisman The- songs’, Fri 20 - Tues 24 Dec, The ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their hello to the man himself in his wood- atre, Coventry Core Theatre, Solihull merry elves, the chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa and his wife, land grotto, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec, BABES IN THE WOOD Traditional family Christmas feasts and medieval ban- Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Iron- pantomime, until Sun 5 Jan, Priory quets, Santa sleepovers, a special bridge, Shropshire Theatre, Kenilworth Film carol-singing session and a brand FATHER CHRISTMAS AT CROOME Join CINDERELLA Featuring Emmerdale’s INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: new ice rink, until Tues 31 Dec, War- Father Christmas and his elves as Sapphire Elia, X-Factor winner Ben wick Castle they make a whistle-stop visit to Haenow, Dean Horner & The Man THE IRISHMAN (15) Biography/Crime. SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This Croome, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec, They Call ‘G’, until Sun 5 Jan, Palace Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino. year’s all-new Santa Show sees the Croome Park, Worcester Theatre, Redditch Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 16 - Tues 17 white-bearded one preparing for his Dec; The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- big festive performance of The Thurs 19 Dec TURE Festive show featuring ‘daring Twelve Days Of Christmas, until Tues duels, stunning sets, outrageous cos- THE GOOD LIAR (15) Drama. Starring 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth tumes and a very merry man in a Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen. The DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet dress’, until Sun 5 Jan, The Core Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 16 - Father Christmas in the Castle of Theatre, Solihull Tues 17 Dec Dreams, experience ‘magical’ char- ALADDIN Featuring Only Fools & LAST CHRISTMAS (12a) Comedy/Ro- acter parades, live shows, falling Horses actor John Challis as mance. Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry snow and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, Abanazar, until Sun 5 Jan, Malvern Golding. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- until Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theatres bury, Mon 16 - Thurs 19 Dec; Number Theme Park, Tamworth 8, Pershore, Fri 20 - Mon 23 Dec JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Tread The THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwickshire 23 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:36 Page 1 The List Warwickshire 23 - 31 December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 17:36 Page 2

thelist Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 December NOW! THAT’S WHAT I ‘1215’ Sat 28 Dec, The GLEE FAMILY COMEDY SHOW Sun 29 Gigs CALL MANCHESTER 2 Fri World Bar, Resorts Classical Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham 27 Dec, Hare & World, Birmingham ROBERT WHITE, MICKEY D, ANDY ROBIN- UNCOVER XMAS SPE- CATHEDRAL CAROL SERVICES Traditional Hounds, Birmingham TAKE THE 5TH Sat 28 SON & COMIC TBC Tues 31 Dec, The CIAL: TIME OF THE service of Nine Lessons and carols BRUM PUNKS XMAS Dec, Marr’s Bar, Glee Club, Birmingham MOUTH Mon 23 Dec, sung by the Cathedral Choir, Mon 23 BASH Sat 28 Dec, Cas- Worcester Marr’s Bar, Worcester Dec, Worcester Cathedral tle and Falcon, B’ham NIGHTMARE BEFORE BEATFACTORY Fri 27 EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY THE KILLAZ Sat 28 Dec, NYE Sun 29 Dec, Hare Dec, The World Bar, CANDLELIGHT Popular festive concert Route 44, Birmingham & Hounds, B’ham Theatre Resorts World, B’ham featuring Jeffrey Skidmore at the THE GREATEST SHOW NEW YEARS EVE WITH helm, Mon 23 Dec, St Paul's Church, CLUB 2B Immersive theatrical experi- BLACK TREE VULTURES TUNES Sat 28 Dec, THE CLUE SOCKS Birmingham ence for the festive season - an event Fri 27 Dec, Route 44, Symphony Hall, Birm- CEILIDH BAND Tues 31 for 'anyone with a thirst for life, an Birmingham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- ingham Dec, The Fleece Inn, open mind and a sense of adventure.', MAS CAROL SING ALONG Featuring JAYME TOVEY Fri 27 Bretforton, Nr Eve- until Tues 31 Dec, Belgrade Theatre, THE SPECIALZ Sat 28 Jonathan Cohen (conductor/ presen- Dec, Sky By The sham Coventry Dec, The Night Owl, ter), Louise Dearman (guest singer) & Water, Resorts World, Birmingham RISKY BUSINESS Tues the London Concert Chorus, Mon 23 THE KING & I Tony Award-winning Birmingham Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Jose PAUL PETROV Sat 28 31 Dec, The World Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GLENN MILLER ORCHES- Bar, Resorts World, Llana & Annalene Beechey star, until Dec, Sky By The MOZART FESTIVAL CHORUS: CAROLS BY TRA Fri 27 Dec, Sym- Birmingham Sat 4 Jan, The Alexandra Theatre, Water, Resorts World, CANDLELIGHT phony Hall, B’ham Featuring Susanna Hur- Birmingham Birmingham NEW YEAR’S EVE CARNI- rell (soprano) & Steven Devine (con- VAL Tues 31 Dec, Hare ductor). Programme includes works A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- & Hounds, B’ham by Cullen, Handel and Bach, Tues 24 sured history, desperate choices and the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until Sat NEW YEARS EVE PARTY’ Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- SUBLIME FT GOOD DAY LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: LAST upon-Avon Tues 31 Dec, The Sun- NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS Fea- flower Lounge, B’ham turing Robin Lyn Evans (tenor), James THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere based on David Walliams' bestselling NEW YEAR’S EVE - Cleverton (baritone) & John Pryce- book and featuring songs by Robbie MEGAN REECE Tues 31 Jones (conductor). Programme in- Williams and Guy Chambers, until Dec, Sky By The cludes works by Strauss, Rossini and Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- Water, Resorts World, Rimsky-Korsakov, Fri 27 Dec, Sym- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Black Tree Vultures - Route 44, Birmingham Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE BEST KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- OF JOHN WILLIAMS Featuring Anthony formed tale of a nation in turmoil, until Inglis (conductor ). Programme in- Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre Strat- cludes iconic film scores of John ford, Stratford-upon-Avon Williams, Sat 28 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MALVERN FESTIVAL CHORUS: CAROLS Pantomime FOR ALL Sat 28 Dec, Great Malvern Priory SNOW WHITE All & Sundry present a LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE traditional family pantomime ‘packed MUSIC OF ZIMMER VS. WILLIAMS Featur- with fun, laughter and plenty of audi- ing Anthony Inglis (conductor ). Pro- ence participation’, until Sun 22 Dec, gramme includes scores from Hans Artrix, Bromsgrove Zimmer & John Williams, Sun 29 Dec, ROBIN HOOD - THE PANTOMIME ADVEN- Symphony Hall, Birmingham TURE Festive show featuring ‘daring ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: duels, stunning sets, outrageous cos- tumes and a very merry man in a BEETHOVEN'S NINTH Featuring Lauren dress’, until Sun 5 Jan, The Core The- Fagan (soprano) & Kathryn Rudge atre, Solihull (mezzo-soprano), Mon 30 Dec, Sym- phony Hall, Birmingham PUSS IN BOOTS Festive favourite written by and starring Iain Lauchlan, until Sat LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: NEW 11 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry YEAR'S EVE GALA Featuring Ilona Dom- nich (soprano), Alexander James Ed- DICK WHITTINGTON Starring Su Pollard, wards (tenor) & Anthony Inglis Ryan Thomas, Jeffrey Holland, Aaron (conductor). Programme includes James & Ian Adams, until Sun 12 Jan, works by Grieg, Puccini and Verdi, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Tues 31 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, Comedy Sat 21 Dec - Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham MICKEY D, PAUL THORNE & COMEDY Hippodrome CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Fri 27 ALADDIN Mon 23 Dec, Dovehouse Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Theatre, Solihull MICKEY D, PAUL THORNE, LOUISE YOUNG & ANDY ROBINSON Sat 28 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Kids Shows KANE BROWN, SLIM & COMIC TBC Sun 29 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham GRANDPA'S GREAT ESCAPE Nigel Planer takes the lead in a brand new staging

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thelist Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 December of David Walliams’ bestselling chil- voices of Andy Nyman, Justin Birmingham and the Big Wheel make dren’s book, Mon 23 - Tues 24 Dec & Fletcher. Number 8, Pershore, Fri 27 - Events a welcome return, until Sun 12 Jan, Thurs 26 Dec, Arena Birmingham Sat 28 & Tues 31 Dec Centenary Square, Birmingham CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Attractions WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT ‘Catchy FROZEN 2 (PG) STEAM IN LIGHTS A ‘spectacular illumi- include ‘magical storytelling experi- songs, interactive scenes and plenty Animation/ Ad- nated adventure’ along the Severn ences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and their of hands-on adventure’ combine in venture. With Valley with ‘a dazzling extravaganza merry elves, the chance to enjoy this adaptation of Michael Rosen & the voices of of magical creatures, sparkling lights, breakfast with Santa and his wife, Helen Oxenbury's much-loved picture Idina Menzel, snowfall and thrills’, Tues 24 Dec, Christmas feasts and medieval ban- book, Thurs 26 Dec - Sun 12 Jan, Kristen Bell. Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr quets, Santa sleepovers, a special Birmingham Town Hall Number 8, Per- Kidderminster carol-singing session and a brand shore, Fri 27 & new ice rink, until Tues 31 Dec, War- EBENEZER'S CHRISTMAS CAROL TOUR Mon 30 Dec wick Castle Ebenezer Crouch presents his un- KNIVES OUT (12a) Comedy/Crime. usual recitation of Dickens’ A Christ- SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND This Dance Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans. mas Carol, Tues 24 Dec, Tudor year’s all-new Santa Show sees the The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri World, Stratford-upon-Avon SHEN YUN Epic production fusing white-bearded one preparing for his 27 - Tues 31 Dec; Artrix, Bromsgrove, classical Chinese dance, sceno- big festive performance of The FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE Leisurely Fri 27 - Mon 30 Dec graphical effects and original orches- Twelve Days Of Christmas, until Tues steam train journey along the Severn tral works, Tues 31 Dec - Thurs 2 Jan, CALAMITY JANE (U) Comedy/Musical. 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth Valley, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Dec & Mon International Convention Centre Starring Doris Day, Howard Keel. This 30 Dec - 5 Jan, Severn Valley Rail- DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Meet (ICC), Birmingham is a sing-a-long screening. Artrix, way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Father Christmas in the Castle of Bromsgrove, Sat 28 Dec Dreams, experience ‘magical’ char- TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Fri 27 Dec, acter parades, live shows, falling NEC, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: snow and ‘spectacular’ fireworks, SANTA SAFARI Meet an elf, climb on Film until Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Released from Thurs 26 Dec, show- board a sleigh and head for the North INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Theme Park, Tamworth ing at selected cinemas Pole, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Dec, West Mid- ABOMINABLE (U) Animation/Adventure. THE SNOW HOUSE BAR The bar makes land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- LITTLE WOMEN (PG) With the voiced of Chloe Bennet, Al- a welcome return to Birmingham’s ley, Nr Kidderminster bert Tsai. Number 8, Pershore, Tues PLAYING WITH FIRE (PG) Bullring, complete with its super-pop- BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE: CIR- 24 Dec SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) ular VIP igloos, until Sun 5 Jan, The CUS Circus-themed show with DJ A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGED- Bullring Shopping Centre, B’ham Chad Jackson, Tues 31 Dec, Coven- DON (U) Animation/Comedy. With the ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Ice Skate try Cathedral

66 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB Swan Lake Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2019 08:52 Page 1 Royal Spa Panto OBC Dec 2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2019 11:45 Page 1